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January 1, 2021 Celebrating 10 Years! Support us at highlandscurrent.org/join COVID ‘Long-Haulers’ Some survivors report 19 are symptom-free within a few weeks, Weaver is a so-called “long-hauler,” a chronic health problems subset of coronavirus survivors who expe- rience sometimes-severe fatigue, muscle By Leonard Sparks aches, shortness of breath, difficulty inda Weaver’s bout with COVID-19 concentrating, forgetfulness and dozens has been longer than most. of other symptoms months after the initial For months after fighting body acute-illness period of roughly two weeks. L A telephone survey by the Centers for aches, fever, neck pain and fatigue as the virus ravaged her body during its initial Disease Control and Prevention of COVID- infection back in late-March, the Cold 19 patients released in July showed that 35 Spring resident fended off recurring health percent reported they had not returned to problems: forgetfulness, mental “foggi- their pre-virus health two to three weeks ness” and fatigue so profound she told her after being tested, including 26 percent business partner she might be unable to of respondents 18-to-34 years old and 47 work some days. percent of those 50 and older. “I’ll be sitting at my desk at my home and A survey of “long-haulers” conducted I just can’t stay awake,” said Weaver, 68, a by an Indiana University School of Medi- cine researcher and the grassroots support talent agent for voice-over artists. “I am so George Hustis Jr. (right), in a family photo with his late father Photo provided tired, I can’t do one more thing.” group Survivor Corps, also released in July, While most people who contract COVID- (Continued on Page 6) Milkman Makes Last Delivery Hustis Dairy, founded in property became a gravel quarry, which was later rehabilitated to become Glass- 1897, closes doors bury Court townhomes. By Michael Turton In recent years, Graelick Farms, which processes milk from about 1,000 dairy fter nearly 125 years, the last quart farms in the Northeast, supplied George of Hustis Dairy milk was delivered Jr., who was Philipstown’s milkman for 38 A on Thursday (Dec. 31). years. In the 1980s his route had more than George Hustis Jr., 54, was the delivery- 300 customers. Deliveries also included man; his great-grandfather, also named eggs, butter and orange juice. George, founded the Philipstown dairy in “I’d leave at 4:30 in the morning and 1897. The farm, which was nearly 500 acres get home about 1 in the afternoon,” Hustis and, at its peak, relied on 500 to 600 cows, recalled on Tuesday (Dec. 29). “It used to take straddled Route 9 north of Route 301 near me an hour-and-a-half just to do East Moun- Hustis Road. The dairy specialized in door- tain Road” although, he noted, he never trav- to-door and wholesale sales. eled more than 10 miles from home. When Some people who contract COVID-19 face a long road to recovery. “We had all the restaurants in town,” he made his last delivery on Thursday, fewer Hustis said. “We sold to Grand Union [now than 50 customers remained. Foodtown] for 40 years, including when it George Jr. still owns the distinctive red ent look, as Democrats in November won was located on Main Street.” barn on Route 9 at Hustis Road, the last How They Voted a “supermajority” in the Senate to match After the death of George Jr.’s grand- vestige of the once-thriving dairy. It was the one they’ve had for years in the Assem- father, Harry, in 1947, the family stopped built in 1940 to replace a much bigger barn Governor signs another bly. That means both houses have enough milk production at the farm and instead that burned the year before, he said. round of bills passed by votes to override a Cuomo veto, which may purchased milk for delivery from produc- While he has delivered milk for nearly four play a role with issues such as legalizing ers such as the Dairylea Cooperative. The decades, George Jr. said he has never milked state legislators marijuana, raising taxes on the wealthy, farmland was sold in 1952 and part of the a cow. He doesn’t seem to regret that. eliminating cash bail and placing limits “Milking was a lot of work, every morn- By Chip Rowe on solitary confinement. ing, whether you wanted to or not,” he said. What follows are summaries of select ov. Andrew Cuomo has signed 1,138 “They used to milk them all by hand start- laws enacted in November and Decem- bills passed in 2019 and 2020 by ing at 4:30 or 5 a.m., and the cows didn’t ber and the votes cast by Republican Sue They used to milk them the state Assembly and Senate, care if it was snowing or raining.” G Serino (whose Senate district includes the which next week begin a new, two-year all by hand starting at His father, George Hustis Sr., died in Highlands), Democrat Sandy Galef (whose legislative session. Another 12 await his 2006 at age 73 but left stories of the dairy’s Assembly district includes Philipstown) signature — including four related to the 4:30 or 5 a.m., and the past to his son. Those involving Harry and Democrat Jonathan Jacobson (whose closure in April of the Indian Point nuclear Hustis remain a big part of family lore. Assembly district includes Beacon). cows didn’t care if it was power plant. He has vetoed 192. “They gave my grandfather a ring one The 2020-21 session will have a differ- (Continued on Page 7) snowing or raining. (Continued on Page 16) 2 January 1, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

FIVE QUESTIONS: HENRY FELDMAN

By Chip Rowe It turns out that they don’t have that many more moves thought out than an By Michael Turton enry Feldman, of Cold Spring, is amateur might but they see many more a computer programmer and the combinations of two and three moves. What will you Hcreator of ChessVis (chessvis.com). What happens for amateurs typically is your brain puts in filters: “Oh, I know that put in your 2020 When did you start playing chess? move won’t work.” But part of tactics train- After watching Bobby Fischer play Boris ing is allowing yourself to be open to possi- time capsule? Spassky in 1972, as a teenager. I could beat bilities that you didn’t conceive were there. everyone in my neighborhood in Will- ingboro, New Jersey. What The Queen’s What other programs have you written? Gambit on Netflix has done for chess feels I try to write things that are unique; I’m Photos from my like what Fischer vs. Spassky did then, and not the guy to create another word proces- with COVID, the number of games played sor. In the 1980s and ’90s, I wrote software first trip to Maine; online has been crazy. There are 70 million for the federal Centers for Disease Control it was incredible. games per month at lichess.org. and Prevention to track AIDS patients. Local health departments would buy the Why was the game appealing? software to report their numbers to the I was a short, asthmatic kid who didn’t CDC. It was sad, because one day I would have a lot of sports opportunities. And I was the “memory muscle” to stick the board in get an order from California — “We need a good at it. The board only has 64 squares, your head, so I wrote one. Recently I started copy for every county” — and later orders and it’s not like poker where people are working on a new section on openings using came from other states, such as Iowa. hiding cards. All the pieces are out there 125 million games that I ripped apart. You could see the spread. I also wrote a and they can only move certain places. What’s freaky is that the board position will program for moving data between differ- go unique after 11 or 12 pairs of moves. That ent products, which I sold to SAS Institute, What does ChessVis do? is, you’ll start to see things that don’t appear which is run by two billionaires. I still work It’s a training program. When you move anywhere in the 125 million games. for SAS but would like to retire as a theater a piece, you have to consider not only where person, which I knew would be challenging. ~ Dan Leaver, Beacon it goes but the void it leaves. The dynamic of Is that what top chess players do? I was cast as an extra on The Marvelous the board changes in multiple locations. I They envision the board three or four Mrs. Maisel and it was the hardest $1,000 couldn’t find a program that helped develop moves ahead? I’ve ever earned.

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Tell us what you think PUBLISHER he Current welcomes letters to the editor on its coverage and local issues. Submissions are selected by the Highlands Current Inc. T editor to provide a variety of opinions and voices, and all are subject to editing for accuracy, clarity and length. 142 Main St. We ask that writers remain civil and avoid personal attacks. Letters may be emailed to [email protected] Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819 or mailed to Editor, The Highlands Current, 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516. The writer’s full name, village or 291 Main St., Beacon NY 12508 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) LETTERS AND COMMENTS EDITOR Chip Rowe Fading forest an existential threat to the Mohawk people [email protected] In the winter of 2014, I was exploring because they use materials derived from the woods behind Haldane when I came black ash in their sacred ceremonies. As SENIOR EDITOR across an old beech tree some distance off an undergraduate, I had the privilege Leonard Sparks the trail. I was impressed by its size and of spending some time in Kahnawake, a knew it must be very old — at least 60 years Mohawk reserve outside Montreal. During BEACON EDITOR old, because there was an engraving in the a class in traditional medicine, the elder Jeff Simms bark, “JP 1954.” Of course, it is a wanton said, “The forest is suffering.” Malachy Labrie-Cleary, Cold Spring ARTS EDITOR and selfish act to mutilate the bark of a tree Alison Rooney but, at the same time, it’s kind of cool to [email protected] carve your name. The second part of Brian Cronin’s impor- I set to work with my Swiss Army knife tant series, which focused on the glorious REPORTERS on “MC 2014,” thinking that one day, years and threatened Eastern Hemlock, surely Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong later, I would return to this spot with my touched the nerve of any Highlands resi- Brian PJ Cronin • Joe Dizney children or grandchildren and point to the dent who values this grand, dying species. Pamela Doan • Deb Lucke tree and tell them the story of JP and myself, Anyone whose heart leaps high upon Skip Pearlman • Michael Turton 60 years later, and they would wonder at approaching our tall hemlock forests will this. I secretly hoped that perhaps another find it soar higher still upon catching sight LAYOUT DESIGNER anonymous woods explorer would happen of Tsuga Canadensis f. Pendula, the amaz- Pierce Strudler that thought until I got home and found upon the tree, decades later, and leave his a copy of The Current on my dining room ingly beautiful weeping sport of the tower- ing ones, discovered near Beacon between ADVERTISING DIRECTOR or her mark. In the years since I have often table, with Brian PJ Cronin’s article, “The Michele Gedney returned to this tree and thought about Fading Forest” (Dec. 11). I was disheart- 1857 and 1868 by Gen. Joseph Howland and For information on advertising: time and other things. ened to learn that there are a slew of planted at his home in Matteawan (now 845-809-5584 It has been two or three years since I diseases threatening beech trees across the Beacon) and, as of 1980, in good health at [email protected] last checked the tree, but while walking Hudson Valley and beyond. I knew about 13 feet high and 36 feet wide. highlandscurrent.org/ads my dogs, something moved me to visit. the hemlock and ash blights, but the beech This mutant was named by Henry Beeches are usually easy to spot in the diseases were news to me. It dawned on me Winthrop Sargent, a botanist living at the winter because they hold onto their leaves that it may not be old age killing my beech. time in Beacon, and is commonly known and their bark is gray like elephant skin. Last year I had an argument with a as the Sargent’s Weeping Hemlock. Lasting Unfortunately, this is no longer the case friend about invasive species. She said near to infinity, these trees are treasured THE HIGHLANDS CURRENT with the beech. The bark was black and that, invasive or not, it’s all life and should throughout the East Coast as objects of rare (USPS #22270) / ISSN 2475-3785 withered. You could still see my engrav- be respected and accepted. In my opinion, beauty. Together with their tall parent, we January 1, 2020 ing, but JP’s was barely visible through the anything that reduces biodiversity is bad must do all possible in the Highlands to Volume 10, Issue 1 mold. I looked up toward the canopy and for all life. Perhaps we should adjust our preserve them. I hope Brian’s story will help. is published weekly by Highlands found that some of its limbs were barren Bevis Longstreth, Garrison Current Inc., 142 Main St., Cold Spring, rhetoric around the problem, taking care NY 10516-2819. Periodicals Postage Paid and the bark was peeling away. to use non-native instead of invasive, but at Cold Spring, NY, and at additional The beech tree I love is dying. “It is an old when it comes to preserving our tree diver- I just spent a considerable amount of offices. POSTMASTER: Send address tree, after all,” I thought. “All things come sity, I am a dyed-in-the-wool nativist. money taking down seven ash trees on my changes to The Highlands Current, to an end.” I had contented myself with 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819. Cronin mentioned how the ash blight is (Continued on Page 5) Mail delivery $30 per year. highlandscurrent.org/delivery [email protected] Distribution audited by the Circulation Verification Council © Highlands Current Inc. 2020 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, mechanical or electronic, without written permission of the publisher.

