Latest / This Week in Westchester: The Podcast / TWIW 37: September 8, 2026

Transcript

TWIW 37: September 8, 2026 · This Week in Westchester: The Podcast

• 0:06
  Intro: Welcome to this week in Westchester.
• 0:09
  Intro: Your weekly audio briefing from Westchester County Government.
• 0:14
  Intro: County Executive Ken Jenkins breaking on the decisions, investments, and initiatives shaping life across Westchester.
• 0:21
  Intro: Clear information, real progress.
• 0:23
  Intro: One place to stay informed.
• 0:26
  Intro: Now here's this week in Westchester.
• 0:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Good afternoon.
• 0:30
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I'm Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins.
• 0:32
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: This is this week in Westchester.
• 0:34
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: The briefing today is Tuesday, September 8th, 2026.
• 0:40
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: This week marks a solemn anniversary.
• 0:44
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Twenty-five years since the attacks of September 11th or 2020.
• 0:49
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: In many ways, it feels like an eternity has passed.
• 0:53
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: In other ways, it feels like yesterday.
• 0:56
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: For those of us that live through that day, there are moments, images, and memories that remain as vivid today as they were 25 years ago.
• 1:07
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: This year, as we do every year, Westchester County will come together to remember.
• 1:12
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: On Thursday, September 10th, we'll gather for our 9-11 Interfaith Prayer Vigil at 5 p.m.
• 1:19
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: at Kensico Dam Plaza.
• 1:21
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Then on Friday, September 11, we will return to Kensico for our September 11th Memorial Service at 2 p.m.
• 1:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: to honor the lives that we lost that day and those we have lost in the years since to 9-11 related illnesses.
• 1:37
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: But for this 25th anniversary, we wanted to do something more.
• 1:42
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We wanted to look back not only on September 11 itself, but at the 25 years that followed through the eyes of the people who have had the privilege and responsibility of leading Westchester County.
• 1:56
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Every county executive who has served since September 11, 2001, sat down with us to reflect on that day and the years that have followed.
• 2:06
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: What they remember, how Westchester responded, and how our county changed, and what they believe we should carry forward a quarter century later.
• 2:16
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: The piece that you are about to see was filmed and edited by our lead videographer, John Borst, and today we're sharing it publicly for the very first time.
• 2:25
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Let's take a look.
• 2:39
  SPEAKER_05: Well, everyone will tell you the same thing.
• 2:40
  SPEAKER_05: It started out as a beautiful blue sky day.
• 2:43
  SPEAKER_05: Um I was at a um a community event.
• 2:46
  SPEAKER_13: I was driving down to Mount Vernon to speak early in the morning.
• 2:51
  SPEAKER_02: Everyone's going back to school, and it was a beautiful day like it is right now.
• 2:55
  SPEAKER_13: I got a call.
• 2:56
  SPEAKER_13: He said that an airplane had struck the World Trade Center.
• 3:00
  SPEAKER_13: And they think it came from Worcester County.
• 3:03
  SPEAKER_13: I said, that's impossible.
• 3:04
  SPEAKER_13: I just looked out the window.
• 3:06
  SPEAKER_13: I could see for 20 miles.
• 3:08
  SPEAKER_13: It was one of the clearest days you ever saw.
• 3:10
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I went to take my mother-in-law to vote in the Bronx.
• 3:14
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, she came out and said that a small plane had hit one of the towers.
• 3:18
  SPEAKER_12: And in the beginning, we thought that this was, you know, an accident.
• 3:22
  SPEAKER_12: We thought that something terrible had happened, but we'd never even dreamed that it was some kind of a terrorist attack.
• 3:29
  SPEAKER_13: So we turned on the car radio and they were discussing the plane, and they said, Oh my god, a second plane hit the and at that point everyone knew.
• 3:38
  SPEAKER_12: I was communications director.
• 3:40
  SPEAKER_13: Um, the phones were ringing off the hut.
• 3:42
  SPEAKER_13: First, we set up the uh emergency center, which at that time was a makeshift center we had in the basement of a county office building.
• 3:51
  SPEAKER_12: Where we stayed for the rest of the day getting news reports.
• 3:55
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: It was shocking to a poor for everyone.
• 3:59
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I had people that were working in the towers that were able to get out.
• 4:03
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um they were both in two different World Trade Center buildings.
• 4:06
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: One walked out, and um, he succumbed from cancer uh uh eventually.
• 4:11
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And um, another one that's still a great friend that had a meeting in the towers, but she was running late for the meeting.
• 4:18
  SPEAKER_12: We wanted to to make sure that other people understood that we were with them.
• 4:25
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: To support each other, what was a horrific incident for us, an attack on the United States.
