Latest / This Week in Westchester: The Podcast / TWIW 36: August 31, 2026

Transcript

TWIW 36: August 31, 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 working 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, and today is August 31st, 2026, and this is this week in Westchester, the briefing.
• 0:40
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: You know, we wanted to start off with something that was um tragic and something that we've heard about today.
• 0:45
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, as some of you may have seen on the news already, um, we had a suspect being taken into custody after a newborn baby was abandoned inside a restroom at the shop right um in City Center in White Plains on Sunday morning.
• 1:01
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Officers say someone called 911 after discovering the baby.
• 1:05
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: The baby was taken to White Plains hospital, and the baby is in stable condition.
• 1:10
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um but you know, we really wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about the Safe Haven Abandoned Infant Protection Act.
• 1:18
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, New York State has a law, the Safe Haven Law, designed specifically to prevent tragedies like this and to ensure the safety of newborns.
• 1:27
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Under the Abandoned Infant Protection Act, an individual will not be held criminally liable for child abandonment if they ensure the following conditions are met.
• 1:40
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: The child first can't be more than 30 days old, and the child is left with the intent that they remain safe from physical injury and receive proper care.
• 1:50
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: The infant is left in a safe haven, a location, such as a hospital, a police station, or fire station, or with an appropriate person.
• 2:00
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: The individual promptly notifies an appropriate person of the individual's location.
• 2:06
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: That's a law enforcement.
• 2:08
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um the person leaving the infant under this law is not required to give his or her name.
• 2:13
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um for more information regarding the abandoned Infant Protection Act, um, call toll-free 1866-505-SAFE, um, which is 1866-505-7233.
• 2:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: There is absolutely no shame in seeking help.
• 2:32
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And again, we gotta say it again, there's no shame in seeking that help.
• 2:36
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And there's resources available to ensure the safety of both the parent and the child.
• 2:41
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um and when you know I heard this story um yesterday when we were coming back, um, I looked at it, and and what my wife said to me was, how do people know this information?
• 2:53
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Right?
• 2:53
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So, again, we wanted to take this opportunity today to remind people of the the Safe Harbor Abandoned Infant Protection Act to make sure that we can um protect not only the child but also the parent as well.
• 3:08
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So switching up today is August 31st, um, 2026, and it's International Overdose Awareness Day as we move into September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
• 3:23
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So, as we continue our focus on the health and well-being of Westchester residents, we are joined today by the Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health, Michael Oth, to discuss two important public health observances.
• 3:36
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Today, August 31st, marks International Overdose Awareness Day.
• 3:40
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, and that's a day to remember um the lives that were lost to overdose, support the families and loved ones who carry on that loss, and raise awareness about the resources available to prevent those future tragedies.
• 3:53
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And then tomorrow, September 1st, begins as the month of September, which is recognized as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
• 4:00
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And throughout the month, Westchester County will work to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and most importantly, remind residents that help is available.
• 4:08
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: No one facing a crisis has to face it alone.
• 4:11
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Commissioner Orth is going to join us to talk about the work being done across Westchester to prevent overdose and suicide, connect residents and families with critical mental health and substance use resources, and ensure people know where to turn when they or someone they love needs help.
• 4:28
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Commissioner Orth.
• 4:29
  SPEAKER_09: Thank you, sir.
• 4:32
  SPEAKER_09: Good afternoon, everyone.
• 4:34
  SPEAKER_09: Thank you, County Executive, for recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day and for continuing to make overdose prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery a priority here in Westchester County.
• 4:51
  SPEAKER_09: We remember the people we have lost to overdose.
• 4:54
  SPEAKER_09: We stand with the families and loved ones, and we reaffirm to people in Westchester whose substances and people in recovery that their lives have value, recovery is possible, and help is available.
• 5:06
  SPEAKER_09: And unfortunately, Westchester is not immune to overdoses.
• 5:09
  SPEAKER_09: In 2025, 75 Westchester residents lost their lives to overdose.
• 5:14
  SPEAKER_09: While we have made significant progress in 2024, 83 lives lost, in 2023, 148 lives lost.
• 5:22
  SPEAKER_09: There is more to do.
• 5:23
  SPEAKER_09: Those aren't simply numbers.
• 5:25
  SPEAKER_09: Each represents a person, a family, a colleague, a friend, and a community forever impacted.
• 5:31
  SPEAKER_09: But today is also about hope and action.
