Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 54 | May 5, 2023
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Cinco de Mayo
America has an odd relationship with seemingly meaningless holidays. Meaningless in the sense that we sometimes celebrate without a clue as to what or why we are celebrating.
For example, St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Halloween and today, Cinco de Mayo. If pressed to answer, many might assume that Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is perhaps Mexican Independence Day (September 16th). Many perhaps assume that Cinco de Mayo festivities in America pale in comparison with the level of celebration in Mexico (except for the state of Puebla, the holiday isn’t celebrated much outside the United States).
The truth of the matter is that while Cinco de Mayo has historical legitimacy, it is an American creation (much like the burrito) that has much more to do with the enduring relationship between the U.S. and Mexico than anything else.
Cinco de Mayo honors the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This was during the early days of the American Civil War, when things were not going well for the Union. When news of the Battle of Puebla reached California, which was on the Union side, it was seen as a beacon of hope that sent the message that the forces of “freedom and democracy” could win. The anniversary of the battle was commemorated in Los Angeles the following year, and Cinco de Mayo has been celebrated in the US ever since. Mexican Americans in the US celebrate Cinco de Mayo as a symbol of anti-imperialist resistance. In the 1980s, beer companies saw Cinco de Mayo as a smart way to market their products.
“Cinco de Mayo is part of a much deeper story of two nations — Mexico and the U.S. — trying to define themselves at a time when old empires were crumbling and borders were in flux,” according to the NPR podcast Throughline. The story of Cinco de Mayo, and everything that followed, reveals two countries that have been connected since their founding by land, culture and people.
And it is here we find ourselves, north of the border, drinking to a concept that eludes us as these days we may be inclined to see our commonality as a shared border wall, when it could be defined as a spirit of independence and a desire to transcend a complicated and messy colonial past.
In this issue we celebrate another holiday of sorts (albeit one of lesser significance) – Free Comic Book Day, with our local comic book store, Megabrain Comics. In addition, we check in on the status of the Village Compost Project, with a look at both the progress and the opposition to the effort.
Thank you to everyone who continues to read and engage with us, and a special thank you to everyone who contributed to our member drive last month, and those of you who have contributed in the past. Your support is everything to us.
Eric Steinman
Executive Editor
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Compost Turnover: Pushback Against Village Compost Facility
On Monday, May 1st, at the usually rather staid Rhinebeck Town Planning Board meeting, there was tension in the crowd of about 60 people. During the public comment portion of the meeting, Burger Road resident Kirsten Greene approached the microphone with a piece of paper, which she said had on it the names and addresses of many of her neighbors. “These are the addresses that matter, the only addresses that matter in this conversation!” she asserted, while holding the paper above her head.
Those names represented people who live near the proposed site of the Village Municipal Compost Facility, off Violet Hill Road in the Town of Rhinebeck, a project which has gained many enthusiastic fans, but also a group of vocal detractors.
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Megabrain Comics Celebrates Free Comic Book Day and a New Chapter
Jean David Michel, co-owner of Megabrain Comics in Rhinebeck, is an unrepentant comic book nerd; always has been and always will be. He found himself in comic books at an early age and quickly identified themes and tones which felt all too familiar and relatable to him. Growing up as a “nerdy” Black kid in Rockland County in the 1980s, he found that the X-Men series resonated deeply with him. “Whether you realize it or not, you're reading these themes of oppression and bigotry in the X-Men and it quickly becomes sort of an allegory for the civil rights movement and in general a comic book series where marginalized people can always find themselves,” he recalls. He felt the same way about Spiderman because, he says, under that mask “he could look like me.”
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The HV Pilot is Looking to Hire!
Have you been wanting to put your skills to use and work with a small team pushing out local news to a vital and receptive community?
