WCP_12226

The Westchester County Press Post Office Box 152, White Plains, NY 10602

97 YEARS

VOL. XCVII NO. 4

County Press The Westchester

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WHITE PLANS, NY PERMIT # 5069

“Documenting Our History for the Future.”

ISSN 0043-3373

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2026

MEMBER OF NNPA

Congratulations to Mount Vernon City Court Judge Danielle R. Browne (Left to right) Hon. Keri A. Fiore, Supreme Court Judge, Hon. Alexandra Bisesi, Yonkers City Court Judge, Hon. Danielle Brown, Mount Vernon City Court Judge, Hon. Tamika A. Coverdale, Mount Vernon City Court Judge, Hon. Sharon G. Mathie, Yonkers Family Court Judge, and Hon. Erin M. McGoey, JCC, Westchester County Court Judge.

Digital Copy: www.westchestercountypress.com

2 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, JANUARY 22, 20256

The Women’s Leadership Institute Celebrates Dr. MLK Jr.’s Birthday: His Values, Impact, and Blueprint for Humanity

By Barbara L. Edwards

on the third Monday of January, is far more than a day off -- It is a day of reflection, service, and recommitment to the principles that Dr. King championed.

Dr. King’s leadership during the civil rights movement brought an end to legalized racial segregation and inspired landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Right Rights Act of 1965. His unwavering belief in nonviolent resistance, influenced

by Mahatma Gandhi, demonstrated that moral courage could dismantle systemic injustice without resorting to violence.

Dr. King’s values--- rooted in justice and peaceful protest---transformed America’s approach to civil BARBARA L. EDWARDS, Esq. rights. He taught that true progress Every January, the United States requires unity and empathy, not dipauses to celebrate the birthday of vision and hostility. His” I Have a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man Dream” speech remains a tireless whose vision and courage reshaped call for a society where people are the moral and social fabric of the na- judged by character rather than skin tion. This federal holiday, observed color, a vision that continues to guide

efforts toward racial equity today.

Beyond civil rights, Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence and community uplift laid the foundation for movements advocating equality and economic justice. His insistence on collective action and moral responsibility still resonates in modern struggles against poverty, discrimination, and inequality.

Dr. King’s legacy is not confined to American history---it serves as a universal blueprint for humanity.

His teachings remind us that progress is possible when we choose dialogue over discord, compassion over hatred, and service over selfishness. The King Holiday and Service Act of 1994 reinforced this idea by designating MLK Day as a National Day of Service, encouraging Americans to volunteer and strengthen their communities,--- a living tribute to Dr. King’s belief that life’s most persistent and urgent question is: “What are you doing for others?”

Globally, Dr. King’s principles

have inspired peaceful movements for justice, proving that his dream transcends borders and generations.

In a world still grappling with inequality and conflict, his message remains urgent: nonviolence is not passive --- it is powerful, justice is not optional, ---- it is essential.

The Woman’s Leadership Institute celebrates Dr. King’s birthday not only to honor his life, but to recommit ourselves to his vision.

Each observance is a reminder that the fight for equality is ongoing and that his ideals–Courage, Empathy, and Service–are as relevant today as they were in the 1960s. By embracing these values, we ensure that Dr. King’s dream continues to live, guiding humanity toward a future of dignity and peace for all.

The Women’s Leadership Institute is an organization established to advance and improve the personal, economic, and professional status of women and girls. Visit:www.tcfiswli.com or contact us at 914-664-0430.

Lila Kirton Appointed Deputy Director of Operations WHITE PLAINS, NY -- Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins announced the appointment of Lila E. Kirton as Deputy Director of Operations, a promotion that reflects her extensive leadership experience across local and state government and her long-standing commitment to public Service.

Kirton currently serves as Deputy Director of the Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection. In her new role, she will help oversee dayto-day County operations, support interdepartmental coordination, and advance initiatives that strengthen service delivery for Westchester residents.

Jenkins said, “Lila Kirton brings extraordinary depth of experience, institutional knowledge, and proven leadership to this role. Her career reflects a deep commitment to effective government, equity, and service, and she will be a tremendous asset to our operations team.”

