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January 22, 2021 Celebrating 10 Years! Support us at highlandscurrent.org/join South Avenue Romance They met in second grade, and married on Monday By Alison Rooney

orey Ellis and Tiana Wilkins both remember, as 7-year-olds, an exchange C they had in a second-grade classroom at South Avenue Elementary in Beacon. “You said something to me, and I said, ‘What are you looking at?’ ” Corey says. “I was looking at you because I thought you were super-funny and super-cute,” Tiana recalls, “but then you embarrassed me!” That was the spark of a romance that has spanned more than two decades and culminated in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day wedding. The couple had hoped to be married at the school where they met, and where their daughter, Kaylynn, 6, is now a student. But the pandemic complicated getting permis- Tiana Wilkins and Corey Ellis with their daughter, Kaylynn, outside South Avenue school in Beacon, where they met in the second grade (Continued on Page 14) Photo by Meredith Heuer

Out There A Park by Any Other Name Galef calls to rename Trump State Park

By Brian PJ Cronin

onald J. T r u m p D isn’t out of the woods yet. With a looming impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate and ongoing investiga- tions by the New York attorney general, the former president also may soon find his name removed from a local state park. The FBI says the man in the gas mask in this photo taken at the Capitol is Jake Lang of Newburgh. He was arrested on Jan. 16. Photo by Shannon Stapleton/Reuters The Donald J. Trump State Park consists of the 282-acre Indian Hill section that straddles the Putnam-Westchester county Newburgh Man Arrested by FBI line in Jefferson Valley and the 154-acre French Hill section in Yorktown Heights. New signage at Donald J. Trump State Accused of assaulting officers Edward Jacob “Jake” Lang, 25, was They are 7 miles apart. Park Photo by B. Cronin detained at his home and charged with Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, a Demo- at Capitol during riot assaulting officers, civil disorder and crat whose district includes Philipstown, overturn the election, residents no longer violent entry. Four days earlier, a Beacon By Chip Rowe noted that separation in a letter dated Jan. 15 feel comfortable visiting parks named for man, William Pepe, had been arrested and addressed to the state parks department, call- him. “His name will discourage the public BI agents on Saturday (Jan. 16) arrested charged with unlawful entry after being ing for both parks to be renamed. “Like his from enjoying all our state has to offer,” a Newburgh man they say participated photographed in the Rotunda of the build- park,” she wrote, “Mr. Trump seeks to divide.” Galef wrote. “This is part of our demo- Fin the storming of the Capitol on Jan. ing. Both cases are pending. Galef contends that in light of Trump’s cratic renewal.” 6 and assaulted police officers. (Continued on Page 16) second impeachment and his efforts to (Continued on Page 17) 2 January 22, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

FIVE QUESTIONS: ROGER PANETTA

By Brian PJ Cronin By Michael Turton oger Panetta is a professor of history at Fordham University and a co-author R of The Hudson: An Illustrated Guide What food or drink to the Living River, which on Jan. 15 was released in its third edition. Hudson River did you hate as a Sloop Clearwater is hosting an online lecture kid but love now? series on the book that continues on Jan. 27 and Feb. 3. See clearwater.org.

What’s new in the third edition? There’s been a lot of new historical inter- Brussel sprouts. As a pretation. We look at the river now — or kid, if I didn’t eat them I at least I do — less as a conflictual place, got in trouble. where we have good guys versus bad guys. There’s a much more nuanced sense about what the art of the Hudson River School means, about how the art is used as a tool, how our history of that has changed. Because that’s the business of history, the Details from Wade's 1847 map showing Fishkill Landing and Beacon, Breakneck and Bull hills. revisions. It’s the lifeblood of history, and For example, during the Depression, there the same is true of the river. was an explosion of books on the Ameri- For example, if I’d had time, I would have can landscape, about nature, including written more about William Wade’s 1847 several about the Hudson River. The idea panorama of the Hudson River, because was: “Come to nature and you come to our I know more and my perspective has origins. You touch the foundations. If you changed. But as Steve [Stanne, another want to get over the anxieties of the Depres- ~ Jay Hwang, Beacon co-author] says, that’s not the intention. sion, take a trip to the Adirondacks.” That He keeps us focused by saying, “Our view was the goal of all the “see America” books: is shallow, but wide.” What we hope is that See who we are not by reading the history it invites people to look deeper. but by going back into nature, visibly feel- I hated coffee, but ing America. Why was that 1847 panorama so now I love it. And important? On the 1847 map, Mount Beacon is I work at the Cold As the U.S. expanded, people wondered: referred to as Grand Sachem. Do you Spring Coffee House! In what way can I represent that vastness? from the middle. Like the panoramas in know why? There were panorama buildings in New buildings, his key was the horizon. He was I don’t. But if you look at the river, and York City. You climbed up the stairs, you helping America learn about America, river towns, and at the number of names stood in the middle of a platform and you which was very important, because you associated with native populations, I’m looked around at the [painted] panorama. had immigrants coming into the country always startled by the failure of the public, The idea was to make you think it was real, and they wanted everyone to have the same and myself, to connect those to native to fool your eye. People paid admission; it baseline of knowledge. peoples. In the 1847 map, there’s never was a principal form of entertainment. much of a connection besides that name, The 1847 panorama was a folded map, In the second edition, you wrote about even though he’ll write: “This is where about 4 by 6 inches, that you could buy how after the War of 1812, America that battle in the American Revolution when you boarded a steamboat in Manhat- turned to the landscape as something was.” And he’ll sketch it in, even though tan. It scrolled out to about 7 feet. As you to unite the country. We are again at a there may not be any sign of that in the went up the Hudson, you could use the tumultuous time. Does the landscape landscape. So when he wants, he adds, ~ Lidija Slokenbergs, Cold Spring panorama map to follow the river. It was have the potential to unite us? and when he can’t see, he forgets. I think based on a sketch of the river, both sides Yes. It has a long history of doing that. there’s a great forgetting. Where is the reck- oning here? And it’s going to come with the hidden history of the Hudson. Where is that? Where are the Black communities Believe it or not, and native legacies? broccoli. Now I can’t stop eating it. What will that historical reckoning look like? I don’t know, but I know it’s going to happen. As a historian, I can feel my brain has been tweaked in the past five years to ask questions that I didn’t ask before, to be more sensitive to those things. And to assume I’m missing something. One of the things I love about the panorama is that you can study it and study it and always see new things. You never come to a set position, because it keeps revealing itself. If I look at it now I see different things than I saw five years ago. And I’ve been playing with the ~ Angelo Broccoli, Cold Spring thing for 20 years. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current January 22, 2021 3

What members are saying

Virginia Sole-Smith, Cold Spring

‘‘ The Highlands Current's COVID coverage was indispensable in 2020. As a journalist myself, I'm pretty passionate about the need for strong local journalism, to share information, to hold our elected officials accountable and to tell our neighbors' stories. It’s such a good paper! ‘‘ ‘‘ We're so lucky to have this Mary Costantin, St. Louis, MO* resource in our community.‘‘ Police officers fend off members of a mob on Jan. 6. Photo by Leah Millis/Reuters How to Explain a Riot Educators, parents tackle In their classes, teachers played a clip Membership matters from the PBS NewsHour coverage of the insurrection insurrection and also asked children to identify two credible news sources. “That’s As your independent nonprofit news source for Philipstown By Leonard Sparks incredibly challenging when social media and Beacon, The Highlands Current relies on you, our readers, cared. Shocked. Disgusted. has such a presence,” Sniffen said. to help support quality coverage of all that matters to you. Those were the most common Teachers also asked their students to responses when, a day after a mob of write about their emotional reactions to Membership is the way you can help. S what they watched and their thoughts rioters broke into the U.S. Capitol hoping to overturn the presidential election in on what it means to be a citizen and the It is our primary means of support as we seek to provide a vital favor of then-President Donald Trump, four long-term impact of what happened, said forum for your diverse interests, concerns and experiences. dozen Haldane High School seniors were Sniffen. Most of the school’s students “knew asked by teachers how they had felt while what was going on,” she said. watching coverage of the insurrection. “It was important to provide some context Join today, renew your membership or give a gift Haldane High School Principal Julia as to what transpired and what happened Sniffen had mustered teachers on Zoom that — to educate them on finding trustworthy to honor The Current's 10th Anniversary! morning to quickly plan a discussion about and reliable news sources and to state ‘Here Discover the benefits that will help us engage with you and you with us! the riot in that day’s history and social stud- is what happened,’ and from there, ‘What is ies classes, which were being held virtually. the historical importance?’ ” Sniffen said. Just go to: Knowing that “some students are going to Robyn Moreno and Bernard Bunye, who highlandscurrent.org/join come in having watched the news all night,” co-chair the Haldane PTA’s Equity, Diver- Sniffen called the chair of the Social Studies sity and Inclusion Committee, shared tips Department and said that “we need to get online from Culturas.us, a site for “Black, Questions? Email: together tomorrow morning before school.” Indigenous [and] people of color.” Bunye, who has a daughter in the first membership@ grade at Haldane and a son who will start highlandscurrent.org school in the fall, said that he and Moreno “felt like we wanted parents who were just Tips for Parents as lost as us” to have some guidance. l Know the facts. “When presented with something that is so out of the norm, in the digital age where our l Acknowledge that we don’t have kids have so much access to current events all the answers. and things, it can be impactful,” he said. Thank You l Accept that there may be initial The videos and pictures were frighten- confusion. ing and ubiquitous. A man smashing a window with a shield stolen from a Capi- for Your l Keep it age-appropriate. Emotions tol police officer and rioters rushing past and responses can vary. barricades and shooting streams of pepper Support! spray. The shooting of a California woman l Don’t wait for children to ask the as she climbed through a broken window. questions. They don’t always have Symbols of white supremacy and anti-Semi- the right language or emotional awareness. tism; a noose and gallows erected outside. Moreno, who has two daughters, ages 6 l Offer hope. and 8, said she was trading texts with other Source: Culturas.us (Continued on Page 5) It was important to provide some context as to what transpired and what happened. *Formerly of Beacon ~ Haldane High School Principal Julia Sniffen 4 January 22, 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] Police review I support the idea of an initial survey of oping the reform plan. As someone who has been professionally our community to assess police reform. The His order was issued on June 12. Seven SENIOR EDITOR and personally involved with policing and relationship between the police and public months later, village trustees are still Leonard Sparks criminal justice reform for several decades, they serve is foundational to their success, debating how to begin. The April 1 deadline I was particularly interested in the recent and a survey would allow the village to is not the deadline for reluctantly taking BEACON EDITOR understand how residents relate to police the first step. It is the date by which the Jeff Simms debate by the Cold Spring trustees about our local police force (“Mayor, Trustee officers. This provides the public not only local administration must have finished ARTS EDITOR Clash Over Police Review,” Jan. 15). an opportunity to raise any concerns, but the process: collecting community input, Alison Rooney Is it policy over process, or the reverse? to share what we value about the Police drafting a plan to “reform and reinvent” the [email protected] At the moment, it’s neither. We need more Department and its officers. police, collecting community responses to data on what the Cold Spring Police Depart- Lucas Groth, Cold Spring the plan, revising it accordingly and pass- REPORTERS ment does before we can discuss how well ing it into law. Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong it is doing and what needs to change, if It would be beneficial to reach out to Given Cold Spring’s failure to act so far, Brian PJ Cronin • Joe Dizney anything the community now rather than at the end we can’t waste more time. Let’s walk (solicit Pamela Doan • Deb Lucke Some of the questions include: How of the process. It’s a reasonable course of public input with a neutral survey that Skip Pearlman • Michael Turton many calls does the CSPD respond to action, demonstrated by the fact that neigh- encourages the expression of all points of monthly, and for what reasons? How many boring towns such as Kent are conducting view) and chew gum (work with the consul- LAYOUT DESIGNER traffic tickets does it write weekly, and their reviews this way. tants hired by the village to research policy Pierce Strudler for what? How many arrests does it make Lauren Groth, Cold Spring options). ADVERTISING DIRECTOR annually, and for what reasons? Do the Eliza Starbuck, Cold Spring Michele Gedney arrests end in convictions? Do the police The mayor referred to “putting the cart For information on advertising: collect demographics in these categories? before the horse,” but it’s not clear what is Like former President Trump, Cold 845-809-5584 Are there salient trends? Does recruitment the cart and what is the horse. If public opin- Spring Mayor Dave Merandy seems to [email protected] jibe with the tasks at hand? ion is not allowed to inform public policy, feel no ownership of the words he uses, highlandscurrent.org/ads We could all learn a lot from these will policy stifle opinion? To me, a better nor does he admit to their impropriety. I numbers, and then we can have a robust analogy is walking and chewing gum at the was gobsmacked in learning of Merandy’s MEMBERSHIP and helpful discussion about the public’s same time. Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s order was position toward establishing policy as it Heidi Kitlas clear that “local government shall convene ... relates to policing, which reeks of top-down [email protected] perceptions and proper policies. Gretchen Dykstra, Cold Spring stakeholders in the community” when devel- imposition rather than the kind of process COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Gov. Cuomo has recommended, and which Teresa Lagerman newcomers to the board of trustees, Kath- [email protected] leen Foley and Heidi Bender, seem to support and have experience with. And then to read he used a profanity during the meeting and declined to apol- THE HIGHLANDS CURRENT ogize. One needs to hold those who don’t (USPS #22270) / ISSN 2475-3785 hold themselves accountable, accountable. January 22, 2021 Brava, Trustee Bender and Trustee Foley, Volume 10, Issue 4 for your persistence! is published weekly by Highlands Current Andrea Roth Kimmich, Cold Spring Inc., 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819. Periodicals Postage Paid at Cold Spring, NY, and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send The best thing that Cold Spring could address changes to The Highlands Current, do with regard to its unnecessary Police 142 Main St., Cold Spring, NY 10516-2819. Department would be to follow Putnam Mail delivery $30 per year. highlandscurrent.org/delivery Valley’s lead and abolish it. [email protected] I will never understand why some resi- Distribution audited by the Circulation dents feel that they need three police Verification Council departments (village, sheriff and state © Highlands Current Inc. 2021 police) to patrol their tiny, crime-free All rights reserved. No part of this village. It would make perfect financial publication may be reproduced in any form, sense to get rid of this expensive budget mechanical or electronic, without written line. If they seek public input on the Police permission of the publisher. Department, maybe they should ask resi- * dents if they even want one. Winner: 58 Better Patty Villanova, Putnam Valley Newspaper Contest Awards * New York Press Association, 2013 -19 I don’t think it’s unreasonable for the NNA* Winner: 55 Better community to provide input sooner than Newspaper Contest Awards later. I also think our mayor should exercise * National Newspaper Association, 2016-19 a little more patience with new perspectives being presented in an ever-growing and NYNPA* Winner: 11 Awards evolving community. for Excellence Patrick Biesemans, Cold Spring * New York News Publishers Association, 2017- 19 (Continued on Page 5) highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current January 22, 2021 5

