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December 4, 2020 Celebrating 10 Years! Support us at highlandscurrent.org/joi Dutchess Stadium Audit Slams County Lots of loose ends as Renegades join Yankees

By Jeff Simms

report released last month alleges that Dutchess County has cost A taxpayers $850,000 over the last five years while failing to properly plan for nearly $8 million of improvements needed at Dutchess Stadium, the home of the Hudson Valley Renegades. The 30-page audit, issued Nov. 13 by Robin Lois, the county comptroller, also charges that the Renegades, a minor league baseball team that has played at the stadium since its opening in 1994, breached its contract with the county by not paying rent in 2020. “The Dutch” is located on Route 9D just north of Beacon. The Renegades have not played since the end of the 2019 season due to the COVID-19 shutdown, although the club GIVING THANKS — A group of volunteers at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Cold Spring, organized by Tara Sweet-Flagler and Vinny did host summer camps this year after Tamagna (shown here), assembled meals on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26) for families in need and homebound older residents. Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s emergency orders Local restaurants also donated meals, and volunteer drivers, many of them from the Knights of Columbus, delivered 66 meals. restricting public gatherings were lifted. Another 70 dinners were picked up. Each meal included a card made by students at Haldane Elementary and a prayer. For more Released a few weeks before the county photos, see highlandscurrent.org. Photo by Ross Corsair Legislature is expected to adopt the 2021 budget, the audit highlights the complex- ities of managing the stadium, which is considered a public park, and the divergent philosophies within the county for doing so. Beacon Council Could Add Cold Spring The report found that “capital proj- ects for the stadium have not been prop- Community Programs to Consider erly planned for and fully disclosed” in Spending plan inches closer at $300,000, or less, based on if and how Dutchess County’s ongoing capital plans, much the council draws from savings. The Parking Fees Lois wrote in a letter to county officials to cap following requests budget already anticipates taking as much and taxpayers that accompanies the audit. By Jeff Simms as $2.2 million from reserves to offset a Smartphone app enables The study comes two years after the loss in state aid and sales tax revenue due Legislature approved spending $2.4 million he Beacon City Council could vote to the COVID-19 shutdown. flexible rates that, coupled with a $600,000 state grant, Monday (Dec. 7) to approve a 2021 Mayor Lee Kyriacou credited the previ- By Michael Turton was used to complete a first phase of T budget that, after weeks of delib- ous mayor, Randy Casale, and councils improvements at the park, including new erations, would fund more community for building a healthy fund balance for he Village of Cold Spring may be seating, repair of the concrete seating bowl programs by raising taxes closer to the such unforeseen circumstances. “We’re moving closer to adopting paid and partial paving of the parking lot. maximum allowed under a state tax cap. in the middle of a rainy day, and next year T parking on Main Street and at (Continued on Page 6) The first draft of the budget planned to is probably our rainiest of days,” he said. other locations. forgo about $186,000 in revenue to keep “It’s hopefully not ongoing.” At the Nov. 24 meeting of the Village property taxes flat, but after some resi- The council agreed during the workshop Board, Deputy Mayor Marie Early shared Capital projects for the dents urged the council to “go to cap,” its to add about $159,000 in spending to the information about a smartphone app members discussed a compromise during budget by funding: offered by ParkMobile, a firm that provides a Nov. 30 workshop that would include its services nationwide, including in New stadium have not been „ Grants to supplement food distribu- a modest tax increase while funding the York City and Cornwall. tion programs already supported properly planned for remainder of the add-ons from reserves. “We should seriously consider ParkMobile by Dutchess County ($25,000); Depending on what the council if we want to go ahead with fees for parking and fully disclosed. approves, the tax increase could amount „ A survey to determine the commu- on Main Street” and village-owned spaces at ~ Comptroller Robin Lois to about $35 per year on a home valued (Continued on Page 9) (Continued on Page 3) 2 December 4, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

FIVE QUESTIONS: JIM SEMMELMAN

By Alison Rooney a walrus named Willie. We took the show to Dallas, Indianapolis and Chicago, perform- By Michael Turton im Semmelman is the co-producer, ing it free for underprivileged children, writer, director and choreographer of who each received a Mooseltoe doll. Jthe children’s musical Mooseltoe and How would you the author of a book based on the show. The What brought you to New York? rate your karaoke Garrison resident will host a virtual read- I attended the Cincinnati Conserva- ing at the Desmond-Fish Public Library at tory planning to become a performer but skills? 4 p.m. on Dec. 12. switched to the tech side. After graduat- ing, I auditioned for a stage version of Meet How did this all begin? Me in St. Louis but told them I was more A long time ago, when I was living in interested in tech. A year later I got a call to I don’t do karaoke, St. Louis, there was a store called Venture come to New York to stage-manage that asked me to promote a Moosel- and perform in the show. Later not even in the toe doll it I toured with Carol Channing shower. pro duc e d in Hello, Dolly! and lots of for the other shows as a stage holidays. manager. I went I created a from there to show for chil- NBC, where dren in which a young I worked on moose dreams of learn- The Today ing to fly like a North Show for 13 Pole reindeer and years, then with Katie What happened to Mooseltoe in the encounters lots Couric, Dr. Oz, The meantime? of characters View, lots of others. Once I became established in New York, — penguins, I decided to expand it. I got my Broad- e l v e s , a way and TV friends to record the voices. snowman, For example, Al Roker did the narration ~ Cathryn Fadde, Cold Spring a polar and Christopher Plummer was the Great bear and Wise Moose King. During the holidays for the next 15 years, we traveled to various It depends on the theaters all over the country and to Canada. I kept thinking we should have a compan- song. I have a limited ion book, so our set designer, Kelly Tighe, vocal range; I’m a created illustrations. drummer! Has COVID affected this year’s tour? We wanted to film it so theaters could stream it, but we couldn’t get enough commitment. So we tailored it for Desmond-Fish. I will appear, along with two of the actors, Scott Lilly and Rebecca Montalbano, and librarian Karen Thomp- son. I’ll read the story, there’ll be a short clip shown with highlights of the show, and we’ll talk about our experiences with the show. Scott, who plays Mooseltoe, is an incredible cartoonist, and he and I are ~ Joe Dimilia, Beacon trying to adapt Mooseltoe into an animated piece, so he’ll share some of the animations.

Has the response to Mooseltoe by I love doing “Mack children changed in any way over the Knife,” primarily SHOWROOM SALE EVENT the years? No — for many children, it’s their first because of the Inaugurating the Hudson Valley’s new experience with live performance and they sound effects. are mesmerized by it. There’s no experience architecture and interior design studio that we have as humans that is the same as live theater. There’s a moment in the show TWO WEEKENDS ONLY Featuring a unique when Santa asks the children to stand up and look around for Mooseltoe, and they all selection from our Fri & Sat Dec 11 & 12 jump up to help. That has never changed. 11 - 7 warehouse stock The show is for children ages 3 to 9 — well, Fri & Sat Dec 18 & 19 of vintage and new maybe 8-and-a-half — and, truthfully, 11 - 7 furniture, objects, kids in their late teens love it, too, as do tabletop and parents and grandparents. I’ll admit there’s 35 Chestnut Street (Rt 9D) gift items a certain age group — the in-betweens — Foodtown Plaza which finds it just too silly. Cold Spring hudsonhighlandshome.com ~ Lena Petersen, Cold Spring highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current December 4, 2020 3 Cold Spring Man Faces Assault Charges Accused of attacking the Criminal Investi- woman’s apartment at about 1:30 a.m. and gations Division.” The sat on her back “while forcibly covering her neighbor in her apartment Putnam district attor- mouth with his hands, preventing her from By Michael Turton ney, Robert Tendy, being able to breath and causing abrasions and Jones’ attorney, to her mouth and facial area.” Cold Spring resident faces Stephen McCarthy, Jones was sentenced to four years in assault charges after he allegedly declined to comment. prison for an assault similar to the current attacked an elderly neighbor in Jones was charged allegations. According to a 2012 news A Tyrell P. Jones the early morning hours of June 30, about with first-degree account, he was arrested in August of that PCSD six weeks after being released from prison. burglary, second- year and charged with breaking into a Tyrell P. Jones, 42, whose address is degree assault and second-degree strangu- Pleasantville home around midnight and given in court documents as 7 Rock St., was lation, all felonies, as well as second-degree attacking a female resident. Screenshots from the app arrested Nov. 9 and arraigned in the Town unlawful imprisonment, a misdemeanor, Jones was convicted of strangulation of Kent because a judge was not immedi- according to court documents. He was and assault and sentenced to four years in Parking (from Page 1) ately available in Cold Spring. released after posting a $100,000 bail bond state prison and five years of supervised Depot Square, Early said. At a previous meet- The Putnam County Sheriff’s Depart- and is scheduled to appear in Cold Spring release. He has been returned to prison ing she said fees could also be considered for ment did not report the arrest at the time Justice Court on Dec. 9. He was prohib- twice on parole violations, according to Fair Street adjacent to Mayor’s Park. but said in a statement on Wednesday ited from having contact with the alleged state records. Jones was released in May Mayor Dave Merandy said the idea (Dec. 2) that it “was the culmination of a victim, who is 82 and now living elsewhere. from the Mid-State Correctional Facility should be considered over the winter, once months-long investigation by members of Prosecutors allege that Jones entered the in Oneida County. a parking committee is re-established. Early said motorists would download the Putnam County Court and remanded to 2017 to 2020. He was ordered to appear in app and enter their license plate numbers State Police Blotter the county jail in lieu of $100,000 cash bail the Town of Poughkeepsie Court on Dec. 8. to set up accounts and make payments. ¢ New York State Police troopers on or $250,000 bond. ¢ Officers from Troop K, which patrols Drivers who do not have a phone or tablet Nov. 17 arrested a man in Putnam Valley ¢ Officers from the Financial Crimes Putnam, Dutchess, Westchester and would be able to call a toll-free number to who they said was a fugitive wanted in Unit on Nov. 16 arrested James G. Fitzmau- Columbia counties, issued 1,428 tick- pay the fee, she said. Louisiana. Joshua C. Allen, 19, of Brook- rice, 51, of Poughkeepsie, on charges of ets from Wednesday to Monday over the Early said fees can be flexible. “You lyn, is wanted in Bossier, Louisiana, on felony grand larceny and falsifying busi- Thanksgiving weekend, including 767 for could have one fee on Monday and Tues- a felony warrant for allegedly stealing ness records. Police said an investigation speeding, 26 for distracted driving, 18 for day, a different fee on Wednesday and $180,000, according to the police. After determined Fitzmaurice stole, via misap- child-restraint violations and 41 for not Thursday and a separate fee on Friday, being detained following a traffic stop propriation, more than $150,000 from the moving over for police lights. Troopers also Saturday, Sunday,” she said. The fees also in a construction zone on the Taconic Dutchess County BOCES Faculty Associa- detained 28 impaired motorists. can be progressive, with an increased per- State Parkway, Allen was arraigned in tion while he served as its president from hour cost for longer stays.

