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Black Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter protesters lined opposite sides of Route 9D in Beacon on Sunday (July 19). Photo by J. Simms Reporter’s Notebook EPA Releases Plan for Polluted Putnam Site Are We That Pledges to buy homes and The federal plan focuses on properties EPA representative. Environmental ease- on Gipsy Trail Road where the soil has ments will be placed on the parcels to limit Far Apart? help residents move elevated arsenic levels from abandoned their use, she said. By Brian PJ Cronin mines. The EPA said it will offer to buy For homeowners who decline the money By Jeff Simms the homes and property and also pay for and elect to stay, the EPA will continue to ueling protests he Environmental Protection the residents’ moves. apply the short-term remedies it began last took place on Agency intends to move residents Once vacated, the homes will be demol- year to mitigate the effects of the contam- Sunday (July and destroy as many as 10 arsenic- ished and the agency will begin a years- ination, including water monitoring, D T 19) in Beacon, with contaminated homes in Kent — 33 years long process to investigate the extent of providing indoor and outdoor mats and one group waving after the hazard was discovered. the contamination, said Sonia Mohabir, an (Continued on Page 8) Blue Lives Matter and U.S. flags and signs on the Bank Square side of Route 9D and Black Lives Matter supporters across the street, near City Hall. School Reopening Plans Due July 31 There were a few tense moments, with Beacon proposal calls for mine on a region-by-region basis if schools In Cold Spring, Superintendent Philip some participants seemingly itching for can proceed with their plans. Benante said he expects to share the a fight. Beacon police officers walked the ‘hybrid’ schedule The governor on July 13 said that each Haldane district’s plan with the commu- street, which had not been closed to traf- By Jeff Simms region’s schools can reopen if it has reached nity in early August. fic, to contain any dust-ups. the fourth and final phase of the state’s In a letter to parents, he said he has asked That’s not to say the situation was ublic school students in Beacon could reopening plan — as of July 20, all nine administrators to “develop a schedule which peaceful. have the option in September to begin regions had reached that milestone — and allows our youngest students and more In front of City Hall, Stefon Seward, Pthe school year in person, rather than if its daily COVID-19 infection rate remains vulnerable populations to physically attend a 2017 Beacon High School graduate, in front of a screen, under a plan the district at 5 percent or lower using a 14-day average. school more frequently” and to “establish a screamed into a megaphone: “No justice, has prepared to submit to the state. Schools will be forced to close if the regional rotation” for the remaining students to both no peace! No racist police!” Every district in New York must submit infection rate rises above 9 percent, using a attend in-class and​ ​engage in virtual learning. Across the way, the crowd responded: a reopening plan to Gov. Andrew Cuomo seven-day average, after Aug. 1. Garrison district officials said they “U-S-A, U-S-A!” by Friday (July 31). During the first week The Mid-Hudson Region’s infection rate are still working on their plan, as well. A I had a long day of yard work ahead of of August, Cuomo said the state will deter- as of July 20 was 1 percent. (Continued on Page 17) (Continued on Page 6) 2 July 24, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

FIVE QUESTIONS: JOE THERRIEN

By Brian PJ Cronin window strikes with birds, a lot of times if you put the bird in a box and keep it in the By Michael Turton oe Therrien is a wildlife biologist and dark, in an hour it will be fine after it’s had head of the special-license unit of the time to calm down. What people shouldn’t state Department of Environmental When’s the J do is take an animal into their care. Some- Conservation. times people think, “Oh, I heard that goat’s last time you milk or Pedialyte is good for them,” and Today is the deadline to register for they end up injuring the animal. ran out of gas? the wildlife rehabilitator license exam. How is that different from a You also want to minimize human nuisance wildlife control officer? contact, correct? A rehabilitator is taking in injured Yes. Wildlife can be cute and adorable, In the early 1970s. wildlife with the goal of releasing it. You but a fawn or fox kit is not a pet. Any habit- I was a hippie, can’t make money from it because wild- uating that animals have with humans can driving back from life belongs to the people of the state. A be a death sentence. If you keep it for a few nuisance wildlife control operator’s main months and release it, it might approach Roanoke, Virginia. intent is to remedy a situation at a home, to other humans for food, and someone might take care of a conflict between humans and think, “Why is this fox coming to our porch wildlife. The license allows you to charge a all the time?” Rehabilitators do everything fee for that, and you can release the animal that the animal is better off being euthanized. they can to not let the animals get too or euthanize it. accustomed to human sounds and scents. When should people contact a reha- What’s the biggest misconception that bilitator? Your department also offers exams for aspiring rehabbers have? Anytime they come across something other specialties, such as falconry and That they’ll be able to help everyone. There that might need attention. But call the reha- leashed tracking dogs. Do you have are only 1,200 in the state, so they are over- bilitator first before picking up wildlife; he any licenses yourself? whelmed. Their hearts are torn between “I or she will talk with you to figure out what’s No, it would be a conflict of interest, can’t take that” and “I want to take that.” going on. [See dec.ny.gov/animals/83977. since we issue them. I also don’t have time. ~ Mike Klubnick, Cold Spring People go into this field because they’re html.] A lot of wildlife that seems aban- Once people know you’re a wildlife rehabili- passionate about animals, but sometimes doned is not. For example, fawns will be left tator, for example, everybody comes to you. the initial triage may involve determining behind by the mother while she feeds. With It’s like having another child. In 2012, on the Newburgh riverfront, several blocks from a gas station. A policeman gave me a ride.

~ Karen Thompson, Philipstown

I’ve never run out. I was always taught “keep the tank at least half full” because you never know what’ll happen in life.

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Nelsonville Preserves Secor Parcel What Members are Saying... Also passes laws regulating 5G technology In January, anticipating 5G technology’s 5G installations widespread use for data transfer, the board By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong began considering a law to regulate instal- lations. It held a public hearing in February. nding a debate that lasted nearly The 21-page law adopted Monday closely three years, the Nelsonville Village corresponds to the draft. According to its E Board voted 4-1 on Monday (July 20) introduction, it was enacted to “provide for to add a 4.1-acre parcel on Secor Street to new wireless technologies,” such as small- the easement that protects the Nelsonville cells and distributed antenna systems Woods from development. (DAS), encourage the placement of small Trustee Dave Moroney cast the sole “no” wireless telecommunications facilities vote against including the Secor property (SWTFs) on existing structures; protect in the easement, administered by the Open residents and businesses from unspecified Space Institute over the 112-acre woods. “potential adverse impacts”; and manage The 4.1-acre Secor parcel had once been SWTF development. eyed as a cell tower site. For basic installations, the law compels The board also added 2.9 acres of village 5G companies to obtain a permit from the land along Gatehouse Road to the ease- Planning Board. It also prohibits the instal- The Highlands Current is a community touchstone ment, which was established 20 years ago. lation of 5G or SWTF poles on single-family in our home. From cultural and policy updates to The easement agreement allows the houses, duplexes and any “accessory struc- ‘On the Spot’ questions, we look forward to and village to place a modest building, such as ture” on a residential lot. enjoy each new issue! a washroom or education center, or create Likewise, it bans SWTF installations a playground or tap underground water, within 50 feet of any occupied residential Arman Safa & Kristen Roeder, Cold Spring on the Secor acreage but forbids its use for structure (the draft called for 30 feet) and FRIEND Members a cell tower. says no SWTF will be approved if it has Village officials had presided over several “a significant adverse impact on scenic or often-heated public sessions on the issue historic resources.” The Planning Board can since the fall of 2017. The Village Board’s require that SWTFs be painted to blend in. composition changed in the meantime, in The law also requires applicants to part because of dissatisfaction with prior demonstrate “the need for the SWTF to members’ handling of the issue and a cell provide service primarily and essentially tower proposed for Rockledge Road. within the village” and justify the height Little discussion occurred on Monday and of antennas and structures. THANK YOU the board did not entertain public comment Dove Pedlosky, the trustee who led the before the vote. One resident later main- drafting effort, noted that the village is TO OUR NEW MEMBERS tained that three board members who live constrained by federal law when attempt- near the Secor parcel should have abstained ing to control telecommunication projects As a nonprofit that provides quality journalism free to from voting. But another resident praised the but that, under the circumstances, the our community, The Highlands Current depends on our board for “protecting us from things like cell board made the law “as strong as we could. members for support. Today we welcome the following towers” on Secor Street. Letters to the board I do think it protects the village.” new names to our membership ranks. We are grateful also backed the easement enlargement. for their recognition of the important role journalism plays in our community and in our democratic society.

She conceded that while “we’re hurt by Haldane Replaces this whole thing, we bear some responsibil- FRIEND PARTNER ity for not reaching out,” saying it was the Anonymous (2) N. Block Gergely as School first time they had received a Request for Chris and Babette Brown Peggy Clements and Chris Duffy Proposals (RFP), or bids, from the district. Greg and Jan Buhler Dr. Helen Crohn A school physician can have a variety Marie Early John Lichtenstein Physician of duties but typically consults with the Safa/Roeder Family Schweizer Family district on health and safety issues and Shirley Trimble Appoints retired Katonah may conduct physicals and advise parents. pediatrician to job The former head of pediatrics at West By Chip Rowe Point, Gergely opened a private practice in Our membership program, introduced at the end of last year, Cold Spring in 1990 and in 1995 moved to is now the primary means of support for our newspaper and aldane earlier this month replaced his location on Route 403 in Garrison. website. The full list of our members is on our website at its longtime school physician, Dr. Gergely remains the school physician for highlandscurrent.org/members HPeter Gergely, when the popular the Garrison school district, which pays Garrison pediatrician did not respond to a him up to $3,000 per year. The board is To become a member with your tax-deductible donation and request from the district to bid on the job. expected to approve his appointment for help us continue to improve and expand our coverage of the Instead, at its reorganizational meeting 2020-21 at its July 29 meeting, said Super- on July 1, the school board voted to hire intendent Carl Albano. Hudson Highlands, especially in this difficult time, visit a retired Katonah pediatrician, Dr. Louis Ann Gergely said that, in February, her Corsaro, whom it will pay $16,000 annually, brother had asked Haldane to increase the highlandscurrent.org/join or twice what Gergely charged. $8,000 annually that he had received for or write to The Highlands Current at Gergely served as the school physician for many years to $9,000. She said the district 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516. about 25 years, said Ann Gergely, his office did not respond and the RFP arrived with- manager and sister. He was upset, she said, out a cover letter or explanation. at having to “reapply for his job” and said Philip Benante, who was been the the district should have made more of an Haldane superintendent since 2018, said effort to contact him. “Wouldn’t you want that the request for an increase in pay and to speak to Dr. Gergely before you made the RFP were unrelated. He said that while this decision?” she said. (Continued on Page 5) 4 July 24, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

