Reader-Supported News for Philipstown and Beacon Love IS IN THE Air Page 14

February 12, 2021 Celebrating 10 Years! Support us at highlandscurrent.org/join Pharmacies Expand Vaccine Role CVS, Walgreens to start with 40K doses a week By Leonard Sparks

he federal COVID-19 vaccination effort is expanding to CVS and T Walgreens stores and grocery-based pharmacies, as many residents, especially seniors over 65, face futility in trying to book appointments. CVS began administering 20,600 vaccine doses in New York today (Feb. 12) at 32 locations outside New York City under the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. The program will initially send 1 million doses of the Moderna vaccine directly to 6,500 pharmacies nationwide each week, bolster- ing what each state is already distributing to pharmacies. Walgreens also began administering doses today under the program, allocating 18,600 doses to 187 of its pharmacies in New York City and 10,700 doses to 107 stores in the rest of the state. Retail Business Services LLC, which operates pharmacies at five East Coast grocery store chains, including Stop & Shop and Hannaford, is also vaccinating STORM SENTRY — As the snow kept falling, the farmers at the Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming in Philipstown at some of its New York locations. had to ensure the animals were safe and fed and that their tunnel homes didn’t collapse under the weight of the snow. This shot Under state guidelines, hospitals are prior- was taken last week during the first storm. “Pigs are naturally playful and curious and ours do seem to enjoy rooting around in itizing their vaccines for health care workers the snow,” said Liz Corio of Glynwood. “They are more cold-hardy than they might look because of their hefty fat layer.” (Continued on Page 7) Photo by Nicole Scott/Glynwood Dutchess Approves Police Reform Plans Released Putnam, Dutchess focus on County’s Police Policy Review Panel capped More Stadium Funding a five-month process that began with a Long-term agreement with iation with the Tampa Bay body cameras, training meeting in August and involved County Rays to become a farm team By Leonard Sparks Executive MaryEllen Odell, county legisla- Renegades said to be close of the New York Yankees. tors and police and elected officials, includ- utnam and Dutchess counties each ing Cold Spring Mayor Dave Merandy and By Jeff Simms The team also moved up in the minors to Single-A and extended its season to 66 released recommendations on Feb. 5 Officer-in-Charge Larry Burke. he Dutchess County Legislature games, from April to September, although P for reforms for their sheriff’s depart- The 21-member panel, chaired by Odell, this week approved $1.43 million it’s not clear how the 2021 season will be ments under an executive order by Gov. also invited residents to provide input by T in bond funding to install energy- impacted by the pandemic. The 2020 season Andrew Cuomo. joining any of nine subgroups to represent efficient LED lighting at Dutchess Stadium was canceled because of the shutdown. The order, issued June 12, requires the interests of people of color, educators, while taking another step toward a long- The vote, which took place on Monday municipalities to study their police poli- LGBTQIA+ residents, veterans and other term agreement with the stadium’s (Feb. 8), was 23-2, with both Nick Page, cies and issue reports by April 1 on reforms constituent groups. tenants, the Hudson Valley Renegades. whose district includes Wards 1, 2 and 3 in to, among other goals, “eliminate racial The public can read the plan and submit The Renegades, a minor league base- Beacon, and Frits Zernike, whose district inequities in policing” following the video- feedback at putnamcountyny.com/policere- ball team, have played at “the Dutch” since includes Ward 4, voting yes. taped killing in May 2020 of a Black man, viewpanel until Wednesday (Feb. 17), when its construction in 1994 on Route 9D just Legislator Michael Polasek, who repre- George Floyd, by a white police officer in a virtual public hearing is scheduled, and outside of Beacon. After Major League Base- sents LaGrange, suggested before the vote Minneapolis. Beacon and Cold Spring are register to speak during the hearing, which ball began restructuring its minor leagues that the expanded season and Yankees still working on their plans. will be livestreamed. The full Legislature in 2019, the team last year dropped its affil- (Continued on Page 21) The 194-page report issued by Putnam (Continued on Page 8) 2 February 12, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

FIVE QUESTIONS: JEFF MIKKELSON

By Jeff Simms would operate as a single-payer system, we’ve lived under this dysfunctional system with no network restrictions, no premiums for so long. Almost every developed country in By Michael Turton eff Mikkelson of Cold Spring is a and no fees at the point of service. the world covers its residents better than we co-founder of Hudson Valley Demands do, and more cheaply. Medicare is the closest JNew York Health. How would it differ from the health thing that we have to a single-payer system. It What’s the longest insurance marketplace? runs more efficiently than the private system, you’ve had to wait What is the New York It would be infinitely simpler. The system with administrative costs that are a fraction Health Act? we have now is a mix of hundreds of of the insurance industry’s. Two large-scale in line? It’s a bill before the public and private insurance plans, studies concluded that the New York Health Legislature that would each of which has its own network Act would cover more people better than we guarantee comprehen- and terms. Under the Health Act, do now, cost less for individuals and save the sive health care to every everyone would be covered by the state billions of dollars each year. In addi- resident and full-time same comprehensive plan. Funding tion to lower administrative costs, we would Three to four hours for tickets worker in the state. It would come through money that the be bargaining collectively for better prices. to Summer Jam in New would cover primary state gets from the federal govern- York City when Chris Brown and specialty care, as well ment for Medicaid, Medicare and Why are you passionate about this? headlined. It was worth it! as mental and reproduc- other programs, and a progressive tax My mother had many health problems at tive health, dental, vision, on income. Right now, I pay the same the end of her life and was constantly trying hearing, prescriptions for a given health care plan that a to figure out whether she was covered for and long-term billionaire would. Under this procedure or that. I developed a deep care. It the Health Act, your sense of the injustice of our system. I wanted contribution would to work toward change that I thought was be based on your possible in the midst of the chaos we have ability to pay. in this country. If we could get this passed, it would impact every single New Yorker. It sounds too We could become a model for the rest of the good to be country. I’m also a small-business owner, true. and for many years, at the beginning of my That’s a career, I didn’t have health insurance. I was ~ Lamerica Smith, Beacon natural reac- lucky because I didn’t get seriously ill. tion because The bill was introduced in the Assem- bly in 1992 and has been reintroduced many times since. Why do you think My buddy and I waited this year will be any different? three hours to get into It’s picked up steam in recent years. It’s the Star Wars prequel. C & E Paint Supply passed the Assembly by large margins four Orders can be placed by phone or in-store. times and last year was one vote shy of a We provide in-store or curb-side pick-up. majority in the Senate. A lot of proponents of the Act were elected in 2020, so we have Masks must be worn in the store and, until social people coming in who want to see it get distancing is no longer required, no dogs please. done. If you look at the bigger picture, the NEW STORE HOURS: pandemic has underscored the need for Monday through Friday fundamental change in the way we admin- 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ister health care. A lot of the inefficiencies Closed Saturday and Sunday in our system have been multiplied, espe- cially in communities of color and disad- 158 Main Street vantaged areas. New York is facing a big budget crunch and the Health Act could (845) 265-3126 become attractive to municipalities unable ~ Michael Del Monte, Garrison to meet their budgets in coming years.

I slept overnight on the floor at JFK airport for a AERY 20/20 flight to Puerto Rico. There was a mechanical problem. SO-OVER-COVID One-Act Play Festival 2 nights of selected one-acts (mature content) to view online and vote for your favorites! Winners will perform in the Depot's Pop Up Patio Series in the spring!

ONLINE Performances: February 27 at 8pm & March 6 at 8pm

philipstowndepottheatre.org for tickets and play titles ` ~ Elsa Bernardi, Cold Spring highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 12, 2021 3 Pilates Instructor Sues Beacon Alleges mistaken identity City of Beacon and several officers who are What members are saying identified as “John Does.” led to detainment City Administrator Chris White declined By Leonard Sparks comment. Jeffrey Rothman, an attorney who ‘‘ We live part-time in is representing Mazochi, said “she’s a law- Cold Spring, and, as a woman working as a Pilates instruc- abiding person” whose last name sounded tor in Beacon is alleging in a federal the same as the suspect’s but whose other media professional, I A lawsuit that her civil rights were identifying information should have been admire the responsible, violated last year when she appeared in court checked by police before they detained her. fair and relevant news “It was a very difficult experience for her, to contest a parking ticket and was mistaken reported about our for a suspect with an outstanding warrant to have her liberty be taken from her, put and led out of the courtroom in handcuffs. in handcuffs, and walked in police custody community. We adore the In a lawsuit filed Feb. 2 in federal court through this courtroom in a community 'Looking Back' feature; we in White Plains, Lisa Mazochi said she where she works,” said Rothman. read it aloud. Thank you!‘‘ “was mortified with embarrassment, and Mazochi said that when told by a female offi- extremely nervous and frightened” on Jan. cer that there was an arrest warrant for her, Kay Murray and partner 13, 2020, when Beacon police officers took she responded that “they must have the wrong Ben Yarmolinsky, her out of the courtroom and downstairs person,” according to the lawsuit. Despite her Cold Spring to the Police Department, which shares the willingness to go with the officers, Mazochi building at 1 Municipal Plaza. was told that police procedure required she be At the Police Department, according to handcuffed, according to the lawsuit. the lawsuit, she was handcuffed to a wall She became “visibly upset at the prospect while officers checked the records. They of being handcuffed and walked in hand- discovered that neither her face, the spell- cuffs through the courtroom,” the lawsuit ing of her last name nor her date of birth said, telling the officers she “had family Membership matters matched the suspect’s, who police said had and clients” who lived in Beacon and “that burglarized a residence and had a history people she knew might be in the court- of drug use, the lawsuit said. room,” according to the filing. Three officers apologized to Mazochi, At the police department, Mazochi said As your independent nonprofit news source for Philipstown and the court dismissed the parking ticket, the female officer asked her if she “had and Beacon, The Highlands Current relies on you, our readers, according to the filing, which names the been in any bar fights.” to help support quality coverage of all that matters to you. Membership is the way you can help. NEWS BRIEFS It is our primary means of support as we seek to provide a vital federal judge in Washington, D.C. He pleaded forum for your diverse interests, concerns and experiences. Man Charged with Driving not guilty to charges of conspiracy; civil disor- Prostitutes to Putnam der; unlawfully entering restricted buildings or grounds; and disorderly and disruptive FBI says suspect had 383 contacts in conduct in restricted buildings or grounds. Brewster Prosecutors accuse Pepe of being a member Join today, renew your membership or give a gift Queens man was charged on Jan. 29 of the Proud Boys, a white nationalist group. to honor The Current's 10th Anniversary! A co-defendant, Dominic Pezzola, also A with being a driver for a prostitution Discover the benefits that will help us engage with you and you with us! ring that served Putnam County, specifi- pleaded not guilty. Their next court date was scheduled for March 26. Pepe remains cally Brewster. Just go to: In a complaint unsealed on Feb. 3, an FBI free with travel and firearm restrictions; agent testified that Teodoro Rojas Lopez Pezzola was ordered held without bond. highlandscurrent.org/join arranged appointments by text messages or In another case, a federal prosecutor on WhatsApp. Federal prosecutors said Lopez Monday (Feb. 8) asked a judge to keep Jake Questions? Email: had been driving prostitutes from Queens Lang, a Newburgh man accused of taking to Putnam County for seven years and had part in the riot, incarcerated until trial. [email protected] contact information for 383 Brewster resi- Lang was indicted on charges of assault- dents on his iPhone. ing officers, civil disorder and violent entry. In messages, he described the women as According to the George Washington being from Mexico or Costa Rica. The FBI University Program on Extremism, which said Lopez told one client that the charge is tracking prosecutions related to the riot, Thank You would be $100 for 30 minutes. as of Wednesday (Feb. 10), 201 people had When interviewed by the FBI in August, been charged from 40 states and D.C. for Your Lopez admitted his involvement and said he was aware that many of the women he Carmel Board Member transported were being coerced or forced Support! into prostitution, the agency said. Pleads Guilty Convicted of illegal sewer hookup Riot Defendant Pleads ichael Barile, a member of the Carmel Not Guilty MTown Board, pleaded guilty on Feb. 8 to secretly hooking his restaurant to the Accused of taking part in Capitol attack public sewer system so he wouldn’t have to Beacon man accused of being a pay for using it, according to the Putnam A member of the mob that stormed the County district attorney. U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 has pleaded not guilty Barile, who co-owns the Blu Restaurant in in federal court. Carmel, had been served with multiple cease- William Pepe, 31, appeared by video at his and-desist orders by the town, the DA said in arraignment on Tuesday (Feb. 9) before a a statement. He agreed to pay a $105,000 fine. 4 February 12, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

