Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Parks: MOHANSIC GOLF COURSE TURNS 100 WITH A SWINGING CELEBRATION.

 


MOHANSIC GOLF COURSE TURNS 100 WITH A SWINGING CELEBRATION.


The centennial golf outing tees off July 25 in vintage style.


 


[Yorktown Heights, NY] – Mohansic Golf Course, a Westchester County classic since 1925, is hitting the century mark. On Friday, July 25, the course will host a 100th Anniversary golf outing with a throwback flair.


The event will be a 9-hole, two-person scramble, with a 3 p.m. shotgun start. Entry is $70 per person and includes a shared vintage golf bag rental (courtesy of Connecticut Hickory Golf), a sleeve of retro-style golf balls, greens fee, a power cart, and a post-round buffet dinner with awards and surprises.


Prizes will be handed out for First Place Team, Most Honest Team and Closest to the Pins, along with contests and raffles.


Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “For 100 years, Mohansic Golf Course has been a treasured part of our parks system and a favorite spot for generations of golfers. This celebration is not only about honoring its rich history but also about looking ahead to the next century of recreation and community.”


Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor added: “Mohansic is more than just a golf course. It’s where memories are made. From first swings to family outings, it’s played a special role in Westchester’s story. We’re thrilled to mark this milestone with a fun, inclusive event that golfers can enjoy.”


As part of the celebration, golf rates for Westchester County residents will be rolled back on July 21, 22, 23 and 24 ($19.25 for Park Pass holders to walk).


Register for the outing by visiting or calling Mohansic’s pro shop at (914) 862-5283.


Mohansic Golf Course is one of the six 18-hole courses owned and operated by the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Mohansic is at 1500 Baldwin Road in Yorktown Heights, NY.


 

Monday, July 7, 2025

Westchester Insider: News from Westchester County.

 


COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS GIVES WESTCHESTER WEEKLY UPDATE.


 


Watch the Press Conference Here:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pjgzzp-RpE


 


 


NEW LAW INTRODUCED TO HELP CURB FAIR EVASION ON BEE-LINE BUSES.


 


Proposed Legislation Would Establish Civil Penalty for the Theft of Services on Bee-Line Buses. 


White Plains, NY) – In an effort to promote fare compliance and ensure the safety and sustainability of Westchester County’s Bee-Line Bus System, the County has introduced a proposed local law that would establish a civil penalty for the theft of services on the Bee-Line.


The proposed legislation—submitted for adoption to the Westchester County Board of Legislators—would amend the Laws of Westchester County by adding a new Chapter 643, creating a non-criminal enforcement mechanism for individuals who fail to pay the required fare to ride the Bee-Line.


Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Fare evasion is costing us about $1 million dollars a month, and it poses a serious threat to the safety, fiscal integrity, and the long-term success of our Bee-Line system. This legislation is about accountability, not criminalization. It provides a fair and proportionate response to a growing problem that affects all riders. This is about protecting the integrity of the system while being mindful of who’s riding, and why they might not be paying.”


According to a 2018 report by the Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation, the Bee-Line serves approximately 100,000 riders per day at over 3,000 bus stops throughout the County. The system is a vital resource for students, seniors, commuters and residents who rely on public transit every day.


Currently, fare evasion falls under New York State’s Penal Law Section 165.15 (Theft of Services), a Class A Misdemeanor. However, Westchester County is now seeking to address the issue through local civil penalties rather than criminal charges.


Key provisions of the proposed local law include:


A civil fine of $50 for a first offense of fare non-payment.

A fine of $100 for each subsequent offense.

Authorization for County and local law enforcement to issue appearance tickets.

The option for violators to either pay the fine or appear in local court.

The County urges the Westchester County Board of Legislators to adopt the proposed local law and support the continued reliability and equity of the Bee-Line Bus System.


 





Westchester Insider: Westchester County Parks: THE ROBISON SUMMER CONCERT SERIES KICKS OFF ON JULY 11.

 


ROBISON SUMMER CONCERT SERIES KICKS OFF ON JULY 11.


 


Eight acts headline free music shows at Kensico Dam Plaza and Glen Island Park.


 


 


[Ardsley, NY] — The Robison Summer Concert Series is turning up the volume this year, with more music and more locations to get you dancing all summer long. In addition to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, concerts will also take place at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle. The series kicks off, Friday, July 11 at Kensico Dam Plaza with a performance by The Great American Soul Book.


 


With a wide range of musical styles—including country rock, a Taylor Swift tribute performance, soul, rock ’n’ roll, and the Army's oldest active-duty band —there will be something for everyone to enjoy.


 


County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “We’re proud to offer an outstanding concert lineup this year. Music brings people together, strengthens community spirit and creates opportunities for families and friends to connect. The beautiful settings at Kensico Dam Plaza and Glen Island provide the perfect backdrop to relax, enjoy and make lasting memories.


