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Episode Title:
What started as a New Year’s Day dare has become one of Westchester’s most enduring community traditions.

In this episode of I Live Here Westchester, host Jim Jockle sits down with Ken Harris, longtime leader of the Rye Triathlon Club, to talk about the Rye Polar Plunge — now in its 26th year and the longest-running, largest polar plunge in Westchester County.

Ken shares how hundreds of residents gather every New Year’s Day at Oakland Beach in Rye to run into near-40-degree water, run back out just as fast, and raise money for local charities along the way. We talk about why people keep coming back year after year, how the event has become a multi-generational tradition, and why community — not cold — is what really draws people in.

The conversation also explores the broader triathlon community in Rye, the accessibility of the sport for beginners, the rise of cold-water plunging, and why stepping slightly outside your comfort zone can be a powerful way to start the year.

Whether you’re planning to take the plunge, cheer from the sidelines, or just want to understand what keeps this tradition alive, this episode captures a uniquely Westchester way of welcoming the New Year.

Rye Polar Plunge - January 1, 2026 @ 11am, Oakland Beach, Rye NY

Rye Tri Club www.ryetriclub.com

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I Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media.
We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.

Have a guest suggestion or want to partner with us?
Email: jimjockle@iliveheremedia.com
Website: www.iliveheremedia.com
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Most of the biggest decisions affecting Westchester aren’t announced — they’re approved quietly.

In this week’s Westchester Brief, we step back from the headlines and focus on three stories that reveal how systems are actually working beneath the surface.

First, we take a closer look at Westchester County contracts and continued investment in Playland, breaking down what’s being funded, how much money is involved, and why these long-term commitments matter for residents heading into 2026.

Next, we examine accessibility within the MTA system, including what progress has been made at key Metro-North stations across Westchester — and why advocates say gaps still exist. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about who public transit truly works for.

And finally, a story that grabbed attention for all the wrong reasons — two crocodiles discovered in a Yonkers residence. It’s unusual, but it also raises serious questions about enforcement, regulation, and how local systems respond to edge-case risks.

This episode is designed to give you context — not noise — so you can better understand what’s shaping life in Westchester right now.

In this episode:

• How millions in county contracts quietly lock in priorities for years
• What continued investment at Playland signals about long-term strategy
• Which Metro-North stations are accessible — and where gaps remain
• Why transit accessibility affects far more than just a small group of riders
• What a bizarre Yonkers crocodile story reveals about regulation and response

If this episode helped you think more clearly about the week ahead, consider sharing it with someone who lives or works in Westchester.

Support the show

I Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media.
We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.

Have a guest suggestion or want to partner with us?
Email: jimjockle@iliveheremedia.com
Website: www.iliveheremedia.com
Follow us on Instagram: @iliveheremedia

Subscribe, rate, and share to support local storytelling.

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In this week’s episode of The Westchester Brief, host Jim Jockle breaks down three under-the-radar developments that will shape life across Westchester heading into 2026.

First, a look at how recently finalized county budget and policy decisions are locking in the priorities for infrastructure, services, and long-term investments. These aren't headline-grabbing moments — but they’re the ones that determine what gets funded, what gets delayed, and which projects never leave the planning phase.

Second, New York State has enacted legislation to expand confidential mental health access for law enforcement officers. It’s a sign of a larger shift: police wellness is now being recognized as critical infrastructure. This episode explains why that framing matters, and what changes it’s likely to drive in local departments.

Finally, something quieter — but just as meaningful. Participation in local events is up. Residents are choosing hyper-local holiday programming over city-bound plans. That behavioral shift is fueling local commerce, cultural visibility, and renewed interest in shared community spaces.

Smart, focused, and relevant — this is The Westchester Brief. New episodes every Monday.

Support the show

I Live Here Westchester is a production of I Live Here Media.
We spotlight the voices, visionaries, and stories that make Westchester County more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.

Have a guest suggestion or want to partner with us?
Email: jimjockle@iliveheremedia.com
Website: www.iliveheremedia.com
Follow us on Instagram: @iliveherewestchester

Subscribe, rate, and share to support local storytelling.