Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 111 | November 17, 2023
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This Week and Weekend
If you find yourself on the not-so-mean streets of Rhinebeck, it is beginning to look a lot like the holiday season, namely Sinterklaas. Holiday lights have been up in the village for over a week, and more than one tree lighting ceremony awaits us this week and next, and Sinterklaas, which some would argue is the definitive Rhinebeck holiday celebration, is marking its territory on the village streets in anticipation of December 2nd.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, we have what is immediately in front of us to attend to. This week, speaking of attention being paid, we have an update on the multiple fronts in which village residents and officials are attempting to address growing concerns over pedestrian and cyclist safety in the village. On a lighter and more bubbly note, we duck into Tea Fresh, the place to get your boba tea fix in Rhinebeck, and find out what the fuss is about.
And please do not forget, the HV Pilot still has a photography auction going on – until next Tuesday – and there are some stunning photographs to be had for not at all unreasonable prices (you can take a look and bid here). All of the proceeds will go toward supporting the Pilot in the coming year.
We appreciate all of your engagement and support in keeping us going onwards and upwards.
Eric Steinman
Executive Editor
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The Village Moves to Address Pedestrian Safety Concerns
Back on September 26th, the Village Board held a special board meeting on the issue of pedestrian and cyclist safety. In the days following the meeting, two incidents occurred, one involving a child cyclist and a vehicle, and the other a three-vehicle crash. Now, more than six weeks later, there seems to be some movement towards addressing the issue of public safety and implementing both long-term and short-term solutions.
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Boba Tea is a Hit Among Young People and Others in Rhinebeck
I started hearing about “the boba tea place” last spring from my eighth grader and her friends, who were all equally obsessed with it. After school, they’d head to Tea Fresh in the Village of Rhinebeck (6384 Mill Street/Rte. 9) to buy the colorful, fruity drinks and browse boba merchandise. This new addition to the village is now booming with teens, boba fans, and tea lovers alike.
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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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Addressing Suicide Risks // While there is no published data on how many individuals have taken their lives on the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, we know from reading the frequent headlines that it is a far too common occurrence. The bridge, connecting Dutchess and Ulster counties, is currently outfitted with an emergency phone system, signage, cameras, and semi-frequent patrols, and the New York State Bridge Authority has, in the past, attempted to address the inherent dangers and harm to individuals, but many people are still moved to take their own lives.
Norm Magnusson, artist, local podcaster and frequent contributor to the Pilot, began working on a proposal a few months ago to try to address the danger in a visual and empathetic way. While Magnusson does credit the NYS Bridge Authority with providing both signage and a relatively easy way to get connected to the suicide prevention hotline (dial #988), he has created something that he feels conveys a more “evocative message” that would promote a more “human connection” and will hopefully reduce the number of suicides on the bridge. Magnusson has created six mockups of signs he hopes might be adopted by the NYSBA, which include prompts like, “There are parts of you that you haven’t met yet” and “Somebody cares about you. Call 988 to talk with them.” Magnusson shared his proposal with Town Supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia who expressed her support for the project and, according to Magnusson, is helping to put him in touch with the right person at the state offices.
Local Government Goings On // This past Monday, the Rhinebeck Town Board proposed an increase in the income ceiling for property tax exemptions for low-income senior citizens and some disabled residents in the Town. Rhinebeck’s volunteer firefighters and EMTs were also part of the proposal, qualifying them for property tax exemption on 10 percent of the assessed value of their primary residence after they serve for three years with either the Rhinebeck FD or Emergency Services; exemptions could last a lifetime for those who serve with either organization for 20 years or more. This provides a much needed incentive for a volunteer force that has seen some decrease over the years due in large part to the increasing cost of living in the area. There will be a public hearing on these proposals on Monday, December 11th, at 6PM at Town Hall.
In addition, newly elected Town Trustee Chad Kleitsch was appointed to fill the unexpired term (through December 31 of this year) of former Trustee Josh Pulver, who resigned effective November 6. Kleitsch will then take his newly elected seat effective 1/1/24 and the Town is seeking applicants to fill the rest of Pulver's term starting 1/1/24.
On the Village end of things, there has been a slight change in the order of operations when it comes to the ongoing Center Street construction project. Center Street in front of Village Hall,and across the street north of E. Market Street has been a construction zone for the past few weeks. Sidewalk renovation with ADA-compliant curb cuts was supposed to occur this year, but the Village has prioritized installing drainage and grading for the remaining few days of good weather, pushing back sidewalk renovation until late March, according to Mayor Gary Bassett.
