TWIW 30: July 20, 2026

In this episode:

• Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald gave an update on the Westchester County Health Department monitoring the Hudson River.
• Department of Probation Commissioner Rocco Pozzi joined to discuss National Pretrial, Probation and Parole (PPP) Week, which runs from July 19 through July 25. PPP Week, which originated in 1999, was created as a way to pay tribute to community corrections and probation professionals as an essential part of the justice system. 
• McDonald gave an update on the New York State World Cup Final Watch Party hosted at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. 
• Tuckahoe Mayor Cara Kronen joined to discuss exciting updates happening in the Village of Tuckahoe. 
• McDonald recapped the County’s recognition of the Americans with Disabilities Act and “A Day at Playland for People with Disabilities.” 
• Highlights from Westchester County Parks.

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Transcript

Intro 0:06

Welcome to this week in Westchester. Your weekly audio briefing from Westchester County Government. Each week, County Executive Ken Jenkins breaking on the decisions, investments, and initiatives shaping life across Westchester. Clear information, real progress. One place to stay informed. Now, here's this week in Westchester.

SPEAKER_03 0:29

Good afternoon. I'm Joan McDonald, Westchester Deputy County Executive. Today is Monday, July 20th, and this is this week in Westchester County. I'm going to start with monitoring the Hudson River. The Westchester County Health Department closely monitors and routinely checks public beaches and pools throughout the county through routine water quality testing to help protect public health. However, the County Health Department does not regulate the Hudson River. The Hudson River is a tidal waterway that naturally flushes and replenishes itself. While the Health Department monitors conditions that may affect public health, advisories related to the Hudson River are only issued in rare circumstances, such as the release of screened and partially treated wastewater. Wastewater that has undergone the full treatment process at a wastewater recovery facility meets stringent treatment standards and is safe to drink when it is discharged. Reports of sewage discharges can encompass a wide range of circumstances. There is never a situation where unscreened, untreated sewage is present in the Hudson River. We do encourage Westchester County residents to follow any public health advisories that may be issued. However, thanks to the Clean Water Act and ongoing federally supported environmental cleanup efforts, the Hudson River and its surrounding harbor estuary are considered the cleanest they have been in a century. This week is National Pretrial Probation and Parole Supervision Week, which runs through Saturday, July 25th. This annual observance highlights the critical role probation officers play in our communities. Westchester County currently employs approximately 160 sworn probation officers who keep our neighborhoods safe while also giving individuals the support, guidance, and resources they need to move forward and succeed. Their work goes far beyond supervision. They are mentors, problem solvers, and advocates who create positive outcomes for the people that they serve. Commissioner of the Westchester County Probation Department, Rocco Posey, is going to provide us with some more details about how we honor these citizens. Commissioner Posey.

