Reader-Supported News for Philipstown and Beacon

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February 26, 2021 Celebrating 10 Years! Support us at highlandscurrent.org/join Metro-North Putnam Says To ‘Abandon’ Sheriff Not Beacon Line Cooperating Could be converted to join with Review rail trail network Montgomery accuses By Jeff Simms Republicans of etro-North earlier this month announced its intention to discon- election-year politics Mtinue use of a 41-mile segment of By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong the Beacon line, a dormant railway running from the city to the Connecticut border. utnam County legislators last week If the commuter railroad’s request is accused Sheriff Robert Langley of granted by the federal agency that regu- P shirking responsibility in drafting lates freight rail, it could open the door Putnam’s police review report, claiming he for transforming the inactive railway spur has not provided them with updated Sher- into a publicly accessible trail, joining not iff’s Department policies or otherwise been only a growing network of walking paths in cooperative. Beacon but perhaps connecting to the newly Langley replied that an executive order opened, 750-mile Empire State Trail, as well. issued by Gov. Andrew Cuomo assigned the Metro-North plans to submit its applica- chief executive of each municipality — not tion to discontinue use of the line within law enforcement — to conduct the review. the next month, according to a notice filed Legislator Nancy Montgomery, who Feb. 8. represents Philipstown and part of Putnam A paved trail already runs parallel THE ROAD TO FREEDOM — As part of a national tour, a bronze statue of abolitionist Valley and, like Langley, is a Democrat, to more than half of the Beacon line — Harriet Tubman will be on display in downtown Peekskill until Sunday (Feb. 28), urged the three-person Protective Services the Maybrook section from Brewster to when it will be moved to its next stop in North Carolina. Tubman, who was born into Committee to not politicize the process. Hopewell Junction — and has been incor- slavery around 1822, was best known for rescuing about 70 slaves on 13 missions The acrimony occurred during the through the Underground Railroad. She died in 1913 in Auburn, New York. The porated into the Empire State Trail, which committee’s Feb. 18 meeting, held by audio sculpture, by Wesley Wofford, had previously been exhibited in Newburgh; Cape stretches from lower Manhattan to Canada, connection. May, New Jersey; Cambridge, Maryland; and Montgomery, Alabama. Langley, a Philipstown resident who took or, if you head west, to Buffalo. Photo by Ross Corsair (Continued on Page 7) (Continued on Page 17)

The Highlands’ Martian Connection Haldane grad will analyze his wife, Danielle, watched on NASA samples from surface TV as a rocket sent By Michael Turton Perseverance on its 5½-month flight ichael Thorpe, a 2008 Haldane from Cape Canav- graduate, may have the coolest eral. (“I don’t tell M job title of any alumnus in the her I love her to the school’s history: Mars Sample Return moon and back,” he Scientist. said of his daugh- Michael Thorpe Thorpe works at Jacobs Engineering, a ter. “I tell her I love her to Mars and back.”) major subcontractor to the National Aero- Watching the launch was “absolutely nautics and Space Administration (NASA) nerve-wracking and a bit eerie seeing it at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. go up,” recalled Thorpe, who has a doctor- His job is every bit as interesting as his title ate in geoscience from SUNY Stony Brook. — he’s preparing to analyze the first samples “The engineering behind these missions is brought back from the surface of Mars. incredible; you don’t want to see it explode The samples will be collected by Perse- on the launch pad.” verance, nicknamed “Percy,” the car-sized, Seeing the rover land on Mars on Feb. 18 nuclear-powered rover that reached Mars was just as poignant, he said. last week after a 1.4-million-mile journey. “It was surreal,” he said. “It brought tears This is the first high-resolution color image sent back from Mars by the Perseverance On July 30, while Thorpe held his 10-day- to my eyes when it touched down safely in after it landed on Feb. 18. NASA old daughter, Eliana, in his arms, he and (Continued on Page 16) 2 February 26, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

FIVE QUESTIONS: DWIGHT GARNER

By Brian PJ Cronin you up in the landslide of his thinking. Have you ever changed your opinion about a book after a review? By Michael Turton wight Garner, a book critic for Your commonplace book has catego- George Orwell was right when he said The New York Times and former ries, but Garner’s Quotations does that it’s hard to review books in DGarrison resident, is the author of not. How did you decide to structure bulk without overpraising a What will tell you Garner’s Quotations. the book? fair number of them. Some- I wanted the quotations to speak times I debate writing spring has finally In the introduction, you write that to one another, to throw unexpected a long essay that would arrived? Garner’s Quotations is an edited sparks. So I started at the beginning revise — usually down- version of a “commonplace book” of and let them flow like poetry. A series ward, but not always — quotes you’ve been compiling since high of observations about bores will flow some of my opinions. But school. How long is the full version? into a series of observations about it seems mean-spirited. God, it’s enormous. Embarrassingly so. It’s memorably strange meals; these will 40 years of quotations broken down into cate- crash into lines about psychoanalysis and When the little purple gories like Education, Illness, Social Class, airplane disaster. I hope some of these crocuses appear. Revenge, Drinking, etc. Printed and bound, transitions, often enough, it would probably be as large as the fat M and seem natural. Here’s O volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica. the bummer about writing something What defines a good quote? that reads like a Brevity, usually. Wordy isn’t witty. book of poetry: It sells like a Are there great writers who aren’t book of poetry. particularly quotable? Dostoyevsky is one. If he were a better writer, though, he’d be a worse one. He catches

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Walking to Meeting Shut Boscobel Down After Trail Committee outlines Zoom Attack three options for path The Town Board’s meeting by Zoom on Wednesday ended after 45 By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong minutes when a hacker replaced he Philipstown Town Board reviewed the on-screen discussion with a a proposal on Wednesday (Feb. 24) The third option presented by the committee would create a path to Boscobel that pornographic video accompanied T to create a path from Cold Spring to extends through the village. by loud music and a swastika. After about two minutes, organizers Boscobel, the historic estate on Route 9D wheels must navigate the shoulders and Option 3 would run up Main Street and shut down the meeting. about a half mile from the edge of the village. blind spots of Route 9D, a narrow two-lane through the village to Bank Street and on The proposal was submitted by the Phil- state highway. to Boscobel via a Route 9D sidewalk exten- It was not immediately clear how ipstown Trails Committee, which presented The Trails Committee outlined three sion. It would be about 1.7 miles. the attack occurred. Supervisor it as a way to reduce traffic congestion alternate routes for a trail, each beginning The committee said its next step will be Richard Shea said Thursday that and promote environmental and personal at the Cold Spring Metro-North station near a feasibility study, which will cost $35,000 he intended to file a police report. health and community interaction. The the Hudson River but accessible at other to $45,000, to determine the best route. The Desmond-Fish Public Library meeting occurred via teleconference. locations as well. (The presentation can be Jason Angell, a member of the commit- in Garrison suffered a similar The Trails Committee evolved in 2018 downloaded at highlandscurrent.org.) tee, said its members “recognize the chal- attack on Jan. 2 when a hacker from the Philipstown Community Congress Option 1 would go through the West Point lenges and how difficult it could be” to interrupted an event for children initiative to gauge residents’ concerns. A Foundry Preserve, using an old carriage complete a trail. with racist, sexist and lewd 2017 study by the Community Congress route from behind the foundry’s 1865 But the concept received enthusiastic language. To counter video- pinpointed hiking and biking trails across administration building to Gilbo Lane and backing from board members, although conference hijackers, Zoom in Philipstown as the top priority. To assist Route 9D and the Manitou School, located some in the audience expressed skepticism April changed its default settings with the effort, the Trails committee across the highway; pick up Inverugie Lane, about a path along Route 9D because the to require meetings to either have secured a National Park Service grant and a dirt track, and continue to Boscobel, road crosses Foundry Brook on a narrow “waiting rooms” or passwords. eventually hopes to see a path from Cold crossing back over 9D to enter the estate. bridge. Supervisor Richard Shea offered Desmond-Fish had a waiting Spring to the Garrison train station. Its total distance would be about 2 miles. optimistic advice: “Don’t aim low,” he said. room in place but the person Although located in Garrison, Boscobel Option 2 would follow the curve of the “Who’s to say there couldn’t be a pedes- slipped through by impersonating is within walking distance of Cold Spring shoreline around the Preserve and Consti- trian walkway attached to that bridge?” recognized users, the library said. and Nelsonville. However, anyone intent tution Marsh and follow the old carriage Some ideas may seem big, he added, but on reaching Boscobel on two feet or two road; it would be about 1.3 miles. “big things can still be done.”

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PUBLISHER Tell us what you think 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 FOUNDER city, and email or phone number must be included, but only the name and village or city will be published. Gordon Stewart (1939 - 2014)

