Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 115 | December 5, 2023
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This Week
First and foremost, I want to give thanks to a special someone out there – you. We are deep into our year-end fundraising campaign and your response has been extraordinary. We had an overflow crowd at our November 10th anniversary celebration and now, thanks to a rush of contributions at the end of last week, we have secured the full amount of the Knight Foundation News Match Grant of $13,000.
As contributions came in last Friday morning, our publisher, Mark Fuerst, sent a few thank-you notes to people who put us over the top, saying "We write about 'how much we need your support'... and I never know if people realize that it's completely true! At heart, the PIlot is a small business that relies on the generosity of our readers. So, you can imagine how grateful we all feel when you come through the way you did today."
Thank you!
We are deeply grateful, but our fundraising is continuing through the end of the year, and we still need your support to prepare the Pilot for our second year of publishing. And here’s the great news – the Pilot has just been approved as a 501(c )(3) nonprofit organization. Previously, we had to rely on our fiscal agent to provide deductibility for your contributions, but now you can make those tax-deductible contributions directly to the Pilot! So please don’t forget us as you consider your year-end contributions.
In today’s issue, we give you a slideshow of key moments from the winter wonderland that was Sinterklaas this past weekend. In addition, we catch up with the latest news about the proposed development at 6 Mulberry Street, which is the subject of a special meeting of the Village Board of Trustees today (Tuesday) at 5PM.
Please keep the generosity and support flowing and please share the Pilot with friends, neighbors and family. We hope to be even stronger in 2024.
Eric Steinman
Executive Editor
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Environmental Impacts at 6 Mulberry Project Up for Discussion
Six Mulberry St., also known as the Father Brogan Center, has been in a state of limbo for decades, and there remain long-standing concerns over its future. These concerns are at the forefront now that a developer proposes to significantly alter the building, and its surroundings and will the subject of a special village board meeting held tonight.
[image of former Rhinebeck High School on the site of 6 Mulberry/ courtesy of Rhinebeck Historical Society]
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Another Exceptionally Festive Sinterklaas Lights Up Rhinebeck
While the day-long Sinterklaas festival is characterized by its freewheeling Fellini-meets-Santa spirit, one of the more remarkable aspects of this mirthful event is how it utterly transforms the village of Rhinebeck into a carnivalesque landscape of a purely local making.
Click below to see a collection of images by Leslie Hill from a tremendous day.
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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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Some Crystal Lake History // Crystal Lake, which sits in Legion Park, flows into Asher Dam, then flows into the Landsman Kill and ultimately makes its way to the Hudson River, is a fairly picturesque body of water in the center of Rhinebeck village. While it is largely a gathering destination for waterfowl, especially now with the Canadian geese, it also has a history as a local swimming spot and the location of at least one ice house, right on the lake.
Bruce Dedrick, a Rhinebeck old-timer who is currently living out his retirement in Australia, recently shared some memories with the Pilot of Crystal Lake and some of the adventures he and his friends got up to in the 1950s.
“Lewis Asher lived on Mill Street in Rhinebeck with his wife Emeline. He owned property along Asher Pond, and had at least one of his ice houses there. Many of us used to swim in Asher Pond, only we knew it as Crystal Lake, or simply 'the pond.' When Lewis died in January 1901 his brother Augustus took over the ice business. Our relatives would have used ice provided by these brothers.
When swimming at Crystal Lake in the 1950s, to get across to the diving board you could go down the steep stone stairs, past the cobblestone change rooms, and across the footbridge over the stream, up the steep stairs on the other side, along a dirt path, and over to the diving board… OR… just slip slide your way across the top of the very slippery algae covered dam, as most of us used to do! Many times people would end up on their asses.
I could swim like a fish at a very young age and would never drown. I just kept coming up to the surface for another gulp of air and down I would go again to continue my swim. My only problem was that I couldn’t swim on the surface, so I guess that’s why mom and dad thought I needed swimming lessons. I would swim underwater out to the middle, and climb up on the raft, or even all the way across to the ladder for the diving board. Two girls were teaching the kids to swim at Crystal Lake in the early 50s. One was named Sally (very pretty with blonde hair) but I don’t know her last name, and the other one who was helping her was Connie Poppo, Dr. Poppo’s daughter, who also did the summer recreation classes. Dr. Poppo was our family doctor, who was scarier than Frankenstein himself, with a voice that sounded like a lion roaring in a train tunnel, but he had a nurse named Helen who was an absolute angel who could make it all better and sometimes I even got a lollipop.
