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Pelham Examiner

Pelham Examiner

Pelham Examiner

Gillian Ho, Deputy Managing Editor

Gillian Ho is a senior at the Horace Mann School. She has been a Pelham resident since 2016 and has written for the Pelham Examiner since its start in 2018. In school, Gillian writes for her school’s newspaper and participates in public forum debate. She hopes to pursue journalism in college. During her free time, she fences in and out of school.

All content by Gillian Ho
Kate Douglass sets two world records for Team USA in women's 200m IM, 4x100m freestyle relay

Kate Douglass sets two world records for Team USA in women’s 200m IM, 4x100m freestyle relay

By Gillian Ho, Deputy Managing Editor
December 10, 2024

Kate Douglass began the 2024 Short Course World Championships in Budapest, Hungary with a splash by breaking a decade-old world record in the 200 IM. Additionally, Team USA, consisting of Pelham native...

(Photo: World Aquatics on Twitter)

Kate Douglass breaks two more American records on road to winning World Aquatics Swimming World Cup

By Gillian Ho, Deputy Managing Editor
November 2, 2024

Pelham native Kate Douglass became women's champion of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup after breaking the U.S. short-course 50m butterfly and 100m freestyle records in the competition's final meet...

Kate Douglass swimming at the University of Virginia.

PMHS alumna Kate Douglass breaks 200m breaststroke world record at World Aquatics Swimming World Cup

By Gillian Ho, Deputy Managing Editor
October 26, 2024

Pelham native Kate Douglass broke the short course 200m breaststroke world record at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in Incheon, South Korea, on Thursday.  The PMHS alumna finished with a time...

Foto Feature: All kinds of costumes as families march down Fifth Avenue in annual town Halloween parade

Foto Feature: All kinds of costumes as families march down Fifth Avenue in annual town Halloween parade

By Gillian Ho, Deputy Managing Editor
October 26, 2024

  Pelham families walked from Pelham Art Center to the Daronco Town House on Fifth Avenue Saturday to celebrate Halloween. Pelham Memorial High School music students led the parade alongside...

Pelham resident offers her jewelry creations and classes at new boutique LOR AINÉ 1986 in Larchmont

Pelham resident offers her jewelry creations and classes at new boutique LOR AINÉ 1986 in Larchmont

By Gillian Ho, Deputy Managing Editor
September 23, 2024

At 2085 Boston Post Road, you'll find Ariane Lauer running LOR AINÉ 1986, her new boutique curating jewelry and accessories for greater Westchester.  Lauer started out as a florist before learning...

Portion of Fifth Avenue closed by fire in manhole Thursday evening

Portion of Fifth Avenue closed by fire in manhole Thursday evening

By Gillian Ho, Deputy Managing Editor
July 19, 2024

Police cars and fire trucks closed down a portion of Fifth Avenue on Thursday evening to deal with a fire in a manhole, according to the Village of Pelham Fire Department. A Pelham police officer...

(Source: Google Maps)

Mount Vernon Stop & Shop to close alongside 31 stores across five states

By Gillian Ho, Deputy Managing Editor
July 19, 2024

The Mount Vernon Stop & Shop at 240 East Sandford Blvd. will close alongside 31 underperforming stores, according to the Stop & Shop website. The mass closure is the result of the company's...

The Village of Pelham is seeking to install an underground reservoir and a pump station in the area of the tennis courts at Julianne's Playground. (Source: Google Maps)

Village of Pelham to conduct geotechnical testing at Julianne’s Playground July 10-12, 15

By Gillian Ho, Deputy Managing Editor
July 9, 2024

The Village of Pelham will be conducting geotechnical testing at Julianne's Playground on July 10-12 and July 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to an email from Mayor Chance Mullen. While the playground...

More than 800 sign petition calling for ballot proposition on moving Village of Pelham Manor elections to November

More than 800 sign petition calling for ballot proposition on moving Village of Pelham Manor elections to November

By Gillian Ho, Deputy Managing Editor
July 2, 2024

More than 800 voters signed a petition calling for a ballot proposition on moving the Pelham Manor village elections from March to November, according to a press release Monday from the Committee to Move...

Building for sale sign posted on Pelham Bakery door.

