SUNY Westchester Community College Celebrates Commencement Ceremonies
VALHALLA, NY -- (June 1, 2026) – SUNY Westchester Community College celebrated the achievements, resilience, and aspirations of the Class of 2026 during three commencement ceremonies held on campus, honoring more than 1,300 graduates from across the college’s academic schools.
The day’s ceremonies, held in the college’s Physical Education Building, brought together graduates, families, faculty, staff, and community leaders in recognition of a milestone that reflected not only academic accomplish-
ment, but also perseverance through personal and professional challenges. The School of Math, Science and Engineering and the School of Health Careers, Technology and Applied Learning participated in the morning ceremony, followed by the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences in the afternoon and the School of Business and Professional Careers in the evening.
SUNY Westchester Community College Celebrates Commencement Ceremonies
SUNY Westchester Community College
President Belinda S. Miles addressed graduates at all three ceremonies, joined by members of the Board of Trustees and college leadership. In her remarks, Dr. Miles emphasized the transformative role of community colleges in expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and helping students realize their potential.
“Community colleges like SUNY Westchester are among the institutions that believe talent exists everywhere, and that opportunity should do so too,” said Dr. Miles. “Our graduates have demonstrated extraordinary determination and resilience, often balancing work, family, and other responsibilities while pursuing their education. Today’s commencement celebrates not only what they have achieved, but who they are becoming.”
Dr. Miles encouraged graduates to move forward with confidence and purpose while remembering the experiences, lessons, and people who helped shape their journeys. Drawing on the symbolism of the Sankofa bird from African folklore, she reflected on the importance of carrying wisdom from the past while continuing to grow and pursue new opportunities.
She also reminded graduates that learning does not end with commencement, particularly in a rapidly changing world shaped by evolving industries and new technologies such as artificial intelligence. “Your relationship with SUNY Westchester does not end today,” Dr. Miles said. “You are part of a generation that will continue learning, adapting, and building new skills throughout your lives, and we will continue to be here alongside you.”
Among the graduates recognized were recipients of SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence, 2026 winner of the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, Ashley Cozayatl, and other honorees. Members of the graduating class will continue their studies at institutions including Stanford, Princeton, Columbia, Georgetown, SUNY campuses, and other colleges and universities, while others will enter careers in fields such as healthcare, cybersecurity, business, engineering, fashion design, and digital media.
Throughout the ceremonies, graduates were encouraged to take action, pursue meaningful work, and use their education to make a positive impact in their communities. Faculty and staff were also recognized for their mentorship and dedication in support-
ing students throughout their academic journeys.
“Graduates, your communities need you. Our society needs you. The future needs you,” Dr. Miles told the Class of 2026. “Be bold. Step forward — even when it feels uncertain. This is your moment.”
Westchester Community Health Center to Host Annual Golf Outing on Monday, June 29, 2026
MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK, June 3, 2026 – Westchester Community Health Center (WCHC) is excited to announce its annual golf outing on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Metropolis Country Club in White Plains, NY. The event will start at 11 am and feature golf, cocktails, dinner, and an awards presentation. The event will support WCHC’s mission to provide accessible, affordable, and quality primary care, behavioral health, maternal health, and pediatric services to thousands of families across Westchester.
During the event, WCHC will present its Award of Outstanding Service to Joan McDonald, Westchester Deputy County Executive. Joan has spent her career working to improve the quality of life for the people of Westchester County – from leading the County’s COVID-19 response and
securing millions in relief funds for small businesses and families facing food insecurity, to spearheading programs that help residents stay in their homes and communities thrive. Her exemplary public service and tireless dedication make her a natural fit for this honor and a true champion of the kind of accessible, community-centered care that WCHC provides. Come be a part of this event to benefit the Westchester Community Health Center! As we navigate funding uncertainties and changes in Medicaid policy, your contribution is more important than ever. To register for the golf event or to contribute, please visit the event website at wchcgolf2026.givesmart.com. For additional information about this year’s golf event, please contact Kimberly Davis at (914) 218-3968 or via email at KimberlyD@EventsRemember.com.
