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November 6, 2020 Celebrating 10 Years! Support us at highlandscurrent.org/join Incumbents Hold Seats Voter turnout about the held off a second challenge from Demo- crat Karen Smythe, whom she defeated in same — just more voters 2018 by 688 votes of 118,000 cast. This time, Serino built a comfortable lead of about By Chip Rowe 19,500 votes that should hold up against any ncumbents in the Highlands held onto surge for her opponent in absentee ballots. their seats this week in the U.S. House, In the U.S. House, Sean Patrick Malo- I state Assembly and state Senate. ney, a Democrat and Philipstown resident, What Have We In the Assembly, Sandy Galef, whose district declared victory in his bid for a fifth term includes Philipstown, and Jonathan Jacobson, with 47 percent of the vote, saying the whose district includes Beacon, each easily absentee vote would only widen his margin Learned About Schools? won reelection. Both are Democrats. over Republican challenger Chele Farley. In the Senate, Sue Serino, a Republican, (Continued on Page 9) Students and teachers adjust to pandemic education

By Jeff Simms Their first meeting, Landahl said, focused on handwashing. att Landahl, the super- By the second week of March, the intendent of the Beacon county executive, Marc Molinaro, had MCity School District, may joined the call, and the discussion have had more of an idea than most progressed to preparing for school that something was afoot before the closures and the deployment of laptops COVID-19 pandemic hit U.S. soil and other materials to students. early this year. But he said no warn- Friday, March 13, was scheduled as ing could have prepared him for what an off-day for students in Beacon and has unfolded in the Highlands over a workday for teachers. But Molin- the last eight months. aro had announced the first positive A college friend who works for the COVID case in Dutchess on March 12 U.S. Department of State was stationed — Putnam’s would come three days in Italy, one of Europe’s most danger- later — and, by March 16, Gov. Andrew ous hot spots during the initial spread Cuomo had closed public schools state- of the coronavirus. At the end of Febru- wide for two weeks. ary, Landahl recalled last week, his “I felt a closure would be happening Voters waited in line on Election Day (Nov. 3) at the Methodist church on Main Street in friend sent a text message that read: on some level,” Landahl said. “I knew Cold Spring. Photo by Ross Corsair “Get ready. This is really bad.” something big was happening,” and After the first positive cases were during the meetings with other super- reported in New York in March, a team intendents, “it started to crystallize of Dutchess County school administra- what we needed to prepare for.” No Layoffs or Tax Increase tors began discussing how to proceed. (Continued on Page 6) in Dutchess Budget Plan County saves $11 million and no property tax increases, according n ABOUT THIS SERIES to Molinaro. COVID-19 has upended the world, the nation, our state and the Highlands. In the nearly from buyout program Under the proposal, spending would fall eight months since the pandemic began, New York residents have managed to bring the by $18 million and the county tax rate by infection rate under control, with the statewide average at less than 2 percent, among By Leonard Sparks 2.5 percent, from $3.26 to $3.18 per $1,000 the lowest in the nation. of assessed value. or months, Dutchess County Executive As we approach the cold winter months, we decided to take a closer look at the effects of To offset anticipated losses of $6.1 Marc Molinaro and other county lead- the pandemic on three important aspects of daily life. Last week we examined its impact million in sales tax revenue and $4 million ers warned of potential mass layoffs on mental and physical health, specifically the psychological effects of isolation and F in state aid, the county will rely on about and cuts in services if President Donald damage to relationships and the prospects for a vaccine. (See highlandscurrent.org.) Trump and Congress did not agree on a $11 million saved when 152 employees This week we study the effects on education by checking in with local schools to see how pandemic aid package for local governments. accepted offers to retire or leave their jobs their hybrid and virtual models are working six weeks into the year. With no aid in sight, the county instead for payouts in 2021, said Molinaro. will use nearly $10 million from a reserve The budget is before the county Legis- Next week we will explore the pandemic’s effects on the local economy, including fund and savings from an employee buyout lature, which can amend the plan before unemployment, how restaurants will fare once outdoor dining is no longer an option, program to deliver a proposed $502 million a final vote. how local gyms are doing and whether the commuting culture will ever be the same. budget for 2021 that contains no layoffs (Continued on Page 8) 2 November 6, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

FIVE QUESTIONS: LISA SIMPSON

By Chip Rowe was maybe 15th in my class of 100 at Pawl- ing High School. I completed a Mensa mini- By Michael Turton isa Simpson is the Southern Dutchess quiz that popped up online and did well coordinator for the Mid-Hudson enough they recommended the proctored Lchapter of Mensa International, a test, which I took at the Marlboro library What sound really society for people with high intelligence with about 15 other people. quotients (IQs). irritates you? Was that before or after you appeared How does a person qualify to join Mensa? on Jeopardy? We offer a proprietary, standardized, It was about a year after. I had taken the two-hour test overseen by a proctor. We test for the show about 20 times but never haven’t been doing it since the shutdown, been chosen as a contestant. I remember It’s a classic: but it can be taken online. There are also watching with my 92-year-old grandmother Fingernails on a certain other tests that Mensa will consider when Ken Jennings was on his winning blackboard. I can’t [such as those administered by schools or streak and she said, “You’re answering all Mensa Select, and the company can market even think about it. psychologists, or the GRE, ACT or SAT them by saying that geniuses played them the questions. You should be on the show.” taken decades ago]. Mensa is looking for and had a good time. I said, “Grandma, I’ve been trying for 20 people with IQs of 134 or higher, which is years.” She looked me straight in the eye considered in the 98th percentile, or the top Do you have a favorite game? and said, “Try harder.” I took the test again 2 percent. Our chapter has 180 members, I’m a word-game person: I like Scrabble; and was chosen. I flew to California for and there are about six from the Beacon Quiddler, which is like Scrabble with cards; the taping but — spoiler alert — I missed area. There is no typical Mensan. Rewordable; codewords; Cards Against the Final Jeopardy question. It was some Humanity; Exploding Kittens. obscure clue about George Bernard Shaw. You are the games night host for the But I still won two grand. And oddly, two of group. What does that mean? What prompted you to join? the clues in the game were about Dutchess Before the shutdown, I hosted monthly I had heard of Mensa but I am horrible County: One was about a book written by games night. The national Mensa also hosts at math so didn’t want to embarrass myself Norman Vincent Peale, who was from Pawl- an annual event called Mensa Mind Games ing, and the other was about Vassar College. taking the test. Most people have a math ~ Nico Stone, Garrison that lasts four or five days. Manufacturers or language brain; few have both. But you I missed the Norman Vincent Peale question, send us games to play and evaluate, includ- don’t have to be the smartest person in the which is hard to believe — I was married in ing the instructions. We endorse a few as room to qualify. I got a 1300 on the SAT and his church. That was my 23 minutes of fame. A hand rustling around in a bag of potato chips.

~ Heather Lockyer, Beacon

A fork scraping on someone’s teeth.

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

EDITOR LETTERS AND COMMENTS Chip Rowe Congrats to all the winners of the Parade [email protected] Quiet Halloween Early voting We had so much fun on Halloween and in the Paper costume contest (Oct. 30). I I voted at the Putnam County Board of SENIOR EDITOR were able to navigate the village safely. It had a blast being a judge! Elections in Carmel on Oct. 24 (“Voters Face Leonard Sparks was almost entirely local families, and it Ronzell Smith, Beacon Long Lines,” Oct. 30). By my count, about 200 was so nice to finally have a special day that people joined me in line. It took just over two BEACON EDITOR felt almost normal. I’m grateful to the many Congratulations to all the winners. It hours to reach the polling station. (Merci- Jeff Simms neighbors who made the extra effort to give wasn’t easy being a judge! fully, the BOE made two portable restrooms our children a happy Halloween. Maureen McGrath, Cold Spring available.) Based on the schedule for early ARTS EDITOR Alison Rooney Andrea Hudson, via Facebook voting, the polls were open for 66 hours — Thank you so much from the Darhan- [email protected] time for just 1 in 10 voters to cast their ballots. We had a blast not having the street soffs. We were impressed with all the We should be grateful to the state Legisla- SENIOR CORRESPONDENT swamped with out-of-towners. So many costumes and surprised and excited to be ture for permitting early voting, and for Gov. Michael Turton friends decorated their houses and it was chosen as the “funniest” winner. Andrew Cuomo’s decision to accept concern incredible. I hope Cold Spring remains local Louise Julier, Beacon about COVID-19 as a valid excuse for absen- REPORTERS again, like in the old days. tee voting. But we can do better. I hope, for Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong Christine Peterson, via Facebook Beacon budget future elections, New York State will fund, Brian PJ Cronin • Joe Dizney You reported that the proposed Beacon and the Putnam County BOE will staff and Pamela Doan • Deb Lucke We got more trick-or-treaters than usual budget would eliminate the Police Depart- organize, an early voting site in each town. Skip Pearlman on Main Street while Parrott was quieter. ment’s canine program — the officer will In addition, every registered voter should Carolynn Elwell, via Facebook stay but the dog will not (“Protestors Gather receive a ballot one month before the elec- LAYOUT DESIGNER Pierce Strudler Outside Beacon Mayor’s Home,” Oct. 23). tion, with enough time to complete it, mail I got my first trick-or-treaters in 32 years Now, there’s a great decision. In order to it and, if necessary, resolve any questions, ADVERTISING DIRECTOR in Nelsonville. satisfy people and say you cut costs, get rid including signature matches. Ballots should Michele Gedney Mary Alice Boyle, via Facebook of probably one of the lowest-cost services be canvassed once they are accepted. There For information on advertising: with the greatest impact. is no reason to delay the tally to Election Day. 845-809-5584 It was awesome! Thank you to all the Is there a separation agreement for the For our republic to be successful, every [email protected] houses that participated and creatively made dog? After all, it’s employed by the depart- voter must be able to securely cast his or her highlandscurrent.org/ads it a safe and fun night. The kids needed it. ment. I hope the city is forced to support ballot, unimpeded. That, at least, should be Amy Parks, via Facebook the dog during its life. beyond debate. Robert Vargo, via Facebook Michael Armstrong, Cold Spring

THE HIGHLANDS CURRENT The Democratic commissioner in (USPS #22270) / ISSN 2475-3785 Putnam County was right to want two November 6, 2020 early-voting sites because of the turnout, Volume 9, Issue 45 but the Republican commissioner thought is published weekly by Highlands one would be enough. Perhaps it had noth- Current Inc., 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819. Periodicals Postage Paid ing to do with their politics but was just the at Cold Spring, NY, and at additional way they look at the procedure. But this has offices. POSTMASTER: Send address to be left versus right, just like everything changes to The Highlands Current, else, as long as it sides with the left. 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819. Mail delivery $30 per year. Judy McLaughlin, via Facebook highlandscurrent.org/delivery The editor responds: Our story did [email protected] not state that politics was a factor in the Distribution audited by the Circulation commissioners’ judgments about how Verification Council many sites would be needed. © Highlands Current Inc. 2020 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any Parking experiment form, mechanical or electronic, without It was risky for Cold Spring Mayor Dave written permission of the publisher. Merandy to rent parking spots at Mayor’s Park without approval from the Village Board (“One-Day Parking Experiment,” Oct. * Winner: 58 Better 30). But he did a nice job seizing the oppor- Newspaper Contest Awards tunity and collecting revenue for our small * New York Press Association, 2013 -19 village. The state didn’t try to do anything to help out with the crowds of hikers, but our NNA* Winner: mayor did! Kudos, Mr. Mayor. 55 Better Newspaper Ralph Falloon, via Facebook Contest Awards Falloon is a former mayor of Cold Spring. * National Newspaper Association, 2016-19

NYNPA* Winner: As a bonus, parking cars at Mayor’s Park 11 Awards for is a solution to the pesky geese problem. Excellence Eugenie Parrella, via Facebook * New York News Publishers Association, 2017- 19 (Continued on Page 5) highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current November 6, 2020 5

