Inside Press

A Cautious Optimism Over ‘Diminished’ COVID-19 Cases Conveyed by Westchester County Executive George Latimer

July 8, 2020 by Inside Press

A close and unrushed ‘listen’ to George Latimer’s most recent update this week on coronavirus in Westchester offered several reasons to stay at least cautiously optimistic that infection from coronavirus is “diminishing” across the county, including in Chappaqua in the two days preceding the July 6 briefing. Chappaqua experienced a recent spike–27 cases, including 21 in Chappaqua, were tracked to the New Castle hamlet in the last two weeks–but the infection may be leveling off thanks to cautionary measures that have included a mandatory quarantine of persons impacted.

While conveying a message of hope and positivity, Latimer also issued clear warnings for continued vigilance and compliance with recommendations (social distancing/mask wear/hand washing) against the coronavirus to make sure it stays that way.

The continuous decline for two and a half months in active cases has likely been due to the act of compliance with masks in public, stressed Latimer, Westchester’s County Executive who has been providing near daily updates streamed live on Facebook and shared later in a You Tube link. The full press briefing may be viewed here https://youtu.be/ys1l09q1Uks

Coronavirus battling measures included asking business and store owners to wear masks, “influencing society. Now, it has become much more of the norm than it ever was,” he said.

On July 6, Latimer reported 527 active cases of CoronaVirus within the county.

Between March 1 (a period commonly designated as the ‘beginning of the pandemic’) and July 6, 35,084 people tested positive for Covid-19. “However, percentage-wise, there has been a little over 1% of positives as of the night on July 5. In one day, only 41 people were found to have the virus after testing almost 4000 people– indicating the spread is diminishing.”

Compared to March or April, he explained, “arguably the height of the pandemic across America, there was as much as 30% of all people tested coming in positive. But as more testing is being conducted, the percentage of those who have the coronavirus has been substantially lowering”.

More Positive Findings for Westchester

Fewer hospitalizations. In addition: as of July 5 too, 29% of Westchester county residents have been tested for Covid-19, “which again, is a huge number and much higher than in other jurisdictions.” There have been fewer hospitalizations too, he shared, with 61 people having been hospitalized as of Saturday, dropping from the 70 individuals reported a week ago.
Zero fatalities the night of July 5. “To top off the relatively good news, there were no fatalities on the night of July 5 and only three deaths in the recent week, ameliorating from the 30-50 deaths per day a couple of months ago in America.”

Staying cautiously optimistic, Latimer conveyed that “the past week has seen a rise and fall in cases, from the recent Chappaqua outbreak, dating back to over two weeks ago; the rise has increased to 27 positive cases that tie back to the set of activities… that include a graduation drive in ceremony and a ‘field night’ event following the graduation, both in rather large gatherings and minimal masks and social distancing.”

“Of the 27 positive cases, 21 tracked to Chappaqua, three of them tracked to Mount Kisco, two track to Bedford, and one track to Pleasantville. “As of now, there have been no new cases in the last two days that are trackable to the Chappaqua spike. If so, it is thought to be leveling off,” Latimer said. “Keep in mind, if they caught COVID that night, they would have gone through two weeks without having shown symptoms… Of course, it’s possible that if somebody caught it, and then was further infected later, there are still some ways that the Chappaqua spread may linger on longer.”

“I think we’ve had a good response at this particular outbreak,” continued the executive. “Nothing is perfect, but we’ve gotten substantial compliance. 80-85% of the people have responded… We seem to be in a pretty good place for having understood and dealt with it.”

As for the opening of Phase 4 this week (on July 7) in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, major changes are set “for allowable activity.

For outdoor and indoor arts entertainment, low-risk areas have been set to a limit of up to 50 people. As Latimer would elaborate, this would include “the traditional summer band concert in Scarsdale at Chase Park or the theatrical and concert performances that go on in the gazebo in Armonk.” Anything along these lines, while fitting the specific guidelines, will do.

As the last revealed phase of reopening, the governor still has not reopened amusement parks, health clubs, and gyms. “These will not be things that are going to be lifted in future phases; instead, there would be executive orders by the governor on that specific action or function that may happen at any point in time.”

Latimer’s briefings will continue once a week every Monday at 2 pm EST, as opposed to the daily updates Monday through Thursday, he said. Despite a recent uptick in numbers, the steady decrease throughout would mean “we would not need to do this on a regular basis,” he stated from the County Executive’s White Plains conference room.

