The best source for local news from Marbletown, Rochester & Rosendale
Published the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month | Vol. 26, Issue 15
August 6, 2021 | 75 cents
High Falls' Grady Park makeover Ann Belmont BSP Reporter Plans for upgrading and expanding the area known as Grady Park in the center of High Falls have been gathering steam. The board has been developing conceptual designs for the project since 2018, in consultation with the engineering firm GPI as well as the D&H Canal Historical Society and the High Falls Conservancy. Board member Eric Stewart, who has
been spearheading this initiative, gave a public presentation about it at a Marbletown town board meeting last June. “Last year,” he explained, “the Town of Marbletown purchased a 99-year lease from the D&H Canal Historical Society for Grady Park, the formerly neglected strip of land between Route 213 and Old Route 213 in the center of High Falls. The idea was to create a welcoming public space that would provide an area for folks to relax, gather and learn about the history
of the canal and its impact on the community … Last fall, the town hired a local landscaping company to do an initial cleanup of the park, and we hired another local company to complete a much-needed survey of the entire area. Just recently, the town’s highway department began removing dead, diseased and misshapen trees in order to make room for better things to come.” The proposed project envisions a community gathering space, ADA-compliant
accessible pathways, possibly a sculpture garden, and a relocated Veteran’s Memorial Plaza, all west of the flea market (which will remain where it is). Improved pathways will connect the park to Five Locks Walk. Stewart said that a “large conifer” will be planted at a site indicated on the architectural rendering of the plans as Christmas Tree Plaza. This is just a con-
See Grady Park, page 18
Swim kids are happy to be back at the pool Page 10
The changing demographics of the here and now Page 7
Ribbon cutting for new commercial kitchen at CTK The Rev. Marcella Gillis, incoming rector of Christ the King Episcopal Church in Stone Ridge, cuts the ribbon at the celebratory opening of the church's new commercial kitchen. The kitchen is one of a number of improvements made to the church property as a result of a $700,000 capital campaign. Depending on the status of the Covid-19 resurgence, the church will hold a community celebration in the fall. The Rev. Gillis' first Sunday service at CTK will be at 9 a.m. on Aug. 15. Photo by Janet Vincent
‘Help Wanted’ everywhere Ann Belmont BSP Reporter
Kaete Brittin Shaw's new exhibit space lets the art shine Page 20
Like much of the nation, Rondout Valley business owners are experiencing a pervasive shortage of people looking for work. The following is a series of conversations with a few of them about how, or if, the situation is affecting them personally. Mark and Roni Usvolk, who own and run Lydia’s Cafe in Stone Ridge, have weathered every storm that threatened their business in the last decade and a half plus, but they have finally decided to call it quits – mostly. No more breakfast, no more lunch.
“Ironically,” Mark Usvolk wrote in the Lydia’s newsletter recently, “we managed to survive the recession, Covid-19, financial, physical and emotional hardships only to be brought down by the labor shortage that is currently plaguing our nation.” As of this writing Lydia’s will be open regularly only on Saturday nights for live music, adding occasional dates for special events. Usvolk wasn’t shy in blaming his scarcity of workers on “a rampant sense of entitlement … The administration is
See Help wanted, page 4
Sign posted at Emmanuel’s Market in Stone Ridge this week.
Page , August 6, 2021, BlueStone Press
Life is a series of WISE Projects, it’s a marathon not a sprint You recently retired as the coordinator of the WISE (Wise Individualized Senior Experience) program at Rondout Valley High School. How did you become involved in such an amazing way to educate high school seniors for finding their love of a career and being successful at it in their adult life ahead of them? As they say, "Do what you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." As a senior myself at Woodlands High School, I participated in the WISE Program, which was started by my social studies teacher, Vic Leviatin, and an English teacher. WISE gives seniors a way to become re-engaged in their education for the last semester of high Visit the folks school, especially next door once GPA and college decisions had been made. I recall attending the RVCSD opening day conference in 1998, and the superintendent at the time, Eileen Camaso, mentioned in her speech wanting to increase school-to-work opportunities for students. When I heard this, I immediately thought of Vic and his next invention, WISE Services Inc. I contacted Vic to see if he could send me some materials, and he said, "Better I should come, and we’ll meet with Ms. Camaso. Can you set up a meeting?" The meeting was a brainstorming session that included enthusiasm and excitement from all of us. I then literally talked to one person at a time to garner support for WISE at Rondout and ultimately to then high school principal, Bill Cafiero, who said to me, "Bring me at least seven teachers who support it and then I will consider it.” Once I was given the goahead, there was no looking back and it was full steam ahead. We had 40 students sign up that first year in 1999.
Q&A
What was the toughest part of the role you played with the WISE students? Advocating for all kids of all abilities was the greatest joy in coordinating WISE, but it often took a great leap of faith and determination to stay confident that in the end the value of the experience for each and every kid was worth the time and effort it took. In addition, an experiential program like WISE requires that seniors have some freedom and autonomy to learn what they want and, within the parameters, to learn how they want. This freedom is what makes the program so appealing to 17and 18-year-olds but is the same aspect that makes administrators and traditional educators most uncomfortable. Keeping WISE at Rondout viable and available over the last 24 years has been the biggest challenge. What was the most joyful – a time when you thought, "I love what I do!" Honestly, the entire time I was running WISE was joyful, and my love of kids and passion for the program never wavered, not even once. I am beyond grateful for all the experiences and for what I learned from each and every WISE participant, their mentors, our community and my mentors. WISE is about process, and my own WISE experience taught me that if you stay engaged in the process and enjoy the moment, magic can happen. In addition, as the school years wind down and the WISE presentations begin, I have been humbled and moved year after year by the effort and quality of our model presenters and the others that follow. Each presentation is a truly a gift to those in
mates that even in a pandemic, with all the uncertainty, they had applied to help the next group of freshmen coming up! What went into your decision to retire at this point in time? Making the decision to retire this year took hard work and internal exploration. Working with young people was and continues to be a passion of mine. Yet, I have several other passions and interests, and it was time to explore some other avenues of personal interest and take care of home, family, friends and self. Franny and her assistant, Marlowe Patches
Franny Hertz Profession: Educator Age: 60 Town: Accord
attendance, and the experience is a great launching pad for our seniors, as they prepare to graduate. What was your funniest memory as an educator? My funniest memory was from my classroom teaching experience. I was co-teaching common-core algebra with Elise Cimino. She is a math expert; me, not so much. My administrators at the time were confident I could teach math, and I dutifully took on the role and did homework every night to keep up with the new, ever-changing, even harder algebra curriculum. One day, my worst nightmare occurred: Elise was going to be out, and I alone was to teach the next lesson. I totally overprepared, and when class began, I stood in the front of the room, projector on, and got into the zone for teaching. Just as I was about to begin, with all my concentration and focus, I looked down and there before me was one of our strongest math students, in the front row with a bowl of Fruit Loops and the milk spilled all over himself and the floor (this was before Covid, when kids could eat in the room first period on tiny desks that could barely fit their notebooks, let alone a meal). The room erupted in laughter as we worked together to clean up. I have no recollection of the lesson but vividly remember those Fruit Loops everywhere and somehow, we regrouped and got through the lesson. And what was the most emotionally draining experience? Teaching is emotionally draining every day. As a teacher, you are affecting lives in the moment for the future, and that, when taken seriously, is a huge responsibility. On the other hand, the rewards that you get in the moment from the students provide the fuel needed to keep going and give the best of what you've got. The immediate feedback in teaching is a gift of the profession! When students are struggling or experience trauma it is emotionally draining to balance teaching material with supporting their social/ emotional needs. When I broke the news to the students who had been accepted as peer leaders for Newcomers Uplifted for the 2021-22 school year and passed the baton to Elise Cimino (the math teacher who had gotten me through common core algebra, even though she was absent once), I was overcome with emotion. This was a Zoom meeting with 60 Rondout High School kids who care enough about the health, wellness and safety of their freshmen class-
What will you be doing with your time on this next part of your journey in life? Exploring all possibilities is the goal for the next part of my journey. Taking a break is essential and then re-emerging as a different kind of educator is the goal. I have my master’s degree in social work and am thinking about working more specifically in the mental health realm or teaching at the college level. Other than that, I plan to spend lots of time outdoors, in nature and with family and friends. I am excited to have time to enjoy my known passions as I learn of interests I never even knew I had. Who will be taking over your role as coordinator of the WISE program and Newcomers Uplifted? We are fortunate that Patricia Abi-Hassan, our beloved high school French teacher, will be the next WISE coordinator, and Elise Cimino will be taking over my role in Newcomers Uplifted working with Joe Reeder. Both women are highly competent and excited for their new leadership roles. I am so grateful that the high school’s amazing principal, Jess Torok, prioritized the continuance of WISE and Newcomers Uplifted and worked with me to name the best new leaders. Elise and Patricia each said yes without hesitation, and the transition began in January. I will continue to help them as they transition to these new roles and will remain on the WISE task force as a community volunteer. From all your experiences so far, what can you tell these kids about life, love and not sweating the small stuff? Be patient with yourself and others, learn who you are and what is important to you. Work on loving yourself so that you can love others. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Take time to smell the flowers and enjoy the moment because once it is gone you can’t get it back. Life is a series of WISE projects, a marathon not a sprint. Take your time to figure out your path and be reflective to savor the experience while always learning, growing and improving. Most importantly of all, have fun! And finally, if people want to reach out to you, where/how can they? If anyone wants to reach out to me, my email is fhertz4@gmail.com. Lastly, Donna and the BSP, thank you for all the support you have given to WISE and Newcomers Uplifted. I am excited for the partnership between the BSP and these programs to continue and appreciate all you do for our community and your interest in my story. ~ Compiled by Donna Cohn Viertel
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BlueStone Press, August 6, 2021, Page
Marbletown Board meetings back in person Video conferencing policies in place Sara Trapani BSP Reporter The Marbletown Town Board meeting on July 20 was the first meeting held in person since March 2020, and only a handful of community members were in attendance. All five board members were present at the meeting: Rich Parete, town supervisor; Don LaFera, deputy supervisor; and board members Eric Stewart, Tim Hunt and Daisy Foote. Stewart arrived a little late to the meeting, so the first two resolutions of the night passed 4-0. The rest of the evening’s seven resolutions all passed 5-0. One resolution regarding Marbletown’s purchase of the Rondout Municipal Center was tabled until the Aug. 3 meeting. The board recorded an audio file of the meeting and is working on a virtual set-up to broadcast future meetings virtually. The first resolution of the evening was an approval of a year lease between the town and Rondout Valley Growers Alliance. The RVGA rents space in the Rondout Municipal Center for $4,540.69 each quarter, due on the first day of August, November, February and May. The town reappointed Sidhartha Lama as a student member of the Environmental Conservation Commission for a term to expire in December of 2023. Marbletown is preparing to establish an ambulance district, or the specific geographic area that provides emergency medical services. “The boundaries of said district shall encompass the town and when completed and approved, a map, plan and report must be duly filed in the office of the town and be available
for public inspection,” the resolution specifies. Marbletown has decided to submit an application under the 2021 Environmental Protection Fund Grant Program for Parks, Preservation and Heritage for the Grady Park and High Falls “Gateway Improvement Project” that is happening in the hamlet of High Falls to make improvements to the area at the current and former road alignments of Route 213. This particular grant program is a reimbursement program where applicants, when they are approved, are expected to fund project expenditures upfront and then submit them for reimbursement afterward. The maximum amount of funding that could be awarded from the program is $500,000. According to the grant guidelines these reimbursements can be up to 75% of the eligible project cost for projects located in impoverished areas, as defined by 10% or more of the population below the poverty level. The poverty level is defined according to the most recent U.S. Census data. Marbletown authorized a 25% match of up to $166,667 in cash and services provided by professional consultants. Supervisor Parete is authorized to execute a project agreement with NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for such financial assistance to the Town of Marbletown for the project. A specific set of policies were instituted for the public to attend video conferencing meetings and for any board,
See Marbletown, page 15
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'Help wanted' from page 1 trying to give people a helping hand, and look at the result … Freedom isn’t free. You want something, you give something in return. People come up and say, Well why don’t you pay more? Well it just so happens we’re paying very well. I don’t fault anybody for trying to better themselves, but when they just don’t work, and expect to be taken care of, that’s a problem. Granted, some people have special circumstances – some people claim that they’re still too afraid to go back – to which I would reply, then get a shot. Some people say they don’t have child care, and I can understand why those people are not able to go back in the work force, but the majority of people can. And I think it’s because they’re being disincentivized by extended unemployment … This is an overgeneralization, but … there’s not as strong of a work ethic as there once was.” Alyson Reidy, proprietor of Cherries Deli, just north from Lydia’s on Route 209, has had to rely on kids just the age for working papers for extra summer help. “We’re a short-food-service, ice-cream type store,” Reidy explained. “Usually it’s high school kids, younger college kids, a few adults here and there who are experienced … This year, despite how hard I’ve tried with ads on Facebook and all of the places that you could possibly put it out there, I think I’ve gotten five or six applications, and most of those have been 14- and 15-year-olds. I hired one, and she’s actually worked out amazing, but that’s all I can really handle, because [of the] the limitations on what they’re able to do, especially in food service. Also I find,
hiring teenagers that young, their focus isn’t necessarily on working; they have very full life schedules as well. I really need some people who are a little bit more experienced in food service, and that seems almost impossible to find right now.” Unlike the Usvolks, she does have a basic staff. “The people I have with me, they’ve been working with me for a number of years,” she said. But in the summer, she needs extra hands on deck, and they aren’t showing up. “That has left us having to close the store an extra day. Prior to Covid, Cherries would be open seven days a week during ice cream season. Last year, during Covid, we made the decision to close on Mondays. This year, we’ve had to close Monday and Tuesday because we are so short-staffed.” Reidy’s take on the cause of this crisis is measured in tone. “You know, I’m not really sure… I know what everyone’s saying, the government’s giving everybody money… I’m not one to be quick to attribute it to any one thing. But the college kids – I don’t know, they’re a little bit different, they’re just going on vacation, just living their best life right now… I think there’s a lot of things. Women having to stay home and take care of their own children … I think Covid just changed a lot of people’s minds about a lot of things and people just started living a little bit differently.” Is she feeling stressed out personally? “Omigosh, yes! It’s awful. Yes-yes-yes. This year is far harder than last year. It’s so much different, and it’s so much harder.” To add to the stress, “Last year everyone was a lot nicer and more forgiving. This year – maybe they’re more frustrated, I don’t know …” Talking about the national picture, Reidy commented, “I see how it’s affecting distribution and production. We have
trouble getting in all the products that we need. The craziest things that you can think of, like pineapple topping for ice cream sundaes. And it’s not just food supplies. For example, my ice cream machine broke, and we needed just one part to fix it. Well, that part has been on back order for three and a half weeks. The lack of a work force affects big business and small. Businesses like mine that are primarily seasonal, if we can’t maximize our profits in our high season, then our winters are going to be … not that great.” Over at Kelder’s Farm, Chris Kelder reported that so far this season he does have enough labor to run the farm. “The people we have are wonderful, let me start with that. But I do notice a lot less people putting in applications compared to a normal year, and I notice the applications are coming from younger people,” including 14- and 15-year-olds. “I have heard that, industry-wide, agriculture is having a real hard time hiring people. Not just the Hudson Valley – everywhere.” Kelder attributed this to “a lot of reasons. It’s just my surmising, but a lot of it stems from lifestyle changes during Covid. I think a lot of parents are home with their kids now, they aren’t looking for a part-time job; and I think there are less offshore people coming here,” probably because it’s become more difficult for seasonal migrants to enter the U.S.. Harvesting work is not easy, he added. “The people who come and pick apples are unbelievably skilled at what they do. You and I couldn’t do it.” In contrast to Kelder, Bob Montalvo of Welcome Home Cleaners seemed truly strapped for employees. “We need cleaners, supervisors … there just doesn’t seem to be anybody out there.” Asked for his opinion as to why that is, he said, “The additional unemployment – I can’t believe
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that’s everything. I think that, for our business, a huge service business, this area has changed. I think more people have left the area who would normally be looking for these positions, and they’re being replaced with people who are on the demand side of it… A house sells, and maybe there were a couple of 20somethings who were living there and going to college, but now that house has been bought by, say, a weekender. Now we’ve lost the two potential employees, but the flip side of it is … a client. What we’ve experienced is almost a doubling in requests for work and a halving of people wanting to work. “It’s been almost impossible. Very long hours, that’s how we’ve been dealing with it. I’m literally standing and cleaning a shower right now, while I’m speaking to you. My daughter who just turned 16 works with us.” To make matters worse, some of his young workers are only staying for the summer. “So we’re OK right now, but in two weeks, we won’t be,” he said, when high school and college students start returning to school. Montalvo continued, “Every small business you talk to – it’s like shouting into the wind. We’re running ads in the BlueStone, Hudson Valley One, Facebook … there’s just very little response. It’ll be interesting to see if it really is the additional unemployment, which is supposed to dry up after this month. We’ll see if there’s an uptick in applicants. I’m not overly optimistic. “We’re already pretty much overbooked, so we wouldn’t be able to take any new business on … If we had adequate staffing we could probably be doing twice as much as what we’re doing right now.” Montalvo estimated that they are lucky if they’re able to hire one out of 10 of the few applicants they do get. Has he raised wages? “I think our total employment costs are up 40%. We’re also looking at offering additional benefits – 401k and stuff like that just to attract and retain people.” In the 22 years he and his wife, Geordan, have been in business, getting workers has always been “a challenge,” he said, “but we’ve never seen anything quite like this.”
