CITY

Peekskill resident arrested by SPCA Westchester 

The Humane Law Enforcement Unit (HLE) of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Westchester arrested and charged Shannon Deleg, 33, of Peekskill with three counts of animal cruelty last week.

The SPCA’s HLE Unit visited Deleg’s apartment after receiving a tip on the SPCA’s confidential animal cruelty hotline regarding a dog in distress. Upon arrival, they discovered an emaciated pit bull curled up in a ball whose ribs and spine were clearly visible. The dog, now known as Gracie, is skin and bones, weighing just 27 lbs. when a dog her size should weigh nearly double that.  

During the investigation, the SPCA’s HLE Officers found two more emaciated mixed breed dogs in the apartment. Both were locked inside a filthy, cramped cage and forced to live in thick layers of urine and feces. All three dogs were so malnourished and dehydrated that they were immediately seized and rushed to SPCA Westchester’s Rescue Center for emergency care.

“These poor dogs likely cried and begged for food and it’s heartbreaking that their pleas were ignored,” says Shannon Laukhuf, SPCA Westchester’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are so thankful that a Good Samaritan called the SPCA’s cruelty hotline before they were starved to death.”

If you witness or suspect an animal is being neglected or abused, please call the SPCA’s confidential animal cruelty hotline at (914) 941-7797. 

Peekskill woman attends Trump address as Schumer guest

A Peekskill resident attended President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress last week as a guest of U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer.

Jessica Martinez, a mother of four and cancer survivor with multiple sclerosis (MS), can’t afford her medications without Medicaid, a release from Schumer’s office said. 

In the release, Schumer claimed House Republicans passed the first step for the biggest cut to health care and Medicaid in history ($880 billion), possibly hurting millions of New York residents, including more than 240,000 in Rockland and Westchester counties.

“There are seven million across the Empire State like Jessica, and New Yorkers aren’t going to take these [proposed] Medicaid cuts lying down,” Schumer said. “The mere suggestion that we should cut over $800 billion from this lifesaving program to pay for tax cuts for billionaires and giant corporations is an outrage.”

In a video posted to Schumer’s social media, Martinez recalled when she became ill over ten years ago. It took two years to figure out it was MS and with medical treatments she’s been able to stem the progression of the disease, she said.

“That was with Medicaid,” Martinez said. “Without it I don’t know how I would even survive. And as a mother of four, I have to do everything that I can to stay healthy for as long as I can.”

She continued, “This is not a party issue, this is not about who’s in the White House at any given time. This is a program designed at a time when this country knew we had to set up a safety net.”

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), in fiscal year 2024 the government spent $1.8 trillion more than it took in.

When spending exceeds revenues, that creates the need for debt. And like the deficit, federal debt is growing fast. As of Sept. 30, 2024, federal debt was $28.2 trillion—$2 trillion higher than the prior year and almost 98% of the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), according to the GAO.

The GAO projects that federal debt will grow faster than the economy each year if current revenue and spending policies are not changed. This fiscal outlook is unsustainable and could lead to serious economic, security, and social challenges if not addressed.

The interest the federal government pays to service its federal debt continues to increase, and accounts for an increasing share of federal spending. The government’s annual spending on net interest has more than tripled since 2017. In fiscal year 2024, the government spent more on net interest than either national defense or Medicare.

– By Eric Harvey and Jim Roberts

Peekskill Gazebo played host to two rallies in a week

Two separate rallies were held at the Peekskill gazebo last week, one criticizing federal budget cuts and another calling for passage of the Bucks for Boilers Act in the New York State Senate one-house budget.

Last Tuesday, Food & Water Watch and other groups joined dozens of Hudson Valley residents in calling U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler’s office and urging the congressman to vote no on more budget cuts.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a multi-trillion dollar government spending bill with a vote of 217-215, which rally goers argued would be detrimental to services like Medicaid and SNAP.

[As of Sept. 30, 2024, federal debt was $28.2 trillion—$2 trillion higher than the prior year and almost 98% of the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.]

Melissa Hoffman, an organizer at Food & Water Watch’s Westchester and Hudson Valley chapter, said the budget vote was nothing short of a disgrace.

By gutting critical programs that New Yorkers rely on every day, he’s [Lawler] decided to put the billionaire agenda over his own constituents’ lives,” Hoffman said. “I’m outraged that someone can call themself a ‘public servant’ after taking a vote like this.”

Ciro Riccardi, Lawler’s new communications director, said in a statement “Unfortunately, some in the media are trying to make Democrats protesting Republicans newsworthy – it’s a disservice to journalism. Let me be clear: this bill has zero impacts on access to healthcare or benefits for people who rely on Medicaid, Medicare, the VA or Social Security.”

