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JANUARY 29– RICHARD LITTLEJOHN
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ULTIMATE MAN BEHIND THE GLASS AT WVOX, “VOX POPULI” 1460 FOR DECADES DEPARTS
RICHARD LITTLEJOHN, LEFT, with WVOX/WVIP colleagues Jovan C. Richards
and Don Stevens at one of our St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in New Rochelle.
Godspeed Rich. Thanks for everything. Rest in peace.
BY JOHN MARINO, WESTCHESTER TALK RADIO
Richard Littlejohn was my morning show producer at WVOX-AM in Westchester County a decade ago along with everything else he did overnights for VOX and our sister station, Caribbean-formatted WVIP-FM.
An e arly 80’s graduate of Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, Richard worked a good 60 hours-plus per week to make sure every single show on the station had whatever it needed. I walked in every morning with the biggest stack of news stories and articles to choose from for the show…local, national, international, entertainment, business, culture, opinion pieces, sports…that I could possibly imagine.
You name it, Richard was on top of it and made sure everyone else was on top of whatever they needed to be on top of, too.
He was the absolute, ultimate professional, one of my very favorite people to work with in my almost 50 years in the business.
Richard was the truest of teammates and the definition of what the radio business should always be.
Richard celebrated the birthday of everyone at the station every single year by baking an individual cake for each of us.
We had lots of birthday parties at One Broadcast Forum in New Rochelle! Its been ten years since we last worked together, but every year on my birthday since then, he would drive to the my front door in the Bronx and bring my cake right to me personally.
He never missed!
What a shining example of the wonderful person Richard was to anyone and everyone he crossed paths with, right at the top of my list of kindest human beings I’ve ever known, the epitome of the words “gentleman,” “first-rate” and “class.”
After a well-documented battle with cancer, Richard has now passed away. He was an absolutely wonderful man who touched the lives of just about everyone he came in contact with. His memory is truly a blessing. He will indeed be incredibly missed.
Jovan C. Richards Kathleen Sinacore-Littlejohn Mark Lungx John Harper Bob Marrone Joe Lagano Dennis Dion Nardone TJ McCormack Kevin VanMeter Jim Maisano Haina Just-Michael Tim Idoni Andrew Castellano Jim Feldman Craig Shenkman Freddy Tavares Debbie Schechter lohud News 12 Hudson Valley News 12 Westchester Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber Chris Conway Dan Murphy John Bailey White Plains Citizens To Be Heard White Plains Patch Howard Sturman George Latimer Kenneth Jenkins Richard Thomas Joe Mazzella Jo-Anne Vaccaro Tom Albers Robert Hoatson Joe Vericker Ken Rudolph Bill Savarese Gaby Bordwin Matthew Kayan Brysen Randolph
JANUARY 28–3:32PM EST — WESTCHESTER COUNTY ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF “FRIENDS OF PLAYLAND”
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OPENING OF PLAYLAND LAST SPRING (WPCNR ARCHIVES)
THE CAROUSEL
Community-Led Group to Support and Celebrate Historic Amusement Park
(White Plains, NY) – With the spring opening of Playland just a few months away, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins is forming the Friends of Rye Playland, a new nonprofit, community-led organization dedicated to supporting, promoting and preserving one of Westchester’s most treasured landmarks.
The Friends of Rye Playland group will be led by Robin Latimer, who will serve as Chair. The group will work in partnership with Westchester County to enhance public engagement, support special programming and events, encourage philanthropic investment, and help ensure Playland’s long-term vitality for future generations.
Jenkins said: “Rye Playland is more than an amusement park – it is a place we all grew up in and a place filled with memories for generations of Westchester County families. The formation of Friends of Rye Playland creates an exciting opportunity for the community to play a more active role in supporting this historic destination, and reshaping its future.”
Latimer said: “Involving the energy and ideas of residents will help make the present and the future of Playland Park more successful. The community is going to have a role to play in the days to come – and that’s different and exciting news”.
Additional details about Friends of Rye Playland, including opportunities for membership and involvement, will be announced in the coming weeks.
JANUARY 28–11:53 AM EST– THOUSANDS BLOOD DONATIONS LOST DUE TO DANGEROUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS WEATHER DISRUPTIONS. BLOOD SUPPLY IN METRO AREA WORSE YOUR BLOOD CAN HELP!
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NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY –
New York Blood Center (NYBC) and New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) announced YESTERDAY they are extending their blood emergency appeal for an additional two weeks after a historic winter storm brought blood donation operations across the region to a standstill, wiping out critical progress made in rebuilding the local blood supply.
The storm dropped more than a foot and a half of snow in parts of the region and forced the cancellation of all NYBC and NJBS operations on Sunday.