• 4:32
  SPEAKER_13: The dam, especially, we were concerned about, and the Indian Point.
• 4:35
  SPEAKER_13: And we had to come and dear a lot of people to help.
• 4:38
  SPEAKER_05: The security at the airport.
• 4:39
  SPEAKER_05: Everything turned upside down.
• 4:41
  SPEAKER_05: I went to the county office building, the board was not meet, uh, was not in session, but I did meet with the county executive, Andy Spano.
• 4:47
  SPEAKER_13: I was asked to do uh one wake and do a eulogy at the wake for a very young girl from uh from Westchester Community College.
• 4:55
  SPEAKER_13: The little boy, eight years just sits in my memory all the time.
• 4:59
  SPEAKER_13: And I think it was the first eulogy done at the time.
• 5:02
  SPEAKER_13: The little boy got up.
• 5:04
  SPEAKER_13: And he walked over to the coffin, which was closed.
• 5:08
  SPEAKER_13: They put his head on it down.
• 5:10
  SPEAKER_13: And that was the front page of the Daily News the next day.
• 5:15
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: The unity when we all came together, we're all standing together as Americans and trying to do the best and help support each other.
• 5:22
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Neighbors supported neighbors, you know, people um had family members that they did not know where they were.
• 5:27
  SPEAKER_13: I had gone down to the pile maybe three days afterward with Takio.
• 5:33
  SPEAKER_13: You imagine these buildings, these monster buildings and people, and desks, and computers, everything you would think of, bathrooms, sinks.
• 5:43
  SPEAKER_13: Nothing.
• 5:44
  SPEAKER_13: That still sticks in my mind.
• 5:49
  SPEAKER_12: This was one of the first September 11th memorials that were built anywhere.
• 5:56
  SPEAKER_13: They needed a place where they could see something about their children or husbands or whoever it was.
• 6:03
  SPEAKER_12: We had a group of people, five family members, and five professionals in public art.
• 6:10
  SPEAKER_12: It took from the first, I think, announcement in 2002 with the state of the county to when it was finally finished looking like this um in 2005.
• 6:25
  SPEAKER_12: We wanted to do this, and this is what we got.
• 6:29
  SPEAKER_12: It's 109 steel poles symbolizing 109 residents of Westchester who died on 9-11.
• 6:40
  SPEAKER_12: It was hopeful, it was soaring.
• 6:43
  SPEAKER_12: Some people called it a cathedral of sorts, and then the circle of remembrance.
• 6:50
  SPEAKER_02: When County Executive Spanner proposed it, it was unanimous.
• 6:53
  SPEAKER_02: Everyone on the board agreed that we needed something.
• 6:55
  SPEAKER_02: In the end, everyone said, you know what?
• 6:58
  SPEAKER_02: It is it is beautiful, and it's a reminder of something really, really important in our history and something that we should never forget.
• 7:05
  SPEAKER_02: And this is an ideal location for people.
• 7:08
  SPEAKER_02: First time or hundredth time that they come to the dam to reflect.
• 7:12
  SPEAKER_13: People came, and you could see that they treat it like a cemetery.
• 7:16
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: It has it has that same aura.
• 7:18
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: To walk by and just quietly listen, and some of those families, it's really hard for them to come here and to be part of that ceremony and the services and the memorials.
• 7:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Sometimes they want to have the closure and continue to move on.
• 7:33
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We're gonna be here for whatever um support those folks need.
• 7:39
  SPEAKER_02: The beam was dedicated in 2013.
• 7:41
  SPEAKER_02: It was a gift from Governor Pataki, who had it at his center.
• 7:45
  SPEAKER_02: I think that beam represents a direct bridge from what we all went through to exactly where it happened.
• 7:55
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: All of us have friends and family members that maybe have been lost because of 9-11-related illnesses.
• 8:01
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I know of several people, you know, really good friends of mine that have lung issues.
• 8:06
  SPEAKER_02: People who are sick from volunteering or just doing their job as an EMT or a firefighter or a police officer in trying to save others.
• 8:16
  SPEAKER_05: I give credit to the communications department led by Catherine Chaffee for seeing the possibility of enhancing the remembrance at the rising with the remembrance of those who were losing to 9-11 related illnesses.
• 8:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I was given the task by then county executive George Latimer to be part of the group to memorialize those individuals that made the ultimate sacrifice, going down there, just trying to do their job, whether they were firefighters, first responders, or police officers, and then the workers that went down there, you know, construction workers.
• 8:48
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Help people to put their lives together, find survivors, which is what they first were trying to do, and then in a recovery mission, trying to be able to have people have closure in those horrific times.
• 8:59
  SPEAKER_05: The common link was the sacrifice involved.
