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May 15, 2020 Support us at highlandscurrent.org/join Putnam Asked to Release Inmates County refuses, saying they are too dangerous

By Leonard Sparks

ublic defenders in Putnam County have asked a state judge to release P eight inmates they say face life- threatening consequences because of the threat of COVID-19. David Squirrell, the chief attorney for the Putnam County Legal Aid Society, on May 5 petitioned the court on behalf of seven inmates at the county jail who the group says have illnesses that include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and diabetes. Another inmate does not have an underlying condition but Legal Aid says he is at risk for infection. The jail, which has 128 beds, had 29 inmates as of Monday (May 11). It repre- sents a “close and confined environment” that prevents social distancing and requires inmates to interact with guards and new detainees who might have been infected outside the facility, the petition said. CLOSED FOR BUSINESS — Cold Spring blocked off its dock, waterfront area and Dockside Park for most of Sunday (May 10) to Legal Aid says it is “wishful thinking” discourage crowds and said it will do so again on Saturdays and Sundays at least through Memorial Day. See Page 9. Photo by Ross Corsair (Continued on Page 20) Beacon Farmers’ After 34 Years, Antique Shop Four Philipstown Market Set — and Gallery to Close Residents For One Year Downtown and “We had impulsively collected — I Donate $230K shopped at antiques shops as a teenager — Also: Planners begin review Ellen Hayden Gallery plus we had things our parents had passed Private gifts benefit those victims of crisis along,” Arceri recalled. “We realized we of four-story project had a knack for finding things, either on hurt by shutdown the side of the road or globally. In a way, By Jeff Simms By Alison Rooney By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong we’ve been preservationists of things some he Beacon City Council on May 4 fter 34 years on Main Street in people see as junk but others recognize hile the Philipstown Town approved a contract to allow the Cold Spring, Gary Arceri and Ellen have intrinsic value. We see it as guarding Board’s discussion of the T Beacon Farmers’ Market to operate A Hayden plan to close their shops — the thread of history.” W COVID-19 crisis has frequently along Veterans Place, between Main and Downtown Antiques, Art & Antiques and the For the first few years of their marriage, been somber — infections and deaths, Henry streets, but, as in previous years, Ellen Hayden Gallery — at the end of May. the couple rented a building in Walden that canceled events, economic malaise — the agreement with the market is only Arceri and Hayden said their sprawling had a storefront and a second floor they when it convened on May 7 via Zoom, there good for a year. collectibles stores and art gallery on lower turned into a studio. Then they met Tommy was a brighter note. Phil Ciganer, the owner of the Towne Main Street were victims of the COVID-19 Valentine, who owned a building in Cold Supervisor Richard Shea reported that, Crier Cafe, which is adjacent to the market shutdown and an inopportune rent increase. Spring and convinced them to move. in addition to an initial gift from an anon- location, has repeatedly protested that its Downtown Antiques began its life In the 1980s, “there were probably three ymous resident of $100,000 to provide vendors block entrances that musicians across the street and up the hill, near times as many antique shops [on Main food and other necessities to Highlands need to bring equipment into the venue. where Joseph’s Fine Jewelry is located. Street] as there are now,” Arceri said. “It residents in need, three other donors have The Sunday market moved from the water- Arceri and Hayden, who are both paint- had been a depressed river town, but we since given $10,000, $50,000 and $70,000. front to Veterans Place in 2017. ers, met in art school at SUNY New Paltz. came in at the end of a boom. We made The town government has used the The council last month allowed the After getting married, and while Arceri a go of it in that space, but few people funds to purchase grocery store and phar- market to open for the spring; the May 4 was still in graduate school, they looked walked up the hill.” macy gift cards from local businesses, as (Continued on Page 20) for a way to supplement their incomes. (Continued on Page 21) (Continued on Page 8) 2 May 15, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

FIVE QUESTIONS: TOM VIRGADAMO

By Jeff Simms ers, and well over $10,000 to small businesses. By Michael Turton om Virgadamo, who grew up in Cold How many people contributed? Spring and lives in Beacon, teaches At least 500. People I didn’t even know When’s the last T math at Haldane Middle School. were sending me money online. I chal- He and his family have raised more than lenged a friend in Connecticut, Tom time you were in a $24,000 for businesses in the Highlands in Molinaski, and he raised $16,000 for his response to the COVID-19 shutdown. local businesses, and my buddy Bill Lester treehouse? got $11,000 in Central Jersey. Together, How did the fundraiser get started? we pulled in more than $50,000. Another My wife and I are teachers, and since friend upstate is working on a fundraiser. we’ve been home with our kids, we realized The Virgadamos We need to keep spreading it around. I was 8. We lashed together that we’re not going out and supporting a three-tier treehouse near local businesses like we normally would. name, you could donate $500 to one business How did your kids respond? Fort Drum. The trees are all We thought it would be a good idea to do or $250 each to two. People were also donat- They really appreciated the intention of bulldozed now. some authentic work with the kids at home, ing live on Instagram, and I put that toward what we were doing, so it became a valuable which we don’t often get a chance to do. a golden egg, which went for $2,400. The lesson for them. We wanted to do a good Peparo family in Cold Spring won it and they deed and it turned into something special. How much did you raise? split the money between The Main Course For the first round I did something like and the Riverview Restaurant in Cold Spring. How has it gone teaching your an old-school Super Bowl betting box. You The third round was for Mother’s Day. We Haldane students online? paid $30 to get a box on the grid and if had people buy flowers and we put each name It’s been challenging. But I’m fortunate your name got pulled — my kids drew one in a vase, or you could also put in the name to work for a great school district with number horizontally and another vertically of a business. If we pulled a business, it won colleagues and administrators who are — you picked a business that got $500. We $500. If we pulled your name, you could split it passionate about what they do. We’re trying sold 100 boxes and then Mary Beth McDow- between two businesses. We also had a $1,500 every day to get 100 percent participation, ell of Beacon donated another $250 on top flower, which went to Mr. V’s in Beacon, and but we understand it’s tough. We’re working of that, so we gave away $3,250. we had another flower that a colleague won all day, every day. You’re checking emails ~ Chris Fisher, Beacon For the second round, if you bought an and split among three businesses. That went and giving feedback at night and again first Easter egg, your name went in that egg. We for over $2,000. The third time around we thing in the morning. It’s not an ideal situa- sold $7,050 of eggs and, if we pulled your gave away $13,993 — some to first respond- tion, but we’re trying to make the best of it. I was 10. My superhero uncle built a treehouse high in an enormous oak behind his Westchester home. I’d swing on the tire and rope for hours.

~ Dina Pace Shackleford, Cold Spring

I was in a treehouse this What do you get when you combine Biology and Landscape Architecture? morning near Hopewell Junction! I use it for photographing raptors. BIO*LOGIC EARTHSCAPE Curbside Plant Material Supply and Landscape Design Natives – Orchards – Screening Meadows – Rain Gardens – Steep Slopes COLD SPRING, NY

Registered Landscape Architect NY# 2241 - CT#1454 845-216-8587 | [email protected] *contact us today to set-up a FREE virtual site consulation ~ Chris Crocco, Beacon highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current May 15, 2020 3

NEWS BRIEFS

December and be completed by April 2024. Laura Mitchell Named “As this capital project is the largest ever Superintendent at Millbrook undertaken by the Dutchess County govern- ment, it is rightly a project of great concern Ex-Garrison leader had interim role to the taxpayers, particularly during these aura Mitchell, who left her position as uncertain times,” said Comptroller Robin L superintendent at the Garrison School Lois in a statement. “It is important to on Dec. 31 in a parting of ways with the keep everyone informed as to the spending, school board, was hired last week by the vendor contracts and construction time- Millbrook Central School District as its new line.” A copy of the report can be down- superintendent. loaded at bit.ly/dutchess-jail-2020. She had been the district’s interim super- intendent since Jan. 1 while it searched for Community Foundations a successor to Philip D’Angelo, who retired. In a statement, the district said that Mitch- Names CEO JOIN NOW ell, during her four-month tenure, “has led Promotes Sally Cross to top position our district through some of the greatest AND RECEIVE A SPECIAL GIFT challenges any district has faced in recorded he Community Foun- history. Her leadership, positive attitude and T dations of the Hudson experience has made it clear that our perma- Valley didn’t have to look Nine celebrated chefs and cookbook authors who are! your nent superintendent has been here all along.” far for its next president friends and neighbors here in Philipstown and Beacon have Mitchell, who was hired as the Garrison and CEO, naming its vice superintendent in 2014, said in an email to president of philanthropy, shared with The Current some of their most comforting recipes parents last fall that she and the board had Sally Cross, to the position so that we can share them with you as a digital cookbook. reached an “amicable mutual agreement” after a national search. Sally Cross for her departure. In a statement dated Nov. She will begin on June 1. 1, the board wrote that “after many months Cross has the vice president of philan- of deliberation” the district and Mitchell thropy for the past six years at the 50-year had “agreed to move in a new direction.” old foundation, which manages and The Garrison board on April 22 named dispenses grants in Dutchess, Putnam and Carl Albano, who was most recently super- Ulster counties. Cross was previously execu- intendent of the Tuckahoe school district in tive director of the SUNY New Paltz Founda- Favorites Westchester County, as Mitchell’s succes- Favorites tion. She succeeds March Gallagher, who left sor. He will begin July 1. in 2019 to run for Ulster County comptroller. highlands food writers share recipes for a time of crisis

Celia Barbour / Mark Bittman / Shelley Boris / Jennifer Clair Solomon Resigns as Who’s on the Ballot Emily and Matt Clifton / Joe Dizney Nicki Sizemore / Zanne Stewart Newburgh Police Chief School and library positions unopposed Former Beacon chief out after two years ominations were due this past Monday (May 11) for candidates for local school oug Solomon, who served as Beacon’s N boards and the Howland Public Library police chief from 2012 to 2017 before D board, and no challengers came forth. Both taking the same position in Newburgh, votes are scheduled for June 9 and will take resigned on April 30. place by absentee ballot because of social- Solomon had been suspended by the distancing restrictions. city on April 1 and Lt. Kevin Lahar was Seven local school board members will named officer-in-charge. The city declined run unopposed to retain their seats: In to provide any reason for the suspension Beacon, it’s Anthony White, Kristan Flynn except to say it was related “directly to his and Craig Wolf; in Garrison, Courtney performance as chief.” McCarthy, Matthew Speiser and Jocelyn Apicello; and at Haldane, Peggy Clements. Dutchess Details Jail Costs The Beacon board on May 6 voted to remove a resolution from the ballot to County has spent about a quarter of budget purchase school buses. Support The Current’s in-depth coverage of your community he Dutchess County comptroller this There are five seats open on the Howland today by becoming a member for as little as $2 a month at: T month released a financial account- Public Library board, and five candidates. ing of the county jail project as of Dec. 31. Karen Twohig, Thomas Rigney and Darlene According to the report, the county has Resling are incumbents and Sean Twohig highlandscurrent.org/join and Jessica Conway will appear on the spent $57.6 million on its proposed Justice See all benefits and receive a link to the cookbook! & Transition Center — including design ballot to fill two vacant seats. plans, land purchases and temporary hous- ing installed in 2015 for prisoner overflow Industrial Arts Take Gold ALREADY A MEMBER? (now being used by the county as homeless and medical emergency shelters) — and $47 Recognized for best American IPA Check your email for a link to this special gift. million of the $192 million budgeted for he New York State Brewers Associa- construction. tion announced the winners on May 7 The Legislature downsized the project T Thank you to you and our cookbook authors for all support. of its fourth annual craft beer competition. from 569 to 328 beds last year, partly in Thirty-six awards were presented across 13 anticipation of a bail-reform law that went The Current will be here for you through this crisis categories. into effect in January that keeps many and back into calmer times. Power Tools, by Industrial Arts Brewing low-level offenders from being incarcer- of Garnerville and Beacon, was named the ated before their court dates. On April state’s best American IPA. It can be ordered 28, the state approved the revised plans, at industrialartsbrewing.com for curbside and construction is expected to begin in pickup in Beacon from Thursday to Sunday. 4 May 15, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

