Latest / This Week in Westchester: The Podcast / TWIW 41: October 5, 2026

Transcript

TWIW 41: October 5, 2026 · This Week in Westchester: The Podcast

• 0:06
  Intro: Welcome to This Week in Westchester, the podcast, your weekly audio briefing from Westchester County Government.
• 0:13
  Intro: Each week, County Executive Ken Jenkins breaks down 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.
• 0:30
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Good afternoon.
• 0:30
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I'm Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins.
• 0:33
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: This is this week in Westchester, the briefing.
• 0:35
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Today is October 5th, 2026.
• 0:44
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I'm pleased to announce two appointments made by Public Safety Commissioner Terrence Raynor to strengthen his leadership team of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety.
• 0:55
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Commissioner Raynor has named Nilda Hoffman as first Deputy Commissioner and John O'Rourke as Deputy Commissioner.
• 1:04
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Deputy Commissioner Hoffman's appointment marks a historic milestone for the department.
• 1:10
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: She is the first Hispanic and first woman to serve in a leadership position in the Department of Public Safety.
• 1:16
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Public safety is one of the most fundamental responsibilities we have in county government, and those appointments will bring two extraordinarily experienced professionals to our leadership team.
• 1:27
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Mild Hoffman spent 30 years with the NYPD, rising from the ranks of police officer to bureau chief.
• 1:36
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Her leadership roles include serving as Chief of Transportation, Chief of Community Affairs.
• 1:42
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Hoffman also brings valuable experience working in the Hudson Valley and with the institutions that serve Westchester residents.
• 1:49
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Her time at Dutchess Community College and in a hospital setting provided her with firsthand experience in navigating the public safety needs both in an academic community and the complex healthcare environment.
• 2:02
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: John O'Rourke joins the Department of Public Safety from the Westchester County Department District Attorney's Office, where he currently serves as the Chief of Investigations Division.
• 2:11
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: O'Rourke has also held leadership, senior leadership positions, including counsel, deputy division chief of trials and investigations, bureau chief of gangs, firearms and narcotics, bureau chief of the major case bureau, deputy chief of the homicide, and deputy chief of the homicide bureau.
• 2:28
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Since 2015, O'Rourke has also served as a special assistant U.S.
• 2:34
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Attorney with the U.S.
• 2:35
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York.
• 2:38
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Their experience, judgment, and commitment to public service will be a tremendous asset to Westchester County.
• 2:46
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Congratulations to those two Deputy Commissioners, first Deputy Commissioner Hoffman and Deputy Commissioner O'Rourke.
• 2:54
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: People have asked us a lot about Playland for 2026 at Playland Park.
• 2:59
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We have attendance calculated to be 320,708 people, and that includes 171,677 wristbands sold.
• 3:10
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And this compares to 235,210 people that went in 2025.
• 3:18
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We are exceedingly proud of the 2026 numbers thus far, and just how far Playland has come.
• 3:24
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: After Standard Amusements abandoned the park in January of 2025, leaving it in disarray, Westchester County came back in, stepped in with a commitment to restore, rebuild, and bring Playland back to the place where generations of families know and love.
• 3:42
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: This summer certainly tested us.
• 3:44
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We faced extreme heat, heavy rain basically every weekend, and even wildfire smoke.
• 3:50
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: But through it all, Playland carried on, and we made the summer of 2026 another summer to remember.
• 3:57
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Every person who walked through Playland's gates this summer experienced a park that was refreshed, immaculate, welcoming, and most importantly, happy.
• 4:05
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Playland was once again what it's always meant to be, a place where memories are made.
• 4:10
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We are incredibly grateful to the dedicated Playland staff who pour their hearts and souls into maintaining this historic park every day.
• 4:19
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We are equally proud of our seasonal staff.
• 4:22
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So many of them young people from right here in Westchester County spending their summers at Playland, very often working their first jobs.
• 4:30
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: While they helped create lifelong memories for our visitors, they were also making memories of their own.
• 4:36
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Lastly, we thank all of Playland's dedicated enthusiasts, including our friends of Rye Playland and the group's president Robin Latimer, for their love of the iconic park.
• 4:48
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Their passion, advocacy, and tireless support help keep the spirit of Playland alive and ensure it continues to be celebrated for generations to come.
• 4:58
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We look forward to closing out this incredible 2026 season with Scared by the Sound, and then turning our attention to 2027.
• 5:06
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Next year, we once again will open Playland's Gates so that another generation of Westchester's children can experience the rise, the cotton candy, the sunshine, and the simple magic of a summer day at Playland.
• 5:18
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Playland's back, and its future is bright.
• 5:24
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Up next, um, in response to growing community concerns regarding the U.S.
• 5:28
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: immigration's and customs enforcement related interactions, otherwise known as ICE, the Westchester Human Rights Commission is offering a comprehensive set of general resources and best practices for individuals and families to familiarize themselves with and utilize should they encounter ICE in a variety of situations.
• 5:50
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So today with us we have our Westchester Human Rights Committee Westchester County Human Rights Commissioner, um, executive director Tejas Sanchala to tell us more.
• 6:00
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Tejas.
• 6:02
  SPEAKER_03: Thank you so much, Ken.
• 6:06
  SPEAKER_03: Thank you.
• 6:08
  SPEAKER_03: As the county executive said, we've been hearing about fear and uncertainty in our communities about immigration enforcement and encounters with ICE, in addition to concerns about discrimination because on citizenship status, ethnicity, and national origin.
