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Community Corner

Woman Turns 90, Donates Birthday Gifts to Hospital

A Peekskill woman asked friends and family to donate to the Hudson Valley Hospital Center rather than give her birthday presents for her 90th birthday.

 Alyce Preisel celebrated her 90th birthday on March 17 the way she has celebrated most other days in her life – by giving to others.

 Preisel, who has given so much to her community over the years, gave a little more last week by asking her friends and family to donate to Hudson Valley Hospital Center in lieu of giving her birthday gifts.

“According to those who know her well, this is right in character with what Alyce has done most of her life,’’ said John C. Federspiel, President of Hudson Valley Hospital Center. “We are very moved by this gift and wish Alyce a very happy 90th birthday.’’

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For the past 17 years, Alyce has volunteered at Hudson Valley, greeting patients and working at the Hospital’s information desk. She also serves on the Hospitality Shop Committee and has been a valuable member of Hudson Valley Hospital’s Auxiliary Board for 27 years. From chairing programs to raising money, Alyce has always stepped in to help wherever it’s needed.

“Alyce Preisel is an energetic, caring woman who gives so much to Hudson Valley Hospital Center and the community she lives in, her credo is ‘Let me know what I can do to help.’ She is a role model for other volunteers and many of our staff members,’’ said Tonja Inlaw, Director of Volunteer Services at 

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Alyce lived in New York City before moving to Peekskill in 1952. With her husband, Jack, they raised four children of their own. In addition, they became foster boarding parents to 50 infants over the years through Adoption Services of Westchester. 

Alyce worked as a secretary at St. Columbanus School for 20 years. She still is active in the church and continues to help in the school as a volunteer teachers’ aid when she is not at the hospital.

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