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December 23, 2016 161 Main St., Cold Spring, N.Y. | highlandscurrent.com Butterfield Developer Wants $2.5 Million from Village Asserts Cold Spring mayor, former trustee and others intentionally delayed project By Michael Turton

eveloper Paul Guillaro has filed notice with the New York State Court of Claims that he intends to Dsue the Village of Cold Spring for $2.5 million in damages, claiming Mayor Dave Merandy, former Trustee Stephanie Hawkins and other unnamed village officials in- tentionally delayed his Butterfield redevelopment project. “The village’s continual demand to involve engineers, attorneys and other professionals in what had previ- ously been handled in the village administratively by the building inspector and other village officials has delayed progress by over a year and caused an explosion of inap- propriate expenses,” reads the complaint, which was filed Dec. 5. The claim also asserts that Merandy “unlawfully as- sumed jurisdiction and interfered with the details of all aspects of the project … for the purpose of stopping, Inset, Michael Seibert (Photo by A. Rooney); above, Judy Blumberg and Seibert at destroying, interfering with and/or harming the project the U.S. National Championships in 1984 (Photo by Christie Jenkins) without justification and for personal reasons.” Frozen Glory Merandy declined to comment, saying only that the no- tice is under review by the village attorney. Hawkins, who Real-estate agent came within one lukewarm score of Olympic medal is his wife, said she had not yet read the notice and also More than 30 years later, Seibert, 56, who lives in Bea- declined to comment. by Alison Rooney con, has left the ice to work with other surfaces — he’s an New York State requires that notice be made before su- interior designer (michaelseibertdesign.com) and also a ing a local government. Guillaro is redeveloping the for- ichael Seibert grew up on the ice. A talented real-estate agent for Houlihan Lawrence in Cold Spring. mer Butterfield Hospital site on Route 9D into a multiuse figure skater who became an ice dancer, he ad- Like any other athletic pursuit, Seibert’s career had its parcel that includes homes, apartments, retail buildings, vanced from regional competitions to nation- M triumphs and disappointments. Growing up, he practiced a post office and a county senior center. als, and on to the Olympic Games. He and partner Judy for more than five hours a day, six days a week, moving This is the latest twist in what has been a long list of Blumberg won the U.S. national championships five con- around the country to work with various coaches. He conflicts during the planning process. The path to the secutive years beginning in 1981, took home bronze at and Blumberg did not expect notice began in February when Guillaro proposed mov- the world championships three times starting in 1983, (Continued on Page 10) ing the senior center from its site-plan approved location placed seventh in 1980 at the Lake Placid games and For video of Seibert and Blumberg skating at the on the second floor of the proposed Building No. 2 to the then fourth — the spot that’s almost worse than fifth — 1984 Olympics, visit highlandscurrent.com. existing Lahey Pavilion. The (Continued on Page 5) at Sarajevo in 1984. Putnam Visitors’ Bureau Lost Money in 2015 Turmoil at agency led 2017 appropriation under tight rein. quarter, while maintaining the rest under chairs the legislature. “As soon as the is- According to forms filed with the In- legislative control. Lawmakers cited lin- sues are cleared up and resolved, we’ll re- legislators to put limits on ternal Revenue Service, the nonprofit bu- gering concerns about the bureau’s financ- lease the money.” 2017 spending reau last year raised $268,154 and spent es and management following the res- The Pataki years $294,232. The agency occupies space in ignation in March of Executive Director As an investigation by the Journal News By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong the county government office building in Libby Pataki after questions arose about a revealed, Pataki, a Garrison resident, cre- Carmel and is accountable to the legisla- separate tourism nonprofit she established he Putnam County Visitors’ Bureau ated a second, largely unknown nonprofit ture but operates as a separate, nonprofit that apparently had no functioning board lost more than $26,000 in 2015, ac- called Putnam Tourism Corp., for which corporation. and prompted an ongoing investigation by cording to newly released documents she solicited tax-deductible donations and T The Putnam legislature has released the state attorney general. — one of two shortfalls totaling nearly which paid her a separate salary from that only $41,996 of the $141,996 it budgeted Restricting the Visitors’ Bureau money $100,000 since 2013 that prompted the Put- provided by the Visitors’ Bureau. Now de- to provide the Visitors' Bureau in 2017, ensures “a little more oversight going for- nam County Legislature to keep most of its funct, the Tourism Corp. also ran a deficit enough to keep it running for the first ward,” explained Ginny Nacerino, who (Continued on Page 13) 2 December 23, 2016 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.com Cook On: 1 part chaos, 2 parts calm Companion Crops ship, consider winter’s survival foods: By Mary Ann Ebner an array of root crops. As plate compan- ions, they turn a solo helping into a har- hen savoring good company monious meal. Mashed, baked, roasted or — with friends, family or even even pickled, these seasonal staples keep Wpets — we all benefit. The same us going when temperatures dip. With goes for favorable food match-ups, from December’s first measurable snowfall re- eggs with bacon to soup and salad. Even corded, winter offers a generous choice of though a fine panini capably stands main course and side vegetables. alone, a marriage comes together when a Along with a host of other farmers at sandwich joins a side dish. Burgers with the Cold Spring Farmers’ Market, Cheryl golden fries may not make the wisest nu- Rogowski of Rogowski Farm grows a tritional coupling, but there’s a little love range of crops to carry the community trying to breathe through all that choles- through springtime’s arrival. Since 1955, terol. her family has grown heirloom vegetables Roasted carrots, parsnips and turnips make perfect companions to quinoa. When a serving of noodles looks desert- on Pine Island in the black-dirt region of Photos by M.A. Ebner ed on a plate or halibut needs a partner- Orange County. The area consists of thou- sands of acres of fertile organic “They also make an insane parsnip cake, toss or two during roasting. If properly soil, turning out cool weather and I just substitute them for carrots.” scrubbed, carrots and parsnips don’t vegetables like sweet potatoes, Parsnips, which resemble carrots in necessarily need peeling, though peel- turnips, carrots and parsnips. shape, have tan-colored skin and creamy ing away a thin outer layer encourages a As Rogowski arranged bas- flesh. They boast a woody texture and crisper charred finish. kets of vegetables flecked with taste spicy while producing a honeyed Turnips roast nicely but also serve as that rich black dirt, she helped aroma when roasted. constant companions as a ubiquitous a shopper select a pound of When selecting parsnips, look for firm pickled side on Middle Eastern menus. bright orange carrots. Like choices with no cracks or blemishes. I can’t bring turnips home without pick- many of her customers, she re- Rogowski recommends roasting them as ling a few to produce lifit. While my hus- lies on root vegetables for fam- you would prepare baby potatoes (425 de- band lived in Syria during his doctoral ily meals in cold weather. “I grees for 30 to 40 minutes), tossed with a studies in 2010, he ate lifit nearly every love roasting root vegetables,” generous amount of oil and seasoned. day alongside a serving of stewed beans. she said. “I let the vegetables do the work,” she Around our home, the bold pink slices And what this farmer serves said. “With potatoes, I’ll add some rose- serve as a faithful companion to beans, at home, she offers at the mar- mary, but with the others, they just need a rice or grilled lamb but lately as a re- ket. “We’ll have carrots all win- bit of olive oil and sea salt and I finish them minder of life itself and the fragile world ter long,” she said. “We’ll also with fresh parsley. Come January and Feb- in which we live. have turnips through winter ruary, you need that burst of green.” As 2016 nears its end, may you enjoy and we’ll have parsnips prob- Root crops call for little else DOESsave a THEroasted, COMMUNITY mashed or pickled root vege- ably through February.” FOUNDATIONStables and share OF a plateTHE with those you Carrots stay in play through- HUDSONcherish VALLEY most. WORK out the year, but other root Quick Lifit (Pickled Turnips) crops like rutabagas and tur- nips are sometimes overlooked during their peakIT STARTSseason. WITH 1½ to 2 pounds turnips (peeled and sliced) ½ cup water As for parsnips, they add a 1 small beet ½ cup red wine vinegar Pickle turnips to transform them into lifit, a Middle 