LETTERS AND COMMENTS (Continued from Page 4) the election, fair and square. Your coun- Thanks to Drug World try is not being stolen from you. Democ- Showdown on Capitol Hill In the confusion and frustration of the racy means living with the consequences COVID-19 vaccine roll out, there’s a bright of losing an election. icolle Wallace is an anchor for MSNBC. Rep. Sean Patrick spot that deserves to be mentioned. Heidi The burden of citizenship is to lose with Maloney is a Democrat who lives in Philipstown and whose Snyder, the owner of Drug World in Cold grace and humility while working to win Spring, took the initiative to secure as the next round. No single campaign or Ndistrict includes the Highlands. Rep. Lauren Boebert is a many doses as she could for our commu- candidate is more important than alle- first-term Republican who represents a district in Colorado and has nity and, along with Mark Snyder and giance to the system of laws that must Father Steve Schunk from St. Mary’s Epis- govern a democratic system if it is to boasted that she carries a Glock. copal Church, organized a team of commu- survive. Those who advocate breaking Early in the morning of Jan. 6, a few hours before the riot at the nity volunteers to administer it (“Busy those laws are not patriots, and the result Capitol, Boebert tweeted, “Today is 1776.” On Jan. 12, after the Capitol Signals for Vaccine,” Jan. 15). of their actions is not freedom. As a result, hundreds of Philipstown Democracy is not easy. It requires a Police had installed metal detectors, Boebert set one off but refused seniors and others received this lifesaving long-term commitment to the hard work to allow officers to search her bag. A handful of other Republican medication on Jan. 15 and 16 at a pop-up of convincing a majority of the people clinic at St. Mary’s. Given the highly about the direction the country should representatives also set off the alarm or stepped around the devices. constricted supply, Heidi wasn’t able to get take. Mr. Pepe, I urge you to take a look enough doses for everybody. But she got as at your actions, admit your mistakes and many as she could. Although there’s more rejoin society with a commitment to being Wednesday, Jan. 13 to do, Heidi is a person who’s going out a good citizen. Wallace: We heard from one of your and getting it done. Her efforts are just one Rob Abbot, Croton Democratic colleagues [Rep. Mikie Sher- more example of the importance of small rill of New Jersey], who shared with her business in our community. As tempting as it is to be gracious and constituents last night there was a tour the John and Eva Humbach, Cold Spring turn the other cheek, did you listen to the day before for some of the insurrectionists. speakers at the rally — including then- Can you confirm that, or what can you tell In the midst of all that we have weath- President Trump — before the armed us about the state of the investigation? ered during the pandemic, I had the privi- insurrection that killed five people on Jan. Maloney: I can confirm that. I don’t have lege to see how a small group with a vision 6? The crowd was deliberately whipped firsthand knowledge of it, but I spoke to Maloney Boebert into a violent frenzy and directed to storm can come together to bring hope and heart a member who saw it personally and he the Capitol before it arrived that morning, to be a real story. to our community. described it with some alarm. Some of our and the rally speakers gave them march- Thanks to the initiative of Janice McCo- new colleagues, the same ones, of course, ing orders. Thursday, Jan. 14 nville, Kevin McConville, Heidi Snyder, who believe in conspiracy theories and who I have no sympathy or kindness for Mark Snyder and Vinny Tamagna, Drug want to carry guns into the House Cham- In a letter, tweet and press release, Boebert people who have been brainwashed to World established a site and administered ber, who today — today — have been yell- accused Maloney of making “false and believe that at least half of this country are vaccines. I volunteered to help and it was ing at Capitol Police. I saw it earlier when I baseless conspiracy claims about me that baby killers threatening to turn the U.S. one of the most rewarding experiences of went to vote. Shoving Capitol police who a led to death threats and hundreds of vile into a socialist state in the style of so many my life. week ago right now were risking their lives phone calls and emails. His comments were South American countries we have broken I am not medically trained but was to save ours. This conduct is beyond the extremely offensive, shameful and danger- by meddling in their politics. These follow- able to contribute to the administrative pale and it extends to some of this interac- ous” and “an embarrassment to the House ers have heard people refute their ideas tasks. The operation was well-designed, tion with the very people who attacked the of Representatives.” She condemned his and they don’t want to hear it. They have well-organized and flawlessly executed. Capitol and that’s why the issue of making “dangerous disinformation campaign” and made their choices clear and they should Those who came for their appointment sure every member of Congress now goes “lies and partisan behavior that showed a face the full force of the justice system. were appreciative of the care and comfort through a metal detector, which has never lack of respect for the safety of my team Law enforcement locked up hundreds of provided, as well as the easy process. To happened before, is so important for the and me.” see this small team of volunteers in action protesters during the Black Lives Matter security of the inauguration and for our Maloney replied on Twitter: “Um, I’ve is truly something to behold. movement this summer, and I did not proceedings. And it’s a sad reality that we never said your name in public, @RepBoe- What was most noticeable, however, was flinch then, either. Publicly fighting for find ourselves at a place where the enemy bert. Never. Not once. (If you’re going to be not so much what is going on — distribut- what you believe in is a bold move with is within and we cannot trust our own a gun nut, you probably shouldn’t go off ing vaccines — but the feeling that every- potentially fatal consequences, and this colleagues. half-cocked.) I’ll tweet the transcript so you one is in this together. We are all here to young fellow needs to learn that lesson, can see... but that might be like ‘a fact,’ so help each other move forward and this is too. And if he gets a felony on his record Wallace: Can you tell us who the member might not help you.” an important step to getting us there. with jail time, I will not shed a tear for is? oebert tweeted in response “A thou- Thank you to all the people in the the insurrectionist who attempted a coup Maloney: I’d rather not disclose it but I’d B : community who have been so wonderful intended to overturn our democratic be happy to send them your way. sand apologies @RepSeanMaloney. I’m to meet during your appointments. I can’t process. He should have run for office, not glad you clarified you were not making Wallace: Please do. wait for my next volunteer day. violently stormed the Capitol. any remarks about me whatsoever. Please Stacey Gibson, Garrison Steve Smith, Beacon Maloney: If you mean the member giving clarify that with the people making death the tour, again, I want to make sure I know threats and also MSNBC so they can set the Capitol arrest Getting the vaccine the facts, but I think you’ll find that’s going record straight.” As horrifying as the events of Jan. 6 I would love to know where and how were, I can’t help feeling a bit sorry for this appointments were made for COVID-19 the history and current realities of racism (from Page 3) young fellow (“Beacon Man Arrested by vaccinations— and how the people who got Riot in this country,” it said. “We must do this, FBI,” Jan. 15). If William Pepe helped orga- them were notified. I was on the Putnam parents while watching the news cover- because complicity and complacency have nize the pathetic insurrection or engaged County Health Department site every day age, which “looked right out of a movie.” contributed to the current state of our in looting and vandalism, he should face this week and there was no information. She was concerned that it could create “a country, and silence is not an option.” the music. But if he was simply swept up I talked to County Executive MaryEllen lot of fear in a kid if they happen to see it.” At the Garrison School, Superintendent in a moment, I would hope the mistakes he Odell’s office yesterday (Jan. 13) and was told Two days after the riot, the National Carl Albano notified parents that he and made don’t ruin his life. they did not have a shipment or any infor- Association of School Psychologists said Principal Allison Emig expected teachers It is important that we not simply mation yet about vaccines or appointments. in a statement that children are “looking “to cover this historically significant event condemn Mr. Pepe but make an effort to I have been on the state site regularly to adults for reassurance and help making during class in a developmentally appro- help him and others like him to under- since Saturday and the Philipstown Recre- sense of the chaos.” priate way.” Christine Valvano, the social- stand that what happened at the Capitol ation Center was never (and still isn’t) “Help them express their feelings and studies teacher, led the discussions with was wrong and that the motivation for it listed as a location. Yet today (Jan. 14), a concerns in productive ways. Help them middle school students, said Krista DiDi- was terribly misguided. Joe Biden won (Continued on Page 6) — and ourselves — genuinely understand ego, a counselor with the district. 6 January 22, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

