STATE SENATE PASSES KLEIN BILL BANNING SEX OFFENDERS FROM FAMILY HOMELESS SHELTERS

Legislation Prevents Level Two & Three Sex Offenders From Residing in Shelters With Families and Children 

  Independent Democratic Conference Leader Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester)today announced that the State Senate overwhelmingly passed (52-0) legislation he sponsors that prohibits level two and level three sex offenders from living in temporary emergency housing and homeless shelters used to house families with children.

“Allowing high-level sex offenders to stay in family shelters where vulnerable women and children are trying to get back on their feet is not only troublesome but dangerous. With more than 60,000 homeless New Yorkers sleeping in New York City shelters and thousands more out on the street, we need to take every measure to protect those in our care,” said Senator Klein. “Just days after finding two such predators residing at a Bronx-shelter in my district, I am proud this legislation has passed the Senate. This marks a critical step in protecting the thousands of women and children seeking shelter and I look forward to seeing this important bill pass both houses in the coming weeks.” 

Senator Klein’s legislation (S.851-2015) prohibits level two and level three sex offenders from being housed in family shelters and requires by law that they be placed in adult-only shelters or shelters without children.  This legislation amends current Social Services Law and brings the shelter system up to speed with current law concerning public housing, where sex offenders are already prohibited from residing.

“The issue of high-level sex offenders taking up residence in emergency shelters intended for homeless families remains a concern since first coming to our attention in 2007. Federal law prohibits public housing admission to level 2 and 3 sex offenders – and we are seeking to extend that protection to our most vulnerable children and families.” said Assembly Matthew Titone (D-North Shore), co-sponsor of the 2015 bill. “Today 80% of New York’s homeless are women and children; every day that the current law remains in place, each of New York’s 25,000 homeless children remains in avoidable risk.”

Last week, two male sex offenders were found to be residing at the Crystal Family Residence, a 95-room family shelter and former location of the controversial Capri Whitestone Motel in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx.

Keith Wright Calls On Silver To Resign

       In a stunning course of events that continues to unfold Manhattan Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Keith Wright has called for current Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to resign. One by one it seems that Assembly Democrats are deserting the singing Sheldon Silver ship. There had been a call for a 5 person caretaker administration of the assembly while Speaker Silver fights the charges of corruption levied on him.

     The 5 names were all possible replacements for silver with one exception, that being Keith Wright. They were Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle, former Manhattan County Leader Denny Farrell, Bronx County Leader Carl Heastie, Joe Lentol of Brooklyn, and Kathleen Nolan of Queens. 

     The lack of the Manhattan County Leader and possible candidate for Congressman Charles Rangel's seat could mean that Wright is seriously looking at the 15th Congressional seat. Therefore it would not make any sense to include Wright in any replacement process for Speaker Silver if Wright was to leave the assembly in less than two years.

     The game continues, but it is looking worse for current Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver each and every day. How long will it take until Silver joins his friend Vito Lopez as a private citizen, and former assemblyman?

The Chips Start to Fall in the State Assembly

Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda Calls on

Speaker Sheldon Silver to Step Down

“I understand that this is an incredibly difficult period for the Speaker Silver and his family, and my thoughts and prayers are with the Silver family.  We should be grateful to Speaker Silver for his service as Speaker since 1994.  He has accomplished many great things, including securing Universal Pre-K for the state, ending the Rockefeller drug laws, the passing of the SAFE Act, the passing of the DREAM Act, and so much more. 

With a strong belief in the presumption of innocence I believe that Speaker Silver deserves his day in front of a jury before we pass judgment on his alleged actions.  However, as this body moves into budget negotiations, one of the most important parts of the year, the criminal complaint filed against the Speaker has clearly become a distraction and has taken the spotlight away from so many of the important issues we should be debating.  Issues like education, criminal justice reform, and infrastructure, among others, have now taken a back seat due to the Speaker's unfortunate situation. 

The focus of this body right now must be budget negotiations, an area where the Speaker is an instrumental component.  In light of these recent issues his position as a negotiator has been greatly compromised.  The Governor’s proposed budget will have an impact on every New Yorker, and our job as legislators is to ensure that our communities are represented in this budget.  Our constituents are our first and most important duty.