EDITOR LETTERS AND COMMENTS Chip Rowe [email protected] Shakespeare plans There are also plans for a box office and ning Board session, two site walks or the The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festi- welcome center; picnic lawns and gardens; January special meeting devoted to this topic). SENIOR EDITOR val’s plans for developing 90 acres of the a public park; administrative offices; HVSF is a cultural gem, and our open Leonard Sparks Garrison Golf Club property include strik- restructuring and widening of the Snake space is irreplaceable. That is a tough nut. ing its Boscobel tent and replacing it with Hill Road driveway and associated on-site It’s hard to make good decisions on issues BEACON EDITOR bridge/culvert to 20 feet; reconfiguration as complex and consequential as this one Jeff Simms another, this one to be set permanently on the crown of the golf course ridgeline. of and additions to internal driveways without knowing all the facts. What Abra- ARTS EDITOR That, however, is but a small part of (20-foot width); installation of additional ham Lincoln (just turning 212, by the way) Alison Rooney the HVSF vision to transform itself into parking (471 spaces); construction of a said to Stephen Douglas in 1858 is as true [email protected] a cultural center with the avowed goal of single-family residence; reduction of the today as it was then: “In this age, in this becoming a year-round regional attrac- golf course from 18 to nine holes; and relo- country, public sentiment is everything.” REPORTERS tion. Its 30-odd permanent structure plan cation of the pro shop, cart barn and course I hope this paper is able at some point Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong is wildly out of physical proportion for Phil- parking to Snake Hill Road. to locate for itself a role in assembling and Brian PJ Cronin • Joe Dizney ipstown, intends to draw thousands of visi- Analysis and discussion of the many delivering the facts and fresh develop- Pamela Doan • Deb Lucke tors each week and would eradicate forever details — traffic density and safety; noise ments as this most consequential of devel- Skip Pearlman • Michael Turton a sweeping view of the Hudson, the High- pollution; light pollution; impact on flora, opment plans unfolds. lands and the Shawangunks. fauna, Philipse Brook and Constitution Tim Nolan, Garrison LAYOUT DESIGNER The festival’s design plans, contained Marsh; pressure on the aquifer; handling Pierce Strudler in documents sitting with the Philip- of septic; loss of tax revenues caused by Taliesin is the name of a sixth-century ADVERTISING DIRECTOR stown Planning Board, include installa- shifting 90 acres of taxable property to tax- Welsh poet and bard. It means “shining Michele Gedney tion of a permanent theater tent on the exempt status — is taking place under the brow,” which Frank Lloyd Wright used as For information on advertising: ridgetop (seating 520); construction of a aegis of the Planning Board. a guiding principle when deciding where 845-809-5584 back-of-house building; construction of Love it or hate it, all of us in the commu- to place a building on a hill. Never on top. [email protected] a year-round theater (seating 250); artist nity can agree that this is a very, very large Always under the brow, so it fits comfort- highlandscurrent.org/ads accommodations (about 20 structures); project, and that it’s going to have conse- ably and at ease with its neighbors — the hotel accommodations (up to 40 rooms); quences — planned and unintended — that trees and ridges and hills. MEMBERSHIP continued operation of the bar and restau- will reverberate down the years. I hope and pray that the HVSF will Heidi Kitlas It’s most unfortunate that with ramifica- listen to that good advice and not site their [email protected] rant (about 40 tables); continued operation of the wedding/special event hall (200-plus tions this extensive, it’s been ignored by this permanent new tent on top — like a carbun- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT capacity); and an outdoor pavilion. publication (nothing on the December Plan- cle — of one of the most beautiful ridge Teresa Lagerman lines in the eastern U.S. On that ridge line [email protected] now sits the 11th hole of the Garrison golf course, with a glorious view looking north up the Hudson, to Storm King Mountain, and beyond, on a clear day, to the Catskills. THE HIGHLANDS CURRENT If we have to lose one of the top 100 best- (USPS #22270) / ISSN 2475-3785 designed golf courses in the U.S., at least let February 26, 2021 us not desecrate the land while we’re at it. Volume 10, Issue 9 HVSF promises to be sensitive. OK, HVSF is published weekly by Highlands Current Please, live up that promise. Taliesin! Inc., 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819. Periodicals Postage Paid at Cold Spring, NY, Robert Cutler, Garrison and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Highlands Current, I live about three minutes from the 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819. golf course. We have 38 acres here which Mail delivery $30 per year. highlandscurrent.org/delivery we have made forever wild pursuant to a [email protected] conservation easement and have strug- Distribution audited by the Circulation gled to preserve. It is probably the largest Verification Council wetland in our area, teeming with all kinds © Highlands Current Inc. 2021 of wildlife. All rights reserved. No part of this I have also been on the Hudson Highlands publication may be reproduced in any form, Land Trust board and a participant in and mechanical or electronic, without written supporter of preserving the Fort Defiance permission of the publisher. Hill area, which through the hard work of * many has expanded to more than 150 acres. Winner: 58 Better I am aware of how fragile our natural Newspaper Contest Awards environment is and how much constant * New York Press Association, 2013 -19 pressure there is on the wild things that NNA* Winner: 55 Better live here. I see every day how much climate Newspaper Contest Awards change is a negative impact and stressor. * National Newspaper Association, 2016-19 Like many, we came here for the rural character of the area and, like many, we do NYNPA* Winner: 11 Awards not want to bring the city to us. for Excellence The HVSF project sounds lovely in many * New York News Publishers Association, 2017- 19 (Continued on Page 5) highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 26, 2021 5

LETTERS AND COMMENTS

(Continued from Page 4) better together. Please sign the petition at respects — the theater, the potential for change.org/p/27450199. a community focal point. In many ways We need to collectively focus on the need Voter Ups and Downs it has more appeal to us than does a golf for a supply of vaccines for Putnam and course. Nonetheless, our greatest concern our citizens. he New York State Board of Republican registrations rose 7 is the scale and environmental impact. Barbara Scuccimarra, Garrison Elections this week released percent in Putnam and 6 percent in We moved here with our children the same figures showing the number Dutchess. They were flat in Philip- year that the planet became more urban T Meeting before the meeting of active voters by location and party stown and Beacon. than rural. Being connected to nature has The Open Meetings Law is central to as of February 2021. The percentage of voters with no had profound impact on my kids — hope- our democracy, more so at the county and Compared to the figures before party affiliation grew by 10 percent in fully, on my grandkids — and to everyone town levels, where citizens have the great- the presidential election of 2016, the Dutchess and 13 percent in Putnam who visits this place, as it does on all of us. est opportunity to influence the outcome number of voters jumped 12 percent but only 5 percent in Beacon and 7 I am monitoring, as closely as my time of decisions (“Editor’s Notebook: Meeting in Dutchess and 10 percent in Putnam. percent in Philipstown. permits, just how large HVSF wants to Before the Meeting,” Feb. 19). You don’t need Democrats led the charge, with an The figures do not include registered make this. I appreciate that it wants a to be a Democrat or a Republican to see the increase of 21 percent in Dutchess, voters who have not cast a ballot in the permanent home but am concerned what benefits of this law, and the diminishing of 25 percent in Beacon, 17 percent in last two federal elections. it might do to many of our permanent the political process when it is violated. Putnam and 24 percent in Philipstown. homes. What will it do to water, air, noise, J. Carlos Salcedo, Philipstown traffic, wildlife (I know how many foxes, raptors, bobcat, etc., call this their home)? New York’s Open Meetings Law was Will it suddenly send a neighborhood of Nov. Feb. Feb. % % adopted in the 1970s, when the Government DUTCHESS Canada geese over here to muddy up what in the Sunshine Act was being passed in the 2016 2020 2021 1 Year 4 Year is one of the largest wetlands in our area? U.S. Congress — an effort spearheaded by 60,383 67,832 73,260 8 21 We worry about traffic on Route 9 and Sen. Lawton Chiles of Florida. Democrat traffic lights. I know that many like the idea At the federal level, congressional Republican 51,863 52,219 54,902 5 6 of a light at Travis Corners and Route 9; we committees and independent agencies like Conservative 3,619 3,621 3,785 5 5 don’t. It will be an annoyance every day. the Securities and Exchange Commission We worry about the unintended conse- were subjected to sunshine laws requir- Other* 11,898 11,809 12,181 3 2 quences of an expansion of Route 9. When ing them to conduct policymaking in No Party 48,974 48,232 53,752 11 10 we purchased this property 24 years ago, a public. Openness was the word of the hour, Total 176,737 183,713 197,880 8 12 big criterion was silence. You cannot hear supported by the famous quip by Justice Route 9 from our home and we want to Louis Brandeis that sunlight “is said to be keep it that way. the best of disinfectants.” Thank you to all for everyone’s focus and Most good policy ideas, when imple- attention on making sure that this project mented, have unanticipated side effects, Nov. Feb. Feb. % % PUTNAM is, indeed, a net plus for our special human often adverse to the public interest. Such 2016 2020 2021 1 Year 4 Year community, and the wild, non-human part was the case with sunshine laws. In of it. congressional committee mark-up sessions, Democrat 18,504 19,911 21,613 9 17 Susan Coleman, Garrison before those laws appeared, members could Republican 21,925 22,123 23,382 6 7 take positions they thought best, even if Conservative 1,930 1,765 1,795 2 - 7 Vaccine pipeline contrary to opinions held in their district I agree with state Sen. Sue Serino and or by big financial supporters. With those Other* 4,224 4,126 4,032 - 2 -5 her leadership calls for answers in the laws in effect, the public watched, with the No Party 16,311 16,413 18,428 12 13 delay of COVID-19 vaccines. I thought a front rows filled with lobbyists wanting to petition would help and ask you to join see their investments rewarded. Total 62,894 64,338 69,250 8 10 me in supporting efforts to expedite over- The same thing happened at the SEC due vaccines. and other independent agencies, except Along with many others, I went on the the Federal Reserve, where the chair, Drug World website to volunteer for the Paul Volcker, resisted all pressure toward Nov. Feb. Feb. % % BEACON Jan. 15 vaccine clinic. It was one of the sunlight. The sunshine laws greatly 2016 2020 2021 1 Year 4 Year most rewarding experiences I have ever enhanced the role of lobbyists and their had. More than 30 people have volun- bags of money in the formulation of public Democrat 4,264 4,839 5,311 10 25 teered and the community-driven clinic policy. Too much sunlight produces cancer Republican 1,330 1,222 1,244 - 2 - 1 has given 637 first doses and 215 second — in this case the role of money in politics. 114 94 102 9 - 11 doses through the nine clinics held. These For me, this is an ongoing tragedy. Conservative vaccines went to persons 65 and older. The Bevis Longstreth, Garrison Other* 549 521 550 6 0 clinic was a case study in how to do this Longstreth was an SEC commissioner No Party 2,239 2,089 2,356 13 5 public provision effectively. from 1981 to 1984 and is a member of The Alas, it’s a shame that there is an unsta- Current’s board of directors. Total 8,496 8,765 9,563 9 13 ble pipeline of vaccine available. We have had to cancel at least three clinics and I have a bone to pick with the editor: have halted operations when we could have namely, the omission of Republican Legis- doubled the number of vaccines distrib- lator Dini LoBue, who received the same Nov. Feb. Feb. % % PHILIPSTOWN uted. Failing to distribute vaccine is not an treatment as Nancy Montgomery from her 2016 2020 2021 1 Year 4 Year option, as we are serving the most vulner- colleagues. The column leaves the impres- able demographic: our senior citizens. If sion that this kind of secrecy and exclu- Democrat 2,762 3,194 3,437 8 24 sion is the price paid because Montgomery leaders at the top would expedite supply, we Republican 1,678 1,654 1,689 2 1 could reopen and protect our community. is the sole Democrat. Not so. This goes I cannot sit idle and watch this continue, beyond party affiliation. Whether Demo- Conservative 163 141 137 - 3 - 16 and plan to present federal, state and crat or Republican, it is the tool of absolute Other* 378 378 368 - 3 - 3 local leaders with a petition to release as power to squash dissent and dissenters. No Party 1,744 1,733 1,873 8 7 much vaccine as needed as expeditiously It is routinely used by those who wish to as possible. We cannot afford delay or maintain the facade of unanimity respect- Total 6,725 7,100 7,504 6 12 the loss of one more life due to COVID- ing executive policies and proposals. 19. This effort has demonstrated we are Source: New York State Board of Elections (Continued on Page 6) *Combined enrollment for Green, Independence, Working Family and other parties 6 February 26, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