LETTERS AND COMMENTS

(Continued from Page 5) cers and employees he oversees can stay press release named the Rec Center as a healthy and continue protecting Putnam’s vaccination site for Jan. 14 for people who residents. Instead of spending their time have appointments. All on the same day! dreaming up new ways to hamstring the Something stinks. There are elderly people sheriff, legislators and the executive should in our community who need vaccines. Why focus on responding to this health crisis aren’t they being notified about how to get in ways that benefit all the residents of an appointment? Putnam. Suzanne Murray, via Facebook Ned Rauch, Garrison Rauch is vice chair of the Philipstown Trying to get the vaccine is worse than Democratic Committee. a 14-day quarantine. Carol Herring, via Facebook Affordable housing I’m fine with four-story buildings on Why isn’t Philipstown notifying seniors? Main Street in Beacon and even four or We need more organization. The vaccine more off Main, such as on Wolcott/Route doesn’t do any good unless it is injected into 9D (“Reporter’s Notebook: Does Beacon those most vulnerable. I am 74 years old Have Enough Affordable Housing?” Jan. and have been on the phone constantly and 15). That being said, besides trying to limit have signed up wherever I can. The Putnam them based on historical zoning, why not website is of no use and the same for the add a restriction that they must include 50 state website. How many seniors out there percent below-market units for 20 years? have no idea how to use a computer? The The city gets what it wants with more town knows who the seniors are from the affordable units and the developer gets tax roll. They should be offering assistance. what they want with a four- or more story Why Can’t I Get the Vaccine? building. Marian Monteleone, via Facebook By Leonard Sparks distribution program. But Pfizer responded Pedro Rivera, via Facebook that it does not have approval from the You reported that people got vaccinated t this early stage, it’s a matter of federal government to sell directly to states. I have a workforce unit and I am so at a clinic hosted by Dutchess County on supply and demand: Much demand, Because of the limited supply, the only grateful to be able to live and work in Jan. 15 and at a clinic held on Jan. 14 at A much less supply. places getting vaccines now are hospitals, my community. I facilitate a community- the Philipstown Recreation Center. Where The federal government is rationing the local health departments, some pharma- based housing program for people with did people register to get an appointment? COVID-19 vaccine doses it has purchased. cies that signed up in advance, such as Drug mental illness. Without workforce hous- How did they know how they should regis- The limited doses that New York State World in Cold Spring, and some commu- ing, I would be in a very different situation. ter to get an appointment in these centers? receives are then rationed to its counties. nity health centers such as Cornerstone in Jackie O’Halloran, via Facebook As it happened, it was by word-of-mouth “The federal administration essentially Newburgh and Sun River Health in Peek- that we learned how and where to get an opened up a floodgate while cutting our skill. Hospitals are supposed to prioritize appointment. Many people don’t have the State budget supply — leading to confusion, frustration health care workers while local health word-of-mouth connection. In fact, older It is no secret that New York is facing and dashed hopes,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo departments focus on essential workers and people who are not computer-literate an unprecedented fiscal crisis. While we said on Monday (Jan. 18). pharmacies on people 65 or older. or don’t speak English or those with no certainly need responsible fiscal help Cuomo noted on Jan. 16 that while more Last week, Cuomo announced that New computer are kept out of the loop. These from Washington — which I have joined than 7 million New York residents are eligi- York’s “Am I Eligible” website and hotline are the people who need it the most. You my colleagues on both sides of the aisle ble to receive the vaccine, the state only (833-697-4829) would only book appoint- must not only inform us of vaccination in actively advocating for throughout the expected this past week to receive 250,000 ments for the state-run mass-vaccina- progress but more important of the chan- pandemic — the reality is that New York doses from the federal government. tion sites, which include the Westchester nels by which people can get appoint- had a spending problem long before the As of Thursday, about 976,000 state resi- County Center in White Plains and the ments. Every community center or library COVID-19 crisis struck (“Governor Pres- dents had received a first dose and 108,500 Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. should have a volunteer who can help ents Agenda for 2021,” Jan. 15). had received a second dose, according Even residents who manage to book an people register to get an appointment. While I was heartened to hear that the to the state’s vaccine tracker. The Mid- appointment should expect a wait of 14 Pascale Berner, Cold Spring state fully recognizes the need to help Hudson region had received 111,925 doses weeks or longer for an appointment with support the industries that it hit the hard- and administered 94,191 of them, or 84 the current rate of vaccination distribu- The federal Centers for Disease Control est with its closures, like bars, restaurants percent. tion, Cuomo said. and Prevention recommends following and the arts, I was sorely disappointed to Cuomo said the state was on pace to run Residents looking for appointments at the model adopted by Florida [prioritiz- see that the governor’s budget presentation out of vaccines today (Jan. 22). On Monday, non-state sites — local health departments, ing residents age 65 or older], which has 3 on Tuesday (Jan. 19) came without a single he wrote Pfizer to ask if New York can buy hospitals, pharmacies, urgent care centers, million more people than New York does. mention of the need to seriously reevaluate its vaccine directly, bypassing the federal etc. — have to contact those providers Gov. Cuomo had to dispose or trash vacci- our spending. I was even more disturbed directly, he said. nations due to his ridiculously strict guide- to hear mention of legislative pay raises New York residents are allowed to get lines. — something that should be off the table vaccinated outside of their home coun- Don Torelli, via Facebook when the state is facing a fiscal crisis. How Many ties. As of Thursday afternoon, the state’s Now, more than ever, we have to redou- “Am I Eligible” website said appointments Putnam sheriff ble our efforts to cut waste, increase effi- Are Eligible? were available at two of its clinics: the Field Putnam County’s Republican legislators ciency and make smart spending the top (Continued on Page 7) are continuing their years-long effort to priority. The legacy we leave for our chil- Dutchess County had vaccinated about undermine Sheriff Robert Langley. Most dren and grandchildren in the wake of this 1,300 people as of Jan. 20, and Putnam recently, they’ve been going after him for devastating pandemic will depend on the County and Drug World in Cold Spring trying to keep his deputies and staff safe decisions we make today, starting with had vaccinated about 1,100. Here are Where to after COVID-19 exposures (“Should Depu- this budget. We cannot mortgage their the estimated numbers of people eligible, ties Work After Virus Exposure?” Dec. 25). futures to pay for the decisions made solely based on census and school data. Check Online This is nuts. In a county where infection by the governor over the past 10 months. DUTCHESS PUTNAM rates continue to climb, legislators and the Sue Serino, Albany • drugworld.com county executive should be working with Serino is a Republican state senator 65 and older 53,000 18,000 • dutchessny.gov/covidvaccine and supporting Sheriff Langley so the offi- whose district includes the Highlands. First responders 2,900 2,600 • putnamcountyny.com/covid-19- Teachers 3,000+ 1,300+ vaccine-information Health care 10,680 3,900 • covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current January 22, 2021 7 Hope Comes To Battered Nursing Homes But facilities struggle with Wingate at Beacon had reported 36 cases of COVID-19 among its residents, along with 87 vaccine refusals suspected cases. Eighteen residents have died. The Fishkill Center for Rehabilitation By Leonard Sparks and Nursing in Beacon was also hard-hit. he pandemic brought sickness, death As of Wednesday (Jan. 20), 80 residents and isolation to the state’s roughly had been infected and 14 had died since 85,000 nursing home residents. the pandemic began, and 87 staff members T had been infected, according to data posted At the same, time, about 15 percent of Fourteen residents have died of COVID-19 at the Fishkill Center for Rehabilitation and nursing home residents in the Mid-Hudson by the facility on its website. Nursing in Beacon. Photo by L. Sparks Region, and 34 percent of staff, have Dutchess County nursing homes overall refused the vaccines, in many cases citing have had 84 confirmed COVID-19 deaths At least 105,000 doses of the Pfizer- the total, have refused a vaccination, the safety concerns. That, in turn, has created and nine presumed deaths as of Monday BioNTech and Moderna vaccines had been third-highest rate among the state’s 10 concerns among family members that the (Jan. 18), and Putnam County had 18 administered to residents and staff at the regions. About 34 percent of staff, or 5,513 ability of nursing homes to again allow visi- confirmed nursing home deaths, accord- state’s 611 nursing homes as of Monday, people, have also refused, the third-highest tors will be delayed. ing to the state Department of Health. according to state officials. CVS and regional rate in the state. By the end of the third week of May, about Now, two vaccines have brought hope for Walgreens employees are administering The vaccinations not only protect resi- two and a half months into the pandemic, residents, their families and staff. the shots under a federal program for nurs- dents and staff from becoming seriously ill ing homes. with the virus but represent a step toward About 7,000 of the 10,289 nursing home relaxing bans on visitors. residents in the Mid-Hudson Region, One study concluded that nursing home which includes Dutchess, Putnam and five residents have died not only from the virus other counties, had been vaccinated as of but because of “neglect or failure to thrive” Monday, according to the state, along with because of COVID isolation, said Richard COVID-19 by the Numbers 6,120 of 16,000 staff members. But signifi- Mollot, executive director of the Long Term cant percentages of residents and staff have Care Community Coalition, an advocacy PUTNAM COUNTY DUTCHESS COUNTY been refusing the vaccine, whose creation organization for patients and families. and distribution has been accompanied by “Human beings need to be touched in Number of confirmed cases: Number of confirmed cases: misinformation and concerns about safety. their lives, and when you’re not touched for (+603) (+1,693) About 1,500 residents at nursing homes 10 months, you die,” said Mollot. 6,670 17,182 in the Mid-Hudson Region, 15 percent of (Continued on Page 15) New Cases in Philipstown: 72 Active Cases in Beacon: 90

Tests administered: Tests administered:

130,444 (+7,842) 426,646 (+23,121) CURRENT CONVERSATIONS Percent positive: Percent positive: 5.1 (+0.2) 4.0 (+0.2) COVID-19 Number of deaths: Number of deaths:

75 (+5) 324 (+39) School Update Q&A with Beacon and Haldane Source: New York State Department of Health, as of Jan. 20, with weekly change in parentheses. New cases in Philipstown is for week ending Jan. 14.

wat, the Putnam commissioner of health, in (from Page 6) Vaccine a statement. “One thing that is important House at SUNY Potsdam in St. Lawrence to realize is this was not completely unex- County and Plattsburgh International pected. We need to look at vaccine imple- Airport in Clinton County. mentation as the long-term project it is In a statement on Wednesday (Jan. 20), — more of a long-distance race and not an Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell all-out sprint. It is an enormous undertak- noted that the county has more than 30,000 ing and not physically possible to roll out people who are eligible for the vaccine. At large numbers of vaccines in an instant.” the same time, the county Health Depart- Dutchess County Executive Marc Molin- ment received 200 vaccines last week for aro said on Wednesday that Dutchess’ allot- essential workers and Drug World received ment for the week was 600 doses, and that BEACON: FEB. 3, 7:00-7:30PM HALDANE: FEB. 10, 7:00-7:30PM 200 vaccines for seniors. “If you can’t get the 600 appointments were booked within an appointment for a vaccine, that’s why,” “moments” of the announcement they were Live Zoom event with Live Zoom event with Odell said. available. Superintendent Matt Landahl Superintendent Philip Benante The county Health Department has He noted that residents can subscribe vaccinated about 1,000 people in five weeks, to email updates on appointment avail- she said, but, because it is only authorized ability at dutchessny.gov/COVIDvaccine. to vaccinate essential workers, it does not The county has received more than 7,000 REGISTER TO ATTEND: schedule appointments online, she noted. calls about vaccinations in the past week. “We recognize there is concern about the “Please don’t call the health department highlandscurrent.org/current-conversations wait for vaccines,” said Dr. Michael Neshei- looking for an appointment,” he said. 8 January 22, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

To All of Our Community We are so grateful for your continuous support during this past year of uncertainty. Because of you we have been able to provide food to all those who came to the door and will be able to do so again in 2021. Apologies for anyone who might have been forgotten, your gift was not.