Editor’s Note: Brian Zhang, a rising junior at Byram Hills High School, assisted in preparing this update, as a first assignment as a summer intern for the Inside Press.

Field Hall Announces Summer Grants with Focus on Helping Vulnerable Seniors and their Caregivers

July 7, 2020 by Inside Press

The Field Hall Foundation announces $240,000 in new grants. $190,000 has been awarded through its Summer 2020 grant cycle, and will be used to pilot, support and/or expand programs focused on the most basic needs of vulnerable seniors and their caregivers.

Three full grants have been awarded to:

Family Services, Inc.

$45,000 – To pilot an Elder Abuse Intervention program which will provide prevention and intervention services for victims of elder abuse

Hudson River Housing, Inc.

$50,000 – To pilot an Elder Care Services Program that will help homeless and low-income seniors obtain and sustain stable housing

The Osborne Association

$50,000 – To support and expand their Elder Reentry Initiative in Dutchess County, which helps older, incarcerated adults successfully transition back into the community

Five smaller grants were awarded to:

Hillside Food Outreach, Inc.

$10,000 – To increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables they purchase and deliver, at no cost, to low-income seniors in Putnam and Westchester counties

Meals on Wheels of Poughkeepsie

$5,000 – To purchase new kitchen equipment that will allow them to meet the increased demand for home delivered meals

North East Community Council, Inc.

$10,000 – To expand their home-delivered food pantry services to older adults in the rural north east section of Dutchess County

Putnam County Office for Senior Resources

$15,000 – To provide free respite services to eligible spouses or relatives caring for older adults at home

WestFair Rides, Inc.

$5,000 – To provide older adults with free livery transportation to/from medical appointments when volunteer drivers are not available.

COVID-19 Emergency Relief grants, totaling $50,000, have also been awarded. Funding focused primarily on senior food insecurity, personal protection equipment for nursing home staff, and telehealth equipment and services. Grant recipients include:

Andrus on the Hudson Nursing Home, Bethel Springvale Nursing Home, Cabrini of Westchester Nursing Home, Catholic Charities, Dutchess Responds, EverCare Home Health Agency, Hillside Food Outreach, Maryknoll Sisters, Meals on Wheels of Hyde Park, Neighborhood House, New Jewish Home Sarah Neuman, North East Community Center, Pawling Resource Center, Putnam Community Cares, Putnam COVID-19 Response Fund, Ride Connect, Visiting Nurse Service Westchester, and WestFair Rides.

Going forward, an additional $50,000 has been added to the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund for programs supporting seniors impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since its inception in 2019, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in grants to improve the lives of older adults and their caregivers in Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties. Letters of Inquiry are accepted on an ongoing basis. For more information visit the Foundation’s website, http://www.fieldhallfoundation.org

Divorce on a Budget: Attorney Tips for Getting the Greatest Value from your Divorce Lawyer

June 30, 2020 by Inside Press

By Neil Kozek, Esq. and Michelle Lewis, Esq.

If there is one constant across nearly all matrimonial cases, it is that the process is very expensive. This has given rise to many jokes (Why is divorce so expensive? Because it is worth it…) and to a pervasive suspicion of lawyers. Clients often feel a lack of control over the divorce process and an even greater sense of helplessness.

Clients’ lack of control over their divorce and their legal expenses are both exacerbated in litigation. Interaction with the court leads to the involvement of judges and courthouse staff. If spouses cannot agree on custody, an Attorney for the Child and Forensic Evaluator may be appointed. The Court may also order appraisals of valuable assets. When spouses are unable to agree on interim financial and living arrangements, their attorneys must file costly motions. These motions take months to resolve, cause professional fees to skyrocket, and delay the ultimate resolution of the case.

As litigators, collaborative attorneys, and mediators, we have identified several factors that can have immeasurable impact on the financial and emotional cost of the divorce.

Choose the Most Appropriate Process for your Needs.

Whether spouses choose to collaborate, mediate or litigate disputes, their mutual goal is almost always to reach agreement regarding the same issues:

How much time each will spend with their children;
How they will make important decisions about their children;
How the costs of raising children will be paid (child support);
Whether spousal support is necessary, in what amounts and for what duration;
Who will live in the marital residence and whether it will be sold;
What is marital property and how will it be divided;

The means divorcing couples employ to reach agreement about these and other issues varies widely.