LETTERS AND COMMENTS

(Continued from Page 5) switchback for the cell tower overlooking the Cold Spring Cemetery. I did not feel repre- Should This Be a Law? There are legislators who firmly believe that they were elected to implement exec- sented when I noted the 40 percent increase dent contractors who test positive utive policies and proposals, fearing that in large trees being taken down. I did not feel Bills focus on Beacon for COVID-19 notify their employers any challenge is a dereliction of duty. represented when we were not given a public sewage, mobile polling, either within three hours of getting Therefore, cracks of dissension in the town hall meeting after the switchback and the result, by 10 a.m. on the next facade must be covered up, prohibited, so trees were changed. Indian Point business day or three hours after the that the air of collegiality is maintained These were large changes to “the plan,” By Leonard Sparks employer or contractor’s business at all cost. The means to this end, as the which many of us were not in favor of. I opens if they open after 10 a.m. Viola- editor writes, includes loopholes in the attended a few Zoom meetings and was early two months into the 2021- tors would be guilty of a misdemeanor Open Meetings Law respecting caucuses. told to propose my suggestions in writing 22 session of the state Legislature, and/or a $1,000 fine for each day they I am not confident that this state Legis- for the new 5G policy. Of the many sugges- which began on Jan. 6, Sen. Sue N do not give notice (A05616). lature will ever do the right thing and tions I proposed (which were taken from Serino, a Republican whose district includes upgrade the Open Meetings Law. other New York and Connecticut codes), the Highlands, has introduced 71 bills; „ Require the state to reimburse munici- Ann Fanizzi, Carmel only one was addressed and I never Assembly Member Sandy Galef, a Democrat palities and volunteer fire companies for The editor responds: LoBue did not received answers to the rest. whose district includes Philipstown, 20 bills; the costs of medical treatment and lost respond to an email seeking comment for I am aware that I am not the only citi- and Assembly Member Jonathan Jacobson, a time when firefighters are injured after the column. A key difference between her zen who feels bamboozled, confused and Democrat whose district includes Beacon, 34. responding to mutual-aid calls. The bill experience and that of Nancy Montgom- unrepresented by the board. I am taking Below are a select few. Each bill was also requires that the state reimburse ery is that, as a member of the Republi- a class in how to be an effective citizen introduced for the first time or introduced municipalities for overtime costs. Jacob- can majority, LoBue attended all the secret participant. While I am growing confi- in 2020 and resubmitted. son cited the costs to Newburgh’s fire caucus meetings, so nothing would have dent, I hope to gain an effective voice. department when it lost firefighters been a surprise to her. Dana Carini, Nelsonville Galef is proposing bills that would: to injuries after they responded to an „ Require that Holtec, the Florida explosion and fire at a New Windsor I would like to respond to previous company that will decommission the Remembering Debbie cosmetics factory in 2017 (A00283). Thank you so much for the Looking comments on Eisenbach’s candidacy. I Indian Point nuclear power plant over cringe at the hypocrisy of laying the blame the next 12 to 15 years, pay employees the Back in Philipstown column. In the Feb. Require that sellers of property provide for the present lawsuit against the village prevailing wage rate and abide by collec- „ 12 issue, there was a mention of the acci- a certificate of occupancy issued within at the feet of our neighbors. This outcome tive bargaining agreements in effect for dental shooting 150 years ago, on Feb 30 days of the transfer of ownership. was a known risk of allowing the tower the plant’s current workers. The plant 7, 1871, in the Cold Spring post office of The law would not apply in certain company to bully the board into settle- is scheduled to be shut down in April 14-year-old Debbie Speedling by a class- conditions, such as transfers made to ment. In succumbing to the pressure, the (A02684). The prevailing wage require- mate, Eugene Allis. a relative of the owner or those made board divided our village. ment was included in a bill that passed I am a devoted researcher of my family by court order (such as in foreclosures), The residents of Nelsonville have a right the Assembly and Senate during the ancestry, and Deborah Ann Speedling was by a municipality or by an executor of and, in fact, a responsibility, to respond 2019-20 session but Gov. Andrew Cuomo a first cousin, four times removed, of mine. an estate. Jacobson said the law would to Homeland Towers and Verizon forcing declined to sign it, effectively vetoing it. My great-grandmother was named for her. force owners to keep their properties an unwanted settlement upon our village. She was the daughter of William Andrew up to code and, when the property is a Why aren’t our representatives refusing to „ Give counties the power to establish Jackson (A.J.) Speedling (1818-1860) and rental, protect tenants (A00360). Eliza Wood (1817-1898), surnames that I’m allow our tax money to be spent defending mobile polling locations for at least a settlement they told us they felt forced three consecutive days during early sure will be recognized in Cold Spring. Allow part-time students attending to accept? Our neighbors are bravely voting. The limit on mobile sites would „ Debbie’s gravestone is in the cemetery college or a training program, includ- attempting to protect the history, beauty be based on population as determined near the Haldane school. The inscription ing BOCES, to apply for aid through the and wildlife of their village after their own by the state Board of Elections and coun- reads: “She hath gone in the springtime state Excelsior Scholarship Program. elected officials failed to do so. ties would be prohibited from allowing of life / Ere her sky had been dimmed by The program now is only available I welcome Eisenbach’s candidacy and a mobile site to “replace or otherwise a cloud / While her heart with the rapture to full-time students attending the his pledge of transparency and honesty. decrease” the number of polling places. of love was yet rife / And the hopes of her State University of New York and City We need strong candidates who will insist Galef said the legislation would allow youth were unbowed.” University of New York (A601A). The Current is read with relish every on protecting our village and representing counties to expand voting access in week by me and my family, both the “old” us, their neighbors. hard-to-reach locations (A04568). Serino is proposing bills that would: and new news. Eliza Nagel, Nelsonville „ Reverse part of the bail reform law Dennis Boland, Cold Spring „ Allow counties, municipalities and Close calls school districts to pass laws placing passed in 2019 by giving judges discre- tion to set bail in domestic abuse cases What an incredible idea (“Reporter’s a moratorium for up to five years on Comp plan tax lien sales and tax foreclosures for offenses such as third-degree assault; I am writing to encourage your readers Notebook: We All Could Have Died,” caused by the pandemic (A05314). stalking in the second, third and fourth to express their aspirations for the future Feb. 19). So many of us became brutally The clock would start with the end of degree; and criminal obstruction of of Philipstown at the public meetings about aware of our mortality at a young age and state executive orders that have placed breathing or blood circulation (SB3842). the new comprehensive plan scheduled for that moment is so vivid in our memory. The writing conveys how quickly it all restrictions on businesses and gather- Monday (March 1) and Saturday (March 6). „ Require that the state Department happens, and that shock is still very much ings. Galef said the bill would provide Following a short presentation, partici- of Labor provide at least five years alive every time the story comes back in relief to property owners whose taxes pants can ask questions and provide feed- of free credit monitoring and iden- our mind. A very unique study about one are delinquent because of hardship back on the vision laid out in the plan. tity theft protection to residents of the million moments that makes us who during the pandemic. To read a draft and register for these whose information was “inappropri- we are. Thank you, Michael Turton, for meetings, visit philipstown2020.org. ately disclosed” by the department in this unexpected and fascinating read. Jacobson is proposing bills that would: Questions or comments can be directed Allow Beacon to sell its excess sewage March and April 2020 (SB3847). Jacqueline Azria, Cold Spring „ to [email protected]. capacity to private companies and Nat Prentice, Garrison individuals outside city limits. Beacon „ Require that the state Department of That experience of others has made it Prentice is the coordinator of the lost the ability to do so in 1993, when Health establish “step-down” facilities clear how our lives teeter on a very fine Comprehensive Plan Committee. its law was amended to free it from where COVID-19 patients can recuper- line. These stories could have ended very the obligation of having a Plumbing ate until it is safe for them to return to differently but for, to quote Bob Dylan, a Board, according to Jacobson. Regain- nursing homes, adult-care facilities or Nelsonville candidates simple twist of fate. And now, with death Thank you, George Eisenbach, for running ing that authority will give the city a assisted-living residences (SB4828). come knocking daily on our doors, it is for Village Board (“Two More Candidates in source of revenue, he said (A05399). more important than ever to tell those we Nelsonville,” Feb. 12). I did not feel repre- Visit for news know that we cherish them. highlandscurrent.org sented when I presented data for the illegal Require that employees or indepen- updates and latest information. Lynne Cherry, Cold Spring „ highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 26, 2021 7

the city in creating the Beacon-to-Hopewell (from Page 1) Beacon line connection. Trails advocates have long eyed the Beacon “This is a really natural addition” to the line as a key piece in establishing regional state’s public trails system, Kyriacou said. connectivity, and now, with the Empire State On the other side of Beacon, city officials Trail open, a connection between Beacon are also working on the Beacon Hudson and Hopewell Junction, where the Dutchess River Trail, a path of just over a mile that County Rail Trail (also part of the Empire would connect the Metro-North station to State Trail) begins, could be a natural fit. the pedestrian lane of the Newburgh-Beacon Right now, bikers traveling the 11 miles from Bridge. From its southern end, the Hudson Beacon to Hopewell must ride on narrow River Trail would be a short walk from the shoulders along Routes 52 and 82. Beacon-to-Cold Spring Fjord Trail, which is “There’s a lot of potential there,” said scheduled to begin construction this year. Thomas Wright, the chair of Beacon’s Wright, the city greenway commit- greenway trail committee. tee chair, presented a preliminary design Railroad companies have abandoned for the Hudson River pathway to the City thousands of miles of track since the Great Council on Jan. 25. Depression of the 1930s as Americans and The trail would pass through a wooded manufacturers became less reliant on train area and offer “dramatic views of the river travel. and the bridge overhead” before emerging In its notice, filed with the federal at West Main Street, near the train station, Surface Transportation Board, Metro- Wright said. “This is an exciting time for North noted that no trains have moved trails in Beacon.” on the Beacon line in at least two years, He proposed that the city pursue grants although a company called the Housatonic for further design while recruiting volun- Railroad Co. has the right to use the tracks teers to create an informal “social trail” under an agreement that dates to 1995. running from the bridge to a bluff overlook- The filing indicates that when Metro- The Beacon line rails run through the city and continue east to Connecticut. ing the Hudson, or about half the length. North acquired the Beacon line, also in File photo by Jeff Simms The plan would require obtaining an ease- 1995, the Interstate Commerce Commission ment from the New York State Bridge exempted it from most of the regulations In 2016, Metro-North put out a call for Mayor Lee Kyriacou said this week that Authority, Wright noted. that come into play when a line is aban- proposals to develop the nearly 28 miles of he thinks the Beacon-to-Hopewell stretch When the Beacon Hudson River Trail doned. It is requesting a waiver from its rail from Beacon to the Dutchess-Putnam is best suited for trail usage. He said city was conceived in 2015, the Town of Fish- contractual obligations with Housatonic. county border. At the time, then-Mayor officials met with Metro-North last year to kill planned to connect it from the north Housatonic, in its own filing on Feb. 12, Randy Casale said he hoped to see the line discuss the railroad’s plan to abandon the side of Interstate 84 to its own trail system, said that it would oppose Metro-North’s used for light-rail trolley service and to line. If it’s approved, the mayor said he’s but those plans are on hold, Wright told application to abandon the line. connect with the Dutchess Rail Trail. hopeful that Dutchess County will assist the council. NOTICE NOTICE VILLAGE OF NELSONVILLE RESIDENTS PHILIPSTOWN ZONING If you are not yet registered to vote, please register on Saturday, BOARD OF APPEALS March 6th 2021, at Nelsonville Village Hall – Pearl Street Public Hearing – March 8th, 2021 entrance between the hours of noon and 5:00pm. If you are not sure if you are registered, please call the Village Clerk at The Philipstown Zoning Board of Appeal for the Town of (845)265-2500 so she can check. Philipstown, New York will hold a public hearing on Monday March 8th 2021 starting at 7:30 p.m. via zoom to hear the following appeal. If you would like to request an absentee ballot application, they If you would like to attend, please email [email protected] are available on the Village of Nelsonville Website, or by calling to request login information before 7:00 pm on March 8th, 2021. the clerk. Last day to turn in an application is Tuesday March 9th. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Philipstown on Monday, NOTICE March 8th, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. Via Zoom. John McCann & Renee Perodeau-McCann, 14 Oak Rd, The Philipstown Zoning Board Garrison, New York TM# 60.18-1-38 will hold their regular Monthly Meeting on March 8th, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. (Applicant is seeking to build 42” feet from the property line the virtually via Zoom. zoning code is 50” feet. The property behind the house is a forest If you would like to attend, please visit the following link: area that belongs to the Winter Hill Property) https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ AikrvZS0Tvyo-ohOGAe1Rg At said hearing all persons will have the right to be heard. Copies of the application, plat map, and vother related materials may be seen Register in advance for this webinar: in the Office of the Building Department, 2 Cedar Street, Cold Spring, After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. New York.

