Reader-Supported News for Philipstown and Beacon

Peak Performance Page 21

February 19, 2021 Celebrating 10 Years! Support us at highlandscurrent.org/join The Vaccinated Hope and Wait Residents say they still exercise caution By Leonard Sparks

few miles separate Beacon resi- dent Debbie Brennen from her A parents, Gunta and Ed Broder- ick, who live in the Town of Fishkill. But months remain before they can again step inside each other’s homes. Last week Brennen and her parents received, on the same day, their second and final COVID-19 vaccine shots. Still, as a teacher who has already had to quaran- tine once because of a close exposure, and a spouse whose husband is immune-compro- mised, she is going to maintain precautions “until many more people get vaccinated.” “My parents and I have agreed, maybe in a few months we’ll allow ourselves to hug each other and eat a meal in the same house,” said Brennen. Brennen and her parents are members of a pioneering group — the nearly 1.2 million New York residents who, as of Tuesday (Feb. 16), have received their — Mardi Gras was canceled in New Orleans this year, but in Garrison, a COVID-muted version was held at St. Philip’s FAT TUESDAY booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Episcopal Church on Tuesday (Feb. 16) for residents who were invited to drive by and pick up a goody bag from the Cross Trainers Moderna vaccines, both of which require youth group while dropping off donations for the Philipstown Food Pantry. Each bag contained beads, a mask, a handmade card, Ash Wednesday meditations and a piece of King Cake. Photo by Ross Corsair two shots weeks apart. While they and other local residents who are fully vaccinated are expressing relief and joy, they are also heeding the guidance of health officials who warn Cold Spring Nelsonville Every School that the country has to immunize many more people before shedding the restric- Fine-Tune Airbnb Rules Dollar Counts tions that have reduced infections but also Proposed laws would is reviewing the chapter on short-term Districts begin budget (Continued on Page 9) rentals and when he finishes the Village require owners get permits Board intends to consider his suggestions, planning amid aid By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong if any, and schedule a public hearing. uncertainty Short-term rentals have proliferated in By Jeff Simms hen Nelsonville’s Village Board Cold Spring in recent years, and a public on Tuesday (Feb. 16) sought input meeting to discuss their impact drew a ublic school officials in the High- W on a draft law regulating short- standing-room-only crowd in September lands are moving ahead with budget term rentals, it got what it asked for — about 2019. The general consensus: allow them, P deliberations for 2021-22, even as 90 minutes of mixed praise and protest. with restrictions. critical aid packages from the federal and The feedback came in a public hearing Cold Spring’s draft law calls for issuing state governments remain uncertain. at the close of the board’s regular monthly permits for up to 38 short-term rentals, The $30 million in state aid distributed meeting, conducted by Zoom. limited to two per street. The permits, valid to the Beacon City School District last Board members kept the hearing open so for one year, would be distributed through a year accounted for 45 percent of its fund- more residents can submit comments and lottery if more than 38 homeowners apply. ing. The Garrison and Haldane districts, said they plan to revise the draft and hold Short-term rentals have been a boom- which draw more revenue through prop- further public discussions in coming weeks. ing business, even during the pandemic, erty taxes than Beacon and have fewer Short-term rentals also have been on according to Airbnb, which on Wednesday students, are not as reliant on state aid, (Feb. 17) announced that new hosts in the the agenda in Cold Spring, where the using it to fund 8 percent and 12 percent, Debbie Brennen of Beacon received her Village Board is close to adopting regula- Catskills and Hudson Valley region with one respectively, of their spending. second and final COVID-19 vaccine shot tions as part of the ongoing update of the listing have earned more than $10 million Districts were told in August to expect on Feb. 11 at the former JCPenney space village code. John Furst, village attorney, (Continued on Page 8) (Continued on Page 10) at Poughkeepsie Galleria. Photo provided 2 February 19, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

FIVE QUESTIONS: ALLAN WERNICK

By Michael Turton What would you change about immi- About 60 percent of those we help are gration law and the naturalization applying for citizenship. We don’t repre- By Michael Turton llan Wernick of Cold Spring is an process? sent them but we have lawyers and parale- attorney and founder and direc- Legislatively, we need a path to citi- gals who help them complete applications A tor of Citizenship Now! at The City zenship for the 11 million undocumented for citizenship or permanent residence. We Are you handy University of New York. immigrants, including checks to ensure explain the requirements, make sure they around the house, applicants don’t have criminal records. qualify, ensure they include everything What led you to a Administratively, we can streamline that’s needed with their application. Most or pretty inept? career in immigra- the citizenship process. During Presi- don’t need a lawyer. tion law? dent Obama’s final years in office, it I was politically took four to six months to become You have written a column for the New active in the anti-war a citizen. Under President Trump York Daily News for 25 years. Is it still and student move- that became a year-and-a-half, even relevant? I’d say I’m pretty handy. ments in college. In law before the pandemic. There are I’m pleased with it. Mainly it’s like “Dear school, I wanted to use people living here with green cards Abby” on immigration. There’s a lot of bad I’m good at constructing my legal skills for the who are integrated in our society, information out there, and people who things from Ikea. public good, and after my paying taxes. They should be able want to rip people off. There is no shortage first year I got an intern- to become citizens so they of questions; the letters have not stopped ship with an immigrants’ can vote, become police coming. rights organization in Los officers, join the mili- Angeles. The week I started, tary and so on. The U.S. can’t accommodate everyone the U.S. Immigration Service who wants to become a citizen. What started dragnet raids, What is the should the criteria be? arresting people in East role of Citizen- We need workers: agricultural workers, Los Angeles, a mainly ship Now! ? professionals, skilled workers. And we have Mexican-American Immigration to accommodate their families. Our current community. I immedi- law is complex, immigration categories, which include ately got embroiled in so even in a family members, needed workers and the legal fight to stop simple case, it’s exceptional workers, is a good system for ~ Lila Feder, Beacon the raids. easy to make a selection. It weeds out people with serious misstep. criminal records, people who can’t live here without public assistance. The one thing I I can do a little bit of would do is increase the numbers. America can accommodate a much larger number everything. My mom has a — but not this week! Once we get though Habitat for Humanity house. the pandemic and feel more comfortable I volunteered a lot, learned having people cross borders, and unem- Sheetrock and other skills. ployment decreases, we can accommodate a lot more. If we don’t, we’re going to have a hard time paying for Social Security. We need younger workers paying into it so that older workers can get the benefits.

For information on Citizenship Now!, see bit.ly/citizenship-now.

Visit highlandscurrent.org for news updates and latest information.

~ Angel Lau, Beacon

I do like to build things AERY 20/20 … but I’m no plumber! SO-OVER-COVID One-Act Play Festival 2 nights of selected one-acts (mature content) to view online and vote for your favorites! Winners will perform in the Depot's Pop Up Patio Series in the spring!

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

philipstowndepottheatre.org for tickets and play titles ` ~ Erica Shusha, Cold Spring highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 19, 2021 3

NEWS BRIEFS Hustis Sentencing Casino Wants Newburgh Rescheduled Gambling Hall What members are saying Former trustee pleaded guilty to child Resorts World envisions video lottery porn charge at shopping mall ‘‘ I support The he sentencing of Charles E. “Chuck” gaming company plans to open a Highlands Current for T Hustis III, a former Cold Spring trustee A gambling hall with video lottery and mayoral candidate who pleaded guilty terminals at the Newburgh Mall. its ongoing, in-depth, in November to the attempted receipt of Resorts World Catskills got the OK in 2019 independent journalism child pornography, has been postponed from the state to open a facility with elec- in Putnam County.‘‘ until March 18. tronic slots in Orange County. The company Hustis, 37, was arrested in December 2019 is owned by the Genting Group, which is Joe Montuori, Mahopac by FBI agents in the Foodtown parking lot in based in Malaysia. “Satellite casinos” have Cold Spring, where they allege he was wait- been opening inside malls in other states to ing to meet a 16-year-old for sex. According draw customers to the retail stores. ‘‘ Thank you for providing excellent journalism. We're fortunate to an investigator’s report, Hustis solicited Genting said it plans to soon present plans in The Highlands to have such a high-quality local newspaper. explicit photos from the teen via Facebook for its Video Gaming Machine facility to the ‘‘ Messenger. His sentencing had been sched- Town of Newburgh. State Sen. James Skoufis Rachel and Andrew Mueller-Lust, Cold Spring uled for Thursday (Feb. 18). said in a statement that the project “will revi- The child pornography charge carries talize a dying mall” and provide “hundreds of a mandatory minimum sentence of five permanent, good-paying jobs with an empha- years in prison for a defendant with no sis on hiring from the City of Newburgh.” prior convictions, although in some circum- stances prosecutors can ask for leniency. Tree and Shrub Seedling (Under federal sentencing guidelines, there Membership matters is no distinction between the attempted Sale Opens or actual receipt of child pornography.) Putnam County sponsors annual event Hustis pleaded guilty as part of a deal in As your independent nonprofit news source for Philipstown which prosecutors dropped a charge of he Putnam County Soil and Water and Beacon, The Highlands Current relies on you, our readers, child enticement, which carries a minimum Conservation District and Cornell T to help support quality coverage of all that matters to you. sentence of 10 years. Cooperative Extension Putnam County Following his 2019 arrest, Hustis was have launched their annual Tree and Shrub released on $150,000 bond and placed Seedling Sale. Membership is the way you can help. under home arrest with a monitoring Tubex Combitubes are being offered for It is our primary means of support as we seek to provide a vital device. The judge allowed Hustis to remain the first time to protect trees from weed- forum for your diverse interests, concerns and experiences. at his home under the same conditions until whackers, rabbits and deer, and to act as a his sentencing. greenhouse to promote faster growth. Hustis, a 2002 Haldane graduate, served To place an order, visit putnamcountyny. on the Village Board from 2010 to 2014 and com/keepputnamgreen by March 24. Orders Join today, renew your membership or give a gift ran unsuccessfully for the Haldane school will be available for pickup on April 23 and board in 2015. He challenged incumbent 24 at Memorial Park in Kent. Every order to honor The Current's 10th Anniversary! Mayor Dave Merandy in 2019. will receive a free milkweed seed packet. Discover the benefits that will help us engage with you and you with us!

Just go to: highlandscurrent.org/join

Questions? Email: [email protected]

Thank You for Your Support!

GIVING BACK — Volunteers from the Philipstown COVID-19 Relief Fund and Open Arms Christian Ministries in Fishkill distributed grocery store gift cards and food on Saturday (Feb. 13) at the Beacon Recreation Center. The Philipstown fundraising effort, which Supervisor Richard Shea launched in April, has given away more than $600,000 in gift cards to people in need in Beacon, Philipstown, Cold Spring, Nelsonville, Garrison, Peekskill and Newburgh. The Open Arms ministry distributes food each week donated by ShopRite and Trader Joe’s. Photo by Ross Corsair 4 February 19, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

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

EDITOR LETTERS AND COMMENTS Chip Rowe [email protected] Ambulance corps Nelsonville race Thank you, Mayor Bowman, for respond- It amazes me that the Town Board would I welcome George Eisenbach’s entry ing to the article. As reported in The SENIOR EDITOR treat the Philipstown Volunteer Ambulance into the race for the Nelsonville Village Current, the budget for the previous year Leonard Sparks Corps in this way (“Ambulance Corps Dispute Board, but I do want to point out why his was $325,000. The budget for 2020-21 is Flares Anew,” Feb. 12). As a lifelong resident, I comments concerning the 2020 budget $405,000. That is a 25 percent increase. BEACON EDITOR On the cell tower lawsuit: My fellow Jeff Simms know firsthand of their professionalism and are not factual (“Two More Candidates in commitment to the community. Nelsonville,” Feb. 12). plaintiffs and I are suing to invalidate the ARTS EDITOR I can actually thank them personally Last year was the first time in recent settlement that you and the Village Board Alison Rooney for saving my life after a bad fall I had in history where enough thoughtful budget complained the telecoms forced you into [email protected] March. They not only saved me but they cuts were made to avoid raising taxes on accepting. We understand the pressure you have helped three generations of the Land- residents. The budget increase you refer were under, but as citizens we could not sit by REPORTERS olfi family here in Cold Spring! to is primarily a transfer from our state and quietly ignore the fact that this settlement Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong The issue that baffles me the most is the Consolidated Local Street and Highway violates our local zoning laws, our neighbors’ Brian PJ Cronin • Joe Dizney fact that they want to micromanage the Improvement Program (CHIPS) grant and property rights and the state fire code. Pamela Doan • Deb Lucke ambulance corps, when a few years ago they savings accounts to pay for the long- over- The 95-foot tower, plus its adjacent park- Skip Pearlman • Michael Turton took a different position regarding the Garri- due repaving of two village roads. ing lot and access road, will destroy the son Fire Co., pushing it into forming a district The cell tower settlement was under- tranquility of the historic Cold Spring LAYOUT DESIGNER so the town wouldn’t have to microman- taken by the board to protect the financial Cemetery. It will even be illuminated at Pierce Strudler age. Does that make sense? There are other future of the village in the face of immense night. In my professional opinion as a civil ADVERTISING DIRECTOR reasons for the animosity. The Town Board legal challenges. The current lawsuit engineer, the switchbacks on the proposed Michele Gedney members are the ones acting like children. against the village, in which Eisenbach access road are too severe and steep. It’s For information on advertising: I hope that the full board can look at is a plaintiff attempting to overturn this just a matter of time before someone gets 845-809-5584 the situation objectively and realize the same settlement, however, is obligating us hurt — maybe a volunteer firefighter, a [email protected] mistakes being made are crucial. to expend additional resources, taxpayer maintenance worker or one of my neigh- highlandscurrent.org/ads John Landolfi, Cold Spring money and time in court. Our counsel bors. This cell tower will stand next to our has cautioned that, if elected as a trustee, homes on a wooded hill with no direct MEMBERSHIP Talk about a flawed article! Who does Eisenbach would need to recuse himself access to town water for firefighting. This Heidi Kitlas thought keeps me up at night. If the Village [email protected] The Current have writing for them now, from all matters involving this lawsuit. gossip columnists? Michael Bowman, Nelsonville Board wouldn’t fight, we had to. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Chrissy Glorius, via Facebook Bowman is the Nelsonville mayor. I suspect many Nelsonville residents Teresa Lagerman will be surprised to hear their taxpayer [email protected] money is going to defend a settlement that the Village Board didn’t want. But while we wait for the court to decide our case, as trustee I’ll make sure the village enforces THE HIGHLANDS CURRENT the temporary restraining order, environ- (USPS #22270) / ISSN 2475-3785 mental regulations and the laws protecting February 19, 2021 our rights as a community. Volume 10, Issue 8 I will also make sure there is a full discus- is published weekly by Highlands Current sion and informed debate about the dangers Inc., 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819. Periodicals Postage Paid at Cold Spring, NY, this project poses to our community, our and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send homes and our environment. As you know, address changes to The Highlands Current, Homeland Towers made significant changes 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819. to the plan after the public hearings and the Mail delivery $30 per year. highlandscurrent.org/delivery court-ordered settlement were concluded. [email protected] George Eisenbach, Nelsonville Distribution audited by the Circulation Verification Council Job critique © Highlands Current Inc. 2021 One would assume from reading Barbara All rights reserved. No part of this Scuccimarra’s letter in the Feb. 12 issue that publication may be reproduced in any form, she set the world on fire for the benefit of mechanical or electronic, without written permission of the publisher. Philipstown while a member of the Putnam County Legislature. As one of nine Republicans on the nine- * Winner: 58 Better member board, one would hope that she Newspaper Contest Awards would get something accomplished. As we * New York Press Association, 2013 -19 all know, those were the scraps that County NNA* Winner: 55 Better Executive MaryEllen Odell threw her to Newspaper Contest Awards make it appear that she was effective — and * National Newspaper Association, 2016-19 about as effective as her predecessor, Vinny Tamagna, upon whose coattails and tracks NYNPA* Winner: 11 Awards she followed. Pity that there was not another for Excellence * New York News Publishers Association, 2017- 19 transportation position or some such that she (Continued on Page 5) highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 19, 2021 5