LETTERS AND COMMENTS

(Continued from Page 4) sory Board it requires) was the brainchild the efforts of Jen Zwarich, we are talking ment, I would hope a second arborist can of resident Jen Zwarich. She will demur and about the sudden removal of five trees on be brought in to verify that this draconian Parrott Street trees acknowledge everyone else who worked one block of Parrott Street. I understand step is required. Often, we don’t realize how much we with her. She and the Tree Advisory Board that the Tree Advisory Board is acting on Robert Leiter, Cold Spring need or love particular trees until we lose make decisions about the fate of our trees the recommendation of an arborist. Given them. I saw tears shed on my block when based on facts, knowledge and profession- that the recommendation is to take five a stately maple necessarily came down Calendar adjustments alism. And I’m going to guess that when trees down simultaneously — five trees about a decade ago — by grown folks, and I’m not turning my clock back on Nov. 1 they finally do have to decide to take a that have stood through many storms and not just me! (“Tree Removal,” Letters and (On the Spot, Oct. 23). Nobody needs any public tree down, their hearts are as heavy are unlikely to all be at a similar state of Comments, Oct. 23). My children were extra hour of 2020! and teary as my kids’ hearts were that day instability — one would wish that a second little then, and they were so sad they put Craig Muraszewski, via Instagram on the sidewalk a decade ago. opinion was obtained. together a “thank you” ceremony to express Kathleen Foley, Cold Spring This is not to say the decision was arbi- our family’s gratitude for the tree’s service Action Park Foley is a newly elected member of the trary or made lightly. But given the fact as shade, shelter and beauty. The documentary on Action Park in Village Board. A longer version of this letter that all of the trees are still fully produc- Before the adoption of Cold Spring’s Vernon, New Jersey, made me cry, and it is posted at highlandscurrent.org. ing leaves, even if one determines that they Village Tree Ordinance, there was no public also made me grateful that I didn’t die are all getting to the end of life, it seems notice before street trees came down. One there (“The Most Dangerous Amusement I loved those trees when I lived on Parrott the trees could be cut down over years, on day, a truck would arrive, there was a lot of Park in the World,” Oct. 23). Street in the 1950s. What a sad ending. a schedule in which the budget supports noise and a tree was gone. It usually wasn’t Lindsay Jean Fastiggi, via Instagram Lin Ellis, via Facebook replacing any trees removed. Given the replaced, because there wasn’t a plan or high cost of removing the trees, both in money to do so. Now, with the tree ordi- I wasn’t allowed to go! While acknowledging and appreciating dollars and in diminishing the environ- nance in place, we have an opportunity Bekah Tighe, via Instagram — and a municipal mechanism, via the Tree Advisory Board — to advocate for our public trees and be part of the decision- making process to manage our “commu- NOTICE nity forest.” NOTICE The Tree Advisory Board actively monitors our public trees, cares for them PHILIPSTOWN PLANNING BOARD Philipstown to extend their lives and, when trees are Public Hearing – November 19th, 2020 necessarily removed, ensures that they are Planning Board replaced with as many caliper inches of The Philipstown Planning Board for the Town of Philipstown, New York will hold a public hearing new trees as possible. The Village Board on Thursday, November 19th, 2020 starting at 7:30 p.m. via zoom to hear the following appeal. Site Visit – November 15th, 2020 has made proactive decisions to invest If you would like to attend, please email [email protected] to request login budget and staff time to the stewardship of information before 7:00 pm on November 19th, 2020. The Philipstown Planning Board our public trees. The village budget doesn’t Joseph Pell Lombardi, 19 Fieldstone Ridge, Cold Spring TM#16.11-1-9,7&5 will meet on Sunday, November have a lot to spare, so spending on public 15th 2020 at 9:30 am to inspect the (Sub-division approval to adjust the line dividing lands of leach from lands of Lombardi) trees must be offset by grants and gener- following sites: ous donations from private citizens. You, At said hearing all persons will have the right to be heard. Copies of the application, plat map, too, can contribute by making a gift to the and other related materials may be seen in the Office of the Planning Board at the Philipstown Christopher Flagg & Heidi Snyder, Building Department. village and requesting that it be earmarked 699 Old Albany Post Road, Garrison, for tree planting. Dated at Philipstown, New York, October 15th, 2020 NY TM#61.-3-6 The tree ordinance (and the Tree Advi-

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Teachers at Rombout Middle School in Beacon prepared earlier this year for classes to Inside a classroom at the Garrison School, where students attend daily unless their begin. Photo by Meredith Heuer parents or guardians opted for all-virtual learning. Photo by Maria Slippen

STUDENTS TEACHERS/STAFF pal. With Haldane elementary and middle SCHOOL POSITIVE POSITIVE school students in school five days a week, except for families who’ve chosen to go all- C VID HALDANE MIDDLE SCHOOL 0 0 virtual for health concerns or other reasons, instruction has gone smoothly, she said. HALDANE HIGH SCHOOL 1 1 But for high school students, “there is an HALDANE ELEMENTARY 0 0 added layer of pressure now at that level to get them the breadth” of the curriculum needed 2021 to prepare them for Regents exams, year- WHAT LIES AHEAD? end standardized tests which were canceled BEACON HIGH SCHOOL 2 1 last spring. (On Nov. 5, the state Education Department announced the cancellation of (Continued from Page 1) ROMBOUT MIDDLE SCHOOL 0 1 the January Regents. No decision has been made on the June and August tests.) Cuomo made subsequent announce- GLENHAM ELEMENTARY 0 0 “The teachers are struggling to get through ments of two-week closures until, on May the content,” Sniffen said. “Their pacing is FORRESTAL ELEMENTARY 0 7, he said schools would not reopen until 1 definitely slower than it has been in the past.” the fall. SARGENT ELEMENTARY 0 0 Nonetheless, the principal said, after Since that Friday the 13th, COVID-19 has working all summer, the district has been “on everybody’s mind every single SOUTH AVENUE ELEMENTARY 0 0 improved upon lessons learned in the spring. day,” Landahl said, noting that he took an “We were in full-on crisis mode,” after “alleged vacation” with his family in August Cuomo shut the schools down in March, she and conducts text-message meetings with said, which led Haldane officials to tempo- district staff frequently on Sundays. GARRISON SCHOOL 0 0 rarily adopt a “do-no-harm” policy through While the Class of 2020 graduated the end of the academic year. in virtual ceremonies and other socially As in many other school districts, atten- distanced events, administrators in the dance requirements were relaxed and grad- HUDSON HILLS ACADEMY (BEACON) 0 0 Highlands were already planning for ing was not as strict during the shutdown. reopening in the fall. MANITOU SCHOOL (PHILIPSTOWN) 0 0 But since reopening, Haldane teachers In July, Cuomo asked every district have returned to traditional grading scales, to submit detailed reopening plans for Source: Schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov, as of Nov. 4 while students must log in at the beginning in-person, virtual and hybrid instruction. of each class if they’re attending virtually. The Garrison district, because of an SIX WEEKS IN were closed until Thursday (Nov. 5), with “Whether you’re at home or you’re here, abundance of space, was able to bring all After reopening in September, the Garri- students pivoting to an all-virtual schedule. you’re at school,” Sniffen said. students who chose the option back in son, Haldane and Beacon districts each had Forrestal is scheduled to reopen on Nov. In Beacon, teachers also began planning person. Haldane also had enough space made it through the first six weeks of the 12; South Avenue remains open because of with Landahl and other administrators for to bring elementary and middle school year when Landahl announced a positive limited exposure to the individual there. reopening early in the summer. students back in person, while the high test at Beacon High School on Oct. 28. Later The infections don’t indicate a failure in Whereas last spring was about deploy- school is on a hybrid two- or three-day a that afternoon, he announced a second case Beacon, Landahl said, but that the proto- ing — laptops, wireless hot spots and even week in-person schedule. at the high school and an initial positive cols set in place in the district are working. free groceries, along with volunteers from Beacon offered hybrid and virtual options, test at Rombout Middle School. On Oct. Clusters of cases that aren’t contained by Mutual Aid Beacon — the fall has been with about 65 percent choosing hybrid. 31, a case was confirmed at J.V. Forrestal quarantining, daily temperature checks, about anticipating, Landahl said. “The challenge over the summer was Elementary School, as well as on Nov. 5 contact tracing and other measures would Enduring the spring shutdown led the coming up with those three different at South Avenue Elementary. signal a breakdown in the system, he said. district to buy 25,000 disposable masks schedules,” said Carl Albano, the Garrison With about 2,800 students, Beacon is “Our students and staff have done a great and other personal protective equipment superintendent. “Typically, we start sched- the largest, by far, of the three Highlands job adjusting to the health and safety proto- in June. Air-circulating ventilation systems uling in the spring and you refine it over school systems. In most school officials’ cols,” the superintendent said. “I never were installed in district school buildings the summer.” minds, it was a question of when, not if, a thought students would wear masks this and additional hot spots for free distribu- But to meet Cuomo’s deadline, “all of positive test would show up. well. We have a lot of people making a lot tion to students without reliable internet them needed to be developed in a very short The individuals — the district cannot of sacrifices.” access at home were purchased. period of time,” Albano said, while, in the release identifying information due to Teachers and administrators this fall have “The thing we keep saying is we’re trying case of the all-virtual model, attempting to federal privacy laws — are quarantin- sought to provide as near-normal an educa- to seek out the next thing to prepare for, to improve on what had been thrust upon the ing while officials conduct contact-trac- tional experience as possible, said Julia stay one or two steps ahead,” Landahl said. schools in the spring. ing studies. The middle and high school Sniffen, the Haldane High School princi- (Continued on Page 7) Covid 2021 no ads

highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current November 6, 2020 7

