THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR UNVEILS STRENGTHENED SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION POLICY

 

New Yorkers Can View the Revised Policy and Provide Comments

Proposed Updates Strengthen Nation-Leading Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) today released a strengthened, nation-leading Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy. The updated policy, drafted in consultation with the New York State Division of Human Rights (NYS DHR), adds new language to include remote workers, defines different gender identities and expands on gender discrimination, and provides examples of sexual harassment and retaliation across a broader spectrum of careers. It also includes bystander intervention methods to empower workers to intervene in instances where they witness harassment in their workspace. This model policy was written so New Yorkers can better understand their rights at the workplace. The public now has 30 days to provide comment on the policy.

“I thank the many New Yorkers who participated in this process. Your feedback is making New York State stronger and safer for everyone at the workplace,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “Once again, New York sets the bar nationally for how we protect our workforce. I thank Governor Hochul for continuing to deliver for workers statewide.”

Engaging with workers, employers and advocates was a top priority during the revision process. NYSDOL held an in-person public hearing and collected feedback online from workers, employers, and other stakeholders across New York State on the state's original Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy. The input was instrumental in crafting this nation-leading policy that helps ensure all workspaces across New York State are free of sexual harassment.

NYSDOL, in consultation with NYS DHR, is currently revising training videos and online resources to help employees and employers identify sexual harassment and better understand their rights. NYSDOL will also launch a public education campaign to inform New Yorkers statewide about the changes.

“This updated policy embodies the values of our state by prioritizing the safety and dignity of our workforce. It is also an important step in showing that our state’s government is responsive to the needs and feedback of its workers, ” said New York State Division of Human Rights Commissioner Maria L. Imperial. “Governor Hochul and New York State are committed to eliminating sex discrimination from workplace cultures statewide. It was an honor to work collaboratively on this updated policy.”

The original Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy was created in 2018 as part of New York State’s commitment to establishing safer and more equitable workplaces by requiring all employers, regardless of size, to adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide annual training to employees. The legislation included the provision that the Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy be reviewed and revised every four years. Workplaces are constantly changing, and the state is committed to strengthening its model policy to reflect the evolution of the world of work.

For more information on the current Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy go to Combating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.

If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, file a report online or call NYS DHR’s new toll-free sexual harassment hotline at 1-800-HARASS-3 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wave Hill Events February 2-February 9

 

 Don't snooze through winter fun—Hibernators Weekend is finally here Sat, Sun, Feb 4, 5. Hunker down like a hibernator with activities in our warm and cozy indoor spaces, or venture out into the peaceful gardens to connect with the creatures that animate the winter landscape—including humans! Meet live animals, create a dreamy hibernators mask at the Family Art Project, join a rejuvenating wellness class and explore the magical grounds. Afterwards, pop into The Café for a snack or warm drink. Visit our website for the full line-up of events this special weekend: fal.cn/3v3jn 

Sunday, drop in to visit our 2023 Winter Workspace Artists in their studios in Glyndor Gallery and learn about their creative practices. 

Winter Workspace 2023: Drop-In Sunday 

Sun, Feb 5, 2023, 1PM–3PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Glyndor Gallery 

The Winter Workspace is a program that takes place over two, six-week sessions and provides artists with free studio space, a financial stipend, and access to Wave Hill’s living collection. Session One takes place from January 9 to February 19, 2023. Since its start 14 years ago, the Workspace has supported more than 150 artists. During the Winter Workspace, artists have intimate access to the greenhouses, as well as horticultural and curatorial staff. Experimentation is encouraged and artists expand their practices while working on-site. Artists also engage with Wave Hill visitors through Drop-In Sundays, Open Studio events, as well as adult or family workshops. At the core of the Winter Workspace is the recognition that creating art within the context of a garden is a unique experience. 

 

The Winter Workspace Drop-In Sunday series provides an opportunity for Wave Hill visitors to deepen their connection with the arts and their experience of the garden by learning how artists are drawing inspiration from our site. During this event, visitors can mingle with three Workspace Artists in their studios, ask questions, and learn about their creative practice. Each Sunday a different group of artists participate.  

 

This event is family-friendly, and we welcome visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to attend. A Discovery Guide for families is available at the gallery desk, offering a fun way to engage with the artwork on view.  

 

Registration encouraged but not required for this drop-in event; register online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension above. 

 

Glyndor Gallery is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with an elevator that provides access to the gallery level. The Sunroom Project Space can be accessed with an ADA-compliant ramp. The restroom on the gallery level is all-gender and ADA-compliant.   

 

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walks 

Sun, Feb 5, 2023, 2–2:45PM  

Free with admission to the grounds  

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide–come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels. 

 

Registration is not required for this drop-in event. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. Not intended for groups; groups should sign-up for Private Garden Tours. 

