The best source for local news from Marbletown, Rochester & Rosendale
Published the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month | Vol. 27, Issue 4
February 18, 2022 | 75 cents
New 10-room hotel plans move forward The Audrey Farmhouse project currently before the Marbletown Planning Board Amber Kelly BSP Reporter Over a half dozen neighbors showed up to the Town of Marbletown Planning Board meeting on Feb. 14 to hear about the Audrey Farmhouse project. The meeting was attended by board members John Kostides, Paris Perry, Dan Proctor, Dave Cobb, Sharon Klein, Tracey Kellogg
and Shawn Marks. The owners of the property live locally and own several properties elsewhere. This property of 14 acres is just outside the historic district, at 4321 Route 209, and will only utilize the 5 acres along the road. The applicants pointed out that the steep incline downward from the road makes the view of the proposed buildings obscured. The first thing to be done is the
driveway in order to reduce tracking of mud from the construction project onto Route 209. The construction will be done in phases, with only 1 acre of land disturbed. The finished project will have a 20-guest capacity with 10 rooms and a maximum capacity of 200 people. There will be 120 parking spots. It will be one story high and technically two buildings in a line,
connected in the middle. The event center is three buildings but connected so as to function as one building, and comprise a total of 2,400 square feet. No food will be cooked on site, and events will only be on weekends. The lighting planned is dark-sky compliant, facing down and
See Planning, page 3
Smitty's Dude Ranch The Farfetched Coffee story Page 13
The WSW Annual Chilli Bowl Fest will warm your heart Page 20
Handspring Puppet Company live in Rosendale Page 22
Old times on Clove Valley Road, Part II Ann Belmont BSP Reporter Clove Valley Road is one of the most magical places around. To the south, a line of vertical cliffs face the valley and the country road that snakes along it. Those awesome rocks have seen human endeavors come and go, as people looking for a place to farm, or simply drawn by the valley's bewitching beauty, came and settled there. Reel back the years to the 1960s, when Wilbur Smith, aka “Smitty,” bought a piece of land with frontage on Clove Valley Road and built a house there as well as a barn and a hotel/bar. Unlike the Wickie Wackie Club a couple of miles up the road (profiled in the Feb. 4 issue of the BSP), Smitty's Dude Ranch was a casual gathering place. Smitty's has a special place in local history because – like the Wickie Wackie – it was one of the rare Black-owned resort businesses of that era. Smitty was by all accounts a generous guy, and his ranch attracted some of the local free spirits, often college students whose focus on education was somewhat tenuous. Carol Pressman of High Falls recalls, “I was a student at SUNY New Paltz from 1965 until 1970. By the second year I started living off campus and partying with the arty crowd – beatniks and long-haired political activists ... I don’t know how some of us managed to graduate. There were a few places that the arty folks hung out at … Spinelli’s (which is now Joe’s East West on upper Main Street in New Paltz), the Black Swan in Rifton, and Smitty's.” In spite of the dude ranch title, Smitty doesn’t seem to have kept a lot of riding horses. Terry Hightower, maitre d’ at the Depuy Canal House for decades, used to
Wilbur Smith, “Smitty,” riding a horse at his dude ranch and an archive photo of Smitty’s Bar and Dude Ranch on Clove Valley Road in the 1960s
rent a horse from a neighbor of Smitty's. “We used to ride down to Smitty’s then we’d go to Top of the Falls," Hightower recalled. Laural Walsh of Kingston remembers that “there was one horse there, named Mike.” Walsh was introduced to Smitty's as a 15-year-old. "My dad discovered the place … My dad and my sister and I used to go up there and listen to the Arm Brothers, the bluegrass band." (The Arm Brothers were from Poughkeepsie and
Smitty's was their regular gig.) Walsh continued, "When I was 18 I left home and moved there, to the hotel upstairs." There were around 15 rooms upstairs above the bar, she said, and behind the bar “there was a huge commercial kitchen” available to the renters, who used it to cook for themselves. “I knew Smitty pretty well,” Walsh
See Smitty's, page 15
Page , February 18, 2022, BlueStone Press
Highfalonian, business woman, grandmother, hostess Tell us a bit about your past? I was born in Greenwich Village, lived in Chelsea (NYC) and went to college in Milwaukee at Marquette University. When I was a junior in college I attended a wedding in Cottekill and met my future husband, Garin Sheeley. In 1968 we married and I moved upstate. Garin, from Cottekill, was a teacher at Kingston High School. He started the first cable company in the area named Vidacable. He constructed an Visit the folks antenna in Bloomington in the Town next door of Rosendale and started with 50 subscribers. As cable became more desirable he expanded to the Town of Marbletown. He passed away at the age of 40 in 1982, and with divine intervention and deep thought, I continued his legacy and ran the business for 14 years. As technology outpaced the capabilities of a mom-andpop business, it was the right time to sell Vidacable to Time Warner in 1996.
with the High Falls Civic Association. We were honored to be the step-off location for the parade marking High Falls’ 150th Anniversary in the summer of 2019, and 50 years prior, for the 100th year, the parade ended in our field.
Q&A
You have six children and several grandchildren and had to raise your children on your own since your husband passed. Tell us about them and the experience. My oldest son, Patrick, was 13 and my youngest child was 2 when my husband passed. My other children in age order are Andrew, Jonathan, James, Stacy and Robert. It was difficult to run a business and raise my kids. They all attended St. Peter’s in Rosendale, and it was nice to have the community support. Patrick remains in the area and owns and operates a roofing business. Andrew is an attorney, and he lives in NYC with his family. Jonathan lives in Georgia and works in construction. James lives in New Jersey with his family, and Stacy lives in Stone Ridge and is a guidance counselor in the Rondout Valley School District. Robert lives on the property and cares for his toddlers while managing The Sheeley House Bed & Breakfast; his wife works at SUNY Ulster as a Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. I have 14 grandchildren and one on the way. Your house has a lot of history. Can you tell us about that? Yes, the old brick house on Lucas
Sue Sheeley Age: 76 Profession: Retired cable company owner and current B&B owner Town: High Falls
Avenue was built in 1827. There’s a lot of local history and some ghost stories about the house. In fact, the Wallkill Valley Land Trust included our house on a local tour a few years ago and found out many more details about prior owners, and what the house had been used for decades ago. We can now assign names to the “ghosts” that often keep our Bed & Breakfast guests company. After all of my children were grown, I built a home on the land across the street, and our old house became The Sheeley House Bed & Breakfast, which opened in 2000 and I still operate with my youngest son, Robert. I love seeing people who have become friends through Bed and Breakfast. We love hosting small concerts, and many of our friends look forward to our holiday gatherings. In its history, the 50-acre property accommodated the office for Vidacable, an airstrip for my husband’s enthusiasm for airplanes, an interest that lives on in my oldest son, Patrick. We’ve also hosted weddings for friends and family, community events such as wiffle ball tournaments
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You are a very active woman, tell us about your interests. I love music and am very involved in singing. Up until the pandemic I was singing with four choir groups including the choir at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Stone Ridge, the Kingston Women’s Chorus, the Kingston Musical Society, the Camerata Chorale in Poughkeepsie, and my longest tenure is performing with Ars Choralis out of Woodstock. My family is the most important to me. I love being involved in my grandchildren’s lives by going to their activities such as sporting events, band performances, acting in plays, horseback riding and more. They’re all very active. I also enjoy keeping up with friends from the past and have seen a lot of changes sharing our life experiences throughout the years. How would you spend your perfect day? The perfect day would be hosting a concert and inviting all my friends and musicians to play and gather, and having a potluck dinner together. If it was in the summer we would hold it in the airplane hangar and on the airfield on the property, if it was in the winter it would be inside of the Bed & Breakfast. It would have the feeling of the past when on several joyous occasions when we hosted friends and neighbors for “flyins” on the airfield. What do you look forward to in the future? I look forward to spending time with old friends and neighbors. Most of all I look forward to having more connections with each of my grandchildren. My oldest is now 30 years old, and I’m excited for the arrival of my next grandbaby, due in April. That to me is the reward of all the effort I’ve put in and the things I’ve been through!
BSP Corrections On the BlueStone Forum (Letters to the Editor) page of the Feb. 4 issue of the BlueStone Press, in the letter “Changing a life, one letter at a time,” there was an error in the number of letters that were written as part of the Amnesty International Mid-Hudson Write for Rights event. It was stated that 167 letters were written, but the actual number was 217. In the article “Old Times on Clove Valley Road, Part I”, in the Feb. 4 issue of the BSP, the quote “they [white people] would come and eat our food, they would come and listen to our music, but they wouldn’t sleep in our beds” was attributed to Violet Ferguson. The statement was actually made by Peg Leg Bates. The BlueStone Press apologizes for the error.
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BlueStone Press, February 18, 2022, Page
Public Service Commission to hold broadband hearings 'When it’s assumed that cellular data will bridge the coverage gap, they’re not talking about places in a valley between two mountains,' said Baden
TV franchise agreements can be interpreted to classify all of its data as confidential. “The simple fact is,” says Baden, “that when it’s assumed that cellular data will bridge the coverage gap, they’re not talking about places in a valley between two mountains. You can draw circles around cell towers on a map all day long, but if there isn’t a line of sight, there’s no service.” The hearings are part of an information-gathering initiative that includes a mapping survey that may provide more real-time information than providers have previously shared. Baden is hoping that some of the good folks who call his office asking about the issue will make their voices heard at the state level, possibly leading to improvement in the situation. “The only real solution is for the state to classify broadband as a public utility, just like telephone and electric,” he says. To comment on the public hearing, it’s not required that you be there in real time – add your comments digitally by going to www.dps.ny.gov, clicking on “Search,” and entering the associated matter number (21-02182) in the “Search by Case Number” field. Baden, though, plans to attend the virtual hearing, which will take place Wednesday, Feb. 23, Thursday. Feb. 24, Wednesday, March 2 and Thursday, March 3, with sessions at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on each of those dates. Full instructions on how to log on can be found on the Town of Rochester website. You can also contribute to the state’s info-gathering efforts by visiting www.empirestatebroadband.com, taking a survey, and having your connection speed tested before March 18.
Anne Pyburn Craig BSP Reporter The New York State Public Service Commission will be holding a series of eight public hearings in the coming weeks on the subject of rural broadband, and Town of Rochester supervisor Michael Baden hopes his constituents will take the opportunity to let the state know that a genuine need exists that is not being met by either Charter/Spectrum or by cellular signal. Baden has been trying to get the word out for years that Rochester is far from fully covered. It’s a mission he says has been made more difficult by a lack of transparency on the telecom company’s part. “They seem to want it both ways,” he says of Charter/Spectrum. “They don’t want competition, yet they refuse to admit that if they are our only option, it’s their responsibility to work with municipalities to get broadband everywhere and not for $50,000 for a single connection.” Precise data about how much of the town is already covered is tough to come by, he says, because the cable company’s
Planning
they want for the board to review. The motion was made and approved to continue the public hearing until March 14. The Hasbrouck House public hearing for a proposed sub-division continued with a vote on part two and a look at part three. The fire trucks do have sufficient access. The stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) from Peak Engineering has been submitted. They have submitted a letter as to what constitutes an event, and submitted a letter explaining the process about noise mitigation for the 15 events per calendar year. That letter will be addressed to all neighbors within 500 feet of the parcel, and will be sent out presently. Ecological review found Indiana bats and Northern long ear bats at the site, but they can live farther up in the woods. A neighbor owning an adjacent lowpesticide orchard will provide studies done with Cornell and Farm Hub showing 38 of 39 pollinating species, and said the studies rated this farm the most diverse in New York. .
from page 1 toward the planned sign. A commissioner with the Kripplebush fire department asked about the possible effect on the water supply, hoping to be able to pump at the same level that they have for the past 50 years. The owners said that they deal with that at another property by having 2,200 gallons of water delivered in a certified storage container, and they even bring in a second one if needed. They use a meter on the water systems to estimate usage demands. The septic leach fields have been approved by the DOH. Someone asked if the planned buildings would affect the electricity available, and board member Dave Cobb, who is an electrician, said that no, there is plenty of electricity available for whatever’s needed. A neighbor asked why a new place is being built when there are so many empty hotel-type places. “Is there even a demand for such a thing way out here in the country?” Board chairman Paris Perry said that it is not the role of the Planning Board to determine such things. A business owner can come up with whatever plan
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Page , February 18, 2022, BlueStone Press
Sojourner Truth
Briefs
Sojourner Truth was born Isabella Baumfree to enslaved parents in the Town of Esopus over 225 years ago. Around age 9, she was separated from her parents and sold several times before claiming her freedom in 1826 – one year before New York’s law to abolish slavery was to take effect. After Truth’s enslaver failed to honor his promise to free her, Truth bravely walked 11.5 miles to freedom over the Shaupeneak Ridge, carrying her infant daughter, Sophia. In 1828, Truth became the first Black woman in the United States to win a lawsuit against a white man when she took her enslaver to court for illegally selling her 5-year-old son to an Alabama slave owner. The landmark case resulted in Truth being reunited with her son, Peter. As a free woman, she chose the name Sojourner Truth in 1843, inspired by the belief that God was calling on her to travel and preach about the causes she believed in – a belief that would later inform her prolific speeches against slavery and make her a leader of the women’s and civil rights movements.
UC Legislature establishes Sojourner Truth Day The Ulster County Legislature permanently designated Nov. 26 as Sojourner Truth Day at the legislative session on Feb. 15. Legislator Peter Criswell (City of Kingston, District 7) sponsored the permanent designation legislation as well as earlier proclamation measures for the years of 2020 and 2021. Nov. 26 was the day Sojourner Truth died in 1883; the date her birth is unknown. Before the session, Legislature chairwoman Tracey Bartels (Towns of Gardiner and Shawangunk, District Sojourner Truth 16) said, “The Legislature is deeply honored that Barbara Allen, the sixth-generation granddaughter of Sojourner Truth, will join us from Battle Creek, Michigan, as we recognize and celebrate the countywide proclamation of Nov. Allen 26 as Sojourner Truth Day.” Bartel said, “The Legislature is grateful for the passionate advocacy of the four young women from the Kingston YMCA Farm Project who inspired local, county and state lawmakers to establish an annual day of recognition. We applaud their determination to shine a light on the legacy of one of our nation’s most important human rights activists who courageously fought for abolition and universal suffrage,” said Bartels. Barbara Allen is the sixth-generation granddaughter of Sojourner Truth. She is the decedent of Sophia, the infant daughter whom Truth carried to freedom in 1826. Allen lives in Battle Creek, Michigan, where Truth resettled in 1867. She is the author of two children’s books celebrating her great-grandmother’s legacy, “Remembering Great Grandma Sojourner Truth” and “Journey with Great Grandma Sojourner Truth.” “Establishing a Sojourner Truth Day in Ulster County is such an honor to a remarkable woman who spent her life crusading for others’ civil rights while dealing with her own obstacles and memories of past injustices,” Allen said. “My greatgrandma’s spirit, and quest to speak the truth about freedom, equality and inclusion, is still alive and relevant today. We can relate to her words because they were inspired and true, everyone deserves to be free and included. “Sojourner’s deep and sincere responsibility to her fellow man is what encourages
me as a descendant to continue to speak out against injustices and write about her vision. Sojourner risked her life so that marginalized people could be seen, heard and taken seriously,” said Allen. “I will pass on my work to my granddaughters one day, and I envision them working hand in hand with such astonishing young women as Jessica Alonso, Ani Castillo, Aleshanee Emanuel and Briana Gary, the YMCA Farm empowerment coordinators, which I had the pleasure of working with recently. These women, with their amazing drive and commitment, will ultimately change the world.” The Kingston YMCA Farm Project’s mission is to educate, nourish and connect the Kingston community to their urban farm. The Farm Project is committed to racial and economic justice and works to create a more equitable food system for all. The Farm Project leads antiracist action through their work in the food system, youth empowerment and social justicedriven initiatives. The movement to create a permanent Sojourner Truth Day was inspired by these four young women who work as empowerment coordinators from the Kingston YMCA Farm Project. They organized their interest in Sojourner Truth’s life into a local movement and called on local, county and state officials to introduce legislation to commemorate the life and legacy of their local hero, Sojourner Truth.