State’s Financial Woes Trickle Down to Schools Lack of aid could bust New York State in August announced it would withhold 20 percent of its aid budgets for 2021-22 payments to school districts. In Beacon, a freeze that significant By Jeff Simms could affect cash flow, said Ann The pandemic’s effect on education Marie Quartironi, the district’s deputy could be felt for years, as New York superintendent. The district has not State struggles to balance its own had to borrow to pay its bills since budget while continuing to provide Quartironi has been there, but if it essential aid to public school districts. did, it would likely take out “revenue anticipation notes,” or short-term loans Haldane and Garrison are far less similar to the bonds school districts dependent on state aid than Beacon use to finance capital projects. Students at the Garrison School work on socially distanced art projects. because of their relative wealth and Photo by Maria Slippen larger tax levies, but in Beacon, state Quartironi said that the Beacon funding made up 45 percent, or district had increased its fund balance (Continued from Page 6) roughly $30 million, of the district’s by the end of the 2019-20 school year 2020-21 budget. in anticipation of diminished aid in the “None of it’s a surprise anymore.” current academic year and beyond. The district’s 276 instructors have risen to COVID-19 by The state aid formula is based on the challenge as well, said John Burns, the districts’ ability to generate revenue “If we do get a federal stimulus and president of the Beacon Teachers’ Association. the Numbers through property taxes. Haldane’s we don’t have to use fund balance, 2020-21 budget relied on about $3 then we’ll have more for 2021-22,” “I don’t know if I could do this,” said PUTNAM COUNTY million in state aid, or 12 percent she said. Burns, who retired from the classroom Number of confirmed cases: of its budget, while Garrison’s was in 2016 but continues to lead the union. If the financial situation gets really $881,000, or 8 percent. “They’re putting forth an amazing effort. 1,896 (+71) bad, the district would have to make Everybody’s in it and everybody’s positive New Cases in Philipstown: 4 However, said Julia Sniffen, the cuts to its budget, with staffing the but, at the same time, the demands on time principal of Haldane High School, any first area to reduce, although “it’s and technology are overwhelming.” Tests administered: cuts in aid are going to be significant never something we want to do,” Haldane parent Christine Johanson said because of the costs incurred by Quartironi said. this week that her daughter, a 10th grader, 65,294 (+3,648) schools to provide both virtual and in- About five or six teachers are on has responded well to the hybrid schedule. person instruction, as well as COVID- Percent positive: schedule to retire next year, she said, “She loves it,” Johanson said. “I think back related equipment. to when I was in high school — what would and a handful of others could choose (-0.1) be better than two days on, two days off?” 2.9 At Garrison, where the parents of 48 to retire. If cuts become necessary, the of the district’s 215 students initially district will see if those positions can The on-off schedule provides balance Number of deaths: and a degree of normalcy, which Johan- elected to go all-virtual, the school be left unfilled, Quartironi said, before son called a best-case scenario considering 64 (+1) board voted this past summer to considering layoffs and, in a worst-case the alternatives. With independent reading spend $500,000 on an online tutoring scenario, programming cuts. system with state-certified teachers and research assignments, her daughter DUTCHESS COUNTY School districts in New York typically for 2020-21. is “busy most of the day, if not a little bit Number of confirmed cases: begin hearing whispers at the end more” on her virtual days, although Johan- Garrison Superintendent Carl Albano of a calendar year about the amount son also worries about students meeting all 5,669 (+161) said this week that he’s optimistic of aid to expect in the upcoming of the state’s curriculum goals. Active Cases in Beacon: 17 that a federal stimulus package will state budget. Beacon has received “My daughter is a good student, so in that be passed to boost state coffers increased funding in each of the last Tests administered: sense we’re lucky,” she said. “But I can only in New York and elsewhere. If not, three years, and while even a flat imagine the teachers are having a tougher “there would be an impact here, but aid package for 2021-22 would be (+12,099) time with some students. There is a huge 231,138 for all schools, especially higher-need satisfactory, “I have a feeling it’s going risk of falling behind.” Percent positive: districts, I’m hopeful that the federal to be less,” Quartironi said. government will support education A state budget representative would ONLY A MATTER OF TIME? (0.0) and the states.” The Mid-Hudson Region’s COVID-19 2.5 offer few details this week, saying only infection rate on Wednesday (Nov. 4) was Number of deaths: Beacon’s 2020-21 budget was based that New York’s 2022 fiscal budget at 2.4 percent, after hovering closer to 1 on the state’s forecasting in its own “will include school aid funding for percent for much of the summer. In the past 166 (+1) budget, which was adopted in March, the 2021-22 school year and will be week, Dutchess and Putnam counties have just as the pandemic hit the U.S. But negotiated with the Legislature for both been under 2 percent. Source: New York State Department as a result of a $14 billion revenue an April 1 deadline, as is done every of Health, with weekly changes in decline due to the spread of the virus, year.” Still, given the temporary closures in the parentheses, as of Nov. 4. New cases in last week in Beacon, and the tremendous spike Philipstown for the week ending Oct. 29. in cases nationwide, it’s hard not to ask: Is it only a matter of time before the virus spreads cases in Beacon, Landahl said he’d heard year, but most of us are trying to make this need. The academic piece is at the forefront further and Cuomo shuts schools down again? rumors that the district planned to shut work. We’re not panicking.” of what we do, but their social and emotional “You see record-breaking positivity rates down in January or February. No one’s The day that schools close again may needs are also at the forefront right now. across the nation, and even though New planning that far ahead, he said. come, but Sniffen said she doesn’t regret Seeing them — it makes every sleepless night York is still comparatively low with infec- “We’re taking this a day at a time,” he the push last summer to reopen in person, worth it. It makes every meeting worth it, tions, experts are calling for exponential said. “We may have new information on even if it’s only temporary. to know you’re doing everything to support growth with the virus this winter,” Albano any given day that changes our thinking.” “You look at students and you recognize them the best you can. said. “You combine all these things and you “There’s a majority of teachers who want that school can be a constant for them,” “I don’t leave every day in a bad place,” do kind of feel that you’re on borrowed time.” to be at school,” added Burns. “Some have she explained. “Seeing them and connect- Sniffen said. “I leave most days saying, ‘We Before the announcements of confirmed said that we’ll be gone by the end of the ing with them helps you evaluate what they made a difference.’ ” 8 November 6, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org Putnam Legislators Lock Up Sheriff’s Funds, Give Philipstown Officials Themselves a Raise Criticize County Budget Approve $164.2 million in ated economic struggles, Putnam should focus on families’ needs and the community. Tourism, policing, she cut Sheriff Robert Langley’s spending for 2021 “This budget does not do that.” Legislators request for $716,000 for patrol William Gouldman of Putnam Valley, Joseph services at issue By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong overtime to $520,000. Castellano of Brewster and Toni Addonizio of By Holly Crocco utnam legislators this week approved Kent, who chairs the Legislature, joined her Cold Spring Mayor Dave Merandy a $164.2 million 2021 county budget in voting against the increase. Philipstown officials and residents said the Sheriff’s Department after locking up $108,000 for Sher- Several legislators also made statements last week loudly and clearly has been critical to maintaining P order in the village as tourism iff’s Department road and river patrols and endorsing the budget’s 2.4 percent raise for opposed reductions in funding by giving themselves raises. the county’s 140 department heads, manag- the Putnam County Legislature continues to soar. Cold Spring has The meeting agenda did not include their ers and related personnel. Supporters said for tourism, social services and put additional officers on duty on salary hikes, which they introduced and the hikes were appropriate so that the sala- policing. weekends, which costs the village approved near the end of the 2-hour-plus ries for upper-echelon employees exceed about $1,000 per weekend, said They commented on Oct. 26 the mayor. session, conducted by audio connection on those of subordinates. The raises include one during a public hearing held Oct. 29. for Putnam County Sheriff Robert Langley via audioconference because “We need help — whatever you Legislator Nancy Montgomery, who Jr., to $156,492, an increase of about $19,220, of pandemic restrictions. The can send our way is appreciated,” represents Philipstown on the nine- and for Odell, to $166,125, after beginning, Legislature approved the budget said Merandy. “I understand that member Legislature, cast the only vote about eight years ago, at $148,635. three days later without making with COVID, you’re going to have a against the budget after objecting stren- any changes in response to the lot of restraints put on the budget uously to diverting Sheriff’s Department Sheriff’s Department criticism. and I expected that, but looking at money to a contingency account. The total The decision on river and road patrol the rest of your budget it doesn’t involved $65,000 in overtime for road funding overrode plans by Legislator Paul Kathleen Foley, who on Tuesday look like it affected much.” patrols and $43,000 for the marine unit Jonke of Southeast, who chairs the legis- (Nov. 3) was elected to the Cold Spending for tourism promotion on the Hudson River. lative Protective Services Committee, to Spring Village Board, called was also tightened. In 2019, Montgomery also opposed the legislative cover overtime by transferring money from the budget process a “sham,” Putnam received $68,000 in state pay raise. county jail accounts and similar sources, including the virtual hearing funds and the county contributed The Legislature’s final budget of with zero fiscal impact. in which technical difficulties $136,000. In 2020, the state $164,291,181 exceeds County Executive At a public hearing, also held by audio apparently hindered some people contributed $60,000 and the MaryEllen Odell’s draft version by $127,987, connection, three days before the budget trying to chime in. county provided $60,000. The which the legislators provided by taking vote, elected officials and constituents from “This is absurd to me. This is not county will spend $50,000 in more from the reserve account than Odell Philipstown criticized cuts to essential a public hearing,” she said. “The 2021, but no state funds are anticipated. They kept the property tax levy services, including the Sheriff’s Department. language the Legislature used expected. at Odell’s recommended $45,561,412. Like Montgomery, Langley is a Philip- around this whole budget process The budget takes effect Jan. 1. stown resident and Democrat. is about how ‘bare-bones’ and Philipstown Town Board member Six days after the budget vote, Republi- ‘slim’ this is. This budget is slim for Judy Farrell added: “Tourism is not Legislative raises can legislators targeted Sheriff’s Depart- departments that the Legislature just marketing; it’s supporting the The legislators voted 5-4 to increase their ment overtime incurred over the summer. and county executive want to infrastructure of the village.” pay by 2.4 percent, to $41,819 annually, On Oct. 29, Montgomery asserted that in punish; it is unrestrained for “Entertaining cuts to real essential beginning in 2021. refusing to transfer the $43,000 for river cronies that you want to reward.” services like village aid, the The part-time legislators last gave them- duty, the Legislature was “defunding the sheriff, the Department of Social selves a raise in December 2017, when they marine patrol and discontinuing the part- In her proposed budget, County Services, legal aid and cemeteries boosted their salaries by 14 percent after nership with the Coast Guard and New Executive MaryEllen Odell while entertaining raises for 10 years of no increases. They also receive York State Police” and others. During the included contractual salary elected officials — that’s not health benefits. (Dutchess legislators last COVID-19 crisis, boating has increased, she increases for union members, right,” said Philipstown Supervisor year approved a 3 percent annual raise to said, and the marine unit “is very impor- as well as a 2.4 percent salary Richard Shea. their base salary of $15,450.) tant to my district. I don’t understand why increase for management. But “I’m not sure raises are a wise use of money we’re jeopardizing safety. It’s not the time at this time,” Montgomery remarked. Instead, to cut this. The Coast Guard is astounded she said, during the pandemic and associ- (Continued on Page 24)

executive director for the Human Rights tion, said Molinaro. Mental Health Amer- and Lifeline units. Next year, with $50,000 (from Page 1) Dutchess Budget Commission ($102,028); an elections special- ica, Astor Services and PeopleUSA will also in funding from the federal CARES Act, Molinaro said that, under the budget, ist ($84,000); and a communications special- take over the operation of the Dutchess Dutchess will test a new transportation some services “may take longer to provide as ist for the Health Department ($67,486). Stabilization Center in Poughkeepsie, program for seniors. we serve more people with fewer employees.” Police reform is also reflected in the which provides services to people in crisis Of the positions approved for buyouts, budget, said Molinaro. Next year, every 24 hours a day. some will be eliminated and others left Dutchess County sheriff’s deputy will begin In an effort to diversify county police vacant, according to the county. The deleted wearing a body camera and the county will forces, the county will amend its college What’s Next for positions include 12 corrections officers provide procedural justice and implicit bias credit requirement for the officer civil (for a savings of $920,000), two probation training to every law enforcement agency service exam, which mandates that appli- the Budget officers ($125,000), drug counselors and in the county. The county said that 200 offi- cants have at least 60 college credits. With Nov. 10: Virtual town hall, noon social workers in the Health Department cers have signed up to attend the eight-hour the change, new officers will have five years and other positions in the Office of Proba- classes by the end of the year. to earn the 60 credits. Nov. 19: Virtual town hall, 6 p.m. tion and Community Corrections. The county’s mobile crisis intervention The draft budget also provides $1.1 Nov. 30: Legislative hearing, 7 p.m. Dutchess is also proposing 10 new posi- team will expand and “work more closely million to support home-based services for tions, including a deputy commissioner for than ever” with police officers and Mental seniors, including case management, adult Visit bit.ly/dutchess-budget housing at an annual salary of $114,005; an Health America, an anti-racism organiza- day care, personal care and housekeeping for information. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current November 6, 2020 9