1 mild pepper pod ½ cup white vinegar dash of spice. “I call them the INDIVIDUALS CORPORATIONS PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Eastern favorite. DONO1R teaspoonS salt elegant carrot,” Rogowski said. WITH A Boil beet in small saucepan of water until tender. Cool, peel and quarter. Mix water and vinegar and set aside. Place turnips in sterilized quart jar. Add beets, pepper pod and teaspoon of salt. Pour vinegar mixture into jar to completely coverENVIRONMENT vegetables. & EDUCATIONSeal jar, label withARTS date & and refrigerateCOMMUNITY sevenFAITH PASSION ANIMAL WELFARE ENTERTAINMENT WELLNESS days, agitating jar for a minute every other day. Lifit will turn bright fuchsia, thanks to the beet. WHO USE THEIR COMMUNITY THE DOES CASH SECURITIES REAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE THE OF FOUNDATIONS HUDSON VALLEY WORK VALLEY HUDSON ASSETS RETIREMENT FUNDS GIFTS INSURANCE BEQUESTS IT STARTS WITH DOESSTARTS IT THE COMMUNITY DOES THE COMMUNITY TO ORGANIZATIONS NONPROFIT FOUNDATIONS PRIVATE CORPORATIONS DOESINDIVIDUALS DOES THES DOES COMMUNITYR THEO THECOMMUNITYN FOUNDATIONSO COMMUNITYDISTRIBUTIONSD OF THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE FOUNDATIONSFOUNDATIONSFOUNDATIONS OFHUDSON THE OF THE OF VALLEY THE WORKHUDSON VALLEY WORK CREATE FROM THE ENDOWMENTSGRANT FULFILL THEIR HUDSONHUDSON HUDSONVALLEY VALLEY WORK A VALLEYCHARITABLEWITH WORK WORKPASSIONS THROUGHTO THE CAUSES ENDOWED FUNDS DOESYOU CARE ABOUTTHE MOST COMMUNITY FAITH COMMUNITY & ARTS EDUCATION & ENVIRONMENT WELLNESS ENTERTAINMENT WELFARE ANIMAL N O I S S A P IT STARTS WITH IT STARTS WITH FOUNDATIONS OF THE ITUNRESTRICTED STARTSIT WITHSTARTSIT STARTS WITH WITH $ ALL DONOR ADVISEDCreate REAL SECURITIES Your CASH ARE GOVERNED BY AN AGREEMENT THEIR USE WHO HUDSON VALLEY WORK ASSETS RETIREMENT FUNDS FUNDS RETIREMENT ASSETS BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY ENDOWED DONOR DESIGNATED AGENCYBEQUESTS INSURANCE INDIVIDUALS CORPORATIONS PRIVATE FOUNDATIONSINDIVIDUALS NONPROFITCORPORATIONS ORGANIZATIONS PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SCHOLARSHIP DOINDIVIDUALSNOINDIVIDUALSRCORPORATIONSINDIVIDUALSIndividualsS CORPORATIONSCorporationsDPRIVATECORPORATIONSPrivate FOUNDATIONSOPRIVATE DOESS N FOUNDATIONST PRIVATEF ONONPROFITI FOUNDATIONS THEG R ORGANIZATIONSNONPROFIT COMMUNITYSNONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATIONS DOES THE COMMUNITY Donor Advised SCHOLARSHIPS FOR GRANTS TO CHARITABLE FUNDS: DODNODONORONSROSRS Foundations WATCH YOUR CHARITABLE CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS STUDENTS ORGANIZATIONS DISTRIBUTIONS IT STARTS WITH FOUNDATIONSINVESTMENTTO OF THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE Fund THEIR FULFILL WithENDOWMENTS THE FROM Us CASHE T A CRE CHARITABLE PASSIONS THROUGH WITHPASSIONS A CHARITABLE WITH A WITH A WITH AWITH A STOCK HUDSONFUNDS ENDOWED VALLEY WORK HUDSON VALLEY WORK MARKETABLE ASSETS GROW andHELPS support DONORS ACHIEVEthe THEIR CHARITABLERETIREMENT GOALS FUNDS UNRESTRICTED PROVIDESINDIVIDUALS QUARTERLY REPORTSCORPORATIONS ON FUND ACTIVITYPRIVATE FOUNDATIONS NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS COMMUNITY AGREEMENT AN BY DGOVERNED OARE NINSURANCEOADVISED RDONOR S ALL ENVIRONMENT & EDUCATION ARTS & ENVIRONMENTCOMMUNITY & EDUCATIONFAITH ARTS & COMMUNITY FAITH ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT& COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTTHE EDUCATION & BETWEEN & EDUCATIONEDUCATIONAGENCY ARTS & DESIGNATED ARTSDONOR &COMMUNITYARTS & ENDOWED COMMUNITYCOMMUNITYFAITH FAITH HealthFAITH & Education PA ScausesSIASSISTSOP youN DONORSA careSANIMAL WITHS WELFARE GIVINGIANIMALO COMPLEXWELFAREANIMALN WELFARE GIFTSANIMALBEQUESTSENTERTAINMENT PWELFAREAENTERTAINMENTSOFFERSSENTERTAINMENTWELLNESSI EXPERTISEOWELLNESSENTERTAINMENTNWELLNESS ON COMMUNITYANIMAL WELFAREWELLNESS NEEDS ENTERTAINMENT WELLNESS PAPSASSIOSINON SCHOLARSHIP E L B A T I R A H C O T S T N A R G R O F S P I H S R A L O H C S FUNDS: Human Services FOUNDATION S N O I T A Z I N A G R ITO STARTSS T N E D U T S WITH CHARITABLE TRUSTS ITREMAINDER STARTSCHARITABLE WITH STAFF about most! WITH A PRESERVES DONNOR WISHES IN PERPETUITY WHO USEWHO THEIR USEWHOACTIVITY FUND THEIRON USEWHOREPORTS THEIR USEQUARTERLY THEIRPROVIDES GOALS CHARITABLE THEIR ACHIEVE WHODONORS HELPS CASH USE THEIRSECURITIESCASH CASHSECURITIESCOMMUNITY REAL SECURITIES CASH REAL SECURITIESREAL REAL CASH SECURITIES REAL OFFERS EXPERTISE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS COMMUNITY ON EXPERTISE OFFERS GIFTS COMPLEX GIVING WITH DONORS ASSISTS INDIVIDUALS ASSETSCORPORATIONS ASSETSRETIREMENTASSETS FOUNDATION RETIREMENTPRIVATE FOUNDATIONSFUNDSRETIREMENTASSETS FUNDS INDIVIDUALSRETIREMENTNONPROFIT FUNDS ORGANIZATIONS CORPORATIONSFUNDS PRIVATEASSETS FOUNDATIONS RETIREMENTNONPROFIT FUNDS ORGANIZATIONS PRESERVES DONNOR WISHES IN PERPETUITY IN WISHES DONNOR PRESERVES GIVEDONORS DONORS TO YOUR FUND AND STAFF INSURANCEINSURANCE BEQUESTSINSURANCEENVIRONMENT BEQUESTS & BEQUESTSEDUCATIONCommunity ArtsARTS & & COMMUNITY FAITH Thank you to our advertisers PASRECEIVES A TAXI ON ANIMAL WELFARE INSURANCE BEQUESTSENTERTAINMENT WELLNESSINSURANCE BEQUESTS GIFGTIGSFTIFSTS Improvement Culture Let us helpG youIF achieveTS DEDUCTIONGI FTS We are grateful for your support and your philanthropicWITH A dreams. NOW WITH A TO TO TO TO WHO USE THEIRTO DISTRIBUTIONSDISTRIBUTIONSDISTRIBUTIONSDISTRIBUTIONSCASH SECURITIESDISTRIBUTIONS REAL encourage our readers to shop local. CRECRECallA 845.452.3077CRETEATAET beforeE December 31 FROM THE ENDOWMENTSFROM THE ENDOWMENTS FROMFULFILL THE THEIR ENDOWMENTS FULFILL THEIR FULFILL THEIR CREATE CRECHARITABLE PASSIONSCHARITABLEA THROUGHTCHARITABLE PASSIONSE THROUGH PASSIONSFROM THROUGH THE ENDOWMENTS FULFILL THEIR ASSETS RETIREMENTFROM THE ENDOWMENTS FUNDS FULFILL THEIR ENDOWEDENDOWED toFUNDSENDOWED maximize FUNDS yourFUNDS year-end tax deduction.ENVIRONMENT & EDUCATION ARTS & CHARITABLECOMMUNITY PASSIONSENVIRONMENTEnvironment THROUGH & & FAITHFaith EDUCATION CHARITABLEARTS & PASSIONS THROUGHCOMMUNITY FAITH ENDOWED FUNDS ANIMAL WELFAREENDOWEDPA FUNDSSSENTERTAINMENTION WELLNESSANIMAL WELFARE INSURANCE ENTERTAINMENTBEQUESTS WELLNESS Contact us: [email protected] PASSIONGIFTS Animal Welfare CommunityFoundationsHV.orgUNRESTRICTEDUNRESTRICTEDUNRESTRICTED ALL ALL DONORALL ADVISEDDONOR ADVISEDDONOR ADVISEDUNRESTRICTEDARE GOVERNEDARE BY GOVERNED AN AGREEMENTARE GOVERNED BY AN AGREEMENT BY AN AGREEMENT UNRESTRICTED ENDOWEDENDOWEDDONORENDOWED DESIGNATEDWHODONORALL USE DESIGNATEDAGENCYDONOR THEIR DESIGNATED AGENCYDONORBETWEEN AGENCYADVISED THETOBETWEEN COMMUNITY THEBETWEEN COMMUNITY THEALL COMMUNITYARE GOVERNEDWHO USE BYDONOR AN THEIR AGREEMENT ADVISED CASH SECURITIESARE GOVERNED REAL BY AN AGREEMENT CASH SECURITIES REAL FUNDS: FUNDS:SCHOLARSHIPFUNDS: SCHOLARSHIPENDOWEDSCHOLARSHIPDONOR DESIGNATED AGENCY ENDOWEDBETWEENSCHO THELARS HCOMMUNITYIPDONORSS FCOHROLA RDESIGNATEDSGH SRICPAHSN OFTOSL ARTROS CHHI PAGENCYAGSR RFITAOANRBTLSE TO GCRHAANRTITSA TBOL ECHBETWEENARITABLE THE COMMUNITYDISTRIBUTIONS CHARITABLE REMAINDERCHARITABLECHARITABLE TRUSTS REMAINDER REMAINDER TRUSTS TRUSTS STUDENTS STUDENTSOSRTGUADNEIZNATTSIASSETSONOSRGANIZATOIO RRETIREMENTNGSANIZATIONS FUNDSFROM THE ENDOWMENTS FULFILLASSETS THEIR RETIREMENT FUNDS SCHOLARSHIP CREFUNDS:ATE SCHOLARSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS FOR GRANTS TO CHARITABLE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR GRANTS TO CHARITABLE FUNDS: CHARITABLE PASSIONS THROUGH GIFTSCHARITABLE REMAINDERENDOWED TRUSTS FUNDSGIFCHARITABLETS REMAINDERINSURANCE TRUSTSSTUDENTS BEQUESTSORGANIZATIONS STUDINSURANCEENTS OR GBEQUESTSANIZATIONS COMMUNITYCOMMUNITYCOMMUNITYHELPS DONORSHELPS ACHIEVE DONORSHELPS THEIR ACHIEVE DONORS CHARITABLE THEIR ACHIEVE GOALSCHARITABLE THEIR CHARITABLE GOALSPROVIDES GOALS QUARTERLYPROVIDES REPORTS PROVIDESQUARTERLY ON QUARTERLY FUNDREPORTS ACTIVITY ON REPORTS FUND ACTIVITYON FUND ACTIVITY ASSISTS DONORS ASSISTS WITH DONORS GIVINGASSISTS WITHCOMPLEX DONORS GIVINGHELPS WITHGIFTS COMPLEX DONORS GIVING COMPLEXGIFTS ACHIEVEUNRESTRICTEDOFFERS GIFTSTHEIR EXPERTISE CHARITABLEOFFERS ON EXPERTISE COMMUNITYGOALSOFFERS EXPERTISE ON COMMUNITYNEEDSHELPS ONPROVIDES COMMUNITYDONORS NEEDS QUARTERLY ACHIEVE NEEDS THEIR REPORTS CHARITABLE ON FUND GOALS ACTIVITY PROVIDES QUARTERLY REPORTS ON FUND ACTIVITY FOUNDATIONFOUNDATIONFOUNDATION ALL DONORCOMMUNITY ADVISED ARE GOVERNED BY AN AGREEMENT TOCOMMUNITY PRESERVESTO DONNOR WISHES IN PERPETUITY ASSISTSENDOWED DONORS WITHDONOR GIVING DESIGNATED COMPLEXPRESERVES GIFTS AGENCYPRESERVES DONNOR WISHES DONNORASSISTS INOFFERSBETWEEN WISHES DISTRIBUTIONSPERPETUITY DONORS EXPERTISE IN THE PERPETUITY WITH COMMUNITY ON GIVING COMMUNITY COMPLEX NEEDS GIFTS OFFERS EXPERTISEDISTRIBUTIONS ON COMMUNITY NEEDS STAFFSTAFFSTAFFFOUNDATION FOUNDATION FROM THE ENDOWMENTS FULFILL THEIR FROM THE ENDOWMENTS FULFILL THEIR SCHOLARSHIP CREATE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR GRANTS TO CHARITABLE CREATE FUNDS: PRESERVES DONNOR WISHES IN PERPETUITY PRESERVES DONNOR WISHES IN PERPETUITY CHARITABLE PASSIONS THROUGH ENDOWEDSTAFF FUNDS CHARITABLESTAFFENDOWED REMAINDER TRUSTS FUNDS CHARITABLE PASSIONS THROUGH STUDENTS ORGANIZATIONS

