Thirteen Highlands residents and businesses were recognized in Highland Falls in mid-October as part of a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
Town Councilman Tyrone King, with support from both the Town and Village Boards presented plaques to the following people and businesses on either Oct. 15 or 16. Short ceremonies were held in Memorial Park, attended by not only friends and family of those honored, but also local officials including Senator James Skoufis, Assemblyman Colin Schmitt, Supervisor Bob Livsey, Deputy Mayor Brian Aylward, Democratic Party Chair Lynn Edsall, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Sheboy, Holy Innocents Rev. Judy Ferguson, Highlands Police Chief Frank Pierri, and others, some of whom said a few words praising all for their community services, and ‘essential worker’ status of many the honorees.
Cesar Sanchez is from the Dominican Republic and is the owner of the dry cleaning business on Main St. for 21 years.
William (Chico) Hurtado came from Guatemala as a child in 1977; graduated from O’Neill High School in 1984 and has worked at West Point for over 30 years.
Josefa Quiles, whose family is from Puerto Rico, manages an insurance company on Main St. She is an activist who led a Black Lives Matter March in Highland Falls last spring and also held a voter registration drive recently.
Jose Sierra, born and raised in Highland Falls, is of Puerto Rican descent. He has helped take care of youth and elderly people in the community for years.
Luchy Roman Gomez, from the Dominican Republic, owned a deli on Mountain Ave, for many years and is currently employed at West Point. She assisted King with an English as a Second Language class in 2019.
Reverend Karina Feliz is the senior pastor of four Methodist churches (Cornwall, Highland Mills, Mountainville and Highland Falls/Fort Montgomery). With her church she has done years of service and outreach to the community.
Jesus Cisneros and family are the owners of Hacienda Mexicana Restaurant.
Alan Bazil, from the Dominican Republic, and with his partner from Ecuador, are the new owners of Bear Mountain Bakery & Cafe.
Eleazar Saavedra, from Mexico, and Julio Carino are the owners of Andy’s Restaurant.
Francisco Montoya is the manager of West Point Pizza and has worked there for the last 30 years.
Amore Pizzeria and Maria Bonita Restaurant are both active businesses on Main St. with Hispanic owners.
King said that he hopes the community will continue not only the awards, but also create a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration to include a parade and festival.
“I’m proud of my community for recognizing our rich diversity,” King said. “Everyone in Hometown USA can serve as an awesome example to others; that is what truly makes America great.”
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Oct. 15-Nov. 15.
