RyeCity REVIEW THE
September 18, 2020 | Vol. 8, Number 39 | www.ryecityreview.com
County honors 9/11 with virtual ceremony
On September 9, the NYSPHSAA announced that high-risk fall sports, including football volleyball and cheerleading, will be postponed until March. The decision followed months of uncertainty about a proposed fall start date. For story, see page 15.
Photo/Mike Smith
Westchester expands domestic violence program Westchester County is creating an expanded crisis intervention team that will identify families at highest risk of deadly domestic violence and intervene to save lives by providing immediate support and services. The Westchester County Domestic Violence High Risk Team, which is already at work in several parts of the county, will expand its work countywide and continue to pioneer a multi-agency, collaborative approach to preventing lethal family violence. “I am proud to announce this
new initiative that will provide enhanced safety to victims of family violence,” County Executive George Latimer said. “The collaboration between community, County agencies, law enforcement and service providers makes Westchester stand out as a national model for coordinated community response that can improve outcomes for victims and increase offender accountability.”Partners in the high-risk team include the Westchester County Office for Women, Westchester County Department of Public
Safety, Westchester County Probation Department, Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, Westchester Medical Center, Hope’s Door, My Sister’s Place, Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center, Westchester Community Opportunity Program/Victims Assistance Services, Legal Services of Hudson Valley, and the Elizabeth S. Haub School of Law At Pace University/Women’s Justice Center. Other county agencies such as the departments of Social Services and Community Mental Health are
resources for the team. At the heart of the expanded effort is a Lethality Assessment Program, LAP, and 24-hour hotline. These tools will enable police departments, county agencies and service providers to immediately identify persons and families at high risk of being murdered or seriously harmed by an intimate partner or other family member. A safety plan and services will be provided promptly to these victims to reduce the VIOLENCE continued on page 3
In a solemn ceremony like never before at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, Westchester County paid tribute to those lost during tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 and heroes who gave their life helping us all move forward in its aftermath. Standing before “The Rising,” the county’s beautiful 9/11 Memorial, County Executive George Latimer honored the Westchester residents who passed on that devastating day 19 years ago, as well as those who have died from 9/11-related illness since the attacks. “While we face societal challenges like never before in our current day, we must never forget the events that unfolded in front of the world’s eyes that morning nineteen years ago,” Latimer said. “That day changed all of us, and we will always continue to grieve. From the souls lost, to the heroes who selflessly rushed in that we are still losing to this day, we must—and we will—always honor them here in Westchester County.” Tony Aiello, CBS 2 New York reporter, emceed the event. “I moved to Westchester in 1999 and remember well the tragic impact the terror attack had on the County,” he said. “I was honored to emcee the County’s very first 9/11 commemoration in 2002.” Following pandemic protocols, Rev. Troy DeCohen, senior pastor at Mount Vernon Heights Congregational Church, led the ceremony with a pre-recorded prayer: “We as Americans and citizens of good conscience of this great land humble ourselves in prayer reflecting on the thousands of lives lost and the thousands of families that still grieve their loss.” The ceremony also included the presentation of colors, led by the Westchester County Police Department’s Ceremonial Unit Color Guard, followed by Pipes and Drums of the Po-
lice Emerald Society of Westchester County. U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” by Lindsay Towers from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, and Concordia College’s Brass Ensemble played—adding music to the solemn backdrop of the memorial. “Unfortunately, this year, we can’t physically provide a shoulder to lean on to the families and friends of those we lost 19 years ago, said Benjamin Boykin, chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators. “We can’t wrap our arms around the loved ones of the first responders or those who worked the pile in the days and months afterward. But we will never forget their sacrifice. Let’s honor them by committing ourselves anew to the spirit of unity and shared purpose their loss inspired in us all.” A commemorative wreath was laid on the “Beam of Remembrance” by Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, a steel beam that was pulled from the ashes of the World Trade Center, and dedicated to the county as a lasting reminder of our nation’s sacrifice and strength on that fateful day. Adding to the interfaith prayer at the ceremony, Imam Qari Amjad Karim of the Westchester Muslim Center said, “As our country remembers the heartbreaking events of September 11, 2001—we turn to prayer at a time when our nation is facing unprecedented challenges—now more than ever we need mercy and strength to guide us on the right path.” The names of those who were lost, as displayed on the “Circle of Remembrance,” were read allowed by District Attorney Anthony Scarpino, County Clerk Tim Idoni and members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators. (Submitted)