Council expected to appoint Trott as City Court Judge Nov. 25
The Peekskill Common Council has selected Sophia L. Trott to serve as its next City Court Judge. Trott will be appointed during the Monday, Nov. 25 Common Council meeting, succeeding Judge Reginald J. Johnson, who resigned in September.
“I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to become a judge in the City of Peekskill,” Trott said. “I look forward to working for the community and making a difference in the lives of those that appear before me.”
“We are thrilled to appoint Sophia L. Trott to the position of City Court Judge,” said Mayor Vivian McKenzie. “Sophia’s legal background and desire to make a difference in our community makes her the perfect candidate to be our next City Court Judge. The Council and I wish her continued success as our court begins this new chapter.”
Trott is the founder of the Law Office of Sophia L. Trott, P.C., located in Mount Vernon. Practice areas include residential and commercial real estate closings, landlord/tenant proceedings, civil litigation cases that include matrimonial and family court matters, custody and child support cases, and wills. In addition, her practice also represents various for-profit and not-for-profit religious corporations.
Before launching her practice in 2007, Trott was a managing partner with Bozeman, Trott & Savage LLP, where she supervised associate attorneys and paralegals. As managing partner, Trott practiced residential and commercial real estate transactions, matrimonial and family law, landlord/tenant proceedings, and civil litigation.
Outside of her career, Trott has been active in her community, serving as a former president of the Westchester Black Bar Association, a former member of the Mount Vernon Planning Board, a former chairperson of the Mount Vernon Taxi Commission, a former Secretary of the Board of WESTHAB of Mount Vernon, a former member of the Board of Westchester Legal Aid Society, and is currently involved with the Peekskill NAACP.
Trott received her J.D. from Cardozo Law School and is licensed to practice in New York State and in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
A temporary judge has been filling the vacant full-time position since Judge Johnson’s resignation in late September.
According to people familiar with the Peekskill City Court, there are currently vacancies in the legal counsel, chief clerk and deputy clerk positions, which are all state jobs. The judge position is a City of Peekskill job.
The communication office of the state Office of Court Administration headed by Al Baker has not responded to numerous requests for comment from the Herald regarding the open state jobs at the Peekskilll City Court.
A Peekskill Stop & Shopper hits the million-dollar prize
The staff at the customer service desk at the Stop & Shop in the Beach Shopping Center recognized the regular customer who approached on Saturday, Nov. 16 with a lottery ticket in hand.
That ticket made the customer a millionaire when he picked the winning numbers of 05 17 35 55 69 with a Mega Ball of 19 in the Nov. 15 Mega Millions drawing.
The happy winner, who might have hoped to get his million dollars at the counter, was told he had to go to the Lottery office at the Yonkers Casino to redeem his winning ticket.
If you’re hoping to try your own luck, Mega Millions drawings are held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. The winning numbers are drawn from one to 70, and the Mega Ball is drawn from a separate field of one to 25.
Cortlandt prodigy takes the stage at the Apollo in Harlem
Nine-year-old singing prodigy Fiona Foody of Cortlandt Manor will take the stage at the world-renowned Apollo Theater in Harlem on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. to compete in the nation’s oldest talent competition, Amateur Night at the Apollo.
Fiona will perform Alicia Keys’ empowering anthem “This Girl is on Fire”, and needs the support of her family, friends, and community to help her win.
The winner of Amateur Night is determined by the Soundometer, which measures the loudness of audience applause and cheering. Fiona, who has been preparing with Carol Arucci of the Cortlandt School of Performing Arts, is asking for a loud, enthusiastic crowd to help her shine.
At just nine years old, Fiona has already made a name for herself. She first performed “This Girl is on Fire” at age three during her father’s memorial in Hawaii, where she was joined by local icon Kimie Miner.
WASS chosen as Technical Assistance Center participant
WE ACT for Environmental Justice has launched the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2 Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC), serving New York, New Jersey, and 8 Indian Nations. Westchester Alliance for Sustainable Solutions (WASS) has been chosen as one of its Community Voices participants.
As one of the designated TCTAC Community Voices, WASS will help Westchester County Environmental Justice communities access grant and funding opportunities to advance and address environmental, climate, and energy justice issues.