Snapshot: Pelham Bakery storefront is for sale

By Gillian Ho, Deputy Managing Editor
June 22, 2024

The Village of Pelham is seeking to install an underground reservoir and a pump station in the area of the tennis courts at Julianne's Playground. (Source: Google Maps)

Eminent domain hearing: Seven oppose, one backs Village of Pelham plan for Julianne’s park; school district, Pelham Manor reps speak

By Gillian Ho and Ava Paolucci
June 22, 2024

During a public hearing required under state eminent domain law, the Village of Pelham Board of Trustees heard Tuesday from seven community members opposed to condemning parts of the school district's...

Kate Douglass wins the Olympic qualifier in the 100m freestyle. (NBC Sports)

Pelham’s Kate Douglass qualifies for Paris Summer Olympics

By Gillian Ho, Deputy Managing Editor
June 21, 2024

Pelham's Kate Douglass is going back to the Olympics. Douglass will be swimming in the Paris games this summer after qualifying in the 100m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay and 200m breaststroke during...

Blueprint of the outdoor classroom. (Courtesy of Nicole Giglio)

Prospect Hill plans outdoor classroom that will offer hands-on learning about nature and Planet Earth

By Gillian Ho, Deputy Managing Editor
June 19, 2024

A committee at Prospect Hill Elementary School is working on creating an outdoor classroom on the campus. After completing the project, three elementary schools in the district will have such outdoor learning...

Members of the Pelham village board during the work session.

Village of Pelham board hears details on pumps, reservoir proposed for Julianne’s park, but says nothing new on acquiring land

By Gillian Ho, Contributing Editor
May 2, 2024

The Village of Pelham Board of Trustees reviewed in detail the diesel pumps and underground reservoir recommended for Julianne's Playground during a work session last Tuesday on the proposed overhaul of...

Deputy town supervisor reports significant improvements in response time with new ambulance

Deputy town supervisor reports significant improvements in response time with new ambulance

By Gillian Ho, Contributing Editor
April 3, 2024

The new Pelham ambulance staffed by the Eastchester Volunteer Ambulance Corps improved emergency medical response significantly in January and February, said Deputy Town Supervisor Rae Szymanski in...

Flooding at train trestle on Highbrook Avenue. (Pelham Examiner file photo)

Village of Pelham flooding: Possible $39 million price tag to upgrade rainwater sewers

By Kiran Schwaderer and Gillian Ho
November 21, 2023

The Village of Pelham will have to spend as much as $39 million to improve the rainwater drainage systems in the areas of north Pelham and Highbrook Avenue in order to reduce the flooding that occurs during...

Pelham residents: Send us pictures of your Halloween decorations to publish

Pelham residents: Send us pictures of your Halloween decorations to publish

By Gillian Ho
October 25, 2023

The Pelham Examiner is requesting photos of your home Halloween decorations to showcase in the newspaper. Any and all displays are welcome– from artsy jack-o-lanterns to spooky cobwebs. Send a picture...

(Courtesy Google Maps)

After daughter’s injury in collision, mother voices concerns about intersection to Pelham village board

By Gillian Ho, Contributing Editor
October 12, 2023

Sandy Iyer-Horan of 68 Young Avenue voiced concerns about the intersection of Boulevard and Cliff Avenue during the Sept. 26 Village of Pelham board meeting after she was in a two-car accident that injured...

Pelham Village Hall.

Village of Pelham board votes to add parental leave policy for employees, makes Corlies block no parking

By Gillian Ho, Contributing Editor
August 26, 2023

The Village of Pelham Board of Trustees unanimously approved Aug. 8 a resolution amending the employee handbook to incorporate a parental leave policy for non-union employees. The board also unanimously...

Artist rendering of rebuilt parking lot at Sixth Avenue and  Third Street,

Village of Pelham board votes to borrow $3.96 million for municipal center, parking garage, vehicles

By Gillian Ho, Contributing Editor
July 26, 2023

The Village of Pelham Board of Trustees voted unanimously July 11 to issue $2.78 million in bonds for the new municipal center now under construction, $1 million for improvements to the parking garage...

County bases ambulance at nearby park while Pelham negotiates new EMS deal; residents again ask town board for improved coverage

County bases ambulance at nearby park while Pelham negotiates new EMS deal; residents again ask town board for improved coverage

By Gillian Ho, Contributing Editor
July 6, 2023

Westchester County will temporarily base an ambulance at Wilson Woods Park to respond in Pelham, New Rochelle and Mount Vernon when local services are engaged elsewhere, according to a June 28 announcement...

