WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER TOPS 5 MILLION VISITS IN A YEAR! 5,566,746 VISITS IN ONE YEAR BY 1,769,260 VISITORS 7,631 VISITORS A DAY! IN AUGUST, 247,700 VISITORS MADE 684,903 VISITS (22,830 DAILY)

Hits: 272

The next White Plains Council of Neighborhood Associations (WPCNA) meeting is tomorrow Sept. 14 at 7pm. Mayor Roach & Commissioner Gomez will be the guest speakers. The topic is the new Comprehensive Plan and how the neighborhood associations can/should be involved. A question and answer session will follow a brief overview of the topic, timeline, and process.

The meeting will take place in person in the Highlands Middle School auditorium. Masks are required in the building.  There will also be a live Zoom component for those that are interested in listening to the discussion.  Unfortunately, only those who are at the meeting in person will be able to participate in the question and answer portion of the meeting.   The Zoom link for the meeting is below. 

Topic: WPCNA Meeting 9/14 
Time: 7pm
https://zoom.us/j/95370891872?pwd=amlZdDVyWmhZMzUwTmhvRDRFalFyUT09

Other opportunities to individually participate in the planning process are below, but our voices are heard best when they are united as a neighborhood.

Hits: 216

WPCNR COVID REPORT. By John F. Bailey. From the NY State Covid Tracker September 10, 2021

One week after the Labor Day holiday began, Westchester covid testing recorded 300 people testing positive for corona virus out of 9,825 tested.

It is the highest single infection day since Westchester stymied the new wave of covid in mid-April when the county recorded 291 new covid infections on April  15.

This is the first time in five months the infection number has hit the 300 mark, (132 more new cases than testing recorded the day before.)

The 300 persons found to be positive were in a testing universe of 9,825 Thursday, jumping the daily infection rate to 3.1% of those tested up from2.3% on Wednesday, September 8, when 7,262 were tested.

The growth or spread rate of yesterday is consistent with the 281 infections two weeks ago on August 26,  when you divide the 300 new cases by the 281 cases on August 26, the spread rate is  1.07, meaning each of the 281 infected with Covid on August 26 if the spread rate continues in the stable zone of spread which does not exponentially expand the number of new cases, but will infect  1 other person perhaps within the next two weeks which would could mean  300 new cases from yesterday’s new persons infected.

Hits: 259

Locations Will Offer Assistance to New Yorkers Impacted by Remnants of Hurricane Ida Who are Eligible for Individual Assistance Program

Governor Kathy Hochul and the Federal Emergency Management Agency today announced the openings of several Disaster Recovery Centers that will provide information, assistance and help for New Yorkers who were impacted by the storms and flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to answer questions and provide information on the types of federal help available to homeowners, renters and business owners as a result of the major disaster declarations stemming from the hurricane.

The Boroughs of the Bronx, Queens, Kings, Richmond and Westchester County were designated for Individual Assistance under the major disaster declaration for the Remnants of Hurricane Ida.

“New Yorkers who were impacted by last week’s devastating floods and storm damage can now receive in-person, one-on-one assistance with professionals equipped to assist in the recovery process,” Governor Hochul said. “I thank our partners in the federal government for working quickly to establish these necessary facilities as we continue to get New Yorkers the help they need.”

The following Disaster Recovery Centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until further notice:

Medgar Evers College – 231 Crown Street, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Queens College, Student Union – 152-45 Melbourne Ave, Flushing, NY 11367

Hostos Community College – 450 Grand Concourse, E. Building C, Bronx, NY 10451

Grinton I. Will Library – 1500 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10710

Mamaroneck Village Court Clerk – 169 Mount Pleasant Ave, Mamaroneck, NY 10543

College of Staten Island, Gymnasium Building R1 – 2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314 

The locations in Yonkers, Mamaroneck and Staten Island will operate in mobile centers before moving into their fixed locations. Additional DRC sites will be announced at a later date.

Impacted NYC residents may also call 311 or visit NYC.gov/IDA to access available City services.

State agency personnel will be stationed within the DRCs to connect impacted citizens with state programs or services that may be available to assist them in their recovery.

Survivors with internet or phone service may register with FEMA using the FEMA App, online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Individuals who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. These toll-free telephone numbers are operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Operators are multilingual and those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. If you need accommodations for language or a disability, let the operator know.

With current connectivity issues, the recovery center also offers a place for survivors to register for assistance in person and get one-on-one help from recovery specialists.

For additional online resources, as well as FEMA downloadable pamphlets and other aids, visit www.disasterassistance.gov and click “information.”