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Rochester board endorses rail trail grant Amber Kelly BSP Reporter The July 26 special meeting of the Rochester Town Board was attended (in person) by town supervisor Mike Baden, board members Erin Enouen, Bea Haugen-Depuy, Chris Hewitt and Adam Paddock as well as town clerk Kate Gundberg. Baden began the meeting with an Open Space Institute request for a letter of support for its consolidated funding application of 2021: “Whereas OSI proposes to undertake a feasibility study of creating a major new rail trail and linear park of the entire 60 miles of the former O&W railroad Port Jervis branch that runs through Ulster, Orange and Sullivan counties from the City of Kingston south to the city of Port Jervis, whereas approximately 38 miles of this rail trail is already owned by N.Y.S. Department of Environmental Conservation and is actively used and is highly popular as a recreational trail and linear park, and whereas OSI will assess the feasibility of acquiring the private gaps in this rail bed.” Baden said that OSI would look at the costs of facilitating various options, improving currently unimproved sections, providing any signage needed, and solving drainage problems, for example. Baden went on to say that, according to the letter, the parks study will be located in the towns of Hurley, Marbletown, Roch-
ester, Wawarsing and Deerpark, as well as the villages of Ellenville and Wurtsboro, and the cities of Kingston and Port Jervis. A portion of the rail trail runs through the Town of Rochester, and under the rules of this program, the not-for-profit OSI must obtain the approval of the governing bodies of the various municipalities along the route. Baden explained that 22 miles are owned by private individuals, some of whom have easements over it, but some do not. An approximately 2-mile gap of the rail bed in Accord had been sold off to individuals since the O&W railroad ceased to exist in the 1957. The Rochester trail section is in nine or 10 different segments. OSI is not looking to take ownership of the property; they sent the same letter to every town along the line, seeking consensus and support. Baden said that Rochester will be getting “next steps” out of a feasibility study at no charge. “A grant of this magnitude is much easier to get than a smaller project.” Baden said, “Quite frankly, from a selfish point of view, this is going to help us with a very expensive feasibility study of closing a 2-mile gap. There has been a committee of the town that has been working on a potential route for the trail along the Rondout Creek. This is a gift, to get this opportunity to fall in our lap. By having a connected rail trail that is con-
nected to the Empire State trail, it opens us up for future projects better than if you are a stand-alone project. Just because OSI is applying for this doesn’t mean they will get it. The only way we could get this [joining the links of the trail] the old way is through eminent domain – which nobody wants to do. The major thing that needs to be done is that gap needs to be closed up.” Baden read, “Now therefore the Town of Rochester authorizes the Supervisor to write a letter to support the Open Space grant proposal for the N.Y. State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation through the consolidated funding of the case in process.” The board passed the motion to send the letter of support. Additionally, a proposed resolution reads as follows: “Now therefore, let it be resolved … that the Town of Rochester town board does approve and endorse the application of the Open Space Institute to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for a grant under Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993 to conduct a feasibility study to create a master plan for the entire length of the rail bed stretching from the City of Kingston all the way to Port Jervis intended to guide its use and eliminate numerous gaps to maximize the potential of the trail for recreation, transportation, quality of life, connectivity and economic development.”
The board passed it unanimously. The next item for review was the request for a letter of support for a marketing campaign to be mounted by Westwind Orchards LLC that would use social media, radio, print and an improved website. The promotion will include a schedule of weekly performances to draw visitors to the farm. The suggested language of the letter points out that Westwind’s campaign would have a positive effect on other agribusinesses and restaurants in the area, including Arrowood Farm Brewery, Hudson Valley Seed Company and Kelder’s Farm to promote the Town of Rochester as a destination. Enouen recused herself from the vote, explaining that she had a business association with Westwind. The board approved. Also approved was a letter of support from the Town Board to the Ulster County Economic Development Alliance in reference to an application for a grant for the so-called Granary Project, plans to improve and develop the former Anderson mill property in Accord. The board then went into executive session to handle various personnel matters, including interviewing someone to take the position of town assessor after Michael Dunham’s resignation becomes effective on Aug. 27.
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BlueStone Press, August 6, 2021, Page
Demographic changes help local businesses thrive and create new challenges Jeff Slater BSP Reporter Since the onset of Covid-19 our area has had a change in demographics. More people are moving to the area, house prices have gone up, and businesses have more customers. Just ask Tim Sweeney of Stone Ridge Wines & Liquor. “There has been a significant increase in sales since March of 2020 that has maintained through 2021,” Sweeney said. “We don’t expect it to ever go back to preCovid levels. There have been significant changes in the real estate market in Marbletown, Rochester and Rosendale. In all three towns the number of sold homes has gone up about 20%, the average selling price has gone up about 33%, and the rate at which the homes are selling has gone up. What do these changes mean, and where are the people coming from? Steven Domber, president of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services HV Properties, said, “What we’ve found in the last 24 months is that there is an exodus of buyers coming up from New York City. The biggest issue we have today is the scarcity of inventory. Many people used to come up here for vacation properties, but because of the great quality of life, what they can get for their money up here and the fact they can work from home, they are now staying permanently.” Laurel Sweeney, a realtor from Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Nutshell Realty, said, “Most clients are coming up from the metropolitan area, especially Manhattan and Brooklyn, I would say 80% of our buyers are from out of town and the rest are local. We’ve been able to help some local folks ‘buy up,’ selling one house and buying another.” Sweeney echoed Domber’s point about inventory. “As a seller there has never been a better time
SOLD PROPERTY ANALYSIS FOR 17 MONTH PERIOD PRIOR TO AND POST COVID-19 OUTBREAK
TOWN
UNITS SOLD
AVG LIST PRICE
AVG SOLD PRICE
LIST TO MEDIAN SELL RATIO SOLD PRICE
ROSENDALE Oct. 2018 - Feb. 2020
86
$234,627
$227,317
97%
$228,000
ROSENDALE Mar. 2020 - July 2021
86
$314,669
$314,897
100%
$280,000
ROCHESTER Oct. 2018 - Feb. 2020
144
$334,846
$332,992
99%
$260,000
ROCHESTER Mar. 2020 - July 2021
181
$444,119
$445,515
101%
$335,000
MARBLETOWN Oct. 2018 - Feb. 2020
110
$423,054
$406,940
96%
$338,750
MARBLETOWN Mar. 2020 - July 2021
138
$524,231
$532,834
102%
$427,500
to sell, with inventory low; as a buyer it is a tough time to buy as prices have escalated and there is a real competition for homes.” These changes have implications for our community. “We have always had a significant second-homeowner population, dedicated to coming up every weekend,” she said, “but now they are staying. I heard High Meadow School has a waiting list. Also many customers are wanting extra space so they can work from home.” Jeanne Walsh, Rosendale town supervisor, said, “We have had a huge influx of people since 9/11; many artists and writers have lived up here and commute. I always see the park-and-ride is full. I know since Covid more people are up here staying at Airbnbs and rentals, and that has affected our housing. I see the parking lots to the trails filled. I think we’ve become a desirable area to move to.” Though Walsh sees positives from these changes, she also is aware of the effects on locals as far as housing. “I see people looking to share a place because they can’t get rentals. I think we have to find a balance between bringing people in that boost our economy and also making sure that people work can afford living in our community.”
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Joe Sorbello of Regular Joe’s Barber Shop in High Falls has witnessed firsthand the benefits of demographic changes, “I’ve seen exponential increases in my clientele. It has become a daily occurrence that I welcome someone new to the area in my barbershop, I am happy to say that the overwhelming majority have been a welcome addition to the area.” Michael Baden, town supervisor for Rochester, sees similar trends. “I think during the onset of Covid-19 people looked to get out of the city to worry less, and they started staying here, and many have stayed.” In terms of increased business activity in the community, Baden said, “Rochester is a little different than Rosendale and Marbletown in that we have Accord but we don’t have a centralized downtown area. We’re seeing more tourist and destination-based businesses. We welcome the new growth to the community, but there is a concern that the longer-term
residents are having a hard time finding places to live. It’s concerning because we don’t want to become a community of a certain market then you end up with a real disparity become income levels. We have an awareness of this and are looking into ways to deal with it. We don’t want to create a locals versus newcomers mentality.” Rich Parete, town supervisor of Marbletown, said, “After 9/11 there was a migration up here, and it’s been accelerated by Covid, when people realized they can work up here with a good internet connection.” Parete doesn’t see this being unique to Marbletown but as trend for the whole Hudson Valley. In terms of Marbletown, “There‘s definitely impacts to the community that we need to address, such as the water usage and housing for people that work in the area,” Parete said. “If houses are costing over $400,000, not many locals are going to be able to afford that. I’ve always felt that part of public service was how do we support our local businesses, but now that they’re doing well, the issue now has turned to housing. How can we make more affordable housing for folks who live and work here?” The last few years the demographics of our area have changed, bringing positives such as increased value to our homes and businesses flourishing; but with these changes come new concerns that will have to be dealt with as we move forward.
Page , August 6, 2021, BlueStone Press
Marbletown Republicans nominate candidates for November election BSP Staff Reports About 25 people attended the Marbletown Republican Caucus on July 12 to nominate candidates for town offices for the Republican line on the November ballot. George Dimler, the current Marbletown highway superintendent, was the presiding officer for the caucus. Republicans nominated incumbent Richard Parete, a registered Democrat, for town supervisor for a third two-year term. With this endorsement, RepubParete licans have nominated Parete for town supervisor for three elections, as well as for county legislator in previous election cycles. Parete said, “In my career I've been endorsed by the Democratic, ReLaFera publican, Independent, Conservative, Green and Working Families parties. I've been the same person no matter what endorsement I've gotten.” Parete will run against political newcomer Jacob Sherman (D), who Davenport secured a win for the Democratic line in the June 22 Democratic primary election. Ken Davenport of Stone Ridge (R) and incumbent Don LaFera (D) of High Falls were both nominated for Marbletown Town Board, each for a four-year term. Davenport said, “I grew up in Marbletown and was taught that anything is possible. I have used that thinking throughout my life, with my family, business and
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charity work. I would like to be on the town board because I believe that bringing that value to the board would be a fantastic addition. As we come out of the pandemic there will be many challenges that Marbletown will face, and dealing with those challenges correctly will enable Marbletown to thrive, both in the short and long term. Thank you to both the Republican and Conservative parties for supporting me, and I look forward to working with all board members to what is best for Marbletown.” Davenport and LaFera will run against the Marbletown Democratic Committee's endorsed Town Board candidates, Jeannie Werber, a High Falls resident and senior administrator for the not-for-profit sector, and Stone Ridge executive and U.S. Marine veteran Matthew Cline (see below). Neither was contested in the June Democratic primary. LaFera, running for his second four-year term, said, “I will be running for re-election, alongside Rich Parete and Ken Davenport, both who along with myself grew up here in Marbletown. We worked, ran businesses, volunteered in our community, got married and raised our kids here, because we love our town.” Parete said, “I think it's important that the voters of Marbletown have a choice for supervisor and town board. I look forward to campaigning with Don LaFera and Ken Davenport.” He said, “The three of us are born and raised in Marbletown and care deeply about the well-being of all the residents of Marbletown. We appreciate the endorsement of the Marbletown Republican Party.” LaFera urged supporters to vote in November, saying, “I would like to thank our local Republican Party and the many local Dems who have voiced their support to Rich, Ken and myself. I hope that we can count on all my fellow Democrats and Republicans to support us so that we may continue to work for all our neighbors and
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our town.” Additionally, Tim Hunt is on the ballot on just the Democratic line, running uncontested for the sole two-year seat that was vacated within the four- year term by Susan Sprachman (D). Hunt is currently serving in that board seat and was formerly the co-chairman of the Marbletown Historic Preservation Commission. Adding to the confusion, as previously reported widely and in this newspaper last month, Cline has withdrawn from the race, but his name will appear on the ballot in November as state election law does not provide for voluntary declination; the window to decline by “designating petition” has passed, according to an email from Jen Fuentes, deputy commissioner of Ulster County Board of Elections. Cline said he will not serve if elected. “I have been slandered, my family has been verbally attacked, and I have been threatened and coerced,” Cline said in June. “I chose not to continue because the political climate in Marbletown is disgusting, and both party committees and the current town leadership are fully at fault. It’s my opinion that the committees and their higher level agendas should stay out of our local politics,” he said. Parete, LaFera and Davenport also have the Conservative Party line endorsement. Marbletown residents will have a chance to vote for the supervisor position and for the two open board seats and the one uncontested board seat on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 2, and in early voting as Election Day approaches.