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

EDITOR LETTERS AND COMMENTS Chip Rowe [email protected] Grand reopening Comments, May 8). Certainly, a gradual name was Morris, so back went the card If business owners lack confidence with easing with controls on masks, distancing, with Samuel Morrison Reigrod, which he SENIOR EDITOR reopening, is it any wonder that their occupancy density and other measures will used until the day he died. Leonard Sparks customers manifest the same sentiment? move us along on the path toward normalcy Rena Corey, Cold Spring The business owners cited in the article or a new normalcy. The train from New ARTS EDITOR (“State: Hudson Valley Not Ready,” May York City to Cold Spring needs to have some Policing the village Alison Rooney 8) all expressed this lack of confidence. method of controlling numbers. It’s not an Hiring is easy if one has funds (“Enough [email protected] Perhaps there should be another article to unsolvable problem. Continued curbs on Police in Cold Spring?,” May 8). Rehiring SENIOR CORRESPONDENT balance this one expressing the contrary our freedom of movement would be more when not needed is much less easy — and Michael Turton “can-do American spirit” for models that acceptable if our leadership could explain usually expensive. Why not consider hiring combine safety with reopening. the rationale behind the decision-making vetted high school students and provide REPORTERS Ann Fanizzi, Carmel and the status of various medical statistics. them some basic training in crowd manage- Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong George Baum, Kent Lakes ment? Call them into service on weekends, Brian PJ Cronin • Joe Dizney If conglomerate shopping centers holidays or otherwise as needed. It’s a much Pamela Doan • Deb Lucke (Walmart, Target, Home Depot), gas If everyone wears masks, and keeps their friendlier solution and provides incentive Skip Pearlman • Jeff Simms stations and other businesses deemed distance from others, they should allow busi- to youth. The public would probably accept essential, such as liquor stores and conve- nesses to open, excluding large venues such as and be impressed with such an approach. LAYOUT DESIGNER nience stores, can safely operate with thou- movie theaters, sports stadiums and churches. William Harris, Cold Spring Pierce Strudler sands of customers entering their stores Biff Hardwick, Cortlandt Manor ADVERTISING DIRECTOR each day, there is no reason the small-busi- COVID-19 at prison Michele Gedney ness owner should not be allowed to oper- Middle names My son is due to be released from Fishkill For information on advertising: ate under the same guidelines. In the May 8 issue, the question for On Correctional on June 4 (“Beacon Prison Virus 845-809-5584 If someone has an issue with the busi- the Spot was “What’s your middle name — Cases Highest in State,” April 24). He thinks [email protected] nesses opening, stay home. But every indi- and are you fond of it?” In May 1931, my he had COVID-19, but it’s impossible to see a highlandscurrent.org/ads vidual has the right to choose what’s best father was about to graduate from Rutgers doctor or nurse, or even get aspirin. I have an for him or her. University. He was sent a card to fill out attorney trying to get him out early. He is 44, Charles Symon, Beacon for his diploma. He did not have a middle has a master’s degree, has a home and family, name, so he submitted “Samuel Reigrod.” plus a job to go to. I thank Dwight Arthur for his rational, Rutgers sent the form back asking for his THE HIGHLANDS CURRENT I called the sentence-review office in (USPS #22270) / ISSN 2475-3785 unemotional and non-political comment on middle name. This happened several times Albany and left messages every day. Good easing the virus restrictions (Letters and until my father capitulated. His father’s May 15, 2020 luck. Gov. Andrew Cuomo does nothing for Volume 9, Issue 20 guys who have done more than most impris- is published weekly by Highlands oned, which might just be a clue that they Current Inc., 142 Main St., Cold Spring, were not criminals in the first place. Twenty- NY 10516-2819. Periodicals Postage Paid five years gone, but my son shines on and at Cold Spring, NY, and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address has made me so proud. Good luck to all. changes to The Highlands Current, Linda Bailey, San Marcos, California 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819. Mail delivery $30 per year. highlandscurrent.org/delivery Artists at home [email protected] That was a terrific article by Alison Rooney Distribution audited by the Circulation on the artists commissioned by Magazzino Verification Council Italian Art in Philipstown and how they are © Highlands Current Inc. 2020 stretching their creative impulses into forms All rights reserved. No part of this and images that reflect the need for connec- publication may be reproduced in any tion and self-expression (“Artists in a Box,” form, mechanical or electronic, without written permission of the publisher. May 8). As an artist, I have been thinking and preparing for “something,” knowing that I need to put ideas to paper during this * Winner: 45 Better confinement. The article gave me some clar- Newspaper Contest Awards ity and inspired me to start! * New York Press Association, 2013 -18 Maryann Syrek, Garrison

NNA* Winner: Loud bikes 31 Better In response to Steven Sohn’s letter about Newspaper loud motorcycles (Letters and Comments, Contest Awards May 8): I am a new motorcyclist, as of last * National Newspaper Association, 2016-18 year. I took the Motorcycle Safety Founda- tion course and one thing that got repeated NYNPA* Winner: was “a loud bike is a safe bike.” 8 Awards for If you think about how dangerous motorcycle riding is, every factor that can Excellence improve safety is a good thing. You want * New York News Publishers Association, 2017- 18 (Continued on Page 5) highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current May 15, 2020 5

LETTERS AND COMMENTS Counting the 2020 2010 2000 1990 NOTICE Highlands Cold Spring 64.9 69.1 71 72 Putnam County 62.6 66.8 67 56 NOTICE OF ANNUAL PUBLIC HEARING ON THE BUDGET, AND Response rates to the ANNUAL MEETING, ELECTION AND VOTE OF THE BEACON CITY 2020 U.S. census, as Philipstown 61.6 66.2 67 64 of May 13, along with SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE HOWLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY historical data, at right. National 59.0 66.5 67 65 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Education of the Beacon City School If a household doesn’t 18th District 58.7 66.0 - - respond online, the District, Dutchess County, New York, will hold a public hearing on the budget by agency sends a paper Nelsonville 58.5 67.2 65 61 remote means, Beacon, New York, on Monday, June 1, 2020 at 7:00 P.M, for the questionnaire. If there purpose of presenting the budget document for the 2020-2021 School Year. is still no response, a Beacon 58.1 65.8 54 66 NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money census taker will be Dutchess County 57.4 65.7 68 64 which will be required for School District purposes during the 2020-2021 school dispatched over the year (the Budget), as prepared by the Board of Education, may be obtained by any New York State 53.5 64.6 67 62 summer to knock on resident of the District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding the the door, although New York City 48.2 64.0 55 53 Annual Meeting, Election and Vote, commencing May 26, 2020 by emailing the those operations are District Clerk during regular school hours, 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., or on the District’s now uncertain due to Newburgh 35.4 50.2 45 44 website. the coronavirus. Source: 2020census.gov NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Annual Meeting, Election and Vote, will be held on Tuesday June 9, 2020, by absentee ballot only for the purpose of voting: (Continued from Page 4) While I agree with the sentiment concern- A. To elect three (3) members to the Board of Education for three year terms your presence known and audible since ing inconsiderate individuals who find (commencing July 1, 2020 and expiring June 30, 2023). chances are at least one of the vehicles the need to “blip” or rev their pipes in the doesn’t have you in their sight. middle of town, I am concerned when we B. To vote upon the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimated Since this is encouraged for safety, it is start singling out motorcycles. I have expe- expenditures for School District purposes for the 2020-2021 School Year (the quickly abused by riders who enjoy the rienced nearly as many large trucks with School District Budget). super-loud sounds of a motorcycle and loud exhausts being disorderly as well. C. To vote upon the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimated amplify them or just buy louder bikes. I find While I am not a diehard “loud pipes save expenditures for the Howland Public Library for the 2020-2021 School Year (the lives” person, I have found it has been bene- them nonsensical and offensive, but what to Library Budget). do? I suppose the state Department of Motor ficial in waking up those drivers who feel it Vehicles could impose a decibel-volume is OK to use their cellphones while driving. D. To elect five (5)members to the Board of Trustees of the Howland Public Library limit, but how would that be measured? Distracted driving kills. as follows: Maybe there could be rollout of basic decibel Instead of immediately jumping to the top 1) two members for five year terms (commencing July 1, 2020 and expiring Jun test equipment during vehicle inspections. rung, perhaps we could advocate a lower- 30, 2020); Jim Smith, Beacon cost and possibly welcoming solution, such as having prominent and well-placed signs. 2) one member to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term that ends on June 30, It’s devastating how the Harley-David- There are a number of motorcyclists who do 2023; sons destroy the peace of the village respect our community and provide revenue (and wake up my child from his peaceful to it. 3) one member to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term that ends on June 30, 2022; naps). It’s against the law and they must All I ask is that we don’t become a “nanny be stopped. The perception that a “loud state” town and resort to punishment to and bike is a safe bike” is absurd and is easily address issues and concerns. Perhaps these 4) one member to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term that ends on June 30, debunked. Many police officers are bikers individuals may come to realize we appre- 2021. and aren’t inclined to enforce the noise ciate their support and hope they appreci- laws. Police officers who would enforce ate our town. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that, pursuant to Executive Order 202.26 issued by Governor Cuomo on May 1, 2020, petitions for nominating candidates for the office the laws don’t have the sound meters to George Brady, Cold Spring of member of the Board of Education, and for the office of trustee of the Board of measure the decibel output. Directors of the Howland Public Library, must be filed with the District Clerk via I’d like to start a group, raise the issue Should I be comforted knowing that mail or email by no later than 5:00 P.M. on Monday, May 11, 2020. Such petitions with the police and see if we can raise funds some bikers believe their loud pipes are shall state the name and residence address of the candidate. Petition forms may be to purchase them a sound meter. beneficial in “waking up those drivers who obtained on the District’s website or via email from the District Clerk. Ryan Trow, Cold Spring feel it is OK to use their cellphones while driving?” The idea seems to be that if you NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that all qualified voters of the Beacon City School District New York State has a decibel limit for ride a motorcycle you are somehow allowed shall be eligible to vote by absentee ballot. A qualified voter is defined as: (a) a U.S. citizen; (b) at least 18 years old; (c) a resident of the district for at least thirty days motorcycles: It’s 82 decibels for any motor- your own set of laws and warped percep- prior to June 9th; and (d) not otherwise ineligible to vote under Section 5-106 of the cycle traveling at any speed, measured at tion of the “public good.” Election Law. a distance of 50 feet from the center of the I am a hearing-impaired, three-decade lane in which the motorcycle is traveling. resident of the lower village, and many times, NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that qualified military voters may request a military Police officers typically just look for original while walking my dog, I have jumped out of absentee ballot application from the District Clerk during regular business hours equipment manufacturer exhausts that are my skin when a motorcycle starts to acceler- via mail or email, or download it from the school district website, and may indicate required to meet this requirement, but will ate over the bridge or turns on Lunn Terrace their preference to receive a military absentee ballot application via mail, facsimile or electronic mail. Absentee ballots for military voters shall be administered in occasionally test sound levels with a meter. onto Main Street. On weekends, I cannot sit in accordance with the provisions of Section 2018-d of the Education Law and Part 122 my backyard for more than 15 minutes with- I have never heard of the Motorcycle Safety of the Commissioner’s Regulations. Absentee ballots must be received at the Office Foundation officially advocating noise. out being distracted by cyclists “scooping the of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 P.M., prevailing time, on the day of the Obert Wood, Garrison loop” or turning at the foot of Main Street. election. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots and military absentee ballots And that is without wearing hearing aids. shall have been issued will be maintained in the said Office of the District Clerk. How about enforcing cars using their It’s not a nanny state when tax-paying signals when they pull away from curbs, pull residents are requesting relief. It is abating into curbs or change direction on the road? the noise pollution that makes this some- Dated: May 6, 2020 That’s a safety issue which is more important. times an unpleasant place to live. A sound By the Order of the Board of Education of the Beacon City School District Chris Ungaro, via Facebook meter and enforcement traps where this is an incessant blight on the nature of our ______I am an avid motorcyclist and Cold village could well ameliorate the disruption. Spring resident for more than 20 years. Rian Keating, Cold Spring Kelly Pologe, School District Clerk 6 May 15, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Coronavirus Update

¢ State health officials said that, as of Thursday (May 14), 1,115 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Putnam County, 3,474 in Dutchess, 31,792 in West- chester, 12,596 in Rockland, 1,495 in Ulster and 9,771 in Orange. Statewide, there were 343,051 positives, including 188,545 in New York City. Coping with ¢ Statewide, 22,170 people had died as of May 14, including 56 residents of Putnam County and 117 from Dutchess.

¢ Data released by Dutchess and Putnam stress showed that, as of May 14, Beacon had 126 confirmed cases and Philipstown had 112. By Michael McKee, PhD ¢ This week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo Happiness? I’m so glad you asked. announced that the Finger Lakes, Mohawk THANK YOU! — Children's signs in the window of The Country Goose offered thanks to Martin Seligman is a psychologist Valley, North Country, Central New York essential workers. Photo by Ross Corsair who has spent his career identifying the benefits of a and Southern Tier regions can allow non- positive psychology. We might essential construction, manufacturing, purchased for $10, two masks will be made ¢ Cuomo said on May 13 that tests of 2,750 also call this happiness or well- agriculture, forestry and fishing industries and distributed to front-line workers, includ- members of the New York State Police found being. It differs from positive to reopen starting May 15, but the Mid- thinking, which has changing ing farm and domestic workers. that 3.1 percent had COVID-19 antibodies. In thoughts as the focus. Seligman Hudson region, which includes Dutchess addition, tests of more than 3,000 correc- has spent his career developing and Putnam counties, still has two of seven ¢ Drive-in movie theaters, landscaping and tions officers found that 7.5 percent had the and researching the elements of metrics to meet (see Page 7). gardening can reopen statewide beginning positive psychology. antibodies. That compares to 12.3 percent of May 15 but must maintain social distancing the general statewide population. Here are some important ¢ Mutual Aid Beacon is selling washable and protective measures. Low-risk outdoor components from Dr Seligman’s cotton masks at mutual-aid-beacon-mask- recreational activities such as tennis also ¢ The Desmond-Fish Public Library in work, with special attention to the project.myshopify.com. For each mask concept of resilience in the face of will be allowed. (Continued on Page 7) serious challenges: ‹ Self-awareness is the capacity to pay attention to your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Being mindful of the present moment (the only one that really exists) is the core skill here. ‹ Mental agility is the ability to think creatively and flexibly, to see things from multiple perspectives ‹ Strength of character is the ability to engage with life’s challenges in ways that are aligned with one’s values ‹ Connection means that you are building strong, trusting relationships ‹ Optimism is the ability to take purposeful action in areas that you can control with the expectation of success ‹ Self-regulation is the ability to make changes in thoughts, feelings and behavior in the service of an important goal