There comes a time when an institution must come before any individual, and it is for these reasons that I believe that Speaker Silver should step down as Speaker and allow for this body to get to work on these issues without being distracted.  Already since the Speaker’s arrest the Assembly was forced to cancel Session on a day that we should have been honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  It is likely that distractions like this will continue throughout the legislative session period if Speaker Silver remains in his leadership position.

It is my hope that my colleagues and I can elect a new Speaker and continue to work together through this difficult time so that we can do what we were elected to do.  Again, my prayers go out to the Speaker and his Family.”

Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda.

Night Lights at Wave Hill

  For the first time in its illustrious history, Wave Hill invites the public to experience the enchantment of its garden landscape after dark. Night Lights at Wave Hill, the culmination of the institution’s 50th anniversary celebration, offers not just the unprecedented opportunity to visit on spring evenings, but also to view a spectacular installation by award-winning artist Chris Doyle, commissioned by Wave Hill to help celebrate the garden’s anniversary year. Doyle’s The Lightening: a project for Wave Hill’s Aquatic Garden combines rear-projected animation, light and sound in the serene space of the Aquatic Garden.

On Thursday, Friday and Sunday evenings from April 24 to May 24, the public is invited to explore the gardens, to experience Doyle’s immersive installation and indulge in delightful offerings from The Shop and The Café. “Night Lights will give visitors the rare opportunity to see Wave Hill as the sun sets over the Palisades, and to experience the grounds at night in an entirely new way,” notes Claudia Bonn, President and Executive Director of Wave Hill. “These evenings pay tribute to Wave Hill’s unique position at the intersection of horticulture and art—a feature that distinguishes us as a place of complex, dynamic beauty.We are especially delighted to be working with an artist as talented as Chris Doyle.”

Inspired by the lush surroundings, The Lightening provides an electrifying experience during daylight and at night. Three faceted structures hover over the water, their mirrored surfaces reflecting the garden and pool in daylight. As evening approaches, they glow with light and animation inspired by the aquatic life below. A soundscape created by innovative composer Jeremy Turner emanates from each structure, completing the experience. Night Lights at Wave Hill allows the public to view these intricate animations, inspired by life above the water, the reflective surface and the life below.

Chris Doyle: Landscape Fictions, an exhibition of Doyle’s animations and light boxes, brings the excitement of The Lightening indoors to Glyndor Gallery. Doyle's ongoing investigation of landscape and culture is evident in the three animations exhibited: "Bright Canyon" (commissioned for the Midnight Moment by the Times Square Alliance), "Apocalypse Management," and the award-winning "Waste_Generation."

A recipient of a John Simon Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship and the Borusan Contemporary Art Collection Prize, Doyle explores the way that human anxieties and collective attitudes about the environment are projected through representations of landscape.

Night Lights at Wave Hill takes place rain or shine. Tickets will be available starting March 4, online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

What:     Night Lights at Wave Hill

West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx, New York

When:    Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, April 24–May 24

Tickets:  Same-Day Tickets: $25/$20 Wave Hill Member/$12 children.

Purchase in advance and save $2. No refunds or exchanges. All sales final.

Tickets available starting March 4, online and onsite.

The arts at Wave Hill are supported by the Milton & Sally Avery Arts Foundation, The New York Community Trust, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and by the Cathy and Stephen Weinroth Commissioning Fund for the Arts.

Wave Hill, Inc. is an independent, non-profit cultural institution governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The buildings and grounds of Wave Hill are owned by the City of New York. With the assistance of the Bronx Borough President and Bronx representatives in the City Council and State Legislature, Wave Hill’s operations are supported with public funds through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; the Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquariums Grant Program administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; the National Endowment for the Arts; the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; and the New York State Council on the Arts.

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A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscapes, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open year-round, Tuesday–Sunday and many major holidays .9AM–4:30PM, Nov 1–Mar 14. 9AM–5:30PM, Mar 15–Oct 31.

ADMISSION $8 adults, $4 students and senior 65+, $2 children 6-18.