 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251.   

 

Garden Highlights Walks follow a variety of routes along mixed-material pathways and varying elevations. Accessible routes are available as requested; please indicate your need to Wave Hill staff at the Greeter Desk in the Perkins Visitor Center.   

HOURS: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.

garden-and-conservatory-highlights-walk_credit-Wave-Hill.

Attorney General James and Acting Commissioner Hiller Announce Sentencings in Ponzi Scheme

 

Carl Carro Sentenced to Up to 8 Years and James Doyle Sentenced to Five Years’ Probation for Scheme that Stole More Than $1 Million from Unsuspecting Investors

New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller announced the sentencings of Carl Carro (61, of Delaware County) and James Doyle (74, of Westchester County) for operating a nearly decade-long Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors in New York and throughout the nation of more than $1 million. Carro pled guilty last October to Money Laundering in the Second Degree (class C felony), Securities Fraud under the Martin Act (class E felony), Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree (class E felony), and Repeated Failure to File Personal Income Tax Returns (class E felony). Doyle pled guilty in July 2021 to Money Laundering in the Second Degree (class C felony) and Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree (class E felony). Carro was sentenced to 4 to 8 years in prison and Doyle was sentenced to five years’ probation. As part of their respective sentences, Carro and Doyle agreed to pay a total of more than $1 million in judgments to the victims of their scheme. 

“New Yorkers deserve the peace of mind of knowing that when they invest their hard-earned money, it won’t be stolen by shameless fraudsters,” said Attorney General James. “For nearly a decade, Carl Carro and James Doyle pocketed more than $1 million dollars from investors who trusted them with their funds. I thank the Department of Taxation and Finance and Acting Commissioner Hiller for their critical support in our efforts to bring these bad actors to justice. My office will always work to protect the interests of New Yorkers and ensure anyone seeking to take advantage or violate state laws is held accountable.”

“These are not victimless crimes,” said Acting Commissioner Hiller. “Anyone who attempts to defraud New Yorkers also deprives the state of tax revenue used for vital public programs and services and must be held accountable. We’ll continue to work with Attorney General Letitia James, her office, and all levels of law enforcement to root out all forms of tax fraud and level the playing field for all New Yorkers.”

Yesterday's sentencings are the result of a joint investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the Department of Taxation and Finance’s (DTF) Criminal Investigations Division. In January 2021, both Carro and Doyle were arrested and charged with multiple crimes for their roles in the Ponzi scheme. Last May, Carro was charged for failing to pay more than $75,000 in New York state taxes over a six-year period. 

As outlined in the complaints, Carro and Doyle solicited investments in their companies, Endeavor Management Solutions and Endeavor Consultancy, from more than 50 individuals in New York and other states between January 2012 and December 2020. Carro and Doyle misrepresented to investors that Endeavor was a headhunting firm hired by prestigious clients to find candidates for openings on their boards of directors. They first lured investors with false promises of interviews for board positions and then offered purported no-risk investment opportunities in their firm. The two defendants promised their victims that investments would be held in an untouched cash reserve fund that allegedly held over $1 million and guaranteed a 10 to 20 percent return on investment after 30 days.  

An OAG audit revealed that investor funds were used for personal expenses and to pay back previously defrauded investors. According to the audit, the defendants spent nearly $500,000 on cash withdrawals, more than $200,000 to pay personal credit card bills, more than $57,000 on pet expenses, and more than $350,000 to pay previously defrauded investors. Altogether, Carro and Doyle stole between $15,000 and $30,000 from each of the more than 50 victims, with total losses exceeding $1 million. The overwhelming majority of the stolen funds were diverted for Carro’s personal benefit, including over $170,000 in restitution to pay the victims of Carro’s prior criminal cases. The audit also revealed that Carro failed to report over $2 million in taxable income, which included the amount he stole from victims, and failed to remit more than $100,000 in taxes owed to New York state since at least 2012.

Attorney General James thanks DTF’s Criminal Investigations Division, the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, the Otsego County District Attorney’s Office, the New York state Department of Financial Services, New Hampshire’s Bureau of Securities Regulations, Maine’s Office of Securities, and Connecticut’s Department of Banking for their valuable assistance. 

Statement from Senator Gustavo Rivera on Tentative Deal to End Strike Between NYSNA and Montefiore and Mount Sinai Hospitals

 

“Today is a great day for The Bronx and New York City. Overnight, NYSNA nurses reached tentative deals with Montefiore and Mount Sinai ending their three day strike. I’m glad that all parties were able to reach a deal, which includes implementing safe and enforceable staffing ratios in all inpatient units. Such measures will ensure the safety of both patients and nurses by improving working conditions that will allow these professionals to care for Bronxites and New Yorkers the way they deserve. Also, I’m proud that there will be an effort to recruit more nurses locally in The Bronx. Like I said before, no worker wants to go on strike, it is done out of necessity. Nurses dedicate their lives to caring for patients every day and this tentative deal is a product of these nurses’ commitment to their profession. This is a massive victory for our borough, for nurses in our City, nurses across the country, and for the labor movement.”