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 [email protected] Hate crime hate doesn’t exist in our community. So, the job of addressing this public health crisis and I hope that the “Death to Gays” graf- middle ground was to report what we knew, we are beginning to emerge from it. Relaxing SENIOR EDITOR fiti discovered near Mayor’s Park is being which amounted in this case to two sentences. our vigilance would be disastrous. Leonard Sparks investigated by the Cold Spring Police Data shows that all the pop-up COVID-19 Department and Putnam County sheriff Rolling Hills clusters in New York are directly tied to large BEACON EDITOR as a hate crime, and that The Current will Agreement is the key word in the story of gatherings where social-distancing protocols Jeff Simms follow up as it has done with other local the $1 million lawsuit by the Rolling Hills are impossible or ignored. With 30 percent of our residents being seniors, allowing such ARTS EDITOR hate crimes (“Notes from the Cold Spring developer against the Town of Fishkill over gatherings would put their lives and everyone Alison Rooney Village Board,” July 17). its stalled construction plans (July 17). That [email protected] Aaron Wolfe, Cold Spring is, there was never a binding contract. That’s else’s at risk. Large gatherings also endanger how some developers operate: 1) Ask for our five-member highway crew, which we rely SENIOR CORRESPONDENT It feels hurtful to see this incident receive multiple variances far in excess of existing on for so much. Some have already fallen ill. Michael Turton such short shrift in The Current. A two- zoning, and 2) file a lawsuit when denied. This beast is not tamed yet. sentence mention suggests that violent Ralph Pettorossi, Fishkill Lynn Miller, via Facebook REPORTERS homophobia in our community isn’t news- Miller is a member of the Village Board. Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong worthy, or worse, is to be expected. This could Brian PJ Cronin • Joe Dizney Seastreak be an opportunity for people to publicly reject Beacon chief Pamela Doan • Deb Lucke The Cold Spring Village Board canceling homophobia, to talk to their children about It seems odd that the Beacon City Coun- Skip Pearlman visits by the Seastreak cruise ships this fall tolerance and to make sure their LGBTQ seems so unfair to the Main Street shops that cil appointed someone as the interim police LAYOUT DESIGNER neighbors feel safe and supported. Instead, are trying desperately to stay open (“Notes chief who retired in 2002 (“Officers Push Pierce Strudler it’s been relegated to a footnote. from the Cold Spring Village Board,” July 17). Back on Interim Choice,” July 17). The world Teddy Nagel, Garrison Geraldine Fuller, via Facebook and policing have morphed over 18 years. ADVERTISING DIRECTOR The editor responds: It’s a tricky balanc- Sheryl Kirschenbaum, via Facebook Michele Gedney ing act. We could publish a prominent news The Seastreak owners themselves are ques- For information on advertising: story each time some doofus spray-paints a tioning the wisdom and safety of packing 300 Nursing-home deaths 845-809-5584 hateful message but that agitation may well to 400 people on a boat for two hours and So, after an intense, in-depth, nonpartisan [email protected] be the desired reaction and also amplifies a highlandscurrent.org/ads depositing them in the village while COVID- investigation by Cuomo, Cuomo has ruled message that otherwise quickly disappeared. 19 cases are rapidly rising in 80 percent of the that Cuomo’s policy didn’t kill nursing home On the other hand, we can’t not report on it nation. New Yorkers have done an exemplary patients that he sent to nursing homes with because it might leave the impression that COVID-19 (“State: Policy Didn’t Cause Nurs- ing Home Deaths,” July 10). The attorney THE HIGHLANDS CURRENT general should empanel a grand jury. (USPS #22270) / ISSN 2475-3785 Andrew DeStefano, via Facebook July 24, 2020 Volume 9, Issue 30 is published weekly by Highlands Many deaths have occurred at nursing Current Inc., 142 Main St., Cold Spring, homes in every state. Gov. Cuomo’s leader- NY 10516-2819. Periodicals Postage Paid ship has saved lives. Why aren’t his critics at Cold Spring, NY, and at additional talking about the lack of same at the federal offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Highlands Current, level, which has given us 144,000 dead? 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819. Janine Dee, via Facebook Mail delivery $30 per year. highlandscurrent.org/delivery [email protected] Distribution audited by the Circulation Clarification Verification Council © Highlands Current Inc. 2020 In “Looking Back in Philipstown” All rights reserved. No part of this (July 17), we reported that, in July publication may be reproduced in any 1870, Elijah Jones was mortally form, mechanical or electronic, without wounded when he attempted to stop written permission of the publisher. an armed robber who was fleeing on Stone Street. The Cold Spring Recorder identified Jones as a native * Winner: 45 Better of Germany, but this was corrected Newspaper Contest Awards on an obelisk erected at Fishkill * New York Press Association, 2013 -18 Rural Cemetery that reads: “Elijah NNA* Winner: Jones, a native of Poland, died by 31 Better Newspaper the hand of an assassin at Cold Contest Awards Spring, July 29, 1870, age 40 years. * National Newspaper Association, 2016-18 Erected by the National Bank of Fishkill and Fishkill Savings Institute NYNPA* Winner: as a tribute of respect for one who 8 Awards for lost his life arresting a desperado Excellence who had robbed their messenger.” * New York News Publishers Association, 2017- 18 ¢ Coronavirus Update

highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current July 24, 2020 5 Coronavirus Local Hospitals in Recovery Mode COVID-19 by COVID recedes, but rules; monitoring mask and gown supplies Update for staff; planning for a potential surge ¢ State health officials said that, as of the Numbers shutdown leaves deficits of infections; and combating fears some Thursday (July 23), 1,397 people have tested people may have about even going to the By Leonard Sparks positive for COVID-19 in Putnam County; PUTNAM COUNTY hospital. 4,400 in Dutchess; 35,667 in Westchester; adia Amin will never forget her At the same time, hospital executives Number of confirmed cases: 13,820 in Rockland; 1,911 in Ulster; and experience tending to COVID-19 are pushing for federal funds to balance 10,968 in Orange. Statewide, there were (+12) patients at NewYork-Presbyte- the loss of revenues and rising expenses. 1,397 N 409,697 positives, including 222,832 in New rian/Hudson Valley Hospital as infections “Suffice to say, there was nothing New Cases in Philipstown: 1 York City, and 25,081 deaths. and deaths soared in March and April. normal about our operations beginning Tests administered: A primary-care doctor, she volunteered on or about March 6,” said Kerry Eaton, ¢ New York City entered Phase 4 of the to treat emergency-room arrivals and the chief operating officer for Nuvance state’s reopening plan on Monday (July (+2,902) inpatients in frenzied 12-hour shifts at 24,299 Health, whose system includes Northern 20), without indoor activities such as malls the Cortlandt Manor facility. There was a Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, Putnam and cultural institutions. Every region of Percent positive: shortage of beds and a triage to determine Hospital Center in Carmel and Vassar the state is now in Phase 4. who needed to be hospitalized and who Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. 5.7 (-0.6) could be sent to isolate at home. “Although the peak is behind us, business ¢ Community Foundations of the Number of deaths: She watched patients “crashing” with- is not back to normal, and we foresee that Hudson Valley launched a grant program out being able to help and returned to her the way we provided care in the past will be called Pivoting to Respond to fund the (+0) basement between shifts, where she slept altered going forward for a long period of general operating costs for nonprofits and 63 to avoid contact with her family. time, perhaps permanently,” she said. communities impacted by COVID-19 and “It’s not an experience that I’d ever want its economic consequences. Applications DUTCHESS COUNTY to relive,” Amin said. “You saw things that A surge in patients are available through Aug. 31 at commu- Number of confirmed cases: you generally don’t want to see.” On March 23, Gov. Andrew Cuomo nityfoundationshv.org. Three months ago, New York and its ordered hospitals to increase their capac- (+43) hospitals were at the epicenter of a global ity by a minimum of 50 percent. Under ¢ According to New York State, anyone 4,400 pandemic. On April 12 — 45 days after New one projection, Cuomo said at the time, traveling here from a state that has a posi- Active Cases in Beacon: 9 York’s first confirmed case of the virus — tive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 the state could need 110,000 hospital beds, Tests administered: 18,825 people were hospitalized, including including 37,000 ICU beds with ventilators. residents over a 7-day rolling average or a 10 percent or higher positivity rate over 1,851 in the Mid-Hudson Region, which On the front lines, fatigued doctors and (+6,715) includes Dutchess and Putnam counties. nurses pushed past long hours and a lack of a 7-day rolling average must quarantine 82,371 That same day, 5,156 people statewide treatments to save as many patients as they for 14 days. As of July 23, the states were Percent positive: and 559 in the Mid-Hudson were strug- could. Administrators reallocated personnel Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Cali- gling to survive in intensive-care units. and supplies, created ICU beds in operating fornia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, 5.3 (-0.5) “I’ve been through the H1N1 [swine] flu rooms and consulted with patients online. Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mary- Number of deaths: epidemic,” said Amin. “This is unprece- As the infections and hospitalizations land, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, dented.” accelerated, NewYork-Presbyterian/ Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North (+1) Now, more than 100 days after that low Hudson Valley Hospital quadrupled its Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, 153 point, the situation is dramatically better. South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, critical-care beds, said Stacey Petrower, Source: New York State Department of On Thursday (July 23), 706 people state- the hospital’s president, and still, “every Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Health, with weekly changes in parentheses, wide were hospitalized with COVID-19 one of those beds was occupied.” Minnesota has been removed from the list. as of July 23. New cases in Philipstown for (including six in Dutchess County and none “There were days where we didn’t have week ending July 17. ¢ The State Liquor Authority said on July in Putnam) — the lowest total since March beds to move patients into the hospital,” 21 that since the onset of COVID-19 it has 18 — and hospitals had resumed elective said Amin. brought 410 charges against establishments County posts info at putnamcountyny. procedures and surgeries. Doctors such Vassar Brothers admitted its first for violating executive orders on social com/health. New York State has a hotline as Amin who volunteered for COVID duty COVID patient on March 18, said William distancing and serving alcohol only, with- at 888-364-3065 and a webpage at ny.gov/ have returned to their day jobs and family Begg, its vice president of medical affairs. out food, and suspended 27 liquor licenses. coronavirus. The state also created an members once again can visit patients. By April 11, Vassar Brothers had 150 email list to provide updates. The federal For the hospitals, however, what has confirmed and suspected COVID-19 ¢ Questions? Dutchess County posts Centers for Disease Control and Preven- emerged from the rubble is a new normal: patients, including 40 on respirators. In updates at dutchessny.gov/coronavirus tion posts updates at cdc.gov. To find a testing every new patient for COVID-19 addition to its 20 ICU beds, the hospital and has a hotline at 845-486-3555. Putnam test site, visit coronavirus.health.ny.gov. and screening visitors for symptoms; converted other areas into ICUs, includ- continued mask and social-distancing (Continued on Page 17) him for his long service. (from Page 3) School Physician Benante said Corsaro, who retired in the Haldane board each summer routinely 2013 from the Mount Kisco Medical Group approves a list of appointees to positions when he turned 70, submitted the only bid such as physician, auditor, webmaster and for the job and that his references spoke legal counsel, he recommended periodi- highly of him. Corsaro is also the physi- cally sending out requests for bids so the cian for the Brewster, Putnam Valley and appointments are “not just rolling over Yorktown districts. year to year. You want to examine who Benante said Corsaro agreed to reevalu- else may be interested and at what cost ate his fee at the end of the school year but and level of service. that, “in light of the current circumstances, “You don’t necessarily want change, he envisioned working closely together on because with a physician or attorney or matters related to opening school and the architect, they are working on matters protocols and procedures, as well as how that can last for years,” he said. “But peri- to respond if there are [COVID-19] cases odically examining services and costs is in our [school] community. part of running a healthy district.” “That has proven to be true. Since his Benante said that when Gergely did not appointment on July 1, myself, the school answer the RFP, he called his office a day nurse or the director of pupil personnel A sign outside NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital offered thanks to its or two before the vote and left a message services has been in communication with workers. Photo by L. Sparks asking if he was interested and thanking him every day.” 6 July 24, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Notes from the Protests (from Page 1) me when a reader texted that morning that something was going down near City Hall, Cold Spring so I grabbed my camera and jumped on my bike. By 9:30 a.m. it was already brutally hot, Village Board which surely didn’t help ease the tensions. The hostility from both sides was star- By Michael Turton tling. Some police supporters called the old Spring Mayor Dave Merandy Black Lives Matter people “communists” said he wants “everyone to relax (which seems archaic) while the Black C a bit” as the village prepares to Lives side chanted “Fuck the police,” which review its Police Department in compli- may sound tough but has never been the ance with a state requirement that start of a productive conversation. municipalities review their law-enforce- Former Beacon Mayor Randy Casale ment policies and operations. stood with the Blue Lives Matter crowd, The issue, he said at the Tuesday (July holding a sign declaring that City Coun- 21) meeting of the Village Board, has cil Member Dan Aymar-Blair “must go,” prompted “a few more emails than usual” presumably because of Aymar-Blair’s in his inbox. public comments about reforming the Merandy said Larry Burke, the offi- Police Department. (I called Casale for an cer-in-charge of the Cold Spring Police explanation but didn’t get a response.) Department, plans to attend a July 27 The Blue Lives side shouted that veterans At the rally, former Mayor Randy Casale (right) carried a Blue Lives Matter flag and a meeting with officials from Putnam back the police, while a woman on the other sign critical of a Beacon City Council member. Photo by Alejandro Lopez County and other local police forces. sidewalk yelled that she had served 20 years “He wants to see how other villages in the Air Force and couldn’t accept the U.S. and towns will handle the review,” the flag being waved as a symbol of hate. so they’ll accept the deal on the table.” heard folks say that we are a resilient and mayor said. “Once he knows, we’ll move Standing in the middle of 9D, taking I can’t claim, as a white person, that I’ll supportive people here. forward.” photos and listening, I wondered: Will ever understand what people of color have That was never more evident than this The state order, issued by Gov. Andrew people ever be able to step off these curbs endured in this country, but it seems impos- spring, when the coronavirus brought all Cuomo on June 12, requires the reviews without clenched fists? sible not to recognize the anger and frus- of our lives to a screeching halt, but Beacon to involve “engaged stakeholders in a For an article last year in The Atlantic, tration our neighbors feel after a lifetime of residents banded together immediately to public and open process.” Charles Duhigg spoke with Marshall Ganz, slights and centuries of abhorrent treatment. deliver food and medical supplies to vulner- “Everyone will be involved, as is who spent 16 years organizing produce work- Conversely, most police officers are not able people who couldn’t leave their homes. required,” Merandy said. “We’re taking it ers in California alongside Cesar Chavez. racists or rogue and must feel unfairly What about the fundraisers — created by seriously; Larry is taking it seriously. But Ganz noted that stoking emotions against criticized and taken for granted. The city’s schoolkids — that distributed more than we’re not going to just jump into forming injustice is easy but, as Duhigg summa- police respond to hundreds of calls each $20,000 to small businesses in the region, a panel and not know where we’re going.” rized, “for anger to be productive, at some month and, like law enforcement every- or the volunteers who risked their safety The review must be completed by April point, it must stop. Victory often demands where, can never be sure what to expect to put free groceries in our trunks when 1 and include programs such as bias- compromise.” Ganz told him: “You have to when they arrive. many of us were stuck inside? awareness training for officers, commu- know how to arouse passions to fuel the I hated to see this confrontation in That was three months ago. nity outreach and a complaint procedure. fight, and then how to cool everyone down Beacon, namely because of how often I’ve Route 9D isn’t that wide, is it?

In other business… ¢ Merandy said there have been no leads in the police investigation of anti- gay graffiti on Fair Street near Mayor’s Park. He said an officer photographed the slur as evidence before Highway Department employees painted over it. “The police are doing what they can,” he said.” It might be a case where we need someone to come forward.”

¢ The board continued its discussion on reopening the public restrooms near the pedestrian tunnel, which have been closed since the outbreak of COVID-19. Tracey Walsh, the director of Putnam County Tourism, attended Tuesday’s meeting and said the county will supply bulk sanitizer, gloves, masks and signage to encourage the public’s cooperation. Merandy said the board is awaiting a proposal from the Chamber of Commerce to open the restrooms on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

¢ Highway Department Crew Chief Robert Downey Jr. recommended that the board accept a $98,000 bid from Ben Funk International in Hudson for a garbage truck. The old truck was badly damaged in an accident last winter. WIDE OPEN SPACES — There was plenty of room to roam when the Philipstown Town Board met in person on Wednesday (July About $26,000 will be covered by insur- 22) for a workshop at the town Recreation Center in Garrison. The board had convened only by teleconference since March, ance, he said. when the COVID-19 shutdown began. Attendance rules on Wednesday included wearing of masks and social distancing. Photo by Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current July 24, 2020 7

Across the Divide After a group waving Blue Lives Matter and U.S. flags announced a rally on Route 9D in Beacon on Sunday (July 19), Black Lives Matter supporters organized on social media in response and lined the opposite side of the road. Beacon police officers walked along the thoroughfare to prevent any confrontations in the street.

Photos by Alejandro Lopez 8 July 24, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

In 1987, residents living adjacent to the (from Page 1) Superfund Site northern shaft were stricken with arse- boot brushes, creating woodchip or stone nic poisoning and had to be hospitalized. walkways, and paving driveways. Investigation showed their drinking water The EPA estimates the remedial cleanup well had been drilled into tailings from the will cost $5.83 million. It is being assisted by mining operation. A cistern was installed the state’s departments of health and envi- by the EPA to replace the well and a warn- ronmental conservation. Representatives at ing sign placed at the mine entrance. those agencies referred questions to the EPA. In 2016, the property owner asked the EPA The Kent site was placed onto the EPA’s to repair the cistern. During that process, Superfund National Priorities List in 2019. the agency said, it found that the groundwa- It’s the third Superfund site in Putnam ter was still contaminated. Further testing County, along with the Brewster Well Field, revealed the arsenic levels in the drinking in which volatile organic compounds from water at 10 sites were unsafe and that the a dry-cleaning business were found in the soil had nearly 1,000 times more arsenic village water system, and the former site on than what would trigger removal. Kemble Avenue in Cold Spring of Marathon In the years since then, the state has Battery Co., which discharged contaminated posted signs along the lower elevation trails waste into Foundry Cove during much of at Ninham Mountain warning hikers not to the time it operated between 1952 and 1979. go off-trail because of the pollution. The cleanups of the Brewster and Cold Despite the high contamination levels, Spring sites have been completed but the the EPA only recently moved the site to its EPA continues to monitor them. The EPA National Priorities List, which allowed the removed the Marathon Battery site from its cleanup to begin. Sen. Charles Schumer National Priorities List in 1996, although visited Ninham Mountain last fall and as recently as 2018 the agency found that blasted the agency for the delay, accusing groundwater there still showed signs of it of dragging its feet on the issue for more contamination. than 30 years. The culprit at the Kent site is a series For those who don’t live on the affected of abandoned arsenic mines in operation properties or hike the lower trails, the EPA throughout the 1800s and again during said there was no reason for concern. World War I. Two shafts still remain: the “To EPA’s knowledge, there should be northern one is located on private prop- no site-related health risks or hazards for A map created by the EPA shows the parcels on the Superfund site in Kent. The red and purple dots indicate the test sites that had the highest arsenic readings. erty and the southern one is in the state’s people who are not in direct contact with Ninham Mountain Multiple Use Area. contaminated soils,” Mohabir said.