• 9:02
  SPEAKER_05: The firefighters, the police officers, the EMS people that died that day were sacrificing themselves on that day to save lives.
• 9:09
  SPEAKER_05: The people that went to work on the pile did the exact same thing.
• 9:12
  SPEAKER_05: They sacrificed, and they were told at the time uh that the air quality was safe and everything was fine.
• 9:17
  SPEAKER_05: Well, it turned out not to be fine.
• 9:19
  SPEAKER_05: Honoring them, and I think we were one of the first jurisdictions to do that, was the right thing to do.
• 9:24
  SPEAKER_05: It was a thoughtful thing to do.
• 9:25
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: The ones that are new to it because they have family, have members that have 9-11-related illnesses and have passed away because of that.
• 9:33
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: It is one of the tragedies that people are still suffering even after the specific day of 9-11.
• 9:39
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: There's people remains that have not been found, and people have not had full closure for themselves.
• 9:45
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: When we first put up the memorial and people came up with sketch paper to be able to sketch their loved ones' name and take that with them.
• 9:53
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I know that helps me and re-energizes me.
• 9:56
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: They have a place here in Westchester and they know that their county and their county government has supported them.
• 10:02
  SPEAKER_13: It was a time when if you went out of New York and when you were from New York, people really respected you.
• 10:11
  SPEAKER_02: It was a really come together time, as much as this was a tragedy.
• 10:16
  SPEAKER_02: I think, you know, as these beams come together, it's kind of reminded me of that day when we all came together.
• 10:21
  SPEAKER_02: And I just hope as we move forward, not just on 9-11, but Americans can kind of get back together.
• 10:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Opportunity for a big hug to be able to say to those individuals and family members, yeah, we're with you and we're not going to stop being with you.
• 10:37
  SPEAKER_05: We can't bring them back, so we try to just keep them in our minds and in our hearts.
• 10:42
  SPEAKER_12: It was a terrible, terrible day, but we survived.
• 10:46
  SPEAKER_12: And this is the legacy.
• 10:48
  SPEAKER_12: This is the remembrance of it all.
• 10:50
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: When we get polarized as we are going through the times right now, I always want people to remember the kind of feeling that they had at 9-11 and the days afterwards when we're all working together and people were pitching in, and it was not the divide that we have today.
• 11:04
  SPEAKER_13: You're talking um 25 years ago.
• 11:08
  SPEAKER_13: So if you were 40, now you're 65, it still affects me.
• 11:12
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Sitting now, um as the county executive here in Westchester, we're trying to protect that unity where people are able to talk with each other, not always agree with each other, but trying to remember back to that day on September 11th, everyone that was impacted, we feel that we can still be together to support those individuals still.
• 11:39
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: 25 years later, these are their memories and part of Westchester's story.
• 11:45
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Again, I hope that you'll join us on September 10th for the 9-11 Interfaith Prayer Vigil at 5 p.m.
• 11:52
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: at the Kensico Dam Plaza, and then following that on Friday, September 11th, for our September 11th Memorial Service at 2 p.m.
• 12:04
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Switching to our next point, we might have seen out there in the um in the atmosphere as far as uh op-ed, an editorial from Ed Lacterman, who's a Yorktown supervisor.
• 12:19
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, and you may have seen me quoted in that recent op-ed about the possibility of reopening Indian Point Power Plant.
• 12:25
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And I want to take this opportunity once again to reiterate the county's stance on this discussion.
• 12:32
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We continue to emphasize and to correct those who think otherwise.
• 12:56
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Let's continue to be clear.
• 12:58
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: No, we can't reopen Indian Point.
• 13:00
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Reopening Indian Point is starting from scratch.
• 13:05
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: The real question is: would you cite a nuclear power plant nearly 20 million people on a known fault line without a viable evacuation plan?
• 13:19
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: That reminder for all of us remains the same answer, a hard no, from not only me here in Westchester County, um, but also from Governor Hogle from the State of New York.
• 13:31
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: It doesn't say that Governor Hogle doesn't support nuclear power.
• 13:34
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: She absolutely does, and she is going through the New York Power Authority to identify sites throughout the State that can support nuclear power with all of the challenges that it has to be able to move forward.
• 13:48
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: For communities living and working nearby, this is not just a policy decision.
• 13:53
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: It's a clear signal that there were real concerns about safety oversight and what could happen if something went wrong.
• 14:00
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I fully support Governor Hokel's all of the above approach to energy.
• 14:05
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: One that includes nuclear where it's appropriate, but recognizes Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and New York City are just not appropriate locations.
• 14:17
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Let us not forget the plant is on a fault line, and we had recently an earthquake.
• 14:23
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And even setting those safety concerns aside, the economics just don't add up.
