BlueStone Press

The best source for local news from Marbletown, Rochester & Rosendale

Published the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month | Vol. 28, Issue 6

March 17, 2023 | $1.00

Rondout Valley school board begins search for a new superintendent Amber Kelly BSP Reporter At the Rondout Valley School District Board of Education meeting on Marth 7, held in the high school cafeteria, board vice president Chris Schoonmaker said

Documentary screening and Q&A with Bowermaster PAGE 21

The art of being human with Accord resident Hayashi PAGE 16

Attribution error in previous issue In the March 3 issue of the BSP, an article about the public hearing in Rochester for a proposed cannabis law contained an attribution error on page 3.

The comments concerning the state's regulation of the cannabis industry were made by Accord fire commissioner John Dunning, not by Troy Dunn.

The BlueStone Press editorial staff sincerely apologize to Mr. Dunn for the mistake.

that Dr. Joseph Morgan, superintendent of schools, is resigning for the purposes of retirement effective June 30, 2024, giving the school district a year and a half notice rather than the typical one-year notice.

“Joe, thank you for giving us the extra time to find a replacement,” Schoonmaker

said. “I think having this extra six months … really puts us in a good place as a district, so we are appreciative.”

Schoonmaker said. “So, this discussion will kick off the next steps which would lead to an official RFP [request for proposal] for an agency or a consultant to help us

with the superintendent search. Are there any questions the board has regarding this process and next steps?”

“I don’t [know] that we’ve discussed if the board wants to go that route,” board

See BOE, page 7

Filmmaker finds her leading actor in Stone Ridge Ann Belmont BSP Reporter The Rondout Valley, having the advantages of a beautiful landscape, interesting history and proximity to New York City, sees its share of location shooting for TV and film. There is an especially intriguing project currently underway that is not only using Stone Ridge for some location shooting but is also featuring a young Stone Ridge native in its leading role.

Distances collapse in this age of the internet, so it's not really that surprising for Anna Cornudella, a video artist and filmmaker from Barcelona, Spain, to find who and what she was looking for in the Hudson Valley. It happened through a Facebook post, explains Stone Ridge resident Jennifer Muck-Dietrich.

Filmmaker Anna Cornudella, left, with crew members Artur-Pol Camprubi and Lucia Arjuria at the Muck-Dietrich farm. Photo by Jennifer Muck-Dietrich

“She sent out a Facebook message to all the farmers in the area. It said, ‘We’re looking for people who have strong relationships with animals, who live on farms.’

I was really intrigued by it." Muck-Dietrich and family live on 13-acre Little Egg Farm on Pine Bush Road. “We sell eggs and honey and seasonal produce.” They have, besides dogs and cats and goldfish, 30 chickens and three geese. “We’re very comfortable with our animals. And since we don’t eat them, they live very long lives

... My daughter really loves her chickens.

She even has her senior portrait with one of them!”

This resonated with Cornudella. “I was trying to find people who had a strong relationship with animals, a different way of relating to other species,” she says. After Muck-Dietrich responded to the Facebook inquiry, she didn’t hear anything back for a couple of months. Then one day she

See Film, page 9

Women’s Studio Workshop popular Chili Bowl Fest Fundraiser For over a quarter century, guests have enjoyed the Chili Bowl Fest Fundraiser celebration of community and ceramics, shopping from over 1,000 handmade bowls, mugs and tumblers, with all the proceeds of the handmade pottery sale going to support Women’s Studio Workshop’s artistic programming. This year, the Chili Bowl Fest Fundraiser returns home to WSW, at 722 Binnewater Lane, Rosendale, as they host both an online and in-person sale, Saturday, April 1.

The online sale will open at 10 a.m. In addition to over 200 handmade bowls for sale, WSW will be raffling off work.

Each piece will be double boxed, carefully packaged with recyclable materials, and mailed directly to the patron’s door.

The in-person sale will be held 2-7 p.m., with early admission, 2-4 p.m. for $10, and later, the 4-7 p.m. entry is free.

No chili this year, instead, there will be

Scene from the early years of the Chili Bowl Fundraiser! In this version of the beloved event, circa 1998, the bowls were stacked along the counters in the Intaglio studio for guests to peruse.

snacks and beer, plus live music all day from the Library Band. Overflow parking is available at the Rail Trail parking lot

on Binnewater Road. For more information, visit wsworkshop.org or call 845-658-9133.

Page 2, March July 1,17, 2022, 2023, BlueStone BlueStone Press Press

Barreling over High Falls How long have you lived in the area and what brought you here?

I had been coming to the area since the ’90s and eventually moved here after 9/11. I built a house here with my own hands, and also the hands of local stalwarts Dick Stokes and Robert “Woody” Woodruff on property of my former mother-in-law Mara Accardy, who resides in Mossy Brook House, which used to house Mohonk staff, at the base of Lower 27 Knolls.

Q&A

Visit the folks next door

John Cox Age: 53 Profession: Cooper Town: High Falls

How did you get interested in woodworking? Did you

apprentice?

I apprenticed in my hometown of Philadelphia in the late ’80s and early ’90s in a small South Philly shop run by two older Italian men, one of whom could trace his mentors back to the 18th century. They passed down to me a traditional method of work, and over time I moved to Manhattan, where I became an accomplished finisher, spending part of my career working with very accomplished artists and designers, most notably Wendell Castle. After years in custom fabrication and running a small custom cabinet shop in downtown Brooklyn, I moved to High Falls and eventually set up a shop with local gentleman woodworker Josh Finn.