 


Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Kathy O’Connor said: “Kensico and Glen Island are two of the County’s most popular parks. We want everyone who attends the concerts to sit back, relax—or get up and dance!—and enjoy fantastic songs from outstanding musicians.”


Kensico Dam Plaza’s lineup:


Friday, July 11: The Great American Soul Book

Friday, July 18: The Jersey Tenors│From Frank Sinatra to Frankie Valli

Friday, July 25: Love Story: A Tribute to Taylor Swift (rain date: Sunday, July 27)

Friday, Aug. 8: The West Point Band

Friday, Aug. 22: The M80s New York’s Premier ’80s Rock Experience

Friday, Aug. 29: Damn the Torpedoes: A Tom Petty Concert Experience

 


Glen Island’s lineup


Wednesday, July 16: The Silver Arrow Band

Wednesday, Aug. 13: EPIC SOUL

 


The gates open at 6 p.m., and the concerts begin at 7 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Please bring blankets and lawn chairs for general seating. Coolers are permitted. Refreshments will be available for purchase.


 


The Robison Summer Concert Series is presented by Westchester County Parks and Sharc Creative, with the Westchester Parks Foundation and support from White Plains Hospital, Tompkins Community Bank, 100.7 WHUD, 107.1 The Peak, Hamlethub, Inspiria Outdoor Advertising and Westchester Magazine.


 


Kensico Dam Plaza is located at 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla.


 


Glen Island Park is located on Weyman Avenue, New Rochelle.


 

Sunday, July 6, 2025

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Government Beat: 7/7 AT 2PM - COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS TO GIVE WESTCHESTER WEEKLY UPDATE.

 

COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS TO GIVE WESTCHESTER WEEKLY UPDATE.


 


Monday, July 7


2 p.m.


Michaelian Office Building


Press Room – 9th Floor


148 Martine Avenue


White Plains, NY 10601


 


Press Conference will be Streamed Live on Facebook:


https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/


During the Westchester Weekly Update:


Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie will provide updates on current initiatives and events happening in the City of Peekskill.

Westchester County Director of Programs and Policies for Childcare and Education Roseanne Finizio will highlight the County’s Park and Read program, which encourages a love of reading in young children. This year, the program will be held at various County parks.



 

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Government Beat:COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS URGES CONGRESS TO HALT DEVASTATING CUTS TO MEDICAID AND SNAP.

 


WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS URGES CONGRESS TO HALT DEVASTATING CUTS TO MEDICAID AND SNAP.


“The lives of thousands of our residents – and your constituents – are on the line.”



(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins is calling on US Congressman George Latimer and US Congressman Mike Lawler to oppose the federal budget reconciliation bill, H.R. 1, following its recent passage in the U.S. Senate. The Bill, which expands already harmful provisions passed by the House, would severely cut funding to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with catastrophic consequences for the residents of Westchester County.


Jenkins wrote: “In short – H.R. 1 was bad before. But the Senate’s changes will cut insurance coverage for more residents. They will overwhelm hospitals, and increase costs. They will force taxpayers to pay more for less. They will force our veterans, children and elderly to go hungry, when thousands are already standing in bread lines to feed their families.”


As detailed in the letter:


Over 240,000 Westchester residents currently rely on Medicaid. The House-passed version already slashed coverage for more than 13,000 people in NY’s 16th and 17th Congressional Districts. The Senate’s amendments would worsen this by imposing stricter work requirements and restricting eligibility.

Westchester County could face a $23 million annual shortfall if required to shoulder additional Medicaid costs shifted from the federal government.

Hospitals and medical facilities in NYCD16 & NYCD17 would lose over $62 million annually, potentially resulting in closures and reduced access to care for all residents.

SNAP cuts would strip food assistance from thousands of Westchester residents, including veterans, the elderly and working parents. Parents or grandparents caring for children over the age of 13 could also lose eligibility.

Jenkins wrote: “Westchester’s unemployment rate is 3.4%, well below the national average. With 23.9% of Westchester’s population on Medicaid, it is blatantly clear that many hardworking Americans rely on this program, and that many hardworking Americans, already struggling against tariff-induced price increases, will lose their coverage if these cuts are allowed to move forwards.”


Jenkins pledged Westchester’s full support to both lawmakers in any effort to stop the legislation from moving forward. He wrote: “The lives of thousands of our residents – and your constituents – are on the line.”


 

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Parks Beat: FEEL THE EMERALD ISLE SPIRIT AT THE ANNUAL IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL ON JULY 13.

 


FEEL THE EMERALD ISLE SPIRIT AT THE ANNUAL IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL ON JULY 13.


Revel in this lively tribute to Irish customs, arts and music!


