NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - With 2024 drawing to a close, we take a look back at some of the most noteworthy stories in our community from the last 12 months. Everyone at North Salem News hopes that all of our readers have a happy and healthy new year!
Tigers Triumphant
The 2024 season will go down in history, as the boys soccer team brought the state championship back to North Salem. The Tigers defeated the Allegany-Limestone Gators in a 2-1 thriller on Nov. 16 at Middletown High School. The win also marked the third state title for Coach Ron Hendrie.
Superintendent VanDerStuyf
In October, the North Salem Central School District Board of Education voted unanimously to permanently appoint Dr. Adam VanDerStuyf as the new superintendent. VanDerStuyf had been acting superintendent since July after then-superintendent Dr. Duncan Wilson was placed on administrative leave.
Lucas and Kamenstein Honored
The community turned out in force to salute two long-time public servants for their efforts and excellence on April 6. Honored at an event organized by the North Salem Republican Town Committee were Supervisor Warren Lucas, who marked his 15th anniversary in that role in March, and Deputy Supervisor Peter Kamenstein, who hit the 14-year milestone in January.
Women of Distinction
Four North Salem residents joined the prestigious club of women who have made a big difference in their communities. Receiving the 2024 Westchester Women of Distinction award from Assemblyman Chris Burdick were Cynthia Curtis, Mary Kane, Mary Molina, and Karen Roach. The ceremony took place at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center on June 18.
Remembering Tim Purdy
Lifelong North Salem resident Thomas Lyon Purdy III (Tim) died peacefully on June 29, at age 88. He was involved in many town organizations, including Ruth Keeler Memorial Library, the North Salem Historical Society, the North Salem Improvement Society, and the North Salem Bridle Trails Association. Purdy was also in charge of the Christmas Eve bonfire at the town Christmas Tree celebrations, and his family had a longstanding commitment to the town, having arrived in the area in the mid-1700s.
Moving On Up
Pedestrian safety and accessibility for the mobility challenged took a giant step forward at the Purdy’s Metro-North station in North Salem with the official opening of a new street-level elevator and an ADA-compliant sidewalk in February. The town began advocating for the upgrades years ago after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority decided that the aging metal stairs leading from Route 116 to the station below were beyond repair and abandoned them.
Storm Surge
Residents lost power, roads were blocked, and homes were damaged, but fortunately no serious injuries were reported during a storm that swept through the area on the evening of June 23. Three giant oak trees were snapped in half at Peach Pond Cemetery and a cottage in Vails Grove was crushed by a falling tree.
Universal Pre-K Launches
Pequenakonck Elementary School made history this fall by launching its first Universal Pre-Kindergarten program, welcoming 33 enthusiastic three- and four-year-olds into the learning community. The program is a result of extensive planning and community input, and aims to provide a strong foundation for these budding minds and build connections within the school community. UPK is funded by the New York State Education Department and focuses on play-based learning, literacy, numeracy skills, and social-emotional development.
Tigers Run at States
Four members of North Salem’s cross country team competed at the state championship meet in November. Junior Marissa Ferrara finished 54th on the day with sophomore Freyja Smith directly behind in 55th place. For the boys team, freshman Drew Karam finished 60th and senior Jack Fryer closed out his high school career by finishing 76th.
New Farmers Market
North Salem’s Artisanal Farmers Market arrived in May and became an instant hit with the community. Launched by Jonas Andersen and Natalie Marie Gehrels, proprietors of Folkway Wines in Croton Falls, the market featured about 20 vendors offering everything from vegetables, fruit, baked goods, and flowers to meats, cheeses, eggs, and spirits.
Malvino & Bridges Join BOE
North Salem’s $50.5 million school budget – its largest ever – and a pair of propositions both passed handily in May. Voters also elected newcomers Elizabeth Malvino and Elizabeth Bridges (Grob) to two open seats on the Board of Education. Bridges was the highest vote-getter, with 402 votes. Malvino came in second with 300 and incumbent trustee Paul Giamundo, who had been on the board for 18 years, was third with 276.
No Hit Wonder
Softball’s Chloe Matt pitched her way into the record books in April by tossing a no-hitter against Alexander Hamilton. Matt struck out 10 batters to lead the Tigers to a big 15-0 win.
Remembering Herb Geller
Beloved North Salem resident Herb Geller passed away on February 29 at the age of 102. Geller served as a commander of the North Salem American Legion Post 1866, and was heavily involved in local politics in Westchester County throughout his life. He also led the town’s Memorial Day parade for more than 30 years.
400 for Hendrie
Longtime boys soccer coach Ron Hendrie earned his 400th career victory this fall. The Tigers topped Pawling 6-2 on Oct. 9 to secure the milestone win.
Farm Blaze
A local farm dodged disaster in January when members of the Croton Falls Fire Department raced to the scene of a reported barn fire on Vail Lane. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze before it could spread to a pair of wooden barns nearby. Members of the North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps were also standing by at the scene. After an investigation by the Westchester County Cause and Origin Team, it was determined that the fire was caused by an electrical issue.
Carol Reif also contributed to this report.
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