Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Wave Hill Events April 13-April 20

 

Ready for an adventure? This week at Wave Hill, we’re exploring the wonders of Mother Nature through a variety of events. Learn the ins-and-outs of growing mushrooms at our Mushroom Log Workshop, or brush up your watercolor technique skills during an art workshop and explore the Alpine House and current art exhibition, Cultivating Eden, during a Behind the Scenes Tour. 


Need a fun, family-friendly activity this weekend? Head over to the Family Art Project on Saturday and Sunday. Inspired by the beauty and practicality of shells, get crafty with recycled cardboard and create your own shell backpacks! And then, take a stroll through the gardens and see what’s blooming this spring.


Mushroom Log Workshop  

Fri, April 14, 2022, 11AM–12:30PM  

$50; including admission to the grounds for one person. Wave Hill Members save 10%

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center  

Learn about edible mushroom cultivation with this fun, hands-on workshop! Wave Hill’s Associate Director of Horticulture Steve Conaway instructs participants on how to inoculate a sustainably-harvested log with edible mushrooms such as oyster and shiitake. Discover the biology and craft of growing mushrooms on wood. Participants will bring home one log for perennial mushroom harvesting. Finished logs must be kept in an outdoor location. 


This is a family-friendly workshop but requires adult supervision as hot wax and hand tools will be used. Recommended for ages eight and older with an adult companion. Workshop will be held outdoors unless it’s raining. Dress for the weather! 


Fee covers workshop, supplies and admission for one person. An additional person may assist on a project but they must pay admission to the grounds when they arrive. Advance registration encouraged, online or at 718.549.3200 x251. Program size is limited. Day-of registration based on availability and not guaranteed. 

 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension above. 

 

This workshop is held in a paved outdoor location. Participants may be required to stand for most of the program but folding chairs will be available. In case of rain, the program moves to Armor Hall in Wave Hill House. Wave Hill House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The ground floor and lower level of Wave Hill House are wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by an elevator. 

 

Family Art Project: Shelly Friends  

Sat, April 15, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Sun, April 16, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Meet at Wave Hill House 

Shells come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, textures and colors! Why do they all look so different? Marvel at the beauty and practicality of shells as you use recycled cardboard to fashion your own shell backpack. 

Registration not required. 

The program takes place indoors in the Kerlin Learning Center located on the lower level of Wave Hill House. Please note the following important COVID-related information to ensure everyone’s safety: 

  • Approximately nine families will be able to participate at a time, based on the time each family arrives. 

  • If capacity is full when you arrive, we will provide a “come back” card so you will have first entry for the next session. 

  • Each family will receive its own set of materials and cleaning will happen in between seating participants. 

  • Unvaccinated visitors are encouraged to wear a mask inside. 

Wave Hill House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The building is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator. 

 

Behind the Scenes Tour: Alpine House and Art Exhibition with Gardener Sandra Schaller and Artist Rebecca Allan 

Sat, April 15, 2023, 1–2:30PM 

$25, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10%  

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center 

Rebecca Allan’s current exhibition, Cultivating Eden, explores Wave Hill as a site where art and horticulture are intertwined. Join Allan and Gardener Sandra Schaller for a special two-part tour that allows participants to get a glimpse of the creative practices of both the artist and the gardener. In the first half of the program, go behind the scenes of the Alpine House, which is typically only accessed from a frontal view, to see the diminutive plants up close and observe Schaller’s workspace and process. In the second part, go on an artist-led walk-through of the exhibition and hear from Allan about how her visits to Wave Hill inspired her to create a series of paintings that reference the labors of the gardeners and their spaces. 

 

Advance registration encouraged, online or at 718.549.3200 x251. Program size is limited. Day-of registration based on availability and not guaranteed. 

 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension above. 

 

Program size is extremely limited. The route to the Alpine House follows a mixed-material pathway with varying elevations, and the Alpine House itself is not wheelchair-accessible. The ground floor and lower level of Wave Hill House are wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by an elevator.  

 

Public Garden Highlights Walk 

Sun, April 16, 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.   

 

Plant Portraits: Potted and Plein Air 

Thursdays, April 20, 27, May 4, 11, 2023, 10AM–1PM  

$160; including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10%  

Meet at Wave Hill House 

Show your affection for potted plants in the Conservatory and spring bloomers out in the gardens while painting their portraits in mixed media. Observe each plant’s personality and charm up close, then capture their distinct features using a variety of watercolor techniques with the addition of ink, gouache, and pastel for special effects. With artist Wennie Huang as your guide, learn from weekly on-site demonstrations focused on color-mixing, working wet-on-wet, layering, and applying dynamic brushwork to capture the details and character of some of our most enchanting spring bloomers, both indoors and out. Sessions are held in Wave Hill House or on the grounds depending on the weather. 

