RyeCity REVIEW THE
CIRCLING THE DATE!
Rye and Mamaroneck do battle during a preseason scrimmage on Monday, Aug. 28. The Garnets and Tigers both come into the 2023 season with high hopes. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith
Volunteer New York!, county gear up for 9/11 In tribute to those whose lives were irrevocably changed by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Volunteer New York! and Westchester County Executive George Latimer, along with significant support from Major Sponsor Robison Oil, are proud to announce our community’s 13th annual “9/11: Serve + Remember” community-wide day of service. This event is set to occur from Friday, Sept. 8 through Monday, Sept. 11. Volunteering alongside our neighbors fosters a more equitable, opportunity-rich, and respectful community that promotes individual differences and advances racial equity. This year’s 9/11 Day volunteer opportunities will address various local needs, from food insecurity to park beautification, to a blood drive with New York Blood Center and more. Activities include writing letters to deployed military personnel, packing 50,000 meals for our local community, Hands on CPR Workshop with Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corp, and several other projects hosted at the Westchester County Center on Monday. Visit www.volunteernewyork.org/ service or call 948-4452 for more information.
Latimer said: “Each year the anniversary of September 11, 2001 brings us together to remember the lives lost on that tragic day and the display of American service and heroism of the first responders who rushed in and continued to help save lives while working on the pile at ground zero. The County is proud to continue this Volunteer New York! and Westchester County Executive partnership with Volunteer George Latimer announced the 13th annual “9/11: Serve + Remember” community-wide day of service. This event is set New York! that allows us to occur Sept. 8-11. to serve and remember as a community, strengthening deeper connection to service and underour bonds of unity and resilience.” standing of 9/11’s significance. Now, 22 years since that fateful day, “The more time that passes, the more a whole generation has grown up in the important it is that we pause to remember shadow of 9/11. Those of us who rememthe spirit of unity and service that emerged ber that day are fortified by the strength following the tragic attacks of September that all Americans showed in its aftermath. 11. It’s a day of tribute to those we lost, This strength includes the thousands of and an opportunity to reignite our belief in local volunteers who have contributed to community and in the power of people to 9/11: Serve + Remember over the last 13 do good,” said Volunteer New York! Execyears. We encourage local students and utive Director Jeanette Gisbert. “This families, especially those born after 2001, to participate this 9/11 Day to foster a see VOLUNTEER 3
September 01, 2023 | Vol. 10, Number 34 | www.ryecityreview.com
Latimer touts county’s illegal vape shop bust As part of County Executive George Latimer’s initiative aimed at cracking down on illegal vape sales, the Westchester County Department of Health has been conducting more frequent and enhanced compliance checks. These checks over the last two months have resulted in more than 70 inspections of licensed facilities in the county. Just last week, the county came across one of the largest illegal vape sales the County Health Department has seen in the history of the Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act (ATUPA) program. This “bust” was done in combination with Greenburgh Drug and Alcohol Taskforce. The Taskforce is made up of Police Agencies from Ardsley, Greenburgh, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings, Irvington, Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow and North Castle. The county confiscated all of the product and have it secured and the operator was issued a ticket and has a hearing on the issue pending. Latimer said: “In our pursuit of protecting public health – particularly in the case of minors, our initiative against illegal vape sales is showing real results. Through intensified compliance checks and strong partnerships like the recent operation with Greenburgh Drug and Alcohol Taskforce, we’re
combatting this issue. Our actions, supported by dedicated teams, are showing results. While most comply, we’re taking a stand against illegal sales, confiscating banned products and upholding our commitment to a healthier Westchester County. We salute the County professionals who enforce these laws every day.” Since the county began the enhanced enforcement, utilizing Department of Public Safety Park Rangers under the age of 21 and a larger group of trained staff (sanitarians), the county has seen greater results with enforcement of NYS Tobacco Regulations. Although the majority of checks have resulted in facilities being in compliance, there have been multiple illegal sales of tobacco products to minors across the county. In addition, the county Health Department has also seized hundreds of flavored vape tobacco products which are illegal to sell in New York state. Facilities that are found to be in violation of New York State Public Health Law Article 13-F are issued an appearance ticket by the Department of Health where significant fines may be assessed in addition to potentially losing their license to sell tobacco products.