German-style sandwich specials will support CHHOP’s work
Benny’s Brown Bag is taking part in CHHOPtoberfest – a collaboration to bring greater awareness to the work of CHHOP-operated Fred’s Pantry in Peekskill.
Benny’s, the local craft sandwich & provisions shop on Elm Street across from the high school, has created two different German-themed CHHOPtoberfest sandwich specials to run for one week each, back-to-back, the first from Oct. 2 to Oct. 6, and the second from Oct. 9 to Oct. 13.
To commemorate this community support event, a limited-edition collectable, CHHOPtoberfest farmer’s market tote, will be available to purchase – only at Benny’s – with all profits going to support the CHHOP-operated Fred’s Pantry. Customers can also utilize a QR code on site to donate directly to CHHOP.
“Everyone (including us!) loves the sandwiches at Benny’s Brown Bag – as well as their commitment to supporting the community around them,” said Cynthia Knox, CEO of CHHOP. Come out and enjoy their always creative CHHOPtoberfest specials, and you too can support those in our area in their time of need.”
CHHOP-operated Fred’s Pantry is focused on providing fresh, nutritious, locally sourced food items for those in need. Fred’s Pantry provided over 18,000 households with nearly a quarter of a million meals.
State grant for Wastewater Treatment Plant in Peekskill
Westchester County will receive $16.2 million in state funding for the Peekskill Wastewater Treatment Plant to replace and upgrade the plant’s digester, aeration and heating systems.
“I would like to thank Governor Hochul and State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Dana Levenberg for their leadership in ensuring that Westchester County’s residents have access to clean water that is safe for drinking, recreation and wildlife,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. “Replacing and upgrading critical infrastructure of the Peekskill Water Treatment Plant will benefit us long into the future, helping to safeguard public health, benefit the environment and strengthen the local economy.”
The improvements will be implemented in two phases: phase one will focus on replacing the digester and the phase two will update the aeration and heating systems, which includes replacing piping to the aeration tanks, installing a multi-zone air handler, and updating temperature gauges, fuel oil storage tanks, and boilers.
“I am thrilled to learn that Peekskill has been awarded state funding for crucial upgrades to our wastewater treatment plant,” said Westchester County Legislator Colin Smith. “These resources will be pivotal in advancing the planning, design, and construction of essential improvements to our digester, aeration, and heating systems. This investment reflects the state’s unwavering commitment to modernizing our infrastructure and taking proactive steps to protect our environment and support sustainable growth.”
Five years probation for off-duty fireman who left scene of Croton fatal accident
Nicholas Edwards-Ambos, a volunteer Croton fireman, was sentenced Thursday to five years of probation after pleading guilty to the charge of leaving the scene of an accident in which motorcyclist Richard Lent was killed.
The accident occurred on July 15, 2023, on Route 9 near Senasqua Road in Croton-on-Hudson. Both Lent and Edwards-Ambos were driving southbound when Lent’s motorcycle hit the right side of Edwards-Ambos’ 2018 Hyundai Elantra, knocking the sideview mirror off. According to court documents, Edwards-Ambos told police he left the scene of the accident, knowing the motorcyclist had fallen off his bike.
Ultimately, the Westchester County police Accident Investigation team determined Edwards-Ambos bore no criminal responsibility for the accident itself, that it was Lent’s driving 107 miles per hour and “lane splitting” that ultimately caused his death.
A LoHud article described key scenes at the sentencing hearing:
Lent’s mother, Raquette Thompson, said of the defendant, “I will never understand why he made that cowardly decision to leave the scene of a fatal accident.”
Edwards-Ambos expressed his condolences to Lent’s family. “I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose someone so critical to a family,” he said.
Justice James McCarty wanted to hear specifically what Edwards-Ambos had to say about his actions that were criminal, failing to remain at the scene.
“I would concur they were cowardly and in a moment of irrational thought,” the defendant answered.
Lent, a 34-year-old mechanic who lived in Peekskill, was a father to two girls, and liked to fish and hike. Lent was popular around town; his mother Raquette Thompson noted, “He couldn’t walk out the front door without someone stopping to talk to him.”
“Some would say Rich was Peekskill. Everybody knew him. Everybody loved him.”
Peekskill man charged for raping a child
Provided by Westchester DA News
Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah and the City of Peekskill Police Department Chief Leo Dylewski announced Friday that a man hired to paint apartments in Peekskill was arrested and charged with raping a child.
DA Rocah said: “We know how difficult it is for young victims to come forward. The DA’s Office is ready to support victims and their families in every way possible and thank the Peekskill police for their assistance.”
Chief Dylewski said: “The City of Peekskill Police Department is committed to protecting our children, and will use every resource available to investigate and arrest those who commit these acts.”
The defendant, Anselmo Yambay Pena, 59 of Peekskill, was arraigned before Judge Reginald Johnson in Peekskill City Court on Sept. 10 on the felony charge of Rape in the First Degree.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, the defendant raped a child younger than 13 years old between Feb. 15 and March 31 at a residential building in the city of Peekskill, where the defendant was working as a painter.