Editor’s Notebook tion were immediately apparent. In a journal elected officials can have “candid” discus- article in 1977, two law professors called for sions. But aren’t those discussions the best state courts to narrow the definition of what Upgrading part of democracy? The Meeting could be discussed secretly at caucuses to The practical effect of this 1985 amend- include only party business. Otherwise, they the Open ment seems most egregious when one party noted, the majority party could effectively dominates, such as in Putnam. In 1992 in Before the run a local government behind closed doors. Meetings Law Buffalo, a state judge ruled that if every Nothing changed, however, and 45 years member of a legislative body is a member later, the practical effect could be seen last Here is a selection of bills of the same party, meeting in caucus clearly Meeting month when Montgomery observed at the introduced this year in the violates the Open Meetings Law. With a public meeting held after the secret meet- divided legislature, however, because not By Chip Rowe state Legislature to amend ing that she was no longer a member of the the Open Meetings Law. every legislator can attend (even if only uring the first Legislature’s Personnel Committee. She one in nine), the court said it seems “fair to said she suspects most decisions are made assume” the meeting is a caucus. meeting of the „ Require local governments to this way — in party caucus, excluding her — Notably, when Sam Oliverio, a Democrat DPutnam Legis- livestream meetings and public because the Republican presentations are who is now the Putnam Valley supervi- lature in 2021, its nine hearings and post the video “always so well-orchestrated” and “there is sor, left the Legislature in 2014, it became members received online within five days and keep it never any discussion.” all Republican and, if the 1992 ruling was assignments as liaisons available for at least five years. to county groups such Before the pandemic shutdown, Mont- honored, meant the legislators could no as Fish & Wildlife Management, Veterans gomery noted the caucus meetings “took „ Require that minutes be posted longer meet in secret. Montgomery’s elec- Affairs and Capital Projects. place right before the [monthly] full Legis- online, and within two weeks. tion in 2018 allowed them to resume. lature meeting” in a back room at the “Before Nancy was elected, the [Repub- Nancy Montgomery, the sole Democrat, who „ Give the Committee on Open Historic Courthouse in Carmel. “Every- lican] Legislators did go into caucus with represents Philipstown and part of Putnam Government the power to levy thing is decided back there.” all nine members,” Oliverio said this week. Valley, asked the chair, Toni Addonizio of Kent, fines for violations. how the list had been prepared. In 2019, before her eight Republican “Although I was no longer on the board, “Was this discussed outside of this meet- colleagues voted to approve a toothless „ Require open meetings of “any I complained to the Board of Elections. I ing?” she said. resolution condemning a state law called entity created or appointed to was told it was legal, but no one could show “That’s not an appropriate question,” the Reproductive Health Act, Montgom- perform a necessary function in me where this was stated or the rule that Addonizio responded. ery says she watched the legislative attor- the decision-making process.” allowed it.” ney and the legislative clerk disappear into Montgomery said she simply wanted „ Require local governments to the caucus meeting — making it even more to know if the appointments had been allow people to comment in real What can be done? closely resemble an official meeting. In 1993, the year she joined the Assembly, discussed ahead of time, to which Addonizio time during public-comment “I asked the attorney why he was in Sandy Galef introduced a bill to remove the replied: “I’m not answering that.” periods during virtual meetings. Addonizio didn’t answer because she there,” since he is paid to advise the Legis- caucus exemption. In fact, she introduced didn’t have to. And therein lies a tale. lature, not the Republican caucus, Mont- „ Clarify that members of the public it every session until 2007. gomery recalled. “He said they can have don’t have a right to attend a The Democrat, whose district includes ‘Open’ meetings anyone they want,” which is true. virtual public meeting from inside Philiptown, said she was inspired to do so In 1976, the state Senate and Assembly I emailed Addonizio to ask if the Repub- the home of an elected official. because, when she arrived in Albany, she had passed a law designed to prevent elected lican caucus has been meeting during the been told by party leaders not to say anything officials from holding secret meetings. pandemic shutdown, whether in person or at committee meetings but instead “vote with Known as the Open Meetings Law, by video or with the same scratchy audio- meetings violated the law. (In response, the the chair.” As she would learn, the decisions it set standards for what local and state conference the county offers voters. Democrats split their meetings into two to had already been made in conference. panels must do, such as allow the public to She responded: “In my experience, the avoid a quorum.) In a report to the governor in 1986, the attend, announce meetings at least a week Legislature’s Republican members have The Sciolino decision simmered on the Committee on Open Government suggested in advance and keep minutes. always carefully adhered to the require- back burner until 1985, when The New York a simple fix to the caucus problem: The This was necessary, the Legislature said, ments of this law when holding discussions Post asked the Committee on Open Govern- Open Meetings Law should apply to any because “it is essential to the maintenance in caucus. All members of the Legislature ment — an agency within the Department of gathering of at least two-thirds of the of a democratic society” that citizens are receive capable guidance from counsel if State — whether caucuses were open meet- members of a legislative body unless they “able to observe the performance of public they have any questions regarding appli- ings if the participants discussed anything are discussing party business. officials and attend and listen to the delib- cation or interpretation of the Open Meet- but party particulars. The committee said The committee and at least one state erations and decisions.” ings Law. Because caucus discussions are yes, citing Sciolino. judge also have called on municipalities The law outlines a few situations where by their nature private, further comment Man, that did not go over well in Albany. and counties to “do the right thing” and elected officials can meet behind closed on them is not appropriate.” The members of the state Legislature, then pass local laws that forbid the discussion of doors, such as discussions of criminal inves- and now, love to meet in caucus, which they public business at caucus meetings. Ithaca tigations, collective bargaining negotiations, How can this be? call “conferences.” So the Republicans, who adopted this policy in 1985, followed by personnel matters and property transactions. The state Open Meetings Law survived controlled the Senate, and the Democrats, Clarence, in Erie County, in 2005. Did I But they must vote to retreat into “executive for five years before the Law of Unexpected who controlled the Assembly, joined hands miss anybody? session,” and they must keep minutes. Consequences caught up with it. and, within six weeks, passed a law that New York may need to look to Montana Another exemption allows meetings of In 1980, Anthony Sciolino, the sole exempts caucus meetings from the Open for guidance. Last week the news media “political committees, conferences and Republican member of the Rochester City Meetings Law no matter what is discussed there sued a state legislator because he caucuses” to be held in secret. Neither Council, found himself shut out of weekly or who attends. allegedly held a secret caucus meeting to public notice nor minutes are required. meetings between the Democrats and the Proponents of the change argued that discuss legislation. In Montana, a meeting The potential pitfalls of this latter exemp- mayor. He sued, and two courts said the caucus meetings must be secret so that is a meeting is a meeting.

LETTERS AND COMMENTS

(Continued from Page 4) “her ability to bring consensus to issues.” girls. Nancy calls things as she sees them ments were smoke-and-mirrors. That’s why could be given for service rendered after her That pretty much describes Scuccimarra’s and this Legislature, and especially Odell, the voters threw her out. The senior center defeat at the hands of Nancy Montgomery. tenure on the other side of the county. Keep are not wont to put up with that. and the county’s dealing with the seniors She attacks Nancy because she didn’t go quiet and ignore why the people of Philip- If citizens want to know what happens in are minimal and underutilized, with no along to get along, i.e., be a nice quiet girl stown sent her to Carmel, build consensus Carmel, open the county website and listen outreach. There is minimal use of the senior and something will be thrown your way. If and receive nothing for her efforts. to the recordings of its meetings, because center in the Butterfield complex, drivers for this statement isn’t the height of misogyny, Nancy went to the county Legislature you won’t find what they do anywhere else. elders to medical appointments and so forth. then I don’t know what is: Nancy “needs to to advocate for her constituents, and this “I served in the Legislature for six years Anthony Merante, Philipstown learn what her role is.” Then, Nancy “needs Republican cabal holds tight on all their and accomplished a great deal for Philip- to develop better negotiating skills,” and fix perks and doles them out to good boys and stown,” Scuccimarra wrote. Her accomplish- (Continued on Page 6) 6 February 19, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

