Mamaroneck REVIEW THE
June 13, 2024 | Vol. 10, Number 24 | www.mamaroneckreview.com
SO CLOSE!
Lymeshield system installed at Edith Read sanctuary
Rye and Sayville battle for possession of the ball during the New York State Class C Championship Game on June 8. Sayville topped the Garnets 9-5 to claim their its ever state title. For story, see page 16.
County implements enhanced safety measures following assault on DSS caseworker Following a recent assault on Westchester County Department of Social Services (DSS) caseworker Marie Coto, the County has announced additional safety measures for its staff. Effective immediately, DSS will offer enhanced security escorts for staff during community and home visits. While DSS has long provided escort services, the new initiative expands their availability to cover more visits and programs. Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “This
unforeseen and tragic incident has prompted us to take immediate action to protect our personnel from further harm while they perform their duties on behalf of the County of Westchester. DSS staff perform essential work within the community, we respect them and we want to do all we can to keep them safe.” Coto, was attacked while making contact with clients in Peekskill, sustaining severe injuries and remains hospitalized. Century Protective Services, Inc. will provide
escorts on a case-by-case basis to assist DSS staff. DSS Commissioner Leonard Townes said: “Due to the urgent nature of this situation, DSS has determined that an immediate contract with a security services provider is necessary. Our employees perform the most selfless work, and we want to ensure their safety every step of the way.” Latimer said: “Our thoughts are with Marie Coto and her family during this difficult time.”
Four LymeShield System products, from pest management company, JP McHale, have been installed at Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye to reduce the risk of Lyme disease. The LymeShield System administers food pellets for mice, which include a vaccine against Lyme disease, so the non-infected mice cannot spread the infection to ticks. The pellets are harmless to other animals and no pesticides are used. Ticks are not born with Lyme disease; they pick up the bacteria the first time they feed from mice and then pass it along to other animals and humans. The LymeShield product will help break the cycle. Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “Edith G. Read Sanctuary is a Westchester County Park gem, nestled along Long Island Sound, which offers tranquility to visitors. The nuisance of ticks can hinder a visit to the Sanctuary, and with the installment of the LymeShield System, I’m hopeful that guests will be able to enjoy this County jewel a little more.”
Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, Kathy O’Connor said, “Our Conservation Division is at the forefront of industry trends and the installation of the LymeShield System is another example of our staff’s forward-thinking skills that help keep our parks’ environment healthy.” Westchester County Environmental Health Deputy Commissioner, Christopher Ericson said, “Ticks don’t jump or fly. They stay low to the ground and grab onto people, pets and wildlife that brush up against them. That’s why it is best to walk in the center of trails, take preventive measures to keep ticks away from your skin and always do a tick check of your body when you are finished with outdoor activities.”. The LymeShield System has been installed at the boardwalk, behind the bird-feeding station near the visitor center, in the meadow near the chimney and at the bamboo forest. Park-goers are still encouraged to take regular precautions and use repellants and do thorough tick checks after visiting wooded areas.