SPEAKER_02 3:04

Thank you, boss. First, I want to sincerely thank uh County Executive Ken Jenkins and Deputy County Executive Joe McDonald for inviting me here today and for giving me the opportunity to highlight just a few of the many ways the Westchester County Probation Department serves and protects the residents of Westchester County. Before I talk about our work, I want to acknowledge that none of what we accomplish would be possible without the unwavering support of the County Executive, Ken Jenkins, and his administration. Throughout the many years I have known Ken, he has consistently recognized the important role probation plays in our criminal justice system, and has been a strong advocate for providing our department with the resources and support necessary to carry out our mission. That commitment has enabled us to protect our communities, support victims, hold defenders accountable, and provide opportunities for rehabilitation, making Westchester County a safer place for everyone. On behalf of the dedicated men and women of the Westchester County Probation Department, I want to thank the County Executive and his entire team for their continued confidence and support. It is especially fitting to recognize that support today as we celebrate Probation Parole and Pretrial Services Week, and the dedicated professionals who carry out this important work every day. Every year during the third week of July, Westchester County joins jurisdictions across the nation in recognizing probation parole and pretrial services week. This annual observance honors the dedicated professionals who work every day to promote positive change, strengthen our communities, and enhance public safety. For the Westchester County Probation Department, this week is an opportunity to recognize that probation is far more than supervising individuals placed under court order. It is about balancing accountability with rehabilitation while protecting the public. Probation officers serve on the front lines of the criminal justice system, helping individuals address the behaviors that brought them into the justice system while ensuring compliance with the conditions imposed by the courts. Each year, the Westchester County Probation Department supervises nearly 4,000 individuals. Our officers hold offenders accountable while connecting them with substance abuse treatment, mental health services, educational and vocational opportunities, housing assistance, employment resources, and other evidence-based programs that reduce recidivism and promote long-term success. Probation officers conduct thousands of home visits and field contacts each year to verify compliance with court-ordered conditions and assess potential risks to the community. We recognize that change is not easy, and not every individual is committed to making positive choices. When individuals continue to engage in criminal behavior, probation officers are in the community taking the necessary enforcement actions to protect public safety. Our high-impact gang and gun unit is a prime example of that commitment. Since 2025, working independently and in collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, the unit has removed more than 16 illegal firearms from our streets. Tragically, three of those firearms were recovered from rooms where young children slept and could have easily gained access to them. The unit supervises approximately 200 high-risk offenders at any given time. During 2026 alone, officers have recovered eight more firearms and confiscated significant quantities of illegal narcotics, bullet-resistant vests, ammunition, stolen credit cards, forged checks, and a 3D printer being used to manufacture illegal ghost guns. Our special operations unit is responsible for locating and apprehending violent felony offenders who have absconded from probation supervision. During the first five months of 2026, this unit has successfully located and arrested 43 violent felony offenders and cleared an additional 50 outstanding violent felony warrants, working in close partnership with law enforcement agencies throughout the region. The probation department also supervises more than 400 sex offenders and domestic violence offenders each year. Officers closely monitor compliance with specialized treatment programs, enforce court-ordered conditions, and ensure adherence to orders of protection, providing an additional layer of safety and support for victims and their families. Supporting victims is a fundamental part of our mission. Brobation officers help enforce court orders designed to protect victims, monitor compliance with orders of condition, facilitate restitution, and connect victims with community-based resources and services. Each year, the department also assists with the preparation of nearly 2,000 orders of protection for victims, helping domestic violence victims obtain the legal protections they need. Probation work is not without risk. Every day, probation officers enter homes, conduct field visits, execute warrants, make arrests, and supervise individuals who may present a danger to themselves and to others. Despite these challenges, they remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting the public, holding offenders accountable, supporting victims, and helping individuals make meaningful changes that reduce future crime. During Probation and Parole Week, we proudly recognize the dedication, professionalism, and courage of the men and women of the Westchester County Probation Department. Their work often takes place behind the scenes, but its impact is seen every day in safer neighborhoods, stronger families, and a more secure Westchester County. Thank you for giving me the opportunity, and we really appreciate it on behalf of all the employees at the Westchester County Probation Department.

SPEAKER_03 10:11

Thank you, Commissioner Posey. This is clearly a uh truly dedicated staff, and we are proud to recognize them this week and every week. Thank you for your leadership. This past Sunday, yesterday, we brought the fun and excitement of the world's biggest game right here to Westchester County as New York State hosted their official World Cup Final watch party at Kensigo Dam Plaza in Valhalla. The free event at the dam brought thousands of soccer fans from across the region, and thousands of fans gathered together on the lawn in the beautiful weather to watch the memorable game on giant screens. Westchester County was proud to welcome these fans from across the county and beyond for what was an incredible celebration and a beautiful game. Congratulations to Spain, who defeated Argentina 1-0 with the winning goal that was scored in extra time. And a debt of gratitude and thanks to our Parks Department staff, our Department of Emergency Services staff, our tourism staff, and our public safety staff who work tirelessly with our state counterparts to ensure that this event was a success. Today we are pleased to welcome Kara Cronin, the Tuckahoe Mayor, who is here to share some updates from the village of Tuckahoe. Mayor, come on up. Welcome.