DR. BELINDA MILES
NYS Office of Children and Family Services Hosts First-Ever Fatherhood Convening
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) today hosted the first-ever New York State Fatherhood Convening to promote father engagement across child welfare, juvenile justice and other family-serving systems and to launch a new Statewide Fatherhood Steering Committee.
“Today is an important moment for New York State, not because fatherhood engagement is a new conversation – rather there is growing recognition that fathers must be intentionally included in the work of strengthening children, families and communities,” said OCFS Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden.
““Research continues to affirm what many families and communities have always known: when fathers and father figures are meaningfully and positively engaged, children and youth are more likely to experience better educational outcomes, fewer behavioral concerns, greater long-term stability and overall well-being.”
The convening, which was cohosted by Casey Family Programs, brought together more than 100 leaders from child welfare, juvenile justice and other human services fields; government officials; representatives from fatherhood organizations and
Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden
other community-based organizations; and individuals with lived experience.
Kenneth Braswell, chief executive officer of Fathers Incorporated, gave the keynote address on the topic of reimagining fatherhood engagement in New York State. The convening also included a ceremo-
ny welcoming the members of the new Statewide Fatherhood Steering Committee. The committee is a cross-sector body established by OCFS to help guide statewide fatherhood engagement efforts and strengthen collaboration across family-serving systems.
Other speakers included How-
ard Knoll, senior director of Casey Family Programs; Leonard Townes, commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Social Services; Michael McMahon, commissioner of the Rensselaer County Department of Social Services; and Thalia Wright, commissioner of the Monroe County Department of Human Services.
Commissioner Harris-Madden recounted conversations with Governor Hochul and elected officials, all of whom emphasized the importance of strengthening families, protecting children, and expanding access to high quality services, programs and supports. She added, “Today’s inaugural launch of the OCFS Fatherhood Steering Committee makes good on the promise I made to include the community on setting new strategic priorities. Fatherhood engagement intersects directly with OCFS’s priorities because when families are stronger, children are safer. When fathers are supported, entire communities benefit.”
The day-long convening, held at the OCFS Human Services Training
FATHERHOOD, Cont’d. on page 11
Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden and Fatherhood conference speakers.
White Plains Juneteenth Heritage Committee to Hold 22nd Annual Juneteenth Celebra-
tion on Saturday, June 13th
White Plains, NY — The White Plains Juneteenth Heritage Committee will celebrate its 22nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Juneteenth Celebration Chairperson Jonette Mines said the annual event is not only a family celebration but a community-wide event featuring a parade, festival, music, art, educational exhibits, informational displays, children’s activities, food, and entertainment for all ages.
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, marked by the arrival of Union troops in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, informing enslaved African Americans of their freedom.
As our nation celebrates its 250th Anniversary, the White Plains Juneteenth Celebration will provide an opportunity to remember and re-
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flect on the end of slavery and honor the significant contributions African Americans have made to our country. The 2026 theme is “Preserving Our Legacy.”
This year’s honorees include:
• Delphine Burton — Grand Marshal
• Ida Mae Washington and Belinda Lampley Austin — Heart of the Community
• Cary Smith, Jr. and Gladys Smith — Most Influential Community Educators
• Charles Hipp, Jr. and Coach Fred Singleton — Unsung Community Heroes
• The 1993-94 White Plains High School Boys’ Basketball Team and Coach Spencer Mayfield — Community Champions; 2025 White Plains High School Athletic Hall of Fame
The Juneteenth Parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the intersection of Mamaroneck Avenue and Mamaroneck Road and will conclude at White Plains City Hall on Main Street.
The Juneteenth Festival will begin at 12:00 noon on Court Street and will feature live entertainment, cultural presentations, community organizations, food vendors, and family activities.
The White Plains Juneteenth Celebration is one of the oldest Juneteenth celebrations in New York State, attracting visitors from throughout the region, including Connecticut and New Jersey.
For additional information, please contact Frank Williams, Jr. at (914) 422-1378 or by email at fwilliams@ whiteplainsny.gov.