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LETTERS AND COMMENTS

(Continued from Page 4) bring this to market are the heroes of the hour. The silver lining only exists for people property, all victims of the emerald ash As I wait for the second dose [in January], I’ll privileged enough to experience it and, even borer. I would have rather spent the money continue to trust science, mask up and physi- amongst those people, I’m seeing divorces, planting new trees. cally distance. Light is on the horizon.” children falling behind in school and despair. Nick Smirnoff, via Instagram There are multigenerational families living 2020 Beacon chief in tight quarters with essential workers I am pleased with both the result of the who have to live in fear, every minute of the Who goes first? day, that the virus will land in their home. I sincerely hope that Rep. Sean Patrick search for a new police chief in Beacon Our food pantries can barely keep up. This Maloney, our young(ish) member of with the selection of Lt. Sands Frost and pandemic is absolutely crushing people and YEAR Congress, and a man of privilege, did not the community-directed portions of the has been for nearly a year now. IN REVIEW take the vaccine before it was available process that led to it (“Frost Named Beacon The damage of this pandemic will echo to his constituents (“Vaccines: Who Goes Police Chief,” Dec. 25). Beacon is a special for at least a generation and yet here we First?,” Dec. 18). If he hasn’t, I implore him community, and I have deep faith in good are reading about a lucky few. Please, read to show some leadership and let people at things ahead. 10 the room. higher risk, including the elderly and front- Bryanne Figlia, via Facebook Andrea Hudson, via Facebook line workers, go first. Most-Viewed Seeing younger and middle-aged The selection says volumes about the Privilege will affect outcomes. I am privi- members of Congress taking the vaccine Beacon Police Department’s personnel and Stories at leged. It is easier for me to stay safe, shel- before seniors, postal workers, grocery- culture. The explicitly expressed openness to ter at home and survive. My children have highlandscurrent.org store clerks, delivery folks and other essen- hearing everyone and reconciliation going a grandmother and dad who can help pay tial workers does not sit well. I understand forward is to be celebrated and cherished. rent when unemployment ran out because the national security reasons for quickly Don Raskopf, via Facebook they all lost jobs. We have food, shelter, 1. inoculating those in the presidential line clothing and heat and water and health. I Coronavirus Update: of succession. But rank-and-file members I went through grade school with Sands am blessed. I am lucky and blessed. Amen. Dutchess Has First Case of Congress, while their constituents have and he’s an all-around great guy. Emily Ellison, via Facebook to wait? Not a good look. Doreen Evangelista, via Facebook (M a r c h 13) Evan Hudson, Cold Spring Joe Etta Maloney tweeted on Dec. 21: “Per guidance Families in isolation 2. You reported on families growing closer Joe Etta was a good old friend of mine from the Attending Physician [of the U.S. Coronavirus Update: Congress], for continuity of government, I got during the pandemic shutdown (“Families and my father’s, who was also a World War Dutchess Has First Deaths my first dose of the [Pfizer] COVID vaccine. in Isolation Grow Closer,” Dec. 25), and yet, II veteran and who would have been 105 but The vaccine is safe, effective and backed by suicide and overdose rates have increased passed long ago (“Joe Etta Dies at Age 102,” (M a r c h 27) science. Under the bi-partisan relief bill, substantially. No need to report on what Dec. 25). Our sorrow to the Etta family. Another Springer gone. we’ve secured billions to help make this happens to “some.” Let’s try reporting real 3. vaccine free and accessible to all Americans. news. Anthony Merante, via Facebook Wide Views of Thin Blue Line The folks who’ve worked day and night to Christine Peterson, via Facebook (Ju n e 5)

NEWS BRIEFS 4. applicants for the administrator job. Route 9D Closed Near Breakneck Beacon Man Killed on Bridge Beacon Mayor Selects White, who has worked for Ulster County (M a r c h 9) Troopers hoping to find witnesses City Administrator for nine years, was a Beacon City Council member in 1996-97, representing the 3rd Beacon man was killed on the Ulster planner is former council Ward. If approved, he will succeed Anthony 5. A Newburgh-Beacon Bridge on Sunday member (Dec. 27) in what police say was a hit-and- Ruggiero, who this month plans to join the Chaos in Cold Spring Dutchess County health department. run crash. eacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou said on Tues- (O c t. 16) The New York State Police said it was Bday (Dec. 29) he would recommend the White, who also spent 10 years managing notified at about 11:27 p.m. that security City Council hire the deputy director of a district office for Rep. Maurice Hinchey, cameras had shown a pedestrian walking planning for Ulster County as the city’s holds a bachelor’s degree in politics from 6. on the southern span. The troopers who next administrator. New York University and a master’s degree After 34 Years, Antique Shop responded found Stephen Tomlins, 41, of The council will consider Chris White for in public administration from SUNY Albany. and Gallery to Close the job at its Monday (Jan. 4) meeting, along Beacon, had been struck and killed. (M a y 15) Anyone with information is asked to call with Kyriacou’s choice of Lt. Sands Frost as Visit highlandscurrent.org for news 845-677-7300 and refer to Case 9998089. police chief. The mayor said there were 30 updates and latest information. 7. Beacon Prison Virus NOTICE NOTICE Cases Highest in State (A p r i l 24) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Philipstown on Monday, Philipstown 8. January 11th, 2021 at 7:30 P.M. Via Zoom. If you would like to attend, Putnam Has First Deaths please email [email protected] to request login Planning Board (A p r i l 3) information before 7 pm on January 11th, 2021. will hold their regular Monthly Lakeisha Esau & Martin Friedman, 66 Highland Dr, Garrison, NY Meeting on January 21st, 2021 9. 7:30 p.m. virtually via Zoom. TM#90.8-2-41 Whistling Willie’s Closes Its Doors If you would like to attend, please email (Ja n. 24) The proposed scope of work consists of a 2nd floor on the existing 1st [email protected] floor exterior walls and the extension of decks to the side and rear on to request login information before 10. new posts and piers. 7 pm on January 21st, 2021. Cold Spring Man Dies of COVID Dated November 9th, 2020 | Robert Dee, Chairman of the Town of Philipstown Zoning Board of Appeals (A p r i l 10) 6 January 1, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Long Haulers (from Page 1) reported that 26 percent of post-COVID-19 WMCHealth’s Most Frequent COVID-19 by symptoms were described as “painful.” While doctors are unsure why problems Post-COVID-19 Post-COVID the Numbers continue months later, the plight of these COVID-19 victims is drawing attention. Last Recovery Symptoms PUTNAM COUNTY month, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the Number of confirmed cases: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Program Number of respondents in a survey of people with long-term symptoms Diseases, called the issue “a phenomenon (+461) that is really quite real and quite extensive” • It’s for people who have had a who said they suffered from: 4,750 confirmed or suspected COVID-19 New Cases in Philipstown: 32 during his opening remarks for a National Fatigue 1,567 infection and have lingering Institutes of Health workshop on the long- Tests administered: term health problems caused by the virus. health problems. Muscle or body aches 1,046 Locally, the Westchester Medical Center • It takes most insurance plans, Shortness of breath or (+5,995) 1,020 108,373 Health Network in October launched a Post- including Medicare and Medicaid. difficulty breathing COVID-19 Recovery Program at its main Percent positive: campus in Valhalla, joining a growing list of • Schedule an evaluation by Difficulty concentrating hospitals developing initiatives to treat and requesting an appointment at or focusing 924 4.4 (+0.2) monitor people with enduring symptoms. wmchealthnetwork.tfaforms. Inability to exercise or be active 916 Number of deaths: In the months following the start of the net/278 or by calling 833-329- pandemic in March, Westchester Medical 0095. After an evaluation, an Headache 902 exam and review of your COVID-19 67 (+1) Center treated about 600 people who had Difficulty sleeping 782 reported symptoms long after their initial history, a clinical patient navigator Anxiety infection, said Carol Karmen, an inter- will be assigned to guide you 746 DUTCHESS COUNTY through a treatment plan. nal medicine specialist with WMCHealth Memory problems 714 Number of confirmed cases: Physicians and one of the clinical leads for • Your primary care physician will Dizziness 656 the program. receive detailed communications. 11,869 (+1,097) Many of the people experiencing long- Source: “COVID-19 ‘Long Hauler’ Symptoms Survey Active Cases in Beacon: 77 lasting health problems were healthy before Report,” Indiana University School of Medicine and becoming infected and were not among that can be caused by a viral infection. Survivors Corps, July 2020 Tests administered: the “sickest” with COVID-19, said Karmen. Heart palpitations and chest pain Some of them, despite severe symptoms, are some of the other cardiac problems 361,787 (+16,043) have met with a lack of sympathy from reported by long-haulers, Karmen said, and they haven’t been able to get the proper employers when unable to work, she said. adding that patients seen by WMCHealth care,” she said. Percent positive: “People have told me they’ve lost their are also reporting hair loss. Officials at Nuvance Health, whose (+0.2) jobs, they’ve lost their health insurance,” People sick with COVID-19 often lose their system includes Putnam Hospital Center in 3.3 Karmen said. “Even family relationships ability to smell and taste but can expect those Carmel and Vassar Brothers Medical Center Number of deaths: are affected.” senses to improve as the infection wanes. But in Poughkeepsie, are talking about creating Randy, a Beacon resident who asked some long-haulers have gone months without a similar program, said Paul Nee, an infec- 233 (+15) that his surname be withheld to protect regaining those senses, Karmen said. tious disease doctor with Nuvance. his privacy, said he began feeling COVID- “Say they got sick in March or April. Now, “We’re not talking 10 or 20 patients; we Source: New York State Department of 19 symptoms, including body aches, chills, it’s December and they still have trouble have thousands of patients who experi- Health, as of Dec. 29, with weekly change in fatigue and a sore throat, in early March. with tasting and smelling,” she said. enced COVID,” he said. parentheses. New cases in Philipstown is for week ending Dec. 24. His health improved after about two WMCHealth’s program, has a range of Randy has enrolled in Mount Sinai weeks, but then, in April, “all of the symp- specialists — cardiologists, pulmonologists, Hospital’s Center for Post-COVID Care, toms came back but stronger.” Randy said he neurologists, nephrologists, etc. — to treat which he discovered at an online support go numb and he still has trouble sleeping. had “difficulty breathing, where I couldn’t people with post-COVID-19 symptoms. In group for long-haulers created by Body Poli- While “it’s been good to have the support take a deep breath. I developed severe insom- addition to the hundreds of long-haulers tic, a wellness website. Each day he enters of some doctors who are on the front lines of nia, I couldn’t sleep at all, I lost my appetite; WMC doctors were following before the his symptoms in an app provided by Mount trying to understand this virus,” the linger- I had really bad flu-like body aches.” program’s launch, another 100 or so people Sinai and once a week meets with a doctor ing health problems can be “extremely frus- “My limbs would go numb and I lost about have joined since October, Karmen said. by videoconference. trating,” Randy said. 20 pounds over the course of that month,” Many of them are grateful to have their His health improved over the summer, “There’s a lot of fear that I’ll never be said Randy, who in May was diagnosed with symptoms taken seriously, “because a lot of but “it’s like sore and painful” when he back to my health pre-COVID,” he said. pericarditis, an inflammation of heart tissue them had been dismissed by other doctors takes deep breaths, his limbs sometimes

