September is Library Card Sign-up Month! Public libraries are a major benefit to our communities, providing everything from a wealth of knowledge and fun, to informative programs, and more. In this episode, I speak with the directors of two local libraries: Dana Hysell of the Field Library in Peekskill and Karen LaRocca-Fels of the Ossining Public Library, both part of the greater Westchester Library System. If you don't have your library card yet, keep listening to learn more about themany resources a library card gives you access to. Find your local library this Library Card Sign Up Month at www.westchesterlibraries.org for Westchester residents and discover.midhudsonlibraries.org for Putnam residents.

In this episode I speak with Megan Larmer, Senior Director of Programs at Cold Spring's Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming. Glynwood is a not-for-profit organization serving hundreds of food and farming innovators in New York’s Hudson Valley and beyond. Through their four core strategies - training and supporting the next generation of farmers, increasing food access and equity, cultivating climate resilient solutions, and fostering markets and movements to improve regional resilience - Glynwood aims to promote just and resilient food systems so that farmers, land, and communities prosper. You can learn more about Glynwood and how to get involved at www.glynwood.org.

In this episode of Building Healthy Communities, I speak with Ridvan Idara, founder and executive director of New Era Creative Space (NECS). NECS is a community-driven educational and creative center located in Peekskill, NY. Its mission is to offer inclusive, accessible programs that promote creativity and empowerment for both youth and families. The organization emphasizes developing stronger communities through arts education, leadership development, and a variety of hands-on creative programs. NECS offers a broad range of activities, including theater, dance, music, photography, visual arts, workshops to develop soft skills, and cultural immersion trips. The organization stands out for its multidisciplinary approach, integrating the arts with personal and social growth, and ensuring that participants from all backgrounds and abilities can find a welcoming space to express themselves. Visit https://necspace.org to learn more.

In this episode of Building Healthy Communities, I speak with two local library directors - Yvonne Cech of the John C. Hart Memorial Library and Jesse Bourdon of the Croton Free Library - to discuss the breadth of the resources and services that their libraries offer. To learn more about them, visit https://yorktownlibrary.org/ and https://www.crotonfreelibrary.org/.

In this episode, I speak with Lourdes Aguilar from Neighbors Link, a Westchester-based non-profit that works to strengthen the entire community through the empowerment and integration of immigrants. Neighbors Link offers a wide range of services, including education and empowerment programs, legal services, early childhood programs, parent education, and academic support for school-aged children. It is a concerning time for our local immigrant community, as we see rapid changes to immigration policy at the federal level. Many are confused about their rights and uncertain about their future. It is important to note that all immigrants have rights, regardless of their status. During this podcast, we will be talking about the rights we all have and what to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) approaches you.Given the rapidly changing nature of federal policy, please note this podcast was recorded on February 13, 2025.

Voting is the most powerful way to engage in civic life, but for many people in our community, the right to vote has not always been a given. And, even today in 2024, we must stay vigilant to ensure the right to vote remains free, fair, and accessible in our state and country. In this episode, Assemblywoman Levenberg spotlights the work of the Peekskill Branch of the NAACP, speaking with President Priscilla Augustin and First Vice President and Civic Engagement Chair, Micah T. Benson.

In this episode of Building Healthy Communities, Assemblywoman Levenberg speaks with Cynthia Knox, CEO of Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP). CHHOP operates Westchester's only homeless shelter north of White Plains out of the Jan Peek House in Peekskill. The organization offers a variety of programs aligned with their core belief that every person is entitled to safe, affordable housing and healthy, nutritious food. CHHOP works to alleviate hunger and homelessness in Peekskill and the surrounding area by providing temporary housing, long-term housing, and advocacy, along with clinical and support services for veterans, domestic violence survivors, and chronically homeless people of all genders. CHHOP also provides healthy and nutritious food through Fred’s Pantry, its farm to table food pantry, to those who are facing food insecurity. You can learn more about CHHOP and how to get involved in their mission at www.chhop.org.

Each month, our office receives hundreds of phone and email messages from constituents. In this episode, we go through the most common inquiries and comments that our office has received so far in Assemblywoman Levenberg’s first term, and how we’re responding to them. Listen to learn more about how our office, and state government in general, are working to help build healthy communities.

Have a question or a comment? The best way to send it to us is via our online contact form: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Dana-Levenberg/contact/.

If you need immediate assistance with something, please feel free to call us at (914) 941-1111 during regular business hours (Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM).