Happy Black History Month and Philanthropy Friday!

Happy Black History Month and Philanthropy Friday and to our Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. Family, Friends, Clients and Community!

Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. CEO Kecia Palmer-Cousins and COO Kevin Cousins hope that everyone is well and celebrating Black History Month! We love our black people and our black history! We are because of our black ancestors’ love, sacrifices and hard work! We are the hopes and the dreams of the slaves.

We are their wildest dreams come true! We pour and pass along our love of black history to our heart and soul, our amazing sons Kendall and Kyle, and everyone that we meet so that it continues to flow and be known and recognized.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.

Click here: Black History Month 2024: Facts, Theme & Origins | HISTORY

Black History is past, present and future! Our favorite Black History maker is NYS Majority Leader & NYS Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Kevin’s mother and Kecia’s mother-in-law!

Andrea Alice Stewart-Cousins is an American politician and educator from Yonkers, New York. A member of the Democratic Party, Stewart-Cousins has represented District 35 in the New York State Senate since 2007 and has served as Majority Leader

and Temporary President of that body since 2019.

In just her first year as Senate Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins led the most productive legislative session in state history. She has been widely recognized as a trailblazer in local and state government and champion for progressive action.

In 2012, she became the first woman, and African American woman, to lead a New York State legislative conference. In 2019, she shattered the glass ceiling when her peers elected her as Temporary President and Majority Leader of the State Senate.

Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins oversaw the passage of historic and transformative legislation on issues including voting reforms, gun safety, women’s rights and health care, immigration and DREAMers, the LGBTQ community, the justice system, and sexual harassment in the workplace. Additionally, the Senate Majority under her leadership passed the most comprehensive and aggressive climate change legislation in the nation, and the strongest tenant protections and affordable housing package in state history.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins was born and raised in New York to parents who encouraged a life grounded in education and service. These values, along with her strong belief in advocating for the underserved and championing the needs of working families, have distinguished her as a public servant and progressive leader.

First elected to the State Senate in 2006, Senator Stewart-Cousins currently represents Greenburgh, Scarsdale, and parts of White Plains, New Rochelle, and Yonkers. She previously served as a Westchester County Legislator, and during her tenure was elected Majority Whip and Vice-Chair. As a County Legislator, she authored and passed landmark legislation, including the first human rights laws in Westchester County. Before elected office, Andrea Stewart-Cousins was the first African American to serve as Director of Community Affairs for the City of Yonkers.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins has been honored with hundreds of recognitions and awards due to her extensive legislative work and community service. She was named a “Trailblazer of Democracy” by Eleanor’s Legacy; “Delores Huerta Award” by the New York Communities for Change; “Woman of the Year” by the Business and Professional Women’s Club; “Legislator of the Year” by the Community Health Association of New York State; “Leader in Social Justice” by Pace Law School; and “Champion of Choice” by New York State Family Planning Advocates. Andrea Stewart-Cousins has also been inducted into Westchester County’s Women’s Hall of Fame and the American Women of African Heritage’s Spirit of Women Archive.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Pace University and her teaching credentials in Business Education from Lehman College while raising her children as an adult. In 2008, she earned her Masters of Public Administration from Pace University. She is a proud member of Pi Alpha Alpha - a Public Administration Honor Society. Before entering public service, Andrea Stewart-Cousins worked in a variety of professions including customer service, sales and marketing with New York Telephone/AT&T, journalism, personnel, and as a teacher for Yonkers Public Schools.

Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins resides in Yonkers, was married to the late Thomas Cousins, and has three children and six grandchildren.

Congratulations also to Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. CEO Kecia Palmer-Cousins on making history, appointed in 2022 as one of the first black Board members of the Peekskill Planning Commission. Kecia is spotlighted into The City of Peekskill’s February 2024 Newsletter!

Kecia Palmer-Cousins, MBA is a kind, energetic, socially conscious Business Coach, Entrepreneur, Manufacturing Engineer, Project Manager and Networking Guru! Kecia and her three brothers, Vaughn, Leroy and Curtis were raised in Mt. Vernon, NY. They inherited their entrepreneurial spirit from their father Leroy, a Retired Disabled NYC Sanitation Worker and mother Obie Palmer, a 1199 Nurses’ Aide, whom operated a home based moving business and day care center.

Black History, Community Service, Civic Engagement and Education were emphasized daily in the household. Weekends were spent at soul food family gatherings with relatives migrating from Georgia and South Carolina to NY. Kecia was a Girl Scout, Future Business Leader of America, loved to play basketball and travel. Her nickname was “Keesh the professor” since she loved math, science, giving advice to others, reading books and volunteering. She graduated #17/636 from Mt. Vernon HS!

Kecia co-owns G&K Sweet Foods, LLC (Est. 2007, a 2014 baked goods Super Bowl Catering vendor) and Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. (Est. 1999, Business Management Consulting). Kecia provides technical assistance, helps business owners navigate government and corporate procurements to secure contracts and obtain MWBE Certifications. She collaborates with non-profits to provide Career Development Workshops. She shares business resources and philanthropy efforts weekly via her MWBE Monday and Philanthropy Thursday newsletters. www.aerobasoul.com. She has mentored hundreds of small business owners and youth in the community.

Kecia, a 2014 Verizon retiree, project managed multi-million dollar global telecommunication data center infrastructure projects Bloomberg, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase and the NYPD. She serves on the Boards of Feeding Westchester, Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce, Peekskill Youth Bureau (VP), Peekskill Planning Commission, Sister to Sister International, Inc., The Greater Peekskill Area Chapter of Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus (Corresponding Secretary). She previously served as the Peekskill NAACP’s 2^nd VP and Civic Engagement Chair. She is a proud member of Unity Baptist Tabernacle Church in Mt. Vernon, NY. In February 2024, Kecia was inducted as a StartHER ScaleHER into The Black Owner & Women’s Collective, an organization and sisterhood of the Nation’s top 1% of small business owners.

Kecia earned her B.S. (Manufacturing Engineering), Boston University, Masters Certificate (Project Management), George Washington University and MBA (Marketing), Long Island University. She is a graduate of the WEDC, Just Add One Small Business Program (WCC) and NYPA’s Local & Small Business Capacity Building Program. She was a “914 INC Magazine” Women in Business, Peekskill and Westchester County Black History Month Trailblazer, NYWCC Women in Excellence and The Vera E. Baker Entrepreneur of Excellence Awardee. Kecia has lived in Peekskill, NY since 2002 with her husband & best friend Kevin Cousins, their heart and souls, sons Kendall (Howard University Junior) and Kyle (Winston-Salem University Sophomore). Kecia is a Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (MHVC) Associate Member/2018 and 2021 Distinguished Mother Honoree and Go On Girl! Book club NY2 Chapter Facilitator (2021 Phenomenal Woman Awardee). Sisters in Support honored Kecia with their 2023 Champion of the People Award. Her mother-in-law, NYS Majority Leader State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, presented her with a NYS Proclamation for this recognition. Kecia believes in self-care, giving back and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite motto is “breathe”! In March, Kecia will receive honored by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Nu Psi Zeta Chapter for her business philanthropy and community service.

Congratulations also to our favorite mayor, The City of Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie, on her recent inauguration as she enters her 2^nd term. Mayor McKenzie made history as the 1^st Black, female Mayor of Peekskill!

As always, Kecia dedicates her ability to make black history every month to her first dream makers, her loving father, Leroy Palmer and her beloved mother, Obie Palmer, gone, but never forgotten!

PHILANTHROPY FRIDAY – BUILDING WEALTH AND CAPACITY!

Many minority and women business enterprise entrepreneurs use their local, County and State Agencies to stay current and tap into potential resources and procurement opportunities for their businesses and their communities. Getting MWBE Certified and procuring government contracts can help MWBEs build their businesses! Grants, loans, networking, attending training classes, workshops and joining chambers of commerce and professional organizations are also parts of MWBEs portfolios to grow their businesses. We encourage MWBEs to become civically and politically engaged in their communities and the communities that they serve!