OR email [email protected] to request login information before Dated February 8th, 2021 | Robert Dee, Chairman of the Town of Philipstown Zoning Board of Appeals 7 pm on March 8th, 2021. 8 February 26, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org Coronavirus Update COVID-19 by the Numbers ¢ State health officials said that, as of Wednesday (Feb. 24), 8,244 people had PUTNAM COUNTY tested positive for COVID-19 in Putnam Number of confirmed cases: County; 21,968 in Dutchess; 106,129 in Westchester; 38,138 in Rockland; 9,898 in (+220) Ulster; and 36,334 in Orange. Statewide, 8,244 New Cases in Philipstown: 37 there have been 1,606,520 positives, includ- ing 698,751 in New York City. Statewide, Tests administered: 38,227 people had died as of Feb. 24. For the latest numbers, see highlandscurrent.org. 162,877 (+7,414) ¢ Putnam had 259 active cases for the week Percent positive: ending Feb. 18, with 37 new cases reported in Philipstown, which has had 729 since March. 5.1 (-0.1) There were 89 new cases in Carmel, 34 in Medical Reserve Corps and Putnam County public health nurses posed with Commissioner Number of deaths: Kent, 23 in Patterson, 25 in Putnam Valley of Health Dr. Michael Nesheiwat on Feb. 4 before the doors opened at the first second- dose clinic held in the county, at the Carmel senior center. Photo by Susan Hoffner/Putnam County and 30 in Southeast. Nine people were hospi- (+1) talized at Putnam Hospital in Carmel. 86 ¢ Beacon’s St. Patrick’s Parade Day of nystateofhealth.gov or call 855-355-5777. ¢ As of Wednesday (Feb. 24), the state Green, scheduled for March 13, has been DUTCHESS COUNTY reported a positivity rate in Dutchess canceled due to the pandemic. Entry fees ¢ Cuomo extended his state of emergency Number of confirmed cases: County in February of 4.2 percent, compared and donations will be credited toward order through March 16, allowing public to 7.4 percent in January. In Putnam, the next year’s event. “Although we made some meetings to continue to be held remotely. 21,698 (+476) positivity rate in February was 4.2 percent, preparations with hopes of going forward, Active Cases in Beacon: 38 compared to 7.6 percent in January. the reality is that the most sensible step is ¢ Indoor family entertainment centers cancellation,” organizers said. and places of amusement will be allowed Tests administered: ¢ As of Feb. 24, Putnam was averaging to open at 25 percent capacity beginning 36 new cases a day in February, less than ¢ Nursing homes can resume allowing visi- March 26, and outdoor amusement parks 525,059 (+19,555) half the 79 average daily cases for January. tors, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Feb. 19, will be allowed to open at 33 percent capac- Dutchess County was averaging 112 cases under guidance issued by the state Health ity beginning April 9, Cuomo announced Percent positive: a day in February compared to 223 daily Department on Monday. It recommends visi- on Feb. 17. The governor also said summer for January. tors be screened for COVID-19 using rapid camps can begin planning to reopen. 4.2 (0) tests, which the state said it would provide Number of deaths: ¢ The number of people with COVID-19 to nursing homes at no charge. ¢ Along with bars and restaurants, who are hospitalized in New York state as of gyms, fitness centers, casinos, pool halls 406 (+6) Feb. 24 stood at 5,703; the number in inten- ¢ New York City restaurants were allowed and other businesses with liquor licenses sive care was 1,124; and the number of intu- to expand indoor dining to 35 percent of were allowed to remain open until 11 p.m. Source: New York State Department of bations was 774. In the Mid-Hudson Valley, capacity as of today (Feb. 26) to match New instead of 10 p.m. under an executive order Health, as of Feb. 24, with weekly change in 44 percent of hospital beds were available Jersey’s limit. that took effect on Feb. 14. parentheses. New cases in Philipstown is for week ending Feb. 18. and 42 percent of ICU beds. ¢ As of Feb. 24, according to the State ¢ The Beacon Wellness Pharmacy at 333 ¢ Dutchess County reported its first case COVID Report Card, Haldane had reported 27 Main St. is offering rapid COVID-19 tests. ¢ The federal government extended a of the “U.K. strain” of the virus on Sunday students and 14 teachers/staff who had tested Call 845-765-8878 to make an appointment. temporary moratorium for most evictions (Feb. 20) and Putnam County on Tues- positive; Garrison reported six students and until May 31. To be eligible, renters must day (Feb. 23). Statewide, 154 cases had seven teachers/staff; and Beacon reported 70 ¢ Brides and grooms can resume hold- have experienced a “substantial” loss of been confirmed, including 83 in New York students and 36 teachers/staff. ing wedding receptions starting March 15. household income, a layoff or “extraordi- City. The state’s first case of the “South Events must be approved by local health nary” out-of-pocket medical expenses and African strain” was identified in a Nassau ¢ New York is extending the open departments and be limited to 50 percent can’t expect to earn more than $99,000 County resident, the state said on Sunday. enrollment period for its health insur- of capacity and no more than 150 people. in 2020 (or $198,000 for married people Both strains are considered more contagious ance exchange to May 15. Residents need- Each guest must be tested for COVID-19. filing their tax returns jointly). A declara- than the version now dominant in the U.S. ing coverage can find plans and enroll at tion form is required.

¢ The state has established a COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 844-863- NOTICE 9314 for mental health counseling and resources. Health care workers can text AERY 20/20 NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access 24/7 The Philipstown Conservation Board emotional support services. For more infor- SO-OVER-COVID will hold their regular Monthly Meeting on March 9th, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. mation, see omh.ny.gov. One-Act Play Festival virtually via Zoom. ¢ Questions? Dutchess County posts 2 nights of selected one-acts (mature If you would like to attend, please visit the following link: content) to view online and vote for your updates at dutchessny.gov and has a hotline favorites! Winners will perform in the https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/ at 845-486-3555. Putnam County posts Depot's Pop Up Patio Series in the spring! WN_8wa8XNbMRoOcfills_FHKA info at putnamcountyny.com. New York State has a hotline at 888-364-3065 and ONLINE Performances: Register in advance for this webinar: a webpage at coronavirus.health.ny.gov, February 27 at 8pm & March 6 at 8pm After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information which is also where you can find a test- about joining the webinar. ing site. The state also created an email list to provide updates. The federal Centers OR email [email protected] to request login information before for Disease Control and Prevention posts philipstowndepottheatre.org 7 pm on March 9th, 2021. for tickets and play titles updates at cdc.gov. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 26, 2021 9 Sen. Serino Tests Positive for COVID-19 Drug World Comes seven months Serino said in a post on Twitter that she The diagnosis comes seven months after was sharing news about her positive test Serino revealed that she had been diag- COVID-19 after she revealed cancer because “while the vaccine has us all look- nosed with early-stage breast cancer and diagnosis ing toward the future, it’s important to was beginning four weeks of treatment. Update remain vigilant.” Serino was diagnosed with ductal carci- tate Sen. Sue Serino, a Republican “I am feeling good today, but I have been noma in situ (DCIS), a form of non-inva- Vaccine in short supply; whose district includes the High- experiencing many flu-like symptoms and sive breast cancer. While the lumpectomy quick test available lands, announced this week that she want to reiterate that we cannot take this was successful, the tumor began to spread S By Michael Turton tested positive for COVID-19 after recently virus for granted,” Serino said on Monday before it was removed, she said. experiencing symptoms. (Feb. 22). n the past six weeks, Drug World in Cold Spring has administered 637 that had been delayed by winter storms. appointment and they couldn’t schedule Ifirst doses of the Moderna COVID-19 Two hundred will go to people waiting for them,” Molinaro said. vaccine and 215 second doses but it has Vaccine Update their second dose; 100 to residents with received no new first doses in three weeks, developmental disabilities; and 200 for ¢ The federal government is doubling according to owner Heidi Snyder. ¢ As of Thursday (Feb. 25), 88 percent of essential workers and residents with eligi- its vaccine allocation to pharmacies to 2 The independent pharmacy plans to the 4.5 million doses of the Pfizer-BioN- ble underlying medical conditions. million doses and increasing the doses sent give 400 people their second doses today Tech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines weekly to states by roughly 2.5 million, the (Feb. 26) at the North Highlands Fire received from the federal government had ¢ Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson, White House said on Feb. 16. House in Philipstown and on Wednesday been administered in New York state. Both whose district includes Beacon, called on (March 3) at the Chestnut Ridge senior require two doses given weeks apart. the state to establish permanent vaccina- ¢ The percentage of hospital workers apartments in Cold Spring. New York tion sites in Newburgh and Poughkeepsie vaccinated in Putnam County rose to State currently only allows pharmacies ¢ The Mid-Hudson Region, which and to simplify its “haphazard and frus- 60 percent as of Feb. 15, compared to 54 to vaccinate people who are 65 or older. includes Dutchess, Putnam and five other trating signup process” for vaccines. The percent two weeks earlier. The rate is still Snyder said she recently applied for counties, had administered 82 percent state held “pop-up” clinics at the Newburgh the lowest among the seven counties in 1,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and will of the 446,000 first and second doses Armory and a church in Poughkeepsie but the Mid-Hudson Region. Dutchess had 85 consider asking for the one-shot Johnson received, as of Feb. 25. It was the lowest “residents need reliability and consis- percent of its hospital workers vaccinated & Johnson vaccine once it is available. “We rate among the state’s 10 regions. In New tency,” he said. He said the state needs a as of Feb. 15. get whatever the state decides to give us,” York City, the administration rate was 88 “user-friendly” system where people can Snyder said. percent and on Long Island, 85 percent. sign up by phone or online and receive an ¢ Residents of any age with certain medi- She said those who are able to book The North Country had the highest rate, alert when an appointment is available cal conditions, including cancer, diabetes, appointments via drugworld.com are at 95 percent. nearby. heart conditions and pulmonary disease, placed in a schedule program similar to as well as pregnant women, were eligi- the state system. “About a half-hour before ¢ As of Feb. 25, 11.4 percent of Dutchess ¢ Dutchess County Executive Marc Molin- ble as of Feb. 15 to book appointments at our scheduler goes live on our website, we County residents had received first doses aro is lobbying the state to open a mass- am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov. announce it on Facebook,” she said. The and 5.7 percent had gotten second doses. In vaccination site at the former JCPenney People with underlying health conditions appointment slots typically fill within 10 Putnam County, 12.9 percent of residents space at Poughkeepsie Galleria, which is account for about 92 percent of the state’s minutes, she said. had received a first dose and 6.8 percent now being used by the county health depart- 36,000 deaths. Besides herself, the only person who had gotten the booster. ment to administer vaccines. In a letter to has access to the scheduler is her son, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Molinaro said the ¢ Nancy Berlinger, a research scholar Mark, who is the chief operating officer, ¢ Philipstown announced on Feb. 23 that space, at 185,000 square feet, is “currently with the Hastings Institute in Garrison, and no one is added by request, she said. Haldane High School seniors are volun- operating well below its capacity.” was interviewed by The New York Times There is a waiting list that has about 130 teering to help older residents who are and The Philadelphia Inquirer about names, however, and if doses remain at having difficulty getting appointments ¢ Dutchess had to cancel about 500 “queue-jumping,” in which people ineligi- the end of a clinic because of cancella- online. Residents can email their phone appointments because a link the county ble for vaccines in their home states travel tions or because “we were able to squeeze number and consent to be contacted by sends to school districts, fire departments, to other states to get their shots. Other an extra vaccination out of a batch,” she a student to Philipstown Town Council- police agencies and other employers was people are using money, connections and makes a call. woman Judy Farrell at jfarrell@philip- shared publicly on Feb. 16. “I understand deception to bypass eligibility guidelines, But you’d better be close. Because the stown.com. you got an appointment, it was canceled, according to the reports. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can only be it’s unnerving, but equally unnerving was kept at room temperature for a short time, ¢ Putnam County on Monday (Feb. 22) the fact that there were 500 people who ¢ Sports and entertainment venues seat- “you have to come immediately,” she said. received a shipment of 500 Moderna doses were already told they were getting an ing at least 10,000 people were allowed to “You have to be within about a 10-minute open at 10 percent capacity as of Feb. 23. drive. If I draw a dose at 2 p.m., I have to Staff and spectators must have a negative use it by 8 p.m. I don’t want to waste that COVID-19 test within 72 hours of an event. extra dose; I want to get it into an arm.” Getting added to the waiting list NOTICE ¢ Dutchess County has replaced the requires a visit to Drug World. “If some- online form residents fill out to receive one can’t get to the store to be put on the Philipstown email notifications about upcoming list, they won’t likely be able get there for a vaccination appointments, a change that vaccination, either,” Snyder explained. The Planning Board requires the roughly 25,000 people now waiting list is not available online. receiving updates to complete the form She noted that Drug World also began Site Visit – March 7th, 2021 again. The new form asks residents to iden- selling the Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 tify their eligibility category. Anyone with- test this week. The Philipstown Planning out internet access can call 845-486-3555 After buying the $65 kit, a customer Board will meet on Sunday, for updates. applies a nose swab while sitting in his March 7th, 2021 at 9:30 am or her car. The swab is returned to the to inspect the following site: ¢ New York earlier this month began store and “within an hour you receive vaccinating the 1,075 prisoners in state your results via text,” Snyder explained. Mark Conn, 242 Route 403 prisons who are 65 or older. Tests can be booked at drugworld.com on Garrison, New York a smartphone by clicking on “COVID-19 TM# 71.-2-10 Services” and then “Antigen Test.” 10 February 26, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