UNRESTRICTED HELPS DONORSUNRESTRICTED ACHIEVE THEIR CHARITABLE GOALS PROVIDES QUARTERLY REPORTS ON FUND ACTIVITY ALL DONOR ADVISED COMMUNITYARE GOVERNEDALL BY AN AGREEMENTDONOR ADVISED ARE GOVERNED BY AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMMUNITYASSISTS DONORS WITH GIVING COMPLEX GIFTS BETWEENOFFERS THE COMMUNITY EXPERTISE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS ENDOWED DONOR DESIGNATED AGENCYFOUNDATION ENDOWED DONOR DESIGNATED AGENCY FUNDS: SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS: SCHOLARSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS FOR GRANTS TO CHPRESERVESARITABLE DONNOR WISHES IN PERPETUITYSCHOLARSHIPS FOR GRANTS TO CHARITABLE CHARITABLE REMAINDERSTAFF TRUSTS CHARITABLE REMAINDERSTUDEN TRUSTSTS ORGANIZATIONS STUDENTS ORGANIZATIONS

COMMUNITY HELPS DONORS ACHIEVE THEIR CHARITABLECOMMUNITY GOALS PROVIDES QUARTERLYHELPS DONORS REPORTS ACHIEVE ON THEIRFUND CHARITABLEACTIVITY GOALS PROVIDES QUARTERLY REPORTS ON FUND ACTIVITY FOUNDATION ASSISTS DONORS WITH GIVING COMPLEXFOUNDATION GIFTS OFFERS EXPERTISEASSISTS ONDONORS COMMUNITY WITH GIVING NEEDS COMPLEX GIFTS OFFERS EXPERTISE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS STAFF STAFF PRESERVES DONNOR WISHES IN PERPETUITY PRESERVES DONNOR WISHES IN PERPETUITY highlandscurrent.com The Highlands Current December 23, 2016 3 Holiday Closings Obituary he Village of Cold Spring Highway Department will continue to pick up garbage and Catherine Portman-Laux Trecycling on its regular schedule over the holidays. Recycling will be picked up Fri- atherine Portman-Laux, day, Dec. 30, and garbage pick-up will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 27, and Tuesday, Jan. C89, a longtime resident 3. The village offices will be closed on Monday, Dec. 26. of Garrison, died Dec. 20, In Beacon, city offices will be closed on Monday, 2016. Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2. The City Council will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3. She was raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, on the In Philipstown, town offices will be closed on Connecticut River, the Monday, Dec. 26 and Monday, Jan. 2, and close daughter of William Henri at noon on Friday, Dec. 30. and Theresa Walsh. During In Garrison, the Garrison Art Center gal- World War II, her father, who leries will be closed from Christmas Day was editor of The Springfield through Monday, Jan. 2. However, they will Republican, took a job in be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve Washington, D.C., as part from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. of the war effort, working in press censorship. Her family relocated to New York state after the war, and she later became a journalist herself, covering Hoboken and six North Hudson communities for The Jersey Journal in Jersey Catherine Portman-Laux and her husband, Burton City. She returned to New Laux, in 2014 on the porch of their Garrison home York state after her second overlooking the Hudson Photo by Michael Nelson marriage to Burton Laux, who survives her. Until last year she wrote the “Challenging Careers” column for the Westchester County Business Journal. She also developed a line of cat greeting cards called Kitty Kables. She had written prose and poems since she was young, recalling that in high school she once was disciplined when her French teacher intercepted an anti-Roosevelt poem and made her translate its 26 verses into French. A former church organist, in 2011 she wrote a song with Laux about the Hudson The Finest River, which the couple saw every day as it wound past their Victorian home, known as Windfield, on Upper Station Road in Garrison. (“I fell in love with the house and grounds when I first saw them and made a vow to God if he would allow us to own Southwestern this house, we would use it to make people happy,” Portman-Laux once said.) She said her song, "The River’s Journey," which was recorded by friends who called Cuisine themselves The River Rovers, was written partly in response to "My Dirty Stream," a song by Pete Seeger. “Now he is deceased, so I shouldn’t be speaking ill of the dead, Paired with but with all the beautiful things about that river I wanted to say something nice.” She collaborated with her husband. “He wrote the chorus,” she said. “It’s very, very the area’s happy. My part is more haunting.” Portman-Laux also delved into politics. In 1994 she ran as an independent for a seat premier in the U.S. Congress representing the 19th District, which included Philipstown. (The Democratic contender was Hamilton Fish Jr., also of Garrison.) Portman-Laux told The selection of New York Times she wanted a federal government limited to “constitutional activities” and that government should “get out of the arts” and let the states handle health Tequila care and public education. She also called for tougher law enforcement but not to the extent of “hassling gun owners.” She finished fourth, with 1 percent of the vote. There will be no wake or funeral, and Portman-Laux will be buried in the Sarasota www.baja328.com National Cemetery in Florida, according to Clinton Funeral Home in Cold Spring, which is handling arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to St. 328 Main Street Christopher’s Inn at Graymoor (stchristophersinn-graymoor.org). Beacon NY 845.838.BAJA

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Beacon crèche spect Jesus’ lessons of love, tolerance, for- pect it to be respected, but you cannot re- In a letter to The Current that appeared giveness and charity and so all religious spect another religion or belief system fol- * Winner: 16 in the Dec. 9 issue, Erik Hoover expressed expressions are to be welcomed. The mes- lowing the same rules, you lose the right his displeasure with the crèche that rests sage of Christmas to me is that we should to display yours. Better Newspaper on Beacon city property with a “Keep Christ love thy neighbor as thyself. Marc Lamothe in Christmas” sign. While I agree that civil Antony Tseng, Beacon It doesn’t snow online apparatus should not be used to promote a This display would be deeply offensive Contest Awards The challenges merchants face are not particular religious ideology, there is also a at any time, but is all the more so in the *New York Press Association, 2013 - 2015 just from the internet (“The Internet vs. menorah on the same property. current atmosphere in which a wave of Main Street,” Dec. 16). The biggest prob- The crèche is provided by the Knights of white Christian nationalism is sweeping Publisher Columbus, of which I am a member. The lem we have is one that we are powerless Highlands Current Inc. the country and violence against visible organization was founded as a fraternal to do anything about, namely, the weather! 161 Main St., non-Christians is rising. benefit society of Catholic faith on the I am sitting at home on a Saturday one Cold Spring NY 10516-2818 Eli Naeher, Newburgh founding principles of charity, unity and week before Christmas Eve, looking out- As long as the crèche is on a common fraternity. The charity by the Knights of side at a veritable blizzard that will pretty 291 Main St., Beacon NY 12508 area (e.g., the town commons and not the Columbus is not limited to those of Catho- much end the holiday shopping season for town hall), and it is paid for by a group Main Street stores. No way are people go- Founder lic faith. and not the local government, and the Gordon Stewart If you do not believe in Christ, keep in ing to get in their cars and drive to Cold common area is open to other religions to (1939 - 2014) mind that the celebration of Christmas Spring or Beacon and slog around in the display icons, it is legal. That was decided without Christ is not free of religion. snow and slush. Not when it’s so easy to by the U.S. Supreme Court years ago. Managing Editor Should we also not have a Christmas tree just hop online in the comfort of their And as long as people accept that Sa- Chip Rowe on city property because of its association home and pajamas and have their pick of tanists could set up a display, and Mus- [email protected] with the pagan god Tammuz? Keeping millions of items from all over the world, lims and Hindus, and other religions, we Christ in Christmas to me means to re- much of it coming from China at ridicu- Arts/Feature Editor are fine. If you get to post yours and ex- lously low prices. Whether it’s Etsy, eBay Alison Rooney or Amazon, there are a lot of sellers, some [email protected] unscrupulous, who offer cheap goods and free shipping courtesy of the U.S. Postal Senior Correspondent Service, which charges Chinese sellers al- Michael Turton most nothing to send a small package that would cost me at least $10 to ship overseas. Reporters Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong The stores on Main Street that are the Brian PJ Cronin biggest success stories have something in Joe Dizney common in addition to great merchan- Pamela Doan dise, and that is a strong online presence. Mary Ann Ebner Look at Burkelman, Hudson Beach Glass, Jeff Simms Cold Spring Apothecary, etc. They prob- ably sell as much or more online as they Layout Editor do in their stores. This is the new model Kate Vikstrom that must be embraced by small-business owners; we can no longer survive with Advertising Director whatever foot traffic we generate in Cold Michele Gedney Spring and Beacon. We have to drive traf- For information on advertising: fic to our sites and our shops if we are go- 845-809-5584 ing to survive in this cutthroat economy. [email protected] Patty Villanova, Putnam Valley Review our rate sheet at Villanova owns the Side Effects/NY highlandscurrent.com/ads boutique in Cold Spring. (Continued on next page)