Election (from Page 1) Voter Dies at Polls As it happens, turnout was about the A Cold Spring resident died on Tuesday same in Dutchess and Putnam in the 2016 (Nov. 3) while waiting outside the United and 2020 presidential elections — there Methodist Church on Main Street for were just more voters. the polls to open, according to the Cold About 75 percent of registered voters cast Spring Police Department. their ballots in early voting, by mail or on Election Day, with about 148,000 votes in Richard Lucchesi, 68, of 14 Parrott St., Dutchess and 54,000 in Putnam as of Nov. was apparently waiting alone outside 3, according to election officials. the church at 5 a.m. for the polls to That was 16,000 more votes in Dutchess open about an hour later. According to than in 2016 and 5,500 more in Putnam, but the CSPD, a poll worker heard a noise, both counties also saw about a 15 percent opened the door and found Lucchesi on A caravan of vehicles with Trump flags and banners drove past the early voting site at increase in the number of registered voters. the ground. the Fishkill Town Hall on Route 52 on Sunday (Oct. 25). Photo by Alejandro Lopez About 40 percent of voters in Dutchess and Poll workers called 911 and a paramedic Putnam took advantage of early voting sites received just under 1 percent. Maloney nearly 28,000 Dutchess absentee ballots pronounced Lucchesi dead at the scene, or mailed in their ballots. won Dutchess County with 50 percent and to be counted as of Nov. 3, including 14,765 according to police. Election officials released tallies for early Farley won Putnam County with 57 percent. from Democrats, 5,284 from Republicans voting and Election Day soon after the polls In a statement issued at 1:45 a.m. on and 6,699 from independents, according closed, but, in New York state this year, Wednesday (Nov. 4), Maloney said that to the Board of Elections. Anthony Mole, a 1993 Haldane graduate absentee ballots postmarked by Election “it is clear” that once absentee ballots are and Patterson town judge, was elected to a Day can arrive at the Boards of Election on counted, “our margin of victory will only Redistricting 10-year term as one of the two Putnam County or before Nov. 10. Both counties will begin increase.” Maloney won 56 percent of the Dutchess voters approved, with 62 Court judges. He will succeed James Rooney, counting absentee ballots next week. vote in 2018 and 2016. percent of the vote, the creation of a seven- who is retiring. Wendy Erickson, a nurse at Farley on Oct. 25 made a late challenge person redistricting commission to redraw Putnam Hospital Center, was elected as one State Senate to the ballot, filing a lawsuit in state court the county’s legislative boundaries next of three county coroners. Both ran unopposed. With 118,384 votes counted, Serino led that claimed the general election ballots year based on data from the 2020 census. Three incumbents returned to the county by a margin of 19,430 to represent the 41st were invalid because they listed Smith as Legislature for three-year terms. William District, which includes most of Dutchess the Libertarian candidate. Putnam County Gouldman, whose district includes Putnam and the western half of Putnam County. Smith received endorsements from the In Cold Spring, Heidi Bender and Kath- Valley, and Amy Sayegh, whose district Smythe, who would need to win an over- Libertarian Party committees in Orange leen Foley were elected unopposed to the includes Mahopac, both Republicans, ran whelming percentage of the uncounted and Dutchess counties but the state party Village Board, filling two seats that will be unopposed. Toni Addonizio, a Republican absentee ballots, conceded defeat on Nov. 4. did not endorse a candidate. vacated by Lynn Miller and Steve Voloto. who represents Kent and is chair of the Legis- “I congratulate Sen. Serino on her victory In dismissing the lawsuit on Oct. 29, Camille Linson was reelected as Philip- lature, easily defeated Democratic challenger and on a race well-run,” Smythe said in a state- Justice Mary Smith of the State Supreme stown Town Justice. Vincent Fiorentino with 61 percent of the vote. ment. “Even with 30,000 absentee ballots Court in Westchester County noted that outstanding, I do not see a different outcome.” in-person voting had already started when Serino won 58 percent of the vote in it was filed and that Smith had been identi- Putnam and 69 percent in Dutchess. fied as the Libertarian candidate since April.

State Assembly Presidential CURRENT CONVERSATIONS Sandy Galef easily defeated her Repub- In Dutchess County, Republicans Donald lican challenger, Lawrence Chiulli, to Trump and Michael Pence won just under win her 14th, 2-year term representing a 50 percent, excluding absentee ballots, district that includes Philipstown, although while Democrats Joe Biden and Kamala New Trustees Q&A Chiulli improved his standing from 2018. Harris had 48 percent. In Putnam, Trump/ Galef won 51 percent of the vote in Putnam Pence won 59 percent and Biden/Harris, County and 57 percent overall. In 2016, 39 percent. Galef won 65 percent. Jonathan Jacobson defeated his Repub- Dutchess County Judge lican challenger, Andrew Gauzza IV, with In a contest that will hinge on absen- 55 percent of the vote, winning a second, tee ballots, Peter Forman, the Republican 2-year term representing a district that incumbent, was leading Democratic chal- includes Beacon. Jacobson won 71 percent lenger Jessica Segal as of Election Night of the vote in Beacon. by 7,385 votes of 120,065 cast. There were

State Supreme Court In a race among seven challengers for four seats to represent the 9th District on the NOTICE State Supreme Court, Sam Walker, a Mount Vernon judge, led with 20 percent of the vote with 93 percent of precincts reporting but no Philipstown absentee ballots. Alexandra Murphy, a former assistant DA in Manhattan, had 13 percent; Planning Board Robert Ondrovic, a trial attorney from White will hold their regular Monthly Plains, had 11.6 percent and Loren Williams, Meeting on November 19th, 2020 a Newburgh judge, had 11.2 percent. 7:30 p.m. virtually via Zoom. M O N D A Y N O V . 9 | 7 : 0 0 - 7 : 4 5 P M

U.S. House If you would like to attend, Join us in conversation with Kathleen Foley and Heidi In the 18th District, which includes the please email Bender, newly elected Cold Spring Village Board Trustees. Highlands, Maloney led Farley by about [email protected] 8,100 votes of more than 280,000 cast, to request login information before without absentee ballots counted. Scott 7:00 p.m. on November 19th, 2020. REGISTER TO ATTEND: Smith, who appeared on the Serve Amer- highlandscurrent.org/current-conversations ica Movement (SAM) and Libertarian lines, 10 November 6, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

AROUND TOWN

 QUIET HALLOWEEN — This photo was taken at 6 p.m. on Halloween night (Oct. 31) on Parrott Street in Cold Spring, a neighborhood that is traditionally mobbed with trick-or-treaters. The few homes decorated are owned by neighbors who are “always the most into it,” a resident said. Photo provided

 NEW RESTAURANT — El Coyote, the Mexican bar and restaurant on Route 9 in Garrison, opened for business on Oct. 19. Its debut, initially planned for early 2019, had been postponed a number of times, most recently because of the pandemic shutdown, said Manager Jose de Jesus.  FOWL FUN — The Beacon Hood The restaurant is located in the building Chicken, aka “The Mayor,” on Oct. 27 formerly occupied by the Stadium visited Mireia, who was celebrating her Restaurant and Sports Museum, which second birthday in quarantine because closed in 2017. Photo by Michael Turton she contracted COVID-19. Photo provided

Cold Spring Soundtrack Marinella Senatore September 9 - November 7, 2020 Organized by Magazzino Italian Art Foundation

Community members are invited to share an audio recording capturing any sound reflective of their current moment. Each and every contribution will be incorporated into a symphony.

Volunteers can participate by leaving their recordings by calling +1 (845) 476-8409 and leaving a voicemail, or sending an audio recording via text message or email to [email protected]. WORK FROM HOME FATIGUE? For more information visit www.magazzino.art Coworking + Private Offices in Beacon

845-418-3731 beahivebzzz.com OPEN BOCHNER BOETTI FONTANA

Kringle’s Curated by Mel Bochner In collaboration with Magazzino Italian Art Foundation Christmas House CALL! October 3, 2020 - January 11, 2021 Magazzino Italian Art, Gallery 8 Is now OPEN for the season bringing you the finest in imported ornaments 134 Main St Beacon 765-0444 highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current November 6, 2020 11 The Calendar Filmed Before a Live Audience The Artichoke returns to do our livestream from an actual stage with all of the performers together in the Howland front of a socially distanced audience. We need that back-and-forth connection.” By Alison Rooney Blesso moved to Beacon six years ago. torytelling is making a comeback at He is a writer — he published a memoir the Howland Cultural Center with in 2007 — and a landlord who renovated the return of The Artichoke. a mixed-use building in Brooklyn and a S two-family house in Beacon. Hosted by Drew Prochaska, the series — which nearly always sold out — returns He has been working on a second on Saturday (Nov. 14) as a livestream. The memoir for the past decade and that show will be performed before a small process turned him to storytelling, he audience (the other storytellers and a few says. “I was planning on publishing it in Howland staff members) and broadcast parts on Kindle, and I thought if I could online, and also filmed and made avail- turn some of the chapters into stories, it able for a month to ticketholders. would help with the book,” he says. “That’s Prochaska, who brought storytelling to why I first began with storytelling.” the Howland in January 2019, is produc- Blesso feels that some of the best stories ing the show with John Blesso, a Beacon are about mundane things. resident who, in addition to spinning a “A lot of people think a good story has to yarn, hosted his own storytelling nights involve armed conflict or beating cancer, at Dogwood and Oak Vino that are now on or something like that, but that’s not true,” hiatus because of the pandemic shutdown. he says. “The story should have stakes Others on the Nov. 14 bill include Chris- and a beginning, middle, end. When I tian Finnegan, Michelle Carlo, Kambri first started, there were so many things Crews, Martin Dockery and Jim O’Grady. I didn’t properly respect about the form. Prochaska and Blesso met through I thought if you were a writer it would be Dogwood “and we hit it off and decided like a major leaguer going to play soft- to space out our events so they didn’t ball, but they are different formats. The conflict,” Blesso recalls. “Drew was deep way that you write is not the way that into that world in the city. He got the very people speak. If there’s not something best from New York City to come to his that is actively advancing the action and shows. They also loved that Drew paid supporting your story, you have to get rid them, which is rare in the world of story- of it. There may be things you think are telling. Performers love it here.” compelling but don’t belong in the story.” Prochaska has said he named his series Asked what he would consider a great The Artichoke as a metaphor for “perform- Beacon setting, he says: “I’m tempted to ers who start out rough but blossom during say Main Street. Somebody sets out to do the telling of their tale,” such as the bud, something on Main, they run into some- “a greyish green thistle with pointy body else and their day becomes Rick Holbrook and Todd Hulet Photo by Kristin Teig leaves but a tender heart.” very different.” A half-hour later, Modeled after a storytelling he provides more detail: “A great series on National Public Radio Beacon story would be getting called The Moth, performers dumped and then wanting noth- present their tales extemporane- ing more than to console your- ously in 10-minute blocks. self on a Saturday morning with Betting on Beacon Blesso says he and Prochaska and a Taylor ham-and-cheese from Amid shutdown, three Most of that growing up was done on other storytellers aren’t entirely Mr. V’s, and then to Afton Road in Danville, Virginia, which comfortable telling stories meet the person retailers open in city became the name of his pottery store. on Zoom without any who will become He began studying the form in college, By Alison Rooney in-person spectators. your next signif- although his focus was photography, which icant other “Drew and I have hile The Snooki Shop at 508 he made into a career. Pottery was a hobby while waiting both been invited to Main St., a clothing store owed until he and his fiancé, Todd Hulet, moved in line...” tell stories by Zoom, by Nicole Polizzi of Jersey Shore to California. There, Holbrook became a W member of an artists’ community called but being alone and fame, got a lot of attention before its Nov. telling your story 1 opening, three other retailers have also Muddy’s Studio. Holbrook often used his Tickets for to a wall feels edgy planted flags in Beacon in the past few pottery in his editorial and commercial the Nov. 14 but not the good weeks. photography assignments. kind of performing livestream Holbrook and Hulet, who is a composer edgy,” Blesso says. of The Afton Road and theater teaching artist, launched “I felt uncomfort- Artichoke 137 Main St. an online store, largely in response to a are $15 able and anxious Rick Holbrook, a potter, works in sets of steady stream of requests for the pottery at thearti- because I had no four. That’s how he grew up, he says, with when people saw it in Holbrook’s photos, choke.tick- idea if what I was his mother, father and sister, Shannon, such as on recipe cards distributed by the etspice.com/ saying was landing. “connected to family and sitting down to a Blue Apron meal-delivery service. nov2020. That’s why for us it meal together. I was a quiet child who kept The couple moved to Beacon three years was so important to John Blesso Photo by Tom Moore to myself and fell into my creative being.” (Continued on Page 20) 12 November 6, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

hotographer Nancy LeVine she recalls. “Everything was stay home. I decided mine was to moved to Beacon from Seat- unknown — exactly how the virus venture out in the safest way possi- P tle in 2019. During the early spreads, how contagious, what ble to take their portraits and find weeks of the shutdown in April symptoms, treatment. There was out what they were feeling.” Beacon in and May, she drove around her lots of fear. I felt calmest when I LeVine photographed 80 house- new city to take portraits of resi- was out creating these portraits. holds from April 14 to May 15, dents from a socially safe distance “I loved meeting everyone and when the statewide shutdown outside their homes. now I have a deeper feeling of was lifted. A selection is published “At the time, New York was community that often takes a here for the first time, along with Quarantine overwhelmed with thousands long time to develop,” she says. comments LeVine collected from of people being stricken and “Their responsibility at the time her subjects. For more, see high- Photos by Nancy LeVine many succumbing to the virus,” to Beacon and New York was to landscurrent.org.

Steve and Sascha Mallon

Steve: I fell even more in love with my wife. I’m thankful for the home we have together and how we were all able to appreci- ate each other and also give each other space. We are still laughing late at night together!