Some couples can reach an agreement resolving all or most of the above issues at their kitchen table. These exceptional couples need attorneys to advise them of the law, identify and help negotiate any areas they neglected to address in their informal discussions, and to draft an agreement and divorce documents to submit to the court. This is generally the least costly way and most efficient way to separate and divorce using attorneys.

Other couples may be well suited for mediation, a process that typically involves a single neutral professional to facilitate a settlement and independent review attorneys to advise each spouse, to ensure each understands the agreement fully, and to address any unresolved issues. Couples who mediate generally share a commitment to resolve their differences out of court. When successful, mediation can be a cost-effective and efficient means to reach a separation agreement. Typically, spouses who are most appropriate for mediation are both well-informed about the values and the identity of all assets and liabilities and are somewhat aligned regarding what is best for their children. Some level of trust, while often eroded by the acrimony of a troubled relationship, is a bonus to the success of any mediation.)

For couples committed to avoiding litigation and attracted to holistically reaching an agreement, Collaborative Divorce is an excellent option. Collaborative Divorce Practice (CP) involves working with an interdisciplinary team including a financial neutral (when identification, valuation and division of assets and liabilities exist) and a mental health professional to help resolve parenting and communication issues. The CP’s team approach fosters cooperation and communication, increasing the chances of a successful negotiated resolution. It is also often less costly than litigation.

Finally, where a total breakdown of trust and communication has occurred, as well as in cases involving domestic violence, child abduction, and other emergencies, it may be necessary and prudent to retain attorneys for litigation. Litigation is typically the most expensive and time-consuming option for separation and divorce, but as explained below, there are ways to control your legal fees even if you find yourself in a litigated process.

Choose an Experienced Attorney Who Shares Your Values and Goals.

Your choice of attorney may be the most important decision in shaping the course of your divorce, so be sure to seek out an attorney who has a reputation for working to preserve the relationship between divorcing spouses and minimize acrimony. Try to avoid attorneys who reflexively adopt an adversarial posture that deepens negative feelings, polarizes, and fosters mistrust.

Attorneys who exclusively litigate usually view each case as a prospective litigation and may not seek opportunities to find common ground and reach agreement out of court. Some litigators may even seek to gain an advantage in litigation by encouraging exaggerated claims of verbal or physical abuse. While we believe these professionals are few and far between, prospective clients should be aware of attorneys who seem to encourage behavior that would inflame rather than quell the fires of marital conflict.

Attorneys who mediate and/or practice Collaborative Law are often inclined to encourage dialogue and, in a collaborative setting (or even a litigation), to work cooperatively to resolve issues without court intervention. Some litigators may also practice in a “collaborative spirit”, litigating only intractable disagreements.

When consulting with an attorney, explain your goals. If you want to avoid litigation, ask the attorney what percentage of his or her cases require court intervention and how many trials he or she does each year. The information can be very telling. If you believe that your case will require a tough trial lawyer, make sure the attorney you choose is comfortable in court and has successfully conducted many trials. If, on the other hand, you want to prioritize an amicable resolution with your spouse and/or you have minor children and want to preserve a civil relationship, select counsel who settles most cases out of court and strives to avoid adversarial proceedings.

There is no “best” attorney for every client, but there is a best attorney for you. The attorney-client relationship is very personal and the person you choose walk this road with you should be someone you can communicate with and a person in whom you place a great deal of trust.

If you ask the right questions and explain your priorities to any prospective attorney, you increase your chances of retaining the most appropriate attorney for your divorce. Making a well-informed choice upfront can save you from disappointment and frustration, and in the long run will also save you legal fees.

Be Conscious of How You Use Your Attorney’s Time.

1. Do not Use Your Attorney as A Therapist Unless You Can Afford To.

Attorneys are also considered “Counsellors” and often serve in an advisory role. The process of separating and divorcing is one of the most difficult times of most people’s lives. Fear, grief, rage, disappointment, guilt, and shame are common emotions during this disorienting time. Family law attorneys want and need to understand the story of your marriage and the reasons for your decision to transition. It is natural for attorneys and clients to form an emotional bond, and many attorneys are naturally empathetic to their client’s concerns. However, clients sometimes involve their attorneys in emotional issues and family dynamics that may not materially impact the outcome of a settlement or trial at great personal expense.

While turning to your attorney to meet emotional needs might offer some fleeting comfort, as both a cost cutting measure and for achieving optimal mental health, we urge our clients to seek out a qualified therapist during the divorce process. Many therapists accept insurance and even those that do not rarely charge rates comparable to family law attorneys.

