Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 101 | October 17, 2023
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Still Kicking!
As we mentioned last week, the Pilot hit two major benchmarks this month. The first was our 100th newsletter (!) and the second, which we’re hitting tomorrow, is our one-year anniversary. While it is not exactly coincidental, if you do the math, that the two would happen around the same time, we hope you agree that for a scrappy news start-up like ours continuing to publish and growing into our second year of existence with even greater ambitions is worth a little pat on the back.
We also know that without your community engagement and support, we would be but a memory. So you, our readers and supporters, are a major part of the effort and equation.
Thank you! And please continue to support us. Your enduring support will keep us working and growing.
And here’s an opportunity: please join us on November 10 as we "Celebrate Year One and Launch Year Two" of the Pilot. If you click on the colorful banners below, we invite you to:
* BID on one or more of the 12 photographs from distinguished local photographers that capture the beauty and complexity of this place we call home. (Our online auction will open in a few days.)
We look forward to serving you and the community in the coming years.
Eric Steinman
Executive Editor
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Sweater Weather: Sheep and Wool Festival Returns to Rhinebeck
If you are not familiar with this week’s annual New York State Sheep and Wool Festival, held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, you might suspect there is a twins convention in Rhinebeck. The people walking around in matching clothing are likely not related, but simply sporting their handmade “Rhinebeck Sweaters," a collaborative craft project popularized by fans of the festival.
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A Step-by-Step Guide to Riding Out Hudson Valley Climate Disasters
Intense storms are the “new normal,” and experts warn that personal survival plans have to be, too.
We have put together a 72-hour survival guide to help you get and remain prepared for whatever might be coming our way.
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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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Noise Annoys // The Town of Rhinebeck has long been flirting with the idea of moderate to severe noise limits for noisy equipment like leaf blowers and lawn mowers (as well as other noisemakers), and while nothing has yet been decided, last week the Town moved a few decibels closer to something resembling a resolution.
Under the proposed law discussed at the Town Board meeting last week, Town Code Enforcement Officer Brian Tamm outlined the following proposal to prohibit noise above certain decibel limits (as reported in the Daily Freeman):
• Sound above 65 decibels for leaf blowers from the source or the nearest lot line, whichever distance is less;
• Sound above 50 decibels in multi-dwelling buildings between 7am and 8pm and 45 decibels after 8pm; and
• Sound above 60 decibels from a motor vehicle as measured from the nearest curb or edge of a roadway.
All noise ordinances would be in place on Sundays and legal holidays as well. Tamm described his scientific process, as he had previously assembled an assortment of leaf blowers and machinery in the Town Hall parking lot and measured their noise output. There have been several complaints over the past few years about leaf blower noise throughout the town, and enforcement has been minimal. If a new ordinance were to be adopted, enforcement, carried out by the police, would be integral to the law’s success.
The current proposal is under consideration and review by the Town Board and the Town attorney. Under the previous revision, there would be a prohibition on "unreasonable noise" that limits use of power equipment in residential zones between 10PM and 7AM Mondays through Fridays and until 8AM on Saturdays and Sundays. The previous provision retained the decibel limits above and added: "no person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit to be made unreasonable noise."
Snow, Snow, Snow // If you have lived in the area for more than a handful of years, you may have noticed that snow accumulations have declined, as those long, snowbound winters seem to be more of a memory than a reality for the Hudson Valley. Well, if you believe the recently released projections for this coming winter, you may want to consider upgrading your snow shovel.
AccuWeather, which provides dynamic weather projections as well as predictions, reported this week that, partially due to El Niño weather patterns, the Hudson Valley will likely experience a colder than usual winter, with significant snowfall. "A strengthening El Niño will make this winter different than last year in part of the United States," AccuWeather meteorologists stated in a news release. "It will be colder with plenty more snow for millions of people who live in major cities, but that won’t be the case everywhere." The prediction for the Northeast is that the winter’s heavier snow activity will likely come in waves, starting with one batch in November, followed by a relatively quiet December, then an active stretch after the new year. Considering this forecast and the already significant precipitation the area has received over the past few months, we may be in for an alternately wet and snowy winter.
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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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Tuesday, October 17th, 6:30PM
“Middle-grade superstar” author Alex Gino talks about their new book, “Green,” the story of a non-binary middle-schooler. Co-sponsored by Oblong Books, Morton Library, and Starr Library. Registration requested at https://tinyurl.com.mrynsydz. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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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, 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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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, 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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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 17th
Rhinebeck Village Planning Board
Village Hall
7:00 PM
Agenda includes presentation and amended site plan approval request re 8-10 Chestnut St. in the Historic District Overlay and Residential District; and proposed equipment shed/station (“fiber optic hub”) measuring 187 sq. ft. and 8’ tall on a currently vacant lot behind 187 East Market St. in the Residential District. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Wednesday, October 18th
Rhinebeck Town Zoning Board of Appeals
Town Hall
7:00 PM
Agenda includes public hearing of the appeal by Upstate Down, 41 East Market St., of the Zoning Administrator’s Notice of Violation. See Town Website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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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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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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