Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 102 | October 20, 2023
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Funding Local Journalism
Dear Pilot readers,
You may have noticed that we’re celebrating our first anniversary this month.
As part of that celebration, I have been sending messages to people who helped “launch the Pilot,” including those who generously gave to our GoFundMe campaign last fall.
Here’s part of what I wrote:
“Most of your GoFundMe money went to our writers and editors. That's the way it is in a small news organization. It takes money--and dedicated staff--to develop original reporting. But we did it… almost 10 stories per week on government, schools, our local businesses, sustainability... and people, the "Rhinefolk," who share this beautiful place we call home.”
And then I said,
“Your GoFundMe gift fueled our growth. This fall, we need your help to refill the tank.”
I meant all of it. We are deeply grateful for the support. And we really do need to “refill the tank.”
This message seems to resonate. People are stepping up, giving generously, even more than I expected. (Thank you to all.)
Please join them. Help us deliver the stories that matter each week about “this beautiful place we call home.”
Use the links in the newsletter to purchase tickets for our November 10 celebration.
Together, we can do even more in the year ahead.
Mark Fuerst
Publisher
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Locust Hill Inches Along, as Affordable Housing in Rhinebeck Seems Stalled
The Locust Hill workforce housing development project has been in the works for years now, and while the ball is in the court of the Town Board, some feel that persistent delays can, and should, be avoided in an effort to see the project through.
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"The Back Burner"
What local creative folks are working on or dreaming up
Artist, writer, performer and host of RadioFreeRhinecliff's "Correct Me If I'm Norm," Norm Magnusson visits with writer Maxine Paetro to chat about her latest obsession, koi.
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Looking Backward
Do you happen to have old or archival photos of places, people or events in the area from over the years? We are putting out a call to the community for scans of photos from over the last 100 or so years to help us look back at the people and times that made this community what it is. Please contact editor@hvpilot.com.
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LOCAL EVENTS!
The HV Pilot continues to grow and serve the community. Check out our new events page with local happenings updated continuously.
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Update on Demolished Chestnut Street House // Early last July, a two-unit house located at 8-10 Chestnut Street in the Village of Rhinebeck all but vanished. It had been under construction prior to that, but was seemingly demolished without the proper permitting. This created quite a stir with the Village Planning Board, which had not sanctioned the demolition, and with residents of the village as well.
On Tuesday, at the Village Planning Board meeting, the drama behind what happened was not exactly clarified, but it was addressed. It seems that the property, which had been in a state of limbo since the summer, will soon be given the green light to proceed with construction. Much of this hinges on a change in terminology from “demolished” to “dismantled.” This semantic change apparently means that the owners of the property did not violate any Village laws pertaining to property within the Historic District.
Over the last few months, the Village Planning Board did request more details from the owner, Samantha Koenig, about the plan and about the preservation and storage of whatever elements were saved from the old building, and were satisfied with the answers they received. At the meeting this week, Ms. Koenig said she has saved, for example,15 of 19 sets of shutters, and will reuse what she can of the other saved elements and recreate the rest (see rendering of intended final result after "dismantling" and reconstruction above). The board also required landscaping to cover the enlarged expanse of stonework at the front of the house since the building was raised. The Board Chair David Miller said they will ask the Village attorney to prepare a resolution approving the amended site plan (which they all agree is the same as was previously approved) for discussion and presumed passage at the next board meeting, in November.
Major Retail Theft at Changes // On Monday afternoon, two men walked into the Changes clothing store on Montgomery Street. One man approached the sales associate at the counter and began to ask her questions about merchandise, while the other walked toward the back of the store. While the man with the sales associate was able to distract her, the other man quickly gathered up eight coats (with a retail value of just under $5,000) and left the store through the back door. According to Scott Eckert, the manager of the store, who was off the premises at the time of the theft, the two men were spotted shortly thereafter, by various witnesses as well as CCTV footage, walking through the bank parking lot on East Market Street and returning to their parked car at the CVS parking lot (considering the strict parking rules at CVS we are all familiar with, this was their first crime).
Eckert said that while Changes has had some petty theft in the past, this was the “biggest ever” single theft in the store’s 22-year history. Eckert reported the incident to the Village police, and while the Pilot has inquired about the investigation, we have yet to receive an update on whether there had been progress or an arrest.
Top of the Morning to You // A quiet shift in longstanding state laws occurred this past Monday, as Governor Hochul signed new legislation to allow liquor and wine stores to expand their Sunday business hours so they can open as early as 10am and stay open until as late as 10pm. Previous Sunday open hours were noon - 9:00pm. "Across New York, breweries, distilleries and other alcoholic beverage businesses are creating jobs and expanding economic opportunity,” Governor Hochul said. “I'm proud to sign this legislation that will modernize the laws governing the sales of alcoholic beverages in New York.”