• 6:23
  SPEAKER_03: And I want to begin with something simple.
• 6:25
  SPEAKER_03: When people are afraid to go to work, come home, go to school, go about their daily lives, knowing where to turn matters.
• 6:32
  SPEAKER_03: So for many of our neighbors, these are not abstract policy questions.
• 6:36
  SPEAKER_03: They are deeply personal.
• 6:38
  SPEAKER_03: They're about their families, they're about their livelihoods, and they're about whether people feel safe in their communities.
• 6:43
  SPEAKER_03: So I want to highlight two things today.
• 6:46
  SPEAKER_03: What the Human Rights Commission can do, and where we can help connect you with an issue when it falls outside of our jurisdiction.
• 6:53
  SPEAKER_03: The Human Rights Commission investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, places of public accommodation, credit lending, and certain hate-related incidents.
• 7:02
  SPEAKER_03: That includes discrimination based on group identities such as ethnicity, national origin, and citizenship status.
• 7:08
  SPEAKER_03: Immigration enforcement itself, including ICE activity, falls outside of that commission's jurisdiction.
• 7:14
  SPEAKER_03: However, that doesn't mean we turn people away.
• 7:18
  SPEAKER_03: While we might not have jurisdiction over every issue, we can help people find the right door, make a warm handshake, and let people know that they are not alone.
• 7:27
  SPEAKER_03: The Human Rights Commission shares information and trusted resources with our community.
• 7:32
  SPEAKER_03: Those resources include the New York State Office for New Americans Hotline, local organizations Friday Immigration Legal Assistance like Neighbors Link.
• 7:39
  SPEAKER_03: They have a valuable legal hotline that they offer every Thursday from 8 a.m.
• 7:45
  SPEAKER_03: to 8 p.m.
• 7:45
  SPEAKER_03: I encourage people to use that line if the need arises.
• 7:49
  SPEAKER_03: We also have multilingual know-your rights materials and information about people's rights and encounters with immigration enforcement, whether at home, at work, or on the street.
• 7:58
  SPEAKER_03: We've brought that information together on the Human Rights Commission's web place for people to have a clear place to start.
• 8:04
  SPEAKER_03: Immigration matters can be highly fact-specific.
• 8:08
  SPEAKER_03: It's not surprising that a lawyer would say this.
• 8:10
  SPEAKER_03: And general information is not a substitute for advice from a qualified attorney.
• 8:15
  SPEAKER_03: Now, in a moment of fear and uncertainty, reliable information matters.
• 8:20
  SPEAKER_03: Fear thrives in an information vacuum.
• 8:23
  SPEAKER_03: Trusted information gives people the power to make informed decisions.
• 8:26
  SPEAKER_03: And then there's another part of this conversation that falls squarely within the mission of the Human Rights Commission, and that is discrimination.
• 8:33
  SPEAKER_03: At a time of heightened concern about immigration, we must be equally vigilant that fear doesn't become an excuse to treat people differently because of who they are or where they are from.
• 8:43
  SPEAKER_03: For example, an employer cannot unlawfully discriminate against because of someone's national origin.
• 8:48
  SPEAKER_03: A landlord cannot threaten to call ICE or to intimidate a tenant after they complained about discrimination or simply refuse to rent to them because of their ethnicity or citizenship status.
• 8:59
  SPEAKER_03: Businesses cannot use fear or uncertainty as an excuse to violate the county's human rights law.
• 9:04
  SPEAKER_03: Fear or misinformation should never become a license to discriminate.
• 9:08
  SPEAKER_03: If you believe you experience discrimination because of any actual or perceived national group identity, like national origin, race, ethnicity, citizenship status, contact the Human Rights Commission.
• 9:18
  SPEAKER_03: I want to emphasize this is not a new commitment.
• 9:21
  SPEAKER_03: Citizenship status and national origin have long been protected under the County's human rights law since its inception, over a quarter century ago.
• 9:29
  SPEAKER_03: It is our responsibility to enforce those protections, and they especially matter at moments when our community members feel uncertain or vulnerable.
• 9:37
  SPEAKER_03: Our commitment is clear.
• 9:38
  SPEAKER_03: We will enforce the county's human rights law.
• 9:41
  SPEAKER_03: We will connect people with trusted resources when it's necessary and appropriate.
• 9:45
  SPEAKER_03: And we will continue to firmly stand against discrimination in Westchester County because your dignity should not depend on where you were born.
• 9:52
  SPEAKER_03: Equal treatment should not be a privilege.
• 9:54
  SPEAKER_03: And human rights belong to everyone.
• 9:57
  SPEAKER_03: Thank you, County Executive.
• 9:59
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Thanks, Tejas.
• 10:01
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Thanks, Tejes.
• 10:02
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: That is some um critical information that um continues to be there.
• 10:06
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: It is on um the website for um the Human Rights Commission, and that the additional data is also available in some flyers as well that are downloadable if I recall correctly.
• 10:17
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: All right, so again, very important information.
• 10:20
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Thank you so much, Tejas.
• 10:22
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um recently we called on every member of Westchester County's federal delegation to fight for the full restoration of funding to the supplemental nutrition assistance program, otherwise known as SNAP, and stop the war in Westchester.
• 10:36
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: At this moment, 41 percent of Westchester households are unable to afford the absolute basics of housing, food, health care, child care, and transportation.