February has arrived and we hope that the first month of 2024 has treated you well. Although we are in the winter months, there are many exciting projects underway and grants that have been awarded for our parks and infrastructure. In recognition of February being Black History Month, let us celebrate the achievements and contributions made by African Americans here in our city and throughout our nation.

Below please find some important information, upcoming dates, and a spotlight on a member from one of our boards and commissions (click here for our newsletter in Spanish). Follow our social media pages below and subscribe here to receive our newsletter. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact City Hall.

Sincerely,

Matt Alexander, City Manager

Member Spotlight: Planning Commission

Kecia Palmer-Cousins is a member of our Planning Commission and is the Owner and CEO of Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc., a project management consulting company providing services for entrepreneurs and MWBE's. Kecia is also the Chief Operating Officer of G&K Sweet Foods, which was selected as a vendor for the 2014 Super Bowl and provided their delicious sweet potato pies to over 7,000 attendees. Kecia joined the Planning Commission to use her engineering background (she received a degree in engineering from Boston University), give back to the community, and help play a role in shaping the future of our city.

City of Peekskill Welcomes Carol Samol

The City of Peekskill is happy to welcome Carol Samol as our new Director of Planning! Carol has extensive experience in planning as a Chief of Economic and Strategic Planning and Deputy Commissioner for the City of New Rochelle and as a Director of the Bronx Borough Office for the City of New York Department of Planning. Throughout her career, Carol has managed grant applications and implementations of projects, neighborhood renewals, infrastructure investments, and much more. With many of our Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects now underway, along with other projects in development, Carol’s years of experience and passion for the community make her the perfect addition to our staff as we continue to move our city forward.

Black History Month

Happy Black History Month from the City of Peekskill! Visit our social media pages each Friday throughout the month of February as we highlight past honorees in our community for their achievements and contributions.

Officer Pam Sgroi Retires

Congratulations to Officer Pam Sgroi, who has retired after 21 years of service to the City of Peekskill. Known throughout the community as Officer Pam, she has played a vital role in creating the Peekskill Police Department's Community Policing Unit, which has seen tremendous success. Officer Pam was a certified School Resource Officer, D.A.R.E Instructor, Youth Academy Instructor, Child Passenger Safety Seat Instructor/Installer, Gang Resistance Education and Training Instructor, Learning Enrichment After School Program Instructor, Certified NYS Police Training Instructor, Property and Evidence Officer, Discovery Officer, Event Coordinator for the Department, and assisted with writing the Department's Policies and Procedures. Thank you for serving our community, and we wish you all the best as you begin a new chapter!

City of Peekskill Remembers K9 Charlie

K9 Charlie, the first active duty K9 Peekskill had seen in over two decades, passed away on January 6th due to injuries sustained in a tragic accident. K9 Charlie and Officer Nappi formed an unstoppable team starting in 2017 that helped close cases that would otherwise have remained unsolved or could not be prosecuted due to missing key evidence.

K9 Charlie's skillset of tracking and evidence recovery made him a valuable addition to our Police Department, with his presence helping to ensure the safety of all officers. A memorial service for K9 Charlie was held on Wednesday, January 17th in celebration of his life, and we thank him for his years of service.

Report a Concern

Need to report nonfunctioning traffic signs, broken street lights, potholes, or issues with our sidewalks/streets? Visit our website to report your concerns so that our city staff can address and fix these problems.

Field Library Survey

The Field Library is redesigning its website and wants your input! Share your thoughts on what can be improved or changed on their current website by completing this survey.

2024 DPW Brochure

Our 2024 DPW Brochure is now available! Click here to download your copy, which includes the collection schedules, important recycling information, and updated fees for 2024.

Parks and Recreation 2024 Winter/Spring Brochure

The City of Peekskill Parks and Recreation 2024 Winter/Spring Brochure is available with plenty of activities and programming for people of all ages. Click here to view the guide and experience all there is to offer!