Rye, NY; June 1, 2026 — On June 6, 2026, beautiful Rye Town Park will be awash in a vibrant rainbow of festivities, commemorating its sixth annual Pride celebrations. Heralded as one of Westchester’s premier family-friendly Pride events, all are welcome to this celebration, which is co-hosted by the Town of Rye, the City of Rye, the Rye Town Park Commission and artfully propelled and masterminded by event chairs representing Rye’s own pRYEde Community Group (“pRYEde”), a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ education, advocacy and celebration.
Community members return to the Sound Shore’s sparkling Oakland Beach and its expansive green space year after year to join in solidarity and celebration, and to foster a sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ individuals and all members of our shared community.
The 2026 event will feature a Pride Advocacy and Arts Fair, curated by pRYEde and the Rye Arts Center, starting at 3 pm in the seaside pavilions.
Participating organizations, artists and vendors include:
The LOFT, Center Lane, PrideWorks, pRYEde Community Group, City of Rye Human Rights Commission, Rye Arts Center, The Big Picture Foundation, Rye Youth Council, Rye Free Reading Room, Rye YMCA, Rye Recreation, The Westchester Children’s Museum, Rye ACT, Florence Taylor Face Painter, Port Chester Rye Brook Library, M. Kim O’Connor & Associates, The Luxury Sweet, Steph’s Sweet Creations, Lila Rose the Artist, MADE: my art + design experience, Honey Notes, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Rye Brook, Make Change
At 5 pm, the party really gets started in front of the historic Rye Town Park Tower with joyous musical performances by local artists and student groups, set to the DJ stylings of Father Groove, Anthony Geathers and DJ Paul.
Live performances include: CASED, a 4-piece punk rock band Singer-songwriter Scarlett Leigh TBH, featuring recording artist and former The Voice contestant Lily Carino
A selection from Rye Neck High School Theatre Department’s Metro-nominated musical comedy, The Prom!
And to cap it all off, Artistree Community Theater’s rendition of “Let Your Freak Flag Fly” from Shrek the Musical!
At 6 pm, speeches from local dignitaries will precede the unfurling of a large Progress Pride flag off the balcony of the Rye Town Park Tower. Then, Anne Cubberly’s Giant Puppets will lead a short parade down the boardwalk to the park’s Gazebo landmark, where an after-party, filled with activities, neon giveaways, facepainting, food trucks, DJ music and fun will play out until sundown.
Confirmed food vendors include: Arthur Avenue Woodfired Pizza, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Steph’s Sweet Creations Dessert Boutique, The Luxury Sweet, and Dominick’s Ice Cream.
From Classrooms to Climate Careers: Students Graduate from ELOC’s AI & Environment Program
By Marvin Church
MOUNT VERNON, NY — June 6, 2026 — On this coming Saturday morning at the Westchester Community College Annex in Mount Vernon, something extraordinary will take place — not because graduations are rare, but because of who is walking across the stage and what they now know how to do.
Students from some of Westchester County’s most underserved communities — young people from Mount Vernon— will receive their certificates of completion from Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC), marking the end of an intensive program that taught them not just about climate change, but about the cutting-edge technology being used to fight it: Artificial Intelligence.
A Program Built for the Overlooked
ELOC, the Mount Vernon-based nonprofit that has spent five years developing the next generation of environmental advocates in communities of color, launched its AI and Environment program with a simple but urgent conviction: that the students least likely to be handed opportunities in tech are the very students most impacted by environmental injustice — and that closing that gap starts with education.
“We believe people can achieve amazing things when given the opportunity and knowledge,” said Dr. Diana K. Williams, Executive Director of ELOC. “Managing climate change will take the participation of all communities.”
In neighborhoods like Mount Vernon, where aging infrastructure, flooding risks, and air quality challenges disproportionately burden Black and Brown families, the stakes of environmental literacy are not abstract. They are personal. ELOC’s program meets students exactly where those stakes are highest — in their own communities — and equips them with tools that were, until recently, reserved for college students and corporate researchers.