SUPPORT BEACON’S PARKS AND KID’S PROGRAMMING! JULY 30, 31, AUG 1, 2. 9am to 1pm 724 Wolcott Ave., 9D, Beacon * Ree-Play* S16ath lAnenu*a*l children’s clothing • toys • baby & toddler equipment • books • music • movies games • maternity clothes • children’s sports clothing & equipment • dress up clothing FILL-A-BAG • 1/2 PRICE *DAY ON SUNDAY CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED Wee Play Community Project

Masks must be worn over nose and mouth Please practice social distancing Please shop without kids if possible to keep numbers down. Thanks for your support! 100% of proceeds go directly back into the Beacon community highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current July 24, 2020 9 The Calendar

“Figs” “Gong Gong” The Artist Next Door Anneke Chan By Alison Rooney

nneke Chan is having a busy year. Last month, the 18-year-old grad- A uated as the salutatorian of the 2020 class at Haldane High School. She is spending August as an intern at Maga- zzino Italian Art, where this month she won the Philipstown museum’s inaugural arts scholarship, which was co-sponsored by the Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce. In June, one of her paintings, “Pool Party,” won the annual Congressional Art Competition for New York’s 18th District and will be exhibited in the Capitol in Washington, D.C., beginning in Septem- ber. She is the first Haldane student to win. This fall, Chan plans to head to Boston to begin her pursuit of a dual degree in anthropology and studio art at Tufts Anneke Chan Photo provided University. As of now, the school plans to have its students come to campus. works with themes of isolation and alien- The Magazzino internship, which comes ation. Because of the pandemic, “I was way with a $1,000 scholarship, is given to a ahead of the curve on that,” Chan says with student with an interest in visual art or a laugh. museum management. Her “Pool Party” painting came from Chan didn’t start focusing on painting the class. “It was based on a night I had until last year. “I have always drawn,” she with friends in the summer,” she says. “It’s says. “If I went out with my mom as a child, a transitory period for us, and I was feeling she’d bring crayons and a notebook, and sentimental. I was just getting into paint- it became my way of keeping myself busy. ing and struggling to find my voice. How I also did the Garrison Art Center camp.” could I make my paintings look like my Last summer, realizing she didn’t have a drawings? That one finally felt like me.” portfolio ready to apply for college, she took For the past two years, Chan has been the “Pool Party” an advanced drawing and painting class at student representative to the Haldane Arts The Art Effect in Poughkeepsie. “We had Alliance. “Theater at the school is well-done because she said realized that not every arts high school in Manhattan, but said to create a piece each week for 12 weeks and well-supported, and I’d like the same student had the chance to attend summer “making art in my own time is something and try to improve based on the critique,” for the visual arts,” she says. “Making art camps as she had. “We brought in artists I’ve always done” and that “teachers [at she says. “It was a very in-depth process, can be a way to better understand your- to speak with kids about their careers and Haldane] make ample space.” talking with teachers. After working that self. When you’re in high school and going related topics,” she said. She’s excited about what comes next. way, I want to be more intentional about through a lot of changes, it’s important that Growing up in Cold Spring, Chan says “Cold Spring raised me and it did a good the things I’m making.” people have that space.” she had moments where she envied the job of it,” she says, “but now I’m ready to The students were assigned to create Chan started an art club at Haldane “LaGuardia kids” who attend the public move away.” 10 July 24, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

SUN 26 WED 29 Jeff Daniels Two by Two Zoo BEACON GARRISON 7 p.m. Towne Crier 4 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library THE WEEK AHEAD facebook.com/townecriercafe desmondfishlibrary.org The Emmy award-winning actor Meet animals and learn about Edited by Pamela Doan ([email protected]) will perform original songs and their habits in this live online event. tell stories, then answer questions For a complete listing of events, see following the livestreamed set. Cost: THURS 30 highlandscurrent.org/calendar. $15 Ree-Play Sale BEACON FRI 31 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sloan Wainwright University Settlement Camp COMMUNITY BEACON 724 Wolcott Ave. | weeplayproject.org 7 p.m. Towne Crier Shop the 16th annual sale of SAT 25 facebook.com/TowneCrierCafe secondhand children’s clothing, Free Rabies Vaccinations The singer and toys, baby and toddler equipment, CARMEL songwriter will books, music, movies, games, 10 a.m. – Noon. Veterans Memorial Park perform new songs maternity clothes and sports 201 Gipsy Trail Road with Stephen equipment. Masks and social 845-808-1390 ext. 43160 Murphy and Trina distancing required. Proceeds putnamcountyny.com/health Hamlin. benefit the Wee Play Community Bring photo ID as proof of Project. Also FRI 31, SAT 1, SUN 2. Putnam County residency; without FRI 31 proof of prior rabies vaccination, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival THURS 30 pets will receive a one-year vaccine. HILLSDALE Mad Science with All dogs must be leashed and cats falconridgefolk.com Muggle Studies and ferrets must be in carriers. The Slambovian Circus of BEACON Dreams will headline this virtual 4 p.m. Howland Public Library SAT 25 festival on Friday and Saturday, beaconlibrary.org Trailside Zoo Reopens Bash the Trash, July 29 with a portion of proceeds going to Children ages 6 and older BEAR MOUNTAIN the Towne Crier in Beacon. can learn about the “magical” 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. in daily life from this theatrical After parking in the Bear STAGE & SCREEN TALKS KIDS & FAMILY performance. Mountain lot, walk through the tunnel and past the pool to reach SAT 25 WED 29 TUES 28 Story Screen Drive-In Preparing For and SUN 2 the entrance. Open daily. Sing and Move Legends and Myths from BEACON Having Your Baby Zoom for Toddlers Mount Olympus SAT 25 8:30 p.m. Story Screen Drive-In BEACON GARRISON GARRISON 724 Wolcott Ave. | 845-440-7706 1 p.m. Howland Public Library Next Step Hudson Valley 10 a.m. | Desmond-Fish Library 7 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library storyscreendrivein.square.site 845-831-1134 | beaconlibrary.org BEACON bit.ly/SingandMoveZoom bit.ly/LegendsAndMythsFrom 11 a.m. Memorial Park The much-anticipated, pop-up Dr. Meera Garcia of NewYork- Join Miss Gabi for a virtual drive-in theater will debut with four MountOlympus 198 Robert Cahill Drive Presbyterian/Hudson Valley gathering for toddlers and their films over this weekend and next: The Traveling Lantern Theatre bit.ly/next-step-beacon Hospital will discuss what parents. Register online. The Muppet Movie (1979), Mad parents need when they bring Company will perform adventures Supporters of Black Lives Matter Max: Fury Road (2015), The Goonies their newborn home and what to from ancient Greece as the gods will gather for sign-making, a WED 29 (1985) and The Big Lebowski (1998). expect in the first few months. meddle with humans far below. march, speeches and breakout See website for show times and Email [email protected] to Bash the Trash Watch online through Aug. 9. sessions. For more information, health protocols. Snacks will be register for this Zoom event. 11 a.m. email [email protected]. available for purchase. Cost: $10 ($8 Tompkins Corners Cultural Center CIVIC children, seniors, military) tinyurl.com/TCBash WED 29 SAT 25 In this “fun and funky family Most meetings are being Reading with Writers Colonial Flax Processing WED 29 show,” learn how to create cool- streamed or posted as videos. See FORT MONTGOMERY Dancing on the Half-Shell COLD SPRING sounding instruments from stuff highlandscurrent.org/meeting-videos. 7 p.m. Split Rock | splitrockbks.com you can find around the house. 1 – 4 p.m. Fort Montgomery BEACON 845-446-2134 The book club will discuss The 7:30 p.m. via Zoom MON 27 Get outside and discover how Way of the Writer, by Charles WED 29 The Expansive Theater Workshop City Council flax was turned into linen thread. Johnson. Register online. Middle School Book Club will present a reading of a new play by BEACON This family-friendly program will Peter Ullian, the Beacon poet laureate. COLD SPRING 7 p.m. City Hall demonstrate a flax break, scutching THURS 30 Email [email protected]. 4 p.m. Butterfield Library 845-838-5011 | cityofbeacon.org knife, heckle and spinning wheel. Bring More Diversity to butterfieldlibrary.org Your Landscape Register online to discuss Port SAT 1 TUES 28 TUES 28 Chicago 50, by Steve Sheikin. Romanistan GARRISON Board of Trustees Compass Arts 1 p.m. Hudson Highlands Land Trust COLD SPRING Performances hhlt.org COLD SPRING 7:30 p.m. Magazzino Italian Art 7:30 p.m. Village Hall BEACON Jennifer Lerner of the Cornell 2700 Route 9 845-265-3611 | coldspringny.gov 5 p.m. Seeger Riverfront Park Cooperative Extension and Ryan magazzino.eventbrite.com 2 Red Flynn Drive | bit.ly/compass-arts-shows Goolic from the New York-New Jersey In this drive-in screening hosted Small Tribe Hoops with Heather Trail Conference will discuss using WED 29 by the museum, documentary Davies will perform. Register native plants to landscape your yard filmmaker Luca Vitone explores the Dutchess COVID-19 online. Free and handling invasive species. language and culture of the Romani Update people. The film will also be POUGHKEEPSIE THURS 30 screened online. Cost: $30 per car MUSIC 3 p.m. facebook.com/dutchesscogov Women’s Networking SAT 25 County Executive Marc Molinaro Event VISUAL ARTS Towne Crier Fundraiser will provide the latest information HYDE PARK on the shutdown in this livestream. BEACON 5:30 p.m. Zoom SAT 25 7 p.m. Towne Crier State Sen. Sue Serino will host Members Art Show facebook.com/townecriercafe WED 29 a discussion with Krista Jones of and Sale David Broza, Steve Earle, Leo School Board Sparrow’s Nest, Mecca Mitchell of BEACON Kottke and Bill Miller will unite for GARRISON Westchester Medical Center and 1 – 5 p.m. Howland Cultural Center a performance of blues and folk, via 7 p.m. Garrison School Filomena Fanelli of Impact PR & 477 Main St. | 845-831-4988 livestream, to raise funds for the 845-424-3689 | gufs.org Communications on “adapting howlandculturalcenter.org Beacon venue. Donate at gofundme. in a time of change.” Register by The annual show will feature com/f/help-the-towne-crier-survive. MON 27 by calling 845-229-0106 or works by 30 artists from Beacon emailing [email protected]. and the Hudson Valley. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current July 24, 2020 11