• 5:34
  SPEAKER_09: Through Westchester County's opioid response and overdose prevention initiative and the strategic use of our opiate settlement funds, we have continued building a comprehensive response centered on prevention, harm reduction, effective treatment, and recovery supports.
• 5:49
  SPEAKER_09: In 2025, we are proud to report we opened two recovery centers in Chappaquan, White Plains, creating welcoming spaces where individuals in recovery and their loved ones can go to find connection, support, and most importantly, community.
• 6:04
  SPEAKER_09: We also don't do this work alone.
• 6:06
  SPEAKER_09: I want to thank our county department service providers, community organizations, peers who work every day to save lives and bring hope to people who may be struggling.
• 6:16
  SPEAKER_09: Every life save matters.
• 6:18
  SPEAKER_09: Every person recovery reminds us that there is hope, and every family deserves to know that they are not alone.
• 6:25
  SPEAKER_09: I encourage everyone to join us this evening from 5 30 to 7 at the City of White Plains Library Plaza as we continue to remember those we have lost, support those who are grieving, celebrate recovery, and recommit ourselves to preventing overdose here in Westchester County.
• 6:40
  SPEAKER_09: And as the county executive also announced, tomorrow kicks off our beginning of suicide prevention awareness month.
• 6:47
  SPEAKER_09: Again, we continue to make progress in reducing the number of residents who die by suicide, but we still have ways to go.
• 6:54
  SPEAKER_09: This year we are focused on promoting the 988 text, call, chat, lifeline.
• 6:59
  SPEAKER_09: Westchester 988 Line is free, local, and confidential support 24-7 for mental health and substance use issues.
• 7:08
  SPEAKER_09: In 2025 alone, 18,000 Westchester residents reached out and contacted 988 for support.
• 7:15
  SPEAKER_09: 988 is a great resource, and we need your help to spread the word.
• 7:19
  SPEAKER_09: Join our 988 ChallengeWestchester campaign.
• 7:22
  SPEAKER_09: It's free, easy, and saves lives.
• 7:25
  SPEAKER_09: Just grab a sign, grab your phone, and post a message to your socials encouraging people to reach out to 988 for mental health and substance use support.
• 7:34
  SPEAKER_09: Use the hashtag 988ChallengeWestchester and challenge others to do the same.
• 7:39
  SPEAKER_09: It's that simple.
• 7:40
  SPEAKER_09: And finally, I would like to recognize my DCMH colleagues who have joined us here today, whose professionalism, commitment, expertise is unmatched.
• 7:49
  SPEAKER_09: We have with us Deputy Commissioner Joe Glazer, Special Advisor Bill Weitz, and the folks who really do the day-in-day-out work.
• 7:56
  SPEAKER_09: We have our director, Trevor Payne, Meredith Pouncey, and Danny Zoo as well.
• 8:00
  SPEAKER_09: And of course, thank you, County Executive Jenkins, Deputy County Executives McDonald, for your leadership and your commitment to mental health and saving lives and the ongoing support of our operations and communications department.
• 8:13
  SPEAKER_09: Thank you for having us.
• 8:17
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you, Commissioner Orth.
• 8:20
  SPEAKER_00: September is also Hunger Action Month, a time to raise awareness about food insecurity and the very real challenges facing families who are struggling to put nutritious food on the table.
• 8:33
  SPEAKER_00: Here in Westchester, we are marking the month by partnering with Feeding Westchester for a countywide food drive.
• 8:40
  SPEAKER_00: We are pleased to be joined today by Feeding Westchester President and CEO Christine Borak to talk about the need in our community and how residents can help.
• 8:51
  SPEAKER_00: From September 1 through September 29th, the county will be collecting food donations here at the McAlian Office Building and at 112 East Post Road in White Plains.
• 9:03
  SPEAKER_00: Every donation, large or small, will help Feeding Westchester provide critical support to our neighbors throughout the county.
• 9:11
  SPEAKER_00: Christine joins us today to talk about Hunger Action Month and our continuing issue of food insecurity.
• 9:19
  SPEAKER_00: Our Westchester County Director of Food Security, Susan Weisman, is the county liaison working with Feeding Westchester.
• 9:26
  SPEAKER_00: Christine, come on up and give us your remarks.
• 9:29
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you.
• 9:33
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you very much.
