NAACP ACT-SO Westchester Region Awards Program Highlights Amazing Talented Youth
By Jewel Williams Johnson
VALHALLA, NY -- One of my absolute favorite events to attend each year is the NAACP ACT-SO Awards Program – and this year’s celebration on April 19 at Westchester Community College was, once again, nothing short of extraordinary.
ACT-SO – the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics – gives
our young people a stage to shine in the fullness of their brilliance. And what a treat it was to witness the awesome talent, discipline, creativity, courage, and skill of so many exceptional youth from across our county.
Every performance, every presentation, every expression of artistry and intellect reminded us of something: our young people are not merely pre-
paring for the future – they are already shaping it.
Congratulations to all the participants, because truly, every student who stepped forward, shared their gift, and committed to excellence is a winner. And special prayers, pride, and encouragement to those who will move on to the nation competition in Chicago this summer. Westchester is cheering you on!
Friends of Kensico Cemetery to Hold 20th Annual Veterans Remembrance Service
VALHALLA, NY — As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, Friends of The Kensico Cemetery will hold its twentieth annual Veterans Remembrance Service on Friday, May 22 at 2:30 PM.
The service honors Westchester County soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, recognizes all who have served in the Global War on Terrorism, and pays tribute to two Medal of Honor recipients buried at Kensico. POWs and MIAs will also be remembered. The ceremony takes place at the Veterans Memorial monument adjacent to the Administration Building and is open to the public. It includes wreath placements, the raising of the American flag, scripture readings, and guest speakers. This special event traditionally starts the area’s observance of Memorial Day, which this year occurs on Monday, May 25.
The 250th anniversary adds particular resonance to this year’s service. Judge John Fitch, Kensico’s very first interment, was a member of both the Sons of the American Revolution and the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization founded
by officers of the Revolutionary War. From that beginning, the cemetery has upheld a tradition of patriotic partnership spanning more than 137 years. This legacy is reflected in Kensico’s longstanding collaboration with a range of local and regional organizations dedicated to honoring veterans and preserving their history.
Chet Day, Chairman of the Board of the Friends, said, “We are honored to gather once again with the community members to commemorate this milestone. Together, we ensure that those who gave so much in service to this nation are never forgotten.”
For more information, contact Kensico Cemetery at 1-888-KENSICO. To confirm your attendance, please contact events@kensico.org.
Kensico Cemetery is a not-for-profit membership organization established in 1889 to serve the burial needs of families in the New York metropolitan area.
Friends of The Kensico Cemetery is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed to promote and advance the welfare of The Kensico Cemetery through historical preservation and education.
Nonprofit Westchester to Convene Regional Leaders for Cross-Sector Summit on Community Health
PURCHASE, NY — From healthcare in the age of AI to how to manage care for the underinsured in the wake of reduced government funding, top-level leaders will collaborate on transformative healthcare solutions at Manhattanville University on June 4.
Nonprofit Westchester (NPW) will launch the first in a three-part series, “Inside the Nonprofit Sector.” The inaugural conference, “Advancing Community Health: Aligning Cross-Sector Action,” brings together high-level experts from the nonprofit, healthcare, business, government, and higher education sectors to address the complex issues
shaping the health and economic well-being of Westchester County.
The event aims to identify collaborative strategies to address pressing community needs by examining data and trends through a cross-sector lens.
“In order to have healthy communities, we need to address more global issues like income disparity, housing, education and other socioeconomic factors. “Inside the Nonprofit Sector” is designed to foster dialogue between industries that have traditionally operated in silos, focusing on how coordinated action can drive systemic change,’’ said Jan Fisher, Executive Director of Non-
profit Westchester.
Program Highlights
The morning begins with registration and networking at 8:30 AM, followed by:
• Keynote Address: Dr. Lyndon J. Mitnaul, Executive Director at the Regeneron Genetics Center, will present “Informed Action for Healthier Communities.” His remarks will explore what current data reveals about regional health and showcases Regeneron’s model of coordinated cross-sector action.
• Panel Discussion: Titled “Who Owns What?,” this session will define current trends and future opportunities for each sector in driving in-
novation and health equity.
• Breakout Sessions: Attendees will participate in workshops focused on seven key domains: Food Access, Economic Stability, Healthcare, Arts & Culture, Housing Stability, Education, and Technology.