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Tell us what you think PUBLISHER Highlands Current Inc. he Current welcomes letters to the editor on its coverage and local issues. Submissions are selected by the 142 Main St. T editor to provide a variety of opinions and voices, and all are subject to editing for accuracy, clarity and length. Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819 We ask that writers remain civil and avoid personal attacks. Letters may be emailed to [email protected] 291 Main St., Beacon NY 12508 or mailed to Editor, The Highlands Current, 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516. The writer’s full name, village or city, and email or phone number must be included, but only the name and village or city will be published. FOUNDER Gordon Stewart (1939 - 2014)

EDITOR LETTERS AND COMMENTS Chip Rowe 2,000 prisoners; Cuomo has released five. We need unity to survive this; we need [email protected] Staying safe On Nov. 21, several dozen members of Marie Edwards, Beacon leaders to lead. When rates in Putnam are SENIOR EDITOR Beacon Prison Action, the Release Aging rising, Sheriff Langley could have better Leonard Sparks People in Prison Group (RAPP) and the In a statement released just before protected citizens by simply saying nothing. End the New Jim Crow Action Network Thanksgiving, Putnam County Sheriff Patrick Biesemans, Cold Spring BEACON EDITOR (ENJAN) marched from Memorial Park in Robert Langley Jr. spoke of not wanting to Jeff Simms Beacon to the Fishkill Correctional Facil- separate families over the holiday because Counting the votes ity to raise awareness about the spread of of the governor’s order limiting gatherings Your story about my postelection legal ARTS EDITOR to 10 people (Letters and Comments, Nov. Alison Rooney COVID-19 and the unsafe conditions there. proceedings concerning the Dutchess 27). However, it’s similar cavalier attitudes [email protected] We were a lively bunch. We chanted “We County judge position requires clarifica- don’t want no prison nation / Stop elder incar- toward the pandemic that have kept my tion (“Local Election Update,” Nov. 20). SENIOR CORRESPONDENT ceration.” We made enough noise outside the wife and I from seeing our family. My campaign counsel filed an action Michael Turton prison that inmates came to the windows, Because of our nation’s lack of better in Orange County Supreme Court asking waved, held up fists and chanted with us. judgment and short-sightedness, I was a judge to adjudicate any challenges that REPORTERS “We need masks!” yelled one. Prisoners at unable to say goodbye to my own father, could be forthcoming during the course Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong Fishkill are issued one flimsy mask per week who died in September, out of fear of risk- of the tabulation of absentee ballots (more Brian PJ Cronin • Joe Dizney and there is inadequate soap and hand sani- ing infection and spreading it to my then- than 30,000 were at issue) by the Dutchess Pamela Doan • Deb Lucke tizer. We were told inmates are not allowed to pregnant wife. County Board of Elections. The action was Skip Pearlman receive face masks in care packages. Now we are parents to a newborn. Because no different from more than 20 similar In such close quarters, it is almost inevi- COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise, election law proceedings filed in 20 coun- LAYOUT DESIGNER we’re unable to safely see my family in Cali- Pierce Strudler table that the virus will be spreading, turn- ties across New York state using similar ing a prison term into a possible death fornia, or her family in Canada. As a nation, language contained in my complaint, seek- ADVERTISING DIRECTOR sentence for older and medically vulner- we are not using our better judgment. ing the same relief. The justice in Orange Michele Gedney able prisoners. We look to elected officials, such as Sher- County was one of only two statewide who For information on advertising: Fishkill, with its elderly population, has iff Langley, to give us the guidance to make refused to issue an order to show cause 845-809-5584 had six deaths. We are asking Gov. Andrew the right call, the tough call. It is the duty that a candidate requested pursuant to the [email protected] Cuomo to grant clemency to medically of elected officials to think of the greater provisions of the Election Law. highlandscurrent.org/ads vulnerable inmates of a certain age who are good. And despite how painful it was for There was never any intent to delay or at high risk. In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy our family, the right call is forgoing one of hinder the counting of ballots, which was last month ordered the release of more than my own personal favorite holidays. completed on Nov. 18. Once the tabulation of the absentee ballots was concluded, I THE HIGHLANDS CURRENT promptly conceded to my opponent, Jessica (USPS #22270) / ISSN 2475-3785 Segal, and promised to assist her in an December 4, 2020 orderly transition. In fact, I have met with Volume 9, Issue 49 her twice to help accomplish that goal. is published weekly by Highlands It has been an honor and privilege to have Current Inc., 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819. Periodicals Postage Paid served the residents of Dutchess County for at Cold Spring, NY, and at additional the past 21 years as a member of the judiciary. offices. POSTMASTER: Send address My wife, Anne, and I are blessed to have so changes to The Highlands Current, many friends and family members, especially 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819. Mail delivery $30 per year. in our hometown of Beacon, who helped my highlandscurrent.org/delivery campaign during this past year. Thank you. [email protected] Peter Forman, Beacon Distribution audited by the Circulation Verification Council Thanks for your coverage of local races. © Highlands Current Inc. 2020 Every election seems to illuminate that All rights reserved. No part of this New York State has not done enough to publication may be reproduced in any modernize its voting infrastructure, and form, mechanical or electronic, without written permission of the publisher. 2020 was no exception. This year, our state’s slow counting of mail-in ballots was repeatedly cited by * Winner: 58 Better commentators seeking to sow mistrust in Newspaper Contest Awards democracy. The slow count also leaves local * New York Press Association, 2013 -19 candidates in limbo in close races, delaying the opening of district offices and other NNA* Winner: tasks needed to hit the ground running and 55 Better Newspaper begin serving the people. Contest Awards While there’s much to be done to bring * National Newspaper Association, 2016-19 New York to the standards of other states, NYNPA* Winner: one common-sense step has been suggested 11 Awards for by state Sen. Michael Gianaris: require local Excellence election boards to begin counting absen- * New York News Publishers Association, 2017- 19 tee ballots on Election Day, instead of a (Continued on Page 5) highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current December 4, 2020 5