LETTERS AND COMMENTS

(Continued from Page 5) become obsolete and a financial burden. our state income tax comes from the top As an elected official, as well as some- The state’s Climate Leadership and 1 percent of earners. If we increase taxes one who has taught and been a student of Community Protection Act has set goals of on that group, what’s to stop them from government, I know that there are three 70 percent renewable energy by 2030 and moving to New Jersey or Connecticut or branches: executive, legislative and judi- 100 percent by 2040. New York has banned change their primary residence to Florida? cial. These three branches are not a club, but fracking. Danskammer’s plan forces us in If half of the 1 percent leaves, that could are meant to provide checks and balances. the opposite direction. sink the state budget. Is there a plan to deal Nancy Montgomery, our Putnam County It’s true a full-time plant would help to with this aspect that I’m missing? legislator, represents the people who elected subsidize the school taxes in Marlboro and Jay Steven, via Facebook The Current her to the Legislature and the people who create temporary construction jobs, but reside in Philipstown and Putnam County. is pitting the fiscal well-being of a single Mikkelson mentions that “funding would Names Student Nancy was elected to ask questions and community against the physical health of come through money that the state gets advocate the people’s interest, not join a an entire region a sound civic policy? Why from the federal government for Medic- Correspondents club. She has done an outstanding job fight- is the health of schoolchildren being pitted aid, Medicare and other programs, and ing to retain public health jobs and funding, against their education’s solvency? a progressive tax on income.” He also Reporters will cover high and public safety funding, pushing Putnam Studies have demonstrated that convert- mentions single-payer systems like this one schools, youth issues to enact Climate Smart initiatives and to ing Danskammer into a bulk battery stor- cut out the administrative costs of middle- establish a Human Rights Commission. age facility would be a viable clean energy men, so it would save the state money in the alternative. It would create less dependence long run. People are just so used to our inef- he Highlands Current has Nancy was the first to fund a drug on other fracked-gas-burning plants by ficient and profit-minded insurance system named Rachel Thorne, a fresh- resources coordinator in Philipstown and serving as backup during peak periods. It that the idea that medical care shouldn’t be man at Beacon High School, to help our town establish the Philipstown T would also create jobs, as well as contribute expensive seems like a big idea. and Ezra Beato, a junior at Haldane Hub. She made train safety for all commut- to the local tax base. Noah Campbell, via Facebook High School, as correspondents for the ers a reality. Nancy has shown nothing less The members of the offshore, Singapore- paper and website as part of its newly than honor, integrity and compassion. This based investment firm who are among Mikkelson talks about the government launched Student Journalists Program. is why I endorse her for re-election — we Danskammer’s backers would be spared plan making it simpler. When’s the last time Their first stories have been posted at need an independent and strong voice for breathing the dirty air this expansion will the government made anything simple? It highlandscurrent.org and select stories all the people of Putnam. cause. We urge all New Yorkers to voice can’t even distribute a vaccine, yet there are will be printed. The correspondents Judy Farrell, Philipstown opposition to this exclusionary and envi- those who want to hand our entire health will primarily cover their high schools Farrell is a member of the Philipstown ronmentally backward plan by writing care system to the government. and issues related to young people. Town Board. the Public Service Commission’s New York Thomas VanTine, via Facebook The Student Journalists Program, Board on Electric Generation Siting and which is funded by gifts from members It was never about red or blue. Dini the Environment and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, I do not need or want New York state or of The Current, provides students who LoBue, a Republican legislator, received the both of whom have the power to reject it. the feds running health care. If the govern- attend high school in Beacon or Philip- same personal criticism, which became the For more information, see stoptheplant.org. ment wants to have a plan out there for stown the opportunity to be mentored campaign mantra for her opponent. She was Harvey Weiss, Chelsea people to opt into as one of their health plan by professional journalists while they adversarial, uncooperative and refused to Along with Weiss, this letter was signed choices, then perfect, go for it. serve as paid correspondents for our compromise. Ostracized, she was unable to by 27 others, including Andrew Bell, Fran- Mark Matthews, via Facebook nonprofit newspaper and website. obtain information and committee assign- cis Charles, Sarah Boyd and Stowe Boyd The Current will begin accepting ments. Why? She raised thorny questions of Beacon, and Charles Burleigh, Lithgow applications in the summer for the about the policies and methods emanating Vaccine politics Osborne, Bidu Tashjian and Jon Kiphart 2021-22 school year. from the county executive, which legislators, In response to the letter from Scott Reing, neglecting their obligation to hold MaryEl- of Cold Spring. chair of the Putnam County Democratic len Odell accountable, rubber-stamped; they Committee, that was supposedly about our also fast-tracked resolutions, often bypassing Indian Point local seniors being vaccinated against COVID- their own rules, without vigorous debate. Thank you for this accurate, well-written 19 but turned into an endorsement of the An exception was Scuccimarra’s work article, which provides a breadth of infor- sheriff and an attack against his challenger with the senior center, which invited mation (“New York Sues Feds Over Indian (Letters and Comments, Jan. 29): It’s hard to the need for much investigation into her Point,” Jan. 29). Anyone familiar with Holtec’s believe that some people will use something involvement and into the entire project. shabby history must realize that allowing this so positive and shamefully turn it into some- Both Montgomery and LoBue were central company to have control over decommission- thing negative to further their agenda. to raising uncomfortable questions. Make ing Indian Point can only lead to safety short- Anyone who has been paying attention no mistake about it: Scuccimarra’s concep- cuts and an inadequate cleanup. knows that availability of the vaccines is tion of “consensus” is knee-jerk compliance. In addition, the idea of spent fuel limited. Enter our community pharmacy, Ann Fanizzi, Carmel removal — aside from the issue of double- Drug World, which was able to secure a dipping financially by Holtec — is fraught supply to protect our seniors. Working with Danskammer with incalculable risk for the communities Drug World were a group of people who are There are no ifs, ands or buts regarding through which this radioactive waste must no strangers to volunteering and worked in Rachel Thorne our objection to the proposed expansion of be transported, in order to be dumped on inclement weather to keep our seniors safe. the Danskammer power plant in Newburgh. communities that did not benefit from the And for their act of kindness, they were Increasing this part-time, fracked-gas plant energy produced by the nuclear plant. attacked. From the county executive to the operating a few days per year into a 24/7 Marie Inserra, Peekskill nurse administering the shots, they were facility will have many more serious nega- accused of politics. Why are Republicans tive public health, ecological and financial New York health who are volunteering for seniors demon- ramifications, including more risk of lung I don’t understand this viewpoint on ized while Democrats who are going door- exposure to particulate matter and vola- health care (“5 Questions: Jeff Mikkelson,” to-door with gift cards from Foodtown tile carcinogenic chemicals, more methane Feb. 12). I’m for a type of universal health exempt from villainization? gas emissions and an increase of indus- care, whether it be from the state or federal What Drug World did was not about trial noise emanating from the plant’s jet government. In this case, though, how to campaigns, elections or politics. It was about turbines and exhaust mechanisms. pay for what is called for in the New York saving lives, and for that I and many others The state Independent System Operator, Health Act is a valid question. are grateful. We are also thankful to the which oversees the power grid, determined New York state has one of the most Chestnut Ridge senior complex for providing this expansion is not needed, even taking progressive income taxes in the nation the location, and to the Philipstown Volun- into account the Indian Point power plant’s already and still doesn’t raise nearly teer Ambulance Corps members who helped. closing. An irrelevant plant would quickly enough for this. More than 50 percent of Cindy Trimble, Philipstown Ezra Beato highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 19, 2021 7 DA Declines to Pursue Perjury Allegation Says ‘opinion’ of provided to the court in any manner” but Sumner, when asking the district attor- did not do so, Grady wrote. ney to investigate Haight’s affidavit, said commissioner cannot An affidavit submitted by Haight to the that “to allow someone in charge of our be crime court also “sets forth the opinion of the elections to lie to the court with impunity, election commissioner” that making the without opening an investigation, would By Chip Rowe move would be difficult, he wrote, noting be unconscionable.” that an affidavit submitted by the Demo- Asked for her response to the district attor- he Dutchess County district attor- cratic commissioner at the time, Elizabeth ney’s decision, Sumner wrote in an email: ney said on Feb. 4 he would not Soto, reached a “starkly different conclu- “The Republican DA clears the Republican T pursue an investigation requested sion based on a different opinion.” commissioner for lying to a court in an effort by Democrats into whether the Republican The district attorney said he had to stop people from voting? Shocking!” election commissioner committed perjury. concluded that “opinion is not perjury…. Haight submitted the affidavit before In a letter addressed to Elisa Sumner, the There is no evidence of perjury in any an October decision by a state judge, who Dar Williams chair of the Dutchess County Democratic degree committed in these proceedings.” later asserted that he had misled her about Committee and a former deputy elections In a statement on Feb. 11, Haight said: the feasibility of relocating the polling site. commissioner, and copied to Republican “Mr. Grady arrived at the obvious conclu- According to court documents, Haight said Commissioner Erik Haight, District Attor- sion because obviously I didn’t perjure “the election was too close” to make the ‘Truth is Like a ney William Grady said he had not been myself, and never have whenever I’ve been change without causing confusion for voters. asked to conduct an investigation by the put under oath and testified. State Supreme Court Justice Maria Rosa Second Chance’ judge overseeing the case in which Haight “Sumner’s attempt to weaponize the ruled that the site could not be moved. allegedly committed the crime. district attorney’s office was a futile However, 10 days later she reversed her Impeachment manager cites The litigants in the case, which involved attempt to harass and intimidate me but decision, citing the fact that Haight and Philipstown songwriter an October request to move a voting site she will never succeed. The rank-and-file Soto had agreed the day after her ruling By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong from a church in Red Hook to the Bard Democratic voters of Dutchess County are to move a voting site from Red Hook Town College campus in Annandale, “had a ill-served by her so called ‘leadership.’ I’m Hall to a larger space at a middle school. hile making his closing argu- full and fair opportunity to address the hopeful she stays in her position due to the The judge wrote that Haight’s sworn ment on Feb. 13 to the U.S. issues, seek sanctions and raise the issue profound success the Republican Party has assertion “was simply untrue” and ordered Senate to convict former Pres- of perjury for allegedly false information had during her tenure.” the church site moved to Bard. W ident Donald Trump, the chief impeach- ment manager from the House of Representatives turned to a Philipstown singer-songwriter, Dar Williams, for a Notes from the Cold Spring Village Board nugget of wisdom about truth. Police survey; fire company cally with hard copies available at Village ¢ Following Chazen Consultants’ recent “My friend Dar Williams says that ‘some- Hall. Paper copies will also be distributed report on the village water supply, Merandy times the truth is like a second chance,’ ” makes big purchase to seniors at Chestnut Ridge. met with Philipstown Supervisor Rich- said Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from By Michael Turton Mayor Dave Merandy has said he prefers ard Shea and Nelsonville Mayor Michael Maryland, on the Senate floor. “We’ve got a door-to-door distribution of a paper survey Bowman to discuss the feasibility of an chance here, with the truth, to still believe survey to determine how the that focuses on residents and possibly expanded water district. in the separation of powers” between the public views the Cold Spring Police merchants and their employees. Trustee executive and legislative branches. A Department could be complete Heidi Bender favored making the survey ¢ Burke reported on Feb. 9 that CSPD offi- The lyric is from Williams’ song “After within weeks, but first the Village Board available to a broader audience, including cers answered 48 calls for service in Janu- All” on her 2001 album, The Green World. must decide who will be asked to take it visitors to Cold Spring. ary and issued 29 traffic and 38 parking Williams said on Tuesday (Feb. 16) and whether it will be submitted electroni- The software being used for the survey tickets. No arrests were made. Responding that she was in her car and listening to cally, on paper, or both. ensures only one survey can be submitted to a question from the mayor, Burke said the proceedings but had turned off the The survey, being drafted by Trustees per computer IP address. During the public CSPD averages 10 to 15 arrests per year. sound to park moments before he cited Kathleen Foley and Fran Murphy, and Offi- comment, one resident cast doubt on the her words. cer-in-Charge Larry Burke, will include use of computer IP addresses to determine ¢ Bender will soon present a proposal for “When I got out of the car, my phone 10 to 12 questions and will be part of the the location of respondents, pointing out a potential reopening of Tots Park in the started jumping all over the place,” she village response to an executive order by that village residents served by Optimum spring, including procedures for address- recalled. “I heard from so many old Gov. Andrew Cuomo that requires munic- will appear as having a Wappingers Falls ing COVID-19 restrictions. friends and family at once — it was like ipal police forces to review their policies IP address. He also questioned the abil- a giant party on my phone. Jamie hadn’t and procedures. ity of more than one person per household ¢ Village accountant Michelle Ascolillo told me he was going to do that!” A plan must be on the governor’s desk by to complete the survey if submissions are reported on Feb. 9 that only five property She has known the congressman and his April 1. Murphy said a public meeting will limited to a single response per IP address. owners have not paid their 2020 taxes, wife for more than 30 years, she explained, be held in March. Foley said she would research the IP compared to an annual average of up to after being introduced by a mutual friend. At the Feb. 9 meeting of the board, Foley address issue, adding responses may be 15 delinquent accounts. Unpaid bills are Over the years, Raskin has attended her had said she hoped the survey would be possible from more than one email address referred to Putnam County for collection. concerts and she has performed at fund- available by Tuesday (Feb. 16), with a that use the same IP address. raisers for his political campaigns. He has deadline of Feb. 26. The survey was not ¢ The village will not use fireworks to “done everything, from being one of the most mentioned at the Feb. 16 meeting. On In other business ... celebrate Independence Day, although, supportive first readers of my book [What I Thursday, Murphy said she hoped the final ¢ The Cold Spring Fire Co. will spend depending on the status of COVID-19, there Found in a Thousand Towns] to taking on a recommendations, including the timing $700,000 for a new engine after trading may be a display on Labor Day weekend. discussion about pacifism with my kids after of the survey, would be presented to the in a 20-year-old apparatus. Delivery is we watched Planet of the Apes,” she said. board next week. expected in eight months. CSFC plans to ¢ Trustee Marie Early will contact The songwriter said that when she sent During the comment period on Feb. spend another $100,000 to update other Seastreak about potential plans for fall a text to Raskin to thank him for citing 9, Eliza Starbuck, president of the Cold aging equipment, including radios and a cruises docking at Cold Spring. her lyric, he responded that she “always Spring Chamber of Commerce, encour- 2004 Polaris Ranger utility vehicle. Foley, gave him a shoutout from the stage.” aged the board to allow up to a month for providing the report on behalf of Chief Tom ¢ A small, early April wedding at the She texted in return: “This. Was. Differ- survey responses. Merrigan, clarified that while the village riverfront bandstand was tentatively ent.” Murphy said the survey, which will owns the firehouse and pays expenses approved, pending details on traffic The Senate voted 57-43 to convict distinguish between village residents and related to it, equipment purchases are paid control, social distancing and mask policy. Trump for inciting the deadly Jan. 6 riot nonresidents, will be distributed electroni- for by the nonprofit CSFC. at the U.S. Capitol. But the majority fell short of the two-thirds required. 8 February 19, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

The case manager will begin next month and work 35 hours per week. The Beacon Council Revises Wireless Laws council included money for the position Also considers viewshed should be in the form of antennas attached Natural Resources Inventory last year iden- in this year’s city budget after commu- to existing buildings or structures and/or tified three scenic areas worthy of protec- nity members last summer suggested the protection should use a “stealth” design. Towers, it tion: viewsheds of the Hudson River, Fishkill police hire someone with a social work background to assist with calls involving a By Jeff Simms says, “shall be the structures of last resort.” Creek and Fishkill Ridge/Mount Beacon. The Planning Board would have to consider person in crisis or who may be experiencing he Beacon City Council on Tuesday Viewsheds protected viewsheds when reviewing devel- mental health-related illnesses. (Feb. 16) combined two laws adopted The council on Tuesday held a brief opment plans and, as a way of minimizing The city will review the position and its T in 2018 and 2019 into one all-encom- public hearing on a proposal that would impacts to views, would be allowed to request effectiveness after a year. Council Member passing ordinance regulating larger wire- protect scenic viewsheds. The hearing will alternate design options or modify zoning Amber Grant called the move “a good less telecommunications facilities and be continued on March 1. regulations with respect to site layout and start,” although she suggested the position small-cell wireless units. If adopted, the law would be the first step lot design, as long as height and unit-count ultimately may not need to be so closely The law revamps the processing of appli- in protecting views in Beacon. A second law limits aren’t exceeded. aligned with the Police Department. cations for both types and shifts their would follow, identifying protected viewsheds. Before continuing the public hearing, the approval to the Planning Board. The draft law designates scenic views as council will discuss comments from the Sewer upgrade The Planning Board would be required to something — in many cases, an outstand- Planning Board, which last week suggested The City Council approved a $10.2 hold public hearings for all non-small cell wire- ing natural feature or landscape — that that viewshed protection should also apply million capital improvement plan for 2021. less proposals but hearings would be optional can be seen from a public street, property to subdivision, special-use permit and vari- The majority of the money — more than $7 for small-cell units, the lower-powered anten- or sidewalk. The law, City Attorney Nick ance applications. Otherwise, the board million — will be used to upgrade the city’s nas typically affixed to buildings or poles to Ward-Willis explained, seeks to strike a said, there could be too many exceptions wastewater treatment plant and sewage fill gaps in broadband coverage. balance between property owners’ rights to the viewshed protection law. collection system. Wireless facilities will not be allowed in and the rights of present and future genera- The city will use $567,000 from its fund Beacon’s historic district unless the appli- tions to enjoy those scenic places. Mental health worker balance; it will use bonds to fund most cant demonstrates that a coverage gap or Designated views will likely include loca- The council approved a one-year contract of the remainder of the costs. A multi- other service upgrade cannot be addressed tions where alteration would be most visible, paying Mental Health America of Dutchess year proposal for capital projects will be outside of the district. Wherever possible, such as at “gateway entrances” to the city, County $70,000 to provide a case management presented to the council later this year, City the law suggests that wireless facilities public parks or major intersections. Beacon’s worker to the Beacon Police Department. Administrator Chris White said.

wide, or 5 percent of its 234 taxable residen- The draft requires units to be part of perhaps still deciding whether to do it, or (from Page 1) Airbnb tial properties. In addition, it would require residences and forbids trailers, campers, who would enter the market later on.” She since March. The typical new host in the U.S. owners to pay $250 for an annual permit tents, vehicles, storage sheds, garages or suggested “an automatic, built-in increase” earned $3,900, the company reported. (renewable for $150) and undergo annual similar structures for short-term accommo- in allowable units, up to a maximum. Airbnb said 29 percent of the U.S. hosts inspections. dation. Current Airbnb listings for Nelson- Heidi Wendel felt “the cap is a good surveyed, including 49 percent of those ville include a silver Airstream trailer on idea” and probably easier to enforce than aged 25 to 34, said they use their earnings a hillside. demands that owners occupy their homes to pay their rent or mortgage; a quarter We’re not trying The law would further demand that each much of the year and stop renting after used the income to pay down debts and 10 short-term rental have its own bathroom hitting the 100-day annual limit. percent to pay for health care. to ban this [short- with a shower or tub, allow no more than Some residents also backed efforts to save In Nelsonville, resident MaryLou term renting] in any way. two adults per bedroom and include an off- houses from being purchased by commer- Caccetta commended the Village Board street parking space. It likewise bans use of cial ventures seeking to use them solely as for doing “a great job” with the proposed We’re just trying to get a short-term rentals for “parties or events.” short-term rentals. “We share the concern regulations. That provision sparked objections. about zombie communities” with monied Mayor Michael Bowman said that the handle on it. Sonia Ryzy-Ryski and her husband, Rudy interests “sucking away the resources of the board wants “to do what is best” for the ~ Nelsonville Mayor Michael Bowman Van Dommele, offer three rental options, people who live in the community, making it village. “We’re not trying to ban this [short- including the Airstream, on their 5-acre untenable,” said Josh Kaplan. But he and his term renting] in any way. We’re just trying property near Nelsonville’s border with wife, Jenny, also endorsed short-term rent- to get a handle on it.” Moreover, he added, Under the draft, a unit could be rented Cold Spring. “How can you rent a giant ing, which they said provides some families right now short-term renting “is technically for up to 100 days annually and owners house on Airbnb and not allow a party?” with extra income while helping others find illegal by the village code.” would have to occupy the premises 185 days she asked. places nearby for visiting relatives. The proposed law, based on statutes in a year. They also would need to provide the Ryzy-Ryski criticized “such draconian Beacon and other communities, would village with contact information for emer- measures” and said that under a restric- restrict vacation, weekend or similar rent- gencies and be able to reach the site within tive law “we won’t have the same freedom We share the als to 30 days per booking. It also would 30 minutes if not present when an urgent going forward. I’m not very happy about it.” limit short-term rentals to 12 units, village- need arose. According to its preamble, the law is concern about intended to promote safety by ensuring zombie communities [with that short-term rentals comply with fire and health codes; help preserve long-term monied interests] sucking NEEDED: rental housing; and protect the character of the community and “the survival of the away the resources of quality of life of fulltime local residents.” the people who live in MEMBERSHIP MANAGER Several homeowners, including Tom Corless, a former Nelsonville mayor, the community, making it — for The Highlands Current — questioned the 12-unit cap. He proposed untenable. ~ Josh Kaplan doubling that number. Kathleen Maloney, a candidate for Part-time position overseeing membership campaigns and fundraising duties trustee in Nelsonville’s March election, At present, Nelsonville’s code allows for weekly nonprofit newspaper and website covering Philipstown and Beacon. backed the legislation but predicted a “the letting of rooms” to up to two guests 12-unit cap would “be hard to administer at a time, as long as the owner lives in For more information, see highlandscurrent.org/jobs. in a way that’s fair for everybody.” the house. It prohibits cooking facilities Another trustee candidate, Maria Zhyno- in guest rooms, although an owner can vitch, cautioned that with a limited number supply breakfast and allow guest access to of allowable short-term units, “people who the home’s kitchen. are able to secure the permits now would have an advantage over those who are Michael Turton contributed reporting. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 19, 2021 9

