Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 42 | March 21, 2023
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The Road to Local News
Letter from the Publisher
As you are reading this, I am in Nashville at the second “Local News Summit,” a potentially influential affair that will discuss the “Roadmap for Local News.” The summit is an effort to identify “tangible action to support and revitalize” the struggling field of local journalism. That’s a big lift for an industry so long in decline.
I am joining 60 funders, publishers and thought leaders working to find new ways to promote and sustain the community journalism once delivered through daily and weekly newspapers, like our Rhinebeck Gazette.
I was invited to share my research on the role of public media, encouraging print and digital journalists to recognize that, in most cities, the second largest newsroom is located at the NPR affiliate. Public media will be part of the solution—but just a slice.
Throughout the summit I‘ll be looking for ideas that we can use to build a strong service in Rhinebeck and the surrounding area. I’ll meet with people who have already built regional collaborations, as some of us are hoping to develop through the Hudson Valley News Alliance.
I’ll report what I’ve learned during these first few months of the Pilot: namely, that there is a thirst for local news. And by local I mean stories about our families, our schools, our businesses, our community.
National level news is everywhere. So, outfits like the Pilot need to provide both local reporting and local solutions. What options do we have? What decisions could we control?
The folks running this meeting know that money is starting to flow into local journalism. There’s likely to be a hint of optimism in the room. If there is, I’ll do my best to see that the resulting road map addresses your needs and acknowledges the work already taking place at small and growing newsrooms in Rhinebeck, Red Hook, Kingston, Ellenville, Cold Spring and Peekskill.
I’ll write more when I get back.
Mark Fuerst
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Artists Bring the Action to Bulkeley Middle School
For the first time in five years, and the first time since the pandemic, Bulkeley Middle School hosted Artists in Action Day this past Friday, March 17th. On Friday, 21 artists, ranging from musicians to a cookie designer, were invited into the middle school to present their work and talk about the personal trajectory that brought them to their profession. This event was part of a broader series during which the school invites local experts to engage with students and offer a perspective on jobs, life paths, and wellness.
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Today is Election Day in the Village of Rhinebeck!
The Village of Rhinebeck is holding its election today to solidify support for incumbent Mayor Gary Bassett, Village Trustee Ric Lewit and Village Trustee Lydia Slaby, all of whom successfully won the primary back in January. While it is hardly a mystery as to who will come out victorious (all of the above) it is important to show up and do your civic duty and vote. Voting takes place today in Village Hall from noon until 9PM.
The Pilot did extensive reporting on the candidates, as well as their challengers, earlier in the year and we have archived that reporting here, if you would like to read up on the candidates.
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SUV vs. Utility Pole // Late on Sunday afternoon, a black GMC SUV traveling west on Rhinecliff Road, just west of Starr Library, struck a utility pole, doing damage to the pole and closing off Rhinecliff Road to traffic in both directions. The impact of the vehicle split the utility pole at its base and made passage hazardous. The accident involved only one vehicle, and while the GMC was badly damaged, there were no serious injuries to either the driver or the passenger. By nightfall, the road was reopened to traffic and a crew from Central Hudson was at work repairing the downed utility pole. However, it seems electricity service to the hamlet of Rhinecliff was spotty for much of Sunday evening.
Restaurant Week Returns // As of today, Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is upon us, lasting for two weeks, until April 2nd. For the unfamiliar, this is a promotional event sponsored by food enthusiast magazine The Valley Table, luring prospective diners with discounted prix fixe lunches and dinners for $24.95, $29.95, $39.95 or $44.95 (as determined by the participating restaurants). These weeks constitute one of the slower dining seasons of the year. While there are many participating restaurants from Rockland County up through Dutchess, local offerings are a bit limited, including only Terrapin, The Beekman and Willow at Mirbeau. However, if you are moved to head south, there are options in Poughkeepsie, including the newly opened Academy, as well as other dining options farther down the road.
The Fire Next Time // While it is still cold and blustery, a roaring bonfire can keep you and your clan warm, but you will have to wait a few months. As of March 16th, New York State has instituted a burn ban, effective through May 14th. This means that only small campfires, less than 3’ high and 4’ wide, are permitted anywhere in the state. "This winter was warmer and drier than most, but regardless of the winter weather, we are always at a greater risk of wildfires in the spring," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "This ban helps protect our communities, natural resources, and the rangers and other firefighters who extinguish the fires.” Open burning of debris is the single largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State, and (little known fact) the burning of leaves or leaf piles is never permitted at any time of year due to the risk of wildfire. This burn ban was first implemented in 2009, and since then the number of wildfires in the state has decreased by 40%.
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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
The response to our twice-weekly newsletter has been overwhelming and the engagement is beyond encouraging. We are proud to announce that we have crossed the 1400 newsletter subscriber mark! We encourage you to spread the word and tell your friends, family, neighbors and strangers alike to sign up here to expand our reach. The more people we have reading and engaging, the more of an active community we are.
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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We Love, and Need, Your Support
We are a more robust and effective independent news source because of your support. You make it possible for us to reach our goals: not just more and better reporting, but a stronger local community. We can’t do it without you.
