Peekskill High Iron Devils going to state robotics finals
The Peekskill High School Iron Devils took part in the NY Excelsior First Tech Challenge qualifier tournament at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, NY, in early January and came up winners.
The Iron Devils team placed second in the qualification rounds out of 27 participating teams and brought home the prestigious “Control Award” and “Finalist Alliance Award” and have qualified for the state finals in Utica March 8-9.
This is the fourth time in the last five years PHS students have qualified to participate in the state finals, an amazing achievement! Congratulations to the team and thank you to Robotics teacher Mr. Carlo Vidrini, Dr. Eudes Budhai and Mrs. Janice Reid for accompanying the students to the competition last weekend.
Five-year, $23 million renovation of Armory is completed
The last phase of a $2.7 million project in front of the Peekskill New York National Guard Armory on Washington Street that began in 2023 should be completed soon.
This last phase involves the upgrade of the armory parking lot and improving drainage, according to a spokesperson for the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs. The contractor is Ben Ciccone Inc. of Poughkeepsie.
As part of that work, the sidewalk in front of the armory is being rehabilitated as well. The orange cones and the orange covering on the sidewalk is designed to let concrete cure properly in winter weather. The sidewalk was in poor shape and badly needed to be fixed.
According to the Division’s facilities branch, the covering should be coming off in the next few days.
This parking and sidewalk renovation is the latest project in a series to renovate the armory since 2020 at a cost of $23 million. The armory is occupied by the 187th Signal Company of the New York Army National Guard. Most of the work done at the armory has been inside the building.
The building was originally designed to house a field artillery unit in the days when horses still towed cannons. A section of the building, originally designed as a stable for horses, was turned into modern latrines and locker rooms. The administrative spaces were modernized with new furniture, a new roof and skylights over those spaces.
Masonry was restored and new insulated windows and doors were installed. The supply area was upgraded with new storage cages. New domestic water heaters, new natural gas boiler were installed for heating the entire facility.
Work was also done on the brick chimney and new air conditioning was installed. New fencing was also installed with a new security gate.
Like many of the state’s old armories, the Peekskill armory included a firing range in the basement. These were all shut down many years ago and no longer used because of concerns about lead dust. The old indoor firing range has been cleared of lead and sand as part of the project.
— By Jim Roberts
Peekskill receives state grant to protect water supply
Over $5 million in state grant funding for critical water quality improvement projects in Westchester and Putnam counties has been allocated for a variety of projects.
The funding is part of a broader $225 million initiative released by Governor Kathy Hochul through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program. These grants are aimed at enhancing drinking water quality, protecting vital natural habitats and bolstering resilience against flooding and climate change.
“Clean drinking water and pristine waterways are fundamental to thriving communities,” said state Senator Pete Harckham. “The funding for these projects is vital for public health, economic growth and environmental sustainability.”
The funding for the announced water infrastructure improvements includes projects in the Towns of Kent, Southeast, New Castle and North Salem and in the City of Peekskill.
“Enhancing our municipalities’ ability to deliver clean water to our residents and local businesses is of paramount importance,” said state Assemblymember Dana Levenberg. “I applaud all of the municipal leaders and their water departments who won funding in this round of WQIP for identifying proactive actions they can take to protect their local water sources.”
Municipalities and nonprofits are also working to protect local wetlands that naturally filter pollutants and stormwater runoff. The Westchester Land Trust will receive $1.6 million to acquire 200 acres of land near the Town of Southeast to protect part of New York City’s drinking water source, while Peekskill will receive $140,000 for the purchase of 80 acres near the Wiccopee Reservoir.
“We appreciate New York State’s attention to water quality for all residents,” said Vivian McKenzie, Mayor of Peekskill. “Without this funding, the City would not have been able to fund this additional buffer around its reservoirs.”
Peekskill Housing Authority is short one commissioner after mayor resigns post
A commissioner position at the Peekskill Housing Authority is still vacant after Mayor Vivian McKenzie resigned.
McKenzie was appointed to the position in October to fill the remainder of Councilman Robert Scott’s term. However, in November the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) sent a letter to the housing board informing them McKenzie sitting on the board was a violation of the conflict-of-interest provisions of their Public Housing program.