Sascha: I am used to being home a lot. In the beginning I used the time to make colorful childrens’ masks for underserved commu- nities through Cope NYC, and I work remotely doing Zoom calls for art projects with oncology patients for The Creative Center NYC. Unfortunately, I am not sure if I can keep my job. I am so very thankful for my husband, my daughter, our dog and beautiful house. 

again but that won’t be happening Cabot and soon. All my performer friends, Melanie Parsons from Broadway folk to puppeteers to fire acts, have had their whole Cabot: I’m lucky to still be teach- lives wiped out for the foreseeable ing, remotely, acting for teens at future. But sure, let’s hurry and a dance studio in Middletown. make certain people can get her Three hours of Zoom meetings is hair done. exhausting and not fulfilling, but the kids are still engaged and that Melanie: I feel a sadness that is what matters. All my spring doesn’t seem to go away. Having performances of my short puppet lived in New York during 9/11 and piece in Boston and Baltimore are the blackout, I remember seeing canceled. I rededicated my theater the very best of people and at work to puppetry a few years ago moments the very worst. During while recuperating from several this quarantine, I’ve been so leg surgeries after our house disappointed in people and their burned. 2020 was going to be my responses and actions, mostly in year to become known in my field. regard to others. Before all of this, My sleep cycle is wildly disrupted, I would have said I was very opti- and I am worried about our family mistic and did try to see the best members in Texas. I’m furious at of any situation. I hope more than our friends in Texas who aren’t anything that I will be able to feel taking this seriously, knowing that way again. I am very lucky that they or people like them to be in this crazy time with my might bring the virus in contact husband and dog; they have kept with my 84-year-old diabetic dad. me sane and laughing as much as I’m angry a lot. I want to perform possible.  highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current November 6, 2020 13

ing like rubbing alcohol hitting the or a human experience, which is Greg Anderson cracks in our hands. what live music is. and Sara We knew it was coming, but Months later and arts work- turns out knowing something ers are feeling forgotten by our Milonovich intellectually and processing it elected officials and a portion of emotionally are different. Our the general population, as well. I’m Sara: On March 10, I played on industry is frozen. We know it will lonely. I’m sad. I’m homesick for the Broadway, subbing the violin chair come back, we just don’t know stage, the studio, the road. I miss in Come From Away. On March 12, when or how. We’ve been lucky my bandmates. I miss even the late Broadway went dark. By that week- so far to have remained healthy nights and early mornings, when end every live performance I had in spite of almost certain expo- putting in contact lenses in the wee a text. We are all sharing videos scheduled through the spring had sure. Some of our friends and hours feels more like jamming a Amy Pilkington and photos of people in quaran- canceled. Summer festival cancel- colleagues have not fared so well. couple of Triscuits into my eyes. Ordered to stay at home. At tine doing funny things. We’re all lations began trickling in over the Every day feels like some exercise I miss the random moments of first, sleeping in seems like a starting to feel fat. I suggest not following weeks, each one sting- in grieving, whether a human life weirdness and beauty.  luxury. Watching Netflix all day wearing elastic-waisted pants. in my PJs seems like a great idea. My mother admits to eating three Ordering pizza sounds delicious. I Oreos for breakfast. She has been stay up late. Cocktails start early. a health nut her whole life. I call my mom and dad every People in my apartment day to check on them. Everyone complex are gardening like crazy, is saying there will be a rush on desperate to be outside and make food and we will run out so I try something beautiful. Safe distanc- to fill my house with non-perish- ing get-togethers outside in the ables and root vegetables. And garden area are common. No some chocolate Cadbury eggs left one shares drinks or bottles. Sit over from Easter. One big bag of 6 feet apart. Wear masks. Then white chocolate and one dark. the masks come off as it is hard I put the chocolate up high in a to drink through them. cupboard and try to not eat them One night we light a fire and all. This is futile. I pull over a it is magical to sit around the pit chair and grab a little handful at and watch the flames and feel the a time. They go in four days — way warmth. The building manage- too fast. ment team has disappeared. I feel lazy. I had two jobs I was They left the premises to the working on. They were both put virus and have not been wiping on hold due to my clients’ finan- the doors or communal areas. cial uncertainty and a general This seems to be a major source feeling of not knowing if they of my complaining. I’m becoming should be doing something nice grumpy. This could be a bad diet for themselves with all the death or frustration or loneliness. It’s and pain around. Every day seems time I start trying to be creative like a frantic search for informa- and get myself inspired. Go to the tion. Who do I spend time with? studio. Turn off Netflix. Clean my Can I see my neighbor? Yes, we kitchen. File for unemployment. will be corona buddies. We walk Apply to grants. Speak to my mom dogs together and shop for grocer- and dad. They say they will help ies together. We take turns cook- if I really need it but to exhaust ing and enjoy cocktails and every other option first. movies together. I feel like a loser. I feel very flat. The music director of Spirit of children play sports, but continued I’m talking to my friends from Nothing seems exciting or worth- Sharlene Stout Unity said she was disappointed not to attend Bible studies and Sunday out of town a lot more. The phone while. Thank goodness for my to see her family or watch her grand- School over the phone.  is always ringing and sounding dog. She is an excellent cuddler.  14 November 6, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Robert Merino and Betsy Rivera with Robert Merino, 12, and Jennifer Velasquez, 15

Robert: I am Peruvian. I have worked at the Cardinal Health warehouse in Montgomery for 11 years. We supply medical mate- rials for hospitals. Since March I have been working day and night. I disinfect myself before I get home. I know that soon the day will come where I will be home for a longer time so I can also hug my family without fearing I will contaminate them. [Translated from Spanish]

Betsy: I am from Puerto Rico and have lived in Beacon for 25 years. I’m a teacher and work with special children with autism and Down syndrome. They do not understand why we can’t meet for class and why we have to be positive pictures and put them on like a normal day. It was a Friday. you stay home, wash your hands and scary to watch the news to at home. I miss them so much. the windows for our neighbors. So I was ready for the weekend. and stay active, you should be fine. hear that many people are dying At home I help my children with We have faith that everything will Once Monday arrived, school was and not having hope since there is their schoolwork and we prepare pass and we will be free. [Trans- canceled. I didn’t have a big reac- Jennifer: I study and review no medicine or cure. It seems so meals and desserts together and lated from Spanish] tion. I kind of predicted schools alone to teach myself the lessons unreal to see everything closed.  we make masks for the children to were going to close. Overall, quar- and prepare for tests. I’ve been protect themselves. And we draw Robert: It all started in school antine isn’t that bad. As long as home since March 14. It is very sad

nity center gallery (now closed) Steve Blamires and for BACA (now called Beacon and Jennifer Arts). And met so many wonder- ful people! But it wasn’t until the Mackiewicz towers fell that I felt like a New Yorker. Jennifer: I moved to Beacon 19 Steve, whose main income is as years ago from Nevada. I was an historian on expedition cruise working for the artist Michael I cannot see and spend time ships, lost all his contracts for the Barbara Brickhouse, with her son, Helzer and, after 11 years, it was with my children. And I miss coming year. I have been under- time to get out of the desert. I going to church to worship with employed or unemployed since Turone; goddaughter, Tatyana, 14; became the senior administrator my church family.  2008, so at the best of times, it’s Haeven, 17 months; and dog, Winston at Dia:Beacon. When I arrived, been a struggle. Just two days Main Street was boarded up and ago, Steve’s unemployment came Beacon was not a destination. I through, as did a pension from got involved with the community, Scotland he didn’t even know he served on boards for a commu- had. So we are OK for now.  highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current November 6, 2020 15

Melissa Haydt with Lucas, 5, and Maggie I’m a registered nurse and have been working in one of the hardest- hit areas. I pray every day going to work that I will not bring this virus home to my family. I have trouble sleeping at night when I have to go to work. I feel that we are all real- izing what we have always known: Family is the most important thing we have, and as long as we are all healthy and together, everything will be alright. 

Patrick and Marian Fredericks

Patrick: We take drives to Fish- kill and Cold Spring. We have three children, seven grandchil- dren and two great-grandchildren. We have good neighbors. Nothing bothers me. My wife moved to Beacon when we were married, 60 years ago. I grew up here. The mountains protect us.  16 November 6, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Eric Diehl and Sarah Capua, with Santino

Eric: I will always be grateful that I got to see our child learn to crawl, walk and begin to babble. Some days have been joyful, while others filled with anxiety and fear. I have been able to plan alterna- tive means of making a living at my home studio. I know that I have friends and family out there to lend a hand, and it’s comforting to know that millions of others are in the same boat or worse than us.

Sarah: My son teaches me how to focus on the moment at hand. Every morning we light a candle and remember we are connected to it all. 

Carolyn and Leman Anderson

Carolyn: It’s hard keeping your distance, and not having the privi- lege of eating out with friends. But we learned to adjust. It brought household members together; parents and their children began to bond.  highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current November 6, 2020 17

Allyn Peterson and Jennifer Meister with Naomi, 4, and Riley, 8

Jennifer: I miss family terribly. I used to see family in New York City about every other weekend, but now it’s been about two months. One thing I’ve enjoyed is cooking more, gardening and riding bikes as a family. The thing I like least is not knowing when it will end.

Riley: I like homeschooling because whenever you want, you can take a break and rest.

Allyn: I’m a private person, so I think the isolation affects me less than others, generally. There is a sense of normalcy I certainly miss, but I also hope our remote connec- tivity keeps evolving. Not long ago, our ancestors “shut down” life during the winter because the cold proved too great a risk. We’re learn- ing a lot about essential services and adapting productivity. 