Distinguished Panelists
The panel features a diverse group of regional leaders:
• Megan Baldwin: Deputy Secretary for Health, New York State Executive Chamber.
• Monica Hidalgo: Senior Director, Community Relations at New York-Presbyterian.
• Dr. Lyndon J. Mitnaul: Executive Director, Regeneron Genetics
Senator Nathalia Fernandez Nominates Linda Tarrant Reid for NYS Senate’s Women of Distinction Award
ALBANY, NY -- New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez recently nominated Linda Tarrant Reid of New Rochelle for the New York State senate’s Women of Distinction Award.
Linda is an author, historian, journalist, photographer, and community advocate whose work has helped preserve New Rochelle’s African American history, uplifted local voices, and strengthened community through storytelling, advocacy, and service.
Congratulations to Linda and all of the other distinguished women leaders who are being honored this year
NAACP ACT-SO Awards Program
By Jewel Williams Johnson
A huge and heartfelt round of applause to Ingraham Taylor – leader coach, director, mentor, encourager, visionary – truly, just everything. Your dedication to these young people is a gift to them, to their families, and to our entire community. And on that note: please support ACT-SO.
This program deserves our applause, our investment, and our presence.
Their upcoming fundraiser brunch will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at the Greentree Country Club in New Rochelle. Please attend, donate, sponsor, or support in any way you
can: Donate https://share.google//HX8Gnd9amHvjA1Q2O
When we invest in our youth, we are investing in excellence, legacy, possibility, and the future we all say we want to see.
County Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson poses with guest and Ingraham Taylor..
Linda Tarrant Reid (center) and members of the New York State Senate.
NYS Inspector General Lucy Lang and Good-Government Experts Call for Stronger, More Effective Inspectors General Amid Threats to Independent Oversight
ALBANY, NY — With trust in government at historic lows, a new article by New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang and Art of the Watchdog authors David R. Eichenthal and Daniel L. Feldman makes the case for strengthening inspectors general (IGs) amid continued threats to their independence at all levels.
“The Case for More Independent and Effective Inspectors General” was published in the American University Administrative Law Review, 40 years after the creation of the New York State Inspector General and nearly fifty years since the passage of the federal Inspector General Act of 1978. It offers a roadmap for strengthening IG independence and reimagining oversight for modern government — one that protects watchdogs, sharpens the focus on outcomes, and brings the
The
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(ISSN 0043-3373) is published weekly on Thursday in White Plains, New York. Copies: 40¢. Yearly Subscription: $25.00, two years: $45.00. National Advertising representative: National Newspaper Publishers Association. Local and national advertising rates on request. Paper founded August 1, 1928 to serve the County of Westchester, New York.
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public into public integrity.
The authors argue that strengthening IGs is not only about protecting watchdogs from interference, but also about ensuring their work has realworld impact — helping government function more effectively, exposing wrongdoing, and making oversight more accessible to the public they serve.
Lucy Lang, New York State Inspector General, said: “All Americans who prize democracy should care about the integrity of independent oversight. I’m proud to have worked alongside two of the preeminent thinkers about good government to imagine a future in which IGs are increasingly impactful.”
Carolyn B. Maloney, former Chair of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform, said: “When independent oversight is under attack, democracy itself is at risk. Inspectors general are essential to exposing wrongdoing, protecting taxpayer dollars, and ensuring government remains accountable to the people. This article is an urgent call to defend and strengthen the watchdogs our democracy depends on.”
Mark Lee Greenblatt, former Chair of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency and U.S. Department of the Interior Inspector General, said: “Eichenthal, Lang, and Feldman make a strong case for an array of clever, innovative, and common-sense proposals to protect and enhance our government watchdogs, all for the benefit of the American people. As a former inspector general and the Chair of the Council of Inspectors General, I hope Congress and other policymakers will digest this article and implement its constructive ideas.”
Robert P. Storch, First Inspector General of Delaware and former U.S. Department of Defense Inspec-
INSPECTORS,
Cont’d on page 11
By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher
San
Diego
Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper Chairman of the Board of Directors, NNPA
It is very important that while so many of us are still talking about the recent Supreme Court Decision effectively killing the Voting Rights Act, we not lose sight of our immediate opportunities to attack the problem. I speak specifically of the electoral primaries already underway and specifically of the one that will take place in California on June 2, 2026. We must realize that elections are about power and money. This is evident by the number of candidates running for offices and who they are spending their money with in order to get votes. Let’s be very clear, we do have choices when we vote. We must not assume that we are locked in to party labels and familiar names.
