Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 14 | December 9, 2022
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Thank You
Thank you to our founding donors! 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.
To date, this community has raised over $16,000 to help launch our own independent nonprofit local news--for that, we are grateful. Help us get to $25,000 by the end of the year! Please contribute and/or share our GoFundMe campaign.
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Labor Pains
This country has a fickle relationship with the labor movement. We acknowledge that it has been a defining component in the formation of U.S. workers’ rights, but I think it is fair to say that many of us treat labor struggles as something like an offshore storm, that threatens disruption but is kept from unleashing its full potential. This past month has revealed several significant labor developments that have brought the issue of workers’ rights into the forefront of conversation.
In California, 48,000 academic workers in the UC system went on strike last month, effectively ending the fall semester. Closer to home, the New School and Parsons School of Design entered their third week of a strike for affordable and reliable health insurance and job security. And workers at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram walked out over a contract dispute. And at The New York Times yesterday (Thursday) more than 1,000 unionized workers organized a 24-hour walk-out, leaving the editorial arm of the newspaper with very little new content amid calls on social media platforms for loyal readers to refrain from visiting the site and to risk “break[ing] their Wordle streak” in support of workers frustrated with prolonged contract negotiations over pay increases and flexible working conditions, among other things.
We find it worth noting that the struggle to secure the rights of workers was not resolved 150 years ago when the domestic labor movement got its start. It continues on in almost every sector today, from Starbucks to rail and hotel workers, teachers and journalists.
In this issue of the Pilot, we visit with our local food pantries and witness the important, year-round work that is done within and for the community. Now have the opportunity to weigh in on the creation of a new Village Comprehensive Plan with a survey that went out to many, but maybe not all of you. You can find the link to the survey form in Heads Up!, as well as in today’s story.
We hope you will keep engaging with us, writing to us, talking with us, and your support keeps us independent and accessible to all.
Thank you again.
Eric Steinman
Executive Editor
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Survey Says? Comp Plan Committee Asks Questions
As promised, the Village of Rhinebeck Comprehensive Plan Committee, made up of twelve individuals in the main committee and many more on six volunteer subcommittees, has delivered a survey to the community over the village email list this past Wednesday. The purpose of the survey is to gain input “on the future vision and values for the community” and gather perspective on what Rhinebeck residents prioritize for both the growth and preservation of the Village.
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Food Insecurity is Real in Rhinebeck: Food Pantries and Volunteer Efforts Address the Need
Food insecurity is an enormous challenge for a large percentage of people in Dutchess County. The financial devastation caused by COVID-19 is still very real for many families who are struggling to work, pay their rent and other bills, and cope with job loss and inflation. Like many cities and towns across the country, Rhinebeck saw an increase in community solidarity and mutual aid efforts throughout the lockdown in 2020, but, despite Covid receding from the headlines, the need hasn't disappeared. Faith-based organizations are often steadfast in providing food support, and it's no different in Rhinebeck.
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Any Questions for Town Supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia?
The Hudson Valley Pilot will be sitting down in the coming week with Town Supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia via video link to chat about all things town. We have a few things to ask, but are also opening it up to readers to send in questions they might like to pose to the Supervisor.
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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 1000 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 would be interested in being a contributor, please contact editor@hvpilot.com
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"Correct me if I'm Norm"
Norm Magnusson sits down for a free-form interview with local HV Pilot Executive Editor, Eric Steinman, to talk about local news and issues, as well as his childhood, misadventures and everything that brought him to this specific moment.
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Inn the Line of Fire // The historic Beekman Arms had a scare this past Tuesday afternoon, as did many Rhinebeck residents. The “Beek,’ a pre-revolutionary hotel dating back to 1766, is commonly described as “the oldest inn in America.”
According to the Rhinebeck Fire Department, just before 2pm on Tuesday, smoke was reported to be billowing out of one of the main building’s chimneys. A fire crew was quickly dispatched and the source of the isolated blaze, which was extinguished within minutes, was a chimney fire in the main building on the north side, along Market Street. There was no structural damage and there were no injuries nor lasting complications from the fire, other than maybe an unforeseen delay to afternoon tea.
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Amtrak Accessiblity// As reported in the HV Pilot back in November, The Rhinecliff Amtrak Station, long crumbling and slated for an upgrade, has started the yearlong process of becoming a more functional and accessible station. That station is currently still “operational” but renovations are underway and access to the main station is severely limited, with trailers parked out in front of the station serving as a temporary stopgap interface. Many locals had questions going into the renovations about how the station would continue to operate while being an active construction site, and for apparently good reason.
Seems complaints from locals have been pouring in, especially those who had concerns about access for those with disabilities, and our newly elected Congressman for NY-District 18, Pat Ryan, has amplified such concerns. “I wrote a letter to the CEO of Amtrak directly," said Ryan, according to Spectrum Local News. "We were hearing from constituents. There's some confusion and misunderstandings and ultimately, people weren't able to get on the train smoothly. So I thought it was very important that I elevate that voice."