We can contribute significantly to what we call happiness. Testing by Dutchess County at Wingate at Beacon revealed 13 new COVID-19 cases. Photo by L. Sparks ‹ Have a set of beliefs that drive the decisions you make ‹ Contribute to the greater good based on those beliefs 25 Percent of State COVID-19 Deaths at Nursing Homes ‹ Pursue your goals with optimism Dutchess County begins family members with people passing from employees, saying even the housecleaning ‹ Respond flexibly to adversity this virus in hospitals, and their sorrow at staff would ask, “How’s your sister?”) ‹ Derive a sense of satisfaction testing of all residents not being able to be with them,” said Sell- The Putnam Nursing and Rehabilitation and accomplishment from the By Leonard Sparks ingsloh, who lives in Hopewell Junction. Center has lost 13 residents to COVID-19, results of your striving “That was the kicker — not being able to according to the state. Another three resi- ohn Sellingsloh visited his sister, see her again or say goodbye.” dents have died at Putnam Ridge in Brewster. Michael McKee is a licensed psychologist with offices in Garrison Marian, each week at the Putnam Marian Sellingsloh, who grew up in According to the state Department of who specializes in Cognitive Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Beacon and Glenham and worked for the Health, about 25 percent of New York’s Behavioral Psychotherapy (CBT). He J Red Cross in Japan and at a state facility for fatalities — some 5,400 people confirmed can be reached at 914-584-9352 or near Holmes, a hamlet of Pawling, until the [email protected]. For more facility banned visitors in March. Then came the disabled in Rockland County, was gifted or presumed to have COVID-19 — have information, visit mckeetherapy.com. a call notifying him that she had tested posi- in music and art, according to her obituary. occurred at nursing homes. tive for COVID-19. Then came another, on Her brother said she had been at the nursing Dutchess County has been hit particu- April 16, saying she had died, at age 75. home for five years and was “very weak” and larly hard, with 41 deaths at six of its facili- ADVERTISEMENT “Until that point, I had heard stories of “very vulnerable.” (He praised the facility’s (Continued on Page 21) highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current May 15, 2020 7

Coronavirus Update (from Page 6) COVID-19 by Garrison has partnered with Split Rock Books in Cold Spring to offer a limited the Numbers number of books for checkout. See splitrock-  bks.com. Books will be delivered or picked PUTNAM COUNTY up from the bookstore and can be kept until Number of confirmed cases: restrictions are lifted. 1,115 (+49) New York is hiring contact tracers to track ¢ Philipstown 112, Carmel 414, COVID-19 infections. For more information, Kent 230, Putnam Valley 159 or to apply, see bit.ly/contact-tracer-jobs. Tests administered: ¢ The Putnam County Office of Senior Resources encourages seniors to contact 6,023 (+890) its staff, which is working remotely, for Percent positive: information on virtual programs. “Social distancing does not have to mean isola- (-2.3) tion, especially for seniors,” said Michael 18.5 Cunningham, the agency’s director. The Number of deaths: office has been offering Coffee and Conver- sation, book clubs, brain fitness groups, 56 (+1) Zoom social dancing, strength and balance exercise classes, caregiver support groups, DUTCHESS COUNTY Many Cold Spring residents did their best on Sunday (May 10) to get some fresh air, TeleBingo and robotic pets. Visit putnam- Number of confirmed cases: walk their dogs, wear their masks and keep their distance. Photo by Ross Corsair countyny.com/OSR or call 845-808-1700. 3,474 (+241) ¢ Sandy Galef, whose Assembly district ¢ Two Dutchess County organizations on capacity of personal protective equipment. Beacon 126, Fishkill 138, includes Philipstown, has invited constitu- Wednesday (May 13) created programs to Questions? Dutchess County posts Wappingers Falls 37, Poughkeepsie 278 ents to share “smart, practical public health help small businesses. The Dutchess County ¢ updates at dutchessny.gov/coronavirus ideas to take into consideration as we discuss Local Development Corp. established a Tests administered: and has a hotline at 845-486-3555. Putnam a reopening strategy” that will be shared program, in partnership with Community County posts info at putnamcountyny. with the governor’s office. Call 914-941-1111 Capital New York, that will provide interest- (+2,897) free loans of up to $10,000 to independent com/health. New York State has a hotline 20,374 or email [email protected]. Percent positive: businesses that have not been able to secure at 888-364-3065 and a webpage at ny.gov/ ¢ Cornell Cooperative Extension offices federal assistance. At the same time, the coronavirus. The state also created an email (-1.4) across the Hudson Valley are distributing Dutchess County Industrial Development list to provide updates. The federal Centers 17.1 free hand sanitizer and face coverings to Agency created a sales-and-use tax relief for Disease Control and Prevention posts Number of deaths: local farms. See putnam.cce.cornell.edu or program to help manufacturers expand updates at cdc.gov. ccedutchess.org. 117 (+21)

COVID-19 by the Numbers Source: New York State Department of Health, with weekly changes. Data current as of May 7. | Regional COVID-19 Metrics Source: Governor’s Office 8 May 15, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

COVID cases and 56 county residents had turn for us.” He also praised state park offi- Philipstown to County: Not So Fast died. The county had tested 6,023 residents, cials for shutting down trails. On a recent of which 18.5 percent were positive. weekend, he said 6,000 visitors had come to Town and Putnam continue “Putnam county [is] ready to reopen.” Shea observed May 7 that only about 5 Philipstown. “It just makes for a lot of fric- The ad said it was a message from County percent of Putnam’s population of about tion and a lot of unnecessary risks,” he said. clash on move to reopen Executive MaryEllen Odell and the Legis- 99,000 people had been tested. The crisis The supervisor and Town Board Member lature. The same day, Odell wrote to state is “far from over here,” he said. Robert Flaherty said that the presence of offi- By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong Sen. Peter Harckham, whose district The debate occurred as Gov. Andrew cers from various law-enforcement agencies includes eastern Putnam, arguing that Cuomo appointed Odell and Dutchess has increased along Route 9D. “They’re not s Putnam County lawmakers “we should be allowed to safely reopen” to County Executive Marc Molinaro to a putting up with any nonsense,” Shea said. push to reopen after a two-month address “the immense economic toll this regional reopening committee whose But concerns remain, especially about A lockdown due to the COVID- [shutdown] is taking.” other members include the county exec- visitors who crowd sidewalks in Cold 19 pandemic, Philipstown officials are The next day, when the Town Board utives of Ulster, Orange, and Sullivan, as Spring while failing to wear masks or prac- pushing back, accusing county officials met via teleconference, Shea objected to well as those in Westchester and Rockland, tice social distancing. of proceeding without adequate testing, Odell’s letter. “I wish the county executive which are closer to New York City. Odell “If people are unwilling to do the follow-up and planning. had reached out to the townships” first, he and Molinaro have contended that Putnam very least to protect not only themselves but “In the rush to reopen we are going to said. “Don’t speak on our behalf until you and Dutchess should not be grouped with our residents, then they need to take their prolong the outbreak, cause more suffering have our blessing.” counties to the south. act somewhere else,” Shea said Tuesday. “If and death and do more damage to the econ- Nancy Montgomery, who represents Phil- As the discussion continued, Putnam you are jeopardizing your own health you omy in the long run,” Philipstown Super- ipstown on the Legislature and attended County Sheriff Robert Langley Jr. are jeopardizing everyone’s health. And visor Richard Shea said on Tuesday (May the Town Board meeting, said that concurred with Montgomery and others that is unacceptable.” 12). He urged the county to only act after although the county issued the “ready to who claim Philipstown needs more intense Langley, a Philipstown resident, empa- preparing a thorough plan that includes open” ad in the name of the Legislature, policing to cope with tourism amid the thized with residents who feel over- public testing and the tracing of contacts she never approved it. She is the sole Demo- pandemic. whelmed. They “have a right to ask that of those infected. “To date we have neither cratic legislator; the others are Republi- Odell agreed in her May 6 letter that social visitors to their village obey orders” from in Putnam,” he said. cans, as is Odell. “This is democracy that distancing — keeping at least 6 feet between the state, he said on May. 8. “And they look While five regions in the state have met the has failed us,” Montgomery said of the individuals outside the home — and using to law enforcement to enforce those orders. criteria to begin Phase 1 reopening, which county approach. “We don’t meet the crite- “all other preventive measures to flatten the Unfortunately, we don’t have the resources allows construction and manufacturing with ria for opening. We are not ready.” curve was completely necessary for public needed to do so.” safeguards, the Mid-Hudson, which includes Odell told Harckham May 6 that Putnam health and safety.” Nonetheless, she stated, it He explained Putnam County spreads Putnam and Dutchess, has met only five of had “been able to handle the number of appears that now “we can make the move to over nearly 250 square miles and his depart- the seven benchmarks. positive cases we have encountered” and safely ease social isolation, get people back ment has six patrol cars, each with one Tensions rose after the county on May 6 that, “moving forward, I believe we will to work” and restore the economy. deputy. They cover Nelsonville (where the published an advertisement in official county be able to ease constraints without seeing Shea, who owns a construction busi- department has a substation), back up the newspapers such as the Putnam County News a surge in exposures and positive cases.” ness, remarked that “about 90 percent of Cold Spring Police Department and assist & Recorder promoting a return to business According to the latest data, as of Thursday my crew is laid off” because of the shut- forces in Kent, Brewster and Carmel, he said. as usual. “We rise together!” it proclaimed. (May 14), Putnam County had 1,115 confirmed down. “I understand that businesses are According to the sheriff, from 8 a.m. to suffering,” he said May 7. Nonetheless, he midnight, one car each patrols Patterson, continued, “a hasty return to our former Southeast, Philipstown and Putnam Valley, activities is going to be a hasty return to a while the fifth and sixth cars “float” between spike in cases and a lot more suffering. If Patterson and Southeast and Philipstown ASCEND you don’t have your health, if you’re dead, it and Putnam Valley, respectively. These four doesn’t matter how the economy is doing.” towns have a combined population of 51,365 and take up 162 square miles, Langley said. CENTER Controlling visitors “This breaks down to one officer for every Shea noted that the county, through Mont- 8,560 people,” he said. “Not only would Cold gomery, had given Philipstown protective Spring benefit from having more patrols in ONLINE masks, gloves and hand sanitizer, in “a good that area, so would all of Putnam County.” ascendcenter.com

Live-streaming classes daily job, don’t have money. If you don’t have money (from Page 1) and video-on-demand Donation for food, there’s nothing more stressful.” Pilates • Yoga • Meditation well as food or other necessities that have He said that as of Tuesday the town had Barre • Gyrokinesis® been delivered by Town Board members distributed more than $130,000 in grocery and other volunteers. store vouchers and meals. Town Board Member Judy Farrell said “We’re so fortunate we have that sort of nearly 90 people have stepped up to help, generosity in this town, for people to step up picking up prescriptions or shopping for and give really large donations,” Shea said. those sidelined by stay-home orders. (See “This is a wealthy county. There are other OBJECTS philipstown.com to volunteer.) towns where it could be happening. But here The outreach has extended to Beacon, people step up and do it. It’s amazing.” THROUGH MAY 2020 Putnam Valley, Carmel and Newburgh, Shea said. On Tuesday (May 12), he told The Current that he hoped to make a delivery in Peekskill this week, as well. Where To Donate In Newburgh, Shea said, he has been • Putnam COVID Response collaborating with a local program that putnamcovidresponse.org provides meals. “These people are working seven days a week to make sure no one goes • Community Cares Putnam Gallery will be temporarily closed hungry,” he said. In Putnam Valley, where the communitycares.org due to health crisis. food bank closed, he delivered $10,000 worth • Dutchess Responds Check our website and Facebook of ShopRite grocery cards, eliciting gratitude page to keep our arts community to Philipstown from Supervisor Sam Oliverio. dutchessresponds.org thriving virtually. Stay Healthy. “It’s a tough time” and residents are • Mutual Aid Beacon WWW.BUSTERLEVIGALLERY.COM anxious, Shea said. “They already don’t have a beaconmutualaid.com