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

EDITOR LETTERS AND COMMENTS Chip Rowe [email protected] Committee assignments government and keeps on fighting instead and worked well with all Republicans on the The article in the Feb. 5 issue, “Mont- of compromising. Perhaps it is too late, and Legislature for many years as the sole Demo- SENIOR EDITOR gomery Reveals Ouster from Committee,” she has already done irreparable damage. crat when he represented Putnam Valley. Leonard Sparks provides no explanation for why Putnam Nancy’s issue is that she challenges every- In the end, we must remember that we County Legislator Nancy Montgomery was one and has lost so much for the residents need to come together to benefit the people BEACON EDITOR of District 1, such as more than $15,000 who live in Putnam County. The county is Jeff Simms surprised she did not get the committee assignments she wanted. Does it surprise in reimbursement for the Village of Cold not broken, but the turmoil continues. The ARTS EDITOR anyone? She has created the adversarial Spring, which was her oversight. divide is widening between the eastern Alison Rooney relationship with the county executive and I served in the Legislature for six years and and western sides of the county because [email protected] the Legislature. accomplished a great deal for Philipstown. I of an unwillingness of our legislator to Has she received what she sowed in her worked alongside many department heads cooperate. I know we are better if we work REPORTERS first two years in the office? Why would and know how hard our county employees together, and I am considering running for Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong she have earned a leadership role with a work. Forming trusting relationships and the seat again this year. Brian PJ Cronin • Joe Dizney board she continually criticizes? Ms. Mont- building consensus is something I enjoyed, Barbara Scuccimarra, Garrison Pamela Doan • Deb Lucke gomery has rendered herself ineffective and quite the opposite of today’s representation. Skip Pearlman • Michael Turton needs to learn what her role is; instead of Anytime I had a question, my approach was Nancy Montgomery, who was removed decrying county government as broken, she first to listen, second to analyze, communi- from one of her two committees by her LAYOUT DESIGNER needs to develop better negotiating skills cate and, finally, advocate for the need. I had colleagues, is being marginalized. Could it Pierce Strudler and learn to work with others, regardless six successful years and it brought a senior be that she is being discriminated against ADVERTISING DIRECTOR of party affiliation. What is broken is her center, prevented the post office from leav- as the only Democrat on the Legislature? Michele Gedney ability to bring consensus to issues. ing, fought the war on drugs and underage When a person has been elected from For information on advertising: It takes five votes — a simple majority — smoking and vaping, and added a host of their district to represent them, that person 845-809-5584 on the nine-member Legislature to accom- environmental protections to our Hudson has the right to be treated equally and fairly [email protected] plish most things. There is also a benefit from River Valley efforts. by their fellow legislators, regardless of highlandscurrent.org/ads advice from the county executive and depart- Nancy needs to learn that leading party affiliations. It is time for the Legis- ment heads. If her goal, as she states, is to get requires understanding and compromise, lature to reset its thinking. MEMBERSHIP the county government to help Philipstown, working toward solutions and solving Phyllis Hoenig, Mahopac Heidi Kitlas problems, regardless of party affiliation. It [email protected] she needs to develop support and allies. By her admission, she admits she has should never be about red or blue. We are No matter the party affiliation, the status COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT not worked well with others in the county one community. Sam Oliverio did a fine job quo, no accountability, authoritarian arm of Teresa Lagerman the Republican Party punishes those public [email protected] servants who question the dogma. Though a Republican, Dini LoBue received the same contemptible treatment during her tenure as a legislator, gradually being removed from THE HIGHLANDS CURRENT one committee, then her chairmanship of the (USPS #22270) / ISSN 2475-3785 Rules Committee, and then from all commit- February 12, 2021 tees, relegating her role to that of an annoy- Volume 10, Issue 7 ing fixture on the sidelines during meetings. is published weekly by Highlands Current Ann Fanizzi, Carmel Inc., 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819. Periodicals Postage Paid at Cold Spring, NY, and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send Isn’t this something that the state has address changes to The Highlands Current, power and process to investigate? 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819. Sara Dulaney, Cold Spring Mail delivery $30 per year. highlandscurrent.org/delivery [email protected] Black Lives Matter Distribution audited by the Circulation I’m 75 years old and have lived in Putnam Verification Council Valley for 24 years. I love Putnam County. © Highlands Current Inc. 2021 I love my neighbors. I still believe that the All rights reserved. No part of this Statue of Liberty was put there to welcome publication may be reproduced in any form, everyone and includes those who were already mechanical or electronic, without written permission of the publisher. here when Europeans arrived and those who were forced to come here beginning in 1619. They and their ancestors are all my neighbors. * Winner: 58 Better On Feb. 6, I attended a Black Lives Matter Newspaper Contest Awards rally at the historic county courthouse in * New York Press Association, 2013 -19 Carmel. One of the things that made me NNA* Winner: 55 Better do this was that my neighbor began flying Newspaper Contest Awards a Trump flag on Jan. 6, the day of the Capi- * National Newspaper Association, 2016-19 tol riot. We have been neighborly for all these NYNPA* Winner: 11 Awards years; I won’t stop being his neighbor. But for Excellence * New York News Publishers Association, 2017- 19 on Feb. 6, I stood for nearly two hours listen- (Continued on Page 5) highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 12, 2021 5

LETTERS AND COMMENTS

(Continued from Page 4) tial staff and inmates vaccinated. Parole ing to the diverse group of intelligent, caring, officers have had to rely on the kindness young people who organized the rally, and of the New York State Police and county older people like me, asserting that Black sheriffs to get vaccinated. Downstate offi- lives matter. I also needed to be there because cers are scrambling to find an appointment I still can’t get over watching the police offi- to get vaccinated, while other prison staff cer with his knee on George Floyd’s throat, and inmates sit and wait. It’s unacceptable. or that on Jan. 6 my fellow Americans tried There are vaccines but no plan. to terrorize Congress and all of us. Tony Perez, Bronx On Feb. 6, most people driving by — Perez is a retired senior parole officer including a few in pickups — honked in and president of the New York State Frater- support. But some drivers and passengers nal Order of Police Parole Lodge 027. — including a few in pickups — bellowed, “Go home!” “Trump 2020!” “Blue lives I have always been of the camp that feels matter!” and “All lives matter!” These prisoners should be forced to perform people are my neighbors, too, but each of heavy and hard work — breaking boulders us is anonymous to each other. into small gravel, so to speak — and there- I’m writing because I want to be a good fore, hopefully, not want to revisit prison. neighbor and am forever hopeful that if However, prisoners, like nursing-home resi- I keep the lines of communication open dents, are sitting ducks for COVID-19. And during this time of polarization, it is better WE ARE CRUSHED — Sadly, our bench did not survive the Feb. 2 storm. that puts the guards at risk of infection. Not than closing down or ugly confrontation. I Photo by Teresa Lagerman good! My wife and I are 82 and not in the am also writing because I was in Carmel to best of health, and await our number to be be public about my opposition to the values called. But we have the relative safety of our As a resident of Chestnut Ridge senior days, should be able to log on to similar sites that my neighbor’s flag represents and to home and are able to take great precautions housing in Cold Spring, we were once again and share the info. For many seniors, access- name the empathic terror I feel when he flies when out, although there’s no guarantee. invaded by non-residents when the vaccine ing social media sites is not accessible, and it. I needed to support and stand with those Still, I just wish that New York State knew distribution was administrated in the base- we shouldn’t expect them to do so. who stand up for the yet-unfulfilled dream. how to make things work. ment of Building No. 1. A central source of reliable informa- I need to do both! That’s America to me. Leonard Lindros Jr., Garrison I am grateful that Drug World has taken tion is essential. I have noticed that other Mark Weiss, Putnam Valley the lead in our community, but a safer, county health departments have provided Beacon parking more sensible location needs to be found. such information for their residents, e.g., Keep the traffic away from residential Bird & Bottle I’m concerned the safety of Chestnut Ridge Dutchess, even Greene that provides a areas, please (“Main Street Beacon: Add Fine reporting by Jeff Simms on the reno- residents may be in jeopardy with this mass registration form online which not only Parking, Not Asphalt,” Jan. 29). With the vations at the Bird & Bottle Inn in Garrison influx of non-residents. It was impossible to eases the vaccination process, but also parking on both sides of our narrow resi- (“Another Go for Bird & Bottle,” Feb. 5). Is find parking in our lot. I met a woman who facilitates health department outreach dential streets, cars cannot safely move in the George Perkins mentioned briefly as a left her car in our lot and walked to Food- when vaccine is available. either direction. The city needs to rethink supporting figure in the life of this notable town! Strangers were milling around, social- Without similar facilitation, our seniors all this. How about visitor parking at the site the same George Perkins who was the izing in groups. Using the building’s laundry are being left to their own, often adequate, train station and provide transportation “father” of the Palisades Parkway? facility was out of the question. While most devices. I am sure anyone would agree that, into the city? Or requiring any new build- People are often curious why the Bird were wearing masks, many weren’t. in times of crisis, the lack of information ing that houses more than two families to & Bottle is so remote when compared to June Heller, via Facebook can be as crippling as the threat itself. provide underground parking instead of other landmarks. The fractured Highlands Both the county executive and Health leaving it up to the city to make it happen? explains the urgent goal of finding the I’m an essential worker and it is impos- Department and Legislature could do a better Visit any street within a two-block radius least-tortured stagecoach route from New sible to get vaccinated in Putnam County. job at telling seniors how to access the avail- of Main during busy weekends, instead of York City to the north. Thus, the Albany I live here and I’ve been trying for weeks. able vaccine slots they report. We don’t need a Wednesday morning with lattes, and see Post Road was the superhighway of its day. Michelle McCoy, via Facebook any more of their reporting on what they have what we are dealing with. Closing off Main William Harris, Cold Spring already achieved. We want to stay alive. to cars isn’t fair. Don’t turn my street into The George Perkins mentioned in the story Seniors are increasingly feeling over- Kathleen Hoekstra, Putnam Valley a parking lot. was the son of George Walbridge Perkins looked in priority in the vaccine rollout. The (1862-1920), the first president of the Pali- Joe Zukowski, Beacon Putnam County Health Department states Piazza pieces sades Interstate Park Commission. In 1929, that it is constrained in being limited to I own a few of Virginia Piazza’s pieces A park-and-ride system would work well, George Jr. purchased the land that is now providing vaccine only to essential workers, (“The Artist Next Door,” Jan. 29). I admired with a shuttle bus running between the train Glynwood farm, which was named using yet the Dutchess County website announces them for years but was waiting for her to station and maybe some space just outside a combination of his first name and that of locations in area schools and health centers make bowls of a certain size. Finally, it Memorial Park. I don’t know why we’d his wife, Lynn. Like his father, he also served that are not restricting access. occurred to me that a smaller bowl might encourage more cars into the city, or why on the Palisades commission. See Page 19. It would be important to explain why encourage smaller portions. (Also, I just got parking gets greater priority than biking. A Putnam County cannot do the same. I have tired of waiting!) I use the bowls every day. bike-share system might even be feasible and So, so happy this property has found an noticed that there were no posts on Putnam I love holding them and using them, and safe if cars were discouraged from the center. owner who appreciates its history and value County websites between Jan. 28 and Feb. the size turned out to be just right. Mark Hall, Beacon to the community. Can’t wait to visit again. 4. In a time of crisis, this is inexcusable. Richard Butensky, Cold Spring Darryl Morrison, Houston, Texas Regardless of any constraints on their abil- ity to deliver all needed doses, County Exec- Galef forum My husband and I were engaged at the utive MaryEllen Odell and the Department Prison vaccines I’m happy Assemblywoman Sandy Galef Bird & Bottle on Valentine’s Day in 1992 and of Health would still be able to alleviate Vaccinate the corrections staff and civil- is listening to local residents’ concerns have been married for 28 years. So happy to some of the distress. I recommend that they ian employees; the prisoners can get vacci- about the impacts of tourism on Philip- hear it will be open again. begin posting daily on their websites and nated after the seniors and persons at risk stown and Cold Spring (“Galef Forum Liz Meier, Shrub Oak provide whatever information they have (“Should Prisoners Get Early Vaccines?” Jan. Touches on Tourism, Taxes,” Jan. 29). I about vaccine availability in drugstores or 29). It would be disgusting if prisoners got appreciate the efforts of the Chamber of The vaccine medical practices — the only vaccination vaccinated before our seniors, nursing-home Commerce to assist in keeping the public Rumor has it that unless “connected,” locations available to local seniors. patients, essential workers and others at risk. bathrooms open during times of heavy there is a slim chance of getting the vacci- Currently, it is only possible to find such Tom Ciero, Cold Spring tourism, but it’s sad that so few have volun- nation or even an appointment (“More information by relentless tracking of area teered to maintain them. Vaccines Promised,” Jan. 29). Even if the newspapers, Facebook and neighborhood The state Department of Corrections has However, Ms. Galef ought to know that distribution has been equitable it sure blogs. The county information technology yet to roll out a plan to get all of its parole charging a fee to use a bathroom is illegal doesn’t feel like it. staff, or tourism, which is not too busy these officers, correction officers, other essen- (Continued on Page 6) 6 February 12, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