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Butterfield Developer Wants $2.5 Million from Village (from Page 1) medical offices in Lahey would then move The disagreement, which was often cally, when the June to Building No. 2. heated, was seemingly resolved on June 28 deal was approved, Before that change, Lahey had not been 28 when the Planning Board agreed to Francisco said, “What included in the redevelopment plans. a 20 percent reduction in the number of we’re trying to do here Guillaro and his legal team argued that parking spaces required and the devel- is apply the [village] the switch was minor and did not war- oper agreed to add four spaces not includ- code and not get sued.” rant review by the Cold Spring Planning ed in the original site plan. Signage and The notice also Board. The Planning Board, headed by other improvements related to traffic flow claimed the permit for Matt Francisco, disagreed, citing changes were also hammered out. Building No. 3 was un- in traffic flow and parking requirements. Two weeks earlier, Guillaro and his at- necessarily delayed by The new plan also placed the long-await- torney had threatened legal action if a the Village for more ed U.S. Post Office inside Lahey. compromise could not be reached. Ironi- than a year, and that the Village has been improperly charging Stephanie Hawkins, Dave Merandy File photos Butterfield Realty since April 2015 for its site reviews when those fees should be consid- ered part of the application fees. A Last-Minute It also alleged that the Village withheld documents, despite Freedom of Informa- Charitable Giving Guide tion Law requests, that will “demonstrate will be featured in our the full extent of the illegality of the ac- tions taken by the Village” and that it vio- December 30 issue. lated the Open Meetings Law by taking actions during executive sessions. The HIGHLANDS The notice was submitted for Butter- field Realty by Salvatore Ferlazzo of the Current Albany-based firm Girvin and Ferlazzo, who said he could not comment on its contents. He noted that under state law a municipality has the right to a deposi- tion to explore the claim and to have an Paul Guillaro and attorney Steven Barshov are shown at a Cold Spring Planning Board opportunity to resolve the issue. Based meeting in June when a compromise was reached about relocating the senior center on that, he said, it would be premature to to the Lahey Pavilion. File photo by M. Turton comment on a possible lawsuit.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (from previous page) Made by hand The PCNR’s other history I often miss Jack LaDue and my sub- Your article, “Is Cursive a Dying Art?” How you could have recounted the his- scription to his newspaper. I hope Doug- (Dec.16), notes that critics of the contin- tory of The Putnam County News & Re- las Cunningham will not slant the news. ued teaching of cursive in schools be- corder and not mentioned the long tenure Discourse is healthy. Opinionated report- lieve that “handwriting is beneficial, but of Jack LaDue and the linotype machines ing is dishonest and disruptive. Philip- it doesn’t have to be cursive.” Agreed. So on which he printed the paper locally stown people are smart, they know how why does the handwriting offered have (“The PCNR: An Abbreviated History,” to think and make their own decisions on to be manuscript? Until the 1920s, it was Dec. 16). He lived above the paper on Main an issue when given the facts. not taught; students learned cursive from Street, just across from present-day Cath- Teri Waivada, Cold Spring the beginning. There is evidence that a ryn’s Tuscan Grill. We know the reason Nonprofit organizations joined form of writing is beneficial. In for The Current’s birth in 2010 as Philip- fact, adults who print when handwriting stown.info was because of the litany you NY Alert that wish to place an ad is required usually make up their own mentioned, but Joe Lindsley, Stephanie For public safety and should contact joins. Why not teach a simplified form of Hawkins and Dave Merandy are only mi- transportation alerts by text or Michele Gedney at cursive to begin with? It doesn’t have to nor sidelights of the paper’s long history email, visit nyalert.gov [email protected] be “loopy.” and importance to this community. or 845-809-5584. Mary Knapp, New York City Anthony Merante, Cold Spring

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Call for a Free Consultation • 212-897-5865 www.hart-smart.com • [email protected] 6 December 23, 2016 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.com Notes From the Cold Spring Village Board Highlights from meetings of and Cold Spring Boat Club. No lation of new water meters information has been made in homes and businesses in Dec. 6 and Dec. 13 public regarding the negotia- Cold Spring and Nelsonville tions, but Mayor Dave Meran- began Nov. 29 and that 140 By Michael Turton dy said the club may begin to of 900 meters are in place. nly two elements of the Cold pay rent for use of the property • Trustees approved the Spring Main Street Project are yet it has occupied since 1955. appointment of Elizabeth Oto be completed, Deputy Mayor From Dec. 13 … Bengal and Bonny Car- Marie Early reported at the Dec. 6 meet- Samantha Lutzer, owner of The micino to the Code Update ing of the Village Board: planting trees Pantry in Philipstown, and Stacey Committee. in the spring and lighting improvements Dugliss-Wesselman, owner of Cold • The board voted to sup- that remain unresolved. Spring Apothecary, asked trustees port the Little Stony Point The lighting upgrades were delayed about the fee for a parking waiver Citizens Association’s ap- when Central Hudson declined to install for 12 spaces for 75 Main Street, plication for a grant from “area lighting,” which is mounted low on where they share the ground floor. New York State Parks for poles and designed to illuminate side- The fee for the waiver is $3,000, the construction of a volun- Illustration by Dana Wigdor walks, after residents and businesses in which the owners said came as a teer building and shed at other communities complained that it was surprise. (Business owners who legislator Barbara Scuccimarra, who the park. too bright. cannot meet Village code requirements to represents Cold Spring, has made only • Highway foreman Chris Hyatt submit- The utility is developing a less-harsh provide sufficient parking pay a fee of $250 one local presentation, at the Ameri- ted reports for the months of October LED light that may be used to replace ex- per space.) Lutzer and Dugliss-Wesselman can Legion, regarding plans for the and November, during which crews col- isting lights on Main Street and be added contended that based on their interactions proposed senior citizens center at But- lected 108.7 tons of garbage and 29.7 to unlit polls. Early said that a prototype with Building Inspector Bill Bujarski, in- terfield. Foley said that she and other tons of recyclable materials and deco- could be installed as early as January. cluding information he provided two years residents have written to Scuccimarra rated Main Street for the holidays. ago, the fee should be much less. In other business ... asking for sessions at the Philipstown • Officer-in-Charge George Kane report- • The New York State Environmental Fa- When Merandy suggested tabling the Recreation Center and at Chestnut ed that in November the Cold Spring cilities Corporation confirmed it will issue, a visibly frustrated Lutzer asked Ridge. She said Scuccimarra has not Police Department responded to 63 provide funding for the Market Street to pay the waiver on the spot to move the responded. Trustee Steve Voloto add- calls. Two arrests were made, both for and Fair Street sewer rehabilitation process forward. The board approved the ed that he has contacted Scuccimarra criminal contempt. Officers also issued projects. Bids for the $875,000 project waiver but Merandy said that he would re- twice with a similar request and that 63 parking tickets. Kane reminded resi- can be submitted until 2 p.m. on Feb. 3 view the fee with Bujarski. the legislator has not replied. Merandy dents to call 845-747-SNOW (7669) to at the Village Hall. In other business ... said the board would follow up. determine if street parking is prohib- • The trustees held an executive session • Village resident Kathleen Foley ex- • Greg Philips, the superintendent of wa- ited due to snowfall or predictions of a to discuss the lease between the village pressed concern that Putnam County ter and wastewater, reported that instal- winter storm.

The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary-in-the-Highlands Where everyone is welcome! CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY MASS AT 3:30 P.M. WITH CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

FESTIVAL MASS AT 10:30 P.M. WITH THE SAINT MARY’S CHOIR FINE+RARE CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION AFTER MASS Specializing in Fine+Rare Wines and Whiskeys OUTRAGEOUS WINES AND SPIRITS CHRISTMAS DAY AT PRETTY GOOD PRICES MASS WITH CAROLS AT 10:30 A.M.

Now Open at 290 Main Street, Nelsonville Corner of Routes 9D & 301 in Cold Spring Limited Hours and by Appointment Call 845.475.4093 845.265.2539 or write info@fi neandrarewineandspirits.com www.stmaryscoldspring.org Mark Mancinelli, Proprietor highlandscurrent.com The Highlands Current December 23, 2016 7 The Calendar Juanita’s Kitchen: Muy Sabroso (Delicious) A former “city girl” from Mexico Pali’s) on Main Street in Nelsonville. shows off her culinary skill Juanita’s Kitchen focuses on take-out orders for By Alison Rooney appetizers, main dishes, soups, sides and (soon) oon after Juanita Rincon got married in 1976, her desserts, but there are mother-in-law took her aside. “That is not a meal,” several tables for dining. Sshe said. “I need to teach you how to cook.” The menu changes weekly. Rincon had grown up in Mexico City with a grand- Before Rincon and her mother who did all the cooking. “I knew how to do the family, which grew to other chores but not cooking,” recalls Rincon, who says include five children, came she was a “city girl” while her in-laws lived on a farm. to the U.S. from Mexico She remembers her first cooking lesson well: her decades ago, she cooked not mother-in-law showed her how to cook rice seasoned only for them but for friends with garlic, onion and tomatoes. “Molé and tamales who seemed to stop by ever were her specialties but everything was delicious,” more frequently for weekend Rincon says. visits. Cooking became “sort Much of what Rincon learned, she learned by doing, of a therapy,” she says. “I and decades later she is sharing her own culinary skills went to college after having at Juanita’s Kitchen, which opened in November in what kids, and had to study at was formerly the Nelsonville Deli (and, before that, night or very early in the morning. I chopped while I studied. I Juanita Rincon, surrounded by her grandchildren, Bella and Kiyoshi Tomizawa made sure my Photo by A. Rooney children always got my baby food — I and that’s what started all this,” Rincon recalls. never bought prepared foods for them. I even After being certified by the health department to made the juices using carrots and oranges.” serve food, Rincon launched an online business, offering She spent the first 25 years in the U.S. a few meals each week on a schedule. Soon she had working as a babysitter for a family on Long clients in Philipstown, Connecticut and Westchester Island. Soon after the job ended, one of her County. She also began preparing twice-weekly lunches daughters, Julisa Rincon-Tomizawa, a special- for the Manitou School in Cold Spring and catered education consultant who lives in Cold Spring, parties, which will continue. asked her mother if she could help care for her With encouragement from her family, Rincon opened young children. Rincon began dividing her Juanita’s Kitchen. Renovations included adding more time between her home in Queens and the prep space, installing displays of Mexican handicrafts Highlands. Meanwhile, Julisa was talking up and posters of Diego Rivera paintings and applying her mother’s culinary talents. coats of blue and yellow paint. Juanita's Kitchen's chicken quesadillas (Photo provided) “She told them ‘My mom will cook for you’ Rincon uses meats from (Continued on Page 9) Dog House Calls A Philipstown pet groomer who comes to you By Michael Turton

he milkman and bread man may be nearly extinct but a mobile pet grooming service is coming into its own. Tami Adams and her Bark TAvenue Mobile Spa for Pets, based in Philipstown, make house calls the old-fashioned way. Lassie and Toto don’t even leave the yard. Adams hit the ground running at an early age. As a teenager she had a house-cleaning business, booked and promoted bands and even put together a concert at The Paramount in Peekskill. Grooming began at home with the family Yorkshire terrier. At 19, after a training program at the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), pet grooming became her profession. She has owned her own salon for 16 years. Three years ago she drove to Granger, Indiana, near South Bend, where Wag’n Tails Mobile Conversions outfitted her 2011 Mercedes Benz Sprinter with a generator, inverter, electric table, stainless steel tub with hydro-surge system, 55-gallon fresh water tank and a grey-water tank, among other equipment. The van’s interior is a miniature but roomy spa that allows her to offer Tami Adams makes house calls from northern Westchester to Connecticut. Photo by M. Turton on-the-spot services such as nail clipping, baths, (Continued on Page 9) 8 December 23, 2016 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.com