NEWAD for BLG For Print_March 2020 show.indd 1 2/28/20 6:27 PM highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current May 15, 2020 9

ing rules. Counties will also be in charge of penalizing businesses.) Weekends Off Crowded sidewalks were identified as a Cold Spring extends closure major issue. Trustee Fran Murphy suggested one- of waterfront parks way pedestrian traffic could be considered along Main Street sidewalks. “People could By Michael Turton walk up one sidewalk one way and down old Spring Mayor Dave Merandy the other,” she said. announced Tuesday (May 12) that Merandy said the board should think C because of concerns about a lack of in terms of the worst-case scenario. “The social distancing, Dockside Park, the village streets are full now — with no stores open!” dock and nearby areas will be closed from he said. “There will still be social distancing; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays every store is going to have to do something.” through at least the next few weeks. Trustee Lynn Miller suggested signage “Two weeks ago, it was very busy and encouraging people to wear masks. Shop crowd control was a challenge” along the owners, she said, could consider a “no riverfront, Merandy said at the Village mask, no service” policy. Board meeting. “We had police officers Voloto asked if the board’s goal is to protect down there, but as soon as they left people Dockside Park will be closed to visitors from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday people from getting sick or to make sure busi- just did whatever they wanted,” including at least through Memorial Day weekend. Photo by M. Turton nesses can be open. “You can’t really do both putting hammocks in trees, picnicking and safely; the village is too small, the shops too playing soccer at Dockside. Larry Burke, the officer-in-charge of the to delineate the required 6-foot separation tiny” and the sidewalks too narrow, he said. “We’re following a game plan set down Cold Spring Police Department, said that between customers in line and said the vast Merandy responded by asking if there by the governor,” Merandy said. “The level on that weekend officers enforced distanc- majority have respected the limits. “I’m just can be a happy medium. “We have to look of activity [at the riverfront] was contrary ing outside Moo Moo’s, but when they trying to make a living,” he said. at people’s welfare,” he said. “But we also to that.” left the riverfront area customers largely have people with a vested interest in their The mayor said the closure hours will ignored the rules. Reopening businesses.” give residents an opportunity to use the “It’s up to businesses to enforce social Merandy said he’s received a number of Miller said the board shouldn’t “let perfect parks on weekends. They remain open distancing and [wearing] masks,” Merandy inquiries about how the village will reopen be the enemy of the good; we’re not going during the week. said. once the Mid-Hudson region is allowed to to have perfect compliance,” adding that if Merandy said he understands people’s Trustee Steve Voloto asked the mayor if “un-pause” under a plan outlined by the people are reminded to wear masks and if desire to use the parks on weekends. “I the village has the authority to close a busi- governor. That began a lengthy discussion shop owners limit the number of customers sympathize,” he said. “We’re all in this ness that doesn’t enforce the state rules. about the role the Village Board and busi- allowed inside, “at least we’ll be moving in and feeling the same pressure.” But with “Yes, we can definitely do that,” Merandy nesses will play. the right direction.” warmer weather approaching, “a lot of said. “And there are heavy fines.” “When crowds come, and they’re already A common theme of the discussion was people will be coming to town.” Alexi Katsetos, the owner of Moo Moo’s, here, what can we do as elected officials that that New York State needs to assist its The mayor praised the Rincon Argen- viewed the situation very differently, saying might make sense?” Merandy asked. “When a municipalities. tina cafe for its efforts at managing visi- on Thursday (May 14) that he “went above business reopens at 25 percent capacity [under Merandy asked the trustees to think about tors. “They did a good job; they had ropes and beyond the guidelines to keep customers the proposed rules], who enforces that?” what makes the most sense for Cold Spring. up and were controlling people, keeping safe” and that his ice-cream shop is comply- “If the question is enforcement, we “Maybe it’s signage; maybe it’s talking to the them apart,” he said. ing with social-distancing regulations. should take our cue from what the gover- Chamber of Commerce about having all busi- He was less complimentary about the Katsetos said while there might have nor says,” said Deputy Mayor Marie Early. nesses ready,” he said. He suggested the village situation at Moo Moo’s Creamery on West been “some growing pains” on May 2 and (On Tuesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said might benefit from observing the experiences Street, where he said that over the May 2 3, the first weekend his store was open, “to that county health departments will be in of communities upstate that reopen sooner. weekend customers were clustering and say there was no social distancing is far- charge of determining if businesses that But basically, he said, “We’re between a “not abiding by the [state] orders.” fetched.” He said he marked the sidewalk reopen are complying with social-distanc- rock and a hard place.”

it. “It’s not within our jurisdiction,” he said. While the ZBA found fault in the filing ZBA Dismisses Complaint About Garrison House delay, some members also expressed Rules that challengers permit from the ZBA because the house far a building permit must be filed within 60 misgivings about the project and the Build- exceeded the size allowed by the town code. days of when a concerned individual notices ing Department’s approach. missed appeal deadline The Rasics, through their lawyer, Frank construction underway. That would mean ZBA Member Vincent Cestone termed By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong Smith III, maintained that the neighbors the complaint had to be filed by Sept. 10. the house plans “deficient” and described waited too long to object. “Sixty days — that’s it,” said Smith, the some aspects of the project as question- he Philipstown Zoning Board After a discussion in November, the Rasic’s attorney, on Monday. able. In addition, “what I heard” about the of Appeals on Monday (May 11) ZBA opened a public hearing in January. Hilpert said that because of a mix-up at Building Department’s alleged interactions T dismissed a complaint brought by During the review, Roméu said that on his law office, the complaint did not arrive with Roméu and Babcock “was very upset- Garrison residents against their neighbors’ July 12 he saw construction underway on at the Building Department office until Oct. ting,” he said. “I was shocked. We are there house transformation, ruling 4-0 that the the property, and he and Babcock became 10, when he delivered it after discovering to serve the people of Philipstown, and I appeal was filed too late. alarmed. He said they they were rebuffed the delay. “It was supposed to have been believe they deserve respect.” The dispute stemmed from architect during repeated attempts to see the plans mailed out,” Hilpert said. “I don’t have an Member Paula Clair said the project Timothy Rasic’s efforts to convert a small, and to obtain information about bringing explanation.” involves adding a second floor, representing circa-1960 ranch-style home at 529 Route a complaint. They hired an attorney, Luke Nonetheless, both Hilpert and Xavier a 100 percent increase in space, to a house 9D into a taller — and, critics contended, Hilpert, and said they saw the plans and Roméu said because their clients could not that existed before the zoning law and thus inappropriately larger — structure. received a complaint form on Aug. 12. get details about the project until Aug. 12 did not comply with its regulations. On Oct. 10, the Rasics’ neighbors, Xavier Roméu, another attorney who — or 59 days before Oct. 10 — the complaint Consequently, she told the Rasics, “the José Roméu and Sidney Babcock, filed a represents the pair, told the ZBA on Monday should be considered timely. information you got regarding the permit complaint over the decision by building that the men had not been given the docu- The ZBA disagreed. was fallacious” because “the procedure is to inspector Greg Wunner to grant a permit ments they needed to challenge the permit. Robert Dee, who chairs the ZBA, said he ask for a special-use permit” in such cases. for the project. They claimed that the “I don’t think it’s reasonable for residents to based his vote “on facts. This appeal was “We don’t — I don’t feel, anyway — that the demolition of the structure required not be actively denied access,” he said. untimely” and therefore a non-starter, and permit was issued correctly.” only the building permit but a special-use By law, a complaint about the issuance of “we can’t hear” any further arguments on 10 May 15, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

AROUND TOWN

 CAUGHT WITH THE CURRENT — At The Beacon Daily, co-owner Chris Crocco has been adding a free side to each takeout order — a copy of The Current. “Customers are surprised when they get home,” he said. “They call to thank me; they need to connect with other people and The Current is a great way to do that.” Photo by Michael Turton

 A FINAL DUSTING — Highlands residents awoke on Saturday (May 9) to a surprising site: snow. It tied May 9, 1977, as the latest date that snowfall was recorded at Central Park in New York City, according to the National Weather Service, which has kept records since 1869. Photo by Ross Corsair

INSTALLING HIGHLAND STUDIO MAGAZZINO Film available on May 13, 2020

Live Q+A with Magazzino Italian Art’s Collection Manager and Chief Registrar Gabriella Perez and Head Preparator and Facilities Manager Thomas Huber on Instagram Live on May 16, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. EST

magazzino.art/magazzinodacasa @magazzino PRINTMAKERS FINE ART PRINTING SCANNING LARGE FORMAT

HUDSON VALLEY’S ARCHIVAL PRINTING SINCE 1997

PICTURE FRAMING print & map gallery

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31 STEPHANIE LANE MAGAZZINO COLD SPRING, NY DA CASA www.thehighlandstudio.com highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current May 15, 2020 11 The Calendar

Detail from "Glenn," etched metal “Rick,” a handprinted paper collage on canvas “Thalissa,” etched metal on panel with sugar lift/aquatint

The Artist Next Door ary. My dining room is fabric, another room is Weintraub, who says she is most relaxed covered with cut up bits of paper. A low coffee “when I get to be fully manic,” says shel- table is all I have left to eat on. Art is squeezed tering-in-place has been relatively easy in. I keep making more and more. It’s about “because solitude is part of what I do, Beth Weintraub that mix of figuring out what your process is, although I have worked at the Beacon then making it become a beautiful object.” Pantry and at Cold Spring Cheese Shop, By Alison Rooney “What I’m known most for is etched metal where I get to meet people.” plates, but my color work is my most trea- She became a printmaker by happenstance ou never know: your neighbor might sured,” she says. “I’ve been wanting to do while attending Sarah Lawrence College. just have an etching studio inside more personal work, and right now, after “I was signing up for a painting class, but Y their home. studying the work of collage artist Rex Ray, it was full, and by the time I worked it out, When she moved to Beacon nearly 10 I’ve been trying to learn his process. I wanted the only remaining class was printmaking,” years ago, Beth Weintraub took advan- to get away from the acid-etched metal and she recalls. “It was a yearlong class which tage of her new walkout basement to get a back to a simpler and non-toxic process. included a month learning paper-making. printing press inside. The space is also now “It’s been evolving now for two years, The first time I printed an aquatint correctly, home to an exposure machine, sheets of doing collage, and I’ve managed to bring a light went on: here was a way of working metal, handmade paper and other tools of it back to my own style of imagery, making within a set of limitations. It occurred to me, her trade: oil-based etchings on paper, wall- little pill shapes, color pills, with repetition. all the ways you could create within the limi- mounted columns of abstracted collages Now they’re getting very elaborate.” She tations and transpose and invert. Beth Weintraub and etched metals. handprints 30- and 36-inch paper squares, “Also, I loved the smell of the ink, the feel In fact, she says, “somehow I’ve turned my about 50 sheets each, and creating “sort of of the paper,” she says. “It’s a very active entire house into my studio. I’m also sewing monoprints, which I try to assemble in a discipline — you feel the weight of the print- masks and have sewn eight quilts since Janu- way that give them more depth.” ing press and you end up sometimes with surprises. To figure out how to make what you’re imagining is a challenge I couldn’t resist. As artists, we recreate the same thing over and over again, improving it with an additional layer of thoughts.” After graduating, Weintraub moved to Manhattan. A few years later, she drove to San Francisco with a friend and stayed for 20 years. In 2011, in the wake of the economic downtown, she returned to New York, settling in Beacon. “I wanted somewhere where the cost of living would never prevent me from being an artist,” she says. “I’ve taken full advantage of not having to hustle so hard.” At the time, she recalls, the city was “half- boarded up yet felt very entrepreneurial.” She still works with California set deco- rators, prop masters and magazines (her resume includes a category called Art Appear- ances with listings such as New Girl pilot and an issue of Home Lighting and Accessories), and she’s still writing, in what she describes as the “cli-fi” genre: climate mystery, science fiction and escapism. “My fantasy is to one day write the same story over and over again, each time from a different perspective,” she says. The first stage: painted asphaltum on fresh metal, ready for acid Photos provided 12 May 15, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

