Town Update – Summer 2025: Welcome Summer 2025! You know it’s summer when the gazebo is hopping on Monday nights with the sound of live music and residents pack the town green with their beach chairs and blankets, take up seats on the benches lining 5th Ave to dance and sing along. The library just had a visit from the bubble bus, which means that the annual summer reading program is in full swing and Pelham Recreation has done all of the prep work to host our kids at tiny tots, big tots, Pelham Daycamp and the multiple sports clinics each summer. We are glad to share a quick update from the town. EMS Heroes Among Us – On June 2, 2025, the town council in conjunction with our Emergency Medical Services Executive Director, Mark Baumblatt honored the exceptional service of members of our community. On Saturday, April 12th, the Pelham Manor Fire Department, Pelham Manor Police Department, and Pelham Fire Department responded to a report of a possible dryer fire in Pelham Manor. Pelham EMS unit 38Medic1 responded in a non-emergency capacity to provide support if needed. Shortly after the fire was brought under control, Captain John Gerken of the Pelham Manor Fire Department suffered a sudden medical emergency and collapsed.  Chief Robert Benkwitt immediately alerted 38Medic1 (Paramedic Michael Baumblatt) and requested an ambulance through 60-Control. Captain Gerken was quickly determined to be in cardiac arrest. Paramedic Baumblatt immediately initiated CPR and began removing Captain Gerken’s firefighting gear, assisted by members of the Pelham Manor Fire Department, Pelham Manor Police Department, and Pelham Fire Department. Paramedic Baumblatt delivered one defibrillation using the ZOLL cardiac monitor and the team continued CPR. Once on-scene, Paramedic Samjo Samson initiated IV therapy, administered medications, and delivered a second defibrillation, while EMT Samuel Kupferberg and fire personnel continued providing high-quality CPR. Thanks to the exceptional teamwork, rapid response, and coordinated life-saving efforts of all involved, Captain John Gerken was successfully resuscitated and gradually regained consciousness. He was stabilized, carefully packaged, and transported without incident to Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital. There is no doubt that the swift, skilled, and coordinated actions of these first responders were instrumental in saving Captain Gerken’s life. With deep gratitude and admiration, the Town of Pelham proudly recognizes the following individuals for their exemplary life-saving efforts: Pelham/EVAC: Paramedic Michael Baumblatt Paramedic Samjo Samson EMT Samuel Kupferberg Pelham Manor Fire Department: Chief Michael Greco Firefighter Daniel Higgins Firefighter Alex Ruggiero Pelham Fire Department: Chief Robert Benkwitt III Lieutenant Tim Frusciante Firefighter Shane MacDonald Firefighter Michael Leak Firefighter Andrew Camaradella Pelham Manor Police Department: Sergeant David Uyeki Police Officer Nicholas Manias Police Officer Jesus Oceguera Police Officer Brandon Lustig May 2025 EMS Stats Clean Mobility Planning Update The Town of Pelham was recently awarded $100,000 from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)’s Clean Mobility Program. The Town partnered with third-party transit planners who are in the final stages of conducting a feasibility study of our local transportation usage, including local train and bus service, assessing our community driving and parking usage, and assessing feasibility of bike lanes and ride-share options. The goal is to identify and implement sustainable transportation solutions that will assist the local community’s transportation needs, including populations in greater need such as senior citizens, high school students, and non-drivers or individuals with one or less cars.  A report is being prepared and will be submitted to NYSERDA, and which will ultimately be shared with the community within the coming weeks. The Town will then be seeking further grant opportunities to implement some of the report’s recommendations.  The Library 📚 In partnership with Ecopel, introducing the Pelham Seed Library for the 2025 growing season Just like you would check out a book from the library, you can “check out” seeds from a seed library…you just don’t have to worry about due dates! EcoPel has supplied the seeds and gardening instructions. The seed library currently has a variety of herbs and vegetables to grow. These seeds will appeal to both the novice gardener and the seasoned pro. To take advantage of the seeds- please visit the library in person.   