The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

New Castle Releases

Cuomo Declares State Wide Emergency; Urges Caution

by

snowstormGovernor Andrew M. Cuomo today declared a statewide state of emergency as a major winter storm has already started to bring heavy snow, sub-zero temperatures and high winds across New York State. A state of emergency mobilizes resources to local governments that otherwise are restricted to state use only and allows the Governor to suspend laws and regulations that would impede rapid response.

The Governor urged New Yorkers to avoid traveling and stay inside their homes until the worst of the storm has passed.

“As this winter storm unfolds, bringing heavy snow and high winds to many parts of the state, I strongly urge all New Yorkers to exercise caution, avoid travel, and stay indoors,” Governor Cuomo said. “To ensure an effective and rapid response to this winter storm, I am declaring a statewide state of emergency, so resources can get to communities where they are needed as quickly as possible.”

Click here to view a copy of the Governor’s Executive Order. Click here to listen to audio from the Governor’s latest winter storm briefing conference call.

Steps taken to ensure readiness include:

Roads and Bridges
The following actions will allow plow operations on critical roadways to be maintained overnight while ensuring driver safety:

· Vehicular traffic will be banned on the following roads beginning at midnight tonight with an anticipated reopening at 5a.m. dependent upon weather conditions: Interstate 84 from the Pennsylvania state line to the Connecticut state line; Interstate 87 from exit 24 in Albany to the New York City border and the Long Island Expressway in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The ban will be enforced with a combination of entrance closures and police enforcement. Violators of the ban will be subject to a Class B misdemeanor.
· Interstate 84 from the Pennsylvania state line to the Connecticut state line will be closed to commercial truck traffic due to the winter weather conditions beginning at 5 p.m. All commercial vehicles including large trucks (over 26,000 pounds GCWR/GVWR), tractors, tractor trailers and buses will not be permitted on the 70-mile stretch of highway. Interstate 84 will be closed to all traffic beginning at midnight. The ban will remain in effect until further notice.
· Motorists using bridges should allow extra travel time and operate at reduced speeds due to wet roadways. As the storm intensifies, high winds and white out conditions may result in intermittent bridge or ramp closures. Certain vehicles, including motorcycles, tractor trailers, step vans, mini buses, trucks with open backs, cars pulling trailers, motorhomes, and vehicles carrying plate glass, may be temporarily barred from using crossings due to high winds and wet roadways.
· A 35 mph speed limit is in effect on the Tappan Zee Bridge.
· There are approximately 470,000 tons of salt on hand across the state to pre-treat roads as precipitation begins.
· All Thruway and New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) maintenance headquarters will be fully staffed around the clock for the duration of the storm.
· The contractor building the New NY Bridge, Tappan Zee Constructors, LLC (TZC) will suspend all construction work on Friday due to the impending storm. TZC is currently securing all marine vessels at the project site. Crane booms and other equipment are being tied down, double checked and positioned to avoid any potential damage. TZC will maintain a small crew on site overnight to continuously monitor conditions and respond immediately to any problems.


The New York State Department of Transportation and New York State Thruway Authority have plows available statewide to clear snow and treat roads with salt and are sending additional plows to assist with snow operations in Long Island. NYSDOT crews in will be out before the storm pre-treating the roads with salt to help slow ice and snow buildup. In addition, NYSDOT has private contractors on standby with additional equipment and personnel to be deployed as necessary.