Two Shots (from Page 1) kept families apart, shelved travel plans and damaged businesses. Caitlin Hayes, a Putnam Valley resident and nurse at NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt Manor, has seen the worst of the pandemic: gravely ill patients and co-workers who became infected and died. Returning home from shifts, she shed her scrubs and showered before seeing her young daughter and elderly mother, and limited how much she touched both of them. Hayes, who received her second shot last month, “is more comfortable being more phys- ical” at home, but maintains the same precau- tions, she said on Tuesday. She named a list of concerns: the extent of side effects; how long immunity will last; whether the shot will have to be given annually, like those for the flu. “There’s a lot of unknowns, but at least it gave me less of a chance of contracting it and bringing it home to my family.” It is those unknowns the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites in Ed and Gunta Broderick enjoy themselves at an outside, socially distant family birthday party in October. Photo provided its guidance about post-vaccination behavior. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines who have been vaccinated continue to wear December, when another grandson gradu- proved effective in clinical trials at keeping masks, practice social distancing and take ates from college. Gunta also wants to see people from getting sick, but both compa- other precautions. her mother-in-law, who is 107 years old and COVID-19 by nies say that the duration of the protection is Gunta Broderick said she and her husband at a nursing home in Massachusetts. “currently unknown.” In addition, according have been “keeping to ourselves and waving “They have notified us that visits should the Numbers to the CDC, scientists are still unsure whether to our kids” during socially distanced visits, be allowed soon,” she said. the vaccines will prevent a vaccinated person a safety measure they will continue for now There is another hurdle: reaching herd PUTNAM COUNTY from spreading the virus that causes COVID- despite being fully vaccinated. On the hori- immunity, the point at which the virus’ abil- Number of confirmed cases: 19, which can happen even when the infected zon, they hope, is a trip to New Hampshire ity to spread is significantly reduced because person shows no symptoms. in May to celebrate a grandson’s graduation enough people are vaccinated. Scientists say (+278) The agency recommends that people from high school, and another to Georgia in the minimum threshold is about 70 percent 8,024 New Cases in Philipstown: 18 of the population, or roughly 230 million people. Just over 15 million people, or 5 Tests administered: percent of the population, had received both shots as of Tuesday, according to the CDC. In 155,463 (+5,504) New York, about 6 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated. Percent positive: Progress is slow in the face of a vaccine supply that is dwarfed by the demand, frus- 5.2 (0) trating people who are eligible to receive Number of deaths: shots but unable to get an appointment. On Tuesday, at a town hall in Milwaukee, (+1) President Joe Biden predicted that anyone 85 who wants a vaccine will be able to get one Voice Lessons by the end of July. DUTCHESS COUNTY Lessons currently offered via Zoom Until then, Amy Richter will follow the Number of confirmed cases: CDC’s advice. The Garrison resident teaches music at 21,122 (+745) • Students of All Ages and Abilities Eugenia Copeland is a the Nora Cronin Presentation Academy in Active Cases in Beacon: 25 Garrison native with • Auditions Prep for the City of Newburgh, which will resume High School and College her masters in music in-person classes next week because Rich- Tests administered: ter and the other teachers have received • Repitore Advice and performance from Mannes both vaccine shots. Richter said that she Audition Packages Conservatory. She has been 505,504 (+18,163) and her students will be wearing masks teaching private voice lessons • Early Childhood Music Education and practicing social distancing, and that Percent positive: since 2016. She specializes in • Ear Training she will sanitize the drums between classes. teaching the holistic voice (0) • All Styles of Music While she does not “feel any different now” 4.2 encompassing both classical (classical, jazz, musical theater, because safety measures are still necessary, Number of deaths: pop, folk, even public speaking) and modern voice techniques. and many more people have to be fully vacci- nated, Richter is pleased that her mother, 400 (+12) 30 minute lessons ($45) | 45 minute lessons ($65) | 60 minute lessons ($85) who lives at an independent living commu- nity in New Jersey, just received her second Source: New York State Department of shot. She is also looking forward to playing Health, as of Feb. 17, with weekly change in To schedule a lesson music with other people, singing in choirs parentheses. New cases in Philipstown is for week ending Feb. 11. EMAIL and traveling with her husband, who retired [email protected] from the Haldane school district in June. “We have all sorts of plans to travel and, For the latest on vaccine availability, OR VISIT obviously, they haven’t been able to be real- see highlandscurrent.org. EugeniaCopelandVoice.com ized,” she said. 10 February 19, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

(BOCES), said Ann Marie Quartironi, the (from Page 1) School Budgets district’s deputy superintendent. Histori- 20 percent cuts in aid as the COVID-19 cally, purchases made through BOCES, shutdown battered the state’s budget, leav- rather than a third-party vendor, have been Meet The Current's ing it billions of dollars in the red. Twice reimbursed 58 percent by the state. last year schools received federal pandemic But if the consolidation formula passes, th aid, but, in a cost-saving measure, had an purchases like the Chromebooks would “adjustment” of the same amount withheld become a “regular” expenditure reim- 2,500 from their state support. bursed at a lower rate. However, Gov. Andrew Cuomo reversed Cuomo’s plan would also use federal money course last month when he announced an to fund the School Tax Relief (STAR) prop- Instagram followers! ambitious education funding package as part erty tax reimbursement program and, as with of his 2021-22 budget proposal and told school last year’s federal pandemic aid, deduct STAR officials they’d receive past-due payments money from districts’ state funding. from last year by the end of March. While school officials expect a federal aid The governor’s proposal includes $31.7 package will be passed sooner rather than billion in school funding, a 7.1 percent later, there’s ample concern that the effects increase over last year, and consolidates of the pandemic will linger for years. If the 10 expense-based aid categories (such as governor uses stimulus money to fund textbooks, computers or transportation) schools this year, “then you have next year,” into one pot — a move Cuomo says will help Quartironi said. “I don’t foresee the econ- distribute state money more equitably to omy being back up and running by then.” higher-need districts. A handful of teacher retirements will All that is dependent on Congress pass- eliminate some spending on salaries in ing a federal stimulus package it has been 2021-22 in Beacon, but that may be a drop deliberating for months. If passed, the aid in the bucket for a district that spent package is projected to bring $6 billion to $275,000 on ventilators, cleaning materi- $15 billion to New York state. als, desk partitions, tent rentals and other State Assembly Member Jonathan Jacob- pandemic expenses required to open for son, whose district includes Beacon, said this year. In the fall, if schools attempt to this week that he’s optimistic Congress will bring most or all students back in-person, act soon. “We have a new administration there will be new challenges and costs. in Washington that prioritizes education Meredith Heuer, the president of the and realizes the effects of the pandemic are Beacon school board, praised teachers for not restricted to red states or blue states,” rising to the challenges presented by this said Jacobson, a Democrat. “It changes the year’s hybrid-instruction model. “But if we whole equation.” can have all of our students back in the But Jacobson said he does not favor building together next year, we will need Cuomo’s proposal to consolidate school aid to help them catch up and heal from the and thinks the state should keep distinct trauma they are experiencing,” she said. funding streams to track what money is “New York State using federal funds to being spent for which purpose. supplant state funding ignores both the The Assembly and Senate must negoti- purpose of the funding and the risk of a ate a spending plan with the governor by financial cliff in the future.” April 1. Two weeks ago, department heads began The Beacon school board has also raised making their annual presentations to the issues with the consolidation plan, saying in school board to discuss funding needs for a letter sent last week to state legislators that next year. Other than contractually nego- “consolidating the aid categories lacks trans- tiated salary increases and rising health parency and will lead to less predictability for insurance costs, the departments have been schools when developing annual budgets.” instructed to keep their budgets flat, Quar- The Beacon district has been diligent tironi said. about purchasing equipment, such as the If the state receives less federal aid than Chromebook laptops that are assigned anticipated, there are already items, such to every student, through the Dutchess as teachers’ laptops and athletic assistant Board of Cooperative Educational Services coaches, identified as a first line of cuts. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 19, 2021 11 The Calendar

Chateau's mother as a young woman Corinne Chateau Photos provided Georgia. Then, she adapted the book into “My mother was rather distant, and there a one-woman show, Abandoned, which she was a lot about her I felt I didn’t know,” performed, before tackling her material says Chateau, who was an only child and The Family once more in a play, The Sun Shines East, raised Catholic. “I knew my grandfather developed at the Actors Studio. was a Polish diplomat, but he died when Chateau’s latest project, a documen- I was a child. I had no family in the U.S.” tary called Safer in Silence, has an even The phone call was from a woman with a Secret broader personal narrative. Seven years in heavy Eastern European accent, she says. She Garrison filmmaker the making, it details Chateau’s investiga- asked for Danuta. “I told her there was no one tion into her family’s murky past. It is filled here called that,” Chateau recalls. “She said, searches for her roots with twists, including the most startling ‘Are you her daughter? I’m your grandmother, By Alison Rooney secret, which was revealed to her in a phone and I’ve come from Brazil to meet you.’ ” call she received at age 16. Chateau’s grandmother had hired a ike many artists, Corinne Chateau Her father was French and her mother private detective to find the family in the has raided her own life for stories. Polish, she explains. They were teenagers U.S. Chateau found her “beautiful and L First, the Garrison resident wrote during World War II; her father hid in the interesting” and “couldn’t fathom why I a book, The Road to Cali, based on the trials mountains, but her mother’s experience did not know about her before.” Chateau's grandmother of adopting her son from the Republic of was much more traumatic. (Continued on Page 14) Hudson Valley Blues Local nonprofit works to boost genre

By Alison Rooney

hree years ago, the Hudson Valley Blues Society formed in Patterson The society produced a double album of T to “preserve and promote the past, original blues by Hudson Valley artists. present and future of blues music.” One year ago, everything shut down. on internet radio, we have new listeners Unable to perform or raise funds, the from around the world. We also picked up group instead began work on a double a sponsor, Metal Blues Coffee. She names album, HVBS Blues Alive in the Valley: her drinks after blues artists.” Joe Louis Walker Photo by Arnie Goodman The Lockdown Sessions, which features 23 All this is good news for the group, which original songs written and performed by came to life simply through a shared love of other parts of history. region has their own sounds: Chicago, musicians from the region. the blues, in its many forms. “I also have a mission to teach adults Texas, St. Louis, Florida. You can go “We put a call out to our members,” “If you want the blues to survive, you about blues history,” she says. “I’m fasci- anywhere in the country and listen to it. explains Hillary Fontana, a founding need to get involved and support it,” nated by the juke joints, those one-room She says friends who knew that she member of the nonprofit and an officer. “No Fontana says. “We want to get right to the shacks in the South where the blues origi- and her husband, Steve, loved the blues one can tour, so opportunity struck. We’ve foundations: teach it in the schools not just nated, and how it traveled across the coun- suggested they launch the society. “A group found that, through lots of airplay, largely in music class but tied to civil rights and try. Blues covers so many areas and each (Continued on Page 14) 12 February 19, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