Pelham Pilates Studio, Pelham's new workout spot, offers customized services

Pelham Pilates Studio, Pelham’s new workout spot, offers customized services

By Gillian Ho, Contributing Editor
June 16, 2023

Pelham's new Pilates studio, Pelham Pilates Studio will host classes with different focuses such as core strength and flexibility. The studio is located at 231 Wolfs Lanes and opened on April 29. "Our...

DaniLee's Helping Hands expands into space next door to add tutoring for older kids

DaniLee’s Helping Hands expands into space next door to add tutoring for older kids

By Gillian Ho, Contributing Editor
May 1, 2023

DaniLee's Helping Hands at 253 Wolfs Lane recently underwent renovations and is expanding the childcare center into the building next door to add tutoring workshops for older students and skills classes...

Two constables sworn in at Town of Pelham board meeting

Two constables sworn in at Town of Pelham board meeting

By Gillian Ho, Contributing Editor
March 20, 2023

Town of Pelham Supervisor Dan McLaughlin swore in two new town constables, Corey Dawkins and Ray Mena, at the council meeting March 6. Currently, Dawkins is the director of campus facilities and administrative...

Daronco Town House

Town of Pelham board seeks grant to make Daronco Town House more senior friendly

By Gillian Ho, Contributing Editor
December 14, 2022

In response to a resident who requested more funding be allocated to senior citizens, Councilwoman Maura Curtin said during the Dec. 5 town board meeting that Pelham is seeking a grant to make the Daronco...

Pelham Town Council votes to make town an ambulance district and send out RFP for new services

Pelham Town Council votes to make town an ambulance district and send out RFP for new services

By Gillian Ho, Contributing Editor
November 14, 2022

The Pelham Town Council unanimously approved Nov. 7 a resolution making the town an ambulance district and then voted in favor of a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a company to provide ambulance service...

Pizza Fenice gives owner John Gristina outlet for life-long passion

Pizza Fenice gives owner John Gristina outlet for life-long passion

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
September 13, 2022

Mount Vernon resident John Gristina opened Pizza Fenice at 304 Fifth Ave. in the spring, but he's not new to the business. He had worked in his father's pizzeria from the time he was young. His passion...

Pernil Plate

Review: Café Latino serves up a new style in Pelham

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
August 22, 2022

Spanish-Mexican-Dominican restaurant Café Latino opened in place of GoGreek in April. With there being few restaurants that serve the same cuisine as Café Latino does in Pelham, I was excited to try...

Grace Kiamie attends Michael Feinstein's ‘life-changing’ songbook academy

Grace Kiamie attends Michael Feinstein’s ‘life-changing’ songbook academy

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
August 3, 2022

Rising PMHS sophomore Grace Kiamie attended Michael Feinstein's Songbook Academy, a week-long intensive for high-school students interested in musical theater and singing, where she was mentored by cross-over...

Oscar nominee 'King Richard' serves up grand slam

Oscar nominee ‘King Richard’ serves up grand slam

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
April 18, 2022

Richard Williams wanted more for his daughters than the streets of Compton, California. He wanted the life and respect for them he never received. In Warner Bros. Pictures' "King Richard", the world finally...

What's on your plate this Thanksgiving? Classic holiday foods ranked

What’s on your plate this Thanksgiving? Classic holiday foods ranked

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
November 22, 2021

Thanksgiving is one of the best food holidays of the year. A giant table of nothing but edibles and drinks. However, some foods on the table reign supreme while others are very much overrated. 1. Apple...

'Babysitter's Club' blossoms in the second season, with representation throughout

‘Babysitter’s Club’ blossoms in the second season, with representation throughout

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
November 8, 2021

"The Babysitter's Club" is based off the book series by Ann M. Martin, with notable actors and actresses including Alicia Silverstone, Sophie Grace, and Momona Tamada. On October 11, the second season...

'The D'Amelio Show:' Repetitive eight episodes highlighting negatives of rise to fame

‘The D’Amelio Show:’ Repetitive eight episodes highlighting negatives of rise to fame

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
October 8, 2021

Charli D'Amelio is the most followed TikTok creator, consisting of over 124.6M followers. Her parents, Marc D'Amelio and Heidi D'Amelio, and sister Dixie D'Amelio, are also some of TikTok's most popular...

Some of Hometown Athletics' student-athlete coaches listed on the company's website.