• 9:34
  SPEAKER_01: It is a privilege to stand here together as Westchester County again shows its support for the fight against hunger.
• 9:42
  SPEAKER_01: As part of the Feeding America Network, all of us at Feeding Westchester are excited to participate in this month-long campaign to drive awareness and mobilize the public to take action against hunger.
• 9:56
  SPEAKER_01: This year, the action is more meaningful than ever.
• 10:00
  SPEAKER_01: We know from the latest Alice report, Alice is an acronym for asset-limited, income-constrained, employed, essentially working people and families, just how widespread the struggle has become.
• 10:15
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you to our good friends at the United Way of Westchester and Putnam for this very important research.
• 10:20
  SPEAKER_01: The numbers are striking.
• 10:22
  SPEAKER_01: Right here in Westchester, 41% of all households are struggling to afford basic needs, which includes housing, childcare, food, health care, transportation.
• 10:36
  SPEAKER_01: Alice is not an unfortunate few.
• 10:39
  SPEAKER_01: It is not in a remote location only.
• 10:42
  SPEAKER_01: Alice is our co-workers, it is our neighbors.
• 10:46
  SPEAKER_01: Hunger Action Month is a time for us to share our stories, provide opportunities to help fight against hunger, and welcome new partners in a time of very increasing need.
• 10:58
  SPEAKER_01: So here are some highlights of our Hunger Action program this season.
• 11:03
  SPEAKER_01: First, we're honored to partner with County Executive Jenkins and his team, Westchester County, on a month-long food drive from September 1st, Hunger Action Day, through September 29th.
• 11:15
  SPEAKER_01: Residents can drop off food items at two county office locations.
• 11:20
  SPEAKER_01: Details are on the Food Drive Flyer and on our Hunger Action Month opportunities, which you can find on feedingwestchester.org.
• 11:28
  SPEAKER_01: We're hosting a special food as medicine panel featuring local experts at our headquarters in Elmsford on September 29th.
• 11:37
  SPEAKER_01: I'm very excited about this, which is the Governor Mario M.
• 11:40
  SPEAKER_01: Cuomo Bridge will be lit up in bright orange on September 10th for Hunger Action Month.
• 11:45
  SPEAKER_01: We hope to see a lot of orange that day.
• 11:49
  SPEAKER_01: A number of local restaurants and retailers will be donating a portion of their September sales.
• 11:55
  SPEAKER_01: And I want to thank one of our very generous supporters, Debbie Newman Bernstein, who is generously matching donations made during Hunger Action Month up to$50,000.
• 12:06
  SPEAKER_01: So if you are able to support our critical work, please do so at feedingwestchester.org.
• 12:11
  SPEAKER_01: And finally, I want to thank all of you and I want to ask the media for one thing.
• 12:16
  SPEAKER_01: Westchester is known as an affluent county, but the numbers don't lie.
• 12:21
  SPEAKER_01: Four in ten of our neighbors are at risk of food insecurity.
• 12:25
  SPEAKER_01: We need your help to let our county know that we can only fight hunger through community support, through neighbors helping neighbors.
• 12:34
  SPEAKER_01: And I want to end by thanking County Executive Jenkins and his very talented team for being partners in our mission and letting us share our story today.
• 12:42
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you.
• 12:45
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Thanks, Christine.
• 12:46
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And um that is certainly some sobering information when people have said you say 41%, or I say four and ten.
• 12:53
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: One of the challenges, a lot of times when we use percentage and numbers, you don't really get that hardcard number.
• 13:00
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: There's a million people plus in Westchester County.
• 13:02
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: That means 410,000 people are going to have food insecurity issues here in Westchester County.
• 13:11
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And again, whether it's your co-workers, your neighbors, your friends and family members that may be in that category, it's certainly something that we're we're I'm proud to partner with Feeding Westchester about to continue this work.
• 13:24
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We're going to continue on, and we have um as we're heading into September.
• 13:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um some students are going back to school this week on September 2nd, as opposed to the normal traditional day after Labor Day, because it's so late this year on September 8th.
• 13:40
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um we have um our students heading back to the classroom, and we know that another successful year begins with more than books, teachers and academics.
• 13:50
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: It begins with having supportive adults who are present, engaged, and invested in a child's success.
• 13:56
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: That's the message behind the Dad's Take Your Child to Work campaign, a national initiative that encourages fathers and other important male role models, including grandfathers, uncles, mentors, and caregivers, to take an active role in the lives and education of our young people.