LETTERS AND COMMENTS

(Continued from Page 4) greatest gifts resulting from a challenging week later. I hope Sen. Sue Serino, whose year was a new perspective on the common Current Launches Student district includes the Highlands, can cross things we’ve taken for granted. the aisle, support this bill and strengthen While many people are struggling this the machinery of democracy in New York. holiday season, we joined together to make Journalists Program Steven Higashide, Cold Spring each other’s lives just a little bit better journalism textbook. with the community Thanksgiving meal. Will select two high school The staff, when editing stories by our Yard noise For the lonely and isolated, reaching out student correspondents, will provide I agree with the recent letters published brought the greatest gratitude, and maybe correspondents detailed feedback and suggestions to regarding the overuse of leaf blowers the message is as unassuming as “we are he Highlands Current has launched improve and refine their reporting. (Letters and Comments, Nov. 20). I have here, and we care about you.” a Student Journalists Program to Students will be expected to submit photos neighbors who seem to like to mow the Thank you, Father Tom Lutz and the provide an opportunity for students lawn, whack the weeds and blow every T and video (when applicable) as part of Knights of Columbus Council No. 536, the who attend high school in Beacon or Phil- their assignments. single leaf off their patio at dinner time. bedrock for the delivery brigade. Thank ipstown to be mentored by professional Due to the generous support of our In the village, we live close together and, you to the Philipstown Reform Synagogue journalists while they serve as paid corre- members, correspondents will be compen- with more and more people working from and Haldane Elementary. Thanks to Tara spondents for the nonprofit newspaper sated on a freelance basis for each story home, it is important to open your eyes, Sweet-Flagler, the coordinator, and our and website. and/or photo that we publish online and/ look around and decide if you need to mow senior warden, Vinny Tamagna. And The reporting of correspondents or in print. your lawn for the third time in one week. thank you to Jim and Lori Ely at River- selected for the program will appear at High school students who are inter- I have had conversations about this view Restaurant, who grew this event over highlandscurrent.org and select stories ested in becoming a student correspon- behavior, but nothing changes. Creating the past decade and contributed their time will be printed. Students will primarily dent for The Current are asked to complete ordinances is one way to go but may end and talent by cooking the turkey, stuffing, cover their high schools and issues related the application at highlandscurrent.org/ up creating feuds that could make any gravy and soup. We also acknowledge and to young people. student-journalists-program. Students neighborhood more toxic. That said, we all thank the many other people and organi- The correspondents will be invited accepted into the program must agree to deserve peace and quiet. If there is a need zations in the village and town, too numer- to attend editorial meetings and meet guidelines about how they present them- for an ordinance, I will feel compelled to ous to list here, who gave so generously. individually with editors and reporters selves on social media and how they are support it, sadly so. As the German theologian, philosopher to discuss story ideas, potential inter- expected to represent themselves in their Linda Weaver, Cold Spring and mystic Meister Eckhart said, “If the view subjects and any issues that may role as correspondents, and those who are only prayer you ever say in your entire life be involved in their stories. (The staff is minors must have a parent or guardian is ‘Thank you,’ it will be enough.” Giving thanks meeting remotely due to COVID-19 restric- grant permission for them to participate. Despite the pandemic, there is still Father Steve Schunk, Cold Spring tions.) They will be provided with the tools The initial program will run from Janu- so much to be thankful for this holiday Schunk is the priest-in-charge at St. required to do their work, such as access ary to September 2021. The application season. We’d even contend that one of the Mary’s Episcopal Church. to The Associated Press Stylebook and a deadline is Dec. 31. 6 December 4, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Although the stadium is considered a (from Page 1) Renegades county park, “it does not provide public Although county officials had been access for resident enjoyment and is oper- aware of the need for repairs since at least ated by a for-profit entity.” 2016, the request in November 2018 to the Over the audit period of 2015 to 2020, it Legislature was “hurried and omitted from has cost the county an average of $170,000 the budget,” while a repair schedule was more each year to operate the stadium than never documented, the report said. its lease brings in. “A fair and equitable Members of the Legislature asked Lois, lease would include remittance for operat- a Democrat who was elected in 2017, to ing expenses and allowance for anticipated prepare the audit at the time of the fund- increase in annual capital bond and interest ing approval, she wrote. costs incurred by the county,” the audit said. At the same time, County Executive Marc Molinaro, on Tuesday, disagreed, saying Molinaro asked the Legislature to consider that the comptroller’s audit suggests the the funding request quickly so the repairs stadium should be run like a business. would be finished before the 2019 season “We don’t take that approach, because it’s began. a county park,” he said, and it’s the only park He said on Tuesday (Dec. 1) that the “that generates even close to its expenses in audit’s findings are “absolutely understand- revenue.” If the Renegades were to leave, the able, as a purely fiscal review.” The county state Legislature would have to overturn the “can be much more orderly” with its own The view from the Dutchess Stadium announcer's booth in June 2019 stadium’s park designation for the county to capital projects, like roads and parks main- File photo by Michael Turton use it for anything else, he said. tenance, but Molinaro, who is a Republican Lois suggests that the county secure its and three-term county executive, argued stadium should be included within the capi- recent of which expires at the end of 2021. asset and minimize the risk to taxpayers that Dutchess Stadium represents an tal plan that’s presented to the Legislature as The school board has discussed selling the by purchasing the land from the school abnormal landlord-tenant arrangement. part of the annual budget process, Lois wrote. land to the county, but no formal proposal district. If that cannot happen, lease nego- (The county owns the stadium but leases While the Renegades are committed to has been made. tiations with the district should be expe- the 21-acre parcel on which it sits from the staying through 2023, both Molinaro and It gets even more complicated. The New dited upon securing a long-term tenant. Beacon City School District. The Renegades team owner Jeff Goldklang said in 2018 York Yankees in November announced its Rent should be paid in accordance with in turn pay rent to Dutchess County for use that — once the first phase of improvements new minor league affiliation structure, contract provisions, she wrote, because of the stadium.) was funded — they expected to continue which will elevate the Renegades in 2021 any deviation becomes an unfair burden “We had a negotiating moment,” with negotiating a second phase of stadium from the short-season level to become a on taxpayers — in addition to a breach of the Renegades in late 2018, Molinaro said. renovations and a long-term, likely 20-year, Single-A team that will play from April to contract. She estimates the rental revenue “We took the opportunity to gain a five-year agreement to stay in Dutchess County. September. The Renegades had been affili- lost in 2020 is at least $500,000. Team commitment from the team, and they got Meanwhile, the Beacon school board has ated with the Tampa Bay Rays. officials did not immediately respond to a the investment from the county.” agreed to a series of one-year extensions of Dutchess Legislator Frits Zernike, whose request for comment. Nevertheless, all improvements at the its lease to the county for the land, the most district includes Ward 4 in Beacon, said The report also recommends that all leases this week that he fears, without a long- and activities at Dutchess Stadium should, at term lease on the land or with its tenant, minimum, break even for the county. another request for rushed funding could The comptroller and county executive be coming. “It’s a pattern of coming to us agreed on at least one point. In her report, CURRENT CONVERSATIONS late in the day, and it gets a little ridicu- Lois wrote that negotiations for a long-term lous,” he said. lease with the Renegades should “continue Molinaro said there is no money for swiftly now that the team’s affiliation with further renovations in the 2021 budget the Yankees in 2021 has been announced Beacon in 2021 because he expects cost-sharing to be part and a long season will more than double the of the negotiations with the Renegades. The number of games at the stadium.” with Mayor Lee Kyriacou county’s share would be reflected in the That development heightens the need to 2022 budget, he said. move toward a long-term agreement, which Planning is one of the major issues raised will include additional renovations at the in the audit. The other is the stadium’s stadium, Molinaro said. financial impact as a county park. “We’re doing business now with the most In her report, Lois wrote that “the successful baseball franchise in history,” he current lease terms [$258,000 per year] said, “and that is good news for us — excep- are unfavorable to the county and do not tionally good news.” fully compensate for the costs incurred.”

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*From media columnist Margaret Sullivan in her recent book Ghosting the News: Local Journalism and the Crisis of American Democracy. 8 December 4, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org No Free Putnam OKs Review of Sheriff Finances Delivery for Legislators also clash over In memos, the Sheriff’s Department listed the reasons behind the overtime in July County Charter panel through September: two officers recalled What They Will Make Amazon Project to military duty, two at the police acad- By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong emy, COVID-19 complications and staffing On Dec. 1, the Putnam Legislature Firm seeks tax breaks for approved 2.4 percent salary increases fter months of delay, the Putnam demands for street protests. The memos for themselves and most other elected East Fishkill facility County Legislature on Tuesday also mentioned obligations under a new officials and non-union county jobs. Here (Dec. 1) approved $28,320 in over- union contract and a $104,000 cut to the By Leonard Sparks A department’s expected funding for 2020. is what select positions will pay in 2021. time for Sheriff’s Department patrols from mazon and a developer are seek- last summer but also allocated $45,000 for On Tuesday, the Legislature voted unan- Commissioner of Health $190,383 imously to approve the fund transfers, with ing millions of dollars in prop- outside consultants to probe the depart- County Executive $166,125 no further disputes. A erty tax breaks as a prerequisite ment’s finances and practices. Sheriff $156,492 to open a distribution center on a 124-acre Legislator Nancy Montgomery, who Commissioner of Social Services $151,139 site on Route 52 in East Fishkill that was represents Philipstown, voted against the Salaries $149,846 abandoned by IBM in 2005. consultants appropriation. Although the Legislature has approved County Attorney USEF Tioranda and Amazon, which had In other moves, again over Montgomery’s the 2021 budget, which includes funding Director of Personnel $141,776 $281 billion in sales in 2019, say they would opposition, legislative majorities approved for salaries, state law requires that the County Clerk $136,227 Legislature separately approve raises and demolish the buildings on the southern raises for elected officials, including them- Auditor $115,094 pay for about 180 non-union employees. portion of what used to be IBM’s West selves, and established a committee to Clerk of Legislature $102,363 Campus and construct a 629,186-square- revise the Putnam County Charter. On Oct. 29, five legislators voted to boost Elections Commissioners $95,956 foot warehouse, with 132 docks for loading legislative pay by about 2.4 percent begin- $81,900 and unloading, at a cost of $135 million. Sheriff review ning in 2021, to $41,809 annually. That Tourism Director Construction would begin next month During the meeting, which was held night, Montgomery and Legislators William Veterans Director $66,123 and be completed by June 2022, with by audioconference because of COVID-19 Gouldman of Putnam Valley, Joseph Castel- Legislative Chair $52,261 lano of Brewster and Toni Addonizio of Kent Amazon leasing the warehouse as a distri- restrictions, Montgomery questioned the Legislators $41,809 voted against the increase. bution hub employing the equivalent of timing and scope of the consultants’ work. Coroners $22,666 (from $185 per diem) 500 full-time employees. Amazon has 1.13 “It’s a good idea to have professional But on Tuesday, only Gouldman joined million employees worldwide. support to look at all the county expenses Montgomery in voting against the raises The Dutchess County Industrial Devel- and how we operate, across the board,” she for legislators and County Executive Mary- board, to set a flat fare for Metro-North opment Agency approved a resolution on said. “Now is not the time to spend $45,000 Ellen Odell. tickets instead of charging riders who live Nov. 12 authorizing a preliminary agree- on just the Sheriff’s Department.” Subsequently, Montgomery alone voted farther from New York City more than ment with USEF Tioranda and Amazon, She argued that during the continuing against a long list of raises for managers, those who live closer. which are seeking a payment-in-lieu-of- pandemic and ensuing economic distress, aides and other staff. Given the train system’s decreased rider- taxes (PILOT) agreement that would save the funds could be better spent on COVID- Legislator Ginny Nacerino defended the ship and economic uncertainties in the them $14.3 million in property taxes over 19 testing and similar public needs, and approach and objected to “cherry-picking” COVID-19 crisis, Sullivan called Zuckerman’s 15 years. that Sheriff’s Department officials “can raises. “We are not a county of haves and have- plan “a little premature” and “an effort in The companies have also asked for $2.6 find efficiencies on their own.” nots,” she said. Nacerino said that anyone who futility to correct decades of mismanage- million in sales tax relief and $497,250 in But Legislator Neal Sullivan of Carmel- opposed pay hikes could refuse to accept one. ment and terrible budgeting” by the MTA. mortgage tax benefits through the IDA. Mahopac contended that the analysis may Albano, though, said the concept “is not to At the IDA meeting, Brad Griggs, a reveal “if we can make changes that benefit County charter cut money but to spread the expenses fairly” senior member of Amazon’s economic taxpayers.” He said legislators have long The seemingly arcane matter of forming and make Metro-North “more equitable.” development group, said that tax breaks “wanted to understand the methods used a committee to recommend changes to the Castellano called the proposal “a fantas- would be a “material factor” in whether at the Sheriff’s Department to utilize our Putnam County Charter prompted debate tic idea” that “makes incredible sense” and the company decided to open a warehouse resources as efficiently as possible.” when Montgomery objected to the panel’s said he is “so glad someone is thinking in East Fishkill. “But for these incentives, The issue of deputies’ overtime pay has composition. outside the box.” we would have to look at this project bounced back and forth from committee At least initially, it will consist of differently,” he said. to the full Legislature over the past few Addonizio; Sullivan, who heads the Rules According to Griggs, the facility would months, although it involves no additional Committee; Robert Firriolo, the Legisla- Legislative counsel The Legislature approved a new annual function as a receiving center where outlays because the Sheriff’s Department ture’s lawyer; and Jennifer Bumgarner, the contract for Firriolo, its legal counsel. He employees would take bulk shipments of wanted to transfer money from under- county attorney. The charter establishes will earn $80,000, or $5,000 more than in high-volume products and break them used jail accounts to cover the expense. But county government departments and their 2020. Only Montgomery voted “no.” down to fill orders. those transfer requests met with resistance roles, sets terms of office and defines poli- cies and procedures in numerous areas. Firriolo, of Carmel, was appointed in (Continued on Page 20) from most of the Legislature. The county is supposed to consider updat- 2017 after the Legislature dismissed Clem- ing it every 10 years. ent Van Ross of Putnam Valley, who had Montgomery noted that the committee held the position for more than 30 years. NOTICE excludes her, the Legislature’s “minority At an Audit Committee meeting on Nov. party” member, and does not include dele- 19, Montgomery criticized the committee gates from town governments. “It’s not an members for sending the contract to the NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF FINAL BUDGET FOR equal division of representation,” she said. full Legislature for consideration when THE TOWN OF PHILIPSTOWN FOR THE YEAR 2021 Legislator Carl Albano of Carmel they hadn’t provided the document for responded that “any changes to the char- review by the other legislators. ter will be voted on by all the legislators. So “This is a heads-up that I may have NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Final Budget for the Town of Philipstown, in that way we will all have input.” a comment at another time, and it may Putnam County, New York, for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2021, has “This is not a town issue; this is a county be during the full Legislature meeting, been completed and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk of said Town, where issue,” Legislator Amy Sayegh of Mahopac because I don’t have the contract in front it is available for inspection by any interested party by appointment. added. “This is not a partisan issue.” of me,” she said. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF PHILIPSTOWN Addonizio pointed out that the same Metro-North contract has been approved for the past three The legislators united to support a years. “This is not a new contract,” she said. Tara K. Percacciolo, Town Clerk proposal by Neal Zuckerman, a Garrison DATED: November 30, 2020 resident who represents the county on the Holly Crocco contributed reporting. Metropolitan Transportation Authority highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current December 4, 2020 9

