Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 47 | April 11, 2023
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Where’s the Budget?
Over the last few years, we have grown somewhat accustomed to our federal government deadlocked and missing key budget deadlines. In 2018, the government even shut down for a day, while Congress and the president hammered out the details and settled on a compromise.
Today, the state of New York is in a similar situation. The New York State Budget deadline was April 1st, but Gov. Kathy Hochul appealed for a weeklong extension to buy some time and keep the state government operational. This past Friday, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli highlighted the need for lawmakers to push the deadline yet again, when he sent a letter to Gov. Hochul urging her to take action to ensure that 83,000 state workers get paid in time for the next payroll cycle. The reason our state is not adopting a state budget is largely because of disagreements over the governor’s proposals to change bail rules and to create new housing. This leaves the state currently 11 days past due on a proposed $227 billion budget.
Yes, there will certainly be some sort of resolution in the coming days, but this level of brinksmanship has become all too common and the stress and pressure put upon our government often adds to a general sense of insecurity and risk.
The Pilot is no stranger to deadlines and financial squeezes, as we are a scrappy startup, existing off of dreams and community support. Last week we launched our first membership campaign, asking readers to become founding members of our endeavor. It takes a collective effort to keep this thing going, and we hope you feel that you are a part of that effort. Reader revenue is the bridge that connects journalism with communities. So we encourage you to become part of this venture – and we’re happy to report that your contributions are now tax-deductible.
Thank you for all of your support.
Eric Steinman
Executive Editor
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Which Way is Up? Pattern for Progress Wants to Gauge Community Needs
We all have a pretty good idea of how and why communities decline. There is neglect, infighting and greed – all of which help dismantle the hopes and potential of any given community. Fair enough, but how does a community thrive and move forward? That can be even trickier.
Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress has been attempting to answer this question, and questions like it, since 1965, by serving a nine-county region that includes Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties.
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Rhinefolk: Derek Loosvelt
Derek Loosvelt Is a writer and editor living with his family in Rhinecliff since July 2020. He spoke with the Pilot about being a new addition to Rhinecliff, and traveling through India and Syria.
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Starr(s) Align // Last month the Pilot reported on the prospect of Rhinebeck’s Starr Library eyeing a potential temporary move into the now vacant 6 Mulberry property, which was the Rhinebeck Middle School some 20 years ago. The initial idea was to use 6 Mulberry as a “bridge location,” a temporary site for Starr Library while a future proposed expansion/renovation of the existing library was completed. But while that idea may have been under consideration for a brief moment, it is no longer considered a viable option for either the library or the property owner, CR Properties Group, as a temporary space would be neither cost effective nor practical.
However, the initial germ of an idea has grown significantly, reimagining not just the library’s location, but also the Town and Village Halls.
The latest idea (or call it a dream) would be for Starr Library to take over 6 Mulberry after an extensive upgrade; then the Town of Rhinebeck administrative offices and operations would move to the Starr Library location on West Market Street; and Rhinebeck Village Hall would take over the existing Town Hall on East Market Street. This would result in both the library and Village Hall being located squarely in the village, and Town Hall just west of the village line at the edge of Thompson Mazzarella Park.
When reached for comment, Town Supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia said in an email, “The Town Board realizes the need for more and healthier workspace and is looking at several options.” She then added, “We are pressed for workspace at Town Hall. More than half our staff works in the basement adjacent to a large oil burner and without windows or air circulation.” Village Mayor Gary Bassett acknowledged that a relocation into the village for Starr was “potentially a good move,” and also said he had spoken with Spinzia about the idea of moving Town operations to the existing Starr location. Bassett added, “The idea of moving the Village offices is interesting although there have been no discussions by the Village Board on moving into [Town Hall] space.”
Starr Library Board president David Lavalle said the idea of the library making the move to the existing Mulberry property seems both “complicated and unlikely,” but added, “We have little information at this point and hope to get enough to make a judgment on each possibility that presents itself.” The Starr Library (then the Starr Institute) was previously located in the village on Montgomery Street, before it moved to its current location in 1975.