2. Communicate in Writing When Possible.

We have noticed that clients who frequently call our office to ask questions or update us about new developments tend to have bills that are appreciably higher than those who send emails to convey the same information. Some phone calls are necessary, for example when discussing settlement proposals or preparing together for a court appearance. To save on legal fees, however, clients should ask themselves “Can I convey this information in an email?” before calling their attorney.

3. Aggregate Your Questions and Concerns.

Whenever possible, cost conscious clients should aggregate questions and concerns and send fewer emails to their attorneys instead of sending individual emails. Because attorneys typically bill in six -minute increments, each email will potentially cost .1 billable hours, even if it only takes two minutes to read and respond. To address non-urgent matters, the most cost-effective emails address multiple topics using shorter, more concise questions. It is easier to convey a great deal of information in an email that can be read in six minutes or less than in a phone conversation or in multiple emails.

4. Negotiate Interim Issues Whenever Possible.

If you find yourself in a litigated divorce process, there are still ways to meaningfully save on legal fees. One of the most important is to resolve interim issues that need to be decided before a full agreement is reached, or a trial conducted. An agreement about payment of counsel fees during the litigation, parenting time, temporary support, responsibility for ongoing expenses, and occupancy of the marital residence saves substantial legal fees by avoiding costly motions and court appearances and potentially shortening the timeframe for the litigation. Similarly, even if all issues cannot be settled before trial, resolving as many issues as possible will save time and money by limiting the issues to be decided by a court. This also gives clients the ability to customize a resolution in a way that Judges simply do not have the time or ability to do.

5. Perform Cost Benefit Analyses Throughout Settlement Negotiations and Have Realistic Expectations.

Among the most common mistakes clients make in settlement negotiations is failing to consider the legal fees that will be incurred without a settlement and naively believing that the judge will rule in their favor at trial.

It is ingrained in our culture that the “good guy” should win has after having his “day in court”, but virtually every spouse is convinced that he or she is the “good guy” and will “win” in court. Most attorneys naturally align with their clients and whether deliberately or inadvertently, reinforce the client’s belief that “the truth” or “the law” is on their side.

While judges certainly do their best to achieve justice and ascertain the “truth”, the outcome of litigation is often bitterly disappointing to one or both parties. This disappointment arises from having clung to the myth of “justice served” and “good guys win”.

When assessing a settlement offer, do not compare the offer only with what you (or your attorney) believe a court would do or what your spouse “deserves”; rather realistically weigh the cost of saying “yes” to the offer against the anticipated costs of trial and the risks of allowing a court to decide the issues.

As we often tell our clients, sometimes it is better to give a spouse more than he or she “deserves” instead of incurring hefty additional legal fees and “rolling the dice” in court.

6. Identify Underlying Interests.

One mistake that often leads to wasted legal fees and trial is the tendency of both spouses to adopt and remain locked in two diametrically opposed positions. One wants to stay in the house; the other wants to sell. One wants to keep the children in private school; the other wants to move them to public schools. When spouses adopt mutually incompatible positions, it seems like there must be a “winner” and a “loser” and only the court can decide which role each spouse will play.

However, if spouses can identify the interests that underly their positions, it is often possible to abandon the “win/lose” paradigm and create solutions that meet both spouses’ needs. The desire of one parent to stay in the house (a position) may be motivated by a desire to offer stability to the children and allow them to maintain their schools and friendships during a time of transition (interests). The insistence on selling the house now (a position) may reflect the other parent’s concern that he or she cannot afford to pay the expenses of the house while establishing a new household of his or her own (interests).

In a negotiation that looks at these underlying interests, solutions that meet both parties’ legitimate needs – whether they involve refinancing the mortgage to lower the monthly payments, a stay-at-home spouse returning to work to help pay living expenses, or an agreement to maintain the house for a limited transition period while the children adjust to the separation – can be reached.

7. Adopt Reasonable Positions Using Objective Criteria.

Another huge contributor to out of control legal costs is positional bargaining. In positional bargaining, each side stakes out an extreme position and then move closer and closer to agreement through a prolonged negotiation process. To shortcut this process, we recommend adopting a reasonable position based on objective criteria (support formulas, caselaw, etc.) at the outset and sharing your criteria with the other side. Negotiating from a place where each spouse is within a justifiable range of outcomes based on measurable criteria saves time and legal fees.

