Employee Spotlight: Youth Bureau

 

Darryl Francis started working at the Peekskill Youth Bureau 21 years ago as a Senior Youth Advocate, with the goal of making a difference in the Peekskill community. As a Senior Youth Advocate, he is responsible for overseeing volunteers, part-time and seasonal staff, and fostering community partnerships. He has been instrumental in the planning, implementation, and facilitating of various programs, including all Invest-in-Kids programs (Advancing L.I.F.T. and Project Elevate), Rising Tide Boatbuilding, Community Service, My Brother’s Keeper, Junior Counselor Training, Youth Advisory Council, and the Summer Youth Employment Program. Darryl is also an ordained minister at the Refuge Church of Christ, a proud father of six, a huge advocate for foster care, and married to his better half Joanne Dunn-Francis.
 
During his free time, he enjoys putting his feet up watching his NY Giants beat Dallas, laughing, and being with family and friends. Darryl strives to lead by example to instill morals and values and build a climate and culture of success where children are given the tools they need to navigate the world we live in. “Francis”, as everyone calls him, helps each youth make positive decisions that will afford them opportunities to be successful and productive citizens in a society that is forever changing; giving them a sense of hope that the possibilities of achievement are endless and that their lives matter!

Community Feedback Survey


                 

The City of Peekskill is currently applying for a grant to fund a Comprehensive Plan and we need your input! The comprehensive plan is the culmination of a planning process that establishes the official land use policy of a community and presents goals and a vision for the future that guides official decision making. The comprehensive plan invariably includes a thorough analysis of current data showing land development trends and issues, community resources, and public needs for transportation, recreation, and housing. To complete the survey, please click here. 

Hydrant Flushing 


                 

The City of Peekskill Water Department will be performing hydrant flushing through November 11th between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Please note that flushing schedule updates will be posted on the city's website.

During this time, you may notice discoloration in your water, but do not be alarmed. Run your cold water for a short period of time and it should clear up. If you are experiencing persistent discoloration after running your cold water, please notify the Water Department at (914) 734-4110.

Military Tribute Banner Program
 

Our Military Tribute Banners are now up! Click here to learn more about our program and visit the website to place an order. 

Peekskill Trunk or Treat Event
 

The City of Peekskill Fire Department, in partnership with the City of Peekskill Police Department and the Peekskill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, held its Trunk or Treat event on Friday, October 28th at the Peekskill Central Firehouse. For those who missed out on the fun, please click here to watch the video.

Halloween Pumpkin Design 
 

The Parks and Recreation Department and the Peekskill Business Improvement District held its Halloween Pumpkin Design event on Saturday, October 29th at Pugsley Park. See the creativity that was on display for this year, by clicking here to watch the video.

Toy and Food Drive
 

The Peekskill Youth Bureau, in collaboration with Westchester Cars & Coffee, will be holding a toy drive on Sunday, November 6th from 8:00 am - 10:00 am and a food drive on Sunday, November 13th from 8:00 am - 10:00 am. Both events will be held at 24 South Water Street and if you plan on participating, please donate new unwrapped toys and/or donate non-perishable Thanksgiving items. For more information on how to bring joy this holiday season, please contact Executive Director Tuesday Paige McDonald at (914) 734-4149 or via email at tmcdonald@cityofpeekskill.com.

Veterans Day Ceremony

                 
A Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, November 11th at Monument Park located at the intersection of North Division Street and Highland Avenue. Join us as we come together to honor all veterans for their service to our country. 

Peekskill NAACP Freedom Fund Award Ceremony

                 
The Peekskill NAACP will be holding their Freedom Fund Award Ceremony on Saturday, November 12th at 7:00 pm at the Paramount Theater. Celebrate this year's honorees by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by clicking here to purchase your tickets. 

Public Hearing Notice
 

The Common Council will be holding three public hearings on Monday, November 14th at 7:30 pm in the Council Chambers. The public hearings will cover proposed zoning text for cannabis dispensaries and consumption sites, a proposed local law to amend the City Code to allow for the appointment of alternate members to Land Use Boards, and the Common Council's recommended fiscal year 2023 budget. As always, we encourage members of the community to attend our in-person meetings to share their thoughts and concerns.  

DRI Public Workshop
 

The City of Peekskill will be hosting a public information session and workshop on Tuesday, November 15th, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm in the Neighborhood Center located at 4 Nelson Avenue. During the workshop, the City and its landscape architecture consultant will present schematic design alternatives for renovating both Pugsley Park (1038 Main Street across from the Sun River Health Center) and Monument Park (311 Highland Avenue beginning at the Civil War Monument at the corner of Highland Avenue and North Division Street). The renovations will include new pathways with a mix of seating and event areas, new landscaping, lighting, trash receptacles, and other amenities. This event will gather public feedback regarding the proposed design concepts for incorporation into final construction documents and all are welcome to attend. 

CHHOP Turkey Trot Race
 

Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP) will be holding their 2022 Turkey Trot on Saturday, November 19th at 9:00 am at the gazebo in downtown Peekskill. Register today for the 1 mile race and help make a difference to benefit those in our community who are facing food insecurity.

Thanksgiving Foul Shooting Conest
 

The Parks and Recreation Department will be holding their Thanksgiving Foul Shooting Contest on Saturday, November 19th from 10:00 am - 11:30 am at the Peekskill Middle School. The contest is open to all Peekskill residents ages 8 and up, with frozen turkeys to be awarded to the male and female winners in each group. For more information and to register, please contact (914) 734-7275. 

Peekskill Farmers Market/Peekskill Flea Market


                 

There are only a few weeks left of our farmers market and flea market! Visit the farmers market on Saturdays until November 19th from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm along Bank Street and the flea market on Sundays until November 20th from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm along Bank Street. 

November 7, 2022:   Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 9, 2022:   Planning Commission Meeting
November 10, 2022: Conservation Advisory Council Meeting
November 14, 2022: Committee of the Whole/Common Council Meeting
November 17, 2022: Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting 
November 21, 2022: Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 28, 2022: Committee of the Whole/Common Council Meeting

To stay current on all upcoming dates, please click here for our city calendar. 

Follow and Subscribe!
 

Please follow us on social media below and make sure to share this newsletter with your network (click here to subscribe). Hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving and we look forward to reconnecting in December. 

Mayor and Common Council 
 

Mayor Vivian McKenzie
Deputy Mayor Patricia Riley
Councilwoman Kathleen Talbot
Councilman Ramon Fernandez 
Councilman Dwight H. Douglas
Councilman Robert Scott
Councilman Brian Fassett