impressed Mix-and-Match by the Given a theme and a list actors’ ability to transcend the of elements, writers craft limits of the online 10-minute plays mode. They portrayed intimate interactions with By Alison Rooney one another without actually being in the same place.” lthough it canceled its 2020 season Rory Roche, by contrast, is a because of the COVID-19 shut- veteran. This was his fourth play and the A down, the Hudson Valley Shake- second to be performed in the bake-off. “As speare Festival is still baking up a storm. a horror writer, I knew there would be a dead Its annual playwriting “bake-off” went body,” he says. “However, I imagined there virtual this summer, with a record number would be more focus on it. I found myself, of participants. Each of the 70 writers wrote instead, focusing on the water element. I have a short play (10 minutes or less) using at least a history with the Hudson River. Growing A Zoom screenshot of the Bake-Off cast Photo courtesy of HVSF three of a list of required elements around up, my dad took me fishing there. He passed the theme of “Mahicantuck.” Native Ameri- away in 2007, and I go to those spots when I cans used the word, which means “river that using a version of that writing exercise as Vernon Hamilton’s entry was his first feel the need to connect with him.” flows both ways,” for the Hudson River. a tool for community engagement. Once a play, though he has written many stories Roche says he found the reading of his Six of the plays were then chosen to be theme is selected, workshop participants and a children’s book, Isn’t It Scary. “It’s previous play to be “an incredible experi- performed on July 18 by actors via Zoom. create a grocery list of possible ingredients different, because you’re depending on the ence. Getting to watch my characters come This year’s selections were Dead Man’s and Vogel whittles the list down. The local visual performance of the actor, the expres- alive is such a gift. Getting to see it [this Hat, by Vernon Hamilton (a resident of workshops were led online by Christine sion, the body language,” he says. “In a time] on Zoom is a plus, too. I get the privi- Nyack), What a Week, by Alana Jacoby Scarfuto, acting director of the MFA play- story, everything is interior or descriptive.” lege of inviting the people who matter most (Chelsea), The Juicy Middle, by Meghan writing program at Hunter College. Asked following the performance how it to me since none of them are within driv- Malone (Putnam Valley and now Glendale, The first HVSF bake-off, in 2016, was felt to watch actors interpret something he ing distance.” California), Eb & Flo — A Wife’s Tale, by related to the festival’s production of Our wrote, Hamilton said: “It felt great. A story Next up for the Shakespeare Festival, Rory Roche (Wurtsboro), The Writing on Town. The other themes have been women’s reaches its audience over time and anony- which earlier this year canceled its live the Wall, by Jared Tamarkin (New City) and suffrage, coming home and Hudson Valley mously. But a performed play is a shared performances because of the pandemic, Devil Heads (or The Temptation of Ann), by harvest. experience, with the author, actors and is its annual HVSF2 series, with three Gwynne Watkins (Beacon). The ingredients that Vogel selected this audience enjoying it at the same time. It is new works by professional playwrights The bake-off concept was created in year for HVSF from participants’ longer communal. I will write more plays.” performed via Zoom. It begins Aug. 13. See the early 1980s by a group of young play- list were floating patches of ice, factories, He added: “I was surprised and hvshakespeare.org. wrights, including Paula Vogel, who went a painter from the Hudson school, canoe, on to become a longtime creative writing Bannerman Island, dead body, Mahican- professor at Brown and Yale and who won tuck, Indian Point, sailboat, tugboat and the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for her the River Styx. play How I Learned to Drive. Her play Inde- Ryan Quinn, an HVSF veteran, directed. cent recently completed a Broadway run. “The theme mirrors going up and down the She and the other writers were frustrated, river from the city to the Hudson Valley, Vogel recalls, because they couldn’t get their plus with COVID, and as a father, husband, plays produced. “We decided, as a vent for a black man, I couldn’t wait to hear how our frustration, to discern the formula of the theme resonated, then take the unique what made a commercially viable new play challenge to bring that to a Zoom audi- in 1984,” she says. “Then we were to go home ence,” he says. and in 48 hours each write a play to that He advised the writers: “Write your play, formula. We agreed that the three necessary and the hard and beautiful thing at the end elements were a front porch, a kitchen sink is you’ll be giving it away, to us. It’s never and a withheld secret.” exactly what you had in mind when you For the past five years, HVSF has been wrote it.”

Depot Docs Live Online presents: The Loving Story

JULY 24 | 7:00PM with Q&A

philipstowndepottheatre.org for instructions! 12 July 24, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Small, Good Things the texture crisp and tender, and the seeds, of which there are many, are so tiny as to be almost negligible. A New Pair of I suppose I am speaking of what the gods of marketing call “baby zucchini,” but are just fresh young specimens. The food writ- Glasses ers I trust specify 3- to 4-inch zucchini By Joe Dizney and most recipes that appeal to me spec- ify nothing larger that 6 inches. The home confession: I gardener has an upper hand here. hate zucchini. I have to admit to having heard the advice A W a t e r y , to salt sliced squash before cooking. In this mushy, tasteless — I am case, salting thinly sliced small zucchini (I hard-pressed to identify a preparation found 4-inch cucurbits but also discovered containing said ingredient that I have ever organic 5- and 6-inch squash at Foodtown desired in the least. in Cold Spring) did draw out a lot of liquid. As with most fried foods, it’s all about the It also concentrated the vegetal notes and batter. Zucchini spears are merely delivery created an on-the-fly “pickle,” negating devices for whatever dip or sauce accompa- the need to add heat to the process. That is nies them. And who wants to fry anything appealing in 90-degree weather. right about now? So, Carpaccio... While the vegetable is a New But it is the season and, as with most World crop (along with the tomato), zucchini endeavors during the pandemic, the chal- reached its warmest culinary embrace and lenge is to make the best of a bad situa- apogee in Italy and perhaps specifically Sicily. tion. It passes the time and, if you’re lucky, To honor that noble heritage, my thin, raw provides an unexpected pleasure. slices are dressed in a loose vinaigrette of Zucchini “Carpaccio” The misconception about zucchini and sweet sun-dried tomatoes, capers, basil and most summer squash (as well as other “fresh” Balsamic. If that’s bolstered with a splash of with Sun-dried Tomato-Basil-Balsamic Vinaigrette produce in this country) is that bigger is lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil, you’ve — Serves 4 — better. That’s why you see Bocce-ball-sized covered the flavor bases. A sprinkle of toasted tomatoes and golfball-sized strawberries. pine nuts adds some crunch. While not in the same botanical families, they Serve over a bed of arugula with a share a similar texture and flavor profile with garnish of shaved Parmesan and I’m seeing 2 to 3 medium (6-inch) or 8 to 10 1. With a mandoline or vegetable club-sized zucchinis that are the deserving zucchini in a whole new way. baby (4-inch) zucchini peeler, shave the zucchini butt of home-gardening jokes. Kosher salt lengthwise into thin strips. Size does matter, but smaller is better. It Anniversary Note: This is Joe Dizney’s 113th 2 tablespoons pignolis, briefly (Discard the first and last slices concentrates the flavor, the skin is thinner, column. The first appeared in the Feb. 8, 2013, issue. toasted in a hot skillet to lightly with solid dark-green skin.). Lay color; reserved the strips in a single layer on a 4 handfuls of washed and dried clean cloth or paper towel and arugula, divided among four dust with salt. Set aside while plates you prepare the vinaigrette.

2. Prepare the vinaigrette: Barbara Smith Gioia FOR THE VINAIGRETTE: 1 tablespoon minced shallot with a spoon lightly mix the Lucille Tortora 1 small clove garlic, minced ingredients in a small bowl 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and or measuring cup. Do not PAUSE Martee Levi drained overmix or whisk: you want a loose aggregation with distinct Looking Through 2 tablespoons chopped oil-soaked sun-dried tomatoes, drained, elements here, not a puree. the Window John Allen patted dry, chopped 3. Blot and wipe excess salt 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh from the slices; arrange in basil (plus small leaves for overlapping layers on individual garnish) plates of arugula. Spoon st st 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed vinaigrette over zucchini JULY 1 - 31 , 2020 lemon juice and arugula. Garnish with a 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar Maria Pia Marrella scattering of the pignolis, more (the best you can muster up) cracked black pepper and curls Ursula Schneider 5 to 6 tablespoons extra-virgin of Parmesan if desired. olive oil Patricia Hickman Salt and freshly cracked black Nancy Steinson pepper to taste Shaved Parmesan (optional) Grace Kennedy REFRESH Tim D’Acquisto Virtual Showcase @ Ada Pilar Cruz WWW.BUSTERLEVIGALLERY.COM Eleni Smolen If you are looking Pruningfor a “natural finish” is and an do notart want to see your ornamentals cut back severely to dead wood, choose artful pruning. Bill Kooista Artful Pruning allows your ornamentals to keep looking good. Grey Zeien Artful Pruning gracefully brings your ornamentals back to a more appropriate smaller size. 121 MAIN ST. COLD SPRING, NY 10516 BUSTER LEVI For an artful, natural finish, call Gregory, the artful pruner, with over 10 @BUSTERLEVIGALLERY years as a career gardener specializing G A L L E R Y #BUSTERLEVIGALLERY in natural and restorative gardening. 845.446.7465 highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current July 24, 2020 13

Something You Don’t Know research was going in a more scientific- About Me based way rather than using observation. I decided at that point I wasn’t going to go that route.

Alex Dubroff What did you do after leaving the lab? By Alison Rooney With a degree in anthropology, I couldn’t find a job. I wound up starting as a temp at Alex Dubroff, who lives in Philipstown, is a computer consulting firm. I was a recep- the executive director of the Topfield Eques- tionist, then moved into coding, which I trian Center. wasn’t good at, but they made me a proj- ect manager. I moved on to an investment You were an anthropology major bank, which was never my thing. My passion at SUNY Stony Brook but ended up was always animals. But having that work working with primates. How did that experience allowed me to gain a skill set I happen? never would have had and can put to work at That was always the plan. In high school Topfield [a nonprofit that provides therapy I read the autobiography of Dian Fossey, through encounters with its horses]. Your who studied mountain gorillas in Rwanda. path reveals itself, eventually. I became obsessed and went to college plan- ning to combine anthropology with my After you left, did you keep up with dream of studying primates in the wild. A the animals? graduate student asked me to be his research Yes. Jason and Jones are in a Texas sanc- assistant, and that’s how I wound up in a Alex Dubroff with Jones tuary called Primarily Primates. I went to non-invasive lab [in which the animals are see them five years later and they recog- not subjected to inoculation, surgery or nized me! I knew this because of a combi- biopsies], working with macaques, baboons, nation of their excited pant hoots, which is chimpanzees and bush babies. a particular call that a chimp does, as well as them signing the word “apple,” which What was the focus of the research? was one of the words we used a lot in teach- They were studying the evolution of ing them American Sign Language. The muscles and how that related to the evolu- majority of great apes — chimps, bonobos tion of bipedalism, or how we came to walk and gorillas — have been removed from on two legs, which chimps don’t — they’re labs because they’re just too smart — they quadrupedal. They put a tiny electrode wire have deep emotions, like when those boys into a primate’s muscle so it could track would scream. They need enrichment and when the animal is firing that muscle. the right kind of environment.

