Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 136 | February 20, 2024
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This Week
In today’s newsletter Rep. Pat Ryan has a civil conversation with his critics about the Israel-Hamas war; the Rhinebeck soccer fields receive a cash bonus; and local Ob-Gyn Amy Novatt talks about women's health and the state of the medical profession. In addition, we hear directly from you, our readers, about the recent village primary and the EcoVillas housing proposal, among other current issues.
Please don’t forget to chime in with your letter to the Pilot and check out our newly expanded social media presence on Instagram, Facebook and Threads.
Executive Editor
Eric Steinman
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The Other Side of the Speculum: A Frank Conversation with Dr. Amy Novatt
OB/GYN Amy Novatt has worked in women’s healthcare for 30+ years and has amassed a great deal of experience and perspective, as well as her fair share of frustrations. She spoke with the Pilot about the evolution of women's healthcare and her new podcast.
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Vox Populi: Letters to the Editor
Readers have written in to sound off on everything from the Village Democratic Primary Election to literal bumps in the road.
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LOCAL EVENTS!
The HV Pilot continues to grow and serve the community. Check out our events page with local happenings updated continuously.
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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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Pat Ryan Faces His Critics // Democratic Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18) has lately received a good amount of criticism for his position on the Israel/Hamas war. Yesterday Ryan had a Zoom call with his constituents, who were invited to ask him about his actions, or inaction, on this issue. “Israel is an ally of ours, but their particular behavior in this conflict is not aligned with our views,” Ryan said, adding , “I am very much committed to trying to end the immediate violence, and a two-state solution seems like the best option.”
While the conversation remained civil throughout the call, many of his constituents were not shy about their criticism of Ryan. One woman, who was using a pseudonym because she said that using her real name would risk putting her family in Palestine in danger, said she didn’t feel Ryan is talking enough about, or to, his Palestinian constituents. Ryan said he will make more of an effort to do so.
Sarah Rosenthal, who lives in Rhinebeck and identified herself as a Jewish woman with family who escaped the Holocaust, told the Ryan, “I am horrified by the violence being committed in the name of Jewish people. What I have not heard today, from you, congressman, is asking for an immediate ceasefire. We have to stop killing and starving people right now!” Ryan responded, “We could call for a cease fire, but there needs to be a practical plan to achieve it. The question is how do we do it? It is easy to say cease fire, but difficult to accomplish.”
The call went on for more than an hour, and concluded with Ryan stating that he does not support the actions of the current Israeli government and their aggression toward the Palestinian people. He said, “I think we are all aligned at a values level.” Ryan agreed to continue the conversation. He is up for reelection this November.
Porchfest Gives Back // At the Rhinebeck Town Board meeting last week, local resident and entrepreneur Frank Mazzarella presented the Town with a check for $50,000 from Porchfest Rhinebeck, the local musical block party. The money is to be used to support the Thompson-Mazzarella Park playing fields. This gift is part of a $100,000 contribution pledged to the Thompson-Mazzarella park, which was named in honor of Sally and Frank Mazzarella, the parents of Frank Mazzarella and Elizabeth Mazzarella, who was instrumental in starting Porchfest in Rhinebeck in 2016.
At the meeting, an emotional Frank Mazzarella read a prepared statement: “On July 22 the first contribution of $35,000 was presented to the Town, and Porchfest is planning another event for this coming fall season. The final $15,000 toward this pledge will be submitted after that event.”
Ripoff Alert in Rhinebeck // Last week, the Rhinebeck Police Department put out a notice to residents to be vigilant about possible targeting scams via phone, text and email. While the notification did not specify whether there had been local victims, it cautioned residents to look out for the following:
– a scammer posing as a known person who tricks the victim into purchasing multiple gift cards with the promise of being reimbursed;
– a scammer who claims to be from a business (Verizon, Central Hudson, and others), attempts to convince the victim that their account is overdue, and tricks the victim into sending money through a payment app; and
– a scammer who poses as an attorney for a family member who, it’s claimed, has been in an accident, and then attempts to trick the victim into sending money to help their family member.