Briefs Late summer art fusion camp with Jill Obrig at Ulster County Historical Society Facilitated by Stone Ridge artist Jill Obrig, this end-of-summer camp will be held 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, Aug. 30-Sept. 3, at the Ulster County Historical Society, 2682 Route 209, Marbletown. Campers 7-12 years of age will create sculptures, paintings, drawings, natural assemblages, learn theater arts and go on a field trip Obrig to see pollinators. Obrig and her student aids will lead the camp, with a fusion of art, science and theater. The theme of the camp is birds. Participants will study birds of the local ecosystem through observation and documentation. Additional activities include a field trip to visit the butterfly gardens of Maralene Manna Jones. And on the last day of camp there will be a reception for parents where children will perform a short play with music and have their art on display. Campers are to bring their own lunch, drink, snack and insect repellent. Masks will be required while using facilities inside the museum. For more information, cost and registration, contact Obrig at 845750-5515 or noodles2@hvc.rr.com.
BlueStone Press, August 6, 2021, Page
Holocaust survivors vacation for free at Hudson Valley Resort Ann Belmont BSP Reporter They endured World War II and Nazi persecution, and have kept on enduring through the years. A group of Holocaust survivors will be boarding a bus in Brooklyn on Aug. 8, headed for the Hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson for a five-day stay courtesy of Nachas Health and Family Network (NHFN), a Brooklyn nonprofit, and the financial contributions of individual well-wishers. This is the first year their vacation destination will be the Hudson Valley Resort, said Rizy Horowitz, who works at NHFN and organizes this trip annually. For six years running, it was hosted by Oppenheimer’s Regis Hotel in Fleischmanns, but the group’s youngest member is over 90, and, in Horowitz’s words, “They outgrew it. They cannot be in a place where there’s no elevators.” How many will be going? “About 30, I think. Around seven or eight men, the rest are women.” They are all Brooklynites and enjoy services provided by NHFN yearround. “They get together in my office twice a week. We have an exercise class, they get pizza or falafel and a take-home lunch,” even an occasional free concert. There was, of course, no trip last summer. A few of Horowitz’s survivors group did contract Covid-19 and recovered. “They were on lockdown for over six months … These people are active. They haven’t lost their spirit, in spite of the virus. And now – they’re unbelievable.
Hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson
They’re on the move!” Horowitz obviously enjoys these elders. “It’s a fascinating experience … They are characters. We have some Polish who were in the war for six years. You can’t ask them which one suffered the most, because each one says THEY did … their sense of humor … You have to see the fights over the pizza and the falafel,” she said, laughing. The group will be arrive at the hotel Sunday afternoon and leave Thursday night, Aug. 12. (“The fighting over roommates …I can’t handle it anymore!”) Besides relaxing in the country air, “there’ll be yoga, someone doing art with them,
they’ll have shows every night … they’re going to be kept busy,” said Horowitz. For safety’s sake, “each of them has to get a doctor’s note signed, giving us permission to take them,” and two Nachas employees will accompany them for the duration. To hire the bus, pay the hotel and keep some emergency money on reserve, Horowitz herself raised money on GoFundMe, plus “I’m on the phone all the time. And people responded.” To make a contribution to future vacations for the Brooklyn Holocaust survivors, email Rizy Horowitz at admin@nachashealth. org, subject line “Contribution”
Library elections Rosendale Library board elections There are three vacancies on the Rosendale Library board, with three-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2024. Candidates seeking nomination require at least 25 signatures of voters registered in Rosendale. Applications for the vacancies were due back to the library earlier this month. The Rosendale Library will hold trustee elections and a budget vote on 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, at the library, 264 Main St., Rosendale. For more information, visit rosendalelibrary.org or call 845-658-9013. Stone Ridge Library vote The Stone Ridge Public Library will hold its annual election/budget vote, 2-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9, at the library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge. The election is to fill two four-year seats for the board of trustees and to consider the following proposition: “Shall the budget proposed by the Board of Trustees of the Stone Ridge Public Library, including a tax appropriation of $283,523, be approved?” Board of trustees candidates nominated by petition for the four-year seats are John Aubry, Rosemary Deen and Kathleen Nokes. For those not able to come to the polling place on the election day, absentee ballots are available at the library or community members may request them with curbside pickup or at the circulation desk. Ballots may be returned in person to the library, no later than the day before the vote. The Stone Ridge Library is open noon-3 p.m. Sundays in August. Those eligible to vote must live and be registered in the Town of Marbletown. For further information, contact Jody Ford, library director, at 845-687-7023 or visit stoneridgelibrary.org.
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Athletics, recreation & fitness
Page 10
August 6, 2021
Local swim teams back afloat after a year of not competing Kerhonkson Barracudas and Rosendale Rapids complete season Jeff Slater BSP Reporter Did you know that over 120 youths are involved in swimming in our area? And after having to not swim or compete for a year, they are back in the water causing a splash of enthusiasm. The Kerhonkson Barracudas and the Rosendale Rapids compete in the eight-team Dutchess-Ulster Swimming Organization (DUSO). “We couldn’t swim last year, and we were concerned this year, but after sending out surveys we realized we could have some sort of season this year,” said Amanda Kunz, coach of the Kerhonkson Barracudas. Kunz has been coach for 14 years and was on the team since its start in 1999. “Initially we were going to just do what we had to if the DUSO meets weren’t going to happen,” Kunz said, “but they fortunately were able to, though under not normal circumstances” The ’Cudas chose to compete virtually this season, meaning that on meet days they stayed at their pool. Meets were scored by both teams at their own pools and then tabulated together. This year DUSO choose not to keep records, unlike past years, because of Covid-19. “We have kids from 5 to 19 this year because senior swimmers (18) who missed out on last year were granted an extra year. The meets were on Saturdays,” said Jenna Tocco, assistant coach. “They are three hours long and go by swim stroke and age group. This year’s meets were not officially scored, but winners got ribbons.” Practices were in pods, according to Tocco, with no more than 15 swimmers. “It was a great season with lots of learning,” she said, “and we are looking forward to a normal 2022.” In Rosendale, after dealing with some pool repair issues, the Rapids were able
Sports Stone Ridge resident Karla Wainwright reaches finals of Ulster County Tennis Open Last month, avid tennis player and Stone Ridge resident Karla Wainwright reached the finals in two divisions of the 72nd Annual Ulster County/Dick Smith Memorial Tennis Tournament. Wainwright and Andrea Grunblatt lost in the finals of the Women’s Doubles competition to Ashley Haley and Karen Gill, 6-0, 62. It was Gill’s fifth doubles title in five final appearances and Haley’s second doubles title win with Gill. In the Senior Mixed Doubles final, Wainwright and Tom Turco lost, 6-2, 6-3, to Grunblatt and Corey Ryu. For more information, visit Ulster County Tennis Tournament on Facebook.
‘We’re just glad to be back in the water’ Jenna Tocco Assistant coach of the Kerhonkson Barracudas
Top: Barracuda swim team, Anthony Grasso, 8, and John Ryan Basten, 12. Bottom: Rosendale Rapids' Grady McCord, 10, and Gavin McArdle, 10, in a virtual swim meet against the Barracudas of Kerhonkson at Rosendale Pool on July 24, and Rapids head coach Emily Gulitti, coach Cam Fairley and coach Ali Mitchell at Hurley Rec on July 10. Photos by Jenna Tocco, Billynda Baker and Christine Hoppe
to enjoy their season as well. “We had to practice and swim at Moriello Pool in New Paltz and the YMCA in Kingston until our pool was ready July 6, and when we were able to get back in our own pool it was such a joy for our kids,” said Keri McCardle, vice president of the Rosendale Rapids, who, despite not having a home pool
at the start, had over 70 participants this season. “We had to limit our participants. We usually have over a 100, but because of Covid the town had set parameters limiting practices,” according to McCardle, but she said it was a great season. The Rapids are under the direction of head coach Emily Gulitti, along with Cam Fairley and Ali
Mitchell, all former Rapids team members, with Fairly competing as a super senior as well as coaching. The Rosendale Rapids choose to participate in live meets, unlike Kerhonkson. They ended their season with a meet in Red Hook on Saturday, July 31. This year no final meets were held because of the pandemic. A highlight of this season and past seasons is the Rosendale/Kerhonkson Food Drive, which this year was a little different. “So the Rosendale and the Kerhonkson teams, in the past when they would meet it was called ‘Splash Out Hunger,’ a term coined by the Jolly family,” said Kunz of Kerhonkson. According to both coaches, during the season bags are given out to families to fill with nonperishable food items, which then go to the local food pantries and Family of Ellenville. “People can also make monetary donations,” said McCardle. This year a girl on the Kerhonkson team, Jasmine Heil, choose for her bat mitzvah service project to collect food for this event. “She was an integral part of our food drive,” said Kunz. The season ends with the senior swimmers taking a final lap in their home pool. McCardle said that this year’s final lap was a little sweeter, the team having been able to compete after a year’s hiatus. “I’m not going to say a tear or two isn’t shed,” said McCardle.
NRA Women on Target clinic scheduled for Sept. The Marbletown Sportsmen's Club will host its 8th Annual NRA Women on Target Instructional Shooting Clinic, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept.18, at their club grounds, 105 Scarawan Road, Stone Ridge. The all-day event is specifically geared for ladies with no or very little handgun experience. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, last year’s event had to be postponed to this year. The schedule will include sign-in and refreshments at 9 a.m.; classroom instruction on handgun safety, 9:30-10:30 a.m.; classroom instruction on NYS Article 35, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; classroom instruction on range safety, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; lunch and gun cleaning instruction, 12:30-1 p.m.; out on the range with instructor and safety officers, 1-3 p.m.; and review of the day followed by presentation of certificates and goodie bags, 3-4 p.m. Under the direction of head instructor Ken Cooper, along with assistance of the MSC NRA-certified safety range officers and MSC members who volunteer to help with this event, participating women will
Open Women’s Doubles finals, left to right, Ashley Haley and Karen Gill (champs) with Karla Wainwright and Andrea Greenblatt. On right, Super Senior Doubles finals, left to right, Tom Turco and Charlie Lay (champs) with Scott Taylor and Ed Rogers
receive extensive classroom instruction on handgun safety, NY Article 35 Defense of Justification, Rules of Range Safety and more, plus a manual of relevant information for them to keep. After lunch, each participant receives one-on-one instruction on how to safely handle and shoot a handgun, conducted on the club's firing range. Each participant who attends will receive an NRA Women on Target certificate of recognition for completing the firearm education class and marksmanship orientation required during the clinic, a red canvas NRA Women on Target “goodie” tote bag and many other donated items from companies such as Henry, Ruger and more. A valid NYS pistol permit is required, or a letter from a judge stating the shooter will
be receiving their permit shortly. Register by Saturday, Sept. 11. Clinic cost of $55 includes continental breakfast, lunch, water, refreshments, hands-on instruction, use of eye and ear protection, use of gun cleaning kits, targets and a limited amount of ammunition. Some loaner handguns to be available. Depending on Covid health recommendations at the time, wearing masks and social distancing may be enforced. Check or money order can be made payable to the Marbletown Sportsmen’s Club, c/o Women on Target, PO Box 502, Stone Ridge, NY 12484. For information, contact 845-687-7735, or by email at ckf3@msn.com for a registration form. Preregistration is required.
BlueStone Press, August 6, 2021 , Page 11
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Page 12, August 6, 2021, BlueStone Press
Memoriam Cmdr. Corey K. Schoonmaker
Stone Ridge—Cmdr. Corey K. Schoonmaker of Gulf Breeze, Florida, died on July 10, 2021, due to complications from Type-1 diabetes. He was born on April 3, 1956, and grew up in Stone Ridge. He was 65. Corey graduated from Cortland State College. In 1980 he joined the U.S. Navy and went through Aviation Officer Candidate School at NAS Pensacola. He transferred to NAS Corpus Christi and trained on the T-28, T-44 and was a SERGRAD (Selectively Retained Graduate) to become a flight instructor on the T-28 Schoonmaker in VT-27. He completed his Navy career as a P-3 Orion pilot in VP-26 at NAS Brunswick. After Corey's active Navy career, he continued in the USN Reserve. He flew for Northwest Airlines and was a flight instructor at Delta Airlines and more recently for FedEx. His passions were flying, family, coaching and playing sports. Corey was predeceased by his father, Hebe (Clifford Sr.), and sister, Kristin. He is survived by his wife, Catherine; two sons, Landon and Logan; Mother Grace; brothers Clifford Jr. and Christopher (Katherine); sisters Kathleen (John) Grambling, Kyle (Robert Gates), and many nieces, nephews and friends. There was a service, on July 22 at Marbletown Reformed Church, Stone Ridge. Another service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6, with military honors at NAS Pensacola, Barrancas National Cemetery, followed by a gathering at the Bridge Bar in Gulf Breeze.
