Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 166 | June 4, 2024
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This Week(end)
In today’s newsletter:
- Red Hook and Rhinebeck To Gather for Pride Celebrations
- Does Thrifting Make You Virtuous?
- Church of the Messiah Congregation Bids Farwell to Fr. Richard
- A Possible Smartphones Ban in Public Schools
- A New Spot Where You Can Quench Your Thirst
- And More
Eric Steinman
Executive Editor
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BeckHook Pride to host a parade of Pride events in June!
Just a few days into June and the flags have become more colorful and celebratory throughout the Hudson Valley. BeckHook Pride, the local LGBTQIA+ Pride organization for Red Hook and Rhinebeck, is back for another series of Pride Month celebrations, starting this weekend in Rhinebeck and finishing off on June 22nd with a parade in Red Hook. See what is happening and start planning your month now!
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“Thrifting” Has Become the Cool (and Socially Responsible) Way to Shop Locally
The thrifting trend is being led by Gen Z, although people of all ages participate. Not only has thrifting become the “cool thing” to do, it has become a way to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, and to reject the throwaway mentality of fast fashion and the questionable labor practices associated with it.
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Messiah’s Fr. Richard Bids Farewell to the Community
By Mark Fuerst
Fr. Richard McKeon, who was conducting his final mass after 14+ years as Rector of the church, occasionally stopped to gain his composure. His remarks were humorous and self-deprecating, with hymns that included Jerome Kern's "All the Things You Are," which he dedicated to his husband, Tim Lewis, the church’s Music Director.
Reflecting on his tenure as pastor, McKeon asked rhetorically and then answered, "What are you most proud of? It was the unity and generosity of this congregation during COVID…. Messiah never lost a single day of food being distributed to those in need.... We expanded [the pantry service].... And there was even a glorious moment when we had toilet paper."
His last wishes included a hope that the Church of the Messiah could remain "a safe place, a sanctuary," citing the historic role of safe homes in the Hudson Valley when people sheltered fugitive slaves.
In closing, McKeon looked around the congregation and expressed his unwavering confidence about the parish's future: "You will choose a great priest because you are a great parish. All you need in the search is who you are. For that relationship, I give thanks."
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Water, Water Everywhere //
An idea that sprouted from the heads of a few Bulkeley middle-school students just bloomed, thanks to community support. A little over a year ago, 7th grade students in social studies teacher Henry Frischknecht’s Civics Engagement Club petitioned the Village of Rhinebeck, as well as the wider community, to help them find a location for and fund a water fountain somewhere between the school and the village center. They chose a location close to the entrance of the Lions Mini-Park on South Parsonage Street. The students researched their options (they found a fountain that could operate year-round), raised the funds, and shepherded the project. And now it’s operational.
The fountain features three water delivery systems: a conventional fountain, a station for refilling water bottles, and even a refillable dog water bowl just a few inches off the ground. This project was recently dedicated with a ribbon cutting attended by Frischknecht and Village Mayor Gary Bassett – just in time for warm weather. Surfing on the success of this water win, the students are now working on plans for a similar fountain in a location close to Village Hall.
Coverage of Rhinebeck schools and educational issues is supported by the Fraleigh and Rakow Insurance Agency in Rhinebeck.
Ducks to Water //
While we are are on the subject of the Mini-Park, the Lions Club is making plans and raising funds to rehabilitate the fenced-in kiddie section of the park. One such fundraiser will take place this Saturday, June 8th, starting at 11:30AM. The Lions are hosting a Rubber Ducky Race and Picnic. The hope is that hundreds of mini rubber duckies will flow competitively along the Landsman Kill, under the South Parsonage Street bridge, vying for first place.
Donors/cheerleaders are urged to purchase/rent a duck for $5 per waterfowl (or $25 for a “six-quack,” $100 for 25). All proceeds will go to refurbishing and rehabilitating the park.
NYS Flirts with a Smartphone Ban in Schools //
Children shouldn’t have smartphones or access to social media before the age of 16, according to author and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, whose new book, The Anxious Generation, is making waves. Haidt believes that “phone-based childhood” has effectively rewired the brains of an entire generation, and led to increased rates of anxiety, depression and alienation among a large swath of children.
Last week, Governor Hochul announced that she is working with state officials to draft a proposal to limit the use of, or strictly prohibit, smartphones on K-12 school campuses. She said the damage done by near constant smartphone usage is addictive and damaging. “They’re living in this dark place where there’s this FOMO — fear of missing out — that if they put down their device for one second, someone might be saying something about them, or they’ve got to respond to something,” Hochul told reporters last Tuesday. “This is how addictive it is. We have to liberate them from this. We have to just draw a line now and say, ‘No. Enough is enough.”
If this idea becomes law, Hochul, along with school districts across the state, will have to wrestle with parents who, stemming from fear of school violence and shootings, will likely not want to sever communications with their children during the school day, not to mention the millions of students who won’t take kindly to being asked not to bring their phones to school (there is discussion about allowing flip phones but not internet-enabled phones). A spokesperson for Hochul confirmed that she has plans to engage with teachers, families, and students about potential legislation for the next session, which begins in January 2025. But officials added there was currently no formal legislative proposal.
