NEWS YOU CAN USE
New Bronx-Whitestone Bridge traffic pattern
Starting Saturday, February 26 a new traffic pattern will be in effect on the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge that will continue through the fall.
Two lanes will be closed each way from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. on February 25 to February 26. Additional lane closures may be required throughout the weekend. To avoid delays drivers should use the Throgs Neck Bridge.
There will be a permanent southbound lane closure during the work period. As a result from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. there will be three northbound lanes and two lanes south. From 3 p.m. though the evening there will be three southbound lanes and two north.
Construction will include lane-by-lane demolition of the bridge’s original 72-year-old roadway decking and construction of a new roadway superstructure.
Queens mother calls for blood donors
A single mother from Queens and the New York Blood Center are calling for more African-Americans to become blood donors.
Davina Daniels, 37, of Springfield Gardens suffers from sickle cell disease and has had difficulty finding donors who match her blood type for a transfusion.
“We need more African Americans to become blood donors, and give blood regularly,” said Melinda Caltabiano, director of New York Blood Center’s PreciseMatch Program citing the fact that there is only one matching active donor for Daniels, an African-American.
For people with sickle cell disease, repeated blood tranfusions are vital to replace their “sickled” blood cells with healthy red blood cells. As more transfusions take place, patients build up antibodies in their blood, thus requiring more precisely matched red-blood transfusions. These matches often come from people from the same ethnic and racial backgrounds.
For more information about giving blood and where to donate, call New York Blood Center at 1-800-933-BLOOD (2566) or visit www.nybloodcenter.org.
Nearly $1 million in rebates still available
Rebates up to $555 are available for New Yorkers who replace their old appliances with ENERGY STAR appliances.
These rebates will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis, with rebates starting at $50.
Once a qualifying purchase has been made, you can reserve a rebate online or over the phone. You must then submit a signed copy of the application and the required receipts within 14 days in order to complete the application process.
For consumer guidelines on this program, call 877-NY-SMART or go to www.NYApplianceSwapOut.com.
Points for talking on your cell
Getting caught talking on your cell phone will now cost you more then just money.
Starting Wednesday, February 16, drivers will receive two points on their license for getting caught on their cell phone without using a hands-free device. These points will be in addition to the $150 fine that comes with the ticket. Texting while driving already carries a two point penalty.
According to the DMV driver distraction is the cause of at least one in five accidents.