Learning AI to Solve Real Problems
Through ELOC’s program, students did not simply learn what Artificial Intelligence is. They learned how to use it — applying AI tools to real-world environmental challenges facing Westchester County. From analyzing water quality data to exploring how machine learning is used in clean energy grid management, the curriculum bridged the gap between emerging technology and the environmental justice issues these students live with every day.
The experience was transformative. Students who
began the program with little or no exposure to data science left with practical skills, sharper critical thinking, and — perhaps most importantly — a sense that careers in climate tech, environmental policy, and STEM are within their reach.
ELOC’s approach also reflects a growing national recognition that the environmental workforce of tomorrow cannot be built without intentional investment in communities of color today. With AI reshaping industries from agriculture to urban planning to disaster response, the students graduating on June 6 are entering a world where their new skills are in high demand.
A Graduation That Means More Than a Certificate
On June 6, 2026, the graduation ceremony at the Westchester Community College Annex in Mount Vernon is more than a milestone for individual students. It is a statement about who belongs in conversations about the future of our planet.
For many of these young graduates, ELOC was their first introduction to a professional environment that reflected them, affirmed their intelligence, and told them that their communities’ stories mattered in the climate conversation. That combination — technical training wrapped in cultural affirmation — is what sets ELOC apart from virtually every other environmental organization in Westchester County.
The Westchester Community College Annex, located in the heart of Mount Vernon, provides a fitting venue: a higher education institution in the same community many of these students call home, signaling that the path from their neighborhoods to college campuses and careers is real and accessible.
Recognition That Reflects Impact
ELOC’s work has not gone unnoticed. The organization has earned recognition from the Westchester County Board of Legislators, the Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities’ Eco Award, a proclamation from U.S. Congressman George Latimer, recognition from NYS Senator Shelly B. Mayer, a City Proclamation from the Mount Vernon City Council, and coverage by the Westchester County Press and the February 14th issue of the Westchester Magazine — an impressive roster of acknowledgment for an organization operating with just a small full-time staff.
ELOC students have also presented their initiatives directly to the New York State Department of Environ-
MARVIN CHURCH
mental Conservation in Albany, at the invitation of Assemblyman Gary Pretlow — a testament to the quality and seriousness of their work.
What Comes Next
For the graduates of the Class of 2026, the certificate they receive on June 6 is a beginning, not an end. ELOC’s vision is to build a pipeline — from high school programs through college pathways and into green careers — so that the young people who grew up bearing the heaviest burden of climate change become the leaders who help solve it.
In a county as diverse as Westchester, and in a moment as urgent as this one, that vision is not idealistic. It is essential.
Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC) is a Mount Vernon, NY-based nonprofit providing environmental and clean energy education, AI training, and career pathways for students in underserved communities across Westchester County. For more information, visit www.eloc.earth. 914 260 4649- Marvin Church
Westchester ACT-SO Gold Medalists Headed for National ACT-SO Competition in Chicago
By Yvonne B. Bert
The Westchester Region ACT-SO Coalition is pleased to announce that ten Westchester high school students, who earned Gold medals in the Regional Competition in April, will be moving forward to compete in the NAACP National ACT-SO Competition in Chicago. The Gold medalists will be competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, along with scholarships, and other monetary awards. The ACT-SO competition will be held July 1519, prior to the NAACP National Convention. Westchester Gold Medalists in the STEM category include Francis Fokoue-Nkoutche (White Plains High School) for Engineering; Kelechi Njoku (New Rochelle High School) for Physics; Breana Sinkfield (New Rochelle High School) for Medicine and Health; Olivia Wallace Ossining High School) for Biology; Frank Murphy II (Ossining High School) for Chemistry/Biochemistry; and Tyrzah Mkandawire (Ossining High School) for Earth and Space Sciences Gold medalist in Humanities
was Isaac Evans (New Rochelle High School) for Spoken Word. Performing Arts Gold medalist include three students from the Denzel Washington School of the Arts in Mount Vernon, Michael Middleton for Modern Dance and Ballet, Amani Sutherland for Dance Cultural; and Charlize Ford for Vocal Temporary.