LETTERS AND COMMENTS

NOTICE (Continued from Page 5) in New York. If she wants to help us, she Correction should work to make sure this ill-informed In “Cold Spring Weighs Water Request for Proposals Pursuant to law is rescinded as soon as possible. Options” (Feb. 5), we reported Putnam County sees huge financial bene- that the Village of Cold Spring is NYS Energy Law § 9-103 fits in the form of sales tax revenue from responsible for repairing leaks in Philipstown business owners. It’s despi- For Solar Energy System for the water distribution system that cable that county legislators (other than occur between the main water Town Recreation Center Nancy Montgomery) refuse to assist us in line and the “curb cock,” or valve, managing the significant impacts on our while residents are responsible infrastructure from tourism. Pursuant to New York State Energy Law § 9-103, the Town of Philipstown, Putnam for repairing leaks between the It’s doubly shocking that so few Main County, New York, is soliciting proposals for installation of a Solar Energy System for curb cock and the building. In Street merchants are willing to put any the Town Recreation Center located at 107 Glenclyffe Drive, Garrison, New York 10524. fact, the village is only responsible effort into assuring that some portion of for repairing leaks in the main the tax revenue they generate is returned line. Residents are responsible for to the town and village. fixing leaks between the main line PROJECT: Lynn Miller, Cold Spring and the building. The Town of Philipstown requires a vendor to enter into a 20-year Solar Power Pur- chase Agreement for the provision and installation of a solar panel system on the Town Cold Spring water Recreation Center located at 107 Glenclyffe Drive, Garrison, New York 10524. The Clove Creek aquifer already supplies water to three municipalities, including So bottom line is Continental Commons Beacon and Fishkill (“Cold Spring Weighs was destined to file suit no matter what. Water Options,” Feb. 5). Is there sufficient Watch the recording. Feel free to ask the town MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR PROJECT: water for four municipalities? supervisor for my cell number if you want Provision of a turn- key Ballasted Solar Photovoltaic System on either a sale, rental or Thomas de Villiers, via Facebook some truth in your article instead of a one- lease-to-own basis (proposal may include any or all three of the said options) installed sided, developer-driven article that doesn’t tell on the roof of the Philipstown Recreation Center using an array of approximately 306 Continental Commons the reader the whole story. Seems to be a trend solar panels or the equivalent. The system should be at least a 120,870 kw system. After all that has been expressed and fussed in Dutchess County: Good journalism is dead. Please note that this is a prevailing wage project in regard to any installation or con- over, does the developer not feel like he is in Brian Nugent, Nyack struction work, and that vendors must be Equal Opportunity Employers and conform to someone’s backyard and refusing to leave Nugent is the Fishkill town counsel. the Town’s Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy. because there is no money in leaving (“Conti- nental Commons Sues Fishkill,” Jan. 29)? Inauguration coats Wayne Theiss, Glenham Truly love the inauguration coats, the creativity and the exciting story (“Fashion INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN PROPOSALS: What a balanced story! (Sarcasm.) Moment,” Feb. 5). However, sourcing fabric All proposals must in writing and include, at a minimum, the following information: The Town of Fishkill will never extend from Hobby Lobby seems like a huge misstep 1. The name, address, phone and email contact of the vendor and, if available, the a water district that contains unknown for iloveplum, particularly for this client and vendor’s website address; and unmapped water and sewer mains, as administration, given the company’s history. confirmed by the Dutchess County Depart- Suzanne Murray, via Facebook 2. A description of the proposed Solar Energy System and the manner in which it will be installed on the Town Recreation Center Roof; ment of Health. Also, maybe The Highlands Editor’s note: In 2014, the U.S. Supreme Current should know that legal counsel for Court upheld the right of Hobby Lobby’s 3. A copy or summary of the proposed Solar Power Purchase Agreement, including Continental Commons declared at a public owners, who are evangelical Christians, not the warranties provided; meeting that it would file a lawsuit before to provide contraceptive health coverage for 4. A statement of the proposed contract pricing; it ever heard the town’s reasons for declin- their employees because of their personal 5. A brief statement of the vendor’s background and experience in solar power; ing to extend the water and sewer district. beliefs. 6. A list of representative purchasers of solar energy systems from the vendor in New York State. 7. A statement confirming that the applicant is an Equal Opportunity Employer and conforms to the Town’s Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy. The Town reserves the right to request additional information or clarification from those submitting responses as the Town may see fit.

SELECTION CRITERIA: The selection process will be based on responses to this RFP. However, the ultimate decision on an award of the contract will be wholly within the discretion of the Town Board and in accordance with the Town’s procurement policy. The Town reserves the right to reject all proposals received, as well as the right to waive any inconsistencies or omissions in proposals received. The Town further reserves the right to communicate and negotiate with any and all vendors in regard to terms and conditions of the proposed Solar Power Purchase Agreement.

DUE DATE FOR PROPOSALS: All proposals must be submitted to and received by the Town of Philipstown Town his is a map of the Highlands and Clerk, P.O. Box 155, Cold Spring, New York 10516 no later than surrounding areas created by The 2:00 p.m. on the 24th day of February, 2021. How We T New York Times that reflects the vote in each precinct from the 2020 presidential election, with blue for Democrat Joe Biden Questions regarding this request for proposals may be addressed to Richard Shea, Voted and red for Republican Donald Trump; the Town Supervisor, Town of Philipstown, Old VFW Hall, 34 Kemble Avenue, Cold Spring, NY, 10516, Tel. No. (845) 265-5200; email: [email protected]. darker the color, the larger the margin of Map shows precincts won by victory. You can see specifics by entering each presidential candidate your ZIP code at bit.ly/highlands-vote. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 12, 2021 7

the capacity to do 100 million doses in 30 (from Page 1) Pharmacies days,” but are limited now by the shortage in Finding an and local health departments are focused COVID-19 by supply, Jaeger said during a news conference on essential workers such as first respond- on Feb. 5. “We certainly are urging everyone Appointment ers and teachers. New York also operates the Numbers out there, especially those that really want to 13 mass-vaccination sites, including at the get this vaccine, to have patience.” Vaccines are given at no cost. Westchester County Center in White Plains PUTNAM COUNTY Patience, however, is also in short supply, and the Javits Center in New York City, that especially for seniors competing for limited Pharmacies will bill insurers; the Number of confirmed cases: fee for those without insurance are open to anyone who is eligible and can doses. is covered by the federal CARES book an appointment. (As of Thursday, only (+290) A woman who answered the phone for the SUNY Potsdam had openings, about a six- 7,746 pharmacy at Rite Aid in Beacon on Wednes- New Cases in Philipstown: 19 Act Provider Relief Fund. hour drive from the Highlands.) day said the store was booked into March for But pharmacies have been tasked with Tests administered: vaccine appointments and was not offering CVS vaccinating an estimated 1.4 million New new slots. Drug World, one of the few inde- York residents who qualify because they 149,959 (+6,139) pendent pharmacies approved to give shots, Go to bit.ly/cvsvaccines and click are 65 and over, which is the largest group announced on Monday that it would have no on “New York” to find locations eligible now for shots. Percent positive: additional first doses for the week. and available appointments. Those Select chain and independent pharma- Putnam County’s website crashed on without internet access can call 800- cies, including Drug World in Cold Spring 5.2 (0) Wednesday when the Health Department 746-7287. As of Feb. 11, the site said and Rite Aid in Beacon, had already been posted a link for appointments available the Number of deaths: that its locations in Carmel, Kingston, receiving a portion of the state’s allocation next day. The slots filled in about 30 minutes, Poughkeepsie and Stony Point were of Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, (+2) said Kathy Percacciolo, the supervising public “fully booked” but that there were both of which require two shots given 84 health nurse for the Health Department. openings in counties in western and weeks apart. Dutchess County’s vaccine Putnam County receives 200 first doses northern parts of the state. webpage lists four Walgreens and six Rite DUTCHESS COUNTY to distribute each week, plus another 100 Aid pharmacies that have been giving Number of confirmed cases: designated for facilities serving people with Walgreens vaccines, with each location receiving 100 developmental disabilities. The county has doses each week from the state. 20,477 (+965) administered first doses to 1,519 people and Residents must create an account The federal program represents a signifi- second doses to 593, said Percacciolo, but could Active Cases in Beacon: 29 at walgreens.com, or log in using cant expansion. “easily” vaccinate 500 people an hour, she said. an existing account. A check on Putnam County Health Commissioner Tests administered: “People just have to keep trying,” she Thursday using ZIP codes from Michael Nesheiwat, addressing the Legis- said. “I wish there were a better way for us the Highlands said there were no lature’s Health Committee on Wednesday 487,341 (+21,562) to do this, but there just isn’t right now.” available appointments “coming up (Feb. 10), said that seniors have the best within your area.” chance of getting vaccinated through their Percent positive: primary care doctors or pharmacies. He (0) Stop & Shop said his department received one-time 4.2 state approval to accept 100 vaccines from Number of deaths: Visit bit.ly/stopandshopvaccine a pharmacy and used those doses to inocu- to find a location and register for NOTICE late seniors. 388 (+16) available appointments. As of “We are always gladly willing to accept, Thursday, the site said there were if the state of New York allows us, vaccine Source: New York State Department of Philipstown no available appointments within 50 allotments to immunize our seniors,” he Health, as of Feb. 10, with weekly change in miles of the Highlands, Poughkeepsie said. “We feel what they’re going through.” parentheses. New cases in Philipstown is for week ending Feb. 4. Planning Board or Peekskill. Both CVS and Walgreens require that people book appointments through their Site Visit – February 14th, 2021 Hannaford central websites, not at individual stores, tional ones to be added as vaccine produc- The Philipstown Planning Board and both are only vaccinating people eligi- tion increases, said Kathleen Jaeger, a will meet on Sunday, February 14th, Visit bit.ly/hannafordvaccines. As ble under state guidelines. In New York pharmacist and senior vice president for 2021 at 9:30 am to inspect the of Thursday, only stores in and near State, health care and essential workers, pharmacy care and patient advocacy for the following site: Albany, Cairo (in Greene County) residents 65 and older and those with National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Garrison Golf Club PDD/Hudson and Glens Falls were offering underlying conditions such as cancer, She said pharmacies selected for the first Valley Shakespeare Festival, vaccinations “in limited supply” and diabetes and heart disease are eligible. phase have “per capita the largest foot- 2015 US Route 9 Garrison, NY no appointments appeared to be About 6,500 of an estimated 40,000 prints” of people who are “most socially TM#60.-1-5-.2&59.3 available. pharmacies are participating in the first vulnerable to COVID.” phase of the federal program, with addi- Together, the country’s pharmacies “have Drug World of Cold Spring Visit drugworld.com to check for availability and to make an appointment.

Rite Aid For information, visit riteaid.com/ covid-19. While the pharmacy is administering vaccines in many states, usually in partnership with local health departments, the chain says its local stores in New York do not book appointments.

Walmart See walmart.com/COVIDvaccine. The chain says it has no immediate plans to offer the vaccine in New York. 8 February 12, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org McConville Announces for Sheriff Will seek Republican line to agency works and how to do it effectively and efficiently, provide support and train- challenge Langley ing to your personnel and excellent service By Chip Rowe to your communities.” “Let’s give our deputies and corrections offi- evin McConville, a Cold Spring resi- cers a leader, one who isn’t afraid of trans- dent and former chief of the Metro- parency and fiscal accountability,” he said. Kpolitan Transportation Authority “You have to be accountable, responsible Police Department, announced on Feb. 4 and able to work with everybody. [The MTA that he plans to challenge Sheriff Robert police] worked with everybody — local and Langley Jr. for his job in the fall. county police departments, as well as state McConville, 63, said in a statement he and federal agencies, during my time as chief.” plans to pursue the endorsement of the The financial management of the Sher- Republican and Conservative parties. He iff’s Department will likely be an issue is the chair of the Philipstown Republican in the race. Langley has been under fire Committee. Langley is a Democrat. from Republican members of the Putnam McConville retired from the MTA in County Legislature for overtime spending, 2008. During his tenure overseeing the although his predecessor, Don Smith, also 770-member force, he created the Inter- spent heavily on overtime. In 2013, McCo- agency Counter Terrorism Team to address nville criticized Smith for his financial terrorism, according to his announcement. management, accusing the then-sheriff He also served as a member of the governor’s of increasing overtime spending over the Homeland Security Team. For the past 12 previous decade by 120 percent. years, he has been the director of security The Putnam County Democratic Commit- emergency management at a local health tee on Jan. 10 endorsed Langley for election care facility. He began his career in law to a second, 4-year term. A resident of Phil- enforcement as a Cold Spring police officer. ipstown, he was elected in 2017, narrowly “It is time to have a responsible, account- defeating the Republican incumbent, Smith, able and efficient law enforcement leader, who had been sheriff for 16 years. McConville announced his campaign on Feb. 4 in Carmel. The county clerk, county one that manages the budget and the McConville has run for Putnam County executive and Republican members of the Legislature stand behind him. Campaign photo department,” he said in the statement. sheriff twice. He was the Democratic candi- “The role of the sheriff is not about poli- date in 2009 against Smith and challenged race against Langley. parties in 2009 “because I felt I would have tics, it is a hands-on job that requires Smith again in 2013 in the Republican McConville said in 2013 that he has gotten lost running as a Republican with so the knowledge of how a law enforcement primary. In 2017 he endorsed Smith in his always been a Republican but switched many other people vying for the line.”

