THE WORLD READS WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER — 8,324,077 VISITS IN ONE YEAR | 2,905,611 VISITORS VISIT 8,324,077 TIMES 3 TIMES EVERY DAY IN ONE YEAR. HIGHEST ACTIVITY IN WPCNR HISTORY.White PlainsCitizeNetReporter lifted its worldwide visits from unique visitors to wpcnr.com to 8,324,077,a 1,306,419 increase in visits in one year from 7,017,658 visits to the site last year which covers White Plains and Westchester County. The 8,324,077 visits were made by 2,005,611 unique visitors who visited wpcnr an average of 3 visits a day. ON JULY 20- -2026 visitors have accessed wpcnr and made 3,072 visits an average of 1.6 visits. In the last week 33,495 individual vistors made 54,458 visits, averaging 1.6 visits. In the last month, 152,940 visitors recorded 229,338 visits (1.5 visits)

Free Tax Help/Consultation for Low Income Earners and the Elderly in English and Spanish through April 17

Posted on February 1, 2018 by John Bailey

WPCNR QUILL AND EYESHADE. From Westchester County Department of Communications. February 1, 2018:

The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB) will once again offer its popular free tax preparation assistance to Westchester residents through a program called VITA.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program offers free tax help to people who generally make $53,930 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.

IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

In 2017, 9,280 Westchester taxpayers received more than $11 million in refunds and $4 million in tax credits.

The Program, which will run from February 1 – April 17, helps low and moderate-income individuals and families eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) file their taxes, and maximize their returns.

Since its inception, VITA has been a vital service for those living paycheck to paycheck or with fixed incomes. All assistance is provided at no cost and on top of EITC savings (max $6,318), clients often discover they are eligible for additional credits, such as the Credit for the Elderly or Disabled.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit available to working families and individuals with modest incomes. Many eligible Westchester residents are not aware of the credit and therefore do not claim it.

Maximum credits depend on income, marital status and size of family. Each year New York State and New York City set threshold limits. Limits for the current tax year are issued prior to the beginning of the tax preparation season.

To make sure it delivers maximum benefits, VITA relies on dedicated volunteers to assist with various tasks including tax preparation, translation, call-center operations and acting as greeters.

In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.

Before going to a VITA or TCE site, participants are encouraged to check this document (in English and Spanish) Publication 3676-B for services provided and a checklist of what to bring in order to get maximum support during the session.

VITA aims to help working families take advantage of all tax credits for which they are eligible, including earned income tax credit, child tax credits and education credits.

This not only assists the individual or family, but also increases tax dollars in the County. It is estimated that about 80% of refunds are spent locally, which generates local sales, wages and jobs, ultimately boosting the local economy.

Appointments and Walk-In Locations

White Plains: Westchester/Putnam One-Stop Center, 120 Bloomingdale Rd. 

Appointments run: Feb. 2 – April 18. Tuesday and Thursdays: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Languages: English and Spanish

Mt. Vernon: Mt Vernon One-Stop Center, 100 East First St.

Appointments run: Feb. 2 – April 14. Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Languages: English

Valhalla: Westchester Community College Gateway Center, 75 Grassland Rd., Gateway Bldg. across from parking lot #1. Appointments run: Feb. 3 – April 17. Mondays and Fridays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Languages: English  Note: Walk-ins are for WCC students only

Yonkers: Educational Opportunity Center of Westchester, 26 South Broadway

Appointments run: Feb. 2 – April 18. Tuesdays and Thursdays: Noon – 8 p.m.

Spring Break Dates: April 11 and April 13: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Languages: English

Dobbs Ferry: Mercy College, 555 Broadway, Victory Hall, Room 10

Appointments run: Mondays: Feb. 3 – April 17, Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Wednesdays: 1 – 5 p.m.

Languages: English and Spanish

Ossining: IFCA Housing Network, 138 Spring Street

Appointments run: Mondays: Feb. 3 – April 17, Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Wednesdays: 1 – 5 p.m.