• 14:14
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So joining us today to talk about this is our Youth Bureau Executive Director, Ernest McFadden, the White Plains School Superintendent Joseph L.
• 14:23
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Ricca, Joe Ricca, the White Plains Bureau Executive Director, Frank Williams, and probably some G Unit folks as well, um, Grandpa's United, that's the G Unit, to highlight this year's campaign and importance of positive male um involvement in the lives of children.
• 14:39
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: With that, let's come on up.
• 14:41
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um Ernest McFadden, Joe Ricca, Frank Williams.
• 14:46
  Ernest McFadden: Thank you, Mr.
• 14:47
  Ernest McFadden: Categories.
• 14:48
  Ernest McFadden: G Unit Good afternoon.
• 14:54
  Ernest McFadden: Um it's always a pleasure to be here and talking about important work that we do on behalf of the young people in Westchester.
• 15:02
  Ernest McFadden: Uh we were with you a couple weeks ago.
• 15:05
  Ernest McFadden: We talked about back to school, uh, different programs that families can take advantage of for their young people.
• 15:12
  Ernest McFadden: Uh, today we're going to talk about Dad's Take Your Child Back to School Day.
• 15:16
  Ernest McFadden: For 20 years across the state of New York, Dad Take Your Kids to School Day initiative has inspired fathers and fathers figure to play an active role in their child's lives.
• 15:28
  Ernest McFadden: How does it work?
• 15:29
  Ernest McFadden: Each year at the start of school, uh, the statewide initiative uh celebrates the powerful, lasting bond between a child and their father or male uh caregivers that plays an important role.
• 15:47
  Ernest McFadden: On a designated day in September, fathers, as the county exec said, G units, uh, stepfathers, foster fathers, uncles, brothers, significant male figures in young people's lives, uh, makes a tremendous impact.
• 16:05
  Ernest McFadden: Their presence serves as a visible, meaningful demonstration of the commitment to education, the success, and the well-being of the young person.
• 16:17
  Ernest McFadden: Today, you may say, what are some of the values?
• 16:21
  Ernest McFadden: There are a tremendous amount of studies out that shows uh research indicating uh improved in improvements in attendance, academic, and social behavior when there's a male presence in someone's life.
• 16:35
  Ernest McFadden: The benefit is school in our community, of course.
• 16:37
  Ernest McFadden: It forms strong relationships with the families, as well as improving communication with uh the community.
• 16:45
  Ernest McFadden: Uh, today, around the state of New York, there are over a thousand districts, community organizations who have adopted initiatives surrounding Dads Take Your Kids to School Day.
• 16:57
  Ernest McFadden: Today, you're gonna hear firsthand what happens on the ground.
• 17:01
  Ernest McFadden: In 2025, the Westchester County Youth Bureau launched a series called Partnership Matters.
• 17:06
  Ernest McFadden: As Commissioner Ort said, we do not do this work alone.
• 17:09
  Ernest McFadden: Uh in the Youth Bureau, we support an excess of 200 programs, about 100 agencies, and we can't do it alone.
• 17:17
  Ernest McFadden: So today you're gonna hear from two of our partners here in the city of White Plains to talk about dad's Take Your Kids to School Day and bring it to life for you.
• 17:26
  Ernest McFadden: So, with that in mind, I'm gonna turn it over to my good friend, the executive director from the White Plains Youth Bureau, Mr.
• 17:31
  Ernest McFadden: Frank Williams.
• 17:34
  SPEAKER_05: Thank you, uh Ernest, and thank you, County Exec, and thank all of you for embracing this program.
• 17:41
  SPEAKER_05: And I'm honored to have our superintendent, Dr.
• 17:43
  SPEAKER_05: Joseph Ricker, with us to uh push this initiative forward.
• 17:48
  SPEAKER_05: Um, um, Dad Take Your Child of School Day, 20 years young, I should say, and we've been doing it in White Plains for 16 years.
• 17:56
  SPEAKER_05: And when we first started, we had a handful of dads and father figures and uncles and cousins and neighbors a part of this whole effort.
• 18:05
  SPEAKER_05: Today, more than 2,000 fathers will show up in every school in White Plains, thanks to Dr.
• 18:11
  SPEAKER_05: Ricker and his team and at building principals.
• 18:13
  SPEAKER_05: And you may ask, what's involved with this?