Latino. Deputies who don’t speak Spanish Accountability Committee comprised which the sheriff will send the plan to the (from Page 1) Police Reform use Google Translate and a service called mostly of people of color, but were pushing county Legislature. will consider the plan at its monthly meet- Language Line that they can call for trans- to ensure the committee be provided access In the plan, Anderson noted the Sheriff’s ing on March 4. lations, the agency said. to materials and involved in decisions on Office was “the first and only local agency in The Putnam panel’s recommendations The department also said it will track the policing issues. Dutchess County” with an Internal Affairs touch on several areas of concern raised number and types of arrests it makes, and Bureau to investigate complaints against about police forces nationwide: the use the discharge of firearms, and post the data Dutchess County deputies. He called that and the agency’s of body cameras; how police respond to to its website. Like Putnam, Dutchess County created accreditation by the state Division of Crimi- incidents involving people with mental “I want to thank everyone on the panel a panel to “guide the process” and solicit nal Justice Services since 1997 “the founda- illnesses; bias and diversity training; and for their hard work in putting together such feedback for its report, which was released tion to not only review what we already do, the general lack of diversity among officers. a thorough report in such a short time,” by Sheriff Butch Anderson. but to create plans for the future.” In addition to recommending that the Odell said in a statement. “I am especially The Police Reform and Moderniza- Dutchess already had plans to equip Sheriff’s Department rewrite its use-of- grateful for the meaningful feedback we tion Collaborative had two committees: sheriff’s deputies with body cameras; legis- force policy to match language in state got from the public.” one made up of residents, religious lead- lators last year approved funding and the penal law, Putnam’s panel said the agency While Odell praised the citizen input, ers, nonprofit leaders, prosecutors, public sheriff said he is working with local govern- should, in the interest of officer safety and some recommendations from the subgroups defenders, educators, elected and govern- ments and police agencies to make a joint transparency, review the costs of equip- did not make the final list, such as the ment officials and mental-health practitio- purchase, according to the report. (Beacon ping deputies with body cameras, although creation of a court to handle defendants ners, and another of municipal leaders and officers have worn the devices since 2018.) “funding may be an obstacle.” Its patrol who are veterans, or the establishment of police chiefs. Anderson said his department will waive cars are already outfitted with dashboard a community panel to review complaints The panel also gathered feedback at a requirement that officer candidates have cameras. against deputies. seven virtual forums in September and 60 college credits to take its police exam in The panel also acknowledged that while In addition, in an addendum to the October hosted by the Dutchess County hopes of diversifying its pool. New hires will “it is neither safe nor practical to completely report, some subgroup members said Commission on Human Rights. The county instead be given five years to complete 60 remove law enforcement” from incidents that more than two of the nine subgroups said its December report was designed as credits and two years to complete crisis inter- involving people with mental illnesses, should have represented people of color, a guide for municipalities as they develop vention training, according to the report. deputies should “collaborate, where feasi- and that the committees were prevented their reforms. The Sheriff’s Office said it would ble, with other agencies and mental health from reviewing data related to the Sher- Among its recommendations were “explore” the creation of a Civilian Review professionals” when responding to inci- iff’s Department budget and inventory and having officers wear body cameras, estab- Board as a “review and advisory commit- dents involving people in crisis. had limited access to policies, procedures lishing a civilian review board and expand- tee” to the county’s Criminal Justice Coun- In response to the panel’s call for Span- and other information. The report fails to ing the involvement of social workers and cil. It also will begin reporting arrest data ish-speaking deputies, the Sheriff’s Depart- say which recommendations will be put up other non-police staff in drug overdose and by demographics, such as ethnicity and ment said it recently gave a civil-service for adoption by the Legislature, they said. mental health-related calls. race, and to host meetings so residents can exam in Spanish and plans to recruit at In a statement issued on Tuesday (Feb. 9), Anderson’s 42-page plan is available at air concerns and ask questions. college fairs in Rockland and Westchester members of three subgroups said they were bit.ly/dutchesspolicereform. Comments counties to reach more bilingual applicants. encouraged that Odell agreed to have a will be accepted by email at dcsopublicin- Visit highlandscurrent.org for news About 16 percent of Putnam’s residents are permanent, “community-appointed” Public [email protected] through Feb. 26, after updates and latest information. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 12, 2021 9

questioning it. Town Board interest in oversight grew Ambulance Corps Dispute Flares Anew with the discovery that the PVAC had, in PVAC says town wants over the contract. He accused the Town some of the agency’s practices. 2020, supplied ambulance services to Kent Board of “stall tactics, part of their contin- As the stalemate dragged on, the for five months and also assisted Putnam to kill agency; board ued effort to force us to close,” although members of at least one Facebook group Valley. decries ‘lies’ his statement did not address why the criticized the town government. One Van Tassel said that when the PVAC PVAC believes the board would want that message, posted by ambulance corps received a call from Kent, “our ambu- By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong to happen. members, said the Town Board’s arguments lance would sign on immediately and start Van Tassel, a paramedic and former “are wholly unsubstantiated, simply incor- responding,” which represented “an abuse he cancellation this week of a PVAC captain, said in an interview that he rect and absolutely counterproductive” and of our resources,” since Philipstown taxes Town Board workshop to discuss had “a lot of heart and sweat and tears” that meeting such “untenable and unrea- provide for professional EMTs to staff the a contract with the Philipstown T invested in the organization. “The last sonable” propositions “would substantially PVAC on a 24/7 basis. Volunteer Ambulance Corps led to renewed thing I or anybody on the Town Board interfere with our ability to operate.” “This is about what’s right and what’s acrimony, with the PVAC again accusing would want to see is the demise of Philip- The former town clerk, Tina Merando, wrong,” he said. “And what’s wrong was that the Town Board of seeking its demise and stown Ambulance,” he said. said of the board: “Shame on them. But it the crew, which the Town of Philipstown was board members assailing the spreading of In a statement issued on Tuesday, Super- doesn’t surprise me. I’ve witnessed this paying, was covering calls in another town “lies” and “misinformation.” visor Richard Shea said it was a “complete behavior for many years. It’s their way or and not following the mutual-aid plan.” The board announced on Wednesday fallacy” that the town wants to shut- the highway. Shame on them again. Ugh.” According to Van Tassel, under mutual (Feb. 10) that it had canceled a meeting by ter the PVAC. He pointed to proliferating Since December, the town and PVAC have aid, a town’s ambulance corps receives three Zoom with PVAC members scheduled for local “misinformation” and noted that been at odds over the town’s attempts to urgent summonses, and only if no response that evening. It set no new date. “the internet is often used to spread lies revise a longstanding annual contract to ensues are other towns’ corps dispatched. “We don’t negotiate contracts in a circus and confusion” among the public, includ- allow more municipal control of the ambu- “We’re more than willing to help our environment,” Councilor John Van Tassel ing, apparently, in Philipstown, where he lance corps, which covers northern Phil- neighbors,” he said. “We have helped told The Current on Wednesday, though he lamented online attempts “to block even the ipstown. Normally, a new annual contract our neighbors, throughout this entire cautioned that he was “speaking for myself, most basic oversight of taxpayer money and takes effect on Jan. 1. pandemic.” But a pact like the one with one member of the board.” how it is used by the PVAC.” (The full state- The PVAC’s counterpart, the Garrison Kent “is not helping neighbors. This is Chris Tobin, the PVAC president, ques- ment is posted at highlandscurrent.org.) Volunteer Ambulance Corps, which serves enabling our neighbors” to avoid fund- tioned in a statement whether Philipstown Van Tassel said the board had heard the southern end of the town, is — accord- ing necessary services. Oversight “is not a has “any desire, or indeed, any intention concerns from PVAC members as well as ing to Shea and Van Tassel — poised to sign personal attack” on the PVAC, he said. “This to seek a positive solution to this impasse” county emergency services personnel about an identical, revised contract, after initially is a town board doing its due diligence.” Two More Candidates in Nelsonville Eisenbach and Potts make Eisenbach said he decided to get involved “after watching telecoms threaten our four for two seats Village Board into agreeing to a cell tower By Chip Rowe that violates local zoning laws, my neighbors’ property rights and the state fire code.” wo additional candidates have Eisenbach and his son, David, were among announced for the March 16 Village the plaintiffs who filed a federal lawsuit in T Board election in Nelsonville, bring- October to invalidate the court settlement. ing the total to four for the seats held by The fourth candidate will be Alan Potts, Trustees Dove Pedlosky and Lisa Mechaley, who served on the board from 2017 to 2019 A rendering of the path and "solar ribbon" the Desmond-Fish Library would like to who do not plan to seek re-election. before finishing third in a three-way race install in Garrison. George Eisenbach, a retired civil engineer for the seats won by Pedlosky and Mechaley. architect Laura Pirie called a form of “light who has lived in Nelsonville for nearly 20 “As a Nelsonville resident for more than Desmond-Fish floating above the ground.” years, and former Trustee Alan Potts filed 16 years, I know firsthand how important Plans call for the 3-foot-wide, wheelchair- nominating petitions with the village. The it is to have cost-effective fire protection, accessible Discovery Path to wind through a deadline was Tuesday (Feb. 9). trash collection, street/sidewalk main- Shares Plans for pollinator garden, a dry meadow of grasses, Last week, Maria Zhynovitch, a state tenance and snow removal,” he said in young forest, wet meadow and wetland, and appellate court attorney, and Kathleen a statement. “Nelsonville is also facing Landscape established woodland. The update would also Maloney, who has held a variety of clinical, important choices around sewer versus include a readers’ garden. The library prop- corporate and research roles, announced septic, Airbnb, budgeting, etc. ‘Discovery Path’ to wind erty covers 11.5 acres, with a small stream. their candidacies. “In addition to being a reliable steward through the grounds Overall, the project reflects the belief In a statement, Eisenbach proposed to of Nelsonville’s resources, it’s essential to that the library “is at the heart of the bring his professional experience to the plan- solicit resident input on Nelsonville affairs, By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong community and takes that responsibility ning and cost-management of projects such as well as their needs and interests,” he seriously,” Pirie said. as road repaving. “I’ll make sure the roads said. “I would ensure Nelsonville’s inter- he Desmond-Fish Public Library are done right and on budget,” he said. “I ests are represented with neighboring Cold hopes to enhance its landscape in Route 9 warehouse was shocked to learn Nelsonville’s budget Spring and Philipstown. I am committed T Garrison with a pathway that mean- After several months of scrutiny and last year grew 25 percent. I know how to find to dealing with our village concerns in an ders through diverse habitats and a solar public feedback, the Planning Board waste in bloated budgets and how to cut it.” honest, unbiased and transparent manner array that will lessen its reliance on fossil last month voted 5-2 to approve a He also said he would bring his “scientific and would hit the ground running, draw- fuels that contribute to climate change. 20,340-square-foot warehouse and offices knowledge to the debate about 5G and make ing on my experience serving as a trustee.” The Philipstown Planning Board, planned for Route 9 about a third of a mile sure we have a full and open public discus- Jeff Rossi also filed a petition but with- which has been reviewing the details of south of the Route 301 intersection. The sion that isn’t cut short by the telecoms or drew it on Feb. 9, telling The Current that the “Discovery Path” proposal, scheduled two Planning Board members who voted politics. As a community we can no longer “time constraints that will preclude me a public hearing via Zoom for Thursday “no” cited concerns about traffic safety. afford to conduct our debates with the lack of from giving the board the time the role (Feb. 18) to get reaction from residents. A Philipstown firm, CRS International, transparency and division we saw during the deserves” drove his decision. He said he The Desmond-Fish director, Jen McCre- which imports and distributes fashion cell tower debacle.” 5G refers to newer wire- would support any candidate who had ery, told the Planning Board in December brands, said last year it would employ about less technology that uses smaller, shorter “the best interest of the natural beauty of that the library intends to create a “solar 30 people at the location and expects one poles and similar structures installed more Nelsonville” in mind and who “specifically ribbon” of panels on poles that blends into or two tractor-trailers and four or five box closely together, instead of relying on cell opposes the development of the cell tower the natural landscape, for what project trucks to enter and exit the site each day. towers that cover a broader area. behind the Cold Spring Cemetery.” 10 February 12, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

AROUND TOWN

 EAGLE EYES — The Putnam Highlands Audubon Society hosted an Eagle Watch at Boscobel on Jan. 30 and Feb. 6. Scott Silver, director of the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, said that when it opened in 1970, there was one breeding pair of eagles in the entire state because of overhunting and the effects of an insecticide called DDT; there are now more than 400. The birds, whose nests can weigh 2,000 pounds, roost near the Hudson because the river provides an abundant supply of dining options as the current flows past. Photos by Ross Corsair

 LOOKING SPIFFY — The bust of James Haldane (1818-1887), namesake of the Haldane school in Cold Spring, recently  DANCE CHAMPS — In a weeklong received a thorough cleaning — and a national competition held virtually last mask. The statue is located in the middle month, Carolyn Fadden of Philipstown school. Haldane was an iron importer and Yuriy Herhel, the owner of the Fred who founded the school with his brother, Astaire Dance Studios on Route 9, took John. The original building was located on first place in rhythm (rumba, cha-cha what is now the Tots Park. and swing) and second place in smooth Photo by Megan Shields (waltz, foxtrot and tango). Photo provided

PENSIERO HIGHLAND STUDIO PLURALE

BLAQ•IT: Representing Blackness in Italy A conversation with Fred Kuwornu Curated by Ilaria Conti Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. EST Virtual screening of Fred Kuwornu’s Blaxploitalian: 100 Years of Blackness in Voice Lessons Italian Cinema from February 14 – 16, 2021. Lessons currently offered via Zoom Watch live on www.magazzino.art/ magazzinodacasa PRINTMAKERS

• Students of All Ages and Abilities Eugenia Copeland is a Garrison native with FINE ART • Auditions Prep for High School and College her masters in music PRINTING • Repitore Advice and performance from Mannes SCANNING Audition Packages Conservatory. She has been LARGE FORMAT • Early Childhood Music Education teaching private voice lessons since 2016. She specializes in • Ear Training HUDSON VALLEY’S teaching the holistic voice • All Styles of Music ARCHIVAL PRINTING (classical, jazz, musical theater, encompassing both classical SINCE 1997 pop, folk, even public speaking) and modern voice techniques. PICTURE FRAMING 30 minute lessons ($45) | 45 minute lessons ($65) | 60 minute lessons ($85) print & map gallery To schedule a lesson 845-809-5174 EMAIL [email protected] 31 STEPHANIE LANE OR VISIT COLD SPRING, NY EugeniaCopelandVoice.com MAGAZZINO www.thehighlandstudio.com DA CASA highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 12, 2021 11 The Calendar