• 10:47
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And as of October 1st, the Trump administration again made matters worse by cutting its payments for the administration of SNAP in half, thanks to the authorization it secured from the U.S.
• 10:58
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: House of Representatives.
• 11:00
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Today, with us, we have feeding Westchester CEO and President Christine Bora to discuss the recent changes to SNAP and how residents are being impacted.
• 11:10
  SPEAKER_08: Christine Thank you, County Executive.
• 11:16
  SPEAKER_08: Hi, everybody.
• 11:18
  SPEAKER_08: Thank you, County Executive Jenkins and Deputy County Executive McDonald, for the opportunity to speak about the changes to SNAP and what they will mean for families across Westchester.
• 11:28
  SPEAKER_08: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is our nation's first line of defense against hunger.
• 11:37
  SPEAKER_08: For every meal provided by the Feeding American Network of more than 200 food banks, SNAP provides nine.
• 11:45
  SPEAKER_08: The federal law signed in July 2025 is projected to reduce federal nutrition spending by roughly$187 billion, and that is largely through changes in SNAP.
• 11:58
  SPEAKER_08: Those changes are now reaching families in stages.
• 12:02
  SPEAKER_08: First, work require work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependence, otherwise known as ABODs.
• 12:10
  SPEAKER_08: Since March, more adults in New York must prove they work or volunteer at least 80 hours a month to keep their SNAP benefits.
• 12:19
  SPEAKER_08: That now includes adults with children age 14 or older, as well as veterans and people experiencing homelessness who were once exempt.
• 12:28
  SPEAKER_08: Second, cost shifting.
• 12:30
  SPEAKER_08: Since October 1, the federal share of SNAP administrative costs has fallen from 50 to 25 percent, increasing the burden on state and local government.
• 12:40
  SPEAKER_08: Feeding Westchester serves this country, this county of more than 1 million residents.
• 12:46
  SPEAKER_08: Through our network of 175 community partners, we serve hundreds of thousands of neighbors each month, children, seniors, veterans, and working families.
• 12:57
  SPEAKER_08: Last year we distributed 21 million pounds of food or nearly 18 million meals.
• 13:04
  SPEAKER_08: Today we face a challenge on two fronts.
• 13:07
  SPEAKER_08: Families are struggling with the cost of living, while food assistance is becoming harder to access.
• 13:14
  SPEAKER_08: Thanks to the United Way's latest Alice report, we know that for a family of four in Westchester, the basic cost of living is about$137,000 a year.
• 13:25
  SPEAKER_08: This translates to four in 10 households in our county that cannot cover the basics.
• 13:32
  SPEAKER_08: As you heard from the county executive, that includes food, housing, health care, transportation, and child care.
• 13:39
  SPEAKER_08: We know that SNAP enrollment in Westchester has fallen by 10%.
• 13:44
  SPEAKER_08: But to be clear, that drop does not mean hunger is disappearing.
• 13:49
  SPEAKER_08: It means fewer people are getting the help that they need.
• 13:53
  SPEAKER_08: The gap between rising need and falling enrollment will widen as the next phase of federal SNAP changes take effect, and the results will be less food on the tables of families who are already struggling.
• 14:07
  SPEAKER_08: When we put these signs together, the picture is clear.
• 14:11
  SPEAKER_08: Hunger remains widespread, working families are under pressure month after month, and food assistance is becoming less reliable.
• 14:20
  SPEAKER_08: The food pantries, shelters, health centers, and social service agencies that Westchester families turn to are stretched thin.
• 14:29
  SPEAKER_08: This is happening across the country, and it is happening in our county.
• 14:34
  SPEAKER_08: The entire social service sector is entering a new era of sustained demand.
• 14:40
  SPEAKER_08: Food banks, pantries, and social service providers will do everything we can to meet the need.
• 14:46
  SPEAKER_08: But I must emphasize that we were never meant to replace the federal safety net, and we cannot absorb these cuts alone.
• 14:56
  SPEAKER_08: We are grateful to County Executive Jenkins and to partners at every level of government who are working with us on solutions.
• 15:04
  SPEAKER_08: With the strength of this community behind us, we will keep finding ways to put food on every table that needs it.
• 15:11
  SPEAKER_08: Thank you.
• 15:16
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you, Christine.
• 15:18
  SPEAKER_01: On to another topic.
• 15:20
  SPEAKER_01: Today we have with us Commissioner of Planning Blanca Lopez to announce the launch of the Westchester Waterways Portal, a new online resource created to provide residents, municipalities, and community partners with easy access to information about the county's watersheds, streams, flood zones, aquifers, and water quality initiatives.
• 15:44
  SPEAKER_01: Before Blanca joins us, we would like to show you a video which highlights the work that our planning department does protecting waterways in this new program.
• 15:59
  SPEAKER_05: The Westchester County Department of Planning is focused on helping the county grow responsibly.
• 16:04
  SPEAKER_05: A big part of what we do is to make sure that this growth doesn't come at the expense of our natural resources or the well-being of our county residents.
• 16:14
  SPEAKER_05: This is why we work on so many different issue areas, from housing to transportation to climate resiliency to protecting our natural resources.
• 16:22
  SPEAKER_05: One of the ways we do that is through the WAFE program.
• 16:25
  SPEAKER_05: WAFE stands for Water Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators.