The second rally, again led by Food & Water Watch, took place on Thursday, where rally goers urged state senators, including Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, to pass the Bucks for Boilers Act.

The act sponsored by state Sen. Gustavo Rivera and sponsored by state Sen. Pete Harckham, would create a program to aid in transition of housing units to electric heat pumps and other high-energy efficiency upgrades.

Tito Davila, a senior special advisor for Harckham, joined about 20 advocates in supporting the bill, saying everyday he gets calls and emails from constituents facing huge utility bills of $1,200 to $1,500 a month.

“By providing energy efficient ecosystems to low income communities we not only advance our climate goals and modernize aging infrastructure,” Davila said, “but also ease the financial burden on residents facing rising costs.”

Con Edison currently offers programs and incentives, including rebates of up to $10,000, to help customers transition to electric heat pumps for both heating and cooling, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote clean energy.

– By Eric Harvey

Register now for 2025 Peekskill Youth Bureau programs

Registration is open for the City of Peekskill Youth Bureau 2025 programs. 

The programs are: 

• Project ELEVATE (Preparing High School Students for post-high school), which meets Monday to Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Summer Youth Employment (6 week program starting in July 2025)
• Summer Youth Camp, 6 weeks starting July 2025, (age 10-13)
• Youth Council (age 14-18)
• PEARLZ (Girls Empowerment Group), which meets Tuesday and Thursdays, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (13-18) 
• Pop Up afterschool Program – March 3 to June 13. Stem Challenge, Arts & Crafts, Cooking Classes, Debate Club, Homework Help & More. Monday to Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Spring Recess Camp at the Youth Bureau – Monday, April 14, to Friday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Lunch will be served)
• Woodworking – 1st Class (6 weeks), March 19 to May 7, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
• Woodworking – 2nd Class (6 weeks) – May 14 to June 18, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
• YOUTH High School Volunteers, Monday to Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The City of Peekskill Youth Bureau is open to all school-age children in grades 5 through 12, who live in Peekskill and the surrounding area. All children are welcome without regard for sex, race, color, or national origin. In order for your child to start any program, all forms must be signed and completed.

For more information and to register, please visit this website.

Learn about Field Library’s digital archive on March 19 

The Field Library is hosting an informal introduction to its new digital newspaper repository with almost 100 years of historical newspapers on March 19 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Learn more about the Colin T. Naylor Jr. Archives and the collections as well as the new digital archive. The session will include an introduction to all the collections and a tour of the archive.

To register for the event, click here.

Holzer keynote speaker at Peekskill Lincoln Society Gala 

The Lincoln Society of Peekskill will hold its annual Gala Sunday Brunch at Cortlandt Colonial Manor from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on March 30.

This annual celebration and fund-raiser marks the 122nd anniversary of the founding of the Lincoln Society in 1903. It was organized to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s only speaking stop in Westchester County during his lifetime before a crowd of 1,500 people at the old Peekskill railroad depot in 1861 during the train journey to his Inauguration in Washington, DC. 

The guest speaker will be Lincoln scholar Professor Harold Holzer who will discuss his latest book “Brought Forth On This Continent.”

Tickets are $75 per person. To purchase tickets, go to the Society’s website.

Call for vendors at Mother’s Day YAY Market

The YAY Market is returning. Mark your calendars and save the date for the Mother’s YAY! Market on Saturday, May 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. along Railroad Avenue. 

Hudson Valley makers can join the movement to make Peekskill a creative destination in a community of Hudson Valley makers, artists, vintage collectors, wellness experts, entertainers, and creative entrepreneurs. The goal is to build more than a market – they’re building Peekskill’s creative future.

Questions? Reach out to [email protected].

For more info go to the website.

For those who are interested in becoming a vendor, please visit this website.

School District takes bids for three projects

The Peekskill City School District recently closed the bidding for three projects. Applicants were sought to submit bids to the district in mid-February and the closing dates were in the first week of March.

The three projects are: Hillcrest Site Work Project (HCSR-2025); Kitchen Reconstruction Project – Oakside and Woodside Elementary Schools (OWKR-2025); and Pre-Kindergarten School Services (PRE-K PCSD 2025).

Bid opportunities for requests from the Peekskill City School District are listed on the Empire State Purchasing Group website. More information is available here.

Two patrol officers join the Peekskill Police Department

The Peekskill Police Department has added two new patrol officers to the force.

Police Officer Nathalie Mena comes to Peekskill with five years of law enforcement experience having previously served with the City of New York, Department of Environmental Protection Police Department. With her previous law enforcement experience, she will serve the community well. P.O. Mena is currently assigned to the Field Training Program, guided under the tutelage of PO Rivera.

Also, Police Officer Marcelo Chasipanta brings six years of law enforcement experience, having served with the City of Middletown Police Department. He too is currently in the Field Training Program under the tutelage of P.O. Jackman. 