• 18:17
  SPEAKER_05: Well, Donnie Simmons, who's our fatherhood coordinator for the City of White Plains, and Dr.
• 18:21
  SPEAKER_05: Jim Eisenberg, who is the coordinator or one of the coordinators and co-founder of REM Pause United, are directly involved in empowering building fathers, um, strengthening fathers.
• 18:33
  SPEAKER_05: And that this work carries over into every aspect of our community in schools and neighborhoods and throughout the city of White Plains and throughout the county.
• 18:42
  SPEAKER_05: September 17th, more than 2,000 fathers will join every school in White Plains and will come with food, with families, with a positive attitude about how they can contribute to the betterment of the schools, uh, in empowering and inspiring their young people to strive for success, to read, to learn, to grow, um, to problem solve, and to be their best selves.
• 19:07
  SPEAKER_05: And we've demonstrated over these 16 years in White Plains that because of this work, we have low juvenile justice rates.
• 19:15
  SPEAKER_05: Our young people are succeeding and thriving and uh being their best selves, and it's directly related to collaboration that uh Ernest said in terms of partnerships.
• 19:25
  SPEAKER_05: But more than that, it's because of the link between schools all over the county and all over the state.
• 19:31
  SPEAKER_05: I want to just thank uh Dr.
• 19:33
  SPEAKER_05: Ricker again for helping to push this initiative forward.
• 19:36
  SPEAKER_05: Our young people matter, our dads and special fathers matter, and we're honored and we're looking forward to having a great day on September 17.
• 19:45
  SPEAKER_05: Join me in bringing Dr.
• 19:47
  SPEAKER_05: Ricker, who's going to share a few more words about how this plays out in every school here in White Plain.
• 19:52
  SPEAKER_05: Dr.
• 19:52
  SPEAKER_05: Ricker.
• 19:54
  SPEAKER_07: Uh well, thank you, Mr.
• 19:55
  SPEAKER_07: Williams, and of course, thank you to the county executive and the entire team here at the county for all the amazing support that we have for our children and our communities.
• 20:03
  SPEAKER_07: And I think dads and and special person take your child to school day is a real prime example of one of the ways that we can come together to support our young people.
• 20:12
  SPEAKER_07: And as we're thinking about this week, and it's an exciting week, so best wishes to all of our students throughout Westchester County who are about to start their new school year, whatever grade level that may be.
• 20:22
  SPEAKER_07: And of course, our faculty and staff members everywhere.
• 20:25
  SPEAKER_07: The more we can be involved with our children, the more that we can support them in their efforts to participate successfully in school, and the more that we can make them realize and recognize that we want to be there as much as we can.
• 20:36
  SPEAKER_07: And I know it's hard.
• 20:37
  SPEAKER_07: We all have places to go, we all have jobs to go during the day, and sometimes it makes it really, really difficult to be able to come to school.
• 20:43
  SPEAKER_07: And that's why this is such a special initiative, this is such a special day.
• 20:46
  SPEAKER_07: The White Plains Youth Bureau and the County has supported this initiative, and I think it's it's a tremendous opportunity for school districts all across the county and across the state to make sure that we're allowing our children to recognize how committed we are to them, and spending that little bit of time really does go a long way.
• 21:04
  SPEAKER_07: I want to thank everybody in the White Plains City School District, particularly the Board of Education, for supporting this effort.
• 21:10
  SPEAKER_07: A lot goes into making sure that we're set up to welcome our special uh our dads and our special uh our special adults, and it is meaningful for our children.
• 21:20
  SPEAKER_07: Increased attendance rates, better attention and attending during classes, and an overall, a better, more positive overall viewpoint in school.
• 21:29
  SPEAKER_07: These are all outcomes that are associated with this initiative, and thank you again for all of your support in allowing us to continue to do so.
• 21:38
  Ernest McFadden: Thank you, Mr.
• 21:39
  Ernest McFadden: County Greg.
• 21:42
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you for that important initiative information.
• 21:46
  SPEAKER_00: Another important area that we like to cover is fire safety.
• 21:51
  SPEAKER_00: Fire safety, as we know, starts with prevention, but every family also needs to know what to do if a fire does happen.
• 21:59
  SPEAKER_00: The Westchester County Department of Emergency Services has released the third video in our four-part fire safety series designed to give residents simple, practical information they can use to keep themselves and their families safe at home.