Languages: English and Spanish

Who Qualifies for EITC

The potential maximum tax credit includes federal, state and New York City credits and depends on income, marital status and number of children in the household. Children can be a son, daughter, grandchild, adopted child, step child or foster child as long as the child is under 19 years of age.

Single (ages 25-65)
With no children: Maximum income to be eligible: $15,010 Maximum tax credit: $510
With one child: Maximum income to be eligible: $39,617 Maximum tax credit: $3,400
With 2 children: Maximum income to be eligible: $45,007 Maximum tax credit: $5,616
With 3 or more children: Maximum income to be eligible: $48,340 Maximum tax credit: $6,318

Married/filing jointly (ages 25-65)
With no children: Maximum income to be eligible: $20,600 Maximum tax credit: $510
With one child: Maximum income to be eligible: $45,207 Maximum tax credit: $3,400
With 2 children: Maximum income to be eligible: $50,597 Maximum tax credit: $5,616
With 3 or more children: Maximum income to be eligible: $53,930 Maximum tax credit: $6,318

THE WESTCHESTER-PUTNAM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD provides an environment where job seekers and employers interact to meet the needs for a highly qualified regional workforce. The WPWDB seeks to strengthen partnerships with business sectors, service providers and the public education system to offer career services and various training modalities to youth and adults. For more information, visit http://www.westchesterputnamonestop.com/.

County Executive Gets His Flu Shot. Have you Gotten Yours? Doctors’ Flu Patients Increase 200% Statewide

Posted on January 30, 2018 by John Bailey

Dr. Sherlita Amler, Westchester County Commissioner of Health administers a flu shot to County Executive George Latimer Tuesday morning.Photo Courtesy, Westchester County Department of Communications.

WPCNR County Clarion-Ledger. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. January 30, 2018:

With flu spreading throughout the state and nation, Westchester County Executive George Latimer rolled up his sleeve for a flu shot today at the Westchester County Health Department clinic in White Plains, urging others who haven’t already done so to get themselves and their children vaccinated.

To see the news conference,click on this link:

News conference video link

“Get a flu shot and make sure your family members do, too,” Latimer said. “The vaccine can help keep you healthy or reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do get the flu. It’s our best defense and flu shots remain widely available.”

To increase access to flu shots for children, pharmacists statewide are now allowed to administer flu vaccines to children ages 2 to 18, following an executive order issued Friday by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

Parents should check for availability with their local pharmacy. Flu vaccines also are offered at supermarkets, doctors’ offices and by appointment at the Westchester County Department of Health clinics in White Plains and Yonkers. Call (914) 995-5800 to schedule flu shot with the health department. To find a flu vaccine at a pharmacy or clinic near you, go to www.westchestergov.com/health.

“Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best protection we have against flu deaths in every age group,” said Sherlita Amler, MD, Commissioner of Health, (with Mr. Latimer above)

“While Westchester has had no pediatric flu deaths so far this season, 37 children across the U.S. have died. And as the CDC has pointed out, this year, Baby Boomers ages 50 to 64 are being hospitalized for flu at greater rates than young children, so really everyone should take this seriously and get a flu shot.

“If protecting yourself isn’t reason enough, the vaccine also can protect infants, young children and seniors, all of whom are much more vulnerable to flu complications.”

Westchester typically experiences roughly 90,000 cases of influenza during the flu season, which runs from October to as late as May.

Flu Numbers across state up 200%

The latest figures show influenza levels are widespread statewide, with of 8.58 percent doctors’ visits attributed to flu, according to the New York State Department of Health.

In New York, it is typical at this time of year for 3.1% of doctors’ visits to be attributed to the flu.

Symptoms:

Flu symptoms include fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chills and fatigue. Residents with these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider, who may prescribe medication that can shorten symptom duration.

To avoid the flu and other viruses, wash your hands with soap and water before and after using the toilet, blowing your nose, preparing or eating food. Wet your hands, work up a lather, and scrub the back of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails; then rinse and dry.