A shanty discovered in the Nelsonville Woods has since been demolished but the debris remains. Photo by Michael Bowman Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church Long Haul Farm St. Phillips Episcopal Church Ms. Cindy Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Joe Maloney Second Chance Foods Carlie Hughes Santa Warren Nelsonville Tears Down Shanty in Julie Erickson Barry Rosen and Sandra Scott Ann Sims Joseph and Carolyn Ricapito Woods, Plans for March Election Boy Scout Troop 437 Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy Trustees Pedlosky and At the board’s monthly meeting on Tues- Thomas and Erica Kivel Hammond Family day (Jan. 19), Mayor Mike Bowman said American Legion George A. Casey Post 275 Susan and Joseph Fitzgerald Mechaley will not run for that a resident reported a hideaway in James Harvey Hustis Post 2362 V.F.W. Linda Lomanaco and Robert T. Hansler new terms the village-owned Nelsonville Woods that appeared to contain evidence that it was Rich Garfein Joan Crouch being used for drinking and drug use. Hudson Hills Restaurant Seth Guiness By Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong “We went up and checked it and disman- Ben and Art Hotaling Mr. Nastasi elsonville officials this week tled it,” the mayor said, although “proba- Glynwood Farms Melissa Green and Tim Hall dismantled a shanty in the village bly a good 10-yard Dumpster’s worth of Clare Staples Maryanne Robinson Nwoods and laid plans for a March garbage” remained. “It’s going to take kind Girl Scouts of the Hudson Highlands Maris Helbock election that promises to bring two new of a Herculean effort to pull this stuff out.” Chris Radko Valerie Bok faces to the Village Board. (Continued on Page 18) Lisa O’Rourke Joseph Lomanaco Heather Schroeder Marie Early Donna Pidala Desmond Fish Library Eric and Carly Arnold Paula Coleman Four-Story Beacon Project Jack and Linda Weinstein Mr. and Mrs. Richard Allen Lisa Ginny Pidala Could Get OK from Council L. Kissack John Merante City also condemns least one public benefit in exchange for the Owen and Z. Shawn Sullivan Davie and Maggie Gordon special-use permit; in this case, the park and Friends of St. Philips Episcopal Church Barbara and Ray Moore Capitol attack office space would satisfy the condition. Fire Bread Company Wendy De Giglio By Jeff Simms In response to comments during a hear- Theresa and Ralph Carlson Sr. Karen Tangen ing last month, the developer’s represen- Haldane Central School Folkes Home Services Main Street development proposal tatives said Tuesday they had more than in Beacon appears close to receiv- Peter Mell May Brawley Hill doubled the size of the park, to 4,231 square ing the special-use permit it needs feet, and that it will feature a “rolling lawn” Tom Goodrich Bev and Bruce Taylor A from the City Council to build four floors, with low-maintenance “eco-grasses.” In Richard and Madeline Shields Cat Guthrie although the project must still get its final addition, the live/work building has been Anonymous Donors who gave to the Town Delmar Karlen in honor of Irene Karlen approval from the Planning Board. reduced in size, and decorative plantings Board who then provided Food Town Cards The proposal, a mixed-use building at have been added along the perimeter of the 416-420 Main St., was the subject of the first proposed four-story building, which also of two public hearings held by the council includes a “green roof.” WISHING EVERYONE A HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR via videoconference on Tuesday (Jan. 19). Two residents spoke during the hearing If approved, it would encompass the Tuesday. Both also commented last month existing Kitchen & Coffee cafe, adding and continued to oppose the project. The Volunteers of the office space on the second and third floors The proposal is “unacceptable in both and a single apartment on a recessed fourth scale and design,” and its green space is floor. A two-story live/work residence deceptive, with only a third likely to be Philipstown Food Pantry would be built at the back of the parcel, available to the public, said Theresa Kraft. with a public mini-park in between. Council members, however, seemed The council now requires Main Street pleased with the proposed changes during projects seeking four floors to include at (Continued on Page 18) highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current January 22, 2021 9 The Calendar of Fragments History Personal

Painter finds inspiration The personal photos she does have from the 1960s and ’70s have “such a wonderful in snapshots color palette: fuchsia, oranges, fantastically loud.” The colors changed after her mother “Cloaked” By Alison Rooney married a man from Bermuda. “I realized at “When I make a silicone prosthesis, it has to hen Elise Church begins a paint- some point that my palette is from growing be an exact color match, and precise anatomi- ing, she hasn’t fixed on an idea. up there: the blues, the pinks, the connec- cal form — there’s no room for ‘Ah, a little drip “I like to catch myself off tions with water,” Church says. Most of her here, not a straight line there,’ ” Church says. W time now is spent in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, “That technical skill, say to make an ear, is “Globe” guard,” the artist explains, “It always starts by looking through a stack of photos. Often where she lives, and Dumbo, where she has exacting and it takes tight observation [and] I’ll take a piece of paper and block out what long shared a studio space. concentration, which relates back to when I I’m not interested in. What’s left I cut up, or A Skidmore College graduate, Church started out in school as a painter. Also, there’s frame in some way, and that becomes what spent three years in Paris as a young adult, this irony in that I cut away any human form I’m going to paint.” where she studied and worked in graphic when I’m looking for imagery to paint, and The results of Church’s most recent explo- design. On the heels of the 2008 recession, here I am giving someone their form back.” rations — a series of large paintings called seeking a steadier income, Church studied Blue Like an Orange — will be exhibited at dental lab technology at the New York City The Garrison Art Center is located at 23 the Garrison Art Center starting Saturday College of Technology and learned to work Garrison’s Landing. It is open from 10 a.m. (Jan. 23), with a socially distanced recep- with ceramics to build crowns and dentures. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. Blue tion from 5 to 7 p.m. At her first dental job, she was asked if Like an Orange will run concurrently with “Fruit Bowl A photo album from the 1960s that she could mix colors, because the practice Mison Kim’s solo exhibition of works on Poinsettia” Church discovered at the Brooklyn Flea in needed someone to create facial prosthetics, paper. Both shows continue through Feb. 2013 has influenced her work ever since. or anaplastology. That is now her specialty. 28. See garrisonartcenter.org. “It looked like it could have been my own album, although it clearly featured a boy who is maybe a few years older than me,” she says. The photos depict rites of passage such as getting a dog and a first car. “I looked at it and thought, ‘Am I really going to spend $80 on this?’ But it was beckoning me, and I just had to have it,” Church recalls. “I would pore over every page for years afterward. It started this path for me.” Church has since found other “Woolly” random scrapbooks from the 1960s that she “Cake” uses as source material. Church does not paint scenes from the photos. Instead, she deconstructs and rebuilds them. “I always cut the subject out,” she says. The remaining fragments inspire the paintings, which are often done on household linen or other fabrics. Once the fragments morph into paint- ings, it’s hard to discern the inspiration. “The less recognizable, the better,” she says. “I work intuitively and directly.” “Most people talk about the color and the shapes, in which case I describe how they’re just cut from the pictures and I’m not inter- ested in corners, in 90 degrees; I’m inter- ested in how they work in the space,” Church says. “In the Art Center show, the pieces will be mostly unframed and placed up high and on the floor with the idea of engaging with the space and navigating around them.” Church moved around a lot as a child and says she has few of her own childhood photos. Her art “is retracing that time through other people’s photographs. I have a giant Ziploc bag with heads and bodies [cut from found A table in Elise Church's studio holds the photos] — I can’t seem to throw them away.” fragments she builds her paintings on. Elise Church in her studio Photos provided 10 January 22, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

Mouths to Feed Something from (Almost) Nothing By Celia Barbour I was determined to make do. A dairy just down the hill sold eggs and cheddar; some handful of herbs grew by the rock wall. Done. times in my I didn’t realize, as I cooked, that I was A cooking life recklessly mixing up culinary traditions. I’ve experienced My filler ingredients were a nod to the what I’ve come to Tortilla Espanola, a dish composed of think of as loaves- layered potato and onion slices bound by and-fishes moments: eggs and often served room temperature, Moments when there was hardly anything as tapas. (“Tortilla” translates as “little remaining in the cupboard; when someone cake,” and, in Spain, the word refers to this said, “There’s literally nothing to make for dish rather than to the burrito and taco supper.” And yet somehow we sat down an wrappers we know by the same name.) hour or two later not only to sustenance, My technique, meanwhile, borrowed from but to a really wonderful meal. the Italian frittata, which traditionally I suppose I could instead call these my includes various combinations of sauteed necessity-is-a-mother moments, except vegetables, meats, herbs and cheese, and that I never felt as if I invented the result- is finished under a broiler. As for the ched- ing dishes. They arrived instead like gifts, dar? I confess that idea probably came from surprising even me. a cowboy-style skillet breakfast of hash This potato cake is a favorite from among browns and eggs I’d had as a kid. them. The first time I made it was on a tiny, Another thing I didn’t realize, as I 60-year-old gas stove using potatoes and pottered around the kitchen on that late onions that had likewise seen better days. summer afternoon, was that one of the Photo by Henry Weed Forgotten, neglected, they were the only people I was cooking for hated eggs. Not just foods left in the farmhouse, apart from a a little bit; they made her retch. This was few random condiments. my aunt-in-law Fourgie, one of my favorite Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Warm the But considering that said farmhouse was people in the whole world, and since child- olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over situated in a meadow on the edge of the hood, she hadn’t been able to so much as Tortatta low heat. Add the garlic cloves and leave White Mountain National Forest, a half hour smell an egg without her throat seizing up. them alone to poach gently while you from the nearest grocery store, and that the A more sensitive cook might have noticed prepare the rest of the ingredients (remove afternoon sunlight just then was incompati- the growing urgency to her politeness: Farmyola them if they start to turn dark brown). ble with spending even two minutes in a car, “I’d be happy to drive into town,” she Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Slice offered. This recipe borrows the the onion in half lengthwise then lay each “It’s OK.” Spanish technique of half flat, and thinly slice into half-rings. HOWLAND “No, really. I don’t mind.” poaching the potatoes “I’m good.” and onions in a cup of When the garlic is golden, remove from CULTURAL “Well, but—” the oil and set aside. Raise the heat to I cooked on, in blissful ignorance. And olive oil, which you then medium, add the sliced potatoes and CENTER that night, after dinner — after the wine drain off (and can strain, onion and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sat. + Sun. Jan. 23 + 24 and continuing was drunk, the ice cream (procured from save and re-use). It results Once the oil starts to shimmer, reduce the ASSORTED VISIONS: that same nearby dairy) consumed, and the in a meltingly wonderful heat to the lowest setting and allow the The Beacon Photography Group plates cleared — Fourgie confessed her life- vegetables to poach until soft, about 20 26 photographers’ work on display texture. But you can instead Saturdays + Sundays until Jan. 30 – 1 to 5 pm long egg aversion. I was mortified. But, she minutes, turning them gently once or twice admitted, this was the first egg-based dish sauté the vegetables in as needed. she’d not only tolerated but actually loved. less oil, frittata-style; just Meanwhile, mash together the rosemary To this day, she still brings it up. be sure the potatoes are and caramelized garlic. Break the eggs Since then, I’ve done research, consulted D.Wood J.Noack C.Gould into a large bowl and whisk well, then recipes and made various iterations of cooked through and the Sun. Jan. 24 – 8 pm mix three-quarters of the provolone, the STREAMING: Piano duo this potato cake at home, more carefully onions caramelized before ALESSIO BAX and LUCILLE CHUNG rosemary-garlic paste and salt and pepper and authentically. But my family and I adding the egg mixture. into the egg mixture. Presented by still prefer this mixed-up version, which ALIVEmusica recorded at the borrows a few ideas from one tradition and When the potatoes and onions are Howland Center a few from another, and throws in a dash of 1 cup olive oil (see headnote) cooked, pour off most of the olive oil. Raise Stream at http://howlandmusic.org/ALIVEmusica_Stream5.html the magic that always hides at the bottom 3 cloves garlic the heat to medium, add the egg-cheese Thurs. Jan. 28 – 8 pm of an empty cupboard. mixture and allow to cook until the edges LIVESTREAM: THE VALLEY HOUR 1½ pounds Yukon gold or other The music and musicians of the Hudson Valley start to set, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to Featuring RoseAnn Fino, Dan Zlotnick medium-textured potatoes* the heated oven and cook until the middle and hosts Annalyse & Ryan Tix: TheValleyHour.com My filler 1 large onion* barely wobbles, 12 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining provolone and Parmesan ingredients Salt and pepper over the surface and set the pan under a were a nod Leaves from 1 sprig fresh broiler just until the top turns golden and rosemary, minced begins to bubble. Serve warm or at room AND MORE to the Tortilla Espanola, temperature. Streamed concerts are being planned for your enjoyment 8 eggs* during January and February a dish composed of Sat. Feb. 6, 8 pm – ANTHEM: Jeremy Schonfeld in concert Coming in February – In Our Lifetime, 4 ounces sharp provolone, African American Art Show layered potato and onion grated *This recipe can be easily adapted to Coming in March – Howlin’ at the Howland accommodate different proportions of with singer Tara O’Grady slices bound by eggs 2 ounces parmesan, grated HCC will NOT be open for in-person audience during performances onions and potatoes — aim for between 477 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508 and often served room 2 and 2½ pounds combined total — and www.howlandculturalcenter.org (845) 831-4988 anywhere from 6 to 10 eggs. facebook.com/howlandcenterbeacon howlandculturalcentertix.com temperature, as tapas. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current January 22, 2021 11 Cookies for Good Garrison entrepreneur develops ‘social ventures’