We must also look not only at our personal interest but also at our collective interest. For example, I have a democratic member of Congress in my District that cares nothing about the Black vote. Her family’s money bought her a seat in Congress. I have to vote for her because we need every democratIc vote to return control of the House of Representatives to Democratic control so that we might stop the Trump takeover of that branch of government which controls oversight and budget, according to the U. S. Constitution. This effort to have the Republicans continue to control the House of Representatives is the reason for the redistricting that Trump is seeking to implement in every state possible.
Bottom line, I will send that person back to Congress because the good of all of us is tied to gaining Democratic control. But we can only make these kinds of decisions if we are informed. Hence, knowledge is power and power is reflected in how we spend our money. Our dollars are just as important as the Voting Rights Act.
When candidates run for office and fail to share their positions with you, don’t vote for them. If there are Blacks on the ballot, vote Black, since most are without funding, but check out even Blacks before you vote because “All Skin is not Kin.”
DR. JOHN E. WARREN
Predatory lenders seek bank charters to evade state rate caps
By Charlene Crowell
As of this writing, 21 states and the District of Columbia have outlawed triple-digit interest rates on payday loans and similar credit products. These hard-won consumer victories largely stopped lenders from trapping people in triple-digit interest rate debt – key strides towards financial freedom.
But now, a pair of predatory lenders, Enova and Opportunity Financial (OppFi) listed on the New York Stock Exchange, have turned to a different approach for continued exploitation of the nation’s working poor: becoming a bank.
By seeking federal approval to acquire national bank charters, once again working people would be snared into long-term debt traps and increased financial instability in the throes of a nation already grappling with an affordability crisis.
Federal banking regulators are fast-tracking these lenders’ bank applications, without offering opponents an opportunity to discuss their concerns.
With a national bank charter, predatory lenders would gain an end-run advantage to once again impose triple-digit loan rates even in states with existing lending rate caps. This regressive regulatory move also comes at a time when the federal government is decreasing lender supervision and enforcement. State usury limits are the only source of these loan protections for borrowers not covered under the federal Military Lending Act.
National banks are supposed to provide a
“public benefit”. But in these instances, the private corporations – not the public – would benefit.
OppFi, a digital finance platform that makes short-term installment loans at up to 195 percent Annual Percentage Rate (APR), has announced plans to acquire Arizona-based BNC National Bank (BNC). At the start of this year, BNC had approximately $1.1 billion in total assets and approximately $1.0 billion in total deposits.
Enova, a lender fined by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for repeated anti-consumer behavior, is seeking to acquire Grasshopper Bank, based in New York City with assets of $1.59 billion. Enova is better known by the names of its consumer and small business loan brands - CashNetUSA, NetCredit, and OnDeck.
A coalition of civil rights and consumer groups in an April letter urged Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to reject the applications of these predatory lenders, pointing to new analysis which shows that a disproportionate number of complaints against Enova were generated in predominantly Black and Latino communities, raising questions of equity and disparate impact.
In part the coalition letter states, “Black and Latino communities typically lack access to small business capital due to unaddressed systemic discrimination. The answer is not to lend at predatory rates as Enova does. Underserved communities should not be subject to such high, predatory costs…Products that increase indebtedness, drive borrowers out of the banking
system, and disproportionately harm communities of color are not a public benefit under any reasonable regulatory construction of that term. The Federal Reserve’s review must account for the quality and cost of credit being offered, not merely its availability.”
The letter was signed on behalf of the Legal Defense Fund, NAACP, and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) and the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL).
And this January, CRL released a research report entitled, Lost Opportunities: How OppFi Traps Borrowers in Unaffordable Debt. CRL’s analysis of OppFi’s transactional data uncovered examples of borrowers caught in an unaffordable cycle of loan repayment, including instances of refinancing two to three months after taking out an installment loan ranging from $500–$5,000 with interest rates up to 195 percent APR.