There used to be a gravel-topped causeway that started next to a little green roofed pump house, to the left of the beach. The causeway went over to the island. The island was a great place to drink beer on a Friday or Saturday night, when you were under-age, as you could see anyone coming way ahead of time. We would sit around a fire and tell lies to each other.“
The State’s Insurance Market is Heading Toward Stormy Times // Last week, representatives of the insurance industry – both homeowners’ and autos – testified at a hearing in New York City, according to reporting from the Albany Times Union, about the impact of extreme weather on the state’s insurance market. The picture they painted pointed to a grim-but-not-hopeless scenario for the cost and availability of property insurance in New York State. They testified that because of the increase in the severity and frequency of storms due to climate change, and the resulting damage from wind and water,the state’s insurance pool could easily reach a crisis stage. They suggested that the state government can help combat this impending crisis with a number of initiatives, including some that are already taking place. “Vastly expanded drainage systems, for instance, would ease some of the flooding that submerged parts of New York City and the Hudson Valley this year,” insurance executives said. And “tougher standards for roof construction could reduce housing claims,” as would “planting more trees as wind blocks.”
Be a Deer and Donate // We are still squarely in deer hunting season, and if you have driven any stretch of rural roads recently, you know the deer are out and on the move. While many, if not most, deer hunters harvest and consume much of their bounty, deer (or venison) can be a plentiful and very local food source for many in the area. Each year, the DEC partners with the Venison Donation Coalition and Feeding New York State to help provide food for people in need. Through a cooperative relationship involving the New York State Department of Health, non-profit organizations like Feeding New York State's regional food banks, hunters contribute nearly 40 tons of venison each year to families in need across the state. If you'd like to learn how you can support these programs or donate venison to help feed local families, visit the Venison Donation Coalition or Feeding New York State. You can also make a monetary contribution to the Venison Donation Coalition when you purchase your hunting license.
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"The Back Room"
Dr. Alexander Vindman is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who served on the National Security Council and was thrust into the national spotlight in October 2019 when he testified before Congress during former president Donald Trump's first impeachment hearing. Rachel Vindman is an activist and political commentator, as well as an opinion columnist at USA TODAY and a member of the USA Today Board of Contributors. Both Vindmans sit down with Andy to talk about the Israel-Hamas war and the global political landscape.
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This Week
Treason, Civil Rights, and Holiday Celebrations – A Busy Week
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Tuesday, December 5th, 6:30PM
Author’s Talk: Jack Kelly on his new book, “God Save Benedict Arnold: The True Story of America’s Most Hated Man.” A gripping story of audacious feats. Presented by Oblong Books. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Thursday, December 7th, 5:00PM
Menorah Lighting Ceremony. All are welcome. At the Schoolhouse building, with refreshments afterwards next door at the Town Hall. Both at 1215 Centre Rd., Rhinebeck.
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Friday, December 8th, 7:00PM
Book Talk: “The Eight: The Lemmon Slave Case and the Fight for Freedom,” by Retired Judge Albert Rosenblatt. About “one of the most momentous civil rights cases in American history.” Presented by the Clinton Historical Society and Clinton Community Library. FREE. Registration requested. At Clinton Community Library, 1215 Centre Rd., Rhinebeck.
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Friday, December 8th, 7:00PM
Multi-holiday Celebration, including short stories, plays and songs. Produced by Richard Rizzo and the Rhinebeck Readers Theatre. Suggested contribution $10 to benefit the library. Reservations recommended, at https://tinyurl.com/yrr35y7s. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Saturday, December 9th, 3:00PM
Carpool Chorus Season Concert, an afternoon of song to celebrate the holidays and support the library. Suggested donation $5-$15. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Saturday, December 9th, 5:00PM
Rhinecliff Festival of Lights. Light up the front of your house for all to enjoy, with complimentary cocoa from The Epicurean and a cookie from Kips Tavern. Pick up your luminaria kit (10 candles, bags, and sand) at Morton; $20 donation requested, to benefit Red Hook Responds. Sponsored by Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Saturday, December 9th, 5:00PM - 7:00PM
Opening reception for “Mystery,” paintings by Elisabeth Allanbrook Barnett. With music by Jasperoo. Show runs through January 1. At Art Gallery 71, 71 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Saturday, December 9th, 7:00PM, and Sunday, December 10th at 11:00AM
“Surface Tension,” a 13-minute performance event with installation and soundtrack, created by artist Richard Marr. FREE. RSVP to rmarr912@gmail.com. At Studio OVO, 54 Elizabeth St. (The Chocolate Factory), Red Hook.
