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In this special recap episode, host Jim Jockle hits pause to reflect on the first slate of I Live Here Westchester—what we’ve learned, what surprised us, and what made us laugh out loud. From deepfake scams to Christmas displays, real estate shifts to social equity wins, it’s a curated journey through the voices shaping Westchester County.

Jim threads together a powerful and surprisingly funny narrative, exploring how joy, advocacy, safety, growth, and collaboration are making Westchester stronger—one story at a time.

You’ll hear reflections on:

• The magic (and logistics) of American Christmas
• The evolution of Westchester’s real estate market
• How to stay safe from AI scams and digital fraud
• The impact of water affordability and conservation efforts
• Policy wins that are changing lives for local families and youth
• Workforce development, clean energy, and the future of jobs
• …and a heartfelt thank-you to the people making it all happen

Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the community, this episode offers a fast-paced, thoughtful, and occasionally hilarious look at what makes Westchester tick.

Featuring Guests From:

• Dan Casterella – CEO, American Christmas
• Lindsay Crotty Walsh – Real Estate Agent, Compass
• Hamza Zaman – Cybersecurity Expert
• Sophia Salis – External Affairs Manager, Veolia
• Allison Lake – Former Executive Director, Westchester Children’s Association
• Thom Kleiner – Executive Director, Westchester Putnam Workforce Development Board
• Joe Brancato & Andrew Horn – Penguin Rep Theater

Links & Resources:

• Veolia Water Affordability Program: mywater.veolia.us
• Westchester Children’s Association: wcaforkids.org
• Westchester Putnam Workforce: westchesterputnamonestop.com
• American Christmas: americanchristmas.com
• Penguin Rep Theater: penguinrep.org

Don’t Forget:

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, follow us on your favorite podcast platform, and tell your Westchester neighbors.

Got a story we should feature? Email us at jimjockle@iliveheremedia.com

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.

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Guest:
Sophia Salis, Public & Government Affairs, Veolia Water New York

Episode Summary:
In this episode of I Live Here Westchester, host Jim Jockle sits down with Sophia Salis from Veolia to explore critical topics affecting Westchester residents, including water affordability, sustainability, and community engagement.

Sophia shares details of Veolia's groundbreaking Water Affordability Program—the first of its kind in New York State—which offers up to a 25% discount on water bills for eligible customers. She also outlines the many ways Veolia is helping local residents conserve water, lower their bills, and stay connected through meaningful community partnerships.

From rebate programs and PromisePay options to smart irrigation tips and even the return of Bailey the Beaver, this episode provides practical advice and local inspiration.

🔗 Helpful Links & Resources:

• Veolia Water Affordability Program:
  https://mywater.veolia.us/nyaffordwater
  Check your eligibility and view the list of qualifying government programs.
• Apply for Rebates on Water-Efficient Appliances:
  https://conserve.veolia.us
  Submit receipts for rebates on EPA WaterSense and Energy Star appliances.
• Veolia Customer Service (Westchester Office):
  Palmer Avenue, New Rochelle, NY
  1-877-266-9101
  https://mywater.veolia.us (Be sure to enter your zip code for localized info)
• Programs Mentioned:
  • PromisePay: Flexible payment plans for outstanding water bills
  • Budget Billing: Consistent monthly payments
  • Veolia Cares: One-time hardship grants
  • Conservation Tips: Leak detection, smart irrigation, native landscaping
• Community Engagement:
  • Town of Rye EcoFest at Crawford Park
  • Spark the Sound Fireworks, July 4th at Five Islands Park, New Rochelle
  • Partnerships with local municipalities and Cornell Cooperative Extension

Stay Connected:
For community appearances, rebate updates, and conservation tips, follow Veolia and check your local municipal bulletins.

Final Thought:
Water is more than a utility—it's a community resource. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or simply conservation-minded, there’s a role for everyone to play.

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.

Send us a text

In this episode of I Live Here: Westchester, host Jim Jockle sits down with Thom Kleiner, Executive Director of the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board, for a dynamic conversation on how local initiatives are shaping the future of work across the region.

Thom shares the mission of the Workforce Development Board and how strategic partnerships—with community colleges, employers, nonprofits, and even platforms like Indeed—are helping people not only find jobs, but build lasting careers. From training hundreds of residents for in-demand healthcare roles to pioneering clean energy workforce pipelines, Thom discusses the power of collaboration in driving economic opportunity.

Highlights include:

• How workforce training programs like the Healthcare Talent Pipeline and Jobs Waiting have placed hundreds into employment
• The role of AI and virtual career tools in reshaping job search and upskilling
• Programs aimed at youth employment and gun violence prevention
• Focused outreach to underserved communities including those with disabilities and reentry populations
• The growing opportunity in clean energy and the challenge of aligning job seekers, employers, and educators
• Thom’s reflections on public service and what gives him hope for the future of work in Westchester

Whether you're a job seeker, employer, policymaker, or simply a neighbor who cares, this episode offers a hopeful and practical look at how workforce development touches every aspect of community life.

Learn more: https://www.westchesterputnamonestop.com

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.