Did you enjoy the work? Now you’re around horses all day. Do I loved the animals. But I didn’t pursue my you see any similar behaviors? Ph.D. because I couldn’t see myself doing that You can’t fool a horse about how you’re kind of research. The animals were stuck in feeling. If you have anxiety, they sense that. such a sterile environment. But I became the They’re good at reading body language. But Alex Dubroff at Topfield with Onyx Photos provided caretaker of the primate lab and really got horses communicate in a different way. to know them. There were these two 5-year- device; we’d play ball with them — really, Can you share three quick facts about They are not human-like. old boy chimpanzees, Jason and Jones, and I we’d do anything that we could in order to lesser-known primates? fell completely in love with them. When you stimulate their minds, but it wasn’t enough. 1. Never look into a macaque’s eyes; that’s How did you get involved with looked into their eyes, it looked like you were There was also Kim, an 8-year-old female considered a threat. 2. Bush babies scent Topfield? looking into human eyes. There’s an intelli- chimpanzee. It took me six months of sitting mark everything. 3. A gibbon call is one of I volunteered, looking for solace, want- gence behind those eyes. outside Kim’s cage without her threatening the most beautiful things; they sing to each ing to be calmer in my skin, because I was They used to scream when I left the lab me. Chimps have seven times the strength of other in the morning. an emotional wreck. I was a volunteer for each night. The lab was devoid of any kind a male human. One day she initiated a game almost four years before coming on board of enrichment, and they were bored. I’d of tag so I knew she had accepted me. After- You planned to conduct research in as an employee. I’ve always had a connec- bring in boxes for hide and seek, and we’d ward, my dad was visiting the lab and wanted Africa. Why didn’t you? tion with animals; they accept me for who use enrichment devices where they had to to leave, but I knew that if I attempted to My professor told me that study in the I am. For people suffering from emotional figure out how to get the food out of the leave at that time she would have lashed out. wild was not where it was at, that primate turbulence, horses just have something.

The Gift Hut CURRENT CONVERSATIONS Catching up Online Ordering with Scheduled Curb Side Pickup or Shipping with Magazzino As the art world reopens, join us for a discussion with director Vittorio Calabrese www.thegifthut.com about Magazzino's plans and programs.

WEDNESDAY JULY 29TH 7:00 - 7:30 P.M. 86 Main Street, Cold Spring, NY Register to attend at 845-297-3786 highlandscurrent.org/current-conversations 14 July 24, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org Looking Back in Beacon

By Chip Rowe the Matteawan Opera House. The Fishkill Standard opined that “the Editor’s note: Beacon was created in 1913 time is rapidly approaching when Matteawan from Matteawan and Fishkill Landing. and Fishkill Landing must of necessity become incorporated as a city” because of 150 Years Ago (July 1870) their many shared connections and needs. William Dutcher, 20, a well-known endurance pedestrian, on July 4 walked at 100 Years Ago (July 1920) Williams’ saloon at Matteawan for 115 hours A Beacon woman who had her husband, straight. Earlier in the year, he had walked John Hill, arrested on charge of non- for 100 and 105 hours straight at Marine Hall support learned at the hearing that he in Poughkeepsie. However, scandal caught also was guilty of bigamy and that she was up with him. Despite being married, he was Wife No. 2. Hill lived with his first wife and found to have wed a 16-year-old fan whom their three children in Cornwall. Wife No. 2 he passed off as a servant to his sister. At had married Hill about a year earlier at St. his trial for bigamy, Dutcher said he had Andrew’s Church while he was employed at not been in his right mind because of all the the Beacon Tire factory. In 1920 members of the Beacon Fire Co. arranged for an excursion on the steamer walking. A jury found him guilty and he was Franklin D. Roosevelt of Hyde Park was Homer Ramsdell. sentenced to three years in prison. named as the vice presidential candidate on A well-dressed man who was found the Democratic ticket with Ohio Gov. James Sgt. Francis Murphy, who died in France and a drive was underway. unconscious in the road near Fishkill Land- Cox. Roosevelt began his political career of bronchial pneumonia on Oct. 4, 1918, A Connecticut man was charged with ing had been drugged and robbed of $180. in 1910 when he defeated incumbent state became the first Beacon casualty of the reckless driving after allegedly hitting 50 Sen. John Schlosser of Beacon to repre- Great War whose remains were returned mph on Verplanck Avenue. 125 Years Ago (July 1895) sent the 29th District, which consisted of to the city for burial. Vincent Grady of Beacon, a member of William Melius, believed to be the oldest Dutchess, Putnam and Columbia counties. A Beacon man, Stephen Mapes, escaped the Dutchess County Board of Supervi- conductor on the Hudson River Railroad, By one account, he won the farmer vote by injury when the steering knuckle of his sors and chair of its sheriff’s committee, with 44 years on the job, dropped dead advocating uniform apple barrels. Mercer roadster broke and both he and his said he had the authority to employ special at Mott Haven Junction. When he joined The owners of Vogel’s Outlet Store, passenger were thrown over a fence and into deputies if a wave of cattle, chicken and pig the railroad in 1851, he had been driving People’s Bargain Store, Sheldon’s Drug a ravine. His passenger broke both arms. thefts was declared an emergency. a passenger carriage between the Fishkill Store, a dry goods store and a confectioner Until city officials intervened, children State officials urged Beacon to speed Landing depot and Matteawan. created a “shopping center” by constructing from Camp Tioronda at University Settle- up its plan to automatically chlorinate the The Dibble Opera House was sold and their shops on Main Street between Sche- ment were swimming in the reservoir that water supply from the Melzingah reservoir, discussions began to change its name to neck and Fishkill. provided city drinking water. rather than doing it manually. Mary Hall, a former vice principal of George Cohen removed the seats of the The New York Rubber Co. and the Karti- Beacon High School, returned to New York Good Theatre in Beacon to use in the Rialto ganer and Co. hat factory were forced to after teaching at the American College in Theatre in Poughkeepsie, which was rebuilt close because of flooding after a heavy Constantinople [Istanbul], Turkey. after a May fire. The scuttlebutt was that downpour. A landslide blocked Wolcott Members of the Beacon Engine Co. char- the Good would be transformed into a Avenue and the water on Main Street tered the steamer Homer Ramsdell for an dance hall and boxing club. reached a depth of 3 feet. excursion to New York and Palisade Park. Rep. Hamilton Fish and John Cronin, the The Orange County Chamber of Commerce After a Weston Transfer Co. vehicle drove Beacon commissioner of public safety, lobbied appointed a committee to study the feasi- over a stretch of freshly poured concrete on members of the Poughkeepsie Auto Club to bility of a bridge over the Hudson between Main Street, a patrol officer jumped aboard support the construction of a highway between Newburgh and Beacon. and instructed the operator to drive the Beacon and Cold Spring. Putnam County said truck to the courthouse. it had no money to contribute but the men 50 Years Ago (July 1970) Roswel Conkling and Edna Davis of hoped the state would provide $50,000. The Beacon City Council rejected a Beacon, who recently had won the Upstate request to rezone a parcel at Church and New York dancing championship in Yonkers, 75 Years Ago (July 1945) North Cedar streets from off-street park- prepared to compete for the Ulster County An unidentified serviceman and Angie ing to general business. The council also title. One newspaper described Conkling as Pomarico, manager of the Sports Leaguers, discussed whether to adopt a code of ethics. a “past master of the terpsichorean art and each pledged $25 toward a covering for the A 13-year-old Manhattan girl attend- classic tripper of the light fantastic.” bleachers at the Memorial baseball field, (Continued on Page 15) WANTED Assistant Gardener GARRISON/COLD SPRING AREA • 3-4 days per week – available immediately • To assist a very experienced, knowledgeable gardener on a private estate (tasks include weeding, pruning, watering etc.) • Salary based on experience • References required Email resume and references to [email protected] highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current July 24, 2020 15

The Signer Who Got Away Nearly 200 years ago this In 1799, at age 51, he month, a signer of the moved to New York, the Constitution, Col. William home state of his wife, Few Jr., was entombed Catherine Nicholson. in Beacon. But no one They lived in Manhattan, kept up the grave, and a where he served on the relative eventually came state Legislature, was the to claim the body. state prison inspector and worked as a bank president Few, who was 80 when before retiring to their he died in Fishkill-in- country home in Fishkill-on- Hudson (now Beacon) on Hudson. July 16, 1828, represented Georgia at the Constitutional Convention in He was interred in a vault at the Philadelphia in 1787. He signed the Reformed Church on Route 9D. The soldiers at the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C., were made in Beacon. document but was absent for much Several campaigns were launched Photo by Tracy Lee Carroll of the debate because he was also over the decades to “maintain and (Continued from Page 14) erine Street who was carrying $7,000 in cash. serving in Congress. construct a proper site in Beacon for the historic figure,” thePoughkeepsie ing a camp for underprivileged children Few entered politics after winning Journal reported, but nothing worked at University Settlement fell into the 25 Years Ago (July 1995) acclaim for his military leadership out. With the vault in disrepair, in swimming pool and drowned before her The state Bridge Authority approved during the Revolution. He had been 1973 a Few descendant petitioned a companions could find a counselor. spending $189,000 on three automatic toll inspired to become a patriot after New York court to move the remains Negotiations stalled between the city machines for the Newburgh-Beacon bridge. his brother, James, was hanged by to Saint Paul’s Cemetery in Augusta. and the state corrections department The Howland Public Library asked the Loyalists following a tax revolt in over a 48-acre parcel on the campus of the school district for a $385,000 tax levy but North Carolina. Later that year, Mr. and Mrs. Matteawan Hospital. The state wanted received $310,000 and cut its Saturday Alexander Rogers of Beacon, The family fled to Augusta, Georgia, the land for its new Mid-Hudson Regional hours for the summer. representing the Fishkill Historical but Few stayed behind, where he was Development Program. The city objected to The Poughkeepsie Journal reported that, Society, attended a program in trained by the North Carolina militia. the rates that New York said it would pay in Beacon, “the loud reports from large Augusta to mark the colonel’s re- He saw his first action in 1778. After for sewer and water. radios of what is known as rap music are interment. Gov. Jimmy Carter was the Constitution was ratified, he was Four prisoners at the Glenham Correc- turning some aggravated business owners also there. tional Facility, a prison at the Matteawan to the city for relief.” selected as one of Georgia’s first two State Hospital complex for developmen- Officials gathered at the ribbon cutting senators. tally disabled inmates, were charged with for a $3 million project that would include assault after attacking guards with broom 27 homes at the corner of Verplanck Avenue handles and baseball bats. and Schenck Street on the site of the former The school district and the teachers’ Highland Hospital. The lot had been vacant HIGHLAND STUDIO union reached a tentative contract agree- since 1986, when the abandoned facility ment after a state negotiator recommended was demolished. that the starting salary be raised to $7,500 Residents of South Avenue and Dennings annually from $7,000 and that the aver- Street complained to the City Council about age class size be capped at 25 students. The the stench from the wastewater treatment district said it would continue to pay 100 plant, which incinerated about 35 tons of percent of employees’ medical bills and 50 sewage on each weekday. The city agreed to percent of their family members’; teach- test emissions to make sure they complied ers agreed that maintaining discipline and with federal pollution regulations. taking attendance would continue to be First Lady Hillary Clinton and folk part of their official duties but dropped a singer Pete Seeger of Beacon were among demand for life insurance. the recipients in Hyde Park of the Eleanor Samuel Wood announced he would retire Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal, given annually PRINTMAKERS after 14 years as police chief and 33 years on for contributions to society. the force. Wood said that being chief “is no The school district received a “magnet FINE ART joke” and that the “job is not what it looks school” grant from the state to address to be. It’s a lot of headaches.” racial imbalance at South Avenue Elemen- PRINTING Dr. Jonathan Slocum, who owned Craig tary, where students were mostly minori- SCANNING Selling organic House, donated $250 plus $537 from his ties, and Glenham, where they were mostly LARGE FORMAT produce every father’s estate to a city program to address white. The plan was to create a program litter and decay. called Democracy 2000 that used the latest Saturday at the HUDSON VALLEY’S Texaco announced that its Beacon plant technology to entice white parents from Cold Spring had developed a muffler filter made of around the city to enter a lottery to send ARCHIVAL PRINTING steel wool coated with alumina “which their kindergarteners to South Avenue. SINCE 1997 Farmers Market. will remove a significant amount of lead A federal appeals court ruled that Now accepting online and other solid particles from automobile employees at the Texaco laboratory in PICTURE FRAMING exhaust gases.” The company said the device Beacon had violated copyright law by preorders for safe and was one example of alternatives to actually making photocopies of articles in scientific print & map gallery easy market shopping. having to remove lead from gasoline. journals for reference or to share rather Sixty state troopers broke up a gambling than purchasing additional subscriptions. Order online and ring with raids at 4 p.m. on a Friday afternoon The Korean War Memorial was dedi- 845-809-5174 pickup at market. in Newburgh and Beacon. They said the book- cated on the National Mall in Washington, makers grossed more than $1 million annually. D.C. The memorial includes 19 statues of 31 STEPHANIE LANE Eight people were arrested in Newburgh and soldiers, each 7-feet-6-inches tall, cast at COLD SPRING, NY six in Beacon, including one resident of Cath- Tallix Art Foundry in Beacon. www.thehighlandstudio.com fourwindsfarmny.com 16 July 24, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