Kirton said, “I thank the County Executive for this opportunity. Having spent my career in public service, it is deeply meaningful to continue serving Westchester County in this capacity. I look forward to working closely with colleagues across departments to ensure our government is responsive, effective and rooted in the needs of the communities we serve.”

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LILA KIRTON

The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, JANUARY 22, ,2026 • 3

Mount Vernon Hosts Swearing-In Ceremony for City Court Judge Danielle R. Browne Statement by Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard

MOUNT VERNON, NY -- January 15, 2026 -- Last night, the City of Mount Vernon proudly hosted the swearing-in ceremony for the Honorable Danielle R. Browne, as she begins her new role as Mount Vernon City Court Judge.

Public service is nothing new to Judge Browne. Over the past four years, she faithfully served our city as a City Councilwoman, rising to the role of City Council President and becoming the youngest person in Mount Vernon’s history to hold that position.

Now, she makes history once again as the youngest individual to ever sit on the bench for the City of Mount Vernon. With her deep dedication to this community, tireless work ethic, and unwavering commitment to justice, we are confident that Judge Browne will continue to serve with excellence in this new capacity.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming the Honorable Danielle R. Browne.

The Honorable Danielle R. Browne, Mount Vernon City Court Judge.

Mayor Shawyn Paterson-Howard congratulates Mount Vernon City Court Judge Danielle R. Browne on her new position as fellow jurists look on.

4 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, JANUARY 22, 20256

Legislator Shanae Williams Elected to Leadership of the County Board of Legislators

PUBLISHER

1986-2009

M. Paul Tells All

By M. Paul Redd, Sr. August 11, 1928 - January 9, 2009

The Dream Cannot be Realized Without Financial Freedom OP-ED by Benjamin Crump, Esq.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR SHANAE V. WILLIAMS

WHITE PLAINS, NY -- Legislator Shanae Williams (D-Yonkers) was elected Majority Whip of the County Board of Legislators by the Board’s majority Democratic Caucus. Legislator Williams joins Legislator Terry Clements (D-New Ro-

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chelle, Pelham, Pelham Manor) who was elected as Vice Chair. The Board of Legislators re-elected Vedat Gashi (D-New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) as its Chairman, Sunday Vanderberg will continue as the Board’s Clerk and Chief Administrative Officer, position she has served in for four terms.

Westchester County Clerk Thomas M. Roach administered the Oath of Office to the legislators after the team leadership vote.

Williams said, “I am deeply grateful to my colleagues for entrusting me with the role of Majority Whip for this new term. I take this responsibility seriously and am committed to upholding the duties of this position with respect and purpose. We have important work ahead,, and our focus will remain on advancing commonsense legislationbthat benefits all Westchester County residents. I look forward to working longside my colleagues in leadership and witin the Democratic caucus to ensure a productive and successful term.”

We honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. each January with speeches, service projects, and by reciting powerful quotes we know by heart.

But too many Black families will spend much of MLK Day the same way they spend most Mondays.

With the gas tank hovering near empty, hoping the car can go until the next paycheck arrives. With a prescription waiting at the pharmacy counter because they cannot afford the cost.

With a paycheck that has to stretch further than what seems possible.

Dr. King understood that true dignity means being able to afford and build a good life. In one of his clearest reminders, he asked what it means to “eat at an integrated lunch counter” if you cannot “buy a hamburger and a cup of coffee.”

That question still carries weight for many. Personal freedom will not be achieved without financial freedom.

Dr. King spent the final chapter of his life pushing the country to face economic injustice. The day before he was tragically assassinated, Dr. King stood with sanitation workers in Memphis to call for economic equality. He helped launch the Poor People’s Campaign because he knew freedom hollowed out by poverty is not freedom at all. Dr. King kept pushing America to match its promises with practical pathways.

That is the part of his legacy we should sit with this MLK Day. This work has never been more important or needed. The cost of groceries, rent, and childcare have become an increased burden. And many families go from stable to scrambling with just one unexpected expense.

These realities are on display in a recent national survey commissioned by DreamFi, echoing what so many families already feel so deeply. More than one in four respondents told us they used check-cashing services in the past year. This finding makes it clear that too many households still need simpler and more accessible options for moving money.

The survey also shows how unexpected expenses impact families. Only 41% of Black respondents said they

could cover a $1,000 emergency, compared with 56% of white respondents.