“Wash your hands thoroughly for about 20 seconds – the amount of time it takes to sing the A-B-Cs or to sing the Happy Birthday song twice,” Amler said.

Amler Advises: Stay Home Do Not Spread Disease

Until they are well, people who are ill should stay home and avoid visits to newborns or family members in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices or assisted living facilities, Amler said. People in these settings are often at increased risk for complications and viruses spread easily there.

If you have a family member home sick with the flu or another virus, hand hygiene and frequent cleaning are critical for your whole household.

Home Cleaning Advisory

Environmentally friendly cleaning products often aren’t strong enough to kill germs, Amler said.

Instead, clean high-touch hard surfaces with a bleach solution. Add a tablespoon of bleach to a gallon of water. Pour this into a labeled spray bottle and use it to clean countertops and tables, railings and door knobs, but don’t use on upholstered furniture. When you are sick, try to avoid preparing food for others and don’t share utensils.

“Keep your distance from people who are sick because flu virus spreads through the air when a sick person breathes, speaks or coughs,” Amler said. “When you have a fever, stay home to avoid spreading your illness to others until you are fever-free without medication for at least 24 hours.”

For more information, 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.

Common Council Decides to Vote on Red Light Photo Cameras at White Plains Intersections. Vote will be Next Monday February 5

Posted on January 30, 2018 by John Bailey

“PHOTO COP” On Surveillance

“GOTCHA!”

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. January 30, 2018 UPDATED January 31, 2018:

WPCNR has learned from a person who attended last night’s Special Meeting that the city is greenlighting Red Light Camera installations at key intersections in the City of White Plains.

The “Green Light” for a vote occurred at last night’s Special Meeting at City Hall, (as predicted by The CitizeNetReporter). The participant in the meeting said the reaction of the Common Council was “very positive, there was no strong negatives or concerns,” other than locations of what intersections would be “camed” up.

The source told WPCNR that the ordinance allowing red light cameras was written without specific locations so in the future the ordinance would not have to be passed each time an intersection was added or deleted.

The source said the city would pay the vendor $3,750 per camera per month with possibly 6 to 12 intersections selected, but the number of cameras has not been determined. The source said six cameras may be used to start. The source observed that some intersections might have long distance placements to “cam” more intersections per camera. That has to be worked out.

The source said American Traffic Systems serves Yonkers, Mount Vernon and New York City with red light systems at the present time in the area. ATS volunteered that in New Rochelle, that city charges $50 a ticket plus a $15 surcharge for city processing. According to my source the city would pay ATS just for the rental of the cameras and keep all the revenues for tickets collected. The source said in Yonkers the ticket is $50 plus a $25 surcharge.

When this concept was first presented by the administration in 2015 it was said that White Plains Police would analyze the pictures furnished of the violations and be the ultimate authority on deciding on issuing a ticket.

They said poles would have to be installed on the intersections selected and it might be possible to start in operation by mid-summer with as little as six cameras.

Another factor of concern was the city had 18,000 moving violations most recently, but the number of red light violations was not broken out.

The informed observer told WPCNR this morning that the vote on the legislation and the contract with the vendor American Traffic Systems a major installer of these systems who will install and operate the cameras will be on the Common Council agenda next Monday night, February 5.

The project has taken three years to reach this point.

The observer said “the vendor and the city administration are saying it is a moneymaker for the city.” Previously the push for the red light “PhotoCops” had been motivated by the administration concern for the safety of the driving public, not potential revenue.

Similar systems elsewhere has lead to widespread complaints to the towns, cities and counties that have installed them, and some towns have removed the installations.

Locations in White Plains where the “PhotoCops” will be installed have yet to be determined, the source said.

Another source at the meeting said that the cameras would be set up at 12 intersections the city.

That source said the timing duration of the yellow(amber) light has not been officially determined.

