Mount Kisco, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham recognized Linda Cindrich, a lifelong resident of the village here who has spent six decades serving as a dedicated volunteer with numerous local organizations, as a 2025 State Senate Woman of Distinction honoree at a special ceremony during the regular Village Board of Trustees meeting on December 1.

To see a video of the Woman of Distinction award presentation, click here.

Joining Cindrich in attendance at the ceremony were many family members, friends and community members, including her husband, Mount Kisco Mayor J. Michael Cindrich, who was presiding over the Board of Trustees meeting. 

“Linda Cindrich is truly an extraordinary individual, a super-volunteer who has had a positive impact on her community for more than 60 years,” said Harckham. “Her tireless commitment to numerous organizations has lifted opportunities for residents of all ages while nurturing and protecting them as well. Linda is truly a ‘woman of distinction,’ and I congratulate her on being honored as such.”

Harckham added, “The friendship and support of both Linda and Mike Cindrich that I have experienced over the years means a great deal to me. On a personal level, I know how big-hearted they are and how ready they are to step in where they are needed.”

A longstanding member of Mount Kisco’s Recreation Commission, Linda Cindrich served both as chair and vice chair of the commission, overseeing programs for seniors. Additionally, she has been a volunteer at the Mount Kisco Senior Center for decades. For over 20 years, she has helped prepare Thanksgiving dinners for homebound residents, often paying for and delivering the meals. When community members were isolated during the Covid-19 pandemic, she taught televised art classes for seniors, which grew from simple drawings to painting classes that are still being taught weekly.                                                                                            

Cindrich has volunteered with the American Red Cross for over 50 years. She received certification as a First Aid and CPR instructor, hosting classes for first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and ambulance corps members. She is an EMT and a Life Member of the Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corps. In 1982, Cindrich received the Certificate of Merit, the highest award given to civilians by the American Red Cross, for saving the life of a drowning infant.

Cindrich has extensive experience in education as well, working at Mount Kisco Elementary School, where she created an early childhood parent resource center, and serving as president of the Mount Kisco Elementary School Association and a member of the Steering Committee of the Fox Lane High School Association. 

She also coached Little League and the Fox Lane High School football cheerleading team. A certified Water Safety Instructor at the age of 17, Cindrich has taught hundreds of children and adults to swim. For several years, she was a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester and continues to serve on their scholarship committee.

Cindrich’s public service and community involvement includes participation in the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce, Mount Kisco Lions Club, American Legion Post 136 Auxiliary, Women's Association of St. Francis of Assisi and the Italian American Club of Northern Westchester, where she served as president.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this award, especially from Senator Pete Harckham, a good friend for many years now,” said Cindrich. “I want to thank all the people of Mount Kisco who have helped me along the way. But most of all, I want to thank my wonderful husband, who is always right there beside me and has been a mentor for me through all the years of volunteering for Mount Kisco and the American Red Cross, where I started by teaching water safety and first aid when I was just 17. Volunteering was something that I pursued because my mother emphasized the importance of ‘giving back.’ Many years later, I’m still happy to be helping and serving my community.”