To be certain, this is a longshot plan which would require great logistical and financial feats to successfully pull off. But in light of the changes going on in the Village, as well as the complex discussions that have taken place around the Village Comprehensive Plan, it does raise interesting questions and prospects. Please email us with your thought on the matter at editor@hvpilot.com
No Nukes // Late last month, Rhinebeck Town Supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia sought to address an imminent and seemingly unstoppable situation originating less than 50 miles from Rhinebeck. Spinzia proposed and the board unanimously approved a resolution in opposition to the by the owner of the decommissioned Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant to release one million gallons of radioactive water into the Hudson River.
The release plan, which is being handled by HDI/Holtec International as part of the ongoing decommissioning, was originally set for late August or early September of this year, has reportedly been moved up to as soon as May. Environmental group Riverkeeper, which opposes the plan, recently told the Daily Freeman that the discharges are the “method the plant used while it was still operating” but called for “storing tritium-contaminated water in tanks on site while seeking a safe disposal method.” Riverkeeper officials added, “We believe it is time to take a precautionary approach and end the practice of dumping radioactive wastewater into the Hudson.”
Many communities (including Rhinebeck) draw their drinking water directly from the Hudson River, and other Hudson River communities have voiced objections to the plan, including the Saugerties Town Board. A bill in the New York State Senate, introduced by 40th District State Senator Pete Harckham and currently in committee, would “prohibit the discharge of any radiological agent into the waters of the state.”
Scrabble History // On April 4th, Rhinebeck quietly marked a triple-word-score loss of sorts. It was on this day in 1993 that Alfred M. Butts, an architect by trade, succumbed to an illness at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck at the age of 93. Butts was the creator of Scrabble, one of the most enduring board games of the 20th century. He was born in Poughkeepsie, but eventually settled in Rhinebeck. As an unemployed architect in the late 1930s, he was looking for a way to keep his creative juices flowing and decided to create a game that utilized both chance and skill by combining elements of anagrams and crossword puzzles, a popular pastime of the 1920s. The Patent Office rejected Butts’ application for his game not once, but twice, and on top of that, he couldn't settle on a name. At first he simply called his creation "it" before switching to "Lexiko," then "Criss-Cross Words." He eventually partnered with James Brunot to mass market the game and then sold the rights in 1971, earning Butts $265,000 in royalties. Scrabble has gone on to become ubiquitous, with over 200 million sets sold internationally. The game now has apps and digital versions, as well as countless knock-offs.
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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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Thank You for Signing Up
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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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"The Back Room"
Andy Ostroy sits with actor, director, producer and sometimes Rhinebeck resident Griffin Dunne about everything under the sun, including his career and contemporary politics.
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Help amphibians cross the road this Spring! Register to help save amphibians when they migrate to lay eggs in spring vernal pools. Winnakee Land Trust, in cooperation with Climate Smart Rhinebeck and the Saw Kill Watershed Community, is promoting the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation’s program. To register and receive updates for Rhinebeck, Red Hook, or other nearby locations, visit Winnakee.org.
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Now through April 14th
The Red Hook Rotary is accepting applications for three $1,000 scholarships for legal residents of the Red Hook, Pine Plains, or Germantown central school districts. Students must be planning to attend an accredited four-year or community college, vocational school or trade certificate program. Applications are available at the Guidance Offices of student’s high school. For more information, contact Linda Greenblatt at 845-758-8361 or lindag32949@gmail.com.
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Now through April 29th
“Less is Four,” abstract works by artist Ted Dixon. At Montgomery Row 2nd floor art space, above Paper Trail, 6423 Montgomery St. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
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Now through June 1st
Community Classes at Kaatsbaan. Offerings include Ballet Lab, Absolute Beginner Ballet (ages 12-adult), User Manual for Human Movement, and Family Dance. Classes in morning, afternoon and evening. Advance registration appreciated, walk-ins welcome. $15/class. Kaatsbaan.org. At Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, Tivoli.
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Now through June 4th
Reception and opening of exhibition “Black PhotoBooth: From the Collections of Nakki Goranin and Oliver Wasow. Featuring over 100 miniature portraits of Black Americans, mostly from the 1930s and 1940s. Exhibition runs through June 4. At Center for Photography at Woodstock, which is now in Kingston, at 474 Broadway. Cpw.org.