8. Do not Sweat the Small Stuff. Be Generous.

One of the most common pet peeves of the family law attorneys is being asked to negotiate the division of personal property such as furniture, family photos, rugs, dishes, etc. Apart from high-value, collections, art, antiques, and important jewelry, most tangible objects do not have sufficient monetary value to justify paying legal fees to resolve the dispute. Yet clients often insist upon using counsel to battle about these sentimental or symbolic objects. Spouses are advised to weigh the cost of using attorneys to divide tangible items, to arrive at a fair method to divide household furniture and furnishings such as an alternating selection process, and to adopt an attitude of generosity whenever possible.

Conclusion

In sum, the client has far more control of the process than it may first appear. The savvy client will choose an attorney with whom communication is clear, trust is established early, objectives are identified quickly and the process choice for resolving the dispute is discussed at the very first consultation. He or she will adopt reasonable positions and the professionals involved in the negotiation will seek to find common ground and solutions that work for both clients.

Attorneys can and should advocate for their clients without being adversarial. Effective and efficient communication will save time and money and will likely avoid unnecessary and protracted litigation. The path to closure takes many twists and turns. Choose the attorney who walks beside you on that journey carefully. It will make a significant difference in both your financial security and your emotional health.

Mr. Kozek is a litigator, collaborative attorney, and founding member of Kramer Kozek LLP, a boutique Matrimonial Law Firm practicing in suburban and metropolitan New York City. He is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL), a pioneer of New York’s trend toward out-of-court dispute resolution which includes founding the New York Association of Collaborative Professionals (NYACP )and serving on the Board of Directors of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP). Mr. Kozek has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Top 25 attorneys in Westchester County, and is rated “AV” by Martindale Hubble as pre-eminent in both ethical standards and legal ability. He lectures and has written extensively on the topics of divorce, Collaborative Practice and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Ms. Lewis is also a member of Kramer Kozek LLP where she concentrates her practice exclusively on Matrimonial and Family Law matters, focusing on Collaborative Divorce, Mediation, Mediation Review and Litigation. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the NYACP. Ms. Lewis began her career in ADR while focusing on Family Law and earning her Juris Doctorate from Harvard University prior to joining Kramer Kozek. Ms. Lewis recently received accolades for her pro bono service to separated and divorcing spouses from the Legal Services of the Hudson Valley. Ms. Lewis has been practicing law since 1998.

Mr. Kozek and Ms. Lewis are both active members of the Family Law Sections of multiple bar associations including the Westchester County, Westchester County Women’s, American and the New York and New Jersey State Bar Associations. Both have been recognized for their achievements in Collaborative and Family Law by New York Metro Super Lawyers.

For additional information about Neil and Michelle or to learn more about Kramer Kozek LLP, their website is kramerkozek.com and the firm’s main number is 914-683-3500.

Potential Coronavirus Exposure is Being Investigated Following Greeley’s Drive-In Graduation Ceremony

June 27, 2020 by Inside Press

State, County, Town and School Officials Issue Official Responses and Guidelines as Town Residents and Merchants Grapple with Concerns Over Revelations and a New Quarantine Order Directed at Graduation Attendees.

Despite Horace Greeley High School’s plan for a socially distanced approach to graduation, some people broke protocol, and today Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed the State Department of Health to investigate possible coronavirus exposures at the graduation ceremony and at related events which followed. According to a release from the Governor’s office, potential COVID-19 exposure may have occurred “after an individual who had recently traveled to Florida and attended the ceremony subsequently began showing symptoms and tested positive for COVID-19. Since then, four more individuals who attended the ceremony and had contact with the first positive case have also tested positive.” Please read to the end for public statements issued by both The Chappaqua Central School District and the Town of New Castle in response to the news and to Governor Cuomo’s order.

POIGNANT REMARKS AT A DRIVE-IN CEREMONY

Editor’s Note: What follows is a story that was being prepared to run as basic coverage of the graduation ceremony prior to the above breaking news. It is a look back at an event that included heartfelt addresses to and from members of the Class of 2020…

Inside Press Photo: Horace Greeley High School Class of 2020 Drive in Ceremony

On Saturday, June 20, seniors and their families gathered together in the Chappaqua Train Station parking lot to celebrate drive-in movie style. There were two screens and a stage set up as cars rolled in filled with seniors in decorated caps and gowns.

