Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 92 | September 19, 2023
| |
Equinox, Equator, Equality?
This Saturday the 23rd is both the start of the fall season and of the Autumn Equinox, the point of the year when the Sun is exactly above the Equator and day and night are of equal length (this also happens again in the spring, so don’t worry too much if you miss it).
But this week we keep our feet relatively close to the ground. We look at whether and where the Mid-Hudson Valley is providing safe and plentiful biking routes to the many two-wheeled enthusiasts out there.
We hope everyone is enjoying the run-up to fall and participating in some of the many local events during Climate Solutions Week.
Eric Steinman
Executive Editor
|
|
How Bikeable is the Mid-Hudson Region?
A look at area towns gradually pedaling forward
The Mid-Hudson Valley is an ideal place for bicycling, and while many civic leaders have spoken passionately about their commitment to bikeable communities, the progress in many places has been slow but not without some bright spots.
| |
Are You a Journalist or a Writer?
The HV Pilot needs writers to cover local news, local business, local real estate issues, and all things local and interesting to our thriving community.
| |
LOCAL EVENTS!
The HV Pilot continues to grow and serve the community. Check out our new events page with local happenings updated continuously.
| |
| |  |
Bard Receives $750K Toward Restoration of Montgomery Place Mansion // Hot on the heels of Bard College’s announcement last week of their purchase of the old UTS campus in Barrytown, comes word from the National Park Service that the ever expanding college received a $750,000 Save America’s Treasures grant through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) to help support the restoration of the Montgomery Place Mansion, a National Historic Landmark. Montgomery Place, building and grounds, was purchased by Bard College in 2016 for $18 million.
The home, built in the federal style in the early 19th century, is part of a 380-acre estate along the Hudson River, and had been in relative disrepair before it was purchased by the college from Historic Hudson Valley. The grant will fund proposed structural repairs to the exterior of the building in order to restore its integrity and resiliency for future preservation and will include a comprehensive assessment of the structural conditions and will help secure the long-term preservation of the building, its finishes, and its collections, according to a press release issued by the college on Monday.
“As stewards of this historic property, we’re gratified that the National Park Service has recognized the importance of Montgomery Place and awarded us this generous grant to support its ongoing restoration and conservation,” said Bard College President Leon Botstein.
Slowdown at CVS // The pharmacy at CVS in Rhinebeck has been the subject of equal parts speculation and consternation over the past week or more. According to several regular customers of the pharmacy, prescriptions aren’t being filled in a timely manner, and staffing shortages have considerably slowed down customer service and increased villager irritability. “I have been waiting six days to get my prescription filled,” said Rhinebeck local David Miller last week. “I just went into the store (CVS) and they told me, and the three people in front of me, to transfer our prescriptions to TOPS because they have a backlog of 1,200 prescriptions and no one to fill them,” Miller emailed the Pilot.
This past Sunday, at 3 pm, there were a dozen customers waiting in line to fill their prescriptions, and the staff, to their credit, were doing what they could to provide customer service. Local resident Kristin DiSpaltro Loosvelt wrote in a Rhinecliff community WhatsApp thread over the weekend, “A manager there told me several pharmacists recently retired at the same time, and finding replacements is tricky because the pay upstate is less than in the city.”
A CVS pharmacist in Rhinebeck on Sunday admitted that they were very understaffed at that particular CVS and were “doing what they could do.” The Pilot reached out to CVS corporate headquarters to inquire about the alleged staffing shortages and the general slowdown, and received this response: "We were experiencing delays at our CVS Pharmacy in Rhinebeck, NY due to temporary staffing challenges a couple of weeks ago. Team members from other nearby CVS pharmacies were brought in to assist and the Rhinebeck pharmacy is now caught up and again serving patients in a timely manner."
Second Chance for Fair Food // As one can probably imagine, the Dutchess County Fair likely creates a dizzying array of waste, from used wristbands and cups to the discarded sticks that once held some sort of food on a stick. However, thanks to FeedHV, a regional food rescue, and Red Hook Responds, about 670 pounds of viable, but unserved, food products were collected at the close of the fair on Sunday, August 27th, for distribution to agencies with food assistance programs, according to a press release from FeedHV.