While HUD did not receive a formal response to their letter addressing the conflict of interest raised by the city manager’s appointment, McKenzie did soon resign from the position.
Janneyn Phalen, executive director of the Peekskill Housing Authority, told the Herald on Jan. 7 that they have not yet been contacted regarding a new commissioner.
The Housing Authority typically has seven commissioners as voting members of the board, with two being tenant-elected and five being appointed by the city manager to staggered five-year terms.
City Manager Matt Alexander did not respond for comment.
The city is looking for volunteers on various boards including the Artist Certification Committee, Conservation Advisory Council, Historic Landmarks & Preservation Board, Human Relations Commission, Parks Advisory Board, Peekskill Housing Authority Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.
If you are interested in serving on any of these send a letter of interest and a resume to City Clerk Cassandra Redd, 840 Main Street, Peekskill, NY 10566 or via email to [email protected]
– By Eric Harvey
City seeks bids to clean Section 8 offices on John Walsh Blvd.
The City of Peekskill Section 8 Program (“City”) is seeking proposals to provide professional cleaning services for its office located at 2B John Walsh Blvd, Peekskill.
The awarded firm or individual will be designated as the Professional Cleaning Service (“PCS”) and will be responsible for delivering cleaning services as specified in the Scope of Work.
Services should be performed efficiently, reliably, and in a manner that meets the City’s operational needs including but not limited to the services detailed in the Scope of Work section of this RFP.
To see the request for proposal, go to cityofpeekskillny.gov/bids.aspx?bidID=76
Cultural celebrations, gifts at Three Kings Day event
Sun River Health hosted a Three Kings Day Event over the past weekend. The music, dance performances and the overwhelming amount of toys collected to ensure each child left with a gift, made for a wonderful day of cultural celebration.
The Peekskill Police Department is very thankful for its Community Partnership with Sun River Health and would like to give special thanks to Ms. Jaslyn Session of SRH for always including the department.
Sgt. Muscente offers career guidance at Wallkill High
Peekskill Police Sergeant Frank Muscente returned to his hometown community last week in support of his alma mater, Wallkill Senior High School, participating in their Career Day event.
Sgt. Muscente the Peekskill PBA President and a member of the Emergency Response Team, is no stranger to giving back to the Peekskill community and beyond. At this event he gave students a lesson in robotics and how the technology is utilized for Emergency Response purposes.
He also educated the teens about how to begin the career path towards Law Enforcement and provided useful exam study materials to those who expressed interest in the profession. We applaud the good Sergeant on a job well done.
Military Tribute Banner orders accepted at City Hall
Orders for 2025 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 Saturday, March 29. All ordered banners will be displayed throughout the City of Peekskill from Memorial Day through Veterans Day.
For those who have already purchased banners in prior years, there is a $15 non–refundable rehanging fee. If you do not want your banner rehung, please contact the City Clerk’s office before Feb. 15.
For additional information about our Military Tribute Banners, please contact City Clerk Cassandra Redd at (914) 737-3400 or email [email protected]
Five seek Democrat nomination for County Clerk
Deputy Westchester County Clerk John Allen has declared his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for county clerk. Allen threw his hat in the ring just a few days after White Plains Mayor Tom Roach announced he would run for the county clerk’s job currently held by Tim Idoni, who decided not to run for another term. The primary vote is June 25.
Allen noted that he had spent 19 years working with Idoni. Among his responsibilities is evaluating the existing computer systems and procedures of the office and advising on adopting new technology to increase productivity and efficiency.
Allen is a longtime resident of Port Chester, where he serves as a trustee and also is a member of the Port Chester Industrial Development Agency. Allen, an attorney, received his bachelor’s degree from American University and his law degree from William and Mary School of Law.
Other declared candidates are: Diana Quast, Yorktown Town Clerk; Nader Sayegh, Assembly Member, 90th AD, Yonkers; and Alison Simon, North Castle Town Clerk.