Beacon Budget (from Page 1) Dutchess Matches Single-Day High for Cases nity’s recreation needs and views on a community center ($50,000); Molinaro calls rise in more than four times the cases in October and eight times the number in September. „ A study of a possible municipal hospitalizations ‘alarming’ Eight patients were hospitalized as of COVID-19 by broadband program ($30,000); By Leonard Sparks Nov. 24, double the number from five days the Numbers „ Weekend trash and recycling pickup earlier. On Oct. 1, Putnam had just one at municipal parks ($14,000); utchess County matched its one- person hospitalized with the virus. PUTNAM COUNTY „ Bathroom maintenance at the parks day high for confirmed COVID-19 In Dutchess, Molinaro said he has asked Number of confirmed cases: Dcases as infections surge and resi- the state to reopen a drive-thru testing site ($25,000); dents are hospitalized at a rate that will be in the county. In March, Nuvance Health (+422) „ A voucher program for free taxi unsustainable for local hospitals, County and the county opened a temporary site at 3,038 New Cases in Philipstown: 9 rides ($10,000). Executive Marc Molinaro said on Wednes- Dutchess Stadium north of Beacon. In addition, the council agreed to add day (Dec. 2). In addition to more cases, Molinaro said, Tests administered: $5,000 to test a program for what Council Dutchess recorded 158 cases on Tuesday, some COVID-19 patients who otherwise Member Dan Aymar-Blair called “partici- matching its highest single-day total since could be discharged to nursing homes or 85,280 (+6,162) patory budgeting.” the pandemic shutdown began in March. other health care facilities are being kept Percent positive: “When we go out for feedback, we know The county also reported that 77 resi- longer because of the contagious nature there are large segments of the public dents were hospitalized as of Tuesday, a of the virus, leaving fewer beds. Hospitals (+0.3) 3.6 who are not showing up,” he explained. marked increase from six on Nov. 1 and are also addressing a backlog of elective Number of deaths: “The reason for that is because, in large a number that doubled over the last two procedures that were canceled or post- part, they don’t think government works weeks of November. During the first wave poned during the first shutdown. 64 (+0) for them. But everybody in Beacon has an of infections in the spring, hospitalizations Statewide, hospitalizations totaled 4,063 idea about a little way that we can make in Dutchess peaked at 108 on April 9. on Wednesday, a level last seen on May Beacon better.” Molinaro described the rising hospital- 26. Hospitalizations in the Mid-Hudson DUTCHESS COUNTY The council also appeared to lean izations as “alarming” because of the stress Region have nearly quadrupled since Nov. Number of confirmed cases: toward adding the K-9 program back to it places on medical facilities. “The pace 1, from 120 to 545, as have the number of the Police Department budget. If the city of growth in hospitalizations is not some- COVID patients in intensive care units, (+435) 7,635 eliminates the program, it would have to thing the system can sustain for a long from 22 to 83. Active Cases in Beacon: 40 pay for the dog’s early retirement. If the period of time,” he said during his weekly Hospitals in the Mid-Hudson Region program continues, the dog, Apollo, will be Facebook town hall session. had, over a seven-day average, 30 percent Tests administered: paired with a new officer and could work The state reported 1,947 infections in of their total beds and 50 percent of their (+19,431) for another three years. Dutchess for November and the first day ICU beds available as of Tuesday. 294,825 “The dog increases our capability,” said of December — nearly five times the cases On Monday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo Percent positive: Acting Police Chief Sands Frost, who reported in October and seven times those announced a “winter plan” in response to recalled rescuing an older woman with from September. According to the state, the wave of infections, including the intro- 2.6 (+0.1) dementia who wandered away from her about 70 percent of infections have been duction by the state Department of Health Number of deaths: home on a winter night. A police dog was traced to households and small gatherings. of emergency hospital measures. Hospi- able to follow her scent. Putnam County is also facing a steep rise tals were directed to have plans to increase (+7) 192 “That night, that dog probably saved her in cases. Nearly one in 12 Putnam residents bed capacity by 50 percent, identify retired Source: New York State Department of Health, as life,” Frost said. tested on Tuesday — 89 out of 1,036 — was doctors and nurses who could deployed of Dec. 2, with weekly change in parentheses. New The acting chief said he would look for positive. There were 1,023 cases in November, and prepare for the use of field hospitals. cases in Philipstown is for week ending Nov. 26. cuts to offset the program, which costs about $24,000 a year, such as selling a rarely used police motorcycle. New York expected to receive an initial deliv- hadn’t heard anything from the county. “I With the add-ons, the budget calls for Coronavirus ery of vaccine doses from Pfizer for 170,000 don’t see any action or public announce- about $22.3 million in general-fund spend- people by Dec. 15 if safety and efficacy approv- ments,” he said. He encouraged residents ing. Water and sewer funds, which both Update als are granted by the federal government. to continue taking precautions. “It’s not show 2 percent increases, are budgeted ¢ State health officials said that, as of going to be good if people start flouting” separately. Wednesday (Dec. 2), 3,038 people had ¢ On Nov. 24, Putnam County said it the restrictions designed to contain the tested positive for COVID-19 in Putnam is trying to get more guidance from the spread of the virus. “And I feel that on the County; 7,635 in Dutchess; 52,418 in West- state about whether the county would be other side of the county there’s been some chester; 22,221 in Rockland; 3,606 in designated as yellow or orange if cases and of that,” he said. “I know there’s fatigue out Ulster; and 17,496 in Orange. Statewide, hospitalizations continue to rise or if the there, but you get tired of being dead, too.” Search Updates there have been 674,093 positives and designation would apply only to specific ¢ Beacon has received 30 resumes for 26,955 deaths. areas or ZIP codes. The county has quali- ¢ Specialist Bakim Alijaj of Beacon was fied for restrictions using two measures among the members of the New York Army the city administrator position held by ¢ Putnam County had 167 active cases — the positivity rate on a seven-day roll- National Guard recognized this month with Anthony Ruggiero, who will leave in Janu- during the week ending Nov. 26, including ing average and the number of cases per a commander’s challenge coin for staff- ary to become assistant commissioner nine in Philipstown, 107 in Carmel, 34 in 100,000 residents — but the state also ing 15 COVID-19 drive-thru test sites from for administration with the Dutchess Kent, 54 in Patterson, 18 in Putnam Valley considers metrics such as hospital admis- Long Island to Buffalo over the past seven County health department. Mayor Lee and 57 in Southeast. Eight people were hospi- sions; population density; the age of months. Alijaj, who is assigned to the medical Kyriacou, who will select the hire, said talized at Putnam Hospital Center in Carmel. those testing positive; the effectiveness of command, worked at the SUNY Albany site. on Monday (Nov. 30) that he plans to ask contact tracing; and whether outbreaks City Council members to help him whittle ¢ On Wednesday (Dec. 2), Haldane Super- involve facilities such as nursing homes, ¢ Questions? Dutchess County posts down the applicants so he can make a intendent Philip Benante wrote that “as of colleges or prisons. “The governor’s updates at dutchessny.gov/coronavirus selection “reasonably quickly.” today, we received notice of three members mention [on Nov. 23] of Brewster ‘nearing and has a hotline at 845-486-3555. Putnam of the school community who tested posi- yellow-zone designation’ confirms that our County posts info at putnamcountyny. ¢ Council Member Terry Nelson, who tive for COVID. Given the timing of when request to view Putnam County on a hyper- com/health. New York State has a hotline heads the committee overseeing the these individuals were last on campus and local level is a necessity,” said County Exec- at 888-364-3065 and a webpage at ny.gov/ when they became symptomatic, it is not utive MaryEllen Odell in a statement. coronavirus. The state also created an search for a police chief, said that the necessary to close the school for additional email list to provide updates. The federal committee planned to interview candi- cleaning or contact tracing.” ¢ Despite the upswing in cases, Philip- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dates this week, and Nelson expected stown Supervisor Richard Shea said at the posts updates at cdc.gov. To find a test site, afterward to recommend two finalists to ¢ Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Dec. 2 that Nov. 18 meeting of the Town Board that he visit coronavirus.health.ny.gov. the mayor. 10 December 4, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