Outreach efforts will focus on Peekskill, Mt. Vernon, Yonkers, New Rochelle and Port Chester, and the other Community Voices participants will be offering their services throughout New York and New Jersey.
WASS and WE ACT will offer training and support with connecting communities to technical assistance to build capacity for navigating grant application systems, writing strong grant proposals, effectively managing grants, and engaging in environmental and energy justice decision-making. By focusing on smaller regional organizations like WASS, the TCTAC program amplifies the voices of underserved people by engaging with them personally and directly to understand their needs and keep open communication, then connecting them with the powerful support of the EPA.
The environmental advocacy organization Peekskill100 said the City of Peekskill depends upon grants to move vital green initiatives forward and this can help provide access economic benefits that will potentially improve health and save lives in our community.
City seeks vendor to update and maintain tax maps
The City of Peekskill is seeking bids to update and maintain its municipal tax maps for fiscal year 2025 covering 6,421 tax parcels within the city boundaries. The due date for bids is Dec. 3.
After downloading a copy of the deed from the Land Records Division, Westchester County Clerk’s office, the vendor will enter various information in the city’s maintenance database. Filed maps and surveys and tax map revisions will also be entered into the city records.
The consultant will also detail pre-existing tax map errors not covered under the base contract and an hourly rate for addressing these errors and answer questions from the city assessor and staff.
The complete Request For Proposal is available here.
Yorktown Chamber joining Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber
The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber is expanding to include the members of the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce, which will cease operations by the end of 2024.
Additional dedicated volunteers from the Yorktown Chamber will bring their expertise and experience in business, marketing and administrative excellence. The Yorktown Chamber has planned and executed countless successful events while increasing membership 100 percent in three years.
This arrangement will provide access to a wealth of new venues and locations to utilize for events, to go with the broader audience and wealth of talent including access to the Jefferson Valley Mall to host popup shops, fairs and event spaces.
“We are confident that this consolidation will bring immense value to the members of both Chambers of Commerce and the businesses we serve,” said Carole J. Voisey, executive director of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce.
“Over the coming months, we will be developing the most efficient and effective plan to move forward. Yorktown CoC and HVGCoC will ensure that this merger has a smooth transition and will integrate our operations with a maximized benefit to all of our members.”
It’s time for Peekskill ‘Reindeer Run’ to bring holiday cheer
Rudolph will lead the 2024 reindeer run through Peekskill for local organizations to help make a local family’s holiday a little bit brighter.
The entrance fee is a new unwrapped toy or non-perishable food items, all of which will be immediately donated after the run to local organizations to help those in our communities that need a little uplifting this holiday season. Starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, all registered participants can check in and drop off their donation at the Central Firehouse on Main Street.
Free hot cocoa and goodies will be available until the run starts at 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the race for best costumes and other categories. Not a runner or a walker? Not a problem, bring your youngsters to meet Santa and his pal Rudy from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Be sure to bring a new unwrapped toy or some non-perishable food items.
Lace up your running shoes and get ready to dash through the snow (or maybe just the streets). Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for some holiday fun, this event is perfect for all levels. Don’t forget to wear your best reindeer antlers or festive gear to really get into the spirit of the season. See you there!
Students – ‘How can you help with one million dollars?’
The eighth annual student essay contest sponsored by Lifting Up Westchester is entitled “The Gift” because it asks students how to best use a substantial, unexpected donation of one million dollars.
“On any given night, there are 1,600 individuals experiencing homelessness in Westchester County and even more who are ‘couch surfing’ or living in overcrowded apartments just to have a roof over their heads,” said Anahaita Kotval, CEO of Lifting Up Westchester, a community-based nonprofit agency that provides life-changing support to people who have lost their housing or are struggling to meet their other basic needs.
“Over the eight years we have been running this contest, we have been impressed by the compassion and creativity students have demonstrated when writing about addressing homelessness in Westchester. We look forward to hearing their perspectives on how to invest in a more secure future for the individuals and families we serve.”
Open to all seventh through 12-grade students attending school in Westchester County, this year’s contest will award first, second and third place prizes in each of the three grade groups: 7th and 8th, 9th and 10th, and 11th and 12th. First prize in each category is $500, second prize is $250, and third prize is $100.