Calendar Highlights For upcoming events visit highlandscurrent.com. Send event listings to [email protected] St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church St. Luke’s Episcopal Ulster/Dutchess Christmas Bird Count FRIDAY, DEC. 23 7 p.m. | 15 South Ave., Beacon 10 a.m. See details under Saturday. 845-339-1277 | [email protected] The Brasiles Ensemble (Caroling) 845-831-1369 | standrewsbeaconny.org Reformed Church of Beacon Vacation Camp (ages 5-12) 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Main Street, Cold Spring Reformed Church of Beacon 10:30 a.m. See details under Saturday. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. All Sport | Details under Monday. Andy Stack’s American Soup (Holiday Edition) 7:15 p.m. | 1113 Wolcott Ave., Beacon Salem Tabernacle School Break Mini-Camp (ages 6-9) 7 p.m. Towne Crier | 379 Main St., Beacon 845-831-8153 | rcbeacon.org 11 a.m. See details under Saturday. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Outdoor Discovery Center 845-855-1300 | townecrier.com First Presbyterian Church Putnam Valley Services See details under Tuesday. Caroling 8 p.m. | 50 Liberty St., Beacon Winter Break Kids Camp (ages 6-11) 8 p.m. Redoubt Wine Bar 845-831-5322 | beaconpresbychurch.com St. Luke’s Lutheran 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mid-Hudson Civic Center 9:30 a.m. See details under Saturday. 1135 Route 9D, Garrison Salem Tabernacle See details under Monday. 845-424-3463 | redoubtwinebar.com 10 p.m. | 7 Delavan Ave., Beacon Grace United Methodist Jonathan Kruk: A Christmas Carol 845-831-0114 | salemtabernacle.com 11 a.m. See details under Saturday. 7 p.m. Tompkins Corners Cultural Center SATURDAY, DEC. 24 St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Hanukkah Services 729 Peekskill Hollow Road, Putnam Valley 11 p.m. | 850 Wolcott Ave., Beacon 845-528-7280 | tompkinscorners.org Christmas Eve Bicycle Menorah Lighting 845-831-2643 | stlukesbeacon.org First Day of Hanukkah 5 p.m. See details under Saturday. Hanukkah Services Local libraries closed Putnam Valley Services Bicycle Menorah Lighting Cold Spring Farmers’ Market Grace United Methodist Church MONDAY, DEC. 26 5 p.m. See details under Saturday. 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Parish Hall 5 & 11 p.m. | 337 Peekskill Hollow Road, Putnam Third Day of Hanukkah Community Menorah Lighting 1 Chestnut St., Cold Spring | csfarmmarket.org Valley | 845-526-3788 | opendoorscommunity.org Village of Cold Spring offices closed 6 p.m. Depot Square, Cold Spring Philipstown Services Fourth Unitarian Society Philipstown libraries closed putnamchabad.org 6 p.m. | 1698 Strawberry Road, Mohegan Lake Vacation Camp (ages 5-12) St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 914-528-7131 | fourthuu.org 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. All Sport | 17 Old Main St., Fishkill THURSDAY, DEC. 29 3:30 & 10:30 p.m. | 1 Chestnut St., Cold Spring St. Luke’s Lutheran Church 845-896-5678 | allsporthealthandfitness.com Sixth Day of Hanukkah 845-265-2539 | stmaryscoldspring.org 7 & 9:30 p.m. | 65 Oscawana Lake Road, Putnam Winter Break Camp (ages 6-11) Vacation Camp (ages 5-12) Our Lady of Loretto Valley | 845-528-8858 | stlukesputnamvalley.org 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mid-Hudson Civic Center 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. All Sport | Details under Monday. 4 & 8 p.m. | 24 Fair St., Cold Spring 14 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie 845-265-3718 | ladyofloretto.org Hanukkah Services School Break Mini-Camp (ages 6-9) 845-454-5800 | midhudsonciviccenter.org 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Outdoor Discovery Center St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Bicycle Menorah Lighting Beacon City Council Workshop See details under Tuesday. 5 & 11 p.m. | 1101 Route 9D, Garrison 5 p.m. Polhill Park | Main Street at Route 9D, 7 p.m. City Hall (Courtroom) | 1 Municipal Plaza, 845-424-3571 | stphilipshighlands.org Beacon | beaconhebrewalliance.org Winter Break Camp (ages 6-11) Beacon | 845-838-5011 | cityofbeacon.org 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mid-Hudson Civic Center First Presbyterian Church See details under Monday. 5:30 p.m. | 10 Academy St., Cold Spring SUNDAY, DEC. 25 Hanukkah Services Children’s Holiday Tea 845-265-3220 | presbychurchcoldspring.org Christmas Day Bicycle Menorah Lighting Noon – 2 p.m. Mount Gulian | 145 Sterling St., St. Joseph’s Chapel 5 p.m. See details under Saturday. Second Day of Hanukkah Beacon | 845-831-8172 | mountgulian.org 6 p.m. | 74 Upper Station Road, Garrison 845-265-3718 | ladyofloretto.org Philipstown Services Hanukkah Services Our Lady of Loretto TUESDAY, DEC. 27 Church on the Hill Bicycle Menorah Lighting 10 a.m. See details under Saturday. Fourth Day of Hanukkah 7 p.m. | 245 Main St., Cold Spring | 845-265-2022 5 p.m. See details under Saturday. St. Philip’s Episcopal Village of Cold Spring offices closed United Methodist Church Dedication of Hanukkah Menorah 10 a.m. See details under Saturday. South Highland Methodist Church Vacation Camp (ages 5-12) 6 p.m. Memorial Park St. Mary’s Episcopal 7 p.m. | 216 Main St., Cold Spring 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. All Sport | Details under Monday. 156 Oscawana Lake Road, Putnam Valley 10:30 a.m. See details under Saturday. 845-526-3788 | opendoorscommunity.org School Break Mini-Camp (ages 6-9) 845-528-4774 | rtpv.org St. Basil’s Chapel (Greek Orthodox) Church on the Hill 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Outdoor Discovery Center 7:30 p.m. | Route 9D, Garrison 10:30 a.m. See details under Saturday. 100 Muser Drive, Cornwall FRIDAY, DEC. 30 845-424-3500 | saintbasilacademy.org First Presbyterian 845-534-5506 | hhnaturemuseum.org Sixth Day of Hanukkah 10:30 a.m. See details under Saturday. Winter Break Camp Graymoor Spiritual Life Center Putnam County Christmas Bird Count Graymoor Spiritual Life Center 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mid-Hudson Civic Center 9:30 p.m. | 1350 Route 9, Garrison 845-270-2979 | [email protected] 845-424-2111 | graymoorcenter.org 11 a.m. See details under Saturday. See details under Monday. Vacation Camp (ages 5-12) Cold Spring Board of Trustees Beacon Services 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. All Sport | Details under Monday. Beacon Services 7:30 p.m. Village Hall | 85 Main St., Cold Spring School Break Mini-Camp (ages 6-9) Caroling at the Crèche St. John the Evangelist 845-265-3611 | coldspringny.gov 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Outdoor Discovery Center 4 p.m. Polhill Park 7:30 & 10:30 a.m. See details under Saturday. See details under Tuesday. Main Street at Route 9D, Beacon | beaconarts.org Church of St. Joachim Hanukkah Services Winter Break Camp (ages 6-11) St. John the Evangelist 9 a.m. & Noon. See details under Saturday. Bicycle Menorah Lighting 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mid-Hudson Civic Center 4:30 & 6 p.m. (Spanish) | 35 Willow St., Beacon Faith Temple Church of God in Christ 5 p.m. See details under Saturday. See details under Monday. 845-838-0915 | stjoachim-stjohn.org 9 a.m. 22 N. Cedar St., Beacon | 845-831-8257 Church of St. Joachim facebook.com/faithtemplebeacon WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28 Hanukkah Services 4:30 p.m. & Midnight | 51 Leonard St., Beacon First Presbyterian Fifth Day of Hanukkah Bicycle Menorah Lighting 845-838-0915 | stjoachim-stjohn.org 10 a.m. See details under Saturday. 4 p.m. See details under Saturday. highlandscurrent.com The Highlands Current December 23, 2016 9