Arlene DePuy Carp
ROSENDALE—Arlene DePuy Carp, born Oct. 8, 1942, of South Street, Rosendale, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by loved ones on July 15, 2021. She was 78. Arlene enjoyed dining, vacationing to warm places, and cruising to exotic islands with her family and friends. In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling in her league. She was employed with In Flight as a direct support person (DSP) to people in her community with disabilities. Arlene retired in March of 2021 after 16 years. Survivors include her husband, Richard Depuy Carp Carp of Hurley; her daughters, Donna Fickeria (and husband Dave) of Rosendale, and Dana Joule of Ellijay, Georgia; her beloved grandson, Wayne Fuoco (and wife Stephanie) of Las Vegas, Nevada; granddaughter Katelyn Fickeria of Kerhonkson; and grandson Jarred Joule of Ellijay. Arlene also leaves behind her two beautiful great-grandsons whom she adored, Donato and Leandro Fuoco; her sister-in-law, Barbara Freer; many dear friends including best friend, Janice Cole; and special canine companion, Gracie. Survivors of Arlene also include several nieces and nephews. She especially loved spending time with niece Cindy Freer, with whom she went on many bus trips. Cindy and Arlene owned and ran the Indoor Flea Market on Route 209 for five years. Arlene is predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Viola Freer, of Binnewater; her brother, Arthur (Bud) Freer; her former husband, Donald F. DePuy; a stepson, Donald F. DePuy Jr.; and her son-in-law, Edward Joule. Per Arlene's request, there will be a cremation and private burial at Rosendale Plains Cemetery. George J. Moylan Funeral Home of Rosendale is assisting the family with the arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Mountain Rottie Rescue: 276 Round Lake Road, Ballston Lake, NY 12019. To leave a personal condolence to the family, visit www,GJMoylanFuneralHome.com
Bruce Flagler Simmons
ACCORD—Bruce Flagler Simmons (aka “Tractorman”) – husband, father, brother, teacher, singer, conductor, farmer and restorer of antique tractors – passed away on July 27, 2021, at the age of 78. Bruce grew up in Dutchess County and graduated from Pine Plains High School. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Houghton College and Master of Music degree in vocal performance and pedagogy from Indiana University. Married to Robin, his first wife, in 1964, Bruce became the father of two sons while working first Simmons as a middle school choir director in Warwick and then in Bloomington, Indiana. In 1981, he moved with his family to Saudi Arabia to become the middle school choral teacher for the Saudi ARAMCO school system. He returned to the
A man of all seasons, Gus lead by example John (Jack, Gus) Philo Hall Sr.
Ushered out by a full moon, John (Jack, Gus) Philo Hall Sr., born July 13, 1928, died in Cheney, Washington, early in the morning on July 24, 2021. Gus (a nickname he picked up in college) never forgot his North Country roots in the Adirondack town of Inlet, New York. With a local reputation as a scrappy athlete with a zest for a hard physical challenge and ever-present humor, he headed off to St. Lawrence University in the fall of 1945, at his father’s urging, uncertain that college would be better than hoisting milk cans – or other various “size 18-inch neck, size 6 hat” jobs at his dad’s businesses. Gus quickly earned a name for himself on campus with his athletic prowess, and by 1948 was the second man on the varsity ski team, typically placing in four events: downhill, cross-country, combined classic and, the event he was enthralled by, jumping. However, on Saturday, Jan. 17, 1948, a tragic accident changed his life forever. He would later say, it changed his life for “the good.” After ski team practice with four other friends, while heading back to campus in a convertible coupe, the car hit an icy patch going into a curve, striking a concrete culvert. There was one fatality, the driver suffered serious internal injuries, and Gus, who was trapped in the car on a frigid North Country evening for over 90 minutes, had crushed both legs. It was predicted he would lose his right leg and might never walk again, let alone ski. It was in the long, painful recovery from this accident that his true character was forged, and he met the love of his life, a fellow ski team member, Pat Davenport. Calling him a “fine example of courage,” the president of St. Lawrence at the time suggested that perhaps Gus’ one mission in life would be for him “to stiffen others’ backbones by reason of his example.” Indeed, he has. With remarkable grit and tenacity, Gus went on to receive his BA from St. Lawrence in 1950. Along the way he became the captain of the ski team and won the heart of Pat Davenport, marrying “his bride,” as he called her throughout their 67-year marriage, in 1951. Within three months, his father had died, and the newlyweds headed back to Inlet, where Gus took over his father’s assorted business ventures. With a rapidly growing family, to make ends meet he continued to haul logs, and drive a school bus, in addition to running a store, dairy and gas station. But Gus aspired to a life that included more frequent rounds of golf and working seven days a week and holidays did not permit that. He knew it was time for him to “make a living with his head and not his hands.” By 1961, Gus and Pat had moved the family to the Hudson Valley, and Gus revived a professional interest he had explored fresh out of college – the insurance business. He developed his passion for “fitting the policy to the person,” transforming that passion into a career that spanned nearly five decades. Along the way, that “iron spirit” of his fueled two signifi-
U.S. in 1989 and was the choral music teacher at Beacon High School during the 1990s. He married Arlene Gould in 1995. In 2000, Bruce retired from teaching and became a school bus driver for the Marlboro and Rondout school districts. While living at Benmarl Winery in Marlboro (then owned by Mark Miller and Bruce’s mother, Grace Pendell Miller), Bruce developed a passionate 20-year hobby of restoring antique tractors, showing them at farm events throughout the region. Bruce was preceded in death by his elder son, Brian, an attorney for State Farm
Patricia Davenport Hal and John Philo Hall Sr. in 2011 celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary
cant educational endeavors, each requiring weekly commutes to Albany, as he earned both his CLU and CPCU designations while working full-time running his own insurance agency, studying early in the morning and late at night in a study cubicle in the attic of the busy family home. Contrary to all medical predictions, Gus did ski again, teaching his five children to ski as well, and was a proud member of the 70+ Ski Club. An avid hunter, he made annual pilgrimages to the Adirondacks, to a beloved log cabin in Big Moose, where his storytelling was more memorable than the bucks he bagged. A dedicated golfer, he rarely missed a Tuesday Night League round at Wiltwyck Country Club. A Sunday school teacher, at large family gatherings of multiple generations, it was Gus that was called upon to bless the meal. He was also a long serving member on the Ulster County Board of Health. Gus was admired for his ever-ready sense of adventure, a belief in the possibility just around the corner, his gumption in the hard moments, and, as was predicted back in 1948, his ability to inspire others through his gung-ho attitude and his impressive persistence against the odds. Predeceased by his wife, Patricia Davenport Hall, and two of his five children, Richard Scott Hall and Harry Davenport Hall, Gus will join them, with bagpipes playing, in the family plot at Benton Bar Cemetery, at a date to be determined – and held regardless of the weather! He is survived by his sons, John Philo Hall Jr. (Evelyn) and Ronald Hall (Lisa); daughter, Trudy Hall; grandchildren, Lisa, Sarah, Tori, Shaelyn, RJ and Nick; and his great-grandson, Jackson, whose toddler antics made Gus laugh. Gus’ family is sincerely grateful to the patient and caring staff of Cheney Care Community, a nonprofit senior resident community, where Gus has resided since 2010. Memorials may be sent to Cheney Care Center Association, 2229 N. 6th Street, Cheney, WA 99004.
Insurance. He is survived by his widow, Arlene Gould; his youngest son, Mark Simmons, a professor of music and conductor at the University of Tennessee at Martin; grandchildren Jay, Nolan and Rachel Simmons from Bloomington; sisters Pam Nichols and Sheila Woods of North Carolina; eight nieces and nephews; and his three beloved cats, who all loved him very much. Donations in Bruce’s memory to a charity or or cultural organization of your choice are appreciated.
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Local money, local ideas
August 6, 2021
Page 13
Helena’s Specialty Foods going strong Emily Reina Dindial BSP Reporter Anna and Stefan Samko have been operating Helena’s Specialty Foods since 1995 and have enjoyed steady business since then. Now, with the help of their daughter, Helena, they are adapting their business to accommodate an ever-growing demand for pierogies. Anna and Stefan started out with a contract to cater for the IBM commissary. When IBM moved and that fell through, they pivoted to a retail window behind the current business location on Route 209 near Kerhonkson. They moved to the larger, existing storefront in 2016. According to Anna, they have never advertised but rely on word of mouth. Helena's is popular amongst locals, weekenders and tourists alike. They also cater to local businesses, like Schatzi's Pub and Bier Garden in New Paltz, which sells Helena’s pierogies on Wednesday nights. While many businesses suffered as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Helena’s experienced an increase in business. The Samkos attributed an "explosion" of customers in part to an increase in tourism and an increase in weekenders moving here full time. At the same time, pandemic-related delivery delays have impacted their access to everything from ingredients to machinery. Now, their biggest challenge is figuring out how to keep up with demand. Helena left her job as a teacher in Pine Bush to join the family business full time. While she is interested in exploring the possibility of expanding the business to freezing and shipping, the priority is to sustain their current success. “We are selling out,” Helena said. “There is only so much you can physically do.” She has initiated the process of modernizing their equipment to improve efficiency and looking to hire additional employees.
Anna Samko and daughter Helena at Helena's Specialty Foods. Photo by Emily Reina Dindial
Currently, they do everything by hand, from peeling the potatoes to mixing the dough. “Sauerkraut is a two-day affair,” said Anna. They have started coming in earlier and leaving later. Still, they have had to close several times in the middle of the day just to cook more. Some people come in interested in buying out the entire inventory, prompting a purchase limit for walk-in customers. “If people call ahead, we will make whatever you want,” said Anna. “But if people are waiting in line, we want to make
sure they go home with something. I have to feed everybody. You made the trip to come here. You thought of us. We don’t want you to leave empty handed.” “It's amazing. They gravitate toward us … I think because we treat them like our family, and they appreciate it,” said Helena. For a look at the varieties of pierogies and other yummy food at Helena’s, go to www.helenaspecialtyfoods.com or https://www.facebook.com/helenaspierogies/
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Your letters, views & ideas
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August 6, 2021
High Summer
Letters policy Please send letters to the editor to the BlueStone Press by email at bluepress@aol. com or send to P.O. Box 149, Stone Ridge, NY 12484. Include your name, hometown and daytime phone number. Letters should be fewer than 500 words and may be edited for clarity, brevity and taste. Letters won't appear in consecutive editions from the same author. The BSP hopes that, in the spirit of community dialogue, readers and writers in the letters section are respectful of a diversity of viewpoints. We err on the side of freedom of speech in our letters, and we hope that vigorous dialogue is more likely to produce an informed public than censorship, however well meaning. Call 6874480 with questions.
You are not alone The BlueStone Press is not perfect. Far from it. We struggle to live up to our responsibilities to the community and to local journalism in general. But we try. Our staff of underpaid writers ventures on, into the headwinds of reporting in a world of social media rumors and hysteria; these journalists are some of the last holdouts in the shrinking world of small-town board meeting reporters. When Congress passed the Communications Decency Act of 1996, a part of that act, section 203, said: “No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider.” The repercussions of this sentence are still unfolding. For the BlueStone Press, this means that our competition has different rules than we do. While we need to spend time double-checking facts and weeding out hearsay, our competitors can sell ads that accompany click bait. We have a legal responsibility for what we print, they don’t. Then they use algorithmic programs to plumb the weaknesses of human psychology and drive people to dark corners of an imaginary world, the results of which you see all around you today. The reason we bring this up is not to be pessimistic – just the opposite. We have this paper, so let’s use it to lift the discussion, let’s do the hard work of gathering thoughts and putting them to paper in a considered way.
You are not alone, share with your neighbors the kind of thinking that is an antidote to the kneejerk hate and vitriol that foments internet popularity. Give it a try; we are happy to help. An ideal letter to the editor is about an issue of local interest seen through the lens of mutual respect. Although it is considered by some to be a badge of honor to hate haters, this can lead to an unproductive circular discussion that focuses on presumed motivations more than possible solutions. Besides, life is more fun when you assume the
best intentions of your neighbors. So, please fire up that laptop and put on a cup of tea. Think of ways to talk about local problems with respect for one another. Remember that this is not the internet, it's slow-cooked homestyle conversation. Let’s all participate in this little adventure while we still can.
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BlueStone Press, August 6, 2021, Page 15
The Space War … 3-2-1 … Ummmm … Kerhonkson Ground Control, we do NOT have liftoff. I repeat, we do not have liftoff. It’s a sad day when certain private-sector billionaires come swaggering onto the space exploration playing field at the last minute with all sorts of money, fame and fresh divorces. And with a phalanx of smarty-pants aeronautical engineers and astrophysicists, they end-run NASA and build themselves phallic rockets to dart off into zero-gravity low orbit space. They toss us groundlings platitudes about the future, our species’ salvation and then frame themselves as imperative space cowboys replete with 10 gallon chapeaux. Well, yeeee haw. But for yesterday’s news, we farmers have long been on the cutting edge of space dick design (pictured above). We have beWally Nichols lieved in growing tomatoes and beans on the moon for decades and started building these celestial, ceramic-tiled galactic tractors way back when. It just makes sense. Growing on the moon, that is. With onesixth Earth’s gravity, tomato plants in Oceanus Procellarum will not need to be staked or caged. That alone will save a lot of money in labor and materials. We’ve known this forever. And we can easily transport produce back to earth by just dropping it from the moon’s edge, giving it a gentle kick, and letting it fall into a huge basket down here. Duh. (Might not work for eggs, but we can probably drop the whole chicken once it’s grown as I wanted to do
Dear Wally
Marbletown from page 3 committee or commission member requesting to attend a meeting via video conferencing. The policies are applicable for all public bodies such as the Town Board, Zoning Board, Planning Board, Environmental Conservation Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Veterans Committee, Preservation and Investment Commission, Youth and Recreation Commission and Marbletown O&W Rail Trail Committee. If a town official is not able to attend a meeting in person, they must file a written request with the town clerk or supervisor as soon as they become aware of the meeting and that they will not be able to personally attend. All meetings must be held in a room or building that is
A half finished farmer rocket
reentry to the earth’s atmosphere, and the eggs might fry, but dinner’s done!) Plus, on the moon, with no light-fingered farm-stand shoplifters loitering around the lunar fields, we won’t have to worry about anyone taking leeks. And there are no gophers to burrow in the maria. It’s true that farmers have had to hold our space program in abeyance and give our half-finished rocket ships a temporary second life as feed storage silos while we wait for the sine qua non of the propulsion technology to advance beyond exploding cow or horse turd methane (which, it might be noted, has yet to lift a single of my comrades’ rocket ships into space). But we have hope, and with Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson up and back safely, the moment is now. There are strong arguments for space farming and mineral mining as a means to lighten the toxic burden of our patinated Earth. And plenty of arguments made that splashy, private space exploration, in vehicular johnsons that would make the good doctor Freud blush, is tone deaf in a time when a global pandemic rages, people are hungry, homeless and otherwise disenfranchised. That said, I’m off to Amazon.com to buy some rocket engines for this thing. Look up for falling carrots.
for my fourth grade science challenge of safely dropping an egg from 8 feet. “Put the egg in the chicken, and drop the chicken,” I said in my way to a D+ in the class. It’s so obvious. Upon reflection the chicken might broil on
Got a question for our columnist, or just want to buy a $1,000,000 ticket on the imminent space flight leaving Kerhonkson as soon as Amazon Prime delivers the liquid nitrogen rocket boosters? Email him at cwn4@aol.com.
set up to video conference, and video conferences must comply with New York state law and ensure that all members can see and hear any and all members in the meeting. Virtual attendance is limited to six instances per calendar year for Town Board members and three for other boards, committees, or commissions. Also, at least two board members must be physically at the advertised location, among other policies. All meetings must also be broadcast live and then archived on the town social media accounts and website. Also during the July 20 meeting Marbletown endorsed an application to the Open Space Institute for
a grant under the Environmental Protection Act of 1993 for “a park project to conduct a feasibility study to create a comprehensive master plan for the entire length of the O&W rail bed stretching from the City of Kingston all the way to the City of Port Jervis. The plan is intended to guide improvement of the rail bed and eliminate numerous gaps to “maximize the potential of the trail for recreation, transportation, quality of life, connectivity, and economic development,” the resolution states.