By Alison Rooney What’s the story behind Nunbelievable? ryan Janeczko, who lives in Garri- Over the last couple of years, I’ve been son with his partner, Terry Young, identifying investment opportunities Band their 6-year-old son, is a social- and putting together business models for venture entrepreneur. His most recent backers. One of those backers brought firm, Nunbelievable Cookies (nunbeliev- the Nunbelievable story and name to me able.com), donates meals to food pantries [the brand is inspired by a group of San for every cookie sold. Francisco nuns who run a soup kitchen]. We launched in 2019 with four varieties, Were you that kid who always came including gluten-free double chocolate. We up with money-making ideas? have two more coming soon: a sugar-free, I turned to entrepreneurship out of neces- keto-friendly snickerdoodle and chocolate sity when I was entering high school. I was chip. Some of our cookies are snack-size, too young to get a job at McDonald’s, so I got including a shortbread made with baobab a paper route and sold candy bars at school. I from Africa, which has a subtle, tangy, built a network with students selling at other citrusy taste. We’re testing the business schools. It worked great for a semester, but model, and whether it’s scalable, as well then the principal called me in. He said I as retail. We just began selling through had to stop because “it could lead you down Walmart.com. a path to sell other things that we don’t want Because Nunbelievable is a food brand, you to.” When I turned 16, I got a job in fast we work with food banks to provide meals food so I could save for college. and figure out how to get people out of soup kitchens. Building a brand that’s sustain- What was the first big lightbulb idea? able means the bigger we become, the more NuKitchen. I had my MBA from New York we can do. One of our charities, House of University and was working for Morgan Mercy, has a soup kitchen and many other Shelley Boris Stanley. I realized that there were many services: shelter, clothing, drug addiction busy professionals like me running around services, a plethora. The root may be food and not eating healthily. You could never insecurity, but we can give them a leg up Cook for a Cause know what ingredients were in takeout in other ways. food. I had spent time traveling in Europe, A social venture called Hudson Valley where I became aware of the Mediterra- Is there an entrepreneurial personality? Eats, in which restaurants work with nean diet. A business partner and I created Yes, but there are variations. There are nonprofit organizations that tackle an online model in which breakfast, lunch idea generators who have the resiliency hunger, organized a program called and dinner could be delivered to you any to see them to fruition. There are prob- Cooking for a Cause that will include, Bryan Janeczko, holding a variety of day of the week. lem-solvers who figure out how someone on Feb. 9, a session with Shelley Nunbelievable cookies. Photos provided It was the first local online order system else’s idea can serve a need. A third type Boris of Dolly’s in Garrison. for meal deliveries, and it grew it into a acts out of economic necessity. That was the New York City Investment Fund that I Participants are sent a shopping list multimillion-dollar business. We partnered me. I wanted to buy things and pay for had to personally guarantee. Those kinds of ingredients and a Zoom link for a with different organizations, but particularly college, and entrepreneurship was a path of decisions stem from a combination of livestreamed cooking show. They can with women’s housing and economic devel- to economic independence. One might fall things, including calculating risk. Later in cook with the chef, ask questions or opment in the Bronx, helping the women eat into all three, or just one of the three. The life, I wouldn’t have done it. watch and cook later. (Each session healthier. We operated it as a for-profit busi- critical thing is, no one can do it alone. is recorded for later reference.) ness that folded in nonprofit elements. Entrepreneurship does inevitably take How are you enjoying life in Eventually we sold the company to Nutri- The cost is $50 per session, with the someone who is on the riskier side of Philipstown? system. After the sale, it became clear to me the spectrum. For instance, some of my We’re loving it. We bought our home in proceeds going to a charity chosen that my mission was “social venture,” that darkest days were about a year or so into early 2016. With the birth of our son, we by each chef. Boris’ session, in which is, doing good while running a business, NuKitchen. I was living in a fourth-floor moved here for the quality of life — the she will cook risotto with her son, and how important that aspect is in attract- walk-up in Hell’s Kitchen. I had liquidated hiking, fresh air, the friendly people and a Philip Lewis, will benefit Second ing and retaining talent. I firmly believe my 401K. I realized my calling was social commutable distance. It’s such a wonder- Chance Foods, based in Carmel, this is the business model for the future. If venture, but I wasn’t a foodie or a techie. ful community. It’s all new to me; I grew up which rescues “unsold, unserved, you buy something, you want to know that We were losing money. I got a loan from in suburban Milwaukee — not the part of aesthetically imperfect food” for your dollar has purpose. Wisconsin with the rolling hills and farms. distribution to food pantries and banks. Any other ideas waiting to hatch? Diana Polack, who lives in Garrison, Building a brand that’s sustainable There’s so much one can do in the world! worked with Hudson Valley Eats Serving others is a lifelong choice. We’re founder Janet Irizarry on the project. means the bigger we become, trying to instill that idea in our son. It can Other sessions ahead include chef be hard convincing him that, “Hey, you Leslie Lampert on transforming the more we can do. One of our charities, have toys you’re not using and maybe other neglected leftovers (Jan. 26), to people can use and enjoy them.” We try to benefit Feeding Westchester, and House of Mercy, has a soup kitchen and make it an experience, having fun pack- Denis Whitton, owner of Pier 701 in ing them up. Also, I try to meditate every Piermont and Autumn in Sparkill, on many other services: shelter, clothing, day, and sometimes he participates in the preparing coq au vin, to benefit Meals giving-thanks closing. That’s a beautiful on Wheels. drug addiction services, a plethora. thing to see. I hope the practice will stick with him. Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/ cooking-for-a-cause. 12 January 22, 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 TALKS work during a workshop about creating a flower-painting project. SAT 23 MON 25 Sandy Galef Town Hall Flash Writing ANIMALS & NATURE PHILIPSTOWN COLD SPRING 10 a.m. Via Zoom 7 p.m. Butterfield Library SAT 23 914-941-1111 | galefs@assembly. 845-265-3040 | butterfieldlibrary.org Owl Prowl state.ny.us Register to join this Zoom event CORNWALL Call the assemblywoman’s office with Current reporter Mike Turton 7 p.m. Outdoor Discovery Center if you live in Philipstown and don’t and learn to write a story in 75 words. 120 Muser Drive | 845-534-5506 x204 receive an email with a Zoom link hhnm.org Hudson River EagleFest, Jan. 30 and phone number to participate. MON 25 Learn about owls and their Dancing with the Devil history, meet the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s owl ambassador SAT 30 Prize for her 2010 poetry collection, NEWBURGH and take a nighttime hike to call Hudson River EagleFest Versed, will read from her latest 7 p.m. Greater Newburgh collection, Conjure, while Levinson Symphony Orchestra for owls. Also SAT 30. Registration GARRISON will read from Seep. Mary Newell will required. Cost: $15 ($10 members) 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Boscobel newburghsymphony.org lead a discussion with both poets. Music Director Russel Ger will 1601 Route 9D, Garrison discuss online the relationship SUN 24 845-265-3638 | boscobel.org between Shostakovich and Stalin. Spotting Winter Birds Register in advance for two- SUN 24 Cost: $20 GARRISON hour slots to view eagles from Poetry, Songs and 2 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library the grounds overlooking the Stories of Radical Trust TUES 26 845-424-3020 | desmondfishlibrary.org Hudson River and Constitution GARRISON Tips for Staying Fit Pete Salmansohn of the Putnam Marsh as part of the annual event 8 p.m. Garrison Institute organized by the Teatown Lake Working at Home Highlands Audubon Society will garrisoninstitute.org teach participants via Zoom how to Reservation. Staff members from Jennifer Bloom will perform COLD SPRING identify winter birds. Registration the Constitution Marsh Audubon original songs, poems and stories Noon. Via Zoom required. Center and Putnam Highlands with a guided meditation on the 914-734-3159 | nyp.org/hudsonvalley Audubon Society volunteers will be theme of radical trust on the Michael Del Grosso, a physical on hand to assist. Also SAT 6. Cost: THURS 28 WED 27 Sunday before every full moon. Paper Craft Workshop therapist at NewYork-Presbyterian $12 ($10 seniors, $6 ages 5 to 18, free Register online Hudson Valley Hospital, will explain Reflections on Teaching for children under age 5) GARRISON the best ways to position your body About Hudson River Fish 6 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library THURS 28 while working or studying at home BEACON KIDS & FAMILY 845-424-3020 | desmondfishlibrary.org and the equipment to use for fitness. 7:30 p.m. Sloop Clearwater History Book Club Pick up a crafting kit at the clearwater.org SAT 23 COLD SPRING library and learn how to collage a TUES 26 Register to watch the last Dream Out Loud 7 p.m. Split Rock Books cigar box. Know Your Rights with of a four-part online series by Poetry Workshop 845-265-2080 | splitrockbks.com The group will discuss, via Zoom, Unemployment Benefits contributors to the third edition BEACON THURS 28 of The Hudson: An Illustrated The Open Veins of Latin America, by GARRISON 4 p.m. Compass Arts | compassarts.org Adult Trivia Guide to the Living River. Cost: $7 Eduardo Galeano. Register online. 6 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library Poet Gold will lead a two-part (members free) COLD SPRING 845-424-3020 | desmondfishlibrary.org workshop for students in grades 6 to 7 p.m. Butterfield Library In this Zoom presentation, 12. Also SAT 30. Cost: Sliding scale MUSIC THURS 28 845-265-3040 | butterfieldlibrary.org William McNamara, a staff attorney Bring a team or play solo and win Restoring Resilient SUN 24 at Legal Services of the Hudson TUES 26 Alessio Bax and prizes for correct answers. Register Valley, will discuss your rights when Tropical Forests to join the Zoom event. Kids’ Craft with Lucille Chung it comes to unemployment benefits. MILLBROOK Mrs. Merry 7 p.m. Cary Institute of BEACON GARRISON THURS 28 WED 27 Ecosystem Studies 8 p.m. Howland Cultural Center 4 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library Healthcare for Flowers into Paint eventbrite.com/o/cary-institute-of- howlandmusic.org ecosystem-studies 845-424-3020 | desmondfishlibrary.org This four-hands piano All New Yorkers BEACON Ecologist Sarah Batterman will Pick up the materials in advance performance by Bax and Chung GARRISON 1 p.m. Howland Public Library discuss how tropical forests store and then join the Zoom meeting. will be livestreamed as part of a 7 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library 845-831-1134 | beaconlibrary.org carbon, enhance biodiversity and are Register in advance. Howland Chamber Music Circle bit.ly/NYHealthActJan28 Joyce Raimondo will lead a resilient to future climate conditions. series. The program includes A panel of legislators and medical discussion of Georgia O’Keefe’s FRI 29 Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi professionals will discuss via Zoom Spanish Storytime d’un faune and Stravinsky’s how the New York Health Act could Petrushka. Cost: $20 donation be passed this year to provide GARRISON health care to all New Yorkers. 4 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library Register online. 845-424-3020 | desmondfishlibrary.org WED 27 Miss Yrma will teach Spanish Van Morrison’s FRI 29 basics through bilingual songs and Moondance Trivia Night stories. POUGHKEEPSIE 8 p.m. Bardavon COLD SPRING 8 p.m. Via Zoom LITERARY 845-473-2072 | bardavon.org haldaneschoolfoundation.org On the 51st anniversary of the SAT 23 album, watch tribute performances Teams of one to eight players Rae Armantrout and by Sweet Honey in the Rock, Rickie will compete online at this annual Lee Jones, Tom Chapin, BoomKat competition to raise funds for the Heller Levinson and others curated with commentary Haldane School Foundation. Cost: GARRISON by the Bardavon producer and $35 per player 3 p.m. Desmond-Fish Library 845-424-3020 | desmondfishlibrary.org director. Donations welcome. Owl Prowl, Jan. 23 In this Zoom presentation, Armantrout, who won the Pulitzer (Continued on Page 13) highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current January 22, 2021 13