When a tire blows out, when a child gets sick, when hours get cut, the question is not theoretical. The question is immediate and the impact is real.

We must shine a light on this struggle and work to equip families with tools to build better futures. We must recognize Dr. King’s wisdom and acknowledge that financial stability is a civil rights issue, because financial instability limits the ability to have choices.

The survey also found hope that can guide how we move forward.

Black families are not turning away from the idea of building stability. In fact, they are reaching for it. In the survey, 79% of Black respondents said they sought out financial education in the past six months. Ours is a community hungry for tools and a fair shot at creating a better tomorrow.

So, what does it mean to honor Dr. King right now?

It means we get practical.

It means we expand access to clear, trustworthy financial education that respects people’s time and speaks to real solutions. It means we support savings pathways that help families prepare for emergencies before emergencies arrive.

It means we encourage options that make routine transactions easier and less costly, so a family is not paying extra simply to manage their own money.

Most of all, it means we stop treating financial instability as normal. Because normal is not the same as acceptable.

Dr. King asked America to make its promises real. The best way to honor him now is to provide opportunities for everyone to achieve Dr. King’s dream.

Ben Crump is a nationally renowned civil rights attorney and founder of Ben Crump Law. Known as “Black America’s attorney general,” he has represented families in some of the most high-profile civil rights cases of our time, including those of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tyre Nichols, and Ahmaud Arbery. He is also co-founder of DreamFi, a financial empowerment platform focused on helping everyday people build stability through practical resources.

The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, JANUARY 22, ,2026 • 5

Coalition calls for halt to wage garnishment on defaulted student loans

Default rate five times higher than whites adds to Black grads’ economic distress

By Charlene Crowell On behalf of the nearly 9 million people who are now in default on their student loans, a coalition of advocates from consumer, civil rights, and education organizations are appealing to the federal Education Department to halt its plans to begin garnishing borrower wages this month. Default status connotes borrowers are 270 days or more behind on their payments.

Citing new research from Protect Borrowers, formerly the Student Borrower Protection Center, the coalition advised Education Secretary Linda McMahon in a January 7 letter that a new student loan default occurred every nine seconds in 2025. That escalating rate is unprecedented, and is nearly three times worse than in 2019the year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Further, according to the advocates, the Trump administration’s student loan policies are disproportionately harming Black and older borrowers. Signing the joint letter of appeal were: Protect Borrowers, American Federation of Teachers, the Debt Collective, NAACP, National Education Association, the Student Debt Crisis Center, and Young Invincibles.

“Research shows that involuntary collections only exacerbate the economic challenges faced by defaulted borrowers, who are disproportionately seniors and Black borrowers,” wrote the coalition. “In fact, of the borrowers already in default, roughly a third of them are older borrowers.

Black graduates are additionally five times more likely to default than their white peers.”

Additionally, and according to Protect Borrowers, nearly two-thirds of the borrowers who defaulted during the Trump Administration— more than 2.6 million people—live in states that President Trump won in the 2024 election. Among the states most severely affected were Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and Texas, each of which saw 100,000 or more borrowers default last year.

“The decision to resume wage garnishment against millions of borrowers amidst a growing affordabil-

Photo Credit: CRL Image

ity crisis crushing working families is calloused and unnecessary,” continued the coalition. “The decision also comes at a time when struggling borrowers have been forced to wait amidst a nearly 1 million application backlog to enroll in an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan, and as mass layoffs at the Department have made it even harder for borrowers to get help with their student loans or if they are experiencing issues with their student loan servicer.”

For Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, the nation’s oldest civil rights organization, the Trump administration policies are about financial rights.

“By garnishing wages for defaulted student loan borrowers, the Trump Administration will only deepen financial hardship for working families and disproportionately harm Black borrowers,” said Johnson. “Millions are already struggling with rising costs and economic uncertainty, and stripping wages will only push families further into financial crisis.”

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, agreed with Johnson: “This is not about borrowers’ responsibility; it’s outright hostility to the young people trying to get ahead. The

Trump Administration is choosing to squeeze teachers, nurses and others while prices are increasing and families are struggling to stay afloat, ripping away wages and tax refunds when people need them most.”