The graduation began at 8 p.m.when Horace Greeley Assistant Principal Lauralyn Stewart welcomed families and acknowledged the different setting of this year’s graduation.

President of the Chappaqua Board of Education and parent of a Horace Greeley senior, Jane Shepardson, said that if graduation was taking place at the high school under the tent, she would be handing each of the students their diploma and greeting them with a hug as she has known many of them since they were in preschool since her daughter is their age.

“The graduation speech I wrote in June was certainly not the one I would have written several months ago. I had no idea I would be giving a speech in a train station parking lot during a global pandemic and would end up on a Jumbotron,” said Shepardson.“I obviously wanted to talk about something universal to all the seniors, but felt like I couldn’t avoid acknowledging that I had a daughter graduating with the Class of 2020, so my goal was to briefly mention it in a humorous way and then move on to what was relevant to all of them.”

Horace Greeley High School Principal Andrew Corsilia spoke about the silver lining of the time spent at home this spring- quality time with family.

Corsilia said this kind or amount of time together is rare and that some families may have even had college aged children back home eating at their dinner tables.

“As I looked out at the sea of cars, I found myself feeling proud of this class, what they have endured, and what they have accomplished,” said Corsilia. “After months of isolation from the school, I was relieved and pleased that we could provide them the celebration and recognition they deserved. It was an unforgettable finale to an unforgettable year.”

The valedictorians gave a speech together. Each allotted 45 seconds, the 13 valedictorians felt it would be symbolic for each of them to discuss a grade, kindergarten through twelfth. The students shared a lesson they took from that age or a moment that stood out to them.

Following the speeches, each student’s name was read as a photo of them appeared on the screens. Families honked and cheered for every senior and the environment was lively.

Once all the students’ names were read, Stewart announced she had two special surprises.

The first one was that former First Lady and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President of the United States Bill Clinton recorded a congratulatory message for the Horace Greeley High School class of 2020.

Hillary Clinton said that they understood that the graduating class’ senior year may have looked a little different but those changes do not diminish the accomplishments of the senior class in any way.

“All your hard work, and the work of your families that got you, the things you accomplished, the friendships and memories you’ve made at Horace Greeley, you’ll treasure that for the rest of your lives,” said Hillary Clinton.

Then came the second surprise, a fireworks display. Families poked their heads out of their cars to enjoy the colorful, bright display that celebrated the seniors.

“The surprising thing to me was how personal it felt, even though everyone was in their cars. I think we were all so happy to be in the same place together after being apart for so long, that it actually seemed even more personal than a typical graduation at Greeley. From what I have heard from the seniors and their families, everyone felt the same – that it was poignant and extra-special,” said Shepardson.

THE AFTER EFFECTS

According to the New Castle Police Department, an individual recently traveled to Florida before attending the ceremony at the train station. She showed symptoms after June 20 and tested positive. Since then, four more people who came in contact with the individual who traveled to Florida also tested positive. The student also attended a field night, a large gathering on multiple fields, on June 20 that some seniors and juniors also attended.

According to Gov. Cuomo, anyone who attended the graduation, field night or other graduation events must quarantine until July 5.

“We need to stay vigilant. We’re prepared to do the aggressive testing and contact tracing required to slow and ultimately control any potential clusters of new cases like the one in Westchester County,” said Gov. Cuomo.

The Governor also issued a new executive order that makes New York employees who voluntarily travel to high-risk states after June 25 ineligible for COVID-19 paid sick leave.

“New Yorkers have controlled the spread of this unprecedented virus by being smart and disciplined, and our progress to date is illustrated by the current low numbers of new cases and hospitalizations,” Governor Cuomo said. “But as we are seeing in other states who reopened quickly, the pandemic is far from over and we need stay vigilant. We’re prepared to do the aggressive testing and contact tracing required to slow and ultimately control any potential clusters of new cases like the one in Westchester County. If we are going to maintain the progress we’ve seen, we need everyone to take personal responsibility – that’s why I’m issuing an executive order that says any New York employee who voluntarily travels to a high-risk state will not be eligible for the COVID protections we created under paid sick leave.”