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Central Hudson electricity rates rise Town encourages residents to join CCA Brooke Stelzer BSP Reporter The Marbletown Town Board meeting was held via Zoom and Facebook Live on Jan. 15. Five board members were present including Rich Parete, chairman and town supervisor, along with Ken Davenport, Daisy Foote, Don LaFera and Tim Hunt. Three resolutions were presented, and all carried, 5-0. Resolution 29 covers the standard workday for full time, non-highway town employees. Lunch hours were shortened from one hour to 30 minutes. Resolution 30 is a local law that permits board members to remote into Town Board meetings from anywhere, provided board members give the address they’re joining from. Resolution 31 allows Marbletown to recognize Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April. The town will promote organizations that raise money and offer services and help for people and families impacted by the disease. In updated business, Parete noted the recent spike in Central Hudson’s electric rates, citing a Feb. 10 news release from the company. “Hundreds of people might be paying quite a bit more now. Central Hudson announced that for February, the rate is going to be 22 cents per kilowatt hour. So, it’s actually like three and a half times higher than Marbletown’s preferred rates,”
said Parete. Marbletown’s default electricity supply is community choice aggregation (CCA) through Hudson Valley Community Power, which is 100% renewable energy. The town locked in a three-year rate for Marbletown residents at approximately 6.573 cents per kilowatt. For Marbletown residents who may have opted out of the CCA program, which Parete says is about 13%-15% of the town, CCA allows “opting in” at any point during the year, especially if those residents find their electricity bills are on the rise from Central Hudson or other providers. “We’re only three months into the term, so if oil and electricity rates continue to go up, it’s a good benefit for people [who are opted in],” added Parete. HVCP says that it saves participants money by pooling demand, which leverages collective buying power of residents and small businesses, protecting consumers from volatile markets while also supporting renewable power sources. As an environmental benefit, HVCP’s website states 220,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions have been avoided as a direct result of all collective town’s participation since 2019. Visit hudsonvalleycommunitypower.com to learn more about opting into 100% NYS generated renewable electricity. Email info@hudsonvalleycommunitypower. com, or call 845- 859-9099 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
Aspiring chefs Maddie Macaluso (left) of Tillson and Ariel Tafolla (right) of Hurley prepare the batter for their French macaron sandwich cookies. The two attended “Oo-la-la French Macarons,” the latest class in the Chef du Jour series, which is taught by Culinary Institute of America graduate chef Elise Macur and offered by the Ulster BOCES Adult Career Education Center.
Local aspiring student chefs participate in Chef du Jour Series Chef Elise Macur, a Culinary Institute of America graduate who teaches at the Ulster BOCES Adult Career Education Center, recently led a class through a very yummy few hours of “Oo-la-la” French macaron cookie making. The delicious session was the latest installment of the popular Ulster BOCES “Chef du Jour” series. To make these Parisian sandwich
cookies, the bakers-in-training learned the art of sifting, double-boiling, folding and piping. The finished treats included chocolate peanut butter, salted caramel, vanilla, orange creamsicle, strawberry cheesecake and blueberry lemon. For more information, or to register for any of our upcoming Adult Education classes, visit ulsterboces.org/adult-ed.
BlueStone Press, February 18, 2022, Page
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Infinite Campus system 'more robust and user-friendly for parents and employees' Homework policy presentation by the Home Learning Committee and discussion of new policy that was shared last fall Amber Kelly BSP Reporter At the Feb. 8 Rondout Valley Board of Education meeting, board president Dawn VanKleeck said, “Two years ago, we had public comments from staff members about how challenging it was using everything from Google Classroom to School Tools, updating Parent Portal so it is a better experience for our students and our staff, Dr. Morgan has found a better solution that integrates all of it – and it will be much better for parents, staff,
students and everyone.” Dr. Joseph Morgan, the school district superintendent, said, “Ms. Pacht (assistant superintendent of schools and operations) and I are working on the grading system to make a determination on how the grading system is set up so it dovetails nicely with the homework policy – what is the weighting on homework, what is the weighting of tests, what is the weighting of quizzes. It is all part of the migrating process from School Tools, which is our legacy system, into the new Infinite Campus system. The Infinite Campus system is much more robust, much more user friendly.” Dr. Morgan said, “Part of that survey is, as you know, we are moving into Infinite Campus, which is the new student management system, and as part of setting it up we need to establish the business rules.” Jessica Torok, the high school principal, gave a presentation from the Home Learning Committee and said that last fall a new homework policy was shared. Input collected since then will inform the development of a survey to send out to the wider community by March. Teach-
ers said that grades K-3 should have very little homework other than simple reading that they can do alone. For grades 4-12, teachers feel that the majority of the policy was being implemented already. The new policy has teachers examining quantity versus quality, the impact of student learning, and quality feedback. The new idea is to have intention about the types of assignments given, obtaining more meaningful feedback, and giving time in class to start the assignments. VanKleeck asked if they needed help from someone who develops surveys. Morgan replied that they do have a consultant to work with because those questions need to be valid, reliable, and get at “what we are actually trying to get an answer for.” Torok said, “Some staff did share that the language of the policy is vague, and they would like clear expectations. It is challenging trying to expect that balance of being flexible, yet you also want consistency, so I appreciate the feedback around that. Areas that teachers say are needing more support are needing more professional development on differentiating home learning assignments, providing more meaningful feedback, and providing various ways for students to demonstrate their understanding in more modalities and ways.” On another topic, David Carter, assistant high school principal, said, “Last year we started a ‘holocaust awareness education program’ with our current sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders, and we had committed to the next step of that education program, and we formed a partnership with the Holocaust Museum and the Center for Tolerance and Education in Rockland County housed at the Rockland community college. We are now putting together class trips down to the museum and tolerance center for the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders over three days, March 15, 16 and 17. There will be a lot of education that leads up to that, building on what we did last year. For our sixth-graders, not only will they tour the museum, but they will participate in what is called the ‘moral courage workshop,’ which is interactive and really gets them to think about some very difficult life choices and moral dilemmas. Our seventh- and eighth-graders will participate in a new program entitled ‘Hate, Propaganda, and Tolerance,’ and others will go listen to survivors. Not to leave the fourth- and fifth-graders out, we have purchased a program called ‘Kindness Is
Contagious.’ Regarding updates from the Educational Foundation, school board member Breanna Casey said, “This time of year they wanted to remind the community that as the budget is being developed there’s loans and needs, and not every one is met by the budget process, so they wanted us to remind everyone that they are here and available and willing to assist and collaborate with anything they can to help our schools be as great as they can be.” Casey said that currently Ms. Pacht is working on a Farm Fresh Food grant that is due in March with the help of the foundation. Casey also said, “I was wondering if we could have an agenda item shortly for the school budget just so we can talk about our core goals, the strategic plan, and kind of just get an update on where we are at with allocating resources so the board can collectively participate in that conversation.” Board member Megan Snair said, “I don’t know if anyone has names, but I just wanted to congratulate the winners, that we have some art scholastic awards, with some gold and some silver and honorable mentions, so that’s fantastic. There’s a video, or an interactive virtual exhibit … I don’t know, maybe we can get it on our website or Facebook page.” Board member Nicole Parete said, “I just want to say that we’ve been getting a lot of feedback from our community regarding the quarantining, the amount of times our students are quarantined. This has been ongoing. I just ask that the administration consider, you know, reflecting on our current policies, keeping our kids safe, and also making sure that they do not miss instruction. It’s not an easy thing to do, I understand that, but I’m just asking that maybe we revisit our current policies and maybe tweak them if need be. Thank you.” Student board member Emily Bordalone said, “We are currently working on scheduling brainstorming and meeting for the student voice. Things that we’ve been working on for the high school is just to see what is working for them and what is not working for them in terms of our school community and our building in particular.”
BlueStone Press, February 18, 2022, Page
ECC and Sustainable Hudson Valley: 10 steps to get to 100% renewable energy Brooke Stelzer BSP Reporter The Marbletown Environmental Conservation Commission and Sustainable Hudson Valley held a January workshop to educate, inform and empower community members to make easy and affordable switches to 100% renewable energy in their homes and businesses. “At these informal workshops and energy coaching sessions, neighbors have been helping neighbors to understand the latest technologies and what makes the most sense for their lifestyle and finances,” said ECC chairman Tom Konrad. “Over the year since we launched this campaign, the first households have achieved 100% and many more have solid game plans. People are having fun learning about induction stoves, electric snow blowers, heat pumps and EVs, and how to budget and finance these investments.” Konrad and Ben Eckstein, outreach coordinator at Sustainable Hudson Valley, outlined 10 cost-effective steps households can take to make the switch to renewable. The first two steps are switching to 100% renewable electricity supply and community choice solar, respectively. Marbletown residents were sent letters from Hudson Valley Community Power (HVCP) in 2019 for fixed-rate, 100% renewable energy. Community choice solar launched in June 2021, and residents were automatically signed up for both renewable electric and community choice solar, unless they actively opted out. Those savings are currently reflected on Marbletown electricity bills. Step 3 is more costly by comparison and involves insulating and air sealing your home. Olivia Flemming, an ECC member, shared her experience re-insulating her home, which was built in the 1950s. “We moved in in January 2021, spent the first five months freezing, had the boiler turned up to 75, and the heat would not hold. So, we had Bill from Energy Conservation Services come in and do a full assessment. They did a full scope of work of where the heat was escaping. I think it was $7,000 to $10,000 in total – we have a 2,500 square foot house. He took out all of the old insulation and put in brand new, healthy, green insulation instead, and it’s been extremely satisfying this year, especially with the weather … it’s been 2 degrees today and we are able to heat our home with our wood stove. It’s the best money that we’ve probably spent.” The fourth step is purchasing or replacing old appliances with energy-saving, newer appliances. Konrad suggests checking the energy guide label on the appliance, but also to take note of how many kilowatt hours it’s estimated to use, as energy guides don’t compare across different models and designs. Step 5 of the plan is to consider purchasing an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. “First generation electric vehicles, pre-2018, are great if you have two vehicles and can use the other one for long trips,” said Konrad. The ECC notes good options for commuters are Leaf, eGolf, RAV4 EV, Smart Electric and the eMini. For longer trips, or if you only have 120 volts for charging, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) might be a better option. Used models include Volt and the BMWi3 Rex. Newer options include Prius Prime, Mitsubishi Outlander, Chrysler Pacifica PHEV and the Toyota RAV4 Prime. If you’re looking for a long-range electric vehicle and are buying new and want 100% electric, Konrad noted the Tesla, Chevrolet Bolt, Kia Soul EV, Leaf and Hyundai Kona.
Marbletown ECC promoting 100% renewable with their custom signs
Konrad highlighted that making a plan for an at-home EV charger is important, such as knowing if you’ll need a 240 volt outlet near your parking space, and how to get one installed if you do. Go to bit.ly/ PledgeRenewable to find out how you can win a EV outlet installation from the ECC. Step 6 is about heating and cooling your home and replacing a furnace or air-conditioning units with air source heat pumps or a geothermal/ground source option. Currently Central Hudson is offering $200$1,600 rebates on alternative heating and cooling options. Mini-splits can be added as a supplement to a furnace and take over if it stops working. EPA 2020 certified wood stoves, fireplace inserts, pellet stoves and wood boilers are also good renewable options noted in the Marbletown renewable pledge. Kathleen Caproni, a psychologist, owns the Sun Creek Center on Route 209 in Stone Ridge. She spoke about her decision to switch to a central ducted air source heat pump for the whole building (it was designed all-electric) and the addition of a mini-split heat pump to her office. These serve as both heat and A/C. “I really started to feel enough discomfort in my office. My questions and concerns were about the outlay of money, I thought what kind of financing could I get, what kind of incentives, so last summer with the help of Pro Services in Rhinebeck, who did a very wonderful and easy installation, I was able to put in that unit,” said Caproni. “I knew the cost up front, I was able to jump into a 0% financing incentive, and I was able to get a $700 rebate for (that) particular Mitsubishi system – my total costs were managed in that way. The great surprise was that it was exactly what I hoped it would be. It didn’t raise my electrical use so much, almost unperceptively some months. I can use it selectively; I have full control. The only thing that was challenging was the permitting process, historic district and I would say the electrical installation was more expensive than what I had budgeted for because I had to come around the building because there is no basement. But overall, I would do it again in a heartbeat.” Konrad notes that until March, Central Hudson Heat Pump rebates are good incentives. Current rebates are around $1,300 for 1000 BTU/hr (whole home), or $500 per unit for a partial home. Starting March 1, rebates will lower to $500 for a whole home and $200 per unit for a partial home. “If you can get into it now, this is one case where I would say don’t wait for your boiler to break,” said Konrad. Step 7 is switching to a renewable hot water source. “For most people, a heat pump water heater is a great option. It takes heat from your basement and puts it in the hot water. In the summer this is great because you want your basement cooler; it also dehumidifies your basement,” said Konrad. Solar hot water is an
economical option for high usage households or businesses. The current rebate with Central Hudson is $1,000 per unit for a heat pump water heater. The eighth step is to purchase an inexpensive countertop induction burner to reduce fossil fuel cooking. Toni Brink, a High Falls resident and registered dietician, demonstrated her experience with stovetop induction cooking to save electricity. She purchased her first induction burner for $100 and used it for 14 years before it burnt out. Toni has a new portable stovetop system that she places directly on top of her electric stove and shared her years-long experience cooking with induction systems. “It’s accurate, really easy to control, lots of different settings, there are timers on it, I use it all the time. I think it’s very safe, it turns off by itself. If you take a pan off of it, it beeps and tells you to put the pan back on. It’s very efficient, it’s much more efficient than gas. The heat goes right up into the pan, which has to be made of either stainless steel or cast iron. One thing that is safe about it is you don’t have the emissions that you do out of gas and wood, as you have Co2 coming from those things,” Brink said.
Step 8 also includes energy-efficient laundry drying options, which can include a heat pump clothes dryer, a condensing clothes dryer, a traditional electric clothes dryer or a clothesline or drying rack. The ninth step is yard and power equipment, with electric options being preferred. These would include equipment like your lawnmower, snowblower, chainsaw, chipper/shredder, leaf blower and trimmers. “When you chose the brand, look at the big electrics you’re going to buy, the lawnmower and the snowblower, and make sure you get one that is adequate there, because the electrics share batteries, you sort of want to go all one brand. The brand I’ve been using is EGO,” said Konrad. Step 10 is to learn and share what you know, and, Konrad said, to vote for those who have sustainability and the climate crisis in mind. “Pay attention to how you vote. If we want to get real change, we can’t rely on just individual action. Going to renewables will save you money and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. But we aren’t going to solve the climate crisis just by doing that, we also need to make sure our political leaders care about it.” Multiple group discounts are available on ducted and ductless heat pump systems and heat pump water heaters, EV charging stations, solar panels and air sealing and insulation. The group discounts are listed on the Sustainable Hudson Valley website, or at bit.ly/MarbletownGroupPurchase. The ECC will be holding an online workshop on electric vehicles and chargers with the Rondout Valley Permaculture meetup group from 7-9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28. Visit: https://www. meetup.com/RondoutValleyPermaculture/events/283510834/ Visit marbletown.net/ECC to view the 10 steps to get to 100% renewable energy and to learn about future workshops for the community.
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DEP pushed to make adjustments in the turbid water releases in the Esopus Big development in Ashokan Reservoir water releases February 9 NYSDEP announcement seeks more analysis and data on the muddy releases from the Ashokan Reservoir Jeff Slater BSP Reporter The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced on Feb. 9 that it is sending the New York City Department of Environmental Protection back to the drawing board for further analysis of the adverse environmental and human impacts of the muddy releases from the Ashokan Reservoir. The DEC is requiring the NYCDEP to undertake additional analysis and prepare a supplemental draft environmental impact statement for releases from the city’s Ashokan Reservoir. These new requirements follow the DEC’s review of nearly 1,300 comments received during the public comment period in 2021. “Safeguarding water quality for the Hudson Valley and the Catskill communities is critical to ongoing efforts to protect New York City’s water supply”, said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Today’s announcement requires actions to further address impacts to water quality in the Ashokan Reservoir and connected waters in consideration of the thousands of comments the DEC received from local residents and other stakeholders” Seggos continued. In response to the DEC’s new requirements for an environmental impact statement, Ted Timbers, DEP spokesperson, said, “NYS DEC is the lead agency and had set forth the parameters for the original environmental study, and we look forward to working with them and all stakeholders on a supplemental study.” “Requiring further analysis is absolutely the right move” said Kathy Nolan, Catskill
Esopus Creek turbidity in 2020 and 2021. The black line shows the Lomontville readings.