AROUND TOWN

 BE CAREFUL — The snowfall earlier this week created slippery road conditions on Monday (Feb. 22) that led to this single-vehicle accident on Route 9. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to an email asking if anyone had been injured. Photo by Lydia JA Langley/PCSO

 GIVE BLOOD — With the blood  NEW HELPER — Putnam Service supply in the U.S. at a critically low Dogs has placed its first four level, Our Lady of Loretto in Cold dogs; recipients include a woman Spring was the site of a drive on with brain cancer, a woman with Wednesday (Feb. 24) that drew 47 mobility problems, a girl with donors, said Kathryn O’Hara, the epilepsy and a boy who is deaf. coordinator. The dogs — one is a poodle and the Photo by Ross Corsair others mixed breeds — retrieve dropped items and help people  CHICKEN VISIT — The Beacon navigate. Putnam Service Dogs is Hood Chicken, aka The Mayor, paid seeking volunteer puppy-raisers; a visit this week to Dutchess County see putnamservicedogs.org or call Executive Marc Molinaro, who is 917-449-5359. Photos provided rumored to have named her the county’s “poultry laureate.” T:10.25”

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Job Info Approvals Client NY Presbyterian Users FreelancerProd / Jovan Sekulovski Art Director Job NYPH 6987 Current Date 2-10-2021 11:12 AM Copywriter Creation Date 2-10-2021 11:11 AM Account MATERIALS PREPARED BY Live None Studio Artist Jovan Trim 10.25” x 6.375” Printed at None SEIDEN Proofreader 212.223.8700 Bleed None Page # 1 Project Mgr Meredith Inks Fonts Notes Cyan, Magenta, TheSans (B7 Bold, B4 SemiLight, B4 SemiLight Italic, B7 Bold Italic) Yellow, Black Images NYP_LDRP-NoPeople_SNAP.tif (CMYK; 1064 ppi; 28.19%), COL_NYP_CoBrand_Hz_2020_4C_KO.eps (36.68%), NYP_HV_Maternity_IMG_3903_SNAP_ALT.tif (CMYK; 980 ppi; 30.58%), NYP_HV_Maternity_FirstBaby_SNAP.tif (CMYK; 895 ppi; 33.49%), NYPH_h_KO_4C.eps (40.91%) Round: FINAL highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 26, 2021 11 The Calendar Rediscovering Susan Weil Ice House will mount solo ‘blueprints,’ ” a method of exposing blue- print paper to light and using objects and show by 90-year-old artist people to make impressions; some consider By Alison Rooney it a foundational development in Rauschen- berg’s early work, Johnson explains. t’s not as if Susan Weil has slipped by “She played a major role, which wasn’t unnoticed over the course of her 70-year credited enough,” she adds. “People started Icareer as a painter, printer and book looking at the work and revisiting her. designer. After all, her work is included in There’s so much more that should, and the collections of the Museum of Modern hopefully will, happen with her work. She Art (New York City), the Getty Museum had a career that was her own. I want her (Los Angeles), the Menil Collection (Hous- work to stand out for her.” ton) and others around the world. Weil had more of a career in Europe than But somehow — perhaps because of the in the U.S. during the 1970s and 1980s, lack of a spotlight on work by women during Johnson says. “That happened and still her younger years — she had never had a happens a lot for conceptual artists. Figura- major solo show in New York City. That tion, or the body moving through space as a added impetus to Jayne Drost Johnson’s way to mark time, has always been impor- desire to turn the spotlight on the 90-year- tant to her, and it was not necessarily fash- old artist with a solo exhibition that will run ionable with that crowd. But she found a from Saturday (Feb. 27) through April 17 at way to march to the beat of her own drum; JDJ | The Ice House in Garrison. now, it feels really fresh.” Many people know of Weil only because She also faced challenges because of of her marriage to Pop artist Robert her gender, Johnson says. “Being a woman "Color Configurations 2 (Red)," 2000 Rauschenberg (1925-2008) from 1950 to artist in that time, having a child, you got 1952, after they met as art students in shut out of things. Her career is long, and Paris. MoMA acknowledged her influence it had moments balancing child care and on Rauschenberg in its 2017 retrospective art-making — something relevant to this of his work. moment as well. She has such a creative, “In some ways she was in his shadow, but unique perspective on making art, and the retrospective explained the origin of the with this show I wanted to help people get into her world a bit.” The Ice House show includes four “bodies of work,” Johnson says. “They’re all related, and there’s a push/pull between figuration and abstraction. There’s no strict chrono- logic time frame, though she does work in series. Rather than being done with some- thing, she’s taken the ideas along for the ride, and this is an overview of the way she thinks things through by using a lot of different media and materials. You end up The exhibit includes handmade books Weil made in collaboration with the Vincent seeing forms from the 1950s appear again Fitzgerald & Co. Photos provided in pieces from the ’70s, and it’s such an interesting hearkening.” publisher of art books in New York in the During a “browse” through Weil’s studio, 1980s and ’90s. Literature and language Johnson discovered pieces that will be on has been an important aspect of her life display. “In a flat file were these incredible and career. Her father used to read James spray paint drawings: a hip, an elbow — the Joyce to her when she was a child. She has a female body,” she says. “Susan told me she practice of writing poetry every day, which had forgotten about them — they’d been she pairs with images and mails to friends there for about 50 years. I’m very excited and family.” to be debuting them.” There were also “incredible handmade The Ice House, located at 7 Mandalay books, some of which unfurl into spectacu- Drive in Garrison, is open by appointment, lar forms, she made in collaboration with with COVID-19 protocols in place, for up to the Vincent Fitzgerald & Co., which was a five people at a time. See jdj.world.

Being a woman artist in that time, having a child, you got shut out of things. Her career is long, and it had moments balancing child care and art-making — something relevant to this moment as well. A blueprint made by Susan Weil and Robert Rauschenberg was reproduced in Susan Weil with “Flower Folds,” from 1991 ~ Jayne Drost Johnson, on Susan Weil LIFE Magazine in 1951. 12 February 26, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

THE WEEK AHEAD Edited by Pamela Doan ([email protected]) For a complete listing of events, see highlandscurrent.org/calendar.

