CITY
CHHOP presented with $125K check by County Legislator Smith
Westchester County Legislator Colin Smith presented a $125,000 check to Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill on April 9.
The funds, sponsored by Smith, will be used to strengthen Fred’s Pantry, a “farm-to-table” pantry,” by providing healthy and nutritious food to 65,000 people in the City of Peekskill and surrounding areas.
In a press release, the Board of Legislators stated the funding was critical due to food insecurity that has been driven up by stagnant wages, heightened costs and a nationwide housing crisis. The funding, they said, will help ensure the pantry can meet that high demand.
“I’m proud to support organizations that are truly making a difference,” Smith said. “They are on the front lines every day, working to improve the lives of others—ensuring everyone has food to eat and a safe place to stay. They also provide the resources needed for people to stay on their feet after leaving the shelters.”
According to the release, the majority of Fred’s Pantry clients work full time yet earn less than minimum wage and many have children to support. Those experiencing food security suffer significantly higher rates of hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease — conditions that require expensive and often unattainable treatment.
Cynthia Knox, CHHOP Chief Executive Officer, thanked Smith and Majority Leader Tyrae Woodson-Samuels for their partnership and support.
“Having smart, empathetic and thoughtful people as elected officials allow CHHOP, and other nonprofits operating in Westchester County, to stay focused on serving the most vulnerable in our community effectively and with great care,” Knox said.
The release stated that CHHOP began in the early 1990s after a man suffering from frostbite due to homelessness in Peekskill inspired local action. The organization provides essential services including shelter, food and supportive programs. Over the years, it has expanded to include Fred’s Pantry, enhanced shelter services and specialized programs for veterans, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of domestic violence.
– Eric Harvey
City holding webinar on summer offerings and programs
The YWCA White Plains and Central Westchester Team are holding a Zoom information session on summer program offerings happening in the City of Peekskill on Monday, April 14 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The webinar will cover city-hosted programs by Parks & Recreation and the Youth Bureau, as well as YWCA initiatives such as Camp Funkist and the Freedom School program.
During the meeting, attendees will receive information on session schedules, fees, scholarship opportunities, transportation options, and more. They will also get a chance to ask questions during a live Q&A.
Those interested in attending can click here.
For those who cannot make the webinar, the session will be recorded and shared for later viewing.
– Eric Harvey
Rally and march calling on Lawler to reject tax breaks to be held Tuesday, April 15
A Tax Day rally will be held at the Peekskill Gazebo calling on U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler to reject “billionaire tax break and essential services cuts” on Tuesday, April 15, at noon.
A press release from Community Voices Heard Power on April 11 said the rally will start at the gazebo then march to the Peekskill Social Security Office.
It follows Lawler joining the Republican-led house in passing a budget framework for slashing taxes and government spending. Opposing Democrats said the bill would pave the way for cuts to Medicaid and other safety net programs such as SNAP.
On social media, Lawler said on April 11 that he does not support cutting Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid, stating the programs sustained his own family during difficult times.
Those joining the rally include a coalition of community organizations including Citizen Action of New York, Vocal Action Fund, Cortland Croton-on-Hudson Ossining Peekskill Indivisible, Indivisible Yorktown, Indivisible Rockland, Putnam Progressives, Peekskill Progressives, Empire State Voices, Food & Water Watch, and Make The Road Happen.
Several of those groups were present at another Peekskill Gazebo rally against federal budget cuts on March 4.
– Eric Harvey
Peekskill High School names Class of 2025 valedictorian and salutatorian
The Peekskill City School District celebrated Peekskill High School’s recently announced valedictorian and salutatorian at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 8.
Mireya Rodriguez Ortega was named valedictorian and Jemell Acosta named salutatorian of Peekskill High School’s class of 2025.
From left to right; Dr. Jenna Ferris, Peekskill High School Acting Principal, Valedictorian Mireya Rodriguez Ortega, Salutatorian Jemell Acosta, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Mauricio.
The same night Acosta and fellow Peekskill Science Research Program student Megan Flores were honored for winning a silver medal and a $75 prize at the Westchester Engineering and Science Fair.
Acosta and Flores were two of 740 participants from top schools in Westchester County, Dr. Mauricio said. Their project title was “Social media influencers: the effect on middle schoolers dietary choices.”