Free Tuesdays and Saturdays until noon. Free to members, children under 6.

DIRECTIONS Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, the W. 242 St. stop on the #1 subway line, and to and from our free offsite parking lot. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Complete directions and shuttle van schedule at wavehill.org.

Free Tuesdays and Saturdays until noon. Free to members, children under 6.

A Letter From Former Assemblyman Steve Kaufman on Sheldon Silver

During my tenure in the New York State Assembly, I actively opposed the reign of Speaker Sheldon Silver. I firmly believed that his lack of ethics and strong-arm tactics were an insult to the integrity of both the government and the people of New York State.

 

It was obvious that my principled opposition would lead to dire consequences for my political career, and indeed, I did suffer substantially for my action.  Frankly, despite that, I remain proud of my battle against the Speaker, and would willingly make that sacrifice again.  No one should be more concerned for their career than for the people they were elected to serve.

 

New York’s government has become a national embarrassment because of the corruption and self-interest of too many elected officials like Sheldon Silver. The challenges facing this state are extremely serious, and require honest and intelligent leadership that puts the needs of New Yorkers above venal personal gain.

 

Bringing Speaker Silver to justice is long overdue. I hope that it represents a solid move towards the development of truly representative government for the people of this great state.

   
         Steve B. Kaufman  
         Former N.Y.State Assemblyman

KLEIN, BENEDETTO, VACCA CALL ON NYC DEPARTMENT OF HOMELESS SERVICES TO BAN SEX OFFENDERS FROM FAMILY HOMELESS SHELTERS

Bronx Elected Officials Back Legislation That Would Keep Level Two & Three Sex Offenders Out of Shelters Where Families With Children Reside

State Senator and Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), together with Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Councilman James Vacca , members of Community Board 10, the Ferry Point Park Civic Association and Friends of Ferry Point Park today called on the New York City Department of Homeless Services to ban level two and level three sex offenders from temporary emergency housing and homeless shelters used to house families with children. (In the background of the photo above is the old Capri Motel now called the 'Crystal Family Residence' a 95 room city family shelter which now services about 200 people including children, and 2 reported high level sex offenders).

“Allowing high-level sex offenders to stay in family shelters where vulnerable women and children are trying to get back on their feet is not only troublesome but dangerous. With more than 60,000 homeless New Yorkers sleeping in New York City shelters and thousands more out on the street, we need to take every measure to protect those in our care,” said Senator Klein. “That’s why I have introduced legislation in the State Senate that would prohibit the NYC Department of Homeless Services from placing these risky offenders in shelters housing women and children. This is a critical measure in ensuring the safety and security of all homeless New Yorkers and I look forward to working with my partners in Albany to see this important piece of legislation passed in the coming weeks and months.”

The renewed call comes in response to shocking revelations and widespread press reports that two male sex offenders currently reside at the Crystal Family Residence, a new 95-room family shelter and former location of the controversial Capri Whitestone Motel in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx. Curtis Bolden, a 58-year-old male, convicted on two counts of rape in the first degree and released from prison in 2010, was found to be living at the shelter on January 15th. One week later, James Bryant, a 50-year-old male convicted of molesting a 7-year-old child, was also found to be living at the family shelter.  

Senator Klein’s legislation (S.S851-2015) would prevent harmful predators, including level two and level three sex offenders, from being housed in family shelters and require by law that they be placed in adult-only shelters or shelters without children.  This important legislation would bring the shelter system up to speed with current social services law that bars level two and level three sex offenders from living in public housing.

“The Department of Homeless services had acted with arrogance when they forced this shelter upon our community and refused to work with with elected leaders in finding an alternative site,” said Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. “Now they have apparently shown incompetence in selecting a managing agent who doesn’t bother checking whether they are putting sex offenders in a shelter where young children are being housed. This is intolerable.”

“Our shelters are safe havens for families and children experiencing the most difficult of hardships,” said Bronx Councilman James Vacca. “We cannot, in good conscience, accept the risk of allowing sex offenders to live in close quarters with these already vulnerable families.”