Mountainkeeper’s senior research director. “We need the strongest plan possible to address the releases from the Ashokan Reservoir, one that will explore all available options to prevent muddy water from harming rivers and streams, one that protects drinking water supplies, and one that mitigates challenges that the climate crisis is imposing on communities and waterways. “Catskill Mountainkeeper’s mission is to protect our region’s forest and wild lands, safeguard air and water, nurture healthy, equitable and sustainable communities, empower environmental justice and accelerate the transition to a 100% clean and
just energy future in New York state and beyond,” Nolan said. “I think that mandating NYC to review its practice of discharging turbid water into the Lower Esopus is a great first step,” said Rich Parete, Town of Marbletown supervisor. “The DEP first started releases in 2010 in response to concerns municipalities along the Lower Esopus had about being flooded after heavy rainstorms. It’s clear that, with the more severe weather we are having, something needs to be done. There is no easy way to fix this, and we don’t want any fixes to cause environmental damage elsewhere,” Parete continued.
The DEC website (dec.ny.gov) posted the following information: Required additional analysis in the SDEIS includes: -Comprehensive examination of the impacts reservoir water releases to the Hudson River drinking water supply; -Preparation of a more detailed Alternatives Analysis, including the assessment of mitigation alternatives in combination; -Efforts to address the impacts of climate change on future water supply operations -Methods under the new analyses to ensure an adequate water supply "safe yield."
A pandemic success story by the Ashokan Watershed Detectives The Covid-19 pandemic initially forced most school districts to shift to an online learning format. When the new school year began in the fall of 2020, many schools moved to a hybrid model of partial in-person and partial online learning. But almost universally, schools cancelled afterschool activities and clubs. The Ashokan Watershed Detectives club, a popular afterschool program run by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County (CCEUC) was also in danger of being put on hold. The club is important for supplementing regular classroom lessons with place-based stream science education for students in grades 4-8. To maintain opportunities for student learning, CCEUC staff worked hard to develop a plan to allow the program to continue to meet in person. Partnering with the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, CCEUC was able to adapt its program to meet away from school with numerous safety protocols in place. Beginning in October 2020, a motivated group of 18 students began meeting weekly to explore the grounds and streams located on the Center’s property. As a culminating project for the 20202021 school year, the students created a 20-minute science education video titled
Ashokan Watershed Detective Sadie Konjas, age 13, discusses the formation of a waterfall in a new student-produced science video. Photo by M. Savatgy
“Snapshots From the Field” to share with others the results of their year-long investigations. The Detectives produced the video over a two-month period with assistance of their club advisers and got involved with all aspects of the moviemaking process. They worked as actors, script writers, directors, cue card hold-
ers as well as camera, light and sound technicians. The video can be watched at https://youtu.be/R5DiHwM_gdk. “I really enjoy teaching others about the importance of streams,” said Sadie Konjas, a Watershed Detective in the seventh grade. “Making this science movie was a great experience.”
The video is divided into chapters focusing on how waterfalls are created, mapping local drainage patterns, how stream sediment moves, the importance of hemlock trees and riparian zones, and how alluvial fans form. Students used a variety of equipment including underwater cameras to capture images for use in the video. The Ashokan Watershed in the Catskill Mountains serves as the setting for the video. The students discuss why it is important to keep streams healthy as they are often used as sources of drinking water. This is particularly true locally, as water from the surrounding area ends up in the Ashokan Reservoir that helps to provide fresh, clean drinking water to nearly 10 million New York state residents. The video was made possible with funding from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection provided to the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program in support of education and outreach. To find out more about the Watershed Detectives, contact Matt Savatgy at 845-688-3047 or mjs593@cornell.edu. For more information on the AWSMP, visit ashokanstreams.org.
BlueStone Press, February 18, 2022, Page
Major ice storm creates havoc, thousands without power, lots of damage reported Area in epicenter of storm with widespread power outages, Gov. Hochul visits Rosendale Jeff Slater BSP Reporter On Friday, Feb. 4, the area was hit with a major ice storm. When most folks woke up the next day they were without power, and many suffered damage to their homes and property due to downed trees and branches. Many people remained without power for several days. The subzero wind chills made the impact of this storm worse, and Ulster County declared a state of emergency. Warming centers were set up in Rosendale and New Paltz along with other areas. Rich Parete, Marbletown supervisor, said, “The ice storm hit Marbletown especially hard. We are used to the snow, but ice does far more damage. Central Hudson and out-of-area utility crews worked around the clock. Our highway department worked long hours to keep the roads in good shape. These men and women worked in dangerous conditions. We can’t thank these essential workers enough. Members of the fire department were also busy helping. So many people stepped up to help their neighbors.” George Dimler, highway superintendent of Marbletown, said, “It was one of the worst ice storms I can remember in this area. We had several roads that were blocked with downed trees and wires. It took several days to clean up. Besides trying to keep the roads clear from ice we had
A section of Route 209 in front of Davenport Farms was closed due to the storm on Feb. 4. Photo by Nicci Cagan
a difficult time with cleaning up all of the mess. I would commend the Marbletown Highway Department as well as the volunteer fire departments and the Central Hudson crews, and crews from all over the United States that helped them restore power. It was a huge undertaking. We will probably be cleaning up for a couple of weeks, but we do have all our roads passable at this time.” Jeanne Walsh, Rosendale town supervisor, said, “The Town of Rosendale was heavily impacted by the storm. Multiple wires and trees were down on several roads. All residents lost power for several days. Rosendale designated the Rosendale Recreation Center as a shelter for residents. We provided a warm place to stay and rides to all those in need. Hundreds of people were in and out of the shelter during the outage, and about eight to 12
stayed each night. We even had people from neighboring towns. Some of the people put their own lives on hold to take care of those in need. Dorene Whitaker ran the facility. Matt McCluskey, who did the overnights; Kelly Havranek, Jill LaFera, comptroller March Gallagher, councilperson Carrie Wycoff, officer Patty Vincent, and Loisa Duffy all worked at the shelter doing anything that was needed. Our tax collector, Debbie Checchia, and my husband, Jack Walsh, each cooked breakfast for everyone who showed up Saturday and Sunday, The Bruderhof Community donated food for four days. Thanks to Derrick and Johann Huleeatt. “Chief Scott Schaffrick, along with Sergeant Keith Lewis, Investigator Rob Fischer and all his officers provided extra patrols and helped shuttle people at risk to the Rec Center. Superintendent of high-
ways Robert Gallagher and all of his hardworking highway crew put in long hours to make the roads safe and passable again. The firemen and women of the five fire departments in the Town of Rosendale, including Bloomington, Tillson, Rosendale, High Falls and Cottekill, worked round the clock to provide emergency services throughout the town. I know many residents helped their neighbors to be sure they had a safe place to stay – we are lucky to have the kind of people in our community pitch in and help. I want to give a huge ‘thank you’ to all the people of Rosendale who helped keep things running and help us manage the days during this very intense storm.” New York Gov. Kathy Hochel visited a warming center in the area, and County Executive Pat Ryan made an appearance at the Rosendale warming center as well. Mike Baden, supervisor of the Town of Rochester, had this to say about the storm: “The Town of Rochester saw significant power outages due to Winter Storm Landon. At peak we had over 2,800 Central Hudson customers without power. The bulk were restored within 48 hours, but some remained without power until Tuesday. The town thanks the line workers, first responders, highway and DPW workers and the community for their resilience and understanding the perils Mother Nature’s power can bring.” Central Hudson was unavailable for comment. Though this storm caused a lot of havoc in the area we were able to make it through, thanks to all of the people in these communities working hard and helping their neighbors carry on throughout the storm and its aftermath.
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Athletics, recreation & fitness
Page 10
February 18, 2022
Photo courtesy of Kathy Cassens Photography
Boys indoor track team take first place, girls take second in Divisional Championships 'We hope to carry this into the outdoor season – the 4 X 200 team is preparing for state qualifiers,' said Waruch. Jeff Slater BSP Reporter On Saturday, Feb. 12, the Rondout’s indoor track teams had quite a day, with the boys winning the overall Section 9 championship and the girls placing second. The RV boys secured the team win over New Paltz at the end of the night with a first-place finish in the 4 x 400 relay with Finn Kenney, Austin Amato, Matt Peck and Trey Cimino. Rondout also set a school record in the 4 x 200 relay with Ryan Britt, Gabe Schoonmaker, Audric Mondini and Cameron Sands. “Our boys team rose to the occasion against tough competition from Marlboro, O’Neill, and especially New Paltz. The core of this boys group has been working for this for three years, and after losing their 2020 spring track season and
not competing in the 2021 indoor season due to the pandemic this was an important victory for our team,” said coach Jake Maloney. “I know I speak for the entire team when I say we are beyond proud of ourselves and each other,” said Audric Mondini. “Our team was hungry for victory, and this year we worked very hard to get where we are now. I know that we earned each of our accomplishments. It is an honor to be a part of Coach Maloney’s first boys’ divisionals victory, and I hope that we can carry this momentum into next season.” The boys had some outstanding individual performances: Cameron Sands led the way with a first-place finish in the long jump and a second-place finish in the 55-meter dash, breaking the school record; Ryan Britt took second in the long jump and triple jump; Stevie Barnum took second in the pole vault, and Matt Peck took second in the weight throw. The girls team also did a great job. “I’m proud of how our team did at the divisionals,” said Sophia Schoonmaker. “Obviously it’s upsetting we didn’t win, but we had a lot of good individual accomplishments.” Among those were Kayla Oakes taking first place in the high jump and first place in the 300-meters. Jackie Kennedy took
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first place in 55 dash and second in the long jump. Sophia Schoonmaker took first place in the long jump and second in the triple jump. Olivia Waruch took first place in the 600. Riley Schoonmaker took first place in the weight throw and third place in the shot put. Izzy Kinsella took second place in the 3,000-meter run. Kelder Creegan took second place in the shot put and third in the 55-meter hurdles. The girls also won the 4 x 400 with Riley Schoonmaker, Mackenzie Heyl, Joleigh Kazak and Olivia Waruch. They were champions in the 4 x 200 relay with Jackie Kennedy, Sophia Schoonmaker, Olivia Waruch and Kayla Oakes, and they broke the school record at another meet this
season. “Both teams performed well at divisionals. We hope to carry this into the outdoor season – the 4 X 200 team is preparing for state qualifiers,” said Olivia Waruch. “We as a coaching staff (Andrew Ugolino, Marianne Hawryluk) are extremely proud of the way both teams performed at the championships. I know the girls team is disappointed they didn’t win, but they were able to take a number of firstplace finishes and dominated the sprints, jumps and throws.” Congratulations to both indoor track teams! Go, Ganders!
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Memoriam James Roger Terwilliger
GRAHAMSVILLE—James Roger Terwilliger passed away on Feb. 10, 2022. He was 79. James was born on March 24, 1942, in Ellenville; he was the son of the late Earl and Vera (Krom) Terwilliger. Jim was a lifelong area resident. He served in the U.S. Army in the 1st Calvary during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1962. He owned the Marine Room Restaurant in Napanoch, had been a sales representative for Glusker-Emkay Sales and was the head cook at the Ulster Correctional FacilTerwilliger ity. Jim loved spending time with his family, especially doing projects with his three grandsons. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Rene Joy Poppel Terwilliger, and their daughters, Angela Mueller and her husband, Jeff, of Grahamsville, and Cristy Terwilliger of Grahamsville; his grandchildren, Luke Perry, Malcolm Perry and Boe Mueller; and his great-grandson, Isaac Perry. Jim is also survived by his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and extended family. The family will be receiving friends from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 19, at Loucks Funeral Home, Ellenville. Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To send a personal condolence to Jim’s family, visit loucksfh.com.
Alice M. Tochterman
ROSENDALE—Alice M. Tochterman, a former longtime resident of Rosendale, passed away peacefully Feb. 12, 2022, at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck. She was 98. Alice was born in Queens on Sept. 23, 1923, to the late Albert and Alice Harrison. She moved with her family to Rosendale in 1958 and was the mother of nine children. She was a devoted Catholic and a parishioner of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Rosendale. She was a member of the Rosary Society, the Altar Society and Tochterman the Ulster County Right to Life. She enjoyed gardening, sewing and arts and crafts. She was predeceased by her husband of 72 years, William C. Tochterman; a son, Edward J. Tochterman; and a sister, Margrett Williams. She is survived by eight children, Barbara DeStefano of Port Ewen, William Tochterman (Helen) of Ellenville, Donald Tochterman of Rhinebeck, Kenneth Tochterman (Isis) of Kingston, Judith McClintock of Stone Ridge, Thomas Tochterman of Stone Ridge, MaryAlice Pullman of Kerhonkson and MaryLouise Tochterman of Highland; a sister, Elizabeth (Bernard) Pietromonico; 24 grandchildren, 33 greatgrandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours were Feb. 15 at George J. Moylan Funeral Home, Rosendale. A Mass of Christian Burial was held the morning of Feb. 16 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Rosendale. The Rev. Edmund Burke officiated. Interment followed at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Rosendale. To leave a personal condolence to her family, visit www. GJMoylanFuneralHome.com.
Joycelyn L. Plummer
KERHONKSON—Joycelyn L. Plummer went to be with her Lord and Savior on Feb. 5, 2022. She was 83. Joycelyn was born on June 20, 1938, in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica; she
was the daughter of Jeremiah and Ida (Smith) Hart. Joycelyn married the love of her life, Egerton Plummer, on Jan. 20, 1973. She emigrated from the island of Jamaica and made Ellenville her home. She quickly took up an interest in her community and was not afraid to make her voice heard. She was also actively involved in the Ellenville United Methodist Church. Raising seven children, her house was always the hub of the neighborhood. She had an open-door policy, everyone who came into her life quickly became family, and she cherished every one of them. Not only was Joycelyn a loving wife and mother, but she was a caretaker and nanny to so many. Joycelyn will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her children, Wayne Plummer Plummer (Melvina Miller), Lorraine (Peter S.) Kennedy, Jean Plummer (Ernie Vitolo), Sean Plummer (Margaret McHugh), Robert Plummer, Kevin (Dana) Plummer and Craig (Ewa) Plummer; her brothers, Wilton, Winston and Ralston Hart; her sister-in-law, Beverly Hart; her grandchildren, Kevin Alexander Plummer, Ashley (Robert) Helmbold, Kayla Plummer (Sophia Piccicetti), Peter D. Kennedy, Gibril Barry, Trinity Plummer, Delaney Plummer, Jacqueline Kennedy, Amelia Plummer, Devin Moore and Dylan Moore; nieces Catris Brown and Jennifer Warren; nephews Anthony Brown and Marvin Hart; goddaughter Ethel Bartoli, and dear friends David and Natalie Slutsky and their children, Jordan and Amanda; as well as many extended family members and friends. Joycelyn has been reunited in Heaven with her husband, Egerton, and her brothers Uton and Donald Hart and sister Hilmer Brown. Visiting was held at the Ellenville United Methodist Church with a Celebration of Her Life on Feb. 11. Burial followed in Fantinekill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Joycelyn’s name to Ellenville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 591, Ellenville, NY 12428.
Peter Weir
HIGH FALLS—Peter Weir passed away on Feb, 9, 2022, at his home in High Falls. He was 54. He was born on July 10, 1967, in Rockville Centre, son of the late George and Bernice (Ferous) Weir. Peter was married on Aug. 8, 2004, in New Paltz to Deb Porcano. He was a graduate of Cold Spring Harbor High School. After graduating, Peter worked as a salesman for Buffalo Biodiesel. Life was a spiritual journey for Peter. He was a 24-year-long friend of Bill W. He would often say, if you want a friend, be a friend. He lived Weir and breathed golf, and was a member in good standing at Twaalfskill Golf Club in Kingston. He was also a member of the Tuck and Roll Hiking Group. Peter is survived by his wife, Deb, of High Falls; his siblings, Jane (Peter) Caronia of Miller Place, Margaret (Steve) Bogosian, of Manlius, Ann Saccente of Port Jeff Station, Mary (Keith) Briney of Nesconset, Judy (John) Williams, McLean, Virginia, George Weir Jr. of Coconut Creek, Florida, and David Weir of Coconut Creek; his brothers-in-law, Leonard (Marie) Porcano of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, Donald (Dawn) Porcano of Danbury, Connecticut, and Anthony (Diana) Porcano of Tannersville, Pennsylvania, as well as many nieces, nephews and other dear family members. He was loved by all who knew him. Peter is preceded in death by his parents, George and Bernice. Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston, where family and friends gathered on Feb. 16 and shared a Celebration of Life. A tribute for Peter can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy
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for his family. For those who wish, contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Marbletown First Aid Unit: 845-687-9847.