 

Registration required, online or at 718.549.3200 x251.   

 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension above. 

 

Plein air workshops make use of a variety of garden areas that are accessible via flat, paved paths, as well as a variety of mixed-material pathways and varying elevations, depending on the day and subject of study each week. Indoor workshops are held on the first or second floor of Wave Hill House. The House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The ground floor and lower level of Wave Hill House are wheelchair-accessible. The second floor workshop space (Toscanini Room) is accessible via stairs or elevator. The doorway into the Toscanini Room is only 34 inches wide; some wheelchairs will find it difficult to enter that space. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level and are accessible via stairs or an elevator. The instructor uses a portable speaker in all locations.   

   

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday.

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

State Labor Department Releases Preliminary February 2023 Area Unemployment Rates

 

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for February 2023. Rates are calculated using methods prescribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The State’s area unemployment rates rely in part on the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York State each month. To recap last week’s statewide press release, New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment held constant at 4.2% in February 2023.

 

Local Area Unemployment Rates*(%)
February 2022 and February 2023
(Not seasonally adjusted)

Local Area Unemployment Rates

The data in the preceding table are not seasonally adjusted, which means they reflect seasonal influences (e.g., holiday and summer hires). Therefore, the most valid comparisons with this type of data are year-to-year comparisons of the same month, for example, February 2022 versus February 2023. Labor force data for the current month are preliminary and subject to revision as more information becomes available the following month. Revised estimates for prior months are available at: https://dol.ny.gov/local-area-unemployment-statistics

Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These are the most up-to-date estimates of persons employed and unemployed by place of residence. Estimates are available for New York State, labor market regions, metropolitan areas, counties and municipalities with population of at least 25,000.

Rate of Unemployment by County of Residence
Employed, Unemployed, and Rate of Unemployment by Place of Residence for New York State and Major Labor Areas

White PostingEmployed, Unemployed, and Rate of Unemployment by Place of Residence For Counties Not Within Major Labor Areas

Unemployment Rates By County,
New York State,
February 2023

Unemployment Rates by County

Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet

This fact sheet conveys important technical information that will contribute to a better understanding of labor force data (“household survey”), including resident employment/unemployment rates, and jobs by industry data (“business survey”), which are presented in the New York State Department of Labor’s monthly press release.

State Unemployment Rates Based on Regression Model

Beginning with data for January 1996, unemployment rates for New York State and all other states (as well as New York City and the City of Los Angeles) have been estimated using time-series regression statistical models developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Advantage of Regression Model

Use of a time-series regression model reduces the month-to-month variation in unemployment rates and resident employment by reducing variation caused by sampling errors and other components of statistical noise (irregularities).

Benchmarking of Estimates

Once each year, labor force estimates, such as civilian labor force and the unemployment rate, are revised to reflect updated input data including new Census Bureau populations controls, newly revised establishment jobs data and new state-level annual average data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). As part of this procedure, all state figures are reviewed, revised as necessary and then re-estimated. This process is commonly referred to as “benchmarking.”

Changes in Methodology

Labor force estimates are now produced with an improved time-series regression model, which utilizes “real-time” benchmarking. “Real-time” benchmarking reduces end-of-year revisions, which also means that major economic events will be reflected in a more timely manner in state labor force estimates.

In addition, the new methodology includes an updated way of estimating for sub-state areas (e.g. counties, metro areas) the number of unemployed who are new entrants or re-entrants into the labor force. This change in methodology will result in lower unemployment rates in some areas and increased rates in others.

Unemployed and UI Beneficiaries

The estimate of the number of unemployed includes all persons who had no employment during the reference week (the week including the 12th of the month), were available for work, except for temporary illness, and had made specific efforts to find employment sometime during the 4-week period ending with the reference week. Unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries include those who apply for and qualify for UI benefits. Consequently, the estimate of the number of unemployed and the number of UI beneficiaries do not necessarily move in tandem.

Jobs Data

Jobs data are obtained from a separate joint federal-state survey of business establishments. The survey, called the Current Employment Statistics of Establishments, samples establishments in New York State. It excludes self-employed workers, agricultural workers, unpaid family workers and domestic workers employed by private households. This data represents a count of jobs by place of work. Data for each month is revised the following month as more complete information becomes available.

