Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 45 | March 31, 2023
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Talk of the Town
Last Friday and this past Tuesday, I posted two questions to ponder in my editor’s letter. The first was whether Rhinebeck and the wider Hudson Valley had a “New York City Problem” in that the population surge of people fleeing the city for calmer and less dense communities threatened to change the nature and functionality of our communities. The second considered systemic national problems and asked whether small communities like ours might be able to show us all a way through some of the tougher contemporary national and local issues having to do with everything from civic planning to equity.
Many of you reached out, opined and even asked even more questions, revealing that both subjects (while assuredly intertwined) really deserved closer consideration and inspection.
Josette Lee wrote:
"It occurs to me, because of our small population and focus on community, that we might have a lot to demonstrate to the rest of the state and the country about how to bring ideas into fruition. I've lived here over 25 years now and I wonder about the community:
Are we really diverse?
Do we really care about our senior population?
Do we offer affordable housing?”
Cary Kittner addressed the impact and tension around the issue of city transplants and what is gained and lost in welcoming more and more people into our community:
“I consider myself a first generation local. I am active in the community and was struck by the comment about participation lagging as a result of the influx from the city. There are two sides to that. One is that it would be nice if there was more interest and involvement by transplants. The other is that often when the transplants get involved they want to change things that we don’t want changed. This is the New York City attitude that we don’t like.
I also dislike the empty houses in my neighborhood that were sold during the pandemic to weekenders, that there’s no parking at our favorite hiking trails, that prices of everything are rising, that the young people can’t afford housing because of the advantage-taking in real estate, and that too many trees are being cut down.”
The Pilot will be exploring these issues in the coming weeks and months with stories that explore both the existing tensions and the possible changes in our collective future.
As for this issue of the newsletter, we look backward, not forward, at the storied history of the often overlooked Oak Street neighborhood of Rhinebeck village, and how the efforts of a handful of people are moving this history out of relative obscurity into public discussion. Also, we explore the possible impact of the impending closure of the senior living community at the historic Thompson House, which is now part of Northern Dutchess Hospital, and how such dwindling options for the aging have reverberations throughout the entire community.
As always, thanks for your enduring support and for helping to keep the conversation going.
Eric Steinman
Executive Editor
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The Thompson House Care Facility Set to Close
The Thompson House Residential and Rehabilitative Care Facility, located on the grounds of Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, has announced its impending closure. The skilled nursing and rehab facility, which opened in 1994, annually serves upwards of 600 short-term residents through their rehabilitation program and many others for long-term care.
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The Diverse and Little Known History of Oak Street
An impression that many hold of Rhinebeck is that while it is rich in history, it lacks much in the way of diversity. When people think of historical Rhinebeck, they often think of wealthy and esteemed families that set up grand river estates and used their massive fortunes to create the prerequisites for centuries of settlement and development. However, there is a place right in the Village of Rhinebeck, encompassing perhaps a fraction of a mile, with roughly 52 lots holding relatively humble accommodations, that tells a very different story: of a hardscrabble and diverse community, over the course of a century. That place was Oak Street.
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Fatal Two Car Crash // On Tuesday, March 28th, just before dawn, there was a single fatality crash between two vehicles on Route 9 just south of the Village of Rhinebeck, near Closs Drive. County Sheriff Deputies responded to the accident, along with Rhinebeck Fire Department and Hillside Fire Department. A preliminary investigation revealed that a 2017 Chevrolet van, operated by Jonathan A. Kiech (age 49, of Ford, NJ), was traveling northbound on Route 9 when it was struck head-on by a southbound 2015 Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner was reported stolen on Monday evening in Connecticut, and its operator was a 14-year-old juvenile. Mr. Kiech was pronounced dead at the scene, and the juvenile was initially transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries but has since been remanded to a secure detention facility pending further investigation/charges. Both operators were the sole occupants of their respective vehicles, and the juvenile operator will not be identified due to their age.
Dennis McGuire, Hillside Fire Chief, told the Pilot that the crash was “nearly head-on” and that the van operated by Kiech had to be pried open by firefighters, whereas the driver of the stolen vehicle was relatively unhurt. The scene, which was littered with debris, oil and transmission fluid, was cleared just after 11am, according to McGuire. An ongoing investigation is underway as to the particulars of the accident, and no word yet on specific charges against the minor driving the Toyota 4Runner.
Bubble Economy // Just a little over 20 years ago, the Taiwanese trend of boba (sometimes called bubble tea or pearl milk tea) made its way to the U.S. Boba consists of sweetened and flavored iced tea with a generous helping of black tapioca balls lazily congregating at the bottom of the glass just waiting to be sucked up by a large straw. It has taken a while for this tea craze to percolate into our area, but as of this week, Rhinebeck has its own boba and tea destination at the newly opened Tea Fresh at 6384 Mill Street (Rte. 9, just south of Market St.) in the village.