Silver and Bronze medals were also presented to high school participants at the ACTSO Recognition and Awards Ceremony which was held at SUNY Westchester Community College in the Gateway Building. All participants received a Certificate of Achievement. In addition, the audience was able to witness the amazing talent of the students in the performing arts and humanities, as well as to view the STEM projects which were on display.
ACT-SO, an acronym for Afro-American, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics, is the major youth initiative of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and has sponsored
the ACT-SO Program for over 45 years as a vehicle for African American youth to develop and demonstrate excellence in academic and cultural pursuits. The program includes 33 areas of competition including STEM, Performing Arts, Humanities, Visual Arts, Business and Culinary Arts n which high school students in grades 9 through 12 may compete. In order to support the youth and to assist them in the expenses of travel, lodging, etc., please consider attending the ACT-SO Fundraising Brunch on Saturday June 6, 2026 at the Greentree County Club on Davenport Avenue in New Rochelle, NY, or consider making a donation. Checks may be sent to NAACP Westchester Region ACT-SO at P. O. Box 606, Rye, New York 10580. Ingraham Taylor is the Westchester Regional Coordinator..
To learn more about ACT-SO, contact www.wractso.com or visit the facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/WRACTSO.
Westchester Region NAACP ACT-SO contestants.
IN MEMORIAM: Peabo Bryson, GrammyWinning R&B Balladeer, Dies at 75
By Jacksonville Free Press
Peabo Bryson, the two-time Grammy Award-winning R&B singer whose powerful voice helped define romantic ballads and Disney movie classics, has died at age 75 after suffering a stroke, according to family members. Bryson passed away June 2 surrounded by family.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Bryson became one of music’s most recognizable vocalists, earning acclaim for both his solo recordings and memorable duets. He won Grammy Awards for
“Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle, songs that became signature hits and introduced his voice to generations of listeners.
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Bryson launched his recording career in the 1970s and went on to release more than 20 albums. He earned two Grammy Awards, eight Grammy nominations, five gold albums, 25 Top 20 singles and six No. 1 hits during his distinguished career.
Among his most popular recordings were “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again,” “Can You Stop the Rain,” “Feel the Fire,” and “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” his beloved duet with Roberta Flack. His smooth tenor voice and romantic style made him a staple of R&B and adult contemporary radio throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Bryson’s greatest commercial success came through his Disney collaborations. “Beauty and the Beast” won a Grammy Award
in 1993, while “A Whole New World” became the first song from an animated film to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned both Grammy and Academy Award honors.
Fans and fellow artists remembered Bryson as one of contemporary music’s premier male vocalists, whose rich voice and timeless recordings left an enduring mark on R&B, soul and popular music. His legacy lives on through a catalog of songs that continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
Peabo Bryson. Photo: @peabobryson2 on Instagram.
FATHERHOOD,
Cont’d. from page 3
Center in Rensselaer, included panel discussions on leadership and systems change; ways to honor the past while shaping the future of fatherhood engagement; and developing next steps for the Statewide Fatherhood Steering Committee.
In addition to the Fatherhood Convening, OCFS recently launched a series of podcast episodes designed to promote fatherhood engagement and highlight the importance of involving fathers to improve child safety, reduce trauma and strengthen permanency outcomes for children.
Each episode in the fatherhood podcast series, now available on the OCFS Spotify and YouTube channels, focuses on a different aspect of fatherhood engagement, including the emotional role fathers play in children’s lives and how fathers can interact with the child welfare system if necessary.
OCFS last year hired Troy Grant, a licensed clinical social worker and behavioral health clinician, as a statewide fatherhood engagement family policy advisor.
“Growing up in the foster care system, I witnessed the difference in how my parents were engaged,” Grant said. “As a mental health clinician, I observed fathers being excluded and overlooked in practice. Later, becoming a father strengthened my commitment for meaningful father engagement. It is important to listen to fathers, honor their lived experiences and support their emotional well-being.”
OCFS continues to develop and support efforts to fully engage fathers to improve child welfare outcomes and well-being. The agency collaborates with fatherhood programs statewide to uplift the voices of fathers in child welfare to create a support system that promotes positive father and fatherfigure engagement.