Ulster County Historical Society presents
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Your friends and community
Page 16
August 6, 2021
Tributary Farm a place to grow – great food, teamwork, and a thoughtfulness toward the land From Africa to Accord, growing with the people Jeff Slater BSP Reporter “The first mission is to feed all types of people and grow great food for our community,” said Jesse Goldfarb, owner of Tributary Farm in Accord. And that he is doing with over 50 varieties of produce grown on the farm. Tributary Farm has over 235 CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) members, sells wholesale to places like the High Falls Food Coop, and donates regularly to all three local food pantries. Goldfarb’s journey has been an interesting one. “Through a study-abroad program at St. Lawrence University I lived in Kenya, where 80% of the people were farming, and I just fell in love with that farming lifestyle.” After graduating from college, he went back to Africa and worked in Rwanda, but before he had left home, his mother, an artist, bought land up here, and the family started growing things. “I went back for a year and ended up staying seven,” said Goldfarb of his years in Rwanda. He worked for an organization called One Acre Fund, which worked throughout East Africa helping small-scale farmers. He returned to this area in 2016 and worked at the Farm Hub and another farm, and then in 2018 bought Tributary Farm from Jack Schoonmaker, who is always offering his help, according to Goldfarb. When Covid-19 hit things shifted for Goldfarb. “It changed how consumers were feeling, as grocery shelves were empty, and CSA demand increased dramatically in 2020. Many folks had to be put on a waiting list,” he said. They had to start pre-bagging CSA produce during the first growing season of the pandemic. Jesse’s wife and co-owner of the farm, Isabel Vinton, was instrumental in designing the online ordering system for personalized CSAs during Covid. Many people – about 30% of his CSA members – still like having the prebagged produce. Tributary Farm does its CSAs in a market style. You’re given a dollar amount and, whether you order online or go to the market, you pick what you want to get. Many other CSAs can’t offer that kind of choice. The farm’s market hours for CSA pickup are 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Ira Stern, a CSA member from Accord, said, “We jumped at a chance right from the start to join an organic CSA in our neighborhood. Jesse and his team are producing amazing food. We are so happy to be a part of Tributary Farm.” Goldfarb is very proud of his team and how it’s developed over the few years he’s had the farm. “The best thing is the team, Kathleen and Michael and the part-time people that we have now are so experienced so good at
Jesse Goldfarb, Michael Guerci and Kathleen Ersting of Tributary Farm. Photo by Jeff Slater
what they do, so good at helping shape the farm’s direction,” he said. And the feeling is reciprocated. Michael Guerci, a full-time employee, said, “ I love it here, I love growing vegetables, I love working outside, and I love the practicality of it – and I love working with these guys.” Guerci has been in the area farming for the last four years after moving from Virginia. Kathleen Ersting, the other full-time employee, comes from New York City, where she was involved in green markets and has been farming the last few years, said, “It’s nice to work with a small crew and be involved in all parts of the operation. I also think that you can feel the meaning of what you’re doing when you’re growing vegetables, it’s so obviously important.” Another part of Jesse’s mission is taking care of the earth as he uses it. “We rotate crops, grow cover crops to provide nitrogen for our soil, and if we spray we use things that are not harmful to the environment.” In terms of the future Goldfarb said, “ The biggest question that many businesses like ours is around scale – to grow more or grow better or both – these are the questions we continue to ask ourselves.” Tributary Farm offers winter CSA shares; last year they had about 70 members.
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BlueStone Press, August 6, 2021, Page 17
Kudos
Commissioner of Public Works Tom Jackson with Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan
Tom Jackson, commissioner of public works, to retire Commissioner of the Ulster County Department of Public Works Tom Jackson will retire after decades of public service. Jackson also served as Marbletown Supervisor for multiple terms in the 1990s. “I want to thank Tom Jackson for his 27 years of service and his dedication to Ulster County,” County Executive Pat Ryan said. “Through his services in multiple critical Ulster County Departments and his time as Marbletown supervisor, Tom Jackson has exemplified what it means to be a true public servant. His work on behalf of the county will be sorely missed, and I wish him all the best as he enters the next phase of his life.” “It has been my great pleasure to serve the residents of Ulster County as the Commissioner of Public Works,” Jackson said. “I feel confident that I leave behind a highly competent and dedicated team to carry on the mission of constructing and maintaining County infrastructure to the highest possible standards. ” During his long public service career, Jackson served in various capacities including as the director of the Ulster County Real Property Tax Service Agency, the public transit coordinator, the supervisor for the Town of Marbletown, and since 2017 as the commissioner of the Ulster County Department of Public Works. The Ulster County Department of Public Works serves as the operational arm of Ulster County government in the construction, maintenance and management of county infrastructure and facilities for their safe, economical and efficient utilization by county personnel and the public.
Rondout Valley High School Honor Roll School Year 2020-2021: Marking Period 4
Merit Roll Grade 9: Logan Bauer, Ella Marie Bennett, Grace Cutaia, Taylor Decker, Alexandria Dennin, Joseph Deyo, Rosendo Fontanez, Lydia Haynes, Emma Jolly, Ian LaPierre, Gavin Rosa, Lucas Russell, William Thurst, Alexa VanDemark, and Aiden Weimann. Grade 10: Lauryn Anson, Nicole Appollonia, Maria Ayala, Byron Bradley, Julian Browne, Makayla Chapman, Anna Clausen, Freyja Cross, Lucas Dee, Aiden Demorest, Elise Dymond, Riley Dymond, Jasmine Ettinger, Connor Hamm, Chase Kiszkiel, Veronica Kwiecinski, Morgan LeBlanc, Christopher Lennon Jr, Taylor Marcel, Collin Seablom, and Connor Slinsky, Michael Vanorden, and Nathan Wright. Grade 11: Maranda Avello, Lia Berry, Daniel Birch, Nickalos Campbell, Matthew Campbell Jr, Delaney Cole, Erin Culwell, Randall Davis, Liam Forsythe, Jaylen Hunt, Michael
Lamaruggine, Hunter Lapp, Aidan McNally, Meghan Merck, Riley Novi, Isabella Parisio, Sophia Schoonmaker, and Ethan Tur. Grade 12: Nicholas Amend, Nathan Becker, Tanner Bober, Italia DeGrote, David DePew, Melina Devine, Stefan Dolan, Shawn DuBois, Emeliah Eck, Carter Lapp, Devyn McCarthy, Isabell Morales‑Monahan, Hayden Mutz, Abriana Pennacchio, Emma Post, Zachary Read, Cierra Smith, and Heath Spencer.
Honor Roll Grade 9: Emily Andrews, Shana Blandon, Hunter Bober, Clifford Bush, Jonathan Chamberlain, Jessica Daddio, Hayden Denick‑Fingar, Amelia Dunphy, Savannah Freer, Bhumin Gajjar, Brayden Hanigan, Jaiden Hasenflue, Caylee Illa, Dakota Kershaw, Giada Labate, Damien Lanzar, Adriana Marano, Justin Nazario, Felicity Phillips, Thomas Rearick, Hunter Ridgely, Gabriel Schoonmaker, Jared Secore, Nora Suszczynski, Emil Weintraub, and Ashton Wynkoop. Grade 10: Faith Avello, Jaiden Buffong, Alex Deitsch, Xaria Donnelly, Alexander Driekonski, Evan Fraser Jr, Fiona Fraser‑Gross, Noah Johnson, Jahara Maliha, Maya Montalvo, Brady Morse, August Rubin, Jessica Sedlak, John Soi, Abigail Tuttle, Skyler Van Kleeck, and Joshua VanLeuven. Grade 11: Alex Bollin, Olivia Bonelli, Elizabeth Buley, Carter Cafiero, Marc Cathcart Jr, Emily Clark, Aaron Coston, Megan Ferris, Landen Frey, Jocelyn Gray, Alexander Jente, Olivia Jeter, Azure Jones, Tye Keil, Mia Kline‑DiBenedetto, Morgan Lydon, Liam Martin, Clara Muck Dietrich, Joshua Neumann, Adrian Peck, Griffin Propeack, Zackary Robbins, Korey Roeber, Alexis Shaughnessy, Colin VanWagenen, Lili Vitek, Kevin Walsh, Dalton Wells, and Nicholas Winne. Grade 12: Alexander Alvarado, Alexandra Beckerman, Macy Britt, James Brush, Lucia Coache, Savanna Ellsworth, Elias Fenichel‑Hewitt, Cheyenne Freer, Christopher Hamm, Connor Helmich, Shannyn Iacobaccio, Ethan LaSalvia, Aaron LeBlanc, Finn McColgan, Jullianna Pouliotte, Lucas Roland, Joshua Santiago, Hannah Smith, Kylie Wright, Rachel Yang, and Jaryn Yerkes. High Honor Roll Grade 9: Django Accardi, Sydney Allen, Merryn Arms, Michelle Avello, Jakob Baron, William Brush, Abigail Chorzempa, Aili Clark, Thomas Clark, Hannah Coddington, Christopher Cook, Zola Coughlin‑Ebert, Jill Creegan, Victoria DeGraw, Adeline Delessio, Trevor Gilliland, Chloe Goodin, Kaitlynn Gratis, Sierra Hikade, Finnigan Kenney, Mica King, Sumner King‑Barra, Luke Kotsides, Siddhartha Lama, Nicholas Laskowski, Caleb Leahey, Jackson Paley, Erin Parete, Ellis Picuri, Maceo Pileggi, Harriett Seubert, Mackenzie Snair, Sara Startup, Caleb Taszak, and Olivia Waruch. Grade 10: Menena Baron, Emily Bartolone, Desirae Baumann, Brooke Bogart, Ryan Britt, Cadence Cardinale, Angelina Cassano, Bebe Cosgrove, Kyle Fallaha, Gabriella Ferri, Gina Garofolo‑Goodman, Taras Henza, Mackenzie Heyl, Holly Hrabovsky, Mackenzie Hubbard, Christopher Jordan, Andrew Kassian, Christopher Kay, Nicholas Kay, Isabel Kinsella, Jake Lawlor, Madeleine Malak, Joseph Messina, Isaac Millrood, Audric Mondini, Abigail Naccarato, Kayla Oakes, Alexandra Olivieri, Riley Owens, Matthew Peck, Seneca Pharmer, Marley Pileggi, Makalah Quick, Asher Rosen, Riley Schoonmaker, Liam Sell, Aria Sickler Avery, Caitlyn Sindt, Alma Sutherland‑Roth, Reid Wogan, and Nikolas Zocchi. Grade 11: Stephen Barnum, Skylar Barringer, Lindzy Carlson, Carmine Carlucci, Connor Casey, Julia Caster, Trey Cimino, Aliyah Cohn, Randy Collins, Alexa Defelicis, Lauren Dunn, Magnolia Flamhaft, Stevie Gabler, Emma Gillis, Eleanor Gonzales, Michael Goodin, Daniel Harkin, Ethan King, Ethan Koch, Gianna Koch, Christina LaFiandra, Ella Laskowski, Kya Lowery, Lucy Lugo, Emma Markle, John Mehalak IV, Ella Meoli, Pavlo
Mysak, Sydney Nilsen, Braydon O'Connor, Eric Oakley, Colette Papin, Stella Raponi, Katherine Reynolds, Shafil Sabbir, David Santillo, Jasper Schwartz, Silas Schwartz, Eliza Thurst, Angelina Turner, Cody Victor, Alexis Williams, Dior Williams, and Edwin Yang. Grade 12: Brady Ardito, Kasey Arnold, Melina Brodhead, Thomas Brungard, Curtis Cafiero, Dominic Carlucci, Jordan DeGraw, Lauren Dingman, Nathan Donaldson, John Erdie, Logan Erlwein, Danny Fallaha, Adm Fares, Blake Hopper, Alexandra Kassian, Tanvir Khalid, Pia Kinsella, Richelle Kortright, Paige Lawlor, Ty Markle, Sophia McCarthy, Victoria Nazario, Matthew Nusbaum, Kazimir Nyzio, Kendall Owens, Lauren Parete, Margo Picuri, Kylee Pugliese, Jack Radliff, Nikole Reda, Zachary Rosa, Dahlia Rosen, Wyatt Sell, LeAnn Sindt, Tanner Sprague, Matthew Waruch, Justin Winkleman, Violet Wogan, and Tianna Yu.
Nikole Reda and Nikki Knecht awarded Women's Club scholarships The Women’s Club of Rosendale recently announced their scholarship award winners, Rondout Valley High School 2021 graduate Nikole Reda and SUNY Ulster student Nikki Knecht. Reda will attend Utica College in the fall to pursue her dream of becoming a child life specialist in a hospital setting. Knecht, who has had a lifelong interest in nature and animals, will use her scholarship, to continue to pursue her goal of earning a master's degree in zoology. The Women's Club of Rosendale would like to thank Barry and Lydia Post of Palmetto Bay, Florida, for their ongoing support and for sponsorship of the two scholarships. Barry Post, a 1961 recipient of the Women's Club Scholarship and graduate of Kingston High School in that same year, hopes others will follow his and his wife’s example and make a difference in the community by supporting future scholarships that assist students in achieving their educational goals. For more information, visit the Women’s Club of Rosendale on Facebook.