• 16:30
  SPEAKER_05: This program is a volunteer-based stream monitoring program that helps communities learn about and protect their local waterways.
• 16:40
  SPEAKER_05: The WAFE program benefits both communities and environmental agencies.
• 16:45
  SPEAKER_05: It expands water quality monitoring, increases public awareness of watershed health, and provides valuable scientific data that can help identify streams worthy of further study or protection.
• 16:58
  SPEAKER_05: The program trains volunteers to collect aquatic organisms from streams throughout Westchester County.
• 17:05
  SPEAKER_05: By identifying the types of organisms found in a stream, experts can assess its overall health and water quality.
• 17:13
  SPEAKER_05: The data collected by volunteers is submitted for review and contributes to a broader statewide effort to monitor the health of New York State's waterways.
• 17:23
  SPEAKER_05: Collecting information is only one part of our work.
• 17:27
  SPEAKER_05: Ensuring the information is accessible is just as important.
• 17:31
  SPEAKER_05: That is why the Department of Planning created the Westchester Waterways Portal.
• 17:36
  SPEAKER_05: This portal serves as a central resource for those looking to better understand the waterways that connect us all.
• 17:46
  SPEAKER_05: Users can explore interactive maps, highlighting streams, watersheds, flood zones, and known wetlands throughout Westchester County.
• 17:55
  SPEAKER_05: The portal also includes an anonymous flood reporting tool, giving residents the opportunity to share information about non-emergency flooding in their neighborhood.
• 18:06
  SPEAKER_05: Flood reporting helps us better understand local conditions and support future planning efforts.
• 18:12
  SPEAKER_05: Whether you're looking to learn about your neighborhood stream, understand how watersheds function, or explore environmental projects happening in your community, the portal puts those resources in one convenient location.
• 18:27
  SPEAKER_05: We invite you to learn more about the WAVE program and to visit the Westchester Waterways Portal to explore ongoing environmental projects, access interactive maps, and find resources that help protect our waterways.
• 18:50
  SPEAKER_05: Thank you, Deputy County Executive.
• 18:53
  SPEAKER_05: Good afternoon, everybody.
• 18:55
  SPEAKER_05: I am excited to announce the launch of the Westchester Waterways Portal, a new initiative from the Department of Planning.
• 19:02
  SPEAKER_05: The portal is an educational tool for residents and municipal officials.
• 19:07
  SPEAKER_05: It helps people learn about our county watersheds, the program the county offers, and the resources available to everybody, all in one place.
• 19:16
  SPEAKER_05: It is one of several initiatives that we're launching as we re-establish the county's watershed planning program.
• 19:22
  SPEAKER_05: The program provides information and tools on stormwater, watersheds, and best practices for controlling stormwater to prevent pollution and to mitigate flooding.
• 19:33
  SPEAKER_05: The portal has three main components.
• 19:36
  SPEAKER_05: The first one, interactive maps that show streams, watersheds, flood zones, and known wetlands throughout the county.
• 19:43
  SPEAKER_05: Viewers can zoom in in their own community and learn watershed terms along the way, like the difference between an aqueduct and an aquifer.
• 19:52
  SPEAKER_05: In fact, if you know the difference and are watching in YouTube or Facebook, please share your answer with us.
• 20:00
  SPEAKER_05: The correct answer will receive one of the planning department's pet mascots, Quincy the Duck.
• 20:07
  SPEAKER_05: The second component is a flood reporting survey where residents can tell us where outdoor flooding is happening in their neighborhoods.
• 20:15
  SPEAKER_05: This information helps shape our program and public education on flooding.
• 20:21
  SPEAKER_05: And please note that this survey is not for emergencies.
• 20:25
  SPEAKER_05: And the third component that the portal has is a section just for municipalities.
• 20:31
  SPEAKER_05: Using the interactive mapper, municipalities can explore watershed initiatives that the county offers, including previously funded flood mitigation projects, watershed plan hotspots, and results from the flood reporting survey once they have been reviewed and approved for posting.
• 20:50
  SPEAKER_05: The portal had a soft launch in early September, and since then we have gained about 140 views, and it has been in the making for quite some time.
• 21:00
  SPEAKER_05: The portal would not exist actually without the vision of a lot of our staff in our department, especially our chief planner, Matthew Castro.
• 21:09
  SPEAKER_05: Matt leads our new our newly named division, the Regional Environmental Initiatives, which brings our land use and environmental teams together.
• 21:20
  SPEAKER_05: The person behind the scenes that developed the portal is none other than our associate environmental planner, Jesenia Lauriano.
• 21:28
  SPEAKER_05: It took Jesenia close to a year to build the portal from the ground up with extensive coding and mapping, as you will see when you visit it.
• 21:37
  SPEAKER_05: A special thanks as always to our colleagues from IT, especially our GIS division, led by Ana Heraldo Gomez and County We and Courtney Weber, who's a GIS specialist.
• 21:50
  SPEAKER_05: So many things in our department that we do rely on GIS, and we're so grateful to the leadership of CIO Byrne and her staff for always helping.
• 22:00
  SPEAKER_05: Helping us and guiding us along the way.
• 22:02
  SPEAKER_05: Planning staff and interns also took a role and gave us valuable feedback as they attended various uh lunch and learns that Jacenia had coordinated throughout the year as the portal was being created.
• 22:17
  SPEAKER_05: So I invite everyone to visit the portal.