Since 2007, OCFS has also been working with the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to better serve non-custodial parents, mostly fathers, who want to become more involved in their children’s lives, pay child support, and gain the skills that will strengthen their ability to be effective fathers.
Studies have demonstrated numerous benefits to children when their fathers are involved in their children’s lives:
• Children are 80% less likely to spend time in jail (National Fatherhood Initiative, 2024).
• Children are 43% less likely to exhibit behavioral problems (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2023).
• Children are 33% less likely to repeat a grade (All for Kids: A Father’s Impact on Child Development, 2024).
• Children in the child welfare system who have an engaged father or father-figure are twice as likely to achieve reunification with their families and experience fewer placement disruptions (National Fatherhood Initiative, 2012; Malm et al, 2019).
Studies show when fathers are not involved:
• Children are four times more likely to live in poverty than children with engaged fathers (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023).
• Youth are twice as likely to drop out of high school (National Center for Education Statistics, 2022).
• Children are twice as likely to experience symptoms of depression (Psychological Medicine, 2022).
For more information, visit the Fatherhood Engagement page on the OCFS website.
Westchester County Department of Social Services Commissioner Leonard Townes said, “The importance of a father being positively engaged in the life of a child cannot be understated. The presence, support and encouragement of a father brings intrinsic value to a child that cannot be completely replicated. I want to commend Dr. Harris-Madden and OCFS not just for hosting this event but for putting a focus on fathering front and center in New York State and working to find new and innovative ways to give fathers a voice in the child welfare system and provide a support system to inspire their engagement.”
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
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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.
June 4 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.
Friday, June 5th
The Ossining Juneteenth Committe will host the Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony at 6:00 p.m. at Market Square (corner of Spring and Main Streets). All are welcome to witness this event.
Saturday, June 6
The Westchester Region ACT-SO Coalition sponsors “Brilliance in Bloom” its ACT-SO fundraising brunch at 11:00 a.m. at the Greentree Country Club, 538 Davenport Avenue, New Rochelle, NY. The occasion will be to celebrate excellence, uplift our youth, and to support their journey to the National ACT-SO Competition, which will be held in July in Chicago. Keynote speaker will be L. Joy Williams, President of the NAACP New York State Conference. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and to hear from our outstanding ACT-SO participants. Tickets are $100/adults, $30 ACTSO alumni, and $20/youth; $850/ table of 10 or Gold sponsorship; $500/table of 6 for Silver sponsorship. Make checks payable to Westchester Region ACT-SO Coalition and send to 10 Cedar Place, Rye, NY 10580.
NOW Thru June 7
As we move toward Memorial Day, the American Red Cross calls
on people to schedule their blood or platelet donation appointments now to help medical centers stay ready and respond quickly to emergencies. Having blood products immediately available is a key part of summer safety. With millions of Americans expected to hit the road around Memorial Day and spend time boating, swimming, camping and enjoying the outdoors, the risk of traumatic accidents rises. Blood and platelets on hospital shelves help meet the demand when people experience critical injuries and massive bleeding. During Trauma Awareness Month, the Red Cross highlights this need by asking donors of all blood types and those giving platelets to give now to support all patients who count on transfusions for care.Book your time to give lifesaving blood or platelets now — To schedule, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Sunday,
June 7
Shiloh Baptist Church will be celebrating the 141st Anniversary of the historic church in Tarrytown, NY. Guest preacher for the occasion at the 11:00 a.m. worship service will be Overseer Frieda Parker Smith, formerly of Westchester, who is well known as a dynamic preacher of The Word. The celebration will be continued at 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon with a soul-stirring Gospel Concert. You won’t want to miss this spiritfilled celebration of praise, prayer and preaching of the Gospel. Shiloh Baptist Church is located at 90 North Washington Street, Tarrytown, NY, where Rev. Judith Williams is pastor.
Friday, June 19
The Town of Cortlandt will celebrate Juneteenth at Cortlandt
Town Hall, Heady Street, Cortlandt, NY. Come out to enjoy the festival, entertainment, food and shopping with the vendors from 11:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Friday, June 19
The City of Peekskill and the Peekskill Juneteenth Committee invite you to join them as they celebrate Freedom with “Gospel in the Park.” The program will start at 1:00 p.m. at Pugsley Park, 1038 Main Street, Peekskill. Bring your lawn chairs and sit back to enjoy an inspiring afternoon.