• 14:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: It would take nearly five years and approximately six billion dollars to build a small modular reactor at that site.
• 14:37
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And that does nothing to address the today's energy costs, and under current regulations, those costs can be passed directly to taxpayers.
• 14:46
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We need serious, informed discussions about our energy future, and Indian Point is in the process of decommissioning.
• 14:54
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Suggesting otherwise may generate headlines, but it doesn't move us forward, and it's just plain wrong.
• 15:02
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: With that, let us talk about something else that is happening today in September 8, 2026.
• 15:10
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Today, September 8th, is 988 Day.
• 15:14
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: It's a day dedicated to raising awareness about the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and reminding people that help is available when they need it the most.
• 15:24
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: If you or someone you love is struggling with a mental health crisis, experiencing mental emotional distress, or simply needs someone to talk to, you can call, text, or chat 988 to connect to train crisis counselors and support.
• 15:42
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: To talk to us more about 988 Day, the resources available to our residents and the work we are doing throughout Westchester County, I'd like to turn it over to our Assistant to Commissioner of Community Mental Health, Michael Orr, Bill Weiss.
• 15:57
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Bill, come on up and give us some more information with the entire team that wants to tell us more about the 988.
• 16:04
  SPEAKER_09: Thank you.
• 16:06
  SPEAKER_09: Thank you.
• 16:08
  SPEAKER_09: 988 Day is an initiative here in Westchester and across the nation to raise awareness about the 988 suicide and crisis hotline.
• 16:17
  SPEAKER_09: This year's theme 988 reasons, your reason is enough.
• 16:23
  SPEAKER_09: The counselors at the 988 call center can help with anyone thinking about suicide, struggling with substance use, or experiencing a mental health crisis, or any type of emotional distress.
• 16:38
  SPEAKER_09: You don't have to be in crisis to call.
• 16:41
  SPEAKER_09: You don't even need to be the one in crisis.
• 16:44
  SPEAKER_09: You can call for support for someone that you know who needs assistance.
• 16:50
  SPEAKER_09: It is important for people to know that 988 is there to help.
• 16:54
  SPEAKER_09: It is free, local, and confidential.
• 16:57
  SPEAKER_09: And the more people know that this service is available, the more people can and will seek help and get advice, guidance, and support to face their struggles.
• 17:08
  SPEAKER_09: The Department of Community Mental Health, with the great support of our county executive, Ken Jenkins, has been working to promote the 988 call system to ensure that residents of Westchester know that help is only three digits away.
• 17:23
  SPEAKER_09: We have hosted roundtable conversations with community leaders, business leaders, and a network of nonprofits that we partner with to find ways to let the public know about 988.
• 17:35
  SPEAKER_09: Whether it is additional signage in our parks, the establishment and growth of our healing garden in Ridge Road Park, or public service ads running on cable television, every message is clear.
• 17:48
  SPEAKER_09: There is no stigma to seeking help, and 988 is there to do just that help.
• 17:55
  SPEAKER_09: We will continue to promote 988 call line in new and innovative ways, much like the idea that is ingrained in us that for a police or fire emergency you call 911.
• 18:08
  SPEAKER_09: The goal remains that people think of 988 as a place for mental health and substance use health.
• 18:16
  SPEAKER_09: There is no wrong reason to call, but there can be 988 reasons to call.
• 18:23
  SPEAKER_09: Thank you.
• 18:24
  SPEAKER_09: I'll turn it over to Angela Jacobs from St.
• 18:26
  SPEAKER_09: Vincent's.
• 20:00
  SPEAKER_07: Hi, good afternoon.
• 20:01
  SPEAKER_07: My name is Annette Peters Ravolo.
• 20:03
  SPEAKER_07: I am a program director at the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health, and I'm also the co-chair of our Westchester County Suicide Prevention Coalition.
• 20:11
  SPEAKER_07: Thank you, County Executive Jenkins, for this opportunity to tell everyone about our 988 Challenge Westchester campaign for September, which is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
• 20:21
  SPEAKER_07: And thank you for the County Center banners.
• 20:23
  SPEAKER_07: They look fantastic as they do every year.
• 20:25
  SPEAKER_07: As Angela and Bill just covered what 988 is and what an important resource it is for our county, now we need everyone's help to spread the word about it.
• 20:34
  SPEAKER_07: The mission is very easy.
• 20:36
  SPEAKER_07: Post your 988 photos, videos, reels, memes, or images using the hashtag 988ChallengeWestchester.
• 20:45
  SPEAKER_07: Then challenge others to do the same.
• 20:47
  SPEAKER_07: It's that simple.
• 20:48
  SPEAKER_07: If you need ideas or want to print out the sign that we have created for this initiative, head to our coalition's website, this is what the sign looks like, at Westchester County Suicide Prevention.org.