SPEAKER_00 11:40

Thank you very much. Good morning, everybody. I bring you greetings from the beautiful village of Tuckahoe. I am Kara Cronin. Um, if you are unfamiliar with Tuckahoe, it is a.65 mile village in the town of Eastchester, and we like to say that we are small but mighty. We were also once known as the marble capital of the world and think of ourselves as tough as stone. Over the past year, we've continued in investing and strengthening our sense of community and planning thoughtfully for our future. One of the proudest accomplishments has been the Reimagine Tuckahoe, our first comprehensive plan in decades. What makes this plan so special is that it truly belongs to our residents. It was built through public workshops, business forums, youth engagement, and countless conversations with community members. But now the exciting part begins and the hardest work, turning our vision into a reality as we implement the priorities identified by our community. One of these priorities, moving forward, is already moving forward. Thanks to two federal grants secured by Congressman George Latimer and former Congressman Bowman, we'll soon begin the reimagining and re-en-renovating of our Depot Square. This project will transform our downtown gathering space with improved landscaping, lighting, seating, and accessibility, and public spaces that will better serve our residents, our businesses, our communiters, and all of our visitors. It's an investment in our future, in the future of our downtown, and in our everyday quality of life. We are also incredibly excited about Tucko being the future home of the Lenape Center at the historic wardhouse. Again, I want to thank County Executive Ken Jenkins, former Mayor Omira Andino, County Legislator Judah Holstein, and so many others who helped to bring this vision to possibility. Together, we've preserved one of Westchester's oldest historic homes while creating a place that honors the original stewards of this land through education, culture, and community engagement. It's a project that reflects our shared history and our values that will not only benefit our village, but also Westchester County. It also offers us a chance to welcome the Lenape back to this area and bring our two cultures together in a beautiful and meaningful way. And if there's one thing Tuckaho does exceptionally well, it is bringing people together. We just celebrated America 250 with an outstanding Eastchester townwide parade and the village's annual firework celebration, a day that brought neighbors out to celebrate the nation's history and our community spirit. Residents love Tuckaho because it's an amazing place to raise a family. Throughout the year, our village calendar is filled with events that truly reflect who we are. From the Juneteenth celebration, Tuckaho Pride, to the Tuckaho Music Festival, veteran benefit events, movies in the park, and our key creepy candy crawl, these gatherings celebrate our diversity, our inclusiveness, and our mutual respect. There are opportunities for family, friends, and neighbors to connect and remind us that community is built one relationship at a time. The same spirit is reflected every Sunday at our newly expanded Tuckahoe Farm and Maker Market. Each week, we bring together more than 20 local farmers, food vendors, artisans, and makers to the market, which bring out hundreds of visitors to Depot Square, supporting our small businesses while creating vibrant destination at the heart of our village. We are equally proud of our senior center, one of the most active senior centers throughout the county, and the one that one of the only ones that continued to serve seniors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, this senior center provides outstanding programming and recreation under the direction of Michelle Oliva that celebrate our residents active, engaged, and connected. And this fall we'll be celebrating a milestone that means a great deal to our community. On October 4th, Sunday, October 4th, Tucco will celebrate the Tuckahoe Challenge Road Wraith 50th anniversary. This is our 5K plus one mile race, which began in 1976. And this year we'll be featuring a 1970s theme. So I hope everybody dusts off their tube socks and their short shorts and their retro gear and comes out and runs and has a great time. It's a great race if you've never run before. Being mayor of Tuckahoe is a pretty great gig, I must say. People often compliment me on everything that happens in the village, but the truth is that none of this happens because of the mayor. We don't plow snow, we don't patrol neighborhoods, we don't run senior programs, and we don't maintain parks or shelf books in the library. It is our incredible employees that do all of that. I just want to take a moment to acknowledge all that they do. Every accomplishment that I accomplishment that I've shared with you today is as a result of the men and women who serve our village under the leadership of Administrator David Burke. It is truly an honor to work alongside them. Under the leadership of Police Chief Rhoda, Tuckahoe became the first police department in Westchester to bring a certified therapy and facility dog into our daily police work. Our facility dog Eddie, if you've ever seen him, is the cutest police officer in all of Westchester County. He came to us through a remarkable program called Puppies Behind Bars, which provides comfort and support to crime victims, residents in crisis, children, seniors, and even our own officers following difficult incidents. Chief Rhoda's vision has helped us demonstrate the value of this program, and we're proud to see many other municipalities across Westchester adding therapy dogs to their departments as well. I am very I am also very fortunate to work alongside an extraordinarily engaged board of trustees whose commitment and collaboration and thoughtful government has helped to move our village forward. Together, we're working to make Tuckahoe a place where families want to live, businesses want to invest, and neighbors know one another. We may be one of Westchester's smallest municipalities, but we're proving every day that size has nothing to do with ambition, and we know that there is a lot of work, but we're eager to get it done. I want to thank everyone again today, and thank you, Deputy Commissioner, for allowing me to speak. And I hope everybody has a great day. Now we can go back to being obsessed with the NYCs. Thank you.