The Valley Hour, Jan. 28

THURS 28 THURS 28 A Face for Radio The Valley Hour Games, Guns and Glory, Jan. 23 POUGHKEEPSIE BEACON 6 p.m. Via Instagram 8 p.m. Howland Cultural Center music.vassar.edu/concerts 845-831-4988 | thevalleyhour.com exhibits of Elise Church’s still-life MON 25 TUES 26 The music department at Vassar Annalyse and Ryan host and interior paintings (see Page City Council Board of Trustees 9) and Mison Kim’s exhibition of College will kick off Modfest with RoseAnn Fino and Dan Zlotnick BEACON COLD SPRING diagrammatic works on paper. a video hosted by Sarah LaDuke of for an evening of songs and stories. 7 p.m. Via Zoom 7:30 p.m. Via Zoom WAMC Northeast Public Radio in Donations welcome. 845-838-5011 | cityofbeacon.org 845-265-3611 | coldspringny.gov which she speaks with artists and CIVIC faculty who will participate in the VISUAL ART annual festival. At 7 p.m. on SUN 31, SUN 24 MON 25 THURS 28 Brian Quijada and Nygel Robinson SAT 23 Planning Board School Board Planning Board will record the seventh track of Blue Like an Orange / PHILIPSTOWN BEACON PHILIPSTOWN their musical Mexodus, which is Games, Guns and Glory 9:30 a.m. The Garrison 7 p.m. Beacon High School 7:30 p.m. Via Zoom inspired by the 4,000 to 10,000 845-838-6900 | beaconk12.org This is a special meeting GARRISON 2015 Route 9 | philipstown.com enslaved people in the southern U.S. to discuss the Hudson Valley 5 – 7 p.m. Garrison Art Center The public is welcome to who pursued a journey to Mexico Shakespeare Festival development at instead of looking north. 23 Garrison’s Landing participate in a site visit to the proposed future home of the Hudson The Garrison. Email kmacintyre@ 845-424-3960 | garrisonartcenter.org philipstown.com to join. This is the opening reception for Valley Shakespeare Festival.

Two Exhibitions HIGHLAND STUDIO January 23 – February 2021

Elise P. Church: Blue Like an Orange Paintings PRINTMAKERS FINE ART PRINTING SCANNING LARGE FORMAT

HUDSON VALLEY’S Mison Kim: ARCHIVAL PRINTING Games, Guns, and Glory SINCE 1997 Ink drawings on paper PICTURE FRAMING print & map gallery

845-809-5174

31 STEPHANIE LANE The Riverside Galleries at Garrison Art Center COLD SPRING, NY 23 Garrison’s Landing, Garrison, NY 10524 Open Tuesday thru Sunday, 10am – 5pm www.thehighlandstudio.com garrisonartcenter.org 845-424-3960 14 January 22, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

South Avenue (from Page 1) sion to use the school, and with tempera- tures falling, they decided the ceremony should be held inside. At the last minute, Tiana’s brother, Andre Rainey, who is the mayor of Peekskill, arranged for the couple to use City Hall for a socially distanced ceremony with about a dozen guests. There was also a livestream for friends and colleagues — Tiana works for the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs and Ellis is a dean at a Bronx high school. The friendship that began in Mrs. Lassit- er’s classroom continued through the fifth grade, when Tiana’s family moved to White Plains. She didn’t forget Corey, however. Twelve years later, when she was 19 and living in Ossining, she found him on Facebook on a whim and wrote him a message. “He was probably my biggest childhood crush, so when milestones came around — sweet 16s, prom, etc. — I kept thinking of him and wondered if he still lived in Beacon,” Tiana says. When she saw a photo online of Corey at age 19, she was pleased. “He just looked like a handsome, older version of what he used to.” Corey didn’t respond to her message for Kaylynn offers a smooch as her parents kiss outside South Avenue Elementary on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Photo by Meredith Heuer two months. (“I was barely on Facebook,” he volunteers sheepishly.) Once he read her second first impression (or first second was a silver lining, because it gave us ample Tiana’s message, he said his first thought impression) was, “He was still silly.” And his time to get to know each other again.” was, “Oh my God — God sent me my wife.” was, “She was still shy and quiet and, you On a trip to Los Angeles, Corey proposed They met soon after and spent every know, beautiful.” in Griffith Park, overlooking the city, after weekend together for a year. Tiana said The romance blossomed. “I felt it would convincing Tiana they were going to take be forever,” Corey recalls. Tiana adds, “I photos for her 30th birthday. “He got me thought so, too, but we were young and not good,” she concedes. ready for forever.” Tiana says they initially planned to “We had a long road,” Corey says. They wait until 2022 for a wedding, “but when had Kaylynn but then split. Each moved the new year hit, and we knew we want on to other relationships, “which was not more children, and didn’t want any more what I expected,” he says. He took it as “a out of wedlock, we changed our minds. sign from God” that Tiana was not who he We thought of significant dates in Janu- was supposed to be with. ary and realized Martin Luther King Day They continued to co-parent, and even- was perfect. We put it all together in three Corey Ellis, top left, and Tiana Wilkins, tually both relationships ended. On Valen- weeks. center right, in the fifth grade at the tine’s Day last year, the couple went on a “My mom and my family are so excited South Avenue school. date for the first time in 10 years. They say for me, partly because I never stopped talk- they both quickly realized they wanted to ing about Corey,” Tiana says. Corey says his now,’” Tiana says. “She wants a sibling, so be together, and Corey even took Tiana ring mother, brother and grandmother are also she’s super happy.” shopping. “ecstatic.” Asked to choose three words to describe The pandemic shutdown that followed The happiest member of the family is their spouse, Tiana offered: “Provider, weeks later “was a blessing for us, being Kaylynn. “She’s running around saying thoughtful, funny” and Corey decided on quarantined,” Corey says. Tiana agrees. “It ‘Mommy’s going to have my last name “Compassion, beautiful, love.”

NOTICE KINDERGARTEN PARENT ORIENTATION MEETING AND KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

The Haldane Central School District is beginning the Kindergarten registration process for the 2021-2022 school year. If you have a child who will be turning five on or before December 31, 2021 and you live in the Haldane Central School District, please complete and print the registration forms from our website www.haldaneschool.org. Click on Quick Parent Links, Registration then Kindergarten Registration. Parents are invited to attend the Kindergarten Orientation Meeting on Monday, February 1, 2021 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. Registering for attendance is a 2 step process. Please visit our website and click on the Orientation Link to get started. Registration will take place on Monday, February 8th - Friday, February 12th. Please contact Sue Hylka in the Elementary Office to schedule your appointment, 845-265-9254 ext 122. Parents who are registering incoming children must bring all completed Registration and Health Forms along with copies of their child’s Birth Certificate, Immunization Record, and required Proof of Residency Documents indicating that the family resides in the Haldane School District. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current January 22, 2021 15

NEWS BRIEFS Dutchess Caps Delivery Fees Real Estate Grubhub, Door Dash limited to 15 percent Market Report (December) utchess County Executive Marc DMolinaro on Sunday (Jan. 17) signed Beacon Philipstown an emergency order that temporarily caps service fees charged by third-party food 2019 2020 2019 2020 delivery companies to no more than 15 percent of the order. New Listings 3 6 6 7 Molinaro said in a statement that while Closed Sales 4 12 10 15 apps such as Grubhub and Door Dash are important for restaurants during the Days on Market 77 42 79 66 COVID-19 shutdown, their fee structures can mean that restaurants must pay as Median Price $406,250 $427,500 $628,750 $490,000 much as 30 percent on delivery orders. State Assemblyman Jonathan % List Received 90.3 100.1 96.3 99.3 The order also prohibits delivery services Jacobson, whose district includes from publishing restaurant menus and Beacon, was sworn in at his Inventory 27 16 64 56 increasing the price of items to include a Newburgh office for his second term on Jan. 7 by state Supreme delivery fee. Court Judge E. Loren Williams. Source: Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors (hgar.com). Excludes condos. Philipstown includes Cold Spring, Molinaro thanked Legislator Nick Page, Garrison and Nelsonville. Photo provided a Democrat whose district includes three wards in Beacon, “for bringing this impor- tant issue to our attention.” are concerned that [vaccination refusals] (from Page 7) by a state grant, can be downloaded at Nursing Homes may delay their ability to go back and visit Philipstown Completes climatesmartphilipstown.org/nri. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines each their family members,” said Mollot. require two shots given weeks apart. Under Both he and Hanse say the state and Resource Inventory Haldane Superintendent the federal program, CVS and Walgreens federal governments have failed to create Includes chapter on local impact of Tests Positive employees began administering doses at an effective education campaign aimed at climate change nursing homes on Dec. 21 under a three- people skeptical about the effectiveness Also, some Garrison students visit system: the first to deliver the initial and safety of the vaccines. hilipstown has completed a Natural quarantine dose; the second to deliver second doses The administration of Gov. Andrew P Resources Inventory with 40 maps along with first doses to anyone who Cuomo also “planted seeds of doubt” last and chapters on geology and soils; water aldane Superintendent Philip Bena- missed the first visit; and the third to give fall when it raised concerns about the qual- resources; habitats and wildlife; historic, Hnte said on Tuesday (Jan. 19) that he any remaining shots. ity of any vaccine approved by the Trump scenic and recreational resources; and was quarantining after testing positive for The Fishkill Center for Rehabilitation administration and formed a state panel of land use. COVID-19. and Nursing, whose administrator did doctors, scientists and health experts to vet Each section of the report includes In an email to parents, Benante said he not respond to a request for comment, whatever vaccines the federal government suggestions for further study, policy devel- was tested after being informed on Satur- completed its second visit on Jan. 13, authorized, said Hanse. opment and community action. The report day (Jan. 16) that he had contact outside according to a post on its website. The first Some residents and staff were first wait- also includes a chapter that describes the school with a person who tested positive. took place on Dec. 22. ing to see if those getting vaccinated have a potential impacts of climate change and Anyone he was in direct contact with at Overall, the “vast majority” of nursing reaction before agreeing to the shots, said suggests the town prepare a Vulnerability Haldane on Jan. 14 or 15 has been notified, home residents have agreed to be vacci- Hanse and Mollot. Assessment and Climate Adaptation Plan. Benante said. nated and many facilities have, like the “Now that they’re seeing real positive The inventory was prepared by Max “I share this information with you in Fishkill Center for Rehabilitation and results, in that there’s no real side effects Garfinkle, the town’s natural resources the spirit of remaining candid about my Nursing, completed their second visit from in a majority of the cases, we’re seeing the review officer, and Roberto Muller, coordi- absence from campus,” he wrote. “My the pharmacies, said Stephen Hanse, presi- numbers go up on those second visits,” said nator of Philipstown Climate Smart, with symptoms are very mild thus far.” dent and CEO of the New York State Health Hanse. oversight by the Conservation Board and On Sunday (Jan. 17), the Garrison School Facilities Association. Cuomo on Monday cited the vaccine guidance from the Hudson Highlands Land announced that some students in the “That’s progressing very, very well, and refusals in announcing that about 65,000 of Trust and the state Department of Conser- fourth, fifth, seventh and eighth grades we’re very optimistic,” he added. 120,355 unused doses that had been set aside vation’s Hudson River Estuary Program. would quarantine for 10 days because an But while the vaccinations continue, for nursing homes would be reallocated to The report, which was funded in part employee at the school had tested positive. “family members we’ve been hearing from vaccinating other people who are eligible. 16 January 22, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