Town of Cortlandt one of 914Inc’s ‘Best Places to Work’
The Town of Cortlandt has recently been awarded as “One of the Best Places to Work in Westchester” by 914Inc Magazine. This recognition highlights the town’s recent dedication to building a supportive, engaging workplace and fostering a culture that prioritizes employee well-being and community enrichment.
Cortlandt’s achievement is especially notable as it stands out among private sector winners; Cortlandt is the only municipality authority to win this award in several years.
“This award reflects the dedication of our team and the strong sense of purpose that defines our town. When our employees thrive, so does our community,” said Dr. Richard Becker, Town Supervisor.
The Best Places to Work award recognizes organizations excelling in employee engagement, workplace culture, and work-life balance—areas where Cortlandt has made significant progress. In addition to its workplace initiatives, the town offers extensive recreational programs, cultural events, and public services that enhance the overall quality of life for employees and residents alike.
Claudia Vahay, Director of Operations, said “We strive to create an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to contribute to the success of our community.”
Field Hall offering grants to help lower-income seniors
Field Hall Foundation in Cortlandt Manor is accepting Letters of Inquiry for the Spring 2025 grant cycle. The deadline to submit is Jan. 30, and grantees will be notified of grant decisions at the end of May 2025.
The Foundation supports programs and projects that directly improve the lives of vulnerable older adults and their caregivers. Priority is given to programs that address their most basic needs, including: social work/case management, including emergency financial assistance; transportation for older adults, caregivers, and home health aides; respite and support services for nonpaid caregivers; safety, security and elder abuse; home-based care and aging-in-place services, including those that address social isolation and food insecurity
Funding requests can range from $5,000 to $50,000+, including requests for small capital projects up to $15,000.
The Foundation supports programs and projects that improve the lives of older adults and caregivers in Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester Counties. Priority is given to proposals focused on the basic needs of low-income older adults (60+ years old) and their unpaid caregivers.
For more information go to fieldhallfoundation.org.
Daisy Jopling, Cherish the Ladies on stage at Paramount
For one show only, Irish American supergroup Cherish the Ladies and international violinist Daisy Jopling will take center stage together for the first time ever in a standout performance of Celtic music at Paramount Hudson Valley Theater in Peekskill on Sunday, March 16 at 4 p.m.
Jopling and a group of talented student musicians enrolled in the Daisy Jopling Music Mentorship Program will join Cherish the Ladies to celebrate their 40th anniversary in an exhilarating mix of traditional timeless Irish music, stunning vocals and propulsive step dancing. Jopling is noted for
playing classical and popular music on her 1778 Antonio Gragnani violin, made in Livorno, Italy and a Yamaha electric violin with the energy and spontaneity of a rock musician.
“It’s an honor of a lifetime to perform with Cherish the Ladies in celebration of Irish heritage, music and culture—as well as their 40th Anniversary. In this collaboration, we are going to present a blend of traditional Irish entertainment with vibrant violin, making for a memorable afternoon of Celtic culture,”said Jopling.
Tickets for “St. Patrick’s Day Celebration featuring Cherish the Ladies with Daisy Jopling,” presented by the Hudson Valley Irish Festival, are available at www.paramounthudsonvalley.com
Photo courtesy Cherish the Ladies/Roisin Lavelle
Dems nominate Jenkins for Feb. 11 county exec vote
The Westchester County Democratic Committee officially nominated current County Executive Ken Jenkins to run as the party’s candidate for County Executive in the upcoming special election on Feb. 11.
The unanimous nomination came at a meeting of the party’s Executive Committee in White Plains.
Chair Suzanne Berger said: “Westchester Democrats are excited to choose Ken as our nominee to succeed George Latimer. Ken is uniquely qualified. His service as Deputy County Executive and now as County Executive, as well as his years as County Legislator and Chair of the Board of Legislators, give him more relevant experience than anyone else who has ever run for the office.”
Jenkins was appointed County Executive by the Board of Legislators on Jan. 6 to fill the vacancy created when former County Executive George Latimer vacated the office to join Congress. That appointment only lasts until the Feb. 11 special election is held to fill the remainder of the current County Executive term. Early voting will begin Saturday, Feb. 1.