NOTICE NOTICE

Philipstown Conservation Board Philipstown Zoning Board will hold their regular Monthly Meeting on January 11th, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. will hold their regular Monthly Meeting on January 12th, 2021 virtually via Zoom. virtually via Zoom. If you would like to attend, please visit the following link: If you would like to attend, please visit the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ Register in advance for this webinar: b6kKnSrbRouaPzh476xg0g https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Zcb- After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information pJDDSJyIvPB2KF22xQ about joining the webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information OR email [email protected] to request login information about joining the webinar. before 7 pm on January 12th, 2021. OR email [email protected] to request login information before 7 pm on January 11th, 2021. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current January 1, 2021 7

Senate passed 46-14 How They Voted (from Page 1) Serino  Evictions and foreclosures Assembly passed 118-24 On Dec. 28, Cuomo signed a measure that Galef  Jacobson  places a moratorium on COVID-related residential evictions until at least May 1 Other laws that went into effect last if a renter submits a hardship declaration. month Landlords who own 10 or fewer rentals ¢ Requires hospitals and nursing homes also can file declarations with lenders to to offer plant-based food options to patients prevent foreclosures. for every meal and snack. Senate passed 40-21 Senate passed 46-16 Serino  Serino  Assembly passed 96-50 Serino said she supports the goal of the bill Galef  Jacobson  but felt, because it required the Department of Health to take immediate steps to create regulations, it was ill-timed amid the Frivolous suits pandemic. On Nov. 10, Cuomo enacted legislation to deter “strategic lawsuits against public Assembly passed 141-0 participation,” or SLAPPS. According to the Galef  Jacobson  New York Civil Liberties Union, “a SLAPP Serino, Jacobson and Galef Authorizes state courts to compile isn’t meant to be won; it’s just meant to be ¢ data on misdemeanors and violations and so ruinously expensive and time-consum- non-citizens from being detained by federal — is exempt from local and/or school taxes. requires law enforcement to publicly report ing to defend that the victim agrees to self- immigration authorities while appearing Senate passed 43-19 arrest-related deaths. censor if the suit is dropped. SLAPPs are in state courts unless a judge has issued Serino  one of the many ways powerful figures use an arrest order. An immigration-related Senate passed 60-2 Assembly passed 140-1 the legal system to punish critics, silence arrest at a courthouse based on an admin- Serino  Galef  Jacobson  journalists and whistleblowers,” and stifle istrative warrant or without a warrant is no Assembly passed 100-44 free speech. longer allowed.   Facial recognition Galef Jacobson The law builds on an executive order State lawmakers passed an anti-SLAPP On Dec. 22, Cuomo signed legislation that Cuomo issued in 2018 that banned law in 2008 but it only applies to “a public suspending the use of facial recognition or ¢ Requires that notices and signs required the arrest of non-citizens seeking essential application or permit,” which most often other biometric technology at public and for pesticide applications be printed in services on state property. involves real-estate deals. The expanded private schools until July 1, 2022, to allow English and Spanish. law will allow a court to award a defendant Senate passed 42-18 time for the Office of Information Tech- Senate passed 55-5 fees and costs if he or she is sued over “an Serino  nology and the Education Department to Serino  issue of public interest.” Assembly passed 97-44 study the systems and recommend privacy Assembly passed 138-3 Senate passed 57-3 Galef  Jacobson  guidelines and restrictions. Galef  Jacobson  Serino  Assembly passed 116-26 Voter registration Galef  Jacobson  On Dec. 22, Cuomo enacted a law that will allow the Department of Motor Vehi- Right to publicity cles, agencies that administer public- Top Instagram Photos in 2020 On Nov. 30, Cuomo signed a bill into assistance programs, and county and city law that establishes a “right to public- departments of social services to automati- ity” that protects “personal characteris- cally share data with the Board of Elections tics that have commercial value,” such as to register eligible voters. a (usually famous) person or performer’s According to a schedule provided in the name, picture, voice and signature, for 40 law, the DMV will begin automatic regis- years after death. tration in 2023, followed by the Health The legislation also creates penalties for and Labor Departments and the Office of publishing fake, sexually explicit depic- Temporary and Disability Assistance in tions of dead famous people, or deepfakes, 2024. The State University of New York will and prohibits the creation of simulated follow in 2025. performances. It allows depictions of a Senate passed 40-20 dead famous person as a fictional charac- Serino  ter if there is a “conspicuous disclaimer” Assembly passed 86-55 and exempts literary or political works Galef  Jacobson  and journalism, including parody and satire — as well as, notably, use by political Tax exemptions campaigns. The law will apply to anyone On Dec. 2, Cuomo signed a law that will who dies on or after May 29, 2021. create a seven-member task force to study Senate passed 60-0 property tax exemptions to determine if Serino  any should be revised or eliminated. Sen. Assembly passed 140-1 Pete Harckham, a Democrat whose district Galef  Jacobson  includes eastern Putnam County, sponsored the bill. He pointed to a 2012 study that Immigrants in court concluded that $826 billion worth of prop- On Dec. 15, Cuomo signed a law banning erty in the state — or about a third of the total