– Eric Harvey
Peekskill City School District hiring substitutes, teacher aides, and more
The Peekskill City School District will host a job fair at its Administration Center on Thursday, April 17 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
A flier for the event says the district is seeking energetic professionals committed to students and local community to join the district’s mission.
The district will be performing on-the-spot interviews for vacant positions including substitute, teacher aide, full, part-time, and per diem positions.
Those interested in applying may click here.
Other posted jobs include an elementary assistant principal, college and career school counselor, an out-of-district bilingual school psychologist/chair person, and a registered professional school nurse.
Ribbon-cutting to be held for new food scrap recycling drop-off site
The City of Peekskill is celebrating the launch of a new 24/7 food scrap recycling drop off-site with a ribbon cutting on Friday, April 25 at 10 a.m., open to the public.
The drop-off facility is at the City of Peekskill Department of Public Works Garage, located 100 Lower South Street.
There is no charge to drop off food scraps. All material collected is brought to a commercial composting facility where it is turned into compost.
– Eric Harvey
State Ed Chancellor Lester Young attends My Brother’s Keeper Summit as keynote speaker
The My Brother’s Keeper Summit was held at Peekskill High School on Saturday, April 5 from about 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The day centering on mentorship, leadership and personal growth, began with complimentary breakfast, followed by a keynote address delivered by Dr. Lester Young, Jr., Chancellor of the New York State Education Department.
Attendees included County Executive Ken Jenkins, Regent Jan Wills, Board of Education President Michael Simpkins, Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg and students from Peekskill, Ossining, Greenburgh, and Lakeland Districts.
A panel of adults was also held for students with Dr. Kern Mojica, Director of STEM, Donald Peters, Assistant Principal at Peekskill Middle School, Matt LaLindez, school resource officer, and Luis Segarra, resident and business owner of four different companies.
A symbolic tie-tying ceremony was also held, a gesture symbolizing professionalism, confidence, and preparation for the future. The event concluded with a complimentary lunch and prize giveaways, including gift cards and a 43-inch TV.
In a release from the Peekskill City School District, student Jericho Davis said, “I feel that Saturday’s MBK really opened my eyes. With the support of my mentors and brothers, I have made it to the point in my life where I feel I’m ready to take on my journey after graduation thanks to the knowledge and uplifting we share with one another.”
– Eric Harvey
Peekskill High and Harckham host Career and
Trade Union Expo
The Peekskill City School District and State Sen. Pete Harckham co-hosted a Career and Trade Union Expo at Peekskill High School on Wednesday, April 9, which more than 200 students attended.
The event held in partnership with the school district and City of Peekskill had more than 40 vendors, including 10 local trade unions, healthcare organizations, New York State agencies, MTA/Metro North, Con Edison, Peekskill Parks and Recreation, Westchester Community College, New Era Creative Space, and others.
A release from Harckham’s office stated the expo’s goal was to connect juniors and seniors with valuable resources and job opportunities in various fields that do not require a college education, such as construction and HVAC trades, civil service, the cosmetic industry, and transportation, secretary, military, and first responder and law enforcement careers.
“The final years of high school are an important juncture in the lives of young people, a time where they have to start making important decisions about pursuing a career or furthering their education,” Harckham said. “This career and trade expo gave Peekskill students a valuable opportunity to see what kinds of options are out there other than heading straight to college.”
Harckham thanked Peekskill Deputy Mayor Patricia Riley, Christine Buckman, a Special Education Department Leader and Transition Liaison in the district, and resident and labor advocate Michelle Keller.
“The growth of a nation is ensured by educating and supporting our next generation to master extraordinary things that we can all be proud of and support in our community,” Keller said.
– Eric Harvey
The Magnetic Fields gives a shout-out to Benny’s Brown Bag
Peekskill’s craft sandwich shop Benny’s Brown Bag got a shout-out last weekend from the indie pop band The Magnetic Fields who were playing at the Tarrytown Music Hall.
A friend of the band came to Benny’s and purchased three sandwiches. Shortly thereafter the Magnetic Fields Instagram story page featured the comment: Bespoke sandwich art from @bennysbrownbag.
Benny’s employee AJ Henry, an art major at Westchester Community College, drew an image of band founder and lead songwriter Stephin Merritt with a reference to one of the group’s songs: “Let’s Pretend We Bunny Rabbits”
– Regina Clarkin
P.O. Olasokan awarded 2024 Top Cop Award
The City of Peekskill Police Department congratulated Police Officer Olukayoda Olasokan for being awarded the 2024 Top Cop Award at the recent annual Mid-Hudson Region Stop DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) Conference.