• 22:19
  SPEAKER_05: You'll find the link on the Department of Planning website, planning.westchestercountyny.gov.
• 22:26
  SPEAKER_05: Thank you.
• 22:27
  SPEAKER_05: And I'll leave this here.
• 22:29
  SPEAKER_01: Okay, for whoever is our mascot.
• 22:34
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you, uh Commissioner Lopez and the team at Planning and IT for developing this waterways portal.
• 22:41
  SPEAKER_01: Next up, we're going to talk about Westchester County's signature event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
• 22:51
  SPEAKER_01: That event is coming up.
• 22:53
  SPEAKER_01: Westchester County Tourism and Film Director, Natasha Caputo, is here to tell us all the details of RevFest 250.
• 23:02
  SPEAKER_01: She will share details about the celebration and how RevFest 250 will bring Westchester's revolutionary history to life, highlighting the people, places, and pivotal moments that help shape our nation.
• 23:16
  SPEAKER_01: Natasha will also discuss how residents and visitors can participate in the festivities and explore Westchester's important role in America's founding story.
• 23:27
  SPEAKER_01: Natasha, give us all those ideas.
• 23:30
  SPEAKER_01: Okay, great.
• 23:30
  SPEAKER_06: Well, thank you so much, and I am excited here to be here today.
• 23:35
  SPEAKER_06: So RevFest 250 will start is on some Saturday, October 24th, and Sunday, October 25th from 10 to 5 p.m.
• 23:45
  SPEAKER_06: Mark your calendars.
• 23:47
  SPEAKER_06: It's being held at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation and Cross River, and it is a free public event.
• 23:54
  SPEAKER_06: And as our Deputy County Executive mentioned, it's our signature event commemorating the nation's 250th and working alongside our partners like Revolutionary Westchester 250, the National Brigade of the American Revolution, or Westchester County Parks in our various departments.
• 24:13
  SPEAKER_06: This will be an unforgettable weekend for families, history enthusiasts, and curious minds of all ages, bringing history of the American Revolution, Westchester's role in that into life.
• 24:27
  SPEAKER_06: You're going to step back in time and explore continental and British Army encampments, hundreds of reenactors right here with living history exhibitors portraying soldiers, civilians.
• 24:40
  SPEAKER_06: You'll have witness military drills, musket and artillery firing, a horseback cavalry, trades, hands-on, that really will reveal and kind of give a sense of what life was during the revolution.
• 24:54
  SPEAKER_06: Each day will end with um over 500, 500 to 750 volunteers, and it we hope to be, and I think it will be, the largest scale recreation of the Battle of White Plains.
• 25:08
  SPEAKER_06: Umriginally, the Battle of White Plains took back on October 28th, 1776.
• 25:14
  SPEAKER_06: So it is will be time to kind of really go back in time.
• 25:18
  SPEAKER_06: Throughout each day, we will also have a major stage featuring the one and only West Point Benny Havens Band, the Sankufu Drum and Dance Ensemble.
• 25:29
  SPEAKER_06: We have local New Rochelle's Charles W.
• 25:32
  SPEAKER_06: Dickerson Drum Fife and Bugles Corp, and a fun Hamilton sing-along.
• 25:38
  SPEAKER_06: There'll be different zones or areas to really experience this.
• 26:11
  SPEAKER_06: The stunning backdrop of Ward Pound Ridge will feature, as I mentioned, more of two miles of immersive experience, interactive, hands-on food trucks, and more.
• 26:22
  SPEAKER_06: Mark your calendars.
• 26:23
  SPEAKER_06: It's going to be a fun weekend full of a lot of memorable photo Instagrammable moments, as I always say.
• 26:50
  SPEAKER_06: Um that we have for all of our residents and our visitors.
• 26:54
  SPEAKER_06: You can learn more and engage with us and also learn other calendar of events activities on visit Westchesterny.com forward slash 250.
• 27:03
  SPEAKER_06: Thank you.
• 27:09
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: All right.
• 27:09
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Thank you so much, Natasha.
• 27:10
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: That that was a fantastic.
• 27:12
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And I know everyone wants to be in the room where it happens.
• 27:15
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Okay, I'll say look at that.
• 27:17
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: All right.
• 27:18
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um a few weeks ago, you saw me get my flu and COVID vaccines um with Nixon 5, of course.
• 27:24
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And now today we're reminding you again get your flu and COVID vaccines as soon as possible.
• 27:31
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: With us today is going to be the Director of Clinical Services for the Westchester County Health Department, Dr.
• 27:36
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Rena Agarwal, who's going to discuss that importance of getting your flu and COVID vaccines this season as well as what residents should know about staying protected from respiratory illnesses.
• 27:49
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And again, there has been some information about Dr.
• 27:52
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Agarwal that says people should be getting those flu shots because there's some outbreaks going on in different parts of the country.
• 27:57
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So thank you.
• 27:59
  SPEAKER_07: Absolutely.
• 27:59
  SPEAKER_07: Thank you.
• 28:01
  SPEAKER_07: Okay.
• 28:01
  SPEAKER_07: I have to do this.
• 28:02
  SPEAKER_07: Hold on.
• 28:07
  SPEAKER_07: Ah.
• 28:09
  SPEAKER_07: Okay.
• 28:10
  SPEAKER_07: There we go.
• 28:12
  SPEAKER_07: All right.