The Artist Next Door Kim Pitt-Foster By Alison Rooney

im Pitt-Foster discovered the Garrison Art Center through her K children. A ceramicist, she is now a board member and cheerleader for the center and helped organize its Chairs Revisited exhibit last fall. “My son [now 20] has texture issues and I wanted to see if he would touch clay,” she says. “He doesn’t like the rain, but he loves to swim, so there are ways he can find his outlets. I looked at a couple of places and I didn’t like them, then I found the Art Center and the kids fell in love with Lisa [Knaus, Kim Pitt-Foster, at her home and in the studio (below) Photo by Senator Bjorge the pottery studio manager there], because and encouraged to continue,” she says. she was so enthusiastic without any stern- After growing up in Manhattan, high- which is still always the case.” ness. Lisa was just so effusive, loving and lighted by six years spent as a child She never felt that she would become a encouraging to my two so-different-to- performer on Sesame Street [see Page 18], visual artist, especially since her family’s each-other kids. She can find something Knaus attended the High School of Music businesses had been medicine and law. “I magnificent and special about your piece, & Art in New York City while spending her toyed with acting, but I wasn’t talented,” she no matter what.” summers in the Aaron Copland Music and says. “I was shy, a little weird, bossy and loud- Knaus also drew Pitt-Foster back into the Arts program in North Salem. “The person mouthed.” Following graduation, she worked studio after many years away. “She made who ran it was an ex-colonel, and ran it behind the scenes in film and theater and me feel safe to return to pottery,” military-style, but it was liberal at the same then for photographer Arnold Newman and she says. “I needed a safe, happy time, and that mix was fun,” she recalls. designer Vera Wang. “I herniated two discs — outlet.” Pitt-Foster was so At Bennington College, Pitt-Foster double wedding dresses are heavy,” she says. impressed, in fact, she joined majored in photography and theater lighting She continued to make pottery but set the Art Center board. design, with minors in ceramics and litera- it aside after she met and married her “It’s a very nice place, in ture. It wasn’t as frenetic as it sounds, she husband, a marketing executive, becom- that you’re appreciated, explains. “When you’re being creative all the ing a preschool teacher and, then, for 20 acknowledged time, it’s easy. My lighting proj- years, a stay-at-home mother. “I was the ect was influenced by world’s best and worst mother,” she says. my outdoor photog- “Anything I did, I did it twice: class mom, raphy; the colors PTA — the works.” I might have After following her children’s lead and used in my enrolling in ceramics at the Garrison Art pottery then Center, Pitt-Foster jumped back into her always came pottery. through in During the pandemic shutdown, she the stories says she discovered “the wonderful world I wrote for of hand-building. I had been a thrower; it’s literature. I the most therapeutic thing, to throw a pot. was loud and I don’t have fine motor skills, so my pots are funky and not delicate: They carve their space through one of three the world. I work with certain colors. I like Black people them to kind of glisten and have movement on c a mpus, (Continued on Page 18) 12 February 12, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

VISUAL ART Maryland and escaped to New York, where he became master gardener SAT 13 at Mount Gulian. Register online or Emergence email [email protected]. THE WEEK AHEAD BEACON Edited by Pamela Doan ([email protected]) Noon – 6 p.m. BAU Gallery 506 Main St. | 845-440-7584 For a complete listing of events, see baugallery.org This annual juried show with highlandscurrent.org/calendar. works by artists from the region was curated by Samantha De Tillio.

TUES 16 COMMUNITY MUSIC WED 17 BLAQ•IT: So You Wanna be a Vet? Blackness in Italy SAT 13 SUN 14 BREWSTER Washington’s Birthday Violintine’s Day Concert PHILIPSTOWN 4 p.m. Putnam 4-H Noon. Magazzino Italian Art NEWBURGH PEEKSKILL putnam.cce.cornell.edu/events 845-666-7202 | magazzino.art Washington’s Headquarters 7 p.m. Dramatic Hall Theater This six-part online program will Ilaria Conti will speak online WED 17 facebook.com/washingtonsheadquarters bit.ly/BeMyViolintine introduce Putnam County students with Fred Kuwornu, whose film, COVID-19 School Update View presentations about Daisy Jopling and her band from ages 8 to 12 to the importance of Blaxploitation: 100 Years of GARRISON Revolutionary War history, and will celebrate Valentine’s Day animal health. Registration required. Blackness in Italian Cinema, will be 7 p.m. Via Zoom George and Martha, and enjoy live with a livestreamed performance. Cost: $10 to $50 (pay what you can) accessible for viewing at the website music. The schedule is online. Also The evening begins with virtual SUN 14, MON 15 and TUES 16. highlandscurrent.org/ SUN 14, MON 15. cocktails at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $25 (free current-conversation THURS 18 for members) Carl Albano, the superintendent Family Scavenger Hunt THURS 18 TUES 16 of the Garrison school district, will COLD SPRING Gallery Talks: Dan Flavin Cooking for a Cause SAT 20 discuss its plans and approach at 7 p.m. Butterfield Library BEACON the midpoint of the school year. CORNWALL Last Minute Soulmates 845-265-3040 | butterfieldlibrary.org 10:30 a.m. Dia:Beacon Register online. 6 p.m. Hudson Valley Eats BEACON Be the quickest team to find 845-231-0811 | diaart.org hudsonvalleyeats.com/ 8 p.m. Howland Cultural Center objects in your home. In this free webinar, Dia THURS 18 cooking-for-a-cause howlandculturalcentertix.com educators will discuss Flavin’s Ric Orlando will make Hudson Valley Support The band will perform during a objects and installations, which Everything Mardi Gras Gumbo SAT 20 for the Union livestream from the center. Cost: $15 mostly involve fluorescent light. to benefit the Food Bank for the Meet Winky! COLD SPRING Hudson Valley in this virtual GARRISON 5 p.m. Putnam History Museum SUN 21 SAT 20 cooking class. Cost: $50 MET Orchestra Musicians 2 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library putnamhistorymuseum.org bit.ly/DFPLwinky Glow Show / Zard Apuya Michael Barrett, executive director BEACON Winky is an opossum who serves Solo Show of the Burden Iron Works Museum in 8 p.m. Howland Cultural Center as an animal ambassador for BEACON Troy and Mark Forlow, an expert on howlandmusic.orgALIVEmusica.html Teatown Lake Reservation, a nature 6 – 9 p.m. Clutter Gallery the West Point Foundry, will discuss In this livestream performance preserve in Ossining. 163 Main St. | 212-255-2505 via Zoom the contributions of the sponsored by the Howland Chamber shop.cluttermagazine.com/gallery iron works and foundry to the Union Music Circle, musicians from the effort during the Civil War. Register Metropolitan Orchestra will perform online. Cost: $10 (free for members) Saint-Saëns’ Fantasiein A Major, TALKS Op. 124, Massenet’s Meditation from Thaïs, Frank’s Zapatos de Chincha SAT 13 CIVIC and Beethoven’s String Trio in C Thomas Machin and TUES 16 Minor, Op. 9 No. 3. Cost: $20 or pay His Chains as you wish Board of Trustees COLD SPRING COLD SPRING 5 p.m. Putnam History Museum FRI 19 6:30 p.m. Via Zoom KIDS & FAMILY putnamhistorymuseum.org Blood Drive 845-265-3611 | coldspringny.gov Bevis Longstreth will discuss BEACON SAT 13 the real-life story behind his latest 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Memorial Building Story Walk and Crafts historical novel, Chains Across the TUES 16 413 Main St. COLD SPRING River. Cost: $10 (free for members) City Council 800-733-2767 | redcrossblood.org Butterfield Library BEACON Register or walk in to donate. 10 Morris Ave. | 845-265-3040 7 p.m. Via Zoom SAT 20 TUES 16 butterfieldlibrary.org Creating Movement to The Life of 845-838-5011 | cityofbeacon.org ANIMALS & NATURE Enjoy a Valentine’s Day-themed James F. Brown story in the garden around the Tell a Story TUES 16 SAT 13 library and take home a craft to BEACON BEACON Great Backyard make later. Also SUN 14. 4 p.m. Compass Arts | compassarts.org 7 p.m. Beacon Historical Society Public Hearing: Bird Count Chelsea Acree will lead this beaconhistorical.org Short-Term Rentals HUDSON VALLEY SAT 13 workshop for elementary school Elaine Hayes, executive director NELSONVILLE of Mount Gulian Historic Site, will birdcount.org students on creating a dance that 7:30 p.m. Via Zoom Global Rhythms, lead a discussion via Zoom of James Share bird sightings in this tells a story. Cost: sliding scale 845-265-2500 | nelsonvilleny.gov Sounds and Songs F. Brown, who was born a slave in conservation event organized by BEACON Audubon and the Cornell Lab of 4 p.m. Compass Arts | compassarts.org Ornithology. Record and report online the species and numbers of Gwen Laster and Damon Banks, birds seen at any location. co-founders of Creative Strings Improvisers Ensemble, will lead this webinar for students in grades SAT 20 6 to 12 with beats from around the Maple Sugar Tours world. Cost: Sliding scale CORNWALL 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. SUN 14 Outdoor Discovery Center Sound Drawing: Color 120 Muser Drive | 845-534-5506 BEACON hhnm.org 10:30 a.m. Dia:Beacon Learn how maple sap is turned into 845-231-0811 | diaart.org syrup. Online registration required. Audra Wolowiec will lead this Maple syrup will be sold only online. workshop for families and children Also SUN 21. Cost: $10 ($8 members, ages 5 and older. Register online. Free children 5 and under free) BLAQ•IT: Blackness in Italy, Feb. 16 highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 12, 2021 13

The entrance to Boscobel The visitors’ center at Boscobel Photos provided

the Pollinator Pathway [which connects challenges. Although it received federal green spaces for native pollinators], which pandemic-relief funding and grants from Boscobel to Develop Master Plan the Philipstown Garden Club began.” the Museum Association of New York, the First major review since 1959 to look around at the site and think, ‘We The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Greenway Heritage Conservancy and the can do so much more than this.’ ” which has offered summer performances Preservation League of New York, Bosco- By Alison Rooney One goal is to make sure all buildings on under a tent erected near the Boscobel lawn bel had to cut staff. “It was heartbreaking the site “always reference the landscape,” for more than 30 years, plans to depart in to have to furlough and lay people off, some oscobel, the historic site in Garrison, Carlquist says. “After all, glass is used in 2022 for new digs. Carlquist said Bosco- after many years,” she said. is conducting the first comprehen- a third of the house, which shows us how bel has expanded its partnership with sive review of its master plan since B important the landscape was to the people the nearby Constitution Marsh Audubon The grounds at Boscobel, located at 1601 1959, two years before it opened. who lived here. Plus, landscape is featured Center and Sanctuary and is exploring Route 9D, are open during the winter on Everything from parking and the entrance on so many objects in the house — on others with schools, dancers and organi- Saturday from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m., with to conference rooms, restrooms and gallery ceramics, on canvases.” zations wanting to hold conferences. online reservations. Admission is $12 ($10 space will be scrutinized at the site, which Boscobel’s membership grew to record Carlquist said Boscobel is trying to for seniors and $6 for children and teens, is known for its Federalist mansion, gardens numbers in 2020, Carlquist says, which make “data-driven, thoughtful choices,” free for members, health care workers and and views of the Hudson River. she saw as evidence that people “don’t sign but the pandemic has created financial children under 5). See boscobel.org/visit. Boscobel officials have reviewed elements up to get a discount [on admission], they such as traffic and utilities over the years, sign up because they want the place to be but the new study will be the first major healthy and to support a place they love. review in more than 60 years. The effort We were right to focus on the landscape has been both challenged and assisted but we realized just how much during by the pandemic, said Jennifer Carlquist, the pandemic. People would come on the Boscobel’s executive director and curator. grounds and just weep, tearing up seeing “The curtailing of our seasonal program- neighbors at the Cold Spring Farmers’ ming has helped us laser-focus on master Market [held every Saturday in the park- planning,” she explained. “We’ve been able ing lot] or doing yoga or painting — it’s a whole new level of appreciation.” She said Boscobel plans to update its visi- tors’ center and make it more accessible to meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. She also said Bosco- bel needs to figure out how “to leverage its beauty as a tool to talk about things like the American Revolution or sustainable prac- tices in history and landscape, with the goal of broadening our audience. We need to take in this sweeping majesty and deter- mine how it connects to everyday humans, on a personal scale. It’s about using design to connect to human dignity. “Our house and collection have been updated, but our landscape hadn’t been given to curatorial devotion,” she added. “Landscapes always change, but the ques- tion is, Is it a cultural change, a created change or a climate change? We’re also look- ing for the best place on-site to introduce a Jennifer Carlquist native meadow and at how we can expand Landscapes always change, but the question is, is it a cultural change, a THETAILORYNYC.COM/APPOINTMENT-1/ BY APPOINTMENT ONLY created change or a climate change? ~ Jennifer Carlquist 14 February 12, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

TO: Tree / FROM: Acorn TO: Jamie / FROM: Julie I take Metro-North to the city / To see To my husband on our first Linda, Spanish for pretty / Though Valentine’s Day as husband and she’s just Mom to me / I do find her wife — and our first living in Cold Love lovely / Which is true since I was itty- Spring! I love you today and every bitty / I go often to stroll & kibbitz / day, and look forward to many more IS IN Tête à têtes and the best laughing fits adventures together. THE / We drink coffee for days / Which is how I was raised / While we tell all Air our pieces & bits / And while in this TO: Bob / FROM: Pepper rich life there are others / Don’t worry Happy Valentine’s Day, Loveypoo! mom, next’s An Ode to my Brothers / Every day with you brings me I can’t fathom the worth / Appreciat- joy, laughter, and love. I am ing since birth / I’m sold on the love one lucky lady. Love, Preppy between daughters & mothers.