AROUND TOWN

 MAP GIFT — The  ART IN A BAG — The Compass Arts Creativity Putnam County Project partnered with the Community Historian’s Office is Foundations of the Hudson Valley to provide art offering a reproduction kits to 72 students at Sargent Elementary and of an 1829 color map of Rombout Middle School in Beacon. The kits, Dutchess and Putnam which each include a journal, writing prompts counties — the oldest and art supplies, were distributed during school in its collection — for lunch pickup. holiday giving. It was digitized by The Highland  DUTCHESS VET HONORED — State Sen. Sue Studio in Philipstown, Serino, whose district includes the Highlands,  FRONTLINE TRIBUTE — Dutchess and proceeds will on Nov. 24 named Adam Roche, director of the County on Nov. 24 unveiled a statue by benefit preservation Dutchess County Division of Veterans Services Nestor Madalengoitia called “The Nurse” efforts and historical and a former Marine, to the New York State outside the county office building in marker restoration. Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Roche, who is Poughkeepsie. The statue is designed For information, among 49 honorees for 2020, was formerly “to commemorate the service and call 845-808-1420 manager of the Vet2Vet program operated by the sacrifice of nurses during the ongoing or email historian@ Mental Health Association of Dutchess County. COVID-19 pandemic,” the county said in a putnamcountyny.gov. statement. Photos provided

Exhibitions December 5 – January 3 HOWLAND CULTURAL CENTER

smallWORKS: Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon; Dec. 4 thru 7 – 1 to 5 pm HOLIDAY SMALL GIFT SHOW biennial group exhibition 27 artisans’ creations for sale! juried by Paulien Lethen Continues each Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon thru Dec. 21 plus 22 and 23

Sat. Dec. 5 – 8 pm LIVESTREAM: THE VALLEY HOUR BOCHNER BOETTI FONTANA Musical variety show of the Hudson Valley features Bruce Molsky and The Whispering Tree hosted by Annalyse & Ryan Curated by Mel Bochner Jill Enfi eld: Tix: howlandculturalcentertix.com In collaboration with Magazzino Italian Art Foundation New Americans October 3, 2020 - January 11, 2021 collodion photographs, Magazzino Italian Art, Gallery 8 glass house installation

AND MORE Sun. Dec. 20 – 4 pm Streaming: The Nutcracker, piano duo and narration Sun. Dec. 20 – 7 pm Livestream: Christmas, Chanukah + Kwanzaa at Café Sizzle HCC will NOT be open for in-person audience during performances The Riverside Galleries at Garrison Art Center 23 Garrison’s Landing, Garrison, NY 10524 477 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508 Open Tuesday thru Sunday, 10am – 5pm www.howlandculturalcenter.org (845) 831-4988 garrisonartcenter.org 845-424-3960 facebook.com/howlandcenterbeacon howlandculturalcentertix.com highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current December 4, 2020 11 The Calendar

A Bridge from Isolation

Beacon exhibit hopes to Purchase, where she received a master of into a case.” fine arts degree after moving to the U.S. The books she makes now, “I want people inspire ‘turn of the heart’ from her native Germany. to open, especially books about political By Alison Rooney “He taught a class called The Art of issues. If you can’t turn the pages, why the Book,” she says. “I took painting, but bother?” On the densely painted pages, ast year Ilse Schreiber-Noll mounted my heart was in printmaking. But then Schreiber-Noll adds wire, wood and photos an exhibit at the Beacon Artist Union suddenly it changed, because I felt stifled meant to evoke the book’s subject. “Sewing L gallery of her woodcuts — this year, by only doing one thing.” it together is a great pleasure,” she says. for an encore that opens Dec. 12, she will Her artistic career has unfolded in the When confined to her home earlier this have not only woodcuts but mixed media, same way. “I could never stay with one year because of the pandemic restrictions, an installation and handmade books. style,” she says. “First I did paintings Schreiber-Noll created “spontaneous small She says she chose the show’s title, on sad things like war, hunger and the gouaches, drawings, plus postcard-sized Bridging Solitude, because she sees her destroyed environment. For several years, woodcuts. It’s been incredible, actually. work as “an invisible bridge constructed I used to paint realistically, but then it The images I did were very light. I’m not in times of isolation and loneliness. Amid became more abstract. Now, I do a lot of only thinking COVID, COVID, endlessly.” war and peace, wildfires, state violence environmental paintings. Yet, once she could return to the studio, and a pandemic, this imaginary structure “At one point, I found my paintings too she “felt very much the need to comment.” creates a dialogue between my inner expe- restrained, so I tried to paint like Jack- “I didn’t feel like making too many riences and the world.” son Pollack — I went out and bought cheap Trump statements,” she says. “I looked In addition, she invited H.D. Gölzen- house paint and a linen drop cloth and I rather on the conditions he created — leuchter, a woodcut artist from Germany, started dripping. It gave me a wonderful hunger is one of them, and the immigra- to display six of his works. “The instal- feeling of freedom. I switched to making tion issues. The [border] wall and the lation belongs in a huge space, but we’ll paintings not enclosed, not on canvases. separation of children from parents moved figure it out,” she says. Now I take a paintbrush and paint on the me. I feel helpless except for my art — if Schreiber-Noll, who lives in Croton, wood. I try to draw directly and loosely, one person understands my message and prefers to work in a combination of forms, because you should use the beauty of the gets a little turn in her heart, that’s what each informing the others. “I do love to wood and not get tangled up in the details.” I’d like to accomplish. Everything I do is have a painting and then make a book Schreiber-Noll is known for her hand- to make us feel empathy to something related to the painting and add other made books. She initially worked with happening in the world.” media, then mix them together,” she poets and musicians such as Joseph Brod- explains. sky, John Cage, Galway Kinnell and Octa- Bridging Solitude continues through Her 2019 show included only wood- vio Paz, incorporating woodcuts with the Jan. 3. The Bau Gallery, at 506 Main St., cuts because it was dedicated to Antonio text. “Everybody loved them,” she says. is open from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays Frasconi, a Uruguayan-American wood- “But they became so valuable, nobody and Sundays. See baugallery.org. Ilse Scheiber-Noll in her studio cut artist who instructed her at SUNY could turn the pages, and they had to go Photos provided 12 December 4, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current December 4, 2020 13 14 December 4, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

