Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 161 | May 17, 2024
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This Week(end)
In today’s newsletter:
- How to Cut Plastics Out of Your Life
- Hudson Valley Officials Hatch a Plan to Replace Central Hudson
- Gardening Zones Shift Due to Climate Change
- Rhinefolk – A Butterfly Expert in the Village
- And More
Eric Steinman
Executive Editor
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We need your help building local news!
Thank you to the 52 people who put us on track to reach our target of $20,000 in member support for this spring drive.
We’re looking to match a $20,000 "sustainability grant" we received from one of our national organizations. We can achieve this with 100 gifts from existing members and another 100 gifts from new members.
We raised a similar amount last fall and we’re confident that, with your help, we will do it again this spring.
Mark Fuerst
Publisher
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Cutting Plastic Out of Your Life
A lot of environmentalism feels hard. For instance, you may ask, “what can a New Yorker possibly do to deal with the mounds of excess packaging that come in the mail?” But in fact there's a very widely popular bill in the NYS legislature that’s broadly sponsored by state Senate and Assembly Democrats – called the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA) – that would shift responsibility for that excess material from the recipient to the seller or producer.
In this article we look at sensible, and local, alternatives to runaway plastic consumption and ways you could limit your waste.
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Rhinefolk: Tom S. Johnson, Local Butterfly Expert
Tom S. Johnson works for the Rhinebeck Village Highway Department, but his passion resides in something far more delicate and ephemeral – monarch butterflies. Johnson shares his unrelenting interest in the migratory pollinator and talks about what it is like to witness the lifecycle of a butterfly.
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Hinchey, Shrestha Propose Community-Owned Energy in Place of Central Hudson //
by Michael Frank
It’s been an active week on the often quotidian topic of electricity: the Village of Rhinebeck is weighing joining a CCA, to enable villagers to access more affordable and renewable energy. And today, another blow to utilities as usual. State Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha announced a plan to create an energy nonprofit – the Hudson Valley Power Authority (HVPA) – to take over from Central Hudson. If necessary, the state can go about this through eminent domain.
How all of this would work is still TBD, but part of the proposal would be to invert the current rate system, which reduces the cost of energy the more you use. Instead, HVPA would cap any household’s fees at 6% of monthly income and incentivize economizing and energy efficiency.
Central Hudson argued in its latest application for a rate increase that it would support grid and green energy updates. Hinchey and Shrestha argued that, in contrast, it could invest directly in renewables (Central Hudson doesn’t have that authority) and deliver savings to ratepayers.
Shrestha’s slick new website quotes Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger (formerly NYS Senator for the 42nd District), saying that Central Hudson “…puts its shareholders first and our residents and small businesses last, and has proven to be a major obstacle rather than an innovator when it comes to addressing the climate crisis and adopting clean energy solutions.” Metzger pushed for the dissolution of Central Hudson during her time in the Senate. Time will tell if new and deeper outrage at the company will push this latest measure to success.
We Have Been Rezoned! //
Climate change comes in many forms. Sometimes it’s obvious: hotter summers, more precipitation, more extreme weather in general. This week, it came in official form: the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) revised its Plant Hardiness Zone Map for the first time in 11 years to more accurately reflect how the shifting climate has measurably changed the place where we live.
NPR has put together an interactive graphic to help farmers and growers understand how their region has been affected by climate change. For example, in 2012, the USDA classified Rhinebeck as Zone 5b. Back then (just 12 years ago), Rhinebeck’s coldest winter temperature was somewhere between -15 and -10° Fahrenheit on average. In 2023, the USDA reclassified Rhinebeck as Zone 6a, with the lowest winter temperature between -10 and -5 degrees Fahrenheit on average. That’s because the new average minimum temperature in Rhinebeck is now 7.9º F warmer than the previous average.
What does all of this mean for you and the region? This new classification will likely help farmers and gardeners better understand and adapt to the changing climate, but it does not address issues like extreme cold-weather events and whether or not your plants will survive the heat or, potentially, drought of the summer months. But bumping up from 5b to 6a does have a few perks, as we can now confidently grow radicchio and broccoli as perennials.
Bicycle Recycle //
May is National Bike Month, which means that you should be out there on two wheels, saving some gasoline, and getting some exercise. Many of us have a bicycle or two (or more) just sitting in the garage, with flat tires and a noticeable layer of dust. If this is you, we encourage you to give your bike some TLC and put some kinetic energy into your bicycle ownership. However, if you have more bicycle than you need, or can handle, this weekend the Rhinebeck Rotary is organizing a cycle/recycle effort to collect used bicycles to be reconditioned and distributed to people within the community who could use idle bicycles for transportation and perhaps exercise.