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Abbie Carey ABBIEHOULIHAN LAWRENCE CAREY | ASSOCIATEAssociate REAL Real ESTATE Estate Broker BROKER Lang allegedly added a cartoon hand and “This is Me” to a video posted online. Cold845-661-5438 Spring Brokerage | [email protected] • O .. Ext.  .. Mwww.abbiecarey.houlihanlawrence.com • [email protected] FBI Arrest (from Page 1) Thank you to my amazing clients for helping me earn the honor of a HoulihanLawrence Gold Award Winner. Agents over the past two weeks in New York also have arrested residents of New York City, Long Island, Cheektowaga (near Buffalo), Rochester, Syracuse, Utica Donna Francis and Round Lake (Saratoga County). One JON CAR REALTY | ASSOCIATE REAL ESTATE BROKER hundred and seventeen people from 35 845-522-1298 | [email protected] states and D.C. had been arrested by the www.joncarrealty.com FBI as of Jan. 20, according to a tally by the Program on Extremism at George Washing- ton University. According to a criminal complaint filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Lang posted photos and Krystal Campbell videos on social media documenting his BROKER | NOBLE SQUARE REALTY participation in the riot. One video shows Lang striking officers’ shields with a bat, [email protected] | 845-401-9326 the FBI said. A video posted by Lang on social media. www.noblesquarerealty.com Lang allegedly added a cartoon finger pointing to a figure repeatedly banging On Jan. 14, two days before his arrest, a police shield with the caption, “This is Lang allegedly said in a video on Insta- me.” The FBI said Lang could be seen in gram: “I want to use this time to say thank the crowd wearing a black leather jacket you for all the people who have been reach- Kathyrine M. Tomann and green-and-black gas mask. ing out, calling me a patriot... Been really HOULIHAN LAWRENCE | ASSOCIATE REAL ESTATE BROKER On Jan. 7, the day after the riot, Lang amazing to have this impact on the commu- posted to Twitter, according to the charg- nity, going to keep on fighting for you guys, [email protected] | 914-204-0415 ing documents: “I watched a woman die we got some big things planned.” www.houlihanlawrence.com yesterday in front of my eyes. I saved two The Sullivan Times reported on Jan. others from being trampled and suffocated 12 that Lang grew up in Narrowsburg, a by Capitol Police. They murdered her and hamlet in Sullivan County with a popula- tried to murder many, many more. This tion of about 430 people, and that a Face- is an act of war by TYRANTS against the book page belonging to his mother includes Advertise your real estate business here. American people.” many “Stop the Steal” posts. The paper In the charging document, the FBI said reported on Jan. 19 that Lang was being CONTACT: 845-809-5584 | [email protected] Lang was asked by a user on Instagram what represented by a New York City defense Michele Gedney highlandscurrent.org/ads would happen next and replied: “Guns.... attorney but had not yet appeared in court. That’s it. One word. The First Amendment He was expected to have a preliminary didn’t work, we pull out the second.” hearing in federal court in White Plains. highlandscurrent.org The Highlands Current January 22, 2021 17

Nature 40, Tennis Courts 15 The ruins of a 1920s estate in the French Hill section Photos by B. Cronin

stopped short of providing for the main- Out There (from Page 1) tenance or development of the brambled The Campaign She asked that the parks be renamed marshlands. They have sat neglected for for George Pataki, a Garrison resident and years. Although signs touting the parks for Change former Peekskill mayor who was the Repub- appear on the Taconic State Parkway, lican governor of New York from 1995 to 2006 there are no signs directing visitors to an In December 2015 — six months and is known for championing conservation. entrance, and signs on local streets keep after Donald Trump announced his Galef, who has served in the Legislature disappearing. The parks also are not listed campaign for president — then-state since 1993, is not the first (or second, or anywhere on the state parks website. Sen. Daniel Squadron, a Democrat third) lawmaker to call for the Trump parks The parks are maintained by the volunteer from Brooklyn, introduced the to be renamed. But she is the first to do so group that on its website sometimes refers to Anything but Trump Act to have the with possible legal — as opposed to only itself as The Friends of Franklin D. Roosevelt park renamed. It stalled in committee moral — justifications. and Donald J. Trump State Parks. The site but has been reintroduced in every In an interview, Galef said that the deed lists how and where to visit the Trump parks session since, including the current to the Indian Hill property was never and notes that “birding opportunities abound one, by Brad Hoylman, a Manhattan signed by a representative of the state, and for birders who are intrepid enough to Democrat, and in the Assembly by Nily a check by The Current of the deed on file venture into the expanse of invasive plants.” Rozic, a Democrat from Long Island. at the Westchester County Clerk’s office However, a representative of the group, who New trail blazes at the French Hill section The bills do not suggest who would be confirmed this. (The deed for the French of Trump State Park asked not to be identified, said it has actu- Hill property was signed by a county attor- ally not been involved in any maintenance honored besides Trump, but Squadron ney.) As a result, she argues, the state would to your constituents who have sadly lost out in either Trump park for lack of “bandwidth.” said the communities near the parks be within its rights to change the name. on a tremendous opportunity.” He threat- The state parks department has showed should choose the names. Rozic Galef’s campaign is only the latest chap- ened to sell the land to housing developers. some recent attention to the properties. In suggested Heather Heyer, a young ter in a saga that, like their bombastic Today, Cooper is the director of the 2018, it began a $385,000 capital improve- woman who was killed by a white namesake, has been filled with broken Taconic Region for the state parks depart- ment project that involved the demolition supremacist in 2017 during protests promises, exaggerations, petty feuds, ment, which includes the Highlands and and removal of a few abandoned, asbestos- in Charlottesville, Virginia. unpaid bills and paperwork of question- Westchester and puts the two Trump parks ridden structures and adding new parking Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, whose able legal provenance. in her jurisdiction. (She declined to be lots, new wooden fencing and two new blazed House district includes the Highlands, Trump bought the Indian Hill parcel in interviewed for this column.) trails at French Hill. The parks department suggested in 2015 they be renamed 1998 and the French Hill section in 2000. In 2006, Trump abruptly decided to declined to comment on whether more for folk legend Pete Seeger, a longtime He spent about $2.75 million and planned donate the land to the state as parks, with improvements are in the works. Beacon resident, while Assemblyman to turn the lots into golf courses. Indian the condition that they be named for him. Having spent last weekend exploring both Charles Lavine, a Democrat from Long Hill was named for the Mohegans who lived The state agreed — an unusual move since parks, I can report that they are not with- Island, suggested Peter Salem, an there in the 18th century after being forced the parks department does not typically out their discreet charms. Indian Hill has African American who fought for the out of every other part of what is now West- name parks for living people. Trump took a lovely field with ample views, perfect for colonies in the Revolutionary War and chester County (a Native American burial a $26.1 million tax write-off on the land, kite-flying or, judging by the fresh, circular who, some historians believe, was ground has been discovered just south of according to a list of charitable contribu- tracks, ripping doughnuts in an ATV. The Muslim. the park). French Hill is so named because tions published by The Washington Post. ATV trails that run through the brambles French troops who fought for America in the It was a miraculous increase in value for are thick with multiflora rose and bitter- Revolutionary War camped in the vicinity. land that had not been improved in any sweet that, while being invasive species, did not encounter another person at either Trump soon discovered why the 436 way. Tim Miller, an environmental consul- probably make the paths quite beautiful location. Although Trump hoped the pair acres was such a bargain: They contain tant with offices in Cold Spring who worked when they bloom in the spring and summer. would become “one of the most beautiful marshlands that drain into nearby reser- with Trump on three projects that included French Hill includes the elegant stone parks anywhere in the world,” they are not voirs that provide drinking water. That the land that became the two parks (and ruins of a 1920s estate and a tennis court even the most beautiful parks on the block, made it impossible to get the necessary who said he had to settle for a $95,000 golf that is in the process of being aggressively as the Danner Family Preserve is around environmental approvals to create golf course “credit” instead of $140,000 Trump reclaimed by nature. The newly blazed the corner from Indian Hill. For what courses, although Trump pressured then- owed him in fees), noted that without any trails are short, marshy hikes that are it’s worth, the Danners were inspired by Yorktown Supervisor Linda Cooper to grant approvals, the parcels were worth about perfect for small children who enjoy getting Trump to donate their land, as well. them anyway. Cooper told the Journal what Trump paid for them. “There is no their feet wet, and the tennis court would If Galef does not succeed with the latest News in 2002 that Trump acted “like the legal or economic foundation” for a $26 make an ideal photoshoot backdrop for a effort to rename the Trump parks, perhaps bully on the playground,” who “just didn’t million appraisal, Miller said on Thursday. black metal band or goth teenagers getting critics could campaign to simply call them want to go through the rules.” Although Trump said at the time that ready to have a terrible time at their prom. what they are. The Donald J. Trump State Since Twitter had yet to be invented, he hoped “these 436 acres of property will Despite such riches, and despite the Parks are clearly not living up to their poten- Trump had to settle for berating Cooper in turn into one of the most beautiful parks public’s hunger for “less-traveled trails” that tial, but the Donald J. Trump Invasive Species a letter: “You have done a terrible disservice anywhere in the world,” his generosity can be safely visited during the pandemic, I Refuges would already be a bigly success. 18 January 22, 2021 The Highlands Current highlandscurrent.org