NY State Senator Gustavo Rivera | rivera.nysenate.gov

Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $38 Million Bridge Replacement Project on Saw Mill River Parkway in Westchester County

 

Two New Bridges Between Exits 26 & 28 in Pleasantville Improve Resiliency Against Severe Weather Events

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that major construction has been completed on two new bridges that carry the Saw Mill River Parkway over the Saw Mill River in the Village of Pleasantville, Westchester County. Located between Exits 26 & 28 on the parkway, the new bridges and a newly stabilized 1.3-mile stretch of the roadbed adjacent to the two structures will enhance safety and improve resiliency along a vital commuter artery that provides access to the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge and the New York State Thruway which has been prone to flooding during heavy rains. The work, which cost approximately $38 million, was done as part of an ongoing, $115 million project to replace or renovate several bridges in lower Westchester County to better withstand severe weather events and improve travel throughout the busy corridor.

"Westchester County commuters are all-too-familiar with the Saw Mill River Parkway's history of flooding during major rainstorms and the associated travel headaches," Governor Hochul said. "With the completion of these two new bridges, we are writing a new chapter in the history of the Saw Mill - making it more resilient to severe weather and strengthening this vital travel artery for decades to come."

Begun in the summer of 2020, the project replaced the two bridges that were built in 1930 with modern, single span, steel girder bridges that are several feet higher than the original structures and better able to withstand floods. The adjacent roadway, which had been prone to settling, was stabilized with nearly 5000 wood piles that were driven into a more solid ground layer. New, higher capacity drainage systems were also added to accommodate storm water runoff. During construction, asphalt from the original bridges was recycled and used on the road deck for the new bridges and native vegetation species were planted to help beautify and protect the landscape.

As part of the larger Lower Westchester Bridge Bundle, the New York State Department of Transportation also replaced the East Lincoln Avenue bridge over the Hutchinson River Parkway and Hutchinson River in the Village of Pelham and City of Mount Vernon, and is in the process of replacing the U.S. Route 1 bridge over Mamaroneck River in Mamaroneck. These projects, which focus on drainage improvements and the reconstruction of roadways prone to flooding, will enhance safety and improve the region's resiliency during storm events. The overall project is expected to be complete by the end of 2023.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Governor Hochul understands the critical role that infrastructure plays in the well-being of a community and how important it is that we build it back better to confront the ever-growing threat posed by climate change. By enhancing the resilience of our transportation network with strategic investments like this in Westchester County, we help keep people and goods on the move regardless of the impacts of severe weather."

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Food & Networking - what's better then that?

Register - Click Here

From Fringe to Mainstream: The Impact of Food & Veganism on Our Health and Economy Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for an evening of networking, cocktails, and glorious food as we launch our food and economy series delving into the impact of food on New York City and the nation.

The evening highlights a growing trend in the food economy - veganism, and it's impact on our local and regional supply chain and business development. Networking will be abundant as we welcome Liz Neumark, Founder and CEO of Great Performances and Phillip Grant, CEO of Hunts Point Produce Market to lead a fireside chat of all things vegan, business development, and produce. For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly!

Wednesday, January 18 from 9:00am to 10:30am 7 Steps to Building Your Google Ad Campaign: Maximizing Business Marketing Google Ads 101: How to Design an Effective Google Ads Account 1 - Create an Account 2 - Accounts vs. Campaigns vs. Ad Groups 3 - Targeting & Audiences 4 - Search Keywords & Negative Keywords 5 - Ad Copy & Extensions/Assets 6 - Budget & Bidding 7 - Setting-Up Conversions   Brian LeDonne will answer any additional questions or comments you may have. Brian LeDonne is a Digital Marketing Specialist at PS Digital, a full-service Digital Marketing Agency that helps businesses create and maintain powerful and effective online strategies. Click HERE To Register

Wednesday, January 25 from 10:00am to 11:00am Coffee & Conversation w. Councilmember Althea Stevens Coffee & Conversation: A discussion with leading influencers, policymakers, and thought leaders shaping the economic future of the Bronx. Bronx Chamber President Lisa Sorin, and Legislative & Policy Chair, Michael Brady moderate a discussion with Hon. Althea Stevens, Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Youth Services and Co-Chair of the Bronx New York City Council Delegation, on workforce development, braided learning, childcare impact on business, merchant organizing, and development projects. Click HERE To Register