SECOND SATURDAY SAT 5 Glass House of SAT 12 New Americans Darkest Before Dawn GARRISON THE WEEK AHEAD BEACON 5 – 7 p.m. Garrison Art Center Edited by Pamela Doan ([email protected]) Noon – 4 pm. Ethan Cohen KuBe 23 Garrison’s Landing 211 Fishkill Ave. | 845-765-8270 845-424-3960 | garrisonartcenter.org For a complete listing of events, see ecfa.com This is the opening reception for The exhibit of international photographer Jill Enfield’s exhibit highlandscurrent.org/calendar. artists features works that address of wet-plate collodion portraits of uncertainty in our collective immigrants who have come to the history. Schedule an appointment U.S. since the 1960s. Through Jan. 3. to visit. HOLIDAY MARKETS KIDS & FAMILY SAT 5 SAT 12 smallWORKS SAT 5 SAT 5 Bridging Solitude / Handmade Pop-Up Shop Santa Visits GARRISON Reflections 5 – 7 p.m. Garrison Art Center POUGHKEEPSIE GARRISON BEACON 23 Garrison’s Landing 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Trolley Barn 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Boscobel Noon – 6 p.m. BAU Gallery 845-424-3960 | garrisonartcenter.org 489 Main St. | 845-454-3222 1601 Route 9D | 845-265-3638 506 Main St. | 845-440-7584 This is the opening reception artsmidhudson.org boscobel.org baugallery.org for a show of 70 works chosen by Browse jewelry, decorations, Take photos and talk with Santa Ilse Schreiber-Noll’s multimedia Pauline Lethen from more than 500 prints, paintings, glasswork and from the porch of the historic work connects with loneliness and submissions. They are no larger textiles from more than 50 artisans. mansion. Also SAT 12. Cost: $12 isolation, using art as a bridge. (See than 12 inches long and high. Also SUN 6. ($10 senior, $6 ages 5-18, free for Page 11.) Eileen Sackman’s ceramics Through Jan. 3. healthcare workers, members and explore how reflections echo in our SAT 5 children under age 5) lives. Through Jan. 3. SAT 5 Holiday Market Let’s Face It PEEKSKILL SAT 12 PUTNAM VALLEY 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Peekskill Clay Studios Gift Wrapped / 7:30 p.m. GIFT DRIVES 1000 N. Division St. Rampage Toys Tompkins Corners Cultural Center peekskillclaystudios.com Helping Hands BEACON tompkinscorners.org This annual sale of handcrafted Kindness Drive 6 – 9 p.m. Clutter Gallery Bring your own wine or cocktail pottery and jewelry will be held 163 Main St. | 212-255-2505 for this virtual reception with BEACON outdoors. Also SUN 6. Howland Public Library shop.cluttermagazine.com/gallery artists who contributed portraits 313 Main St. | beaconlibrary.org The gallery’s annual holiday show for the online show, which SAT 5 continues through Dec. 19. Each The library is collecting includes art for gifting. contributor will talk briefly about personal products for local Small Gift Show his or her work. food pantries. Drop off BEACON VISUAL ART new and unopened soap, 1 – 5 p.m. Howland Cultural Center sanitizer, toothpaste, lotion, 477 Main St. | 845-831-4988 SAT 5 STAGE & SCREEN deodorant, baby wipes and howlandculturalcenter.org NADA Miami 2020 SUN 6 feminine hygiene products. Find handmade and artistic BEACON Through Dec. 30. jewelry, ceramics and other gifts Noon – 6 p.m. Mother Gallery A Christmas Carol priced at $100 or less. Also SUN 6, SAT 5 1154 North Ave. | 845-236-6039 POUGHKEEPSIE FRI 11, SAT 12, SUN 13. Continues Wee Play Santa Visits mothergallery.art 3 p.m. Bardavon through Dec. 23. 845-473-2072 | bardavon.org Coat Drive COLD SPRING The show, which will feature work The Ulster Ballet will perform BEACON 3:30 p.m. Bandstand by Noel Anderson, Mark Barrow and the holiday classic online. Free Howland Public Library COMMUNITY 2 Main St. | coldspringny.gov Sarah Parke, Chie Fueki (below), Daniel Giordano and Athena 313 Main St. | beaconlibrary.org Santa will say hello and share a SAT 5 LaTocha, is part of a three-gallery Donate new and gently treat with children. Line up around FRI 11 Silent Night collaborative exhibit organized for used children’s coats, snow North and West streets as Santa Dragonfly Story Hour the New Art Dealers Alliance 2020 pants and boots that will be Twilight Stroll drives by and drop off wish lists in a COLD SPRING global fair. A second part of the show distributed through Mutual GARRISON North Pole mailbox. 7 p.m. Butterfield Library will take place in Los Angeles, and a Aid Beacon. Through Dec. 5. 3 – 7 p.m. Boscobel 845-265-3040 | butterfieldlibrary.org third in Garrison (below). 1601 Route 9D | 845-265-3638 SUN 6 Karen Kapoor will host as eight Philipstown boscobel.org Brunch with Santa storytellers share 5-minute true Food Pantry Enjoy dusk and sunset on the holiday stories via Zoom. grounds. Reservations required. WEST POINT COLD SPRING Also FRI 11, SAT 12. Cost: $12 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Thayer Hotel 224 Main St. ($10 senior, $6 ages 5-18, free for 674 Thayer Road | 845-446-4731 TALKS & TOURS Donations of new thethayerhotel.com healthcare workers, members and SUN 6 shampoo, toothpaste, children under age 5) Reservations required. Also SUN deodorant, soap and dish 13. Cost: $46 ($23 ages 5-12) Elizabeth Kolbert and laundry detergent can GARRISON be dropped off on the porch. WED 9 FRI 11 4 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library Through Dec. 24. Holiday Trivia Animal Crossing 845-424-3020 | desmondfishlibrary.org GARRISON The author of The Sixth Extinction Toys for Tots 8 pm. Desmond-Fish Library Meet-Up will discuss, via Crowdcast, climate BEACON desmondfishlibrary.org GARRISON change and the future of the planet Edward Jones Test your smarts in this all-ages 3:30 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library with David Gelber, co-creator of 284 Main St. | toysfortots.org trivia contest about holiday history, 845-424-3020 | desmondfishlibrary.org Years of Living Dangerously. Drop off new, unwrapped culture and tradition over Zoom. No matter what stage of the game toys by Dec. 21 for the annual you are in, share your designs, MON 7 Marine Corps program. SUN 13 exchange items via Zoom and get Disrupting Ableism with feedback. Make a Winter Wreath SAT 5 Artful Activism Toys for Tots GARRISON NADA Miami 2020 GARRISON 8 pm. Desmond-Fish Library SAT 12 PHILIPSTOWN GARRISON 3 p.m. The Hastings Center 845-424-3020 | desmondfishlibrary.org Mooseltoe toysfortots.org 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. JDJ Gallery thehastingscenter.org Marcella Broe of the Parcel GARRISON Drop off new, unwrapped 17 Mandalay Drive | 518-339-6913 In this webinar, Lateef McLeod Flower Co. will demonstrate 4 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library toys by Dec. 21 at C&E Paint jdj.world (above, right) and D.J. Savarese will Supply, Foodtown, Drug over Zoom how to make a festive 845-424-3020 | desmondfishlibrary.org Lucia Love and Jenny Morgan share their vision for a society led by World or Downey Oil in Cold holiday decoration. Purchase a Jim Semmelman will read from will “incorporate an unsettling people with disabilities and ways that Spring, or Deb’s Hair Salon kit in advance or gather your own his book and actors from the merge of the real and the surreal.” communities are making it happen. in Nelsonville. materials. musical will perform highlights. See Page 2. Free Schedule an appointment to visit. (Continued on Page 15) highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current December 4, 2020 15

SUN 13 CIVIC Sharon Salzberg and Krishna Das MON 7 GARRISON City Council 2 – 5 p.m. Garrison Institute BEACON garrisoninstitute.org 7 p.m. City Hall In this virtual workshop, which 845-838-5011 | cityofbeacon.org is also a benefit for the institute, Salzberg and Das will lead TUES 8 meditation and chanting. Cost: $60 Fire District Election GARRISON MUSIC 5 - 9 p.m. Firehouse 1616 Route 9 SAT 5 One fire commissioner position, Love for the Holidays with a five-year term, is on the BEACON ballot. 8 p.m. Towne Crier Disrupting Ableism with Artful Activism, Dec. 7 showclix.com/tickets/darlene-love- TUES 8 towne-crier Fire District Election WED 9 This streaming holiday concert by MON 7 Valley Hour, Dec. 5 Butterfield Book Club Winter Wonderland Grammy winner Darlene Love will PHILIPSTOWN feature classics and her hits. The 6 - 9 p.m. Firehouse COLD SPRING No More? 504 Fishkill Road concert benefits the venue. Cost: $35 from Handel’s Messiah plus new 7 p.m. Butterfield Library MILLBROOK One fire commissioner for the offerings over Zoom and YouTube. 845-265-3040 | butterfieldlibrary.org 7 p.m. Cary Institute | bit.ly/cary-winter North Highlands, with a five-year SAT 5 The group will discuss Know My Peter Groffman and Lindsey Rustad term, is on the ballot. Name, by Chanel Miller, over Zoom. will discuss over Zoom how climate The Valley Hour SAT 12 change is transforming northeastern BEACON A Celtic Family TUES 8 TUES 8 winters, with consequences for 8 p.m. Howland Cultural Center Christmas at Home ecosystems and people. howlandculturalcentertix.com Village Board Howland Book Club POUGHKEEPSIE Annalyse and Ryan host COLD SPRING BEACON 8 p.m. Bardavon livestreamed performances from 7:30 p.m. Village Hall 1:30 p.m. Memorial Park WED 9 845-473-2072 | bardavon.org the center by Bruce Molsky and The 845-265-3611 | coldspringny.gov Current Conversation Natalie MacMaster and Donnell 198 Robert Cahill Drive Whispering Tree. Cost: $12 beaconlibrary.org BEACON Leahy will perform and share WED 9 The book club will meet outside 7 p.m. Via Zoom moments around the Christmas tree SUN 6 to discuss A Redbird Christmas, highlandscurrent.org/current- and other bits of holiday chaos via Village Board by Fannie Flagg. The rain date is conversations Holiday Concert livestream to benefit the Bardavon. NELSONVILLE WED 9. Jeff Simms will speak with Mayor PUTNAM Registration required. Cost: $20 7 p.m. Village Hall Lee Kyriacou about the challenges 7 p.m. Putnam Chorale 845-265-2500 | nelsonvilleny.gov and opportunities of 2020 and 2021. putnamchorale.org Register online. The choir will perform selections

HOME HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT. Village of Cold Spring Visit from Santa SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5TH*, FROM 3:30 TO 4:30 PM.

Santa will be having a drive by Santa visit on Saturday, 529 Route 9d, Garrison, NY 22 Valkyria Cold Spring, NY December 5th, from 3:30-4:30 pm at the Cold Spring $1,995,000 $3,300,000 Riverfront Bandstand.

Visitors should travel around North Street to West Street and around the Bandstand Loop to stop and say hello to Santa and receive a special treat.

Little ones are invited to drop their Santa wish lists off in the North Pole Mailbox during their drive by. Santa’s special elves will respond to those children with 20 Forest Farm Rd Garrison, NY 58 Philipse Brook Rd, Garrison, NY Philipstown Zip Codes. (Please add the last $4,900,000 $1,499,000 name and address.)

*Rain Date December 12th. The Locally Owned Market Leader Brought to you by the Village of Cold Spring, the Cold Spring OFFICE: 140 Main Street, Cold Spring, NY Recreation Commission and the Cold Spring Fire Department. www.mccaffreyrealty.com 16 December 4, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Julia L st Butterfield Hospital This is a view of the Landmarks hospital, ark Forlow, the historian for the Village of which was later torn Cold Spring and the Town of Philipstown, down, looking Mowns a collection of more than 1,000 historic northwest. local postcards. We asked him to select a few of his The site is now the favorite Philipstown landmarks that are no more. His Butterfield comments appear with each image. development.