“This national bank affiliation scheme would enrich a handful of rogue lenders looking to evade state interest rate limits so they can siphon millions of dollars in excess fees from consumers’ wallets,” said Ellen Harnick, executive vice president at CRL. She said the findings show that OppFi’s lending does not serve community needs, and approval would allow the bank to export predatory consumer loans to many more states, putting tens of thousands of borrowers at risk of falling into extended debt traps.
CROWELL, Cont’d. on page 11
CHARLENE CROWELL
SUNY Westchester Student Awarded a National Community College Transfer Scholarship
Valhalla, NY (May 12, 2026)
– Ashley Cozayatl, a student at SUNY Westchester Community College, is one of 60 high-achieving community college students selected to receive the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The highly competitive national scholarship aims for Cooke Scholars to complete their undergraduate education with as little debt as possible. The award, which is last dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide Ashley with as much as $55,000 a year to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Ashley is a first-generation Peruvian and Mexican-American student who will be graduating from SUNY WCC’s Honors College, where she managed her academics while working two jobs. She also served in leader-
ship roles in several on-campus organizations. In addition to being awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, she received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence and was named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team. In the fall, Ashley will attend New York University on a pre-law track, with plans to attend law school and pursue a career in law.
“I am extremely grateful to the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation for this amazing, life-changing scholarship,” said Ashley Cozayatl. “I attended SUNY WCC in large part due to its low tuition and the support of the Honors College. The opportunities and experiences I had at SUNY WCC helped me grow academically, professionally and personally. I
am leaving with far more than a degree. I am leaving with growth, experiences, and memories that I will carry with me long after graduation.”
“SUNY Westchester students continue to demonstrate extraordinary talent, determination, and leadership,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President of SUNY Westchester Community College. “Ashley’s achievements reflect her remarkable work ethic, resilience, and commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and excited to see the impact she will make in the future.”
The Cooke Foundation is committed to expanding access to high-quality, debt-free pathways for high-achieving students with financial need. While nearly 80% of community college stu-
dents aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, only 16% reach that goal within six years. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship aims to help more students persist and complete their degrees by reducing financial barriers and providing the academic and advising support needed to navigate the transfer process.
“These Scholars reflect the depth of talent and determination found in community colleges across the country,” said Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, Chief Executive Officer of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “They’ve demonstrated what they’re capable of, and we’re proud to help ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent them from continuing their education and realizing their full potential.”
Beyond financial support, Scholars receive personalized advising to guide their academic and professional journeys. They also gain access to a nationwide network of more than 3,400 Cooke Scholars and Alumni, along with opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school support, ensuring they have the tools needed to thrive beyond community college.
This year’s selection process drew more than 1,300 applications from community colleges across the country. The 60 new Scholars were selected from a semifinalist pool of 485 students. Applicants were evaluated based on academic achievement, perseverance, and leadership.
A complete list of the 2026 Cooke Transfer Scholar finalists and their respective community colleges can be found here. To learn more about the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, visit the website here.
Ashley with SUNY WCC President Dr. Belinda Miles. (Credit for the photo goes to SUNY Westchester Community College.)
Clothing Brand Marketing Errors That Keep Independent Designers Invisible
By Rob McManus
Posting online without a good plan and ignoring your brand’s identity are some of the mistakes you shouldn’t be making during clothing brand marketing. If you focus on gaining more followers without engaging them, you won’t make good sales. Have a good strategy to be more visible.
According to UniformMarket, apparel consumption worldwide will increase by 63% from 2025 to 2030. Come up with a good plan to take advantage of the demand for your products after you start a clothing line.
Some designers create very interesting and appealing clothes, but don’t make the most out of their work.
What Is the Best Marketing Strategy for a Clothing Brand?
It depends. Ensure the fashion brand strategy you use matches your goals, and doesn’t go beyond your budget.
With a billboard placed on a busy highway in the middle of Washington, you’ll be able to catch the attention of many people. It can be a good idea to have a billboard when launching your company or a new line.
Social media marketing pays off really well. You have to be consistent, even when you feel like giving up. Influencers also help you make more sales once you find the right one. Show some behind-the-scenes photos when marketing. It allows people to realize the work and quality you put into your designs.
Make buyers feel like part of your journey. You can show them the messy sketches you drew before coming up with the final one. By testing several marketing methods and knowing who you’re marketing to, you’ll make your brand more visible.