A response came swiftly from Amtrak Senior Public Relations Manager Jason Abrams, who sent out a statement:
”While we conduct renovations at Rhinecliff station, there will still be two accessible parking spots remaining at the lower level (in the same location). In addition, we are adding signage to the station and all current ADA access/paths of travel are unchanged. In fiscal year 2022, we dedicated more than $158 million to Amtrak’s ADA stations program, which has now brought 104 stations to full compliance and another 69 stations to full compliance, excluding platforms. Amtrak is committed to accessibility in all aspects of our business."
Apparently, we are in the breaking eggs part of making an omelet.
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Pole Position// Along Morton Road, just after you pass the Amtrak Station on your way into the hamlet of Rhinecliff, there is a tall, but unassuming, wooden pole, maybe 45 feet, with a notice affixed to it for a public hearing from the Town of Rhinebeck Planning Board. This pole, as well as the contents of the affixed notice, came up for discussion this past Monday, as the Rhinebeck Town Planning Board hosted their weekly meeting. The pole, which is owned by Central Hudson, and looks like any other telephone pole along the road, will hold, if all goes to plan, a three-foot tall soda-can shaped antenna. There are electronic components that sit in a suitcase-sized box mounted to the side of that pole that are intended to function as a transmission antenna for AT&T cell phone service in Rhinecliff. What is the problem, you may wonder? Consensus says it is ugly, and it quite possibly will be blocking the river and mountain views of select Rhinecliff residents.
Some residents, who were in attendance at the Planning Board meeting, claimed it was not “aesthetically appropriate” for the hamlet. A representative from AT&T and Centerline Communications, Kimberly Revak, tried to address concerns coming from both residents and Planning Board members but was unable to answer questions as to whether other locations for the pole were or will be considered (Revak was contacted for comment by HV Pilot, but had not responded before publication). Planning Board member Sean Jones voiced his concern and suggested that the Board make a formal request to determine what alternate sites for the transmission antenna might be entertained, and there was a collective concern that this pole may not be a one-and-done thing, what with other utility poles popping up in the name of faster and more consistent cellular communications, aesthetics be damned. Here is a link to the application for the project.
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Tuesday, Dec. 6th, and thereafter Tues and Thurs:
THE SENIOR VAN IS BACK!! Rides will be available to Tops, Starr Library, or elsewhere in the Village. Pre-registration is required and those wishing to ride must be able to get on the van without assistance, must live in Rhinebeck, and must be a senior. For more information call Joan Winne, Town Clerk, at 845-876-3409, or download the application from the Town website at https://rhinebeckny.gov/over-60-and-thriving-in-rhinebeck.
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Now through Sunday Dec. 11th
VARIOUS DATES AND TIMES from 9:45AM to 7:30PM, the New Paltz Ballet Theatre performs “The Nutcracker” at historic Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie. For times and ticket availability, see bardavon.org.
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Friday, Dec. 9th, 10:00AM - 5:00PM and Saturday Dec. 10th, 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Friends of Starr Library Book Sale. Offering a wide range of fiction and nonfiction books, books on CD, music CDs, DVDs, and more for all ages and audiences, with proceeds going to support Starr Library. Purchases may be made with cash, check or credit card. Rear entrance, lower level at Starr Library, Rhinebeck. StarrLibrary.org.
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Saturday, Dec. 10th, 5:00PM - 7:00PM
Rhinecliff Light Up Night, sponsored by Morton Library, with complimentary hot cider from The Epicurean and a holiday cookie from Kips Tavern. A village-wide event to “create light and foster community.” Luminaria kits are available at Morton, with requested donation of $20; donations will go to Red Hook Responds. For more information, contact sandy@mortonrhinecliff.org.
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Sunday, Dec. 11th, 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Meet Santa at the Rhinebeck Farmers’ Market. “He’s the real deal.” Municipal Parking Lot, 61 East Market St., Rhinebeck. Farmers Market hours are 10:00AM - 2:00PM Rhinebeck Farmers’ Market.
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Sunday, Dec. 11th, 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Sunday, Dec. 11, 2:00PM – 4:00PM: Meet the Artists Reception at Albert Shahinian Fine Art; exhibit of six artists running through January 2023. 22 East Market St., Rhinebeck. ShahinianFineArt.com.
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Monday, Dec. 12th, 7:00PM - 11:00PM
Three films on architecture and society in Nazi Germany, Mussolini’s Italy, and Antonioni’s existential universe. At the Jim Ottaway Film Center, Bard College. Bard.edu.
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Monday, Dec. 13th, 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2:00PM – 4:00PM: Filmmaker talk and showing of “I Like It Here,” by Ralph Arlyck. A documentary about “confronting the reality of aging” and about “the pleasures of being alive.” Bring cookies to share. Sponsored by Rhinebeck at Home. At The Pavilion at Brookmeade, Rte. 308, Rhinebeck.
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Any time through January 15: The Rhinebeck Village Comprehensive Plan Committee wants to hear from you! Fill out the online Community Survey and tell the committee what’s most important to you and what you think our future might look like. Survey at https://bit.ly/VORsurvey. En Espanol at https://bit.ly/VORsurveyES.
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Monday, Dec. 12th
Town Board Meeting
Rhinebeck Town Hall
6:00PM
Agenda not yet available.
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Tuesday, Dec. 13th
Village Board Meeting
Rhinebeck Village Hall
6:00PM
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"Tiki"
Tiki is the young Pause Boutique store dog in Rhinebeck. She gets paid in treats.
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