Charles F. Krom
BLOOMINGTON--Charles F. Krom passed away on Feb. 16, 2022 at his home. He was 81. He was born in Ellenville, Nov. 14, 1940, a son of the late Andrew and Josephine Krom. An area resident for many years, Charles had been employed as a Corrections Lieutenant for NYS Department of Corrections. He retired from the Johnstown facility. He had also served as Vice President for Council 82 Retirees Chapter, Department of Corrections. Charles later served as Town Justice for the Town of Krom Day, Saratoga County. He also was a life member of Pioneer Engine Company in Ellenville. His wife, Patricia Miller Krom, died April 22, 2016 and a grandson, Benjamin, also died previously. Charles is survived by his children; son, Charles Krom (Deneen) of Edinburgh, daughters, Theresa and Charleen Rutherford (Dan), both of Tampa, FL., and son, Andrew Krom (Dawn) of Tillson; eight beloved grandchildren, Brian and Yvonne Krom, Elizabeth (Benjamin Byrnes), Christopher Krom (Jenelle Massaro), Rebecca Tompkins, Sarah Lombardoni (Joshua Claus), Corey Palmer (Alishia) and Ross Krom (Theresa); and eleven great grandchildren also survive. Cremation will be held privately and there will be no calling hours. His family suggests memorial donations to the Ellenville Elks Lodge #1971, 50 State Route 55, Naponoch, NY 12458. George J. Moylan Funeral Home Inc., Rosendale is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a personal condolence for his family please visit www.GJMoylanFuneralHome.com
Darrell Lee Christman
KINGSTON—Darrell Lee Christman, beloved husband of the late Ilena (Ferrari) Christman, passed away quietly on Feb.11, 2022. He was 75. Born in Galion, Ohio, on Feb. 7, 1947, he was a Kingston resident for most of his life. He graduated from Galion High School with the class of 1965. Earning an Associate's Degree in Electronics, he spent 24 years with IBM in Kingston and Poughkeepsie. He was an avid reader and some say a master carpenter. Darrell is survived by his son, Michael Christman, and his wife, Catherine Christman, of Stamford, Connecticut; brother, Larry Christman and his wife, Cindy Christman, of Babcock Ranch, Florida; sister-in-law, Chris Ferrari of High Falls; sister-in-law, Evette Keizer and her husband, Ronnie Keizer, of Kingston; and several nieces and nephews. George J. Moylan Funeral Home, Rosendale, is assisting the Christman family. To leave a personal condolence, visit www.GJMoylanFuneralHome.com.
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February 18, 2022
Local money, local ideas
Page 13
Farfetched Coffee
Jeff Pison talks about his roastery and the coffee business Ann Belmont BSP Reporter Jeff Pison’s passions are all on view at the home where he lives with his wife, Nikki, at the edge of Rosendale. Sheepdogs run up to the fence to greet you, and a ways behind them are the goats their job is to protect. Then there's the coffee roastery, a small building across from his house. Inside, the walls are covered with art, and a drum set is set up for practice. “It’s one part music studio, one part art gallery, and one part coffee roastery,” says Pison. “I play drums in a couple of bands,” and the art is by various artists, including Nikki. “We used to own an art gallery,” he explains. Originally from Sterling Forest, Pison settled in the area because of Nikki, who’s a local girl. They met in their youth but didn’t become a couple till many years had passed. “Life goes on, we drifted apart, she got married and I got married … then we were both single parents, and we hooked up together, and it’s been 20 years now,” says Pison. “We were always kind of coffee people. When we had the gallery … we started thinking about opening up a cafe at the gallery. We ended up shutting the whole thing down, but at that point, we were really getting into coffee and I was home-roasting out of a popcorn popper and a cast-iron skillet … trying to find good-quality beans – really hard to find, 12-15 years ago.” When they had a baby, “my wife had the better job, so I stayed home and raised him,” Pison says, and he launched the roastery because it was something he could do from home; also, it fit into a larger vision. “Part of this whole thing, the gallery and the coffee, is our love for the world, and traveling.” Travel he has, in search of beans that came up to his standards. Unsatisfied with the beans he was getting from importers, "we hopped on a plane to Nicaragua with our 3-year-old, got a pickup truck in Managua and started driving around, tasting coffee from different farms, smaller, high-elevation farms ... it brought home the realization that, [especially] with coffees of this caliber, a lot of things have to go right.” “When I started out,” he continues, “I dealt with the regular channels of coffee importers,” large corporations. “It’s a lot easier now, because … there’re a lot of microimporters as well as micro-roasters – people trying to do the right thing all across the coffee chain, trying to hook up small farms with small roasters, and make that supply chain work. Instead of commodity coffee, we’re dealing with a small farmer in Nicaragua or Guatemala or Ethiopia getting their coffee to these micro-importers. Some of it’s direct trade as well. Getting to small roasters like me – in this model, farmers are getting double ‘fair trade’,” because there are fewer middlemen involved. Now hang on, because you're about to get a lesson in what it takes to get a superior cup of coffee to your lips, from a true coffee nerd. Generally speaking, Pison says, beans grown at higher elevations, from 1,600-2,000 meters, taste better. “There are places in Peru, Ethiopia and Bolivia that are even a little higher … it takes longer to mature, but it’s better for the taste profile. Coffees in the cloud forest get to cool down at night the right amount. Shade-grown makes a differ-
Farfetched Coffee owner Jeff Pison pictured sitting on a sack of green coffee beans in his roastery. Photo by Ann Belmont
ence. You need sun, obviously, but not too much sun.” Some micro-importers are working directly with farmers to improve every aspect of how the coffee is grown, down to the soil, he adds. Brazil, the largest coffee exporter in the world, hasn’t got any high mountains, so “most of the coffee coming out of Brazil is commodity-grade,” in his view, with some exceptions. These days, problems for the coffee farmers are multiplying. “Climate change is absolutely affecting a lot of the arabica coffee. Not so much the robusta – the robusta is more tolerant of change, but it’s not the same quality.” Efforts to improve robusta beans have disappointed him so far. He thinks farms at lower elevations are being affected by climate change the most. “Brazil has a climate change thing affect their whole crop, and it affects the coffee industry worldwide” because Brazil’s such a big player. “Farms have better years and worse years ... There’s also a coffee borer beetle and a coffee rust [a fungal disease] problem going on at the same time.” And of course, coffee is not immune to the same shipping issues affecting industries globally. In creating excellent coffee, “there’re a lot of factors at play,” Pison says, including, of course, the roasting process. “I have two different coffees from Nicaragua right now, a Colombian, and an Ethiopian. There’re a million ways to screw it up, and part of it is keeping it stored properly, away from humidity, and keeping fresh beans. I do all my roasting manually.” His roaster was custombuilt for him in Portugal. “It’s small, a kind of old-world, very manual roaster. Lots of cast iron … It takes a long time to heat up but retains that heat really, really well. It’s propane and electric. It’s built like the old German roast-
spring get some action.
ers, kind of like a tank.” He takes notes about every roasting. “I monitor temperature, airflow, every minute of every roast that I’ve done over the last decade, I jot it down … during the roasting process, I’m watching, listening and smelling, watching the bean color … you can actually smell and see the development as it goes along … I adjust airflow and temperature to get the profile that I’ve chosen for that bean. The profile is a long process. I take lots of samples in little rocks glasses as it goes along to try different things out, and then I ‘cup’ – you grind coffee with an equal amount of water, and then you slurp it with a spoon to get a sensory evaluation." If this reminds you of making wine, you're not wrong. "There’re a lot of similarities between the coffee and the wine industry … coffee is scaled similarly to wine. All the coffees I have coming in are 85+ point coffees – that is considered specialty-grade.” Do you get different flavors out of a bean depending on how you roast it? “You do, absolutely. I’m very big on medium-roast coffee. Nordic is the light roasting; you get a lot of the acidity out and a lot of the fruitiness. My preference is for medium. Then as you go darker you start to get those chocolaty notes with that fruitiness and acidity. I like to find a balance. Then, as you go even darker, you’re imparting a roast flavor on top of that. You’re burning all those flavors out … a traditional European espresso is roasted dark, but most of my coffees will make a great espresso. Not that Italian-style – a more contemporary espresso style. There are a myriad of flavors going on in coffee… when you dark roast, you’re burning it out … it can be done poorly or well – it’s its own thing.” But dark roasting can also mask a defective coffee bean, he says. “Most coffee is not this good … I cup through tons of coffees to pick what I choose to carry. It’s hard to find consistent quality beans.” Pison doesn't fail to give credit to the specialists who make that coffee really come alive. “A really excellent barista can do magic,” he says, taking care with every detail, including cleanliness of the machines and water quality. “I’m working with Andrew Carthaigh [formerly the owner of Carthaigh Coffee in Stone Ridge], one of the best baristas in the area. He’s going to be opening in Kingston shortly... Someone like Andrew, they’ll make microadjustments on the grinder and change the flavor profile to bring out more of the body or a certain fruit ... they can make a coffee drink or an espresso shine." “These farmers have gone through so much to get the great coffee here, so when it’s in my possession I feel like it’s my responsibility to do my best to represent it, move it on until somebody’s drinking it in a cup of coffee.” Next time you order a latte or even a regular coffee, while you're waiting, reflect for a moment on all that's required to bring it to you. Your responsibility is to savor and enjoy! Farfetched Coffee is available at the High Falls Food Coop, the Accord Market, and at Adams Fairacre Farms in Kingston Order directly at www.farfetchedcoffee.com. Pison also gives roastery tours, and suggests coming in the spring when you can also see the baby goats. “Sample coffee with goat milk!” he says.
a good time to get your business growing...
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Your letters, views & ideas
Page 14
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.
February 18, 2022
Over the Hump !
Thanks for all the help during the ice storm To the Editor: We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who worked through the recent ice storm to make sure that the residents were safe and that power was restored safely. Kudos to Central Hudson and Town Highway employees for their extraordinary efforts, and thanks to tree service companies and others who came from outside the region to assist with cleanup. Special recognition to the volunteers and neighbors who helped with downed trees, frozen pipes and much more. Too many people to recognize everyone by name, but we are deeply grateful to all and so glad to live in a community that comes together during times of need. Thank you to all! Laurel and Tim Sweeney Marbletown
Interested in more stories about Black-owned resorts To the Editor: The front page article of the Feb. 4, 2022, BSP, "Clove Valley Part 1," about the Wickie Wackie resort, was very interesting to me, and I'm hoping I can find out more about those times. The Wickie Wackie was one of the Black-owned resorts/weekend gathering places in the ’50s and ’60s featuring jazz music, dancing and a visit to the countryside. There is a promise at the end of the article to have an article published soon about Smitty's Dude Ranch, another local Black-owned resort. There is also mention in the article of the Peg Leg Bates resort, where world-renowned jazz musicians came to entertain. But before Peg Leg’s place, there was Rainbow Acres, also in Kerhonkson, a few miles south of where Peg Leg Bates ended up. Peg Leg Bates the man came to Rainbow Acres before deciding to create his own resort a few miles to the north. The thing is, my family and I have lived in the house that the Rainbow Acres owners used to live in. We've been here since 1986. I'm hoping Ann Belmont can also write about this Black resort of the ’60s that had the largest cement swimming pool in Ulster County at the time, and so much more. The owners' son visited us not long after we moved here from Brooklyn, with his wife and young daughter, and told us a little about growing up in Kerhonkson and about being the only Black student in the elementary school. In our early years here, late ’80s into the ’90s, buses would pass our house every day it seemed, in the summer, on the way to Peg Leg Bates. There was one “Daily Menu” pinned to a basement door when we moved here, but otherwise it’s almost impossible to find out what it was like here at Rainbow Acres in the ’60s. Perhaps a reader or two might know more about Rainbow Acres also. Fred Burstein Kerhonkson
Afghan refugees coming here To the Editor: Over the past few weeks, the Afghan Circle of the Hudson Valley has formed to welcome, re-
settle and integrate a family or small group of individual Afghan refugees to this area. Our Circle is made up of dedicated local volunteers uniting in a grassroots effort to assist the remaining exiles now living in tents on U.S. Army bases. Many of these assisted the U.S. over the past 20 years there. As we prepare for them, our immediate needs are for housing and funds. The housing would be for a 2-3 bedroom apartment, mother-daughter house or private home in the area, rents which the Circle will pay. The funding is to support the family for 3-6 months or until such time as they become financially self-sufficient. See www.afghancirclehudsonvalley.org for more info. Regarding funding, our Circle is pleased to acknowledge the Westchester Jewish Coalition for Immigrants (WJCI), which has given us a start-up matching grant to supplement our fundraising. We are also pleased to thank the dozens of supporters out there who have also contributed, monies which go 100% to the effort. Once they arrive here, we know they will be met with a warm welcome. The need then will be for viable employment for the head of household, means of transportation, and much paperwork to get them into our “systems.” And until the family arrives here we cannot accept furniture, clothing or household items for them. Finally, a big “shout-out” to local organizations that are supporting our work: United Way Ulster County, YMCA Ulster-Kingston, SUNY Ulster, Ulster Immigrant Defense Network, and many food pantries, churches, synagogues and Islamic organizations in the area, as well as other local Circles and national Immigration Agencies. As the Statue of Liberty’s Emma Lazarus wrote, “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempesttost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Harv Hilowitz, Susan Sprachman Marbletown, Co-chairs, Afghan Circle of the Hudson
An arbitrary termination? To the Editor: I would like to thank the residents of the Town of Rochester for allowing me to serve them for the past nine years. It has been an honor to work with each of you. I started with the Town of Rochester as a part-time recreational assistant. While working in that position, a part-time assistant in the Assessor’s office became available. You might think this would be a thankless job, yet it was anything but. My official duties involved the usual
office tasks: filing, typing, large mailings to taxpayers. I supported the assessor, the Board of Assessor’s Review, and taxpayers on Grievance Day by helping with form completions and by putting a positive face on a stressful time for all. By far my favorite part of the job was working with the townspeople. In fact, my favorite time of year was between the months of November and March, when I would help senior citizens fill out their forms. Sometimes it would take a few minutes, sometimes a half hour causing a pileup in the hall! Most were OK with this, because when it was their turn they received personal attention, a friendly smile, and kind support. On Feb. 10, 2021, I was injured at work. I have been awaiting surgery ever since. I received a letter from Town Supervisor Michael Baden several weeks ago telling me I had been formally terminated. In the letter, Baden stated that I could take the Civil Service exam and be considered for re-employment if I reapplied for the job I had held for years. It seems arbitrary and short-sighted for the town to treat a fully-trained and well-liked employee this way. Just as I invested myself in the people of the Town of Rochester, the town invested itself in my training and employment. In my opinion, the town supervisor should not be allowed to get away with punching holes in the walls of Town Hall in fits of temper. He was reelected this past November as the town supervisor, and his livelihood via our tax dollars is secured for the next few years and so is the mistreatment he could continue to cause town employees and those townspeople who disagree with him. I’m hoping that by speaking up I will encourage others to speak up as well – to be involved in the town government in even as simple a way as attending Town Board meetings, and other board meetings as well. Mike Baden needs accountability, and the townspeople – those who elected him – are the only ones who can do that. Our small town is more than the money generated by permits and taxes. It is a place where people help each other regardless of political party, where we genuinely care for each other, and where employees of the Town are your neighbors and friends. I will miss my job, not because of the paycheck or the [accrued] retirement to which I am no longer entitled. I will miss my job because of all the people I served, and who I enjoyed seeing on a day-to-day basis. Thank you all for making my work feel like I never worked a day in my life.