In addition, both the Town and Village governments have submitted a letter of support for the Locust Hill Project, the local workforce housing project currently in development, to receive funding from the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal. These letters of support enhance the project’s eligibility to receive more funding, but do not commit either the Town or the Village to providing wider approval of the project. At its meeting on November 13 the Town scheduled a workshop on the Locust Hill development for 6PM on Monday, November 27th, at Town Hall.
Village Gets a Tech Update // On Wednesday, the office of Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha announced the award of multiple operational grants to ten recipients in District 103, including Rhinebeck. The Village of Rhinebeck was awarded $25,000 to fund technology improvements for the Village Hall. “The Village of Rhinebeck is thrilled to have received this grant from Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha. The funding could not have come at a better time,” said Mayor Gary Bassett. “The Village has aging end-point hardware with software that will soon be at the end of its life. Taking this opportunity to replace the old hardware and software with new hardware and software will increase productivity, improve security, and decrease potential down time.“ In addition to Rhinebeck’s grant, the Red Hook Central School District received $15,000 to support a new English as a New Language (ENL) Family Outreach initiative, and the historic Rosendale Theater in Rosendale received $25,000 to go towards operations.
Barge/No Barge // As we mentioned in our story earlier this week about the Village Municipal Water system, after months of increasing concern and outrage from environmentalists and elected officials like Rep. Pat Ryan, the U.S. Coast Guard did an about-face on their previous decision to allow oil barges to anchor in the Hudson River. On Monday they pulled back on such a decision, but left the option open to consider it in the future. Various environmental organizations had fought the Coast Guard plan to allow dozens of oil barges to anchor in the Hudson River, claiming it was potentially hazardous for the environment and violated federal law. This week’s decision by the Coast Guard was a win for environmentalists and for everyone concerned about the potential environmental toll these ships might take on the Hudson River, but that decision is not final, and could be reconsidered in the not too distant future. However, according to the Mid Hudson News, Congressmen Pat Ryan (D) and Marc Molinaro (R) have together introduced legislation, just yesterday, that would permanently ban “additional anchorages” permanently on the Hudson River.
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"The Rhinebeck Scoop"
New Podcast Alert! Jennifer C. hopes to fill a void in the entertainment podcasting sector for the town of Rhinebeck with her radio show: The Rhinebeck Scoop.
She dishes out social commentary about town life, including fun segments called "Boujee Banter," "White People Problems," and our "Sweet and Sour" of the moment.
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This Week
A Gem of a Craft Show
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Friday, November 17th, 6:30 - 9:30PM
Benefit for the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley at Terrapin, also celebrating Terrapin’s 25-year anniversary. With iconic recipes and prices from 1998. $100 per person to access the menu, which includes Barbecued Duck Quesadilla and Seared Ahi Tuna. Reserve at opentable.com. At Terrapin, 6426 Montgomery St. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
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Friday evening, November 17th - Saturday evening, November 18th
Rhinebeck Village municipal parking lot closed.
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Friday, November 17th, and Saturday, November 18th
“Myth Adventures: Five Greek Classics,” presented by the Rhinebeck High School Drama Club. Tickets $8 Students or Seniors; $10 Adult; $15 live-streaming. At the auditorium at the High School, 45 North Park Rd., Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, November 18th, 10:00AM - 7:00PM, and Sunday, November 19th, 10:00AM - 4:00PM
The Group Holiday Sale, “a gem of a craft show,” featuring 17 artisans, including blown glass, textiles, pottery, and more. At the Delamater Conference Center, steps from the Market St. intersection, enter off Rte. 9, Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, November 18th, 10:30AM - 12:30PM; Tuesday, November 28th, 5:00 - 7:00PM
Sinterklaas Mask Coloring Workshops. For all ages. Bring your creativity! At Starr Library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, November 18th, 2:00PM - 3:00PM
An Afternoon of Classical Guitar and Poetry with guitarist Terry Champlin and actress Prudence Garcia-Renart, with music by Schubert and Villa-Lobos and words from “Spoon River Anthology,” a work by Tennessee Williams, and others. At Starr Library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, November 18th, 2:00PM - 6:00PM
Holiday Tree Lighting, with carolers, DJ, Xmas tree raffle, hot chocolate, vendors and food trucks, and more. Parade at 5:30, Santa at 5:45. Sensory space on the 2nd floor of Village Hall. At the municipal parking lot, Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, November 18th, 4:00PM - 5:30PM
Journal Workshop with prize-winning poet Anique Taylor. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Saturday, November 18th, 5:00PM - 7:00PM
Opening reception for “Four Perspectives: Explorations in Photography,” presenting work by Chris Acosta, Lee Courtney, Michael Dimen, and John Verner. Exhibit runs through Dec. 30. At the Montgomery Row Art Exhibition Space, 2nd floor (elevator is available), 6422 Montgomery St. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
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Sunday, November 19th, 2:00PM
Borromeo String Quartet (“simply the best,” Boston Globe) plays all six Bartok String Quartets, including a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to hear a set of rediscovered alternate movements. FREE. At Bito Conservatory Building, Performance Space, Bard College.