Upon learning of the incident, the child’s parent reported it to the Peekskill Police Department, who conducted an investigation and arrested the defendant on Sept. 10.
Anyone who may have been victimized by the defendant or may have information about other possible victims of the defendant can contact the Peekskill Police Department at (914)737-8000 or the DA’s Office Special Prosecutions Division at (914) 995- 3000. Language assistance is available.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Baehr of the Child Abuse Bureau in the Special Prosecutions Division.
The tip line is always open at the Peekskill Herald
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Buyers snapping up Peekskill houses, condos in August
There are no signs of cooling in the Peekskill single-family and condo housing market according to the latest figures from William Raveis.
Prices keep going up, inventory is down, houses sell within 90 days of listing and prices are above the asking price in 95 percent of sales.
In August 2024, six homes were sold in Peekskill at a median sales price of $550,000. One year ago, 10 houses sold in August at a price 20% lower than this year. There were 19 houses in inventory, slightly down from a year ago. Houses stayed on the market for 40 days on average.
Condominium sales increased to nine in August 2024 compared to three a year ago and the median sale price was $400,500, up 58 percent compared to August 2023. There was only a 1.2-month supply of condos available and every sale was completed less than three months from listing with all sales going for above 95 percent of the asking price. On average the condos stayed on the market for 26 days.
Lincoln Museum hosts Underground Railroad historians
A capacity crowd heard a special presentation from Paul and Mary Liz Stewart of the Underground Railroad Education Center of Albany, N.Y. at the Lincoln Depot Museum on Sept. 7.
The Stewarts presented historical information regarding New York’s contribution to the Underground Railroad and their restoration work of the Myers home in Albany. The Underground Railroad was a movement, a carefully planned system that created a bridge between a life of degradation and oppression to the realization of freedom.
The Stewarts explained the history of the Underground Railroad as it made its way through New York and recounted the renovation work they’ve performed to preserve the home of Stephen and Harriet Myers, two ordinary people who were the Underground Railroad in Albany and who used their home as a station along the road to Freedom.
On Sept. 21 and Sept. 22 the Museum will present a special collection – “When Toilet Paper Went to War,” Patriotism and Propaganda on the Home Front during World War II, presented by Collector Ed Pinsky as part of the Museum’s Collector’s Corner series.
Nuclear power’s role in New York’s ‘Green New Deal’
With the next meeting of the Indian Point Decommissioning Oversight Board coming up on Dec. 5, state officials are exploring the possibility of allowing new nuclear energy facilities in New York state in an attempt to reach the ambitious clean energy goals the state is struggling to meet.
According to officials, including the state comptroller’s office in a July report, miscalculations and out-of-date data used by the New York’s Public Service Commission make the goal of having 70 percent renewable electricity sources by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2040 not achievable. When accounting for the increased demand that chip fabrication plants, artificial intelligence, and electric cars place on the electrical grid, there is a real possibility that the state could face an energy shortfall as soon as 2032.
So Gov. Hochul is calling on her administration to conduct a comprehensive assessment of New York’s impending mandates under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. A coalition of 50-plus labor, energy and business groups asked the governor to address the danger that the state is facing significant energy shortfalls.
In early September, NYSERDA issued a 24- page report laying out a path to discussing adding the potential use of advanced nuclear technology in New York state.
“Advanced nuclear technologies could offer attractive possibilities for New York, with its scalability, economic development, low land use, and potential applications of process heat,” the report says. “It may represent an opportunity for additional grid capacity to support an electrifying economy, that can complement New York’s build out of renewables.”
Regarding Indian Point, “On April 18, 2024, Holtec Decommissioning International filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court – Southern District of New York challenging New York State’s 2023 enacted legislation pertaining to wastewater discharges from nuclear decommissioning sites on the Hudson River (S. 6893 / A. 7208). The Office of the Attorney General will review the complaint and represent the State. Given the active litigation, it is anticipated that Decommissioning Oversight Board meetings will forego discussion of the litigation and legislation,” according to a statement on the Decommissioning Board website.
Buchanan industrial building for sale at $4.75 million
A 25,000-square-foot industrial building site in Buchanan with $300,000 in recent upgrades including the roof, exterior paint, drainage and mechanical upgrades is on the market with an asking price of $4.75 million.
The property contains four individual buildings between 3,800 and 8,000 square feet at 300 White St. One building is occupied by Brito Cabinetry Corp. Owner financing is available for a buyer.
The lot contains 2.59 acres and the annual property taxes are listed at $52,000. The current owner is listed as C & B Equipment Sale Corp.
Hudson Valley Hospital hosting health events in September
New York-Presbyterian and the Hudson Valley Hospital Center will host two events to help educate residents on staying healthy.
“Understanding Prostate Cancer: From Risk Factors to Treatment Options” is the topic of a virtual presentation from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. moderated by Dr. William Higgins and led by Dr. Michael Feuerstein and Dr. Gregory Joice.