A fact sheet developed by the Center for Responsible Lending tracks key 2025 policy decisions that summarize the Education Department’s actions taken against student loan borrowers. These include: • In March 2025, the Department cut nearly half its workforce, with the Federal Student Aid office and Office for Civil Rights among the hardest hit. With Federal Student Aid’s servicing and community outreach infrastructures dismantled, systemic servicing errors are less likely to be caught or corrected, leaving borrowers with fewer avenues for help just as major loan policy changes are being rolled out.

• In May 2025, the Department reinstated the Treasury Offset Program, allowing the government to seize tax refunds from borrowers in default.

• On August 1, 2025, the Department of Education restarted interest accrual for borrowers with Department of Education loans in the SAVE

forbearance. Since 2023, SAVE’s unpaid interest shielded borrowers from balance growth. With that protection gone, borrowers’ balances will now grow during this forbearance and may keep rising if monthly payments do not fully cover accrued interest.

This shift makes repayment harder and adds long-term uncertainty for more than 7 million borrowers.

Beginning July 1, 2026, parents who take out new Parent PLUS loans will no longer be eligible for any income-driven repayment plan. That means no access to income-contingent repayment (ICR) or repayment assistance plan (RAP) leaving the standard repayment plan as their only choice. Borrowers with existing Parent PLUS loans can preserve access to ICR if they consolidate their loans before the July 1, 2026, deadline.

“As safeguards are rolled back and oversight weakens, borrowers face growing balances and greater financial strain, making it urgent to press for stronger policies that preserve the promise of higher education as a pathway to opportunity,” concluded CRL. Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

6 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, JANUARY 22, 20256

Celebrating the Life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Kng, Jr. with the Africa American Men of Westchester Photos by Yvonne B. Bert, WCP Senior Reporter

The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, JANUARY 22, ,2026 • 7

Celebrating the Life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Kng, Jr. at the Thomas Slater Community Center, White Plains Photos by Yvonne B. Bert, WCP Senior Reporter

8 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, JANUARY 22, 20256

Celebrating the Life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Kng, Jr. with Senator Pete Harckham and Arts on the Lake Photos from Senator Pete Harckham

I was happy to join Arts on the Lake this afternoon in celebrating the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as we continue working together to uplift our community and ensure that everyone can live with dignity and respect.

Celebrating the Life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Kng, Jr. with the African American Men of Westchester Photos from Senator Shelley Mayer

The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, JANUARY 22, ,2026 • 9

The Return of a Legacy: Westchester County Chapter Revitalizes MLK Jr. Day Literary Tea

By Barbara L. Edwards, Esq.

NEW ROCHELLE, NY -- After a 10 year hiatus, the Westchester County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, triumphantly restored a 26year tradition: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Literary Tea. Held at the New Covenant Baptist Church in New Rochelle, the event was a masterful blend of culture, intellectual rigor, and community spirit, honoring Dr. King’s legacy through the power of the written word.

The afternoon featured a prestigious lineup of literary voices. Renowned creators and authors Bryan Collier, Cheryl McKissick Daniels, and CJ Farley shared poignant excerpts and insights that echoed Dr. King’s philosophy of justice and human dignity. A highlight of the program was a captivating, thoughtprovoking conversation with CNN anchor Abby Phillip, moderated by Links Links Incorporated Eastern Area Director Lisa Loury Lomas.

Together, these speakers moved the audience with messages that were as timely as they were inspiring.

This milestone resurrection was spearheaded by the vision of Link members Traci Alexander and Toya McWilliams. Supported by Chapter President Lisa Stenson Haggray, the team transformed the venue into an

L -R: B.Collier; B.Edwards; L. Stenson Haggray; C. McKissick; and CJ Farley

elegant space designed for meaningful dialogue.

The event’s success was bolstered by the vital support of Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures, facilitated by Dawna Michelle Fields. From the seamless registration handled by chapter volunteers to the attentive hospitality guided by Link members Joyce Turnipseed and Mitzi Ambrose-Washington, every detail ensured that guests felt truly valued.

The community’s response was one of overwhelming gratitude. By weaving together literature and leadership, the Westchester County Chapter has not only revived a beloved tradition but has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping Dr. King’s enduring vision alive for the next generation.