if the world was shut down? It Kolt Reagle was so much easier to feel nega- lation is not as dense as it is in I spent a good amount of time tive and wallow in the uncertainty. Gail Wauford and Dimitri Archip Brooklyn, where we used to live. feeling scared like everyone else. But I would wake up every day and Gail: It’s a challenge to fight the heartfelt hug. Of all the people I’ve known in my I would start painting and almost get excited about the stuff we were depression that comes from being life, I am lucky to have been quar- instantly stop before I picked up going to work on that didn’t mean out of work and isolated. When Dimitri: As stressful as the lock- antined with Gail. She has been a brush and question why I was anything. It didn’t matter if it was this is over, I’m going to give down was, I feel fortunate to be my North Star.  working. Who am I painting for good or bad or just a silly idea.  everyone I know the longest, most living in Beacon, where the popu- 18 November 6, 2020 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 shortages due to the pandemic. SAT 14 Appointments preferred. Teen Mandala Workshop SAT 7 COLD SPRING Transposed, Nov. 14 Upcycled Clothing Pop-Up STAGE & SCREEN 1 p.m. Butterfield Library COLD SPRING 845-265-3040 | butterfieldlibrary.org Planetary Health Series, institute 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Summer Set SAT 7 VISUAL ART Pick up paint and tools after co-founder Jonathan F.P. Rose will 59 Chestnut St. | shopsummerset.com An Afternoon of Poetry registering and learn how to make speak over Zoom with the founder WED 11 Local designer Maisy Curto’s GARRISON a mandala using rocks. of the Loka Initiative about her reimagined styles are on view and 2 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library Chairs Re-Created work on implementing global GARRISON for sale. 845-424-3020 | desmondfishlibrary.org TALKS conservation strategies. Isabel Sobral Campos, Ellen 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Garrison Art Center Devlin and Alison Stone will read 23 Garrison’s Landing SAT 7 SUN 8 SAT 14 Mount Beacon Memorial their work via Zoom. David Hollander garrisonartcenter.org Make Your Own Chairs donated by supporters COLD SPRING FISHKILL Grapevine Wreath and re-created by 44 artists as a 10:30 a.m. Fishkill Veterans Park SAT 14 4 p.m. Chapel Restoration BREWSTER fundraiser for the art center will be 793 Route 52 The Artichoke 45 Market St. 10 a.m. – Noon. on exhibit through SAT 14. This ceremony will pay tribute to BEACON 845-265-5537 | chapelrestoration.org Cornell Cooperative Extension the pilots lost on the 75th and 85th 8 p.m. Howland Cultural Center The author will read from his putnam.cce.cornell.edu/events SAT 14 anniversaries of two Navy plane 845-831-4988 | artichokeshow.com latest novel, Anthropica. Register to pick up materials and Transposed crashes on the mountain. Drew Prochaska will host this join a Zoom workshop. Cost: $10 to livestream of the storytelling series BEACON MON 9 $30 SAT 7 with John Blesso, Kambri Crews, New Trustees Q&A Noon – 8 p.m. BAU Gallery | 506 Main St. Christian Finnegan, Jim O’Grady, 845-440-7584 | baugallery.org Virtual Gala COLD SPRING Michele Carlo and Martin Dockery. SUN 15 Pamela Zaremba’s photographs, COLD SPRING 7 p.m. Via Zoom See Page 11. Cost: $15 History Talk: created during the pandemic, 6 p.m. Putnam History Museum highlandscurrent.org/current- explore domesticity. putnamhistorymuseum.org conversations Revolutionary Tarrytown This online benefit will honor SUN 15 A Current Conversation with TOWN Tara and James Carroll with the Sunday Stroll: Kathleen Foley and Heidi Bender, 2 p.m. Warner Library CIVIC who were elected on Nov. 3 as Cold RW250.org/events Trailblazers Award. Enjoy live Bear Necessities MON 9 Spring Village Board trustees. Erik Weisberg, the historian for performances and a silent auction. CORNWALL City Council Cost: $60 ($50 members) 10 a.m. Outdoor Discovery Center Register online. Revolutionary Westchester 250, will discuss “traitors, spies, patriots, BEACON 120 Muser Drive | 845-534-5506 x204 allies, British boats and Hessian 7 p.m. City Hall WED 11 hhnm.org TUES 10 ghosts” via Zoom. 845-838-5011 | cityofbeacon.org Veterans’ Day Ceremony Learn about hibernation, what Book Club BEACON bears eat and their other habits BEACON SUN 15 MON 9 11 a.m. Memorial Building during this guided hike. Cost: $8 to 1:30 p.m. Memorial Park 413 Main St., Beacon $10 ($6 to $8 for members) 198 Robert Cahill Drive Bountiful School Board Hosted by Veterans of Foreign beaconlibrary.org GARRISON BEACON Wars Post 666 KIDS & FAMILY The Howland Library group will 4 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library 7 p.m. Beacon High School meet in the park to discuss The 845-424-3020 | desmondfishlibrary.org 845-838-6900 | beaconk12.org SAT 7 bit.ly/CharityShumway WED 11 Night Tiger, by Yangsze Choo. The Veterans’ Day Ceremony Family Nature rain date is WED 11. Charity Shumway of Garrison MON 9 Exploration will discuss her new novel with COLD SPRING Dutchess Legislature TUES 10 Melissa Inouye over Zoom. 11 a.m. St. Mary’s Lawn PHILIPSTOWN POUGHKEEPSIE 11 a.m. Hubbard Lodge Creating a More 7 p.m. Via livestream | bit.ly/34XJCZv Chestnut and Main MUSIC Hosted by VFW Post 2362 and 2880 Route 9 Just Future putnamhighlandsaudubon.org American Legion Post 275 GARRISON SAT 7 TUES 10 Environmental educator Pete 4 p.m. Garrison Institute Salmansohn will lead classic nature The Valley Hour Dutchess Budget WED 11 garrisoninstitute.org games and look for signs of birds BEACON Town Hall Caroline Voldstad Daniell and Blood Drive and other animals. Families can 8 p.m. Howland Cultural Center Columbia Law School professor POUGHKEEPSIE COLD SPRING safely participate in their own small howlandculturalcentertix.com Elizabeth Emens will discuss how Noon. Via Facebook 1 – 7 p.m. Our Lady of Loretto | 24 Fair St. group. Masks required. For ages 6 mindfulness training can help Annalyse & Ryan bring together facebook.com/DutchessCoGov and older. 800-933-2566 | nybc.org/donate young people evolve social justice. performers for a monthly livestream Blood banks are reporting series. Cindy Cashdollar and TUES 10 Upstate are the guests. Cost: $12 TUES 10 Board of Trustees The Zero Carbon Home COLD SPRING SUN 15 PHILIPSTOWN Jesse Mills and Rieko 7:30 p.m. Village Hall 7 p.m. Ecological Citizen’s Project 845-265-3611 | coldspringny.gov bit.ly/367xJjd Aizawa BEACON Physicist David Green, who WED 11 created a carbon-free home, will talk 8 p.m. Howland Cultural Center Village Board about how people can lower their howlandmusic.org NELSONVILLE footprint in this event organized As part of the AliveMusica 7 p.m. Village Hall with the Philipstown Garden Club. series, the violinist and pianist will present a livestreamed program 845-265-2500 | nelsonvilleny.gov that includes Messiaen’s Theme THURS 12 Dekila Chungyalpa and Variations, Beethoven’s Sonata THURS 12 No. 10, Chihara’s Storm and Ravel’s Town Board GARRISON Violin Sonata No. 2. Cost: $20 PHILIPSTOWN 2 p.m. Garrison Institute donation 7:30 p.m. Philipstown Community Center Veterans Day Nov. 11 garrisoninstitute.org As part of the Pathways for 845-265-5200 | philipstown.com highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current November 6, 2020 19

Online Auction Benefit Bidding through Nov.14, 5pm Live viewing Nov.11-14, 10-5 Garrison Art Center Galleries 53 chairs donated by arts supporters were re-created by 44 artists as a gift Use phone to the Art Center. We hope their camera here to see auction garrisonartcenter.org generosity inspires yours.

THANK YOU!!! BAU Gallery Beacon Cold Spring Area Chamber of Commerce Morphicism Beacon Paulette’s Cold Spring Raven Rose Beacon Split Rock Books Cold Spring Support local business 20 November 6, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Beacon Shops (from Page 11) ago because they missed the East Coast but did not want to live in a large city. “We love the support for artists here,” Hulet says. They closed the online store because Holbrook was focusing on producing custom orders for photo shoots for market- ing campaigns and magazines. But Holbrook missed having his work accessible to the general public, and he and Hulet decided that Beacon needed a Main Street pottery studio. “I had always wanted a store, but never had time,” Holbrook says. “We’d been talking about it for eight years, discussing what it would look like. As soon as we moved to Beacon, it was like ‘Oh, this is a town where this could happen.’ ” Because of the pandemic shutdown, Holbrook was receiving fewer photography assignments, and Hulet was working at the Poughkeepsie Day School, which closed. Inter- est rates were also at record lows, allowing Inside Afton Road Photo by Rick Holbrook The centerpiece table at Berte Photo by Jennifer Young them to create a business plan “that actually works,” says Hulet, who is handling the legal do a lot of custom work, too. You can come in around a center table. There is also a small and delight, couldn’t be better timed, and business ends of the shop. They rented the and look, and we can make whatever you see, selection of linens, table-runners, napkins although the coronavirus did quash any space formerly occupied by Catalyst Gallery. in the color you’re interested in.” and plants, and Holbrook hosts pottery plans for a grand opening. Afton Road Holbrook’s designs are focused on func- All the works are thrown in the shop and workshops for adults and families. “How do you do a grand opening during 137 Main St. tion, he says, with three sizes for most fired, glazed and fired again at Holbrook a pandemic?” asks owner Aimée deSimone. plates and bowls, tumblers for water and and Hulet’s home nearby. “We created our Afton Road is open Saturday and Sunday “It’s like, ‘Come one, come all, but only six wine, bud vases, planters and home decor own propriety colors, not replicable, to from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., or by appointment. at a time.’ ” items that also work on a table. create our brand,” Holbrook says. “In the See aftonroad.com or call 845-745-0521. The shop welcomed its first customers “It’s about introducing something hand- shop, we’ve grouped segments of color by Berte on Oct. 24 to browse its collection of home- made into people’s lives, but not making themselves, but the idea is to pair, mixing made goods. it complicated,” Holbrook says. “It’s easily the collections together.” 500 Main St. DeSimone was a television and film cleaned and can go in the microwave. We Customers are invited to move pieces The Berte boutique, built around calm (Continued on Page 21)

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All offers are not to be combined with any other offer Offer Valid Only at Cold Spring Location EXP. 12/14/2020 BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY 47 Chestnut Street MONROE CHESTER WARWICK Cold Spring, NY 10516 400 State Route 17M, Suite #9 78 Brookside Avenue, Suite #136 11 First Street COLD SPRING Monroe, NY 10950 Chester, NY 10918 Warwick, NY 10990 Tel: 845-265-2072 Tel: 845-781-4343 Tel: 845-469-6006 Tel: 845-544-7944 highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current November 6, 2020 21

(Continued from Page 20) this dream forward. This is something I had producer for a decade but said the travel been talking about for three years and now burned her out. She had wanted to own nothing was going to get in the way. This a shop since her early 20s and found that determined COVID doesn’t define us. I need recently she was “gravitating to things to make this positive imprint on this year.” which could bring me joy: human-to-human She found her space in what had formerly interaction — so exciting and thrilling.” been Loopy Mango, a yarn shop. Her store Feeling she had “reached the crescendo” is stocked with brands and objects she has of her production career, deSimone enrolled discovered at markets, on Instagram and in a business entrepreneurial course at trade shows. The four main categories through the Women’s Enterprise Develop- are home decor, accessories, apothecary and ment Center, which has offices in White stationery. Most of the makers are women, Plains and Poughkeepsie. and close to 20 percent are BIPOC [Black, “It was a 60-hour course over four or five Indigenous and people of color] makers, plus months and it helped me paint the picture everything is “sustainable, useful and fun.” of what Berte [pronounced Ber-tie] would She chose the name Berte because she be and what the mission and feel of the “wanted the shop to have a personable, shop would be: A place that allows you to friendly, approachable feel, not expensive and settle, to rest, to have goods to help you out-of-reach. I was looking at baby names and live in the moment more,” she says. “This is thought the spelling was fun and different, something I struggled with. That mission and it sounded nice. People are pronouncing was the foundation for how I hand-picked it in lots of different ways, and the mispro- so many of the makers. ‘Curated’ shops nunciations tell me about the person.” Bowie, sound like they could all be the same, but the shop corgi, also adds fun. whoever is in charge — it’s their collection.” The atmosphere is intentional, says She developed Berte online before expand- deSimone. “There’s an exploration element ing to Brooklyn Flea, Phoenicia Flea and to it. It’s not super-cluttered, it’s clean, with FAD Market. “You need to do the markets so Aimé deSimone at Berte Photo by Jennifer Young great colors but a minimalist feel. The you get a sense of people” and what products people who enjoy themselves here get down they respond to, she explains. “I started to chapter after living in the New York City for my job in June 2019 and started commit- on their knees and find what’s on the floor. mold the business, make it more clear.” All 10 years, and we’d been hiking in the area ting to the shop full time, on the lookout for There’s always new stuff to find.” the while, deSimone was still working full for five or six years and looking for places to a storefront. At the beginning of this year time in production. “It was an intense side have a brew and burger afterward.” I thought, ‘It’s finally going to happen this Berte is open Thursday through Satur- hustle,” she says. After the move, deSimone says she spring.’ Then COVID happened.” day, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 12 to 5 In February 2019, she and her husband “started connecting with little businesses In April, her father-in-law died of COVID. p.m. See shopberte.com. moved to Beacon. “We knew there was a next here. I was set on finding my people. I left His death motivated her to stop “pushing (Continued on Page 22)

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Karen Donahue Photo provided Echo Closes Beacon toy store/clothing shop shutters Alaina James at Blend's New Windsor store Photo by Andy Kropa/Pursuit So they created their own in New Windsor, wraps, protein shakes, fresh-pressed juices, By Alison Rooney Beacon Shops (from Page 21) followed by branches in Middletown, Mohe- acai bowls, energy bits and fruit carvings. aren Donohue, who operated Echo, Blend Smoothie and Salad Bar gan Lake, Monroe and, most recently, Beacon. “When different fruits and vegetables come a dual storefront with toys and Although opening the takeout shop in season we incorporate them into the menu,” 135 Main St. women’s clothing and accessories, during the pandemic has been chal- James says. “From apple butternut squash K ended her 20-year run in Beacon on Oct. 30. Six years ago, Alaina James and José lenging, “we felt the community needed soup to watermelon, when an ingredient is at She said the pandemic shutdown had Medina were looking for a healthy, quick healthy, immune-boosting food now more its peak, you will be sure to find it at Blend.” hurt business, but that she also has been restaurant in New Windsor without luck. than ever,” she says. “Blend and Beacon fit dealing with chronic health issues. “I’m “There was nowhere in the area that you hand-in-hand, from the health-conscious Blend is open weekdays from 7 a.m. looking forward to better health and new could grab an all-natural protein shake, a community to the outgoing personalities to 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ventures,” she wrote online. “Stay tuned.” real fresh-pressed juice, or create your own that make up such a small great city.” and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. See Echo began as an art gallery display- salad — besides a supermarket,” James says. Blend’s stock includes chopped salads, blendsmoothiebar.com or call 845-440-8918. ing her mother’s hand-painted tables and wind-up toys, Donohue said in an interview in June. She moved twice as her inventory expanded. HIGHLAND STUDIO NOTICE Donohue said the mandated closure of businesses by the state had hurt Echo particularly because “this store is very Philipstown much an experience — you come in and you touch everything — so it didn’t feel Planning Board good to allow people to continue doing that. And if the perception was that I Site Visit – November 15th, 2020 was putting people in danger by staying The Philipstown Planning Board open, that could affect sales.” will meet on Sunday, November Echo partially re-opened in June but 15th 2020 at 10:30 am to inspect was struggling. “We can keep limping the following sites: along,” she said at the time. “But if this is the forever plan — wearing masks and PRINTMAKERS 3622 Route 9 LLC, Cold Spring, NY staying 6 feet apart — my business is TM#17.-1-44 personal. It’s a lot of ‘What do you recom- FINE ART mend for a 5-year-old?’ We’ll try our best PRINTING and wait and see.” SCANNING LARGE FORMAT