THURS 21 THURS 21 Open Mic The Future of BEACON Northeastern Forests 7 p.m. Towne Crier MILLBROOK THE WEEK AHEAD Walker May will host via Zoom 7 p.m. Cary Institute with 12 performers. To perform or Charlie Canha, a forest ecologist Edited by Pamela Doan ([email protected]) listen, email walker@townecrier. at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem com. Continues weekly. Studies, will discuss his book, For a complete listing of events, see Forests Adrift: Currents Shaping TALKS the Future of Northeastern Trees, highlandscurrent.org/calendar. with Joshua Ginsberg, president WED 20 of the institute. Register at The Direct Path to eventbrite.com/o/cary-institute- of-ecosystem-studies-1. COMMUNITY THURS 21 FRI 22 Peace and Happiness Putnam Business Meet-up Garden Lab GARRISON SAT 16 3 p.m. Garrison Institute THURS 21 5 p.m. Zoom COLD SPRING Resiliency Meditation Drive-thru Food Drive Join the Putnam Business 4 p.m. Butterfield Library garrisoninstitute.org BEACON COLD SPRING Council, the Cold Spring Chamber facebook.com/jblkid Spiritual teacher Rupert Spira will discuss how non- 8:30 p.m. bit.ly/resiliency-meditation 9 a.m. – Noon. of Commerce and members of Garden stories and crafts and dual experiential traditions Register to join Amy Municipal Parking Lot, Fair Street other groups on Zoom to network. activities focused on plants. uwwp.org/fooddrive Register at bit.ly/putnam-business. help on the path to happiness. Soucy via Zoom for a weekly Online registration required. 30-minute meditation about Drop off juice, rice, mac and VISUAL ARTS turning fear into resilience. cheese, pasta, spaghetti sauce, FRI 22 cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned Virtual Friday Soiree SAT 16 WED 20 beef stew, canned tuna or chicken, Reading with Writers FRI 22 GARRISON Installing Magazzino diapers, wipes, toiletries, personal The Last Voyage of the 5:30 p.m. Antipodean Books COLD SPRING hygiene products, paper products, PHILIPSTOWN Email [email protected] 3 p.m. Magazzino Italian Art 7 p.m. Split Rock Books Lusitania cleaning products, canned fruit, 845-265-2080 | splitrockbks.com BREWSTER crackers and other items to benefit for Zoom details. Continues weekly. 845-666-7202 | magazzino.art The museum’s collection manager Join an online discussion 2 p.m. Brewster Public Library the Philipstown Food Pantry. about Stephen King’s memoir KIDS & FAMILY and chief registrar, Gabriella Perez, Watch the 1994 documentary, and its head preparator and facilities on the craft of writing. which is available through the SAT 16 MON 18 manager, Thomas Huber, will free Hoopla service, before joining Boscobel Grounds Story Time discuss a short film by Domenico this Zoom discussion group about 10 a.m. – Noon | boscobel.org Palma, Installing Magazzino, that the sinking in 1915 of the British GARRISON Boscobel is offering a limited takes viewers behind the scenes of ocean liner by a German U-boat. 1:30 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library number of tickets to access its 68 the installation of its first exhibit, Register by emailing director@ instagram.com/desmondfishpubliclibrary acres. Online reservations, face Margherita Stein: Rebel With A southeastmuseum.org. masks and social distancing are facebook.com/desmondfishlibrary Cause. The film can be viewed on required. Also SUN 17, MON 18, FRI Lucille Merry and other members the museum website or Instagram. 22, SAT 23, SUN 24. Cost: $12 (seniors of the staff will read children’s CIVIC books aloud. Also WED 20, FRI 22. $10, children and teens 5-18, $6; SAT 16 members and children under 5, free). Social Saturday Meetings are closed to the TUES 19 public but streamed or posted GARRISON SAT 16 New Parents’ 4 p.m. Garrison Art Center as videos. See highlandscurrent. Living Room Trivia Support Group instagram.com/garrisonartcenter org/meeting-videos. COLD SPRING GARRISON Join a virtual open studio to 7 p.m. Butterfield Library 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library stay connected with the arts MON 18 butterfieldlibrary.org Desmondfishlibrary.org community and artists. The Gov. Cuomo Register online to join this Via Zoom. Email Zoom ID is 996 412 237. Daily Briefing monthly session to test your smarts. beautifulmamas123@gmail. com for registration information. 10:45 a.m. Weekdays WED 20 WED 20 Continues weekly. twitter.com/nygovcuomo SUN 17 Artist of the Week Virtual Tour of 5K Run & BEACON TUES 19 Cold Spring MON 18 Walk With the Dogs baugallery.org Kitchen Sink Science COLD SPRING City Council BEACON Each week the gallery 7 p.m. Butterfield Library GARRISON BEACON Animal Rescue Foundation interviews a local artist and butterfieldlibrary.org 6 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library 7 p.m. City Hall bit.ly/arf-run-2020 spotlights his or her work. Library Director Gillian Thorpe instagram.com/desmondfishpubliclibrary 845-838-5011 | cityofbeacon.org Register by June 10 to run or will lead a tour and discuss the facebook.com/desmondfishlibrary walk a 5K and log the activity THURS 21 history of the village. Register online. for ARF’s annual fundraiser. Digital Services Coordinator Artist Talk with Deb Lucke MON 18 Submit times online with a Ryan Biracree conducts science COLD SPRING THURS 21 Village Board photo of your watch, GPS or experiments. Continues weekly. 11 a.m. Butterfield Library NELSONVILLE other fitness tracker. Cost: $30 Creative Completion butterfieldlibrary.org 7:30 p.m. Village Hall WED 20 COLD SPRING The illustrator, 845-265-2500 | nelsonvilleny.gov TUES 19 The Language of Flowers 1 p.m. artnology.us graphic novelist and Robin Hutchinson will lead a six- Socrates Cafe BEACON Current investigative week course to guide participants TUES 19 1 p.m. Howland Public Library BEACON cartoonist will on the steps to see a creative School Board 4 p.m. Howland Public Library beaconlibrary.org discuss her career. project through from beginning to COLD SPRING Diane Edgecomb will Register online. beaconlibrary.org end. Cost: $10 per session or $55 7 p.m. Haldane School tell tales of flowers through Email adults@beaconlibrary. 845-265-9254 | haldaneschool.org org for details on how to the ages accompanied by MUSIC THURS 21 join the discussion. Margot Chamberlain on the Celtic harp. Email adults@ MON 18 Amphibians and WED 20 beaconlibrary.org to register. Vernal Pools TUES 19 Quarantine Stream School Board Adult Scavenger Hunt BEACON COLD SPRING BEACON THURS 21 1 p.m. Hudson Highlands Land Trust 7 p.m. Beacon Schools COLD SPRING 6 p.m. facebook.com/songsmithlive hhlt.org 845-838-6900 | beaconk12.org 7 p.m. Butterfield Library Paper Crafts Workshop Three nights per week, Mark Learn about migrating amphibians butterfieldlibrary.org GARRISON Westin hosts live performances The board will vote on and how they use seasonal wetlands the 2020-21 budget. Register online to find an object 6 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library streamed online by local musicians facebook.com/desmondfishlibrary such as Jay Nicholas, Decora, Judith in winter and spring. Register at in your home in a set amount of amphibianswebinar.eventbrite.com. time and you could win a $50 gift The workshop takes place Tulloch and Steve Franchino, Mimi certificate to The Country Goose. each week via YouTube, Sun Longo, Annalyse & Ryan and Facebook and Instagram. Jen Clapp. Also WED 20, FRI 22. pull quote

highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current May 15, 2020 13 Creative Responses

Clean Lines Donna Marie Fischer, of Beacon, started out during the shutdown doing a drawing a day in colored pencil but “it turned into a pictorial journal of my life and events. I keep the drawings small in order to do this. They are kept simple to avoid getting caught up in the major details. I just have fun with them.” Here, four selections of products on everyone’s minds.

Untitled, by Richard Bruce "Raccoon," by Jackie Skrzynski

19, Fareground has been working with the Online Art Show Beacon City School District and nonprofits Beacon of Love, a coalition of city such as Common Ground Farm, the Food residents led by Theresa Gooby, Margot Bank of the Hudson Valley, Green Teen and Kingon, James Case-Leal and Julie Shiroi- Land to Learn to provide food services. shi, will host an online art show and fund- Each week, Fareground provides bags of wife started a mask-making campaign for raiser for Fareground, a nonprofit that groceries to about 800 families at school Wild Masks first responders, family and friends, using provides food to those in need. pickup sites and public housing develop- Ron English, a pop artist in Beacon, has a stash of cotton fabric that she, like many Previews of works by 30 artists will be ments, as well as homebound residents in designed a series of masks to raise money sewers, had around the house. After her stash available starting May 26 at beacon-of- partnership with Beacon Mutual Aid. Fare- for first responders. “Like everyone in the ran out, she started cutting up some of my love.myshopify.com, priced at $100, $150 ground also stocks three “tiny food pantries.” world, my family has been affected by this custom-designed PopLife Popaganda cotton or $250. The sale will run from May 30 to pandemic,” he wrote on Facebook. “I came shirts, and made and mailed out over 300 June 2 and proceeds will be split at least down with symptoms in early March, and cotton COVID-19 masks to nursing homes, 50/50 with the artists. while I didn’t require drastic measures, I our local post office, grocery clerks and The show, curated by Gooby, Kingon have had to reevaluate my activities and anyone who asked. She has no more fabric and Case-Leal, will include works by them, expectations to adjust for damaged lung left. That’s why I’m proud to team up with as well as Richard Bruce, Lesly Deschler capacity. That means no more spray paint Threadless to scale up our mask campaign, Canossi, Marieken Cochius, Deb Davi- for now, and it’s possible that I may never with dozens of designs and a purchase price dovits, Meredith Heuer, Kirsten Kucer, paint another public mural. While that’s that goes directly to MedShare, a charity that George Mansfield, Samantha Palmieri, sad and disappointing to me personally, sources proper equipment to first respond- Jackie Skrzynski, Jean-Marc Superville- it doesn’t compare with the staggering ers. Face masks are here to stay. This is the Sovak, Kazumi Tanaka and Susan Walsh, loss of life and livelihood that humanity new normal. If we have to hide our faces, among others. is experiencing right now. we might as well display our intentions.” To Since Dutchess County closed schools in “During the early days of quarantine, my order, see threadless.com/shop/@ronenglish. mid-March to slow the spread of COVID- "Bluebird," by Deb Davidovits 14 May 15, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

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Something You Don’t He advocated working with banks to open Know About Me up credit and loan possibilities to African Americans, particularly to secure housing. Worthington also was friends with Harold Ford Jr., a Democratic congressman from Megan Shea Tennessee who Worthington felt would be the first black president. By Alison Rooney When Howard Baker was in the Knox- ville office, there were a lot more calls. For those old enough to remember, the Those were the days when he was the first association upon hearing the name chief of staff. The people in the office were Sen. Howard Baker Jr. is likely the simple, focused more on Reagan than on anything precise question he asked in June 1973 that had taken place during Watergate. about President Richard Nixon while I found it all fascinating. I had minored Baker was vice chairman of the Watergate in legal studies and had considered double- Committee: “What did the president know, majoring in political science, but I only and when did he know it?” enjoyed the legal courses. Although Mike was in Tennessee for four At the time, Baker was a close years, I was only there for one, because the Republican ally of Nixon, and he asked rest of Tennessee didn’t go well for me. But the question in defense of the president. the work was interesting. I also was respon- “I believed that [the investigation] was sible for a paralegal; she was very Southern, a political ploy of the Democrats, that it very proper and very good at her job, plus would come to nothing,” Baker explained she had lots of humor. That goes a long way years later. “But a few weeks into that in a workplace. The people who worked at [the hearings], it began to dawn on me the law firm had all this decorum; they were that there was more to it than I thought, smart and sarcastic. They did come to know and more to it than I liked.” I was a “Dem” — actually there were a few of Baker, who died in 2014, was from a us. There was some good-spirited teasing. Tennessee political dynasty; his father, I came back in the summers, then lived stepmother and father-in-law each in Tennessee for a year before finishing my served in the U.S. House. He served in doctorate and getting married. I went back to the Senate for 19 years, from 1966 to the law firm. I remember showing them my 1985, challenged Ronald Reagan for the wedding photos — Mike and I were married Republican presidential nomination in by my uncle at a barn in Massachusetts — and 1980 and was later his chief of staff. He they asked: “Where’s the church?” eventually returned to Tennessee to his It doesn’t surprise me that Howard Baker original career, as a lawyer. crossed party lines against Nixon, consider- ing my experience seeing that he had a good What does any of that have to do with ^ Megan Shea with the "Fearless Girl" < Megan Shea, friend who was a Democrat. I think there was Megan Shea of Cold Spring, a left-leaning statue during a march in New York City about the time she was living a sort of sense of the greater good of the U.S. feminist scholar, experimental theater- in Knoxville at that time. The presidential office and the maker and playwright who teaches at secretary. Mention was made that “a girl- office of senator were positions where deco- New York University? Here’s her story: friend” with the necessary experience had rum had to be upheld. I think Baker would just moved down. hated Reagan, so it was interesting being be, I don’t know — shocked — to see how low y husband, Mike, and I met at I had no idea that I was interviewing at in the South and getting that perspective, decorum has gone. There was such an empha- Trinity College [in Hartford, Howard Baker’s firm — in fact, at the time, although sometimes it was like going back sis at his firm on how things looked, where M Connecticut], and he decided to I probably didn’t know who he was. The fact in time, in many frustrating ways. things were placed. All of that mattered. go to the University of Tennessee for grad that my college was called Trinity was prob- I worked at the Knoxville branch of Baker, school, so I followed him down there. It was ably appealing; the office was very Christian. Worthington, Crossley & Stansberry, which the fall of 1999. While pursuing his degree, Everyone at the office went to church, talked had been founded in 1888. Howard Baker Is there something about you most people Mike found a job at the Oak Ridge National about church. They didn’t realize Trinity is worked at a smaller branch in Huntsville. I in the community aren’t aware of? It can Laboratory. Someone he was working with nondenominational, or that my parents were was in a floater position, and I worked mostly be job-related, a hidden talent — basically had a neighbor who was an attorney in atheists. I had my own spiritual journey, but I for Robert Worthington because his secre- anything, serious or funny. If you’d like to Howard Baker’s law office. During my was not a churchgoer. That first year I didn’t tary had a lot of vacation time accumulated. share your story, email arts@highland- college summers, I had worked as a legal talk about church much. Also, my parents The thing is, Worthington was a Democrat. scurrent.org and we’ll get in touch.

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Out There haven, are closed.) Because the Highlands has so much protected land, it attracts many birds, which means many also end up in backyards. Backyard It’s the same in the Catskills, Thompson said, which has many larger forests that Birding aren’t found in most of the eastern part of North America and attract species not By Brian PJ Cronin seen elsewhere. One example is the Bick- nell’s Thrush, which can be found near the ete Salman- summits of Slide and Hunter Mountains sohn started because of their higher elevations. Pwith fish, as The chance to spot one is usually one an angler. Connie of the big draws of The Catskill Center’s Mayer-Bakall started annual Taking Flight festival in May. But with wolves, as an just like the Putnam Highlands Audubon educator. But after decades of enjoying the Society’s annual Birdathon scheduled for outdoors, each was drawn to birds. this past weekend, the festival was post- “There’s something comforting and poned to 2021 because of the COVID-19 soothing about realizing that while our Pete Salmansohn explains the characteristics of the northern cardinal during a birding shutdown. DiBenedetto would like to again whole world has gone crazy and surreal, seminar in Garrison last year. File photo by Ross Corsair use this year’s theme — Flock Together — the birds are still doing what they’ve done and hopes it will be more applicable. for millions of years,” says Mayer-Bakall, Mayer-Bakall attributes this to the fact Molly Adams, the founder of the Feminist president of the Putnam Highlands Audu- that, for those sheltering-at-home, time has Bird Club, was going to be the guest speaker, bon Society, after checking the feeders in slowed and become dreamlike. Routines have DiBenedetto said, with the goal of getting her yard. (Current sightings: Four rose- shifted and decelerated. We’re all looking out birders to think about diversity, accessibil- breasted grosbeak males and a couple of the window more. And we have questions. ity and inclusivity. In other words, how do females, blue-winged warblers, an indigo “I always suggest beginning birders start you entice people to try birding who aren’t bunting, and a northern oriole.) with the birds you know,” she says. Walk retired, older white people? “It’s about open- Adds Salmansohn, a longtime board outside or sit by the window and look and ing it up,” she said. “This is an excellent activ- member: “It’s shocking how something that listen. Smartphone apps such as one by the ity if you don’t feel comfortable in crowds.” weighs less than a 50-cent piece can travel Audubon Society or Merlin Bird ID can be I thought about the sense of connection thousands of miles.” used if a guidebook isn’t handy. birders have with nature the other day as I also frequently enjoy the outdoors, but There are advantages to birding from I went for a run at dusk through Madam the only birds I can identify are the ones that home, said Thompson, whose small back- Brett Park, when the trails are usually have baseball teams named after them. With yard and porch are filled with nesting empty. An iridescent blue bird shot across the mountains and other outdoor destina- brown thrashers, robins and house finches: the trail and landed in a tree. Being a new tions off-limits, the excursions I usually go A tree swallow Photo by Becky Matsubara A birder in a state park won’t see the birds’ birder who had just installed Merlin Bird on are to my back porch, where I gaze up routines, such as feeding, defending their ID on my phone, I stopped and made a few at the Callery Peach tree in my yard as it’s her phone has been ringing a lot lately with territory or what shrub they’re nesting in. pokes and swipes. I was staring at a tree visited by a variety of I-Don’t-Know-Whats. requests for help identifying birds spotted in Birding in parks lends itself well to social swallow, which had traveled hundreds if I called Salmansohn and Mayer-Bakall, yards. Salmansohn said that in the past two distancing, and Foundry Cove, Denning’s not thousands of miles from the south for as well as Margaret DiBenedetto and John months, Audubon memberships and binoc- Point and Madam Brett Park are all great breeding season. The app said that this Thompson at the Catskill Center, for help. ular sales have gone up, and some popular places to do it. (The trails at the Constitu- time of year, they are common here. I had I’m not the only one. Mayer-Bakall says birding books are sold out at Amazon. tion Marsh Audubon Center, another local never noticed.