Learn more about the Westchester County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated visit https://www.westchestercountylinks.com/

The members of the Westchester County (NY) Chapter of the Links and Eastern Area Leadership Team

10 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, JANUARY 22, 20256

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The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, JANUARY 22, ,2026 • 11

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12 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, JANUARY 22, 20256

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The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, JANUARY 22, ,2026 • 13

Travis Scott Teaches Us How to Give Forward

By TotallyRandie The fourth quarter of the year is often dubbed “giving season,” and for good reason. As October fades into November, the cultural zeitgeist shifts toward gratitude and the spirit of the holidays. For most, this means making a yearly donation to a local food bank or participating in a toy drive for the less fortunate. But for Houston’s own Travis Scott, “giving season” isn’t a seasonal trend—it’s a sophisticated, year-round blueprint for community empowerment.

Since launching the Cactus Jack Foundation in November 2020 alongside his sister, Jordan Webster, Scott has moved beyond the traditional celebrity check-writing model. While the world watches his every move on global stages, his foundation has been quietly and consistently pouring into the soil that raised him. Whether it’s supporting SWAC baseball athletes or funding the Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund for HBCU students, the mission is clear: provide the resources for the next generation to not just survive, but to lead. lems of space habitation, including: From the Streets to the Stars • Lunar Water Filtration: DeThis past fall, the foundation signing systems to purify water on took its most ambitious leap yet. the moon.

In October 2025, Cactus Jack part• Space Habitats: Creating nered with Space Center Houston— structures designed for food presthe official visitor center of NASA ervation in extreme environments.

Johnson Space Center—to launch a • Robotics: Developing rovers first-of-its-kind STEM incubator. capable of navigating uneven lunar The program was specifically terrain. designed for students within the Houston Independent School DisThe Power of Being Present trict (HISD), many of whom come from underserved communities The program culminated in a where a career in aerospace often private showcase at Space Cenfeels like a light-year away. For ter Houston this past December. eight weeks, these middle schoolers Standing alongside retired NASA weren’t just reading about science; astronaut and Chief Science Ofthey were living it. ficer Megan McArthur, Scott Through a mix of virtual work- watched as HISD students preshops and hands-on sessions at the sented high-fidelity prototypes. In Cact.Us Design Center and TXRX that room, the disparity usually asLabs, students were paired with ac- sociated with these neighborhoods tual NASA engineers. They weren’t vanished, replaced by the technical tasked with busywork; they were language of CAD modeling and challenged to solve real-world prob- systems thinking.

But the work didn’t stop at the laboratory. The 6th Annual “Winter Wonderland Toy Drive” at Texas Southern University took place the very next day, showcasing the foundation’s dual-threat approach to philanthropy. While the STEM program looked toward the future, the toy drive took care of the present, putting smiles on the faces of thousands of Houston families with toys, groceries, and essential goods.

at Space Center Houston suggest otherwise. While his music may be a global export, his legacy is being built brick by brick (and circuit by circuit) in HISD classrooms.

By bridging the gap between hiphop culture and NASA’s high-tech corridors, the Cactus Jack Foundation is teaching us a vital lesson in giving forward. It’s not just about the gift under the tree in December; it’s about the skills, the confidence, and the “out of this world” opportu“Opportunities like this are be- nities provided in the months leading offered to help enrich our stu- ing up to it. dents’ lives and inspire them to pursue careers in fields where they Travis Scott may be a global can not only thrive but also bring icon, but in Houston, he’s becoming back solutions to their communi- something much more important: a ties.” — Travis Scott catalyst for the next generation of innovators.

More Than a Headline Bell @TotallyRandie Critics and social media skepMulti-Media Correspondent & tics often tweet that “Travis Scott Digital Creator is everywhere but Houston.” The BlackPressUsa.Com/Totallydata and the faces of the students Randie.com /Stylemagazine.com

14 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, JANUARY 22, 20256

Community Calendar

CALENDAR SUBMISSION: Please use a brief paragraph to describe your event. The paragraph should include event name, date(s), time, location and contact information. Send calendar information via email to westchestercountypress@yahoo.com. Please type “CALENDAR EVENT” in the subject bar.