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

COMMUNITY TUES 23 KIDS & FAMILY Graphic Novel Book Club MON 22 COLD SPRING SAT 20 Kids Book Giveaway 7 p.m. Split Rock Meet Winky! BEACON 845-265-2080 | splitrockbks.com GARRISON 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Howland Library The group will discuss A Contract 2 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library 845-831-1134 | beaconlibrary.org with God, by Will Eisner. bit.ly/DFPLwinky Middle- and high-school students Winky is an opossum who serves can pick up copies of This Book is WED 24 as an animal ambassador for Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to African Heritage Cuisine Teatown Lake Reservation, a nature The Restless Age, Feb. 25 Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the preserve in Ossining. Work by Tiffany Jewell and Aurelia COLD SPRING 3 p.m. NY-Presbyterian Hudson Valley SUN 28 Durand, while supplies last. Also SAT 20 ANIMALS & NATURE 914-734-3159 | nyp.org/hudsonvalley Sound Drawing: TUES 23. Creating Movement to Learn how to prepare okra, black- Collaboration SAT 20 Tell a Story Maple Sugar Tours WED 24 eyed pea fritters (akara), winter BEACON Social Quizstancing greens and rice, and other traditional BEACON 10:30 a.m. Dia:Beacon CORNWALL foods of the African diaspora. Free 4 p.m. Compass Arts | compassarts.org 845-231-0811 | diaart.org 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. GARRISON Chelsea Acree will lead this Outdoor Discovery Center 8 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library Audra Wolowiec will present this WED 24 workshop for elementary school 120 Muser Drive | 845-534-5506 845-424-3020 | desmondfishlibrary.org workshop for families and children Equanimity in students on creating a dance that ages 5 and older. Register online. Free hhnm.org Bring a team or compete solo in Challenging Times tells a story. Cost: Sliding scale Learn how maple sap is turned this tricky Zoom trivia event. into syrup. Online registration GARRISON SUN 21 MUSIC required. Maple syrup will be sold THURS 25 3 p.m. Garrison Institute Sound Drawing: SAT 20 only online. Also SUN 21, SAT 27, Paper Crafts Workshop garrisoninstitute.org SUN 28. Cost: $10 ($8 members, Sharon Salzberg will lead a Notation and Play Last Minute Soulmates GARRISON children 5 and younger free) guided meditation to cultivate BEACON BEACON 6 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library equanimity. Cost: $25 suggested 10:30 a.m. Dia:Beacon 8 p.m. Howland Cultural Center 845-424-3020 | desmondfishlibrary.org TUES 23 845-231-0811 | diaart.org howlandculturalcentertix.com Learn how to make origami lotus Spotting the Spotted THURS 25 Audra Wolowiec and Mark The band will perform during a flowers. Porgy and Bess Trecka will lead this workshop for livestream from the center. Cost: $15 Lanternfly families and children ages 5 and ALBANY BEACON THURS 25 older. Register online. Free 1 p.m. Via Zoom | nyimapinvasives.org/slf 1 p.m. Howland Public Library Still Life Oil Painting Learn how to help protect state 845-831-1134 | beaconlibrary.org COLD SPRING WED 24 forests and farmland from this Tanisha Mitchell will discuss the invasive pest. 7 p.m. Butterfield Library history of the folk opera and play a Kindergarten Registration 845-265-3040 | butterfieldlibrary.org recording of her performing an aria GARRISON Pick up supplies from the library from the production. 9 – 11 a.m. & 1 – 3 p.m. Garrison School SAT 27 and join Gillian Thorpe to paint via 1100 Route 9D | 845-424-3689 How Animals Survive Zoom. gufs.org COLD SPRING Children must turn age 5 by Dec. 11 a.m. Hubbard Lodge TALKS 31. Also THURS 25. See website for 2880 Route 9 | bit.ly/animalsurvive specifics. Educators from the Taconic SUN 21 Outdoor Education Center will Raising Backyard WED 24 discuss how local wildlife survive Chickens Middle School Book Club the winter weather. WAPPINGERS FALLS SUN 21 COLD SPRING MET Orchestra Musicians 3 p.m. Stony Kill Farm | stonykill.org 4 p.m. Butterfield Library CIVIC Learn about raising your own 845-265-3040 | butterfieldlibrary.org BEACON MON 22 flock. Cost: $5 suggested Students in grades 5 to 8 will 8 p.m. Howland Cultural Center discuss Schooled, by Gordon Korman, howlandmusic.orgALIVEmusica.html City Council TUES 23 and vote on the club’s next book. In this livestream performance BEACON Video Marketing sponsored by the Howland Chamber 7 p.m. Via Zoom Music Circle, musicians from POUGHKEEPSIE WED 24 845-838-5011 | cityofbeacon.org the Metropolitan Orchestra will 1 p.m. Dutchess Tourism Scratch Coding Club perform Saint-Saëns’ Fantasiein dutchesstourism.com/lunch-learn- VISUAL ART COLD SPRING A Major, Op. 124, Massenet’s MON 22 series 4 p.m. Butterfield Library School Board SAT 20 Meditation from Thaïs, Frank’s Edward Roy will instruct small 845-265-3040 | butterfieldlibrary.org Zapatos de Chincha and Beethoven’s BEACON business owners on using video to Glow Show / Zard Apuya In the first of a series, students String Trio in C Minor, Op. 9 No. 3. 7 p.m. Via Zoom reach customers. BEACON in grades 3 to 5 will learn basic Cost: $20 suggested 845-838-6900 | beaconk12.org 6 – 9 p.m. Clutter Gallery programming and how to design TUES 23 163 Main St. | 212-255-2505 interactive games. THURS 25 TUES 23 shop.cluttermagazine.com/gallery Ayurveda and Dan Garcia / School Board Heart Health SAT 27 The Restless Age COLD SPRING THURS 25 COLD SPRING Draw a Dance, BEACON 7 p.m. Haldane 7 p.m. Butterfield Library Dorothea Rockburne Sing a Shape 8 p.m. Howland Cultural Center 845-265-9254 | haldaneschool.org 845-265-3040 | butterfieldlibrary.org BEACON BEACON thevalleyhour.org Somesh Kaushik will highlight Noon. Dia Beacon 4 p.m. Compass Arts | compassarts.org This livestreamed episode of “The TUES 23 how body and mind work together 845-231-0811 | diaart.org Gina Samardge will lead this Valley Hour” will feature Garcia, a Board of Trustees in heart health in this webinar. Dia educators will discuss the workshop for students in grades 1 to Beacon guitarist, and The Restless Register online. abstract painter’s work via Zoom. 5 on using dance, music and art to Age’s indie rock. Cost: $10 suggested COLD SPRING make accompaniments to a song. 7:30 p.m. Via Zoom 845-265-3611 | coldspringny.gov highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 19, 2021 13

Something You Don’t Know About Me Angela Devine and Daniel Rayner

By Alison Rooney

ngela Devine and Daniel Rayner, retirees who live in Cold Spring, A perform as Dead End Beverly (deadendbeverly.bandcamp.com).

You’ve said that many of your friends You two finish each other’s sentences. have no idea you are a band. Aren’t How long have you been together? performers usually pros at promotion? Rayner: We were both born and raised in Rayner: We play mostly in Beacon because Brooklyn. it has the venues. We did the Howland Center open mic once a month, then started Devine: We went to Brooklyn College at the playing at the Towne Crier. We also perform same time. Daniel was studying anthropol- ogy and I was pre-med. across the river. Rayner: I didn’t become an anthropol- Devine: It doesn’t come up in conversations. ogist. I got a master’s degree in public Rayner: We’re the best kept secret in Cold administration later and was a media- Spring! tor and a social worker. We went out for a couple of years, then went our separate When did you start playing? ways and married other people. Angela Rayner: I started the guitar when I was found me on Facebook 35 years later. 14. My mother had a large record collec- Photo by Andy Phillips Devine: I found a man who lived in East tion of Broadway show tunes and lots of Flatbush, the neighborhood where I grew Rayner: We were there for almost five people I met. We learned a lot from Joe on classical. My sister got a degree in piano up. We had a lot of friends in common. hours. what was possible. at the Manhattan School of Music. When One of his posts mentioned Dan Rayner. I was 25 I started taking lessons from a I thought — could it be? So I sent Dan a Devine: It was three. Rayner: We learned on the job. great teacher. message. Rayner: Well, maybe. Rayner: Out of the Attic was recorded with Devine: I always loved to sing; I’d sing Todd Giudice at Root Cellar, his studio in Rayner: I almost fell out of the chair. We Devine: It was a funny thing, too. I had to my mother in bed at night. I especially started communicating. a stress fracture, and every few minutes, Cold Spring. It’s a collection of mostly tradi- enjoyed harmonies. I always loved music tional and older songs. We play everything Devine: I was living in a small town in I would shift and yell out, “Owww! Ooh.” but had never performed. We went to an from jazz to folk to blues to rock. Pennsylvania. I had lived in Brooklyn open mic where Daniel performed, and I Rayner: She was wincing in pain, not at until I was 40. My then-husband and I had Devine: By time we started working with liked what I heard. One night, at Whistling me. We caught up and things started to a health food store in the city but we moved Todd we knew what we wanted and how we Willies, I went up and sang with him. move from there. I was living in Mohegan to the sticks for various reasons and things Lake and had moved to Cold Spring after wanted it done. Rayner: I had to pull her by the hand to get weren’t going well. After I found Dan, we my divorce. Rayner: We don’t like to overproduce. We her to stand up in front of people. Angela has made arrangements to meet at the Roscoe have an idea of what sound we want. a voice that can stop people in a noisy bar. Diner [in Sullivan County]. Devine: The friendship developed into something else. Devine: Producing a song is like making a food dish: you have everything in propor- Rayner: I have lived here 11 years, and Angela has been here going on nine. We’re tion, you taste it. We learned how to go old now, but we don’t feel old. from cook to chef.

Local Bestsellers Devine: Depends on what time of the day. Can you explain the band name? Rayner: To me, Angela is the love of my life. Devine: When we were at Brooklyn Based on combined hardcover and paperback College, there was a dead-end street called sales reported for December and January by You’re recorded two albums. Where Beverly Road. One day we were driving Binnacle Books, 321 Main St., in Beacon, and did you do that? around here and there happened to be a Split Rock Books, 97 Main St., in Cold Spring. Devine: We recorded Talking Monkeys at dead end, just like the one in Brooklyn. I Joe Johnson’s studio, Red Wally, in Beacon. said, “That would be a great band name: When I came here, he was one of the first Dead End Beverly.” PositionPosition last month TITLE AUTHOR 1 1 A Promised Land Barack Obama 2 2 Caste Isabel Wilkerson 2 4 The Vanishing Half Brit Bennett

ADULT Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Robin Wall Kimmerer 4 3 Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants 5 - Hamnet Maggie O’Farrell 6 - Shuggie Bain Douglas Stuart 6 - The Lying Life of Adults Elena Ferrante 1 - Cat Kid Comic Club Dav Pilkey 2 - Katie the Catsitter Colleen AF Venable 3 - Counting Creatures Julia Donaldson CHILDREN 4 - Blades of Freedom (Hazardous Tales #10) Nathan Hale 4 - If You Come to Earth Sophie Blackall 4 - Mighty Meg 1 Sammy Griffin 4 6 Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story Kevin Noble Maillard 14 February 19, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Corinne Chateau and her mother in a family snapshot

The truth always felt dangerous. (from Page 11) Family Secret “I have much more understanding now. Her mother had mixed feelings about I see my mother in a more objective, empa- the relationship. “It was a shock that her thetic way. Some of her anxiety got thrown mother found us,” Chateau says. “I think at me.” my mother felt guilty that her mother was In 1998, Chateau received another alone. I became a kind of ambassador.” strange phone call — another person with In 1993, she and her husband traveled an accent, this time a man. to Rio to visit her grandmother, who was “I may be related to you,” he said. “Can Professor Louie and The Crowmatix dying. “The last night that I saw her —I don’t we meet?” “My husband and I were intrigued at think this was her plan — she revealed that The documentary continues with the (from Page 11) Blues what a small family the blues players she was Jewish,” Chateau says. “Though I story, which includes, but is not limited of us were disappointed that we couldn’t are,” Fontana recalls. “Blues artists stick had not had a strict Catholic upbringing, I to, cousins in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, find anything in New York state, so we together — it’s like telephone tag.” had been baptized, given Communion and because of the COVID-19 shutdown, the decided to give it a shot, and it’s taken In January, the HVBS was inducted as confirmed, so this was a big ‘What!?’ ” film has only been shown so far at film off like wildfire.” For example, a recent an affiliate of the Blues Foundation, the Her grandmother said her own parents festivals (it won the “Best Story” award at mention on a Poughkeepsie radio show fundraising arm of the Blues Museum. had converted from Judaism to Catholi- the East Europe International Film Festi- brought in 20 members, she notes. As one of the perks of membership, the cism. “I said, ‘My mother doesn’t know any val). “I’m dying to have an exchange with In addition to public education, the society can send a band and musicians of this,’ and my grandmother replied, ‘Oh, the audience, to hear how it sparks other society supports blues musicians who live to represent the organization at the she knows very well.’ ” people,” Chateau says. and/or perform in the Hudson Valley. This annual International Blues Challenge in Chateau considered the times. “Things She decided to make the documentary extends to promoting tours and gigs at Memphis, although the 2021 competition got very bad in Poland, even before the after her mother died unexpectedly in venues such as the Towne Crier in Beacon, was canceled. war, with all the anti-Semitism,” she says. 2009. “The shock of that, with so much The Turning Point in Piermont, Daryl’s Each May, the Blues Foundation also “If you weren’t overly religious, the strat- unresolved, left me in this real place of House in Pawling, The Falcon in Marlboro hosts the Blues Music Awards. “There egy was not to show your Jewish iden- depression and despair,” she says. and further afield. are several layers of competition, and tity. When the war happened, my mother Chateau decided to visit Poland. There, “In normal times, blues artists play those who advance get to go to Memphis left, lost her language, her education, her a newly met relative helped her chase there all the time, and ticket prices are and compete there, in knockout battles,” friends. It was all about hiding. I’m sure down documents and family members. “I usually way less expensive than seeing Fontana says. “Memphis shuts down for my grandmother was quite controlling of started thinking, ‘What can I do to piece the same artist in New York City,” Fontana this. Whoever wins goes on the festival her, telling her, ‘Don’t say this.’ ” this together?’ I had this need to capture notes. circuit and on cruises. Some of the greatest Chateau says her mother would never it, or otherwise it would disappear. I had The couple founded the society with contemporary blues musicians have been admit to being Jewish. “I just don’t know this great need to have a sense of my life.” Paul Toscano, who is now the group’s pres- discovered this way.” what to think, but those who were not Chateau ended up with 70 hours of ident. They met through a mutual friend- The COVID-19 shutdown has curtailed killed by the Germans were killed by the footage. “I had been to film school as a ship with members of a blues band that the group’s activities, which include jam Russians, and who knows what experiences director, not an editor,” she says, ruefully, was passing through on tour. Toscano is a sessions, a table at the Hudson Valley my mother might have gone through?” she referring to her studies at the graduate former state ambassador for the Blues Hall Guitar Show and a fundraising bash at says. “I think she had post-traumatic stress film program at New York University and of Fame in Memphis. The Falcon, but it has stayed active on — I could see the the American Film Institute. (Chateau Hillary Fontana came to the blues social media, Fontana says. anxiety in her body, is also an actor who trained with Stella through the Southern rock she grew up “Everyone’s suffering the same way,” her eyes. Adler and Lee Strasberg and is a member with by groups such as Lynyrd Skynyrd Fontana says. “We need money to keep of the Actors Studio.) Still, she managed and The Allman Brothers Band. She says going, so we threw out the idea of a [bene- to whittle the footage to five hours B.B. King was “my first love. I saw him fit] CD. We expected eight or 10 submis- before bringing it to profes- perform so many times. I discovered, sions but they kept pouring in. We’ve sional editors in New York City through the Blues Society, that my love already sold 100, which has covered the and Poland, finishing it soon for different kind of blues is evolving. production costs.” before the lockdown last year. There are young musicians coming up who (For updates and a trailer, see amaze me. It’s always that gritty, barroom, To join the Hudson Valley Blues Society saferinsilence.com.) lowdown rock. It started with rock for me, or purchase its CD for $20 postpaid, visit Her film, Chateau says, “is not but then I could pinpoint it in the blues.” thehvbs.org or write P.O. Box 63, Patter- just about Jewish. It’s been happen- In 2013, the Fontanas took their first son, NY 12563. The society is hosting a ing so much in the past few years “rhythm and blues” cruise, where they saw Downstate Virtual Bluesfest on March 14 in the U.S. — people being discrim- performances by New York musicians such with the Long Island Blues Society and is inated against because of where as Professor Louie and The Crowmatix, sponsoring a concert scheduled for May 21 they’re from. It’s always been the Popa Chubby, Dave Keyes and Guy Davis. at the Paramount Hudson Valley in Peek- same for immigrants and refugees. If That made it all the more surprising there skill with Joe Louis Walker, Guy Davis you come with no money, it’s not easy.” was no New York-based blues society. and Professor Louie and The Crowmatix. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 19, 2021 15