You should be collecting emails since social media algorithms keep changing. Your clothing business
plan will work well if you have a reliable way of keeping in touch with your customers.
What Are Some Good Marketing Questions to Ask?
Who am I trying to sell to when creating these clothes? Will my website help customers shop easily? It’s good to figure out who your customers will be.
Creating a marketing message that just speaks to everyone makes your company feel like just any other brand. Know why someone should choose your clothes when there are thousands of designers out there. It helps to answer these:
• How much can I afford to spend on marketing?
• Which social apps do buyers use daily?
• Do buyers actually enjoy the content I create?
You might feel worried once you realize how much information you need to have. Surveys and polls done on your social media page are good for gathering data.
Avoiding Common Clothing Brand Marketing Mistakes
Your friends and coworkers probably feel amazed by your talent when they see the clothes you design. Without a good plan, you end up affecting your visibility. The best fashion marketing tips should help you avoid mistakes.
Just Posting Content Without a Good Plan
Some independent designers just take a photo during events or when they’re finally done creating something. Posting without a plan makes people lose interest in your content. Avoid these things:
• Boring captions that don’t make people stop to read
• Posting blurry photos
• Not responding to the comments
Fans might be looking forward to your next design. Don’t disappoint them by just posting randomly. Being consistent keeps people on your page and makes your marketing efforts pay off.
A Confusing Brand Identity
Anytime someone hears about your brand, the message they get shouldn’t be the complete opposite of what they know you for. Random changes make customers unsure of what to expect from you. You can create a strong brand if you:
• Use the same font all across your content
• Ensure the messages you post on all your sites align
• Stick to one tone
Consistent messaging is what you should focus on if you feel like people keep forgetting about your company. Ensure your brand has a personality that they can easily recognize.
Doing All the Marketing Work by Yourself
You’ll save money if you do streetwear brand marketing without hiring someone else. Ask yourself if the work is sustainable for you in the long run. Being creative when marketing, as you also design clothes, can be overwhelming.
Branding experts know the do’s and don’ts clothing brand marketing offers. They might detect a mistake you’ve been making in just a few minutes after learning about your work. Hiring pros makes it easier to focus on actually creating clothes while they help you sell them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Release New Clothing?
It depends. Listen to your fans and ask people to give you their feedback. Some brands drop new things every month. Regular launches keep people excited and boost engagement.
Your retention rates will be better if you focus more on designing clothes people will look forward to wearing than just having a broad range of low-quality designs. Can Streetwear Brands Grow Without Celebrity Support?
Yes. Once you get support from your community, your designs will be all over town. Endorsements from famous people might be something you’re looking forward to.
Focus on sharing your creativity. Educating people about why you created a specific design the way you did helps. You thrive if customers naturally feel excited to wear your designs. Worrying too much about what the celebrities in your area are now wearing sometimes limits creativity.
Will I Need a Professional Photographer to Market My Clothes?
Not always. Use a phone with a great camera and ensure you master the settings to have the best-looking photos. Taking pictures in natural light makes them look more realistic.
Customers often feel disappointed when the product they get doesn’t look like the one they saw in an ad before buying. By hiring pros once in a while, the fabric will look luxurious. The experts know how to direct the model when taking photos.
Mastering Clothing Brand Marketing
Even if you don’t have a whole team to help you with clothing brand marketing, you can still stand out amongst bigger companies. Be con-
Countywide Juneteenth Kick-Off
May 28-31, 2026
Celebrate the legacy, power, and promise of Black entrepreneurship at the sixth Annual Countywide Juneteenth Kick-Off, where culture, commerce, and community come together in one unforgettable celebration. This year’s theme, “Built by Us: The Black Blueprint of American Business,” honors the generations of Black business owners who built opportunity, created pathways, and shaped the economic landscape of America.
Join us for an inspiring weekend that highlights the brilliance and resilience of Black-owned businesses, local talent, and community leadership.
Juneteenth Kick-Off Opening Program & Reception
Thurs., May 28 | 6-8pm
Black Business Expo
Fri., May 29-Sun., May 31 | 12-5pm
ArtsWestchester 31 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY
From engaging speakers and live entertainment to a vibrant business expo and fashion showcase, this celebration invites everyone to shop, connect, learn, and support the entrepreneurs building the future right here in Westchester.