Reporter’s Notebook ¢ A woman was verbally assaulted by I conducted an experiment. How soon visiting natural areas. a fellow customer who wrongfully after turning on my radio would I hear the ¢ Maintain social connections, safely accused her of moving a shopping cart. word coronavirus? It was the second word and virtually. A man swerved recklessly to go uttered. The next day, it was the first word. COVID Got ¢ ¢ Eat well. around a car exiting a busy parking End of experiment. lot, honked and drove away at high The news media is devoting a lot of chat- ¢ Make a point of asking how those You Down? speed, tires screeching. ter to when things will reopen. That specu- you live with are doing. lation alone increases anxiety. People yearn ¢ If you live alone, check in regularly By Michael Turton ¢ A frustrated clerk yelled at a customer to know when “normal” will be in sight. But to wait, even though he was the only with friends, family, neighbors. find humor in conflicting narratives from public health person in line with three registers experts and the “let’s just give this a try” ¢ Share a meal with a friend via Zoom. most things — open. but not anxi- camp only increase the angst. ¢ Talk to trusted friends about what I Michael McKee, a psychologist who is also ety. And locally, ¢ A liquor store owner reported that you are thinking and feeling. while wine sales are up, hard liquor based in Garrison, warns people against it’s probably at its ¢ Even if feeling badly, jot down things peak since the coro- purchases are “way up.” news overload. “There are many open ques- tions, but immersing yourself in news all day you’re grateful for each day. navirus shutdown Tracy Prout Bunye, a psychologist based will not answer them,” he says. He advises: It’s OK to feel moody or irritable, briefly. began. in Garrison, is a principal investigator in “Limit news consumption to once a day.” But Bunye emphasizes you should seek help I barely chuckled when it was pointed out a study of the psychological impact of the McKee also recommends focusing on if irritability, significant mood changes, that stressed spelled backward is desserts. pandemic. She says her jaw dropped when staying connected with the important feelings of hopelessness and sleep distur- Overeating may be an understandable, preliminary data showed rates of post-trau- people in your life, including friends and bances become intense and last multiple though unhealthy, coping mechanism. But matic stress disorder and depression nearly extended family. days or more. what I’m seeing around the Highlands goes 10 times the norm. And therapists, she said, Bunye says there’s no “right way” to cope Last fall I interviewed Cari Swanson, a beyond indulging in an extra scoop of ice are experiencing an influx of patients seek- with social isolation, but she offered a few horse trainer with a lot of horse sense. In her cream or a second helping of pasta. ing support because of increased stress. guidelines: book on how to ride a horse, a skill which A few things from recent days: Ubiquitous media coverage, including ¢ Focus on what you can control. requires the learner to relax, Swanson ends ¢ A first after more than 20 years in The Current, makes anxiety-inducing each page with a single word: Breathe. in business: A deli owner ordered details of the pandemic nearly impossible ¢ Create a routine. Sound advice, whether riding a horse, or someone out of his shop because the to avoid. It’s a bit like trying to ignore the ¢ Exercise regularly, including low- coping with a pandemic customer was belligerent. NFL during football season. impact walking and stretching or highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current May 15, 2020 17

Looking Back in Philipstown Then & Now By Chip Rowe wrote. “Meanwhile, the world moves on as before and will roll through space, shak- 150 Years Ago (May 1870) ing off the prejudices of its tenants, until The Village Board decided to widen Main all men are measured by the scale of intel- Street by taking off the bank between Acad- lectual and moral worth.” [The cadet was emy Street and the new Methodist Church. James Webster Smith, a former slave from As part of the project, the private fences Columbia, South Carolina. Another account on the south side of the street were moved says he was refused a meal by the hotel, back to their lawful lines. not a room. Regardless, following several The Free Masons contracted with George years of abuse, Smith was dismissed after McCabe on West Street to use his attic for allegedly failing a philosophy class, and its meetings once he constructed a French returned home to become a college profes- roof with dormer windows. sor. In 1997, the academy posthumously Michael Flood lost his arm and James honored him with a commission. The first Vreeland had his foot crushed in accidents black soldier to graduate from West Point at the foundry. was Henry Ossian Flipper, in 1877.] Pear Tree Hill School (1830-1881), Nelsonville Josephine Doherty The Cold Spring Recorder reported that a meeting held at Town Hall “was not as 125 Years Ago (May 1895) harmonious as could have been desired and The Rev. Elbert Floyd-Jones became the the prevailing opinion was that the public rector at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. The funds had not been judiciously expended.” congregation also voted to remove the fence Two men fought near the railroad cross- around the property. ing, one armed with a club and the other Willard Jaycox moved his grocery store with a rock. After the rock prevailed, “a in Nelsonville to the building opposite little man with a large talk then came Champlin’s blacksmith shop [289 Main St.]. along and got knocked into the gutter,” the Tailor John Isberg said he had received Recorder reported. an assortment of lawn tennis skirts. At least six village homeowners added The Philipstown Board of Excise granted stoops and roofs over their front doors. licenses to three hotels and 12 saloons. The A private road called Boulevard was fee was $40 for hotels, $30 for saloons and completed. $30 for druggists. A northbound freight train stopped at James McIlravy repaired the water- Private residence EmpireExplorer.com Cold Spring because rotting floor planks in ing trough on the Garrison road near the a car carrying 17 horses began to give out Indian Brook bridge. and the conductor did not hear the commo- John Monroe of Nelsonville was taken to tion until he slowed for the station. the Poughkeepsie asylum after being ruled The congregation of St. Mary’s Church insane by two local doctors but was judged TheoGanz Studio blessed its new bell and dedicated the likely to recover. statue at the top of the steeple. Rosanna Batchelor, the wife of Charles Original Inuit graphics and W.H. Wells, formerly of Cold Spring, Batchelor, a partner of Thomas A. Edison, carvings from opened a bank in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Cape Dorset with his brother, who lived there. Woolcock. [Batchelor was a mechanic and In a story with the headline “Colorpho- draftsman who assisted Edison on projects bia,” the Recorder noted that the first black such as the phonograph and telephone.] soldier to take and pass the entrance exam Capt. George Tubbs, of Bristol, Rhode at West Point had been refused a room at Island, visited the home of W.J. Tubbs. It the Roe’s Hotel [which was owned by the was the first time in 25 years the brothers government and located on Trophy Point] had seen each other. to await the start of classes in July and had Herbert Austin, a foundry worker who a to find a place in Highland Falls. “We think week earlier had taken a sick tramp to the that the black cadet wants to be let alone county poorhouse and fell ill himself the Beacon, NY — that the whole race having African blood next day, died at age 37. theoganzstudio.com in America should be let alone,” the paper (Continued on Page 18) Shakespeare Fest Announces ‘Bake-off’ Playwriting event returns, weekends of May 23 and May 30 in partner- ship with libraries and nonprofits in Garri- but online son, Peekskill, Cold Spring and Newburgh. Scripts for a 10-minute play will be due he Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festi- June 21, and between five and seven will be val, which on April 30 canceled its performed by actors online on July 18. T 2020 season, announced that it Christine Scarfuto, the acting director would continue with its annual commu- of the MFA playwriting program at Hunter nity playwriting event. The theme is “Mahi- College, will lead the workshops. To regis- cantuck, the River that Flows Both Ways.” ter, see hvshakespeare.org/production/ Community members are invited to attend community-bake-off. free online workshops scheduled for the 18 May 15, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

100 Years Ago (May 1920) Patsy Anne Thompson, 11, of Los Ange- (from Page 17) Looking Back The Sunday schools of the Hudson River les, whose mother, the former Adele The siblings of John Iselin of Garrison, a Baptist Association held their 61st annual Spilber, grew up in Cold Spring, had a role family of bankers, petitioned the Putnam convention at the Cold Spring church and in a Hollywood film called Tomorrow, the County district attorney to appoint some- Town Hall. World! about an American family whose one to oversee his finances, on account of James Lavery, formerly overseas secretary 11-year-old German cousin, a member of his alleged overindulgence in liquor and for the Knights of Columbus, spoke to the the Hitler Youth, comes to live with them. drugs. A jury was drawn to hear the case, Loretto Council about accompanying theat- which Iselin contested with the assistance rical agent and producer Elisabeth Marbury of a former U.S. district attorney. on four wartime tours of France, Belgium, The Garrison Athletic Association orga- Holland and England. He described various nized a program with bicycle, foot and battlefields and the cemeteries where thou- rowing races for Decoration Day [aka sands of Americans reposed in the “democ- 75 Years Ago: Memorial Day]. racy of the eternal sleep.” Roosevelt Goes Home Dr. Robert Buchanan passed through J.D. Sullivan, chief of the newly formed Cold Spring aboard a train from Sing Sing Compulsory Attendance Division of the On April 15, 1945, three days after to Albany, where he was sentenced to death state Department of Education. wrote to the the death of President Franklin D. for poisoning his wife, who ran a brothel Haldane school board to note that 13 children Roosevelt, his funeral train passed in New York City. He was handcuffed to had been “illegally absent” during March for through Garrison on its way to Hyde Detective James Jackson, who occupied the “out-of-town trips, work at home and the like.” Park. A writer for The New Yorker had seat beside him. [During the trial, one of He added, “Your board should put a definite chosen the spot to record impressions the first that centered on forensic evidence, stop to this sort of practice in Cold Spring” of the journey. prosecutors killed a cat in the courtroom and suggested that the “arrest and prosecu- Sunday morning, at dawn, we were with morphine to demonstrate its effects. tion of a delinquent parent now and then will at the railroad station in the small Buchanan was executed on July 2.] have a wholesome effect on the community.” town of Garrison, which lies across Dan O’Connell, formerly of Cold Spring, Two Red Cross nurses were dispatched the Hudson from West Point. Only was said by the Newburgh Telegraph to from New York City to assist Dr. Clark as a railroad-crossing watchman and have died from excessive consumption of he was overwhelmed in February and early two fishermen were there when seltzer, which he drank because he owned March with 154 cases of influenza and pneu- we arrived, but a moment later a a Kingston saloon and wanted to save his monia. The Recorder thanked owners of local man drove up and asked one of the stomach from too much alcohol. estates for providing horses and lodging. fishermen, who double as ferrymen to After Cold Spring residents voted 55-35 William Church Osborn of Garrison, a the Point, to take him across. to impose a tax to finance a waterworks, Democrat, announced his candidacy for a Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Etta of Parsonage the village created a six-member Board of seat in the U.S. Senate. Franklin D. Roos- Street received word that their son, Staff “The president’s coming,” the fisherman Water Commissioners. evelt, another Democrat, had not yet decided Sgt. Anthony Etta, had been liberated by said. ‘You’ll want to wait for that.” … James Ryan, who worked for butcher whether to run. [Roosevelt instead became the Russians from Stalag 3-A, where he was In the next half-hour or so, two or three Fred Evans, attempted to release his pet the vice presidential candidate on a ticket a German prisoner of war for nearly a year. dozen automobiles, of all makes and fox, named Dick, on Bull Hill, but a few days with James Cox, who was defeated by Sgt. Charles Macher, who arrived in Nelson- sizes, from Model A Fords on up, drove later Dick found his way back. Warren Harding.] ville for a 60-day furlough after being rescued up, and the people who got out of Walter Coffin was arrested in Boston A 13-year-old passenger in the delivery from a German prisoner-of-war camp, saw his them were all makes and sizes, too… on charges that he deposited three forged car of the Top Notch Bakery of Peekskill infant daughter for the first time. Soon there were 70 or 80 people on checks there, worth $4,502, drawn on the was killed when it was struck by a milk D. Mallory Stephens, whose district in the the platform… The funeral train finally National Bank of Cold Spring-on-Hudson. train at the Garrison crossing. state Assembly included Putnam County, held curved into sight, trailing a plume of A 50-pound shell fired by cadets at West The empty West Point Foundry, which a dinner at the Sea Food House on Albany Post white smoke, and the crowd grew silent. Point during training glanced off Crow closed in 1911, was sold to the Astoria Silk Road for the Haldane and Carmel high school As the locomotive pounded past the Nest and headed for Cold Spring, where Works of Long Island to construct a mill. football teams after they tied in the Putnam platform, some of the men removed it struck the bluff facing T.B. Truesdell’s County Football Championship game. their hats, the rest just stared … pickle factory and fell into the river. 75 Years Ago (May 1945) Frank Watson, inspector of the dynamite The Rev. Elbert Floyd-Jones marked his 50 Years Ago (May 1970) The special for Hyde Park was made gun at the West Point Foundry, left for San 50th year as rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Garrison school district residents up mostly of the new gray Pullmans Francisco, where he will oversee installation. Church. rejected a proposed 14 percent increase in and the flag-covered coffin was in A group of West Point cadets who came Bertram Bell of Paulding Avenue was the budget, to $595,000, by a vote of 277-191. a beautiful lounge car at the end, to Cold Spring to fill up on “jig water” shot appointed to the Cold Spring Village Board They also voted down a 7 percent increase with its military guard of honor. out five street lamp globes on Market Street to succeed Lewis McCabe Sr., who resigned, in spending for the hot-lunch program. It disappeared up the track, and on their return to the ferry. saying he planned to spend his winters in Haldane school district residents rejected Garrison’s moment was over. Daytona Beach. (Continued on Page 19)