Gary Bassett, Village Mayor and Rhinebeck Rotary member, has organized a civic effort (in the role of “Rotarian,” not as mayor) told the Pilot that this recycling fits in with the community's need to provide more transportation options for residents. “This has never been done and we are looking forward to having this be a continuous program within the village, but, to be sure, we are designing the model as we go,” Bassett said.
Bicycles of all sizes and kinds will be collected this Saturday and Sunday at the parking lot of Rhinebeck Kitchen & Bath (6783 Spring Brook Avenue (Rte. 9). Then, the network of local food pantries will help locate individuals who are in need. The idea, according to Bassett, is to get bikes in relative disrepair or out of use back in good working condition and into the hands of people who really need them. Bassett stressed that this is an experiment and purely a volunteer-led effort, and added, “We might get three bikes or we might get 300 bikes: three would be bad, 300 would also be bad.”
Bicycles can be dropped off at Rhinebeck Kitchen & Bath on Saturday, May 18th, and Sunday, May 19th, between 9-1pm.
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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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"The Rhinebeck Scoop"
Host Jennifer C tackles one of the bigger issues of local memory: the controversy generated around Le Petit Bistro owner Joe Dalu's recent social media posts about the Israel/Gaza conflict.
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This Week
Donate your lonely bike this weekend
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Ticket price goes up tonight at midnight! Tickets are now available for the June 7 CultureConnect fundraiser, “Baila Conmigo! Come Dance with Me!” The festivities begin at 7PM. Purchase tickets ($60; $85 after midnight tonight) and inquire about sponsorships at cultureconnect.kindful.com. At Hudson Hollow Barn, 192 Schultz Hill Rd., Staatsburg.
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Friday, May 17, 7:00PM
One Night Only: “I Saw the TV Glow” movie and discussion with director Jane Schoenbrun. “An enticingly eerie film.” At Upstate Films, 6415 Montgomery St. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, May 18 9AM-3PM (plant sale outdoors); and Sunday, May 19, 11AM-3PM (fill a bag with books for $5) – Spring Book and Plant Sale at Clinton Community Library, 1215 Centre Rd., Town of Clinton.
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Saturday, May 18th
Rhinebeck Arts Walk: visit art galleries, retail spaces, bars and cafes showcasing exhibits. See map at Rhinebeck-Arts-Walk.org. Throughout downtown Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th, 9:00AM -1:00PM
Rhinebeck Rotary Club Bike Collection. Bring your used bikes of all sizes in reasonably good condition, plus bike locks and car racks (no bike helmets, please). Rotary will make repairs and distribute the bikes and gear in June to local people in need. More info at rhinebeckrotary@gmail.com. At parking lot at Rhinebeck Kitchen and Bath, 6783 Spring Brook Ave. (Rte. 9).
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Saturday, May 18th, 2:00PM
Rally for the NY Equal Rights Amendment. Make your own signs or they will be provided. “Vote YES on the NY ERA.” Organized by Hudson Valley Strong. At the intersection of Rte. 9 and Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, May 18th, 4:30PM
First in the Roger Phillips Concert Series, with renowned folkies Jay Ungar and Molly Mason. Series runs through October. Indoors at Starr Library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, May 21st, 2:00-5:30PM
Poughkeepsie Waterfront Market, featuring farm fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, baked goods, and more. Tuesday afternoon market continues through October. At the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, 75 North Water St., Poughkeepsie.
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Saturday, May 18th, 5:00PM
Morton Day: potluck supper to celebrate Levi Morton’s birthday. Bring a “fave food”; drinks by The Epicurean, cookies by Kips Tavern; ice cream provided by the library; music by Matt Schreiber. At Morton, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Tuesday, May 21st, 5:30PM
Climate Discussion Group: “share experiences and see what emerges.” Organized by Morton Library. Registration requested. At the library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Tuesday, May 21st, 6:30PM - 8:00PM
Memoir Writing Workshop, with Starr Program Director Michelle Montalbano. WAITING LIST. At Starr, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Wednesday, May 22nd, 10:00AM
“Songs of Our Birds,” presentation by Alan Peterson of the Waterman Bird Club. Please bring a folding chair. FREE. Visitors welcome. In case of rain, call Hannah at 914-263-5298. Sponsored by the Rhinebeck Garden Club. At the pavilion behind Starr Library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, May 25th, 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Clinton Community Garage Sale. Bring your own table. Call 845-418-8293 to reserve a spot. At Fran Mark Park, 337 Clinton Hollow Rd., Salt Point.
