The 2026 Spring Collection: New Board Members to Expand Our Reach

The Friends are pleased to introduce four talented individuals to join our Board of Directors! Our newest colleagues care deeply about trail upkeep, the Keeper’s House and the history of the Old Croton Aqueduct.

The Board now numbers fifteen people – from eight Westchester towns and The Bronx – who feel honored to give back to our state’s public lands. You might run across one of us at movie night, events or while walking; find out what we’re up to and tell us what’s on your mind! Or contact us HERE.

Please read about our newest Board members below.

All my best,

Lesley Yu Walter, President

Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct

Peter Capek

Peter Capek is presently on the Board of (Hudson River Sloop) Clearwater, reaching his term this fall after nine years, and was also a long-standing trustee of the Ossining Public Library. He is retired from IBM Research in Yorktown. He has a deep interest in the Old Croton Aqueduct and the engineering of New York City’s entire water supply system. Peter hopes to help the Friends in many ways, not the least of which is by wielding his grant writing skills.

Hillel Gedrich

Hillel Gedrich has lived in the River Villages for most of his adult life and is currently a long-time resident of Dobbs Ferry. He worked as an entertainment and media business lawyer, later moving into telecommunications and general corporate law.

For several years Hillel has volunteered at the Keeper’s House. In that time he mentored new docents, worked with the Parks Manager to install a dehumidifier and recently added a range extender to the Wi-Fi. Hillel brings to our Board a strong commitment to historic preservation. He would like to focus on the physical preservation of the Keeper’s House and the Aqueduct trail. He would seek to involve more members in the organization’s activities and would strive to increase coordination between the Friends and local town historical societies and arts organizations.

Hillel has also served as the volunteer Treasurer and President of a 63-household community water system on Cape Cod. He was responsible for preparing budgets and working with the state Department of Environmental Conservation on oversight and system expansion. Hillel also volunteers as a driver for local organization TRA that provides rides to elderly and disabled individuals for medical appointments.

Sara Kelsey

Sara Kelsey has been involved since 2006 as a member and, for several years, as a Board member of The Friends. She welcomes the opportunity to rejoin the Board since the Old Croton Aqueduct appeals to her many interests in history, water, walking in the woods, teaching, engineering and architecture.

Ever since past President Mavis Cain invited her to act as guide in 2008 along with our archivist Tom Tarnowsky, you can often find Sara leading walks. In addition she coordinates a cadre of talented walk leaders who weave stories along the 26 miles of State Park trail, and on down to the 42nd Street Library.

Sara serves as a Board member of both the Irvington Historical Society and the Irvington Public Library. An attorney for many years, she specializes in banking law but hasn’t quite managed to retire.

Norma Silva

Norma Silva has devoted many years to volunteer service with Westchester Parks Foundation, Groundwork Lower Hudson, Friends of Van Cortlandt Park and the Vine Cutters Meet-Up Group. In Yonkers she cares for two pollinator gardens at Sutherland Park, and organizes the annual I Love My Park Day event on the aqueduct trail that runs inside Tibbetts Brook Park. Her skills reflect a strong commitment to trail stewardship and horticultural work.

Norma has successfully walked the full length of the aqueduct trail, earning both her 26-mile and 41-mile badges! She notes that several sections in Yonkers would benefit from additional care and believes that service on the Board will help her advocate for much-needed improvements. Finally, her impressive ability to connect with numerous other organizations will be of great benefit to our work.