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August 6, 2021
Augusts past in the Rondout Valley August 12, 1869 – New-Paltz Independent Our Public Roads. [extracts from a much longer article.] … our ancestors had little use for roads of any kind, for they scarcely ever made use of them except when going, on horseback, to church or mill, and then they did not mind riding over a few hills if thereby they could secure a dryer road in the spring of the year ... Many things have changed since the days of our greatgrandfathers, but the highways remain as they were then located although the travel upon them has increased more than ten fold. The location of our roads which was perhaps just the thing a century ago, and only a slight inconvenience fifty years ago, is Linda now a heavy [burden] upon every farmer. The New Paltz Turnpike Tantillo is a standing illustration of the benefits to be derived from good roads. Forty years ago the farmers of Old Hurley and other parts of this county were far ahead of those about the
From the archives
Paltz … now we need fear comparison with none. The Wallkill Valley Railroad will no doubt change to some extent – perhaps revolutionize entirely – the currents of trade. We do not propose “to build a turnpike road from every man’s door to the nearest seaport town.” In many places a route level as a barn floor could be obtained for miles, where now horses are compelled to drag their load of hay constantly up one side of a hill while they trot down the other … … The method of calling upon all the neighbors to turn out on certain days to work the roads … was no doubt introduced long ago when time was plenty and money scarce, and the neighbors liked to get together and hear the news … but in our humble opinion one or two men employed by the year to attend to hills after a heavy shower or to repair the bridges the instant they needed repair would keep the roads in better condition with less expense than at present.
August 1, 1889 – Kingston Weekly Freeman and Journal Dock Laborers’ Wages to be Advanced. Beginning on August 1 the Delaware & Hudson Canal
Company will advance the dock laborers’ wages from $1.35, the present rate, to $1.50 per day. This action is voluntary on the part of the company, the men having made no demand for an increase, and the “raise” will be a surprise to them.
August 29, 1919 – New York Evening Telegram [Real Estate listings for Rosendale] – Eight room village house, best location, all improvements: $1,750; $500 cash. – Large eight room house, two large piazzas, 30[?] acres, barn; magnificent views: near river and two state roads; half mile from the finest village in the State; water in house: price $1,950; $500 cash. – Seven room village house, perfect condition; half acre, running water: $900; $300 cash. – Six room house; several acres; barn; one of finest village properties in Ulster county: $1,700; $400 cash. [These ads reflect the crash in real estate in Rosendale in the early 20th century when the cement industry and D&H Canal vanished. Many of these real estate bargains became boarding houses for tourists.]
Grady Park from page 1 tingency plan, he hastened to add, in case the D&H Historical Society decides to take down the traditional tree at some point in the future. That tree stands on D&H land, and may or may not be in the way of a projected visitor center for the (future) museum. One of the engineering challenges to solve is what to do about the low-lying area running down the middle of the park, which can collect standing water in wet times. Stewart reported GPI’s engineering solution to the board at a recent meeting. “Here’s what we propose to do: The ADA-compliant walkway through this area would be a raised boardwalk. The boardwalk would be made of a long-lasting composite material such as Trex. Coming off of the raised boardwalk would be a decks/observation area with benches and informational signage on the history of the canal, its locks, and flora & fauna native to wetlands and riparian areas. Plantings would include native wetland species such as ferns and tussock sedge as well as shrubs such as red twig dogwood, buttonbush and others that thrive in such conditions. Water must flow through this area in times of heavy rain and snow melt to the pipe that carries it under 213 to be discharged into the wetlands surrounding the Creekside Walk and ultimately the Rondout … Through appropriate grading, we can engineer it so that water flows through and under the walkway rather than forming stagnant pools, thus mimicking a natural intermittent stream/seasonal wetland. The walkway through the wetland area would be bordered by a contemporary-looking post-and-cable railing system for safety. Such railings consist of
Grady Park plans, showing west side. It's hard to understand this visual, but suffice it to say, planning is underway.
metal cables running horizontally though upright cedar (or composite) posts.” Before any construction can begin, the Town of Marbletown will have to purchase right-of-way through the park that’s currently owned by the Department of Transportation, Stewart reported to the board, “It turns out that their right-of-way includes much of the park. We will be entering into negotiations for the town to take control of this ASAP … as we all know, working with DOT is a painfully slow process.” The town has been looking into a variety of funding sources to pay for this initiative. In an effort to secure money called a CFA grant from the NYS Office of Parks and Recreation, the board has gathered letters of support from Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan, the UC Historical Society, and other local agencies. Tom Konrad of the Marbletown Environmental Conservation Commission will be in charge of writing another grant application to build double EV charging stations within the park area and perhaps elsewhere, dual-port stations at which two cars can charge at once. The grant money would “help cover costs of purchasing
and installing EV chargers as well as the trenching required for getting electric service to them,” Stewart said. He is also looking into getting a Transportation Alternative Project (TAP) grant. “These grants are administered by DOT and deal with improvements to and expansion of existing rail trails as well as extensions and connectors … We are also looking into applying next year for grants from AARP that help fund parks/trails/ sidewalks to bring them into ADA compliance.” Besides working with the High Falls Conservancy and the D&H Canal Historical Society, Stewart said, “we also received input from other local groups including Riverkeeper, the Rondout Creek Watershed Alliance, and Marbletown’s O&W Rail Trail Committee and Historic Preservation Commission.” Pam Longley, president of the High Falls Civic Association, said in an email: “The HFCA does not hold a position regarding Grady Park … we have requested on multiple occasions that town hall meetings be held for the sole purpose of public input being heard and then fully considered by the board before further
work occurs and additional expenses are incurred regarding the project.” Stewart said that a second public forum – one took place in June 2020 – is planned for the near future. When that date is set, “we will post it on the town website, on Facebook, send out an email blast.” In the meantime, anyone wishing to make a comment or ask a question about the plans should write to Stewart at estewart@ marbletown.net. More High Falls news: The Creekside Walk along the Rondout below the falls has become all too popular with tourists, especially since 2020. The board has taken action in an effort curtail the illegal swimming, open containers, fires and littering. Besides having the sheriff’s office issue citations for those offenses, said Stewart, “the town plans to put up signs limiting parking times in some areas and prohibiting it altogether in others. We will also be looking into issuing special parking permits for both residents and guests … approximately 20 new parking spaces will be added along the side of Old Route 213 near Grady Park when that road becomes one-way.”
BlueStone Press, August 6, 2021, Page 19
Ouch! I’m in the garden, wrestling one of the huge, out-ofcontrol zucchinis when, “ouch!” the tender flesh on my arm is scratched by its barbed vine. Who’d ever think that an innocuous zucchini plant could be so hazardous…?! Later, I’m more cautious as I carefully tease the flesh of a soft ripe raspberry into my hand. Its barbs are even more treacherous to the casual picker. In past seasons, some of those spikes have lodged themselves into my hand and caused hours of discomfort. But years ago, when my husband and I traveled to Kenya, we met the “Mother of all Prickers,” the umbrella-shaped Thorn Tree, so common in desert areas. Its branches are armed with double barbs, one several inches long, the short and curved, sending a Ann Guenther, other clear message: “No climbing here!” Naturalist Birds nest safely here, while, miraculously, giraffes and elephants browse its prickly branches. However, I’d nominate a local, close runner-up to those trees: barberry, even though its thorns are miniscule by comparison. Every time I venture to our rural mailbox, wedged within a hedgerow of barberry, I take a deep breath and feel the anxiety – and not from the cars zoom-
Nature Tales
Horoscopes Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto each continue their retrograde motion – and will be joined by Uranus on the 20th of this month. Mercury will turn retrograde late September early October – we’re beginning to see a familiar pattern in terms of the pandemic. The scourge is beginning to reassert itself with Pluto in the position occupied by Saturn last year. The personal planets – Mercury, Venus, Mars and the Sun – are in a tight formation roughly opposing the outer planets. This does not bode well Joanne regarding the current resurgence of Covid-19. Let us hope more Ferdman people receive their vaccinations. ARIES: 3/21 to 4/19: Mars, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 6th solar house conjunct Mercury. This shows you are diligently at work establishing your career and financial goals in addition to providing that extra touch of creativity to your work. In addition, you will soon find yourself encountering a different social situation. The new Moon on the 8th suggests you would appreciate recognition for your work in addition to the financial gain. TAURUS: 4/20 to 5/20: Venus, your ruling planet, is positioned on the cusp of your 6th solar house and suggests communication will be all important for the future – especially when dealing with any special talents you may have. With Uranus in your 1st solar house for now, you are marked as an individualist thinker so be very careful. The new Moon on the 8th in Leo finds you working on your own behalf to gain acceptance both on and off the job. GEMINI: 5/21 to 6/20: Mercury, your ruling planet, is positioned on the cusp of the 4th solar house in the sign of Virgo. You are in the unique position of primarily being a homebody with many opportunities beckoning from the outside world, and you want to reject them all except when it’s time to have fun and party. The new Moon on the 8th is when you get your chance to sparkle and leave your home for a short while to enjoy good companionship.
Your Zodiac
CANCER: 6/21 to 7/20: The Moon child is dealing with the new Moon on the 8th in the sign of Leo; at present this is in your 3rd solar house of communication and in opposition to the 9th. Both houses refer to education and travel – summer and vacation. Why not travel and learn about different customs and ideas whether in the U.S. or abroad? The outside world beckons before its time to return to reality and “the old grind you know’ LEO: 7/21 to 8/22: The Sun, your ruling planet, is po-
ing closely by. Several times I’ve been careless, and had to nurse for days an infected finger embedded with a thorn. And who hasn’t gotten bloodied while wrestling with the sharp barbs of wild rose? Several times this summer, I’ve found myself trapped against a rose bush, its thorns clinging to my clothes and flesh, unable to move without painfully drawing blood. But these prickly plant barbs are passive, whereas the barbs of animals move, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. Consider our local porcupines, able to waddle their way through life (albeit having to make love everso-carefully). Porcupines have no real predators - except cars and our local woods’ resident, the fisher. This small, cute-looking but vicious animal attacks a porcupine like a strike of lightning, eviscerating its belly in seconds. Adept as it is, however, a fisher often sports a quill or two in its face. Porcupine quills have backward-facing barbs, making them difficult to remove. [That particular design has recently inspired a new type of hypodermic needle capable of performing two things: penetrating the skin and remaining in place.] But the animals in my life inflicting the most pain are not furry, nor are they large. Simply walking up to my front door a few weeks ago, while carrying a bag of groceries, “ZING!” I felt a sudden long, needle jab into my open-sandaled left foot, shooting a hot pain up into my brain. I’ve never experienced such a sharp sting, and suspect that the perpetrator was a wasp, although I never saw it. The
discomfort and later infection slowed me down for weeks. I was impressed, and later learned that wasps inflict the most painful of stings. Not only can they can inject their stingers multiple times (within nanoseconds!), but their venom is more toxic. While wasps tend to be solitary, I encountered dozens of buzzers while harvesting stalks of Catnip for flower arrangements last week. I felt I’d entered the terminal at Grand Central Station at rush hour with at least six different kinds of buzzers I couldn’t identify, mostly bees. One bumblebee was so inebriated it bumped into my arm, then, veered back into the foliage. Bees have barbs. I tell you this from experience. After one of them jabs its serrated sword into your flesh, along with powerful venom, its abdomen gets ripped off and it dies - if that’s any consolation. But the eviscerated abdomen continues to pump its venom! [The barbs point backwards, preventing its removal – one of nature’s retributions, or maybe a fluke….] Yellow Jackets, however, have smooth stingers with no barbs and can sting many times. Their powerful venom can cause allergic reactions and even anaphylactic shock in some folks. [Check the Internet for remedies.] With all this daunting information, please forgive me if I’ve dampened your enthusiasm for venturing outdoors this summer - I was only trying to make a “point….”
sitioned in your 1st solar house of personality and is opposite Saturn in the 7th house of relationships. It is likely you will be meeting new people – even someone special who will be important to your future. However, it is also possible someone special will depart from your circle. The new Moon in your own sign is the time to begin building on new ideas that may come about at this time. VIRGO: 8/23 to 9/22: Mercury, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 1st solar house of personality amid the other personal planets and is opposite three of the outer planets; Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus. This can be a very creative time for you as well as a busy one meeting new people and working on new projects. Plan them carefully at the new Moon on the 8th and you will be able to enjoy the fruits of this cycle. LIBRA: 9/23 to 10/22: Venus, your ruling planet, is positioned on the cusp of your ascendant and is about to enter your 1st solar house of personality. It is also roughly opposite Neptune in your 6th house of daily work. You may be unemployed at present or looking for a new type of work completely but are not sure where you want to turn next. Perhaps this is the time to learn a new skill – and what better time than at the new Moon in Leo – when you can satisfy your personal instincts and interests. SCORPIO: 10/23 to 11/22: Mars, one of your ruling planets, is positioned in your 11th solar house of income from your career while your other ruler, Pluto, has remained stationary in the sign of Capricorn since the onset of Covid-19 and is in good aspect to Mars. This results in good prospects for your career to be on track, and financially secure. In addition, you are in good form socially meeting and enjoying new friends. The new Moon in Leo bodes well for meeting new friends who are business related.
ally learn something new.
SAGITTARIUS: 11/23 to 12/21: Jupiter, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 3rd solar house of education and travel. The personal planets are grouped in the 10th solar house of career while the Sun is in the 9th solar house of advanced education and long-distance travel. Perhaps your goal is teaching a special group while on summer vacation and enjoying a new location. This new Moon may turn out to be extraordinary when you can re-
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From the BSP archives.
CAPRICORN: 12/22 to 1/20: Saturn, your ruling planet is in your 2nd solar house of money accompanied by Jupiter, the greater benefic. Together they promise good news is coming your way while the personal planets are preparing studiously for success. At the same time, you are discarding the details that are no longer of concern. The new Moon will find you prepared, ready to accept, and feel deserving of whatever comes your way. AQUARIUS: 1/21 to 2/19: Uranus, your ruling planet, continues to be positioned in your 4th solar house, continuing your emphasis on home and family. However, with the personal planets focused in the 8th solar house you seem to be working to simplify your daily commitment rather than by adding to it. Family is your priority. The new Moon in the 8th in the sign of Leo finds you looking to become more social and build interpersonal relationships. PISCES: 2/20 TO 3/20: Neptune is your ruling planet and continues positioned in your 1st solar house – reminding you of your extremely creative nature, but with the personal planets lined up in your 7th solar house of partnership, you now find yourself looking for sociability and friendship wherever possible. Of course, you remain your creative self, but feel you need the break from your former routine. Let the new Moon in Leo take care of itself and see what happens. Joanne can be reached at 561-744-9962. She is available for private telephone consultations if you want more information relating to your personal chart. Treat yourself and you will learn what to expect from the current transits and receive an overview of long-term goals. Remember to read both your Sun sign and your Ascendant.