Sunday, January 25

Join the New Rochelle Branch of the NAACP as they celebrate Jubilee Day at Bethesda Baptist Church, 71 Lincoln Avenue, New Rochelle. Rev. Allen Paul Weaver III, former interim Pastor of Bethesda, will serve as host for 4:00 p.m. the event. The celebration will include installation of officers and Executive Committee members of the Branch, There will be reflections through readings, song and music. Aisha Cook is President of the New Rochelle Branch of the NAACP.

will be hels on Wednesday January 28 at 9:30 am. in the County Executive Office, 148 Martine Ave, 9th Floor Conf. Bleakley, Rm 912, White Plains, NY 10601 Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings. westchestergov.com

Wednesday, Jan. 28

Westchester County Advisory Council on People with Disabilities will meet on Wednesday, January 28 at 4PM, in the Bleakley A, Conf. Rm A, 148 Martine Avenue White Plains, New York 10601 Join from the meeting link: https://westchestergov.webex.

Monday, January 26 The NAACP Yonkers Branch com/westchestergov/j.php?MTID General Membership Meeting =md1188f9b4a0e2272a0cd047c5 will be held on Monday, January 3a777d1 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meet- Friday, January 30 ing will be held in-person at the The County Department of Public Sarah Lawrence College Center Works & Transportation will meet for the Urban River at Beczak, 35 on Friday, January 30 at 9:00 a.m.

Alexander Street, Yonkers, NY at 148 Martine Ave., White Plains, 10708, and also via ZOOM Meet- NY – 5th Floor Room 527, Meming ID: 881 1279 6070. Passcode: bers of the public may view this NAACP. This meeting will be a meeting online at meetings.westtraining on the NAACP Constitu- chestergov.com. To make public tion and Bylaws for Units, under- comments remotely please e-mail standing Robert’s Rules of Order, har9@WestchesterCountyNY.gov and Meeting Etiquette. The meet- for instructions in advance of the ing is open to the public, and all meeting. are welcome.

Tuesday, January 27

Saturday, January 31

The public is cordially invited to the Inaugural Ball for Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, 7:00 to 11:00 p.m., at the VIP Country Club, 600 Davenport Avenue in New Rochelle, NY. For sponsorship information and to purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/JenkinsInaugural 2026 or contact Jackie Misler at jackie. misler@gmail.com. Tickets: PaWednesday, Jan. 28 Westchester County Industrial tron: $1,000; Individual: $300.

Development Agency Meeting Black Tie Optional.

Rescheduled: Dept. of Public Safety Police Board, Tuesday, January 27 at 3 p.m. Department of Public Safety Conf. Rm. 218 Saw Mill River Parkway, Hawthorne, NY 10532. Members of the public may view this meeting online at meetings@westchestergov.com

Tuesday, February 3

Sponsor. Let’s celebrate 19 years The Westchester County Plan- of community and creativity toning Board will meet on Tuesday, gether. Best, Ridvan Idara, New February 3 at 9:00 a.m., in Con- Era Creative Space Inc ference Room 420, 148 Martine Tuesday, February 17 Avenue, White Plains, New York The Agriculture & Farmland Pro10601. Members of the public tection Board Meeting will be may view this meeting online at: held on Tuesday, February 17 at meetings.westchestergov.com 4:00 p.m. in the Cassella Conference Room 420, 148 Martine Tuesday, February 3 Westchester County Executive Avenue, White Plains, New York Ken Jenkins invites you to join 10601. Members of the public in celebration of Black History may view this meeting online at: Month, 5:30-7:00 p.m., at the meetings.westchestergov.com Michaelian Office Building, 148 Wednesday, Feb. 18 Martine Avenue, White Plains, The Historic Preservation ComNY: RSVP by Friday, January 30, mittee Meeting will be held on2026: bit.ly/4pm83pr.

Wednesday, February 18 at 3:30 Tuesday, February 10 p.m., Conference Room 420, 148 The Housing Opportunity Com- Martine Avenue, White Plains, mission will meet on Tuesday, New York 10601. Members of the February 10 at 4:00 p.m. Mem- public may view this meeting onbers of the public may view this line at: meetings.westchestergov. meeting online at: meetings.west- com chestergov.com Thursday, Feb. 19 Westchester County Board of Friday, February 13 Health Meeting will be held on Saturday, February 14 Thursday, February 19 at 8:30 Show Way and Change Reaction a.m., at the Westchester County For over 19 years, our team has Health Department Office 11 produced theater that inspires. Martine Ave., 12th Floor, White This February, we invite you to Plains, New York 10606. Memjoin us for a powerful double-fea- bers of the public may view this ture perfect for the whole family: meeting online at https://www.