Juanita’s Kitchen: Muy Sabroso (Delicious) (from Page 7) Marbled Meats and Glynwood Farm. fresh masa and baked or Recent menu items included appetizers grilled in a tortilla. “It’s such as molletes, which is baked bread healthy and hearty, a real topped with creamy panela cheese, refried farmers’ meal,” she says. beans and salsa or pico de gallo with a Appetizers range from $4 ground pork chorizo option. The soup of to $6.50, the soups are $5 and the day has ranged from posole (hominy most entreés cost $12.50. corn in chicken) to Veracruz-style lentil. Extra sides of beans, rice, Each weekday a different entrée is tortillas, salsas and fresh offered; one Tuesday choice was pernil, cactus salad are available. with chunks of slow-roasted pork, sea- Desserts will be introduced soned with Mexican spices, while Wednes- soon, including rice pudding, corn day brought costillas en salsa verde con pudding, and churros filled with Mexican calabacitas: pan-seared pork ribs and chocolate. The holiday season will also pork shoulder, cooked in a green salsa, bring ponche, or punch, filled with fruits topped with zucchini and fresh cilantro. like guava and hibiscus nectar. A tofu option is available for vegans; Juanita’s Kitchen is located at 289 though people don’t typically associate Main St. in Nelsonville and can be Mexican food with vegetables, she says, reached by calling 845-666-7171. It is “we use a lot of string beans, cauliflower, open weekdays from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. broccoli, even cactus.” Take-out can be ordered early in the day Future options will include less for pick-up after 2 p.m. Visit juani- familiar dishes such as tlacoyos, which is taskitchenny.com for menus and to order Top left, Juanita's Kitchen molletes; above, cheery yellow walls and a display of made from ground beans mashed with online. Rincon also offers catering. Mexican handicrafts at Juanita's Kitchen (Photos by A. Rooney)

hair cuts, but one customer asked me to other people or animals. And the pet can folders or detailed notes, she says. “Others Dog House Calls (from Page 7) make her dog look like Suzanne Somers look out the window and know they are just say ‘You know what you’re doing hot-oil treatments and hair cuts, mostly from Three’s Company. That was funny!” still in their home territory.” Traveling to — make him look nice,’ ” she says. “Guess to dogs, who outnumber cats among her Other requests can be sad. “I’ve a salon also can cause an animal to act which approach I prefer and guess who is clients by a ratio of 10 to 1. She claims she groomed many animals just hours erratically. usually most pleased with the result?” doesn’t have a favorite breed. “It’s an before they were euthanized,” she says. Often it’s better if the pet owner is not Adams sets her fees, which start at $50, individual animal that is perhaps more “Sometimes I’ve known the dog since it present while Adams is working. “Some based on the animal’s size, condition and enjoyable than another,” she says. “You was a pup.” dogs get very anxious if the owner is right behavior and range of services rendered. become friends.” Adams is convinced that animals do there,” she says. “But I never dissuade Appointments can be made for between 8 She has groomed a miniature horse, a better in a van than at a salon. “The people. I just ask them to sit quietly.” a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays by calling guinea pig, a hamster and several stress level on the dog and the groomer is Some owners come with books, photos, 914-314-4314 or texting 518-986-1592. rabbits. Requests can be on the zany side. much lower,” she says. “There are no “I’ve been asked to do all kinds of wacky competing sounds, no interference from

Fri., 12/23 7:00 p.m. Sat., 12/31 Andy Stack’s 9:30 p.m. Holiday Show New Year’s guests Beacon Glee Club Eve Free Two powerhouse bands

The inside of Adams' van is a miniature but roomy spa. Photo by M. Turton Sat., 12/24 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Chris O’Leary Band Open for Brunch Sari Schorr & Band Suzi Tortora’s Dancing Dialogue: & Lunch Prix fixe menu available Healing and Expressive Arts Dance - movement - music - story - play - socialize Closed Sun., 12/25 through Tues., 12/27

Fri., 12/30 8:30 p.m. Adam Ezra Group guest Jamie Hamburg

Best of the BabyMovesBabyCues Hudson Valley® Ages Newborn - 4 Years Old 2014 & 2016 Winter classes begin January 13 26 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516 Contact Suzi at: [email protected] or call 845.265.1085 www.dancingdialogue.com 10 December 23, 2016 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.com

(from Page 1) Frozen Glory Seibert also worked for several years on to win gold in 1984 — this was era of the a live ice-dancing show for the Canadian Catching Up with Judy Blumberg dominating British skaters Torvill and Broadcasting Corporation called “Battle lumberg, who grew up in Tarzana, California, first Dean — but knew bronze was within their of the Blades” that paired professional reach. And they would have been on the Bskated with Seibert in 1979. “You know when you hockey players with figure skaters. move similar to someone, when your knees work with podium except for a single judge who gave As a child growing up in the Pittsburgh them a 5.5 for interpretation because she someone,” she has said. While ice dancers typically used area, Seibert wasn’t considered for train- ballroom music, the pair became known for using songs didn’t like the music they ing as a competitive skater preferred by figure skaters, including selections by Elvis chose. The piece, Nikolai “We were just 30 years until he was 13 and by then Presley and Patsy Cline. Rimsky-Korsakov’s Schehe- was too old to perform ahead of our time!” They parted ways in 1992. Blumberg wanted to continue razade, “didn’t conform to solo, with its emphasis on the rules of dance,” insist- skating but Seibert was ready to come off the ice to jumping. But his coach at choreograph and direct. ed the judge, Cia Bordogna of Italy. “The the time specialized in ice dancing, so music must also be able to be danced to that’s where he gravitated. Today Seibert Blumberg skated for another three-and-a-half years with a on Earth. Technically, they were at a very occasionally coaches recreational skaters; new partner, Jim Yorke, and later became a commentator for CBS Sports and ensemble director for the Ice Theatre of high level. Their skating was really almost he has students at rinks in Katonah and New York. Today she lives in Sun Valley, Idaho, where she teaches and coaches. perfect.” Newburgh. “I like to teach adults with Says Seibert now: “It hits you like a ton a focus on health and exercise — it’s so of bricks. It takes a long time to recover much fun,” he says. “Other coaches think from it …. There’s a giant realization that I’m out of my mind, but I love skating in you’ve done all this for five minutes that a different way, not in a competition mode.” were beyond your control.” While working on Stars on Ice, Seibert Ironically, the first Americans to win lived for about six months in a Manhattan Olympic gold in ice dancing, Meryl Davis loft, which he decorated. The results, fea- and Charlie White in 2014, skated to Sche- tured in Metropolitan Home and Elle Dé- herazade. “We were just 30 years ahead of cor, led to other commissions and got him our time!” says Seibert with a smile. thinking about a new career. He honed After the 1984 Olympics, Seibert com- his skills after a move to Palm Springs, peted for another year or two, then skated California (his work there was featured in ice show tours before shifting to cho- in Interior Design), and came to realize reography and directing, mostly for the that his experience working on ice shows show Stars on Ice, founded in 1986 to translated well. showcase gold medalist Scott Hamilton. “I had never set a tile or guided a backhoe Describing that period as the “golden age” or many of the other things being done, but I of skating, Seibert was part of the cre- didn’t have to,” he says. “What’s important is ative team that in 2003 won a Primetime knowing the sequence, the order, the needs. Emmy Award for choreography. I didn’t know how to program lights [for the

Blumberg and Seibert at SuperSkates in 1984 Photo by Christie Jenkins

ice show], but I knew how much time you the city to feel rural but close enough to needed to do it right. And from years of hav- reach his design jobs. Driving into Beacon ing hard openings with set dates because on a snowy January day, he was charmed. an audience would be in their seats and the “Driving along Main, west to east, looking show had to be ready, I gained skills I could at the mountains, it reminded me of Lake apply” to renovating houses. “In devising Placid and it felt right,” he recalls. the plan, you have to have flow. Ice shows Seibert, who along with Blumberg was Discover the meaning of Bhakti at use space and it’s all about flow.” inducted in 1996 into the U.S. Figure Skat- Returning to the East Coast with only ing Hall of Fame, says he no longer skates. Beacon's new yoga center. a few suitcases and his skates to work on “When you train six days a week for all Bring this ad to the studio for “Battle of the Blades,” Seibert was intro- those hours, your skills are fine-tuned,” he duced to the Hudson Valley while staying says. “When you don’t put in those times, 10% off packages & classes. as a long-term guest at a friend’s place in the skills go away, and it’s disappointing. Red Hook. Commuting to the city, he cast It’s been a wackadoodle life. But it’s OK — beBhaktiyoga.com | 845.440.8855 his eye on the Peekskill to Beacon area, I’m a very happy has-been!” 89 Dewindt St., Beacon, NY thinking it seemed removed enough from Royalty Carpet Your Full Service Flooring Store Since 1848 Give your floors the Royal treatment LUMBER • DOORS • WINDOWS DECKING • FLOORING • ROOFING Full service fl ooring: SIDING • HARDWARE • PAINTS • All types of fl ooring sales and installation — carpet, KITCHEN CABINETS laminate, hardwood, ceramic tile, & resilient fl oors OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS CUSTOM SAWMILLING & DRYING Carpet, upholstery, ceramic tile & grout cleaning LIVE EDGE SLABS • CUSTOM BEAMS Commercial janitorial cleaning Visit our 2000 sq. ft. Deck Display Damage restoration: open 24/7 and new Outdoor✦❖ Living Area • Restoration of property damaged by fi re, smoke or water (914) 737-2000 2 N. Water Street Call today to schedule affordable fl ooring services, occasional and specialty cleaning, or regular janitorial services. You always get a FREE estimate. Payment plans available. Peekskill, NY Mon-Fri 7:30 - 4:30 Royalty Carpet • 288 Main Street • Beacon, NY 12508 Sat 8 - 1 845-831-4774 • [email protected] WWW.DAINSLUMBER.COM highlandscurrent.com The Highlands Current December 23, 2016 11 Willie’s Brother histling Willie’s American Grill second establishment under the same now has a twin, although he’s name in Fishkill Plaza on Route 9 north of Wnot identical. The DiFrancesco Route 52. The new location is larger, with family, who operate the restaurant and 150 seats, 70 more than in Cold Spring, bar at the corner of Main Street and Mor- but the menus are similar and both have ris Avenue in Cold Spring, has opened a happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m.

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Ray DiFrancesco III taps into one of 24 draught brews at the new Whistling Willie's. Photos by M. Turton

Whistling Willies in Fishkill is nearly double the size of its Cold Spring counterpart.