Peekskill Resident Irene Bullock Turns 100

Congratulations to City of Peekskill resident Irene Bullock who recently turned 100 years old! Mayor McKenzie and Senator Harckham attended her birthday celebration where they presented her with a proclamation celebrating this milestone.

Family Yoga & Wellness

Inner Being LLC is holding a Yoga and Wellness class at the Neighborhood Center on Thursdays from 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm and a Family Yoga & Wellness class on Saturdays at the Peekskill Middle School from 10:00 am - 10:45 am. For more information or to register for one of the remaining open spots, please contact our Parks and Recreation Department at (914) 734-7275.

Pearlz Program Informational Meeting

The City of Peekskill Youth Bureau hosted an informational meeting for its Pearlz program on Thursday, January 25th at the Youth Bureau. The mission of Pearlz is to empower girls between the ages of 13-18 to become leaders, advocates, and active participants in personal, civic, and social development. For those who would like to participate in this program or become a community partner, please complete this form.

Westchester County Career Fire Academy Graduation

Congratulations to Probationary Firefighters Nicholas Russo and Darwin Molina on their graduation from the Westchester County Career Fire Academy on Friday, January 26th. PFF's Ruso and Molina spent the last 20 weeks learning a vast variety of firefighting and rescue disciplines, along with completing nearly 600 hours of training.

We are proud to have them as part of our Fire Department and thank them for serving our community.

Peekskill Clean Routine Riverfront Green Cleanup

A special thank you to Peekskill Clean Routine for organizing a Riverfront Green Cleanup on Saturday, January 27th! Approximately 80 volunteers showed up and nearly 125 bags were filled. We are so appreciative of all our residents and people from surrounding communities who came out to help clean our park.

4th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Recognition Event

The City of Peekskill Youth Bureau held its 4th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Recognition event on Tuesday, January 30th at the Youth Bureau. This year's event recognized Basil Kazeps and Westchester Cars & Coffee, with the Darryl Francis Youth Awards being presented to Judah Jones and Kadin Sales. Congratulations to this year's honorees and thank you for making a positive impact in our community.

Christmas Tree Pick Up

If you have yet to get rid of your Christmas tree, our DPW will be out every Thursday during the month of February with the chipper truck to pick up any remaining ones. In addition to the Thursday pickups, trees can also be brought to the DPW garage during Saturday drop off. As a reminder, any trees with nails, lights, metal wires, or in bags will not be chipped.

Women's History Month Nominations

Nominations are now being accepted for Women's History Month! During the month of March, the City of Peekskill would like to honor outstanding women in our community for their personal or professional achievements, civic contributions, or general good deeds that have favorably impacted our citizens. If you would like to nominate someone, please complete this form by Thursday, February 29th.

Notary Services Available

Notary services will resume at the City Clerk's Office starting on Thursday, February 1st by appointment only. Notary services will be made available on Mondays from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, and Thursdays from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. For more information, please contact Cassandra Redd at (914) 737-3400 or email credd@cityofpeekskill.com.

Irish American Heritage Month Nominations

Nominations are now being accepted for Irish American Heritage Month! During the month of March, the City of Peekskill would like to honor outstanding Irish Americans in our community for their personal or professional achievements, civic contributions, or general good deeds that have favorably impacted our citizens. If you would like to nominate someone, please complete this form by Thursday, February 29th.

AARP Tax Preparation Services

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will provide free in-person tax preparation services on Fridays from February 2nd through April 12th by appointment only at the Neighborhood Center located at 4 Nelson Avenue. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (914) 440-3086.

35th Annual Peekskill St. Patrick's Day Parade

The Peekskill St. Patrick's Committee is now accepting parade applications for the 35th Annual Peekskill St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 9th at 3:00 pm in downtown Peekskill. For those who would like to register and participate in this year's parade, please click here to download and complete the application by February 29th.

Youth Advocacy Day

The City of Peekskill Youth Bureau will be attending this year's Youth Advocacy Day on Tuesday, February 6th in Albany. Youth Advocacy Day is a wonderful opportunity for students to meet with elected officials, get involved, and have their voices heard. For more information, please contact Tuesday Paige McDonald at (914) 734-4149 or email tmcdonald@cityofpeekskill.com.