Mouths to Feed Good, Better, Best By Celia Barbour

riting a regular W food column like this one creates a paradox. Whenever I come up with a recipe my family really likes, they just want to go on eating it: Kale made this way, cauliflower like that, ramen precisely so. Yet while there’s only so much room in our repertoire of family favorites, my biweekly deadlines require that I dream up something new 26 times a year. Back in 2017 (aka, the day before yester- Kids are such creatures of habit that they day), I wrote about an Asian salmon recipe could (and often do) eat the same foods day that was such a hit we all started referring to after day. But I experience a disheartening it as “salmon the good way.” For over a year, sense of déjà vu if I’m forever sitting down it was the standard by which every other to familiar dinners. Didn’t we have this just seafood dish was measured and fell short. a few days ago? Eventually I grew restless, so one Sunday Salmon with Harissa-Yogurt Sauce “No, Mom,” the kids will reply, “that was I came up with way of preparing salmon last November.” At which point I remind that was easier and, it seemed to me, just aka “Salmon the Better Way” them that time passes faster as one ages, as tasty. Better still, this recipe included and therefore November was yesterday for harissa, which in those days was a bit of an You may want to double the sauce, so there’s extra at the table me, and don’t rub it in. obsession of mine. to mix into the rice. To intensify the salmon’s flavor, you can At any rate, I’m happy to keep exploring, I’d encountered harissa a few decades and this column provides the perfect excuse. earlier at an extraordinary Tunisian hole- sprinkle it with ½ teaspoon harissa spice rub (available on many in-the-wall joint in Manhattan. The neon- supermarket spice shelves) along with the salt and pepper in Step 1. red paste was so eye-wateringly spicy that, while I love heat, I couldn’t bear adding HOWLAND more than a few flecks. After that, I kept Serves 4 CULTURAL harissa at arm’s length, consuming it tenta- tively only when eating out. 11/3 pounds skin-on salmon filet ¼ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt CENTER My loss. Harissa takes many forms. Indeed, because the name comes from the salt and pepper ¼ cup mayonnaise Sat. Feb. 20 + Sun. Feb. 21 – 1 to 5 pm Arabic for “pounded,” it can refer to several EXHIBIT: IN OUR LIFETIME 1 to 3 tablespoons cHarissa ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro for African American Hudson Valley Artists wildly divergent dishes, including a semo- Moroccan seasoning or other serving, optional 17 artists’ work on display – Sat/Sun in Feb. 1-5 pm lina cake. But the harissa I’m referring to — harissa paste (sample before 2 cups cooked rice for serving, the harissa many of us know by that name adding, so you know how hot it is) — is a paste of dried chili peppers, garlic optional and salt; most versions also include olive oil, lemon juice and spices such as cumin and 1. Heat oven to 300 degrees. Remove the salmon from the refrigerator, Sat. Feb. 20 – 8 pm coriander. Although the paste originated in rinse well, and use tweezers to remove pin bones. Sprinkle both LIVESTREAM CONCERT: Last Minute Soulmates sides with salt and pepper, and place in an oven-proof baking dish. Tickets: howlandculturalcentertix.com Tunisia some 500 years ago, it incorporated

inute Sou M lma several even-older culinary influences: Chili ast te 2. Combine the cHarissa, yogurt and mayonnaise in a small bowl. L s Enjoy peppers, a New-World ingredient, had trav- this rockin’ Spread about half the mixture on the surface of the salmon. local band! eled to North Africa via Spain. Transfer to the oven and cook 10 minutes. Lower the heat to 275, Nowadays, there are some great artisanal spread with remaining cHarissa mixture, and continue cooking Sun. Feb. 21 – 8 pm harissas on the market, in a wide range of just until the salmon begins to release its milky-white fat, about 10 MET ORCHESTRA MUSICIANS Streamed by ALIVEmusica at howlandmusic.org heat indexes. But the paste I reached for that minutes more. Serve with rice and cilantro. particular Sunday — the one I’d been dabbing on everything from eggs to rice cakes to Photos by Henry Weed avocados; the one that had become my No. Thurs. Feb. 25 – 8 pm 1 happiness-inducing condiment — is called LIVESTREAM: THE VALLEY HOUR “Harissa Moroccan Style Seasoning.” It’s still Musical guests – Dan Garcia, The Restless Age temperature oven for about 25 minutes. pes have made it onto these pages that when Hosted by Annalyse & Ryan – Tix: TheValleyHour.com my hands-down favorite and, while rare in The result was such a raging success that it the older kids, currently at college, text me grocery stores, can easily be mail-ordered (I immediately became known as “salmon the asking how to make such-and-such, I refer just ordered 3 jars, as I loathe running out). other good way.” Last year, Dosi admitted he them to this paper’s well-archived website. I mixed roughly one part cHarissa with preferred it to the Asian version, and thus it As of today, I can rest easy in the knowledge two parts each yogurt and mayonnaise, was promoted to “salmon the better way.” that one more indispensable family favorite AND MORE smeared it on the fish and placed it in a low- By now, so many of my family’s go-to reci- is accessible to them wherever they roam. March’s art show: “I am Woman” Thurs. Mar. 11 – 8 pm: Singer Tara O’Grady: Howlin’ at the Howland, Seasons of Love HCC will NOT be open for in-person audience during performances Kids are such creatures of habit that they could (and often do) eat 477 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508 www.howlandculturalcenter.org (845) 831-4988 the same foods day after day. But I experience a disheartening facebook.com/howlandcenterbeacon howlandculturalcentertix.com sense of déjà vu if I’m forever sitting down to familiar dinners. 16 February 19, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Carlos Salcedo Leonora Burton at the crash site John Jesek

students on a flight. With a student at the controls, the engine died. “The instructor Reporter’s Notebook: We All Could Have Died took the controls and shouted, ‘For Christ’s When Carlos Salcedo was 20 and a sake, find us a place to land — a road, a Nine Philipstown residents who college student, he returned to his native field, anything!’ ” As they descended, Bolivia for the holidays. He and his cousin Leonora kept thinking, “How will my flirted with the Grim Reaper went to a party on the seventh floor of an parents find out?” They crash-landed in a unfinished apartment building. Because parking lot, hitting several cars, and ended By Michael Turton there was no elevator installed, the revel- up resting against a tree. The instructor ers had to use the stairs. As they left, they suffered serious internal injuries. One ran into the building manager on the third student was uninjured but Leonora’s leg ’ve been trying to forget light, but I sensed it. I hit the or fourth floor. He was unhappy with was lacerated and the third student’s nose this story for 58 years, brakes, skidding my bike their rowdy behavior, and a fight broke was broken. Leonora’s dream of being a yet here I am writing sideways. The car ran over out. “He was beating my cousin,” Carlos pilot ended there. “My heart wasn’t in it I remembers. “I pulled him off.” He and the anymore,” she said. about it. Seems I can’t not both the bike’s wheels. I manager tumbled backward and down In February 1981, John Jesek was work- think about it. was uninjured. I couldn’t the empty elevator shaft. Carlos landed on ing on a barge on the East River in New I was 12. Two friends and help thinking: “What if I top of the manager. Initially he thought he York City when a swinging crane knocked was paralyzed, but then feeling returned. him into the ice-cold waters. No one saw I were riding our bikes toward had ridden just a foot farther?” The manager suffered a broken shoulder, it happen. “The current was strong,” he the only traffic light in town. I Maybe knowing I’m not alone broken clavicle and head injuries. recalls. “The water was so cold it felt like decided to be a smart-ass and beat will vanquish that demon. Nine Leonora Burton had always wanted a burn; my Carhartts [outerwear] froze.” to fly and in the 1970s pursued a pilot’s Jesek grabbed a nearby work raft. The them through the intersection. I Philipstown residents shared with license. At Teterboro airport in New Jersey, Norwegian barge captain saw him and didn’t see the car running the red me their stories of near death. her instructor invited her and two other (Continued on Page 17)

Johnny Peters soon after he recovered Johnny Peters today Lynne Cherry and Gary Braasch Photos provided from being shot highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 19, 2021 17

Jessie Pritchard Hunter Clark Thompson Tommy Des Marais John Flagler

(Continued from Page 17) a ringer. She all but ran the table, and then gloomy day. He heard a loud crack. A massive swept away by rapids. His mother couldn’t pulled him out, took him to a heated shed Clark sank the last two balls. The biker oak tree split and fell, with half landing on swim but jumped in after him. “I don’t and stripped him down. “He gave me aqua- grabbed the $40, claiming Clark hadn’t his hood and half on his rear windshield. He remember a lot,” Flagler said, “but I’m vit until I stopped shivering,” he recalls. “I called the last shot. When Clark protested, was not injured except for a cut on his finger. told she was able to grab me about a mile haven’t done a polar-bear plunge since.” the biker pulled a Colt .45 handgun, cocked “Now I feel lucky; then I felt differently,” downriver and hand me to someone on When he was in his early 20s, Johnny it and put the muzzle between Clark’s eyes. because his car was totaled, he says. When the river’s edge.” His mother was rescued Peters walked out of a New Orleans bar in “This says you scratched,” he said. Clark first responders saw the car, they told him, farther downstream. Flagler says he had the early morning hours after his jazz band agreed, the biker couple left, the bartender “People don’t usually get out of these alive.” two other near-drownings as a kid but “I had finished its sets. A black car screeched called the police and he and his girlfriend John Flagler was 5 years old, camping still love being by the water.” to a halt nearby. A man in a ski mask jumped at least drank for free. with his family along Idaho’s Snake River. out and shot him point-blank in the chest. In the summer of 2011, Tommy Des While throwing sticks into the water, he Got your own near-death story? Share it Peters ran down an alley, where he passed Marais was driving on Route 403 on a lost his balance, fell into the river and was at highlandscurrent.org. out at the rear entrance of a hotel. Someone took him to a hospital. Peters had been the victim of a gang that required recruits to shoot a stranger. The 9mm bullet passed HIGHLAND STUDIO between two ribs, went through his lung and exited between two different ribs, never hitting bone. Peters spent a month in the hospital and was dubbed “the miracle man.” Ten years ago, Lynne Cherry was asleep in the passenger seat of a car being driven by her friend and creative partner, Gary Braasch, near Portland, Oregon. They were behind a truck carrying a sofa, which came loose and crashed through the windshield. “I remember a big explosion,” Cherry says, which was the air bag. “It prevented the PRINTMAKERS sofa from hitting me,” she says. Cherry and Braasch were flying out the next day; the embarrassed sofa owners paid for their FINE ART hotel and drove them to the airport. PRINTING Jessie Pritchard Hunter was 29 when the third-floor Queens apartment she and SCANNING her husband shared caught fire. When they LARGE FORMAT opened the bedroom door, an 8-foot wall of flame greeted them. Windows exploded. “I HUDSON VALLEY’S said, ‘We’re going to die’ three times in a ARCHIVAL PRINTING row,” she recalls. Her husband replied, “No, we are not.” He jumped to the fire escape, SINCE 1997 then stretched and pulled his wife out. She crashed into the metal, badly bruising her PICTURE FRAMING entire left side. “A firefighter said had we print & map gallery stayed in the apartment a minute longer, we would have died,” Jessie said. Their story appeared in New York Magazine, in part 845-809-5174 perhaps because they were both naked. In 1989, Clark Thompson and his girl- friend stopped at a bar in Salisbury, Massa- 31 STEPHANIE LANE chusetts, to play some pool. A biker and his COLD SPRING, NY girlfriend challenged them to a $20 game. www.thehighlandstudio.com Clark accepted, knowing his girlfriend was 18 February 19, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

care for working mothers. George Johnson purchased a Hudson Looking Back sedan at the Poughkeepsie Auto Show. in Beacon 75 Years Ago (February 1946) Operations resumed at the National By Chip Rowe Biscuit Co. after 300 workers accepted a new contract after an eight-day strike. The Editor’s note: Beacon was created in 1913 gains included a closed shop (where every from Matteawan and Fishkill Landing. worker must be a union member) and wage increases of 10 to 70 cents per hour. 150 Years Ago (February 1871) The Beacon Public Health Association A broken axle caused a 25-car freight announced plans to fund its X-ray services train laden with oil to overturn on the by selling Christmas seals. bridge between New Hamburg and Beacon, William Langer spoke at the Beacon where it was hit by a northbound express Hebrew Alliance on Jews in Texas. train. The first two cars of the oil train and The Brewer building at 198 Main St. was drawbridge caught fire and the structure razed to make room for a modern diner collapsed, dropping the cars, the express owned by Joseph TenEyck. locomotive, a passenger car and a Pullman’s Two brothers, ages 16 and 20, were sleeping car into Wappinger Creek. There, sentenced to 30 days in jail for punching the oil and flames spread over the ice. By the their neighbor on Beekman Street. next evening, 22 bodies had been recovered. In this print from an 1871 news story, workers recover bodies from Wappinger Creek Henry Sheldon, who ran a drugstore in The passenger train had been running 12 after a collision between two trains. Beacon for 23 years at Main and South minutes late; had it been on time, it would White streets, died at age 70. already have been at the New Hamburg the housekeeper, said notes addressed to A judge in Connecticut granted bills The police were called after the doors of station when the oil train crossed the bridge. her or Mrs. Lang began to appear pinned to of divorce to the two husbands of Jean- the Beacon High School gym were chained trees after armed, masked men approached nette Smalley, who had been detained in shut with about 650 people inside to watch 125 Years Ago (February 1896) while Eliza was alone at the home and stole Matteawan on bigamy charges but escaped a basketball game between Beacon and the Jonathan Deyo, a Newburgh lawyer, was $1,000 in silverware. Miss Sloane remained from the Danbury officers who retrieved her. Newburgh Free Academy. Coach Bill Ham mugged near the Matteawan asylum for the at the home while the Langs fled to Boston. said he chained the doors to prevent 350 more criminally insane after visiting two clients Eight days later, after the officers had left, 100 Years ago (February 1921) fans from getting inside the packed gym. there. He said one man pushed him against Sloane said a man approached to explain Two juniors at Poughkeepsie High School The principal said that while some people a fence while another rifled his pockets, that he had been trying to scare her away and traveled to Beacon to obtain a marriage expressed concern the coach had created a taking $30 in cash, a gold watch and a that his target was Mr. Lang. A suspect was license, then eloped to Cleveland. The next fire hazard, had there been a fire, spectators diamond scarf pin. quickly identified: Frank Carey, a teenager morning, when students arrived at the could have run through the building to other Inmates at the Matteawan asylum who formerly worked for the couple until he school, they found a cartoon on a blackboard doors. He said that while the coach had prob- presented a minstrel performance for fire- was arrested for stealing. He had been seen showing a young couple dragging a trunk. ably prevented a riot, “the chains will not be men from Fishkill and Matteawan to thank with a man who matched the description of The Beacon city recorder recalled that the used again.” Beacon won, 42-38. them for putting out a fire at the facility. a spurned boyfriend of Mrs. Lang. couple looked too young for a license and Attendants at the Matteawan State But sitting in the front row were the train A well-dressed woman who said her name referred them to Judge Ferdinand Hoyt, Hospital for the Criminal Insane asked the robber Oliver Curtis Perry and notorious was Mary Pette and that she was 56 and who demanded they sign affidavits stat- state to reclassify them as prison guards. killers such as Lizzie Halliday and Quimbo lived in Matteawan became faint on a street ing they were Beacon residents and legal A Poughkeepsie basketball team, Fran- Appo (“the Chinese devil man”). corner in Brooklyn and was taken to a hospi- adults. The girl stated she was 18 and the boy cisco’s Merchants, protested its loss to The prison reported that its daily average tal. Four hours after being discharged, she swore he was 21. It was not clear if they had Beacon in a city league game because the population in 1895 was 490, an increase of was picked up a short distance away, saying been married since the judge said he did not visitors arrived 35 minutes late. 61 over 1894, although its capacity was 550. she had severe head pain. This time she gave perform a ceremony before they left the city. Following an 11-inch snowfall, Rundle Matteawan police officers stood guard her name as Mary St. John. A laborer narrowly escaped death when Gilbert was able to open a new, mile-long outside the Glenham home of Lt. Clarence The Fishkill and Matteawan Railroad he was buried up to his neck during a sewer ski run on Mount Beacon that he billed Lang and his new wife after its occupants announced its net earnings in 1895 of excavation. as the steepest and longest south of New received threatening letters. Eliza Sloane, $5,559.13 allowed for a dividend of 2.5 percent. The Salvation Army branch opened a day (Continued on Page 19)