• 22:15
  SPEAKER_00: This latest video focuses on something every household should have a fire evacuation plan.
• 22:34
  SPEAKER_03: Hi, come on in.
• 22:36
  SPEAKER_03: Hi, I'm Chief Russell at the Department of Emergency Services.
• 22:38
  SPEAKER_03: I am here to help you guys with a fire inspection today for your home.
• 22:44
  SPEAKER_03: So when we were inside, we talked about having two ways out of every room and two ways out of the house.
• 22:49
  SPEAKER_03: The final step with that is when you leave the house, you want to make sure you close the doors behind you.
• 22:55
  SPEAKER_03: You also want to make sure you have your cell phone to call 911.
• 22:59
  SPEAKER_03: When you come outside, you need to pick a meeting place, a rally point where everybody's gonna get together so that you know everybody's out of the house.
• 23:05
  SPEAKER_03: When the fire department shows up, they want to be able to know that everybody's out of the house.
• 23:09
  SPEAKER_03: So seeing a group of people on the lawn will help to indicate that you're the homeowners and they're gonna ask you some questions.
• 23:14
  SPEAKER_03: But that spot will also keep you safely out of the way of their activity.
• 23:18
  SPEAKER_03: So having an evacuation plan is critical.
• 23:21
  SPEAKER_03: But more importantly, is practicing that plan.
• 23:24
  SPEAKER_03: And we suggest to everybody that you practice it twice a year when you change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
• 23:30
  SPEAKER_03: Key thing is remember two ways out.
• 23:33
  SPEAKER_03: Take your cell phone when you go, close doors and windows behind you if you can.
• 23:37
  SPEAKER_08: One thing to remember if you do have any other questions, please call your local fire department.
• 23:42
  SPEAKER_08: Use the business number for the fire department for your questions.
• 23:46
  SPEAKER_08: Train your family, your kids only to use 911 in an emergency and be fire safe and save those you love.
• 24:02
  SPEAKER_00: In an emergency, there may only be seconds to react.
• 24:06
  SPEAKER_00: Knowing how you'll get out, where you'll meet, and how you'll make sure everyone is accounted for can prevent panic, reduce the risk of injury, and most importantly, save lives.
• 24:18
  SPEAKER_00: I'm now going to turn it back over to our county executive.
• 24:23
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: All right, thanks a lot, John.
• 24:25
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, that was really important information that we had.
• 24:28
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um coming up this week on September 9th, for more than three decades, Congresswoman Nita Lowy was a tireless champion for Westchester County and the people who call Westchester County home.
• 24:43
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Her leadership, integrity, and commitment to public service left an extraordinary mark on our county, from strengthening our communities, protecting our environment, to supporting families and securing critical investments that continue to benefit Westchester today.
• 24:59
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So on Wednesday, September 9th, Westchester County will honor that enduring legacy with the dedication of the United States Congresswoman Nita M.
• 25:08
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Miloe Community Green at Kensico Dam Plaza.
• 25:12
  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 examples that she set through a lifetime of service will be remembered for generations to come.
• 25:26
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: The events are going to be streamed live right here on Facebook and on the Westchester County webpage at WestchesterCountynY.gov.
• 25:35
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Then we're going to come together again in September to honor the memory of those who perished in the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and those who have passed away from 9-11 related illnesses.
• 25:48
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So the county is going to have two commemorative events: the Interfaith Prayer Vigil that will be at 5 p.m.
• 25:55
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: on Thursday, September 10th, and a 9-11 memorial service on Friday, September 11th, which is going to be at 2 p.m.
• 26:04
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we pause to reflect on a day that forever changed our county and our nation.
• 26:14
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Behind every name is a life, a family, and a story that was never the same.
• 26:20
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We gather not only to honor those we lost, but to hold close the memories they left behind and recognize the courage and sacrifice of all those who answered the calls in the days and years that followed.
• 26:33
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Both the Interfaith Prayer Vigil and September 11th Memorial Service again will be streamed live on Facebook and on the Westchester County's homepage.
• 26:42
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: If you are a family member of someone who passed and died on 9-11 or a 9-11-related illness and would like to be involved in either of these two memorial events, please contact communications at WestchesterCountyNY.gov.gov.
• 26:59
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: These events are open to the public and all are encouraged to attend and participate in honoring the lives lost and those affected by 9-11.
