This Week in Westchester: The Podcast

Westchester County Government
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Your weekly audio briefing from Westchester County Government. Where each week, County Executive Ken Jenkins breaks down the decisions, investments and initiatives shaping life across Westchester. Clear information. Real progress. One place to stay informed.

  1. 5d ago

    Westchester, Explained 25: 25 Years Later - Remembering September 11 with Jay Winuk, 9/11 Day Co-founder

    As an extension of our weekly "This Week in Westchester - The Podcast" we welcome you to Westchester, Explained. In this special long-form series we take you deeper into the headlines, decisions and policies shaping Westchester County and their impact on your family, your neighborhood and your future. Here we slow it down, dig in and bring in the people doing the work, and we explain not just what the County is doing, but why it matters. Because government should be clear. This is your County.  And this is Westchester, Explained.  In this episode, we commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11 by sitting down with Jay Winuk, co-founder and executive vice president of 9/11 Day, whose brother Glenn lost his life after rushing toward the World Trade Center to help others.  Jay -- a former Ossining resident -- shares his family’s deeply personal story and how his brother’s lifelong commitment to service helped inspire a national movement that transformed September 11 into a federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance.  We explore how millions of Americans now honor the day through volunteerism and good deeds, the importance of passing the lessons of 9/11 on to a new generation -- and how Westchester residents can participate locally through service opportunities in our own communities with the help of organizations like Volunteer New York!. Join us as we reflect on tragedy, service, remembrance and the enduring power of coming together -- and why it matters to Westchester residents. --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

    Westchester, Explained 25: 25 Years Later - Remembering September 11 with Jay Winuk, 9/11 Day Co-founder

  2. Aug 31

    TWIW 36: August 31, 2026

    In this episode: County Executive Ken Jenkins reminded everyone about the Safe Haven/Abandoned Infant Protection Act.Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health Michael Orth joined to highlight International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, and the month of September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. President and CEO of Feeding Westchester Kristine Borok joined to promote a County-wide Food Drive in honor of Hunger Action Month in Westchester. Donations will be accepted from September 1 through September 29 at the Michaelian Office Building, and 112 East Post Road, White Plains.Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau Ernest McFadden, Superintendent of White Plains Public Schools Joseph L. Ricca and Executive Director of the White Plains Youth Bureau Frank Williams joined to highlight the Dads Take Your Child to School (DTYCTSD) campaign. Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald introduced the third video in a four-part Fire Safety Video Series from the Department of Emergency Services. County Executive Ken Jenkins highlighted the upcoming dedication ceremony for United States Congresswoman Nita Lowey.County Executive Ken Jenkins highlighting the upcoming September 10 Interfaith Prayer Vigil, and September 11 Memorial Service. Highlights from Westchester County Parks. --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

  3. Aug 26

    Westchester, Explained 24: You Are Not Alone - Inside Westchester's 988 Lifeline and Suicide Prevention Resources

    As an extension of our weekly "This Week in Westchester - The Podcast" we welcome you to Westchester, Explained. In this special long-form series we take you deeper into the headlines, decisions and policies shaping Westchester County and their impact on your family, your neighborhood and your future. Here we slow it down, dig in and bring in the people doing the work, and we explain not just what the County is doing, but why it matters. Because government should be clear. This is your County.  And this is Westchester, Explained.  In this episode, we recognize the County's Suicide Prevention Month efforts in advance of 988 Day on September 8 by taking a closer look at the resources, support and people working to prevent suicide here in Westchester County.  We sit down with local mental health and suicide prevention experts to discuss the warning signs and misconceptions surrounding suicide, how we can better support someone who may be struggling, the importance of breaking the stigma around conversations about mental health -- and what it means when they say "it's okay not to be okay." We also explore the Westchester County Suicide Prevention Coalition  and the County's 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline based out of St. Vincent's Hospital in Harrison -- where residents can call or text 988 at any time to connect with a trained crisis counselor -- as well as the community efforts taking place throughout September for Suicide Prevention Month and how community members can get involved. Join us as we discuss how awareness, conversation and knowing where to turn for help can save lives. --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

    Westchester, Explained 24: You Are Not Alone - Inside Westchester's 988 Lifeline and Suicide Prevention Resources

  4. Aug 24

    TWIW 35: August 24, 2026

    In this episode: Members of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Branch 30 attended to accept a proclamation honoring the 35th Anniversary of Ukrainian Independence Day on August 24, 2026. Westchester County Department of Planning Associate Transportation Planner Jonathan Joseph to join to discuss upcoming survey, Improving Senior Transportation for the Aging Population.McDonald highlighted the End of Summer Sale at Playland Park. McDonald highlighted two County events in honor of September 11, an Interfaith Prayer Vigil and the 9/11 Memorial Service. Upcoming events at Westchester County Parks.  --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