In other business … Shanty (from Page 8) ¢ The board scheduled a public hearing He said whoever built the shanty used a for Feb. 15 to hear feedback on a proposed Current screw gun to assemble it in a small valley law that would regulate short-term rent- Classifieds amid trees that shield it from view, except als such as those booked through Airbnb. in winter. The interior contained chairs and Trustee Chris Winward said the provisions commercial building for rent in village. patio furniture, candles, “a case of beer” SERVICES under consideration include requirements Well-suited for wide range of uses (office/ and other items, the mayor said. that rental operators live on the premises, professional/medical/art/studio/retail). On- PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT FOR WRITING Bowman asked residents to “be on the a limit on each rental to 100 days per year site Parking. Walk to train, Main, shopping. AND STUDY SKILLS — Local expert lookout, if you’re in the woods, for this kind Set up as medical/professional office with and annual health and safety inspections. coach in writing and study skills offers of thing,” and said he plans to confer with reception, office/exam rooms, kitchenette, guidance to students from middle school the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, bathroom. $3,600/month (excluding ¢ Jeff Domanski, director of the Commu- through graduate school. NYU MA, editor, which runs a substation in Nelsonville, “so utilities). Call Kevin at 845-265-2683. nity Choice Aggregation program, reported writer, educator, experienced with kids they can keep an eye out, too.” that everything appears to be on track for and adult learners. Remote for now. Email The board scheduled elections for March Nelsonville to join Philipstown, Beacon, [email protected]. POSITIONS WANTED 16 for the trustee seats held by Dove Pedlosky Cold Spring and seven other Mid-Hudson HOUSEKEEPING AND OTHER SERVICES and Lisa Mechaley, neither of whom plans municipalities this summer in the CCA. The — Available for cleaning, laundry, ironing, CARETAKER AVAILABLE — Caretaker to run for a second term, according to with 20+ years experience available to program allows homeowners to obtain elec- accompanying patients to medical Bowman. They cited various reasons, he maintain home & property including: tric power from renewable energy sources, appointments, business support, admin, said, including the volume of work involved repairs; gardening; landscaping; pool care; at competitive prices, through cooperation data entry or any local errands required in in dealing with issues such as the recent convenience services (errands); pet care, with Central Hudson. Cold Spring, Garrison, Beacon and Fishkill. legal fight over an application to build a cell I am happy to help whether for an hour misc. Flexible to a variety of needs. Resume tower. Pedlosky said she also planned to step or more; whatever your needs are. Email & references available. Contact Greg at 914- 618-2779 or [email protected]. down for family reasons. Mechaley was not ¢ The board agreed that volunteers who [email protected] or call 845-245- at the meeting to elaborate. care for the Nelsonville Woods can replace 5976. blue plastic tubes with non-toxic biode- Their departure “is going to be a gigantic DONATE YOUR CAR OR TRUCK — Benefits FOR SALE loss to the village” and leave “a big hole on gradable mesh tubes to protect seedlings Heritage for the Blind. Tax deductible, free the board,” the mayor said. from deer. Bowman noted that the blue towing, all paperwork taken care of. Call GENERAC STANDBY GENERATORS — The Any resident who wishes to run for a tubes often “are all over the forest when a 1-833-304-0651. weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages. Free 7-year seat has until Feb. 9 to file an independent big storm comes through.” The mayor also extended warranty ($695 value!). Schedule nominating petition with at least 15 signa- proposed that a section of the woods be FOR RENT your free in-home assessment today. Call tures of registered Nelsonville voters, said protected and turned into a natural nurs- ery for cultivating seedlings and saplings. 1-631-498-7851. Special financing for Village Clerk Mindy Jesek. COLD SPRING COMMERCIAL — 1,521 sq-ft qualified customers. single-story, freestanding, well-maintained

and small cell wireless units. The new law (from Page 8) TAG SALE? Car for sale? Space for rent? Help wanted? Beacon would also shift the approval of both to the a workshop a week earlier. Planning Board. Place your ad here for $4.95. See highlandscurrent.org/classifieds. “The public element of this is very strong, The Planning Board would be required just looking at the open space compo- to hold public hearings for all non-small nent,” said Mayor Lee Kyriacou. “There are cell wireless proposals but hearings would Capitol attack not condemn any political party or seek commercial floors, as well, but that seems be optional for small cell units, the lower- The council on Tuesday adopted a reso- to suppress the constitutional right to like gravy.” powered antennas typically affixed to lution condemning the Jan. 6 riot at the protest, but that the attack on the Capitol buildings or poles to fill gaps in broadband U.S. Capitol and supporting “all actions to and Congress was far over the line. Wireless facilities coverage. ensure accountability for those inciting and “I recognize we are a lowly city coun- A second public hearing Tuesday focused Two residents who spoke during the conducting the attack.” The accused rioters cil and we should rarely take stands on on a proposal that would combine two hearing both said they felt the city was include a resident of Beacon. national issues, but I feel it’s my obligation laws adopted in 2018 and 2019 regulat- making too many concessions to the wire- Several council members spoke before under my oath of office to do so tonight,” ing wireless telecommunications facilities less industry. voting on the resolution, saying it does Kyriacou said.

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Answers for Jan. 15 Puzzles                         Puzzle Page Sponsored by           Country Goose  115 Main St. Cold Spring, NY 10516 1. SHIPWRECKED, 2. BANKS, 3. FRIES, 4. DISCARDED, 5. STICKY, 6. THYME, 7. ENERGIZE 845-265-2122 Answers will be published next week. See highlandscurrent.org/puzzle for interactive sudoku. 20 January 22, 2021 For mail delivery, see highlandscurrent.org/delivery SPORTS Follow us at twitter.com/hcurrentsports season as preparation for the (May/June) outdoor season, when conditions are more Preview: amenable to good performance than Janu- ary; and to post a few times among our Beacon Track junior boys that will assist in building a ‘resume’ that will lead to post-high school Bulldogs hoping for mild track and field opportunities.” Henry added that he’s impressed with the weather, no hitches with way Bulldog athletes have handled the diffi- outdoor season cult situation. “Thus far the kids have been By Skip Pearlman pretty resilient,” he said. “We’re 10 months into this pandemic in New York, and kids have ure, the Beacon High School indoor had to sacrifice a lot of opportunities that they track and field team is happy to have may have taken for granted before this year. S a season. But that doesn’t mean there “I’ve been impressed with their attention won’t be challenges. and commitment to practicing and compet- The Bulldogs have been practicing outside ing safely,” he said. “I hope the adults in our to get accustomed to the cold weather, in community have appreciated their matu- Members of the Beacon High indoor track and field team get in a workout Wednesday hopes of getting in as many meets as possible. rity in handling this unique situation. In at Hammond Field. Photo by S.Pearlman But colder temperatures and snow or ice some ways, a case could be made that these — not to mention wind — could all become I’m not interested in having kids outside for Ed Manente and Sal Migliore, each an All- kids are adapting to things better than huge factors at possible outdoor meets in the duration of a typical track meet. League selection last year. many adults have.” January and February. “I expect to schedule some teams that All-League seniors Nathalia Thomas and Barring setbacks, Beacon is hoping to Coach Jim Henry said he and other are willing to contest a meet consisting of a Tamar Adams return for the girls’ squad. open its season Jan. 27 at Hendrick Hudson. coaches are trying to adapt to fewer events sprint race, a distance race, a jumping event, With the New York State Indoor Cham- Beyond that, the team will schedule week- and shorter meets. a throwing event and perhaps a relay,” the pionships already cancelled, Cader (a state to-week, and according to the weather, “We have no plans for virtual meets coach said. “Maybe two hours maximum, championship qualifier in 2019 and 2020) Henry said. The team hopes to face John — yet,” Henry said this week. “I’m less as opposed to the three-hour usual meet.” will be unable to make a return trip to Jay of East Fishkill, Ketcham and Arlington concerned with the team scoring of meets Returning for the Beacon boys’ team compete at the state level. for dual meets in February, and Henry said this season than I am with getting kids are: seniors Zach Cader (an All-League/All- Henry said the team’s goals have shifted Section 1 officials are discussing potential opportunities to compete safely. With Section/state qualifier) and Mark Guzman toward “having a safe and competitive dates with the Hudson Valley Sports Dome temperatures hovering around freezing, (All-League); and juniors Evan LaBelle, season of some kind; using the indoor in Milton. Preview: Beacon Swimming Boys’ team thrilled to be in co-captains James Patino (All-League), Justin Piciacchio and Jacob Welsh, juniors the water Hunter Ingold (All-League), Lucas Vermeu- By Skip Pearlman len (All-League) and Owen Browne, fresh- men Imroz Ali and Bryce Manning, and he Beacon High School boys’ swim eighth-graders Kieran Kumar and Jordan team is one of the lucky few squads Mercer, who are both new. T — so far — to be able to compete this “With James and Justin, I’m looking for winter, opening its season this week with a great leadership, and to be very competi- loss to Arlington. tive,” Collins said of his captains. “James Coach Larry Collins has a diverse team is trying to qualify for sectionals, maybe — including three All-Leaguers and a pair in the 100 [meter] backstroke, and to do Junior Hunter Ingold works out at the Beacon pool this week. The Bulldogs opened their of newcomers — and said his swimmers are well in the 50 [meter] freestyle as well. And season Tuesday. Photo by S.Pearlman relieved to be in the water with competi- I’m looking forward to Justin being able to tions scheduled. come back this year. He missed part of last tive of the opportunity they have. and in the 100-meter freestyle, where Some will be virtual; some will be year because of an injury, so he’s trying to The team has had no issue with COVID- Piciacchio swam 56.07 for the win. in-person. finish the things he started. 19 protocols so far. “Our sport should be Vermeulen took second in the 200- and “They’re very happy to be able to have a “Lucas is returning as our freestyle special- fine,” Collins said. “I’ve been coaching since 500-meter freestyle; Ingold finished second season,” Collins said. “Even when I’m yelling ist in the 200 and 500 meters,” the coach June with my club program, and we have in the 50-meter freestyle; and Patino placed at them, I think they’re happy to be here.” continued. “He’s looking to set some personal not had any incidents related to the virus.” second in the 200-meter individual medley. Added to the challenges presented by the records this year, to get below 2 minutes in Beacon is hoping to swim six meets — “It was kind of rough,” Collins said. “We pandemic will be the test of moving into a the 200. And Hunter, a returning junior, I’m two in person and four virtual (with times are a much smaller team. Some of our more competitive division. hoping he can do well in all four strokes.” fed into a computer to determine results). swimmers are still developing and some are “This season, because we have moved to a Collins likes the way Mercer has taken to “It isn’t exactly ideal,” Collins said. “I don’t seasoned veterans. Justin swam a personal new division (with Arlington, Wappingers, the sport. “This is the first time he’s swum, like it, but I don’t think it will be that big best in the 100-meter freestyle, which was a Suffern, Pelham, Mamaroneck and Ossin- and he’s sort of like a natural to the water,” he of a deal.” very nice job by him. And Hunter did a nice ing), and because we lost a lot of talent from said. “So I’m hoping he develops into a great The Bulldogs struggled to score points in job for us in the 50-meter free.” last year, if we can finish .500 I’d be very swimmer over the next couple of years.” their first meet, a 111-49 loss to Arlington Beacon is scheduled to swim a virtual happy,” Collins said. “It will be much more Collins is looking for his team to gain on Tuesday at home. meet against Ossining and Mamaroneck challenging for the team.” experience, compete strong and have fun Beacon earned first place in the 100-meter today (Jan. 22) and host Wappingers on This winter’s team includes senior this winter, and his swimmers are apprecia- backstroke, with Patino recording a 1:05.99, Tuesday (Jan. 26).