• 28:13
  SPEAKER_07: Thank you, County Executive, and good afternoon.
• 28:15
  SPEAKER_07: I appreciate the opportunity to urge every Westchester resident six months of age and older to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.
• 28:25
  SPEAKER_07: These vaccines will protect you throughout the respiratory virus season, and already we're beginning to see cases rise.
• 28:31
  SPEAKER_07: They typically peak in the winter but can last all the way through spring and are already starting to increase in number in our county.
• 28:41
  SPEAKER_07: For most of us, coming down with a respiratory illness makes us feel miserable, keeps us home from work and school and social events, but it soon becomes a distant memory.
• 28:51
  SPEAKER_07: Unfortunately, I'm here to remind you that flu and COVID-19 can be lethal and should not be taken lightly.
• 28:58
  SPEAKER_07: Every year, there are families in the US where healthy children do die from the flu.
• 29:04
  SPEAKER_07: Almost all of the time, the children were unvaccinated.
• 29:07
  SPEAKER_07: So thankfully, we have not had a recent flu death here, a childhood flu death here, but I urge you to do your part to keep your family and your community safe.
• 29:17
  SPEAKER_07: The best way to protect your children, immunocompromised family members, grandparents, and yourselves from severe illness and death, is for everyone to get an annual flu shot.
• 29:30
  SPEAKER_07: The county executive just got his vaccines a few weeks ago, and I hope everyone watching will follow his example.
• 29:37
  SPEAKER_07: It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to provide its full protection, so now is the time to get vaccinated.
• 29:43
  SPEAKER_07: As as I said before, the numbers are starting to rise.
• 29:46
  SPEAKER_07: There are many convenient places to get vaccinated.
• 29:48
  SPEAKER_07: Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available from pharmacies and drugstores, medical offices, neighborhood health centers.
• 29:56
  SPEAKER_07: And with flu and COVID cases trending upwards as the weather cools, it's a good time to protect yourself.
• 30:10
  SPEAKER_07: Please give us a call at 914-995-5800.
• 30:15
  SPEAKER_07: We see patients in White Plains, and we will be soon moving into a new space, a new beautiful space in Yonkers.
• 30:22
  SPEAKER_07: We also realize that access can be a barrier, so we do run flu vaccine clinics within the community, in food pantries and community centers to provide residents an opportunity to get vaccines where they are.
• 30:33
  SPEAKER_07: So again, let me just say respiratory illnesses ramp up after Thanksgiving and during the winter holidays when people are spending time together indoors.
• 30:43
  SPEAKER_07: Get ahead of that.
• 30:44
  SPEAKER_07: Get vaccinated now before the numbers start increasing.
• 30:49
  SPEAKER_07: Don't wait till it's circulating in your community.
• 30:51
  SPEAKER_07: Get your flu and COVID vaccines now.
• 30:54
  SPEAKER_07: Protect yourself, your family, and the most vulnerable members of our community.
• 30:58
  SPEAKER_07: Thank you.
• 31:02
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I got you.
• 31:02
  SPEAKER_07: Okay.
• 31:04
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Thanks, Dr.
• 31:05
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Agarwell.
• 31:06
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Right.
• 31:06
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um that that was um fantastic information.
• 31:09
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And again, reminding people, because I did see on some media reports earlier today that there was some flu outbreaks going on in different parts of the country, not in our part of the country.
• 31:18
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, but with the weather doing what the weather does, um where you had 80-degree weather on Friday and then 60s, um, sometimes in the 50s, depending on your community, it is so important to do that.
• 31:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Listen to Dr.
• 31:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Agarwal, make sure that you make those appointments with your doctor, your local pharmacies, um, health clinics, etc.
• 31:36
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And for those that need that additional assistance, they can contact our health department um to see what things are available.
• 31:41
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So thanks a lot, Doc.
• 31:42
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: All right.
• 31:43
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Up next, we're gonna have our acting commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services, Randolph Scott.
• 31:50
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: He's gonna be here with us to discuss Senior Law Day, taking place at Westchester County Center on October 8th.
• 31:57
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: He's gonna highlight the free resources, expert guidance available to older adults, their families, and caregivers on this important legal, financial, and planning issues, and explain how residents can take advantage of the services and information available at this annual event.
• 32:12
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And if you're bringing anyone else with you, absolutely, this is the time to do that.
• 32:17
  SPEAKER_00: So thank you very much.
• 32:24
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you, County Executive.
• 32:25
  SPEAKER_00: I don't think I need this, so I'm gonna push that.
• 32:34
  SPEAKER_00: The first Senior Law Day program was held in 2001, and it's grown ever since.
• 32:40
  SPEAKER_00: Beginning in 2010, smaller Senior Law Day programs were held throughout the county.
• 32:46
  SPEAKER_00: We are now a year-round initiative in both online and in-person programs, engaging over 2,000 individuals annually with one of our in-person or remote programs.
• 32:59
  SPEAKER_00: Please plan to join me and the senior services program staff at Senior Law Day on Thursday, October 8th at 8 45 a.m.
• 33:09
  SPEAKER_00: at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
• 33:12
  SPEAKER_00: To date, we have over 400 registered for this event.
• 33:18
  SPEAKER_00: That tells you how magnificent this event will be.
• 33:22
  SPEAKER_00: We will offer free one-on-one consultation with attorneys, financial planners, and geriatric care managers, along with educational workshops.