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A cost County 2BR Rent Annual Wage Hourly Wage Renter Rent Gap of more than 50 percent is con- Needed Needed Wage Rate Affordable cost of living in Hudson Valley sidered severely burdened. Dutchess $1,269 $50,840 $24.44 $10.19 $530 -$420 Pattern’s statistics, which By Jeff Simms are based on U.S. census data, Putnam $1,637 $62,840 $30.21 $8.67 $451 -$1,186 pair of reports issued by regional show that the median month- Source: Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress nonprofits that track jobs and ly rent in Beacon in 2015 was housing are the latest to examine $1,082, a more-than 64 per- A cent increase from 15 years earlier. The aspects of a now-familiar refrain: many residents can no longer afford to live in median value of a home in Beacon rose 75 the Hudson Valley. percent to $240,300, from $166,000, ad- Studies by Hudson Valley Pattern for justed for inflation. Progress and the United Way both found The Pattern report calls Beacon a great affordability to be a major challenge example of a city that, after experiencing throughout the region, including in Bea- economic decline, “has witnessed a rever- con, where housing prices have jumped 33 sal, reinvestment and in-migration of a rel- percent in the last four years. atively well-off middle and upper-middle “There’s a large portion of our popula- class population.” However, it warns that tion that lives above the poverty level but with those successes can also come the still can’t afford basic necessities of life,” negative impacts of gentrification, namely said Kimberly Kochem, vice president of the “pricing out” of longtime residents. community impact for the United Way of While gentrification often brings an in- Dutchess and Orange counties. “This is re- flux of increased amenities — shopping, ally a survival budget and it’s not feasible.” entertainment and dining — it’s the resi- The subjects of its report are referred to dents who work in those establishments as ALICE, for “asset-limited, income-con- that often feel the crunch. strained and employed,” or people who “I know many people who are work- The wooded area on the far side of the Beacon City Hall is being developed as are working but don’t make enough to pay ing, but they have to work in the service affordable housing. Photo: Google Maps essential bills and have little savings. or retail industries and they have trouble In its study, Hudson Valley Pattern exam- making ends meet,” said Beacon Council- hold survival budget” for a family of four households earning within those ranges ined regional gentrification and how it can person Ali Muhammad. “We need more with two young children to be $73,212 in would be able to rent Kearney’s units at both benefit and burden communities. Its skilled positions in Beacon that are going Dutchess County and $77,724 in Putnam. a cost not exceeding 30 percent of their research includes detailed looks into hous- to be more secure. We have a tourist econ- That’s far too much to receive government income. ing costs and other effects of growth in omy that relies on the service industry, assistance (the federal poverty level for a Kearney said he submitted an applica- Newburgh, Hudson, Kingston and Beacon. but there’s no security in that industry.” family of four is $23,850) but only just tion earlier this month to the state’s highly While the word gentrification often car- The United Way report found that 46 enough to cover the basic costs of living, competitive Middle Income Housing Pro- ries a negative connotation, it actually re- percent of Beacon residents earn less than according to the report. gram, which has funded similar projects fers to upward economic growth, to a point, the average income a household needs to “These are not just retail industry em- he’s done in Peekskill and Poughkeepsie. explained Ken Kearney, a developer build- afford basic necessities such as housing, ployees,” Kochem said. “They’re teachers If the project is funded and then approved ing an affordable housing complex in Bea- child care, food, transportation, health and auto mechanics. This is the fabric of by the Beacon Planning Board, construc- con who took part in a Pattern-sponsored care and taxes. our community that we rely heavily on.” tion could begin next fall, he said. forum Dec. 15. “Before you have gentrifica- While the decades-old definition of A handful of initiatives are underway to During the Pattern for Progress forum, tion, stabilization must occur,” he said. “In “poverty-level” income has not been ad- address cost-of-living issues in Beacon. In Beacon Mayor Randy Casale said he also the early 1990s, Beacon needed stabiliza- justed to account for cost-of-living in- October, the city sold 3.14 acres adjacent expects the City Council in 2017 to revisit tion first. You don’t go from zero to 100.” creases, the United Way says its ALICE to City Hall to Kearney, a Carmel-based legislation that would increase the number After stabilization, he said, “gentrifica- threshold provides a clearer picture of developer who plans to build a 72-unit af- of affordable units that must be included tion occurs when people who have lived which residents are struggling. In Bea- fordable housing complex on the site. as part of new developments. Those units there are not able to stay.” con, 13 percent of residents live in poverty, Rents for the 22 middle-income units would be an example of the “inclusionary” According to Pattern, nearly half of the while an additional 33 percent meet the and 50 artists lofts will be tied to the zoning that the Pattern for Progress report renters in Beacon and a third of homeown- criteria of being “asset-limited, income- area’s median income, which Dutchess recommends to mitigate resident displace- ers are in unaffordable or severely bur- constrained and employed.” In Putnam County says is $87,100 annually for a fam- ment due to gentrification. dened housing situations. The organiza- County, 5 percent of residents are in pov- ily of four. The lofts would be priced for Beacon currently requires develop- tion considers a home unaffordable when erty and another 28 percent meet the AL- renters earning up to 60 percent of the ments of 20 or more units to include at it costs more than 30 percent of a house- ICE criteria, for a total of 33 percent. The United Way calculated the “house- median income and the middle-income least 10 percent "affordable" housing. Dis- units for those making between 70 and cussions earlier this year proposed upping 120 percent, Kearney said. the number to 10 percent of developments The U.S. Department of Housing and of 10 or more units. Urban Development defines affordable The council could also consider parking housing as that which requires a house- meters on Main Street, which would in- hold to pay less than 30 percent of its gross crease revenue while promoting walking income on housing costs, which include and mass transit. “We’re trying to use ev- rent and utilities or a mortgage payment, ery tool we have to keep this city afford- utilities, insurance and taxes. Therefore, able,” Casale said.

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Putnam Visitors’ Bureau Lost Money in 2015 (from Page 1) of about $14,000 in 2015, according to its Visitors’ Bureau ended reau receives about $400,000 annually. IRS filing. the year with a positive “That is a lot of money for the acting di- This past summer, the Visitors’ Bureau balance of $25,767 in reve- rector to not know where the bank state- established a new board of directors, nue over expenses; in 2012 ments are, to say he signed checks but which picked Cold Spring resident Barney with a positive balance of now he’s not familiar with what’s in the Molloy as chair. Frank Smith, who had $2,872; and in 2013 with a bank,” LoBue argued. served as an intern and deputy director $70,930 deficit. The legislators voted 7 to 2 to approve in recent years (although not named as a compromise: Holding back $100,000 County oversight but releasing $41,996 for bureau expenses an employee in the bureau's 2014 or 2015 At an Oct. 20 meeting, filings), became acting director, while the during the first quarter of 2017. Legislator Dini LoBue Legislator Barbara Scuccimarra, who rep- search for a permanent director continues. referred to the 2013 and On a form filed with New York state resents Philipstown and served as treasurer 2015 shortfalls and asked of the previous Visitors’ Bureau board, vot- that is required of all charities, the Visi- Smith for the agency’s tors’ Bureau stated that in 2015 its reve- ed no, protesting that her colleagues were 2016 records, including “tying their hands” at the agency. She said nue included a $146,996 grant from Put- bank statements. Smith nam County and $53,911 from the state’s the finances had been inherited by the new replied that while he board, and “they’ve given every indication Empire State Development Corp., which signed Visitors’ Bureau the county matched with another $53,911. they will address the issues. I don’t think checks, he did not have it’s fair to put any money away.” (Legislator Visitors’ Bureau expenses included bank statements. He like- salaries for Pataki and Katie DeMarco, Carl Albano also voted no.) wise declined to discuss After the vote, LoBue continued her who lives in Philipstown. Pataki earned files that Pataki may have $43,087 for working full-time as direc- quest for Visitors’ Bureau financial data. left, saying he would have On Nov. 17, she asked Smith for “detailed tor, far less than the $70,000 she received to review them individu- As Putnam County Visitors' Bureau director in 2012, in 2014. However, she spent part of 2015 Libby Pataki answered a question from then-Mayor costs” of spending for a promotion for ally before sharing them “Fireball Run,” a car race-cum-scavenger- on leave when her husband, former New with legislators. Seth Gallagher of Cold Spring during a Village Board York Gov. George Pataki, campaigned for discussion of tourism. File photo by L.S. Armstrong hunt that stopped in Mahopac on Sept. 30 Nonetheless, Smith as- and Oct. 1. the Republican nomination for president. sured legislators that he During the Oct. 27 meeting, LoBue On Dec. 13, she told The Current that DeMarco earned $36,600 for working 20 was “doing my absolute best” to straight- urged her fellow legislators to retain tight “even after countless letters,” Smith re- hours a week. en everything out. “I apologize if there is control over the entire $141,996 appro- mained “unresponsive to requests to At the same time, Pataki’s Putnam anything from the past,” he added. “But priation. Citing the investigation by the submit financial documents so that I can Tourism Corp. paid DeMarco $50,000 I don’t know how I can answer for that.” Attorney General’s Office, she maintained fulfill my oversight duties as a legislator. for working 24 hours a week as its vice Several legislators commended Smith that “we have to keep a close watch on this Considering the legal problems encoun- chair. (The previous year, 2014, DeMarco for his efforts. With LoBue the sole dis- agency.” She said Smith earned $50,000 tered by the previous bureau administra- earned $24,000 for 20 hours per week in senter, the legislature voted 8 to 1 to re- for “a part-time position” and that be- tion, I would think that Mr. Smith would the same position.) Pataki received no sal- lease all of the bureau’s 2017 funding. tween state and county funding, the bu- make every effort to respond to any and ary in 2015 from the corporation, which A week later, it changed its mind. was dissolved this year in the wake of all inquiries promptly and completely in the attorney general’s investigation. The order to regain the confidence that had nonprofit took in $72,580 in donations Top Secret: Putnam County Tourism been lost,” she said. in 2015, spent $1,268 on promotions and Smith did not reply to requests for gave grants of $21,597, according to its By Chip Rowe comment on the legislature’s retention of IRS filing. $100,000. However, he said Dec. 12 that the Meanwhile, the Visitors’ Bureau pro- hile preparing a story on the newly appointed board of the Putnam County bureau has been “working with New York vided grants in 2015 to the New York-New WVisitors' Bureau and each member’s background experience (“Meet Your State and our attorney to revise and up- Jersey Trail Conference ($2,000), the Cold Tourism Board,” Sept. 30), The Current filed Freedom of Information Law requests date policies.” It also plans new “funding Spring Merchants Association ($700), the to receive copies of the applications the agency received for the volunteer guidelines so that they are consistent and positions, meeting minutes, a copy of the bylaws and any emails between Acting Putnam County Joint Veterans Council fair to all of our potential partners” and Director Frank Smith and board members. Row of Honor Flags ($100) and Beatrice expects to announce its choice of a perma- Copeland, daughter of then-board member Smith, who acts as the Visitor Bureau’s records officer, replied that the minutes had nent director after the first of the year. Carolyn Copeland, for a film project ($500). been posted online (they have since been removed) and that the emails are exempt Board Chair Barney Molloy declined Its expenses in 2015 included about from public disclosure laws. He noted that an appeal could be filed with … the comment, saying in an email on Dec. 21 $95,000 for tourism advertising, $7,000 Visitors' Bureau board. that he was unavailable until after Christ- for events, $4,000 for public relations and The bureau did honor the request for the applications, provided with “personal and mas. The Attorney General’s Office also $14,000 for its website and mobile app. contact information removed.” Samples appear below. did not respond to requests for an update Federal filings show that in 2014 the on its inquiry. 14 December 23, 2016 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.com