Produced by Althema Goodson, Adrienne Michel, and the Countywide Juneteenth Coalition, with support from the Westchester County Government
Supported by:
COU NTY 1683 ORGA NIZED
COUNTYBOARD OF LEGISLATORS WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N Y Register today!
COMMUNITY HEALTH,
Center.
Cont’d. from page 2
Amie Parikh: CEO, Hudson Valley Care Coalition.
Dr. Frank Sanchez: President, Manhattanville University.
Joe Simone: President, Simone Development Companies. Event Details
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: The O’Byrne Chapel at Manhattanville University, 2900 Purchase St, Purchase, NY.
Registration: $50 for NPW Members; $40 for Emerging Leaders; $75 for Nonmembers. Register here: Nonprofit Westchester - Advancing Community Health: Aligning Cross-Sector Action
About Nonprofit Westchester
Nonprofit Westchester is the county’s only membership organization solely dedicated to advancing the needs and interests of Westchester’s nonprofit sector, the people and populations served, and the nonprofit workforce. With a membership of more than 370 organizations, NPW represents a diverse range of missions—from human services and the arts to environmental advocacy and social justice. NPW provides a unified voice for the sector through advocacy, professional development, and the promotion of crosssector collaboration to build a more equitable and resilient Westchester.
INSPECTORS,
Cont’d. from page 4
tor General (2022 – 2025), said: “Strong oversight does not happen by accident. It requires offices that are thoughtfully designed, properly equipped, and well trusted to do serious work with independence and accuracy. Lang, Eichenthal, and Feldman offer an important contribution to the effort to help ensure that inspector general offices are capable of meeting this moment and providing enduring value beyond it. As we look to the future, these questions are not abstract — they are central to enabling impactful, independent oversight that fosters public confidence in our government.”
Will Fletcher, President of the Association of Inspectors General, said: “This article provides a clear-eyed assessment of the essential need for independent oversight as well as the unprecedented attacks that IGs are confronting from all directions. Mass dismissals, denial of access to government records, and the eroding faith in public institutions are threatening the vital work that inspectors general do in keeping government accountable to the people it serves. In response to these challenges, the authors propose compelling and straightforward solutions to safeguard the Inspector General system and sustain the public’s trust. This is an important conversation as we approach the fiftieth anniversary of the Inspector General Act and mark the thirtieth anniversary of the Association of Inspectors General this year.”
Robert A. Cerasoli, Second Inspector General of Massachusetts (19912001), First Inspector General of New Orleans (2007-2009), and American University Alumni Achievement Award Recipient, said: “I know firsthand that inspectors general are essential to protecting the integrity of government and strengthening public trust. Their ability to conduct credible, effective oversight depends on the independence to follow the facts wherever they lead. IG Lang, Eichenthal, and Feldman’s article offers a thoughtful and necessary roadmap for strengthening the role of inspectors general and ensuring they remain focused on meaningful outcomes for the people they serve.”
Joseph Spinelli, First Inspector General of New York State (1986-1993), said: “An objective and apolitical Inspector General provides effective oversight in our institutions, enjoins impunity, and safeguards integrity and accountability in government.”
CHARLENE CROWELL,
Cont’d. from page 5
More recently, the National Consumer Law Center, also weighed in on the proposed bank charter. “President Trump should not allow OppFi to become a national bank and spread high interest rate pain across the country,” said Lauren Saunders, a NCLC senior attorney. “At a time of an affordability crisis, the Trump Administration is considering allowing new national banks that would charge triple-digit interest rates, well above state interest rate limits approved by voters and legislatures in 45 states.”
Bank charters provide private companies with public benefit. They must only be granted when lending is fair, not predatory.
Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending. org.
MARKETING ERRORS, Cont’d. from page 7
sistent with the message you send to your customers.
It’s confusing for buyers to feel like they’re interacting with different companies every time they shop. Ask pros for guidance and let them handle marketing tasks. Proper branding will give you great returns in the long run.
Read more business growth tips on our page.
MARKETING ERRORS,
Cont’d. from page 7
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BUSINESS LAW (Corporations & Partnerships & Limited Liability Corporation)
*Bruce L. Bozeman, Esq., * Carla Lewis-Burnett, Esq. John S. Savage, Esq. ~ of counsel, Leticia Arzu, Esq.
*Principals of the firm serve as seminar speakers, upon request. Appointments Preferred.