Working until around 10:00 pm that night, the volunteers circulated with coolers and loaded the trays and bags onto a trailer heading for the cold storage at Red Hook Responds, and then for various agencies for distribution. In all, 16 vendors made food donations, including produce (lettuce, corn, potatoes, garlic, scallions, cucumbers, lemons, carrots, celery, tomatoes, onions, peppers, broccoli); prepared foods such as rice and beans, chili, pizza, vegetables, and empanadas; and breads and rolls, desserts, cheese, dressings, condiments, macaroni salad, coleslaw, and cooked meats such as beef, chicken, Gyro meat, and sausages.
This was the second year of the program (the first was last year) and the gleaned food went to food assistance programs in the area, including Hope on a Mission and Hudson River Housing in Poughkeepsie; and Peoples Place, Darmstadt Shelter and Seasoned Gives in Kingston. “I am so pleased that we were able to once again work with FeedHV and get product to the Hudson Valley food banks and people who can use it. We have had other fairs pick up on the idea and are pleased to be part of this grassroots effort,” said Deborah Aschmann, head of Concessions, Vendors & Partnerships for the Dutchess County Fair.
| | | |
"The Back Room with Andy Ostroy"
Andy's guest is Kara Swisher, host of On with Kara Swisher and co-host of the Pivot podcast. She’s also editor-at-large of New York Magazine…and the former host of the Sway and Recode Decode podcasts. Kara talks with Andy about her new book, Burn Book: A Tech Love Story, which is described as “a witty, scathing, but fair accounting of the tech industry and its founders who wanted to change the world but broke it instead.”
| |
This Week
It’s Still Climate Week!
| |
Now through Tuesday, September 26 Rhinebeck Climate Week, with film screenings, lectures, discussions, workshops, and more. For details, see climatesmartrhinebeck.org or Starrlibrary.org. Co-sponsored by Climate Smart Rhinebeck, Starr Library, and Morton Library.
| |
Mondays beginning September 18th, 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 MortonLibrary.org. At Morton, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
| |
Tuesday, September 19th, 11:00AM - 6:00PM
Register to vote, obtain an absentee ballot, and find out more on National Voter Registration Day “Make your voice heard!” At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
| |
Tuesday, September 19th, 7:00PM
“Preparing for Severe Climate – Protecting Rhinecliff, Our Families, Friends and Neighbors,” a presentation by Nick Sussillo, Rhinecliff resident and former director, Office of Sustainability, Silver City, New Mexico. At Morton Library, Rhinecliff.
| |
Now through September 20th – Register for 2023-24 EMT training for people “of all ages and career stages.” No fee IF sponsored by a NYS-certified EMS agency. Trainings run through February 2024, Mon/Wed. 6PM-9:30PM; some Saturdays 8AM-11:30AM. For info. call Cheryl Hilbrandt, 845-876-0448 X136, or email chilbrandt@ndpems.com. At Bard College.
| |
Thursday, September 21st, through Sunday, October 1st
“Ulysses,” interpreted and presented by Elevator Repair Service. A Fisher Center Lab Commission/World Premiere. Tickets $44.50. Info at FisherCenter.Bard.edu. At Bard College.
| |
Now through October 1st
2023 Fall Festival at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park: ballet, art walk, a baroque band, opera, and more. See kaatsbaan.org for details. At Kaatsbaan, 120 Broadway, Tivoli.
| |
Friday, September 22nd, 6:00PM
A live episode of Home From Here in concert form to benefit Radio Free Rhinecliff. Featuring Seth David-Branitz, Marc Delgado, and Jessie Lee Montague, with “music, laughs, cries, and anything that uplifts.” Reservations recommended and available at jnBurton.com. Suggested donation $20 payable at the door. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
| |
Saturday, September 23rd, 9:00AM - 2:00PM
Scenic Hudson Farmland Cycling Tour. Do 10, 20, or 40 miles. Pedal, stop at farms, energize (donuts, cider, apples), and enjoy post-ride lunch with live music. FREE. Pre-registration required. Details at scenichudson.org. Rides start at Poets’ Walk, 776 River Rd., Red Hook.
| |
Saturday, September 23rd, 11:00AM - 2:00PM
"EV Curious" Electric Vehicle Event sponsored by Rhinebeck Village/Town Climate Smart Task Force. At the Mazzarella Park parking lot, West Market St., Rhinebeck.