Angelina Hasbrouck Accord
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BlueStone Press, February 18, 2022, Page 15
How to get it gone Dear Wally: I have some sensitive documents I need destroyed. Not sure of the best way to do so. I figured you would have some tips …? Is ripping them up and throwing them in the garbage enough? I’m worried someone might go through the trash and piece them together. – Anon Wally replies: I’m trying to figure out if this question, directed as it is at me, is a compliment or an insult. Sometimes, ya know, it’s a fine line … You must think I’m clever enough to dream up some technique or am a conniving enough reprobate to already have employed some document-destroying maneuver. Either way, I have a few thoughts for you, whatever delicate disco/sketchy samba you are using to dance yourself away from the thing you are trying to dance yourself away from. And if the authorities come knocking, I’ll fire up a corn cob pipe, take a deep hit of strawberry sassafras sativa, blow a smoke ring or two above their heads, and deny I know you, because I don’t actually know you. Wally Nichols Let’s first just discuss the elephant in the room. SOMEONE (I sound like a parent with their hands on their hips!) disposed of official government (classified?) documents the way a 4-year-old might – by shoving them down the crapper, flushing madly, and then standing with his hands behind his back and whistling nonchalantly with a mouth full of saltines. “Keep moving, folks! Nothing to see here.” (Except a clogged toilet that a team of White House plumbers needs to unclog by donning plastic gloves otherwise earmarked for Covid purposes.) Not long ago, I would have said don’t worry about someone retrieving your precious documents from trash can, dumpster or toilet. But I now stand corrected …
Dear Wally
It’s hard to believe this is a dominant part of the international (and now local) news cycle given Ukraine is about to be invaded and plundered for its vast mineral and agricultural resources in what could easily be a mass casualty event befalling many. As well as 900,000 U.S. Covid deaths and counting. Et cetera, et cetera. And WE have a scatological scandal swirling clockwise in the toilet of our nation’s capital. For real. For the record, the way NOT do what YOU want to do is to flush your documents down the loo. That is especially true if you are, say, using the White House commodes and you happen to have only a four-year lease there. Good chance you will lose your damage deposit upon move out. Or if you move back in 2024, your damage deposit will double and you’ll need three references instead of the usual two. There WAS, however, a very serious national toilet paper shortage, so maybe those important documents were all that was available on hand? Any port in a storm?!? God knows what else this rake was able to cram down the porcelain maw when no one was looking … Probably a cabinet member or two … But also worth considering is the volume of documents you, Anon, are trying to get rid of here in Ulster County. Is it more or less than what might reasonably clog a toilet, should you ignore my advice and go that direction? I think we can all agree that a supersize “homewrecker” burrito ($13.99 with extra guac and sautéed onions) from Mo’s in Kingston is a decent benchmark … That’s probably the equivalent 200 sheets of compromising documents rolled up tight. So you can do the math there. Exceed that and proceed at your own risk. Do you need to get rid of more than 200 sheets of paper? (If so, what are you up to?? Actually, never mind. I don’t want to know.) Fire is always a good, destructive option with little suspicion raising. Very hard to retrieve and reassemble anything meaningful from the sooty ashes at the bottom of the BBQ. And your burgers will forever reek of charbroiled malfeasance. There is always the old-fashioned shredder (your hands or a machine). A requirement for any reputable (and
Smitty's from page 1 said. “He was an amazing human. He used to have kids come up in the summer from New York City, I think it was the Fresh Air Fund. They were really well taken care of, and got to have an out-of-the-city summer experience." Hightower agreed, commenting, “He was a nice human being, a great man." Down by the stream that ran through the property, the Coxing Kill, Smitty let people camp for no charge. The young people “made their way with a little money, and everybody chipped in so everyone could have a nice time there. And there were never any incidents, no one getting hurt or overdosing on drugs … they’d bring their guitars and harmonicas and have a good time, percussion and drums and stuff like that. It was really great ... kids were dancing. In those days, it was like a freedom dance. Everyone was like a modern dancer!" Somebody who has a tale to tell about living at Smitty's is Terry Rowen of Rosendale. He remembers Smitty as “a hard man. He was like, the father, he didn’t take any crap from anybody." Rowen arrived at Smitty's sometime in the early ’70s with $10, intending to ”hang out and camp out. “And I never went back to dental school,” he said, without regret. “I used to spend the whole summer there, till, like, November.” After his first summer, “I left with $8,” intending to get to Hawaii, but instead wound up in Mexico, “living in a little fishing village for months, then I hitchhiked all over Mexico … then back to Smitty’s. “Smitty’s was my home base. I was living in the woods for two or three years ... I walked up from the camp once a week or so to the bar. You could always buy a beer up there and hang out for a little while. I was down in the woods, and anytime I saw someone with a musical instrument or a good-looking girl, I invited them to dinner. I didn’t know what we’d have, but I invited them to dinner," Rowen said. From the bar, you could hike down to the Coxing Kill, which is “an ice-cold spring-fed stream," said Walsh. She remembered a spot known as the slide, "a place where you could slide down the rocks and crash into a
Wilbur Smith, “Smitty,” riding a horse at his dude ranch
small but very deep pool … you were disoriented, it was so cold … you’d remember you needed to breathe, and start swimming madly” toward the surface. Rowen's campsite was situated “up there right on top of the slide.” Meanwhile, Split Rock, the swimming hole not far off 44/55 up Clove Road, was a popular skinny-dipping spot for the college crowd (and college dropout crowd). Pressman recalled, “there were a lot of naked people – mostly young – and the occasional male, fully dressed ogler(s)." From an article in gobstreet.wordpress.com about that era in New Paltz: “People still tell stories about the two heavy-set red-headed twins who sold acid out of a fanny pack while stark naked.” But Smitty’s was a quieter scene. “We were like a family,” Rowen recalled. Besides an occasional trip up to Smitty’s bar, “I’d maybe once a month go into town for something.” When asked to estimate how many people were camping in Smitty's woods at any one
disreputable) office, the electric shredder is a very fine solution to almost any 8.5 x 11 problem. (Shredding by hand in an office is not only unbecoming, and dangerous (paper cuts), but it is a major eyebrow-raiser for anyone walking past.) That said, the White House staff under the last administration had to scotch tape together shredded documents because they were actually not allowed to be shredded (for anyone who cares about the law), and not salvaging these documents meant they could add their careers and possibly civil liberties to the list of things being flushed down the toilet. Learn from the pros in Washington, Anon, and reconsider your local actions? But, mostly, the shredder works as designed. And, to my delight, which is often fueled by sarcasm and cynicism, there is a manufacturer who makes a commercially available document shredded called the “Little Watergate.” (To you younger readers who aren’t history buffs, Watergate (the beltway office complex) was where the scandal that brought down the Nixon presidency took place. It involved a lot of document shredding, burglary, lying, prying, denying, spying and evidence tampering. And complicity went all the way to the Oval Office (which, by coincidentally, is the same shape as a toilet bowl, only larger). Ever since, scandals have been named as “(your scandal of choice)-gate,” in case you ever wondered. Anyway, it’s a playful company that names their shredder the “Little Watergate.” I’d buy that thing if I had anything to shred. You can also try eating the documents you are trying to get rid of. (With mustard, of course.) Not too many people are willing to go looking down your GI track. It may land you in the ER, but that’s maybe better than jail?? Anyhoo, start by shredding this advice! Good luck … and lose my number, k? – W Got a question for our advice columnist or just want other creative ways to destroy his column before even reading it? Email him at cwn4@aol.com.
time, he could only say, “Anywhere from just me to 50 or a hundred." Smitty charged $3 a day to park your car on his property, but "you could always wander in with no car and a backpack and stay as long as you wanted, for nothing … We’d all wake up in the morning. It was nice, people were by the fire, they were playing instruments ... I had a guy who played and sang Eagles songs better than the Eagles. He stayed the whole summer. It was really nice. People took care of stuff. People would walk around and clean up campsites after the weekend. We’d find treasures – silverware, blankets." In this charmed life, "there was no black, white, rich or poor. Everyone was just a character,” Rowen said.“There was food for everyone, because people came up camping for the weekend, and they’d bring up coolers loaded with food and drink …” No one ever used it all, “so they asked us if they could just leave it. And we just kept inviting more people to eat.” Walsh was fascinated when she met Rowen. “Oh my gosh, he used to feed massive numbers of people. He was cooking all day, had a huge pot. I never experienced anything like that ... I was a real white-bread girl from upstate New York." As you might expect, a lot of pot smoking was going on, as well as psychedelics. “There was a serenity to it, though," Walsh said, "there were no crowds … although I’m sure it had its moments … Terry was cooking a huge amount of food … it was like his thing. The soup pot was just always going.” Walsh still remembered people she met, like “Vic … I think he played piano … I think I learned the song ‘Pig Knuckles’ from him. I think he only had one good hand. Debbie, the bartender, she was very young…” She also remembers a number of mobile homes parked on the property long-term. “I remember one family with a million kids, very blond.” The picture of Smitty himself assembled by all these recollections is of a man whose profit motive was less well developed than his humanity and tolerance for others. Again quoting gobstreet.wordpress.com, "Smitty foreclosed in 1987 after years of legal pressure from Mohonk Preserve, who claimed ownership of the land." Years of legal wrangling ensued between Karen Pardini and Mike Fink, who bought the place from Smitty, and a land conservancy. The easygoing, peaceful scene at Smitty's, and Smitty himself, are gone, but definitely not forgotten.
Page 16
Your friends and community
February 18, 2022
‘Knocked Down,’ not out: Weintraub’s memoir of a difficult pregnancy an epic of survival Aileen Weintraub adopted the Hudson Valley as her home shortly after her father’s death and the Rondout Valley soon afterward, and the Stone Ridge author has been doing us all proud ever since. Her “WE GOT GAME! 35 Female Athletes Who Changed the World” was honored as A Mighty Girl’s Best Book of the Year. Her best-selling “Never Too Young: 50 Unstoppable Kids Who Made a Difference'' won a Parents’ Choice Award. In 2019, she collaborated with the American Museum of Natural History, on Secrets of the American Museum of Natural History. Anne Her newest work, “Knocked Down: A High-Risk Memoir,” is a Pyburn Craig delicious departure: an intimate, hilarious and wise memoir of her early days here, when a lot happened in a very short time: Her dad had died, she’d moved up here, fallen in love, and moved with her new husband to a gorgeousbut-ramshackle farmhouse in Accord. As if that couple
Book Review
of years weren’t enough, she and her new husband soon found themselves with a complicated small business and an even more complicated pregnancy taking center stage in their lives. On the same day that the expecting parents sign the ownership papers for G&G Lawn & Power in Accord, they get the terrifying news that Aileen must take to Weintraub her bed for the next five months to keep the baby safe. It’s a lot, and each of the issues involved in the tangle has subscriptions, as you can imagine they might if, in the middle of a period of multiple transitions, you were suddenly ordered to retreat from life entirely. Aileen’s already complex agenda – renovate ramshackle Cover farmhouse, take reins of co-ownership at unfamiliar business, define her upstate social self, build her young marriage – is suddenly landed on by a whole new pile of issues, from the soulcrushingly heavy to the mundane. Fortunately for the baby, the husband, the farmhouse,
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Kerhonkson Elementary School pre-K students in Maria Dunham's class hone their motor skills by making holiday crafts.
RV kindergarten and pre-K egistration and screening The Rondout Valley School District kindergarten registration and screening program will begin soon for all children who will turn 5 on or before Dec. 1, 2022. Children who will be eligible to enter kindergarten in September should visit https://bit.ly34GmyRP to provide the information for registration no later than March 25. Once the form is submitted, the child will be placed on the kindergarten screening list. For more information and assistance, contact Kerhonkson Elementary School at 845-626-2451, or Marbletown Elementary School at 845-687-0284. In addition, universal pre-K applications will be available on March 1 for both the 3-year-old and 4year-old pre-K programs. To be eligible for the programs, children must be either 3 or 4 years old by Dec. 1, 2022, and a resident of the Rondout Valley School District. Applications can be printed from the website, rondout.k12.ny.us, or picked up at the District Office beginning on March 1. Applications must be received by noon Friday, April 29. The lottery for pre-K spots will take place in May.
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the business and the quirky, rather disdainful dog, Aileen has reservoirs of inner strength, a vibrant life of the mind, and more patience and persistence than she herself realizes. Much of the experience is the kind of grueling stuff that, if one is lucky enough to snag a moment’s perspective, one might hope to laugh about at some future time Fortunately for the reader, Weintraub has done the hard work and the processing to make much of her travail laugh-out-loud hilarious. Both new transplants and lifetime locals will relish Weintraub’s spot-on, loving look at local foibles. Anyone with a beating heart will be rooting for her as she wrangles the grief of missing her father, the struggle to grow a thriving relationship under challenging circumstances and the iffy bliss of an Ulster County summertime in an un-airconditioned cranky old house with jalousie (“trailer”) windows and yellowed Formica. Weintraub’s book has already received the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop Humor Writer of the Month. Publisher’s Weekly says there is “beauty on every page,” and the BlueStone Press wholeheartedly concurs. She’ll be signing advance copies at Rough Draft Bar and Books in Kingston from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, March 5.
BlueStone Press, February 18, 2022, Page 17
Kudos Rondout CSD Honor Roll Rondout Jr. High School Marking Period 2 Merit Roll Grade 7: Rafael Acocella, Ethan Allen, Ava Barba‑Andujar, Connor Beechel, Autumn Blagbrough, Francesca Bueti, James Casey, Amara Catizone, Frank Coddington IV, Ansley DePiero, Shaun Dolan, Aiden Freer, Isabel Gonzalez, Ryan Helm, Joshua LaPierre, Alana LeBlanc, Richard Manny, Antonio Mason, Jacob Mastrocola, Addison O'Donnell, Syler Padusnak, Andrew Quick, Noah Schrader, Emma Schwall, Adriana Slater, Taraji St. Fleur and Madeline Williams. Grade 8: Christopher Baumann, Laszlo Beke, Serafina Broome, Ali Campos, Diego Castro Linares, Chloe Coonrod, Joshua Davis, Kyleigh Healy, Jaela Marshall, Emma McGrath, Elizabeth Murphy, Hattie Nichols, Sophia Pagliaroni, Graham Palmentiero, Hudson Scott and Brooke Secore. Grade TR‑9: Luke Tacti‑Rucki. Honor Roll Grade 7: Chloe Cooke, Katrina Domitrovits, Tyler Harned, Kadi Holt, Lucas Millrood, Madison Pfaff, Oliver Roosa‑Dunphy, Colin Rowdycz, Jasmin Smith, Brandon Startup, Jayden Streeter, Georgia Weinstein, Layla Worden, and Payton Worden. Grade 8: John Basten, Sedric Boughton, Julia Brown, Kaden Dennin, Corwin DeRosa, Amanda DeWitt, Lacey Freer, Elizabeth Hanigan, John Hedley, Reagan Heil, Morgan Hermance, Hailey Kellerhouse, Josephina Kozack, Jacob Kraft, Jocelyn Leahey, Adreenah Mason, Grace McArdle, Camille McMillan, Jasmine McNeil, Brooke Mulkowsky, Ruby Powell, Samantha Ritayik, Madison Shultis, Owin Simmons, Addisyn Spano‑Meyer, Jack Stewart, Jeffrey Ulrich Jr. and Kayla Vedder. High Honor Roll Grade 7: Hayden Bauer, Caydance Borruso, Bridget Boyd, Adda Lee Braselmann, Kylee Carlson, Aiden Carroll, Hannah Chapin, Jessa Clark, Ruby Focarino, Kailee Hicks, Lauren Ivan, Aubrey Jagodzinski, Taiyo Kizawa, Juliana Lunstedt, Brooke Martire, Zachary Mickelson Jr., Helena Molitoris, Hannah Nawrocki, Ugo Nneji, Gage Nogue, Penelope Roosa‑Dunphy, Julian Santosky, Stephen Schwartz, Sean Startup, Greta Sutherland‑Roth, John Sweeney, and Karl VanValkenburgh. Grade 8: Brody Baker, Fahad Bhuiyan, Evalyse Bradley, Tristan Cantello, Maven Flamhaft, Gabrielle Hart, Isaac Herman, Grace Kiszkiel, Jack Kotsides, Harris Kyaw, Zi Qing Liu, Ruby Ortner, Hudson Paley, Borny Patwoary, Lucas Pitre, Tristan Post, Hanna Rylewicz and Beatrice Wilhelm. Grade TR‑9: Matthew Ehring.