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handled both duties, treasurer functions should ideally be separate from business Catching Up with the Garrison School Board administration. By Chip Rowe supported in all areas of school life. We want above a certain threshold health-insurance to produce self-reflective students who expe- premium add-ons charged to the district. ¢ The board appointed Scott Kaufman ¢ On Oct. 21, the Garrison School board rience academic success, who view the world He recommended the district not pursue as the part-time, interim director of tech- abolished a policy that only allowed it to with a critical lens and who are prepared to reimbursement, which he later said totaled nology through June 30 for $500 per day pay long-term substitute teachers a stan- be responsible and emphatic global citizens.” $85,812 between 2012 and 2020. Sarah to oversee remote-learning and provide dard rate of $125 per day until they worked She said the task force had identified four Tormey, president of the board, responded training for teachers, as well as upgrade for more than 40 days — a practice that priorities: “1. To implement racially inclusive that “after consulting with counsel, the board the district website. Superintendent Carl Albano said is not curricula and assessments, 2. To engage all accepts your recommendation.” competitive because of a high demand for teachers and staff in ongoing professional Albano said in a later interview that ¢ On Dec. 16, the board approved a $5,000 qualified subs. Instead, the board will be development, 3. To create a safe environ- while the loss was “a bit embarrassing for bonus for school nurse Melissa DeFonce, able to immediately offer long-term subs ment of dignity, respect, empowerment and the district, it’s an unusual provision” in the who was “required and accepted many the equivalent of a starting teacher’s salary. inclusivity, and 4. To evaluate the work of the policy, which the school obtains through a extra responsibilities related to the COVID- task force and ensure its success and sustain consortium with other districts in Putnam 19 pandemic” in the spring and fall. An ¢ Tetra Tech Architects & Engineers the work over time.” and Westchester counties. “It was a mistake agreement with the Garrison Teachers presented early plans for a capital upgrades Apicello said a letter would go out to the on the district’s end, and the board decided Association noted that the payment “shall approved by voters in September 2019 that community inviting residents to join the not to go back and start deducting past not set a precedent for any future payments will cost up to $9.9 million. According to task force. [By Dec. 22, the committee had owed money,” he said. “We didn’t think for ‘extra’ work” by its members. a schedule provided by the firm, bids will 17 members, including Apicello and Board that was fair to do. We have two [insur- be solicited in March and construction will Members David Gelber and Madeline Julian, ance] contracts up at the end of year, so ¢ Albano asked the board on Dec. 16 for begin in April and continue through August six parents, four teachers, the school psychol- we’ll take a closer look at health benefits.” approval to give a required 10-day notice 2022. About $900,000 in funding will come ogist, two administrators and a consultant.] Whether the district collects the add-on in to Orange County Transportation, which from district savings, $1 million from state The board discussed the purpose of the the future “should be negotiated,” he said. provides buses for the district, that it will aid and the remainder from a tax levy. task force. Gelber noted that Garrison is a not need its services in January. He noted largely white community so that race is “not the district spends about $65,000 per month ¢ On Nov. 4, the board discussed at length something that gets discussed a whole lot.” on transportation for students and that the work of its newly created anti-racism and He invited other board members to address It was a mistake on giving notice will allow the district to cancel equity task force. Board Member Jocelyn why they felt the task force was important. buses without cost should it need to go all- Apicello reported that the task force created Julian, the only Black member of the the district’s end, and virtual for part or all of January. a mission statement that says the district is board, responded: “We have a lot of things [This week, Albano said in-person instruc- “committed to recognizing, addressing and that are separating us right now in the the board decided not tion would resume on Jan. 4. In the mean- dismantling racism in all its forms. We are community [because of COVID], but the one time, “we will continue to closely monitor” dedicated to creating, fostering and sustain- thing that unites us all is that we all care to go back and start infection rates and hospital capacity, “as ing a safe and inclusive environment in about our students, we care about the district deducting past owed well as the anticipated post-holiday season which differences are valued, respected and and their education. If we hold on to that, spread,” he wrote in a community email.] this task force will empower all students to money. ~ Carl Albano leave our school with a well-rounded view ¢ Rotting drainage pipes beneath the gym NOTICE of the world. The focus of the task force is to in December caused a backup in middle fill in the gaps —the one thing they are miss- ¢ The board on Dec. 10 approved a four-year school bathrooms that will require about ing is to hear from other people with diverse contract with Joseph Jimick as the district $20,000 to repair. Philipstown backgrounds, from different cultures, to business administrator and tax collec- have conversations they’re not used to.” tor, effective Feb. 1. Jimick, who will earn ¢ On Dec. 16, Huetter noted that the Planning Board Gelber noted that he has a child who $150,000 annually, succeeds Susan Huetter, district is operating on a tight budget. is a student at Haldane High School who who will retire Jan. 1 after 13 years with Garri- “We’re spending a lot of money with every- Site Visit – January 17th, 2021 heard one classmate make a slur against son. Albano will serve as the interim adminis- thing, but mostly COVID-related entries,” The Philipstown Planning Board gay people and other reference “the trator in January. Huetter also retired as the she said. “It goes beyond cleaning supplies. will meet on Sunday, January 17th, goddamn Chinese and their Chinese flu.” internal claims auditor for Haldane. There are so many unplanned expenses.” 2021 at 9:30 am to inspect the He commented: “The idea is that this far In addition, the board hired Genevieve following sites: away from us — it’s not that far away.” Mulhare as district treasurer, a new posi- ¢ Although the board met four times in tion, at an annual salary of $85,000, while person with masks and social distancing Alice Curtis Desmond & Hamilton ¢ At the Nov. 18 board meeting, Albano said eliminating an office assistant job. Albano in place in the school gym, on Nov. 4 it Fish Library, 472 Route 403, he had discovered, during a review of school said the changes will add $40,000 to returned to virtual meetings. Its next meet- Garrison, NY policies, that the district had not been collect- $50,000 in payroll but that the district has ing is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday (Jan. 6) via Zoom. TM# 71.6-1-12&71.6-1-13 ing from employees whose spouses earn been advised by auditors that while Huetter NOTICE NOTICE Philipstown Planning Board Philipstown Planning Board will hold their regular Monthly Meeting on Thursday January 21st, 2021 at 7:30 pm virtually via Zoom. will hold a special Monthly Meeting on Thursday January 28th, 2021 at 7:30 pm virtually via Zoom.

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of students for $750 per day through April 19 while it searches for a successor to Chris Catching Up with the Haldane School Board Salumn, now at Carmel High School. It also By Chip Rowe from the Haldane School Foundation for Teen used for the purpose of recording employee appointed Anthony Morabito as junior Mental Health First Aid, a program developed time or attendance” or for teacher evalua- varsity girls’ basketball coach. ¢ On Oct. 6, the board appointed Doug by the National Council for Behavioral Health tions. The board and teachers’ union also Donaghy, a senior at the high school, at its that “teaches high school students how to extended their collective bargaining agree- ¢ The board voted to refinance the $5.1 student adviser for 2020-21. It also hired identify, understand and respond to signs and ment through June 30 with a 1 percent salary million in principal remaining on a $7.52 Amy Pastula as a grade 2-3 teacher at symptoms of mental health or substance-use increase for teachers, a 2 percent increase million bond issued in 2012 that matures $74,728 annually and Erin VonDollen as a issues in their friends and peers.” for teaching assistants and a 1/2-percent in 2021. The bond had been issued to grade K-1 teacher at $52,344 annually. increase in health insurance premiums. refinance $6.87 million in bonds issued ¢ The board accepted the resignation of in 2004. Anne Dinio, the Haldane busi- ¢ On Oct. 20, the board recognized Donaghy Patty O’Rourke, a special education teacher ¢ On Nov. 17, Leah Horn, the director ness manager, says the move will save the as a Commended National Merit Scholar and at the high school, and Diana Geller, a of technology, noted that the district had district $545,000 in interest through 2031. Sophia Kottman as a National Merit Semifi- special education teacher at the elementary spent about $153,000 on equipment related nalist. It also acknowledged Walter Hoess, school who plans to retire on June 30. Fourth to virtual learning, including $80,000 on ¢ At its Dec. 15 meeting, the board who plays the trumpet, for his selection to grade teacher Lisa Pray also announced her laptops, $8,400 on webcams, $11,645 on accepted a $500 donation for the district the New York State School Music Association retirement, effective Dec. 31. internet hot spots, $14,800 on touch-screen from Nancy, Larry, Joe and Brian Belluscio All-State Symphonic Band. TVs, $3,990 on iPads, $1,475 on document in memory of Steve Gregorio, a Haldane ¢ On Nov. 3, the board selected a bid from cameras, $14,628 on outdoor internet graduate who died on Nov. 22 at age 42. ¢ The board accepted grants from the Arrow Steel Window Corp. of Elmsford to access points and $18,000 on software. Haldane Arts Alliance for 35 folding stools replace the elementary-school windows for ¢ On Dec. 16, Superintendent Philip Bena- for outdoor band seating ($379); art supplies $551,800 and a bid from Peter Gisondi & Co. ¢ The board on Nov. 17 approved 64 books, nte announced that instruction for all grades for K-7 students ($289); two virtual visits by of White Plains for painting for $43,250. a minivan and a 40-passenger school bus to following the holiday will be remote through authors to the elementary and middle schools be scrapped because of their poor condition. Friday (Jan. 8), with plans to return to an ($547); 14 digital keyboards for students in ¢ On Nov. 3, the board approved an agree- in-person and hybrid schedule on Jan. 11. grades 7 and 8 ($841); and two overhead digi- ment with the Haldane Faculty Association ¢ The board appointed Eric Romanino, a tal cameras for art classes ($190). through June 30 that cameras placed in retired Beacon High School athletic direc- ¢ The next meeting of the board will be held classrooms for virtual learning “will not be tor, as interim athletic director and dean at the school at 7 p.m. on Tuesday (Jan. 5). ¢ The board accepted a $4,895 donation Montgomery: Putnam Government ‘Fundamentally Broken’ Casts lone ‘no’ votes on the people I represent are: how giving, how stop a cell tower, Nelsonville, too, was sued. humane and how forthright,” offering a valu- “I’m trying to avoid” those scenarios, license-plate policy, radio- able “contrast and perspective” to what she Montgomery said. tower deal said she encounters in county government. Montgomery likewise voiced suspicions 911 center By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong that the eight Republican legislators confer Montgomery opposed the appropriation without her. But when she asked if they have of $398,000 for equipment at the county’s hen the Putnam County Legis- meet in party-based caucuses to discuss 911-call dispatch center in Carmel in antic- lature met before Christmas to legislative matters, no one responded. ipation of consolidation of call-dispatch W wrap up 2020 business, most Nonetheless, she extended holiday best functions by the Sheriff’s Department and of the lawmakers used the session’s final wishes to them, adding that “I hope in 2021 Bureau of Emergency Services. She had also moments to share holiday greetings. we can work together with more trans- raised concerns in committee discussions Nancy Montgomery, who represents Phil- parency” and sharing of information and earlier in December. ipstown and is the Legislature’s only Demo- “help the people of our county participate “It’s insane to move forward with this,” crat, had a different message. in government.” she said. “Where’s the plan?” Moreover, she Nancy Montgomery File photo “The county’s government is fundamen- Earlier in the meeting, Montgomery said, “numbers don’t add up” on the costs tally broken,” she said at the Dec. 17 meet- cast the lone “no” votes on an agreement always been very difficult” to reach. He said and the county capital projects planning ing. “This year we have again overspent on with Pamal Broadcasting; an allocation for the Putnam apparatus would join Westches- committee had not reviewed the project. non-priorities. We’ve underperformed in emergency dispatching equipment; and the ter County equipment on the tower, further- At an Audit Committee meeting earlier our response to the pandemic” and “under- adoption of a license-plate-reader policy. ing cooperation, “which is critical.” that day, Bill Carlin, the county finance funded public safety for the purpose of Two days later, at the Legislature’s year- commissioner, said the equipment would political gain. And we’ve locked the public Radio tower end meeting, Montgomery said that placing cost $348,685 but that the administration out of our deliberations by hiding behind By an 8-1 vote, the Legislature authorized Putnam equipment on the WHUD tower included another $50,000 to hire experts this format,” an often-shaky audio connec- County Executive MaryEllen Odell to final- was “essential” but urged the county to to help with the work, if needed. tion utilized because of an executive order ize an agreement with Pamal Broadcast- separate the equipment placement from Legislator Ginny Nacerino of Patterson by the governor to limit in-person meetings. ing to allow Putnam to rent space on the the land deal. “It’s just sloppy government said the equipment would be part of “an Praising the county staff for continuing WHUD radio tower in Continental Village to put them together,” she said. effective and efficient plan for the safety “to deliver essential services to the public in Philipstown for emergency response Legislator Carl Albano of Carmel protested. and well-being of our residents.” through these very, very bad times,” Mont- communications devices and to convey “I in no way feel it was ‘sloppy.’ It makes a lot gomery described the Health Department to Pamal’s owner, James Morrell, a 1-acre of sense.” He predicted that use of the radio License-plate readers employees as “understaffed, underpaid, and parcel adjacent to the tower. tower would mean “a great improvement” in Montgomery again criticized the Odell crushing themselves to meet the demands” According to the Philipstown tax rolls, emergency communications. administration’s policy on license-plate- of the pandemic, while Sheriff’s Depart- the parcel’s full-market value is $102,128. Montgomery also wondered if a massive readers (LPRs), which help police track or ment deputies similarly “keep answering The Legislature’s resolution did not state cellphone/wireless telecommunications identify vehicles. The policy replaces one our calls, despite feeling undervalued, how much Pamal would pay for the land or tower could be constructed on the land created in March by the Sheriff’s Depart- insufficiently equipped, and over-scruti- how much it would cost the county to use Pamal acquires. ment with legislative input and gives the nized by a hostile [county] administration.” the tower. Both Albano and Legislator Carl Jonke of Information Technology Department a role Her own efforts “are frustrated by the During a Dec. 15 Physical Services Commit- Southeast responded that Philipstown would in the storage and review of LPR data. administration out of pure hostility” as well, tee meeting, Thomas Lannon, the county’s have to approve any cell tower and called Montgomery questioned that approach she added. She thanked her constituents for information technology director, referred Montgomery’s inquiries “a waste of time.” and said the policy should follow informa- “filling the gaps the county leaves open in our to the WHUD tower as “probably one of our When Philipstown last rejected a cell- tion-storage protocols used by the federal public services, for taking care of each other,” most important ones in the county” for emer- tower application, it was sued by the tower Justice Department or another law enforce- and for helping her remember “how good gency services. “That side of the county has developers. In a simultaneous attempt to (Continued on Page 18) 10 January 1, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Bernadette Kish A’Lijah Thrasher Jack Bunker Holiday Stocking Deliveries! Firefighters, Beacon High volunteer firefighters of the Lewis Tomp- kins, Beacon Engine, Mase Hook & Ladder, students bring the goods Dutchess Junction and Slater Chemical fire or the 40th consecutive year, four companies. students in the Beacon City School Members of the senior class of Beacon F District were presented with the High School also delivered stockings as annual Firemen’s Christmas Stockings. part of an inaugural legacy service project. This year’s winners, one from each of the The students collected donations to create four elementary schools, received a 5-foot 25 stockings for delivery to veterans as part stocking made by Peg Badami and filled of a drive organized by the Libby Funeral with gifts, including a smoke detector. Home (above); adopted a family in need and David Simmonds, a member of the Lewis collected gift cards, clothing and household Tompkins Hose Co., made the deliveries. items; and collected food for the Beacon Amber Perez Jessiah Beckwith The annual event is sponsored by the Community Kitchen.