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.
May 16 to Aug. 2
Exhibits on View at ArtsWestchester: May 16- Aug 2, 2026: Forever, Amen is an ongoing photographic study of the oldest Black churches in White Plains. Despite widespread displacement and cultural erasure caused by urban renewal, some of these churches have existed for nearly two centuries. The series examines how these places of worship have anchored Black residents of the city and its surrounding communities.
May 16 to Aug. 2
Exhibit on View at ArtsWestchester: The LGBTQ+ Listening Library is an immersive celebration of queer music and the artists who shape it. What began as a homegrown collection has evolved into a growing archive of vinyl, CDs and cassettes that invites visitors to explore the sounds and stories that define LGBTQ+ culture.
Saturday, May 16
Coffee and Conversation in Pound Ridge: Saturday, May 16. The public is cordially invited to join Senator Shelley Mayer, County Legislator Erika Pierce, Pound Ridge Supervisor Kevin Hansan, annd Assemblymember Chris Burdick for a Coffee and Conversation on Saturday, May 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Pound Ridge Library, 271 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge. RSVP is requested, but not required: https:// tinyurl.com/May2026PRCoffee
Saturdays, May 16 & 30
Naturalization Civics Test Learning and Review Sessions at Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library: Saturdays, May 16 & May 30. This program is designed to help prepare students for the U.S. citizenship exam. Saturdays, May
16 and 30 from 1 - 2 p.m. at the Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library, 1 Haseco Ave., Port Chester. Sign up in person or by phone at 914-939-6710 ext. 103.
Sunday, May 17
Join the Lorraine Hansberry Coalition (LHC) on Sunday, May 17, 2-4 p.m. at Bethel Chapel, 43 Old Post Road South in Croton, for an afternoon of conversation, community, and music! This intimate event follows an already landmark year, with the LHC accepting Westchester County’s Trailblazers Ruby Dee Award for the Arts and Cleveland Drive being co-named in Hansberry’s honor. In celebration of the five-year anniversary of the LHC and to mark the occasion of what would have been Hansberry’s 96th birthday, the Coalition has invited internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter KJ Denhert to perform. Due to limited space and the facility’s lack of wheelchair accessibility, guests are encouraged to park on the street and walk up to the chapel. For more information, please visit lhcoalition.org We hope to see you there!
Sunday, May 17
On May 17th from 12 pm to 3 pm, the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Stars Along the Hudson Gala to celebrate the work and dedication of several standout members of the chamber community. Held at The Briarcliff Manor, the annual brunch gala will bring together business leaders, local officials, community partners, and Chamber members from across the Hudson Valley for an afternoon of recognition, connection, and celebration. This year’s honorees include:• Fino Restaurant – Business of the Year • Isabella Cotto – Young Professional
of the Year • John Iorio – Volunteer of the Year • Black Diamonds Academic Success Program –Quality of Life Award • Street Beatz Dance Studio – Chairman’s Award. The brunch gala will bring together business leaders, local officials,
Tuesday, May 19
African American Advisory Board will meet on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestercountyny.gov
Tuesday, May 19
Nada Khader, the current executive director, will present WESPAC at Dorry’s Diner on Tuesday, May 19th at 6pm. She will share highlights from WESPAC’s rich history and will present WESPAC current organizational priorities. Nada Khader has served as the Executive Director of WESPAC Foundation for the past 25 years. WESPAC Foundation has been a leading force for progressive social change in Westchester County, New York, since 1974. WESPAC members have been educating and organizing for a more just and peaceful world, an end to militarism and racism and a more fair economy that works for all. WESPAC members are currently involved with criminal justice reform and police accountability, food justice work, fair housing, worker cooperatives, climate justice and safe renewable energy, immigrant protection, solidarity with Indigenous Peoples, and the struggle for justice, equal rights and human dignity for all the inhabitants of Israel/Palestine.
Thursday, May 21
Westchester County Board of Health Meeting will be held onThursday, May 21 at 8:30 a.m. at
the Westchester County Health Department Office, 11 Martine Avenue, 12th Floor, White Plains, NY 10606. Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestercountyny.gov
Thursday, May 21
Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation Board Meeting will meet on Thursday, May 21 at 2 p.m. in the PRC Headquarters Conference Room 2nd Floor, 450 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, NY 10502 Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings. westchestercountyny.gov
Friday, May 22
Veterans Remembrance Service to be held at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, NY, on Friday, May 22 at 2:30 PM, 2026. Now in its twentieth year, this meaningful ceremony will honor military personnel from Westchester County who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as all those who have served in the Global War on Terrorism.