SPEAKER_03 18:16

Thank you, thank you, Mayor, for all of those great updates. I don't know as I'll run in the in the race, but I might come just to see what the outfits look like. July is known as Disability Pride Month. Last week we marked the celebration in a completely unique way. We recognized the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The official anniversary is actually this coming Sunday, July 26th. But we hosted a day of playland for people with disabilities. The ceremony recognized the lasting impact of the ADA and reaffirmed Westchester County's commitment to building a county where every resident of every ability can live, work, learn, and thrive without barriers. The county welcomed 7,000 people with disabilities along with their families and caregivers for a full day of fun, rides, and games at Playland Park. It was a tremendous success, and thank you to all who participated. In Other Parks News, this Thursday, July 23rd, from 7 to 9 p.m., the Robeson Summer Concert Series will have an Extreme Queens concert. Extreme Queen reproduces the original album versions of every Queen song, as many audience members remember, hearing on their original violin vinyl records. We are thinking that this is very appropriate because we are the champions of the world. My favorite Queen song is very appropriate between the Knicks, as the mayor uh referenced, and also to Spain and all of the other winning teams from the World Cup here in the United States. So come out and listen to the Extreme Queen concert this Thursday at Kensigo Dam Plaza in Valhalla. On Friday, July 24th, we continue our Friday night fireworks at Playland Amusement Park. The fireworks light up the night every Friday through September 4th, and admission is free for spectators. On Saturday, July 25th, there will be an American Mahjong open play at Kensico Dam Plaza from 10 o'clock till noon. Bring your friends or make some new ones as you play a round of mahjong. This tile-based game of skill is sure to be a fun and challenge for all. Tiles and racks will be provided, but you need to bring your own cards and it's a free event. Also, on Saturday, July 25th at 5 p.m., we will open for White Plains hospital screenings under the Under the Stars Goat at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle. A small goat with big dreams gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play Roarball. Not exactly sure what that is, but I'm sure it's going to be fun. Pre-movie entertainment begins at 5 p.m. and the movie starts at sundown. Moviegoers should bring blankets, folding chairs, and a picnic. Refreshments are also available for sale. Watch the weather because the movie could be canceled if there is inclement weather. On Sunday, July 26th, we continue our bicycle Sunday on the Brogs River Parkway, which travels from the Westchester County Center south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers. Come and enjoy Bicycle Sunday. And last, on Sunday, July 26th, from 12 until 6, it's Italian Heritage Festival at the Kensigo Dam Plaza in Valhalla. Expect Italian cuisine, children's games, cultural exhibits, homemade arts and crafts, dancing, live performances, and DJ music. It's rain or shine, seating is informal. Again, bring blankets or folding chairs for sitting on the lawn. Coolers are not allowed. And please note that the Bronx River Parkway will be closed for bicycle Sundays between Scarsdale Road and Yonkers and the Westchester County Center as you plan your travel to get to the Italian Heritage Festival, which is always a fun day for everyone. And that is it for this week in Westchester. I'm Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald. Thank you and have a great day.