COMMUNITY workshop for families and children TALKS ages 5 and older. Register online. Free SAT 27 SUN 28 Maple Sugar Tours Moving Toward Zero SAT 6 Alone Together, Mar. 6 CORNWALL Exploring Stories Waste 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. MAHOPAC FALLS Through Music and Art WED 3 vote for their favorite plays, which Outdoor Discovery Center 2 p.m. Via Zoom | sustainableputnam.org BEACON will be performed live in April as 120 Muser Drive | 845-534-5506 Astronomy for Everyone 4 p.m. Compass Arts Kei Reing of Sustainable Putnam part of the annual festival hosted hhnm.org will discuss simple steps to reduce BEACON compassarts.org by the Philipstown Depot Theatre. Learn how maple sap is turned household waste. Register online. 3 p.m. Howland Public Library Children in preschool, Also SAT 6. Cost: $8 ($12 for both) into syrup. Online registration 845-831-1134 | beaconlibrary.org kindergarten and first grade will required. Maple syrup will be sold Astronomer Kevin Manning use music and art to create stories. MON 1 only online. Also SUN 28, SAT will lead a virtual journey into SAT 6 Cost: Sliding scale History of Gospel Music 6, SUN 7. Cost: $10 ($8 members, the cosmos, including the recent Living Art children 5 and younger free) in the Hudson Valley Perseverance Rover landing on Mars. OSSINING VISUAL ART POUGHKEEPSIE 8 p.m. Westchester Collaborative Theater SAT 27 7 p.m. Via Zoom | artsmidhudson.org wctheater.org SAT 27 How Animals Survive Ciesta Little-Quinn of the Over four Saturdays this month, Susan Weil Department of Black Studies at view live performances online of COLD SPRING GARRISON SUNY New Paltz will discuss gospel one-act plays inspired by artworks 11 a.m. Hubbard Lodge The Ice House singers who performed in the selected by the Ossining Arts Council. 2880 Route 9 | bit.ly/animalsurvive 7 Mandalay Drive | jdj.world Hudson Valley, including Mahalia Cost: $25 ($20 students and seniors) Educators from the Taconic A solo show by the 90-year-old Jackson, at this Arts Mid-Hudson Outdoor Education Center will artist opens today and will run event. Register online. discuss how local wildlife survive CIVIC through April 17. See Page 11. Visits the winter weather. SAT 6 by appointment only. TUES 2 Brew Talk & MON 1 Reimagining Tourism Comprehensive Plan Info THURS 4 Guided Tasting MON 1 Partnerships PHILIPSTOWN Spirit of the Hudson Gala COLD SPRING Driven to Abstraction POUGHKEEPSIE 1 p.m. Via Zoom | bit.ly/PCP2030 BEACON 7:30 p.m. Via Zoom PUTNAM VALLEY 1 p.m. Via Zoom Learn about the proposed 6:30 p.m. Via Zoom putnamhistorymuseum.org Tompkins Corners Cultural Center dutchesstourism.com/lunch-learn-series Philipstown 2030 plan. Also SAT 6. clearwater.org/events/gala-2021 Craig Gavina from the Albany tompkinscorners.org During this virtual lunch-and- At this virtual fundraiser, Ale Project will discuss 400 years of This virtual exhibit will include learn, Dawn Hopper, director MON 1 Hudson River Sloop Clearwater brewing in New York at this lecture works by Cindy Booth, Carla of tour and travel for Dutchess will honor Karl Coplan, director of sponsored by the Putnam History City Council Goldberg, Will Hanlon, Bob Tourism, will discuss business the Pace Environmental Litigation Museum. Participants can order BEACON Madden, Karen Madden, Barry partnerships to attract customers. Clinic, and the Beacon Sloop four sample pints from Industrial 7 p.m. Via Zoom Mason, Ilse Schreiber-Noll, Arlene Club. Gordon Bok will provide Arts Brewing for home-tasting. 845-838-5011 | cityofbeacon.org Seymour, Jane Soodalter and Linda entertainment with songs and TUES 2 Cost: $10 or $75 Winters. Through April 3. Grandmasters of Comedy stories, and there will be a virtual TUES 2 auction. Cost: $20 or $250 BEACON MUSIC Board of Trustees SAT 6 2 p.m. Howland Public Library Mentor Show 2021 845-831-1134 | beaconlibrary.org SAT 27 COLD SPRING GARRISON Brian Rose, professor emeritus in Dead End Beverly 7:30 p.m. Via Zoom 845-265-3611 | coldspringny.gov 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Garrison Art Center the department of communications COLD SPRING 23 Garrison’s Landing | 845-424-3960 and media studies at Fordham 7 p.m. NY Talent Media garrisonartcenter.org University, will discuss the work of facebook.com/DeadEndBeverly TUES 2 Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks. Email This show will feature the works Dead End Beverly — retirees School Board [email protected] to join of students who were mentored by Angela Devine and Daniel Rayner COLD SPRING the Zoom presentation. local artists. Through SUN 14. — will perform via livestream. 7 p.m. Haldane 845-265-9254 | haldaneschool.org Bok TUES 2 SAT 6 STAGE & SCREEN Alone Together Conversation with TUES 2 KIDS & FAMILY BEACON Putnam Farmers SAT 27 Putnam County Legislature BREWSTER Noon – 6 p.m. Mother Gallery Race: The Power of CARMEL SAT 27 6 p.m. Via Zoom 1154 North Ave. | 845-236-6039 An Illusion 7 p.m. Via audio Draw a Dance, putnam.cce.cornell.edu/events mothergallery.art GARRISON 845-208-7800 | putnamcountyny.com Sing a Shape Art by Benjamin Degen and Hope Jason 1 p.m. Via Zoom BEACON Gangloff will be on view through Angell and desmondfishlibrary.org 4 p.m. Compass Arts April 11. Jocelyn WED 3 The Desmond-Fish Public Library School Board compassarts.org Apicello of will host this online screening and Gina Samardge will lead this SAT 6 Longhaul discussion of the final episode of the GARRISON workshop for students in grades 1 I Am Woman Farm and documentary series The House We 7 p.m. Via Zoom to 5 on using dance, music and art Lydia 845-424-3689 | gufs.org BEACON Live In. Register online. to make accompaniments to a song. Langley of The meeting will include the first 1 – 5 p.m. Howland Cultural Center Cost: Sliding scale Cat Rock budget presentation for 2021-22. 477 Main St. | howlandculturalcenter.org Egg Farm, SAT 27 Works by female artists from the both in Aery 20/20 So-Over- SUN 28 Hudson Valley will be on view to Garrison, COVID One-Act Play THURS 4 Sound Drawing: celebrate Women’s History Month. are among Langley Festival Town Board Collaboration Through March 28. the farmers PHILIPSTOWN GARRISON who will participate in this 7:30 p.m. Via Zoom BEACON 8 p.m. Via Zoom | 845-424-3900 10:30 a.m. Dia:Beacon forum organized by the Cornell 845-265-5200 | philipstown.com Cooperative Extension. philipstowndepottheatre.org 845-231-0811 | diaart.org Viewers can watch online and Audra Wolowiec will present this highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 26, 2021 13 Nelsonville’s New Restaurant Food-truck owner opens always available. Reflecting Sandoval’s native Guatemala, eatery with wide menu there are South and Central American favor- By Alison Rooney ites, including six varieties of tacos, a chicken tinga quesadilla and pork carne asada. uppose you want something beyond For breakfast, standbys such as bacon, the everyday for dinner, while your egg and cheese on a roll are available along- S dining partner just wants a burger side French toast tres leches, served on with the trimmings? brioche bread, and huevos Perico, a Colom- A new restaurant in Nelsonville, Mone’s bian dish of scrambled eggs with tomatoes, Eatery (pronounced Mon-ay’s) has plenty peppers and onions on waffles. of choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its menu was honed by owner Octavio Sandoval, who has worked in the kitchens Opening now is of several restaurants and for the past three years has operated Octavio’s Food Truck. something I had The name is all in the family: M is for Melissa, Sandoval’s wife, who helps out often; to think hard about. O is Octavio; N is for their daughter, Naomi; E is for their son, Edgar; and S is for Sandoval. ~Octavio Sandoval The restaurant opened on Jan. 20. The space, which has been home to Pete’s Sandoval says the only cooking he did Hometown Deli, the Village Market Pizze- growing up was occasionally helping his ria and, briefly last year, the 349 Main mother. After moving to New York, where St. Market, is adjacent to the Homestyle he had family, in 1999, he worked as a Creamery ice cream shop and bakery near landscaper but found it too cold — he saw the junction of Fishkill Road and Route 301. snow for the first time in 2000 and says he Octavio Sandoval at Mone's Photo by Alison Rooney Breakfast prices range from $4 to $6; couldn’t believe how it felt. He switched to lunch from $10 to $15; and dinner from $17 kitchen work, beginning as a dishwasher, to $23, with most including vegetables and and spent a decade living in Mount Kisco potatoes or rice. and working at restaurants there. While the lunch menu includes Cuban, In 2017, after getting a good deal on a chicken and grilled-cheese sandwiches, vehicle, he branched out on his own with a all served with hand-cut fries, the dinner food truck. “I learned what people eat a lot menu gets ambitious, with beef bour- of,” says Sandoval, who lives with his family guignon, seafood paella and a casserole in Putnam Valley. “I always wanted to open containing duck leg confit, sausage, pork a restaurant, even before buying the truck, ribs on slaw, navy beans and vegetables, but the rent was always scary.” along with grilled half chicken, broiled Many of his food-truck customers have teriyaki-glazed salmon, and New York strip found their way to Nelsonville while the steak with chimichurri sauce over potato truck takes the winter off. “With COVID, puree and sauteed broccoli rabe. the sports bars and places where I often Two soups, butternut squash and split ran the truck [in the colder months] closed pea, and two salads are down,” he says. Two years ago, Sandoval began look- ing for a spot to open a restaurant. “Last Burgers year the truck was pretty successful, so I and was able to take this chance,” he says. “Of fries at course, opening now is something I had Mone's to think hard about.” He said business has been OK so far. “Of course, any restaurant Mone's offers 15 tacos for $35 on Taco Tuesdays. Photos provided owner would like to have more people come in, but I’m happy with the way things are going,” Sandoval says. Because there was not much work to be done on the turnkey space, the opening “happened so quickly.”