The essay contest was established in 2017 in memory of Beth Massey Rubens, a lifelong teacher, tutor and mentor who had a love for language arts. Last year’s contest included work by students from over 40 schools throughout the county. Since its inception, more than 1,500 students have participated, representing a cross section of public, private and parochial schools across Westchester.
The contest kicked off on Nov. 12 and students may submit entries until 5 p.m. on Feb. 7, 2025. Students should enter the contest through the dedicated portal and upload their essays. Winners will be announced in early March 2025 and an awards ceremony will take place April 14. Students, teachers and parents can learn more about how the contest works and review the judging process and criteria by visiting Lifting Up Westchester’s website.
Brooklyn investor buys Lincoln Terrace property
Recent real estate sales in Peekskill include a multi-family house, a small lot near the Riverfront and a Lincoln Terrace property.
Property: 1128 Howard St., Peekskill. Buyer: 1128 Howard Street LLC, Bronxville. Seller: 1128 Howard LLC, Peekskill. Amount: $1 million. Filed Oct. 21.
Property: 404 S. Water St., Peekskill. Buyer: 1012 Lower South Street LLC, Peekskill. Seller: 404 S. Water Street Partners LLC, Buchanan. Amount: $100,000. Filed Oct. 21.
Property: 1438-1446 Lincoln Terrace, Peekskill. Buyer: 446 Lincoln Terrace LLC, Brooklyn. Seller: McKinney Family Ltd. Partnership, Beacon. Amount: $640,000. Filed Nov. 14. A mortgage of $512,000 was taken on 1438-1446 Lincoln Terrace by 446 Lincoln Terrace LLC, Mayer Weinberger, member with offices at 1356 45th St. in Brooklyn.
PHS students learn about careers in law enforcement
This year’s Peekskill High School College, Career & Trade Fair brought together students and Peekskill law enforcement professionals, providing a chance to explore career opportunities.
Students were able to meet with the K9 Unit, Sergeant Carter and School Resource Officer Lalindez who provided police officer exam materials and led discussions about the field of law enforcement, working with community, and the many opportunities which the career field has to offer.
The Peekskill PD thanks Principal Jenna Ferris and all of the PHS administrators who hosted police department members.
Holiday on Lights at Monteverde brighten Christmas
Holiday on the Hudson at Monteverde offers a merry walk through holiday lights tour at 28 Bear Mountain Bridge Road in Cortlandt Manor on the Goat Trail just past Camp Smith.
The colorful lights display throughout the grounds started November 22 and runs through January 5, Wednesdays through Sundays.
Tickets must be purchased in advance online. Prices for the walk through only are $25 per adult and $20 per child. Time slots available from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
For the buffet dinner and walking tour tickets, prices are $100 per adult and $50 per child (limited quantity). Additional fees will apply. Parking is free.
Tickets on sale here.
A big ‘Thank You’ to the Peekskill Police Department
The Peekskill City School District administrators and their students showed how much they appreciate Peekskill’s finest with a visit to the officers last week.
Peekskill City School District Asst. Superintendent Rebecca Aviles-Rodriguez and the PCSD Elementary School Principal Squad (Principal Woodley, Principal Budds, and Principal Hernandez) dropped by the Peekskill Police Department and surprised the city’s Police Officers with breakfast goodies and beautiful homemade thank you cards from the world’s greatest students.
“This was definitely the highlight of everyone’s day! We appreciate this show of love and kindness and are grateful for our wonderful community partnership,” the police officers said.
House sales, prices rise in October, unemployment declines
The month of October showed strong results in both house sales and employment in Westchester County as economic activity remains strong.
October’s closed house sales in Westchester increased for both condos and single-family homes at 7.3 percent and 2.8 percent, respectively, compared to October 2023. Co-ops, however, saw a slight decline at 11.2 percent. All three property types experienced gains in median sales prices, with single-family homes leading the way at 7.8 percent.
The October Westchester County median sale price stood at $862,500, compared to $800,000 in October 2023. That median still represents a decline of $255,500 from the record high of $1.118 million set in August. Condo median sale price rose 3.2 percent to $520,000 and co-ops saw a 1.3 percent hike to $200,000.