On Sept. 19 Dr. Mauvareen Beverley will be the keynote speaker at a panel discussion at the Pataki Conference Center entitled “Do No Harm: 9 Simple Solutions to Achieve Health Equity.” In addition, Quincy Dallas of Westchester Sickle Cell Outreach will speak. The event runs from 5:30 p.m to 7:45 p.m and will be held in-person and via Zoom.
The program is geared to clinicians, community-based organizations, family members and others dedicated to ensuring health equity. The event is presented in collaboration with the Peekskill NAACP and Westchester Sickle Cell Outreach.
Pre-registration is required for both events. More information is available here.
Spitzenberg Mountain trail a hiker’s delight with views
Westchester magazine’s feature story on the perfect hike in the county includes a trail that runs through Blue Mountain Reservation.
Spitzenberg Mountain’s moderately challenging 1.9-mile out-and-back is part of the Westchester County parks system’s sprawling 1,538-acre Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill.
The trailhead is tucked behind Blue Mountain’s Sportsman Center, next to an archery range. Hikers arriving at the 550-foot-high summit’s rocky outcropping, with expansive views of the Hudson River and environs, also discover the ruins of a fire observatory.
This trail carved into the park’s steep southern corner is shared with mountain bike riders who are generally courteous. It’s located a safe distance from the reservation’s shooting range, although still within earshot. The Spitzenberg trailhead can be entered from Blue Mountain’s trail system via the Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway.
—Robert Brum
Gaining a service academy nomination discussed Sept. 16
Students, parents, and counselors can learn more about a Congressional nomination to the U.S. Service Academies at a meeting on Sept. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at SUNY Westchester Community College in Valhalla.
Students can meet with panelists from the five service academies, an ROTC program, and several institutions with Cyber Service Academy programs. Students will also be able to learn information on our letter of recommendation nominating process to the five service academies.
This event will highlight educational opportunities and provide insight and additional resources to better equip students who are interested in this path towards officership and public service.
The event is sponsored by the office of U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand. For more information visit Kirsten’s Service Academy Nomination page online.
NY’s Largest Free Oktoberfest at Anthony Wayne
Celebrate NY’s largest free Oktoberfest at the scenic Anthony Wayne Recreation Area. The annual Bear Mountain Oktoberfest is the ultimate destination for Bavarian traditions, featuring fantastic beer, lively music, delicious food, and endless fun. Ready to prove your strength? Enter our daily stein-holding competitions for a chance to win exciting prizes. Can you rise to the top of the leaderboard?
2024 Oktoberfest Dates: September Weekends: 21 & 22, 28 & 29; October Weekends: 5 & 6, 12 & 13
This year, several mouth-watering additions are on the menu, making NY’s largest free Oktoberfest even better. From a customizable Waffle Station to a Sweet Station filled with traditional German desserts, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Upgrade your Oktoberfest experience with our VIP passes, offering unlimited food, drinks, and non-stop fun for $150. Enjoy exclusive access to a private VIP area and special concession stands, plus a convenient parking pass. As a bonus, take home a premium beer stein and a stylish t-shirt. Save $4 and buy parking pass for $11 in advance.
Live Music Lineup
Sept. 21 - Jimmy Sturr Orchestra: 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (18 Time Grammy Award Winner)
Sept. 22 – Bobby Heckman and the Royal Bavarians: 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 28 – The Beat: 12:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 29 – Bavarski: 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 5 – The Adlers: 12:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 6 – Heimatklange: 12:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 12 – dSb (die Schlauberger) with Die Erste Gottscheer Tanzgruppe: 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 13 – Fritz’s Polka Band: 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
More archives of Peekskill’s newspapers available online
The Field Library has digitized eighty years of Peekskill’s newspapers, from 1830-1910. Enter your keyword search in the library’s online archives and find all the news about your corner of the city from 100 years ago.
Obituaries
Eileen Panos
Eileen J Panos, a beloved mother, sister, aunt & friend died peacefully at the age of 79 after a five-year battle with stage 4 lung cancer.
Everyone who knew Eileen loved her. She had a contagious energy that enveloped the atmosphere and brought you into this special world where you felt loved unconditionally. Her love knew no bounds. It was the love and warmth she shared generously with her family or her friends.
Eileen was born and raised in the Bronx the youngest of nine siblings. She graduated from hairdressing school and opened her first hair salon at the age of 19. Her passion for hairdressing continued throughout her whole life. She was a long-time owner and hairdresser in Putnam Valley NY (Hair Hut/Curl up and dye).
Eileen leaves behind her son Russell D Panos, daughter Brianne Panos Roche and Michael (son-in-law). Her loving ex-spouse Russell G Panos, sister Diane Frank (Harold), niece Diane Flory (Nazareth), nephew Jimmy O’Hanlon. She is predeceased by her parents Dorothy and Lester O’Donnell.