COMMUNITY BRIEFS State Opens Small appointed in January after President Alison Anthoine and Vice President Jillian Bono- Getting a Leg Up Business Office Kelly step down on Dec. 31. Jack Goldstein is the lone new addition to the board. Putnam satellite located in Mahopac he New York State Small Business De- Birders Wanted Tvelopment Center has opened a Put- nam County satellite office in the Tomp- Annual Christmas count set for Dec. 30 kins Community Center in Mahopac, he annual Putnam County Christmas adjacent to the Greater Mahopac-Carmel Bird Count takes place on Friday, Dec. Chamber of Commerce. T 30. Teams will be assigned areas to roam The agency can assist small-business and census all the birds they see during owners with confidential advice, services, a set time. This is the 117th year of the training and workshops on financial plan- Audubon Society's count, making it the ning, infrastructure, energy efficiency and longest-running citizen-science project in disaster recovery, among other topics. For the country. Putnam County birders have more information or to make an appoint- been participating for 63 years. Volunteers ment, call 845-628-5553. with or without bird identification expe- rience are welcome. Call Charlie Roberto Cold Spring Chamber at 845-270-2978 or email chasrob@opton- Selects Board line.net. Will appoint new officers in January he Cold Spring Area Chamber of Com- Phil’s List Tmerce announced its 2017 board of di- rectors at its annual holiday party held at Free online local Dutchess Manor on Dec. 15. The board is Martin Barth of Meyers Asso- classifi eds devoted to ciates, LP; Jack Goldstein of JLG Antiques; jobs, housing, tag sales, Yuriy Herhel of the Fred Astaire Dance Stu- dio; Katie Liberman of the Hudson Valley services, and more. Shakespeare Festival; Barney Molloy, chair of Putnam County Tourism and Raul Olave highlandscurrent.com Cross-Legged Brooch, by Margaux Lange, at the Small Works Show at of Auspicious Business Solutions. click on “Free Ads” Catalyst Gallery, 127 Main St., in Beacon. The exhibit, which includes 140 A new president and other officers will be pieces, continues through Jan. 8. Photo by Anita Peltonen

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Track Athletes Varsity Scoreboard Boys’ Basketball Boys’ Bowling Prepare for Hawthorne Cedar Knolls 68, Haldane 66 Beacon 7, Arlington 0 Schechter 51, Haldane 30 Hastings 59, Haldane 28 Girls’ Bowling Long Run Blaine Fitzgerald (17 points) Arlington 7, Beacon 0 Haldane and Beacon fine- Beacon 62, Ramapo 53 Boys’ Swimming Jemond Galloway (20), Alex Benson (12) Beacon 92, Harrison 83 tune for spring Beacon 70, North Rockland 63 Benson (30), Zamere McKenzie (19) First-place finishers: New Rochelle 78, Beacon 54 Diving: Michael Rutkoske (243.05) By Leigh Alan Klein 50 Freestyle: Sean Landers (24.27) Girls’ Basketball he indoor track season is often used 100 Freestyle: Landers (55.22) Haldane 47, Croton-Harmon 43 500 Freestyle: James Patino (6:12.19) by high school athletes to fine-tune Haldane 49, Putnam Valley 37 200 Freestyle Relay: O’Blaney, Patino, for the outdoor season in the spring, T Haldane 55, Westlake 50 Welsh, Landers (1:42.63) Athlete of the Week Richard Kish and the Haldane and Beacon programs Allison Cheira (26), Olivia Monteleone (8) 400 Freestyle Relay: O’Blaney, Camilo, Photo provided have raced out of the gates. Nyack 41, Beacon 26 Patino, Landers (3:44.26) Haldane Blue Devils The Haldane team includes 19 athletes Highlands Current from Haldane and 11 from Putnam Valley Athlete of the Week High School. Coach AJ McConville says he is optimistic about the group and expects Richard Kish, Beacon High School to be competitive at the league, Northern County and Class C state championships. ish started his senior season with a bang, setting personal records in “We will have a couple individual and K the long jump (19-1.5) and triple jump relay champions at these meets,” McCon- (39-7) at the Jim Mitchell Invitational ville predicted. “Both the boys’ and girls’ at the Armory in New York City. He teams could finish in the top three in the finished in the top five in both events. league and the top three or four at the Class C championships.” “Richard is one of only a handful of Section 1 jumpers who has triple- Specifically, he said: jumped over 40 feet,” noted Jim Henry, a • Kiki Cruz could be a top indoor hur- Beacon track and field coach. dlers in Section 1. • Nick Farrell could be a top 1600- and The qualification mark for the New York 3200-meter runner in Section 1. state championships is 43 feet, six inches, which Henry said is within Kish’s • Heather Winne looks to build on a reach. The team captain finished in breakout 2016 outdoor track season. Olivia McDermott, Ashley Haines, Heather Winne and Alii Sharpley Photo provided the top 10 in the long and triple jumps • The boys’ and girls’ 4 x 800-meter re- Jose Mendoza (senior), Putnam Valley Brittany Gona (junior), Putnam Valley on Dec. 16 at the Tim St. Lawrence lays could be strong in Section 1. Invitational, also held at the Armory. • The girls’ 4 x 200-meter and 4 x Long jump, triple jump. Long jump, 300m, sprint relays 400-meter relays could also be strong. Beacon Bulldogs “Richard first got involved in track on the Top Haldane girls The Beacon track program has 55 ath- recommendation of a family friend,” said (senior), Haldane Among the key meets coming up be- Ruby McEwen letes, with both the boys’ and girls’ teams his father, Richard G. Kish. “The feeling Captain (injured): 800m, 1500m, 3000m, fore the state championships begin on poised for league titles, which would be was that it would be a good way to build Feb. 4 with the Section 1 tournament are his foundation. Track has helped him in so 4 x 400, 4 x 800. Holds school record in five in a row for the boys. The girls have not the Hispanic Games on Jan. 7, the league many ways, building his character, sports- 1500m (5:04.27) and as member of relay won the league since 2012, but an influx of championship on Jan. 15, the New Balance manship and being a part of a team.” teams. soccer talent has strengthened the team in Games on Jan. 21 and the Northern Coun- Heather Winne (junior), Haldane the mid-distance and distance events. ty championship on Jan. 28. 55m hurdle, 600m, 800m, 1000m, 1500m, “Our strongest competition appears Burgos is also a part of the 4 x 200 relay Top Haldane boys 4 x 400, 4 x 800. Holds school record in to be Hendrick Hudson,” said coach Jim that has posted a time of 1:39:31. With events and personal records 55 Hurdle (10.80) and 800m (2:25.10) as Henry. “Our boys team graduated a good That relay team includes Laird, junior Nick Farrell (junior), Haldane well as member of relay teams. deal of talent last year but maintain a Vincent Compagnone and a promising 800m (1:59.7), 1000m (2:42.15), mile Ashley Haines (sophomore), Haldane competitive core.” freshman, Kaleb Istvan, who finished (4:31.77), 1600m, 3200m, 4 x 400m, 4 x 55m hurdle, 300m (45.34), 600m, 800m Beacon has been fueled by standout second in the 600-meter finals at the Sec- 800m (2:29.17), 4 x 400, 4 x 800. PRs 300m performances that included senior Alex tion 1 freshman/sophomore meet with a Adam Silhavy (sophomore), Haldane 45.34, and member of 4 x 800 school- Laird finishing second in one meet in the time of 1:35. Sophomore Jayen Lare’s 800m (2:02.51), 1000m (2:47.10), 1600m record relay. 55-meter sprint at 6.99 seconds, the sixth- 4:47.87 in the mile was second-best in fastest time in school history and junior school history. (4:42.47), 3200m, 4 x 400, 4 x 800 Catherine Parr (senior), Haldane Xavier Collins posting 7.30, the 10th- The Beacon girls' track team is also Jonas Petkus (junior), Haldane Captain: Shot put (27-7.5) fastest mark. loaded with talent. Sophomore Anna Ma- Captain (injured): 600m, 800m (2:01.16), Teresa Figueiras (senior), Haldane The team captain, senior Richard Kish, nente has pole vaulted seven feet, second- 1000m, 4 x 400, 4 x 800 Captain: Shot put, short sprints is one of the best competitors in Class C best in school history. Sophomore Eliza Conor Van Riper (junior), Putnam Valley Bridget Goldberg (freshman), Haldane in the triple and long jumps and his ver- Erickson set a school record in the mile. 1000m, 1600m (4:37.40), 3200m, 4 x 800. 55m hurdles, 300m, sprint relays satility in other events makes him invalu- Victoria Banks, also a sophomore, has Finished 19th in Class C cross country able. “I would not hesitate to use him at had strong showings in the 1000 and 600 championship Angel Zhang (senior), Putnam Valley anything from a 4 x 400 meter relay to a meters with the third-best school times 600m, 1000m, 4 x 400, 4 x 800 Joe Abate (junior), Putnam Valley two-mile run,” Henry said. in both events. Jummie Akinwunmi, a Long distance Claire Cassidy (senior), Putnam Valley Ethan Burgos, a junior, has been junior, won the high jump at the Section 1 Michael Tompkins (freshman), Putnam 1500m, 3000m, 4 x 800 strong on the 55-meter hurdles, as well, Kickoff meet with a 5’0” leap. She and her Valley Kiki Cruz (senior), Putnam Valley finishing fourth in a recent meet at 8.67 sister, Ennie Akinwunmi, a sophomore, Middle distance 55m hurdle, sprint relays seconds, second-best in school history. are poised to rewrite the Beacon books.