The new legislation also eases some existing regulations and restrictions, including extending the length of validity of a brewer’s license from one year to three years and allowing businesses to prepare and keep drinks containing alcohol in pressurized dispensing machines, like a tap or soda dispensing machine at a bar. Such restrictive laws were a holdover from “blue laws” and Prohibition-era limitations.
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"GynoCurious with Amy Novatt"
Dr. Elizabeth Levine, an internist, hospitalist, Director of Hospital Medicine and the Chair of the Medicine Department at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, speaks to GynoCurious about health and healing. She explores the role of meditation and yoga in her life and how these practices help her respond to the challenges of hospital work.
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This Week
Baa! It’s Sheep & Wool at the Fairgrounds
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Friday, October 20th, through Sunday, October 22nd
To bear witness, as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Grace Smith House, Inc., of Poughkeepsie and the Clothesline Project have organized an exhibit of decorated t-shirts created over the past 30 years by domestic violence victims and their loved ones. At the Betsy Jacaruso Studio & Gallery, 43-2 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, October 21st, 10:00AM - Noon
3rd Annual Milkweed Release Day, a morning of identifying milkweed, talking about monarchs, spreading seed, and planting native plants. Co-hosted by Morton Library, Staatsburg Library, the Pollinator Patrol and the Winnakee Land Trust. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yd43j4af. At Burger Hill, Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, October 21st, 1:00PM - 2:30PM
“The Spongy Moth, Your Backyard, & The Forest Around You,” a presentation by scientists from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Organized by the Town of Clinton Conservation Advisory Council. At Clinton Town Hall, 1215 Centre Rd., Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, October 21st, 1:00 - 4:00PM
“Spooktacular” Halloween Party with haunted house, holiday crafts and games, and food and beverages to purchase. FREE to attend. Costumes are encouraged. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-register at https://bit.ly/3sZbjQm. At Ramapo for Children, 22 Camp Ramapo Rd., Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, October 21st, 5:00 - 7:00PM
Opening reception for exhibit of playful mosaics by Jenny Strohm. Exhibit runs through November 5. At Gallery 71, 71 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, October 21st, and Sunday, October 22nd (Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4)
Sheep & Wool Festival. The Hudson Valley’s thriving sheep farmers meet national and international knitters and other artisans. Tickets $12 (pre-sale); $15 at the gate (ticket is good for one day). At the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6550 Spring Brook Ave. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
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Monday, October 23rd
Are you registered to vote? Today is the deadline for registering in order to be able to vote on November 7.
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Tuesday, October 24th, 6:30PM
Oblong Books presents Fright Night at Morton, with horror authors and their new and deliciously creepy books. Costumes encouraged. Appropriate for ages 17+. Tickets required: $5, applicable toward a book purchase at the event.
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Wednesday, October 25th, 6:30PM
“Pain Hustlers: Crime and Punishment at an Opioid Startup” author Evan Hughes in person at showing of new movie “Pain Hustlers,” based on his book. Co-presented by Oblong Books; post-film discussion moderated by Michelle Montalbano of Starr Library. At Upstate Films, 6415 Montgomery St. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
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Friday, October 27th, 6:30PM
A benefit for Winnakee Land Trust: Sophie Florence Trio with songs from the Great American Songbook. Tickets $10 suggested donation. Reserve at https://bit.ly/WLTSophieFlorenceTrio. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Friday, October 27th, through Saturday, October 28th
Book Sale to support Starr Library. At the library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Friday, October 27th, through Sunday, October 29th, 5:00 -7:00PM
Haunted House. “Choose your level of scare!” At the Pause Dog Boutique. $5 admission, to benefit Perfect Pets Rescue. At the boutique, 6423 Montgomery St. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, October 28th, 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Rhinebeck Rotary Annual Coat Drive. Drop off your no longer needed clean coats in good condition. Coats will be shared with those in need in collaboration with Dutchess Outreach. At Rhinebeck Kitchen and Bath, 6783 Rte. 9, Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, October 28th, 7:00PM, and Sunday, October 29th, 2:00PM
Uncommon Connections – a benefit for the Bard Conservatory Scholarship Fund, celebrating faculty members Joan Tower (“Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman”) and Marcus Roberts (playing Duke Ellington with his jazz ensemble). Tickets selling fast, at $15 and $20. Reserve at tickets.fishercenter.bard.edu. At the Center, Bard College.
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Sunday, October 29th, 9:00AM - 11:00AM
Fall Foliage Field Run to support Red Hook Responds. Organized by Burger Hill Massive running group. Donations $25 families, $10 individuals. At Rose Hill Farm, Red Hook.