Sharing Valentine’s Day art in Rochester On Friday, Feb. 11, the Town of Rochester held a Valentine-themed "Youth Paint Class" at the Harold Lipton Community Center. Twelve children, ages 8 and up, joined in the holiday fun. The class was taught in the evening by Bethany Dennin, assistant recreation director. Photo by Manuela Michailescu
skills, builds a sense of community and engages students and staff in active learning. The “No place for hate” committee at MES is composed of Grade 2 and 3 students Mirabai Gould, Walter Mykula, Hallie Robie, Dinah Owens, Asher Balconis, Isabelle Schulte, Caitlin Drumm, Robert Morse, Bevin Ferris, Cierra Miller, Gio Viviani, Aidan O’Keefe, Carter Carr, Caylynn Miles, Charlotte Prota and Olivya Harty. The students on the committee, who are also known as Peace Ambassadors, are led by instructional coach Felice Digennaro, school psychologist Amanda Renner and school counselor Danielle Waldron. Each month, students generously give up their recess, volunteering their time to plan events for their school community. In crafting the school wide “No place for hate” activity, the Peace Ambassadors brainstormed ideas and landed on the theme of diversity, working together to plan meaningful activities for each learning center. The goal of the event was to inform and celebrate diversity in all its forms, and to discuss how everyone is unique, creating a space for expression and reflection. Students learned that the ability to recognize the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of other individuals, including ideas and viewpoints that are different from their own, and to empathize with others from diverse backgrounds, is central to forming and maintaining positive relationships at all life stages. The day’s driving question was, “What does it mean to celebrate diversity?” After thorough planning with those essential factors in mind, the committee created learning centers: a mask tie-dying station (because every tie-dyed design is different, and the blended colors are a great representation of how a diverse community comes together); “The skin that I’m in” station (where a book was read by a Peace Ambassador, and students reflected by decorating paper hands with different skin colors); a game station created by the Peace Ambassadors and run by the MES Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy departments (where students were educated on disabilities in part by playing UNO wearing vision-blurring glasses or noisy headphones); a discussion piece presented by Waldron on
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Marbletown Elementary School enjoyed a day of diversity on Feb. 11, thanks to a successful student led “No place for hate” event. “No place for hate,” a school climate improvement program, cultivates student leadership
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Marbletown Elementary student Raiyan Patwoary adds his unique fingerprint to the school wide “No place for hate” art piece.
Celebrating a day of diversity with ‘No place for hate’ program at Marbletown
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Page 18
Arts, culture & entertainment
February 18, 2022
Meanwhile, in the Yukon … I’ve been so lucky, but until now, didn’t know it. In the multiple decades I’ve lived on this stony knob, there was never a winter power outage that lasted more than a day. But because in these times, everything challenging is supersized AND served with a free bucket of jalapeño cheese fries, the results of our recent ice storm lasted four. If you don’t live in the higher, more arctic corners of the Rondout Valley, congratulate yourself. But it wasn’t as bad up here as you’ve heard it was. It was worse. You saw the trees where you live. You know what that ice looked like. Double it. I’ve never seen glaze cladded so thickly on branches, or hanging in giant finger-like spikes. Every surface was diamond-coated, from the trees, to the cars, and the netting above the chicken run. “Weirdly magical,” someone on Facebook said, which I only know because I climbed a hill, stood on tiptoes, and my phone miraculously grabbed a signal. But to me, it looked like Narnia after that evil witch cursed it with 100 years of winter. Sterile. Cold. Utterly cruel. There is also nothing charming about what the ice did to the power lines, i.e., drop trees on them from every angle, snapping the crossbeams from the posts and sometimes even the posts themselves. At the end of day one, there were downed lines across nearly every road, turning this hill into an island with cars driving endless laps of back and forth, hunting for a way off. We don’t have a generator, though by the loud hum
Susan Krawitz
that rose around us, most of our neighbors do. We’re fortunate to have firewood and a woodstove; even if without the electric blower, it offers searing glow but minor heat. By day two, most of the house seemed to forget it had ever been a warm space, so we bundled more and pushed on. But by day three, there was no denying it had turned into a Yukon survival cabin. We had a little bottled water for drinking, but on the frontier, water is also needed for chickens and washing and toilets. So life basically revolved around stoking the fire and melting snow crust. In the Yukon, days are long and nights are longer. The sled cats slept with us, but that didn’t help much with the warmth. Unfortunately, there is no room in the Yukon for the concept of a “cleanse,” something I was in the middle of when electricity left. I thought of abandoning my planned 11-days of veg and fruit, juices and smoothies. But when power came on at a house my daughter was caretaking, I loaded the blender and drove. I may have lunged too eagerly toward the electric plug on the counter, however, because the top part of the blender somehow sailed off the base, splashing blueberry stripes all over the floor and white cabinetry. But I made a smoothie anyway. Because the bulky stuff landed in a heap and there wasn’t really that much dog hair on the floor. #Yukontuff I have to backtrack my “weirdly magical” stance a bit. Things happened in those lockdown days that actually couldn’t be described any other way. I saw the neighbor who owns the field across the street striding across it with a woman and a young child. He looked Moses-like, right down to his walking staff, and was that an infant carrier the woman held? A man near the road shouted, “Here’s the car!” and the woman laughed and replied,
“Country living!” as if she wasn’t fleeing a frigid house in the woods whose driveway was blocked by trees. When the road to town opened, we brought sushi and flush water to a beloved neighbor who, last fall, turned 90 years young. Her gas-powered fireplace was heavenly, but it was really her company that made our dinner together glow. And early one evening, a tall, bald, bearded man whose last face-to-face confrontation with me was as a bowl-cut blond child of 5, knocked on the door. He asked to buy some firewood because every dealer he called said they were out. We weren’t about to let him pay for it. But I didn’t let him know until we’d chatted long enough for me to tell him how much he looked like his grandfather, a kind man I still miss. We’re now a week and a half past that blessed power’s-back day. Clean hair is so nice. Clean clothes are too. Don’t get me started on the brilliance that is the self-flushing toilet. I will never stop marveling at the amazing humans that serve as emergency power line workers. And equally, at another Facebook comment, which stated the fact that it’s only been about 150 years since we traded self-reliance for centralized sources of energy from fossil fuel. Please note that if I really wanted to stretch that Yukon theme ’til it snapped, I would have added a line about wondering if we’d have to eat the sled cats. I’m glad things never got that bad. And soon, I’ll stop counting the days past power-on, and start on days ’til spring. (If you’re reading this on 2/18, it’s 32).
Nonsense (and nostalgia) month I hereby declare that February is a nonsense month. Maybe it’s winter … maybe it’s spring. It’s cold, but it’s warm. Somehow, my socks always wet. My car is a hot mess even though I washed it three times last week. I cannot afford anything. Everything looks dirty no matter where you go. All the trees look like demented skeletons. Everyone dresses like they are homeless AND we’re supposed to be in love? Nonsense. Like I said. So, instead of seeing nonsense around town, let’s play Flashback February instead. I went for cocktails at the Stone House Tavern in Accord. After a very yummy vodka tonic and Pork Belly Bao Buns, I started to remember when it used to be the Hillside Restaurant. I think that is what it was called back in the Around town ’80s. But I also smoked a lot of pot in the ’80s so I could be wrong. When I moved back here, it was called Friends & Family for a hot second, and now it has become the Stone House. I love how many names a building can have. No identity crisis there. I think I was in the Hillside only once and really don’t remember much of it. However, I will remember the Stone House. It was just cozy inside like you were at your grandma’s cabin. This cozy feeling led me down a rabbit hole. Does anyone remember Morgan’s? It was this random store on Pataukunk Road … Who remembers THAT? It is now Samsonville Road, and thank goodness. No one could spell Pataukunk. Anyway, Mr. Morgan was this odd cat who lived in his parents’ house that was next to a little store. He had ice cream and did magic, so that was fun. As an adult, this now seems mildly creepy and is just further proof that kids are dumb. There was a similar little store called Kay’s that was on
Kelly Wright
School's out forever. Photo by Kelly Wright
44/55, which is still called 44/55. Whew. My aunt lived down the road so this was a good place for my cousin and I to go get junk food. Junk food was the shiz back then. No one cared what kind of toxic crap you were ingesting. Hello? Canned meat? Jello molds? The snack pac puddings in metal cans? Not only was this garbage, but you’d slice your tongue off if you weren’t careful. Anyway, Martyn’s Pharmacy by the turn-off for Kerhonkson Elementary School sold Peach Charms Pops for 5 cents. Yum-O. You’d swim all day at the Kerhonkson pool with a mouth full of peachy goodness. Thank goodness there was something to get that TV dinner taste our of our mouths. Believe it or not, Kerhonkson had a lot of things going on back in the day. There was a supermarket, department store right on Main Street. There were also a lot of bars, if you can believe that. Indian Valley Inn, VIP, Shirmarae. Listen, I don’t know if I’m spelling these right. I was a kid and, really, who brings their kid to a bar?
Accord had a general store with a soda fountain! Yes! A soda fountain! Who didn’t want to pretend they were Sandy meeting up with Danny Zuko to share an ice cream soda? (Sigh.) I did. There was also a laundromat with a bar right across the street. The Ship’s Galley, to be exact, because, everyone knows doing laundry is more fun when drunk. The PX was THE place to get pizza subs and breakfast sandwiches. There was one in Kerhonkson, one in Accord, and a PX Express in between. Because, why not have three stores within a 3-mile radius? What I would give for a PX sub right now. Rosendale had Vaughn’s Drug Store and they had a color TV … woot! Gimartin’s had ice cream ... we definitely love our ice cream. In fact, we love food, don’t we? Or, rather, I do. I love food. The size of my muffin top can attest to that. We also love bars because who could forget Roy’s? Or Ray’s? Not sure which came first. It’s sort of like the chicken and egg thing. But, just another place that allowed kids to sit at the bar and chat with locals like Uncle Willy. He’s the one who actually opened the bar, which originally was called The Well. I never went to The Well but I did go to Roy/Ray’s because of the awesome air hockey table. Let’s not forget Fann’s. You could buy anything there. Toys, eight-tracks, Sweet Orrs. I bought my first records there: AC/DC’s “Back in Black,” ELO’s “Out of the Blue” and Donna Summer’s “On the Radio.” Eclectic for a 14-year-old, but I still have these artists on my Spotify playlists and have been known to belt out “Mr. Blue Sky” at any given time. There also was an elementary school in every town, which is so small-town cute. Except when you had to play dodgeball. Well, that’s all the space I have. There are so many more memories, but we’ll save those for another time. Thank you for skipping down memory lane with me.
BlueStone Press, February 18, 2022, Page 19
Pika’s Farm Pot Pies On winter Sunday nights of my youth, as a weekendending and a school-week-starting punctuation, pot pies were a common meal. They were store bought and frozen. And my mom (in charge of the kitchen because of a short-straw draw) didn’t much like to cook, so as a meal, pot pies were easy, affordable, low-hanging fruit that didn’t consume much prep time. Ours was a home in which no one liked to cook, and maybe as a result, no one was especially good at it. That would stubbornly continue into adulthood. Even if denied by my sisters, it’s corroborated by all our kids. Circa 1975, pot pies (and the odd frozen pizza here and there) became a regular thing Wally Nichols for us in an era where (Swanson) frozen TV dinners were becoming normalized. Pot pies felt relatively healthy, though the bar was low. Nostalgia still tugs when I serve pot pies to my child this many decades later. (I like the idea of a homemade pot pie, but have actually never gotten off “go” to make one.) She loves them for the same
Put a fork in it
Horoscopes Once again there are no planets retrograde during this period – allowing the planetary energy to move rapidly. Much seems to be happening – but going nowhere. The Sun is closely conjunct Jupiter, allowing for expansion, but the addition of Neptune results in feeling spacey instead of goal-oriented. Mercury is conjunct Saturn, calling for a dedication to career and income. Mars and Venus are conjunct Pluto in the sign of Capricorn – calling for dedication to the responsibility dictated by society – no free choice. Uranus stands by itself in the sign of Taurus. Taurus usually involves money – and today people are looking for increased income while consumer prices are rising. The new Moon on Joanne the 2nd falls in the sign of Pisces Ferdman – a sign that is great for creativity but not for reality. This complex planetary picture shows the mixed reality we face currently.
Your Zodiac
ARIES: 3/21 to 4/19: Mars, your ruling planet, is conjunct Venus and Pluto in your 10th solar house of career. This combination suggests you’re pleased with your personal progress but are uncertain about aspects over which you’ve lost control. Perhaps the solution might be to step away from the problem and listen for a while. TAURUS: 4/20 to 5/20: Venus, your ruling planet, continues conjunct both Mars and Pluto at the end of your 9th solar house of communication and education. Unfortunately, Pluto is causing a very difficult situation over which you have little control. Be sure to speak of your personal desires and interests. You will feel content
reason everyone does: They are really good and they are really easy. And we tend to fire them up on Sunday p.m.’s in the winter, as an unspoken homage to the Jetsons’ promise of automated food and to my, and her, youth. The popularity of pot pies in the collective North American (and north west European) kitchen has never budged much. Now, however, they (well, some) have been reconfigured with way more healthy ingredients and way fewer nasty preservatives, which only increases their currency, and resulting popularity, in my opinion. As a meal, they might embody the perfect intersection of taste, substance, efficiency and food groups with a common denominator of an upper and lower crust. Stick-to-your-ribs, but not drop-you-to-your-knees heavy. Between the doughy sheets, anything goes … That is why, these days, I am especially pleased to see the proliferation of homemade (or at least small-scale production run) pot pies with organic, plant-based, hormone-free, non-GMO ingredients. Pika’s Farm Table (Lake Katrine – ‘Hudson Valley Based with European Roots’) makes pot pies and sells them locally at several farmers markets as well as at Damn Good Honey Farm in Kerhonkson. Varieties include vegetable, chicken, turkey and lobster. (Pika’s also makes soups, quiches and Belgian waffles.) Hearty portions and
around $13. In other pot pie news (said no one ever, until now), I was surprised to discover that, according to Kristen Narula of Quartz magazine, there was a petition going around England (started by a crotchety bloke named Bill Wulff) imploring the UK government to regulate what restaurants and pubs called “pot pies.” If the petition were to get 10,000 signatures (it already has 3,000), the matter would be have to be taken up by Parliament and, if successful, calling casseroles with only a pastry lid “pot pies” would be a crime. What’s missing, and so disturbing, to the petitioners is the bottom crust. That’s what makes it a pot pie. (Apparently, some people have a lot of time on their hands. To be fair, this kerfuffle was going down pre-covid, so maybe people have gotten a friggin’ reality check on what to fuss about and what to breathe deeply through while letting go …?) Meanwhile, for the rest of us, and for the rest of this relentless winter, consider a hot and delicious Sunday evening flight of pot pies for the family and start, or continue, a rich family tradition. –W
as your voice is heard.
You’re busy trying to solve problems created by past choices. However, try to take some time off for a vacation with your children and relax for a while.
GEMINI: 5/21 to 6/20: Mercury, your ruling planet, is conjunct Saturn in your 9th solar house of communication and education. The implication of this combination suggests a lack of frivolity – speak or write about truth or meaningful events. The new Moon in Pisces will prove especially important when you add a creative solution to your dilemma. CANCER: 6/21 to 7/20: The new Moon in Pisces on March 2 falls in your 9th solar house of communication and education. Since both the Moon and your natal Sun signs are in water, you will tend to react emotionally. Help will come from learning to dissect each problem as it arises, and cope with it intellectually. LEO: 7/21 to 8/22: The Sun, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 8th solar house of transformation. With the new Moon in Pisces, also in your 8th house, the time is perfect to think of your own talent and work to promote it into the part of your personality that can be seen by others. The new Moon is the time when you’re able to make an impression. VIRGO: 8/23 to 9/22: Mercury, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 6th solar house of daily work and your health and is conjunct Saturn. This results in work that is keeping you very busy or there is a major health issue. Assuming the former, the time is ripe for you to show your ability and tenacity – so Good Luck!! If the latter, Good Health!! LIBRA: 9/23 to 10/22: Venus, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 4th solar house of home and family. It is also conjunct both Mars and Pluto – suggesting a major problem with a home repair or decorating project that has met difficulties. The new Moon on the 2nd will find you working to solve the difficulties that have arisen. SCORPIO: 10/23 to 11/22: Both Mars and Pluto are part of the stellium of planets in your 3rd solar house of communication and education that also includes Venus.