  5. Aug 19

    Westchester, Explained 23: Helping Westchester Families Afford Child Care

    As an extension of our weekly "This Week in Westchester - The Podcast" we welcome you to Westchester, Explained. In this special long-form series we take you deeper into the headlines, decisions and policies shaping Westchester County and their impact on your family, your neighborhood and your future. Here we slow it down, dig in and bring in the people doing the work, and we explain not just what the County is doing, but why it matters. Because government should be clear. This is your County.  And this is Westchester, Explained.  In this episode, we explore how Westchester County is helping working families access safe, affordable child care through programs that make it easier to balance work, school and family life.  We sit down with Westchester County Director of Operations Emily Saltzman to discuss the County's Child Care Assistance Program, the Westchester Works Scholarship Program and other initiatives that are expanding access to quality child care while supporting parents and strengthening the local workforce.  We also examine why affordable child care is more than a family issue -- it's an economic issue that impacts employers, communities and the future of Westchester County.  Join us as we take a closer look at the resources available to families, the County's commitment to investing in children and working parents, and why it matters to Westchester residents. --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

    Westchester, Explained 23: Helping Westchester Families Afford Child Care

  6. Aug 17

    TWIW 34: August 17, 2026

    In this episode: Somers Town Supervisor Robert Scorrano joined to discuss exciting updates about the Town of Somers. Westchester County Youth Bureau Executive Director Ernest McFadden joined to highlight August as National Back to School Month, and talk about how parents and students can best prepare for the upcoming school year. Westchester County Clerk Thomas Roach joined to announce the return of Notary Public Examinations to Westchester County. The first examination will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Jenkins highlighted the Grand Opening of Scorpios at Playland, the Park’s newest ride. Jenkins discussed new summer pricing at Playland Park, running now through the end of the season. Jenkins introduced two upcoming events in honor of the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001; an Interfaith Prayer Vigil on Thursday, September 10, and a September 11 Memorial Ceremony on Friday, September 11. Highlights from Westchester County Parks. --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

  7. Aug 12

    Westchester, Explained 22: Faith In Westchester

    As an extension of our weekly "This Week in Westchester - The Podcast" we welcome you to Westchester, Explained. In this special long-form series we take you deeper into the headlines, decisions and policies shaping Westchester County and their impact on your family, your neighborhood and your future. Here we slow it down, dig in and bring in the people doing the work, and we explain not just what the County is doing, but why it matters. Because government should be clear. This is your County.  And this is Westchester, Explained.  In this episode, we sit down with Reverend Kym McNair, Westchester County's Director of Faith-Based Initiatives, to explore how faith communities and local government can work together to better serve residents across the County. We discuss her unique role in connecting congregations with County programs, resources and services, while fostering collaboration across faith traditions and communities from northern to southern Westchester.  We also examine the important role that the local houses of worship play in supporting our families, addressing community needs and strengthening neighborhoods through partnership and outreach.  Join us as we explore how connection, collaboration and compassion are helping build stronger communities—and why it matters to Westchester residents. --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

    Westchester, Explained 22: Faith In Westchester

  8. Aug 10

    TWIW 33: August 10, 2026

    In this episode: Westchester County Budget Director Larry Soule joined to discuss the County’s second quarter financial report. Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection Director Jim Maisano discussed simple, practical steps residents can take to protect themselves from identity theft, scams, phishing, check washing and other forms of fraud, while highlighting County resources available to help keep personal information secure. Westchester County to host Public Hearing on student fare adjustments on OMNY cards. Westchester County Department of Emergency Services released the first PSA in a series of videos about Home Fire Safety.Playland Park is hosting an End of Summer Sale on tickets. Westchester County residents can purchase wristbands for just $15 through the end of the season. Westchester County is hosting a Grand Opening Celebration for new ride “Scorpios” on Thursday, August 13 at Playland Park. Highlights from Westchester County Parks.  --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

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About

Your weekly audio briefing from Westchester County Government. Where each week, County Executive Ken Jenkins breaks down the decisions, investments and initiatives shaping life across Westchester. Clear information. Real progress. One place to stay informed.

Information

  • Creator
    Westchester County Government
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 This Week in Westchester: The Podcast
  • Show Website
    This Week in Westchester: The Podcast

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