The City of Peekskill celebrated Women’s History Month on Monday, March 3,by celebrating the achievements of three local residents.
Proclamations were presented at Peekskill City Hall by Mayor Vivian McKenzie to community leader Marisol Jimenez, environmental leader Kay Barthelmes, and former journalist and educator Dee Volz.
The theme of Women’s History Month for 2026 is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” focusing on women driving innovation in environmental, economic and social sustainability.
Marisol Jimenez
A member of various boards and organizations, including the Mount Olivet Baptist Church and Rotary Club of Peekskill, Marisol Jimenez was recognized for her positive impact on the human spirit throughout the community.
“It is an honor to be recognized during Women’s History Month,” Jimenez said. “I accept this award, not just for myself, but for all the women that continue to push forward even when things get hard, especially now in these uncertain times. We can find peace by giving back to the community. Remember, we all thrive when we work together and always choose love over hate.“
Jimenez’s proclamation reads in part…
Marisol, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, exemplifies the spirit of service, compassion, and community leadership that Women’s History Month seeks to honor.
Marisol is an active and valued member of the NAACP, the Mount Olivet Baptist Church, the Peekskill Parks Advisory Board, the Peekskill Human Relations Commission, and the Rotary Club of Peekskill, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to civic engagement and the betterment of the Peekskill community.
She has dedicated her time and energy to enriching the lives of others, particularly through her work with seniors and shares her passion for culture and movement by teaching Latin dance.
Her compassion is further reflected in her leadership in organizing fundraisers for those in need, including her efforts in planning a fundraiser for the Phoenixx Phoundation, extending hope and tangible support to individuals and families facing hardship.
Through her kindness, generosity, and genuine care for others, Marisol Jimenez brings joy to those around her and ensures that members of her community feel seen, valued, and uplifted.
Kay Barthelmes
A former educator and chair of the Peekskill Conservation Advisory Council, Kay Barthelmes was recognized for her dedication to environmental stewardship and her passion to improve the community.
“It’s been my entire great pleasure to do whatever I could to make Peekskill a healthier and better place to live,” Barthelmes said upon accepting her award.
Her proclamation reads in part…
Kay, an exemplary resident of Peekskill, New York, has demonstrated an enduring commitment to education, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement.
Kay moved to Peekskill with her husband, Bob, in 1971, and has since devoted herself to strengthening the fabric of the community through decades of meaningful service.
As an educator, she nurtured and inspired young minds through her work at the Presbyterian Nursery School and within the Peekskill City School District, and further extended her dedication by volunteering as a tutor for young children at the Field Library.
Kay generously gave of her time and expertise as a member of the Peekskill Parks Advisory Board and the Peekskill Conservation Advisory Council for eight years, including four years as Chair, where her leadership left a lasting impact on the City’s environmental initiatives.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Kay has received honors from the Westchester County Water and Sewer Board, as well as the Distinguished Citizen Planner Award from the Westchester Municipal Planning Federation.
Barthelmes highlighted several accomplishments of the Conservation Advisory Council, including continuing work to increase the tree canopy all over the city and each neighborhood, receiving an award for doing educational outreach, and launching a 24/7 food scrap composting site.
“I hope that everybody listening to this will be encouraged to find a way where they can participate and help the city get better every day,” Barthelmes said.
Dee Volz
A former journalist and educator who recently celebrated her 103rd birthday, Dee Volz was recognized for her contributions, achievements and enduring influence of women throughout the community.
Volz, who was educated at a boarding school in Peekskill when she lived in New York City, recalled walking up the steps of her daughter’s and son-in-law’s home for the first time and realizing it was the same city she was educated in.
“I was thrilled,” Volz said of Peekskill. “And some have said I have fallen in love with it. Why? The beauty of the atmosphere, the outdoors, is so incredible and it permeates your life. You can’t refuse it. You just think about it.”
Her proclamation reads in part…
Dee, a distinguished resident of Peekskill, New York, was born in Berlin in 1922 and has lived an extraordinary life spanning more than a century of remarkable personal and historical significance.
Dee is a proud graduate of St. Mary’s and has dedicated her life to the pursuit of knowledge, service, and artistic expression as both a journalist and a teacher, shaping minds and sharing stories that enrich her community.
Her artistic accomplishments include performing in ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ alongside Judy Garland and dancing with the renowned modern dance pioneer Martha Graham, reflecting a lifelong passion for the arts and cultural excellence.
As a devoted mother of two children, Dee has fostered a legacy of love, strength, and resilience. Now at the age of 103 and residing at Riverpointe at Drum Hill, she continues to be a cherished member of the Peekskill community.