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Mouths to Feed which my family couldn’t even finish, and spent half an hour scrubbing the stove. Meanwhile, those tomatoes were continu- Unripeness is All ing to ripen. As it happens, that’s a good thing, since it reduces their bitterness along By Celia Barbour with certain alkaloids that have a reputa- tion for being toxic. Are they? I decided to sk around for look it up, half-hoping to find an excuse to advice on compost my remaining harvest. A what to do No such luck. According to food scien- with an abundance tist and writer Harold McGee, “There’s of green tomatoes, scant evidence for tomato toxicity in the and chances are you’ll medical and veterinary literature.” Indeed, be told to fry them, South- in a 2009 article in The New York Times, ern style. McGee quotes a Food and Drug Adminis- It’s not a terrible suggestion. You slice up tration research chemist who’s found that a couple of firm, tart tomatoes, dredge each the alkaloids in green tomatoes are not only slice in seasoned flour, dip it in egg and corn- “relatively benign” but reduce cholesterol meal, and fry it in oil. And great, yum: 20 in animals and can inhibit the growth of minutes later, you have a crispy, hot treat human cancer cells. you can eat in small quantities before reach- Nudged to carry on, I probed my memory ing utter satiety, an oil-and-batter-spattered for inspiration. And there it was: I would stove and seven pounds of green tomatoes roast my green tormentors — er, tomatoes. still waiting to be cooked. Or at least that’s Several decades ago, I went through a how things looked in my kitchen last week. phase of slow-roasting regular tomatoes by It’s a bit like asking for advice on how the dozens. Sprinkled with a little salt and Jalapeno-Cheddar-Green Tomato Biscuits to get rid of all the fallen leaves in your sugar, they’d turn rich and a little chewy, yard and being told to make a leaf-print and were amazing on sandwiches, or added Makes 10 to 12, depending on the size of your biscuit cutter placemat: Nice idea, but it doesn’t get to to grain dishes and salads. Unlike fresh the heart of the problem. tomatoes, they also kept well in the freezer. As with many things, the first signs I was It took a while to chop and roast up the heading toward a tomato crisis appeared entire collection. But the resulting nuggets If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ¼ Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Line gradually: a tomato here, a tomato there. were dense and flavorful, and I decided teaspoon vinegar (cider or white) into a baking sheet with parchment. Then the frost arrived, and I found myself they’d make a fine addition to corn bread ½ cup whole milk, and stir. Combine the roasted tomatoes, in possession of such a great quantity of or biscuits, the latter of which I often make cheddar, and jalapeno in a medium green tomatoes that, having filled a baking for Thanksgiving. I whipped up a batch of bowl, and toss with 1½ tablespoons sheet and breakfast tray, they spilled over cheddar-jalapeno-green-tomato biscuits 1 batch roasted green tomatoes flour to coat thoroughly. Set aside to occupy the bench in our mudroom. and was thrilled with the result. So were (see below), cooled 2020 has offered us many occasions to the half-dozen people I forced to try them Place all the dry ingredients into 1 cup grated cheddar cheese think about how we each, as individuals, (I like to do my research on actual humans, the bowl of a food processor, and (about 2 ounces) can find right-sized solutions to monumen- scientist-style). The rest went into the pulse to combine. Add the butter tal problems. One thing seems clear: our freezer, to await better days. 1 jalapeno, minced pieces, and pulse until the mixture personal contributions, however trivial they Seen from one perspective, cooking is all has the texture of coarse meal. 2 cups plus 1½ tablespoons all-purpose might sometimes appear, matter as part of about precision: measuring cups, baking Whisk together the buttermilk and flour, plus more for countertop a collective effort. Small gestures — voting, times, temperatures, rules. But it’s also egg, and add to the flour mixture, wearing a mask — can have a big impact. about improvisation, adaptation and persis- 1 tablespoon baking powder pulsing briefly. Add the tomato- But kitchen wisdom doesn’t always tence. Maybe, then, there’s a life lesson in cheddar mixture, and pulse again, ½ teaspoon baking soda extrapolate neatly onto global issues, and here after all: Stay loose and keep trying. just until the dough comes together. vice versa. I fried up two green tomatoes, Things might just turn out OK after all. 1 teaspoon salt Turn the dough out onto a flour- 1 teaspoon paprika dusted surface and pat into a rough rectangle. Fold the rectangle in half, As with many things, the first signs I was ½ teaspoon garlic powder turn it clockwise 90 degrees, pat, heading toward a tomato crisis appeared Black pepper and fold again. Press into a 1-inch high rectangle. Cut into rounds 1 stick butter, cut into pieces, gradually: a tomato here, a tomato there. using a biscuit cutter, or use a knife plus 2 tablespoons melted to make square biscuits. Brush the ½ cup buttermilk (see headnote) tops with melted butter. Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. 1 large egg

C & E Paint Supply Roasted Green Tomatoes Orders can be placed by phone or in-store. We provide in-store or curb-side pick-up. Makes 1 recipe Masks must be worn in the store and, until social distancing is no longer required, no dogs please. 1½ cups green tomatoes Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the cut tomatoes in a NEW STORE HOURS: (about 8 ounces), cut into a Monday through Friday half-inch dice sieve and allow to drain, tossing 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. occasionally. Line a baking sheet 1 teaspoon sugar with parchment. Spread the Closed Saturday and Sunday ¼ teaspoon salt tomatoes evenly, sprinkle with the sugar and salt, and roast, 25 to 158 Main Street 30 minutes, or until just starting (845) 265-3126 to brown, turning the pan halfway through. 24 November 6, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Roots & Shoots through the yard to walk and pass through with less risk. You can also leave a border or other area of the yard that isn’t frequented The November as often with leaf cover if you aren’t comfortable with the entire yard being Garden leaf-strewn. By Pamela Doan Leaf mulch Shredded leaves make great mulch in s I listened flowerbeds. They will decompose and add to the leaf organic matter to the soil over time and A blowers run protect the soil and plant roots from the for hours to get my heave and thaw cycle during winter. The key neighbor’s lawn as here is “shredded.” Whole leaves break down empty as a concert hall slower but can still be left in flowerbeds and in 2020, I pondered for the 37th year of my pulled back in late winter. Think of plants life why people care about leaves on lawns in a forest. They sprout every season with- so much. out help from humans with leaf blowers or I don’t have the answer and Pennsylvania rakes. Perennials will find their way. doesn’t have a ballot count yet as I write this. But maybe there is something in that Leaf piles connection that has to do with control- Leaves can be pulled into an area of the ling the outdoors and making things feel yard and left to decompose. In a year or so, controlled when they’re not. they will break down into a rich source of A yard I pass frequently has never had carbon for your compost, garden or flow- a flower, shrub, tree or weed growing in Leaves on the lawn are beautiful, too. Photo by P. Doan erbeds. Apply directly in the spring or fall. its unbroken acre of lawn. I have made This leaf mold is a rich source of calcium the same joke about how the people who to help the landscape thrive, with diversity preserve habitat for overwintering insects and magnesium. Mixing leaves with a live there must have had a traumatic inci- and justice for all. and amphibians. Research shows that fallen nitrogen source will speed up the process. dent with a daffodil so many times that my Leaves are one of nature’s ways of show- leaves in home landscapes play an important A pile doesn’t need to be covered but that husband doesn’t even hear it anymore. It ing us we aren’t in control. They fall off our role in the survival of many pollinators, such will also break it down faster. is tidy, a smooth expanse of green, weekly trees year after year and don’t care where as butterflies and moths. The mites, spiders mown regardless of growth, and imparts a they land or what you do with them. I’ve and other insects that hide out in there are Where to clear lockdown on flora and fauna. read a statistic that an acre of trees drops also food for birds and other wildlife. More Get up on the roof and clean the gutters. My personality as displayed by my yard up to 2 tons of leaves each year. Even well- than 40 million acres of clean-swept lawns in Sweep or rake leaves from paths or other to passersby must look like disorder and intentioned gardeners understandably have America contribute to their losses. hard surfaces where they can be slippery. underachieving. But overly ambitious can dilemmas about what to do with them all. Grass won’t die during the winter if Keep window wells and home exhausts be mistaken for underachieving when it’s Here’s a breakdown of different approaches. leaves cover it. It’s dormant. Studies show clear. Leaves collected on wood surfaces misunderstood. Everything has a purpose; that leaf cover can actually improve lawns. hold moisture and can contribute to rot. it’s just that you don’t see it unless you see Leave the leaves Mulch leaves into the lawn by running a The commonality here is all things not part an ecosystem instead of a yard. That’s what This is a public awareness campaign and lawn mower over it and leaving the shred- of nature need to be maintained. happens with overly ambitious gardening. I approach to the landscape that strives to ded pieces to decompose or leave the leaves Enjoy your messy yard and remember: quit my illusions of controlling nature. My reduce the noise and environmental pollution where they land on the lawn. it’s not underachieving, it’s overly ambi- role is facilitator and nurturer. I am here of gas-powered tools like leaf blowers and Where ticks are a concern, make paths tious.