Westchester County Republicans named Christine Sculti to run against Jenkin. Sculti, a deputy commissioner for Westchester’s Board of Elections, lost to Latimer in the county executive race in 2021.
In other County executive news, the Westchester County Board of Legislators Appointments Committee approved Susan Spear as commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services (DES). She is set to become the first woman to hold that post in DES history. This appointment will be voted on by the Board of Legislators at its next meeting on Monday, Jan. 27.
Spear served as deputy commissioner at DES since November 2020 and will replace Richard G. Wishnie, who was named Deputy County Executive by County Executive Ken Jenkins last week.
The Department of Emergency Services, which just celebrated the 25th anniversary of its creation, consists of four divisions: Fire Services, Communications (60 Control), Emergency Management (OEM) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Peekskill Police calls — Jan. 6 to Jan. 12
Peekskill Police responded to approximately 840 calls during the period from Jan. 6 to Jan. 12. Here are some of those calls.
JAN. 6: Vehicle/traffic law enforcement after complaint at 7:35 a.m. on Main Street; foot patrol at 8:33 a.m., 10: 24 a.m. and 12:38 p.m. on Main Street and 8:45 a.m. on Park Street; special check based on community complaint at 11:58 a.m. and 1:48 p.m. on Main Street, 12:35 p.m. on John Walsh Boulevard and 1:28 p.m. on Robin Drive; a disorderly group at 3:04 p.m. on Union Avenue.
JAN. 7: Special checks based on community complaints conducted from 1:11 a.m. through 7:01 a.m. at various locations including Main Street, Welcher Avenue, North Division Street, Union Avenue, Highland Avenue, Washington Street, Depew Street, South Street and Railroad Avenue; a motor vehicle accident with personal injury 7:48 a.m. on Park Street; and motor vehicle accident with property damage at 9:24 a.m. on Paulding Street; an unwanted party at 11:06 a.m. on Main Street; a harassment call at 11:37 a.m. on Main Street; animal complaints at 4:26 p.m. on North Division Street and 5:15 p.m. on Park Street; a person down at 6:19 p.m. on Union Avenue.
JAN. 8: Special checks based on community complaints conducted from 1:07 a.m. through 7:29 a.m. at various locations including Nelson Avenue, Orchard Street, Highland Avenue, Main Street, North James Street, South James Street, Brown Street, Robin Drive, Shenandoah Avenue, Site K, Brown Street and Park Street; vehicle booted at 4:25 a.m. on Nelson Avenue and 5:18 a.m. on Lincoln Terrace; unwanted party at 10:35 a.m. on Bank Street and 11:28 a.m. on Main Street; domestic calls at 2:31 p.m. on John Street and 2:35 p.m. on Rolling Way; an unwanted party at 10:02 p.m. on North Division Street and suspicious activity at 10:02 p.m. on Park Street.
JAN. 9: Special checks based on community complaints conducted from 12:49 a.m. through 4:47 a.m. at various locations including Main Street, North Division Street, Highland Avenue, Washington Street, First Street, John Walsh Boulevard, Hudson Avenue, Elm Street and Brown Street; a motor vehicle accident with property damage at 7:56 a.m. on Ringgold Street; a welfare check at 11 a.m. on Lincoln Terrace; a disorderly person at 4:35 p.m. on Highland Avenue; an intoxicated person at 5:33 p.m. on South Street; an emotionally disturbed person at 6:50 p.m. on Main Street.
JAN. 10: A repossession at 12:21 a.m. on Oakwood Drive; special checks based on community complaints conducted from 12:55 a.m. through 6:33 a.m. at various locations including Albany Post Road, Highland Avenue, Crescent Court, Pemart Avenue, Washington Street, Riverview Avenue, Main Street, Lincoln Terrace, Hudson Avenue and Railroad Avenue; a foot patrol at 7:09 a.m. on South Street; a larceny at 10:10 a.m. on Main Street; an emotionally disturbed person at 11:20 a.m. on Main Street; a disorderly group at 4:31 p.m. on Nelson Avenue and 6:35 p.m. on Main Street; identity theft at 8:12 p.m. on Nelson Avenue.