SAGITTARIUS: 11/23 to 12/21: Jupiter, your ruling planet, is presently conjunct the Sun and Neptune in your 4th solar house of home and family. This implies you are presently concerned with either your home or family, or both, but are at a loss about the best way to deal with the issue. The new Moon on the 2nd will help through meditation. CAPRICORN: 12/22 to 1/20: Saturn, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 2nd solar house of money. You’re presently busy working diligently to increase income and expand your career by meeting people in position to provide help. In addition, you’re thinking of alternative ways to achieve your goal. AQUARIUS: 1/21 to 2/19: Uranus, your ruling planet, continues in your 4th solar house of home and family. The Sun and Jupiter in your 2nd house of money, combined with Neptune, finds you at home trying to fulfill your desire to make money. The usual resources of working in community with others are presently missing. Try again after the new Moon. PISCES: 2/20 to 3/20: Neptune, your ruling planet, continues to be positioned in your 1st solar house of personality together with Jupiter, and now the Sun has made it a trio. The addition of the Sun allows you to be more assertive in your approach to career success. The new Moon will provide an new opportunity for you to see what is available. Joanne is available for private/personized consultations at 561-744-9962. Treat yourself–- learn what to expect from the current transits and receive an overview of your longterm goals.
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FOR THE FAMILY Stone Ridge Library Knitting Group The Stone Ridge Library Knitters meet 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays in the activity room, at Stone Ridge Library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge, with the next upcoming gatherings on Feb. 19 and 26. All ages and experience levels can join, and dropin 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. Streamside, Mossy Glen snowshoe hike at Minnewaska Join Laura Conner, environmental educator, 1-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, for a crisp snowshoe hike in the wintry woods. On this approximately 3.5-mile-long outing, participants will snowshoe through the quiet forest, along the edge of the Peter’s Kill and return on Lower Awosting Carriage Road. A limited number of snowshoes are available to borrow for this program from the Education Department. Plan to arrive by 12:45 p.m. if borrowing snowshoes. If there is insufficient snow cover, this program will be offered as a hike. If conditions are icy, participants are encouraged to bring microspikes. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask when inside buildings. All unvaccinated participants are encouraged to wear face coverings and keep a minimum 6foot distance away from others who are not part of their immediate household when outside. Meet in the Lower Parking Area. Preregistration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752. Holiday Hike: Frozen Waterfalls snowshoe walk at Minnewaska Join Laura Conner, environmental educator, 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21, for a 2.5-mile snowshoe walk to Awosting Falls. A limited number of snowshoes are available from the Education Department. Plan to arrive at 9:30 a.m. to borrow snowshoes. If there is insufficient snow cover, this program will be offered as a hike. If conditions are icy, participants are encouraged to bring microspikes. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask when inside buildings. All unvaccinated participants are encouraged to wear face coverings and keep a minimum 6-foot distance away from others who are not part of their immediate household when outside. Meet in the Peter’s Kill Area. Preregistration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752. Mossy Glen snowshoe hike at Minnewaska Join Laura Conner, environmental educator, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, for a crisp snowshoe outing in the wintry woods. On this approximately 3.5-mile-long route, participants will hike on snowshoes through the quiet forest, along the edge of the Peter’s Kill and return on Lower Awosting Carriage Road. A limited number of snowshoes are available from the Education Department. Plan to arrive by 9:15 a.m. if borrowing snowshoes. If there is insufficient snow cover, this outing will be offered as a hike. If conditions are icy, participants are encouraged to bring microspikes. All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask when inside buildings. All unvaccinated participants are encouraged to wear face coverings and keep a minimum 6foot distance away from others who are not part of their immediate household when outside. Meet in the Lower Parking Area. Preregistration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752. All-ages Chess Hour at the Rosendale Library Every Thursday, 4-5 p.m., beginning Feb. 24, enjoy playing chess, all ages, all levels, at the Rosendale Library, 264 Main St., Rosendale. For more information, call 845-658-9013 or visit rosendalelibrary.org. Mahjong, Tuesdays and Fridays at Stone Ridge Library The Stone Ridge Library hosts ongoing weekly mahjong at 10 a.m. Friday mornings (Feb. 25 and March 4), plus a beginner’s group, 10 a.m. Tuesdays (Feb. 22 and March 1), in the activity room of the library, 3700
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25th Annual Chili Bowl Fest illustration by Victoria Eidelzstein
Women’s Studio Workshop presents the 25th Chili Bowl Fest Fundraiser For a quarter century, guests have enjoyed this celebration of community and ceramics, shopping from over 1,000 handmade bowls, mugs and tumblers, with all proceeds of the sale going to support Women Studio Workshop’s artistic programming. This year, there will be both an online and in-person sale. The online sale will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26. In addition to over 200 handmade bowls for sale, WSW will be raffling off work by Natalia Arbelaez, Laura Casas and Katie Bosley Sabin. Visit wsworkshop.org for more information. The in-person sale will be held 2-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Women’s Studio Workshop, 722 Binnewater Lane, Rosendale. For the health and safety of the community, there will be plenty of bowls, but there
Main St., Stone Ridge. New members are welcome. No registration required. Just walk in. For more information, call 845687-7023 or visit stoneridgelibrary.org. Rosendale Seniors next meeting and upcoming trips The Town of Rosendale Seniors meetings are held at 1 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Rosendale Recreation Center, 1055 Route 32, Rosendale, with the next meeting on Feb. 23. Upcoming trips for next year include Hunterdon Hills Playhouse in New Jersey on March 22 for dinner and show to see “Sherlock Holmes Returns.” Cost is $78 per person. And a trip to Myrtle Beach is Sept. 11-17. For more information, call Chickie at 845-658-2414 or Hal at 845658-9020. In honor of Black History Month, ‘Finding North’ With the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, Maverick Concerts and the Rosendale Theatre Collective present “Finding North,” 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. This
There is an amazing assortment of handmade bowls, mugs, and tumblers available for sale at the 25th Annual Chili Bowl Fest Fundraiser to benefit the Women’s Studio Workshop of Rosendale.
will not be any chili. Guests will also need to register for a time slot to shop at https://bit.ly/25CBinperson. Visitors are required to provide proof of vaccination. For more information and registration, call 845-658-9133 or visit wsworkshop.org.
original production, written by David Gonzalez and performed by Daniel Carlton, brings to life the powerful stories of the sacrifices and dreams of John P. Parker, a former enslaved man who helped fugitive enslaved people escape through the Underground Railroad in southern Ohio. Drawn from historical research, Parker’s tale is woven together with verbatim interviews and oral histories from contemporary community members who tell their stories of searching for haven in modern-day America. Carlton will captivate the audience with his one-man performance of John Parker and all other characters, while accompanied by Gonzalez playing blues guitar. Admission is by donation. For more information, call 845-658-8989 or visit rosendaletheatre.org. Peter’s Kill Loop snowshoe hike at Minnewaska Join Nick Martin, park educator, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26 for an approximately 2-mile snowshoe hike on the footpaths in the Peter’s Kill. A limited number of snowshoes are avail-
able for participants to borrow from the Education Department. Plan to arrive by 9:30 a.m. if borrowing snowshoes. If there is insufficient snow cover, this program will be offered as a hike. If conditions are icy, participants are encouraged to bring microspikes. All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask when inside buildings. All unvaccinated participants are encouraged to wear face coverings and keep a minimum 6-foot distance away from others who are not part of their immediate household when outside. Meet at the Peter’s Kill Area. Preregistration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752. 2022 Oscar-nominated animated, live action and documentary shorts Get a preview of the Oscar-nominated shorts, 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, featuring animated shorts with “Affairs of the Art,” “Bestia,” “Boxballet,” “Robin Robin” and “The Windshield Wiper”; at 7:30 p.m., check out live action shorts with “Ala Kachuu-Take and Run,” “The Dress,” “The Long Goodbye,” “On My Mind” and “Please Hold”; and at 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb 27, watch documentary shorts “Audible,” “Lead Me Home,” “The Queen of Basketball,” “Three Songs for Benazir” and “When We Were Bullies.” Each year, the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale, presents the Academy Awardnominated shorts program featuring the year’s most spectacular short films. This is the chance to predict the winners of the Academy Awards on Sunday, March 27. For more information, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-658-8989. Snowshoe animal tracking hike for families at Minnewaska Join Laura Conner, environmental educator, 10 a.m.noon Sunday, Feb. 27, for a one-milelong, observational hike on snowshoes in the Peter’s Kill Area. Snow is a great canvas for animal tracks. In the past, tracks from white-tailed deer to fisher have all been seen in the area. Experience on snowshoes is not necessary, and a limited number of snowshoes are available to borrow from the Education Department. Plan to arrive by 9:30 a.m. if borrowing snowshoes. If there is insufficient snow cover, this program will be offered as a hike. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask when inside buildings. All unvaccinated participants are encouraged to wear face coverings and keep a minimum 6-foot distance away from others who are not part of their immediate household when outside. Meet in the Peter’s Kill Area. Preregistration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845255-0752. CCE’s 3rd Annual Black Experience This event will be held, 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27 at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 16 Cedar St., Kingston. Entry by donation for performances, art, music, vendors, food and comedy, including rescheduled meet & greet with actor, writer, director and activist Moise Morancy. For vendor and visitor registration, visit cce4me. orog. Mindful Mondays Mindfulness is a skill that is practiced through meditation. It offers numerous benefits to physical and emotional health, helping to reduce stress, improve concentration, cultivate kindness and experience greater emotional resilience. Join the community, 2 p.m. Mondays, beginning Feb. 28, via Zoom or in person, at the Stone Ridge Library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge, to develop awareness, cultivate more presence, and strengthen our ability to bring mindfulness into day-to-day life. These weekly drop-in sessions will include a short talk on the topic of the week, guided meditation, and opportunity for discussion. All levels of practitioners are welcome, no previous experience required. Come as often as you like. Mindful Mondays are led by Aimee Trumbore, certified Mindfulness Meditation teacher. For more information and registration, visit stoneridgelibrary.org or call 845-687-7023. Writers group with Cathy Arra Two separate writers groups meet 4:30-6:30 p.m. on alternate Mondays at the Stone Ridge 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
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BlueStone Press, February 18, 2022, Page 21 Events continued from page 20 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. The next meeting is for Group 2 on Feb. 28. Email carra22@aol.com. Poetry with Rosemary Dean Join the community via Zoom, 1:30-3 p.m. every other Thursday, with the next meeting on March 3. This program is presented by the Stone Ridge Library. Contact Rosemary Dean at rmdeen@gmail.com to join the group. Rondout Valley Lions Club New members, men and women of all ages, are wanted and encouraged to join the Rondout 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, contact Janet Sutter at janet.sutter@aol.com. Marbletown Seniors trips A trip planned for the Marbletown Seniors on April 12 to go to Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville, Connecticut, to see comedian/singer Mark Verselli. Cost of trip is $54, with familystyle meal included. Bus leaves at 8:15 a.m. On May 10 is the trip to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton, New Jersey, for the comedy “I left my dignity in my other purse,” featuring Joyce DeWitt from the TV sitcom “Three’s Company.” Cost of $78 includes lunch with choices from menu. Bus takes off at 9 a.m. The “Ride the Rails” four-day, three-night trip to West Virginia is Monday-Thursday, June 6-9, and includes Cass Scenic Railroad, Black Water Falls State Park with a spectacular waterfall, Seneca Caverns and more. Cost of $680 for a double room or $879 for a single includes three breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners. All trips leave from Marbletown Reformed Church, 3750 Main St./Route 209, Stone Ridge, across from the post office. For more information, call Sharon Letus, trip chairperson, at 845-6879162. Little Ones Learning Center’s story time The Little Ones Learning Center is a free early-literacy program held in the space rented from the Rochester Reformed Church, at 5142 Route 209, Accord. Story times are held virtually, 10:30 a.m. Fridays, on Little Ones Facebook page, and in person, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays, at the church. Book borrowing is available 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays and on Saturdays following story time. Cancellations or changes will always be posted on their Facebook page. Give them a “like” to stay informed about new stories, changes in programming, and special events. For more information, call Mary Lee, treasurer, Little Ones Learning Center, at 845-626-7249, and visit thedenofmarbletown.com.
Ashokan Center of Olivebridge’s Hot Chocolate Fest with live music This event will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 19 and 20, at the Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge. A wide variety of hot chocolate flavors will be served. There will be live music by Two for the Road on Saturday, Mike + Ruthy on Sunday, and Jay Ungar & Molly Mason on both days. The weekend also features self-guided nature walks on beautiful trails; cozy outdoor campfires; live ice sculptors; sledding if it snows (bring a sled); and blacksmithing demos ($7 to make a take-home project). All activities are scheduled outdoors except blacksmithing. Help the community safely gather by practicing social distancing and wearing face coverings when near others. Please bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and dress for the weather. No dogs or pets are allowed on site. Tickets are $15 general admission, $7.50 for kids ages 5-12, and children under age 5 are admitted for free. Cost includes two flavors of hot chocolate and a hot break-
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fast sandwich or chili, with gluten-free sandwiches and vegan chili available. For more information, visit ashokancenter.org or call 845-657-8333.
‘Telling our stories,’ the healing power of story with Abigail Ifatola Jefferson
Holistic Health Community of Stone Ridge will offer a Virtual Holistic Healthcare Week, held on the last week of the month, with this month’s session MondayFriday, Feb. 21-25, via Zoom. Practitioners include Amy Tripi with shamanic reiki; Cornelia Wathen, Emotion Code: releasing trapped emotions from past trauma; Donna Nisha Cohen, spiritual counseling; Gorge Jacobs, psychospiritual counseling and coaching; Jadina Lilien, family constellations; Karin Reynolds, life coaching; Kris Journey, astrology consultations; Lauren Schaub Molino, Brennan Healing Science; Lightfield session; Sharon Lococo, consciousness shifting; Shlamit Elson, sound healing; Sigrid D’Aleo, bodynamic shamanistic healing; Suzanne Bottigliero, chakra clearings; and Wendy Wolosoff-Hayes, spacious heart guidance. Other free holistic opportunities include, Bobbi Esmark, free qigong classes; Circle of Friends of the Dying free Death Cafes; Shivaram in Hawaii, yoga nidra; and Therese Bimka, daily community meditations. All sessions must be booked online. Patients should make an appointment for one session only so the maximum number of people may benefit. To make an appointment, go to http://hhcny. simplybook.me. Once the appointment is made, all information will be sent to the practitioner, and then they will contact each patient. The Holistic Health Community Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, charitable corporation. Visit their website to donate and for more information about the Holistic Health Community, its practitioners, and the modalities offered at holistichealthcommunity.org or call 845-867-7008.
Stories are global, can be found in every culture, and have the power to connect. Storytelling is one of the world’s oldest art forms and has been passed from one generation to the next. Each time a story passes from one person to the next, the story is remembered and kept alive. In this lively, fun, participatory online Zoom workshop, 7 p.m. Thursday, Jefferson Feb. 24, participants will reflect on their individual lives to identify, explore and share stories that are meaningful and have been passed down through their DNA, memory, and/or by word of mouth. Personal storytelling will be the vehicle through which participants will craft and share personal and family stories for the purpose of healing and revering ancestral lineage. Objects, photos, behavior patterns and memorable life moments are welcomed as tools to remember, structure and share personal stories. In this program, presented by Holistic Health Community of Stone Ridge in
collaboration with the Gloria and Morty Wolosoff Foundation, participants will explore the art of storytelling as a sacred practice; explore how storytelling can be used as a vehicle through which ancestors can be revered and ancestral lineage can be healed; learn the importance of keeping the storytelling oral tradition alive; why storytelling has healing power; basic techniques of remembering and telling a story orally; increase their comfort level of speaking a story aloud in front of listeners; and how and why storytelling celebrates and honors diverse voices. All levels of experience are welcome. No storytelling or story-crafting experience is required. Facilitator Abigail Ifatola Jefferson is a spiritual wellness coach, ordained interspiritual and interfaith minister, and a teaching artist whose programs blend story and dance, in keeping traditions alive. The meeting ID for this Zoom workshop is 336 700 5546 with Passcode: holistic. For more information, visit holistichealthcommunity.org or call 845-8677008.