The Crystal Family Residence is a family homeless shelter located at 555 Hutchinson River Parkway in the Bronx. The new residence was converted from the former hot-sheet hotel,  the Capri Whitestone, in September, 2014.

Councilman Vacca expresses his outrage at the lack of screening of residents at this residence.

Assemblyman Benedetto is also outraged that the city could do something like this with little or no regard to the community.

Wave Hill Events Feb 6–Feb 13

SAT, FEBRUARY 7    FAMILY ART PROJECT: NATURE-MASK PAPERMAKING—A WAVE HILL AT 50 ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM

For this celebratory occasion, learn from visiting artist Randy Brozen how to make beautiful, handmade paper masks from the natural fibers of cotton and abaca. Decorate your masks with natural images, leaves, sparkly items and materials from Wave Hill, then parade your creation for a forest carnival.

Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 7    TAI CHI CHUAN

Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this hour-long class, Irving Yee, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its benefits. Sessions are held indoors in winter. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration offered online only and includes a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

SAT, FEBRUARY 7     WAVE HILL CHAIR WORKSHOP—DAY ONE 

Wave Hill’s inspirational landscape is complemented by the iconic Wave Hill chair. In this two-day workshop, construct your own Wave Hill Chair under the guidance of master carpenter and Wave Hill Director of Facilities Frank Perrone. Participants receive step-by-step instructions; no previous carpentry skills required. Must attend both sessions. Space is limited! $250/$230 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Continues Sunday, February 8.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM‒4PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 7    WRITTEN IN THE ROCKS LECTURE

The view of the Hudson River and Palisades from Wave Hill is quite spectacular, not only visually but also for the geologic history written in the rocks. The bedrock of Wave Hill is composed of the “roots” of once majestic mountains that rivaled the Rockies in scale and grandeur. Take in the view from Armor Hall while you discover the fascinating natural history of the Palisades and its surroundings. Geologist Sidney Horenstein, an environmental educator emeritus at the American Museum of Natural History and the natural history consultant to the Bronx County Historical Society, leads this presentation. Space is limited; reservations recommended, at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 8    WINTER BIRDING

The Hudson River valley hosts an impressive diversity of bird species, even during the winter months. Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodlands with naturalist Gabriel Willow to observe birds in their winter habitats. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, FEBRUARY 8    FAMILY ART PROJECT: NATURE-MASK PAPERMAKING—A WAVE HILL AT 50 ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM

For this celebratory occasion, learn from visiting artist Randy Brozen how to make beautiful, handmade paper masks from the natural fibers of cotton and abaca. Decorate your masks with natural images, leaves, sparkly items and materials from Wave Hill, then parade your creation for a forest carnival.

Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 8     WAVE HILL CHAIR WORKSHOP—DAY TWO 

Wave Hill’s inspirational landscape is complemented by the iconic Wave Hill chair. In this two-day workshop, construct your own Wave Hill Chair under the guidance of master carpenter and Wave Hill Director of Facilities Frank Perrone. Participants receive step-by-step instructions; no previous carpentry skills required. Must attend both sessions. Space is limited! $250/$230 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Day one of this workshop takes place on Saturday, February 7.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM‒NOON

SUN, FEBRUARY 8    HATHA YOGA

Reduce stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, breath and mind/body/spirit. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss Director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors, and last for an hour and a quarter. Ms. Dewji is certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors in winter. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration offered online only and includes a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

SUN, FEBRUARY 8    MEDITATION

Let nature inspire you to find your center and reconnect with your true self using guided mindfulness and other meditation practices. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques, followed by guided meditations. Led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other qualified instructors. Sessions are held indoors. All levels welcome. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration offered online only and includes a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:45AM

SUN, FEBRUARY 8    TRUSTY TREES FAMILY WALK

Trunks, stems, leaves and branches; trees have many characteristics worth pondering. Join naturalist and educatorGabriel Willow on a walk through the gardens and woodlands of Wave Hill to discover the diversity of trees. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 8   WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: LIVING DRAWINGS

The word animation comes from a Latin root which means to “instill with life.” Join Winter Workspace artist Julia Oldham in a workshop using traditional “cel” animation to create exciting and quirky living drawings in flipbooks. Examine the bodies of living organisms and learn how to recreate their movements through hand-drawn animation.  All workshops with Winter Workspace artists begin in their Glyndor Gallery studios with an introduction to their creative process. Unless otherwise noted, art materials are provided. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. $15/$5 Wave Hill Member per session. 