The HV Pilot is now hiring for two positions:
Local Reporter
Assistant to the Publisher
Please take a look at the listings below and email cover letter and resume to Careers@hvpilot.com
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Bail, Gas Stoves, Tuition, Minimum Wage, and Cigarette Taxes – The State Budget (finally) Passes! // After over a month of closed-door negotiations, as well as a month past due, New York State lawmakers approved a $229 billion state budget on Tuesday night. According to the New York Times, Democrats, who control the three branches of government in the State Capitol, changed the state’s bail laws, passed new fines for unlicensed marijuana shops and enacted a ban on gas stoves and furnaces in new buildings, making New York the first state to pass such a measure. In addition, minimum wage workers in New York City will get a pay bump for the first time in five years. Out-of-state students at city and state universities will face a tuition hike. And cigarette smokers will need to pay an extra dollar in taxes per pack.
One Democrat and three Republicans from the Mid-Hudson Valley voted against the state budget. Democratic Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha, of District 103, which includes Rhinebeck, voted against the budget package alongside GOP lawmakers Assemblymen Chris Tague (Schoharie), Brian Maher (Walden), and Sen. Peter Oberacker (Schenevus).
“It is not easy for me to vote no on this bill,” Shrestha said in an Assembly floor speech. “The Build Public Renewables Act [BPRA], which we are passing today, is a historic win for those who believe that energy should be a public good. It is a historic win for fossil fuel workers who are caught in the climate fight and deserve a just transition. And a historic win for low- and moderate-income households who will be automatically enrolled to get credits on their utility bills, and for the first time ever, at this scale, this relief will not be paid for by ratepayers.”
Shrestha went on to say, according to the Daily Freeman, that the bill fell far short of addressing the needs of affordable housing throughout the state and that the existing affordability crisis is displacing residents who cannot keep up with “ever-increasing rents and property taxes. “The situation is urgent. Instead of focusing on these crises, the Governor spent most of her time negotiating an erosion of our civil rights. A rollback on bail reform will destabilize even more families, will send more people to jails and not jobs, and will ruin the very lives that we are here to protect.”
The BPRA bill, included in the state’s new budget, will require the state’s public power provider to generate all of its electricity from clean energy by 2030. It also allows the public utility to build and own renewables while phasing out fossil fuels.
A Rhinebeck Special Educator is Honored // When people think of public schools they often think of teachers and students, but there are so many others involved in the school system who contribute to the teaching and learning. Those people are referred to as school-related professionals and they include teachers aides, school nurses and secretaries, to name a few.
This past week, Stacy Stoliker, an Administrative Assistant for Pupil Personnel Services at Rhinebeck Central School District, was honored as School-Related Professional of the Year at the New York State United Teachers’ 51st Representative Assembly in Albany.
Stoliker provides administrative services for families of students receiving special education, English language learners, and those students eligible for assistance under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
“My job is an opportunity to empower these parents and to help them go after resources they might not know about,” Stoliker said in a statement. “It’s a really good feeling when you know you’ve helped them with something that will keep their child in a better place, for a longer time and hopefully for the rest of their life.”
Solar Power on the Hudson // Looking for an environmentally responsible way to tour the Hudson? Climb aboard the 100% solar-powered tour boat and floating classroom run by the Hudson River Maritime Museum. It’s the only solar-powered boat in operation on the Hudson River.
Designed by marine architect Dave Gerr from a concept developed by David Borton, owner of Sustainable Energy, this tour boat launched in late 2018. Using only reserve battery power, Solaris passed her speed/range endurance test under the watchful eye of Coast Guard inspectors, and she can travel up to 50 miles at night without the use of her solar panels. Even on cloudy days, the solar panels are so efficient that they continue to power the batteries. Solaris tours include Native American history, the history of steamboats and 19th-century industrialization on the river, bird watching and photography, and cruises by Kingston’s historic lighthouse and two of the seven other remaining lighthouses on the Hudson River.
You can learn more about Solaris here. Solaris returns to the Rondout Creek and Hudson River on Saturday, May 13, with free cruises as part of the city of Kingston’s Earth Day Festival. Her season runs through October. All boat tour tickets include admission to the Maritime Museum.
