Susan Elan
The Journal News

PEEKSKILL - A heavy downpour sent some morning revelers fleeing, but by noon hundreds had returned to Riverfront Green Park for the Peekskill Celebration, a two-day festival in its 12th year.

Mayor Mary Foster was among the 700 paddlers aboard dragon head boats, 41-foot vessels elaborately painted with dragon heads, scales and tails.

BY ELIZABETH MOORE - Local civic and environmental leaders declared a victory for the people last month, after state lawmakers voted to kill a truck-rail intermodal freight yard planned for part of the former Pilgrim State Hospital grounds by turning the land into a nature preserve instead.

But since then, other environmentalists have joined leading business, labor and planning groups in urging Gov. David A. Paterson to veto that bill, which reached his desk last Friday.

News Flash for Timothy et al.:

The Valentine Moose News Service (she wears many hats) reports that a helpless box turtle was rescued today on the back service road to the parking lot.  The turtle froze in place on the hot black asphalt tarmac (!) when Ray Moose drove up, and had to be carried into the wooded buffer to the north.  Last reports had the turtle still hunched down in his/her shell, but away from immediate harm.

Camping at Wildwood State Park is so awesome. I loved the experience. You have a combination of woodsy area but still you feel protected and very comfortable.

By Richard Amper - What would happen if Long Island lost its No. 1 industry: tourism?

And what if Suffolk, the largest agriculture-producing county in New York, simultaneously became no longer viable? And if fishing dried up and the lucrative second-home industry disappeared? Surely, government would prevent this. But it isn't.

July 24, 2008 - The Journal News reports:

Bear Mountain State Park is filled with natural wonders, from the flora and fauna to breathtaking views of the verdant ridges surrounding it. The attractions are all the more remarkable for their proximity to the concrete canyons of New York City. There really is that much green so close to Gotham.