• 21:00
  SPEAKER_07: Again, it's Westchester County Suicide Prevention.org.
• 21:04
  SPEAKER_07: And our website is also the place to learn about events happening throughout the county for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
• 21:11
  SPEAKER_07: Also, to commemorate 988 Day, the Cuomo Bridge will be lit up in purple and teal tonight, thanks to our partners at NAMI Westchester.
• 21:19
  SPEAKER_07: And today is an absolutely beautiful, perfect day to visit our healing garden located at Ridgeroad Park in Hartsdale, where we have our annual pinwheel display for September.
• 21:29
  SPEAKER_07: Lastly, please follow the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health on Facebook, Instagram, and X for useful information all month long on suicide prevention in 988, including everyone's 988 challenge posts.
• 21:43
  SPEAKER_07: Please help us make sure everyone in Westchester knows that they are not alone and help is just three digits away.
• 21:51
  SPEAKER_07: Thank you very much.
• 21:52
  SPEAKER_07: Thank you, Kenny Zach.
• 22:11
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And you can get those kinds of help.
• 22:13
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And that was very helpful from Angela Jacobs.
• 22:16
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Tells us what happens exactly when you call the 988 Call Center for us, which is run by St.
• 22:23
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Vince's and St.
• 22:24
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Joseph's Hospital ultimately.
• 22:26
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And again, you know you're not alone.
• 22:28
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So whether it's for yourself or for a family member, even friends, to be able to get that assistance.
• 22:34
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: It is so very, very helpful in the Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
• 22:39
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So thank you so much for bringing that information.
• 22:44
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We have the last and final video for from the Department of Westchester County's Emergency Services.
• 22:51
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um this last um video is out of the series of four that helps residents reduce the risk of fire danger in their homes.
• 23:00
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: This latest video focuses on the proper maintenance of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• 23:06
  SPEAKER_14: Let's take a look at the tips that we're going to give you today are safety tips that you should practice with your family.
• 23:20
  SPEAKER_04: Hi, come on in.
• 23:22
  SPEAKER_04: Hi, I'm Chief Russell with the Department of Emergency Services.
• 23:25
  SPEAKER_04: I am here to help you guys with a fire inspection today for your home.
• 23:30
  SPEAKER_03: When we talk about fire safety, one of the things we talk about is smoke detectors.
• 23:34
  SPEAKER_03: While smoke detectors are great, just like anything else, they require care and maintenance.
• 23:38
  SPEAKER_03: We found in a lot of the fires the issue is that they're not working smoking detectors in the residence.
• 23:44
  SPEAKER_03: People have them, but they don't remember to check their batteries.
• 23:47
  SPEAKER_03: They don't test them monthly.
• 23:48
  SPEAKER_07: How many times a year should you change those batteries?
• 23:51
  SPEAKER_03: So typically you want to change your batteries twice a year in the spring and in the fall.
• 23:56
  SPEAKER_03: It's an inexpensive added amount of security that you know this will work when you need it to work.
• 24:01
  SPEAKER_03: This is your backup.
• 24:03
  SPEAKER_03: This is your eyes and ears when you're out of the room in another area of your house or asleep.
• 24:08
  SPEAKER_03: What you absolutely want to avoid is taking a smoke detector down for any reason other than temporarily to paint around it or something like that.
• 24:16
  SPEAKER_03: Because this only saves your life if it's where it's supposed to be with a fresh battery and working.
• 24:22
  SPEAKER_03: Smoke detectors are about a 10-year service life.
• 24:24
  SPEAKER_03: So what I encourage everybody to do is take a Sharpie the day you put it in, write the year in big numbers.
• 24:30
  SPEAKER_03: It makes it very easy to go, oh, this is coming near the end of life.
• 24:33
  SPEAKER_03: I need to replace it.
• 24:34
  SPEAKER_03: What about carbon monoxide detectors?
• 24:37
  SPEAKER_03: I'm glad you brought that up.
• 24:38
  SPEAKER_03: Carbon monoxide is a silent killer.
• 24:40
  SPEAKER_03: It's very dangerous, it's almost completely undetectable unless you have a carbon monoxide detector.
• 24:45
  SPEAKER_03: We recommend that when people buy smoke detectors, you buy a combination carbon monoxide and smoke detector unit.
• 24:52
  SPEAKER_03: Just keep in mind the levels of carbon monoxide in your home can rise to be significant before that alarm goes off.
• 24:59
  SPEAKER_03: So the second it goes off, go outside, contact the fire department, let them come find the source.
• 25:04
  SPEAKER_14: One thing to remember if you do have any other questions, please call your local fire department.