Rhinebeck's Reinvention Gets Some Attention //
This month, the enduring regional booster Chrorongram set its sights on Rhinebeck for a community profile and temperature check. The piece focused on the changing retail landscape on Market Street, as well as the Village’s pledge as an Autism Supportive Community; they also gave a shout-out to Radio Free Rhinecliff. But the main focus of the piece was on the Village Comprehensive Plan and the community efforts to visualize the future of a community of roughly 2,600 residents. Village Trustee, and liaison to the Village Comprehensive Plan Committee Lydia Slaby stressed the importance of the community working together toward shared goals, "When you're in a village and you live next to people you don't necessarily agree with, you still have to be able to talk to them.”
The profile of the Rhinebeck community also included a photo slideshow of various Rhinebeck denizens, some of whom were sporting fashionable rain gear.
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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"
Jennifer C welcomes HV Pilot executive editor Eric Steinman to chat about the "sweet & sour" of Rhinebeck, and the behaviors that annoy others. Then they play a game of "Marry, F***, Kill."
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This Week
June is Pride Month
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Tickets are still available for the June 7 CultureConnect fundraiser, “Baila Conmigo! Come Dance with Me!” The festivities begin at 7PM. Purchase tickets ($85) and inquire about sponsorships at https://www.cultureconnectrbk.org/june7fundraiser. At Hudson Hollow Barn, Staatsburg.
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Friday, June 7th
Tivoli First Friday – Stores and galleries are open until 8PM, community knitting at Fab Yarn, raffle at Rojo, live music at Traghaven and elsewhere in the village. Up and down Broadway, Tivoli.
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Saturday, June 8th, 11:30AM
Rubber Ducky Race, Lions Club fundraiser. Open to all ages. One duck $5; 6 for $25; a flock of 25 $100. At the mini-park on South Parsonage, Rhinebeck.
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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 Olin Hall, Bard College.
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Sunday, June 9th, 2:00 - 5:00PM
Rhinebeck Community Pride Day, starting with a nonsectarian gathering of celebration and affirmation outside at 2PM, followed by music, crafts, clothing swap, Starr/Morton book bike, and more. At the Episcopal Church of the Messiah, 6436 Montgomery St. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
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Wednesday, June 12, 5:30PM
“Let’s Talk Agriculture”: a presentation by the Dutchess 4-H Club, Pine Plains Future Farmers of America, and Rhinebeck Grange. Learn about the three groups and how they work in our communities. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Friday, June 14, 7:00PM
"Circus of Wolves” presents an evening of original rock, jazz, Latin and folk-influenced music. $10 suggested donation. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Saturday, June 15
Historic Landmarks Driving Tour (self-guided, 11AM-4PM) and Garden Party (4-6PM), presented by the Town of Clinton Historical Society. $50 for CHS members; $60 for nonmembers; $40 for party only; kids 12 and younger free. Register in advance for a 5% discount. Around the Town of Clinton; party at the last historic site.
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Saturday, June 15, 4:00 - 6:00PM
Summer reception, Camp Rising Sun. Come for wine and canapes and hear the story of an extraordinary full-scholarship, international teen summer camp. Registration requested. For more info, contact@lajf.org. At the camp, 6 Rising Sun Lane, Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, June 15, 6:30PM
Local Book Launch: Griffin Dunne, “The Friday Afternoon Club, a Family Memoir." Dunne in conversation with Scott Spencer. Tickets $32.50, which includes a hardcover copy of the book. Presented by Oblong Books and Morton Library. Registration required. At the library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Rhinebeck/Rheinbach Exchange Group is looking for host families, July 2-16. German students and chaperones need places to stay for two weeks; local students were hosted in Germany last year. “We make every effort to make hosting manageable with work schedules.” For details about the program, go to rhinebeckexchange.org. If you would like to host, contact mulrich@rhinebeckcsd.org.
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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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Tuesdays through October, 2:00-5:30PM
Poughkeepsie Waterfront Market, featuring farm fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, baked goods, and more. At the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, 75 North Water St., Poughkeepsie.
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Saturdays in June, 9AM-1PM – Free Tech Help with your Kindle, tablet, smartphone, or computer. At the Clinton Community Library, 1215 Centre St., Town of Clinton.
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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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The bridge on White Schoolhouse Road has been closed by order of NYS DOT. See Town website.
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Tuesday, June 4th
Rhinebeck Village Planning Board
Village Hall
7:00PM
Agenda includes public hearing of proposed major renovation at 20-24 Garden St., including construction of new mixed use commercial and residential spaces. Regular meeting agenda includes 6 Mulberry St. removal/demolition of historic building and 37 Mulberry St. site plan and special use permit for new one-family building, accessory dwelling unit and pool. See Village website.
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Monday, June 10th
Rhinebeck Town Board
Town Hall
6:00PM
Agenda not yet available, but is expected to include a public hearing of the Locust Hill workforce housing project. See Town website.
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Tuesday, June 11th
Rhinebeck Central School District Board of Education
BMS Cafeteria
7:00PM
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Brush pick up will resume on June 3, 2024 and will follow the summer schedule of every other Monday.
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The 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 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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