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(Continued from Page 18) a proposed 15 percent increase in the budget, to $1.47 million, by a vote of 380-283. The Current proposal included a 12 percent increase in teacher salaries. William Green, a social-studies teacher Classifieds at Garrison Middle School, was featured in an article in National Wildlife about his innovative lessons on conservation. SERVICES The Most Rev. Joseph Pernicone, vicar of Dutchess and Putnam counties, confirmed PROPERTY MANAGER AVAILABLE — Caretaker with 20+ years of experience 155 children and two adults at Our Lady of available to manage operations of Loretto. property; maintenance, repairs, Cold Spring United Methodist held a painting; gardening, landscaping; supper to honor Helen Jimenez, who had convenience services (errands); pet been its organist for 50 years. care. Loyal, trustworthy; flexible to a Commander Anthony Benecasa of The Gergely Pediatrics office on Route 403 opened in 1995. variety of needs; insured. Resume and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2362 references available. Contact Greg at expressed support for President Nixon’s up by their buses 15 to 20 minutes earlier had received a $25 parking ticket on Fair 914-618-2779 or [email protected]. policy of sending troops from Vietnam into because the district had launched a break- Street while visiting Cold Spring to shop. neighboring Cambodia, saying “anything fast program mandated by the federal He vowed never to return. HELP WANTED we do in Cambodia that results in saving government. The Friends of the Desmond-Fish American lives should have the full backing The Village Board banned vending along Library purchased a Micron computer and CHEF/COOK — The Towne Crier Cafe of the American people.” the 200-foot stretch of West Street on the color printer for the children’s room. The in Beacon is seeking an experienced The Fathers of Mercy donated four acres of waterfront except for special events. Many computer came with several programs on chef/cook with administrative skills. land to the Cold Spring Lions for a planned people in the audience came to support a CDs, including an encyclopedia. Must have immediate availability. Philipstown Memorial Park and Pool. couple who had been selling hot dogs from Bruce Raymond of Fair Street was cred- Salary negotiable based on experience. a truck parked next to the bandstand. ited with saving a woman from drowning. He Part-time position. Call 914-588-9654. 25 Years Ago (May 1995) The Garrison school budget passed, was driving a truck for C.K. Industries on the Gergely Pediatrics moved to a renovated 270-234, and Cathy Lilburne and John Sprain Brook Parkway when the car ahead TAG SALE? Car for sale? 1938 stone-and-clapboard house on Route 403 Cronin were elected as trustees. Voters of him flipped over the guardrail and into a Space for rent? Help wanted? near Route 9. Dr. Peter Gergely had been in also approved a resolution to decrease the reservoir, landing upside down. He stopped, Place your ad here for $4.95. practice in Cold Spring since 1990 and before trustee term from five years to three. dove into the water, opened the passenger See highlandscurrent.org/ that was the head of pediatrics at West Point. Andrew Bertone, the mayor of Ruth- door, unlocked the seat belt and pulled the classifieds. Haldane said students would be picked erford, New Jersey, complained that he unconscious driver from the vehicle.

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truck, to build a structure with retail at (from Page 1) Beacon Market the street level (the Kitchen & Coffee cafe vote extends the agreement through late would remain), office or commercial space November, except for Spirit of Beacon Day on the second and third floors, and two and the Beacon Car Show. The market apartments on a recessed fourth floor. changed its hours to 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (they The design of the building includes a had been 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) in an attempt to 48-foot-high corner tower, a nod to the avoid conflicts with Ciganer. historic Beacon Hotel, which features a For his part, Ciganer agreed to give the similar tower next door at 424 Main. market notice a week or more in advance, A single-family home and an artist’s live/ if possible, when bands are scheduled to work space would be constructed behind The Putnam County jail File photo perform at the venue on Sundays. “I’m the building, according to its plans. willing to give it a chance to see if it Project officials told the Planning Board filed on Tuesday (May 12) by Larry Glasser, Inmates (from Page 1) works,” he said this week. on Tuesday (May 12) that they can only an assistant district attorney, opposes the But several council members said that provide four of the required 26 parking to believe the county can prevent inmates inmate’s release, saying that his COPD is it appears the market has made most of spaces and will seek a waiver. from being infected. “well-controlled by medication.” Although the concessions. While that decision will be made by The county, in its response, said Legal he is being held on the misdemeanor charge, “I would hate to get into a situation where the Planning Board, the City Council on Aid was asking for the release of “alleged the man faces three counts of contempt the Farmers’ Market is consistently told ‘We May 4 adopted amendments to Beacon’s and admitted rapists, repeat felony offend- from three other cases, Glasser said. need the loading space, we need the load- zoning code that require all Main Street ers, one who has previously been convicted Another plaintiff, a 44-year-old pris- ing space, we need the loading space,’ ” said four-story proposals in or around the of homicide, and individuals accused and oner who signed an agreement binding Council Member Amber Grant during the city’s historic district to seek a special- convicted of violating probation, bail- him to plead guilty to felony rape and meeting, which was held by videoconference. use permit from the council. jumping and violating court-issued orders incest charges, has high blood pressure. Council Member Air Rhodes suggested In addition, any four-story proposal of protection,” while the jail was doing The county said his condition, too, is being that the Towne Crier could instead use the on Main must include one or more public enough to keep them safe from COVID-19. treated with medication. city-owned parking lot behind the venue benefits, such as increased parking, There have been no confirmed cases of The county also opposed the release of for some load-ins. affordable housing units, green building inmates testing positive at either the Putnam a 36-year-old inmate awaiting sentencing While the agreement includes a provi- features or public spaces, before it can or Dutchess County jails, according to county after pleading guilty to selling drugs and sion that market officials may submit a receive the permit to build a fourth floor. authorities. One corrections officer at the jumping bail. The prisoner was given an request to renew the contract with the city The 416/420 Main proposal will require Putnam jail tested positive and returned to inhaler for his asthma and “has had no by Dec. 31 each year, Council Member Dan a second special-use permit from the coun- work after completing a14-day quarantine, complaints since,” according to the county. Aymar-Blair said it should be given the cil for its corner tower design. and four staff members at the Dutchess’ jail The county has consented to the release security of a long-term deal. The appearance during the Planning are on leave after testing positive. of one inmate, a 23-year-old man with “Doing the annual contracts creates a Board’s meeting, held by videoconference, Legal Aid is asking that three inmates Type 1 diabetes who has been serving lot of uncertainty for the Farmers’ Market, was the first for the project, although feed- awaiting sentencing, one awaiting transfer consecutive sentences of 179 days each for and they provide a vital service for our back had preceded it. to a state prison (which are not accepting probation violations related to a misde- city,” he said. “They’re a cornerstone. We “I have never seen as many comment county prisoners during the pandemic) and meanor. His sentence ends June 12. wouldn’t do this to the volunteer ambu- letters on a project when it’s not even the another who has pleaded guilty to felony Glasser, in the county’s filing, said lance corps every year.” public-comment period yet,” said Board incest and rape be temporarily released that Putnam has taken “unprecedented Member Jill Reynolds, who noted that to stay with family until the court system measures” to protect inmates and staff. Four stories about 80 percent of the feedback so far resumes normal operations. All legal Employees must wash their hands and The Beacon Planning Board began its has been in opposition to the project. proceedings but those deemed “essential” have their temperature taken when enter- review this week of the latest proposal to The members of the Planning Board are on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions. ing the jail and inmates are given surgical construct a four-story building on Main offered mixed opinions. While there was Two of the other inmates have release dates masks and have their temperatures taken Street, although it’s the City Council that praise for a Main Street proposal that set in June and July, and another is being daily, he said. In addition, according to will decide whether the project moves includes significant office and commer- held on bail for a misdemeanor charge. the filing, new detainees are screened and forward as it’s currently envisioned. cial space, some board members took issue Oral arguments are scheduled for separated from the general population The developer proposes to merge the lots with elements of the design and nearly all Monday (May 18) before Victor Grossman, for 14 days after arriving, and cells, staff at 416 and 420 Main St., including a vacant expressed reservations about the request to a Supreme Court judge based in Carmel. workstations and common areas undergo parcel that was formerly occupied by a food waive 85 percent of the required parking. “There is no doubt that the Putnam disinfecting and cleaning. County Sheriff’s Department is doing Other measures include the designa- its best, but the only way to alleviate the tion of a quarantine area, the suspension unconstitutional danger faced by the peti- of programming and a ban on congregate tioners is to release them,” the Legal Aid eating in the kitchen or dining area, the Society wrote. filing said. Inmates are allowed to eat in Real Estate Legal Aid alleges that the inmates’ deten- their cells. Those policies and procedures tion constitutes “cruel and unusual punish- have proven to be “highly effective,” it said. ments” banned by the state constitution Jails and prisons have drawn the atten- and Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Consti- tion of elected officials and advocates during Market Report (April) tution and violates the inmates’ due process the pandemic because they are considered rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. particularly vulnerable to outbreaks due to Beacon Philipstown About 90 percent of the 22,000 New York the close proximity in which inmates live. residents who had died from COVID-19 as At Fishkill Correctional Facility in 2019 2020 2019 2020 of Wednesday (May 13) had one or more Beacon, 89 inmates had tested positive for underlying conditions, with hypertension COVID-19 as of Monday, and five had died, New Listings 14 6 26 11 and diabetes the top two medical problems the most of any state prison in both catego- Closed Sales 5 5 2 6 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ries. Statewide, 443 prisoners have tested (COPD) the seventh-most-prevalent, accord- positive for COVID-19, and 16 have died. Days on Market 148 94 117 214 ing to the state Department of Health. The New York City Legal Aid Society filed a One of Legal Aid’s plaintiffs, a 54-year- similar petition in April, with mixed results. Median Price $290,000 $330,050 $413,000 $383,750 old man who is being held on $7,500 bail A state judge ordered the release of 18 Rikers % List Received 91.6 96.3 95.5 89.7 or $15,000 bond on a misdemeanor crimi- Island inmates with heart disease, respira- nal contempt charge, uses an inhaler for tory problems, diabetes and other conditions Inventory 30 22 84 54 COPD, which has contributed to nearly but declined to release 14 others because he 2,000 of the state’s COVID-19 deaths. found nothing “to suggest that they are in Source: Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors (hgar.com). Excludes condos. Philipstown includes Cold Spring, Garrison and Nelsonville. The county, in a response to the petition more danger than the average inmate.” highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current May 15, 2020 21

Antiques Shop (from Page 1) Eventually, they made their way west, to 40 Main St., which had been an auction house. There were three or four renters working in booths in a “cavernous space” with no walls, Arceri said. “We rented the whole building and kept a large portion for ourselves, including the art gallery, which we designed,” he said. “We filled the space with 10 vendors. We brought it back to life.” Gregarious by nature, Arceri said he has formed many lasting relationships with passersby who stopped to browse. “We’ve made it a social place, open to any kind of conversation and different opinions,” he said. “We think that’s cool and healthy. It’s enhanced our scope, our horizons. I was talking to somebody who loves dictators! It never ends, the variety of characters. We’ve had so many people visit, from around the world — we’ve received so many postcards. People pour off the trains and want to talk. It’s amazing how learning to say ‘Thank you’ in someone’s language can change things, on a little or big scale.” Not one to shy away from politics, Arceri said he has always been open about his leanings, which he admits doesn’t always go over well. “We’ve always shared our political opin- Gary Arceri packs artwork at Downtown Antiques on Thursday (May 14) Photos by Michael Turton ions,” he said. “We had a little theater set up with stickers, buttons, not very friendly to nam veteran who brought up a copy of Life couple said they will focus on their artwork, the present administration. People would to the counter — he was on the cover. Once musical pursuits and, when they can, walk out, argue with us. But this country is you have things that are a link, a thread to spending time with their son and grand- an experiment and we are obligated to stand the past, you will have people come in who child, who live in Chicago. They plan to up and criticize. I might be crazy and fool- are connected to them.” supplement their income with eBay sales ish, but we stand up for social justice, against The popularity of eBay hurt the retail (their seller name is downtown1). racial inequity, and use the podium as artists business. “There are two schools of thought “We weren’t planning to leave,” Arceri to take that risk, because we are patriotic.” on it,” Arceri said. “You’re educating every- said. “We wanted to try to ride out the There have been plenty of celebrity sight- one [about values] and now we can’t get pandemic. But there was a rent increase. I ings. “Scarlett Johansson was here with her any deals at garage sales. But every winter, didn’t think there was any way to sign a lease brother. Kevin Kline. Cab Calloway’s son. we went on eBay to sell — we’ve sold more now because we have no future for three, The guy who posed for [Mad Magazine than 10,000 items. We needed eBay to pay maybe even six months. Ellen has been mascot] Alfred E. Neuman! I’m talking to our mortgage. I just mailed 100 pounds of saying to me for several years we should get him and he says, ‘My uncle created Alfred comic books to California.” out. She does most of the paperwork. We’ve E. Neuman.’ I’m looking at the guy — I don’t Over 34 years, the couple have seen Main been afraid to move out — we’re pack rats.” want to say anything, but he had a round Street shops come and go, which Arceri face, that hairline, those ears, and then he attributes in many cases to “people who Ellen Hayden and Gary Arceri Downtown is open by appointment (call showed me his dropped tooth and told me hadn’t done their homework. They only saw 845-265-4866) for the next two weeks, but his uncle used him as a prototype. a bustling tourist town. Many were doomed have money in the family, some are duking there is no browsing. Arceri said he expects “We met the guy who designed a ventrilo- by rents that are not friendly to what they it out without making a profit, but we a lot of “I know you have this thing — I’ve quist’s dummy that we coincidentally had want to do. How do you get through the couldn’t sustain a vanity shop.” been looking at it for year trying to decide in the store,” Arceri said. “We had a Viet- winter? What about utilities? Some people After the shops and gallery close, the if I should buy it.”