Mone’s, at 349 Main St. in Nelsonville, is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. There are a couple of small tables and chairs for dining in, or the full menu and beverages are avail- able for takeout. Call 845-666-7276. 14 February 26, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

The Shovels of Beacon Once you start looking for snow shovels, you can’t stop seeing them, as Allen Alter found during an afternoon walk on Sunday (Feb. 21) on Mountain Lane. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 26, 2021 15

Something You Don’t Know About Me Jennifer Sarah Blakeslee By Alison Rooney

ennifer Sarah Blakeslee, by her own admission, has “a propensity for weird Janimals.” The Beacon resident says this noncha- lantly, which is less surprising when you learn she keeps snails as pets — she gushes over them on Facebook — and says her favorite creature is the turkey vulture. She acquired the snails after reading The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating, by Elisabeth Tova Bailey, which had been recommended by a friend. It tells the story of a woman A visit with a turkey vulture who was bedridden and isolated for months and found solace in a garden snail kept in a tank nearby. condensation,” Blakeslee says. “I love it, “The way it was written pierced through because any politics or drama is completely my inability to focus [because of the ongo- separated. In this group, all we talk about ing pandemic] and I was enchanted by is snails.” this notion of just this one tiny organism She has given some thought to why the Jennifer Sarah Blakeslee with one of her snails Photos provided coming to symbolize so much,” Blakeslee snails appeal to her. “The notion of nest- says. ing is important, creating a home where and that’s OK. Also, they’re nocturnal. But Blakeslee went online and discovered people feel welcomed and comfortable,” she it’s always nice to know that they’re here that snails can be purchased as pets. “I says. “Here I am, 51 years old, building a and to have what they need. They’re a great ordered a terrarium and researched how to fairy garden, thinking ‘I’ll put this bit of pet for kids because they are low-mainte- create a habitat for them,” she recalls. “You moss here.’ It’s a little like Japanese ikebana nance and half the fun is creating their can create an ecosystem in these small, [floral arranging], creating a beauty until little world.” contained spaces. I have a little ceramic you say, ‘OK, I’m done.’ Are her three cats a threat? “The cats house and hollowed out bones. You have to “It’s very Zen for me,” she adds, “a coping couldn’t care less,” she says. put moss on any hard surface, because if mechanism, creating these spaces for the Blakeslee said she has not always been a the snail falls, it could crack its shell. snails, being able to make a contained bio- keen animal lover. “When I was a little girl, “The snails are hermaphrodites, tiny active system, of which snails are a part. I had a hamster and a little bird, Tweety. I little prehistoric beings, carrying their Scouting around, being able to easily find came home from school one day and asked houses on their back,” she notes. “They’re everything they need in that little world, my mom, ‘Where’s Tweety?’ She said, ‘I was like a supernova of how amazing nature is.” that’s comforting to me, to provide them waiting for you to notice. He died three She initially ordered two, then added with that. weeks ago.’ ” three more, of a “bred version of a garden “Growing up, I could never But she does remember roly-poly bugs. snail — there are lots of kinds, including have people over. When I “When I went to sleepaway camp in the African land snails which are bigger than a was young, my home 1980s, they called me ‘the bug lady’ — human hand and that’s a whole other level situation was such that I’d pick them up gingerly from inside the of caring for a creature.” we didn’t have a social cabins and bring them outside.” And mice. She also found other snail lovers on life, so the notion of “In college, friends had mice, and while Instagram and a pet snails group on Face- taking a negative others were skeeved out by them, I loved book that offers guidance and advice. I’ve experienced and having them run up and down my arms.” The terrarium “I learned about the different kinds making it a positive And the turtle. “Five or six years ago my of food snails need, and how a bowl — all of it is just so husband Jeff and I were asked to turtle-sit of water can drown them, so engrossing.” for our landlord. The turtle was brought to instead you spritz water with The snails them- us in his tank. My husband is a voracious would turn into bacteria. They can eat E. a mister onto the interior selves aren’t behaving knowledge-seeker who loves aardvarks coli and anthrax, and they’re profoundly sides of the terrarium as Blakeslee expected and tapirs and speaks Esperanto. We did important environmentalists — they clean so they can glide they would. some research and discovered it was a rare the area of the Earth that could be fatal to around in the “I was expecting a nonstop Malayan box turtle. humans. interactive pet, but they’re slow, “Their habitat is aquatic but this one was “They take death and turn it into life. kind of sluggish,” she says. being kept in a dry environment, so I got Their defense method, projectile vomit, “Part of it is winter: out my lasagna dish and filled it with water could fell a horse. There are just lots of cool They may sleep and a rock — and the turtle, his name is facts about turkey vultures.” for a week, Norman, took to the water Blakeslee’s admiration for the birds is quickly. The landlord asked such that for her 50th birthday, she and Jeff us if we could keep the turtle, booked a private, hour-long visit with the and of course we did.” birds at the Vermont Institute of Natural And the turkey vultures, Science (vinsweb.org/private-experience). Blakeslee’s greatest joy? “For me the turkey vulture thing is the “They’re magnificent,” she extols. “I embodiment of animals you might overlook adore them — they’re the quintessen- and not realize they have unusual sources tial examples of evolution. They of beauty,” she says. “At a time when every- have red heads with no feath- thing feels so dark, so gray — these things ers, because they burrow into are there, waiting for you to notice them.” carrion and other putrefac- What’s next? A recent Facebook post by tion, and if they had feath- Blakeslee offers a clue: “Brood X cicadas: ers on their heads, they Yayayayay! (Seriously, these guys are the best.)” 16 February 26, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

This is the first panorama taken by a pair of cameras aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover. It was stitched together from 142 images taken on Feb. 21. NASA

mineralogy” of the samples, he explained. (from Page 1) Mars Scientist To better understand the samples from the Jazero crater and we saw all instru- Mars’ crust (which is mostly basalt) that he ments were working appropriately.” will eventually analyze in person, he looks Because the Perseverance landing is only first to planet Earth. the first part of a three-part mission, it will His research has taken him to places that be several years before Thorpe gets to see have a lot of basalt and tend to be volca- the Martian rock and soil samples up close. nic, including Iceland, Hawaii, Idaho and “Perseverance will collect the samples,” Washington state. He also hopes to explore each of which, he said, will be about the Costa Rica and the Canary Islands. length of a ballpoint pen and the thickness “I do this across the globe to see how of a nickel. climate impacts weathering,” Thorpe said. The second mission will retrieve samples The information he gathers can increase from 35 “depots” established on Mars by understanding not only of the Earth’s Perseverance and put them into orbit. The climate but that of ancient Mars. third mission will grab the orbiting samples “My work has shown climate plays a big and return them to Earth. role in altering sediments,” he said. It indi- The rocket launches for each mission cates Mars may have been Earth-like in the must be timed precisely to ensure the past and possibly looked like Iceland early spacecraft and Mars are at the same place in its evolution. at the same time. The “launch windows” Between his work and having a newborn occur every two years. in the house, Thorpe said there isn’t much As a result, the three missions together time for relaxation. will take 10 years. Thorpe visited Iceland to conduct research on basalt soil similar to what might come “I wish I could go hiking at Breakneck, Thorpe won’t be sitting around waiting. back from Mars. Photo provided like I used to,” he said. “But we’re lucky to He is currently conducting remote analy- have a group of friends here who also grad- sis of surface samples collected by Curios- The rover is told daily to send data. An instru- surface, picks up drill finds and X-rays them. uated from Haldane. We’re big foodies and ity, which has been on Mars since 2012. ment Thorpe works with drills into the “I look at the X-ray patterns to determine the enjoy exploring Houston’s cuisine.”

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The stream on the Faircloth property in 2019, five years after the Trees for Tribs planting Wildlife returned to the tributary on the Faircloth property in 2019. Photos provided

dential owners, but it makes a lot of sense,” participate after getting the permission of Free Trees (Must Provide Stream) said Faircloth. “A riparian buffer is a ripar- landowners or municipalities. ian buffer.” If selected, DEC representatives visit Deadline approaches for a parcel of land mentioned a tree-planting More commonly known as stream the site and take soil samples to determine party he had held alongside the stream that buffers, riparian buffers refer to vegetated which plants will thrive. If erosion control is tributary program runs through the land. He told Faircloth areas alongside a stream or river, explained the most pressing issue, fast-growing plants Anna Palmer, a stream buffer educator who will be provided. If the site owners are more By Brian PJ Cronin that the state Department of Environmen- tal Conservation provided the trees, shrubs works at the DEC as part of the Student concerned about aesthetics and are willing hen Cliff Faircloth moved into and planting material at no charge. Conservation Association. to be patient, slow-growing species such as his Fishkill home 23 years ago, His friend suggested the DEC would A healthy buffer is able to “capture oak trees will be sent. Some site owners prefer Wthe stream that ran through his do the same for the Fishkill property, but runoff, filter nutrients, shade the stream, “food forests” with fruit and nut-bearing trees. property was pristine. Faircloth was skeptical. He had only a few prevent erosion, provide habitat for differ- So far, the program has planted 57,000 trees “My neighbors told me that when they hundred feet of creek. But after calling the ent birds and improve water quality,” and shrubs at 375 sites in the Hudson Valley. were kids, they used to swim in it,” he said. DEC, he soon had state employees show up she said. Unhealthy buffers feature non- Some owners organize tree-planting But that changed a few years later, when 16 at his house with dozens of native plants native plants, not enough vegetation and/ parties by corralling volunteers, although new homes were built at the top of the hill and shrubs as part of the agency’s Trees for or impermeable barriers, such as thick since the pandemic shutdown, this has that his home and the unnamed stream, Tribs program, now in its 14th year. concrete walls or pavement. been done only by small groups. But since which flows into Fishkill Creek and then Faircloth and his family planted over the Trees for Tribs is open to any landowner, the plants come potted, Palmer said as long the Hudson River, sit at the bottom of. course of a weekend. That was seven years land manager or municipality with a tribu- as they’re watered regularly, they don’t Sediment and grass seed came down the ago. While the stream hasn’t quite recov- tary of the Hudson River running through need to immediately go into the ground. hill every time it rained, changing the water ered to the point of being swimmable, Fair- its property. (Outside the Hudson water- The Trees for Tribs application dead- flow and choking the stream. It certainly cloth said he has noticed an improvement shed, the DEC administers a “Buffer in a line is March 1 for a spring planting and wasn’t fit for swimming anymore. in the water quality. Bag” program, which operates on a smaller Aug. 1 for a fall planting. See dec.ny.gov/ Then a friend in New Paltz who manages “I didn’t think the program was for resi- scale.) Some volunteer conservation groups lands/43668.html.