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By Alison Rooney What I Heard

hat’s it like to collaborate with I listened to “Cold Spring the world? Soundtrack” twice, jotting notes W That’s what Italian artist about how I felt while listening to Marinella Senatore has been doing over the stream of sound. Here is an the past few months. Under the auspices (abridged) excerpt: of Magazzino Italian Art in Philipstown, Lisa Sabin, with Buttercup Senatore put out an open call for sounds Rooster crowing, propulsion, action that reflected the “current moment” for sequence, a harbinger, exciting Something You Don’t Know Winnipeg, Manitoba, where her father was the submitter. People could phone a desig- danger, piano, Fellini, uplift, birdsong, nated voicemail line or send their contri- About Me the conductor of the Winnipeg Symphony swirl, slowing, arriving, breathing, and, at the same time, played in the first butions as audio files by text or email. motif, bicycling, cymbals, crescendo, violin section. The world responded. In what was a pieces of me, pieces of you, cello, The family landed in Winnipeg in a surprise to all, the project, which had mournful, building, Angel from Lisa Sabin roundabout way. “My grandparents on my been envisioned as a local work much like Montgomery, liberty, justice, surging Senatore’s previous collaboration with musical chant of Black Lives Matter, By Alison Rooney father’s side were part of the wave of young Jews who fled Hitler in the ’30s and scat- the museum, a 2019 processional on the Buddhist chant, “I pledge allegiance,” ost 7-year-olds think big when tered around the world,” she says. “They streets of Cold Spring, went global. one nation, getting under the covers asked what they want to be wound up in Uruguay, and my father was Each of the more than 130 sonic frag- at the end of a long day, beats like Mwhen they grow up: Professional born there. He was a child prodigy and ments Senatore collected between Sept. an old typewriter, “Try to Remember athlete, explorer, movie star. Little Lisa later came to the U.S. to study. He went to 9 and Nov. 7 was incorporated into a the kind of September,” church bells Sabin wanted to be a dog. the Yale School of Music and met my mom, larger composition she called “Cold overlaid with piano, a piazza, all I’ll be It wasn’t a passing fancy. She spent years who was 19 and a waitress in New Haven. Spring Soundtrack” that was released is a prisoner of my mind. “They moved to Cleveland, where my online on Dec. 22 at bit.ly/cold-spring- in pursuit of this. Drum kit, symphonic, donkey braying, father got a job at the Cleveland Institute soundtrack. Senatore determined the “From the time I was 3 until maybe 10 a baby’s gurgle. Spoken: thankful, be of Music. My brother was born there. Then, order and emphasis of the fragments and or so, I spent a lot of time on my all fours, strong, be well. Foreboding, broken they moved to Winnipeg, where my father her creative partner, composer Emiliano running around, barking, not eating at the by sweet strings, bow-work, fade-out, was assistant conductor, and then conduc- Branda, wrote a score and recorded the dinner table,” recalls the Cold Spring resi- bittersweet romance. Calling out your tor, of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. 25-minute “symphonic soundscape” in his dent, who is an actor, singer, voice-over name in the rhythm of your heart. I was born there. In the 1970s, there was a studio in Rome. artist, director and mother of two. “When Don’t let your spirit… We are free, we conflict in Uruguay which made it difficult “They went through everything I was a young dog, I would give myself agil- are light, we are love. The trumpet to stay there if you were outspoken and/or together, listening and deciding,” said ity training. This translated into setting up again, or trombone? Competing an artist, and my grandfather was both Juliet Vincente, a Magazzino representa- barricades in doorways and leaping over stories. Too many leaders, no one to of those things, so my grandparents fled tive, who added that she had “listened to them to see how high I could clear and still follow, too many words and promises and came to Winnipeg, where my grandfa- every single contribution and wondered land on my hands. I developed strong arms.” too hard to swallow. A heralding. Sabin has a clear memory of being ther became principal second violin of the how they were going to do this. There asked by her first grade teacher about her symphony and also its personnel manager. was such diverse talent, including some Flutes, an army march, enter the plans for adulthood and being reminded, I didn’t speak a word of Spanish, but we trained opera singers, others giving bigger horns, heavier. Dystopian emphatically: “You cannot be a dog.” communicated. spoken segments of their day. Weaving sounds, dissonant, “that’s amore.” Today, Sabin ascribes the behavior to “When I was 7, we moved again, includ- (Continued on Page 12) Drift by my window, the falling leaves “not really anything more than I loved ing Buttercup, to Saskatoon, where my of red and gold. It’s Sept. 22, 2020, dogs. I had the encyclopedia of all the father conducted the Saskatoon Symphony. either today or yesterday, the first breeds. I understood them, they under- There were often guest artists and my day of fall. Cloudbreak, pierced sky, stood me. I didn’t want to be a firefighter, father would conduct the orchestra that some light. Defeated cello, invincible or a waitress — I wanted to be a dog.” accompanied them. percussion, strings, many instruments This desire, she admits, may have “After one concert, my brother and I together, la dolce vita, a seaside resulted from Buttercup, a St. Bernard that were brought backstage, where my father promenade, hope, stirring hope. introduced us to that night’s performer, was a beloved member of the household in Progression, repetition, progression. Harry Belafonte. Being from Montevideo, Soaring, all joining together, trying Uruguay, my father has a thick Uruguayan for victory, energy, and again, the accent, and he said: ‘This is Harry Bela- swirling, bombast, percussion, and fonte.’ And Harry Belafonte, playfully I didn’t want to be a ending — an actual ending to it. Finito! mimicking the accent, said ‘Hi’ to us. I firefighter, or a waitress answered him with ‘Hiiiiiiiiiii’ in my low Cookie Monster/Oscar the Grouch hybrid What do you hear? Email me at — I wanted to be a dog. 7-year-old hoarse voice. [email protected] or post to “Harry Belafonte was enchanted by how our social media pages on Facebook, ~ Lisa Sabin Twitter or Instagram. ~A.R. (Continued on Page 12) Marinella Senatore Queens Museum 12 January 1, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Sabin (from Page 11) similar the two of us sounded, and he took me around to everyone at the reception, introducing me, getting me to do ‘the voice.’ I didn’t know who he was, except that my dad would always say ‘unless it’s the best, it’s not important,’ so I knew Harry Belafonte must be someone important and famous. “Not long after that, I was diagnosed with vocal nodes, no doubt from all the barking. My mom had to take me to the emergency room. Luckily, I was able to avoid surgery, which has the potential to ruin your voice, Soundtrack (from Page 11) like what happened to Julie Andrews. them together as a whole gave beauty to Instead, I spent years having to learn to each of the contributions.” ‘get off of my throat,’ which means learning Senatore and Branda managed to fash- to sing — and bark — without your throat ion a narrative out of disparate elements hurting. To do this you support with your that included bird song, protest chanting, breath and relax all muscles in the throat church bells, spoken and sung words and and everywhere else. I am the singer I am a donkey braying — and many sounds that today because of years of study on how to are harder to decipher. sing without pain, without damage. Vincente said one of Magazzino’s goals, “Before me all the women in my family Lisa Sabin, recently, with Thunder Photo provided besides to advocate Italian artists, is were big sopranos, but I was a big ole to “showcase their connection to their belter, and my daughter is, too,” she says. classroom.” (Another story.) and Gemma, were born. community. We thought this would be a “It took me many years of study to find I do In the years following, Sabin graduated Although Sabin no longer communicates perfect fit for the Cold Spring commu- have the soprano range, but who knew?” from Trinity College, where she “did all via barking, Sabin has found ways to speak nity — and we were surprised how it By the time Sabin was 10, her parents the musicals, sang in an a cappella group, to her dog, Thunder, who is a Cavalier King extended naturally beyond that, demon- had divorced, and her mom “didn’t want spent my junior year in London.” It was Charles spaniel and poodle mix. “Thunder strating again that people want to make to stay stuck on the prairie with two kids. there that she met her former husband, stares longingly in my eyes; we understand art together, it’s a natural desire.” She was from New England, and she Marc Sabin, and after college she moved each other,” she says. “Although sometimes She said the museum hopes to share the moved us to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to San Francisco to be with him. In 1997 I’m tired and can’t attend to his every need. symphony with a live audience once the where I wound up grooving to ‘Sledge- they moved to New York City to give Broad- We have a gecko, fish and guinea pigs, so pandemic is over. hammer’ with [classmate] Matt Damon way a shot. In 2003, they moved to Cold come on — a girl needs a break!” in a [Cambridge Rindge and Latin School] Spring, where their two daughters, Sophie

