Gun buyback program Nov. 16 at United Methodist Church
A community gun buyback event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Peekskill.
New York Attorney General Letitia James and the New York State Police, Peekskill Police Department, Westchester District Attorney’s Office and the Peekskill chapter of the NAACP will host the buyback.
The Office of the Attorney General accepts – with no questions asked – working and non-working unloaded firearms for prepaid gift cards when a gun is received and secured by law enforcement officers on site.
“The upcoming Peekskill gun buyback event that my office is coordinating with local law enforcement and public officials will enable New Yorkers from throughout the region to turn in their unwanted guns and be a part of the solution against gun violence,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The Office of the Attorney General will provide $500 per assault rifle, $250 per handgun, $75 per rifle or shotgun and $25 per non-working, replica, antique, homemade, or 3D printed gun. Anyone bringing homemade or 3D printed guns will be paid a total of $25, regardless of how many are turned in.
The guns must be transported to the drop-off site unloaded, in the trunk of the vehicle, in a plastic or paper bag or box. This is an amnesty program, no questions asked. If the person is surrendering firearms that must be removed from a permit, an ID and a pistol, rifle, or shotgun permit must be presented.
Ecuadoran Olympian player coming to Peekskill
Copa Peekskill, in collaboration with Los Pioneros de la Marcha Ecuador, will host Ecuadorian Olympic gold medalist Brian Daniel Pintado in Peekskill on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Peekskill Fire Department from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Pintado, a racewalker who won gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics in the men’s 20 km walk, will be accompanied by his training team Andres Chocho and Carlos Vele. Pintado is expected to give remarks and thank the community for their support during the 2024 Paris campaign.
Local and state authorities are expected to be present. Ecuadorian folk dance, raffles, snacks and refreshments will be available. The event is free but organizers ask that people message Maria Vele at (914) 261-6197 to reserve a spot.
Peekskill, 15 counties under state drought watch
With no significant rainfall for weeks and little prospect for much in the near future, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has declared a drought watch for 15 New York counties because of a significant shortage of rainfall and declining levels of streamflow and ground water. New York State is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks.
Brushfires in Yorktown, Yonkers, Orange County and even Prospect Park in Brooklyn show the potential danger created by drought conditions and high winds.
DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “Recent unseasonably warm weather and lack of precipitation have led to dry conditions for many counties in New York, resulting in some downstate areas being put under drought watch. Local water restrictions and educating residents about how to help conserve our water resources are crucial steps to help prevent a more severe shortage until conditions improve.”
The counties under drought watch are Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. A watch is the first of four levels of State drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a state drought watch.
Due to the dry conditions an open fire ban has been issued for Westchester County Parks effective immediately. The wooded environment in the parks, including camping sites and remote areas have an increased risk of fire due to the significant shortage of rainfall this season. While this ban is in effect, charcoal and propane fires will only be permitted for cooking in permanently fixed grills in the parks.
Projected rise in sales tax revenue keeps 2025 County property tax levy flat
Westchester County’s total property tax levy of $542 million collected in 2023 and 2024 will remain at the total in 2025 under the proposed budget of outgoing County Executive George Latimer.
The $2.5 billion overall county budget includes funding of a projected $970 million in sales tax in 2025, 34 percent more than budgeted last year.
Latimer’s plan heads now to the 17 members of the County Board of Legislators for their review and final vote. A budget must be approved by Dec. 27.
The proposed budget would include $50 million to support affordable-housing construction; a $22 million increase in child-care subsidies, bringing the total to $78 million and replacement of 21 diesel buses, so that all 325 buses in the county fleet are fully electric or hybrids;
The proposed budget is the fourth consecutive year that the county will increase public safety funding, to a new high of $303 million.
“That funding consists of $78 million for the County Police, $161 million for the Department of Correction, $46 million for the Department of Probation and $18 million for emergency services,” said Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins.
New corrections and police officers will be hired and more money is budgeted to support the county’s efforts to deal with domestic violence.
Latimer moves on to Washington, D.C. in January after winning his seat in the House of Representatives and Jenkins will become acting county executive. The county will conduct a special election to fill the seat for the rest of 2025, and another election in November 2025 for a full, four-year term as county executive.
Voters turned down a proposal to extend county legislators terms to four years from two by a 57 percent to 43 percent margin.
Over 165,000 voters supported the measure, but their voice was outnumbered by nearly 200,000 votes against, keeping the current two-year term limit remains in place.
The turkeys will trot for CHHOP on Nov. 23 in Peekskill
Bring a frozen turkey (or ham, or chicken) this year to Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill’s (CHHOP) Annual Community Turkey Trot on Saturday, Nov. 23 and celebrate the true meaning of the holiday.
The Gazebo in downtown Peekskill will again be Turkey Trot central where registration begins at 8 a.m. followed by the Trot at 9 a.m. The event is free to participants donating a turkey, ham or chicken that are distributed, along with other nutritious foods, to families for their holiday meal through CHHOP’s Fred’s Pantry. Direct monetary donations are also greatly appreciated.