may meet your needs, 860-466-9528. are looking for a passionate, dependable, detail-oriented, people person with at least POSITIONS WANTED 2 years of experience with the public and an Current Classifieds Associates degree in art, history, or related degree, to join our team. For more details CARETAKER AVAILABLE — Caretaker and how to apply, check out our website at entry or any local errands required in Cold with 20+ years experience available to SERVICES www.magazzino.art/blog/visitor-services- Spring, Garrison, Beacon and Fishkill. I am happy maintain home & property including: coordinator. to help whether for an hour or more; whatever repairs; gardening; landscaping; pool care; PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT FOR WRITING your needs are. Email sandiafonso70@gmail. convenience services (errands); pet care, CREATIVE PARTNERS — MainStreetBeacon. AND STUDY SKILLS — Local expert com or call 845-245-5976. misc. Flexible to a variety of needs. Resume com for makers, businesses, events and coach in writing and study skills offers & references available. Contact Greg at 914- more, is searching for Beacon & Hudson guidance to students from middle school PSYCHOTHERAPY -- Columbia University 618-2779 or [email protected]. Valley conscious, “working owner partners” through graduate school. NYU MA, editor, PhD, fully licensed LCSW with 35 years who are content writers / event storytellers writer, educator, experienced with kids psychotherapy experience in Putnam and / bloggers / photo-videographers / social and adult learners. Remote for now. Email Westchester. Doctoral training in both research HELP WANTED media influencers / soft salespersons / hard [email protected]. and clinical cognitive behavioral therapy with marketers and local biz owners to “hard adults. Teaching, training and supervision HOUSEKEEPING AND OTHER SERVICES VISITOR SERVICES COORDINATOR — launch” MainStreetBeacon.com. Great local of other clinicians, Fordham, Columbia, — Available for cleaning, laundry, ironing, Magazzino Italian Art is seeking a Visitor and remote opportunity. We’ve been in the Lehman College. Accepting clients for online accompanying patients to medical Services Coordinator to join its fast-paced thick of it, and it’s time to go forward. (April- psychotherapy via secure HIPPA-compliant appointments, business support, admin, data team in Cold Spring, NY. This position is full May hard launch) Text: 954-650-2096 or platform. Call to discuss how my qualifications time: Thursday to Monday, 10am - 6pm. We email [email protected].

TAG SALE? Car for sale? Space for rent? Help wanted? Place your ad here for $4.95. See highlandscurrent.org/classifieds. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 19, 2021 19

(Continued from Page 18) Hampshire. The run dropped 1,200 feet and the slope at spots approached 50 percent. A state official said Beacon would need to construct at least one 50-unit complex if it wanted to get any of a $35 million alloca- tion for veteran housing. The Real Estate

50 Years Ago (February 1971) Walter Foeger, the designer of the Market is Booming! Dutchess Ski Area at Beacon and inven- tor of the Natur Teknik (which skipped the Contact these top local agents to see snowplow and stem steps of traditional the latest listings, or to sell your home skiing instruction and went straight to parallel), spoke at Dutchess Community College. Finance Commissioner Charles Miller Ann McBride-Alayon was named acting mayor for a week while HUDSON RIVER LINE REALTY | REAL ESTATE BROKER Robert Cahill vacationed in Florida. Mike Sellers scored 16 points and Paul 718-637-3143 | [email protected] Sellers grabbed 21 rebounds for Beacon High www.hudsonriverlinerealty.com School as the boys’ basketball team edged Haldane, 57-56. In the rematch in Cold Spring, Beacon won, 74-72, on a last-second shot by Joe Powell, who had been brought up from the junior varsity squad. Bob Harrison Charlotte Brooks of Haldane had made two free throws with six seconds left to tie the game. ROBERT A. MCCAFFREY REALTY | ASSOCIATE REAL ESTATE BROKER Nearly 20 percent of the students in the 917-951-2241 | [email protected] Beacon school district were absent on a www.CharlotteFBrooks.com single day because of the spread of a flu- like illness. A developer proposed demolishing the former Highland Hospital on Verplanck Avenue to build a 10-story, $6 million nurs- Walter Foeger and one of his books Abbie Carey ing home. The hospital had been empty ABBIE CAREY Associate Real Estate Broker since 1960. There had been plans in 1967 team sponsored by the Eastern Paralyzed HOULIHAN LAWRENCE | ASSOCIATE REAL ESTATE BROKER to use the building as a medical center, but Veterans Association, prepared to leave Cold845-661-5438 Spring Brokerage | [email protected] • O .. Ext.  the county determined it was not fireproof for Nashville, where it was the top seed of Mwww.abbiecarey.houlihanlawrence.com .. • [email protected] and its corridors were too narrow. the Division II tournament of the National Thank you to my amazing clients for helping me earn the Benjamin Roosa, a 1920 Beacon High Wheelchair Basketball Association. The honor of a HoulihanLawrence Gold Award Winner. School graduate who served as a city judge squad had won four games the previous for nearly 30 years, died at age 67. weekend in a tournament it hosted at The Beacon Piece Dyeing and Finishing Beacon High School to improve to 18-8. Co. admitted to 50 counts in a federal water Highway Superintendent Randy Casale Donna Francis pollution indictment and paid a $25,000 said he had two men patching potholes JON CAR REALTY | ASSOCIATE REAL ESTATE BROKER fine. The government accused the firm of daily, calling it the worst situation he’d seen 845-522-1298 | [email protected] dumping dyes and other industrial waste in six or seven years. “Basically, we’re doing www.joncarrealty.com into Fishkill Creek for nearly a year. The the same holes over and over,” he said. firm said it would have to spend twice its The Beacon High School girls’ basketball net worth to meet federal standards with- team snapped a 24-game losing streak with out financial assistance from the state. a 34-32 win over Fox Lane. David Babcock resigned from the Repub- Kareef Mima, 19, pleaded guilty to first- lican Committee and urged that the “party degree manslaughter, admitting he shot Krystal Campbell be cleaned up in Beacon,” calling its leader- a friend, Adrian “Mike Fats” Brown, who BROKER | NOBLE SQUARE REALTY ship “defeatist.” was sitting on a stoop at 192 Main St. Mima [email protected] | 845-401-9326 The attorney defending Martina Banks insisted he was aiming for Angelo “Chubby” www.noblesquarerealty.com in her trial for second-degree manslaugh- Shorey, whom he said made a motion as if ter told the jury that while she had shot her reaching for a gun. husband inside their Chandler Street home, Mayor Clara Lou Gould said the city he had been unfaithful. wanted to use a permit system, rather Jayne Lewis was named Beacon High than meters, to regulate parking on River, School’s annual Betty Crocker Homemaker Bank and West Main streets near the train Kathyrine M. Tomann of Tomorrow. station. “Metro-North doesn’t care how we HOULIHAN LAWRENCE | ASSOCIATE REAL ESTATE BROKER A three-year study predicted that one do it,” she said. “They just don’t want people [email protected] | 914-204-0415 of the most difficult problems that would parking there for free to avoid their lots.” www.houlihanlawrence.com face southern Dutchess County in the year A 17-year-old was arrested in Poughkeep- 1990 would be road capacity. It concluded sie with 36 packets of crack and two loaded that traffic in Beacon would increase by handguns, including one stolen from a 120 percent and noted that while Inter- home in Beacon, police said. state 84 had been opened in 1960 to relieve The Youth Resources Development Corp. congestion, it had generated more traffic on in Beacon was preparing six high school Advertise your real estate business here. nearby roads. dropouts for their general equivalency exams and two others to enter college. The CONTACT: 845-809-5584 | [email protected] 25 Years Ago (February 1996) students also spent 20 hours a week rehab- Michele Gedney highlandscurrent.org/ads The Beacon Warriors, a Hudson Valley bing a home at 11 North St. 20 February 19, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org Dutchess Redistricting Reform Delayed Commission stymied by Millbrook and John Pelosi of Red Hook. sent more constituents “simply stretches us Those four appointees then named Hance thin” and that a smaller body could affect lack of census data Huston of Fishkill, Whitney Lundy of Hyde “denser districts that are Democrat-held.” By Leonard Sparks Park and Christie VanHorne of Poughkeep- “We don’t want to see them subject to sie as the remaining three members. less-robust representation,” said Page. utchess County will not receive While the commission members are in The Legislature established the commis- redistricting data from the 2020 place, they can do “nothing” without the sion as part of a package of reforms that D census until the fall, delaying census data, said Legislature Chair Gregg included term limits and a new ethics law. efforts by a newly created seven-member Pulver. By law the commission’s redrawn The law stipulates that none of its members commission to redraw legislative boundar- districts must be ready for elections in 2023. can be former elected or political party offi- ies based on population changes. “We have plenty of time; they’ll certainly cials unless they have been out of office for The delay will likely push into 2022 the have an opportunity to work as long as they at least three years. The same restriction work of the Independent Reapportion- need,” Pulver said on Wednesday (Feb. 17). applies to state and municipal employees. ment Commission, which won unanimous Pulver said he does not expect the new map The commission is also required to hold approval of the county’s 25-member Legis- to differ much from the current one, but he open meetings, post minutes within five lature and was approved by 65 percent of also announced during the Legislature’s days after each meeting, hold at least two county voters in November. first meeting of the year in January that he public hearings and allow county residents The census data, which includes block- wanted the body to explore the idea of reduc- to comment on the revised district map. level population counts by race and ethnic- ing the size of the Legislature to make it more The map is required to be “contiguous” ity, will be released by Sept. 30, the U.S. “efficient” and save costs. Each legislator is and “uninterrupted,” not favor either party Census Bureau said on Feb. 12. The bureau paid $16,400; the majority and minority lead- and have roughly the same number of resi- planned to deliver the data by March 31 but ers earn $25,133 and the chair $34,967. dents, which is currently around 12,000 Dutchess County has 25 legislative said the COVID-19 shutdown slowed down Because of social media, legislators are people based on the county’s population of districts, but their boundaries -- and collection and processing. “adept at reaching out” and “having a few about 300,000. The commission must adopt number -- could change. The Legislature’s Republicans selected more people isn’t going to be an issue,” said the new districts by a least a 5-2 vote, and the Dale Culver of Amenia and Keri Peterson of Pulver. But Nick Page, a Democrat whose Legislature must approve the proposal before “minor technical adjustments,” the new Hopewell Junction to the commission, while district includes Wards 1, 2 and 3 in Beacon, submitting it to the county Board of Elections. boundaries would “have the force and Democrats chose Richard Keller-Coffey of said he worried that having legislators repre- While the Board of Elections can make effect of law.”

by people attending the performances — a Putnam Legislators Applaud HVSF Plans figure expected to nearly double when the company moves to its new location in 2022. Festival expects Economically, “we see so much opportu- $4.5 million impact to nity,” at the new site, she said. McCallum said HVSF hopes to make nearly double the “a cultural anchor” with expanded By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong programs for school students, enhanced community outreach, facilities and space to he directors of the Hudson Valley share with other community organizations, Shakespeare Festival played to a longer outdoor performing season, and T an enthusiastic audience on Tues- environmental stewardship and sustain- day (Feb. 16) when they told the Putnam ability on “truly a spectacular site.” County Legislature’s Economic Develop- Tracey Walsh, the county’s tourism ment Committee of the company’s planned director, said that at its new home HVSF’s relocation next year to a new home on the activities “will entice even more people to Garrison Golf Course property. come to Putnam, spend time and stay over,” Davis McCallum, the festival’s artistic and, with the expansion of the Magazzino director, and Katie Liberman, managing art museum and observances in 2026 for director, outlined the plans with a slide the 250th anniversary of the Declaration show at the meeting, which was held by of Independence, would help “make that audio connection — as usual during the Route 9 corridor a cultural hub.” pandemic, if inexplicably in this case. Kathleen Abels, president of the Putnam For more than 30 years, HVSF has staged Economic Development Corp., referred to its productions in an open-air tent at Bosc- herself as a longtime HVSF fan. She termed obel, a historic estate in Garrison. But its plan “simply thrilling. It will put Putnam last summer it announced the move to a on the map.” 53-acre, Route 9 parcel donated by owner “What they’re planning is really wonder- Chris Davis. ful use of the land,” Montgomery remarked. There, in phases, HVSF intends in create Legislators — even those with whom what it calls an “environmentally sustain- Montgomery often clashes issues — able theater campus” with a permanent Phase 1 of the HVSF plan includes (1) parking, (2) use of the current tent for the 2022 expressed similar views. tent, “environmentally sensitive” park- season and (3) a repurposing of the existing pro shop and cart barn “I love the cultural aspect and the ing lots, wildflower garden, meadows sustainability aspect,” said Legislator Neal created from former golf fairways, walking operations also will continue. for western Putnam as well as a creative Sullivan of Carmel-Mahopac. paths, and, various structures, including a In introducing McCallum and Liber- force for bringing together people in engag- Legislator Paul Jonke of Southeast told small indoor theater, rehearsal barn, visi- man, Legislator Nancy Montgomery, a ing ways. Liberman and McCallum that “what you’re tor center, housing for actor and outdoor Democrat who represents Philipstown Liberman said that in its Boscobel doing is creating a big positive in Putnam community pavilion. and part of Putnam Valley, and serves on tenure HVSF has had a $4.5 million County” even though, he added — in a light- The golf course will remain but be the Economic Development Committee, annual economic impact — for instance, hearted tone — “I really enjoyed the golf reduced from 18 holes to nine. Restaurant described HVSF as “an economic driver” in hiring staff and in money spent locally course. I’m going to miss those nine holes.” highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 19, 2021 21