The New York State Department of Labor is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

Defense Company CEO Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy To Defraud Investors And Creditors

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that BAREND OBERHOLZER, a/k/a “Barry Oberholzer,” the Chief Executive Officer of a defense technology start-up (“Start-Up-1”), pled guilty today in Manhattan federal court in connection with a conspiracy to solicit investment in and financing for Start-Up-1 on the basis of fraudulent misrepresentations regarding financial solvency, access to cash, and use of investor funds.  Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger accepted the defendant’s guilty plea.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter, Jr. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Barend Oberholzer attempted to use the reputation of a retired, four-star Army General in order to solicit investments in his start-up company and a device he developed that purportedly could detect concealed weapons.  Instead of attracting investors honestly, Oberholzer lied continuously to make his company more appealing to investors.  Fortunately, law enforcement was able to detect the defendant’s lies, and he is now facing substantial time in prison.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment and other filings and statements made in court:

Beginning in or around 2018, OBERHOLZER began soliciting investments in Start-Up-1 and a purported security device it had developed (“Security Device-1”) from at least two venture capital firms on false pretenses.  OBERHOLZER sent multiple emails to the firms, posing as a retired, four-star General in the United States Army (“Retired General-1”), who was employed by a prominent private equity firm based in New York, New York (“Private Equity Firm-1”).  Therein, OBERHOLZER, posing as Retired General-1, endorsed and solicited investment in Start-Up-1 and Security Device-1, a smartphone case that purportedly permitted its users to detect at a distance weapons or other dangerous items concealed on another person.

OBERHOLZER and his co-conspirator, JAROMY PITTARIO, a/k/a “Jaromy Jannard-Pittario,” also solicited investments in and loans to Start-Up-1 and Security Device-1 by falsely representing, among other things, their financial solvency, access to cash, and use of investor funds.  For instance, the pair repeatedly provided falsified financial statements to potential creditors to secure funding. 

OBERHOLZER, 39, of Calabasas, California, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  PITTARIO previously pled guilty on January 26, 2023.  The sentencing of PITTARIO is scheduled for May 25, 2023, before Judge Andrew L. Carter, Jr., and the sentencing of OBERHOLZER is scheduled for July 11, 2023.

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - Nashville


Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress

We can no longer bear to see gun violence and mass shootings continue as a norm in America.

How many deaths to gun violence could have been prevented with responsible gun safety laws? How many children would still have their mothers? How many families spared such terrible heartbreak?

Enough. It’s way past time we act.

Last year, Congress passed gun reform that made some progress. But we still have much more work to do.

We’ve banned the sale of assault weapons before. We can do it again. Weapons of war don’t belong in our neighborhoods.

In solidarity,

Alexandria

CONSUMER ALERT: New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Provides Tips for Consumers Planning Spring and Summer Travel

 

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New Yorkers Should Know Their Rights and Be Aware of Travel Scams 

Follow the New York Department of State on FacebookTwitter and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics

Secretary Robert J. Rodriguez: “Following our tips can help consumers safely book and enjoy their vacations while steering clear of scammers and protecting their hard-earned money.”

For this week’s “Tuesday’s Tips,” the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing tips to consumers planning for spring and summer travel. As New Yorkers begin traveling again, consumers should be informed of their rights, shop smartly to safeguard their hard-earned money and stay vigilant to protect themselves from scams. Follow the New York Department of State on FacebookTwitter and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

“As warmer weather approaches and New Yorkers begin planning their spring and summer travels, it’s important to be on the lookout for red flags that could derail your trip before it even begins,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “Following our tips can help consumers safely book and enjoy their vacations while steering clear of scammers and protecting their hard-earned money.”

SHOPPING SMART FOR TRAVEL

There are basic travel tips that consumers should be aware of when they are booking travel:

  • Plan For Possible Cancellations and Delays. Pack a change of clothes, electronic device chargers and snacks in your carry-on luggage to support travel disruptions. A cancellation that impacts your return home will require additional resources, budget for an extra day or two to sustain until you can get home.
  • Book early morning tickets. You will have greater options for getting to your destination on time.
  • Consider traveling to a larger airport. Larger metropolitan airports offer more direct flights than regional airports. Direct flights avoid missed connections and cancellations in a city outside of your hometown or destination.
  • Do your research. Consumers should always weigh in the factors of a trip before purchase, including price, location, availability of activities and cancellation policies. Also consider whether the location has any Covid-19 restrictions in place, such as testing or vaccination status, prior to booking the trip.
  • Get all confirmations in writing. To safeguard against scams via changes in agreements, consumers should always get confirmation of plans in writing, whether booking online, over the phone, or in person. Retailers are required to disclose terms and conditions to consumers—always receive a copy of the agreement and save it for reference.
  • Beware of “all inclusive” or too good to be true offers. All-inclusive offers sound great but can have hidden charges and fees in their terms and conditions. Consumers may not even be aware of such fees until check-out, when their bill is higher than advertised. Sometimes these offers come with an agreement to join a membership or participate in a presentation. Always inquire about mandatory fees that may not appear in the advertised price, such as resort fees and taxes. Read the fine print when taking advantage of an “all-inclusive” offer.
  • Try to pay with a credit card, if you can. Credit cards often offer more protection than paying by cash, check or debit card. Some credit card companies also offer perks like trip insurance or concierge service while traveling and may offer additional protections if the trip is cancelled. Check with your credit card company on the conditions of travel expenditure reimbursement.
  • Review your travel agreements. Did you know you have an opportunity to cancel a travel agreement? The New York State Truth in Travel Act safeguards consumers against fraud, false advertising, misrepresentation, and other abuses. Travel agents and promoters must provide consumers with written disclosures of all the terms of the travel service within five days of purchase or agreement. Consumers should review the terms of the agreements fully upon receipt and ensure they align with what the consumer purchased. Consumers have until midnight of the third business day after receiving the agreement to cancel. Consumers can also cancel any time during the five-day period prior to receiving the disclosures.
  • Use reputable travel agents/tour companies. Consumers should research thoroughly before choosing an agent or company to work with. Keep track of arrangements and contracts, and review terms and conditions, especially the cancellation and refund policies. Reservations often require a deposit that may not be refundable. If the trip is cancelled, the deposit might only be applied toward future travel or may be forfeited altogether. Consumers should be sure they understand the policy prior to putting down a deposit.
  • Consider trip insurance and whether you need a 'Cancel for Any Reason' policy. Travel insurance can offer consumers relief in case of emergency before or during their trip, as coverage ranges from incidents of lost baggage to missed connections to potential medical emergencies. However, most standard travel insurance policies do not cover trip interruption or cancellation due to COVID-19 because such standard policies usually exclude coverage for an epidemic, pandemic, or similar public health event. Some trip insurance plans offer ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage at an additional cost, which is often substantially higher than standard travel insurance and normally only allows up to 75 percent refund of traveler expenses if the trip is cancelled.?Prior to purchasing a plan, review the terms of the policy and ask your insurer about coverage that may be excluded.

TRIP CANCELLATION

When all or part of a trip is cancelled, the cancellation policy and a consumer’s right to a refund will vary based on laws that regulate the company’s industry, who initiates the cancellation, when the cancellation is made, and the company’s own policy.

  • Airlines. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines may offer refunds, including the ticket price and any optional fees charged, for cancelled or significantly delayed flights, even when flight disruptions are outside their control. If an airline isn’t doing that, consumers can report it to the U.S. Department of Transportation. If consumers cancel a reservation for any reason, consumers will be subject to the refund policy agreed to at the time of purchase, which may be no refund at all.
  • Cruise Lines. Refund options may vary by cruise line. The cruise ticket contract lays out the company’s cancellation policies and your rights. For example, you may be offered a refund, credit, or voucher for a future cruise. If you opt for a credit or voucher, make sure the expiration date is far enough out that you can use it. Read more from the Federal Maritime Commission about consumer rights and the recourse that might be available to you.
  • Lodging. Cancellation policies for hotels, motels, and online accommodation marketplaces can vary greatly, even within the same company based on the season, room type, or length of stay. Some may offer a choice between a refundable or nonrefundable rate while making the reservation. Be sure you fully understand the cancellation policy prior to making a reservation.

If a consumer is having trouble getting a refund owed for all or part of a cancelled trip, they are encouraged to file a complaint with New York’s Division of Consumer Protection.

SIGNS OF A TRAVEL SCAM

The Federal Trade Commission warns against common travel scams. Some signs of a scam when booking travel include the following:

  • You have “won” a free vacation. Scammers will sometimes entice consumers with a free trip, but then disclose fees or deposits to get access. A prize should not include spending money and is likely a scam.
  • The details of your trip are vague. Consumers may be offered a stay in a five-star hotel or on a luxury cruise line, but then few details about the trip are presented. Always confirm and review the name of the company and location of the trip details.
  • You have limited time to accept the offer. Scammers often pressure consumers to make quick decisions about a deal, making it likely that the consumer will not have time to investigate the offer. Never feel pressured to agree to any terms you have not reviewed on your own.
  • You must pay in an uncommon way. Cryptocurrency, wire transfer, and gift cards are difficult to trace and perfect for scammers looking to take advantage of consumers, who will not be able to recoup their losses if they pay this way. If a travel company insists that you pay in one of these ways, decline the offer and report the company.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist and empower the State’s consumers. Consumers can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