| |
Saturday, September 23rd, 1:00PM - 4:00PM
“Discover the Carriage House,” at Wilderstein. With antique cars, live music, and refreshments. Tickets $25 or make a donation in any amount to the current fundraising campaign. At Wilderstein Historic Site, 330 Morton Rd., Rhinebeck.
| |
Saturday, September 23rd, 7:00PM, and Sunday, September 24th, 2:00PM
Symphonic Film Night with “The Wizard of Oz” and the Bard Conservatory Orchestra. Tickets $49.50 - $69.50. Details at fishercenter.bard.edu. At Fisher Center, Bard.
| |
Tuesday, September 26th, 6:00PM
Public Workshop: Biking and Walking in Rhinebeck. There are grant opportunities to make Rhinebeck more walkable and bikeable: what would you like to see? Sponsored by Climate Smart Rhinebeck Village Task Force. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St.
| |
Tuesday, September 26th, 7:00PM
Beckhook Pride 2024 Planning Committee Meetup. At Cafe Manju at Megabrain Comics, 15 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
| |
Thursday, September 28th, 6:30PM
| |
Saturday, September 30th, 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Rhinebeck Garden Club Annual Plant and Bake Sale. At CVS open space on East Market St.; if heavy rain, sale will move to the Rhinebeck Reformed Church, 6368 Mill St. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
| |
Saturday, September 30th, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
“A Starry Night,” celebrating 160 Years of Starr Library. Tickets are $150, or $200 at the door; sponsorships also available. Tickets and sponsorship information at starrlibrary-bloom.kindful.com or at starrlibrary.org. At the Fairgrounds Horticulture Building, 6550 Spring Brook Ave. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
| |
Sunday, October 1st, 2:00PM - 4:00PM
A Conversation with the Candidates. Learn more about these candidates and what they envision for Dutchess County. Featuring Tommy Zurhellen (candidate for County Executive), Anthony Parisi (District Attorney), James Rogers (Family Court Judge), and Kenya Gadsden (County Clerk). FREE. Submit questions to info@hudsonvalleystrong.org. At Rhinebeck Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
| |
Thursday, October 5th, 6:00PM - 7:00PM
Artist talk by award-winning artist and photographer, Franc Palaia, on “The History of Polaroid Photography,” including exhibit of Palaia’s specially enlarged and hand-colored Polaroids. Exhibit is on view through October 31. At CO., Co-working and Event Space, 6571 Spring Brook Ave. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
| |
Wednesdays, 7PM, “as long as the weather holds up into September.” Adult Kickball and Volleyball. FREE. No signup needed. Presented by Clinton Rec. At Fran Mark Park, 337 Clinton Hollow Rd., Salt Point.
| |
Now through October 6th
Call for contributions to Morton Library’s Homage to Fiber Artists show, which will open October 13. Open to everyone; kids’ creations are welcome. For info, contact Sandy@mortonlibrary.org. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
Now through January 28th, 2024
“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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
Now through Friday, September 22
Rhinebeck Village Clerk, Water/Sewer, and Treasurer’s offices closed.
| | | |
Tuesday, September 19th
Rhinebeck Energy Democracy Town Hall
Town Hall
6:30PM
Learn how you can get involved in the Central Hudson rate case and how to beat corporate utilities. Sponsored by Assembly member Sarahana Shrestha. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
| | | |
Tuesday, September 19th
Rhinebeck Village Planning Board
Village Hall
7:00PM
Agenda includes discussion of application by Archtop Fiber for fiber optic “shed/station” in Residential District. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
| | | |
Wednesday, September 20th
Rhinebeck Town Zoning Board of Appeals
Town Hall
7:00PM
Agenda available. See Town website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
| | | |
Wednesday, September 20th
Rhinebeck Village Tree Commission
Village Hall
7:00PM
Agenda not yet available. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
| | | |
Tuesday, September 26th
Rhinebeck Village Board of Trustees Special Meeting
Village Hall
7:00PM
Rhinebeck Village Board of Trustees Special Meeting and Public Hearing on the 2024 application for a Community Development Block Grant and to obtain public input into capital projects to encourage walking and biking and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety in the Village. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St.
| | | |
A web page has been added to the Rhinebeck Village website, providing ongoing information about the development project at 6 Mulberry St., also known as the Brogan Center.
| | | |
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.
| | | | |
|
"Shane"
Shane has been living in Rhinebeck for nine years and is greatly looking forward to "pumpkin season" this year, and every year.
| | | | |