• 33:33
  SPEAKER_00: Registration for one-on-one consultation occurs on site.
• 33:39
  SPEAKER_00: So please arrive promptly at 845 and on the day of the event secure your spot.
• 33:45
  SPEAKER_00: 16 workshops on topics ranging from estate planning, health care decisions to financial planning and long-term care.
• 33:53
  SPEAKER_00: The workshops cover topics like elder law, Medicaid, power of attorney, solo agent, and much, much more.
• 34:02
  SPEAKER_00: Redesigned opening sessions with a panel of judicial experts discussing trends in the Westchester court system.
• 34:11
  SPEAKER_00: All important information that we know is needed in our senior population.
• 34:16
  SPEAKER_00: Informational tables with representatives from local and regional public agencies and select non-for-profits in the elder services arena.
• 34:26
  SPEAKER_00: Practicing attorneys will present at several of our tables.
• 34:30
  SPEAKER_00: So let me share with you some of the highlights of Senior Law Day 2026.
• 34:35
  SPEAKER_00: There's the potential for record-breaking attendance, as I shared with you earlier, due to the moving optional pre-registration from phone to online.
• 34:47
  SPEAKER_00: We will have a revamped floor plan and schedule to smooth the flow of people signing up for consultations and focus attention on the opening sessions.
• 34:58
  SPEAKER_00: There will be a continued commitment to covering new ground, such as the new Medicaid and dying law in New York and Solo Agent, a situation faced by many of our older adults.
• 35:11
  SPEAKER_00: We will also have a commitment to our volunteers.
• 35:14
  SPEAKER_00: We inaugurated a program of volunteer ambassadors out in the cities, towns, and villages of Westchester helping to spread the word in advance of Senior Law Day.
• 35:25
  SPEAKER_00: Professional volunteers, even after we've told them volunteer sign-up is closed, others ask for more volunteers, ours as the event approaches.
• 35:37
  SPEAKER_00: We will also, and this is very important, offer free parking and light breakfasts.
• 35:44
  SPEAKER_00: So general registration is recommended, but please note that we are unable to accommodate advanced registrations for consultation.
• 35:52
  SPEAKER_00: But I look forward to seeing all of you on October 8th.
• 35:56
  SPEAKER_00: Have a great one.
• 36:25
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: That has to be done by October 15th, so that's coming up.
• 36:28
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And the operating budget we have to release by November 10th.
• 36:32
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So we have another session.
• 36:34
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We had one up in Peakskill um last week, this week on October 7th from 4 to 6 p.m.
• 36:39
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: at the Yonkers Public Library, not in Yonkers at One Lauken Center.
• 36:43
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We're gonna have this opportunity for you before the budget is finalized and sent down to the Board of Legislators for their consideration by inviting uh residents to share their priorities, concerns, and ideas about county programs and services that matter to them most.
• 36:59
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: If you can't attend in person on October 7th, um written comments are always welcome.
• 37:05
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Email your feedback to communication at WestchesterCountyny.gov.
• 37:11
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Communications at WestchesterCountyNY.gov.
• 37:14
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Make sure your voice is heard and help shape Westchester County's priorities for 2027.
• 37:21
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Then we're gonna have it on October 21st the Italian flag raising.
• 37:27
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So this month we are celebrating Italian Heritage Month in October.
• 37:31
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I hope you'll join with us here in the county for a special flag raising ceremony.
• 37:35
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We'll raise the Italian flag here on Wednesday, October 21st at 5 p.m.
• 37:40
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: outside the McKillion office building here in White Plains.
• 37:43
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Following that ceremony, we'll continue the celebration with a reception from 5 30 to 7.
• 37:49
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: This is an opportunity for all members of our Italian American family to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Italian Americans here in Westchester.
• 37:59
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Please RSVP by October 14th, again to communications at WestchesterCountyNY.gov.
• 38:06
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We hope you're going to join us as we proudly raise the Italian flag and celebrate Italian Heritage Month here in Westchester County.
• 38:13
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Let's turn back over to the Deputy County Executive.
• 38:18
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you, County Executive.
• 38:21
  SPEAKER_01: Now for some of the parks updates.
• 38:23
  SPEAKER_01: On Friday, October 9th, from 7 until 9.30, one of my favorite movies, Hocus Pocus, will be playing at the Alfred Del Bello Muscoot Farm in Kotona.
• 38:35
  SPEAKER_01: Get into the holiday spirit and watch a screening of that feature film.
• 38:40
  SPEAKER_01: Actor Larry Bagby, who played Ernie Ice, will join fans for a VIP experience beginning at 5 o'clock PM, and he will introduce the film.
• 38:53
  SPEAKER_01: Tickets for the movie are$10 a person.
• 38:56
  SPEAKER_01: The$60 VIP experience includes admission to the movie, a photo with Bagby, an autograph, and a small group QA session.
• 39:06
  SPEAKER_01: For details and tickets, go to parks events.westchestercounty ny.gov backslash event backslash hocus dash pocus dash at dash muscoot dash farm.
• 39:22
  SPEAKER_01: That was a mouthful.
• 39:32
  SPEAKER_01: until 3 30 p.m.
• 39:33
  SPEAKER_01: And also Sunday, October 11th and Monday, October 12th, it's the pumpkin picking weekend at Al Del Bello Muscoot Farm.
• 39:44
  SPEAKER_01: Join us for our annual pumpkin picking event.