Out There You Just Climbed Two Mountains Catskill 3500’ Club now 3300’ Club after closings

By Brian PJ Cronin

aking it into the M Catskills 3500’ Club just got a little easier. For the past 30 years, admission was dependent on climbing the 35 mountains in the Catskills with an elevation above 3,500 feet, including four that had to be climbed twice, once under snow conditions. But the club recently announced that Graham and Doubletop, the only peaks on Julie McGuire, with a cannister (top) on private property, have been removed from one of the Catskill's untrailed peaks this the requirements. summer Before that change, hikers wishing to ascend either mountain had to get permis- It was coming down the slopes of the sion from a caretaker who works for the (now-closed) Doubletop in 1962 that Brad family that owns the land. After closing Whiting, then chair of the Mid-Hudson the peaks in the spring because of concerns chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club, about COVID-19, the property owners turned to hiking partner Bill Spangen- McGuire, getting ready to finish her 3500' Club list by skiing down Panther Mountain inspected the peaks and said they were berger and proposed the idea of a local club Photos provided shocked by what they found. similar to the 46er Club, which consists to climb the peaks outstrips their wilderness “Before, it looked like a wilderness,” of hikers who have climbed all 46 of the skills and etiquette. Bedo-Calhoun noted the explained Maria Bedo-Calhoun, the president Adirondacks’ high peaks. increasing number of trespassers on Graham of the 3500’ Club. “Now there are herd paths. As it turned out, Bill and his wife Kay and Doubletop who, often in an effort to “It’s not like there’s trash, but every now had come up with the same idea a few years knock out the 35 peaks as quickly as possible, and then someone does mark the way up earlier but, finding no takers, hiked the neglected to get permission first. and leave ribbons,” she said. “The owners Catskill peaks themselves. The elevation Reaction to the closing of the peaks could have established trails, but they didn’t bar of 3,500 feet was mostly inspired by the has been mostly positive, as many hikers want that. They wanted a wilderness; they Bicknell’s Thrush, a rare bird whose habitat respect the landowners’ decision to protect felt there should be a few mountaintops is the balsam firs found above 3,500 feet in the land. But it’s a gut-check moment for in the Catskills that still look untouched.” the Catskills and that was first discovered not just the 3500’ Club, but anyone who The summit of Graham has the ruins in the 19th century on Slide Mountain, the spends time on the mountains. Are we of a TV tower constructed in the 1960s, highest of the Catskill peaks. stewards of the land, or consumers of it? Peak Performance but Bedo-Calhoun said she wouldn’t be The club organizers compiled a list of Bedo-Calhoun noted that simply pausing The 3500’ Club created the first surprised if the landowners remove it. peaks and worked with trail conferences the list isn’t an option, because other lists After discussing the matter with the to decide which of them would remain have come along (see box). But the club does challenge list for the Catskills, 3500’ Club, the state Department of Envi- untrailed. The thought was that by keeping hope to take a more active role in educat- but others have followed. ronmental Conservation and the New about half the peaks un-blazed, hikers would ing hikers about preventing a strain on the York-New Jersey Trail Conference, the have to rely on maps and their wits. At the landscape. “We’re evolving from something 3500’ WINTER PEAKS landowners decided to close the mountains. summit of the untrailed peaks are canisters that’s just about people hiking together to The club had been using two “replacement installed by the club with notebooks inside Members must climb all 35 (now taking some responsibility for bringing 33) peaks under snow conditions. peaks” to keep the total at 35 — including that must be signed as evidence. people here,” she said. the southern summit of Doubletop, which Keeping mountains un-blazed became What’s the point of the list? Bedo-Calhoun lies on state-owned land — but in a state- a challenge and was one of the reasons the introduced me to Julie McGuire, who just ALL TRAILS CHALLENGE ment the club’s board outlined its reasons landowners decided to close Graham and became the club’s 3,500th member. McGuire Administered by the Catskills for abandoning that alternative. Doubletop. Social media — not to mention told me how chasing the peaks helped her Mountain Club: Hikers must complete “We are the 3500’ Club, not the 35 Peak that hiking has been one of few safe activities through a divorce. Although she enjoyed all 340 miles of Catskill trails. Club,” board members wrote, noting that the during the pandemic — has increased interest backcountry skiing, it was her ex-wife who list only reached 35 peaks in 1990 with the in climbing the peaks. GPS technology makes handled the maps when they hiked. When addition of Southwest Hunter (aka Leavitt). off-trail hiking easier. And many hikers’ desire COVID struck, she began hiking to regain her CATSKILLS 140 confidence. She climbed all the high peaks in (aka THE 4 SEASONS) the past year, finishing in January by “skin- Another Catskills Mountain Club ning” up Panther (essentially, uphill skiing). challenge: Hikers must summit 35 She has found other adventures outside peaks (Millbrook and Dry Brook the Catskills. When we spoke, she had just Ridge substitute for Graham and returned from avalanche safety training, Doubletop) once in each season. rappelling on skis down Mount Washing- ton, the tallest and deadliest mountain in the Northeast. CATSKILLS 420 (aka THE GRID) McGuire credited the club for her where- withal. “Even though I haven’t met all these For the hardest of the hardcore: people in person, it feels like there’s this Hikers must ascend all 35 peaks support network, people rooting for you,” once in each month of the year. Graham Mountain Photo by B. Cronin she said. 22 February 19, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org SPORTS Follow us at twitter.com/hcurrentsports

Beacon's Tianna Adams finishes a drive on Friday against Haldane's Maddie Chiera Beacon's Reilly Landisi (12) is pursued by Haldane's Mairead O'Hara last week at Beacon. (15) and Moretta Pezzullo (32). Photos by S. Pearlman

four rebounds and five steals for Haldane, locallive.tv/school/haldane-hs and select (from Page 24) Basketball and Ella Ashburn added six points. Beacon games can be seen via beaconk12. team I feel like the kids follow the plan and This past week, Beacon lost a pair of org/athletics. showed some nice improvement.” lopsided games (74-6 and 60-10) to much The Bulldogs are scheduled to visit larger Arlington High School to fall to 2-2. John Jay today (Friday) before their game The teams would normally not play each against Haldane. other but schedules have been rejiggered because of COVID-19 restrictions. Beacon Girls Start 2-0 The Bulldogs are scheduled to host The Beacon girls’ team twice defeated John Jay East Fishkill today (Friday) and Haldane to open its season, winning at Lourdes on Monday (Feb. 22). home on Friday (Feb. 12), 47-30, and again Haldane visited North Salem on Tuesday on Saturday morning in Cold Spring, 44-36. (Feb. 16), losing 37-30 and falling to 0-3. In the Friday game, Beacon eighth-grader Chiera led the team with 10 points, five Reilly Landisi made her varsity debut with Coach Jessica Perrone with seniors rebounds and three steals; Amanda John- 17 points, while freshman Devyn Kelly had Essie Florke and Sydney Warren before son added eight points, three rebounds and Saturday's game against Beacon. 11. Tianna Adams had nine points and two steals; Ruby Poses had seven points, Photo by Scott Warren eighth-grader Daveya Rodriguez had eight two rebounds and two steals, and Mairead points and grabbed 10 rebounds. O’Hara had four blocks and five steals. “For only having had six practices, very pleased with the way we played.” Haldane was scheduled to host Peekskill we played hard and smart,” said Beacon In the Saturday game, Kelly had 14 points on Saturday and Putnam Valley on Monday Coach Christina Dahl. “We had a slow to lead the Bulldogs, Adams added 10 and before traveling to Peekskill on Tuesday. first quarter, then we picked it up, and Landisi and Rodriguez each had eight. Spectators are not allowed, but Haldane’s we matched up well with them. I was Maddie Chiera scored 17 points and had home contests are livestreamed at events.

SERVICE DIRECTORY PAT HICKMAN COUNTING, STILL COUNTING...

121 Main Street, Cold Spring, New York FEBRUARY 5th to the 28th, 2021 For InquIres Call: 973.897.1306 BUSTERLEVIGALLERY.COM

GOT RUBBISH? 10-30 YARD DUMPSTER RENTAL RUBBISH REMOVAL SERVICES Lynne Ward, LCSW HAVE YOUR OWN DEMOLITON SERVICES Licensed Psychotherapist 37A Albany Post Rd. Ossining, NY 10562 Individuals • Couples • Adolescents • Children BUSINESS CARD [email protected] Psychotherapy and Divorce Mediation You can advertise your FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1994 914-737-0823 Addiction Counseling business here starting at $20. 75 Main Street [email protected] For more information, www.MrCheapeeInc.com Cold Spring, NY 10516 (917) 597-6905 email [email protected]. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current February 19, 2021 23 Puzzles CrossCurrent 7LittleWords ACROSS 1. Seize 5. Butte’s kin 9. Cardinal cap letters 12. Othello villain 13. In — (lined up) 14. Weeding tool 15. Reality show for aspiring entrepreneurs 17. PC key 18. Minor quibbles 19. Hospital sections 21. Type of beam 24. Pack (down) 25. Reverberate 26. Rubber wedge, say 30. Small battery 31. All better 32. Actress Thurman 33. Hoedown 53. Bigfoot’s cousin 11. Reply to “Shall 34. Decorate Easter musicians we?” eggs 35. Author Harte DOWN 16. White wine 35. Actor Warren 36. Seeing things 1. USO audience cocktail 37. Beetle Bailey’s © 2021 Blue Ox Family Games, Inc., Dist. by Andrews McMeel 37. Tubular pasta 2. Fan’s cry 20. Mornings (Abbr.) rank (Abbr.) 38. Tribal emblem 3. Khan title 21. Piece of lettuce 38. Garr of Tootsie 40. Coffee, slangily 4. Third-largest island 22. Exotic berry 39. Scraps 42. Mess up 5. The Martian actor 23. Elm, for one 40. Unite SudoCurrent 43. Temporary Damon 24. Low digits 41. Museo display 48. GPS suggestion 6. Historic periods 26. Union payment 44. Showtime rival 49. Last write-up 7. Junior 27. Bruins legend 45. Jargon suffix   50. Despot 8. Clumsy 28. Portent 46. Squealer 51. British verb ending 9. Mountain road 29. Canape spread 47. Hosp. scan   52. Zilch feature 31. South Carolina   10. Snitched university © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.  

Answers for Feb. 12 Puzzles                          Puzzle Page Sponsored by           Country Goose  115 Main St. Cold Spring, NY 10516 1. FLAVORING, 2. INFERNO, 3. LAURA, 4. BEELINES, 5. BROCHURE, 6. WILLOUGHBY, 7. CATAPULT 845-265-2122 Answers will be published next week. See highlandscurrent.org/puzzle for interactive sudoku. 24 February 19, 2021 For mail delivery, see highlandscurrent.org/delivery SPORTS Follow us at twitter.com/hcurrentsports Battle(s) of the Tunnel Haldane and Beacon face off in first games of season

By Skip Pearlman

he Haldane and Beacon High School boys’ and girls’ basketball T teams each opened their seasons with home and away games against their Highlands rivals, with the Haldane boys winning at home and the Beacon girls winning both contests. The boys are scheduled to match up again tomorrow (Feb. 20) at Beacon. The boys’ game on Friday (Feb. 12) was designated the second annual Battle of the Tunnel, which Beacon won last year, 60-57, in front of packed gym at Haldane. This year was dramatically different, with the teams playing before mostly empty stands because of pandemic restrictions. The Blue Devils held on for a 70-55 victory and reclaimed the trophy. It was also senior day for the Haldane The Blue Devils won the second annual Battle of the Tunnel on Feb. 12 at Haldane. Photos by S. Pearlman) boys, honoring Dan and Darrin Santos, Christian Pezzullo, Jonathan Bradley and team moved the ball well and finished “We have a nice rivalry with Beacon, so it mores — that was their first varsity minutes.” Vincenzo Scanga. around the basket. Dan Santos led Haldane was nice to get that trophy in our hands. It Against Millbrook, Dan Santos scored 25, The Haldane boys defeated Millbrook on with 20 points, Soren Holmbo had 19, and was fun to see our guys back on the court.” followed by Cervone (18), Holmbo (13) and Saturday (Feb. 13), 75-62, and remain unde- Matteo Cervone added 16. Darien Gillins “Haldane has five seniors, and returns Ryan Irwin (11). feated after victories this week over North led Beacon with 16, Leo Gecaj had 14 and other players with experience,” noted Beacon On Tuesday (Feb. 16), Haldane won at Salem and Putnam Valley in a season short- Jack Philipbar added 10. Coach Scott Timpano. “Soren Holmbo was North Salem, 63-42. The Blue Devils were ened to 12 games by the COVID-19 shutdown. “It was an amazing night, our first game extremely impressive. They’re big and they got behind at the end of the first quarter but Against Beacon, an experienced Haldane back,” said Haldane Coach Joe Virgadamo. up and down the floor well. Our four sopho- went on a 24-2 run. The next day, Haldane defeated Putnam Valley at home, 76–54. In that game, Cervone led the Blue Devils with 22, Dan Santos added 14 and Darrin Santos and Irwin each had 10. “We’re playing good basketball,” Virg- adamo said. “We are balanced, sharing the ball. They know it could end at any minute, and they’re leaving it all on the court. “We played four games in six days, and our defense and hustle has been amazing,” he added. “What everyone has done to make this happen is just amazing.” After the Saturday game at Beacon, Haldane will host North Salem on Tuesday (Feb. 23). Following its loss to Haldane, Beacon dropped a pair of games to Arlington, fall- ing 54-32 on Monday (Feb. 15) away and 54-44 at home on Wednesday. “Arlington is a big, physical team, and they outmanned us in the paint,” Timpano said. “We struggled with rebounding and allowed way too many second-chance points.” Timpano said his team made adjust- ments before the rematch. “It was a close game at halftime, and stayed close until the final minutes,” he said. “For a young

Beacon Coach Scott Timpano talks strategy with this team during a timeout on Feb. 12 at Haldane. (Continued on Page 22)