JAN. 11: A medical call at 1:33 a.m. on North Water Street; a disorderly group at 1:44 a.m. on South Street; suspicious activity at 2:30 a.m. on South Street, 2:59 a.m. on South Division Street and 3:33 a.m. on North Division Street; criminal mischief at 10:18 a.m. on South Street; a larceny at 12:15 p.m. on Fort Hill Road; a domestic call at 1:23 p.m. on Brown Street; traffic stops from 5:19 p.m. to 11:10 p.m. on Washington Street, North Division Street, South Broad Street, Main Street, Hudson Avenue, Smith Street, Park Street and Crompond Road; a disorderly group at 8:41 p.m. on Main Street.
JAN. 12: Special checks based on community complaints conducted from 12:19 a.m. to 4:17 p.m. at various locations including South Division Street, Highland Avenue, Main Street, Washington Street, Welcher Avenue, Smith Street, Nelson Avenue, Robin Drive, Railroad Avenue, South Water Street and Diven Street; foot patrols on Main Street at 1:21 a.m., 8:55 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 12:49 p.m. and 5:04 p.m.; warrant served at 6:59 p.m. on Nelson Avenue; an emotionally disturbed person at 8:40 p.m. on North Broad Street; an unwanted party at 10:30 p.m. on North Division Street.
To read the complete blotter go to cityofpeekskillny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2556/January-6–January-12
Obituaries
Paul “Anthony” Spieles
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Paul “Anthony” Spieles on Jan. 9, 2025. Anthony was born Nov. 21, 1960, in Leesburg, VA to Paul Trail and Shirley Ann Spieles. At the age of seven, Anthony and his family moved to Pocantico Hills, NY.
Throughout his childhood years you would find him on a baseball field, throwing a football with his brother, teasing his younger sisters, picking raspberries, attending Boy Scouts, and being your typical teenage boy. After graduating high school, Anthony joined the US Air Force. Once he returned home from his service, he began a lifetime career as a contractor until his retirement in 2022.
Anthony is survived by his mother, Shirley Spieles, lifelong partner, Marie Morrison, stepsons, Cliff (Joanie) Morrison and RJ Williams and four grandsons, Bradley, Danny, Dylan and Conner. He is also survived by his siblings, Mark Spieles (Chris) and Katrina Chapins (Jerry), his nephews Andrew Spieles, Cameron Spieles and Zachary Chapins, as well as many uncles, aunts, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father Paul Spieles, sister Tammy Spieles, and nephew Eric Spieles.
Ruth (Manganello) Strumke
Ruth (Manganello) Strumke passed away on Jan. 10, 2025 at the age of 92, surrounded by loved ones.
Ruth was the daughter of James Manganello and Margit (Ekstrom) Manganello, born on Feb. 23, 1932, in Peekskill.
She grew up in Montrose and went on to graduate from Hendrick Hudson High School. Ruth married George E. Strumke Sr. on Oct. 24, 1954 and resided in their marital home in Peekskill for 60 years before moving to Myrtle Beach, SC in 2014.
She worked for the Peekskill City School District, retired from IBM as an administrative assistant, and was a former Director for Mary Kay. She was a proud member of the Ladies Auxiliary for Centennial House Co. #1. Her love, passion, and dedication were to her family, friends, and Mary Kay.
She is survived by seven children: Linda (Russ) Duncan, Patti Ann (Dan) Carey, Lori Strumke, Karen (David) Morley, George (Tina) E. Strumke Jr., James (Marilyn) Strumke, Michael Strumke; ten grandchildren: Thomas Tooley, Kisha (Jones) Johnson, Nicholas Strumke, Kayla (Duncan) Juhasz, David Morley, Nicole Carey, Kyle Duncan, George E. Strumke 3rd, Jeremy Jones, Samantha Morley and ten greatgrandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband George E. Strumke Sr., and grandsons: Dustin Strumke and Robert (Strumke) Shubert. grandsons: Dustin Strumke and Robert (Strumke) Shubert.