Public Transportation

· Trains will be parked on underground express tracks to keep them safe from the weather, which may curtail some express service on subways.
· The MTA advises customers that cold temperatures and blowing snow may require suspension of some portions of the region’s bus and commuter train operations, in order to protect customers and employees. Customers should avoid non-essential travel and should check service status at mta.info or calling 511 before beginning journeys.
· The MTA has prepped and deployed its fleet of snow- and ice-busting equipment to keep outdoor tracks, switches and the electrified third rail clear of snow and ice. The subway system has almost 220 miles of outdoor track, and vulnerable outdoor areas include the A train in the Rockaways, the N, B and Q trains in Brooklyn and the 5 line in the Bronx.
· Almost 500 people have been deployed to spread salt and clear snow and ice from subway stairways and platforms tonight, with 840 on the overnight tour.
· Personnel have been deployed to help keep bus stops clear of ice and snow. Employees and equipment have been strategically placed to respond to any problems buses may encounter on the road. Special attention is paid to hilly routes which could pose problems. All buses will have chains installed by 7 p.m. this evening, and most articulated buses will be replaced with standard buses, which are easier to maneuver in snow and ice.
· NYCT Buses will have 2,900 buses equipped with tire chains tonight, along with 25 snow-fighting trucks and 10 two trucks.
· MTA Bridges and Tunnels has nearly 100 snow-fighting vehicles staffed and ready and more than 7,000 tons of snow-melt available.
· Subways have six de-icers crewed and operating in rail yards.
· Long Island Rail Road has 16 large pieces of snow removal equipment on the rails, including a large spreader-ditcher known as “Darth Vader.” Metro-North Railroad has five cold air blowers and three snow jets – jet engines mounted on rail cars – to clear snow.
· The LIRR may suspend service for the sake of customers and personnel if snow accumulations reach between 10-13 inches. Crews will be out in force to clear tracks and the third rail used to power electric trains.
· LIRR may also run on modified schedule on Friday depending on overnight conditions.
· LIRR waiting rooms will remain open overnight and through the weekend to give customers shelter as they wait for trains.
· The predicted severity of the winter storm will likely require Metro-North to change its scheduled service. As the evening progresses, train service may be reduced or suspended, depending upon weather conditions, to prevent trains from becoming stranded during the storm. Details will be posted at mta.info and sent to MTA customers via email, text message and Twitter.
· The best way to stay informed about railroad, subway and bus status is to subscribe to up-to-the-minute service alerts right from the MTA. Sign up at mymtaalerts.com for email or text messages.
· Several major long-haul bus carriers will cease operations from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to points north of New York City. Travelers are strongly urged to check with their bus carriers before heading to the terminal this evening and tomorrow.
· PATH service is operating normally.


Power

· The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has extended its call center helpline hours beginning today, January 2 until 7:30 p.m., and continuing from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday, January 3, and Saturday, January 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., if needed, to assist consumers in storm preparation and response efforts. The helpline number is 1-800-342-3377.
· PSC staff will continue to monitor the utilities’ efforts throughout the storm and during the restoration period.
· The electric utilities are prepared to respond to power disruptions throughout the event. In total, approximately 3,800 field workers are available to respond statewide. Additional crews are also available through mutual assistance, if needed.


Airports

· The four New York City airports are open, but airlines are operating on a significantly reduced schedule, with more than 412 flights cancelled as of mid-afternoon. Crews are applying anti-icing chemicals to runways and taxiways to keep them free of ice. In the event that some travelers become stranded, airport personnel are preparing cots, blankets and other essentials to assist customers. All air travelers should check with their carriers before traveling to the airport.


Public Safety

· All specialty vehicles in the State Police’s fleet including ATV’s, snowmobiles and four wheel drive vehicles have been prepared for emergency response use. All emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.
· State Police troopers normally assigned to Traffic Incident Management and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement troopers have been re-assigned to patrol duties for this storm.
· State Police will provide staff to any county emergency operations centers that may be activated to help coordinate responses with local agencies.
· The Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services has staff in Emergency Operation Centers to coordinate state and county responses in affected areas.


The National Weather Service has issued the following information based on the combined winter storms:

· Nassau and Suffolk Counties: a Blizzard Warning is in effect from Thursday at 6:00p.m. until Friday at 1:00p.m. Total snowfall accumulations of 6-10 inches are forecast. Sustained winds of 25 to 35mph with gusts to 45 mph are forecast.
· Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond Counties: a Winter Storm Warning in effect from Thursday at 6:00p.m. until Friday at 1:00p.m. Total snowfall accumulations of 6 to 8 inches are forecast. Sustained winds of 15 to 25mph with gusts to 35 mph are forecast.
· Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster and Westchester Counties: a Winter Storm Warning is also in effect from Thursday at 4:00a.m. until Friday at 10:00a.m. Total snowfall accumulations of 8 to 12 inches are forecast. Sustained winds of 10 to 15mph with gusts to 25mph are expected.
· Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Herkimer, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington Counties: a Winter Storm Warning in effect from tonight at 10:00p.m. until Friday at 10:00a.m. Total snowfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are forecast. Sustained winds of 10 to 15mph with gusts to 25mph are expected.
· Jefferson and Lewis Counties: a Wind Chill Warning has been issued until 12:00 p.m. on January 3rd. Winds are expected to be 10 to 20 mph. Wind chill temperatures are expected to be as low as 25 below zero tonight and as low as 35 below zero Thursday night.
· Oswego County: a Winter Storm Warning which is in effect until Friday at 10:00a.m. Total snowfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are forecast.
· Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming Counties: a Winter Storm Warning has been issued until January 3rd at 10:00 a.m. Total snowfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are forecast.

###

A Message from Vanessa Williams

by

vanessaWe want you to know how much your friendship and support has meant to us this year. There’s no better illustration of what our community can achieve together than the amazing work happening in MHA’s seven mental health clinics.