Weather-related disruptions have continued into this week, resulting in the loss of nearly 2,000 blood donations, a sudden and significant setback at a time when inventories had just begun to recover.
This marks the first time NYBC has been forced to extend an already-declared blood emergency due to a severe weather event.
Earlier this month, NYBC and NJBS declared a blood emergency as supplies reached critically low levels.
While initial donor response helped stabilize inventories, the storm erased that progress almost overnight, creating an urgent and renewed need for blood donations.
“This storm could not have come at a worse time,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Blood Operations at New York Blood Center and New Jersey Blood Services.
“We were just starting to rebuild the blood supply when nearly 2,000 lifesaving donations were lost in a matter of days.
Patients don’t get a snow day; surgeries, cancer treatments, traumas, and emergencies continue, and we need donors to help us recover.”
To prioritize donor and staff safety, all NYBC and NJBS donor centers opened midday Monday, January 26, allowing time for roads and parking areas to be cleared and for staff to travel safely. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment and donate if it is safe for them to do so.
PRIORITY BLOOD TYPES NEEDED
NYBC and NJBS are urging all eligible blood donors, especially those with O-, O+, and B- blood types, to give blood or platelets in the coming days to help stabilize the supply. All blood types are urgently needed.
To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org.
In light of recent updates to FDA guidance, more people than ever may now be eligible to give.Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month.
To help prevent future shortages, NYBC and NJBS encourage donors to become All Seasons Lifesavers by donating once each season. NYBC and NJBS also offer additional donor loyalty programs that recognize consistent giving throughout the year. Learn more here.
JANUARY 28—1O:23 A.M. EST: AIDS UNITED CONDEMNS ICE KILLINGS OF CITIZENS IN MINNEAPOLIS AND DEFUNDING OF AIDS AND HEALTH CARE
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AIDS United condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the relentless attacks on immigrant communities, allies, and our social fabric.
In the wake of the senseless killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti this past weekend and Renee Good earlier this month, as well as the ongoing, brutal attacks on immigrants across the nation, we urge Congress to put a halt to funding the infrastructure that allows this to happen.
We mourn alongside the impacted communities; we are those communities, and we stand together. We honor our immigrant brothers and sisters – being profiled and terrorized because of the color of their skin or their accented speech –and we honor those who stand up in their defense.
No one should lose their life while exercising their rights or documenting what is happening in their community.
We join calls for a full, transparent, and independent investigation, and for accountability consistent with due process and the rule of law.
“This latest act of violence demands our government enact true safeguards that protect the civil liberties of every person,” said Carl Baloney Jr., President and CEO of AIDS United. “Our country must pursue transparency and accountability—and we must ensure this moment does not become another excuse for political dysfunction that puts people’s health and lives at risk.”
To that end, AIDS United urges the United States Senate to separate consideration of the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill and immediately take up and vote on the remaining House-passed FY2026 appropriations measures so that HIV/AIDS programs—and other essential federal operations—are not subjected to continued uncertainty, delays, or disruption.
Programs that prevent new HIV transmissions, support testing and linkage to care, provide life-saving treatment, fund community-based services, advance research, and address HIV-related housing and health disparities cannot be treated as bargaining chips.
Budget brinkmanship has real consequences: clinics and community organizations cannot plan, hire, procure medications, or maintain services when federal funding is in limbo.
AIDS United remains committed to protecting the dignity, safety, and health of the communities we serve—and to demanding a federal government that both funds life-saving programs and upholds human rights.
JANUARY 27–4:27 PM EST– COUNTY COLD ADVISORIES– HOW TO COPE WITH THE ARCTIC AIR
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How to Stay Safe During Subzero Temperatures
(White Plains, NY) – Dangerously cold temperatures will continue to plummet overnight in Westchester, with a cold weather advisory in effect through 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 28, and arctic subzero temperatures expected to linger.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins urged residents to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets from hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related dangers.
Jenkins said: “Residents should limit time outdoors during extreme cold, dress in warm layers, keep pets indoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives to be sure they have heat. If you must travel, place blankets and emergency supplies in your vehicle, ensure electric vehicles are adequately charged, keep traditional vehicles fueled, and heat your home safely.”
Jenkins said the County’s Department of Emergency Services and Department of Health are providing guidance to help residents handle the cold safely. For the latest on shelter availability, contact your local municipality. Libraries, municipal buildings and malls are also good places to warm up.
Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler emphasized the importance of preparation and awareness during extreme cold conditions.
Amler said: “Before heading outside during this dangerous cold spell, dress yourself and your children in a hat, gloves and multiple layers. Check your tire pressure because it can drop in extreme cold, and if you must spend time outdoors, take frequent breaks to warm up inside. It’s critical to recognize the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.”