First Cragside Reformed Julia James was left this Church country estate, along with This church $500,000 and a home at stood where 400 Fifth Ave., in New York the Butterfield City, when her husband, library is now. Frederick, died. She later In fact, the married Gen. Daniel library was Butterfield. Built in 1852, built on its the house was located foundation. where Haldane High School Philipstown now stands. The street had a lot of leading to the school is churches. The called Craigside, but that’s a old Methodist misspelling. It got its name church was the because it was located near building that a large rocky crag. now has C&E Paint. The tower is gone. But that’s why it’s called Church Hill Country Street. Hotel This was a grand vacation hotel in Garrison; I’m told it Methodist would have been in the Episcopal vicinity of the current Church Garrison School. [Ads promoting the hotel Another lost appeared in Brooklyn church. This newspapers between stood near the 1906 and 1913.] intersection of Route 9 and Fishkill Road. The steeple was taken down Undercliff after it was hit by lightning. Before Route 9D went north Later, the to Beacon, Cold Spring had church became Main Street going east and a private home. west, Chestnut Street going Then, in 2006, south and Morris Avenue the building was going north. Morris ended demolished to about where Route 9D now make way for starts to go downhill. At a connector the end of the avenue was between Fishkill this country home, which Road and was owned by George Route 9. The Pope Morris [1802-1864], dirt road in the a co-founder of the New foreground was York Evening Mirror. His Fishkill. claim to fame is the poem, “Woodman, Spare That Tree!” highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current December 4, 2020 17

Haldane High School This building was on the site of the Tots Park. It was built in the 1890s and taken down in the 1950s. The Lyons family found a film of it being demolished that is posted on YouTube, and it’s heartbreaking, especially when the crane knocks off that beautiful peak. I’ve heard from old- timers that they used to slide down the fire escape in the back of the building like a huge slide. I also have The Highlander photos of classes posing under the front archway. This was one of the ferries that ran between West Point and Garrison. There was another called The Mary Powell Garrison and one called The West Point. Until the Bear Mountain Bridge was built in 1925, this was the only This is an example of way across. The nearest ferry north traveled between a passenger boat that Fishkill Landing [now Beacon] and Newburgh. would have stopped at Cold Spring in the 19th century. The Mary Powell was one of the faster and more beautiful boats. After Gen. George Custer’s body was brought east a year after his death Imperial at Little Big Horn, the Mary Powell carried it Hotel from Poughkeepsie to This hotel was West Point for burial. on Division Street and owned by Harry Caskey of Nelsonville. Mckeel It burned Brothers down in 1914. Garage This was a postcard advertising the garage in Nelsonville. You can see all its affiliations: Chevrolet, Buick, AAA, Sunoco.

Roroyare This Italianite home was situated on the east side of the railroad tracks on the bluff above what is now the Depot Restaurant. It was owned by Beverley Robinson House Gen. John E. The house, which stood on Route 9D in Garrison, was the Campbell [1821- headquarters during the Revolutionary War of Gen. Benedict Arnold, 1905] and later and it was from this house that he fled to the river after realizing that his widow. he was about to be revealed as a traitor. It burned down in 1892. 18 December 4, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Mouths to Feed Grapefruit Holiday Reset Avocado Salad By Celia Barbour Supreming grapefruits takes n the past seven days, my family a bit of time and care but is I and I have important to the texture and eaten: flavor of this salad. Good, „ One birthday fruity olive oil and mild, flakey cake frosted with sea salt contribute key flavors, maple buttercream so use the best you can afford. „ One whipped cream-filled chocolate- pecan Swiss roll INGREDIENTS „ One batch of my mother’s spoon ¼ cup hazelnuts cookies 2 pink grapefruits, supremed „ One-half batch of my mother’s pecan (see highlandscurrent.org/grapefuit squares for a how-to) „ Eight ounces of homemade caramels can these days. Still, it does seem sensible to reset our gustatory expectations in the Quick-Pickled 1 ripe avocado, peeled and sliced „ One-half box of pecan pralines, sent weeks ahead, if only to give our digestive by my sister in Texas 1 tablespoon quick-pickled red systems a break before Christmas rolls in. Red Onions onions (see recipe below) Nor is that a complete accounting, it being Many years ago, we visited family friends Soaking sliced onions in vine- Thanksgiving and all — just the most igno- over Thanksgiving break. As lunchtime 10-12 mint leaves, sliced gar for even a few minutes minious items. At least we didn’t have pie. approached on the day after the big feast, I Fruity olive oil (see headnote) The act of writing up that list brought to was suddenly overtaken by a craving for a breaks down their pungent, mind Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Cater- salad of grapefruit and avocado. I had brought sulfuric bite, mellowing them Sea salt pillar, who, on a single, climactic Satur- grapefruits; my friend had avocados. They without compromising flavor STEPS day, methodically eats his way through “one were sitting together in a bowl, so while I’d — perfect for almost any dish Heat oven to 350 degrees, or use a piece of chocolate cake, one ice cream cone, never before encountered that combination, where raw onions are called toaster oven. Spread the hazelnuts one pickle, one slice of Swiss cheese, one it suddenly seemed natural. I was certain they for. Cider or coconut vinegar on a small pan and toast until slice of salami, one lollipop, one piece of would taste good together. I tossed it with skins begin to blister and nuts are cherry pie, one sausage, one cupcake and some fruity olive oil and sea salt. Perfect. I is good for this salad, but in a golden and fragrant, about 10 to one slice of watermelon.” made a bigger version that night for our fami- pinch, any type will work. 12 minutes. (Don’t worry if some As a list of phrases, Carle’s passage has lies, with a little pickled onion mixed in, and patches remain.) If using toaster marvelous cadence and alliteration, and they all enjoyed it as much as I did. oven, toast nuts 1 to 2 minutes at a I used to love reading it to my kids when I’ve tinkered with the recipe since then, INGREDIENTS time, tossing and removing any that they were little. adding toasted hazelnuts when I wanted a ½ small red onion, thinly sliced turn brown, then returning the rest As a menu, on the other hand, it’s a bit more substantial dish, and mint just for kicks. ¼ cup vinegar (see headnote) to the oven until all are golden and worrisome, not least because it sets a bad Yesterday, out of the blue, I found myself skins beginning to loosen. example: Two fruits and/or vegetables; five craving this salad again. The clarity and ¼ teaspoon salt desserts? Nonetheless, I’m afraid it’s the specificity of my yearning made me wonder if Wrap hazelnuts in a clean dish towel ½ teaspoon sugar pattern we’ve fallen into of late — though we perhaps flavor alone wasn’t the draw. Maybe to steam for a minute, then rub did manage to spread our dietary peccadil- my body needed this combination of cleans- vigorously to loosen skins. Set aside STEPS to cool, then roughly chop. los across a whole week. (What does it mean ing citrus and nourishing, supple avocado. Combine all ingredients in that I am comparing my family to a fictional Carle’s caterpillar pays for its day-long a small bowl, adding water In a medium bowl, combine caterpillar in order to justify our gluttony?) pig-out with a tummy ache and a gigantic if necessary to keep onions grapefruit segments, avocado, The average American consumes physique. The next day, it eats one “nice submerged. Set aside for at least onion, mint and toasted nuts. between 3,000 and 4,500 calories during green leaf” and feels better. 3 minutes. Onions will continue Toss very gently so the fruits don’t Thanksgiving dinner, so clearly we are in From now on, I will think of this dish as to mellow as they sit. Onions will disintegrate. Drizzle with olive oil good company — or bad company, depend- my version of that nice green leaf. keep, stored in a jar in the fridge, and sprinkle with salt. Eat right away ing on what you think of the average Ameri- for up to 2 weeks. or the avocado might turn brown.

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Wishing you a JOYOUS HOLIDAY Kringle’s FRoM gaRRison Christmas House aRT CEnTER Bringing you the finest in consider giving a gift of art: Europe heirloom ornaments • smallworKs opens Dec 5 • arteD cards of any value • Donate in the name of a 134 Main St Beacon loved one www.garrisonartcenter.org 765-0444

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Fred Astaire Cold Spring Shop in store or online at www.gifthut.com Instagram the_gift_hut 3182 Route 9 Cold Spring, NY 10516 86 Main St. Cold Spring, NY 10516 Facebook @thegifthutny (845) 424-6353 | www.fredastaire.com/cold-spring 20 December 4, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Babyand Dog

his feature is T designed as a counterweight to all the bad news in the world that weighs people Amazon has proposed building a 629,186-square-foot warehouse on a former IBM down. We could Photo by L. Sparks site in East Fishkill. share a photo of potential hires. “What we’re looking at is a baby, or a photo (from Page 8) Amazon Project significantly more headcount than that of a dog, but we Salaries would range from $15 to $29 per long-term,” he said. are giving you hour, according to documents provided to For Amazon, part of the draw is the both. How many the Dutchess IDA. Fifty of the jobs would site’s proximity to Interstate 84, which newspapers can be management positions paying an aver- would provide for “easy-on, easy-off” truck say that? Gracelyn age of $60,000 a year, and the other 450 traffic, said John DiCola, a partner with Woods and Peter would be production jobs. In addition, Bluewater Development Group, another Augello of Beacon shared this shot the firms said they would hire about 200 company involved with the proposal. of their daughter, construction workers. IBM bought the 158-acre property in 1983 Hazel, with Nero. Both USEF and Amazon said the and constructed five buildings as part of If you have a photo completed project would dramatically its Semiconductor Research and Develop- of a baby and a increase the property’s assessed value, ment Center. It later moved its operations to dog, submit it for from $5.2 million to $95 million. Property the East Campus and put the West Campus consideration taxes on the site, now at $155,000, would property on the market. A succession of to editor@ be an estimated $3.6 million once the owners, and development ideas, followed. highlandscurrent. PILOT agreement expired. In 2015, Hopewell Sportsdome Ventures org. Asked by Timothy Dean, the IDA’s bought a 34-acre parcel on the north part chair, if Amazon could guarantee 500 of the property and received town approval jobs, Griggs said the company tends to to build a recreational sports complex but be “conservative” when estimating its the work has stalled.