Employment specialists in each clinic to assist clients in finding work, a step so important to recovery.
Launch of OPEN ACCESS in our two largest clinics. Meaning people in crisis can walk-in and speak to a clinician-no appointment needed.
Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) now available specifically for children and adolescents. CBT is considered the most effective behavioral tool there is.
More community members served: We have seen over 1,825 children, adolescents and adults in our clinics so far this year.

This recent note from one of our clients powerfully demonstrates the transformative possibilities of our clinic services:

“I have made an incredible breakthrough due to the help, concern and diligence of my MHA peer counselor. I cannot express the feeling of accomplishment and confidence she has given me. Until recently, I could not stay in a crowded room for longer than a few minutes. For those who don’t suffer debilitating fear and shame due to terrifying feelings, they will never know what stigma can do to a person. This morning I awoke exhilarated. My counselor ‘gets me’. I respect her and feel conviction and optimism that continued work with her will open up avenues and a new life long closed to me.”

Thank you for helping to bring the very best mental health services to the community through your support at MHA.

DONATE NOW

The Mental Health Association of Westcheste
580 White Plains Road | Tarrytown, NY 10591
www.mhawestchester.org

Bill Requires Complaint Form at New York’s PCS

by

 

             Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Westchester) announced that his bill (A.5556), which would help ensure that customers are better able to formally complain about power outages, has been signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo (Chapter 521 of 2013). This legislation would for the first time require that the Public Service Commission include a proper complaint form on its website, and explicitly allow the duration of a power outage to be a basis for filing a complaint with the Commission.

“I am very pleased for Westchester families that Governor Cuomo signed this important legislation,” said Assemblyman Buchwald. “Superstorm Sandy devastated our infrastructure, caused power outages throughout Westchester, and exposed a serious problem with the process of restoring utilities following a natural disaster. This legislation will help cut down on the length of service disruptions and better prepare us for future disasters.”

The Public Service Commission oversees New York’s utility companies, and by tracking complaints regarding utility response times, the Commission can better work to address reoccurring problems and improve communication, Assemblyman Buchwald noted.

Earlier this year in January, Assemblyman Buchwald testified at a hearing in Westchester of Governor Cuomo’s Moreland Commission on Utility Storm Preparation and Response. Buchwald recommended this legislation to improve oversight and communications between utility companies and costumers.

This bipartisan legislation was sponsored in the State Senate by Senator Jack Martins (R-Mineola), who represents a Long Island constituency that was also significantly impacted by Superstorm Sandy.

“The loss of gas and power is more than an inconvenience; it’s a stressful situation that can have potentially life threatening consequences, especially when it’s for an extended period of time,” said Senator Martins. “The need for this legislation is even more important during the winter months when families need to keep their homes heated to stay warm. On behalf of Long Island and Westchester families, I want to thank Assemblyman Buchwald for working alongside me to help make this bill become law.”

Guarding against Identity Theft during the Holidays

by

 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today issued a consumer alert to urge New Yorkers to protect themselves against identity theft during the busy holiday shopping season when that risk is especially high. As part of the consumer alert, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) released its “Top 5 Tips” for New Yorkers to safeguard themselves from falling victim to identity theft while shopping in-store and online.

“New Yorkers should be particularly vigilant about protecting their sensitive personal information while shopping this holiday season,” said Governor Cuomo. “Scammers and identity thieves often use this busy time to prey on unsuspecting shoppers, so when you’re buying presents at a store or online, it is important to be aware and take precautions. I encourage consumers to review our top five tips to protect their financial information – it is a smart way to ensure an enjoyable and undisrupted holiday season.”

Benjamin M. Lawsky, Superintendent of Financial Services, said, “During the final shopping rush, consumers should keep a close eye out to help make sure they do not end up the victim of identity theft. Your sensitive personal information is a virtual treasure trove for scammers. If identity thieves get hold of that data, it could wreak havoc on your holiday season and cause lasting damage to your financial life.”

DFS today released the following “Top 5 Tips” for protecting against identity theft:

1. Safeguard Your Personal Information, Online and Off.

· Install a firewall and virus protection on your home computer to prevent hackers from obtaining personal identification and financial data from your hard drive or when you’re using the internet.
· Never send sensitive personal information, like credit card numbers, via email.
· Do not give out personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call or are absolutely certain with whom you are speaking.


2. Keep a Close Eye on Your Card at the Store.

· When you’re using a debit credit card at a store, keep a constant eye on your card and who is handling it. Be aware of “swipe and theft” scams using card skimmers. A skimmer is a machine that records the information from the magnetic stripe on a credit card to be downloaded onto a personal computer later.