Hits: 4733

WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. September 9, 2021:

Westchester County will unveil a new 9/11 memorial dedicated to the first responders who lost their lives to 9/11 related illnesses Friday. The unveiling of the Westchester County 9/11 First Responders Memorial is a fulfilled promise made by County Executive George Latimer to honor those we have lost due to 9/11 related illnesses:

·         Firefighter – Gary S Allo – White Plains Fire Department

·         Police Officer – Christopher M Barry – NYPD

·         Sergeant – Patrick J Boyle – NYPD

·         Sergeant – Patrick T Coyne – NYPD

·         Battalion – Chief Kevin R Byrnes – FDNY

·         John M Cozza – Construction Industry

·         Emergency Medical Technician – Luis De Pena, Jr – FDNY

·         Police Officer Kenneth X Domenech – NYPD

·         Police Officer Nicholas G Finelli – NYPD

·         Lieutenant – Clark W Douglass – White Plains Fire Department

·         Firefighter – Daniel R Foley – FDNY

·         Detective – Mark S Gado – New Rochelle Police Department

·         Richard A Grace – Construction Industry

·         Commissioner Peter S Guyett – Yonkers Fire Department

·         Firefighter – Herbert D Harriott – Rye Fire Department

·         Police Officer – Joseph F Heid – NYPD

·         Detective – Michael A Houlahan – NYPD

·         John A Lo Bianco – Construction Industry

·         Police Officer – Anthony Maggiore – Yonkers Police Department

·         Executive Director – Stephan Hittmann – FDNY

·         Fire Fighter – Gary S Martin – White Plains Fire Department

·         Lieutenant – Roy D McLaughlin – Yonkers Police Department

·         Firefighter – Robert A Mentrasti – Fairview Fire Department

·         Detective – James W Monahan – NYPD

·         Police Officer – Walter L Mallinson – Harrison Police Department

·         Lieutenant – John W Moran – FDNY

·         Firefighter – Kevin J Nolan – FDNY

·         Police Officer – Kathleen O’Connor Funigello – New Rochelle Police Department

·         Firefighter – John V Peteani Jr – Yonkers Fire Department

·         Firefighter – Michael R O’Hanlon – FDNY

·         Firefighter – Eduardo A Rivera – Yonkers Fire Department

·         Detective – Joseph E Seabrook – NYPD

·         Captain – Robert J Spatta – Croton on the Hudson Fire Department

·         Deputy Chief – Frank G Strollo – New Rochelle Fire Department

·         Captain – Ronald G Peifer SR – FDNY

·         Captain – Dennis P Tortorella – Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department

·         Firefighter – Neill S Tyndal JR – Yonkers Fire Department

·         Detective – Charles J Wassil JR – Peekskill Police Department

·         Lieutenant – Marden C Wolf – White Plains Fire Department

·         James P Sullivan – New York City Transit Authority

·         Sergeant – Peter C Woods – NYPD, Hartsdale Fire Commissioner & Co-Chair Westchester County 9/11 First Responders Memorial

Friday, September 10

2pm

The Rising Memorial

Kensico Dam Plaza

Valhalla, NY 10595

The unveiling on Friday, September 10 will be a private event for family and friends of those lost before the public unveiling on Saturday, September 11 at the County’s memorial at 3:30pm.

Latimer said: “This memorial is the culmination of a promise this County government made to the families and loved ones of these true Westchester heroes. We will not ever take for granted the actions of these individuals and hope that each person who visits this memorial understands their lasting impact.”

The new memorial, which overlooks The Rising memorial at the Kensico Dam Plaza, is made up of granite stones set on a stone veneer wall. Each stone is etched with the names of the Westchester first responders lost to 9/11 related illnesses.  The Westchester County 9/11 First Responders Memorial is designed to complement the stonework of the Dam and surround The Rising as an eternal watch.

The total length of each wall is 20’ and will hold up to 4 4’ long memorial stones each, for a total of 8 memorial stones. A light – which will be known as the Eternal Light – is centered between the two walls and directly across the entrance to the original memorial, The Rising.  This light will be on 24/7 to signify the light shone on the County by those this memorial intends to honor.

Construction of this solemn memorial was done by R. Pugni and Sons, Inc.  The design of the memorial was completed by a combination of the County’s dedicated Department of Planning. Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation and a committee made up of loved ones of those lost to 9/11 related illnesses. The committee, was co-chaired by New York City Police Officer Matthew J. McCauley and NYPD Sargent Peter Woods who lost his battle to a 9/11 related illness earlier this year.

McCauley said: “On the eve of the 20th Anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks we are reminded of the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost that day, including those from Westchester County who are memorialized at “The Rising.”  Unfortunately, the toll of those lost continues to increase due to 9/11 related illnesses that have claimed so many of our 9/11 First Responders.  Again, Westchester County has seen far too many lost to 9/11 illnesses.  As the Co-Chair of a Committee made up widows, children, other family members, friends and first responders themselves, we applaud Westchester County Executive George Latimer and his team for supporting our vision and desire to have a memorial for those 9/11 First Responders that worked or resided in county, who have died of illnesses they developed as a result of their heroic actions in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks.  This permanent memorial alongside “The Rising” will ensure that the sacrifice of all lost that day and thereafter is never forgotten.” 