Low temperatures can be life-threatening, especially for seniors, infants and people at increased risk for hypothermia. Warning signs of hypothermia in adults include stumbling, mumbling, fumbling, shivering, slurred speech and confusion. Infants with hypothermia may appear sluggish, have very low energy, and exhibit bright red, cold skin. If you think someone is suffering from hypothermia or frostbite, call a medical provider immediately.
Those who are most vulnerable to hypothermia include elderly people with inadequate food, clothing or heat, babies sleeping in cold rooms, people who remain outdoors for long periods of time, and those with alcohol or substance use disorders.
Frostbite can occur quickly and without warning, and most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Numbness may develop, increasing risk of permanent injury. Older adults and people with diabetes are especially susceptible due to impaired circulation.
At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, move the person out of the cold or protect any exposed skin as frostbite may be beginning. Seek immediate medical care. Signs of frostbite include white or grayish-yellow skin, numbness or skin that feels unusually firm or waxy. Victims are often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb.
Tips to Avoid Hypothermia and Frostbite:
- Dress warmly in layers.
- Be aware of the wind chill factor.
- Work slowly when doing outside chores.
- Bring a buddy and an emergency kit to outdoor recreation.
- Carry a charged cell phone.
If Power is Lost:
- Report outages to your utility provider:
- Con Edison: 1-800-75-CONED (752-6633)
- NYSEG: 1-800-572-1131 (electric) or 1-800-572-1121 (gas)
- Leave a light on to signal when power is restored.
- Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns instead of candles.
- Limit opening refrigerator and freezer doors.
- Never operate generators indoors or in garages, basements, porches, or sheds—even with doors or windows open.
- Camp stoves and portable grills are for outdoor use only.
Safe Heating Practices:
- Never use ovens, gas stoves, or propane heaters to heat your home.
- Ensure fireplaces, wood stoves, and combustion heaters are properly vented outdoors.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for all heating equipment.
- Use only the fuel intended for each device.
- Keep space heaters at least three feet from furniture, curtains, bedding and water sources.
- Never cover a space heater or place it on furniture.
- Keep children and pets away from heating equipment.
- Never add fuel to a heater while it is hot.
- Never leave candles unattended.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, if available.
Eligible residents may receive financial help to heat their homes this winter. For information about the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), call the Westchester County Department of Social Services at (914) 995-3333 or United Way’s 2-1-1. Eligibility information is also available at www.myBenefits.ny.gov, and applications can be found at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap.
More advice is at: https://emergencyservices.westchestergov.com/ and https://health.westchestergov.com/winter-safety-tips Follow the Health Department on Twitter @wchealthdept or on Facebook at Facebook.com/wchealthdept.
JANUARY 27– 4:15 PM EST– YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST ON COMMUNITY IN CRISIS
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Enjoying this newsletter? Why not share it with a friend? Today, you may be expecting the weekly YLE Dose on all the health issues filling the world and what it means to you. The flu, the U.S. pulling out of the WHO, or any of the other things that are important, but they feel minuscule after this weekend. I will get back on track soon, but I just needed to take a minute. Because I don’t know about you, but my weekend was full of really hard juxtapositions:
Then we are supposed to just go back to work on Monday? Moving straight into the usual rhythm feels strange and almost inappropriate, like talking about the weather while the ground is shaking. The news and social media are overwhelming, but what feels hard for me to name is the dissonance: how life keeps moving forward even when it feels like it should stop. And for others, it’s the opposite: being stuck at home because of the winter storms, scrolling, absorbing every emotion with nowhere to put it down, unable to move at all. At its core, our country’s values are being tested in real time—safety, integrity, justice, empathy, resilience, civic duty—and the strain is visible everywhere. The divide feels so wide it can seem unfixable. This rhythm, this mental load, is heavy and exhausting, filled with extraordinary grief, fear, anger, frustration, and helplessness. So I want to say something plainly, because it doesn’t seem to be said out loud often enough: This is not how a healthy society is supposed to feel. And I’m feeling really sad about it. What can we do?If we have to keep this society running (and we do), then we must decide what kind of society we are running. That happens through choices and actions. I keep looking to Minneapolis for inspiration, because beams of hope continue to break through the cracks:
Although many of us aren’t physically in Minneapolis, we can show up in the same vein: purposefully, filled with social support, and importantly, with agency to protect our humanity, wellbeing, values, and society:
The fact that so many are still choosing care means this doesn’t have to be permanent. Sending love, solidarity, and steadiness to all of you. Love, YLE Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE) is founded and operated by Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, MPH PhD—an epidemiologist, wife, and mom of two little girls. YLE reaches more than 425,000 people in over 132 countries with one goal: “Translate” the ever-evolving public health science so that people will be well-equipped to make evidence-based decisions. This newsletter is free to everyone, thanks to the generous support of fellow YLE community members. To support the effort, subscribe or upgrade below: Thanks for your financial support of Your Local Epidemiologist! We couldn’t do this without you.
