New York’s Staten Island. The Iron Hills Civic Association hosts an annual winter meeting and supper at the Richmond County Country Club to kick off the most joyous and delightful time of year every year.
About 200 people attend the joyous evening, including elected officials, community leaders, and friends and family.
Dr. Mohammad Khalid, the association’s president since 1996, co-chairs the annual Yuletide event with Rosanne Clift, the board secretary, and Carol Ann Benanti, a board member and columnist/features writer for the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com.
The Richmond County Country Club hosted the annual Christmas luncheon for the Iron Hills Civic Association. Assemblyman Michael Tannousis, Carol Ann Benanti, Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo, City Councilman Joseph Borelli, Dr. Philip Otterbeck, Dr. Mohammad Khalid, Rosanne Clift, and David Lehr are shown from the left. (The Staten Island Advance’s Steve White)White, Steve
Tania Kinsella, the first deputy police commissioner, and Joseph C. Borelli, the minority leader of the New York City Council for the South Shore of Staten Island, were recognized for their commitment and community service.
GREETINGS
I would like to extend my congratulations to Donald Trump, the newly elected president of the United States, on behalf of the Iron Hills Civic Association of Staten Island. Dr. Khalid added, “And we know that he will make America great again.”
CITY COUNCILMAN Joseph Borelli
The successful removal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from public school buildings was made possible in large part by Borelli.
Councilman Joseph Borelli (Staten Island Advance Steve White)White, Steve
He obtained $50 million for a new building for special needs kids at PS37/Great Kills High School and oversaw the construction of multiple park-and-rides to enhance commuting for his constituents.
At the New York City Council, he serves as the chair of the committee on fire and emergency management. He is also a member of the committees on education, parks and recreation, cultural affairs, libraries, and international intergroup relations.
Additionally, he has participated in the Brookfield Landfill Citizens Advisory Committee, the West Shore Light Rail Task Force, the Staten Island Growth Management Task Force, and he spearheaded the creation of the South Shore Business Improvement District, which is the largest geographical BID in New York City.
“I want to say that serving New York City has been an honor of a lifetime,” Borelli remarked. I grew up in the same zip code as my wife. And it has been such an honor to serve this community for all these years, and it means a lot to me. My parents are here tonight, along with my son John, Joe, and my lovely wife Rachel. Many thanks to all of you. The honor of having Dr. Khalid appointed to the CCRB (Civilian Complain Review Board) is one of my final options. And seeing all of my police officers here tonight—many of whom have advanced through the ranks—is fantastic.
City Councilman Joseph Borelli’s family, center. The doctor, Muhammad Khalid, is on the right. (The Staten Island Advance’s Steve White)White, Steve
Tani Kinsella, the first deputy police commissioner
The new first deputy police commissioner, the second-highest ranking official in the New York City Police Department, was appointed in July 2023 to replace Tania Kinsella, the previous commanding officer of the 120th Police Precinct in St. George.
Tania Kinsella, the first deputy police commissioner (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)White, Steve
David Lehr, Carol Ann Benanti, Dr. Philip Otterbeck, Dr. Mohammad Khalid, Rosanne Clift, First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella, and District Attorney Michael McMahon are seen from the left. (The Staten Island Advance’s Steve White)White, Steve
The Richmond County Country Club hosted the annual Christmas luncheon for the Iron Hills Civic Association. During the event, NYPD officers listen to speakers. (The Staten Island Advance’s Steve White)White, Steve
Kinsella is the first woman of color to serve as the chief of patrol’s executive officer, having held the role since 2022.
She was given command of the 120th Precinct in 2020.
Shortly after completing the city’s Police Academy, Kinsella was posted to the 120th Precinct as a patrol officer in 2003, marking the beginning of her involvement with the unit.
She would later become a captain with the 120th Police Precinct, a lieutenant with the Community Affairs Unit on Staten Island, and eventually the precinct commander for Police Service Area 1 in Coney Island.
She previously worked at the 13th Police Precinct in Manhattan, and most recently, she was promoted to deputy chief after serving as the executive officer of the Office of the Chief of Patrol.
Before giving Kinsella the medal, Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon told a tale of how, while off duty and lounging by the pool with her kids, Kinsella stopped a burglary in progress. Seeing the strange situation, she immediately asked for help and took action.
District Attorney David Lehr, Michael McMahon, Dr. Philip Otterbeck, First Deputy Police Commissioner Tania Kinsella, and Dr. Muhammad Khalid are pictured from the left. (The Staten Island Advance’s Steve White)White, Steve
“And I would do it all over again if I had to,” Kinsella said. Staten Island is the best borough, and I am thrilled to be serving here. Additionally, it’s the best because Melissa Eger, the Borough Commander of Staten Island, is outstanding and belongs there. Keep believing, everyone in this room tonight. The thing that makes Staten Island so unique is our solidarity. It’s crucial that my two kids, Madison and Evan, understand the value of public service. My friends and kids saw me develop. To assist me, I have a village. Thank you for recognizing law enforcement and what we do, Dr. Khalid.
Friends and Dr. Shaheen Khalid, second from left. (The Staten Island Advance’s Steve White)White, Steve
Dr. Philip Otterbeck, vice president of the Iron Hills Civic Association, stated that the NYPD and the elected officials present were honored tonight. And I want to express my gratitude for everything you do to make positive things happen and for your ongoing efforts to make Staten Island the greatest borough in NYC.
Ava Otterbeck, Victoria Otterbeck, Dr. Philip Otterbeck, Philip Otterbeck, and Michele Otterbeck are pictured from the left. (The Staten Island Advance’s Steve White)White, Steve
Maureen McNamara, Farrah Hussain, and Dr. Muhammad Khalid are pictured from the left. (The Staten Island Advance’s Steve White)White, Steve
Fran Lehr, Peter Montanti, Sam Farag, and Brian Laline are pictured on the left.(The Staten Island Advance’s Steve White)White, Steve
Fred Guinta, Carol Guinta, and Melissa Eger, the Borough Commander. (The Staten Island Advance’s Steve White)White, Steve
Stacey, Peter Montanti, and Peter Montanti Sr. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance) are pictured on the left.White, Steve
Anthony Aliffi and Elina. (The Staten Island Advance’s Steve White)White, Steve
The Civil Association of Iron Hills
The Iron Hills Civic Association Inc. was established in 1964 and represents the neighborhoods of Todt Hill and Dongan Hills Colony. The founders of the civic association chose the name Iron Hills to honor the history of the numerous iron mines in the area that were prevalent centuries ago. Almost 1,200 people are members. For additional information about the Iron Hills Civic Association, phone Maureen McNamara at 718 948-7000.
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