Tuesdays from 12:30-3pm the library is offering a drop-in Mah Jongg program for adults ages 18 and up. This program is for participants of all abilities who know how to play American Mah Jongg. No beginners, please. The Library will provide Mah Jongg sets, but please bring your own official Mah Jongg card.  Monday, July 14th at 7:15pm- Crafty Adults: Herb & Flower Drying Racks Join our resident artist/instructor Sara Mallach as she showcases the bountiful summer harvests from garden and grocery. Participants will be making simple herb & flower drying racks which are both practical and beautiful. This event will take place in-person at the Library and separate registration is required for each attendee. Click here to register. Sign up early, as space and supplies are limited. Reading BINGO- Reading contests for children have been a staple of the Library’s Summer Reading program for years. But why let the kids have all the fun? Adults and teens in 9th grade and up can play our Reading BINGO game and enter a raffle to win a brand-new Kindle! You can get instructions and download a BINGO board by clicking here, or stop by the Library reference desk to pick up a form. Tai Chi on the Library Lawn-  Join Master Yao-Wah Chan for beginning Tai Chi on Tuesdays at 11:15am. He has over 40 years of experience teaching throughout New York City and Westchester, and is trained in multiple Chinese disciplines. Tai Chi is a series of slow, gentle, and meditative body movements that can help you reduce pain, increase flexibility, improve balance, and cope with stress. These classes are walk-ins that do not require preregistration. Also this month programs like after hours book club, lego club and reading to canines, ESL, crafty adults and so much more are all happening- please visit the library website for more information. Save the date- Novel Night is Saturday October 4, 2025-  Online ticket sales for Novel Night 2025 will go live on July 16th at 8:00pm.  Recreation Monday outdoor concerts🎶 at the Gazebo are back- for the full schedule of the featured performers in the summer concert series please click here Recreation Website Update Pelham Recreation is getting a new website and registration software in time for fall clinics and programming.  It even includes an app for all of our smart phone users. Registration is currently open for fall clinics in Youth Flag Football (1st & 2nd Grade) and tackle football. Mahjong will be returning to the schedule as well. The fall programming will be released in a few weeks. In addition to Tiny Tots, Big Tots and Pelham Rec Day Camp, Town Recreation is also offering the following camps and clinics: Rising Star Baseball Camp Summer Basketball Clinics Summer Soccer Summer Tennis Clinics  Summer Volleyball Clinics 🏀⚽🎾🏐 Registration is still open for Camp Mindfullness– July 7th- August 8th Pelham recreation presents a camp to provide K-8 students with social and emotional difficulties in the Pelham community with a safe, supported, structured, environment to grow, explore, and learn with each other. Students will work with seasoned special education teachers to learn coping skills, talk about their feelings, and engage in mindfulness and sensory strategies throughout the day. Students will also enjoy the summer sun, take walks outdoors, play on the playground, and complete arts and crafts projects, all while developing and maintaining coping skills. Scholarships are also available, please call the recreation office at (914) 738-0153 for more information. Senior Citizens Resident Emergency Assistance List (R.E.A.L) – The Pelham and Pelham Manor Police Department and the Town of Pelham are continually updating the list of senior citizens and residents with special needs who reside in the Village of Pelham and Pelham Manor. This list provides us with important contact information that we can access in the event of adverse weather or power emergencies, such as heat waves, hurricanes and winter storms, which occur in our area. With this information we are able to contact these residents during emergencies to check on their well-being. Please note contacts should be family members, friends, and neighbors. All of your information will be kept confidential. If you have any questions or would like to register a resident please call Carolyn Veith at the Senior Citizen Advocate Office (914) 738-5004. Ceremonies – Save the date- Our next town wide memorial will be held on Thursday, September 11th at the September 11th memorial park on Harmon Avenue  to honor those we lost on 9/11.  No Matter what you are planning, we hope you have an unforgettable and safe summer 🌻🎶🏀 See you around town!  