In WPCNR’S view, the timing of how long the yellow caution amber light actually lasts before the light goes red is the key factor.

There would be about six months before this became operative. The second source told WPCNR there would be a trial period where drivers caught in violation would be given some sort of amnesty.

The violation of running the red is when your vehicle is in the intersection over the stopline and the camera picture shows the offending vehicle incursion over the stop line. How far over the stop line? (To be determined)

More details of the ordinance may be available in the backup material for next Monday Common Council meeting.

The source who talked about the meeting to me first said that this program as presented Monday night had not been presented to the Common Council before Monday night. The source also said that the Council had not been informed of the progress of the plan, and that the city administration selected the vendor, American Traffic Systems, without presenting alternative vendors to the Common Council.

“Senior Speak Out” Highlights Exponentially Growing Needs of Westchester Seniors–20% of Westchester’s 1,000,000 People.

Posted on January 29, 2018 by John Bailey

WPCNR AGING UP. By John F. Bailey. January 29, 2018:

Mae Carpenter, pictured above,head of Westchester’s Office for Seniors, speaking at the Westchester County Center Senior Speakout Friday morning highlighted the growing problems confronted by the 193,792 over-60 (estimated) senor population.

County Executive George Latimer (Above) addressing the crowd of over 100 persons, reminiscing about attending grammar school and Mount Vernon, noted that he was the oldest County Executive ever elected for the first time (64), and that he was well aware that he would soon be in need of the services seniors need. At the close of his brief talk, he got serious with a stern, concerned face, telling the audience that the county needed to pay attention to “how we can bring results that will matter to you and your life.”

Assistant NY Attorney General for the Hudson Valley Region, Gary Brown, briefed seniors on the telephone scams they should not fall for and outlined the scam avoidance practices seniors should follow.

Ms. Carpenter outlined facts about Westchester Seniors most persons might not know that show reason the county should be concerned:

She said the 193,792 seniors in Westchester over 60 years of age are a diverse population with the highest longevity in the state. However 25% (50,000-plus) have one or more disabilities.

They also have “chronic illnesses,” which, she estimated would cost $864 Billion to treat by 2040, because chronic diseases in older adults are “more costly,disabling, and difficult to treat.” One of her slides said chronic diseases are the most preventable.

Fixed Incomes Challenged by Health Costs, Taxes

The majority of county seniors are on fixed incomes derived from social security,retirement income from private and public retirement and pension plans and income-producing sources.

The fixed income situation, she pointed is being threatened by expenses outstripping income by prescription costs, property and other taxes, household and housing costs – especially among minority and physically impaired seniors.

Health care costs in Westchester impact seniors the most. Even though medicare “insulates” against rising costs, her presentation showed that “out-of-pocket” expenditures rise for the uninsured as inflation drives up health care costs.

County Seniors Mostly Women

Women are particularly affected by costs because they “have spent less time in the work force than males, “creating lower pay rates, lower personal earnings, and lower retirement income compared to men.”

Women live longer than men creating a “live alone” situation for most women and are “likely in need of long term care services, and therefore, Medicaid.”

Caregivers as they Age Up

Another trend is that adults under age 60 are caregivers to elderly parents.

Ms. Carpenter observed that 55,000 family caregivers in Westchester care for a loved one over 60.

That average family caregiver is 46, female, married and working outside the home, and earning an average annual income of $35,000.

The effect of the need to care for an elder parent, or adult children, has the longterm affect on these family caregivers of “a higher risk of poverty later because of foregoing promotions, reducing working hours, or quitting employment to care for a loved one.”

The Baby Boomers pressure aging care needs.

To address this problem Ms. Carpenter said Westchester County is “developing strategies to ensure individuals of all ages have access to a single, accountable and responsible entity at the local level that can provide information, assistanceand screening for all long-term care services in the community..ensure an adequate and trained workforce exists in health, long term care and social services.”

At 10:15 AM, the “Speak Out” began with the hall being virtually completely filled.