Meteor doesn’t reach ground in Peekskill this trip

The small body of matter from outer space that appeared to enter the earth’s atmosphere above Peekskill passed right on by this time.

On April 10, the incandescent streak of light caused by friction was witnessed by meteor amateur spotter “Nico P” who posted his observation on the American Meteor Society website log.

“My viewing of the meteor was objected by the building in front of its path however it was bright enough to catch my eye and large enough that it seemed very close,” he wrote, calling it a green and orange streak with a bright, white light train.

The possible meteor was noted in more than 60 unofficial reports on the website between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. in Philadelphia, Mount Kisco, and southern and western New Jersey. The celestial light show lasted as long as seven seconds.

When meteoroids enter Earth’s atmosphere (or that of another planet, like Mars) at high speed and burn up, the fireballs or “shooting stars” are called meteors. When a meteoroid survives a trip through the atmosphere and hits the ground, it’s called a meteorite.

On Oct. 9, 1992 a meteorite traveling 164 miles per hour smashed through the trunk of a red 1980 Chevrolet Malibu in Peekskill and narrowly missed the gas tank, finally coming to rest in an impact pit beneath the car. 

Seventeen-year-old Michelle Knapp, the car’s owner, heard the collision from inside her home. She later described the sound as “like a three-car crash.” Hurrying outside to investigate the noise, Knapp found her car smashed and the meteorite weighing 27.28 pounds, still warm and smelling of sulfur, beneath it. 

Multi-million project to alleviate flooding near Camp Smith

Nearly $24 million in federal grant money is on the way to the New York State Department of Transportation to raise a small segment of Route 6 from Roa Hook Road to Camp Smith in the town of Cortlandt by about seven feet to help prevent flooding on this critical stretch of Route 6.

New York Senator Chuck Schumer said the funding with ensure the roadway remains passable when sea levels rise and to reduce the risk of roadway closures due to flooding during severe weather. Schumer called the amount of federal funds “whopping” and said it will help drive the communities toward a safer and more resilient future.

“By raising this critical stretch of roadway, a vital corridor for Camp Smith where our NY Army National Guard train, we are helping keep our communities safe from flooding, ensuring emergency vehicles will still be able to service these areas, all while creating new, good-paying jobs laying the foundation for a more resilient Westchester,” Schumer said.

Cortlandt Supervisor Richard Becker said the area was critical as the gateway to Cortlandt, Peekskill, and all of northern Westchester from Orange, Putnam, and Dutchess counties.

“This area is subject to flooding and the narrow road is inadequate for today’s traffic,” Becker said. “Raising this short stretch of Highway by seven feet will eliminate flooding, and the redesign will make it safer and more efficient.” Becker called this is the first step in “redevelopment of this corridor and will make economic revitalization a reality for Cortlandt.”

The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-saving Transportation Grant program, which was funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law.

PHS Science Honor Society raising funds for Hillcrest 

The Peekskill High School (PHS) National Science Honor Society and Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Teachers (TSTT) have partnered with Hillcrest since 2018. PHS students go to Hillcrest three times a year to teach science lessons, and Hillcrest students come to PHS to visit the planetarium for a science lesson as well. 

Forty-five Science National Honor Society and TSTT students went to Hillcrest on March 19 and taught twelve Grade 5 classes about the properties of matter. There were a total of 302 students who learned that by using salt with ice they could freeze a substance much faster. Students used French vanilla non-dairy creamers and made ice cream in under five minutes. Thanks to Shoprite for donating 360 ice cream cups so that the students could enjoy them after completing their project.

The PHS National Science Honor Society is raising funds to support their bus trips to and from Hillcrest, as well as for supplies. By ordering an Earth Day T-shirt, you can help the club continue these endeavors. A variety of shirts are available. For more information, please email: [email protected].

Westchester, Putnam arts organizations receive state grants

Fifteen arts organizations in Westchester and Putnam counties will be receiving $535,000 in state grants.

State Senator Pete Harckham, D-40th Senate District, recently announced the awards, which are part of a record level of state funding through the New York State Council on the Arts to support more than 1,600 organizations and 426 artists statewide.

Included in the grants are $40,000 to KinoSaito Arts Center in Verplanck and $10,000 to Copland House to support composer Eve Beglarian.

“Funding for the arts enriches the quality of life in our communities in so many ways and it is also a proven economic multiplier in terms of an investment,” Harckham said.

Newest member joins Peekskill Police force

The Peekskill Police Department has added Patrol Officer  Mark Frascello, who began his career with the department on March 26.

PO Frascello brings three years of prior law enforcement experience, most recently serving with the Town of Croton Police Department. Respectful, energetic and enthusiastic, the department believes he’s a good fit for the agency and will be an asset to the community. 

PO Frascello is currently assigned to the Field Training Program under the tutelage of PO Rivera. If you see him out and about please introduce yourself and welcome him to our community.

Summer Arts Pass offers discounted tickets

Five premier arts organizations – Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Jacob Burns Film Center, and Storm King Art Center – have joined together to create a unique New York experience: the Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass. 

With an abundance of offerings across the five partner organizations, the Pass helps consumers plan a vibrant and diversified season of arts and culture – all within a short drive! Customize your summer the way you want it with this amazing discounted bundle of tickets.

Each Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass includes:

2 Person Pass ($195, valued at $400+)

• 2 tickets to a concert of your choice at Caramoor Center for the Arts
• 2 tickets to 3 historic sites/tours (6 tickets total) at Historic Hudson Valley
• 2 tickets for a weekday performance at Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival
• 4 free passes plus 2 free popcorn & soda coupons at Jacob Burns Film Center
• Admission for two people on the day of your choice at Storm King Art Center 

4 Person Pass ($375 – NEW this year!, valued at $800+)

• 4 tickets to a concert of your choice at Caramoor Center for the Arts
• 4 tickets to 3 historic sites/tours (12 tickets total) at Historic Hudson Valley
• 4 tickets for a weekday performance at Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival
• 8 free passes plus 4 free popcorn & soda coupons at Jacob Burns Film Center
• Admission for two people on the day of your choice at Storm King Art Center

Pass purchase deadline is June 30, 2024. 

The tip line is always open at the Peekskill Herald

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