These were just a few examples of various scams to be on the lookout for. The Rhinebeck PD advises residents never to provide personal information over the phone, text or email and, when in doubt – STOP – and never give the caller any access to accounts or computer. The Rhinebeck PD encourages those who may have received such a scam communication to contact the Village of Rhinebeck Police Department (845-876-8181).
In other local crime news, recently there have been a series of reports on social media of items stolen from unlocked cars in Rhinebeck village. It’s always a good idea to lock your vehicle, even if it is sitting in your driveway.
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"Correct Me If I'm Norm"
Norm sits down to chat with this week’s guest who is a film director, a co-founder of the esteemed True/False Film Fest, and a fairly recent Rhinebeck transplant who is currently the co-executive director at Upstate Films - Paul Sturtz.
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This Week
February is Black History Month
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Tuesday, February 20th, 2:00PM
Learn more about Identity Theft with the Mid-Hudson Credit Union. Presented by Rhinebeck @ Home. Registration requested. At Starr Library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, February 20th, 6:30PM - 8:00PM
ZOOM presentation of “The Secret Lives of Bees,” by ecologist Dr. Nick Dorian. Register here. Presented by Morton Library, Rhinecliff.
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Wednesday, February 21st, 6:30PM
Lucy Sante and Samantha Hunt talk about “I Heard Her Call My Name,” Sante’s memoir of transition. Registration is required. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Wednesday, February 21st, 6:30PM
“How Should a President Be?” a talk with presidential historian Alexis Coe and Alyssa Mastromonaco, Pres. Obama’s Deputy Chief of Staff. A “movie-clip-driven conversation.” Co-presented by Starr Library. Tickets $7-$11. At Upstate Films, 6415 Montgomery St. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
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Thursday, February 22nd, 12:30PM
Dr. Myra Young Armstead, Lyford Paterson Edwards and Helen Gray Edwards Professor of Historical Studies at Bard presents “Navigating History, Memory, Public History and Enslavement via the Rhinebeck Post Office Murals.” “Registration is full but please check back.” At Clinton Community Library, 1215 Centre Rd., Town of Clinton.
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Thursday, February 22nd, 7:00PM
Online talk by Ranger Kevin W. Bryant about Frederick Douglass and his home, a National Historic Site. On Zoom; registration is required. Co-sponsored by Morton Library, Kingston Library, and Blodgett Library (Fishkill)
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Friday, February 23rd, 4:00PM
US Air Force Heritage Winds Ensemble performs recent works by contemporary women composers. FREE. At Olin Hall, Bard College.
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Friday, February 23rd, 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Opening reception for Morton Talent Show/Art Exhibition with work by local artists. Show runs through March 30. Refreshments will be served. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Friday, February 23rd, through Sunday, February 25th
Annual Kurtag Festival returns, with “Signs, Games, and Messages,” an exploration of the innovative music of Hungarian composer Gyorgy Kurtag. FREE. Presented by the Bard Conservatory. Details at Bard.edu.
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Saturday, February 24th, 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Rhinebeck Repair Cafe. “People bring all kinds of things to be fixed, including cloaks, digital devices, toasters, clothing, ceramics, bicycles, and more. FREE. At the Pavilion at Brookmeade, 34 Brookmeade Dr. (off Rte. 308), Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, February 24th, Noon
Local author Jack Kelly (“God Save Benedict Arnold”) talks about the Revolutionary War on our home turf: Red Hook, Rhinebeck, Kingston and Clermont. Also available on Zoom. Get additional info here. At the Elmendorf Inn, 7562 N. Broadway, Red Hook.
