Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 119 | December 19, 2023
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The Week
As we round out the last remaining days of autumn, as well as the last two weeks of the year, we want to thank everyone who has shown generosity and contributed to the Pilot, especially over the past few weeks. There are far too many of you to name, but you have brought us within shouting range of our fundraising goals. And thank you also to everyone who has contributed to the Pilot since our beginning. Our contributors are enabling us to provide local journalism to everyone and anyone who wants it, whether or not they can or do pay for it. At this point, about 20% of our subscribers/donors are paying for the remaining 80%, which is not a bad percentage in this business – but it would be wonderful if a few more of you would contribute. We have just about $3,000 to go to reach our $10,000 goal, which would enable us to start the new year in great shape to tackle all manner of stories and projects. Thank you.
In the newsletter this week we take a preliminary look at the newly proposed Pre-K program in the Rhinebeck Central School District. In addition, we were witness to a solemn vigil this past Sunday when nearly 100 area residents marched peacefully through the village to remember the thousands of people who have died, or are in still peril, due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
A small scheduling note: we will be back here on Friday, December 22nd, but that will be our last newsletter of the year, as we need to take a break, regenerate, regroup, enjoy the holidays, and bring you much more in the coming year. We will be back at it the first week in January.
Thank you for all your support. And here’s to a happy and peaceful 2024!
Eric Steinman
Executive Editor
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100 Locals Gather to Remember the Many Who Have Died in the Israel-Hamas War
On Sunday, a group of about 100 gathered together to form a solemn community vigil that moved its way into the heart of the village of Rhinebeck to commemorate the many lives lost to the ongoing and tragic war between Israeli forces and Hamas.
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Pre-K Coming to the Rhinebeck School District
Rhinebeck Central School District will pilot a pre-K classroom starting in the 2024-2025 school year. The program will begin with a classroom of up to 18 students, with one teacher and one classroom aide. This comes as Rhinebeck has been circling the idea for several years, and is one of the few local districts without such an existing program. The offering could be a game changer for many parents and children alike.
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A dog's perspective on Christmas trees
by JLN
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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 events page with local happenings updated continuously.
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Biblical Rains and Floods Hit the Region // Yesterday, as forecast, massive amounts of rain and resulting floods severely impacted much of the Hudson Valley and Gov. Kathy Hochul moved about 5,000 utility crews into the field to tackle storm damage on Monday morning. As of 1 p.m. More than 17,500 utility customers were without power in the lower Hudson Valley counties of Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Rockland and Westchester, according to reporting from the Albany Times Union. By the afternoon on Monday, Rhinebeck had received upwards of three inches of precipitation since the rain started on Sunday evening.
No power outages had been reported to Central Hudson in the immediate area, but area creeks and streams were swelling, and some area residents, including in the hamlet of Rhinecliff, had to contend with basement flooding. Rhinebeck village resident Paul Higgins, who lives adjacent to Crystal Lake, which feeds into the Landsman Kill, told the Pilot that Asher Dam, which regulates the water flow from the lake into the Kill, was not sufficiently handling the overflow, and water was overflowing the banks alongside the dam. The Village opened two smaller valves in the dam to regulate the overflow, but the two larger valves, which are customarily used for dredging, according to Mayor Gary Bassett, are currently not operational, and the Village is seeking grant money to repair them. At the end of the day on Monday, the Village closed access to Crystal Lake until further notice due to extensive flooding.
[Photo of the flooded Rhinecliff Dock after the rains on Monday/ Ruby Palmer]
Dutchess County Bus Service to Areas North of Rhinebeck to End in March // Following a Dutchess County Legislature vote earlier in the month to significantly cut the county transportation budget, an announcement was made last week that, while some transit routes would remain intact in Southern Dutchess, the loop “C” bus line, from Poughkeepsie to Tivoli and back, would be severely cut, with an end to service north of Rhinebeck. A public hearing occurred at Rhinebeck Town Hall last Thursday, with representatives of Dutchess County Public Transit, public officials and around 100 residents who voiced their concerns and sometimes outrage about the proposed route cut, set to take effect at the end of March 2024.
“I think the whole process is just disappointing,” said Red Hook Village Trustee Steve Appenzeller, who attended the meeting and spoke with the Pilot. He said he was heartened by the turnout and the statements of his fellow residents, and added, “The testimony of the stakeholders tells the story more than any number on a spreadsheet can.” Appenzeller was critical of the county for issuing an “ultimatum before engaging in a community conversation” and said such a disruption in service was bound to impact students, those with disabilities and/or medical needs, and those who rely on public transportation to get to and from work and appointments. Appenzeller said the Village of Red Hook, as well as the Town and the Village of Tivoli, have reached out to retiring Dutchess County Executive William F. X. O’Neil and incoming County Executive Sue Serino about the impact such a shift is certain to have on locals, but had yet to hear back. Annual ridership on the countywide bus system was just over 680,000 passengers in 2022, was on target to reach 800,000 in 2023 and is up 21% this year in comparison with this time last year, according to the Mid-Hudson News. While the Dutchess County Public Transit Authority has set the March date for the proposed cut, they left the door open for more public input and recommendations.