TO: Gregg / FROM: Helen TO: Camembert / FROM: Bobby I’m still your sugar plum, by gum; TO: Kelly / FROM: Nettie Angelface, you are my French fry for- you’re still my sugar beet You will always be my Valentine! ever. You are a whole beef shank with its spicy beefy goodness and I love you! I want to be with you always. TO: Janie / FROM: Bob TO: Da da / FROM: Autumn You turn quarantine into a Happy Valentine’s Day to the best honeymoon. Love you, sweetie. daddy ever, and happy birthday!!! TO: Chris / FROM: Jamie The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even TO: Darien / FROM: Krystal TO: Sam / FROM: Sarah touched. They must be felt with the 17 years ago I met you at an Anti- Twenty-seven valentines in and heart! Love you to the moon and Valentine’s Day party, and we’ve been you’re still my favorite. There’s back best friend. happily married for 14 years. Love U. no one I’d rather live through a pandemic with, babe! TO: Sierra Jean & her mom & dad TO: John / FROM: Irene FROM: Nana and Baba To my Valentine, in the words of Mr. TO: Coffee Mate / FROM: Dairy Queen Happy Valentine’s Day!!! Porter: It’s very clear / Our love is Au Courant / We start out our days We love you. xoxoxoxo here to stay. / Not for a year, / But with the news / What’s the word? Ooh ever and a day. / In time the Rockies - a Valentines ruse / Will you know may crumble, / Gibraltar may tumble, she is me? / Je t’adore, mon chéri / TO: Mom / FROM: Mike and Sara / They’re only made of clay, / But our Watch me close / Ice ice baby blues. / Happy Valentine’s Day! We are love is here to stay. The Current said “Hey — for poster- excited to explore the Hudson Love you even more after a ity” / And, I thought, maybe some Valley with you more! whole pandemic year together. clarity / I’d jot down some lines, some Love you lots, thanks for everything “Baby Be Mines” / And come V-Day in black and white / There I’d be. / If my TO: PengM / FROM: PengL reading’s been drawing you in / And TO: J / FROM: C A Haiku for you: My wife, my partner your coffee’s concealing a grin / Come 17 Valentine’s Days ago I asked you / Will you be my valentine. / Your refill my cup / While I butter you up / to be mine. This year, I say what has Zboyz love you. Be my Valentine, handsome. FIN always been true. I’m yours.

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TO: Guillermo / FROM: Vanessa TO: Newcastle / FROM: Keighley Find the Perfect Gift for your Valentine at Dear Babycakes, what better Roses are red / Violets are blue / way to show you my love than I’m mad aboot lads / •Puzzles •Unique gifts having it permanently in words But I propa love you. The•games Gift Hut•crystals written in print. I can watch you • Puzzles • Crystals for a single minute and find 1,000 •wooden toys •pocket hearts • Unique Gifts • Pocket Hearts things that I love about you. But TO: Eleanore, Charlotte & Noah • Games •post• Post style Style earrings Earrings it’s only when you smile that FROM: Lou (that won’t tangle in your mask!) (won’t tangle in your mask) I’m yours over and over again. How lucky we are to have found Happy Valentine’s Day “Chunky.” love in the time of COVID! Shop in Store or Online at thegifthut.com Shop in Store or Online at thegifthut.com Thanks for being the best friends Facebook: @thegifthutny Facebook: @thegifthutny | Instagram: the_gift_hut and Valentines a gal could ask for. Thurs 10-4 | Fri 10-4 | Sat 10-5Instagram: | Sun 10-4 the_gift_hut TO: Angelo, Dominique, Adriana, Milk cheers to many more mile- 86 Main Street, Cold Spring,845-297-3786 NY | 845-297-3786 Anthony, Aliyah, Andrew stones, celebrations, and messes FROM: Grandma Bev together. OK, G2G pretend babble Thurs 10-4 Fri 10-4 Sat 10-5 Sun 10-4 Happy Valentine’s Day to my so my parents think they’re the 86 Main Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516 wonderful grandchildren! Love ones in control. You know the Open Thursday 11-5, Fri & Sat 11-6, Sun 11-3 you lots! deal. Xox. P.S. I know we talked about a nap strike on the after- noon of 2/14, but in the name of TO: Mike Barber / FROM: Your kids Cupid, let’s go down easy. NOW IN Dear Dad, Happy Valentine’s Day! You’ll hear it from BLOOM us on WhatsApp, but TO: Emily / FROM: Lauren know that we love you. I love you to the moon and back Kit Kat. Thank you for being Pre-order your such a light in my life. I’ll always Valentine bouquet TO: Harry listen to your dreams and close Email: [email protected] FROM: Your Secret Admirer the blinds. Phone: (917) 848.1838 Do you have a pen? 66 Main Street, Cold Spring, NY Let’s do the crossword. TO: Beth / FROM: Brian You make my heart rise like a Romantic, European Bouquets TO: VMP / FROM: HML sourdough starter left on a “You miss 100% of the shots you warm spot on the stove. don’t take.—Wayne Gretzky” — Michael Scott. Let the Wookie win! Love your forever, Valentine. TO: Mike / FROM: Sara Yoda best! Love you so much! So grateful for all you do for TO: Cory / FROM: Kari Jo me and excited for our next Coffee is important, / the marsh chapter together! has grown beautiful to us; / the wildlife amuse and / the chil- dren stretch us — / and i am so TO: Pat / FROM: Lindsay thankful for every day we / walk Happy Valentine’s Day, babe! together; this past year, and the / I hope this makes up for not 24 previous. / And i look forward writing you a letter on our to as many more as we will be wedding day (although I think given: sipping, thinking, walk- my excuse was valid under the ing, observing, praying, decid- circumstances)! I’m ready for any ing, waiting, acting and loving. / adventure with you by my side. Happy Valentine’s Day, my love. Thanks for all the laughs, the xx endless love and our two beauti- ful creations. I’ll stop the world and melt with you... 16 February 12, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Small, Good Things the triangular trade between the Old and many meatless Lenten meals. Potatoes are a the ninth century. The whole lovely mess New Worlds, salt cod extended its range far recurring ingredient in many recipes. is topped with breadcrumbs and baked beyond the North Atlantic — to the south This week’s recipe (just in time for Lent!) briefly for a golden crust, and is perfect and east in the Mediterranean and African is a cream-based non-traditional casserole for these endless snowy days. Serve with A Fish Worth continent, and again to the south and west of baccalà and cauliflower with a classi- a green salad for comfort food of a differ- in the Caribbean and South America. cally Sicilian spin: the combination of ent kind. Its Salt The initial preparation and rehydra- currants, pine nuts, citrus zest and saffron Sourcing note: Salt cod is available at tion is easy but requires time: the surface is an enduring legacy and reminder of the Adams Fairacre Farms in Wappingers Falls By Joe Dizney salt must first be rinsed off and the cod Saracen-Arab invasion of the island in and Key Food in Beacon. submerged in cool, clean water to soak for t’s not a pretty a couple of hours. The water is changed and fish, the cod. the process repeated five or six times to IBut it is with- both remove excess saltiness and restore out a doubt one with the flesh to the firm, white flakiness that the oldest and largest makes it so useful in stews and casseroles. economic and cultural/ The soaked and rehydrated fish is then culinary foot- (or better, fin-) print. poached briefly in water (or milk) before Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) was fished being finally used in some by-now classic and enjoyed long before the Vikings began preparations. France’s brandade de morue economic trade in Scandinavia and its is a silky puree served on toast. The Greeks abundance in the coastal waters on both flip that equation: the meaty fish is fried sides of the Atlantic established a cultural and topped with skordalia, a thick sauce acceptance and range far beyond its spar- made from lots of garlic, pureed with bread, tan Norse beginnings. olive oil and almonds. But it was the preserving of fresh cod America is rife with regional recipes for by drying and salting that transformed a red and white chowders featuring salt cod. In primarily regional industry into the inter- Jamaica, saltfish and ackee (a native savory national marketplace. Salt cod has a poten- fruit) is the national dish; in Bermuda, break- tial shelf-life of years, and the cultures fast is saltfish fritters, served with potatoes, and cuisines that had embraced fresh cod avocado, banana and boiled eggs. adapted their cooking to the dried fish: Portuguese, Basque and Spanish stews Scandinavian countries, England, France, feature bacalao in a tomato sauce with Spain and Portugal all have notable and peppers and olives, among other ingredients, distinctive recipes that celebrate the singu- as do Italian recipes — particularly those lar charms of such a humble but useful food. traditional on Catholic holidays, such as the Baccalà con Cavofiore alla Siciliana And by becoming a major commodity in Feast of the Seven Fishes for Christmas or (Sicilian Salt Cod and Cauliflower)

Serves 4 to 6

1 pound salt cod filets, desalted* ½ cup flat leaf parsley leaves 1½ cup heavy cream Finely grated zest of one lemon ½ cup milk ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 bunch scallions, trimmed and cut ½ cup dried currants plumped in into 1-inch pieces water (or white wine) for 30 minutes, drained 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed ½ cup pine nuts, oven-toasted at 2 bay leaves 350 degrees until fragrant and lightly 2 to 3 pinches saffron threads browned 1 small head cauliflower trimmed into ½ cup Panko bread crumbs small florets (about 4 cups)

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Place the desalted cod in a large saucepan with milk, cream, scallions, garlic and bay leaves and bring to a simmer. Cook, simmering gently, for about 15 minutes, until cod is tender and easily flaked. (Test a small piece.) While cod simmers, combine cauliflower, parsley, lemon zest, drained currants and pine nuts in a large bowl. 2. Remove cod from simmering cream with a slotted spoon to another bowl. Allow the cream to simmer, add the saffron, and continue to cook, thicken and reduce. Flake the fish into smallish bite-size bits and add to the bowl with the cauliflower. 3. When the cream has thickened to a heavy sauce, pour it over the cod- cauliflower mixture, toss gently to combine and dump all into a 3-quart casserole. Top with breadcrumbs and bake in preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until lightly browned. Serve warm with a green salad.

* This task is simple but will take a day. Rinse the surface salt from the cod under cold running water. Soak the filets in cold water in the refrigerator for at least two hours, drain and repeat in fresh cold water. Repeat at least four to five times before draining and patting the cod pieces dry. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 12, 2021 17 18 February 12, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org NOTICE

Town of Philipstown Town Hall PO Boc 155, Old VFW Hall, 34 Kemble Avenue, Cold Spring, NY 10516

Separate sealed bids for the Highway Garage - Installation of PBS Facilities will be re- ceived by the Town of Philipstown at the office of the Town Clerk, PO Box 155, Old VFW Hall, 34 Kemble Avenue, Cold Spring, NY 10516 until 11:00 o’clock AM local prevail- ing time on Thursday, March 4, 2021 and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud.

A prebid meeting will be held at 10:00 0’clock AM local prevailing time on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at the Philipstown Highway Garage at 50 Fishkill Road, Cold Spring, NY.

The Information for Bidders, Form of Big, Form of Contract, Plans, Specifications, and Forms of Bid Bond, Performance and Payment Bond, and other contract documents may be examined at the following location:

Office of the Town Clerk, PO Box 155, Old VFW Hall, 34 Kemble Avenue, Cold Spring, NY 10516 Kim Pitt-Foster, at far left, appeared on some episodes of Sesame Street with her Copies may be obtained at the office of the Town Clerk located at Old VFW Hall, 34 arm in a cast. Kemble Avenue upon payment of $25.00 for each set. An unsuccessful bidder or non- bidder shall be entitled to a refund of this payment in accordance with Section 102 of the General Municipal Law upon the return of such sets in good condition as deter- She Did Get to Sesame Street mined by the Town. Kim Pitt-Foster was one of the first “They were trying to do ethnic diversity Each bid shall be accompanied by acceptable form of Bid Guarantee in an amount child cast members of the long- and I happened to be very good at equal to at least five (5) percent of the amoiunt of the Bid payable to the Owner as a running PBS children’s program, sitting quietly, like when Maria [played guarantee that if the Bid is accepted, the Bidder will execute the Contract and file ac- Sesame Street, and appeared on the by Sonia Manzano] was telling the ceptable Performance and the Payment Bonds within ten (10) days after the award of show for six years. Here’s how that story. I sat and listened to direction, the Contract. came about, as told to Alison Rooney: even though I was a wiggler. Then I broke my arm — and that was a “My mother, the queen of never jackpot because they liked to show OWNER RIGHTS RESERVED: stopping, was a research scientist. children facing challenges — so I was The Town of Philipstown hereinafter called the OWNER. reserves the right to reject any Back in the 1960s, she was walking to on it with the broken arm every week. or all Bids and to waive any informality or technicality in any Bid in the interest of the work, carrying a bunch of textbooks, Owner. Every cast member signed my cast when she was mugged. The mugger in their character names; Oscar said grabbed her purse, but she chased something mean but funny. STATEMENT OF NON-COLLUSION: him down. She got her purse back but Bidders on the Contracts are required to execute a non-collusion bidding certificate the books were gone. “I was pulled out of school constantly for the show, even as I got older — I pursuant to Section 103d of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York. “She had written her name in the became the older kid who wrangled books and got a ‘We found your books’ The Town of Philipstown hereby notifies all Bidders that it will affirmatively insure the younger ones. You’d see kids call, which turned out to be from the that in regard to any Contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority sitting on other kids’ laps; I was that person who founded Sesame Street. business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to kid. I was a cast member from age 3 They met up, the books were handed this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or to 8-and-a-half. national origin in consideration for an award. over, and the woman asked my mother if she had any children. My mother “When my kids were little, I looked into Attention of bidders is particularly called to the requirements as to equal employment said, ‘Not yet.’ Then the woman said: finding the programs. I thought it would opportunity and all other Federal, New York State and local requirements. ‘We’re just starting this thing called be funny for them, but my kids didn’t Sesame Street, and when you have a like it. I still have Big Bird’s feathers — Attention of bidders is called to the requirement that all employees engaging in work child, get in touch with me.’ Sesame when he walked, he shed. My favorite on the project under the subject contracts must be paid prevailing wages as recited in Street started two years after I was memory is when something went the proposed contract documents. Bidders are required to comply with minimum wage born and, at some point, my mother wrong with the lighting and I got bored rates and legally required workplace conditions and must comply with the provisions of Section 291-299 of the Executive Law of the State of New York. remembered to call, and she was told and went missing. They found me they were looking for children. asleep in Big Bird’s nest.” As required by New York State Finance Law SS 139-I, Bidders are required to submit the following statement subscribed by the Bidder and affirmed by the Bidder as true under the penalty of perjury. “By submission of this Bid, the Bidder and each person seeing how the glaze goes into crevices.” signing on behalf of the Bidder certifies, and in the case of a joint bid each party Pitt-Foster (from Page 11) thereto certifies as to its own organization, under penalty of perjury, and the Bidders Pitt-Foster’s designs were sold at six has and has implemented a written policy addressing sexual harassment prevention in — almost tactile properties — grab your stores and galleries before the shutdown; the workplace and provides annual sexual harassment prevention training to all of its eye a bit, drip, ooze, swirl two glazes which now only two remain open: Archipelago at employees. Such policy meets the minimum requirements of section two hundred of work well and create a third, interesting Home and Kismet at Caryn’s, both on Main one-g of the Labor Law.” If a Bidder cannot make the foregoing certification such Bid- thing. I like making quirky mugs, with Street in Cold Spring. der shall so state and shall furnish with the Bid a signed affidavit setting forth in detail wonky handles which swirl and curl and “Kismet has the flowers and ring hold- the reasons therefor. you have to grab one which fits your hand. ers, which are sold under the name The “I’m also doing a lot of hand-building of Potted Moose,” she says, “while Archipel- No Bidder may withdraw his bit within 45 days after the actual date of the opening thereof. petals — I make them singly, but put 30 of ago has lidded things, vases and bowls. I them together and you get one beautiful rose. never make duplicates. I’m prolific but I’ve I learned the basics of this from my grand- slowed down [because of the pandemic]. I mother, Agatha Pitt, who designed wedding am considering things more. I’m making DATE: 02/10/2021 cakes and who always had me piping the things for friends and family, while looking Tara Percacciolo, Town Clerk rosettes. Now I’ve discovered the world of forward to what’s next.” manipulation with my hands: patterning, highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 12, 2021 19