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Saturday, December 9th, Friday, December 15th, and Saturday December 16th at 8:00PM
“Holidelic,” “a sensational holiday-funk revue,” presented by GRAMMY-nominated performer and percussionist Everett Bradley. Age 16+. Tickets $45 General Admission. At Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, Tivoli.
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Sunday December 10th, 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Human Rights Day Expo celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. FREE. Including talks on human rights,animated films, a concert, an expo featuring local organizations, and a focus on Eleanor Roosevelt’s role in the creation and adoption of the UDHR. Details at go.nps.gov/humanrightsexpo. At the Henry A. Wallace Visitor Center at the FDR National Historic Site, Hyde Park.
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Sunday December 10th, and Monday, December 11th, 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Art Pop-up, featuring jewelry, tote bags, wall art, and more, by women artists. Cash and Venmo only. At Xanadu Hair Salon, 6423 Montgomery St. (Rte. 9), off rear parking lot, Rhinebeck.
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Sunday December 10th, 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Holiday Cookie Swap. Bring three dozen cookies and swap, taste, socialize, and drink hot cocoa. Call 845-876-2903 for details. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Wednesday, December 13th, 6:30PM
Close Up Filmmaker Program: “Another Body,” with editors Rabab Haj Yahya and Isabel Freeman, followed by Speakeasy salon at 8:15. Co-presented by the Woodstock Film Festival. Tickets at Upstate Films, 6415 Montgomery St. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
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Now through April 1 – No parking on Rhinebeck roads from midnight to 8AM. Violators are subject to a fine.
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Now, 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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New artists’ residencies available through Kaatsbaan Cultural Park Weekend Retreat Residency Program, for artists of all genres “to create, live, and collaborate in the idyllic Hudson Valley countryside.” Weekends in mid-January, mid-February, and mid-March, 2024. See Kaatsbaan.org for more information. At Kaatsbaan, Tivoli.
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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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Now though December 30th
“Four Perspectives: Explorations in Photography,” presenting work by Chris Acosta, Lee Courtney, Michael Dimen, and John Verner. At the Montgomery Row Art Exhibition Space, 2nd floor (elevator is available), 6422 Montgomery St. (Rte. 9), 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, January 2024. Contact Chadkleitsch@gmail.com to submit a piece.
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Tuesday, December 5th
Special Meeting of Rhinebeck Village Board
Village Hall
5:00 PM
NOTE TIME – Special Meeting of Rhinebeck Village Board of Trustees to consider the Draft Environmental Assessment Form (EAF), Part 2, for the 6 Mulberry St. project. The form is used “to assist in determining the environmental significance or non-significance of actions and draft an environmental assessment.” The draft is available on the Village website.
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Wednesday, December 6th
Rhinebeck Village Tree Commission
Village Hall
7:00 PM
Agenda not available. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Monday, December 11th
Meeting and Public Hearing of Rhinebeck Town Board
Town Hall
6:00 PM
Public hearing is on the proposed amendments to the town code regarding tax exemptions for senior citizens, people with disabilities, firefighters and ambulance workers. The agenda for the regular meeting is not yet available. See Town website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, December 12th
Rhinebeck Village Board of Trustees
Village Hall
6:00 PM
Agenda not yet available. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Tuesday, December 12th
Rhinebeck Central School District
BMS Cafeteria
7:00 PM
Agenda not yet available. See RCSD website. At Bulkeley School Cafeteria, 45 North Road, Rhinebeck.
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Thursday, December 14th
Rhinebeck Village Comprehensive Plan Committee
Village Hall
6:00 PM
Agenda not yet available. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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UPDATE: There are new items posted on the 6 Mulberry St. page of the Rhinebeck Village website, including parameters regarding construction noise, traffic, and lighting, as well as a revised site plan and 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. Applicants should submit a letter of intent and resume to town clerk: townclerk@rhinebeckny.gov.
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"The Katzes"
Mr. Katz and Miss Mouse enjoy snuggling indoors and outdoors in Rhinebeck.
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