BOCHNER BOETTI FONTANA

Curated by Mel Bochner In collaboration with Magazzino Italian Art Foundation October 3, 2020 - April 5, 2021 Magazzino Italian Art, Gallery 8 highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current January 1, 2021 13

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

COMMUNITY

SAT 2 Christmas Bird Count PUTNAM COUNTY audubon.org/conservation/science/ Silent Night Twilight Stroll, Jan. 2 christmas-bird-count Help with the 66th annual county-wide bird count to measure populations and support conservation. To register, email Charlie Roberto at [email protected]. Christmas Bird Count, Jan. 2

SAT 2 THURS 7 KIDS & FAMILY Silent Night Beethoven’s Fifth & Twilight Stroll Mahler’s Sixth SAT 2 GARRISON NEWBURGH The Great Kids Dessert 3 – 7 p.m. Boscobel | 1601 Route 9D 7 p.m. Newburgh Symphony Orchestra Bake Off 845-265-3638 | boscobel.org newburghsymphony.org GARRISON Enjoy dusk and sunset on the In this online discussion, director 7 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library grounds. Reservations required. Russel Ger will discuss the way the bit.ly/DFPLkidscook Cost: $12 ($10 seniors, $6 ages compositions mirror each other. Watch the video submissions via 5-18, free for health care workers, Cost: $20 Crowdcast of cakes, pies and other members and children under 5) desserts, along with the awards ceremony hosted by Justice McCray Ibrahim Salih Abdul-Matin, Jan. 7 SUN 10 and Karen Thompson. Register online to join. Tracks and Traces or gynecological cancer. Call to TUES 5 CORNWALL register. Free Putnam Legislature VISUAL ART 10 a.m. Outdoor Discovery Center CARMEL 120 Muser Drive | 845-534-5506 x204 SAT 9 CIVIC 7 p.m. Via audioconference hhnm.org Assorted Visions 845-208-7800 | putnamcountyny.com Frozen ground and snow cover MON 4 make it easier to find signs of BEACON City Council 1 – 5 p.m. Howland Cultural Center WED 6 wildlife. Learn what to look for BEACON 477 Main St. | howlandculturalcenter.org School Board and how to identify what you Beethoven 7 p.m. Via Zoom see. Register online. Cost: $8 ($6 This Beacon Photography 845-838-5011 | cityofbeacon.org GARRISON children, $6/$4 members) Group exhibit will include work 7 p.m. Via Zoom SAT 9 by more than two dozen local 845-424-3689 | gufs.org Hauntings of the Hudson photographers. Through Jan. 30. TUES 5 TALKS & TOURS Board of Trustees River Valley THURS 7 THURS 7 COLD SPRING HEALTH COLD SPRING Philipstown Town Board Ibrahim Salih Abdul-Matin 5 p.m. Putnam History Museum 7:30 p.m. Via Zoom FRI 8 GARRISON GARRISON putnamhistorymuseum.org 845-265-3611 | coldspringny.gov Rosen Movement 7 p.m. Recreation Center 2 p.m. Garrison Institute Vincent Dacquino will recount 107 Glenclyffe Dr. his investigative journey into the YORKTOWN HEIGHTS TUES 5 garrisoninstitute.org 845-265-5200 | philipstown.com In this Pathways for Planetary stories behind Sybil Ludington, 10:30 a.m. Support Connection School Board Health Forum, Jonathan Rose will Chief Daniel Nimham and George 914-962-6402 | supportconnection.org COLD SPRING interview the author of GreenDeen: Denny, looking for their “spiritual This four-session weekly “gentle 7 p.m. Haldane residue.” Cost: $10 (free for What Islam Teaches About Protecting wellness” class is open to anyone 845-265-9254 | haldaneschool.org the Planet. Register online. members) who has or has had breast, ovarian

A Heartful Thank You for Happy your continued support • Custom Guitars and shopping local • iGuitar USB during this difficult year • Factory Direct Sales New • Expert Repairs & Setups Wishing you a Healthy • USB/Synth Upgrades and Happy New Year • Lessons Year! Fran Farnorotto, Owner Patrick G. Cummings 290 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516 The Gift Hut 845•809•5347 x226 86 Main St, Cold Spring www.iguitarworkshop.com | [email protected] 14 January 1, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org 2020 Photos OF THE Year

A look back at memorable moments — and good shots

Photos by Ross Corsair

A protester wept during a rally on June 1 at Polhill Park in Beacon to protest the killing of George Floyd by a police officer the week before in Minneapolis.

Residents on Garden Street in Cold Spring came out of their homes at 7 p.m. each night Dancers from a Brooklyn troupe founded by Jamel Gaines of Garrison performed on Feb. 1 during a week in April to make noise in appreciation of essential workers. at the Philipstown Depot Theatre.

Rebeca Garcia, a nurse with the Putnam County Department of Health, took samples at a Bob Hayes, the co-owner of Hudson Hil’s in Cold Spring, sat in the restaurant’s empty dining drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinic in Brewster on April 7. room in late March following the pandemic shutdown. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current January 1, 2021 15 2020 YEAR IN REVIEW I’ve never laughed harder during an this otherwise gloomy period — called Some- interview than with Pataki. And my ride in thing You Don’t Know About Me. These too, the Last Chance Salvage, at times at speeds came about because of a dearth of arts not exactly legal, was my most exciting (if stories, and the results have been consis- not most frightening) adventure in 2020. tently surprising, engaging, and the embodi- Mike Cullinan helps me deliver The ment of the mosaic of backgrounds found Current each week. While in BJ’s Restau- in the Beacon, Garrison, Cold Spring — and rant in Beacon recently, he showed some- Nelsonville — communities. We’d love to one a copy of the paper that had a story make this a more frequent feature; all that’s BRIAN PJ CRONIN MICHAEL TURTON about Elijah Hughes, a Beacon resident who needed is more people to come forward with REPORTER REPORTER had been drafted into the NBA. The man their stories — be brave! It’s safe to assume that for all of us, 2020 Reporters are not immune to the anxi- said, “I know — Elijah attended my basket- Here’s to the true return of the arts, did not go according to plan. For my part, I ety associated with some of our stories. The ball academy!” Another story! safely and joyously, later in 2021. certainly did not plan on spending the year pandemic hasn’t spared the Highlands; writ- Kenny Dawson has operated the Play- thinking about trees. ing about it, being acutely aware of local maker Academy in Hopewell Junction since It was back in the beginning of the year infection rates, deaths and quarantines, 2004. He is experienced and knowledge- that a friend tipped me off that all the ash while worrying about family and friends able, but also highly competitive. He works trees in the Hudson Valley were dying — a around the world, only increased my stress. his kids hard, constantly reminding them tip that led to the recently completed series, Nationally, racial injustice and unjus- they can be as good as they want, “if you are The Fading Forest. To give you an idea of tified killings of Black people by police willing to do the work.” There are plenty of how early in 2020 this was: We were in a produced local demonstrations that hard-driving coaches. What I think distin- bar. A crowded bar! With drinks and food strained civility to the limit. In Cold guishes Kenny is his mantra: “It’s more and music and people yelling joyously all Spring, the forced resignation of a police important to be a good person than a good JEFF SIMMS around us! We were all so young. officer involved years ago in the shooting basketball player.” BEACON EDITOR Another friend put me in touch with of a Black man in New York City, created A review of this past year is tough. After some ash experts, who agreed to meet me the greatest tension I’ve witnessed in the schools were upended in the spring, they in the woods at the end of March. I put it in village. Not to mention the angst surround- spent all summer trying to figure out how to my calendar. God laughed. ing the 2020 presidential election. reopen for the fall. Zoom soon made munici- Needless to say, forestry was put on hold as After such a turbulent year, it was a relief pal meetings seem twice as long — our weekly everyone tried to figure out how to safely do to remember some of my stories helped me editorial meetings felt the same. We tried to fieldwork once it was allowed (Phase 1? Phase relax, made me laugh and restored my faith write about anything other than the virus but 2?). At the same time, I tried to figure out in humanity. it touched nearly every aspect of life. how to leave the house as a single parent of a When I was assigned in February to write In the first issue of 2020, I wrote about 9-year-old who had no school or camp. This about the death of Decatur Myers, who ALISON ROONEY visiting the Cornish Estate ruins with gave me more time to do at-home research, delivered newspapers to Philipstown resi- ARTS EDITOR Thom Johnson, who told me how, as a teen- proving John Muir’s famous maxim that if dents for 28 years, it didn’t seem that excit- The trickle-down of the consignment of ager, he discovered Bannerman’s Castle and you pull on one thing in the universe you find ing, to be honest. Wow, was I wrong. When most of the arts to a computer screen has the miles of trails between Beacon and Cold it’s connected to everything else. I went to the home of his son, Decatur Jr., put a damper on writing about the usual Spring. He’s been outdoors in the High- Reading about ash trees led to hemlock in Peekskill. I was nervous because writing music, dance and theater performances, lands one way or another for 50 years. This woolly adelgid and then people started tell- about someone’s death is seldom relaxing. writer’s readings and visual art gatherings spring a series of interpretive signs that ing me about this weird beech disease and I sat in Junior’s living room with him and we are so fortunate to have in abundance Johnson helped design will be installed at at that point I had to put a wall around the his wife. His sister and daughter joined us in the Highlands. the estate. project. There’s a lot going on in the forest. by phone. They were elated to tell Decatur’s In our area, hundreds, probably thousands, The most inspiring stories to come out I didn’t even get to oak wilt. story. It was not a wake. The conversation of arts professionals have had their projects of the pandemic have been the ones about At a time in which society seemed to be was raucous. I had often seen Decatur on canceled, their savings decimated and their people helping others. In May, I did a 5 collapsing, it was nice to be able to retreat his route, and my thought was always: “That often union-linked health insurance elimi- Questions with Tom Virgadamo, who with alone into the woods and distract myself by guy drives like a maniac!” When I sheepishly nated during the global health crisis. his family raised nearly $25,000 to support focusing on the ways in which everything asked about his driving, Decatur’s family The first group to regain some momen- small businesses hit hard by COVID. was collapsing in the forest instead. howled with laughter. I learned the route tum has been visual artists. While most I would be remiss if I didn’t mention The Speaking of lockdowns: What was the last was one of his passions, along with life, galleries were shuttered in March, by July Mayor, aka the Beacon Hood Chicken, the thing you did in the big wide world before family, football, baseball and Tiger Woods. many had reopened because they could hen without a home that wandered around mid-March? I spent a wild night out in Philip- The reaction to the story bowled me over. implement health restrictions unavailable Beacon until a Fishkill woman (and estab- stown carrying sexually agitated frogs across a So many appreciative comments about to theaters and music venues. lished chicken person) took the bird in. busy road in the dark. Had I known what was Decatur on our website and social media; The shutdown provided me with the Since finding her forever home, The Mayor coming at the end of that week, I would have so many people stopping me on the street freedom to spotlight artists without being has encouraged kids struggling through a taken some of the frogs to see a movie, as well. to thank me for writing about him. dependent on an exhibit of their work as a tough school year and even celebrated with That event was the Big Night, the first warm Another vehicle that caught my eye was “peg.” We launched an ongoing series called a little one forced to spend her birthday in night in the early spring after a rainy day in Last Chance Salvage, a low-riding, hulking The Artist Next Door, which has included quarantine. That was a fun interview, as which herds of amphibians wake up from brown 1937 GMC pickup that had an ugly profiles of artists who have never had a chicken interviews typically are. hibernation and seek out wetlands for mating. beauty. When I introduced myself to its solo show. Unfortunately, it has been more Finally, Jevon Hunter was probably my This often involves hopping across roads, and owner, Adam Pataki, he said: “Mike, this is challenging to do the same for musicians, favorite interview. He spoke convincingly they tend to not see cars coming, because love a badass truck and I’m the badass of all bad actors, dancers and writers, but if you’re in a 5 Questions in December about the is blind. Volunteers organize to assist. asses!” Pataki rebuilds vehicles that aren’t one of these, or know one, and have some need for non-white students to see their As for another of my favorite activities, just old but unique; a friend dubbed him ideas as to how to make that happen, drop communities’ histories within the curricu- running, the bad news is that every race was “Mona Lisa on wheels” because his restora- me a line at [email protected]. lum. That means reexamining some painful canceled. The good news is that just getting tions could be considered an art form. His This is also the case for another series stories — an essential element, he said, to through the day sometimes felt like an ultra- latest, ongoing challenge is a 1935 Moto we’ve run this year — and my favorite during not repeating the same mistakes. marathon. We all deserve a medal and a bagel. Chief streamliner. 16 January 1, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