was often held up for a year or more. The steamboat Poughkeepsie made Looking Back in Philipstown six trips each way through the ice above By Chip Rowe Point to Breakneck between the Empire Constitution Island to free a tug and four State Express operated by the New York Erie barges that had been frozen in place 150 Years Ago (February 1871) Central and a five-man bicycle given a for a week. J.C. Bates, who was traveling through the running start. The Philipstown Lodge of the Masons southern U.S. looking for a place to start a Thieves broke into St. Mary’s Church held its first annual banquet. Ticketholders business, had his article about the Maori of and stole altar ornaments and vestry arti- arrived at Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. to form New Zealand, “Life in the Cannibal Islands,” cles — all gifts from wealthy residents a line, then marched in time to the music published in two parts in Scribner’s Monthly. with summer homes in Philipstown — and to their seats. A performer from New York a pair of richly carved, hammered brass City told “bright and wholesome” stories, vases given to the church by a sister of the followed by the Rev. Walter Reid of Tarry- rector, the Rev. Elbert Floyd-Jones. It was town, who argued for more restricted surmised that the criminals were tramps immigration to improve the quality of those who escaped on a passing freight. admitted into citizenship. On an evening before the Philipstown The menu for the Washington’s Birthday election, the Democrats convened in the Supper at the Methodist Church included main hall of Town Hall and the Republi- roast lamb, gravy, mashed potatoes, cans in its jury room. After each selected creamed peas, cabbage salad, pie, cheese their candidates, the caucuses created a and coffee. joint committee to see if they could produce With Garrison being one of the last a unanimous union ticket. That ticket A poster for Double Danger, which was places in the state without electric lights, included Democrats for supervisor, asses- shown at Town Hall in 1921 residents lobbied Peekskill Light & Heat to sor and highway commissioner and Repub- extend its wires from Annsville. They had licans for clerk and collector, with positions Frank Dalzell, one of five brothers born earlier asked Cold Spring Light & Heat to such as constables, election inspectors and and raised in Cold Spring, died at age 68. extend its wires without success. justice split evenly. He became a drug clerk at age 16 at Boyd The Rev. Elbert Floyd-Jones applied the & Co. and in 1885 opened his own drug- honorary match that started the fires under 100 Years Ago (February 1921) store at Main and Garden streets. Frank the boiler at the new Cold Spring Textile Co. Col. Rhinelander Waldo of Garrison, had been an honor graduate of the College The Putnam County almshouse reported A Maori chief in New Zealand, from an a former New York City police commis- of Pharmacy of the City of New York, taking it had received 24 inmates during the previ- article by J.C. Bates that appeared in sioner who owned a large amount of prop- first prize in pharmacy and third prize in ous year, discharged 16 and had 10 deaths, Scribner's Monthly in 1871 erty in Philipstown, including the former all branches. He was also the local agent for leaving it with a population of 29. Eugene Allis, 14, the son of Sylvester Allis, Warren’s Tavern (now the Bird & Bottle), the Mechanics Savings Bank of Beacon and W.T. Glover of the Internal Revenue the Cold Spring postmaster and editor of was appointed by Gen. J.J. Pershing to the a teller in the Cold Spring National Bank. Service announced he would station The Cold Spring Recorder, accidentally shot general staff of the U.S. Army. His wife planned to take over as druggist. himself at the Cold Spring post office to and killed a classmate, Debbie Speedling, The Knights of Columbus presented a assist taxpayers beginning Feb. 28. inside the post office after his father had three-act “Western comedy,” The Stubborn stepped away and left him in charge. The Motor Car, followed by dancing to Shine’s 75 Years Ago (February 1946) teenager testified that when Debbie came orchestra of Peekskill. Gov. Thomas Dewey nominated George by at about 10 a.m., “I held the pistol up Several silent moving pictures were W. Perkins Jr., who had a home in Cold to the light and she wanted to see it.” He presented at the Philipstown Town Hall, Spring, for reappointment to the Palisades attempted to remove the cartridge but it including Shipwrecked Among Canni- Interstate Park Commission. [Perkins had was stuck. When he set the gun on the mail bals, a “7-reel super special” billed as an served on the commission since 1922 and drop box, it fired and the bullet hit her in educational travel documentary; The Mad was its president when he died in 1960 at the forehead. “Father did not know I had Marriage, starring Carmel Myers, which age 64. In 1949, he was appointed by Pres- the pistol,” Eugene said. “He had forbidden was said to be “especially pleasing to ident Truman as the U.S. ambassador to me to use pistols. Some time ago I went to women”; and Hoot Gibson in a 2-reel West- the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. He E. Baxter’s to buy a pistol and he would not ern, Double Danger. had also served as president of the Haldane sell me one unless I had a written order Rep. James Husted of Westchester proposed school board.] from my father.” Eugene instead purchased a new federal judicial district that would the weapon and bullets from a friend. include nine Hudson Valley counties, includ- 50 Years Ago (February 1971) A search warrant was issued for the ing Putnam and Dutchess. Without their own The Putnam County Historical Society home of Benjamin Ireland in the High- district, the counties had to send bankruptcy dedicated the Rogers Studio, which had lands, where the constable allegedly found and other litigation to New York City, where it (Continued on Page 20) an assortment of stolen articles squirreled away, including handkerchiefs, laces, Col. Rhinelander Waldo beads, buttons and neckties. Mr. and Mrs. Ireland, their daughter, Mary, and an Irish- A performance of the Pedler’s Parade was man named John Maheady were arrested. presented at the Methodist Church, with The rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church residents portraying characters such as the singed his hair and beard when he opened Hurdy-Gurdy Man, Dr. Corn Curer, Cake the furnace doors at the church and there Seller, Pop Corn Vendor, Indian Girls and was an explosion of coal gas. Irish Apple Woman. The event raised $75 Samuel Austin carried the furniture for for the church. the new Cornell Memorial Methodist Epis- A number of children suffering from copal Church chapel down Main Street in whooping cough, measles or severe colds Cold Spring on its way to Garrison. were sent home from school. A shell contract was completed at the The Cold Spring basketball team won West Point Foundry on a Thursday at noon an exciting contest against the Garrison and the workers dispatched, sending a Reserves at the parish house in Garrison, 9-5. small army of men into the streets. The euchre tournament between the Odd Fellows lodges of Cold Spring and Beacon 125 Years Ago (February 1896) ended with a feast of clam chowder, frank- A one-mile race was proposed from Stony furters, rolls and cocoa. 20 February 12, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

the board president. The board went into (from Page 19) Looking Back closed session, after which its legal counsel been constructed in the early 19th century, issued an “opinion” that the charge by Fred- probably as a schoolhouse, on the Garrison rickson had been “rash and unwarranted.” property of Daniel Haight. (During the Revo- lutionary War, Haight ran a tavern; tradi- 25 Years Ago (February 1996) tion has it that Gen. George Washington The actor James Earl Jones read selec- visited and, after hearing a maid trip on the tions from the Bard at the 10th anniversary second floor, quipped: “I’ve heard of people benefit of the Hudson Valley Shakespeare falling down stairs, but never upstairs.”) By Festival at the Boscobel mansion. the time Marquerite Walker Rogers bought A 23-year-old man visiting his aunt in the property in 1912, the small building had Cold Spring at 55 Main St. was struck and been turned into a chicken pen. When she killed by a Metro-North train on a Sunday sold the land, she had the structure moved morning about 200 feet south of the plat- to a spot on Route 9D. When she sold that form. His aunt said he had a history of land, she moved the building to Cold Spring, mental illness. where she converted it into a bookbinding Residents complained at a Philipstown studio. In 1969, she donated the structure to Town Board meeting about how the High- the Putnam County Historical Society (now way Department had responded to a January the Putnam History Museum), which affixed blizzard and the subsequent flooding. After it to the north side of the newly completed a resident from East Mountain Road North addition to its building, the former Foundry complained that the road had not been plowed School. for four days after the storm, Supervisor Bill The George A. Casey Post 275 of the Mazzuca said that the Town Board deserved American Legion celebrated its 50th some of the blame because the highway super- anniversary with a dinner and dance at intendent had requested more trucks but the Dutchess Manor. Workers prepare to move the Rogers Studio in 1969. Putnam History Museum board didn’t want to spend the money. About 50 parents from the North High- The Garrison fire company received a new lands met with officials from Haldane and the Highlands Country Club but did not East Point Nursing Home in Cold Spring tanker that carried 3,680 gallons of water, the Our Lady of Loretto school to discuss discover Daly’s body until the next morn- to celebrate her 95th birthday. twice the capacity of the previous tanker. student behavior on school buses. ing. The three-story home dated to 1760. Raymond LeFever, the Independent Party The Putnam County News and Recorder Kathleen Daly, 48, of Garrison, died in an The coroner ruled the death accidental. candidate for Cold Spring mayor, issued a announced it had created an email address afternoon fire at The Homestead on Route Three members of the Girls Friendly statement decrying “ugly rumors” about at 103513,[email protected] for read- 9D south of Upper Station Road. The Garri- Society at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church — his conduct while serving as a police officer ers to submit letters to the editor. son Volunteer Fire Co. extinguished the Sheri Heins, Myretta Weise and Rosemary in the village. He denied he had ever been Geraldine Baldwin, the founding direc- flames with water from the home’s pool and Fleming — visited Mary Carrigan at the “given to bullying and strong-arm coercion tor of the Desmond-Fish Library, resigned. of our young people.” Caroline Smith, 33, was fatally injured Angel Guaragna, 14, of Garrison, was when her car skidded on slippery pave- struck by a car and fatally injured while ment on Route 301 in Nelsonville east of walking with traffic on Route 9D after Fishkill Road and collided with a truck. getting off her school bus north of Snake Her two young children, in the back seat, Hill Road. A 58-year-old New Hamburg suffered minor injuries. Smith’s organs man was arrested and charged with driv- were donated, including a kidney to one of ing while intoxicated. her husband’s uncles. The Haldane school board denied a A 21-year-old Cold Spring man was request, 3-1, from the Student Associa- arrested following an argument in which tion to change the Pledge of Allegiance he allegedly punched the sunroof on a car recited at the school from “with liberty and pulled off a side mirror. and justice for all” to “seeking liberty and A 40-year-old Philipstown man was justice for all.” At an earlier meeting, the arrested by Putnam County sheriff’s depu- faculty adviser to the Student Association, ties and charged with fencing stolen stereo Charles Fredrickson, had started to read a equipment, jewelry, CDs, telephone equip- statement accusing Board Member Hugh ment and tools from his business, Poli’s Villegas of “harassment and violation of Diner, on Route 9. privacy” over the issue but was stopped by highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 12, 2021 21