This new shop sells all manner of boba drinks, including traditional milk tea, chai, and taro, as well as various fruit drinks with tapioca balls, red bean, and jelly. Yes, drinking and chewing at the same time is something to get used to, but the flavors and novelty of sucking down a boba drink are something worth trying. Alert the K-12 crowd, as now there is a business that will surely draw in younger people with money to spend.
Streetery Culture // One of the most novel and unforeseen results of the Covid-19 pandemic was the proliferation of outdoor, sidewalk dining options slapped together to keep restaurants afloat and provide a safer al fresco dining experience. New York City became a plywood gourmet paradise in 2020, once the warm weather took hold, where upwards of 12,000 semi-temporary structures were erected on sidewalks, running the gamut of craftsmanship, taste, and COVID-mitigation plausibility.
Rhinebeck also got into the game with numerous local restaurants offering sidewalk dining as a somewhat festive stop-gap measure to keep the local economy going. Now, with Covid numbers apparently on permanent decline, customers and business owners don’t feel the same imperative to move everything outdoors, but many people enjoyed their taste of outdoor dining and there is a movement to keep it going, at least during the temperate months.
On Tuesday, April 4th, the Village of Rhinebeck will be hearing Public Comment on outdoor dining, which will give residents, business owners and other stakeholders in the community an opportunity to advocate for or against outdoor dining options. John Traver, general manager of Samuel's Sweet Shop in the Village, sent out a mass email this week under the heading “Let’s Go Outside,” calling for people to come out and support sidewalk dining. Traver told the Pilot, “Being able to eat & drink outside – to see friends & neighbors on the street – adds immensely to our sense of community.” However, there are ongoing concerns about how sidewalk dining may impact parking and street access, as well as sidewalk access for pedestrians and people with disabilities. Attend the meeting on Tuesday to express your views.
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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 1450 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
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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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"Correct Me if I'm Norm"
Norm Magnusson sits down with the multi-award winning writer, actor and soon-to-be Off-Broadway portrayer of Mark Twain, local legend Mr. Joe Baer.
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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 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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Fridays until April 7, 5-7PM – Clinton Volunteer Fire & Rescue Fish Fry. Take-out only. $15 for fish, fries, coleslaw and brownie; $10 for mac & cheese, fries, coleslaw and brownie. Free local delivery within two miles during the fry. Call 845-266-5485 for information. At 9 Firehouse Lane, Clinton Corners.
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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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Friday, March 31st, 7:00PM
The Rhinebeck Historical Society presents “The Big Role of a Small Street in Rhinebeck,” the story of Oak Street, where freed enslaved people, Irish-Catholic immigrants, and other working class New Yorkers lived their hopes and dreams. The talk will be given by Bill Jeffway and Melodye Moore of the Dutchess County Historical Society, and will include the work of the Rhinebeck 7th Grade Civics Class of Henry Frischknecht. RSVP at dchsny.org/path. ON ZOOM AND AT at Rhinebeck Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, April 1st, 10:00AM
Spring Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Rhinebeck Town Rec Committee, with candy donations from Samuel’s. Kids 0-11. Eggs, candy, prizes, bunny pictures. No registration required; please let the photographer know if you don’t want your child photographed. At Thompson-Mazzarella Park, Rhinebeck
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Saturday, April 1st, 12:30PM
The 65th Annual Landsman Kill Stocking Club Fishing Contest and stream restocking. Bring a large bucket, meet at Rhinebeck High School at 12:30, and follow the truck to help restock the stream. The contest officially kicks off on Sunday, April 2, at 7AM. Open to all Rhinebeck School District kids ages 3 - UNDER 16. Register at Convenience Corner (Village Mobil, Rte. 308 and South St.)
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Saturday, April 1st, 7:00PM
Bard College Conservatory of Music presents the Horszowski Trio (violin, cello, piano). Free. At Bito Conservatory Building, Bard College.
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Sunday, April 2nd, 3:00PM
Benefit Concert for Turkey and Syria Earthquake Relief. Free but donations are encouraged. Bard musicians and guests, featuring music from Turkey, Syria, and around the world. All donations will be split between the Multifaith Alliance for Syrian Refugees and Turkish Philanthropy Funds. Donate at multifaithalliance.org and tpfund.org. At Olin Hall, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson.
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Thursday, April 6th, 4:00PM
STEAM for kids ages 7-15 with Mikelison Womack. Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math projects with an environmental focus. Register at StarrLibrary.org. At Starr, 68 West Market 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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Monday, April 3rd
Rhinebeck Town Planning Board
Rhinebeck Town Hall
6PM
Agenda includes application of Wireless Edge (Verizon) for site plan and special use permit; and public hearings of Rhinebeck Village composting site at 282 Rte. 308. See Town website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, April 4th
Rhinebeck Village Board Organizational Meeting
Rhinebeck Village Hall
6PM
Organizational meeting and Public Comment regarding outdoor dining, announcing Mayor’s appointments of all non-elected officials and establishing Board of Trustees procedures and Village policies. In addition, there will be a public comment period on sidewalk dining for the 2023 season. 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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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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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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"Dolly"
This is Dolly. Two year old mix. She’s a member of Mensa for dogs.
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