Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 110 | November 14, 2023
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This Week and Last Week
This past Friday evening, about 150 Pilot supporters, staff and contributing writers partied at CO. to celebrate one year of local news from the Pilot. The night was awash in wine, oysters, cheese, and countless catching-ups, introductions, and connections among the community. To say it was a night of bonhomie and festivity would be an understatement, as it had the vibe of a holiday party rolled up with the excitement of a launch of some sort. The company was great, but the feeling in that space for those few hours was really memorable.
I want to thank all of you, whether you were there or not, for supporting the Pilot, as we are just a good idea without you, and we know full well that this venture is, not just a small business, but truly a community effort.
I also want to take this opportunity to remind you that one of the draws of the evening was the amazing photography auction, which (lucky you!) is still active until November 21st. This gives you the opportunity to bid on, and hopefully successfully land, one or more photographs from a stellar selection of local photographers, like Andrew Moore, Leslie Hill, Jeffrey Millstein, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. These are exquisite prints depicting unique and singular views of the Hudson Valley, and all of the money goes toward helping build the Pilot into year two. Check out what we have to offer, as bidding is competitive but still quite affordable.
In the newsletter this week, we visit a local utility that is often overlooked, but crucial to the village’s survival – the Village Municipal Water Treatment Plant. In addition, we cover some of the controversy over Rep. Pat Ryan’s recent vote concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict and how the local community has reacted.
Thank you again for all of your engagement and support.
Eric Steinman
Executive Editor
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Hudson Valley Demonstrators Urge Rep. Ryan to Back Cease-fire in Gaza
Ryan’s support for Israel’s ongoing bombardment, as well his censure of a fellow Democrat and campaign contributions from Israeli lobbyists, drew ire in Kingston.
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Into the Water: A Visit to Rhinebeck’s Municipal Water Treatment Plant
As the village prepares to undertake a $5.5 million upgrade to its water program, courtesy of a short-term five-year loan from the State of New York, its stewards are adamant to point out that there is currently no problem with the village water system; the upgrades are replacing outdated equipment. We make a visit to the Village Water Treatment facility for a tour and some perspective.
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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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Village Developments // Back in September, the Village of Rhinebeck received two bids for the Village Accessibility Improvements Project, which would add curb ramps at the intersection of Center Street and East Market Street, and install new sidewalks and ADA improvements around Village Hall and the Fire Department. The two bids were from Peter Luzzi & Bros Contracting for $319,920 and from Con-Tech Construction Technology for $317,350. The cheaper Con-Tech bid won out, and the Village has requested that all upgrades by Con-Tech be completed in 2023, so that the paving of Center Street (which had been under construction for much of the fall) could be completed in the spring of 2024.
In addition, along with Mayor Bassett appointing a new trustee, John Penney, to fill the spot vacated by Brant Neuneker, the Village Board is adding another public meeting to its monthly schedule: starting this month, Village Board meetings will take place at 1:00PM on the fourth Tuesday of each month as well as on the second Tuesday of the month meeting at 7:00PM. The fourth Tuesday meeting will cover whatever couldn’t fit into the one-meeting-a-month schedule.
Oh Deer! // Deer hunting season starts in the Hudson Valley this coming weekend, which comes with all sorts of precautions for those of you who care to wander in the woods, or have pets that could easily be mistaken for game. However, even if you don’t get between a deer and the crosshairs of a hunter, the fact that deer are on the move across our many roads and highways creates a hazard that everyone needs to reckon with.
In New York, there is a 1-in-133 chance of striking an animal while driving and about 70,000 crashes occur annually, with many going unreported, according to the Albany Times Union, which recently published an article titled “What to Do if You Hit a Deer.” The article is filled with some obvious bits of information and advice as what to do if the inevitable happens, as well as how to avoid what feels inevitable, like slow down and look for deer, especially at dusk, as well as some interesting factoids like, according to the U.S. Forest Service, two-lane roads with a speed limit of 55 mph have the most animal strikes in the U.S. In addition, while it is preferable to use your high-beam headlights, which will illuminate the sides of the road where animals often gather, deer’s eyes reflect light backward, giving them poor depth perception and making them susceptible to darting out into harm’s way. If you see deer congregating on the side of the road, switch to your low-beam headlights, so as not to blind them, and refrain from honking, as that could likely startle them and prompt them to run into the open road.
Farmland Grab // Viable farmland in the area is in short supply, and despite efforts to preserve such agricultural land, farmers often find themselves competing for the same fertile soil. Last Friday, word came that the 97 acres of Cookingham East Farm Parcel in Red Hook, which was part of a larger land easement and development deal in Red Hook earlier this year, had been sold to Hearty Roots Farm for $730,000, narrowly beating out a very competitive bid of $705,000 from neighboring Migliorelli Farm. The story, as first reported by the Daily Catch, revealed that Migliorelli had been leasing the newly purchased land for two decades, growing sweet corn and grain used for sale to local brewers and distillers.
The Pilot reached out to Ken Migliorelli, owner of Migliorelli Farm, to inquire about the sale that almost was and how losing such a large parcel of farmland might affect his upcoming growing season. Migliorelli said there were no hard feelings, and that he’d “rather the property go to a farm like Hearty Roots, as opposed to someone up from the city who had no idea what they were doing. One thing about Hearty Roots,” Migliorelli continued, “they are the one young farmers that have really stuck with it.” As for how his farm with weather such a loss, Migliorelli said it won’t have an impact on his sweet corn output, as he could grow that in a neighboring property, but it will greatly impact his grain production, which supplies a few local breweries and distilleries like Lasting Joy in Tivoli and From The Ground Brewery in Red Hook. Migliorelli is philosophically inclined when it comes to the ups and downs of farming in the area, but also expressed some sentimental feelings about the land. “We get attached to the land, whether we are leasing or owning the land,” he said, “ it becomes a part of our life.” Migliorelli is hardly giving up, as he is on the hunt to lease or purchase additional acreage to make up for the lost property.
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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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Wednesday, November 15th, 6:30PM
Friends of Starr Library regular meeting. All are welcome. At the library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Wednesday, November 15th, 4:00PM - 6:00PM; 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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Thursday, November 16th, 6:30PM
Training in preparedness, response, and recovery from any type of disaster. FREE. Presented by the NYS Citizen Preparedness Corps. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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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, 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, 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, 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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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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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, 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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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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Tuesday, November 14th
Rhinebeck Village Board Meeting
Village Hall
6:00 PM
Agenda includes:
– proposal for crossing guard;
– resolution regarding stop sign at South Parsonage going north;
– appointment of an alternate member of the Village Planning Board; and
– scheduling of a regular Village Board meeting on the fourth Tuesday of every month, starting Nov. 28; and other matters. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, November 14th
Rhinebeck School Board Meeting
BMS Cafeteria
7:00 PM
Agenda includes reports on Annual Enrollment Data and from the Strategic Planning Committee. See RCSD website. At Bulkeley Middle School cafeteria – NOTE NEW LOCATION, 45 North Park Rd., Rhinebeck.
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Wednesday, November 15th
Rhinebeck Town Zoning Board of Appeals
Town Hall
7:00 PM
Agenda includes several accessory structures over the permitted size; Upstate Down appeal of Zoning Administrator’s Notice of Violation; and Ruge’s application for signage over the permitted size. See Town Website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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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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