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In this episode of I Live Here: Westchester, host Jim Jockle welcomes Val Sagliocco, the third-generation visionary behind The Morano Group, a full-service landscape design firm rooted in tradition and driven by innovation.

Val shares his journey from working summers in the family landscaping business to studying finance at Fordham—and ultimately returning to transform the company into a premier, vertically integrated landscaping brand. From bespoke residential gardens in Westchester to high-end commercial projects in Manhattan and South Florida, Val discusses the artistry behind landscape design, the emotional impact of green spaces, and how travel, family, and legacy fuel his creativity.

Tune in to hear:

• Why Val considers every home a blank canvas
• How COVID reshaped outdoor living priorities
• The emotional return to projects his grandfather built 40 years ago
• The Morano Group's expansion strategy and vertical integration model
• Tips for adding beauty and biodiversity to your property—including pollinators and milkweed

Plus, get a sneak peek into Val’s next venture: importing 100% organic, cold-pressed olive oil from his family’s farm in southern Italy.

Explore The Morano Group’s work: www.moranogroup.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
Follow us on Instagram: @iliveherewestchester

Subscribe, rate, and share to support local storytelling.

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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.

Send us a text

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.