There will be something for everyone as all participants have their choice of a run, trot, walk or wheel through the city streets; avid runners now have one measured mile to show off their “chhops,” and fans of costumes, bring it – turkey leg hats and all. Costume contests and prizes to be announced.
“The Annual Turkey Trot has become a must attend event for the holiday calendar – one that the community truly looks forward to each year,” said Cynthia Knox, CEO of CHHOP. “We are so pleased to be able to host the Turkey Trot with the generous support of our sponsors. Housing and food security are human rights, and CHHOP is proud to be able to support the most vulnerable in our community when, where and how they need it.”
The event will benefit CHHOP’s Fred’s Pantry, Peekskill’s largest local resource for those in the community facing food insecurity. In 2023 alone, Fred’s Pantry provided over 18,000 local households with nearly a quarter of a million meals.
Participants may pre-register at the Turkey Trot website. For sponsorships that support CHHOP’s work, contact Cynthia Knox at [email protected].
CHHOP receives $15,000 grant from Field Hall Foundation
Field Hall Foundation of Cortlandt Manor has awarded $275,000 in grants through its Fall 2024 grant cycle. The funds will be used to provide home repairs, digital equity and education, and emergency relief funding for seniors, and will also address food insecurity, social isolation and transportation needs.
Recipients include Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill–$15,000; CoveCare Center of Carmel–$40,000, to pilot a program addressing senior isolation and behavioral health needs; Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County–$25,000; to support the agency’s Bountiful Meals Program for seniors in need;
Putnam based Hillside Food Outreach–$20,000, to deliver free, nutritious produce and groceries to homebound seniors; Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County–$30,000; The STEM Alliance–$30,000; Westchester Residential Opportunities–$30,000; North East Community Center–$20,000; Church of the Good Shepherd–$15,000; Poughkeepsie Farm Project–$15,000; Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation–$10,000 and the Pawling Resource Center–$10,000.
“The grant will support the launch of a new program designed to combat social isolation and loneliness among seniors in Putnam County, in collaboration with the Putnam County Office of Senior Resources,” said Eric Toth, President and CEO of Cove Care.
‘This Murder Was Staged’ on the stage at PHS this fall
Save the date!
The Peekskill High School Drama Company will present their fall play, “This Murder Was Staged” on Nov. 21, 22 and 23 in the PHS Theater. Shows will be daily at 7 p.m., with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday as well.
It’s opening night of a brand-new mystery play, but just as the killer is about to be revealed, the body of the play’s director falls onstage instead. In that moment, the theater becomes an active crime scene, and everyone from cast to crew to even the audience becomes a suspect.
But how is the intrepid detective supposed to find the killer when everyone and their mother (literally) has a motive to want the demanding director gone? This Murder Was Staged is a fast-paced, backstabbing, backstage comedy from two of the writers of The Alibis and Rogues’ Gallery.
Tickets will be available online and will be available for purchase at the door as well.
Branch election Nov. 19 at Peekskill NAACP
The Peekskill NAACP will be holding its branch election on Nov. 19 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Members will be electing the executive committee (President, 1st VP, 2nd VP, Treasurer, Secretary) and executive members-at-large.
All members of the Peekskill NAACP in good standing will receive an electronic ballot to participate in the election. For more information, email [email protected]
Fundraiser for St. Pat’s Parade committee Nov. 21
The Peekskill St. Patrick’s Parade Committee invites everyone to join the festivities at its “Sip & Bloom” event on Nov. 21 at The Elks Club on Brown Street from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Explore the beauty of seasonal blooms and experience flower arranging in a whole new way. A glass of wine is of course included in the price of admission.
Tickets are $50 per person. For more information, contact the Committee at [email protected].
Herald exhibits at Westchester Business Council
Peekskill Herald Publisher Regina Clarkin and Herald Board of Director member Joseph Squillante promoted the digital news site at the annual Westchester Business Council’s expo at the Marriott Hotel in Tarrytown last Monday. The business event saw some 300 people network and learn about various members of the business council. During the three-hour event Clarkin and Squillante spoke to potential sponsors and other business owners about having a presence on the Herald’s digital site.
Yorktown proposed tax increase double Peekskill hike
While Peekskill residents are facing a 3.75 percent property tax increase in 2025, those living in a nearby town are looking at more than double that hike in their annual bill.
The tentative 2025 town budget proposed by Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman is calling for an 8.6 percent tax increase.
“While Yorktown stands as a model of fiscal responsibility, our partners in Albany and Washington are not, and we are now seeing the impact firsthand,” Lachterman claimed. “Our mission to protect property taxpayers continues, and we will seek innovative ways to address the economic pressures we face.”
Lachterman said the town was dealing with a 40 percent increase in general and health insurance costs and rising paving costs, which are straining the town’s finances. He said “flat” state aid is forcing Yorktown to invest $1.25 million in road paving to meet infrastructure needs. He’s proposing using $1.425 million from the town’s fund balance, the same amount as in 2024.