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JANUARY 27–3:45 PM EST– BIG CHILL BEGINS AT MIDNIGHT. ARCTIC DOME OVER WHITE PLAINS WILL LOWER TEMPS TO -8 TO -5 DEGREES BELOW ZERO
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FROM THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS:
Another round of arctic air has arrived and will be with us through the weekend.
In particular, the National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory from Midnight tonight through 10 AM on Wednesday morning with sub-zero wind chills as cold as -5 to -8 expected overnight tonight.
We urge you not to be outside over the coming days for long periods of time if you can avoid it.
The Dept. of Public Safety additionally advises to be aware that there may be black ice on the roads and ice on the sidewalks.
The City of White Plains offers the following resources for residents who need a respite from the cold or are experiencing power/heating issues:
White Plains Public Library – 100 Martine Ave, Hours: Mon-Thurs 10 AM – 9 PM, Fri 10 AM – 6 PM, Sat 10 AM – 5 PM, Sun 1 – 5 PM
White Plains Community Center – 65 Mitchell Place, Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
JANUARY 27– 2:45 PM– NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED INCREASES 3RD STRAIGHT MONTH IN HUDSON VALLEY
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Hudson Valley Region:
The December 2025 unemployment rate for the Hudson Valley Region is 3.2 percent. That is down from 3.4 percent in November 2025 and up from 3.0 percent in December 2024.
In December 2025, there were 39,600 unemployed in the region, down from 42,000 in November 2025 and up 36,700 in December 2024. Year-over-year in December 2025, labor force increased by 28,600 or 2.4 percent, to 1,237,900.
The Hudson Valley Region’s December 2025 unemployment rate (3.2 percent) is tied with the Long Island Region for the lowest rate among the 10 labor market regions in New York State.
- Hudson Valley 3.2 percent
- Long Island 3.2 percent
- Capital Region 3.3 percent
- Finger Lakes 3.7 percent
- Central New York 3.8 percent
- Southern Tier 4.0 percent
- Mohawk Valley 4.1 percent
- Western New York 4.1 percent
- North Country 4.5 percent
- New York City 5.4 percent
In December 2025, the lowest unemployment rate within the region (2.8 percent) was recorded in Putnam County.
- Putnam County 2.8 percent
- Rockland County 3.0 percent
- Westchester County 3.1 percent
- Dutchess County 3.2 percent
- Ulster County 3.5 percent
- Orange County 3.6 percent
- Sullivan County 3.6 percent
JANUARY 26– NEW! 12 NOON WHITE PLAINS DPW TRAFFIC SNOW REMOVAL REPORT FROM THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS
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GOOD AFTERNOON WHITE PLAINS RESIDENTS.
YESTERDAY’S STORM BROUGHT US 14-15 INCHES OF SNOW!
OUR AMAZING DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS CREWS WILL CONTINUE THEIR SNOW REMOVAL OPERATIONS THIS WEEK.
CURRENTLY, THEY HAVE FINISHED SALTING THE MAIN ROADS AND ARE CONTINUING TO SALT THE SECTIONS. SHOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETED THIS MORNING.
DPW IS PREPARING TRUCKS FOR SNOW REMOVAL OPERATIONS TONIGHT IN THE DOWNTOWN STARTING WITH MAMARONECK AVE AT MAIN STREET AND WORKING THEIR WAY DOWN THE AVENUE. THE CITY’S PAYLOADER OPERATORS WILL BE REMOVING LARGE SNOWMOUNDS AT TRAFFIC ISLANDS AND NEAR TURNING LANES WHERE THEIR OUR SIGHT LINE ISSUES.
THIS AFTERNOON, DPW WILL BEGIN CLEARING SNOW FROM CROSSWALKS.
FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WEEK. DPW WILL CONTINUE ITS SNOW REMOVAL OPERATIONS THEN TRANSITION TO CLEARING PARKING LOTS WHERE SNOW WAS PILED UP FROM PLOWING.
GARBAGE OPERATIONS ARE PROCEDING ON THE NORMAL SCHEDULE.
YOU JUST CAN’T HOLD DPW DOWN!
(Editor’s Note: This is a breakthrough in communications initiated by the new Mayor Justin Brasch administration: timely in real time report on progress on clearing city roads of the largest snow storm I can remember. This morning the roads in the neighborhoods had preliminary clearing in place and by noon my neighborhood was done)