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Tuesday, February 27th, 7:00PM - 8:00PM
A discussion of the acclaimed new nonfiction book, “Evicted,” by Matthew Desmond, by the Starr Book Club. Newcomers are invited. At Starr Library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Friday, March 1st, 6:30PM
Morton’s 2024 Celebration of Community Talent Show. Suggested donation $5. For info contact sandy@mortonrhinecliff.org. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Friday, March 2nd, 4:00PM - 6:00PM
Saturday Chill with Classical Guitarist Andrew Baffi. Also playing on the first Saturday of every month. FREE. At Starr Library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Wednesday, March 6th, 7:00PM - 8:00PM
Local author Rebecca Rego Barry discusses rescuing forgotten mystery author Carolyn Wells, one of the “lost ladies” of detective fiction. Co-hosted by Oblong Books. At Starr Library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Thursday, March 7th, 7:30PM
“Stray Dog,” another FREE showing of “12 films that revolutionized cinema.” Preceded by Happy Hour at 6:30PM with half-price beer and wine, free snacks and soda. A Bardavon/UPAC series; get tickets at Bardavon or UPAC box office. This movie will be shown at UPAC, 601 Broadway, Kingston.
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Now through February 20th
Photo competition: your photo might grace the cover of the 2024 Rhinebeck Visitor’s Guide, with more than 10,000 copies distributed! Submit your photo “showcasing the beauty and essence of Rhinebeck and Rhinecliff” to rhinebeckvisitorsguide@gmail.com with subject line RBK Cover Photo Entry. Specs: vertical orientation; 8”X12”; minimum res 300dpi; JPG; For more information, visit Rhinebeckchamber.com.
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Pre-registration is now open for Saturday, February 24, 8AM-12PM FREE rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats and domestic ferrets three months of age or older. Non-Dutchess County residents will be charged $10 per pet vaccinated. Dogs must be on leash and other pets in carriers. Pre-registration is required, at DCSPCA.org or 845-452-7722, ext. 425. At the Dutchess County SPCA, 636 Violet Ave., Hyde Park.
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Now through February 29th
“The Hudson Valley in Watercolors by Isabel Church Livingston.” At Montgomery Row Art Space, upstairs at 6423 Montgomery St. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
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Now through Winter
Homemade soup sales via Rhinebeck Grange. $10/quart. If you’d like to pre-order, contact JoBaer2@gmail.com for the week’s availability. Quantities are limited. Pickup Thursday, March 21st, between 11AM and 12:30PM at the side door of the Rhinecliff Firehouse, corner of Shatzell and Orchard, Rhinecliff.
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Now through Mid-March
First come, first served registration is open for Girls on the Run, a program to build girls’ confidence and physical, mental and emotional health. Practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30-4:45; season starts March 18; celebratory 5K on June 1. Financial assistance is available. For information and to register, go to www.girlsontherunhv.org. At Chancellor Livingston Elementary School, 48 Knollwood Rd., Rhinebeck.
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Now through March 17th
Opening reception for “Artist’s Choice,” a show of works by member artists. At Tivoli Artists Gallery, 60 Broadway, Tivoli.
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Now through March 17th
Levee: Photographs by Adrianna Ault. At the Center for Photography at Woodstock, 474 Broadway, Kingston.
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Now through March 21st
“And the Oscar Goes To…”: Oscar-nominated films at Upstate Films in Rhinebeck and Saugerties. See full programs at upstatefilms.org.
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Fridays through March 22nd, 5:00PM - 7:00PM
Fish Fry during Lent, organized by the Clinton Volunteer Fire Dept. $15, take-out only. Call 845-266-5485 for more information. At the East Clinton Firehouse, 9 Firehouse Lane, Clinton Corners.
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Now through March 30th
“Timelessness: Hudson Valley painters Marie Cole & Betsy Jacaruso.” At the Betsy Jacaruso Gallery, 43 East Market St., in the Courtyard, Rhinebeck.
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Now through March 31st
“Women at Work: Photography and Labor,” a show featuring seven American women photographers, from the early 1900s to the present. At Vassar’s Lehman Loeb Gallery, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie.