For more consumer protection information, call the Division of Consumer Protection Helpline at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm or visit the DCP website at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

Developer Wins Zoning Approval To Construct A Townhouse Community At 1 Warburton Avenue In Hastings-On-Hudson

 


Rendering of three-story townhouses at 1 Warburton Avenue in Hastings-on-Hudson - Sullivan Architecture
Rendering of three-story townhouses at 1 Warburton Avenue in Hastings-on-Hudson - Sullivan Architecture

Developers will soon break ground on a townhouse-condominium community at 1 Warburton Avenue in Westchester County following approvals to rezone the development site for multifamily use. Located in the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson and partially in the City of Yonkers, the development will create 21 two- and three-bedroom townhouses that range from 2,100 to 2,500 square feet.

The property is designed by Sullivan Architecture and is separated into four distinct blocks with one block along the east side of Warburton Avenue and three on the west. The buildings will feature simple tan and off-white façades and range from two to three stories. Most of the homes will have two bedrooms. Select three-bedroom homes will also offer a den and outdoor space.

When complete, the units will be priced from $1 million to $1.5 million. Three of the units will be reserved for households earning up to 80 percent area median income.

Rendering of two-story townhouses at 1 Warburton Avenue in Yonkers - Sullivan ArchitectureRendering of two-story townhouses at 1 Warburton Avenue in Yonkers – Sullivan Architecture

Monday, March 27, 2023

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Wednesday! Coffee & Conversation with Pierina Sanchez, 10:00am

 


A discussion with leading influencers, policymakers, and thought leaders shaping the economic future of the Bronx.

Wednesday - March 29, 2023 at 10:00am

Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for Coffee and Conversation with New York City Councilmember Pierina Sanchez.

Bronx Chamber President Lisa Sorin, and Legislative & Policy Chair, Michael Brady moderate a discussion with Councilmember Sanchez, on housing, the Kingsbridge Armory, leadership skills, and workforce development. 

NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/NORTH CENTRAL BRONX ACHIEVES GERIATRIC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT ACCREDITATION

 

NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx (NCB) Chief Executive Officer Christopher Mastromano today announced that the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has accredited the hospital’s Emergency Department as a Geriatric Emergency Department. The senior-friendly designation means that NCB’s Emergency Department has instituted new geriatric education, guidelines, screenings, equipment, supplies, and specialized training for staff to detect vulnerabilities in older adults. Over one million New York City residents are 60 years or older, a population that is expected to grow by over 40 percent in the next two decades. ACEP is a professional organization of emergency medicine physicians in the United States. The accreditation is recognized nationwide.

 

“NCB is a community hospital, and we strive every day to best serve the needs of our community,” said Mr. Mastromano. “Over 160,000 seniors live in The Bronx, and we want them to know that our doctors, nurses, and medical personnel are specially trained to understand their conditions and help them in their time of need.”

 

“Older adults visit emergency departments at a higher rate, and they often present with multiple  chronic conditions and face more social and physical challenges than the general population,” said Paul Kivela, MD, MBA, FACEP, President of ACEP. “Seniors who visit ACEP-accredited emergency departments can be assured that the facilities have the necessary expertise, equipment, and personnel to provide optimal care. This initiative will greatly enhance geriatric emergency care and help ease older patients into their daily lives after an emergency.”

 

Requirements for the Geriatric Emergency Department accreditation begin with demonstrating that the participating emergency department (1) includes both a physician and nurse with specialized geriatric training on staff, (2) meets environmental criteria such as easy patient access to water and mobility aids, and (3) has a geriatric quality improvement program.

 

Approximately 60 percent of Medicare patients admitted to the hospital arrive through the emergency department, according to 2013 RAND research, and multiple studies in Annals of Emergency Medicine note the vulnerability of older adults after an emergency visit.

 

Mr. Mastromano recognized the extraordinary efforts of Frederick Nagel, MD, MPH and Joseph Wiley, RN, DON who led a team of inter-disciplinary leaders to achieve this accreditation.

 

“Older adults have complex health needs and an Emergency Department visit can be a scary experience. The Emergency Department at NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx has worked hard over the past year to enhance the care it delivers to the elderly. We are very proud of our new accreditation as a geriatric emergency department in recognition of our exceptional care of vulnerable patients,” said Dr. Nagel.