although some have complained they were 78 pages of Sheriff’s Department policies. Odell administration. (from Page 1) Sheriff not allowed sufficient input. “We want to know what you have done” Legislator Amy Sayegh of Mahopac, office in January 2019 after narrowly defeat- Among other measures, the draft advo- to align those policies with the draft, the third committee member, said the ing the longtime Republican incumbent, cates revisions to the Sheriff Department’s Nacerino told Langley. “I don’t see in the comments by the review panel’s citizen Don Smith, is seeking re-election in Novem- policy on use of force to better reflect New Sheriff’s Department plan any of those groups shows “the public is really crying ber. He faces a challenge from Kevin McCo- York law, which states an officer “may use recommendations.” Legislator Neal Sulli- for transparency from law enforcement.” nville, another Philipstown resident and a physical force when, and to the extent he or van of Carmel-Mahopac, a committee “The sheriff thinks he can do whatever former chief of the Metropolitan Transpor- she reasonably believes to be necessary, to member, voiced similar criticism. he wants and is not accountable to anyone,” tation Authority police. McConville ran for effect the arrest” of a suspect “or to prevent Langley said his department has been contended Sullivan, who accused Langley sheriff against Smith as a Democrat in 2009 the [suspect’s] escape from custody, or in releasing texts of policy changes but that of “mismanagement” and said numerous and as a Republican in 2013. self-defense, or to defend a third person.” the state “requires the county executive to requests for information, on such matters To address perceived racial injustice in The shorter Sheriff’s Department policy write this document, not the sheriff.” as misconduct in the department, “have policing, Cuomo in June ordered municipal says an officer “may use reasonable physical “These are your policies,” Sullivan never been complied with. We need a governments to scrutinize their enforce- force to effect an arrest, prevent escape of a responded. “We need an action plan from sheriff who understands our needs” and ment practices by April 1 and report person from custody, or in defense of self or the sheriff.” transforms the department “to match our suggested reforms to the state. others from imminent physical force.” “The onus is not on the county executive,” community,” he said. Putnam established its review panel of Further, the report proposes equipping Nacerino said. The sheriff explained that if a legisla- elected and appointed government offi- deputies with body cameras — a move Langley noted that Cuomo instructed tor wants material on an incident it can’t cials that met for the first time in August endorsed by both the sheriff and Legislator the “chief executive” of a municipality to always be legally provided. “Those who and released a 194-page draft Police Policy Ginny Nacerino of Patterson, the commit- conduct the review. The only person named enforce the law must obey the law,” he said. Comprehensive Review this month. Lang- tee chairperson; greater efforts to make on the cover of Putnam’s draft is Odell. Montgomery advised her colleagues to ley, who serves on the 22-person panel, the department more ethnically and demo- Montgomery said a draft cannot be proceed carefully with the review and “not assured legislators that the Sheriff’s graphically diverse; support of higher educa- confused with Sheriff’s Department poli- just give your pitch to get some other sheriff Department “is on board 100 percent in tion for deputies; and enhanced training cies. The draft “is the roadmap for those elected” [McConville, who has been endorsed this process.” Other panel members include for officers in various subjects. (As exam- policies that we hope the Sheriff’s Depart- by Odell and many of the legislators] who Cold Spring Mayor Dave Merandy and ples, the citizen groups/stakeholders cited ment is going to revise,” she said. “will just rubber-stamp everything you want. Officer-in-Charge Larry Burke. Subcom- de-escalation tactics; crisis intervention; Committee members also argued that That’s what this is all about,” she said. “Let’s mittees of stakeholders with specific inter- inclusion, cultural sensitivity and bias; and Langley refuses to engage in openness and get this right for our people and stop throw- ests in policing were convened to assist, mental health concerns.) The report includes to recognize the role of the Legislature and ing politics into it.” 18 February 26, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org SPORTS Follow us at twitter.com/hcurrentsports Before moving this year from short Brooklyn Cyclones, the Greensboro Grass- Renegades Release 2021 Schedule season to Single-A, the Renegades played hoppers and Winston-Salem Dash (North 36 games annually from June to early Carolina) and the Wilmington Blue Rocks Will play in ‘High A’ East schedule on Feb. 18 — its first as a full- September as part of the New York-Penn (Delaware). season, Single-A-level team. League, which has disbanded. They will The team changed its affiliation this year, League If COVID-19 protocols can be worked out, now play 60 games in the 12-team Single- from the Tampa Bay Rays to the New York the Renegades hope to play their first six A East League through a final home game Yankees, and added pinstripes to its logo. he Hudson Valley Renegades, the home games, beginning May 11 against the on Sept. 19. The season normally begins in Single-game tickets are not yet available, minor league baseball team that Aberdeen Ironbirds (Maryland), after six April but has been delayed. but the team is offering 30-game “flex” T plays at Dutchess Stadium just games on the road, starting May 4 at the Besides Aberdeen and Jersey Shore, the packages through March 4. See hvrene- outside of Beacon, announced its 2021 Jersey Shore Blueclaws (New Jersey). Renegades’ opponents will include the gades.com or call 845-838-0094.

costs. It’s an excellent example of schools fifth at the regional tournament held (from Page 1) Varsity working together to accomplish something Wednesday at Fishkill Bowl with teams cials. “And it’s a shame we have no regional that no school could pull off individually.” from Arlington, John Jay, Carmel, Mahopac tournament. I don’t know why some sports At Milton, Beacon’s Sal Migliore won and Ketcham. can have championship events and others the 600 meters and Zach Cader and Evan Dan Gilleo led the boys with a high game can’t. The kids are happy to compete, but LaBelle were first and second in the 1,600 of 237 and was named to the All-Section confused as to why other sports are going for meters. Nathalia Thomas took first in the and All-League teams. Will Hockler and the next two weeks. It’s been a rough winter.” 55-meter high hurdles. Mike Juzfyk also bowled well, said Coach Beacon Coach Jim Henry said he also “The feeling of being able to race was Brian Mahon. liked the way coaches and schools came fabulous,” Henry said. “I was pleased with “As a team, we got off to kind of a slow together to organize the meets at Milton how our athletes raced after endless park- start,” he said. “But our scores got better in and the Palisades. ing lot workouts.” the afternoon. Our last game was our best.” “After losing the New York City Armory Beacon was hoping to compete today in The girls were led by Cadence Heeter, indoor track to a vaccination center, and what Henry called a “kind-of” league meet Vanessa Campanelli and Maura Lane. the heavy snow, we were looking for any against Hendrick Hudson and Peekskill “Cadence finished at around 800 for place to hold a meet,” he said. “Thankfully, outdoors at Yorktown, before closing its the day,” Mahon said. “She’s a first-year the Beacon athletic director and superin- season at the Palisades Mall. bowler but was the best bowler of the day Beacon’s Zach Cader (1) and Evan LaBelle tendent felt the same way and stepped up to for the team. Vanessa is also new and has (far left) placed first and second in the front the money to rent the Milton facility BOWLING improved the most this season. And Maura 1,600 meters at Milton. Haldane’s Luke and sponsor the meet. Other area schools, The Beacon High School boys’ team had a solid day.” Parrella (3) placed fourth, and John including Haldane, stepped in to share the finished fourth and the girls’ team finished Kisslinger (9) was eighth. Photo by Jim Henry

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By Skip Pearlman

BOYS’ SWIMMING The Beacon High School 200- and 400-meter freestyle relay teams performed well at the regional championships on Tuesday (Feb. 23), according to Coach Larry Collins. The Bulldogs hosted the meet at their pool. Two other teams competed in-person, while 17 others from Section 1 submitted times from swims at various sites. The meet was scheduled to conclude on Thursday. The relay team of Lucas Vermeulen, Hunter Ingold, Justin Piciacchio and James Patino finished 14th in the 200 freestyle and 15th in the 400 freestyle. “That was their best swim of the year in the 200 by six seconds,” noted Collins. “In the Haldane’s Dan Santos gets a shot up in a James Patino anchored the 200 and 400 relays for Beacon at this week's Section 1 400, they bettered their time by eight seconds. crowd Tuesday against North Salem. championships. Photos by S. Pearlman That’s significant improvement. It was a great job by Bottino and Justin, our senior captains. we’re playing, sharing the ball, seven games Gillins led the scoring with 20 points and In response, coaches organized a meet at Lucas gave us a fantastic lead off and Hunter in. Hopefully, we can continue as we start Kelly added 14. the Hudson Valley Sports Dome in Milton did a good job holding the spot.” to see better teams.” The Blue Devils were scheduled to visit on Saturday (Feb. 20) for athletes from Collins said he’s been impressed with Against Croton, Dan Santos led the Blue Croton today (Feb. 26) and host Pawling on Haldane, Beacon, Hendrick Hudson and the success and progress of the team in Devils with 15 points, Ryan Irwin had Saturday before traveling to Putnam Valley Poughkeepsie high schools. this shortened season. “We’ve had some 11, Matteo Cervone had nine and Darrin on Monday. Beacon was set to host Lourdes For the Haldane boys, Chase Colson took personal and team bests,” he said. “It’s Santos added eight. Against North Salem, today, visit Poughkeepsie on Monday and eighth place in the 55 meters; Luke Parrella amazing how they got in shape in such a Dan Santos had 22 points and Cervone host Poughkeepsie on Wednesday. Specta- was fourth in the 1,000 meters and 1,600 short time.” added 21. Soren Holmbo scored 14 points tors are not allowed, although select games meters; and John Kisslinger took eighth and Irwin had eight. are streamed online. in the 1,600 meters and 11th in the 1,000. BOYS’ BASKETBALL Against Beacon, Cervone led the way with Daniel Phillips and Roy Smith finished The Haldane boys continued their 19, Holmbo had 16 and Dan Santos had seven. GIRLS’ BASKETBALL 14th and 16th, respectively, in the 1,000, sizzling play on Wednesday (Feb. 24), cruis- Virgadamo said Vincenzo Scanga provided The Haldane girls’ team picked up its and senior Ben McEwan finished 12th in ing past Croton Harmon, 58-42, to improve “phenomenal defense and rebounding.” first victory on Saturday (Feb. 20), coming the 55-meter and 600-meter races. to 7-0. The Blue Devils also edged Beacon For Beacon, Darien Gillins led the Bull- from behind to defeat Peekskill, 48–33. For the girls, Caroline Nelson took sixth on Saturday, 47-44, and North Salem on dogs with 20 points and Dillon Kelly had Peekskill led by four points at half- in the 600, Helen Nicholls was sixth in the Tuesday, 74-59. nine. The Bulldogs had a chance to tie time and stretched its lead to 10 during 1,000 and Celia Drury was fourth in the “I can’t say I’m surprised, because I knew the game at the buzzer, but a three-point the second half, but “we played the right 1,000 and fifth in the 1,500. we had good players and the potential to do shot didn’t fall. On Feb. 12, Haldane also way and stuck with it” for the win, said “They’ve been working so hard every day it,” Coach Joe Virgadamo said of the unde- narrowly defeated Beacon, 60-57. Haldane Coach Jessica Perrone. Marisa with no competition in sight,” Coach AJ feated start. “The guys have a will to win, The Bulldogs lost another tough game on Scanga made two 3-point shots to swing McConville said. “The meet was a last-minute which is big. It’s impressive to see how well Tuesday at home, falling to John Jay, 64-53. the momentum, she said. thing — for some it was their first compe- Maddie Chiera led the Blue Devils with tition; for others, it’s been over a year since 20 points, seven rebounds and six steals, they’ve been in a meet. They all did very well.” and Ruby Poses added eight points. With time running out on the season, Amanda Johanson had six rebounds. “We McConville said some Rockland County finally put it all together with rebounding coaches devised a plan to compete on Satur- and ball movement,” Perrone said. day (Feb. 27) at the Palisades Mall under- Haldane (1-4) had a tougher game at Croton ground parking garage, where a 300-meter on Wednesday, losing 61-24. Chiera led the track has been constructed. way with nine points and seven rebounds, “It’s awesome to see the creativity from and Molly Seigel added four points and seven our area coaches,” McConville said. “This rebounds. Croton is scheduled to visit Cold weekend is our last date for competition Spring for a rematch today. Haldane travels to and the section has refused to extend our North Salem on Saturday (Feb. 27) and hosts season two weeks as it did in other sports. Putnam Valley on Sunday. Specators are not We have no regional tournament. Milton allowed, but select games are streamed online. was our first meet. Hendrick Hudson let us come down and scrimmage [in the Sailors’ INDOOR TRACK mini-dome] and I can’t say enough about It’s been a frustrating winter for track their staff for having us.” teams, which lost their indoor venues McConville said he was happy to “salvage because of pandemic restrictions, then saw something” for the season, but that there has repeated snowstorms wipe out any chance been no guidance from regional or state offi- Beacon's Dillon Kelly (11) battles for possession in a Bulldogs loss Tuesday to John Jay. to compete outside. (Continued on Page 18)