dents were found to have COVID-19. In and face a fine of $2,000 per violation per patients as long as doctors determined they (from Page 6) Nursing Homes addition, six of 157 residents at the Pines day. Any staff members who refuse to be were “medically stable.” ties confirmed or presumed to be related at Poughkeepsie tested positive. In many tested will not be allowed to work. State Sen. Sue Serino, who is a member to the virus. That includes 14 confirmed cases, the residents did not have symp- But Molinaro said that using a standard on the Senate’s Aging Committee, and deaths at Wingate at Beacon and 11 at Fern- toms; each confirmed positive was isolated. diagnostic test for staff will be problem- whose district includes the Highlands, said cliff in Rhinecliff. There also have been 12 Armed with 3,600 test kits provided by the atic because people infected with COVID- on Wednesday that the state should create a deaths confirmed or presumed to be coro- state, County Executive Marc Molinaro said 19 can still transmit the virus even when staffing pool for nursing homes — many of navirus-related at Grand Rehabilitation the health department hoped to test resi- they have no symptoms. Dutchess health whom already share staff — and send test and Nursing in Pawling. dents at the remaining 11 facilities over the officials typically must wait two days to kits directly to the facilities. She also called In response, the county this week began next few weeks. receive results, he said. on the state to deploy the National Guard to testing every resident at its 13 licensed “There are real challenges, there is a lot The county needs rapid testing, with help with administering tests and cleaning homes for COVID-19. At the same time, of confusion and everyone’s trying their results within an hour, he said, and has nursing homes. the state is requiring that nursing-home best,” he said. “called on the state to make that available.” “Once again, the state has failed to employees be tested twice a week for the According to a directive issued by Gov. Cuomo also announced this week that adequately address the real need during virus while reversing a much-criticized Andrew Cuomo on Sunday (May 10), nurs- he was rescinding a March 25 direc- this time,” Serino said in a statement. directive that the facilities accept COVID- ing homes must report any positive tests tive that prohibited nursing homes from “Increased testing will undoubtedly place 19 patients from hospitals. among their staff by the next day. Facilities discriminating against COVID-19 patients even more strain on the staff on the ground Dutchess began its testing at Wingate that violate the directive could have their who had been discharged from hospitals, in these facilities, and the state does not and said on Tuesday that 13 of the 104 resi- operating licenses suspended or revoked and requiring that facilities accept those have a backup plan to assist.” 22 May 15, 2020 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

OBITUARIES

of John and Margaret (Moshier) Levine. in Cold Spring, and later co-owned and Geo Astudillo (1994-2020) He was a 1956 graduate of Haldane High managed Downtown, also a Main Street Theodore Novak (1941-2020) Jose Geovanny Ramon School, where he excelled in football and tavern. John’s final professional position Brother Theodore W. Astudillo, 25, a longtime track. In the late 1960s, John was one of the was with Healey Brothers, in Beacon, where Novak, SA, 78, a Francis- resident of Beacon, died founders of the Haldane Alumni Football he worked for the service department. can Friar of the Atone- May 10. Association, which honors a senior athlete Football was his passion, and the Giants ment who served as Known to his friends annually with the George Ellis Memorial were his team, through the tough years chaplain for the Garrison and family as “Geo,” he Scholarship. as well as the triumphant ones. Begin- Volunteer Fire Co., died was born Dec. 19, 1994, in Girón, Ecuador, In the 1950s, John helped manage his ning in the 1980s, he traveled to Canton, on April 22. He was a resident of St. Paul the son of Jose Ramon and Gloria Astudi- parents’ store, Marge’s Delicatessen, in Ohio, nearly every year for the Hall of Fame Friary at Graymoor. llo of Beacon. Geo attended Beacon schools Cold Spring. He later worked at Texaco induction ceremonies. The group that Brother Novak was born June 28, 1941, in and graduated from Beacon High School in Research Center in Beacon, where he met went to Canton varied from year-to-year; Middletown, Connecticut, the son of Albin and 2013, where he played varsity soccer for four Catherine (Kay) Keays. They were married John was the constant, as he organized Sophie (Szpakowski) Novak. He entered the years. He studied at Dutchess Community in Beacon on Oct. 30, 1960. Shortly there- the excursion. On at least one occasion, he fraternity after graduating from Woodrow College and Stony Brook University, where he after, John and Kay opened the Riverview creatively maneuvered his way “behind the Wilson High School in Middletown in 1959 earned a bachelor’s degree. During college, he Restaurant on Fair Street in Cold Spring. scenes” by impersonating a reporter. and received the habit in 1960. He made his worked as a lifeguard and for J&S Painting. During the 1960s, John worked for Clin- John was also an amateur photogra- first vows in 1962 and professed final vows in Geo enjoyed photography and filmmak- ton Funeral Home and later began his own pher and an avid chef, and traveled to New 1967. He earned a bachelor’s degree in human ing, and created videos that he published limousine service, Custom Livery. In 1968, Orleans to attend the New Orleans School development and elder care from Empire State on YouTube. His favorite phrase was “posi- John had the honor of serving as Barbra of Cooking. John and Kay, during their 59 College in Purchase in 1992. tive vibes.” Streisand’s chauffeur during the filming of years together, traveled extensively around Brother Novak served the Friars in vari- Besides his parents, he is survived by his Hello Dolly in Philipstown. the country, visiting nearly every state in ous administrative roles in High Point, North sisters, Elvia Ramon, Maribel Ramon, Kelly In the 1970s, John began his career as a the U.S. In their early years, they took their Carolina; at St. Christopher’s Inn in Garrison Ramon and Stephanie Ramon; and his neph- car salesman, working first for McCormack grandchildren Rebecca, Emily and Colin on (1970-74); in Richmond, British Columbia; the ews, Austin Guarquila and Jake Morocho. Lincoln-Mercury (later Jennings Lincoln- some of these adventures. development office at Graymoor; and work- Funeral services will be private. A Mass Mercury) in Poughkeepsie and then Terry Besides his wife, John is survived by his ing with elder friars. He worked at the Insti- will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church Buick, also in Poughkeepsie, where he children, Lori Moss (Hugh) of Cold Spring, tute of Human Applied Dynamics–St. Jude’s at a later date. Memorial donations may be became sales manager. Patricia Levine of Beacon and John Levine in Bedford Hills for many years as a mental made to the Beacon Boys’ Soccer Team. Make Also during the 1970s, John worked for of Fishkill; his stepdaughter, Pamela health assistant for mentally-disabled adults. checks payable to the Beacon City School Pat and Nick Deluccia at Dockside Restau- Faulds (Tim) of Fishkill; his grandchil- He also was chaplain for the Mohegan Lake District and write “Boys’ Soccer” in the rant, at the majestic Cold Spring riverfront. dren, Rebecca Sela (Dave), Emily Ivansheck Volunteer Fire Department. memo. They can be mailed to Beacon High Local patrons spent many a night belting (Zach), Colin Faulds, Victoria Moss, John He took joy in showing people his latest School, Athletic Department, 101 Matteawan out Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” with particular Moss, James Moss and William Moss; and folk art creations in his studio at Graymoor Road, Beacon, NY 12508. Donations also may emphasis on the line, “Now, John at the bar his great-grandchildren, Owen Ivansheck and was involved in the Valley Artists Asso- be made to any photography or film charity. is a friend of mine; he gets me my drinks and Harper Ivansheck. He also is survived ciation, the Garrison Art Center and the for free.” by his sister, Carole Rapalje of Beacon. Greenwich Art Center in Connecticut. He is survived by a brother, Peter Novak John Levine (1938-2020) After winning the first of three battles Memorial donations may be made to the with cancer, in 1981 John opened a coffee- Haldane Football Association, c/o Krissy of Wilmington, North Carolina; a niece, Lori John Robert Levine, 82, and-newspaper stand at the Cold Spring Irwin, 740 Route 301, Cold Spring, NY Ann Miller; and his grandnieces, Erika Bowen, died May 11 at Wingate at Metro-North station, then known as 10516; or the Haldane Alumni Football Cheryl Winakor and Rachael Winakor. Beacon. Conrail. Association, c/o Michael Rapalje, 7 Cherry He was born April 24, In the 1990s, John was well-known as St., Cold Spring, NY 10516. For more obituaries, 1938, in Beacon, the son the bartender at Killeen’s on Main Street see highlandscurrent.org/obits.

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If allowed to play all or part of its season this year, the Hudson Valley Renegades said it The team posted this message on social media on March 25, encouraging people to would close seats and rows at Dutchess Stadium to ensure social distancing. stay home. Renegades Prepare for Uncertain Summer First pitch for Dutchess throughout the ballpark and clubhouse. Valley as soon as feasible. Live town hall on Wednesday (May 13), In addition, the Kid’s Zone/Playland “Fans in the Hudson Valley look at the Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro team scheduled for June 18 would not operate; players would not give Renegades as something that’s ‘normal’ — said he didn’t expect the season to begin in autographs or throw baseballs into the whatever that ‘new normal’ is,” he said. “That’s June. “In the context of phases, July seems By Skip Pearlman stands; first pitches would be thrown to a why we put this plan together. We look at the more likely, with limited capacity possi- lthough it appears unlikely the family member rather than a player; and Renegades as being part of the fabric of the ble,” he said. “But they also play teams from Hudson Valley Renegades will begin “commonly spit” items such as seeds, gum Hudson Valley, and we want to have a safe way Brooklyn and other areas, and we may not A their 2020 baseball season next and peanuts would be restricted. to open once we get the OK to do so.” want that kind of travel.” month as scheduled, the minor league team To encourage fans, the Renegades The Mid-Hudson region, which includes Along with the Brooklyn Cyclones, has prepared a detailed plan on how baseball launched a #GadesGivingBack campaign, Dutchess and Putnam counties, has met an affiliate of the Mets, the Renegades might safely be played at Dutchess Stadium. selling gift cards for $25, $50 or $100 at bit. five of the state’s seven criteria to begin compete against teams from West Virginia, The Renegades, an affiliate of the Tampa ly/renegade-gift-cards that can be used for Phase 1 of a reopening plan, which would Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Vermont. Bay Rays, would begin their season on the road tickets, food or merchandise. The team is allow for construction and manufacturing Gliner said the Renegades understand on June 18 and end it over Labor Day week- adding 20 percent in value to each card (e.g., to reopen with safeguards in place. Arts, that several pieces need to fall into place for end with a three-game home stand. The team, $25 becomes $30) and donating another 20 entertainment and recreation businesses baseball to be played at Dutchess Stadium which has played in Wappinger Falls for 26 percent of each card’s value to the Dutchess and schools cannot reopen until Phase 4, in 2020. But he said having a mitigation seasons, is part of the Class A, short-season Responds fund to help those in need. following restaurants and food services, plan in place if that happens was an impor- league, the fifth of six levels in the minors. Steve Gliner, the team’s president and and would require social-distancing proto- tant part of the process. The Renegades’ COVID-19 plan presumes general manager, said he feels it is impor- cols and other measures to be in place. “I’m a planner,” he said. “If we are not told that Dutchess County will be in Phase 4 of tant for baseball to return to the Hudson Asked about the Renegades at a Facebook ‘no,’ we want to be ready to play. A lot has to do a state’s reopening plan by next month (the with the MLB plan, because elements of that county has not yet entered Phase 1), and plan will be put into the minor-league system. that Major League Baseball will manage “We’ve received a lot of good responses to to salvage some its season, which had our plan, from season-ticket holders on,” he been scheduled to open March 26. (MLB added. “Our group is looking to be in front of and its Players Association are negotiat- the curve, and we’ve been working since Day ing an abbreviated, 82-game season with a One on how to open our buildings safely. We regional schedule that would begin in July, want people to understand that this situation played before limited or no fans.) is something we take very seriously. If they see The Renegades’ readiness plan outlines that we at Dutchess Stadium are being safe; possible changes such as cashless payments that’s how we want people to feel — that it’s for food, tickets and merchandise; fewer safe, clean and with proper protocols in place.” tickets sold to allow for rows and seats to It’s highly unlikely the Renegades would remain empty; employees who interact with play games without fans. Unlike the major fans wearing masks and gloves; tempera- leagues, which has broadcast contracts ture checks for every employee when they and other sources of revenue, the minors enter the ballpark; one-way walkways; doors rely heavily on ticket and concession sales. propped open on restrooms to encourage “We’re not looking at that [option] at this “touchless entry” and every other sink and time,” Gliner said. “A major component is If the Renegades are allowed to play, the club says there will be no autographs or other urinal disabled; and increased sanitation to have fans in the building.” contact with fans. HV Renegades (3)