GLYNDOR GALLERY AND ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1–4PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 8    SWEET AND SPICY TRUFFLES COOKING DEMONSTRATION

What could be sweeter (and more decadent) than a batch of delicious chocolate truffles? A chef from Great Performances demonstrates the process of truffle-making using surprisingly spicy ingredients such as cinnamon, chili and ginger. Go home with recipes, just in time to whip up some hand-made Valentine’s sweets for your sweetie. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 8    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, FEBRUARY 9

Closed to the public

TUE, FEBRUARY 10   WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: VERTICAL GARDENING—INTERACTING WITH LIVING ART

Join Winter Workspace artist Ivan Stojakovic in creating a large-scale, collaborative work of living art. Using succulent plants and sculptural materials, make choices in the composition that address environmental issues relevant to the Bronx. In the end, see how the final work turns from horizontal to vertical, from the planting bed to the hung sculpture. Participants will leave with detailed instructions for designing and creating a vertical succulent garden at home. All workshops with Winter Workspace artists begin in their Glyndor Gallery studios with an introduction to their creative process. Unless otherwise noted, art materials are provided. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. $15/$5 Wave Hill Member per session. 

GLYNDOR GALLERY AND ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1–2:30PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15–October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242^nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

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

Combat the FLU this season from Assemblymen Jeffrey Dinowitz and Mark Gjonaj

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz urged constituents to go to their primary care physicians when possible, rather than emergency rooms, if experiencing flu-like symptoms. The Assemblyman has heard from local hospitals who have said that their emergency departments have been filled in recent weeks with patients concerned about flu-like symptoms. To ensure that emergency rooms can serve all patients who need urgent care, the hospitals request that patients contact their primary care physicians first about these symptoms.

Last fall and in years prior, Assemblyman Dinowitz has sponsored flu shots at no cost to the community. Last year, he collaborated with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Montefiore Hospital, and Walgreens, as well as Congressman Eliot Engel, State Senator Jeffrey Klein, and Council Member Andrew Cohen to provide this service. While the Assemblyman’s flu shot drive has ended, individuals who have not yet received a flu shot and are not feeling ill can still get vaccinated in many local pharmacies and hospitals.

Assemblyman Dinowitz said, “I have been informed that local emergency rooms are filled to the brim with patients experiencing flu-like symptoms, which stretches the resources of emergency departments and makes it difficult for staff to serve all patients in need. Instead, medical professionals are recommending that individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms contact their primary care physicians or visit a walk-in clinic for an initial diagnosis. As we are in the midst of peak flu season now, I urge Bronx residents to make sure that they and their families get flu shots, if they haven’t already.”

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj and Staff - 

Our community is experiencing a surge of flu cases flooding the Emergency Rooms of all of our local hospitals, creating long wait times and crowded conditions. Additionally, this backlog puts those who are seeking medical treatment for other conditions at risk of contracting the flu while awaiting care.   

To decrease the number of Emergency Room cases, our local hospitals have asked us to ask for your cooperation.  They suggest that you take the following actions if you feel you may have contracted the flu virus:

1. Get a flu shot. Flu shots are widely available at your doctor's office, urgent care centers and local pharmacies.

2. If you have flu-like symptoms, call your primary care provider (PCP) immediately. They will do an initial triage and may be able to recommend treatment immediately and effectively. 

3. Avoid the Emergency Room if at all possible, unless a doctor tells you otherwise.  If you cannot go to your PCP, consider going to an urgent care center or other walk-in clinics. The waiting times at urgent care centers is often much shorter than the Emergency Room, and they are fully equipped to handle a variety of illnesses and injuries, including the flu. 

With your help, we can reduce the case loads and waiting times at Emergency Rooms in our borough and reduce the risk of spreading the flu.  

Spread the word to your friends and neighbors. We wish you a happy, safe and healthy season!