 


[Hartsdale, NY] — The annual Irish-American Heritage Festival returns to Ridge Road Park in Hartsdale on Sunday, July 13, from 12 noon to 6 p.m., offering a joyful celebration of Irish culture through music, dance and family-friendly fun.


Starting off with Mass at 12 noon, the day will feature lively performances by the McLean Avenue Band, the Tommy Flynn Band, the Irish Dance Company and Tom Hinchey on bagpipes. Emcee Sean Ruane will guide the festivities, which also include activities for kids, a variety of vendors, and delicious food and drinks available for purchase.


Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Westchester is proud to honor the rich traditions and contributions of our Irish-American community. This occasion is a wonderful way to gather with neighbors, enjoy great music and celebrate diversity.”


Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Kathy O’Connor said: “We’re thrilled to host it again at beautiful Ridge Road Park and its historically significant 236 acres. This festival brings people of all backgrounds together to experience Irish culture in a way that children and adults will enjoy.”


The event will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal; please bring blankets or folding chairs for seating. No coolers, please. Admission is $5 per adult, and children under 14 are free. Parking is free.


This summer’s other heritage festivals are:


Hispanic, Sunday, July 13, noon to 6 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla

Italian, Sunday, July 20, 12 noon to 6 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla

Arab, Sunday, July 20, 12 noon to 6 p.m., Ridge Road Park, Hartsdale

India, Sunday, Aug. 3, 12 noon to 6 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla

Jewish, Sunday, Aug. 17, 12 noon to 6 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla

Muslim, Sunday, Aug. 24, 12 noon to 6 p.m., Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla

 Dam Plaza, Valhalla

 


Ridge Road Park is located at 287 Ridge Road, Hartsdale.


 


Kensico Dam Plaza is located at the north end of the Bronx River Parkway, in Valhalla.


 


This event is sponsored by the American Irish Association of Westchester in partnership with the Westchester County Parks Department. For more information, call (914) 231-4500.

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Government Beat: PHOTO/VIDEO: COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS KICKS OFF JULY 4 WEEKEND BY SHARING TIPS TO CELEBRATE SUMMER SAFELY.

 


COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS KICKS OFF JULY 4TH WEEKEND BY SHARING TIPS TO CELEBRATE THE SUMMER SAFELY.


 


Watch the News Conference Here:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsr9NelMNHo


White Plains, NY) – Standing beside Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins joined with members of the Departments of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, Health, Emergency Services and Public Safety to share advice to help residents celebrate the 4th of July and summer season safely.  


 


Jenkins said: “We want you to have fun, but we also want you to be safe. Summer in Westchester County is a time to enjoy the beautiful parks, vibrant communities and exciting events we have to offer. Listen to the professionals when it comes to sun and water safety, also make good choices when it comes to driving and boating. Our goal is for our residents to have a holiday weekend filled with joy, fun and unforgettable moments for all the right reasons.”


Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Kathy O’Connor said: “We’re excited to welcome residents back to our pools and beaches this summer. Our staff and lifeguards have safety rules set in place to ensure a fun and safe visit for all. Please abide by the rules, be respectful of others and cooperate with lifeguards, our highly trained professionals who there to keep visitors safe in and around the water.”


Commissioner of Health Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “Make sure your whole family drinks plenty of water throughout the day – even more so when it’s hot and humid out – take breaks in the shade and apply and reapply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every two hours. A drowning can happen within seconds, so adults must always be on the lookout for the safety of their children. Whatever the weather, never leave children or pets in a closed car even briefly because the temperature can become dangerous very quickly.”


Commissioner of Emergency Services Susan Spear said: “Commissioner of Emergency Services Susan Spear: “As we celebrate July 4 and enjoy summer outdoor activities, a few simple tips can keep adults, kids, and family pets safe. We urge you to be mindful of fire safety considerations for barbeques, grills, and campfires. But if you do experience an emergency, call 911 for assistance. And if you haven’t already, please teach your kids when and how to dial 911. Those simple steps save lives.”


Commissioner of Public Safety Terrance Raynor said: “Westchester County Police will conduct increased DWI enforcement on the roadways during the holiday weekend to keep motorists safe. In addition, the Department’s Marine Unit will increase its patrols on the Hudson River and Long Island Sound due to an anticipated increase in recreational boating traffic. Dedicated Park Rangers and Police Officers assigned to County parks and pools, as well as Special Operations officers, will patrol throughout all recreational areas.”





Westchester Insider: Westchester County Parks: MOHANSIC GOLF COURSE TURNS 100 WITH A SWINGING CELEBRATION.

  MOHANSIC GOLF COURSE TURNS 100 WITH A SWINGING CELEBRATION. The centennial golf outing tees off July 25 in vintage style.   [Yorktown Heig...