3. Don’t Get Hooked by ‘Phishing’ Scams Online.

· Make sure that you are actually on the website you wish to be on–some online “phishers” create bogus sites that mimic real ones in order to capture shoppers’ personal information.
· When using email, be cautious about clicking on hyperlinks or attachments on unsolicited messages. Even emails that appear to be from familiar and trusted sources can be fraudulent.


4. Regularly Check Your Statements and Credit Reports.

· You should regularly check your bank and credit card statements for suspicious charges. (You can also have your bank or credit card company set up automatic email alerts for large or suspicious purchases.)
· You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) annually, so request one free report every four months and check it carefully for signs of suspicious activity. You can request the reports online at www.annualcreditreport.com. Checking your credit report will not affect your credit rating.


5. Report Lost Cards or Suspicious Charges Immediately.

· If you realize you’ve lost your credit or debit card, report it immediately to avoid fraudulent charges.
· If you’re too late and become the victim of identity theft, report any suspicious activity and unauthorized charges immediately to all of your creditors, as well as the credit bureaus, and file a report with your local police.
· You can have the three credit bureaus place a 90-day fraud alert in your file so that you will be notified if somebody is reviewing your file.
· Request a “security freeze” be placed in your file at each of the three major credit bureaus, which prevents creditors from accessing your credit files to review your history, thus preventing any new credit from being opened for you, unless you authorize the agencies to allow access.


For further suggestions on how to safeguard your identity from scammers, please visit http://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumer/idtheft.htm.

New Yorkers should also be aware of the risks of providing sensitive personal information to online payday loan companies and lead generation firms, which the Cuomo Administration is currently investigating. The information consumers provide to these companies may be passed along or sold to other companies, and even scammers, without your knowledge. Additionally, New Yorkers should know that payday loans are illegal in New York State.

Steffi Nossen’s Free Week of Dance Series

by

sn-pink-dancersThe Steffi Nossen School of Dance (SNSD) invites the Westchester community to participate in all dance classes free of charge during its Week of Dance Open House January 13 – 18, 2014.

With classes at two locations in Westchester; White Plains (at the Music Conservatory of Westchester across from County Center) and in Chappaqua, SNSD offers classes that appeal to dance students of all levels. The school’s Core Curriculum of modern dance classes are designed for children, preschool through third grade. Accompanied by live music, classes are designed to teach dance technique and encourage creative expression. Modern/Jazz (fourth and fifth grade) and Jazz (sixth grade and up) introduce and explore the rhythm, styles and music of the Jazz idiom. SNSD technique programs include modern, ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and a Young Children’s Ballet program beginning with Classical Story Ballet at age 3, with classes through Teen Ballet. The Steffi Nossen curriculum develops both technique and creativity while emphasizing movement and dance vocabulary.  “We develop the whole child – body, mind, and spirit. , their self-confidence, creativity as well as physical ability,” said Kathy Fitzgerald, School Director, SNSD.

“Our faculty collaboratively designs a sequential, developmental and age-appropriate curriculum that exposes students to a variety of dance styles and provides them, with varied performance opportunities. All faculty members are highly skilled performing professionals and graduates of prestigious college dance programs.” Try as many age and level appropriate classes as you wish Jan 13 – 18! Don’t miss this chance to try a new class free of obligation. The class schedule is available at www.steffinossen.org.

Contact us at info@steffinossen.org or 914-328-1900 for more information and to let us know which days you will attend.

Steffi Nossen School of Dance is located at the Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606. Chappaqua classes are held at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin on S. Greeley Avenue between Bell School and the Library. To learn more about Steffi Nossen School of Dance, please visit www.steffinossen.org.

About Steffi Nossen School of Dance:

Founded in 1937 by dance legend Steffi Nossen, the Steffi Nossen School of Dance offers a strong community-minded and leadership-focused educational model with developmentally appropriate dance instruction and performance opportunities for all ages and abilities. With locations in White Plains, NY and Chappaqua, NY, Steffi Nossen encompasses a range of dance forms including modern, ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and world dance forms with special offerings in yoga, pilates and composition. Live musical accompaniment for a majority of classes is offered. The school is owned and operated by the Steffi Nossen Dance Foundation, formerly the Dance in Education Fund, a not-for-profit dance advocacy and community outreach organization, which seeks to foster the arts in Westchester County. Through the support of the Foundation, the school enables all students, including those with special needs, the opportunity to participate in their extensive programs and classes in a non-competitive environment. A generous financial aid and scholarship program supports those with significant economic challenges. With a sterling reputation in the industry and a rich 75-year history, Steffi Nossen is a leader among dance schools, focusing on the growth of students’ mind, body, spirit, and character.