• 25:10
  SPEAKER_14: Use the business number for the fire department for your questions.
• 25:13
  SPEAKER_14: Train your family, your kids only to use 911 in an emergency and be fire safe and save those you love.
• 25:28
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: All right, so we want to say thank you to our Department of Westchester County's emergency services for them providing those four videos and creating those four videos with our outstanding comms team that provide practical, actionable guidance for Westchester residents that can help prevent household fires and reduce the risk of injury if one occurs.
• 25:50
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I encourage everyone to review the videos and take the recommended precautions.
• 25:55
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: These simple steps are known to reduce the incident of fire and save lives if one takes place.
• 26:02
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: In its series of videos, the Department of Emergency Services focused on some of the major causes of fires in the home and outlined steps that people can take to reduce that risk.
• 26:12
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: The campaign featured four public service announcement videos that provide practical tips on ensuring fire safety in the kitchen and bedrooms, preparing a vac a family evacuation plan in case a fire occurs, and locating and maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• 26:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: You can find all of those videos on the county's YouTube channel.
• 26:33
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: But certainly because of the amount of fires that we've had in Westchester over the past few months, um this year we thought it was very, very important to bring this information to you to make sure that you can take every step possible to help prevent a fire in your house, and if one occurs, that you have a plan.
• 26:50
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: As all the emergency services folks always practice.
• 26:53
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: They know what their plan is and practice, and that's what we're asking all of you to do as well.
• 26:58
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Thanks so much.
• 26:59
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Let me turn over now to our Deputy County Executive, Joe McDonough.
• 27:06
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you, County Executive, and we all appreciate that you are wearing your violet purple today in honor of 988-day.
• 27:15
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you for that.
• 27:16
  SPEAKER_00: We also want to hear directly from the people who help drive Westchester's economy every day, our local businesses.
• 27:24
  SPEAKER_00: The Westchester County Department of Economic Development will be conducting a business survey designed to hear directly from business owners about the challenges they are facing, the opportunities they see, and the kinds of resources and support that can help them succeed and grow here in Westchester.
• 27:43
  SPEAKER_00: Joining us to share more about the survey and how our local businesses, small businesses, and chambers of commerce can participate is Sherry Rosen Asher, Director of Policy and Programs with the Westchester County Department of Economic Development.
• 27:59
  SPEAKER_00: Come on up, Sherry, and tell us more.
• 28:01
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you.
• 28:02
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you, Deputy County Executive.
• 28:04
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you, County Executive.
• 28:05
  SPEAKER_01: So I'm really excited to announce that we've launched a local business survey because we want to hear directly from the businesses in Westchester so we can determine what our next steps should be.
• 28:18
  SPEAKER_01: We know that businesses today are facing increasing challenges, some never before seen, whether it is artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, tariffs, changes in government, difficulty with retaining workers, difficulty in trying to get new customers, competition from online, the list goes on and on.
• 28:38
  SPEAKER_01: And rather than deciding for ourselves what we think you need, we want to hear from you so you can tell us what you need.
• 28:45
  SPEAKER_01: We've done these surveys before.
• 28:47
  SPEAKER_01: We did one coming out of COVID.
• 28:49
  SPEAKER_01: It was our bounce back survey.
• 28:51
  SPEAKER_01: We had an overwhelming response, and it gave us a really good idea of what we needed to focus on so we could help you.
• 28:58
  SPEAKER_01: So whether you are a small business, a large business, a professional services firm, a manufacturer, a not-for-profit, we want to hear from you.
• 29:08
  SPEAKER_01: The survey is available on our website at Westchestercatalyst.com.
• 29:13
  SPEAKER_01: It will be in all our social media for the Office of Economic Development.
• 29:17
  SPEAKER_01: I urge you to follow the Westchester Catalyst on Facebook, on Instagram, and on LinkedIn.
• 29:24
  SPEAKER_01: It will also be in our newsletters, and we want to get this out as wide as possible.
• 29:29
  SPEAKER_01: We'll be creating flyers to drop off it businesses.
• 29:33
  SPEAKER_01: The survey is not very long, but it's really gonna give us an idea of the type of business, the size of your business, the challenges that you have, and how we can best help you.
• 29:44
  SPEAKER_01: We did a little bit of a soft launch last week.
• 29:47
  SPEAKER_01: We have close to 100 responses already, and we're already getting some really good data from this to help determine what we're gonna do moving forward.
• 29:56
  SPEAKER_01: The survey will be open for a month, so we're gonna keep it open till October 8th.
• 30:00
  SPEAKER_01: It's a survey monkey survey.
• 30:02
  SPEAKER_01: Trust me, it'll take you three to four minutes, but the information will be so, so valuable.
