Hudson Valley Chili Cook-Off Spices Up the Weekend

Families from around the Hudson Valley flocked to Nanuet High School this past Saturday for chili, music and attractions at the Hudson Valley Paramedic Association (HPVA) Chili Cook-Off and Music Fest.

The seven-hour event featured local bands, vendors, and over 20 chili chefs competing for top prizes and points necessary in gaining an invite to the International Chili Cook Off in June.

Most of the 750 attendees sampled countless salsas, and red and green chilies, as well as voting in the People’s Choice Award for Best Chili.

Former President and current Chairman of the Board of the HPVA, Walter Dusseldorp, took part in the tastings. 

“I tasted most of the judged salsas and chilies and was impressed by some outstanding dishes,” Dusseldorp said.

Amongst these outstanding dishes, only three chefs were crowned victorious. David Lorenz won first place in Salsa, Joe Callahan took the prize in Chili Verde, and the winner in the Red Chili category was Doug Johnson.

Supporters of the HPVA were also able to listen to musical acts, including the band of Dr. Melvin Stone, a well-known and respected Trauma Surgeon from Jacobi Medical Center.

“We had a great time listening to high quality musicians and some up and coming stars,” Dusseldorp said.

The day’s earnings allowed the HPVA to give 22-year-old Julie Needleman of New City a $2,000 scholarship towards her Paramedic Certificate. Needleman is currently Second Lieutenant Training Operation Officer for the New City Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Rescue Squad.

However, despite a great turnout and response for this first year event, the fundraiser did not reach the target of $10,000.

The HPVA just broke even in earnings and donations, as the event itself cost $7,500. They are hoping that more individuals and businesses will come forward and donate any amount, organizers said.

All of the funds will go a scholarship fund for hopeful paramedics, raise awareness of the profession as a whole, and lobby Albany to change the status from “certified” paramedics to “licensed.”

“You tip your waiter after a nice big meal and not thinking twice to give them 20 percent of the bill for a few minutes worth of work. As paramedics we provide a professional service at a modest wage and we would love for the public to be generous to HVPA by making an in kind donation to further our cause,” Dusseldorp said.

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 For more information on the HPVA, or to donate, visit http://myhvpa.org/donate/