A letter to the community this afternoon from School Superintendent Christine Ackerman confirmed that the school has been notified by the New York State Department of Health and Governor Cuomo’s office that at least five individuals who attended our Greeley graduation ceremony have tested positive for COVID-19. “I would like to assure the entire community that we are working closely with local and state officials to support their efforts to prevent further spread of Covid-19 in our area. The safety of our students and our entire school community continues to be our most important priority. The Greeley graduation was a carefully planned event that strictly followed Governor Cuomo’s Executive Orders and all NYS Department of Health Guidelines. The District repeatedly provided clear guidance and protocols for families that complied with all applicable health and safety orders and guidelines. Unfortunately, at the event, and despite police presence, numerous individuals failed to follow our protocols. In addition, we later learned that one attendee, who had recently traveled to Florida, later tested positive for COVID-19.”

Ackerman concluded that she strongly encourages members of the Chappaqua school community “to remain vigilant. Continue wearing a mask when you are in public, wash your hands frequently, and practice social distancing. The CCSD Administration will continue to follow all medical and public health guidance for our school community, and we ask that all residents do the same.”

In a Nixel alert from the New Castle Police Department, there was a reminder about testing: “As part of our public health outreach, the State and County DOH encourage testing for anybody who attended the graduation ceremony or the Field Night event and may have come in contact with an infected individual. For information about testing, please contact your local healthcare provider, or visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing.

The same evening, the Town of New Castle released to the community the following series of answers to questions received relating to the new cases and the Governor’s order:

Q: The NYS Department of Health (“NYSDOH”) issued an Order mandating self-quarantine through July 5th. To whom does this apply?

A: The State advised that “Individuals who attended the graduation ceremony, Field Night event, or events associated with graduation, which continued into June 21, should extend their quarantine period until July 5th.” Although not mandated by NYSDOH, if after June 21st, you were at parties or other events without social distancing or wearing a mask, you should consider self-quarantining as well.

Q: If I social distanced or wore a mask at the above events, must I still self-quarantine?

A: Yes, NYSDOH is requiring anyone in attendance to self-quarantine irrespective of whether or not you followed proper protocols.

Q: Why is the NYSDOH mandating self-quarantine for those who followed the rules? Doesn’t it seem excessive?

A: To best ensure the spread of COVID-19 is minimized, a blanket self-quarantine provides a more efficient way to identify those who may have been exposed and manage the potential spread. If you remain at home and limit those you interact with, it shrinks the “contact tree” that contract tracers must pursue.

Q: How long will the self-quarantine last?

A: You must self-quarantine until July 5th.

Q: If my test for COVID-19 is negative, do I still have to self-quarantine until July 5th?

A: Yes, even if you test negative for COVID-19 you must remain in quarantine. Not only can you later test positive, but according to the Westchester County Department of Health, you should test no sooner than five days of exposure or upon presenting symptoms.

Q: How will I know if I have come into contact with a COVID-19 positive person?

A: You will receive a call from a contact tracer. It is imperative that if you see such a call on your caller ID you pick up your phone.

Q: How will I know if the call is from a Contact Tracer?

A: If you get a call from “NYS Contact Tracing” (518-387-9993), PLEASE answer the phone. Answering the phone will keep your loved ones and community safe.

A contact tracer will:

 NEVER ask for your Social Security number
 NEVER ask for any private financial information
 NEVER ask for credit card information
NEVER send you a link without proper authentication procedures

Q: Where can I get more information about contact tracing?

A: Visit the NYSDOH website at NYSDOH Contact Tracing and the WCDOH website at WCDOH Contact Tracing.

Q: As an owner of a small business and an attendee of the HGHS graduation, does my staff also need to quarantine? Similarly, if I was with someone who attended the events, but I was not at the event, must I self-quarantine?

A: The NYSDOH Order only directs those who attended the graduation, Field Night and related graduation events to self-quarantine. It does not extend beyond that until if and when a positive result is received. As such, an individual with a second-degree interaction and who was not at the event need not self-quarantine. However, if the attendee later tests positive, those he or she was in direct contact with would have to self-quarantine. If you have questions or concerns, please call the New York State Department of Health hotline at (888) 364-3065.

Q: Will the Town share the names of those who tested positive for COVID-19?

A: No, WCDOH maintains the list and the names of these individuals is protected by HIPAA and not shared with the public.

Q: For those not under self-quarantine, what should we do to protect ourselves?

The NYSDOH and WCDOH both recommend social distancing no closer than six feet and wearing masks. These best practices have not changed and remain in effect. Further, it is recommended that anybody who attended the graduation ceremony or the Field Night event and may have come in contact with an infected individual get tested. For information about testing, please contact your local healthcare provider, or visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing.

Q: Will the New Castle Police Department enforce quarantine?