• 39:46
  SPEAKER_01: Pumpkins, hay rides, apple cider, and donuts will be available for purchase to benefit the friends of Muscoot Farm.
• 39:55
  SPEAKER_01: There is free entrance and it includes live music, demos, kids' activities, and games.
• 40:02
  SPEAKER_01: Also on Sunday, October 11th, at Lazden Public Gardens in Veterans Memorial Park in Katona from 9 a.m.
• 40:10
  SPEAKER_01: until 10:30 a.m.
• 40:12
  SPEAKER_01: It's Yoga in the Garden.
• 40:14
  SPEAKER_01: Join expert yoga teacher Melissa Feinberg for a gentle discovery within the practice of yoga.
• 40:21
  SPEAKER_01: For beginners or advanced students, we begin with a warm-up and introduction.
• 40:26
  SPEAKER_01: Then it is on to discovering new postures in breathing and meditation practices.
• 40:31
  SPEAKER_01: Yoga's many benefits include improved flexibility, strength, and body awareness.
• 40:37
  SPEAKER_01: The fee for the session is$25.
• 40:40
  SPEAKER_01: And lastly, on Sunday, October 11th, again at El Del Bello Muscoot Farm, from 9 30 until 2 30 p.m.
• 40:49
  SPEAKER_01: is the farmers market.
• 40:50
  SPEAKER_01: Muscoot's weekly farmers market supports farmers in sustainable efforts in our area, featuring over 25 local vendors every Sunday until November 15th.
• 41:02
  SPEAKER_01: The Barnyard Beats will provide live music again by Larry Bagby.
• 41:07
  SPEAKER_01: He's a popular guy this weekend.
• 41:09
  SPEAKER_01: I'll turn it back over to the county executive.
• 41:12
  SPEAKER_01: All right.
• 41:13
  SPEAKER_01: Thanks, Joe.
• 41:15
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Well, that was a lot.
• 41:17
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And that's this week in Westchester.
• 41:19
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, first we announced uh Nilda Hoffman as our first deputy commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, and John O'Rourke as our deputy commissioner.
• 41:27
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, certainly reminding folks, Hoffman, a 30-year NYPD veteran, is the first Hispanic person and first woman in a leadership role in the Department of Public Safety.
• 41:35
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: O'Rourke comes from the district attorney's office where he is currently the chief of the investigations division.
• 41:42
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We reviewed Playland and its attendance.
• 41:44
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: That attendance that reached over 320,000 people, um, uh selling over 171,000 wristbands, and that was up from the attendance over 100, you know, close to 100,000 from 2025.
• 41:57
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: This season closes out with Scared by the Sound, and it's open now, and you should all attend.
• 42:03
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And guess what?
• 42:04
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We're gonna open the park with brand new rides and things in 2027.
• 42:08
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Our human rights commissioner um executive director, Tejas Sanchala, um, joined us to discuss his guidance for residents who encounter ICE, and his office is always there to help.
• 42:19
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Feeding Westchester CEO Christine Borak joined us to discuss the recent changes to SNAP, the impact on Westchester families and households right now, where 41% of our households um can't afford basic necessities, and that as of October 1st, federal payments for the SNAP administration were cut in half.
• 42:37
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And for us in Westchester County, um, we equate that to a 1% tax increase because it's six million dollars.
• 42:43
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And for us, five and a half million dollars is a one percent tax increase.
• 42:47
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So before we get started on that budget we talked about, looks like we have to build in one percent just to cover that administrative cost without providing one extra bit of services.
• 42:56
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez announced the online resource covering watershed, streams, flood zones, aquif um aquifers, and quality water quality initiatives and all those great things that you can do on your own and take a look at.
• 43:10
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: If you want to be a fun planner and watch the water, you can do that right at the comfort of your own home and have fun doing that.
• 43:17
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Dr.
• 43:17
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Rena Agaral of the Health Department urged us all to get vaccinated for flu and COVID.
• 43:23
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, I got my shots.
• 43:24
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: You should join me and make sure you do yours as well.
• 43:27
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Senior Law Day is coming up.
• 43:29
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Our acting commissioner Randolph Scott invited all the seniors to come here, free legal, financial, and planning advice, plus free parking and like a little food in the beginning.
• 43:38
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: That's always a good day, um, on October 8th at the Westchester County Center.
• 43:42
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And we talked about that signature event uh by Natasha Caputo talking to us about Redfest 250, the signature event for the 250th anniversary of the uh of our country, that American Revolution here in the neutral zone in Westchester County.
• 43:58
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I know some people say, why are we doing the Battle of White Plains up in Wardpound Ridge?
• 44:02
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Because we needed the room, right?
• 44:05
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: There was a battle, but that's Battle Hill in White Plains.
• 44:07
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So there's people's houses there now.
• 44:09
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So we it's kind of a it's kind of a problem.
• 44:10
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: So again, to do the 500 to 750 different reenactors, and it is going to be an amazing with over two miles of things to have done.
• 44:19
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: Um, the the interactive of the exhibits and things that can happen, it is going to be a wonderful, wonderful time, and everyone should get up to Ward Pound Ridge, part of the nationally accredited and award-winning park system.
• 44:31
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: And that's this week in Westchester.
• 44:32
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: I'm Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins.
• 44:34
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: We'll get back to you.
• 44:35
  Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: If anything comes up that you need to be aware of right away, have a wonderful, wonderful week.