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Monday, May 27th
Memorial Day
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May 27th - 31st is the first annual Water Operators Appreciation Week, sponsored by the Hudson River Water Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7). In celebration, the group has organized a FREE tour of the Poughkeepsie Water Treatment Facility, the largest drinking-water plant in the Hudson 7 watershed, to be held on Friday, May 31, from 10AM-Noon. For info, contact hudson7info@gmail.com. On the campus of Marist College, Poughkeepsie.
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Thursday, May 30th, 6:30PM
“Trash the Incinerator; Clean Air for Dutchess County. Did you know Dutchess County burns its waste?,” a presentation by Mothers Out Front, with Q&A. Learn more and explore sustainable alternatives. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Tickets are now on sale for the June 8, 15, and 22 Hudson Valley Chamber Music Circle Concert Series, with music by Haydn, Schubert, Beethoven, Vaughan Williams, Karim Al-Zand, Joan Tower, and others. Tickets $5 for students; $44.50 each, or $110 for all three. At the Fisher Center, Bard College.
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Are you interested in becoming a volunteer tour guide at Blithewood, the historic house and Beaux Arts garden on the Bard College campus? Bard will provide training. Contact Amy Parrella at horticulture@bard.edu.
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Now through May 26th
“Changin’ Times; Photography by Harvey Silver,” featuring images of the music, streets, protests & counterculture in NYC and beyond.” At the Arts Society of Kingston, 97 Broadway.
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Now through May 31st
Rhinebeck Central School District Group Art Exhibition, featuring the work of K-12 students. At Starr Library 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Now through May 31st
Food Drive – also including pet food, personal hygiene items, toilet paper, and cleaning products — organized by Dutchess County Town Clerks. Donations accepted during business hours at Rhinebeck Town Hall, 80 East Market 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. At Vassar’s Lehman Loeb Art Center, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie.
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Now through June 28th
Opening reception for “Two Perspectives,” selected “photographs and memories” by Lynn Alaimo and Cheryl Frey. Exhibit runs through June 28. At the upstairs gallery at Montgomery Row, 6422 Montgomery St. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
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Today, May 17, at 3PM, is the deadline for submitting an application for a place in the new Universal Pre-K program (UPK) in the Rhinebeck Central School District. For eligibility requirements and information, see the RCSD website.
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The bridge on White Schoolhouse Road has been closed by order of NYS DOT. See Town website.
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Monday, May 20th
Rhinebeck Town Planning Board
Town Hall
6:00PM
Agenda not yet available. See Town website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, May 21, 2-9PM – Community-wide vote on the RCSD 2024-2025 budget. See RCSD website. At Bulkeley School cafeteria, 45 North Rd., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, May 21st
Rhinebeck Village Planning Board
Village Hall
7:00PM
Agenda not yet available. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, May 28th
Rhinebeck Village Board of Trustees
Village Hall
3:30PM
NOTE TIME. Agenda not yet available. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, May 28th
Rhinebeck Town Board of Trustees
Town Hall
6:00PM
Agenda includes presentation on Locust Hill Workforce Housing project; and announcement of the first award of the new annual award for excellence in historic preservation. See Town website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, May 28th
Rhinebeck Central School District Board Meeting
Bulkeley School Cafeteria
7:00PM
Agenda not yet available. See RCSD website. At Bulkeley School Cafeteria, 45 North Rd., Rhinebeck.
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Beginning Monday, April 1 – Rhinebeck Village brush and yard waste removal pickup. See Village website for guidelines and detailed schedule.
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Town of Rhinebeck is seeking applicants for positions on the 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. Applications are also available on the Town website.
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The following item was recently posted on the Town of Rhinebeck website: information about the proposed Community Preservation Fund.
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The following item was recently posted on the Rhinebeck Town website: cover letter from the project principal listing enclosed extensive materials, some of which have been revised in response to comments received from the Town and in coordination with the Village of Rhinebeck, relevant to the SEQR review of the Locust Hill Project.
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The corner of Schatzel Avenue and Charles Street in Rhinecliff
A postcard photo of the corner that currently houses The Epicurean, and Radio Free Rhinecliff, in Rhinecliff. Photo is undated, but presumed to be from the early 1920s.
Image courtesy of Rhinebeck Historical Society
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