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Friday, November 3rd, 6:00PM
Opening reception for watercolor, acrylic, and oil paintings by Tatiana Rhinevault. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Call for volunteers to provide free tax assistance
”Help your neighbors get the (tax) credit they deserve” through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. Many volunteer positions available, including tax preparers and technical and administrative support. FREE training. For details, call Linda Eddy at 845-475-7500.
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Mondays, 5:30 - 7PM – Rockin’ Rooks Youth Chess. Students grades K-12 are welcome to join for fun, learning, and tournament competition. If school is closed there is no club meeting. For details see MortonRhinecliff.lib.ny.us. At Morton, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Now through October 22nd
“Upstate Girls to Grown Upstate: Unraveling Collar City” 2004-2023, an exhibition of photographs by Brenda Ann Kenneally of a group of girls in North Troy. See cpw.org for details and hours. At the Center for Photography, 474 Broadway, Kingston.
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Now through October 30th
Morton’s Celebration of Fiber Arts. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Now through October 31st
“The Great Give Back” organized by Dutchess Libraries Care to help those in need. Accepting donations of personal hygiene items such as shampoo, soap, shaving cream, menstrual products, and more. See Morton Library for details. During open hours at Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Now through October 31st
Exhibition of work of acclaimed micro-mosaic artist and Rhinebeck resident N.J. Wheelock. At CO. Co-working Space, 6571 Spring Brook Ave. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
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Now through November 12th
Exhibit of works by Rhinebeck artist Ransome, whose paintings, drawings, and sculptures focus on images that center on his African-American lineage. AND “Behind the Veil,” a “critical examination of subjugation in America,” featuring works by a variety of local artists, including Dan Goldman and Norm Magnusson. At WAAM, Woodstock Artists Association & Museum, 28 Tinker St., Woodstock.
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Wednesdays through November 22nd, 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Salsa Lessons are back by popular demand! Class limited to
30 people. $75 for the full series; $15 for drop-ins.
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Now through November 26th, “Indian Theater: Native Performance, Art, and Self-Determination since 1969,” a show of over 100 works by Native American, First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and Alaska Native artists. See details at ccs.bard.edu. At Hessel Museum, Bard College.
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Now through January 28th, 2024
“Silver Linings; Celebrating the Spelman Collection,” a selection of nearly 40 works from the permanent collection of Spelman College, the historically Black liberal arts college for women. AND “Interwoven Histories: Prints by the Gee’s Bend Quilting Collective.” Exhibit of large-scale, colorful prints of the intricate and unique quilt-making designs of the acclaimed Alabama quilters. FREE. At Vassar’s Lehman Loeb Art Center, Poughkeepsie.
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Town of Clinton Food Drive, to restock the food pantry at Pleasant Plains Presbyterian Church. Drop off canned goods and non-perishables at the Town of Clinton Clerk’s office, 1215 Centre Rd., Rhinebeck, Mondays-Thursdays, 9AM - 4PM, or at the Church, 2 Fiddlers Bridge Rd., Staatsburg.
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Call for submissions: artworks inspired by the Rhinecliff Train Station, to be exhibited at Morton Library, Rhinecliff, later in 2023. Contact Chadkleitsch@gmail.com to submit a piece.
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Tuesday, October 24th
Rhinebeck Central School District Board of Education
BMS Cafeteria
7:00 PM
Agenda not yet available. See RCSD website. At school library, 45 North Park Rd., Rhinebeck.
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Wednesday, October 25th
Town Board Public Budget Hearing
Town Hall
4:00 PM
NOTE TIME – Public hearing of Rhinebeck Town Board re 2024 Preliminary Budget. See Town website for Budget and Supervisor’s Statement. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Monday, November 6th
Rhinebeck Town Planning Board
Town Hall
6:00 PM
Agenda not yet available. See Town website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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UPDATE: There are new items posted on the 6 Mulberry St. page of the Rhinebeck Village website, including parameters regarding construction noise and hours and a design development presentation, which includes a revised site plan, as well as plans and elevations for four one-family homes on the site.
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The Rhinebeck Town Conservation Advisory Board (CAB) is looking for new members for two-year terms. No experience necessary. The CAB provides assistance to the Town Planning Board in reviewing proposals that may negatively impact Rhinebeck’s natural environment. If interested, contact the Town Clerk.
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"Guru"
Guru is true to his name in that he’s very calm, zen, and sweet. He lives in Rhinebeck and can be spotted walking through the village every morning. He’s also been known to enjoy egg sandwiches at the Rhinebeck Bagel Shop.
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