White Plains, NY — The Westchester County Board of Legislators on Monday celebrated three outstanding leaders -- Claire O’Gara Grimes, ground-breaking female journalist, and former owner and publisher of the Irish Echo; William J. Powers, media personality, and the voice and face of the Peekskill St. Patrick’s Day Parade; and Thomas G. Tuffy, Trustee of the County Sligo Social & Benevolent Association, and owner of TG Tuffy Interiors, Inc. in Yonkers -- as part of the Board's annual Irish History and Heritage celebration.

The annual celebration was kicked off by a lively performance by the Pipes and Drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester.

In his opening remarks, Board Chairman Ben Boykin (D - White Plains, Scarsdale, Harrison) noted, "There's no separating the history of this County with the history of the Irish people in Westchester. Irish history in Westchester goes all the way back to the Colonial era. At that time, many of Westchester's Irish residents came here as educators bringing their knowledge, intellect and a spirit of service to communities throughout this County, as spirit which persists today.”

Legislator Kitley S. Covill (D –Bedford, Lewisboro, Mt. Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers) presented the first proclamation to journalism trailblazer, Claire O’Gara Grimes. She said, “The Irish Echo is the voice of Irish America and I am so pleased to honor Claire O’Gara Grimes for having the courage to continue her husband’s legacy as publisher and owner of this vital media resource for so many years.”

Ms. Grimes thanked the Chairman and the Board by saying, “thank you so much for allowing us to wave the Irish flag today and salute this wee country which has produced four Poet Laureates and five Nobel peace prize winners. While at the helm of the Irish Echo, I had the pleasure of chronicling Irish influence around the world, and espousing faith, family and country which are at the heart of Irish culture.”

Legislator Colin D. Smith (D – Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown) gave the second proclamation to Peekskill personality William J. Powers. Smith said, “Mr. Powers has been a fixture in the Peekskill business community for many years, as well as a veteran member the St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee. I’ve personally known Bill for several years and have long admired his dedication to his community. He is a humble man who rarely seeks the spotlight, and most deserving of this recognition.”

Mr. Powers recalled the bagpipes and firetrucks of the St. Patrick’s Day parades of his childhood, and how much he has enjoyed celebrating his Irish heritage as parade announcer in Peekskill for the past 30 years. He said, “The only time I missed being the announcer was the night I served as Grand Marshal, after which my mother said to me with tears in her eyes ‘This is the best night of my life’…”

Legislator David J. Tubiolo (D – Yonkers, Mt. Vernon) gave the third proclamation to Thomas G. Tuffy of Yonkers. Among his words of praise he said, “We have some very special people who help make our vibrant Irish community ‘home’ and one of these esteemed people, is none other than our very own Thomas G. Tuffy, who has truly demonstrated ‘meitheal’, which is Gaelic for helping one’s neighbor and giving back to the community.”

Mr. Tuffy responded, “I am especially delighted to receive this honor along with Claire and Bill, who have done so much in their own communities. I accept this on behalf of my parents who are alive and well in County Sligo, and who instilled in me the value of contributing to the community and giving back. Thank you to my wife and children for supporting me and allowing me to serve…”

(PICTURED ABOVE L to R:, Leg. Colin D. Smith; Board Chair Ben Boykin; honorees Thomas G. Tuffy, Claire O’Gara Grimes & William J. Powers; Leg. Kitley S. Covill and Leg. David J. Tubiolo)

(L to R: Board Chair Ben Boykin, Claire O’Gara Grime, Leg. Kitley S. Covill)

(L to R: Board Chair Ben Boykin, William J. Powers, Leg. Colin D. Smith)

 
(L to R: Board Chair Ben Boykin, Thomas G. Tuffy, Leg. David J. Tubiolo)