Lincoln Depot Interior Construction Groundbreaking
On Wednesday February 9, 2011 the Lincoln Depot Foundation held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the start of the interior construction/restoration of the Lincoln Depot in Peekskill. The event kicked off the Sesquicentennial Anniversary (150) of Lincoln's stop in Peekskill in 1861. Once the construction is complete by summer the next step will be to create the Lincoln Depot Museum.
Westchester County 2011 Proposed Budget with County Executive Rob Astorino
County Executive Rob Astorino joins Legislator Testa in a discussion on the Proposed Westchester County Budget for 2011. All aspects of the budget are covered, including the $150 million spending reductions that have been imposed so far and those suggested for 2011 to create a -1% tax levy decrease. The proposed budget also includes the 12% is staff reductions and other measures to reduce the size of county government without affecting the essential services delivered to the residents of Westchester County.
Legislative Update with Special Guest County Executive Rob Astorino
County Executive Rob Astorino outlines the many intiatives and actions that have been accomplished since January to help combat the tremendous deficit facing Westchester County. Legislator Testa also highlights all he has been able to accomplish in his short time on the board, including his push to have Westchester County join in the lawsuit against the MTA.
Sam Oitice Heroes Remembered Memorial Dedication
This show is completely devoted to the ceremony that took place on Saturday, July 24th that officially dedicated the Sam Oitice Heroes Remembered Memorial at the Peekskill Riverfront Green. The memorial and surrounding gardens were created to commemorate and honor all the emergency personnel who perished in the 9-11-01 attack at the World Trade Center in NYC. A special memorial statue is dedicated to the memory of Peekskill's own, Sam Oitice, who was a NYC Firefighter who was lost that day. Also a part of the site is a bell tower holding the bell that sounded the alarm on August 1, 1918 when 7 Peekskill firefighters lost their lives in a fire at the Fleischmann Plant in Peekskill. It is a fitting and moving memorial that should be visited often.
Sculptor Richard Masloski and the Wizard of Oz
In his first show as the newly elected Westchester County Legislator for District 1, John introduces artist and sculptor Richard Masloski. Masloski is well known world-wide for his high level of artistry and especially known for many works throughout Westchester, including the "Lincoln in Peekskill" statue at the Lincoln Depot historic site in Peekskill. In this show Masloski, along with City of Peekskill Historian John Curran, discusses the connection of the Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum to Peekskill and the project he hopes to complete which is inspired by this theme.
Lincoln 200th Anniversary Celebration
On February 28, 2009 the Lincoln Society in Peekskill held their annual events with a special focus: the 200th Anniversay of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln. The show highlights the morning events, which includes a recreation of the speech Lincoln gave in Peekskill in 1861, and the evening events, including the guest speaker, renowned Lincoln scholar and author Harold Holzer.
Harold Holzer Speech at Lincoln Society in Peekskill's Bicentennial Banquet, February 28, 2009
The Lincoln Society in Peekskill holds an annual dinner culminating the day's events celebrating the stop President-elect Lincoln made in 1861. This year marked the 105th time the event was held and was highlighted by the guest speaker for the evening, Harold Holzer. Mr. Holzer is one of the country's most distinguished Lincoln scholars and has written more than 30 books and numerous articles. He is also Co-chairman of the United States Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. Due to the time constraints of our Lincoln 200th Anniversary show we felt it important to offer his entire speech here. Enjoy.
Paul R. Martin III, Artist & Historian
Paul R. Martin III is a resident of Yorktown Heights, NY and has become one of the foremost historical artists in the United States. Paul has an extensive background in Civil War and WWII era history, which translates to very detailed and historically accurate artwork. His background as a high school art instructor and living history participant has contributed to Paul’s impact as a lecturer for schools, Round Tables and historical societies. Paul is a member of many historical organizations and is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of local and national history.
Chauncey M. Depew, 1834-1928
This Peekskill resident was one of the most influential politicians, statesmen and industrialists of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. Chauncey Depew was a member of the NY State Assembly, Secretary of State for NY and eventually a US Senator and Presidential nominee. Mr. Depew was also a driving force and chief executive for the New York Central Railroad empire. During his lifetime he was known as the country's preeminent After Dinner Speaker and Orator.