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Now through April 1 – No parking on Rhinebeck roads from midnight to 8AM. Violators are subject to a fine.
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Now through April
Works by Polly M. Law and William W. Underhill. Masks are requested when inside the galleries. At Shahinian Upstairs Galleries, 22 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Now through April 30th
“But Today is Different,” a collaborative art and poetry show by Mimi Graminski and Sarah Stern. At Starr Library, 68 West Market St., and The Little Gallery, 59 Chestnut St., Rhinebeck.
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Now through June 2nd
“Making a Life in Photography: Rollie McKenna,” the first survey of the prolific career of an American photographer. Co-curated by Rhinebeck’s own Mary-Kay Lombino, Deputy Director and Emily Hargroves Fisher ‘57 and Richard B. Fisher Curator at the Art Center. The show is accompanied by an extensive catalog and runs through June 2. Opening reception on February 22nd at 4:00PM. At Vassar’s Lehman Loeb Art Center, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie.
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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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Rhinebeck Village Budget Meeting Schedule:
– Tuesday, February 20, 5PM – Capital Projects, Vehicles & EQ;
– Tuesday, February 27, 5PM – Water and Sewer;
– Tuesday, March 26, 5PM – Police and Fire;
– Thursday, March 28, 5PM – Highway, Environmental and General; and
– Tuesday, April 4, 5PM – Total Budget.
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Tuesday, February 20th
Rhinebeck Town Planning Board
Town Hall
6:00PM
Agenda includes public hearing of Site Plan and Special Use Permit for cell phone tower at Ruge’s, 3718 Rte. 9G; and discussion of application from Brinks, 5834 Rte. 9, for Site Plan Review. See Town website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, February 20th
Rhinebeck Village Planning Board
Village Hall
7:00PM
Agenda includes review of site plan application for 33 Beech St., including exterior modifications. Property is in Residential and Historic Overlay Districts. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Wednesday, February 21st
Rhinebeck Town Zoning Board of Appeals
Town Hall
7:00PM
Agenda includes public hearing of application for cell tower exceeding height limits at Ruge’s, 3718 Rte.9G. See Town website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, February 27th
Special Rhinebeck Village Board Meeting
Village Hall
6:30PM
NOTE TIME. Special Meeting of Rhinebeck Village Board. Agenda includes review of 6 Mulberry St. project, including Environmental Assessment Form Part 3 and zoning amendment updates. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, February 27th
Rhinebeck Central School District Board Meeting
BMS Cafeteria
7:00PM
Agenda not yet available. See RCSD website. At Bulkeley School cafeteria, 45 North Rd., Rhinebeck.
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Wednesday, February 28th
Rhinebeck Village Board Meeting
Village Hall
2:00PM
NOTE TIME. Rhinebeck Village Board of Trustees. Agenda not yet available. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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The following items have been posted on the 6 Mulberry St. page of the Rhinebeck Village website, under Committees & Projects/6 Mulberry: revised parking study submitted by developer; and letter from several residents commenting on the January 22 draft zoning amendment. In addition, the following items are still posted: the environmental assessment prepared by Partridge Venture Engineering for the developer, dated Dec. 19, 2019; parameters regarding construction noise, traffic, and lighting; a revised site plan; plans and elevations for four one-family homes on the site; draft environmental assessment forms Parts 1, 2 and 3; and the Phase 1 Environmental Study.
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Deadline is March 1 for applications for Senior Citizen Tax Exemptions in Town of Rhinebeck. Age, residency and income requirements are available on Town website.
The Town of Rhinebeck is seeking applicants for positions on Planning Board, Conservation Advisory Board, and Board of Assessment Review. Applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent and resume to townclerk@rhinebeckny.gov.
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Rhinebeck High School
(circa 1920s)
Well before Bulkeley Middle School and Rhinebeck High School combined in the 1990s, the high school stood on its own.
Image courtesy of Scott Cruickshank
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