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Thursday, November 23rd, 8:00AM
5K Turkey Trot at Ferncliff Forest, to help maintain the forest. $5 donation gets one raffle chance, for goods and services from local merchants. Kids under 5 are free; “well behaved dogs on leash permitted.” See FerncliffForest.org for course details and schedule.
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Friday, November 24th, through Sunday, December 31st
“A Gilded Age Christmas,” lavish holiday decorations at Staatsburgh State Historic Site,” with special evening hours on Dec. 15, 16, 22, and 23. All by reservation only, at www.Bookeo.com/StaatsburghSHS. Adults $10; seniors and students $10; Children 3-12 $2. For more information, see Staatsburgh SHS at parks.ny.gov. At the site, Old Post Rd., Staatsburg.
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Saturday, November 25th
Small Business Saturday aka Shop Local Saturday – a day to celebrate local businesses and all they do for their communities.
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Thursday, November 30th, 4:00PM - 7:00PM
Fashion sale to benefit Morton Library. Women’s clothes, shoes, and accessories, including vintage and designer. Cash, check or Paypal only. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Friday, December 1st, 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Opening event for “It’s a Family Affair,” affordable collages for adults & children. Give art, give a collaged gift box. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Sunday, December 3rd, 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Pet Photos with Santa. Everyone welcome. FREE, but donations for the annual Pet Food Drive and the RAH Helping Hand Fund will be accepted. Please RSVP at rhinebeck animalhospital.com. At the hospital, 6450 Montgomery St. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
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Sunday, December 3rd, 2:00PM
A Theatrical Reading of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” adapted for four readers. Featuring Russell Austin, Sandy Bartlett, Joe Baer, and Norm Magnusson. Intermission includes concessions and Basket Raffle to benefit Rhinebeck Grange #896. Suggested donation $10 benefits the Grange. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Tuesday, December 5th, 6:30PM
Author’s Talk: Jack Kelly on his new book, “God Save Benedict Arnold: The True Story of America’s Most Hated Man.” A gripping story of audacious feats. Presented by Oblong Books. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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New artists’ residencies available through Kaatsbaan Cultural Park Weekend Retreat Residency Program, for artists of all genres “to create, live, and collaborate in the idyllic Hudson Valley countryside.” Weekends in mid-January, mid-February, and mid-March, 2024. See Kaatsbaan.org for more information. At Kaatsbaan, Tivoli.
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Thanksgiving meal delivered FREE to any member of the community who requests it. If you are interested in having a meal delivered, or in donating food or money, or can help with delivery, contact the Rhinebeck Lions Club at 845-853-0069 or thanksgiving.rbklion@gmail.com.
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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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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 23rd
Exhibit of watercolor, acrylic, and oil paintings by Tatiana Rhinevault. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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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 December 1st
Town of Clinton Toys for Tots. Drop off new unwrapped toys for children of all ages at Town Supervisor’s Office, 1215 Centre St., Rhinebeck.
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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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Monday, November 20th
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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Tuesday, November 21st
Rhinebeck Village Planning Board
Village Hall
7:00 PM
Agenda not yet available. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Wednesday, Nov. 22, 1PM – Rhinebeck Village Hall closes for the Thanksgiving holiday. | | | |
Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24 – Rhinebeck Village Hall and Town Hall are closed for the holiday. | | | |
There are 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 Town of Rhinebeck is seeking applicants for Town Trustee, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Advisory Board, and Board of Assessment Review. See Town website for details and application form.
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"Roxie and Tito"
Roxie and Tito live together in Rhinecliff and despite the discrepancy in size they make it work.
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