Town of Pelham

Posted on , by Maura Curtin

Town Update Fall 2024

Town Update Fall 2024

Happy Fall, Pelham! As the leaves begin to change and we embrace the beauty of autumn, we wanted to share the latest news and updates from the town council.. From community celebrations and upcoming programming to grant announcements and information on town services, this edition highlights what’s happening in Pelham. Enjoy the season! 🍁

Pelham Civics Fall Gala

Town Supervisor Dan McLaughlin and Pelham resident Tina Constable will be honored by the Pelham Civic Association as the 2024 Persons of the Year at their Fall Gala on Friday October 25th at the Surf Club. This Pelham tradition brings every corner of the Pelham community together for a night of dinner, cocktails, friends, and fun while honoring our Persons of the Year for all they have given to our community. Tickets are available now. For more information, please contact Fall Gala Chairman, Maurice Owen-Michaane (t) 917-842-5552 (e) [email protected]

The Pelham Children’s Center is hosting its annual Pumpkin Festival Fundraiser on  Saturday October 19th from 9am-2pm with a kids fun run at 9:30am at the Daronco Townhouse and Gazebo lawn Featuring a Kids’ Fun Run – Face painting – Balloon animals – Inflatable slides – Obstacle Course – Pie Eating Contests and a Book Sale, buy a ticket and get as many books as will fit in your bag!  Click here  for more information and to register.

The Annual Town Halloween Parade will take place on Saturday October 26th at 4pm. The parade will assemble at the Pelham Art Center on Fiifth Ave and walk down to the Daronco Townhouse. The event will feature Music by Zev, arts & crafts + Hot dogs and treats! Rain date is Sunday October 26th.

Town Grant Update:

The Town of Pelham has achieved a new designation under NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities program and has been awarded a $30k grant to be used on clean energy initiatives that directly affect greenhouse gas reduction like energy efficient upgrades to municipal buildings, adding solar, installing EV charging stations or planting trees.

The $287k grant awarded to the Town by former Senator Biaggi in 2022 for the Daronco Townhouse has been executed by DASNY and now the plan for the renovations can move forward as part of a larger master plan for the site of the Townhouse and Town Hall.

In 2018, a $325,000 grant from former Senator Klein was awarded to install an elevator in the town hall. However, the project could not proceed due to the 24-hour operation of the Village of Pelham police station located on the first floor. Installing the elevator would have required temporary power outages, which were not feasible for the police station’s continuous operations. The grant was brought to the attention of Senator Fernandez’s office, and with their assistance, the funding was reinstated and extended until August 2027.

EMS

Supervisor McLaughlin, Deputy Supervisor Szymanski, and Gene Ianuzzi, our Pelham Resident EMS expert and members of the EMS team attended the senior meeting on June 24 to discuss emergency services and answer any questions our seniors had .

August Statistics: 95

Pelham: 41

Pelham Manor: 46

I-95: 2

Hutch: 5

  • Average response time for the ambulance and flycar was under 4.8 minutes . 
  • The on-scene time (the time the crew spends treating a patient on-scene) was 18.47 minutes.
  • Transportation time average was 12.92 minutes.   
  • Turnaround time (the EMS cannot be released to come back until there is a report from the hospital) was an average of 29.80 minutes which is a significant improvement over the last two months.

Six-month statistics will be reviewed and analyzed by the Quality Improvement Committee.  They are as follows:

  • Average response time for the ambulance and flycar was under 5 minutes. 
  • The on-scene time  (the time the crew spends treating a patient on-scene) was 18.47 minutes.
  • Transportation time average was 12.80 minutes.   
  • Turnaround time (the EMS cannot be released to come back until there is a report from the hospital) was an average of 28.7 minutes which is a significant improvement over the last two months.

The Courts

The Town of Pelham Court sits regularly on Wednesday mornings for Civil Cases/Village & Town Ordinances/Parking and Moving Violations, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at 20 Fifth Avenue, Pelham, NY.

Criminal Matters – The Pelham Town Court hears cases for all crimes committed in the Villages of Pelham and Pelham Manor.  These matters are prosecuted by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.  Cases are heard on Thursday evenings beginning at 6:00 PM at 20 Fifth Avenue Pelham, NY.  Arraignments, hearings and trials are scheduled as necessary.

For additional information or any questions about the courts, please visit the website here.

The Library

On Thursday, October 10th– The Board of Elections will be at the Library helping voters fill out voter registration forms, absentee ballot applications, and early vote by mail applications. However, all forms must be left with the Board of Elections 

personnel in order to be returned to their office to be processed. Election day is Tuesday, Nov 5th!