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Now through June 30 – 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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Tuesday, April 11th, 6:00PM
Medicare 101: information about enrolling, changing plans, insurance options, and more. On Zoom. Pre-registration required, at staatsburglibrary.org.
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Saturday, April 15th
Saturday, April 15 and every third Saturday of the month through November – Hike with the Clinton Town Rec Hiking Club. April 15 hike is at Wilcox Park Red Trail. Contact clintonrec@townofclinton.com for details.
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Tuesday, April 18th, 1:00PM
Resource Forum for Aging Veterans (rescheduled from March 14), sponsored by the Dutchess County Office for the Aging (OFA). Information will be available about a variety of resources available to aging veterans. Open to all veterans, their families and caregivers. Register by calling the OFA 845-486-2555. At The Pavilion at Brookmeade, off Rte. 308, Rhinebeck.
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Friday, April 21st, 10AM - 5PM, and Saturday, April 22nd, 10AM -4PM
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Saturday, April 22 – Earth Day!
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Saturday, April 22, 10:30AM
"Let’s Chat about Electric Cars,” presentation by Steve Wehr, retired engineer and EV enthusiast. At Clinton Community Library, 1215 Centre Rd., Rhinebeck.
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Sunday, April 23, Noon
Landsman Kill Stocking Club Fishing Contest Awards Picnic. Food, games, prizes. At Lions Mini-Park, South Parsonage St., Rhinebeck.
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Wednesday, April 26th, 5:00PM
“Taste of Rhinebeck,” with more than 25 restaurants, specialty food shops and wine and liquor purveyors participating. Net proceeds benefit Rhinebeck’s Autism Support Committee and Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce. Tickets $75. See rhinebeckchamber.com for details.
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Saturday May 6th, 6:00PM
Plan ahead to 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 rhinebecksciencefoundation/spring-celebration for info and tickets. At Dinsmore, 5371 Albany Post Rd., Staatsburg.
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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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Tuesday, April 11th
Rhinebeck Town Historic and Archaeological Preservation Advisory Committee (HAPAC)
Zoom
4PM
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Tuesday, April 11th
Rhinebeck Town Conservation Advisory Board
Rhinebeck Town Hall
6PM
Rhinebeck Town Conservation Advisory Board/Waterfront Advisory Committee (CAB/WAC). Agenda includes discussion of the CAB/WAC ongoing role in large development projects such as Rock Ledge, Red Wing Mine and Workforce Housing; and review of site visits to Village compost location at 282 Rte. 308, among other items. See Town website for details. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, April 11th
Rhinebeck Village Board Public Hearing
Rhinebeck Village Hall
6PM
Rhinebeck Village Board public hearings on a) Rhinebeck Village Tentative Budget for 2023-2024; and b) Firefighter/EMS Tax Exemption. The budget is available on the Village website. In addition to the public hearings there will be a regular Board meeting. The meeting agenda includes a resolution re sidewalk dining and discussion of easement on Violet Hill, among other items. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, April 11th
Rhinebeck School Board Meeting
Rhinebeck High School Library
7PM
Agenda includes adoption of 2023-24 budget. See RCSD website. At RHS library, 45 North Park Rd., Rhinebeck.
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Thursday, April 13th
Rhinebeck Village Comprehensive Plan Committee
Rhinebeck Village Hall
7PM
At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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The Town of Rhinebeck is conducting a Community Needs Assessment Survey, in collaboration with Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress. Fill out the survey – in English or Spanish – with your thoughts about what the town needs. See Town website.
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The Rhinebeck Village Tentative Budget for 2023-2024 is now available on the Village website. The public hearing on the budget is scheduled for April 11 at Village Hall, 76 East Market St., 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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The Village of Rhinebeck is looking for applicants to fill the following positions: Planning Board Alternate and Ethics Board Member. Submit resume and letter of interest to Town Clerk Martina McClinton by April 30. See Village website for required qualifications, time commitment and other details.
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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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"Truman"
Truman is a poodle-mix rescue. He loves to look at squirrels and other dogs passing by from his perch outside his village window.
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