When you see them out and about please extend a welcome.

COUNTY

Women’s Westchester Summit March 14 in White Plains 

The fifth annual Westchester Women’s Summit, the largest Women’s History Month celebration in Westchester County, returns to the Sonesta White Plains Downtown Friday, March 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

The programs will focus once again on women’s wellness in four key areas: physical and mental health, financial health, career health, and family and community health.

Presented by The Event Department with the Westchester County Office for Women and NewYork-Presbyterian, the summit brings together community leaders, corporate sponsors and other influential voices for a day of workshops, networking and interactive experiences. Juju Chang, Emmy Award-winning co-anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline,” will deliver the keynote.

The day’s features include The Discovery Village, a marketplace spotlighting sponsors, nonprofits, and community resources; The Experience Zone, an interactive self-care hub offering meditation sessions, makeovers, Krav Maga demonstrations, and more; and A Grab & Go Networking Lunch.

Other features include a History of Women in Westchester Installation, an exhibit showcasing the contributions of women throughout the county’s history, developed  with local universities; and a Wine and Chocolate Reception, highlighting local boutiques.

Additional sponsors include C&A Digital, Corporate AV, Wartburg, Westfair Communications Inc., White Plains Hospital, MackTeck, VeeKast, Sonesta, Co-Communications, Sisters of the Divine Compassion, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, Hospitality Resource Group, and Sharc Media Inc.

For more, visit westchesterwomenssummit.com.

STATE

Hundreds of state job openings in Westchester, Rockland

New York State agencies are hiring now for thousands of positions across the state. From first responders to engineers, to legal professionals to plow drivers, there are numerous opportunities to find a job.

To help agencies fill positions, the Department of Civil Service developed NY HELPS to streamline the appointment process, allowing state agencies to hire diverse, qualified permanent employees quickly and without examinations.

You can view the jobs specifically located in Westchester and Rockland counties on the job bank website. Current openings include jobs as registered nurses, traffic systems technicians, attorneys, office assistants, human resources specialists, and hundreds of others.

To view the Westchester and Rockland jobs go to this website, and scroll down to select Westchester/Rockland.

New York State pot farmers facing economic disaster

The Albany Times-Union reports that farmers in New York state who committed millions of dollars to grow marijuana as a cash crop for the state’s new legalized pot market are facing an economic crisis.

“In November, the Cannabis Farmers Alliance, which represents a group of small cannabis farms, filed a lawsuit against the state[’s] Office of Cannabis Management and the Cannabis Control Board alleging the ‘rollout of legalized cannabis in New York has been disastrous.’ The complaint alleges regulators have ignored public concerns about its rules and handicapped the industry’s early stakeholders, many of whom leveraged nearly all of their assets to get a foothold,” the article states. 

According to the Farmers Alliance, 97 percent of cannabis farms in New York are operating at a loss with the slow, years-long rollout of the pot program and price undercutting by out-of-state wholesale crop sellers.

You can read the Times-Union article here.

Graymoor is pilgrimage site for 2025 Catholic Jubilee year

Catholics from around the globe will be visiting Putnam County this year after Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan, Archbishop of the New York Archdiocese, has designated Graymoor in Garrison as a pilgrimage site for the 2025 Jubilee Year.

This opportunity comes on the heels of the institution’s 125th anniversary; Graymoor officials called it a “remarkable gift from God.”

A Jubilee Year is a source of grace and mercy for Catholics worldwide. It is a time of reconciliation with God and neighbor, a time to perform acts of mercy, and a time to make a pilgrimage to draw nearer to God.

In May 2024, Pope Francis proclaimed a Jubilee Year of Hope from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026. The Jubilee Year tradition dates back 700 years and is rooted in Scripture.

A number of retreats, events, and opportunities for reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth are planned.

Minister General Father Emil Tomaskovic noted: “One of the greatest blessings of a Jubilee Year is the opportunity to obtain the Jubilee Indulgence. The church is bestowing upon the world one of the greatest graces this year—that is, to become even closer to God and to obtain a plenary indulgence. We at Graymoor are privileged to be channels of God’s peace and mercy as St. Francis of Assisi calls us to be.”

In addition to Graymoor, Cardinal Dolan has identified the several other pilgrimage sites in the Archdiocese of New York including the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middletown; Mount Alvernia Retreat Center in Wappingers Falls; the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Stony Point and five parishes in New York City.

Father Jim Gardiner, director of special projects at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, said that the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement are preparing packages for the groups and individuals expected to visit to renew their faith through services, prayer, retreats and events.

Visitation will be “at full tilt” when temperatures warm, and thousands of visitors are expected throughout the year, he said.

The Archdiocese also named Graymoor a pilgrimage site for the last jubilee year, in 2000.