Town taxes represent about 11 percent of a property owner’s total tax bill, with the primary amount going to school taxes. If Lachterman’s $73 million budget remains unchanged, he said the tax increase on a home assessed at $10,000 would be $144.
During his time on the Town Board, Supervisor Lachterman and his team focused on keeping Yorktown among the most affordable communities in Westchester County. Yorktown has not had an increase in town property taxes for the past five years.
Uriah Hill principal promoted to new administrator post
Carmen Vargas has been appointed to the new position of Director of Multilingual Programs & World Languages School District Leader by the Peekskill City School District.
Vargas was previously serving at the Elementary Principal at Uriah Hill Elementary School.
Melissa Russo, formerly the Assistant Principal Uriah Hill Elementary School now becomes the Interim Principal School Building Leader at Uriah Hill and Amanda Cardona will take on the position of Interim Assistant Principal School Building Leader, Uriah Hill Elementary School.
RISE students start delivery service for Peekskill faculty
Move over, Uber Eats! Peekskill High School’s RISE students have launched a new lunch delivery service as part of their life skills class. The pilot program allows staff to order and pay for cafeteria lunch in advance, and RISE students will deliver the meals to classrooms and offices.
The mission of the program is to support all of the students in RISE and their families in planning, coordinating and developing resources that meet their unique needs and preferences.
The RISE (Reaching Independence through Skills and Education) program focuses on teaching students social, emotional, academic and interpersonal skills that help enable them to cope with the demands of everyday life. The objectives of the program are to build self-confidence, encourage critical thinking, foster independence through functional activities and to help the students to communicate more effectively.
PHS Class of ’74 reunites to catch up and reminisce
This summer Peekskill High School’s Class of 1974 held its 50-Year Class Reunion. The reunion followed at the Factoria at Charles Point with a dinner, music and a lot of reminiscing.
“Our class has a rich history of doing class reunions,” said John Isabella, Jr.” I have been fortunate heading up each of our reunion committees going back to our 10 year reunion in 1984 and every 10 year milestone year thereafter up to and including this special golden anniversary year in 2024.
“It’s amazing how fast the time goes by, but yet when we all get together, it’s as if time stands still and proves how all of us are uniquely connected from this great PHS Class of 1974 that I am so proud to be a part of.”
Obituaries
Terry Vonhightower
Terry Vonhightower entered into eternal rest on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. He was 86 years of age.
Terry never recovered from an injury he suffered when he was hit by a car while crossing Brown Street on his mobility scooter on April 19 of this year. He fought like a warrior, enduring numerous hospitalizations and medical procedures. In his final days, he was visited by many close friends.
When Terry moved to Peekskill, over ten years ago, he had already suffered a massive stroke that left him partially paralyzed. He quickly became a fixture in Peekskill as he slowly made his way around town with his cane, always beautifully dressed and put together in a rotating selection of cowboy hats, dress shirts, and fabulous boots.
Terry was someone musician types called a “Heavy Cat,” with a deep resume in the top tier arts and entertainment worlds. He knew EVERYONE. He danced with the world-famous dancer and choreographer Merce Cunningham. A member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity, Terry performed as a stuntman and actor in numerous films and theater productions. His cowboy persona was not an act; Terry was a REAL cowboy and horseman, traveling and performing in Wild West shows.
Little is known about Terry’s early years. It has been said, however, that his parents died in a train accident after which Terry was sent to live with his grandmother (where, we do not know), and she sent him to a Boarding School in England called Summerhill (back then it was known as The New School for its progressive teaching style). We have no knowledge of surviving family members, although Terry mentioned having an older brother that lived in Hawaii.
Cowboy loved to ride horses, drive fast cars and motorcycles, and he even flew small planes. But one of things he loved to do most was dance, which he did professionally as well as socially, and continued to do even after suffering his stroke.
Nothing could stop Terry from doing what he loved.
You can read a story about Terry in the Peekskill Herald here.
Kevin Minter
Kevin Minter, a beloved member of the Peekskill community, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 49 on Oct. 28, 2024.
Born on June 17, 1975 in Brooklyn New York to Tina Minter and Felix Rosario, Kevin was known for his kind heart, infectious smile, and unwavering positivity. A dedicated friend and colleague, Kevin’s impact on those around him was immeasurable. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and bring joy to those in his presence.
Kevin was a great chess player who loved to teach the game to whoever wanted to learn. One of Kevin’s greatest hobbies was rapping and making music and lyrics he loved. He also loved to get dressed up especially in Polo Ralph Lauren earning him the nickname THE FLEE GOD.
Kevin was a devoted father to his children whom he loved deeply. Kevin will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
Kevin is survived by his loving wife Savanna his sons Shawn and Aiden, his daughters Jaquila, Willow and Kelis his brothers Myron, Jason, Jamil and Dylan, his sisters Ulysses, Tamika and Tiesha, his grandchildren Egypt, Poppa and Giza. Kevin is survived as well by his mother Tina and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and a handful of other family members and friends. Kevin is predeceased by his father Felix and his best friend Nut.
Kevin “50” Minter aka Gambino Kasino, your legacy will live on and we will miss you dearly.