Many of you have shown your support in the past few months and we sincerely thank you, but publishing is an ongoing endeavor and requires ongoing financial support.
Local news for local good.
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"The Back Room"
Andy Ostroy sits down with former Republican operative and strategist, as well as author of "Why We Did It" Tim Miller about his years working for and within the Republican Party as well as his break from Trump and what the future holds.
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Now through March 21st
Register for the Women’s Sailing Conference at the Hudson River Maritime Museum to be held March 24-25. This year’s theme is “A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats,” focusing on participants who have not traditionally been able to learn to sail. Tuition is $60-85; online attendance $50. Co-sponsored by the Museum and the Kingston Sailing Club. Information and registration at https://www.hrmm.org/riverport-womens-sailing-conference-html or call 845-338-0071.
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Now through March 30th
Registration for Kindergarten at Chancellor Livingston Elementary School. Will your child be five years old by December 1, 2023 and does s/he/they reside in the Rhinebeck Central School District? Call MaryAnn Torres at 845-871-5500, ext. 6560 or email registration@rhinebeckcsd.org for information about the registration process, paperwork, and screening.
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Now through April 1: the Village of Rhinebeck is accepting applications for a Zoning Board of Appeals position to serve a term of five years. Submit resume to Village Clerk Martina McClinton, mmcclinton@villageofrhinebeckny.gov. For details about the responsibilities and time commitment see the Village website.
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Now through April 1: the Village of Rhinebeck is accepting applications for membership on its Tree Commission. If you care about the Village’s “urban forest,” send a letter of interest and/or a resume to Village Clerk Martina McClinton, mmcclinton@villageofrhinebeckny.gov. For details, see the Village website.
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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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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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Wednesday, March 22, 10:00-11:30AM
The Rhinebeck Garden Club presents a talk by Ian Peterson of the Waterman Bird Club. Visitors welcome; refreshments will be served. For information, 914-263-5298. At Starr Library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Wednesday, March 22, 1PM
POSTPONED FROM MARCH 15 – monthly meeting of Friends of Starr Library. All welcome. At downstairs Mary Frazier Room, Starr Library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Wednesday, March 22, 7PM
“From Militarized to Decarbonized,” a virtual talk with author Miriam Pemberton and local resident and former Director of Foreign Policy at the Institute for Policy Studies Martha Honey about refocusing our military economy with an eye toward the climate crisis. At Starr Library, 68 West Market St, Rhinebeck.
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Thursday, March 23rd, 7:30PM
“Close Up: An Evening With Nick Quested,” Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker, including footage of the January 6 insurrection and from his TV show, “Hell of a Cruise.” Tickets $10-14. At Upstate Films, 6415 Montgomery St. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
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Thursday, March 23rd through Sunday, March 26th
“The Play’s the Thing,” by Ferenc Molnar, adapted by P.G. Wodehouse. Satire, comedy, high drama, and the folly of playwriting and the actor process. Tickets $25. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM; Sundays at 3PM. For tickets go to centerforperformingarts.org. At the Center, 661 NY-308, Rhinebeck.
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Sunday, March 19th through Wednesday, March 29th
Book donations accepted by Friends of Starr Library (Wed 12-2 and Sun 10-12 ONLY). See starrlibrary.org for guidelines. At the downstairs community room, Starr Library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Friday, March 24th - Sunday, March 26th
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Saturday, March 25th, 2:00 - 3:00PM
Reception and opening of exhibition about local students’ experiences in Madagascar through biennial trips to the country organized by CultureConnect’s MadagascarConnect. Exhibition runs through April 29. At Starr Library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, March 25th, 5:00 - 7:00PM
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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Saturday, March 25th, 7:30PM
“March Monologue Madness,” a benefit for Morton Memorial Library. Hear the best of Hudson Valley writers perform their uniquely original work. Admission by donation. Ample parking available at the Amtrak station, two blocks away. At Morton, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Sunday, March 26th, 2:00 - 4:00PM
The Rhinebeck Democrats Club presents a talk with Tommy Zurhellen, who is gathering petition signatures to run as a Democrat against Republican candidate Sue Serino for Dutchess County Executive. RSVP at survey.zohopublic.com. At Starr Library, 68 West Market St., 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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Tuesday, March 21st
Rhinebeck Village Election
Rhinebeck Village Hall
Noon - 9PM
Election of Village Mayor and two Trustees. Three candidates are running unopposed. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, March 21st
Rhinebeck Town Conservation Advisory Board
Rhinebeck Town Hall
6PM
Agenda includes review of end-of-year report, site visits and removal of invasives. The CAB is seeking new members. See Town website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Thursday, March 23rd
Rhinebeck Town Citizens Zoning and Comp Plan Review
On Zoom
6PM
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Thursday, March 23rd
Rhinebeck Village Comprehensive Plan Committee
Rhinebeck Village Hall
6PM
At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Wednesday, March 29th
Village Tree Commission
Rhinebeck Village Hall
7PM
Village Tree Commission. Agenda not yet available. See Village website. 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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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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"Otis"
Otis is a year old and is lovely, smart and sweet. He’ll do practically anything for a treat!
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