adverse impact and that there were reason- able grounds supporting its determination” Judge Rules for Continental Commons to allow Continental Commons. “The Plan- Declines to second-guess In an 11-page decision filed on Dec. 14, in which the architecture would mimic a ning Board met that standard,” she wrote. Justice Maria Rosa of state Supreme Court colonial village. He has promised to protect Rosa acknowledged the conflicting opin- Fishkill Planning Board in Dutchess County said that the court did the cemetery. ions about the site’s historical and archaeo- By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong not have the power to “substitute its judg- The Fishkill Supply Depot, which was logical value but said it was up to the Planning ment for that of the agency.” established by Gen. George Washington and Board “to determine which testimony to state judge ruled last month that The proposed development, called Conti- operated from 1776 to 1783, sprawled from accept.” She also said that a comment made the Fishkill Planning Board was nental Commons in a nod to its location, would northern Philipstown to Fishkill Landing in 2015 by the board chair that she was “not A within its rights to allow a commer- occupy about 10.5 acres on the east side of the (now Beacon) and Village of Fishkill. afraid of some hysterical society,” while inap- cial development along Route 9 on part of highway in an area zoned for general business. Broccoli and the Friends of the Fishkill propriate, was not sufficient evidence that what was a supply depot during the Revo- The property, located opposite the historic Supply have battled for several years over the board was biased for the developer, as the lutionary War. Van Wyck Homestead, includes a gas station his plans. historical group charged. The judge rejected an appeal by the along with a burial site that may contain Revo- In her decision, Rosa said that she could Broccoli wants water and sewer districts nonprofit Friends of the Fishkill Supply lution-era graves. The site was added to the not rule on “the wisdom of allowing the extended to include the complex, which Depot to overturn decisions in 2019 by the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. proposed commercial construction on the would rely on water from Fishkill while Planning Board that the project would not Domenico Broccoli, who owns the parcel, site.” Instead, she wrote, she “must merely channeling sewage and wastewater to have “a significant adverse impact” on the hopes to construct a complex with a hotel, ensure that the Planning Board took a Beacon’s treatment plant. But in September, environment or historical resources. restaurant, retail shops and visitor center ‘hard look’ at the development’s potential the Fishkill Town Board rejected the request.

Local Bestsellers

Based on combined hardcover and paperback sales reported for October and November by Binnacle Books, 321 Main St., in Beacon, and Split Rock Books, 97 Main St., in Cold Spring.

PositionPosition previous TITLE AUTHOR 1 - A Promised Land Barack Obama 2 3 Caste Isabel Wilkerson Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Robin Wall Kimmerer 3 - Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants ADULT 4 - The Vanishing Half Brit Bennett 5 1 Anthropica David Hollander The Hustis Dairy barn on Route 9 is all that remains of the 123-year-old farm, which 5 - The Searcher Tana French once covered 500 acres. Photo by M. Turton First Principles: What America's Founders 6 - Thomas Ricks the bulls had gotten out,” he said. “When Learned From the Greeks and Romans (from Page 1) Milkman they finally got ahold of it, my grandfather 1 - Class Act Jerry Craft Christmas, the biggest one they could grabbed the bull by the ring in its nose and find,” Hustis said. “His hands were so big punched it between the eyes with his bare 2 1 Dog Man: Grime and Punishment Dav Pilkey and strong from milking cows, he could fist. The bull went down. He was a strong 3 - The Deep End (Diary of a Wimpy Kid 15) Jeff Kinney only put it on his pinky; they had to bury man, I guess.” CHILDREN 4 - Julian at the Wedding Jessica Love him with the ring because they couldn’t Asked if he’ll miss his milk route, George get it off his finger.” Jr. said, “Yeah. It’s never been a job to me, 5 2 Logan Likes Mary Anne! (Baby-Sitters Club) Gale Galligan & Ann Martin George Jr. said he is especially fond of a just a way of life. But, unfortunately, every- Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story Kevin Noble Maillard 6 story from his father’s childhood. “One of thing comes to an end.”

NOTICE Philipstown Planning Board Site Visit – January 24th, 2021 The Philipstown Planning Board will meet on Sunday, January 24th, 2021 at 9:30 am to inspect the following sites: Garrison Golf Club PDD/Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, 2015 US Route 9 Garrison, NY TM#60.-1-5-.2&59.3 highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current January 1, 2021 17 Archbishop Visits St. Basil Children ask fun, personal and professional questions