A: The NCPD does not have a list of those in attendance at these events nor will the NCPD be proactively checking to confirm adherence to the self-quarantine. Simply, you know if you were there and so do your neighbors and friends. Do not be “that person”. To file a report of an individual failing to adhere to the quarantine pursuant to the travel advisory, one should call 1-833-789-0470 or visit https://mylicense.custhelp.com/app/ask . Individuals may also contact their local department of health. The NCPD can only report violations they observe first-hand, but they can be of assistance and respond when needed. If they observe a violation they can also act.

Q: But for social media, would residents and the Town have known about the COVID-19 infections associated with HGHS graduation?

A: Yes, the Town is regularly in touch with the County Department of Health. Contract tracers are deployed once a person tests positive so that those potentially infected are advised and can take the proper steps to address their exposure.

Q: Will there be a “lockdown” or will the County or State implement similar measure as to what occurred in New Rochelle?

A: No, facilities, parks, businesses, and restaurants remain open. There is no containment zone. Fortunately, contact tracing is far more advanced and efficient. Simply, New Castle is not subject to the same restrictions.

Per Town Supervisor Ivy Pool and Deputy Supervisor Jeremy Saland and the board et al: “Please remain vigilant and adhere to best practices. Again, we will continue communicating with both the County and State to identify and address issues as they arise, questions we may have, and changes in policy should they occur. Your safety is always our priority. We have been in this together for a long time and we will see each other through.”

Open Door Names Armonk, Briarcliff Residents to its Boards

June 26, 2020 by Inside Press

Briarcliff Manor resident Marie Pennacchio and Armonk resident Noi Sukaviriya have been named to Open Door’s Board of Directors.

Two area residents have been named to key posts at Open Door Family Medical Center. Armonk resident Noi Sukaviriya has been named to the Open Door Foundation Board of Directors, while long-time Briarcliff Manor resident Marie Pennacchio has been named to Open Door’s Board of Directors.

Sukaviriya, a 17-year resident of the town and a long-time User Experience designer and researcher with IBM, plans to bring her corporate, design and technology expertise to the federally qualified health center. She is an expert in UX design, which focuses on the interaction between human users and everyday products and services. An extremely varied discipline, it combines aspects of psychology, business, research, design and technology. She presently leads an award-winning IBM Food Trust™ design team in providing food traceability solutions.

“Having spent many years in the corporate world, I’m really looking forward to working in the not-for-profit world and using my skills to support an organization like Open Door that plays such an important role in helping people who can’t afford health care,” she said. “I was impressed by how forward-thinking the organization is in terms of technology, and look forward to assisting in this new realm of telemedicine.”

Meanwhile, Pennachio, a 29-year resident of Briarcliff Manor, brings her experience as a nurse, corporate executive, entrepreneur, and artist to her new role. Pennacchio began her career as a hospital and private duty nurse before getting her MBA and entering the business world. She later opened a successful marketing firm. She also speaks Spanish, as do many of Open Door’s patients.

Pennacchio has been extremely active over the years in the community, serving as president of the Briarcliff Manor Public Library and spending many years as a family specialist volunteer in the Briarcliff Manor schools. She has served as a girl scout troop leader and taught religion classes at local churches.

The Open Door model of treating the whole patient by bringing in staff specialists, such as a behavior health expert or nutritionist to address their health and wellness needs, appealed to Pennacchio as both a one-time health professional and product manager.

“Open Door is the absolute embodiment of holistic care,” she said. “I was truly impressed with their collaborative care model, which I believe has a direct relationship on the success rates in patient compliance for the myriad health issues they address. In an age of uncertainty in many domains for the population they serve, this model restores control for the patient in countless ways.”

Open Door Family Medical Center’s mission has remained consistent since 1972: to provide high-quality health care that’s affordable, accessible and efficient.

Today, the federally qualified health center cares for over 60,000 adults and children every year in Westchester, Putnam and Ulster counties – with more than 300,000 patient visits and over 400 babies delivered annually – regardless of ability to pay. In addition to primary medical care, Open Door offers integrated dental care, pediatric care, women’s health care, behavioral health care, and wellness programs in its Ossining, Port Chester, Sleepy Hollow, Mount Kisco, Brewster, Mamaroneck locations, eight School-Based Health Centers in the Ossining and Port Chester school districts, dental van, and a dental practice is in Saugerties. For more information, visit www.opendoormedical.org.