Tuesday, October 1 to Saturday, October 21st

The Town of Pelham Public Library is proud to partner with United Way for a coat drive this year. United Way is seeking coats (new or gently used) and accessories (new hats, gloves, and socks). All genders and sizes are accepted. A box is located at the Library by the Carol Place entrance where you can leave your new or gently used donations between 

Managing your career in changing times- Westchester Library System Career Coaching Services presents a free, in-person seminar: “Managing Your Career in Changing Times.” Join this six-week seminar facilitated by a professional career coach to clarify your career direction, explore career alternatives, and learn about the latest job search trends in resumes, interviewing, and LinkedIn. This six-week seminar meets in-person once a week for 90 minutes beginning in October, concluding with an individual career coaching session. A virtual orientation with the career coach is required prior to the seminar, and you are expected to attend all six sessions. This event takes place in person at the Library and registration is required. Please click here to register. For more information about this program please call Career Coaching Services at 914-231-3238, or email [email protected].

Outdoor Story Time at the Library is Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30-11 am- Story Time is designed to enhance early literacy skills and features diverse children’s books in which all children can see themselves represented… plus singing, dancing & fun! Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Story Time will be held outdoors throughout the year, but will be canceled on days when the temperature is above 90° or if it is raining.

K-Day 2024 – The Pelham Public Library issued 119 kids their first library cards on K-Day, a special day when Pelham kindergarteners receive their first library cards. More than 360 people visited the Library on Saturday, September 21st for the big event. In addition, 15 adults and older children signed up for new library cards. More than 550 books were checked out that day.  Activities included a petting zoo and arts and crafts. 

Sept 28th the Friends of the Pelham Library celebrated Booktoberfest– where for one night only the Library lawn became a biergarten —and over 200 attendees  sampled beers from around the world, while enjoying German nibbles, and one lucky winner – Rebecca Scott was the recipient of  a great raffle prize -two tickets to a 2025 Novel Night Dinner of your choice!  The bi-annual event was hosted by Friends of the Town of Pelham Public Library. Novel night is slated for October 4th 2025!

You can find more information by  visiting the library’s website

Recreation

The Pelham Senior Citizen Club meets weekly on Mondays from 1-4pm at the Daronco Townhouse. Participate in meetings, bingo, cards, casino trips and other special events. There is a minimal monthly refreshment collected.

The Town of Pelham in partnership with The Pelham Village and Pelham Manor Police Departments keep a list of senior citizens and residents with special needs who reside in the Village of Pelham and Pelham Manor. This list provides us with important contact information that we can access in the event of adverse weather or power emergencies, such as hurricanes and winter storms. With this information we will be able to contact these residents during emergencies to check on their well-being. Please note contacts should be family members, friends, and neighbors. All of your information will be kept confidential. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Carolyn Veith at the Senior Citizen Advocate Office (914) 738-5004.

Pickleball is happening at Julianne’s Tennis Court. In order to play you must purchase a permit- here’s the link.  Once you have purchased your permit you can then make reservations by clicking here (this also applies to tennis) 

Pickleball is happening at Julianne’s Tennis Court. In order to play you must purchase a permit- here’s the link.  Once you have purchased your permit you can then make reservations by clicking here (this also applies to tennis) 

Did you know?

Your dog is required to have a  license. 

Dog Licenses are available at the Town Clerk’s Office for Village of Pelham residents. The requirements for the license are (1) Village of Pelham Resident, (2) updated paperwork on the  dog, which should include current rabies information and proof of neutered/spayed, (3) Owners I.D. An application can be printed at home and brought to the clerk’s office. Please call the clerk’s office with any questions (914) 738-0777.

Note- Pelham Manor residents must go to the Village Clerk for the  Village of Pelham Manor at 4 Penfield Place to acquire a Dog license. If you have any questions please call Pelham Manor (914) 738-8820.

Important upcoming dates:

Monday, October 7th at 7pm – Town Council Meeting, 2nd floor of Town Hall 34 Fifth Ave.

Thursday, October 10th – Town Budget Workshop, 2nd floor of Town Hall 34 Fifth Ave.

Monday, November 4th at 7pm –  Town Council Meeting, 2nd floor of Town Hall 34 Fifth Ave.