• 30:07
  SPEAKER_01: If you have any questions at all about the survey, you can give me a call at 914-995-2907.
• 30:15
  SPEAKER_01: And you can always reach the Office of Economic Development pretty much 24-7, any one of us.
• 30:21
  SPEAKER_01: So please, I urge you when you see the link for the survey, take the survey, share the survey, share your ideas with us.
• 30:28
  SPEAKER_01: It's really important, and we look forward to hearing from you.
• 30:35
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you, Sherry.
• 30:36
  SPEAKER_00: Some great information, and we do make a lot of decisions in our government operations, depending on the survey and the information that you, our residents, provide to us.
• 30:47
  SPEAKER_00: Next up, as we head into the fall season, we have something brand new and totally spectacular coming to Westchester County.
• 30:55
  SPEAKER_00: Glen Island Park will be transformed for the Autumn Glow Lantern Festival, bringing the centuries-old Chinese tradition and artistry of lantern festivals right here to Westchester.
• 31:08
  SPEAKER_00: The festival is being presented by Kaleido Arts and Entertainment Group, whose team brings more than 25 years of experience in the Chinese lantern tradition.
• 31:19
  SPEAKER_00: These incredible illuminated displays combine art, craftsmanship, culture, and storytelling to create an experience for the entire family.
• 31:30
  SPEAKER_00: The Autumn Glow Lantern Festival opens this week and will run through November 1st, giving residents and visitors another great reason to experience Westchester during the fall season.
• 31:42
  SPEAKER_00: Joining us today is the CEO of Kaleido Arts and Entertainment, Zhao Tian Falig, whose family has been part of the Chinese lantern business for more than 25 years, helping to carry forward a craft and cultural tradition that dates back centuries.
• 32:09
  SPEAKER_11: Hi everyone.
• 32:10
  SPEAKER_11: First of all, I want to thank County Executive uh Ken Jenkins, Deputy County Executive uh Executive uh Joan McDonald.
• 32:18
  SPEAKER_11: I also want to thank the County Parks Department and Communications uh director, Catherine Trophy, for uh giving uh their time and helping us connect so that we can bring the Autumn Glow Festival over to the very beautiful and popular uh Glen Island Parks this year.
• 32:36
  SPEAKER_11: We are very excited to be here.
• 32:39
  SPEAKER_11: Um we have been doing uh different festivals across the U.S.
• 32:44
  SPEAKER_11: in different states, different cities, and we're very excited to be here in New York.
• 32:48
  SPEAKER_11: We uh as um Joan said, we start this weekend, and we are open every weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 30 to 10 p.m.
• 32:58
  SPEAKER_11: So uh I hope that our festival could bring families of all ages, um some nice time in the evening to enjoy the lanterns, come out and enjoy the park.
• 33:10
  SPEAKER_11: Um we'll have food, we'll have drinks, we'll have um uh music and entertainment, and it would be a great way to also experience the really beautiful fall weather.
• 33:21
  SPEAKER_11: So we hope to see you there.
• 33:23
  SPEAKER_11: Thank you.
• 33:26
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Thank you so much, and we're really excited about this.
• 33:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: It's gonna be a fantastic time again, um having them Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and having opportunities to to see that in our fall season, um, having the back drop of being in the parks at Glen Island, and certainly as the leaves change and the lanterns and all those beautiful things that happen through that.
• 33:45
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: It's another great opportunity to have families together and and be able to walk through and get around in our our nationally accredited and award-winning park system.
• 33:53
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um so so thank you so much.
• 33:56
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um on tomorrow, um, for more than three decades, we have an opportunity to recognize Congresswoman Nita Lowley, because for those over three decades, um she was a tireless champion for Westchester County and the people who call it home.
• 34:15
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Her leadership, integrity, and commitment to public service left an extraordinary mark on our county, from strengthening communities and protecting our environment to supporting families and securing critical investments that continue to benefit Westchester today.
• 34:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So, tomorrow, September 9th, Westchester County will honor that enduring legacy with the dedication of the United States Congresswoman Nita M.
• 34:37
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Lowy, Community Green, at Kensico Dan Plaza.
• 34:40
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: This dedication will create a lasting tribute to one of Westchester's most distinguished public servants, ensuring that her contributions and the example that she set through a lifetime of service will be remembered for generations to come.
• 34:55
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: This event is going to be streamed live right here on Facebook and on the county's web page at WestchesterCountyny.gov.
• 35:03
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Again, um that is tomorrow, September 9th, and we'll be able to see that, I guess, at 11 o'clock on our um website as well as on our Facebook page.
• 35:14
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: With that, let me turn back over to Joan McDonald, our deputy county executive, who will tell us everything's happening in the parks.
