2026.

At this time, I'm going to open the meeting, and we have a great agenda.

We're celebrating Irish heritage recognition.

And so we are going to start with that.

Let's do the fun part.

Yay.

Is that someone is relevant?

Thanks to Kevin.

So this evening, the City of Peekskill congratulates Regina Clarkin, Karen Kelly, and Kevin Riley for their personal and professional achievements, civic contributions, and good deeds that have favorably impacted our community.

And our first honoree of the evening is Regina Clarkin.

Whereas Irish American Heritage Month is observed each March to celebrate the enduring contributions, cultural heritage, and civic leadership of Irish Americans who have helped shape communities across the United States.

And whereas it is with honor and distinction that the City of Peakskill acknowledges the leadership and services of Regina Clarkin.

And whereas Regina, a lifelong resident of the City of Peakskill and a graduate of Fordham University, has dedicated decades of her life to strengthening and informing her community through the power of local journalism.

And whereas in 1986, Miss Clarkin co-founded the original weekly Peakscale Herald, establishing an essential source of local news and civic dialogue that served residents and fostered a deeper connection within the community.

And whereas continuing her commitment to accessible and community centered journalism, Miss Clarkin serves today as the founding publisher and journalist for the Peakscill Herald, a nonprofit digital news organization launched in 2021 to ensure that local independent reporting remains a vital part of Peakskill's civic life.

And whereas through her reporting and editorial leadership, Miss Clarkin has chronicled important local issues including waterfront development, the vitality of small businesses, and the compelling human interest stories.

And whereas during Irish American Heritage Month, it is fitting that the City of Peakskill recognize Ms.

Clarkin not only for her professional achievements, but also for the pride to reflex in the enduring legacy of Irish Americans, whose commitment to community perseverance and civic engagement enriches our nation and our city.

And now therefore I, Vivian McKenzie, Mayor of the City of Peakskill, on behalf of the Common Council and residents, do hereby extend great congratulations to 2026 Irish American Heritage Honoree, Regina Clarkin, for her outstanding contributions to local journalism and to the civic life of the community.

Thank you for this honor.

And we know that the Irish are known for their music, for their words, and for their love of stories.

So it is no oh and love of love of libation is what you're saying.

Right.

So um growing up on Howard Hill, I knew that Peakskill was a really special community, and I was determined that the stories could be told about the people that live here.

When I started the first Peakskill Herald in 1986, I was determined that people's stories would be told.

So thank you for this honor and support the Peakskill Herald.

Our next honoree is Ms.

Karen Kelly.

Whereas it is with honor and distinction that the City of Peakskill acknowledges the leadership and service of Karen Kelly.

And whereas Karen, a dedicated resident of Peekskill for 22 years, has exemplified a lifelong commitment to public service and community engagement.

Whereas Karen has devoted more than 40 years of distinguished service to the healthcare field and management, her career has encompassed a wide range in both the public and private sectors, ranging from the establishment of accessible reproductive health services for teens and an underserved area to her role as a first deputy commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Health, where her leadership and dedication helped advance the health and well-being of residents throughout Westchester County.

And whereas her commitment to community service continues through her current role as a member of the Field Library Board of Trustees and as a member of the Westchester Library System Board of Trustees, where she serves as chair of the WLS nomination and board education committee, helping to strengthen and guide the mission of public libraries in our region.

And whereas Karen's life is further enriched by her loving partnership with her husband, Joe Joseph Schroeder, a former member of the Peakskill Common Council.

And whereas through her professional accomplishments and commitment to public service, Karen Kelly embodies the values of service, perseverance, and community spirit, celebrated during Irish American Heritage Month.

Now, therefore, I, Vivian McKenzie, Mayor of the City of Peakskill, on behalf of the Common Council and residents, do hereby extend great congratulations to 2026 Irish American Heritage Honoree, Karen Kelly, for her dedication to the community.

Congratulations.

Thank you, everybody.

Thank you to the mayor of the Common Council, to Darren, who I think was the original nominee for me.

I thank Joe, my husband, who uh gave me all kinds of ideas about what to say today, most of which are not printable.

But you those of you that know Joe understand that.

Um I have to say I have to I have to thank my parents, who um I came to them late in life.

They had lived through the depression through the war, and they instilled in me a sense the values they instilled in me, I think push me along to community service to dedication to helping those less fortunate than I.

Um, I was very fortunate to be supported throughout my life by them, both uh in graduate school, going to graduate school, etc.

Um, travel, etc.

And uh I just have to say it it they come back to me at a time like this, as do the rest of my Irish family.

Um, my father was one of seven kids, and he all those kids had, I think seven kids.

And they and they married Mahoneys, they married Brennan's, and they married Kelly's, and I I don't think there's a non-Irish name among all my cousins.

Uh some of whom, and that's why I couldn't give up Kelly for shooter when Joe and I got married, and I was in a way.

Um the family would have disowned me.

So, anyway, I accept I accept this on behalf of of them also, because they gave a lot of their lives to other people, both as a teacher and as a community service person.

And um I thank you all for this honor.

Oh, gee, I don't know this guy.

What?

Mr.

Kevin Riley.

Absolutely.

Whereas it is with honor and distinction that the city of Peaksgale acknowledges the leadership and service of Kevin M.

Riley.

And whereas Kevin, born to Irish parents, John and Janet Riley, and proud to share his life with his spouse, Deputy Mayor Patricia Riley, is a lifelong resident of Peekskill, whose love for his hometown is woven into every aspect of his life and whose heritage is reflected in his warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to others.

And whereas Kevin, who is an alumni of Peakskill High School, maintained strong ties to his classmates and currently serving on his 50th class reunion committee.