Co-ops experienced the biggest change in new listings with a 15.1 percent growth rate, followed by condos with an 8.3 percent positive change and single-family homes at an additional 2.5 percent. Inventory was down for all three property types with single-family homes seeing the largest decline at 19.9 percent, followed by co-ops at 2.4 percent and condos at 1.2 percent. Months of supply for all property types was down 10.3 percent to just 2.6 months, but pending sales saw an uptick of 26.7 percent.
The number of unemployed people in Westchester declined to 16,300 in October 2024 compared to 18,700 in October 2023. However, total employment declined to 481,900 in October 2024 compared to 486,800 in October 2023, a decline of 4,900 workers.
Obituaries
Ernest R Viola
Ernest (Ernie) R Viola of Peekskill passed on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, at the age of 77.
Ernie was born in Peekskill on Nov. 30, 1946, to his loving parents Ernesto and Maria Viola. He was happily married to his wife Patricia C. Viola with whom he enjoyed traveling the world as well as entertaining all their family and friends at their home in Peekskill.
Ernie was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and outstanding friend to all the souls that he touched with his great sense of humor, contagious laugh, and loving heart. His generosity and loving spirit touched the lives of everyone he met.
He worked for many years as a commodities trader on the New York Mercantile Exchange. After his retirement, he made the choice to join the construction field as a construction site manager. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends, playing with his fur babies Luigi and Lorenzo, and enjoyed the bright sunlight while playing golf at his house in Florida. A fan of following politics, watching his favorite sports team, and attending games. His vibrant sense of humor brought joy to all around him.
He is survived by his beloved children Daniel Viola (Dea), Angela (Glen) Fernandes, Jennifer Viola, and Ernest (Linda) Viola, as well as his loving grandchildren Thomas, Giuliana, Daniel, Andrew, Alexis, and Ernest, and his near and dear bonus grandchildren Anthony and Jen. He is also survived by his sisters, Eleanor Rose and Mildred Viola (Sister Bernadette) as well as his niece, several nephews, and extended family. Ernie was truly blessed by his extended family and wonderful friends, especially his guardian angel Cheryl. Ernie was predeceased by his parents Ernesto and Maria, as well as his brother Anthony, and sister Lucille.
Josephine Iwanowski
Josephine “Jo” Iwanowski passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 14, 2024. She was born April 15, 1939 in Bronx, NY to Ralph and Faustina Musco. On June 30, 1960 she married the love of her life, Stanley Iwanowski in St. John’s Church, Yonkers.
Jo was a homemaker and raised her children in a home that she loved in Yonkers. She started a long career as an office manager for various periodontists and dental offices. Jo was a beautiful woman of great style, grace and class. She loved to shop, cook, sew and entertain in her beautiful home. She loved the flowers Stanley brought her every week and she loved her family unconditionally and was so proud of all of them.
Jo will be forever treasured in the hearts of her family and friends and will never be forgotten. There will never be anyone like her. She has left a big hole in our hearts and will be forever missed.
She is survived by her loving husband Stanley of 64 years, her daughters Christine Egan (Dennis), Diane Bisulca (Dennis), her grandchildren, Michael Egan (Jennifer), Christopher Egan (Johanna), Theresa Boryk (Glen), and her great-grandchildren Jennifer Josephine Boryk and Carmelo Michael Egan. She is predeceased by her brother Anthony Musco and survived by her sister Angela (Musco) Colombo.
Dorothy Quinn
Dorothy Quinn was surrounded by loved ones on Nov. 11, 2024, when she passed away peacefully at home, at the age of 89. She was born in Bronx N.Y. where she grew up, graduated from Walton High School, and in 1954 married Michael Quinn (predeceased 1999).In the mid-60s they moved their family to Peekskill Towers where she resided for 58 years. Mr. Quinn was the original Superintendent of Peekskill Towers when the building opened.
Dorothy worked in retail for many years at Grand Union until her retirement. Their four children Michael Quinn (deceased 1974), Theresa (Peter) Marchese, William (Donna) Quinn and Maureen (Kenneth) LaFountain all attended Peekskill schools and blessed their mother’s life with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Valerie (Donald) Eckhart, Kenneth Gordineer, Joseph Gordineer, and Candis (Andrew) Pagels were the best grandchildren and then there’s great-grandchildren, all of whom she was so very proud. She cared unselfishly for many during her lifetime earning the titles of daughter, sister, wife, mother, Aunt, Nanny, and Big Gigi.