Hometown Athletics again connecting kids with student-athlete coaches after NCAA restrictions lifted

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
September 10, 2021

Hometown Athletics launched last year to connect student-athletes with kids for coaching and training in Westchester County, but was forced to temporarily shut down due to the controversial NCAA rules...

Review: Immersive van Gogh is fascinating approach to viewing art

Review: Immersive van Gogh is fascinating approach to viewing art

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
August 13, 2021

The typical art museum displays pieces of art in frames in a large building for you to walk around and view. The new Immersive Van Gogh exhibit in New York City, however, allows you to "walk in" to...

What makes a sound trend on TikTok?

What makes a sound trend on TikTok?

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
October 5, 2020

TikTok, formerly known as Musical.ly, is a smartphone-based social network with 15 and 60 second videos of anything from dancing to arts and fashion. TikTok users can choose to use their own original...

Wise Hardware on Fifth Avenue stayed open as an essential business.

Some downtown retailers battle tough times as Covid-19 pandemic stretches on

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
August 18, 2020

Shops in Pelham are handling the Covid-19 pandemic in different ways—whether it is going virtual or staying open—and the crisis has caused tough times for some establishments. GoGreek, an eatery located...

Data shows social distancing most effective measure again Covid-19

Data shows social distancing most effective measure again Covid-19

By Gillian Ho, Staff Writer
June 1, 2020

The Covid-19 outbreak has caused billions of people around the world to quarantine in their homes and only leave for necessities. Social distancing, which began about two and a half months ago, has closed...

Virtual visits to museums, zoos and aquariums take you to world's great tourist attractions

Virtual visits to museums, zoos and aquariums take you to world’s great tourist attractions

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
May 1, 2020

Many museums in places like Paris, London and Berlin have transitioned to virtual, online tours so those sitting out the coronavirus pandemic at home can visit via computer screens. You don’t need a...

The beautiful little island that offers big fun: Bermuda

The beautiful little island that offers big fun: Bermuda

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
September 30, 2019

BERMUDA— Bermuda is a beautiful island with lots of beaches, churches and shops to keep you entertained for an entire vacation. The island has three main regions: Hamilton, St. George and Royal Naval...

Norwegian Escape cruise ship: So many activities, great food and friendly staff

Norwegian Escape cruise ship: So many activities, great food and friendly staff

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
August 5, 2019

Norwegian Escape, a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, was staffed by friendly people and offered delicious food and so many activities during a recent seven-day vacation to Bermuda. As soon as passengers...

Restaurant review: Sakura is a place to visit if you're craving Japanese

Restaurant review: Sakura is a place to visit if you’re craving Japanese

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
March 25, 2019

I don’t eat out that often, but whenever I do, I try my hardest to eat at a Japanese restaurant. Pelham's Sakura is a perfect place to eat. It’s local, inexpensive, and has great quality in their dishes. Whenever...

The view of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak

Hong Kong and Shanghai provide great museums, attractions and sightseeing

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
January 17, 2019

Hong Kong and Shanghai are two beautiful places to visit, with world class museums, incredible cityscapes, amazing walks and amusement parks for a fun break from touring. The Shanghai Science and Technology...

Image from http://www.crazyrichasiansmovie.com

Film review: ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ represents Asians with the first all-Asian cast in 25 years

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
August 31, 2018

When you think of an all-Asian cast in Hollywood, there isn’t much that comes to mind. "Crazy Rich Asians" is changing film history by being one of two Hollywood movies with an all-Asian cast. The...

The State Historical Museum in Red Square

St. Petersburg and Moscow—Russia’s two great cities—offer art, history, ancient churches

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
August 1, 2018

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — St. Petersburg was once the capital of Russia and Moscow is now the center of government. Seeing Russia's two most important cities is a visit I'll never regret. Both offered...

"The Incredibles 2" concept art.

Film review: ‘Incredibles 2’ a family-friendly movie with surprising twists

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
July 16, 2018

The "Incredibles 2," the sequel to the 2004 hit, is pretty good, with animation that is different, in fact, better than "The Incredibles." The new look is welcome. There's also a huge plot twist, but no...

Review: 'Waitress' an enjoyable musical but not kid friendly

Review: ‘Waitress’ an enjoyable musical but not kid friendly

By Gillian Ho, Staff Reporter
July 3, 2018

The musical "Waitress" at the Brook Atkinson Theatre is about a waitress named Jenna Hunterson who works at Joe's Diner off the highway with fellow waitresses Becky and Dawn. Jenna has a passion for...

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