RyeCity REVIEW THE
June 28 & July 5, 2019 | Vol. 7, Number 26 | www.ryecityreview.com
Element 46 Incubator program off to fast start
So smooth The 8th annual White Plains JazzFest is scheduled for Sept. 11-15 with some renowned musicians and performers eager to light up the White Plains downtown. For more, see page 6
County, DA, Port Chester police combat heroin addiction Recognizing that opioid addiction is a crippling disease with ripple effects throughout the entire county—the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health, DCMH, the District Attorney’s Office, county Health Department and the Port Chester Police Department have teamed up to intervene with would-be opioid purchasers to get them the addiction treatment they need. This is the first time the District Attorney’s Office has connected individuals identified through undercover narcotics operations with opioid treatment services instead of charging them with criminal possession. The county agencies teamed up for this new program involving the district attorney to assist Port Chester police, in concert with
care and service providers, to seek out people in need of opioid treatment, and helped connect them to Westchester’s system of care. The program specifically targets people with addiction who have been identified as buyers during undercover narcotics investigations. Rather than be arrested, they are offered rehabilitation services through the successful programs of DCMH. This is an innovative approach showing how law enforcement and social services can work together for a positive outcome and to fight the scourge of addiction in our communities. “Strategic thinking and new ideas are the best way for us to stay ahead of Westchester’s unfortunate opioid epidemic,” Westchester County Executive George
Latimer said. “It is imperative that we, as a community, work together to identify the causes of this epidemic, and work directly with the people who need help to stem the tide of addiction and abuse. By connecting users with other people who have walked a mile in their shoes, we are able to better assess their problems, needs and the reasons they may be using in the first place. I want to thank everyone involved who combined efforts to help people reach the services they needed to achieve a better future.” Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino said: “Identifying those addicted to opioids and other narcotics when they are most vulnerable is key to moving them away from the criminal elements on whom
they rely. It is with this in mind, that we have launched this initiative with the support and leadership of Commissioner Orth who brings decades of experience in treating addiction and its underlying causes. We commend Port Chester Police Chief Conway for taking this bold step with us.” The program is an extension of the District Attorney’s Opioid Response Initiative. The pilot program was launched in Port Chester in April with the support and leadership of Port Chester Police Chief Richard Conway. A yearlong investigation into fatal heroin overdoses, including wiretaps and undercover surveillance, conducted by Port Chester police, in collaboration with Greenwich HEROIN continued on page 8
Westchester County’s new Element 46 Incubator program got off to a fast start as nearly 100 business leaders were on hand for the official kickoff of the program that is designed to inspire and support entrepreneurial talent and the development of new businesses in the county. The evening event, which was held June 18 at Koi Creative Space in downtown White Plains, featured the 12 startups that have been chosen as the first cohorts selected to have free workspace at Element 46 Incubator. The startups made pitches about their company to an audience of mentors and investors. “Westchester County has all of the most important ingredients for start-up success—location, infrastructure, transportation, business expertise, investor interest, talent and more,” Westchester County Executive George Latimer said. “By bringing together the very best entrepreneurial ideas and supporting them with the immense talent and resources of this County, I’m confident that we’ll be able to cultivate high-growth companies that will drive economic development for Westchester, and also serve as a great reminder of the benefits of working, living and playing right in our County.” Business Council of Westchester President and CEO Marsha Gordon, who serves as cochair of the Element 46 Board of Directors, said, “The Business Council of Westchester is pleased to be working closely with the County in developing this innovative and transformative program that helps budding entrepreneurs turn their bright ideas into thriving businesses.” The mentors will assist the startups chosen for the program by offering their expertise, time and support. Mentors are handpicked leaders with specializations in technology, finance, business strategy, venture capital,
marketing or other thought leaders. Mentors select a startup to work with through the duration of the 4-month program. “There is a need. There are a lot of smart people living here that want to start businesses here,” said Orane Barrett, founder of Kool Nerd Club, one of the startup finalists. “…Now they don’t have to go to New York City. Westchester is now becoming that hub and that place where people can find access, resources and support, and the community has been tremendously supportive. The startups include: Journeyman Bakery is a bread-by-subscription bakery based in Peekskill that specializes in naturally fermented (sourdough) loaves. Kool Nerd Club is a “workforce exposure company” that partners with employers to provide early career exposure to diverse students resulting in a prepared talent pipeline. SilverBills receives, scrutinizes and stores bills on behalf of clients and ensures that bills are paid on time and correctly. UAS Vues, LLC. is an unmanned aerial systems consulting and service provider in the New York metropolitan area based in Westchester County. UnderCare is creating adaptive undergarments that do not require one to bend, balance, or stand on one leg in order to get dressed. LEAP intends to be the first of its kind, state-of-the-art indoor parkour and obstacle training course for kids 5-plus in Westchester County. JackKnife Sharpening provides both residential and commercial sharpening of all cutlery, Serrated, gardening and other tools. BioSand Bag Filter Company is dedicated to becoming the leading supplier of green, INCUBATOR continued on page 8