Community Solar Sign Up Session

Sustainable Westchester is hosting another sign up session for Community Solar on Tuesday, February 6th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Nutrition Center located at 4 Nelson Avenue. For more information, please email communitysolar@sustainablewestchester.org or call (914) 242-4725 ext. 110 or ext. 112.

Winter Assistance Workshop

A Peekskill Winter Assistance Workshop will be held on Tuesday, February 6th from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Sun River Health located at 1037 Main Street. Have an opportunity to meet with representatives from the Department of Public Service, NYSERDA, Homes and Community Renewal, the Peekskill Conservation Advisory Council, and the Mid-Hudson Smart Energy Choices team as they share information and resources on winter preparedness and answer your questions about energy efficiency and savings. To RSVP for this workshop, please click here.

Town Hall

Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg will be hosting a Town Hall on Thursday, February 8th starting at 7:00 pm at The Field Library. All are invited to attend and hear from Assemblywoman Levenberg as well as have an opportunity to share your thoughts on the New York State budget and legislative session. For more information, please call (914) 941-1111 or email levenbergd@nyassembly.gov.

Free 2 Dream Basketball Tournament

The City of Peekskill Youth Bureau, in collaboration with My Brother's Keeper and the Peekskill City School District, is hosting a Free 2 Dream 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament on Saturday, February 10th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Peekskill Middle School gymnasium. For more information, please contact Darryl Francis at dfrancis@cityofpeekskill.com.

Black History Month Celebration

Join the Sun River Health Foundation as they celebrate Black History Month with The Art of Resistance event on Saturday, February 24th from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm at The Jeannette J. Phillips Community Health Center located at 1037 Main Street. Enjoy an event hosted by Tom Ray, led by Wilfredo Morel, and a guest appearance by Andre Rainey.

Community Service Opportunities

Do you know of a teen who wants to give back to the community or needs service hours? The City of Peekskill Youth Bureau has community service opportunities available for those interested. To learn more about the opportunities available and to register, please complete this form. For additional information, please contact Executive Director Tuesday Paige McDonald at (914) 734-4149 or via email at tmcdonald@cityofpeekskill.com.

Military Tribute Banners

Orders for 2024 are now being accepted for the Military Tribute Banners! If you would like to order a banner honoring someone who is serving or has served, please visit the Military Tribute Banners website and complete the form by Friday, March 1st. The banners will be displayed throughout the City of Peekskill from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. For those who have already purchased in the prior year and would like their banner to be displayed again, there is a $15 non-refundable fee that must be sent to the City Clerk's Office by Thursday, February 15th.

For additional information about our Military Tribute Banners, please contact City Clerk Cassandra Redd at (914) 737-3400 or email credd@cityofpeekskill.com.

Peekskill Farmers Market 2024 Season

The Peekskill Farmers Market is returning and seeking vendors! The 2024 season will begin on Saturday, June 1st through Saturday, November 23rd from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm along Bank Street. For those who are interested in participating as a vendor or sponsor, please visit the Discover Peekskill website.

Property Tax Exemption Information

The final deadline for submitting all exemption applications is May 1st! Interested in knowing more about property tax exemptions? Our Assessor's Office is here to help answer any of your questions. For more information, please contact (914) 734-4190.

2024 Peekskill Juneteenth Celebration

HAVE A GREAT SUPERBOWL WEEKEND EVERYONE!

Sincerely, Love,

Kecia and Kevin

Contact Kecia with questions about

starting or growing your business!

At Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. we build dreams to life with heart and a soul! Like a trusted friend and confidante, our personal project managers tap into their vivid imaginations, hearts and souls to analyze clients projects and engineer solutions through project completion. We are imagineers, igniting M/WBEs to refocus on themselves, their businesses and giving back to their communities. Our one-on-one technical assistance sessions and training programs are designed to help entrepreneurs and MWBEs project manage their lives and get to the heart and soul of their personal and professional development.

We motivate and collaborate with our clients through project completion!

Our services include: