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 coordinated the development of several park-and-rdes to improve commutes for his constituents and secured $50 million for new building for special needs students at PS37/Great Kills High School.
He is chairperson for the New York City Council Committee on Fire and Emergency Management at the New York City Council and is also a member of the Committee on Education, Committee on Parks and Recreation, and the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations.
He also has been involved in the Staten Island Growth Management Task Force, the West Shore Light Rail Task Force, the Brookfield Landfill Citizens Advisory Committee, and helped spearhead the formation of the South Shore Business Improvement District, the largest geographical BID in New York City.
I want to say it has been an honor of a lifetime for me to serve New York City, Borelli said. I grew up in the same zip code as my wife. And serving this community means so much to me and it s been such a privilege to serve for all of these years. My parents are here tonight, along with my son John, Joe, and my lovely wife Rachel. Many thanks to all of you. One of the last things I ll be able to do is to have the privilege to appoint Dr. Khalid to the CCRB (Civilian Complain Review Board). And it s so great to see all of my police people here tonight many of whom have climbed the ranks.
The family of City Councilman Joseph Borelli, center. Dr. Mohammad Khalid is standing right. (The Staten Island Advance’s Steve White)White, Steve
FIRST DEPUTY POLICE COMMISSIONER, TANIA KINSELLA
Tania Kinsella, the former commanding officer of the 120th Police Precinct in St. George, was named the new first deputy police commissioner in July 2023, the second-highest ranking official in the New York City Police Department.
First Deputy Police Commissioner Tania Kinsella (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)White, Steve
From the left, David Lehr, District Attorney Michael McMahon, First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella, Rosanne Clift, Dr. Philip Otterbeck, Dr. Mohammad Khalid and Carol Ann Benanti. (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. Members of the NYPD listen to speakers during the program. (The Staten Island Advance’s Steve White)White, Steve
Kinsella, who had been serving as the executive officer for the chief of patrol since 2022, is the first woman of color to hold the position.
In 2020, she was appointed head of the 120th Precinct.
Kinsella s history with the 120th Precinct dates back to 2003, when she was assigned there as a patrol officer shortly after graduating from the city s Police Academy.
She would go on to serve as a lieutenant with the Community Affairs Unit on Staten Island, a captain with the 120th Police Precinct and later a precinct commander for Police Service Area 1 in Coney Island.
She also held positions at the 13th Police Precinct in Manhattan and most recently served as the executive officer of the Office of the Chief of Patrol, where she was subsequently promoted to deputy chief
Prior to presenting the award to Kinsella, Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon recounted a story about the time Kinsella interrupted a burglary in progress when she was off duty and relaxing poolside with her children. After taking notice of the unusual circumstances, she called for backup and sprung into action.
From the left, David Lehr, District Attorney, Michael McMahon, Dr. Philip Otterbeck, First Deputy Police Commissioner Tania Kinsella and Dr. Mohammad Khalid. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)Steve White
And if I had to do it all over again, I would, said Kinsella. I am so happy to be serving in this borough, the best borough is Staten Island. It s also the best because Staten Island Borough Commander Melissa Eger is amazing and is where she belongs. To everyone in this room tonight, never stop believing. We have unity on Staten Island and that s what makes it so special. For my two children, Madison and Evan, it s very important that they see what public service is about. My children and my friends watched me grow. I have a village to help me. Dr. Khalid, thank you for appreciating law enforcement and what we hdo.
Dr. Shaheen Khalid, second from left, and friends. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)Steve White
Tonight we recognized the NYPD and the elected officials here tonight, Dr. Philip Otterbeck, vice president of the Iron Hills Civic Association, noted. And thank you for all you do to make good things happen and for all you are doing to make Staten Island the best borough in New York City.
From the left, Michele Otterbeck, Dr. Philip Otterbeck, Philip Otterbeck, Victoria Otterbeck, Victoria Spagnola and Ava Otterbeck. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)Steve White
From the left, Maureen McNamara, Dr. Mohammad Khalid and Farrah Hussain. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)Steve White
From the left, Brian Laline, Sam Farag, Fran Lehr and Peter Montanti.(Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)Steve White
Carol Guinta, Borough Commander Melissa Eger and Fred Guinta. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)Steve White
From the left, Stacey and Peter Montanti and Peter Montanti Sr. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)Steve White
Elina and Anthony Aliffi. (Steve White for the Staten Island Advance)Steve White
THE IRON HILLS CIVIC ASSOCIATION
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. There are nearly 1,200 members. For additional information about the Iron Hills Civic Association, phone Maureen McNamara at 718 948-7000.
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