whose salary and benefits are about others, with an annual salary and benefits Reshuffling Planned for Putnam Health $147,000 annually, would also be eliminated. increase to about $121,000 annually. The Legislator say moves could Nesheiwat, the health commissioner, each The program already has a supervisor who other coordinators would rise a notch to addressed the committee, which met by a provides oversight, the department said. the same employment level as caseworkers save $225,000 remote audio connection. The Health Department would create a in other departments, Eldridge said. senior clerk position with an annual salary Legislator Nancy Montgomery (D-Phil- By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong Eldridge said the proposed changes present “a golden opportunity” to save the and benefits of about $78,000 to ease the ipstown), who is a member of the Personnel Putnam County legislative commit- county money immediately and in 2021. paperwork burden on the four early inter- Committee, asked if employees had helped tee on July 14 approved a reorgani- The changes would include the elimina- vention service coordinators, Orr said. He define the changes and was assured by Neshei- A zation of the Health Department tion of a principal typist job, with salary and Eldridge said the job will allow the wat that “we did get input from everyone.” that could save $225,000 this year. and benefits totaling about $111,000 annu- county to rehire full-time the last of the Legislator Ginny Nacerino (R-Patterson), The unanimous vote by the three- ally, which has been empty since March four people who lost their jobs when legis- who chairs the committee, said “the chal- member Personnel Committee sends the following a retirement. Instead of filling lators last year outsourced administra- lenge for government is to strike a balance proposed changes to the full Legislature for the position, the department would create tion of the Special Supplemental Nutrition between saving taxpayer dollars while consideration at its Aug. 4 meeting. an office-assistant position that pays about Program for Women, Infants, and Children, still maintaining services” and the Health William Orr, the Health Department’s $69,000 annually in salary and benefits. a federal program known as WIC. Department revamping would be “a stellar fiscal manager; Paul Eldridge, the county The vacant post of director of the early One of the four intervention coordina- example of doing just that.” ` personnel director; and Dr. Michael intervention and pre-school programs, tors would be promoted to supervise the

Planning to Grow Your Family? Learn How to Prepare and Care for Your Baby NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital and The Howland Public Library of Beacon Present a FREE Virtual Community Lecture and Q&A Session. Wednesday, July 29 | 1PM – 1:30PM

Learn how to prepare for your baby and what to expect in the first few months as you care for your baby and yourself from leading expert, Meera Garcia, MD, FACOG, an OB/GYN with NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley. A Q&A session will follow Dr. Garcia’s presentation. Dr. Garcia is the Division Chief of OB/GYN at NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital; Assistant Professor of OB/ GYN at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons; and Regional Director of Women’s Health Services at NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group Hudson Valley. Dr. Garcia sees patients at the recently renovated medical group offices in Cold Spring and Cortlandt Manor. To register and obtain the Zoom link, email: [email protected] For more information, call: 914-734-3576 highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current July 24, 2020 17

year we were thrown will be spent fine-tuning nearly every aspect light equipment. (from Page 1) Schools into it, but this year we of the reopening plan. A significant concern, The district also expects to provide parents 23-member committee of teachers, parents, can prepare. We want to he said, will be the strain on teachers and with a smartphone app that would help iden- support staff and administrators has been make a difficult model support staff attempting to offer in-person tify COVID-19 symptoms. School officials discussing options since June 25. In a letter at least predictable.” and virtual learning at the same time. could screen students’ temperatures upon to parents, Superintendent Carl Albano During a school If schools stick with a hybrid schedule for entry, as well, and enforce staggered entry said he would release the plan once it is board meeting on the entire 2020-21 academic year, Landahl into buildings to maintain social distancing. approved by the state. Monday (July 20), Landahl said he anticipates New York State will relax Landahl said that the district plans to Assuming Mid-Hudson schools are allowed Landahl took the federal government to its requirements for instructional “seat time,” rent tents for each of its schools to comple- to reopen, the Beacon plan would give the task for its lack of financial support for which is a minimum of 990 hours for grades 7 ment outdoor learning spaces. parents and guardians of the district’s schools and parents alike. to 12 and 900 hours for grades K to 6. Parents and guardians will also be roughly 2,800 students the option of send- “It’s hard to not be frustrated by this sense In addition to its altered schedule, the offered an all-virtual option that Landahl ing them to class for two or three days a week that localities can figure this out,” he said. Beacon district would implement a number said “will feel a little different” than the one or continuing with the full-time virtual learn- “There needs to be more support if they’re of health and safety protocols. employed this past spring. ing that took place in the spring. serious about trying to reopen schools. It’s Students would be required to wear In response to a survey of parents conducted In order to meet a state requirement that not just buying masks or buying filters for masks at school except when eating; the by the district after the shift to online learn- individuals remain 6 feet apart, the plan our ventilators; it’s about supporting fami- district has a stockpile of 25,000 dispos- ing in March, the remote option will include would have half of the district’s students lies” struggling with childcare and other able masks and may purchase a supply of more live teaching and student-to-student and who opt for in-school attending on Mondays issues related to the economic shutdown. washable ones. School buildings would be student-to-teacher interaction. It would run and Wednesdays, with the other half on District officials asked parents and disinfected midday and at night, and each daily but also will attempt to address “Zoom Tuesdays and Thursdays. The groups would guardians this week to complete a survey classroom would be equipped with ventila- fatigue,” the superintendent said. alternate attendance on Fridays. to determine how many students might tors to keep the air moving. “There needs to be more of a structure and “It’s not perfect, but I think we can keep return to classrooms. The custodial staff would conduct deep more interaction so it’s not kids sitting in learning happening for all of our students,” If the Mid-Hudson Region is given the OK cleanings after the school day with newly front of a screen from 8:30 to 3:30,” Landahl said Superintendent Matt Landahl. “Last by the state to proceed, Landahl said August purchased “auto-spray” and ultraviolet- said. “We’re working on what that looks like.”

and lost revenues. Overall, hospitals in New forever,” he said. “It’s not quite the same, Begg, when asked to name something (from Page 5) Hospitals York state received $5 billion in April and but it’s similar to fighting a war.” that stood out during the crush of patients, ing its pediatric unit, cancer center and its $680 million this month. Much attention has focused on the more recalled those who went home after being unit for post-surgical patients, Begg said. The day before the funding was than 25,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths hospitalized for weeks, and sometimes more MidHudson Regional Hospital in Pough- announced, Schumer visited Putnam reported by the state. But at the same time, than a month, without seeing their family. keepsie, which is part of the Westchester Hospital Center, where he called on the U.S. nearly 72,400 patients had been treated, “Seeing those reunions was emotional,” Medical Center Health Network, increased Department of Health and Human Services recovered and been discharged as of Tues- he said. “It gave you a reason to get up and its ICU and “medical-surge” beds by 50 to release more CARES Act funding. day (July 21). go to work every day.” percent, said Anthony Costello, the senior vice president for professional support Back on track services at WMC. Fortunately, he said, that Only select entrances at Hudson Valley was enough. Hospital are in use and inpatients are allowed one visitor at a time. Visitors Revenues take a hit must be at least 18 years old and have their Local hospitals spent money creating temperature taken and be screened for and equipping new units; buying personal symptoms. Appointments are spaced out protective equipment for doctors, nurses to reduce crowding and wait times. and staff; and covering overtime. The Nuvance’s hospitals and MidHudson biggest financial hit occurred between Regional have also resumed visitations, March 25 and April 29, when hospitals in with a one-person limit, and every hospi- Dutchess and Putnam had to forgo elective tal continues to provide COVID-19 testing. surgeries and procedures under an order Keeping patients and visitors safe is not issued by Cuomo. the only challenge. The lost revenue from those canceled Despite the precaution, many people procedures had “an enormous impact” on who postponed or delayed non-emergency the Nuvance system and continues to lag procedures are wary of using hospitals. At compared to the months before COVID, Nuvance, some patients suffered complica- Eaton said. tions — to the point of risking emergency The impact on the books at MidHudson surgery — because they delayed seeking Regional is still being evaluated, Costello care, Eaton said. said. But operating procedures are up 40 percent over the months before COVID, and Light in the darkness the number of patients is higher than this Over the last four months, medical time last year. personnel and staff at area hospitals were “You would have thought it was through treated like heroes. the backlog for the first month, but it’s The Dutchess and Putnam governments continuing,” he said. delivered masks and other supplies. Orga- On July 17, Sens. Charles Schumer and nizations and restaurants delivered meals. Kirsten Gillibrand announced that NewYork- Schoolchildren created artwork honoring Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital would their efforts. Actors such as Matt Damon receive $5.4 million, MidHudson Regional and Jennifer Lopez recorded video tributes $7.4 million, Putnam Hospital Center $9.2 for the staff at NewYork-Presbyterian. Signs million and Vassar Brothers $5.7 million in expressing gratitude are planted along a relief funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief grass expanse fronting the entrance. and Economic Security Act (CARES), which The pandemic has “been life-changing President Trump signed in March. for everybody in our area,” said Begg. Money was set aside in the package to “We pulled together as a team and we reimburse “hot spot” hospitals for costs developed relationships that we’ll have 18 July 24, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