Saturday, June 20
The Peekskill Juneteenth Celebration will begin at 12:00 noon, starting with a parade kicking off from Park Street AME Zion Church, 1220 Park Street, Peekskill. Festivities will follow with live entertainment, a kids zone with face painting, food trucks, and vendors. For additional information, contact D. Francis@ cityofpeekskillny.gov.
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.
Friday, June 26
Join us as we honor and celebrate Heather Miller on her retirement as Executive Director of the Thomas H. Slater Center in White Plains. After 40+ years of service to the Center and the community, Heather is ready to sit back and relax for a minute (?). The Retirement Party will be held 7:0011:00 p.m. at the VIP Country Club, 600 Davenport Avenue, New Rochelle, NY. Tickets are $175 individuals; $1700 table of 10. For additional information, contact HeathersRetireMent@ gmail.com.
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. Meals On Main Street is another excellent organization, offering a food pantry, mobile food pantry trucks, meal delivery, and a friendly fridge network. Contact them at 914-451-7140 or info@mealsonmainst.org.
July 15 thru 19
The National ACT-SO Competition this year takes place July 15-19, where talented high school students from across the country showcase their achievements in science, technology, the arts, entrepreneurship, and more.
July 18 thru July 22
In just a few weeks, thousands of advocates, organizers, leaders, students, creators, and community
Young Environmental Leaders Celebrate Long Island Sound Day Through Art and Science
PORT CHESTER, NY — On Saturday, May 16, 2026, a group of student ambassadors, friends, and family from Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC) gathered at the Clay Art Center in Port Chester, New York, for an inspiring morning of art, science, and community. The event, held from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, brought together young environmental leaders to honor Long Island Sound Day through a unique workshop that combined ceramic artmaking with live animal encounters from Long Island Sound.
The workshop was organized in collaboration with the Long Island Sound Partnership and Sound Waters, two organizations dedicated to the conservation and appreciation of the Long Island Sound. Together, the partners created an immersive experience designed to connect the next generation of environmental stewards with the natural and cultural richness of their regional waterway.
A Day of Discovery and Creativity
Participants were welcomed by representatives from Sound Waters, who brought live animals native to the Long Island Sound for attendees to observe and learn about firsthand. The up-close encounters gave the young leaders an opportunity to connect with the very ecosystem they are committed to protecting.
Event highlights included:
• Live animal presentations featuring species from the Long Island Sound, led by Sound Waters educators
• A hands-on ceramics session in which participants sculpted and glazed their own Long Island Sound inspired ceramic artwork under the guidance of a professional artist from the Clay Art Center
• Networking and community-building opportunities for young environmental leaders across Westchester County
Honoring Long Island Sound Day
The event was organized to celebrate Long Island Sound Day, an annual occasion that recognizes the ecological, economic, and cultural importance of one of the most biologically productive estuaries in the northeastern United States. Long Island Sound stretches approximately 110 miles and serves as a critical habitat for hundreds of fish, birds, and marine species.
“Connecting our community members to the
Long Island Sound through art and science is exactly the kind of experience we believe shapes lifelong environmental advocates,” said an ELOC representative. “When young people can see, touch, and create — they remember. That memory becomes motivation.”
About the Partners
Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC) is a Westchester County-based organization dedicated to cultivating the next generation of diverse environmental leaders through scholarships, mentorship, and community engagement programs.
The Long Island Sound Partnership is a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local governments, businesses, and nonprofits working to restore and protect the Long Island Sound and its surrounding watershed.
Sound Waters is a Connecticut-based nonprofit that promotes awareness and stewardship of the Long Island Sound through education, research, and community outreach programs.
Clay Art Center is a vibrant arts organization in Port Chester, NY, offering studio space, classes, and exhibitions. The center has served as an anchor for ceramic arts education and community engagement in the greater Westchester region for decades.