Page 20, August 6, 2021, BlueStone Press FOR THE FAMILY Second Sunday Supper at RVUMC Rondout Valley United Methodist Church will be doing it again ... its Second Sunday Supper, pandemic-style. At 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8, the church will have a casual community supper, outside the church on Schoonmaker Lane at the corner of Route 209 in Stone Ridge. Pandemic considerations require this to be an outdoor event; if the weather is inhospitable the meal will be "to go." As always, the meal is free to all. The church phone number is 845-687-9090, email rvmethodist@gmail.com, or visit the website, rvumc.org. American Red Cross Blood Drive at Marbletown Community Center There is a severe blood shortage; donors are needed. Come to the Marbletown Community Center, 3564 Main St., Stone Ridge, to make a blood donation, 8 a.m.12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7. For more information, visit redcrossblood.org. Stone Ridge Library Knitting Group The Stone Ridge Library Knitters meet 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays in the yard at Stone Ridge Library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge, with upcoming gatherings on Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28. All ages and experience levels can join, and drop-in knitters are also welcome. Bring your own supplies, do as much as wanted, and ask for help or advice if needed. Donations of yarn to the library get made into items for sale at the Library Fair and during the winter holidays for the benefit of the library. Some group members also knit things for local hospitals or for U.S. troops. For more information, visit stoneridgelibrary.org or call 845-6877023. Yoga on the lawn, Saturdays at Stone Ridge Library Deb Jones from the Yoga House in Kingston will teach an hourlong class, 10 a.m., Saturdays, Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28, for all abilities, on the lawn at the Stone Ridge Library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge. Classes are free. Registration is required for each class. For more information, visit stoneridgelibrary.org or call 845-687-7023. Hurley Heritage Museum Main Street walking tours The Hurley Heritage Museum is open and free to the public 1-4 p.m. every Saturday (this month on Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28), through the end of October. For more information and for walking tours reservations, visit hurleyheritagesociety.org. Rosendale Farmers Market Join the community at the Rosendale Farmers Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. each Sunday (this month on Aug. 8, 15, 22 and 29), in Willow Kiln Park, 5 Hardenburgh Lane, Rosendale. Vendors include Fiddlehead Farm, thefiddleheadway.com; Wrights Farm, eatapples.com; Spruce Run & Stoney Ridge Farm, sr-srfarm.com; Three Sisters Farm, facebook.com/thethreesistersfarm; HV Heirloom Farm (hvheirloomfarm.com), Acorn Hill Farm & Creamery, (acornhillfarmny.com), Bonticou Ducks, bonticouducks.com; Hermans Erie Hotel; Jennie’s Woodstock; Cereghino Smith Wines, cereghinosmith. com; Manifest Coffee; and Rosendale Economic Development Committee. For more information, visit rosendalefarmersmarketny.com.
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Kaete Brittin Shaw in front of her new exhibition space, downstairs from her studio and Kaete Brittin Shaw’s mixed media pieces combining riverwood and porcelain
Kaete Brittin Shaw new exhibition space Join the community, 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, for the inaugural opening of Kaete Brittin Shaw’s new exhibition space, downstairs from her studio, at 1415 Route 213 in High Falls. “Expanding into this new area gives me the wonderful opportunity to show the full range of my work besides the functional and sculptural porcelain,”
Hudson Valley Farm Hub Farm Stand Farm to Food Pantry Collaborative Join the community for blueberry gleaning, 8:30-11 a.m. Monday and Wednesday, Aug. 9 and 11, at Hudson Valley Farm Hub Farm Stand, 2324 Route 209, Marbletown. Harvest fresh blueberries to be donated to the local food pantries, shelters and community meal programs. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen and long pants. Containers will be provided. Register by call/text 845-481-0331 or email glean@ ulstercorps.org. Writers’ group with Cathy Arra Two separate writers’ groups meet on alternate Mondays at the library in the activity room, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge, with a maximum of 10 participants in each group. The program is designed for those who are actively writing and publishing work and who want to participate in a structured, critical feedback process. Cathy Arra, a poet, writer and former teacher of English and writing in the Rondout Valley School District, facilitates the groups. Group 1 is meeting Aug. 9 and 23; and Group 2, Aug. 16 and 30. Email carra22@aol.com. Rosendale Theatre youth program led by Broadway veteran Ryan Emmons To kick off the Rosendale Youth Program, Ryan Emmons will be directing high school-aged actors in a production of Shakespeare's “Twelfth Night.” This year's program is for young actors, 14-18 years old, and will be held 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, Aug. 9-22. Performances will be held on Aug. 21 and 22. Limited scholarships are available. For cost and
said Shaw. “This includes mixed media pieces combining riverwood and porcelain, the riverscape photographs and images of my outdoor installations and the recent commission for the Artezen Hotel in New York City.” For more information, visit kaetebrittinshaw.com, call 845-687-7828 or email kaete@hvi.net.
more info email info@rosendaletheatre. org and put Youth Theatre in the subject line. Preschool story time at Stone Ridge Library Join Ligeia Garland for preschool story time for children ages 3-5 years, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 10 and 17, on the back lawn at the library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge. For more information, visit stoneridgelibrary.org or call 845-687-7023. Mahjong, Tuesdays and Fridays at Stone Ridge LibraryThe Stone Ridge Library now hosts ongoing weekly mahjong at 10 a.m. Friday mornings (Aug. 13, 20 and 27) and a beginner’s group, 10 a.m. Tuesdays, (Aug. 10, 17, 24 and 31), in the activity room of the library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge. New members are welcome. No registration required. Just walk in. For more information, call 845687-7023 or visit stoneridgelibrary.org. Poetry with Rosemary Dean Join the community via Zoom, 1:3-3 p.m. every Thursday, with the next few meetings on Aug. 12, 19 and 26. This program is presented by the Stone Ridge Library. Contact Rosemary Dean at rmdeen@ gmail.com to join the group. Story time for ages 5-11 years at Stone Ridge Library Join Julianna Arms, 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, on the back lawn of the library, at 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge. For more info, call 845-687-7023 or visit stoneridgelibrary. org. Rondout Valley Lions Club New members, men and women of all ages, are wanted and encouraged to join the Rond-
out Valley Lions Club, serving the towns of Marbletown, Rochester and Rosendale since Oct. 18, 1950. During this time, they have helped those in need, whether it is for sight, hearing, medical emergencies, or any worthwhile cause. “We serve” is their motto, and this is what they do. For more information on being included in the club’s next meeting, on Thursday, Aug. 12, contact Janet Sutter at janet.sutter@aol.com. Sunflower painting workshop Sip some lemonade and enjoy a relaxing, creative experience painting a sunflower, 3:305:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, on the back lawn at the Stone Ridge Library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge. No experience necessary. Facilitator Jill Obrig will teach participants step by step to finish a beautiful painting to take home. Sign up at stoneridgelibrary.org or call 845-6877023. Kripplebush-Lyonsville Fire Company Sub Nite at the Firehouse Enjoy great sub sandwiches at the Kripplebush-Lyonsville Fire Company, at the intersection of County Route 2 at 519 Pine Bush Road in Stone Ridge, just 1 mile north of Route 209. Ham, turkey, roast beef, or mixed meat, mixed veggie, chicken parm, meatball, tuna, and of course Philly cheese are made to order on a 12-inch sub roll with choice of toppings and served with a bag of chips and a drink (assorted cans of soda, iced tea, or bottled water). All subs are made to order with all the fixings. Take a sub home or eat one in the dining room at the firehouse. Sub Nites are held 4-7 p.m. (with call-ins at 3:30 p.m.) on the second Friday of each month, March-November (this month on Aug. 13), for a suggested donation of $9. For more information and takeout orders, call 845-687-9801. Clay shooting, 5-stand shoot, at the Marbletown Sportmens Club This fun shoot for all ages and skill levels will be held, 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at the Marbletown Sportsmens Club, 105 Scarawan Road, Stone Ridge. Bring a gun and ammo. Cost is $6 per round. Lunch and refreshments will be available. For more information, visit marbletownsportsmensclub.com or call 845-399-2981. Through the meadows: Wildflowers and huckleberries at Minnewaska Join Vanessa Pagano, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps environmental educator, 9:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug.14, for an approximately 2mile hike through the meadow paths, site of a former golf course. Enjoy the summer blooms and search for wild huckleberries to pick. Bring a container or two and be prepared for bright sun and many insects in this grassy area. All participants should come well prepared with appropriate footwear, food and water. All unvaccinated participants need to wear face coverings and keep a minimum 6-foot distance away from others who are not part of their immediate household. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, 5281 Route 44/55, Kerhonkson. Preregistration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752. Wawarsing Historical Society and Knife Museum On Route 209, just past the intersection of Route 55 in Napanoch, the Warwarsing Historical Society and Knife Museum will be open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and noon-4 p.m. Sundays through Saturday, Oct. 2. Free knife-sharpening will be offered to the public on Saturdays, Aug. 14 and 28, Sept. 11 and Oct. 2. There will also be a knife raffle with tickets $5 each, available at the museum and at the upcoming Blueberry Festival in Ellenville in August. Private tours are also available by calling 845-626-0086 or 845-626-5028. For more information, visit theknifemuseum.com or call 845647-7792. Make your own insect mask program at Minnewaska, no reservations required Bring the family and stop by the Minnewaska education table, 1:30- 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, to make an insect mask and learn about insects and pollinators and their importance to the ecosystems. All unvaccinated participants need to wear face coverings and keep a minimum 6-foot distance away from others who are not part of their immediate household. The Minnewaska education table will be set up behind the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, 5281 Route 44/55, Kerhonkson. Pre-
See More events, page 21
BlueStone Press, August 6, 2021, Page 21
Live music on the patio, with Miss Rene Bailey and the Saints of Swing, at Lydia’s Café
Events continued from page 20 registration is not required. For more info, call 845-255-0752. Junior Naturalists: Learn about flowers, late summer hike at Minnewaska Join other families on an approximately 2.5-mile long hike through the Meadow Paths, looking for flowering plants along the way, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17. This program is designed for kids between the ages of 7-12 years old, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Younger and older siblings are always welcome, but young naturalists may require some assistance. All participants should come well prepared with appropriate footwear, food, and water. All unvaccinated participants need to wear face coverings and keep a minimum 6-foot distance away from others who are not part of their immediate household. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, 5281 Route 44/55, Kerhonkson. Preregistration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845255-0752. Conversational French with Claudine Brenner A native French speaker, born in Paris and raised in Europe, Claudine Brenner chose Stone Ridge as her place to retire following a 30-year government career abroad. Culture, medicine, travels and anything/everything culinary are favorite subjects that she would love to share and exchange with others, speaking in French. The program she is offering via Zoom is held 1-2 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month, with the next conversation hour on Tuesday, Aug. 17. Visit stoneridgelibrary.org or call 845687-7023 to sign up. Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program presents Family Wellness Online This free program, offered through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County and Ellenville Regional Rural Health Network, will be held online, 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 17-Oct. 5. Learn about creating healthy balanced meals, adding more veggies and fruits, making healthier choices at the store and ways to increase exercise. Completer six sessions and receive a certificate and graduation gift bag with cookbooks and kitchen tools. Register at ulster.cce. cornell.edu/efnep or contact Marsha R. Sebro, EFNEP nutrition educator, at 845340-3990, ext. 326, or email mrs463@ cornell.edu. Art in the Park: Painters of the Hudson River School at Minnewaska Learn about famous local artists of the 1800s who painted the natural beauty of New York state, including the Hudson Valley, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18. Take a hike to a scenic vista for inspiration, then do some painting. This program is designed for kids ages 7-12, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. Younger and older siblings are always welcome, but young naturalists may require some assistance. All participants should come well prepared with appropriate footwear, food and water. All unvaccinated participants need to wear face coverings and keep a minimum 6-foot distance away from others who are not part of their immediate household. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, 5281 Route 44/55, Kerhonkson. Preregistration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845255-0752. Rochester Reformed Church Annual Chicken Barbeque, purchase tickets by Aug. 22 This takeout-only barbeque, 46 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Rochester Reformed Church, 5142 Route 209, Accord, will feature barbecue chicken, homemade potato salad, local corn and dessert. Cost is $14 for adults. Tickets must be purchased in advance by Aug. 22 by calling Debbie at 845-443-1386 or Christine at 914-388-2778. The church holds its outside worship at 11 a.m. on Sundays. Rosendale Seniors upcoming trips The Town of Rosendale Seniors will visit Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, the Black Hills of South Dakota and other sites Sept. 3-13. Cost is $1,089/person, double occupancy. Everyone must have the Covid-19 vaccination, required by Diamond Tours. Reservations are being taken for the trip to Pennsylvania Peak, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, Sept. 22, for dinner and a show, a tribute to Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. Cost is
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Singer songwriter Alyssa Dann
Art & music in the woods with Alyssa Dann and more, at the Rail Trail Café There is a natural backdrop and canopy of trees, a small sound system, a few lights, and open ears and hearts at the Rail Trail Café, 310 River Road Extension, Rosendale. Upcoming performances include folk, jazz and pop with 20-year-old singer songwriter Alyssa Dann at 1 p.m., and instrumental ensemble Free River Trio at 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 7; jazz, swing, waltzes and Irish fiddle tunes with the duet of Claudia Forest on violin and Jon Ahmadjian, guitar and vocals, at 1 p.m., and performers presenting their interpretation of Gisela Stomeyer’s poem “Just Like That” at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8; Vanaver Caravan’s “SummerDance!” is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug.
13; Angela Sisson from the Wallkill Valley Pollinator Pathway at 1 p.m., and author and musician Evan Pritchard presents “Singing to the Fireflies” at 2:30 p.m., and Wild Wisdom with Julia Haines at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14; sacred chanting with Ned & Lynn at 11 a.m.; Ripple Little with Eric Archer on guitar, Malcolm Gold on bass and Brian Festa on percussion at 1:30 p.m.; Celtic song, jigs, reels and waltzes with the Wild Swan Band at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15; and salsa and Latin jazz with Pablo Shine and friends, 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20. For more information, visit railtrailcaferosendale.com or call 845-389-7714.
“In the Orchard” by Keith Gunderson.