OBITUARIES

Melissa Castro-Santos (1971-2020) Tim DeCarlo (1967-2020) (O’Toole) Hard, and was a graduate of survived by a niece, Toni Ann Byrne. Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose. A funeral Mass will take place on Satur- Melissa Castro-Santos, 49, Timothy A. DeCarlo, 52, As a young man, he worked at Vic’s Garage day (July 25) at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of died July 18 at Sloan Ketter- a longtime Beacon resident on Washington Street before joining the Loretto in Cold Spring. ing Hospital in New York and former city firefighter, U.S. Marines to fight in the Korean War. City after a nine-year battle died on July 13 at Monte- On Oct. 7, 1956, he married Pamela Dela- (1984-2020) with multiple myeloma. fiore St. Luke’s Cornwall mater at Assumption Church in Peekskill. Denise Sauer Born in Beacon on April Hospital in Newburgh. Bob was a longtime parishioner in the Denise Sauer, 35, of 24, 1971, she was raised in Newburgh, where Tim was born in Beacon on Nov. 20, 1967, Our Lady of Loretto parish at St. Joseph’s Putnam Valley, died July she attended the Newburgh Free Academy. the son of William and Patricia (Ketcham) Chapel in Garrison. Before he retired, he 16 at Northern Westches- She resided with her children on Parrott DeCarlo. He graduated from Beacon High worked as an operating engineer with ter Hospital. Street in Cold Spring. Her husband, Darrin, School in 1985. Local 137 and contributed to construction She was born Aug. 1, whom she married in 2000, died on April 4 at From an early age, Tim was passionate projects across the region. 1984, in New York City, age 50 of complications related to COVID-19. about being a fireman. He joined his father His passions included gardening, cook- the daughter of Charles and Louise (Galla- Melissa was a corrections officer at the as a member of Beacon Engine Fire Co. 1 and ing, model aircraft, astronomy and being a gher) Sauer. She was employed at Stonecrop Downstate Correctional Facility in Fishkill was a life member. He also joined the Castle grandfather (“Pop”). He could build and fix Gardens in Philipstown. until her retirement. She was a member of Point VA Fire Department. He was a former anything, his family said, and was always In addition to her parents, Denise is Our Lady of Loretto in Cold Spring. chief with more than 25 years in the depart- good for a laugh and a glass of wine. survived by her sister, Julie Thomas (Jason), Her friends and family remembered Melissa ment. Tim was a Yankees and NASCAR fan Bob is survived by his five children: Fran- and her nephew, Jason Thomas Jr. as always having a smile, no matter what chal- and also enjoyed four-wheeling. cis Hard (Pamela), Robert Hard (Kathy A Mass of Christian Burial was held lenges she faced. She was a great listener and Along with his parents, he is survived by DiBart), Mary Haskell (Tony), Susan Free- on July 23 at Our Lady of Loretto in Cold incredibly supportive person, they said. children: Timothy DeCarlo and Anastasia man (Robert) and Joseph Hard; 10 grand- Spring, with entombment following at Gate She is survived by her sons, Darrin Santos DeCarlo; his former wife, Amy DeCarlo; children; and three great-grandchildren, as of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne. and Daniel Santos, who will be seniors this and three brothers: William DeCarlo, Harry well as a sister, Kathryn Lounsbury. year at Haldane High School, and her daugh- DeCarlo (Joyce) and Robert DeCarlo. ter, Mikayla Santos, who will be a sopho- A graveside service was held July 18 at St. more. She also is survived by her mother, Joachim Cemetery in Beacon. Maria Mauro (1958-2020) Other Recent Deaths Elba Castro (Neil Martin) and her brothers, Maria Mauro, 61, of Cold Spring, died Beacon Marcelo Castro and Eduardo Martin. July 16 at NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Eleanor Kilgore, 91 Robert Hard (1931-2020) A graveside service was scheduled for Valley Hospital. Bill Komisar, 76 today (July 24) at Cold Spring Cemetery. Robert William Hard, Born Aug. 27, 1958, in Brooklyn, she Valerie Moriarty, 83 Memorial donations may be made at 89, of Garrison, died June was the daughter of Anthony and Sylvia Vera Wilson, 92 gofundme.com/f/santos-stronger or by 28. (Orlando) Mauro. In 1993, she married sending a check with “Santos Family” in Bob was born in Peek- Benjamin Bochicchio in Carmel. She Information provided by local the memo to Our Lady of Loretto, 24 Fair skill on Feb. 7, 1931, the enjoyed reading, fishing and her music. funeral homes. For more obituaries, St., Cold Spring, NY 10516. son of Francis and Lavinia In addition to her husband, she is see highlandscurrent.org/obit.

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and to have a positive experience.” see no infections, no deaths. But we’ve seen Fall Sports Season Delayed The state association requires that each COVID at its worst, so I remain optimistic.” team hold a minimum number of practices McConville said even a shortened season Option 2: Move games to If the state does not allow high school before competition begins. For football, it’s would be light years better than what winter athletics to begin on Sept. 21, the associa- 10 practices, meaning that a Sept. 21 start and spring athletes had to deal with. Winter March and April tion said the next option would be to move date would allow for games to be played as sports were shut down during the regional By Skip Pearlman fall sports to early 2021. Winter sports early as Oct. 1. tournament and spring sports never would run about 10 weeks, followed by fall Ryan McConville, the varsity football happened. he fall sports season at Haldane, sports in March, then spring sports in May. coach at Haldane, said that while his play- “If we can play six games, then have some Beacon and other high schools in Given the time frame, there would be ers were disappointed not to be able to play kind of bowl or championship game, we’d T the state won’t begin until at least overlap with the preparation for one sport in the regional or state tournament, they are have to feel pretty lucky,” he said. Sept. 21 under a plan announced last week while playing another, which could cause grateful for the chance to get on the field. Salumn said the worst-case scenario — by the New York State Public High School problems for multi-sport athletes. Section “Honestly, it’s good to know that we have no in-person school and no sports in the fall Athletic Association. 1, which includes 79 schools in Dutchess, an actual start date,” he said. “Aug. 24 was — would be a tough pill to swallow. The association also canceled the Putnam, Rockland and Westchester coun- looking a little early; I had a feeling that “It would be terrible for our student- regional and state tournament for fall ties, does not allow athletes to participate in would get pushed back. athletes,” he said. “They’re such a big part teams, which include football, soccer, more than one sport a time, but that could be “The kids responded well when we found of the community. But kids are resilient, volleyball, girls’ tennis and cross-country. revisited given the unusual situation. out,” McConville said. “We’ll run a virtual and when we return, we’ll do everything The season had been set to begin with “We’re all trying to stay positive, stay camp next week, and then maybe have to make sure they have a great experience.” practices as early as Aug. 24, but with that optimistic,” said Chris Salumn, the athletic another one. We’ll adapt and prepare.” McConville agreed. “I don’t think anyone date now moved by four weeks, the result director at Haldane. “We have the addi- How confident is McConville that the is prepared for that situation. All the things may be shorter seasons. The association tional month, and now we have an idea of Blue Devils will be the field on the 21st? “I sports provide kids — mental well-being, turn- also has said that schools must be open for what we’re dealing with. The goal for every- feel good about it,” he said. “In New York, ing young adults into leaders, helping them sports to take place. one is to have athletics back in a safe way, we’ve been trending very well. You want to deal with adversity — they need those things.”

Elijah Epps Tye Elias drove in two runs, including the game-winner, Tuesday vs. East Fishkill.

at-bats, and Elias was superb in the outfield.” The Poughkeepsie game was the team’s first game after quarantine,” White said. “We More Baseball! had very little practice, but they were disci- plined at the plate and we got timely hits.” Beacon 11-year-olds win 3-2, on Tuesday (July 21) at Memorial Park. Netboy picked up the win on the mound, James Brouchard picked up the victory and Alex Young and Schetter pitched in relief. first two league games on the mound, with four innings of solid Young and Schetter each had two RBI, and By Skip Pearlman relief work. Parker White started for Brady Philipbar and Netboy each had one. Beacon and went an inning. Eli Netboy The team is scheduled to host Kings he Beacon travel baseball team for picked up the save. Baseball from Suffern on Wednesday (July players ages 11 and younger got its Tye Elias drove in two runs, including the 29) at 6 p.m. at Memorial Field. T Greater Hudson Valley Baseball game-winner, for Beacon. The 10-and-younger Beacon team, mean- League summer season off to a solid start “That was a good team effort; East Fish- while, last week tied the Beekman Bombers, with victories in its first two games. kill is a tough team,” said Coach Anthony 9-9; lost at East Fishkill, 14-6; and lost both The Bulldogs opened with an 8-1 victory White. “James is new to the mound and games of a doubleheader against Pough- last week over the Poughkeepsie Lightning pitched well. He kept batters off balance. keepsie. The Bulldogs are scheduled to host before edging the East Fishkill Patriots, Ryan Landisi and Zach Schetter had quality East Fishkill today (July 24) at 6 p.m. Eli Netboy Photos by S. Pearlman