• 35:23
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you, County Executive.
• 35:25
  SPEAKER_00: And just because the Labor Day weekend is behind us, it does not mean that our parks are slowing down.
• 35:31
  SPEAKER_00: First up, Bicycle Sunday on Sunday, September 13th from 10 a.m.
• 35:36
  SPEAKER_00: to 2 p.m., the 13.1 mile loop from Westchester County Center, south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers.
• 35:44
  SPEAKER_00: It's closed to cars, open to walkers, joggers, non-motorized bicycles, scooters, inline skaters, and e-bikes class one only.
• 35:55
  SPEAKER_00: Many points of entry and exit are along the way.
• 35:58
  SPEAKER_00: It is free and it will also be operational September 20th, September 27th, and October 4th.
• 36:06
  SPEAKER_00: Also on Sunday, September 13th, come and have a guided tour of the Terrytown Lighthouse from 10 a.m.
• 36:13
  SPEAKER_00: to 2 p.m.
• 36:14
  SPEAKER_00: Enjoy a 45-minute interpreter-led tour to learn about its history, significance, and what life for lighthouse keepers was like.
• 36:23
  SPEAKER_00: The lighthouse is accessed by a 10-minute stroll south along the Riverwalk Path.
• 36:30
  SPEAKER_00: The five-source story structure includes four narrow stairways.
• 36:34
  SPEAKER_00: The lighthouse's front gate will be locked 15 minutes after the start of each tour, rain or shine.
• 36:42
  SPEAKER_00: Parking fees may apply at the park.
• 36:45
  SPEAKER_00: Restrooms are available only at Kingsland Point Park, but to go through the lighthouse is free.
• 36:51
  SPEAKER_00: On Sunday, September 13th, from 12 to 6 until 6 o'clock p.m.
• 36:56
  SPEAKER_00: is our Arab American Heritage Festival at Ridge Road Park in Hartsdale.
• 37:02
  SPEAKER_00: This vibrant cultural celebration honors the rich traditions and contributions of Arab American communities throughout the region.
• 37:11
  SPEAKER_00: Festivalgoers can enjoy authentic Middle Eastern cuisine from various vendors.
• 37:16
  SPEAKER_00: The day will be filled with live music and dance performances.
• 37:20
  SPEAKER_00: This is a family-friendly event, and we invite all to explore and embrace the beauty, warmth, and creativity of Mediterranean communities.
• 37:30
  SPEAKER_00: Come rain or shine, there's free admission and free parking.
• 37:34
  SPEAKER_00: And that's what's happening in our parks for this week.
• 37:36
  SPEAKER_00: County executive.
• 37:39
  SPEAKER_00: Thanks, Joe.
• 37:41
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And again, for those of you who have not downloaded yet, make sure you download the official parks app, whether it's on from the Apple App Store or from the Google Play Store, to make sure that you get that information.
• 37:54
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And every once in a while there might even be some discounts that happen on the app.
• 38:00
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So every once in a while, not always, but you can maybe get a chance to see those.
• 38:05
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And that's this week in Westchester.
• 38:07
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We're supporting our residents and reminding everyone that help is always in reach through 988.
• 38:12
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We're helping families stay safe at home with practical fire safety information.
• 38:17
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We're listening to our local businesses and working to make sure that they have the tools and resources they need to grow and succeed.
• 38:24
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Tomorrow, on September 9th, we're going to celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Congresswoman Nita Lowy and the dedication of the United States Congresswoman Nita M.
• 38:34
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Lowy Community Green at Kensko Dam Plaza.
• 38:37
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And there's plenty to get out and enjoy too.
• 38:39
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Glen Island is about to light up the night in the Autumn Glow Lantern Festival.
• 38:44
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Bicycle Sundays are back on the Bronx River Parkway.
• 38:47
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: You can step inside a piece of Westchester history with a tour of the Tarrytown Lighthouse.
• 38:52
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Ridge Road Park will come alive with food, music, and culture for the Arab American Heritage Festival.
• 38:59
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Of course, this is a week of remembrance.
• 39:01
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: As we mark 25 years since September 11th, we remember the lives that we lost, honor the families who carry on that loss every day, and recognize the strength and resilience that have carried Westchester through the past quarter century.
• 39:17
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And that's this week in Westchester.
• 39:19
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I'm Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins.
• 39:21
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Thank you so much for watching.
• 39:22
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We hope to see you at one of the events this week, especially whether it's on the 10th for our prayer vigil for uh for 9-11 for the 25th anniversary, or actually at Kensico Dam Plaza at 2 p.m.
• 39:37
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: for the 25th anniversary, or recognitions wherever you are in the communities that have them around Westchester County.
• 39:44
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Thanks so much for watching.