We will continue to follow this story as it develops.
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"The Rhinebeck Scoop"
Jennifer C. reviews her very first Sinterklaas celebration, talks about the Nextdoor App and all of its entertainment value, and shares some weird holiday movie recommendations.
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This Week
Sound Meditation Can Help
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Tuesday, December 19th, 7:00PM
Local author Wendy Chin-Tanner talks about her new book, “King of the Armadillos,” with writer and feminist activist Jamia Wilson. “A transcendent debut novel about family, love, and belonging, set against the backdrops of NYC and a historical leprosarium in 1950s Louisiana.” Register at starrlibrary.org. At the library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Thursday, December 21st, 10:30 - 11:15AM
Good Vibrations; Guided Sound Meditation with Anna Karelis. “Clear your mind with us.” Register at Starrlibrary.org. At the library, 68 West Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Friday, December 22nd, and Saturday, December 23rd, both at 8:00PM
“Little Women,” presented by the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. Tickets at centerforperformingarts.org. At the Center, 661 Rte. 308, Rhinebeck.
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Friday, Jan. 5th, 5:00PM - 7:00PM
Opening Reception for “Rhinecliff Train Station: A Celebration”; community artists salute the venerable depot. At Morton Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliff.
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Saturday, January 6th, 1:30PM -3:00PM
Workshop on kakizome, Japanese “first writing” for the new year, expressing hopes and aspirations. FREE. At Arts Mid-Hudson, 696 Dutchess Turnpike, Poughkeepsie.
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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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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.
NO SESSIONS DURING SCHOOL VACATION. 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 23rd, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons
Wilderstein for the holidays: dazzling displays in the mansion in celebration of the yuletide season. Info and tickets at wilderstein.org. At Wilderstein Historic Site, 330 Morton Rd., Rhinebeck.
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Now though December 24th
Donate a new holiday gift from Land of Oz to a child in need. Land of Oz Toys and Moving Potential, an organization that works to bring yoga and mindfulness to people impacted by addiction, incarceration and trauma, have organized a toy drive to help mothers and fathers at two Rhinebeck residential recovery centers provide gifts for their children. More than 60 children are in need. Drop by Land of Oz at 22 East Market St., call the store at 845-876-1918, or Venmo the shop @landofoztoys to donate directly.
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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 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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Now through January 1st
“Mystery,” paintings by Elisabeth Allanbrook Barnett. At Art Gallery 71, 71 East Market 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., Town of Clinton, Mondays-Thursdays, 9AM - 4PM, or at the Church, 2 Fiddlers Bridge Rd., Staatsburg.
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Tuesday, December 19th
Rhinebeck Village Planning Board
Village Hall
7:00 PM
Agenda includes application of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society for construction of an antique designed firehouse exhibit. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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Wednesday, December 20th
Rhinebeck Town Zoning Board
Town Hall
7:00 PM
Agenda includes public hearing of application by Ruge’s for six variances for signage at 3718 Rte. 9G. Regular meeting agenda includes appeal by Upstate Down of Zoning Administrator’s Notice of Violation at 41 East Market St. See Town website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
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There are new items posted on the 6 Mulberry St. page of the Rhinebeck Village website, under Committees & Projects/6 Mulberry. These include the environmental assessment prepared by Partridge Venture Engineering for the developer, dated Dec. 19, 2019; parameters regarding construction noise, traffic, and lighting; a revised site plan; plans and elevations for four one-family homes on the site; and draft environmental assessment forms.
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The Village of Rhinebeck is seeking applicants for membership on the Tree Commission. See Village website.
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The Town of Rhinebeck is seeking applicants for positions as Town Trustee and members of Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Advisory Board, and Board of Assessment Review. Applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent and resume to townclerk@rhinebeckny.gov.
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Violet Greenhouses on Burger Hill
These images come courtesy of Nancy Couse, whose family owned a collection of greenhouses around Burger Hill.
Couse's grandfather, Frank Rion, along with his brother Ira Rion, owned greenhouses dedicated to the growing of violets, which was a significant industry in the area at the beginning of the 20th century, hence the name Violet Hill.
Image courtesy of Nancy Couse
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