Opening night at Dutchess Stadium in 2017 Dutchess County photo

improvements at the park, including new operated by a for-profit entity,” she charged. feeling good about spending a significant (from Page 1) Stadium seating, repairing the concrete seating From 2016 to 2020, the stadium cost the amount of public money on a public facility affiliation could add upward of $10 million bowl and partially paving the 1,000-space county an average of $170,000 more annu- that serves a private entity.” to the local economy. “There’ll be numerous parking lot. Renegades management at the ally to operate than the lease payments, While the county has provided legisla- employment opportunities, tourism oppor- time agreed to a lease extension that runs Lois said, suggesting that “a fair and equi- tors with a blueprint for its future relation- tunities and increased spending at hotels, through 2023. table lease would include remittance for ship with the Renegades, Page said he’s not restaurants, delis, gas stations, retail stores The second phase of upgrades includes operating expenses and allowance for ready to give Dutchess officials the green and the list goes on,” he said. the new lights, as well as the construction anticipated increase in annual capital bond light on the $10 million package just yet. The Legislature will be asked to approve of a team clubhouse. The Legislature will and interest costs incurred by the county.” “I don’t see our vote on Monday as a funding for Dutchess Stadium three more be asked in the spring to approve an addi- The comptroller may get her wish. The commitment for approving subsequent times this year, for a total of $10 million, tional $3.1 million to fund those projects. 20-year agreement being negotiated by the phases without a significant conversation to complete a series of upgrades to the Phase 3, to come later this year at a price of county would increase the team’s rent every at the very least,” he said. 4,500-seat stadium that began two years $5.5 million, will include new umpire locker five years, topping out at $338,000 annu- The county is also expected to continue ago. In return, Jeff Goldklang, the presi- rooms, a new strength and conditioning facil- ally beginning in 2036. negotiations this year to purchase the land dent of the Goldklang Group, which owns ity, a new visitors’ clubhouse, a new family Under that structure, the county would beneath the stadium, which it has leased the Renegades, said Wednesday that a new meeting room and a marquee sign along I-84. recoup its $10 million commitment to the from the Beacon City School District lease keeping the club in Dutchess County In a five-year audit released in November, Renegades, along with debt and main- for decades. (Dutchess County owns the is close to completion. Dutchess Comptroller Robin Lois criticized tenance expenses, in 14 years. By 2040, stadium.) Under its most recent agreement “The T’s need to be crossed and I’s dotted, the county’s management of the stadium, county officials estimate realizing a with the school district, the county pays but we anticipate presenting a full lease calling the current lease at $258,000 per $750,000 profit from the ballpark over the roughly $29,000 annually for the land. within the next several months,” he wrote year “unfavorable to the county” because life of the lease. Meredith Heuer, who is president of the in an email. it does not “fully compensate for the costs Page said he felt “competing emotions” Beacon school board, said Thursday that it The Legislature in 2018 approved spend- incurred.” Although the stadium is consid- after the vote on Monday. He said he feels will discuss the negotiations at a meeting ing $2.4 million that, along with a $600,000 ered a county park, “it does not provide good about the county’s ongoing relation- next month. The district has had the land state grant, financed the first phase of public access for resident enjoyment and is ship with the Renegades, but was “not appraised but its value has not been disclosed.

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Kid Friendly hours straight. And then it fell again on that Tuesday, which triggered the Depth of Despair (re: The Princess Bride’s Pit Cook or Clean? of Despair, which is a torture chamber By Katie Hellmuth Martin beneath the roots of a tree). And then the City of Beacon robocalled t was Tuesday residents, telling us to do a better job clear- but actually ing our sidewalks because strollers can’t fit I Wednesday. through the narrow paths, on threat of a fine. Saturday would be Strollers? Fines? There was my rage! My Second Saturday in rage found me! I have been a stroller-pusher Beacon, followed by after 10 years; I bought a three-wheel jogger Sunday Valentine’s so it can get over mounds of snow. I cannot Day and Monday’s Pres- — nor all of my neighbors in Beacon — ident’s Day. The impeachment trial started shovel 2.5 feet of snow better and do my on Tuesday, right? best at work and feed my kids and keep a Last Friday was emotional. It was a typi- clean house and love my kids. cal pandemic weekend night of nothing. I So I rage-wrote a piece about it which, for was just sort of … done — again — at that the first time, criticized the city’s plowing moment when I turned and faced a table style and its threat of fines. with three full plates of abandoned burg- Before writing this column to make ers and fries. deadline, I had to make a tough choice: (1) I hadn’t cried yet but that could happen at Finish the column (which is paid work) or any hour or day, which turned out to be the (2) shovel the slush off my driveway while Tuesday that was a Wednesday. But only for the sun is partially shining so it doesn’t a second. Tuesday, it turns out, was a Snow- freeze overnight, get snowed on again, and Day-Not-a-Snow-Day Wednesday sched- make for even tougher shoveling. ule for Beacon schools, which meant that, There are no right answers. Cook dinner? instead of having classes canceled, the chil- Clean the salt tracked into the house? Regu- dren flip their brains to the Remote Learning lar household pickup? Shovel? Earn a salary? schedule designed for every Wednesday and Love my children? Cuddle with them? follow the schedule of several logins per day. And then this headline: “Rising TikTok This is actually good — it gives them Wall-art application — because in the grind, stopping the balancing act to do nothing Star Dazharia Shaffer Dies by Suicide at something to do and allows them to with your kids gets you both out of the Depths of Despair. Photo by K. Martin 18: ‘I Wasn’t Prepared to Bury My Child’ ” connect with whoever else shows up. But Done. I’m out of the Depths of Despair the struggle to get into that zone can bring car while working inside it the other night Work harder. and back into the sunshine, listening to a mother to her knees. Literally. so that I could focus. Maybe I’m just living in the sunken place, the music I need to keep me bouncing or Meanwhile, mothers were buzzing about My favorite journalist and professional but this pandemic stuff is par for the course. pounding or typing and smiling. a New York Times piece from Feb. 6 known girl crush, Molly Wood of Marketplace It’s bad. I’ve been stuck in a house unable to I love my kids. My kids love me. My kids as “Primal Scream.” It was about mothers Tech, was asked for her reaction to the work before, when I was nursing my babies need my love, and their dad’s love. My focus taken out of the workforce by the pandemic Times piece. Molly said she was “missing and my partner was outside, fancy-free, is on making the path for that love to go to help their children through Remote the rage” in the reporting of the story. She mowing the lawn, picking up snakes while back and forth. Showing them support Learning. A crushing topic. needed more rage. “I’m a fighter,” I thought. mulching, asking me why I didn’t pick up my during Remote Learning. Hearing their I haven’t brought myself to read it. I was “I can get behind this.” gardening tools. That I can rage to. But for struggles. Communicating that to their going to borrow it from a friend (I prefer But get behind what? And where is my this pandemic piece, my rage isn’t there. Why? teachers and letting my kids know I did reading newsprint) but the Snow Day rage? When I read headlines like this, my My body is sore from snow-blowing 2.5 that. I want them to feel heard and seen, happened, and I killed the battery in my instinct is to double-down. Get smarter. feet of snow (twice) because it fell for 24 and to feel alive, pandemic or not.

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HAVE YOUR OWN BUSINESS CARD ? You can advertise your business here starting at $20. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 12, 2021 23 Puzzles CrossCurrent 7LittleWords ACROSS 1. To boot 5. Tummy muscles 8. Writer Rice 12. Appeared suddenly 14. Earth 15. Regatta 16. Pout 17. “— a Camera” 18. Decisive moments 20. A Musketeer 23. Prejudice 24. Reddish horse 25. Lake activity 28. CCV x X 29. Pre-diploma hurdles 30. Dig in 32. Straw hats 34. Carton sealer 35. School orgs. DOWN 13. Historic times 36. Bulb measure 36. Used a sponge 1. NYPD alert 19. “Phooey!” 37. Slapstick arsenal 37. Stir-fry veggie 2. Brit’s restroom 20. Branch 38. Jazzy James 40. Crony 3. Hotel amenity 21. Pyramid, maybe 39. Seniors’ org. © 2021 Blue Ox Family Games, Inc., Dist. by Andrews McMeel 41. Slanted type 4. Choice 22. Saintly ring 40. Cushions (Abbr.) 5. Leading man? 23. Wild pigs 43. Flamenco cheer 42. Yacht lover’s 6. Tampa Bay NFLer 25. Challah holder 44. Med. plan option event 7. Dishes not on the 26. Tide variety 45. Not ’neath SudoCurrent 47. French 101 verb regular menu 27. Be slack-jawed 46. Like some humor 48. Veteran 8. Home of St. Francis 29. Beetle Bailey dog 49. Easy targets 9. Entre — 31. Danson of Cheers  50. Ballot marks 10. Egyptian river 33. Granny Smiths 51. Whig’s rival 11. BPOE members 34. Mild cheese   

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Answers for Feb. 5 Puzzles                         Puzzle Page Sponsored by           Country Goose  115 Main St. Cold Spring, NY 10516 1. ESPADRILLES, 2. PIGHEADED, 3. BREAKABLE, 4. EDVARD, 5. OUTCLIMB, 6. BANGS, 7. FLANNEL 845-265-2122 Answers will be published next week. See highlandscurrent.org/puzzle for interactive sudoku. 24 February 12, 2021 For mail delivery, see highlandscurrent.org/delivery SPORTS Follow us at twitter.com/hcurrentsports Preview: Girls’ Basketball

By Skip Pearlman

HALDANE HIGH SCHOOL With the OK for high-risk winter sports coming early this week, the Haldane High girls’ basketball team is anxious to get back on the court in search of its eighth consecu- tive championship. The state tournament for winter sports has been canceled due to the pandemic shutdown, so the Blue Devils will not be able to chase a sectional title. Instead, they will have a chance to win a regional cham- pionship, with match-ups arranged to mini- mize travel. But that’s not until next month. Coach Jessica Perrone said the immediate chal- lenge for her team will be getting into game shape on short notice. “So far we’ve been having open gyms twice a month,” she said this week. “Everyone has been distancing, just working on skills.” The Blue Devils — who last season went 12-10 before losing to Millbrook in the first round of the regional tournament in a gym emptied of spectators — will miss start- Tianna Adams is one of five returning players for the Bulldogs. Maddie Chiera is one of two returning starters for Haldane. ers Bela Monteleone, Liv Monteleone and File photos by S. Pearlman Shianne Twoguns, along with Abigail Platt, who all graduated. the girls are mentally prepared. They’ve losing to Harrison in the first round of the coming up has played together,” Dahl said. The other two starters, juniors Maddie been hoping for this; now it’s a matter of playoffs. The squad graduated six seniors, “So it’s a matter of bringing them together.” Chiera and Molly Siegal, do return. Also getting ready.” Playing in masks will be a including All-League selections Dior Gillins, The Bulldogs, both junior varsity and back are Ella Ashburn, Essie Florke, Marisa challenge, she said. “We may need to have Grace Affeldt and Analiese Compagnone. varsity, will be playing against larger Scanga and Sydney Warren. Sophomores 30-second mask breaks. Girls who played Dahl said seniors Lejdina Gecaj and schools, “so we will be battle-tested,” Dahl Amanda Johanson, Mairead O’Hara, soccer know how hard it can be, but they Dania Gillins are her captains and both said. “They’re young and inexperienced, Moretta Pezzullo and Chloe Rowe and also know it beats not playing at all.” “phenomenal student-athletes, at the top but there’s no lack of tenacity and effort. freshman Ruby Poses are newcomers from Teams in Section 1, which includes of their class, and very coachable. They are We will get better as the season goes on.” the junior varsity. Dutchess and Putnam counties, are plan- great leaders, great players and great kids.” She said the season has the potential to Chiera and Siegal will play important roles ning a 12-game schedule. The Blue Devils The team also returns freshman Devon be a “day-to-day scheduling nightmare” for because “they know the plays, know what will play at Beacon today (Feb. 12) and host Kelly, sophomore Tianna Adams and junior teams because of potential cancellations we need, so they’ll set the tone,” Perrone the Bulldogs on Saturday, followed by home Claire Derrenbacher. due to quarantines. “But it’s some kind of said. “We’ll still be a high-intensity team. and away games next week against North The newcomers are eighth-graders Reilly sense of normalcy for them, and it’s a great Even though it looks like a rebuilding year, Salem. Spectators will not be allowed. Landisi, Rory Ladue, Lila Burke and Daveya way to transition the [younger] girls.” we can be competitive with other teams in Rodriguez, freshman Kiarra Rodriguez and Beacon’s 12-game schedule is to begin today the league,” which includes Putnam Valley, BEACON HIGH SCHOOL junior Madeline Bobnick. She noted that (Feb. 12), with the Bulldogs hosting Haldane, North Salem, Pawling and Croton-Harmon. The Beacon girls’ basketball team is filled the middle school team was undefeated last followed by a visit to Cold Spring on Saturday. Perrone said the approval last month to with youth, potential and enthusiasm, said season. Next week the Bulldogs will play Arlington start the basketball season, and the quick Coach Christina Dahl. “The girls [returning] have played twice (home and away) and host John Jay East preseason, has been a bit of a surprise, “but The Bulldogs finished 9-12 last season, together, and the younger group that’s Fishkill. Spectators will not be allowed.

Coach Ron Tompkins said the news was are going by quickly. I’m amazed any sport Beacon Wrestling Pinned by Virus disappointing but not a surprise. “I didn’t is allowed to play right now.” think we had any chance this year,” he said. Track-and-field teams had hoped to have Track and field also on hold The boys’ and girls’ basketball teams “The parents were not up for having the some outdoor competitions, but most, includ- from Haldane and Beacon are scheduled kids wrestle. We’ll build it back up and have ing at Beacon and Haldane, have struggled to because of snow to open their seasons today (Feb. 12) and a team next year.” accomplish anything. The Bulldogs managed By Skip Pearlman tomorrow against each other, which will Wrestling teams throughout Section to have one meet before the snow came. The serve as their second annual Battle of the 1, which includes schools in Dutchess Haldane team has had none so far. asketball teams got the green light Tunnel contests. and Putnam counties, have been strug- Bowling and swim teams have been able to start their seasons with pandemic But the Beacon wrestling season has been gling to get up and running. “There is so to compete. The winter season is scheduled Brestrictions, but the news was not as canceled, a victim of the shutdown and low much paperwork, physicals, tests, so many to end March 6, followed by a weeklong good for Beacon wrestlers. turnout, said Athletic Director John Giametta. approvals,” Tompkins said. “And the days regional tournament.