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31 STEPHANIE LANE COLD SPRING, NY www.thehighlandstudio.com highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current December 4, 2020 21 22 December 4, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org SPORTS Follow us at twitter.com/hcurrentsports Beacon Cross-Country Banks Named Takes Third at Sectional All-Section, Zach Cader wins so there were no opportuni- League MVP 5K showdown ties to improve By Skip Pearlman on their times Seven other players at Bear Moun- he Beacon High School boys’ cross- tain, Van Cort- honored from title-winner country team finished third behind landt Park or By Skip Pearlman T John Jay East Fishkill and Arling- Bowdoin. ton at last week’s Section 1 tournament in “A nd yet, hree seniors on the Beacon High Milton. throughout the School boys’ soccer team — Warren Coach Jim Henry said the boys’ team whole season, T Banks, AJ Lucas and Dillon Kelly — competition was a race to see who would I felt a sense were named on Wednesday (Dec. 2) to the finish second to John Jay, which repeated of pur pose All-Section team, following the team’s first as county champions. amongst my Section 1 title on Nov. 21. Beacon’s Zach Cader was the first runner team that indi- Banks, who led the Bulldogs with 14 to finish the five-kilometer course, in cated that they goals in 12 games, was also named league 16:29.4, edging John Jay’s Louis Montano recognized MVP. Besides Beacon, the league includes by a tenth of a second. Evan LaBelle was and appreci- Zach Cader Photo provided Hendrick Hudson, Lourdes, Peekskill and fourth in 16:48, a personal best. ated both the opportunity that we were Poughkeepsie. Other finishers for the Bulldogs were getting and the fragility of the season In addition, Chase Green was named an Warren Banks File photo by S. Pearlman Henry Reinke in 20th place (18:10), Jack as a whole,” Henry said. “After coaching All-Section honorable mention and Derek Cleary at 23rd (18:25) and Joey Baffuto at a couple of decades, some of the seasons Bilyeu, Tommy Franks, Javier Piguave and 25th (18:39). Cleveland Wright took the tend to blur into each other, but this one Alex Wyant earned All-League honors. 30th spot and Stephen Schneider was 31st. will stand out both for the unique circum- The selections are made by Section 1 “The highlight of the day was Zach’s stances and for the quality of the kids. coaches. amazing finish to catch the John Jay leader “Every week felt like a bit of a gift,” he Coach Craig Seaman, who was named at the finish, after trading the lead multi- added. “I’m grateful to our athletic direc- the league’s coach of the year, watched his ple times throughout the race,” Henry said. tor and superintendent for believing in team elevate its play during an unusual Henry said he was thrilled to get the and supporting our athletes. It would season. He said Banks “had a brilliant season in, especially for his seniors, Cader have been far easier to pull the plug, but senior campaign,” and that Kelly and and Schneider, although the season did so much more would have been lost.” Lucas “anchored an exceptional defense” not include the usual invitational meets, that allowed only seven goals. Kelly also scored five goals. Seaman called his selection as coach of contact, sweat, and how do you wrestle the year “a reflection of our team having a (from Page 24) Winter Sports with a mask?” successful season. Coaching is a whole lot tough. We’ll see which towns are in yellow Romanino noted that “the athletes who easier when you have talented, hard-work- or orange zones,” a state designation that participated in the fall were so grateful ing, coachable student-athletes.” would trigger restrictions. to be able to play. Students need to be “Wrestling will be one of the most involved in things like this; it’s such a big Visit highlandscurrent.org for news difficult sports,” he said. “Body-to-body part of their high school years.” updates and latest information.

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HAVE YOUR OWN BUSINESS CARD You can advertise your business here starting at $20. For more information, email [email protected]. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current December 4, 2020 23 Puzzles CrossCurrent 7LittleWords ACROSS 1. “Grand” 5. Letterman’s network 8. Out of control 12. Suspend 13. Weeding tool 14. Wise one 15. Killer whale 16. Lineage 18. Astronauts’ descent to Earth 20. Locations 21. Comic DeLuise 22. Satchel 23. “Forget it!” 26. Nation 30. Lawyers’ org. 31. Sly one 32. Nay opponent 33. Racism, e.g. 36. Aden’s land 54. Possess 9. Dillon or Damon 34. Eye-related 38. Bill and — 55. Duel tool 10. Shrek, for one 35. Forum garment 39. Adams or 11. Jailer’s janglers 36. Second person Ameche DOWN 17. Jacob’s brother 37. Intertwine © 2020 Blue Ox Family Games, Inc., Dist. by Andrews McMeel 40. Clean software 1. Valhalla VIP 19. Plaything 39. Senior member 43. Turducken, e.g. 2. Aesopian also-ran 22. Carton 40. Soap brand 47. Immoderate 3. Formerly 23. Apprehend 41. Advantage devotion 4. Landlocked 24. Japanese sash 42. Drill SudoCurrent 49. Met melody African nation 25. Witty one 43. Front of a ship 50. Taj Mahal city 5. Amulet 26. Coquettish 44. Snare 51. Trouble 6. Skeletal 27. Scot’s hat 45. Irritate    52. Ring up 7. Moment 28. Deli bread 46. New Haven 53. Lecherous look 8. Delegate 29. Longing campus   31. To and — 48. Pair   © 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.    

Answers for Nov. 27 Puzzles                             Puzzle Page Sponsored by           Country Goose  115 Main St. Cold Spring, NY 10516 1. INDY, 2. PERPLEXING, 3. BRICKS, 4. PORCUPINE, 5. SOARS, 6. TOMATOES, 7. CLUMSINESS 845-265-2122 Answers will be published next week. See highlandscurrent.org/puzzle for interactive sudoku. 24 December 4, 2020 For mail delivery, see highlandscurrent.org/delivery SPORTS Follow us at twitter.com/hcurrentsports Virtual Meets, Outdoor Track Athletic directors weigh options for winter By Skip Pearlman

ust as high schools are feeling good about the recently completed fall Jseason, a surge in COVID-19 cases has many athletic directors concerned about the already-postponed winter season. Winter sports such as basketball, wres- tling, indoor track, bowling and swim- ming were scheduled to begin Nov. 30 but have been pushed back to at least Jan. 4. John Giametta, the Beacon High School athletic director, said he is thrilled with how smoothly the fall season went and is Ken Dawson founded the Playmaker Academy in 2004. Photos by M. Turton staying positive for January. and then playing for East Carolina and “Considering what we were authorized Syracuse universities, was the 39th pick of to do, I consider it a wonderful success for For the Love of the Game the draft and, after a trade, is now on the Beacon,” he said. “We had an overwhelm- roster of the Utah Jazz. ingly positive response from our parents Coach works to make better urban courts and went on to play for the He was in the third or fourth grade when and student athletes.” Manhattan Community College Panthers. he came to Playmakers, and Dawson remem- Unlike soccer and cross country, indoor players, and people Coaching may have been his destiny, but bers him well. “Elijah loved to work; he was competitions will present more of a chal- By Michael Turton it almost didn’t happen. coachable,” he said. “And he was a very good lenge, especially for contact sports such Around age 28, Dawson swam at the person.” He said that nearly every member of as wrestling and basketball. t’s an understatement to say Ken McBurney YMCA in Manhattan while that team went on to play in college. “I’m confident we can work with Dawson, aka “Coach,” is passionate rehabilitating from an injury. A friend Five or six years ago, some 35 girls from athletes and coaches to create a safe envi- I about basketball. He loves teaching it who directed the Y’s after-school basket- the academy went on to play college basket- ronment,” said Giametta. to children. He’s a competitor. He wants to ball program asked him if he’d coach one ball. Last year, one of his girls’ teams went The state is allowing coaches to lead win. He wishes he could still play. The game of the teams. He said no. to the AAU Nationals in Indiana. offseason workouts as long as health has been at the center of his life for decades. “If you won’t coach, they won’t have a Players at the academy train within a and safety protocols are followed. “We’ll Yet for Dawson, head coach and owner team,” his friend said. group or play on an academy team known be ready to go if we get the green light,” of the Playmaker Academy, a training facil- Now 61, Dawson has been coaching ever as The Pumas. The spring is the busiest, Giametta said. “If we have to delay the ity in Hopewell Junction that helped shape since. with as many as 160 players on travel teams higher-risk sports, we will do that.” Elijah Hughes, the Beacon prodigy who In 2004, after running the basketball in the AAU circuit. Fees range for $400 to Section 1 coaches and administrators last month was drafted into the NBA, life program at Kinder Ring camp in Hopewell $800 per season. are floating several possibilities, includ- is about much more than a round ball. Junction, he established Playmaker Acad- Asked what makes one player “good” ing virtual swim meets — in which each “It’s more important to be a good person emy at the nearby Taconic Sport & Racquet. and another player “great,” Dawson said: team is in a different pool — and outdoor than a good basketball player,” he said. Playmaker offers four seasonal programs. “If you’re willing to do the work, it’s just track meets instead of the usual compe- Dawson hopes to expand the academy’s “The youngest kid I work with right now is what level you want to get to.” titions at the Armory in New York City. presence in Beacon. 6 years old,” Dawson said. Players typically find the academy by Giametta says he feels that swim meets “I went there to work with one kid — next Players come from all over: Dutchess word-of-mouth. “I get referrals from the can be held safely and that, if outdoor, thing I knew I had 10 kids wanting to join (including Beacon), Putnam (including kids who come here,” Dawson said. “Or they track competitions could involve only two in,” he said. “They’re starving for it.” Haldane) and even the Bronx. see a kid who wasn’t that good last year but or three teams. The academy recently closed for two Hughes, who attended Beacon High has improved, and they want to know how “At this point I’m doing everything in weeks after a player tested positive for School for his freshman and sophomore that happened.” my power to allow the kids to compete,” COVID-19. It’s open again, but with a differ- years before transferring to a private school The academy emphasizes teamwork. he said. ent look. Only 10 players are allowed in the “You can score 40 points, but if your team At Haldane, Eric Romanino, a former gym at once, to allow for distancing. The loses all the time, it means four people on Beacon athletic director who is serving as training includes drills but no scrimmages. the court are not developing,” he said. an interim while the district looks for a A Poughkeepsie resident, Dawson was You can score 40 points, That philosophy extends to his staff, successor to Chris Salumn, said he’s hoping born on the Island of St. Thomas, moved which includes seven coaches. “They are that coaches and student athletes will be to Puerto Rico and by age 5 landed in New but if your team loses all as much a team as the players,” he said. as successful following safety protocols in York City, where he grew up in Harlem and Dawson feels the academy can help chil- the winter as they were in the fall. the Bronx. He is retired from a career at the time, it means four dren who are struggling off the court, as “The priority has to be the safety of the Pitney-Bowes and UPS. well. “There are some things you can’t tell athletes,” he said. “If we’re given a chance “Basketball was a release for me as a kid,” people on the court are your parents; they’ll tell me and we can talk to show we can follow the protocols, he said. “When you play, you don’t think of not developing. it out,” the coach said. “Myself, growing up, maybe we can get through the season. anything else.” I just needed someone to talk to who could With the numbers rising, it could be Dawson spent a lot of time on concrete ~ Coach Ken Dawson actually listen and not yell at me.” (Continued on Page 22)