By Alison Rooney

raditionally, the Greek Orthodox arch- bishop each year visits St. Basil Acad- Joseph Gilmore emy in Garrison, which the church T Poet, musician, theologian, hiker, tireless operates, for its annual Christmas celebration. worker on behalf of the poor and disen- He is welcomed by hundreds of festive franchised, beloved husband, father, grand- participants who come to watch the annual father and friend, Rev. Joseph H. Gilmore Christmas pageant, celebrate a gift open- died on Thursday, December 17, 2020, the ing and pay homage to His Eminence worst year ever. Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis) of America, most honorable exarch of the Born in Charleroi, Pennsylvania in 1943, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Joe was proud of his working class roots This year, because of COVID-19, was and the fact that he had worked in a steel different. “Visiting with the archbishop mill as a young man. His father, a steel mill supervisor, instilled in him a love of opera required a choreography that kept the and Shakespeare. numbers low and the distance safe,” said Rebecca Pearsall, director of clinical Music, poetry, the night sky, hiking, his family, services and education at St. Basil. the God of light and social justice were the After accepting an invitation from the passions of his life. He was ordained as a children who live at the St. Basil Acad- Presbyterian minister in 1968. In 2013 he re- emy, the archbishop came to the Garrison tired as senior minister of South Presbyterian campus on Dec. 10 to meet a small group Church in Dobbs Ferry after 30 years of ser- vice to that congregation. During his tenure who stood for all. there, he founded the Midnight Run, which The visit was part of the academy’s now coordinates over 1000 volunteer relief annual Just Being Human project conceived missions a year, bringing food, clothing and by Pearsall. It was designed, she said, “as friendship to homeless people in Manhattan. a therapeutic exercise to help children from traumatic backgrounds learn how to Children at Saint Basil Academy unwrapping gifts with the archbishop (center). In the 90s Joe was deeply involved in the Photo by Rebecca Pearsall relate and connect with others. Throughout struggle for equal rights for LGBT people November, the children diligently prepared uphold the sanctity of every human being. preserving peace, justice and equality for in the Presbyterian Church, USA. He risked by thinking carefully about what questions We have faced a pandemic of grave physi- every citizen of goodwill, regardless of their losing his ordination when he performed same-sex marriages before gay marriage could authentically connect them to the cal illness, but the spiritual illness in our race, religion, gender or ethnic origin.” became legal in the denomination. He also archbishop.” land runs even deeper and must be healed His visit to Garrison was “joyous and founded the Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry at There were three types of questions by actions as well as words. And so, I will memorable,” Pearsall said. “Traditions were South Church, which is going strong and is, posed: “fun and easy,” professional and continue to stand in the breach together broken, in the best way. This visit was such sadly, more needed now than ever. personal, she said. The archbishop, with all those who are committed to a gift for all of us.” masked and behind a plastic panel, was Joe was known by his congregations as a game, answering some with a smile, and most eloquent, provocative preacher, and a all with consideration, Pearsall said. They writer of prayers that many have collected ranged from “What bad criticisms have you and turned to over the years. He had a unique ability to make people feel con- received that didn’t make you feel good?” Current nected to the “God beyond all the gods, to the probing, “Do you snore?” Asked to Classifieds Mother light to all light, Kind creator of name three things he was grateful for, he this world. . . “ responded: “Health, family and church.” A teenage resident of St. Basil said he HELP WANTED SERVICES Joe leaves behind a family he adored – wife was surprised that “someone so important Rachel Thompson, daughters Schuyler Ford would agree to do this with us. I was so TRANSLATION HELP — Hungarian hand- PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT FOR WRITING and Adrienne Galeas and their husbands happy to be part of it.” written correspondence from relatives need AND STUDY SKILLS — Local expert Chris Ford and Bryan Galeas; step-sons translation. Also, I have some old postcards coach in writing and study skills offers Born in Istanbul in 1967, Elpidophoros Django Wexler and Cody Wexler and their and letters handwritten in German. Payment guidance to students from middle school wives, Casey Blair and Diana Raimondi. studied in Greece and finished his post- for your time and effort to be discussed. Email through graduate school. NYU MA, editor, And the recent lights of his life – 9-month- graduate studies at the Philosophical Alex at [email protected]. writer, educator, experienced with kids old grandson Jack Galeas, 6-week-old School of the University of Bonn, Germany. and adult learners. Remote for now. Email Mia Wexler, 3-year-old Chloe Wexler, and In 1996, he studied at the Theological POSITIONS WANTED [email protected]. 15-year-old Stella-Grace Ford. He is also School of St. John the Damascene in Bala- survived by his grieving brothers, Ron and mand, Lebanon, to solidify his knowledge Cramer and their families, and his beloved CARETAKER AVAILABLE — Caretaker FOR SALE sister Elizabeth Nara and her husband Tom. of the Arabic language. In 2001, he earned a with 20+ years experience available to doctorate of theology from the Theological maintain home & property including: GENERAC STANDBY GENERATORS — The He was a fiery celebrator of life, a revered School of the Aristotle University of Thessa- repairs; gardening; landscaping; pool care; weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be teacher and healer for countless people, and loniki. In 2019 he was elected as archbishop convenience services (errands); pet care, prepared for power outages. Free 7-year a deeply grateful man. He said of America and enthroned in New York City. misc. Flexible to a variety of needs. Resume extended warranty ($695 value!). Schedule “Let “Alleluia” be our walking song: Elpidophoros is the youngest person to & references available. Contact Greg at 914- your free in-home assessment today. Call hold the position and “his connection to 618-2779 or [email protected]. 1-631-498-7851. Special financing for Let “Thanks!” be our last word.” qualified customers. modern-day issues is palpable,” Pearsall Funeral Arrangements under the direction said. This past June, he marched in a Black of Clinton Funeral Home, Cold Spring. Lives Matter protest in Brooklyn, saying TAG SALE? Car for sale? Space for rent? Help wanted? that “it is our moral duty and obligation to Place your ad here for $4.95. See highlandscurrent.org/classifieds. PAID NOTICE 18 January 1, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org Philipstown Board Wraps Up 2020 and Suggests review of Airbnb roosters…” Shea commented, noting that Baby Dog the town also is “getting a lot of donkey and raucous roosters complaints — again.” Some exotic donkeys By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong in Garrison “sound like the hounds of hell,” he said. “I’ve been on Indian Brook Road and he Philipstown Town Board last it’s like, ‘What is that?’ ” He agreed that the week wrapped up 2020 by looking board “will have to revisit that” area of law. T ahead to potential zoning updates Humans can also make unseemly rack- to address raucous roosters and short- ets, Councilor John Van Tassel observed, term rentals. suggesting that “we need some sort of plan” At its Dec. 22 meeting held at the town for short-term rentals such as those arranged Recreation Center in Garrison, Councilor through Airbnb. A typical objection involves Mike Leonard proposed that the board “parties, week after week,” he said. review zoning laws on owning barnyard Shea called the short-term rental ques- animals. “There’s an awful lot of very tion “a tough one. I have mixed feelings small properties that are having an awful about it, because the fact is that right now lot of what I would consider farm animals, people can get extra income out of it, which and it’s causing some issues with neigh- I wouldn’t want to stop. But when you have bors,” he said. places having 40 to 50 people at them, The code requires 40,000 square feet for that’s a different story. If you’re going to each large animal, such as a horse, cow or start raising hell in a residential neighbor- pig, plus 40,000 square feet allocated to the hood, then we’re going to come after you.” residence. It limits smaller animals, includ- Philipstown’s code permits bed-and- ing geese, ducks, chickens, other birds, cats breakfasts nearly anywhere with Planning and monkeys, to 10 animals on any lot of Board approval. It defines a bed-and- less than 2 acres and states that anyone breakfast as “a dwelling in which over- who owns farm animals shall not “know- night accommodations not exceeding five his feature is designed as a counterweight to all the bad news in the world ingly interfere with the reasonable use and bedrooms and breakfast are provided for T that weighs people down. We could share a photo of a baby, or a photo of enjoyment of the property of others.” transient guests for compensation.” a dog, but we are giving you both. How many newspapers can say that? On Leonard said the board might consider However, the code also allows for “lodg- the winter solstice and during the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, whether the town should “just say that ing facilities” — hotels, motels, inns or any Wilhelmina (Willa) Rose Swerdlow-Graff was born to Alice Graff and Andy chickens and roosters and so forth are “other establishment providing sleeping Swerdlow of Beacon. She is shown being watched over by Jack. If you have a photo commercial [animals] and really not accommodations for transient guests, with of a baby and a dog, submit it for consideration to [email protected]. domestic like a dog or cat is.” He said he’s or without a dining room or restaurant, been hearing “rooster complaints,” call- excluding bed-and-breakfast establish- ing it an “unbelievably” hot topic, at least ments.” They are permitted in districts to residents who are awakened at 5 a.m. designated as Hamlet Mixed-Use and “It’s one thing to have chickens, but Highway Commercial, as well as Institu- enforcement. (from Page 9) tional Conservation and Hamlet Residen- Putnam County But Nacerino said the data will be tial with special-use permits. ment institution. “We’re going to leave “confined to our IT Department” and Legis- A draft of the updated Comprehensive ourselves wide-open for this data to be lator Amy Sayegh of Mahopac said she backs Shea said the town is Plan, presented to the Town Board on Dec. shared with private companies, for-profit “having IT protect the data from hacking.” 3 by the volunteer committee that wrote businesses,” she warned. “We want to get these LPRs out” on the getting a lot of donkey it urges town officials to “explore policies She said that she surveyed policies in streets, said Legislator Neal Sullivan of — related to short-term rentals to prevent the other counties and municipalities and Carmel-Mahopac. “To keep beating this complaints again. loss of a diverse housing stock.” that all except one keep the data with law thing up like this is a waste of time.”

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Answers for Dec. 25 Puzzles                                Puzzle Page Sponsored by           Country Goose  115 Main St. Cold Spring, NY 10516 1. AIRLINES, 2. CONTRIBUTOR, 3. GENERALIZE, 4. ROBIN, 5. SEASONING, 6. CIRCLES, 7. EDGY 845-265-2122 Answers will be published next week. See highlandscurrent.org/puzzle for interactive sudoku. 20 January 1, 2021 For mail delivery, see highlandscurrent.org/delivery

After a challenging year, we asked readers to tell us what in 2021 they look forward to. You can add your own IN 2021 I WANT TO response at highlandscurrent.org.

Have dinner with a big group of friends — no masks, no distancing. Hatch a few eggs. The Beacon Dance with my friends. A close second: Take the vacation to Costa Rica I had to cancel. Hood Chicken will be looking for a soulmate/rooster. My plan is to Richard Bruce Theresa Gooby find three potential suitors and allow my constituents to choose Attend a Cold Spring Film their favorite and then livestream Society outdoor movie. Take my daughter to a playground. She’s never been on a swing! the spring hatching. I’m hoping Lauren Jeanne Heidi Bender to bring something new and beautiful and exciting into the world in the form of chicks! Spend a week in Paris.

Visit my friend Kelli in Ireland. Hug people and eat in Karen Finnegan Kyle Good November? Fingers crossed! restaurants.

Susie Giannoni Sarah Uzelac Have our doors open and programs happening.

Gillian Murphy, Butterfield Library Get back to a more normal Enjoy some rock ’n’ roll way of life, hopefully by communion. I live and the summer, when enough breathe live music, so Know that all people will See my family and grandchild any time people are vaccinated and the air’s been a little thin finally be equal. I want without having to quarantine. the pandemic is conquered. since March. It will feed my spirit and the spirit Carmen Nieves Linda Megale Thorton Jonathan Jacobson, of others, for sure, but New York State Assembly member ultimately my livelihood. Stay alive. Have dinner with my whole family. Stephen Clair, Make tomorrow better than Beacon Music Factory Heather Candon Patricia Anderson today — and enjoy many great nights watching the Renegades at Dutchess Stadium. Go to the mermaid Attend my daughter’s Sit in right field at Fenway Park and parade at Coney Island. college graduation. hear the sounds of baseball. Marc Molinaro, Dutchess County executive Masha Schmidt Micki Sichel Boeri Michael Bowman

Go to story-time at the library with my toddler. Live in a community where everyone’s basic human needs are being met and where we don’t have to struggle to just get by. That means Kristin Troy doing what I can to build sustainable networks of food justice, fighting for housing for all, and establishing systems of community safety that aren’t inherently violent. Most importantly, Enjoy a cold beer and good conversation on a bar stool. I want to help my community understand that we deserve better.

Peter Augello Justice McCray

See our Main Street businesses thrive again. Get the vaccine and get back to business as usual!

MaryEllen Odell, Putnam County executive Lucky Longo

Shake hands with friends and laugh together again. Do more fishing with my sons.

Craig Muraszewski Nancy Montgomery