Westchester, Explained 14: Exploring Juneteenth with Historian Joyce Cole

Westchester, Explained 15: Westchester Needs Blood Donors and Why it Matters

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 talk about donating blood, platelets and plasma in Westchester with Brian Harper of the New York Blood Center. We discuss the critical need for blood donations and why maintaining a healthy blood supply is so important for hospitals and patients across Westchester and the region. And we will also explore how donated blood supports everything from emergency trauma care and cancer treatment to routine surgeries. We also break down the donation process, dispel common misconceptions and highlight the lifesaving impact a single donation can have. Join us as we discuss the importance of giving blood, platelets or plasma -- and the urgent need for donors this summer, 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 [https://www.westchestercountyny.gov/all-press-releases] or follow us on social:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westchester_county_government/]  |  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/]  |  X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/westchestergov]  |  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westchester-county]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC774tkGUZw8xoZtHhuQUsQ]

TWIW 26: June 22, 2026

In this episode: * Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins discussed Primary Election Day in Westchester County on Tuesday, June 23.  * City of White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch joined to discuss some of the exciting developments taking place in the City. * Westchester County Records Manager Courtney Fallon and Director of Knowledge Management and Archives Stephanie Bradford joined to preview the upcoming exhibition, The Declaration Distributed: Westchester County’s Holt Broadside of 1776, which opens to the public July 4.  * Jenkins recognized the extraordinary accomplishments of student-athlete championships in Westchester.  * Westchester County has begun Phase I of a major capital restoration project at the historic Merestead estate in Mount Kisco.  * Jenkins gave an update on 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 [https://www.westchestercountyny.gov/all-press-releases] or follow us on social:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westchester_county_government/]  |  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/]  |  X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/westchestergov]  |  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westchester-county]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC774tkGUZw8xoZtHhuQUsQ]

Westchester, Explained 14: Exploring Juneteenth with Historian Joyce Cole

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 the history, meaning and continued relevance of Juneteenth with local historian Joyce Cole.  From the delayed enforcement of emancipation in Texas to the stories of freedom and citizenship that followed, we examine why Juneteenth is an American holiday that belongs to all of us. We also connect this national story to Westchester County, highlighting local Civil War history, New York's own abolition legacy and the ways communities across our region continue to commemorate the ongoing pursuit of liberty and equality.  Join us as we reflect on our shared history, what Juneteenth teaches us about the American experience, 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 [https://www.westchestercountyny.gov/all-press-releases] or follow us on social:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westchester_county_government/]  |  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/]  |  X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/westchestergov]  |  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westchester-county]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC774tkGUZw8xoZtHhuQUsQ]

TWIW 25: June 15, 2026

In this episode: * Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins discussed the New York Knicks bringing a championship back to New York and marked Thursday, June 18, as Wear Your Blue and Orange Day across Westchester County. * Jenkins congratulated Westchester County Commissioner of the Department of Community Mental Health Michael Orth for being named Chair of the New York State Conference of Mental Hygiene Directors. * Westchester County Commissioner of Planning Blanca Lopez discussed the Planning Department’s annual report, the first of its kind, which highlights the work and accomplishments of the Department’s multiple divisions and showcases the programs, partnerships and investments that are helping build stronger and more resilient communities across Westchester County.  * Commissioner Lopez also highlighted the launch of the County’s Housing Flex Fund II Program, a new $25 million affordable housing initiative designed to accelerate the development and creation of affordable homes throughout Westchester. * Update on Westchester County Parks events and activities. --- 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 [https://www.westchestercountyny.gov/all-press-releases] or follow us on social:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westchester_county_government/]  |  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/]  |  X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/westchestergov]  |  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westchester-county]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC774tkGUZw8xoZtHhuQUsQ]

Westchester, Explained 13: Summer at the Health Department - Ticks, Sunburns, and Safety Tips

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 Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler to discuss the most important health and safety issues that residents should keep in mind this summer.  From sun protection, hydration and water safety to tick-borne illnesses, rabies prevention and the importance of vaccines -- we break down practical steps families and all residents can take to stay healthy during the warmer months.  We also explore the critical role the Westchester County Health Department plays in protecting our community every day -- 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 [https://www.westchestercountyny.gov/all-press-releases] or follow us on social:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westchester_county_government/]  |  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/]  |  X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/westchestergov]  |  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westchester-county]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC774tkGUZw8xoZtHhuQUsQ]