contract. Langley had suggested a road patrol high future pension outlays based on depu- with cuts, the Sheriff’s Department and jail (from Page 8) Putnam Budget budget of $716,000 for 2021; Odell pared that ties’ pay and overtime today. He said the together represent about 20 percent of the we are making this move.” to $520,000; Jonke’s failed compromise would county wants consultants to review Sher- budget. Some legislators described the marine have increased it to $585,000. iff’s Department policies and to sequester Nacerino said she believes “wholeheart- unit as an unnecessary expense. Questions resurfaced on Wednesday the money meanwhile. “It’s a goal to lower edly that all my colleagues support the The Hudson “is not in this county. I (Nov. 4) when the Legislature voted 5-4 to overtime if feasible, if it can be done in a safe Sheriff’s Department and back the blue. believe it’s next to this county,” Legislator postpone action on three Sheriff’s Depart- way and proper manner,” he said. I feel it’s unfortunate that our allegiance” Carl Albano of Carmel said. “We don’t go ment requests to address overtime needs by “I don’t want to set money aside for is considered synonymous with “approv- out of our county in any other direction transferring $28,320 from accounts at the consultants to come in and take it,” Mont- ing everything that comes before us. It’s to police. I don’t see the justification” for a jail, which has fewer inmates than in the gomery responded. my hope and expectation that respect is patrol on the river, which is “a state water- past. Legislator Neal Sullivan of Carmel- Nacerino said sequestered funds remain reciprocal.” way” and therefore “should be policed very Mahopac recommended holding back in county coffers for eventual use. For now, In an Oct. 22 letter to legislators, Langley well by the state.” “until we have more information from the she said, “is it not incumbent on this Legisla- wrote that he learned of the likely marine Montgomery replied that county jurisdic- sheriff.” In recent weeks, he said, “we’ve ture to see how we could save money? Do we unit cuts and other reductions 15 minutes tion extends into the Hudson. asked for more complete justification, the just continue down an unsustainable path?” before the draft budget went to the Legisla- Legislator Ginny Nacerino of Patter- reasons why overtime is required.” More- Montgomery advocated another ture in early October and that he never was son said the marine unit relies solely on over, he added, “we have $81,000 left in the approach: “Hire more deputies.” allowed to discuss the matter with Odell. overtime funding and is “a redundancy” [2020] budget for road patrol overtime.” Despite sidelining the marine and road After the budget public hearing on Oct. because of the state and Coast Guard pres- In memos to the Legislature, Sheriff’s patrol funds, the legislators voted unani- 26, he thanked the public for “recognizing ence. “It’s not a matter of defunding. It’s a Department officials attributed the over- mously to approve other Sheriff’s Depart- the shortcomings of this budget and the matter of looking for efficiencies.” time demands, dating from July through ment appropriations, including $58,845 in hard and diligent work that is done” by the Castellano, Gouldman and Jonke joined September, to such developments as street salary increases for captains and lieuten- Sheriff’s Department “to keep our commu- Montgomery to oppose scuttling the protests, absences of deputies on military ants. nity a safe place to live in, work in and visit, marine unit. leave, COVID-19 and contract obligations. “Not one member of this Legislature given the hurdles we must overcome on a The majority similarly rejected trans- “Overtime has been a major issue” for a wants to defund the police” and any such daily basis.” He also pledged to “continue ferring $65,000 for road-patrol overtime, decade, “even with the last sheriff,” Lang- allegation “is a complete lie. It’s garbage,” to serve the people of Putnam County although Jonke explained it reflected a 12.5 ley’s Republican predecessor, Albano said on Sullivan emphasized. faithfully as a dedicated law enforcement percent raise given deputies under their union Oct. 29. He said concerns include potentially Addonizio said that at $30.8 million, even professional, not a politician.” highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current November 6, 2020 25 SPORTS Follow us at twitter.com/hcurrentsports The final day for regular-season games Haldane boys’ soccer team, voiced what Section 1 Announces Fall Playoff Plan will be Nov. 14. A meeting to seed teams most Section 1 coaches and athletes seem to will be held on Nov. 15. be thinking. “We are so lucky to be playing, Haldane and Beacon The New York State Public High School Haldane and North Salem, both Class and we’re so glad to have another opportu- Athletic Association earlier announced C schools (determined by student enroll- nity to pick up a game in which our seniors will compete with there would be no regional or state tour- ment), will compete in the Putnam-North- might be able to get a win,” he said nearby schools naments in 2020. The sectional plan is to ern Westchester small-school division with Section 1 officials also announced they hold a single-elimination tournament with Class A schools Lakeland, Peekskill, Walter would realign the leagues for basketball, By Skip Pearlman a division for small schools and another for Panas, Hendrick Hudson and Byram Hills, baseball and softball to minimize team larger schools. and Class B schools Putnam Valley, Briar- travel during the pandemic and authorized he officials who oversee high school The cross-country competition will be cliff and Croton Harmon. teams to hold offseason workouts. Winter sports in Section 1, which includes held at the Hudson Valley Superdome in Beacon and Our Lady of Lourdes, both in sports are scheduled to begin on Nov. 20, T 82 schools in Putnam, Dutchess, Milton on Nov. 21 and 22, while boys’ and Class A, will compete in the Dutchess divi- although officials said they were waiting Rockland and Westchester counties, girls’ soccer will be staged at the field of sion with Class AA schools Arlington, John for guidance from the state on whether released their plan on Oct. 26 for the fall each higher seed. Girls’ tennis will be held Jay of East Fishkill and Ketcham. basketball, hockey and wrestling could state tournament that will begin on Nov. Nov. 8 and 14 at a regional host that has yet Ahmed Dwidar, who coaches the take place. 16 and be completed before Thanksgiving. to be determined. Haldane Roundup By Skip Pearlman

Boys’ Soccer The Blue Devils had their opportunities at Arlington High School on Wednesday (Nov. 4), but the Admirals secured a 4-1 victory. Haldane’s goal came early in the second half when freshman Emilio Schweizer finished a pass from Clement Grossman, another freshman. Keeper Ronin Kiter stopped eight shots. “I’m so proud of the boys, to hang with a big school like that,” said Coach Ahmed Dwidar. “You watch and you learn from mistakes. Remember, we’re a young team with eight freshmen, but we’ll be danger- ous in the future.” Matt Silhavy (17) battles for possession Defensively, John Dwyer and Matt against Arlington. Photo by S. Pearlman Silhavy both had strong games, he said. A day earlier, the Blue Devils were shut The Blue Devils are 3-7, but Dwidar said out at North Salem, 3-0. Kiter made six he is not disappointed in the record. “We’re saves in the loss. rebuilding,” he said. “We already have one The game was played on a grass field and more win than last year, and we’re playing Mazzie Maxwell controls the ball at midfield against Croton-Harmon. Photo by Scott Warren “our team is not used to that,” Dwidar said. a good style of soccer, improving all the “We also have some key injuries, and North time. We’ve been right there in several of Girls’ Soccer Ruby Poses had 11 saves in goal for the Salem is a tough matchup. They have some our losses, so I don’t believe our record is Despite a number of offensive opportuni- Blue Devils. big players, and we’re a small team. We did indicative of the way the team has played.” ties on Tuesday (Nov. 3) afternoon, Haldane “We played a pretty good first half but have a lot of good opportunities, including Haldane is scheduled to travel to Pough- wasn’t able to find the back of the net in a just couldn’t cash in,” said Coach Steve a missed penalty kick.” keepsie to face Lourdes on Saturday (Nov. 7). 2-0 loss to visiting Croton-Harmon. (Continued on Page 26) 26 November 6, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org SPORTS Ambrose was 11th (21:13). Current (from Page 25) Roundup Other finishers were Ben Strol (22:31), Schweikhart. “Croton had an energetic Sam Bates (24:54) and Roy Smith (25:02). start for the second half, and they burned “What a fantastic effort,” said Coach Tom Classifieds us on a couple of through balls that led to Locascio. “Everyone exceeded expectations. breakaway goals.” I’m so happy for the boys. The feeling of “Bianca Harmancin and Chloe Rowe accomplishment was magnified as a result had strong games on the wings,” he said. of earning it through hard work.” FREE STUFF “They were dangerous all day. Essie Florke For the girls, Shannon Ferri was second OAK CHAIRS — Used for pews at the and Ella Ashburn did a solid job defen- at 21:57, Caroline Cates took fourth in 24:13 St. Andrew-St. Luke Episcopal Church, sively; Mazzie Maxwell did a great job in and Celia Drury was sixth at 25:22. Other 15 South Ave. sanctuary in Beacon are the middle, especially in the first half; and finishers were Helen Nichols (29:54), Eliz- free for the taking. Small donations Finola Kiter was a force all afternoon.” abeth Nelson (30:35) and Alison Nichols welcomed. For information, call 845- Haldane (0-1-6) will finish its season with (31:34). 831-1369. four road games. The team is scheduled to “Caroline and Celia ran their best races visit Arlington today (Nov. 6), Beacon on of the year,” Locascio said. “They both held Tuesday (Nov. 10), Lourdes on Wednesday off strong individual performances from SERVICES (Nov. 11) and North Salem on Nov. 14. North Salem and Croton runners.” PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT FOR The Blue Devils teams will compete in WRITING AND STUDY SKILLS Girls’ Tennis Haldane's Everett Campanile, Walter the Section 1 championships on Nov. 14 at — Local expert coach in writing The Blue Devils fell to Croton Harmon, Hoess and Luke Parella compete in the Milton. and study skills offers guidance to 5-0, last week before sweeping a double- league championship race. Photo provided students from middle school through header against Valhalla and edging North graduate school. NYU MA, editor, Salem, 3-2. writer, educator, experienced with kids Defeating rival North Salem was “a big ership roles,” Dudar said. “They’ve been and adult learners. Remote for now. step toward next year,” said Coach Simon critical in pushing us toward competing for Email [email protected]. Dudar. “They’re a talented and strong a team sectional championship.” CARETAKER AVAILABLE — Caretaker team. We’ve been playing our best tennis Haldane was scheduled to face Beacon with 20+ years’ experience available lately and gaining confidence in our talent today (Nov. 6), and O’Hara and Nelson will to: manage operations of property; and ability.” be competing in a regional postseason tour- maintenance; repairs; gardening; Haldane got singles wins from Mairead nament next week. landscaping; pool care; convenience O’Hara (8-1) and Caroline Nelson (8-3), and services (errands); pet care, misc. Flexible to a variety of needs. Resume and a doubles win from Emilia Osborn and Cross-country references available. Contact Greg at Fiona Shanahan (8-3). Amanda Johanson Running against North Salem and 914-618-2779 or [email protected]. lost at singles (8-4) and Ellen O’Hara and Croton, the boys’ and girls’ teams each won Betsy McBride fell in doubles play (8-4). league titles on Saturday (Oct. 31) at the In its sweep over Valhalla, the Blue Devils Section 1, Conference 3 championships in TAG SALE? Car for sale? got wins from O’Hara (8-1, 8-2), Nelson (8-1, Milton. Space for rent? Help wanted? 8-1), Johanson (8-4, 8-5), Osborn and Shana- Walter Hoess won in 19:09, followed by Place your ad here for $4.95. han (8-3, 8-5), O’Hara and Isabella Crofts Everett Campanile (19:10) and Luke Parella See (8-3) and Crofts and Julie Shields (8-5). (19:27). Conrad White took fifth (20:38), highlandscurrent.org/ “Our captains, Mairead, Caroline and Rowan Kuzminski was eighth (20:54), John classifieds. Amanda, have begun embracing their lead- Kisslinger was 10th (20:58) and Julian

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DOWNHILL

EVAN’S PRINT 2020 SEASON S JULY 19 Haldane junior is mountain bike champ Blue Mountain, Pennsylvania: First place AUG. 29 By Michael Turton and slippery,” he recalled. “I finished ninth Tighe said most courses have a section Blue Mountain: First place of 11 racers but I got the adrenaline rush, near the finish with jumps and smoother van Tighe learned to ride a bicycle and I needed more!” terrain where speeds can reach 40 miles AUG. 30 when he was 3. Fast forward In downhill mountain biking, riders per hour. Blue Mountain: Second place E 13 years: On Oct. 25, the race the clock, coming down the The difference between first and second SEPT. 13 Haldane junior won the 2020 mountain one at a time. The dash place can be the blink of an eye. “I won one Powder Ridge, Connecticut: Third place Eastern States Cup downhill can last as long as three minutes. race this year by half a second,” he said. SEPT. 27 mountain bike season champi- The terrain varies, but “techni- In winning the six-race 2020 season, Powder Ridge: First place onship for amateur males ages cal” sections with rocks and Tighe had three first-place finishes, two 15 to 18. roots are always a challenge. seconds and a third. The division includes OCT. 25 Tighe, 16, began competitive Racers can walk the course about 40 racers and each race typically Mountain Creek, New Jersey: cycling two years ago as part of and take practice runs to draws about 15 competitors. Second place the Peekskill-based Blue Moun- determine the best and By winning the championship, Tighe will tain Split Rocks team, but his quickest path for navigating automatically move up a division in 2021. first cross-country race left him the rough ground, a process He said he trained hard over the winter, underwhelmed. called “choosing your line.” including lifting weights, to improve from “It’s more stamina-based, flat “You want to be smooth his ninth-place finish in 2019. He also and up and down but not hard, because smooth is fast,” Tighe acquired a secondhand 2019 GT Fury, no difficult terrain,” he said. explained. However, which sells new for about $8,500. The bike “It didn’t give me any sort “sometimes you have has a carbon front triangle and aluminum of amazing feeling.” to descend a rough, rear triangle. That changed in 2019 difficult line to make While many racers use 17½-inch wheels, when he entered his up time.” he races with 29-inch wheels. “They usually first Eastern States That can lead to roll over rocks easier and they’re a bit Cup downhill race, crashes. “I go over heavier,” he said. “You’re able to get a higher the last of the season, the bars so many top speed with 29-inch wheels.” in Plattekill, compet- times,” Tighe Tighe said he has a friendly relation- ing against other 13- said. “Before ship with other racers, He narrowly beat to 15-year-olds. the final, I Matthew Krimmel for the season title, “It was difficult, crashed prob- finishing just ahead of him in the last race. with big drops into ably five “If he had beaten me, he would have won muddy, rocky land- times during the season,” he said. “It could have been ings, super sketchy practice.” super competitive, but we’re friends.” Photos by Jimmy O’Donnell