• 27:08
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And whether you come to the county event, you should or one of your local community events, you should make sure to take that extra time and effort to be engaged and to be there and be present for this 25th anniversary.
• 27:22
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: With that, we pass back to Joe McCoy.
• 27:27
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you, County Executive.
• 27:29
  SPEAKER_00: Our upcoming parks activities for the week.
• 27:32
  SPEAKER_00: On Saturday, September 5th, from 10 a.m.
• 27:35
  SPEAKER_00: until 11:30 a.m., there will be Family Tree Bingo at Meerstead Estate in Mount Kisko.
• 27:42
  SPEAKER_00: Tulip, red oak, katsura, white pine, bingo.
• 27:47
  SPEAKER_00: Join us for a fun stroll at Meerstead to learn about trees while adding a bit of luck and friendly competition.
• 27:55
  SPEAKER_00: It is good for ages five and up.
• 27:57
  SPEAKER_00: If there is inclement weather, the event will be canceled and the event is free.
• 28:02
  SPEAKER_00: Also on Saturday, September 5th, from 10 a.m.
• 28:06
  SPEAKER_00: until 2 p.m., we are hosting a Westchester Children's Museum pop-up at Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center in Yorktown Heights.
• 28:16
  SPEAKER_00: The Westchester Children's Museum brings its programming and impact to the towns and districts in the northernmost part of the county along the Hudson River region.
• 28:26
  SPEAKER_00: The museum is committed to making its programming, including STEM and STEAM activities, available to all children in Westchester.
• 28:36
  SPEAKER_00: That event is also free.
• 28:38
  SPEAKER_00: On Sunday, September 6th, from 1 p.m.
• 28:41
  SPEAKER_00: until 2 p.m., come to a garden highlight tour at the Lasden Public Gardens and Veterans Memorial in Katona.
• 28:49
  SPEAKER_00: The season's sights and scents flourish across Lasden's garden collections.
• 28:55
  SPEAKER_00: Spend time with Lasdon's head gardener on a walking tour featuring highlights of the gardens and the plant collections.
• 29:03
  SPEAKER_00: That is also free to the public.
• 29:05
  SPEAKER_00: Those are our park highlights for this upcoming week.
• 29:11
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Thanks.
• 29:12
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: That's our Deputy County Executive Joe McDonald, and she always would remind us all to make sure that you download the official parks app, whether you're on an Android or iOS device.
• 29:26
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And that's this week in Westchester.
• 29:28
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We covered a lot today.
• 29:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We reminded residents about New York's safe haven law and the resources available to help protect newborns and parents in a moment of crisis.
• 29:38
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We're joined by Commissioner Michael Orth as we recognize International Overdose Awareness Day and look for ahead to Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, reminding everyone that help is available and no one has to face crisis alone, including using that 988 telephone number that we're going to encourage everyone to make sure that everyone knows about.
• 30:00
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We kicked off Hunger Action Month with Feeding Westchester CEO and President Christine Borak and highlighted our countywide food drive, giving us all an opportunity to help put food on the tables of families right here in our community.
• 30:20
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: With students heading back to school, we celebrated Dad's Take Your Child to School campaign with the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, and other role models who show up for our kids and our young people every day and help them succeed.
• 30:34
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: The family's role models and things that happened, and we were great to be here with all of the Grandpa's United, the G Unit, and certainly Frank Williams and Dr.
• 30:44
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Joe Ricca, who had to go because he's getting ready for school, and Ernest McFadden.
• 30:48
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And everything's going around for the whole, the entire county.
• 30:51
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We shared another important fire safety lesson from our Department of Emergency Services, is a series of four, and because of the tremendous events, fire events that we've had in Westchester County, it was very important to do that.
• 31:03
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So we thank Joan for um presenting the third and the fourth of the series.
• 31:08
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: But we want to make sure that we we continue to um remind people that fire safety um has an opportunity for us to all take some some time now before a tragedy strikes.
• 31:19
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And we've had that unfortunately here in Westchester.
• 31:22
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And we then reminded ourselves about the extraordinary legacy of a Congresswoman Anita Lowy and then commemorating our 25th anniversary of September 11th, and of course, enjoying some of the great programs in the nationally accredited and award-winning park system.
• 31:39
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And that's this week in Westchester.
• 31:40
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I'm Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins.
• 31:43
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Thank you so much for watching.
• 31:44
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We'll be back to you with more information should it become necessary.
• 31:47
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Have a wonderful day.