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Corrections
In the May 2nd Pilot we stated that the proposed 2023-2024 Rhinebeck Central School District budget was $37,241,300; this is actually the approved budget for 2022-2023. The proposed 2023-2024 budget is $38,916,690.
In the Editor’s Letter on May 2nd, we wrote that “Dutchess County is the only county that does not require the completion of a New York State pistol permit course in order to receive a pistol permit.” This was the case until September 1, 2022, when the law was changed. Dutchess County now requires that individuals seeking a firearms license must “take the 16-hour classroom and 2-hour live-fire firearm safety training course. This will be required for concealed carry licenses issued on or after September 1, 2022.”
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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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Local news for local good.
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Have Ideas for the HV Pilot?
If you have suggestions for the HV Pilot, as far as coverage or stories, or even criticism, or maybe you might be interested in being a contributor, please contact editor@hvpilot.com
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"GynoCURIOUS"
Local OB/GYN Dr. Amy Novatt launches her podcast with a frank discussion with Laurel St. Romain about her own pregnancy and all the challenges that made up her "pregnancy journey."
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Now through May 15th – Mid-Hudson Valley high school and college students are invited to apply for the annual $2,000 John Honey Scholarship given by the Rhinebeck Farmers’ Market. The scholarship supports students dedicated to promoting local agriculture and enhancing the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the Hudson Valley. For more information see RhinebeckFarmersMarket.com.
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Friday, May 5th - Sunday, May 7th
The spring installment of “Common Ground,” a year-long international festival on the Politics of Land and Food, featuring four newly commissioned works. See fishercenter@bard.edu for information and tickets. At Fisher Center, Bard College.
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Saturday, May 6th, 8:00AM
Bird walk with Barb Mansell. Bring binoculars. Sponsored by the Clinton Recreation Committee. At Buttercup Farm Audubon Sanctuary West in Stanfordville: Bulls Head Rd. to Rte 82 North, 3.7 miles turn left on Stissing Lane,.1 mile bear right onto Mountain Rd., Look for the sign on the right.
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Saturday, May 6th, 9:00AM - Noon
Landscape Day at Wilderstein. Help prepare the historic site’s grounds for summer. Wear work gloves. All skill levels welcome. Meet at the Gate Lodge near the trails parking area. Call 845-876-4818 for more information. At Wilderstein Historic Site, 330 Morton Rd., Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, May 6th, 10:00AM - 1:00PM
Riverkeeper Sweep, a river cleanup, site maintenance and pollinator planting event. Wear sturdy boots or shoes, old clothing, hat, and sunscreen and bring a full reusable water bottle and work gloves. Suitable for elementary age children with proper adult supervision. Preregistration required at https://tinyurl.com/yn3v8t57. Call 845-876-2903 for more information. Sponsored by Morton Memorial Library, Rhinebeck Grange 896, Dirty Gaia, The Pollinator Patrol, Climate Smart Rhinebeck, and Riverkeeper. At Rhinecliff Dock.
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Saturday, May 6th, 1:00PM - 5:00PM
Opening reception for Rhinebeck artist Audrey Francis’ show “Bird Brain,” featuring her bird-centric paintings and drawings. Show runs through June 25. At LabSpace Art, 2642 Rte. 23, Hillsdale, NY (17 miles east of Hudson). You can also see an ever-changing selection of Francis’ smaller works at the Little Gallery box she has placed on the front lawn of her house on Chestnut St. between Beech and Parsonage in Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, May 6th, 6:00PM
Get your tickets: Saturday, May 6, 6-10PM – Rhinebeck Science Foundation Spring Celebration, “The Speakeasy,” “Oodles of fun, music, dancing (Charleston and otherwise), and fabulous food,” all to benefit STEAM-based learning in Rhinebeck schools. $150/ticket before April 25; $175 thereafter. See link for info and tickets. At Dinsmore, 5371 Albany Post Rd., Staatsburg.