High Falls’ Wiedenbaum and Kerhonkson’s Gunderson in ‘Luminists’ show The summer group show “Luminists” opens Saturday, Aug. 7, and runs through Sept. 18, at the Mark Gruber Gallery, in the New Paltz Plaza. In lieu of an artists’ opening reception during this period of transition out of the pandemic, the community is invited to enjoy the show during the gallery’s regular hours beginning Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; and Sunday and Monday by appointment or by chance. The goal of the luminist painter is to evoke a quiet spirituality by closely observing nature, particularly the quality of
light. Included in this group exhibition are such “luminaries” as Kevin Cook, Gayle Fedigan, Sue Barrasi and Thomas Locker. Atmospheric effects are highlighted by Jane Bloodgood-Abrams, Jack Nubauer and Linda Puiatti. Calm reflective waters are found in paintings by James Coe, James Cramer and Paul Abrams. Contemplative tranquility abounds in works by Marlene Wiedenbaum, Keith Gunderson and Robert Trondsen, and the list goes on. For more information, contact Marbletown’s Mark Gruber at 845-255-1241 or visit markgrubergallery.com.
Every Saturday night, Lydia’s Café, 7 Old Route 209, Stone Ridge, features live jazz music from 7-10 p.m. on the patio. Upcoming performances include the Pete McCann Quartet featuring McCann on guitar; Dan Willis, sax; Matt Pavolka, bass; and Ross Pederson, drums, Aug. 7; swing, Dixieland Bailey jazz, Motown/R&B, ballroom, Latin and gospel with the Saints of Swing featuring Miss Rene Bailey, Aug. 14; and the Chris Pasin Quartet, with Pasin on trumpet, Michael Musillami on guitar; Rich Syracuse, bass; and Jeff Siegel, drums, Aug. 21. Call to reserve a table or bring a blanket/chairs for lawn seating. There is no cover charge for Saturday nights on the patio at the café, but donations are always welcome. For more information, call 845-687-6373 or visit lydias-café.com.
Book groups! Teatime book group presents ‘The Midnight Library’ by Matt Haig The group will discuss this book at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, in the activity room at Stone Ridge Library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge. Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another cover detail life to live. A chance to see how things would be if other choices had been made. To join the group, email programs@ stoneridgelibrary.org. Mystery Book Group discusses ‘A Good Death’ by Christopher Cox The group will talk about the book at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, in the activity room at Stone Ridge Library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge. When American Linda Watts, who emigrated from Laos as a child refugee, dies of a drug overdose in Bangkok, the insurance company holding her policy doesn’t believe that her death was cover detail accidental. They send Boston PI Sebastian Damon to Thailand to investigate. Once there, he realizes two things: He is unable to navigate Thai society on his own, and he believes Watts is alive. Wisely, Damon enlists the aid of Sam Honeyman, one of his dad’s buddies from Nam, who has made Thailand his home. To join the group, email programs@ stoneridgelibrary.org.
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Page 22, August 6, 2021, BlueStone Press
Artful Journeys lecture with Sevan Melikyan visits Saint-Rémy-deProvence
Events continued from page 21 $68/person. For more info and reservations, call Chickie at 845-658-2414 or Hal at 845-658-9020. Marbletown Seniors trips Trips leave from and return to Marbletown Reformed Church, 3750 Main St., Route 209, Stone Ridge, across from the Stone Ridge post office. The seniors will take a day trip to Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon on Tuesday, Oct. 19. Bus leaves at 8:45 a.m. Entertainment will be a tribute to Bobby Darin and Elton John performed by Dave Lafame. Hot meal is included in $60 price. Wednesday-Friday, Nov. 10-12, will feature a visit to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for the Amish Holiday Tour featuring “Queen Esther” at Sight & Sound Theatre, "Winter Wonderland" at the American Music Theatre, and shopping at Tanger Outlets and Kitchen Kettle Village. Cost is $430 per person, double occupancy, and $559 for a single occupancy. If interested in any trips, call Sharon Letus, trip chairperson, at 845687-9162.
ARTS, MUSIC, BODY & MIND MaMA Sunday Gatherings continues virtually Marbletown Multi-Arts of Stone Ridge's Sunday Gatherings provide meditation on various spiritual matters and issues, and continue virtually via Zoom, 11 a.m. to noon each Sunday, with upcoming sessions on Aug. 8, 15, 22 and 29. Newcomers are always welcome. For more information, visit cometomama.org or call 845-853-5154. Death Café group discussion via Zoom Circle of Friends for the Dying’s Death Café is a group-directed conversation with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session; it is free and open to everyone. Death Cafés are held on the 18th of each month, with the next discussion, 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18. For information, visit cfdhv.org. Wednesday wind-up Zoom writing party The Generations Project facilitators will guide members from SAGE New Orleans along with younger LGBTQ+ attendees through a variety of short creative writing prompts, designed to help the participants express themselves, share their story and get to know one another. No writing experience necessary! These events, held 5-6:30 p.m. each third Wednesday of the month, through Aug. 18. To join, email programs@lgbtqcenter.org with “Writing Party” in the subject line. Kerhonkson Synagogue meditative prayer via Zoom All are welcome to this meditation or contemplative spiritual prayer, being held via Zoom as sheltering in place continues. Meetings are generally 45-60 minutes depending on the sharing, except Thursday evening is 30 minutes. This week’s schedule includes beginning Jewish mindfulness meditation at 7 a.m. Monday and Wednesday; Psalm Study with Hevruta, 8 a.m. Monday and Wednesday; Beginning Mussar Cohort, 10 a.m. Monday; Advanced Mussar Cohort Study and Hevruta 7 p.m. Wednesday; Contemplative Shacharit, 8 a.m. Thursday; Kabbalat Shabbat with Hazzan Michele, 7 p.m. Fridays monthly; Psalm study with sharing, 8 a.m. Friday; Shabbat Service, 9:30 a.m. second Shabbat of each month, at the synagogue; Rosh Chodesh with Hazzan Michele, 7 p.m. Sundays monthly. Zoom Meeting ID, 8439136762, password, 601662 and for more information, email kerhonksonrabbi@gmail.com. Whole Sky Yoga in-person plus virtual classes In-person classes at Whole Sky Yoga, 3588 Main St., Stone Ridge, include 8:30 a.m. in person Gentle Flow with Kristina, Tom Dunseith, RYT, 11:30 a.m. Mondays; All Levels, and Gentle Flow at 10 a.m., and 7:30 p.m. Evening Flow Virtual Class with Sara and Yin/Restorative with Nita at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays; 11:30 a.m. Pilates and Core, 5 p.m. Strong Vinyasa, Wednesdays; All Levels, 10 a.m. Thursdays; 8:30 a.m. Gentle Flow, All Levels, 10 a.m., Movement Meditation Creative Embodiment class, 6 p.m. Thursdays, and Beginner Level, 11:30 a.m. Fridays; All Levels classes, 10 and 11:30 a.m. Saturdays; and Yin/Yang, 10 a.m., Beginner and All Levels, 11:30 a.m., and Yin/Restorative at 6 p.m. Sundays. For more information and the fill list of classes, visit wholeskyyoga.com or call 845-706-3668.
This lecture on Zoom meets at 11 a.m. Mondays, Aug. 9 and 16, for Artful Journeys, with Sevan Melikyan, owner and operator of the Wired Gallery in High Falls. The next excursion is “Van Gogh in Provence, Part 2: Saint-Rémy-deProvence.” For more information, visit artfuljourneysllc.com/provence. Register at artfuljpurneysllc.com/classes-registration.
The cast of Murder Café’s “Murder at the Mic”
Murder Café presents ‘Murder at the Mic’ at The Paper Mill in Napanoch Over the past 10 years, “Murder at the Mic,” an original comedy-musical murder mystery by Murder Café of Rosendale, has been performed at the Bear Mountain Inn, Mohawk Casino, the Vanderbilt House, on the Pride of the Hudson cruise boat and in dozens of Hudson Valley restaurants and clubs. In addition to entertaining the public, performances of “Murder at the Mic” have raised thousands of dollars for local charities. As part of its 23rd anniversary celebration and return to live and safe performances, Murder Café will present “Murder at the Mic,” 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at The Paper Mill, 7400 Route 209, Napanoch. “Enter the cutthroat world of karaoke competition,” said Frank Marquette, playwright and director. “Someone is killing
the contestants at the Karaoke Clash!” Join ’70s disc jockey Monte Bloch, punk rocker Jools, hard rocker Judd, lounge legend Jerry, Broadway diva Berdi and America’s idol April-May as they compete for a trophy … and one of them dies trying. The audience is invited to guess whodunit and why. Audience members are not required to sing in the competition, but a playlist will be available for those who choose to do so. No audience members will be eliminated during the performance. Tickets are $45 per person and include a three-course dinner and the show. Reservations are a must and can be made by calling 845-272-1064. For more information, visit murdercafe.net.
Ulster County Historical Society hosts ‘Mystery at the Bevier House’ fundraiser
Family gathering four-day event at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge Join the community in this warm and welcoming, all-ages event, Friday-Tuesday, Aug. 6-10, at the Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge. Bill Quern and Sarah Gowan will lead crafting (musical instruments, crankies and more); Dorna Schroeter will teach a biomimicry design challenge; Tom Drumm, Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar will lead jamming and songwriting for all ages; Joakim Lartey will share storytelling and West African percussion; Hailey Luedtke, Dennis Grant and Krisha Stoever will lead nature exploration and Colonial-
Paddle the Esopus Creek, where the wildlife is abundant, at the family gathering at the Ashokan Center.
era crafts; Stanley Fowler will guide the canoeing and be the lifeguard; and Chef Bill will prepare the amazing meals! For information and registration, call 845-657-8333 or visit ashokancenter.org.
Rosendale Cafe presents first art exhibit since the Covid shutdown in March 2020 It begins with four inoculated Rosendale artists – Tom Sarrantonio, Staats Fasoldt, Judy Hoyt and Ted Dixon. There will be no opening reception for the exhibit, but work will be viewable during regular business hours at the café, 434 Main St., Rosendale, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Monday. The café is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information, visit rosendalecafe.com or call 845-658-9048.
“Mystery at the Bevier House” is set in 1890 at a Gilded Age party hosted by Louis and Catherine Bevier, played by Frank Marquette and Kim Schneeberger.
“Café” by Staats Fasoldt
In celebration of its 23rd year in operation and its return to live performances, Murder Café of Rosendale will be offering an original historic whodunit, “Mystery at the Bevier House,” 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, at the Bevier House Museum, 2682 Route 209, Marbletown. Light refreshments will be served. “Mystery at the Bevier House” is set in 1890 at a Gilded Age party hosted by Louis and Catherine Bevier at their historic residence, a site the Bevier family has called home for over 200 years. Mingle with the Bevier’s friends and notable guests including local industrialist Thomas Cornell, artist Julia Dillion and law professor Percy Longfellow. Be fussed over by Horace, Louis’s loyal butler, and Charlene, Catherine’s fortune-hunting maid. And be there as Katherine Kerry, a reporter for the Rondout Daily Freeman, observes much more than glitz and gaiety after one of the guests is murdered. “Mystery at the Bevier House” features the talents of local actors Jessica Boyd, Kim Schneeberger, Dan Anderson, Ellen Pavloff, David Britton, Kate Podell, Jim Keenen and Frank Marquette. Tickets are $55 per person, and proceeds will benefit the Ulster County Historical Society. For tickets, visit ulstercountyhs.org or call 845-377-1040 and for more on Murder Café, visit murdercafe.net or call owner and operator, Frank Marquette at 845-475-7973.
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Sell it now! $15.00 for the first 20 words. ($.25 for each additional word) All classified ads must be paid for by the end of Tuesday before our Friday issue date. The newspaper is printed on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. Billing privileges are extended to display advertising clients and accounts placed for six months or more. Our mailing address is PO Box 149, Stone Ridge, NY 12484. Please call 687-4480 for more information. We take credit cards!
Town of Marbletown Rondout Municipal Center 1925 Lucas Ave., Cottekill, NY
marbletown.net 845-687-7500 Planning Board Aug. 9 @ 7:00pm to 9:00pm ECC and Climate Smart
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3 HOME ESTATE SALE Labor Day Week-end: Sat & Sun. Sept 4 & 5 – 9:00-5:00 Rain or Shine (Sale is tented) 229 Foordmore Rd., Kerhonkson Kitchen, Dining & Bar items, clothes & cloth, drapes, blankets & linens, electronics, furniture, books & records, FROOHFWDEOHV WRROV ROG VWXႇ Priced to sell. Plenty of parking
Communities Task Force Aug. 11 @ 7:00pm to 9:00pm Historic Preservation Committee Aug. 12 @ 6:00pm Town Board Aug. 17 @ 6:00 via Zoom Zoning Board of Appeals Aug. 25 @ 6:00pm
Town of Rosendale All meetings held at Rondout Municipal Center unless otherwise noted, 1915 Lucas Ave., Cottekill, NY
townofrosendale.com 845-658-3159 Town Board August 11 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am Planning Board Meeting @ Rondout Municipal Center August 12 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals August 17 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Economic Development Commission Meeting @ Rondout Municipal Center August 18 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Recreation Commission @ Rosendale Center Pavilion August 18 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Environmental Commission Meeting @ Rondout Municipal Center August 18 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Town of Rochester Town Board, Planning Board and ZBA meetings will livestream broadcast on YouTube. Rochester Town Hall 50 Scenic Rd, Accord, NY
Planning Board August 9 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
BSP is looking for a news reporter BSP is looking for a news reporter.
Call 845-687-4480 or email bsplori@gmail.com
Give us a call to discuss the details. 687-4480. Thank you.
Historic Preservation Committee August 16 @ 2:00 – 5:00pm Youth Commission August 18 @ 9:30 am – 11:00 am Zoning Board August 19 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Town Board Audit August 26 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Town Board Workshop August 26 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Page 24, August 6, 2021 BlueStone Press
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4305 uS Highway 209 • Stone ridge, ny 12484 PHonE (845) 687-0047 • Fax (845) 687-4783
www.gagnoncpa.com
info@mecels.com • www.mecels.com
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Edgar P. Campbell Joanne C. Whalen
Helping Human Beings Cope with Computers since 1986
Counsellors At Law
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(914) 948-7700 (845) 687-0353 3536 Rt. 209 Stone Ridge, NY 12484
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(845) 687-9458
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Stone Ridge Insurance
Sanitall
Licensed Master Plumber #136 • Fully Insured
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Serving All of Your Insurance Needs
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Donald J. Giamei, Agent donaldgiamei@hotmail.com
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Michele Aversano, Licensed Associate michelesri@outlook.com
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