In a social media post on April 11, the department stated the conference honors officers and agencies that protect communities and work tirelessly to keep roads safe by addressing the dangers of drunk and drugged driving.
Olasokan led the county in DWI arrests, successfully closing out 41 DWI cases. The department also acknowledged the efforts of fellow officers Nicholas Kikis for making 20 DWI arrests and Justin Larchevesque for making 14 DWI arrests in 2024.
“We are extremely proud of these gentlemen for going above and beyond to keep our roadways safe and clear of impaired drivers,” the department said. “We are also very proud of our participation in this community focused program, with the main objective of saving lives.”
– Eric Harvey
COUNTY
Ken Jenkins signs notification law monitoring non-residential battery systems
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins on April 9 signed into law a bill enhancing the oversight and safety of non-residential Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Westchester.
The legislation, which was proposed by Jenkins in January and recently passed by the Board of Legislators, seeks to establish clear notification requirements for municipalities regarding new installations or modifications to existing systems.
“This new law balances the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure with the highest safety and planning standards,” Jenkins said in a release. “When BESS facilities are responsibly integrated into our communities, we safeguard our residents and first responders.”
The new law, according to the release, prevents tragedies by enhancing safety for residents and first responders, improves communication between the county and its municipalities, ensures the county has up-to-date records of any new BESS installations or modifications to existing systems, and better coordinates planning and safety efforts.
In the release, Westchester County Emergency Services Commissioner Susan Spear said, “This legislation will ensure that our 911 dispatchers have that information to provide to first responders, and that local fire departments have the information they need to develop appropriate emergency plans for these facilities.”
Under the new law, municipalities such as the City of Peekskill must notify the County Emergency Services Commissioner within 30 days of learning about any existing BESS’s, and provide written notice within 30 days of approving plans for new installations or modifications to existing systems, including the issuance of building, electrical or special use permits.
The City of Peekskill Common Council recently held a public hearing on a proposed local law to implement a six month moratorium on battery energy storage systems over 80 kilowatt hours. No one opposed the moratorium although one resident expressed a desire for a longer pause.
– Eric Harvey
NATIONAL
Former journalist, lawyer seeks to unseat U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler
Mike Sacks, a former Channel 5 Television reporter and lawyer announced his bid for New York’s 17th Congressional District on Wednesday, April 9.
The lawyer-turned-television reporter is one of four Democrats to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler.
In a release the Croton-on-Hudson resident said, “If we are going to build a new House from the wreckage of Donald Trump and Mike Lawler, we’re not going to do it with a 1990s political playbook. Democrats need a candidate with vision who is willing to be bold, throw some punches, and speak the truth to voters: It’s time to unf*** our country.”
Sacks spent fifteen years in journalism as the Supreme Court Correspondent for the Huffington Post, political reporter at Fox 5-NY, and National Political Correspondent for Scripps-owned news stations across the county. He received an Emmy for his coverage of the 2020 George Floyd.
According to the release, he has covered legal battles over Obamacare, same-sex marriage and has become a well-known Supreme Court watchdog, “bringing greater transparency to the politicization of the court.”
“Hardworking families deserve leadership that won’t rollover while their Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security hit the chopping block,” Sacks said. “We need visionaries and fighters in Washington, not another politician who won’t meet the moment.”
– Eric Harvey
Lawler’s Remote Access Security Act passes Foreign Affairs Committee
U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler’s Remote Access Security Act received unanimous and bipartisan support in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, passing with a 51-0 vote after he reintroduced the bill last week.
The legislation seeks to close a loophole in U.S. export control law that, according to a release from Lawler’s office, has allowed companies aligned with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to access restricted American technology through cloud services.
“Our export controls are only as strong as the weakest link – and right now, China is exploiting us,” Lawler said April 9. “While we’ve blocked the physical export of sensitive chips and technology, they are still accessible through cloud technologies. That’s unacceptable.”
The release stated that as technology has progressed, adversaries of the U.S., through a loophole, are able to bypass the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, which regulates the “export of sensitive items to ensure that advanced tech with military implications does not fall into the hands of our adversaries.”
“We cannot allow the CCP to continue to access this technology,” Lawler said. “This bill ensures our laws reflect the realities of the digital age.”
– Eric Harvey