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Sunday, May 7th, 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Rhinebeck Farmers’ Market returns for its 29th season. New vendors will offer beef, cheese, and baked goods (breads, donuts, vegan selections, and sweet and savory pies and pastries); returning goodies include fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, charcuterie, condiments, flowers, wine, and cider, as well as live music. The market participates in the USDA SNAP program and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. At the Municipal Parking Lot, 61 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Sunday, May 7th, 4:30PM
Music at Messiah. Choir member Max Jensen sings works of Britten and Vaughan Williams, accompanied by Helena Baillie, viola; Liri Ronen, horn; Bethany Pietroniro, piano; and Tim Lewis on the newly restored Skinner organ. Free, with reception to follow. At Church of the Messiah, 6436 Montgomery St. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
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Monday, May 8th, 6:30PM
“Bad Sex: Truth, Pleasure, and an Unfinished Revolution,” with author Nona Willis Aronowitz. Weaving together feminist history, cultural criticism, and memoir, Aronowitz grapples with the personal, the political, and the often surprising discrepancy between the two. Co-sponsored by Morton Library, Starr Library, and Oblong Books. Registration is requested: https://tinyurl.com/ycpper6W. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Thursday, May 11th, 6:30PM
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Saturday, May 13th, 10:00AM
Clean-up Day at the Rhinebeck Cemetery. “Who knew cleaning historic gravestones could be so much fun?” Sign up via email at friends@friendofrhinebeckcemetery or call Suzanne Kelly at 914-489-3668.
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Saturday, May 13th, 10:00AM
Mother Earth Day at Thompson-Mazzarella Park. Plant seedlings and craft paper flowers. Parents & kids of all ages welcome. Sponsored by the Town of Rhinebeck. At the park, 42 Traver Lane (across from Starr Library), Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, May 13th, 1:00PM
Narcan Training: learn how to prevent an opioid overdose. Free Narcan kits will be provided. RSVP by May 5 to Cathy Gallinger, supervisorsec@townofclinton.com. At Town Hall, 1215 Centre Rd., Rhinebeck.
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Need support with substance abuse? Alcoholics Anonymous of Northeast New York sponsors several regular face-to-face and virtual meetings in our area – including in Rhinebeck and Red Hook – at various times of the day. For more information https://nenyaa.org/meetings.
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Monday, May 8th
Rhinebeck Town Board
Town Hall
6PM
Agenda not yet available. See Town website. At Rhinebeck Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, May 9th
Rhinebeck Town Conservation Advisory Board
Rhinebeck Town Hall
5:30PM
Rhinebeck Town Conservation Advisory Board/Waterfront Advisory Committee (CAB/WAC). Agenda not yet available. See Town website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, May 9th
Rhinebeck Central School District Public Hearing
Rhinebeck High School Library
7PM
Hearing on 2023-2024 Budget and Regular Meeting of Board of Education. Budget is available on the RCSD website. Hearing and meeting are at 45 North Park Rd., Rhinebeck.
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The Town of Clinton Climate Smart Communities Task Force is conducting a Natural Resources Inventory and is seeking information and suggestions from residents. Send your ideas to townsupervisor@townofclinton.com.
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Rhinebeck town-wide property reassessments have been sent out. If you’re not happy with your number, you have the following opportunities to discuss it with the Town Assessor: ten-minute telephone appointments to ask questions about your reassessment are available at varying times on Friday, May 5, Monday, May 8, Thursday, May 11, and Saturday May 20. You must schedule an appointment by calling 845-876-4805 or go to rhinebeckny.gov. The assessment roll books are also available for consultation.
In addition, Grievance Day is Wednesday, May 24. You must submit your grievance application prior to May 24 by mailing or dropping it off at Assessor, 80 E. Market St., Rhinebeck. Schedule your in-person May 24 grievance appointment by calling 845-876-4805 or go to rhinebeckny.gov.
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Volunteers Needed!
TOWN OF RHINEBECK IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS to join various town committees. For a list of town committees and an application form, see Town website.
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"Alfie"
Alfie is a 9-year-old Rhinebeck resident and Maltese, who has mastered the art of bed head.
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