Tuesday, May 26
Dept. of Public Safety Police Board will meet on Tuesday May 26, 3 p.m., at the 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.westchestercountyny. gov
Wednesday, May 27
Westchester County Advisory Council on People with Disabilities will meet on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 4PM in the Bleakley A, Conf. Rm A, 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains, New York 10601.
Saturday, May 30
Andrus President & CEO Corine E. Lurry-Mabin Honored by Business Council of Westchester at Hall of Fame Awards
(May 11, 2026) New Rochelle, NY – Andrus President and CEO
Corine E. Lurry-Mabin was recognized by the Business Council of Westchester as a Hall of Fame honoree at its annual awards ceremony held on April 28, 2026.
The Hall of Fame Awards recognizes distinguished leaders across Westchester County who have made lasting contributions to their industries and communities. Lurry-Mabin was recognized in the “Minority Business Success” category for her leadership in advancing trauma-responsive care and strengthening the systems that support children, families, and communities.
Under Lurry-Mabin’s leadership, Andrus continues to expand its impact across a full continuum of care, including school-based mental health services, residential and special education programs, community-based clinics, and family support initiatives. Grounded in the Sanctuary Model, Andrus’ work focuses on building environments rooted in safety, emotional wellbeing, and resilience.
Lurry-Mabin shares: “I am deeply grateful to The Business Council of Westchester for this recognition. At a time when youth mental health needs continue to grow, it is a reminder of how important it is for all of us to work together to create environments where healing can hap-
Mothers Out Front “Spring Cleaning Clothing Swap”: Saturday, May 30. Mothers Out Front is hosting a Spring Cleaning Clothing Swap: Bring adults’ and kids’ winter gear, clothes and shoes, and swap for new treasures! Textile recycling by Helpsy will also be available. Saturday, May 30, 1 - 3 p.m. at Eastchester Public Library, 11 Oakridge Place, Eastchester.
Tuesday, June 2
Tuesday Talk at Dorry’s Home Seeker: Help Searching for Affordable Housing. Featured
Speaker: Blanca Lopez, Commissioner, Westchester County Department of Planning Housing Specialist. Important Zoom Information Zoom calls will open at 5:50 PM on the Tuesday the discussion is scheduled. This allows time to join, settle in, and address any technical issues before we begin.
Thursday, June 25
Westchester County Fair Housing Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, June 25 at 6 pm in the Human Rights Commission Conference Room, 112 East Post
Road, 3rd Floor, White Plains, NY 10601.Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestercountyny. gov
Thursday, June 25
Westchester County Human Rights Commission Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, June 25 at 6:45 pm in the Human Rights Commission Conference Room, 112 East Post Road, 3rd Floor, White Plains, NY 10601. Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings. westchestercounty.gov
pen. This honor reflects the dedication of the Andrus team and our shared commitment to children, families, and communities.”
The recognition comes at a time of growing awareness around youth mental health and the importance of integrated, communitybased approaches to care. Through its programs and the work of the Andrus Sanctuary Institute, the organization continues to play a leading role in advancing traumaresponsive practices locally and beyond.
About Andrus
Andrus is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children, families, and communities build stronger, more stable futures. Based in Yonkers, NY, Andrus provides a full continuum of behavioral health, educational, and community-based services, reaching more than 5,000 individuals annually. Its programs include school-based mental health clinics, residential and special education services, autism support, and community-based family programs. Andrus is also home to the Sanctuary Institute, a globally recognized leader in trauma- responsive organizational change. Through a focus on resilience, healing, and equity, Andrus works to ensure that children and families have the tools and support they need to thrive.
If you or your family need food today, help is available. Use Feeding Westchester’s pantry locator to search by ZIP code and find a food pantry near you. Many sites offer weekly food distribution, and hours vary by location. All services are free, and no ID is required unless noted by a partner site. Please call the location you choose ahead of your visit to ensure service availability. (FP = Food Pantry; SK = Soup Kitchen.) If you need immediate assistance, call 914-923-1100.
