August 9, 2019

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Eastchester REVIEW THE

August 9, 2019 | Vol. 7, Number 31 | www.eastchesterreview.com

New York Knicks great Allan Houston met with several young men in the custody of the Westchester County Department of Corrections. Houston took part in a “town hall” program in which he stressed the importance of maintaining faith and personal integrity no matter what obstacles an individual may face. For more, see page 6. Photo courtesy Westchester County

County police ramp up after mass shootings In light of the tragic shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, Westchester County Executive George Latimer has directed the Department of Public Safety to increase communication with local police departments in Westchester and provide any needed support they request. In response, intelligence bulletins from the New York State Intelligence Center and the county police were shared on Sunday, Aug. 4, with local law enforcement through the Real Time Crime Center, RTC. “In the span of hours, our nation once again is reeling from the news of scores of fellow

citizens—in two separate incidents—being killed at the hands of a person with an agenda and a gun. This is not normal and this is not okay,” Latimer said. “To honor these victims, I am directing flags on Westchester County buildings and property to be lowered to half-staff. We as a Country must act, we must do something, to stop this uniquely American epidemic.” Although there was no indication of any threats in this region, Westchester County police also assessed the need for increased patrols in Mount Kisco and Cortlandt, the two communities where

the county police provide municipal police service. In continuation of the Department’s efforts to keep Westchester residents safe, the county police in recent months have provided active shooter training for civilians and law enforcement. The Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events, CRASE, training has been provided to hundreds of county employees and citizens. Additional sessions are anticipated. CRASE provides practical guidance to increase the odds of surviving an active shooter event in the workplace or at public venues.

The county police will continue to work closely with Counter-Terrorism Zone 3, the Westchester County Chiefs of Police Association and all its law enforcement partners on training and exercises regarding active shooter events. It also continues to provide training and guidance to the Westchester Security Directors Association, among other groups. The Department will also be exploring adding private sector partners to the mutual aid drills that are held quarterly to ensure a rapid and coordinated response to any largescale incident that might occur in the county. (Submitted)

Registration now open for ‘9/11: Serve + Remember’

In honor of those whose lives were lost or forever changed by the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, Westchester County Executive George Latimer will join with Volunteer New York! to host “9/11: Serve + Remember.” Volunteer opportunities will be taking place on Saturday, Sept. 7, Sunday, Sept. 8 and Wednesday, Sept. 11. The communitywide action event is sponsored by Robison Oil, with additional support from Empire City Casino and Westchester Medical Center. Service projects at the Westchester County Center will take place on Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “Each year, hundreds of Westchester County residents look for ways to honor the thousands of lives that were lost or forever changed on September 11,” Latimer said. “I encourage everyone to participate in the 9/11 Serve and Remember Program, and spend a little bit of time doing something good in memory of those who lost so much.” “Over the last 9 years we have worked with thousands of volunteers to help turn 911Day into a day of doing good,” said Alisa Kesten, Volunteer New York! executive director. “Businesses have sent teams to create blankets for children in shelters, youth athletic teams have stepped up to make sandwiches for those in need, families have come together to create cards thanking our veterans—each good deed brings our community closer together and builds on this American legacy of positive response in our darkest days.” Many volunteer opportunities are family-friendly, and all will help support one of 35 local non-profits and causes where helpers are needed throughout the year. To participate, volunteers must register through volunteernewyork.org/service or call 948-4452 for more information. Westchester County will also host its annual employee blood drive in partnership with the New

York Blood Center on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the Westchester County Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteer Opportunities at the Westchester County Center on Wednesday, Sept. 11 are as follows: Donate Blood (for ages 16-plus) • Create Inspirational Notes & Cards for Deployed Service Members • Create Blankets For Children • Help Feed the Hungry with One Sandwich At a Time • Package Diapers for Needy Families • Donate Diapers For Westchester County Diaper Bank • Participate in a Sensory-Friendly Community Service Project to Support Our Troops • Support Families in Emergency Shelters • Sock and Underwear Drive for Children in Need • Courtney’s Tie Drive to Support Veterans • Create Math Kits For Elementary School Children Additional projects taking place on Sept. 7, Sept. 8 or Sept. 11 happening outside of the Westchester County Center include: • Trout Stream Revitalization with Westmoreland Sanctuary • Warehouse Clean-Up at Furniture Sharehouse • Help Provide Clothing to Children • Help Harvest a Nonprofit Community Garden • Take Emergency Preparedness Training • Spend Time With Seniors • Support the New Rochelle Street Fair • Create Literacy Kits for Head Start Programs • Support Shelter Dogs • Pack Back-to-School Supplies • A-Home Restoration • Trail and Lake Clean-up at Teatown • Yonkers Waterfront Restoration • Create Comfort Kits for patients at Westchester Medical Center

For the complete list of the 2019 #911Day Volunteer Opportunities taking place on Sept. 7, 8 and 11 please visit volunteernewyork.org/ service or call 948-4452. With thanks for the additional media sponsorship provided by K-LOVE Radio. (Submitted)


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