Show Way: A journey of heritage meetings.westchestergov.com and the secret maps to freedom.

Chain Reaction: A high-energy Thursday, Feb. 19 look at how one small act sparks The Yonkers Public Library and a movement. Friday and Satur- NYS Council on the Arts presents day, Feb 13 & 14, at Peekskill a program commemorating Black High School. Support the Arts: History Month: “The History of We are seeking Business Spon- African Americans in the Yonkers sors to help keep our youth pro- Police Department” at 6:00 p.m. grams thriving. If you own or in the Yonkers Room of Yonkers know a business that would like Public Library, One Larkin Cento partner with us, please reply to ter, Yonkers, NY. Join Yonkers this email for our sponsorship de- native and veteran Yonkers Potails or share this Link: Become a lice Detective Ken Davis and

The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, JANUARY 22, ,2026 • 15

learn about the first three African alz-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/ Members of the public may view NY 10601. Members of the pubAmerican patrol officers serving WN_vg6A_scESLei2pmG0mg- this meeting online at meetings. lic may view this meeting online the City of Yonkers and the Yon- W9g#/registration. westchestergov.com. To make at: meetings.westchestergov.com kers Police Department. public comments remotely please Thursday, February 26 e-mail har9@WestchesterCoun- Wednesday, March 18 Friday, February 20 Historic Preservation Committee Fire Advisory Board will meet on Soil & Water Conservation Dis- Thursday, February 26 at 5:30 pm tyNY.gov for instructions in ad- Meeting will be held on Wednestrict Board Meeting will meet on at the Department of Emergency vance of the meeting. day, March 18 at 3:30 p.m., in Friday, February 20 at 9:00 a.m. in Services, 4 Dana Road, Valhalla, Tuesday, March 17 Conference Room 420, 148 MarConference Room 429, 148 Mar- NY 10595. Members of the public Agriculture & Farmland Pro- tine Avenue, White Plains, New tine Avenue, White Plains, New may view this meeting online at: tection Board Meeting will be York 10601. Members of the pubYork 10601. Members of the pub- meetings.westchestergov.com held on Tuesday, March 17 at lic may view this meeting online lic may view this meeting online Tuesday, March 3 4:00 p.m.in Cassella Conference at: meetings.westchestergov.com at: meetings.westchestergov.com Westchester County Planning Room 420, 148 Martine Avenue, Thursday, March 19 Sunday, February 22 Board will meet on Tuesday, White Plains, New York 10601. Westchester County Board of Honor Black History Month and March 3 at 9:00 a.m., in Confer- Members of the public may view Health Meeting will be held on advance health equity by attend- ence Room 420, 148 Martine this meeting online at: meetings. Thursday, March 19 at 8:30 a.m. ing an engaging and informative Avenue, White Plains, New York westchestergov.com at the Westchester County Health program focused on brain health, 10601. Members of the public Tuesday, March 17 Department Office, 11 Martine on Sunday, February 22, 2026, may view this meeting online at: Westchester County Independent Ave., 12th Floor, White Plains, 4:00pm-5:00pm. The “Purple Sun- meetings.westchestergov.com Office of Assigned Counsel Board New York 10606. Members of day” Initiative of the Alzheimer’s Friday, March 6 of Directors Meeting on Tuesday, the public may view this meeting Association will feature powerful Westchester County Transporta- March 17 at 4:30 PM, 235 Main online at https://www.meetings. testimonials from guest speakers tion Board will meet on Friday, Street, Suite 540, White Plains, westchestergov.com impacted by dementia and relat- March 6 at 9 a.m., at the DepartCALENDAR, Continues next week ed diseases. Register for this free ment of Public Works & Transporvirtual program via email: npez- tation, 148 Martine Ave., White zullo@alz.org or online: https:// Plains, NY – 5th Floor Room 527

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16 • The WESTCHESTER County Press • Thursday, JANUARY 22, 20256