The committee, who the County owes a debt of gratitude to for their dedicated work, is made up of:

·         Peter Woods, Co-Chair

·         Matthew McCauley, Co-Chair

·         Georgia Asciutto

·         Valerie Sullivan

·         Anne Byrnes

·         Margaret O’Hanlon

·         Chelsea Wilson

·         Patricia Mallinson

·         Ellen Peifer

·         Sabrina Douglass

·         Chief Andrew Sandor, New Rochelle Fire Department

·         Firefighter Robert Barbella, White Plains Fire Department

·         Carol Ann Gleason

·         Andrew Mentrasti

·         Sara Trujillo

·         Kevin McGuire

·         Firefighter Sandra Bessels, Harrison Fire Department

·         Firefighter Robert Curtin, Mount Vernon Fire Department

This committee, through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, met regularly to plan this new memorial. The work done by them, to honor their loved ones, will be forever cherished by the people of Westchester County.

Following this private unveiling for families, Latimer and first responders from the region, will fully unveil the memorial to the public during the County’s 9/11 ceremony the following day at 3:30p.m.

Hits: 183

Dedicated Instagram Channel, @Vaccinateny, to Provide Vaccine Education for School-Aged New Yorkers and Families

#VaxtoSchool Pop-Up Sites to Open in Areas with Low COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Among 12 to 17-Year-Olds and #VaxtoSchool Buses to Provide Mobile Vaccinations

SUNY and CUNY Announce the Integration of the State’s Excelsior Pass for Back-To-Campus, Proof of Vaccine Efforts

WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS . From the Governor’s Press Office. September 8, 2021:

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the multi-faceted statewide #VaxtoSchool campaign to support increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates among school-aged New Yorkers, furthering the administration’s commitment to making the health and well-being of students, teachers and families a top priority. 

As part of this campaign, the Governor announced a new, dedicated website at ny.gov/vaxtoschool with critical resources and materials for parents and guardians of school-aged New Yorkers and school communities. The new site includes information, and an FAQ for parents and guardians, as well as a multitude of ready-made signage for school leaders to support #VaxtoSchool education and operations in their local communities on the ground.

Additionally, the State has launched a new Instagram channel, @VaccinateNY, to educate school-aged New Yorkers and their families about the COVID-19 vaccine directly.

The new social media page will provide approachable, interactive content through easy-to-understand vaccine information, prospective content partnerships, #VaxtoSchool social media design contests, and quick video explainers, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in our effort to provide all New Yorkers with the facts about the COVID-19 vaccine. DOH will also amplify these digital education efforts across all of their channels including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

“We’ve dedicated enormous state resources to getting New Yorkers of all eligible age groups vaccinated, but initially the state focused on the most vulnerable citizens, and now we need to focus on our youth,” Governor Hochul said. “New York’s young people are less likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19 but they can still spread the virus, and we need them to take it seriously. The new, innovative #VaxtoSchool social media campaign will help us get the word out to New York’s young people about the vital importance of getting vaccinated to keep friends, families and communities safe.”

As part of this effort, the Governor also announced that new #VaxtoSchool pop-up COVID-19 vaccination sites will be open in areas where zip code data shows the vaccination rate for 12 to 17-year-olds is lower than the statewide average. A community-based medical professional will be available at each site to answer any questions parents and guardians of school-aged New Yorkers may have. Alongside the new sites, #VaxtoSchool buses—mobile vaccination efforts—are being launched in convenient, school-centric areas statewide, such as public recreational spaces like basketball courts and parks. This will help to make the vaccine available and accessible to school-aged New Yorkers and their families.

New pop-up vaccination sites for 12 to 17-year-olds will be located at the below addresses. More locations will be announced. 

Mosholu Montefiore Community Center

3450 Dekalb Avenue

Bronx, NY 10467

Open: Friday, September 10, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (1st Shot POD)

Friday, October 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (2nd Shot POD)

Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens

21-12 30th Road

Astoria, NY 11102

Open: Saturday, September 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  (1st Shot POD)

Monday, October 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (2nd Shot POD)

The State is also working with New York colleges and universities to support their back-to-campus efforts, including the integration of the State’s Excelsior Pass at SUNY and CUNY campuses statewide so they have a secure, verifiable means of accepting and tracking proof of vaccination and/or negative test results, as applicable, for students, teachers and campus staff. Interested New Yorkers can retrieve their Excelsior Pass or Excelsior Pass Plus today by visiting epass.ny.gov.

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “As a father, pediatrician, and the State’s Health Commissioner, I am proud to have worked on this multi-layered #VaxtoSchool campaign with Governor Hochul, providing school-aged New Yorkers, their families, and school communities with access to the vaccine and fact-based information about it. Through reaching New York families in new, creative, and engaging ways, we can help get the vaccine to more eligible adolescents, while keeping our schools open and healthy. The vaccine is safe and effective, and I urge New Yorkers 12 years of age and older to get vaccinated as they head #VaxtoSchool, so they can get back to the classroom experience they deserve while best protecting their health and the health of those around them.”

Children ages 12 to 17 are able to get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which is available under Emergency Use Authorization for children ages 12 to 15 and is fully approved for those age 16 and older. The other COVID-19 vaccines are not yet authorized or approved for this age group. If you are a parent or guardian of a school-aged New Yorker, you can also visit vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a vaccine location closest to you. Make sure that the provider offers the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

Parents are encouraged to make sure their child is up to date on all recommended and required vaccinations. Please visit the Department of Health website for more information on recommended childhood and adolescent immunizations.