Staats Fasoldt's new watercolors at the Rosendale Theatre Gallery
Beautiful soup class Northern European with High Falls’ Maria Reidelbach Art Lectures by and special guest Sevan Melikyan: a Forrest Hahens visit to Bruges
The new watercolor paintings by Rosendale artist Staats Fasoldt will be on exhibit at the Rosendale Theatre Gallery, 408 Main St., Rosendale, for the months of March and April, with a meet-the-artist opening reception from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, March 4. Fasoldt is co-president of the board of the Woodstock School of Art and has taught painting and drawing there for 35 years. He is an active member of the Woodstock Artist’s Association, the Arts Society of Kingston and a member of Longreach Arts. Staats has an MFA in painting from SUNY New Paltz and has had numerous one-person and group exhibits. For more information, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-658-8989.
Sevan Melikyan, owner and operator of Wired Gallery in High Falls, takes viewers on a pre-trip journey to Belgium and the Netherlands to enhance understanding of the artworks, 11 a.m. Tuesdays, through April 12, with 60–90-minute lectures; on Feb. 22 to Bruges on a walking tour to see Market Square, Church of Our Lady, and more, and on March 1 to the Groeninge Museum in Bruges. Melikyan, docent, museum guide and transcendent storyteller, will explore the works, lives, the historical setting, the techniques and the muses of the great masters of art. Cost is $15 per session. For more information and registration, contact Joan Hill, director of Artful Journeys LLC, at info@ artfuljourneysllc.com or at 508-225-7907.
ARTS, MUSIC, BODY & MIND ‘The Velvet Queen (La panthère des neiges)’ at the Rosendale Theatre In the heart of the Tibetan highlands, multiaward-winning nature photographer Vincent Munier guides writer Sylvain Tesson on his quest to document the infamously elusive snow leopard. Munier introduces Tesson to the subtle art of waiting from a blind spot, tracking animals, and finding the patience to catch sight of the beasts. Through their journey in the Tibetan peaks, inhabited by invisible presences, the two men ponder humankind’s place amongst the magnificent creatures and glorious landscapes they encounter along the way. Directed by Marie Amiguet and Vincent Munier, this documentary will be presented in French with English subtitles and shown at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 18 and 19, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. For more information, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-6588989. 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
A wide variety of hot chocolate will be served at this family fun event!
Virtual Community Holistic Healthcare Week
Beautiful soup class facilitators High Falls’ Maria Reidelbach and special guest, Forrest Hahens
Learn how to make a delicious winter squash soup with a Haitian spin with High Falls’ Maria Reidelbach and special guest Forrest Hahens, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, via Zoom. For more information and the Zoom ID and password, visit stick2local.com.
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Page 22, February 18, 2022, BlueStone Press Events continued from page 21 Zoom, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. each Sunday, with upcoming sessions on Feb. 20 and 27. Newcomers are always welcome. For more information, visit cometomama.org or call 845-853-5154. Co-sponsored by Marbletown MultiArts, Raga Meditation with Steve Gorn via Zoom Join bansuri virtuoso Steve Gorn at 9 a.m. each Monday through March, with the next classes on Feb. 21 and 28. Co-sponsored by MaMA, Marbletown Multi-Arts, the hour-long program provides an invitation to meditate, do yoga, or simply settle into the moment of each new day. Contributions of $10 are welcome on Venmo or PayPal. For the Zoom link, donations and more information, visit cometomama.org or call 845853-5154. Stone Ridge Library presents Spanish conversations with Francisco and Varcia via Zoom ¿Hablas español? To brush up on Spanish conversation skills and meet other language lovers in a friendly and stress-free environment with facilitators Francisco Rivera and Varcia Venetzanos, join the class on Zoom, 1-2 p.m. every fourth Tuesday of the month, with the next session on Feb. 22. All levels are welcomed. ¡Hasta entonces! Rivera was born and raised in Spanish Harlem in NYC and is a long-term resident of Marbletown. Venetzanos, also of Marbletown, is a native New Yorker. She is also a fluent speaker of Greek, which was her first language. Sign up at the SRL online calendar at stoneridgelibrary. org or call 845-687-7023. SahasraYoga in-person and Zoom classes with Kyra Sahasrabudhe All levels and abilities are welcome to join in-person hatha yoga classes taught by Kyra Sahasrabudhe (CYT) of Stone Ridge, 10-11:15 a.m. Mondays (Feb. 21 and 28) and 9-10:15 a.m. Wednesdays (Feb. 23 and March 2), in second floor studio, at Stone Ridge Healing Arts wellness center, 3457 Main St., Stone Ridge. Students must be fully vaccinated. These classes use props and modifications, which allow students to make the poses/asana their own. Sahasrabudhe also offers a virtual (Zoom) class 5-6:15 p.m. Tuesdays (Feb. 22 and March 1). For more information and cost, contact Sahasrabudhe at sahasrayoga21@gmail. com. TMI Project free writing workshop This free weekly drop-in workshop series to experience expertly crafted free-writing exercises will be held via Zoom, 7 p.m. Monday nights in February and March, except for Feb. 21, Presidents’ Day. Each workshop will be facilitated by trained TMI Project workshop leaders and will focus on free-writing and sharing work with Dara Lurie and Raine Grayson, Feb. 28; Kiebpoli Calneck and Micah, March 7; Dara Lurie and Blake Pfeil, March 14; Rae Lipkind and Micah, March 21; and Hayley Downs and Perla Ayora, March 28. The TMI Project Free Write is free for all. Donations are welcomed, with $20 suggested per workshop. For more information, visit TMI Project, which originated in Rosendale, at tmiproject.org. ‘The Expressive Figure’ online course with Kerhonkson’s Keith Gunderson This workshop will be held 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 23 and March 2. The one-hour Zoom session coaches the figure drawing enthusiast past the challenges of technique and finding one’s artistic voice, starting with 20 minutes of drawing from the model in a variety of poses and then through a series of illustrated lectures and top-down video demonstrations. Each class features a video sketch of a figurative artist, work or trend that has impacted the artistic evolution of figure drawing. Deadline for registration is 7 p.m. on the day before the first class. Any registrations received after 7 p.m. the night before the first class of the session will receive the pre-recorded video of the first class (or classes missed if session has already begun. For more information, visit woodstockschoolofarts.org. Rosendale Library presents Medicare 101 Webinar Are you currently enrolled in Medicare? Will you be turning 65 over the next year or two? Learn about eligibility, how and when to enroll, when you can make changes, and the insurance options available to you. This program will simplify the choices you need to make, help you make informed decisions, and explain what Medicare means for you. Webinar from 10 a.m.-noon, Sat-
National Theatre Live presents ‘War Horse’ at the Rosendale Theatre The National Theatre’s internationally acclaimed production of “War Horse” is an unforgettable theatrical event which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the World War I trenches of France. “War Horse” is based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford in association with the award-winning Handspring Puppet Company. At the outbreak of World War I, Albert’s beloved horse, Joey, is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France. Though still not old enough to enlist, Albert embarks on a treacherous mission to find Joey and bring him home. “War Horse” will be shown at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. The Rosendale Theatre requires proof of vaccination. Masks must be worn inside unless eating and drinking at a seat. Tickets are $12 for members/$15 general admission. For more information, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-658-8989.
Friends of Rosendale Library Book Discussion, ‘Harlem Shuffle’ by Colson Whitehead In celebration of Black History Month, join the book group, 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, as they discuss “Harlem Shuffle” by Colson Whitehead. “Ray Carney was only slightly bent when it came to being crooked …” To his customers and neighbors on 125th Street, Carney is an upstanding salesman of reasonably
With the Handspring Puppet Company, the National Theatre Live presents the story of Albert and his journey and reconnection with his beloved horse, Joey, who is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France in WWI.
priced furniture, making a decent life for himself and his family. He and his wife Elizabeth are expecting their second child, and if her parents on Striver’s Row don’t approve of him or their cramped apartment across from the subway tracks, it’s still home. Now Ray has a new clientele, one made up of shady cops, vicious local gangsters, two-bit pornographers, and other assorted Harlem lowlifes. Thus begins the Whitehead internal tussle between Ray the striver and Ray the crook. For more information, call 845-658-9013 or visit rosendalelibrary.org.
Clio’s Muse, a history reading club discusses ‘Nine Parts of Desire’ by Geraldine Brooks The group will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, via Zoom to discuss “Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women” by Geraldine Brooks. The story of Brooks' intrepid journey toward an understanding of the women behind the veils, and of the often contradictory political, religiou, and cultural forces that shape their lives. Defying stereotypes about the Muslim Book world, Brooks illustrates how Islam's holiest texts have been misused to justify repression of women, and how male pride and power have warped the original message of a once liberating faith. Contact program manager Sarah Robertson, sarah@stoneridgelibrary.org, to join the group.
Women & ADHD Q&A with Katy and Jules: sex, intimacy and relationships “Picture it, you’re in the heat of the moment, and all you can think about is remembering what you needed to buy at the store. Or maybe your partner wants a makeout session, and all the sudden, you need some space,” explained Weber ADHD advocate, coach and podcast host Katy Weber. “Or maybe you’re in a great relationship, yet you can’t understand why you’re always flirting with strangers.” The list goes on and on when it comes to the ways ADHD affects sex, Edwards intimacy and relationships. Licensed therapist and ADHD specialist Jules Edwards and Weber will explore the impact of ADHD on relationships and what can be done, 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, in this podcast. Admission is free for members of the Women & ADHD Online Community and $10 for nonmembers. For more information, visit womenandhdhd.com.
Join the Waltz-a-thon fundraiser for the Ashokan Center. Waltz alone, with a partner, or with friends and family. Photo by Chris Gilner
Ashokan Center of Olivebridge’s virtual Waltz-a-thon Join hosts Jay Ungar and Molly Mason and their special guests for an exciting evening of dance, music, and fun waltzing along with friends from around the world at home (or anywhere)! Waltzers can play along on their favorite instrument, from fiddles to triangles. Waltz alone or with a partner – a dog, broom or pillow is fine! Top waltzers can win prizes, too. Just sign up, share the link to encourage
friends and family to pledge per dance to support the Ashokan Center, and play or dance along from home on Friday, March 4. To be a sponsor, view the list of signedup waltzers and make a pledge. Choose any amount – $3 per waltz or $34. To be a donor, simply donate any amount. All donations during the Waltz-a-thon will be counted toward the fundraiser goal of $10,000. Donations to the Ashokan Center help support Ashokan Music & Dance Camps, outdoor education for kids, festivals, lectures and much more. For more information, visit ashokancenter.org or call 845-657-8333.
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Feb. 18, 2022 6HUYLFHV 2ႇHUHG
:KLWWDNHU :HOGLQJ Steel & Cast Iron Repair Fabrication 0RGL¿FDWLRQV Reinforcement Hardfacing 407 Krumville Road Olivebridge, NY 12461
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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!
'RZQ WR (DUWK /DQGVFDSLQJ Koi Ponds, Patios and Decks, Yard Maintenance, Tree Trimming Fence Installation and Repair and Snow Removal FULLY INSURED %HQ :DWVRQ 845-389-3028 %OXHVWRQH([SHUWV FRP ZZZ IE FRP GRZQWRHDUWKQ &XUE $SSHDO /DQGVFDSLQJ Accord, High Falls, Stone Ridge & surrounding areas Snow Plowing Fall & Spring Cleanup Mowing & Trimming Property Management Storm Cleanup and more... Anthony@curbappeallandscapingny.com Call/Text 845-853-9113 for free estimate
'LVFRXQW VQRZSORZLQJ VDQGLQJ PRZLQJ FOHDQ XS Airbnb Prop Mgt (845)-893-5644 'RXJ 7\OHU 6RQ &OHDQ XSV FOHDQ RXWV 'HPROLWLRQ & ' PDWHULDO UHPRYDO 6FUDS PHWDO SLFN XS 5ROO Rႇ FRQWDLQHUV DYDLODEOH LQ 8, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 yards 687-7569 or 687-0087 (home) 845-674-5463 (cell) 'RXJ 7\OHU -U 612: 3/2:,1* Sanding & Salting Residential & Commercial Over 30 years experience 10% Discount for Seniors 845-849-5909 (cell) 687-0087 (home)
Rondout Municipal Center 1925 Lucas Ave., Cottekill, NY
marbletown.net 845-687-7500 Zoning Board of Appeals Feb. 23 @ 6:00pm Town Board Mar. 1 @ 6:00pm
845-657-6719 %HOO ([FDYDWLRQ DQG 6WRQHZRUN Experienced in all phases of excavation and installment of bluestone for patios, walks, and walls. Beautify your home with the experience and care of Charlie Bell. All work insured and guaranteed. 845-626-3542 or 845-389-3000
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'LVFRXQW VQRZSORZLQJ VDQGLQJ PRZLQJ FOHDQ XS Airbnb Prop Mgt (845)-893-5644 5RVH +LOO $QWLTXHV 5066 Route 209 in Accord, ten miles south of Kingston or ten miles north of Ellenville. Open Saturday and Sunday, 11am5pm. 1500 square feet of Art Deco, Vintage Art Pottery, country and formal furniture, selections of 19th and 20th century lighting, vintage photos, and decorative accessories. Something for everyone. rosehillantiques.com 845-594-5752. BUYING antiques and used furniture. 0LQL ([FDYDWRU DQG 2SHUDWRU Available for trenches, driveways, debris removal, horse fencing and treasure burying. 203-858-3634 $XWRPRWLYH
For Sale 2005 Silver Toyota Camry 202K miles RU EHVW RႇHU 908-358-5985 +HOS :DQWHG ,WHPV 1HHGHG
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BSP is looking for a news reporter BSP looking foror Call is 845-687-4480 aemail newsbsplori@gmail.com reporter. Give us a call to discuss the
3DUW WLPH OHJDO VHFUHWDU\ ZDQWHG IRU 6WRQH 5LGJH RႈFH Call 914-772-4091 6HDVRQDO (QYLURQPHQWDO (GXFDWRU Exp. p/t Outdoor Educator to teach VFKRRO ¿HOG VWXGLHV RXWUHDFK SURgrams and summer camp in 2022 at Mohonk Preserve and in local schools. Bachelor’s degree in EdXFDWLRQ RU UHODWHG ¿HOG SUHIHUUHG teaching or related outdoor exp. with youth preferred. Teaching: $16/hour plus summer camp stipend. Runs April 1-Dec.31. Housing provided if needed. If successful, may return for additional 10-months. Letter, resume, 3 references for contact required (include email & phone). Must be received by March 2, 2022. Send to education@mohonkpreserve.org. No phone calls. Details at http:// www.mohonkpreserve.org/jobs-fellowships-and-internships EOE 6HDVRQDO 5DQJHU Outdoor enthusiast w/rock climbing experience to patrol Preserve ODQGV SDUWLFLSDWH LQ UHVSRQGLQJ WR emergency incidents and vertical UHVFXH DVVLVW ZLWK ODQG VWHZDUGVKLS SURMHFWV (07 H[S LQ 6HDUFK $QG 5HVFXH 6$5 :LOGHUQHVV )LUVW $LG &35 YHUWLFDO URFN FOLPELQJ ZRUNLQJ ZLWK WKH SXEOLF mechanical skills. Computer, communication & customer service skills. Salary: $14-17 per hour based on exp. Cover letter, resume, 3 references (include phone & email) by Feb. 27 to ranger@ mohonkpreserve.org Details: https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/ who-we-are/jobs-fellowships-andinternships/ EOE )RU 5HQW
Beautiful, well lit, large open studio with private kitchen and full bathURRP LQ 6WRQH 5LGJH RႈFH EXLOGLQJ available for rent. Flexible use. Please inquire at programs@stoneridgehealingarts.com
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ECC and Climate Smart Communities Task Force Mar. 9 @ 7:00pm to 9:00pm Historic Preservation Committee Mar. 10 @ 6:00pm Planning Board Mar. 14 @ 7:00pm to 9:00pm Town Board Mar.15 @ 6:00 via Zoom Zoning Board of Appeals Mar. 23 @ 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 Police Commission Feb. 22 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Water/Sewer Commission Feb. 28 @ 6:00 pm-7:00 pm Town Board Workshop Mar. 2 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Youth Commission Mar. 7 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Town Board Mar. 9 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am Environmental Commission Mar. 10 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Planning Board Mar. 10 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals Mar. 15 @ 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
Environmental Conservation Committee Feb. 22 @ 6:00-8:00pm Town Board Audit Feb. 24 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Town Board Workshop Feb. 24 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Town Board Regular Mar. 3 @ 6:30 pm –9:00pm
Mark W. Charpentier
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Page 24, February 18, 2022 BlueStone Press
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