In 2015 I became aware of a national

barrel crisis and was intrigued. I did a deep dive into what was then a rather secretive trade. I purchased a collection of 18th- and 19th-century coopering tools from a museum in Ottawa that was de-assessing its collection and used them to teach myself how barrels were made. It was after two years of R & D that I was able to slowly transform my shop away from interior casework, and the chemicals of finishing, to the art of cooperage just as New York craft distilling was ascending in popularity.

Tell us about your business.

For almost 10 years I’ve been making

handmade wooden barrels and tanks in the traditional manner for the spirits and culinary industry at my High Falls Cooperage on Mohonk Road. I create pieces as small as a half-gallon to tanks similar to the water tanks on the Upper West Side of New York City. People use my pieces for everything from aging rye whiskey to fermenting herring fish sauce in the Pacific Northwest. From kimchi to kombucha, hot sauce to soy sauce, all of which was originally aged in wood prior to the Industrial Revolution. I also create implements for koji (the base ingredient in sake, miso and shoyu) production and inoculation. We send these pieces all over the world, from Australia to the Sultanate of Oman.

I also enjoy speaking on coopering, both the local cultural heritage here in the Catskills region and also the process behind my work of making handmade barrels.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy playing music, both bass and piano, and for years I used to emcee a popular tribute concert in Rosendale called the TRIBUTON. What do you look forward to in your future?

Watching my teenage son Django on his journey through this crazy time we live in, and hopefully one day slowing down a little and having time to read again.

-Compiled by Jeff Slater, BSP Reporter

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BlueStone Press, March 17, 2023, Page 3

Fine-tuning the zoning code ... and other news from Rochester Ann Belmont BSP Reporter The March 4 meeting of the Rochester Town Board opened with an unusual announcement from town supervisor Mike Baden. He'd gotten a phone call the day before, he said, from a resident who reported getting a letter in their mailbox with personal comments about him.

"I received a copy of it, I reviewed it …

I’m not going to detail the accusations that were made because they are quite frankly very vile and reprehensible. I’ve since found out that at least seven residents in the community have received this letter.

I’m not blaming anybody, I have no idea who would have done this. It has been reported to the sheriff and the state police.

They are taking it very seriously. If anyone receives a similar letter [I request] that you turn it over to the sheriff’s office, they’re trying to gather as many as they can in hopes they can identify [the sender]. I don’t know how many others have or will receive it … This is a personal attack. It’s very disappointing. My worst enemy could not make these accusations… I’m just going to leave it at that. I thank you all for listening.”

The meeting then got down to business.

The board has been working on revisions of the zoning code since voting for a land-use moratorium last June. Baden explained a problem they're having with a provision dealing with what's called a conservation subdivision.

"Let’s say you have a parcel of 100 acres.

Let’s say it’s 2-acre zoned, so you could in theory put 50 lots there. With the conservation subdivision, you’re allowed to make some of the lots smaller in size in return for leaving part of the property in conservation ... You can cluster all your homes in this area in return for leaving this [other] area undeveloped." The piece of land that is set aside should be held in common by all the property owners in the subdivision via a homeowners' association (HOA) or a private land trust. That is different from a conservation easement, in which the developer gets flexibility in lot size in return for keeping a percentage of his total acreage undeveloped in any way, but “if you put a conservation easement on part of your property ... you still own it. Yes, it protects the land, yes, it makes for lesser density, but it doesn’t really achieve the goal of a conservation subdivision, which is to create land that’s useable either in recreation or agriculture."

The difference between the two needs to be clarified in the zoning code, Baden said. Planning Board chairman Marc Grasso, who was asked to weigh in, said that common ownership of land in a conservation subdivision “is what we’d like to see.

But that’s not happening. When the applicant goes to develop that land and sells it, now you have this [hypothetical] person who has a 70-acre parcel but can only build on 1.3 acres because the developer is getting a density bonus. That land should not be deeded to one [single] homeowner… the homeowner’s association has no jurisdiction over it.”

“What’s happening,” Baden said, “is [developers] cherry-pick the wetland areas and say, I’m going to put a conservation area there. Well, no offense, but you couldn’t have built there anyway. So you didn’t really give us anything.”

Baden, Adam Paddock and Erin Enouen had a long discussion about how to change the code to define "conservation subdivision" more clearly. (Two board members were absent that night, Charlotte

Smiseth and Michael Coleman. Coleman was congratulated in absentia on the birth of a baby daughter.) “The goal is to make it useable space," Baden emphasized. There will be a public hearing on this piece of legislation in April (date TBD).

The board voted to extend the current land use moratorium for a final three months, ending June 4. They will use their March 23 and April (date TBD) workshop meetings to deal with “zoning, zoning, zoning," said Baden.

In recycling news, Baden noted that Rochester’s success is just behind Saugerties and Kingston in all of Ulster County, according to the UCRRA annual report.

“Lots of users of our transfer station, that’s what we attribute this to ... Good job by Rochester residents for recycling!” There was a lot of glass recycled this year. “I think the pandemic cardboard has receded,” Enouen remarked.

The plastic film that the Recreation Department was recycling has resulted in a nice award from the NexTrex company, which uses it to make things. “We just received our second bench from the Trex company," Baden said. “We will be continuing that program, the Environmental Conservation Commission is going to take it on. The way we’re going to handle that, there’ll be a drop-off time on a Saturday.

It’ll be staffed by ECC volunteers," probably once a month to begin with. The first drop-off date will be announced on the town's website.

Earth Day cleanups will take place on April 15 and 22, and trash bags for that purpose can be picked up at the community center after April 10.

Other announcements of community interest There will be a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at the community center, for the proposed volunteer firefighters/ambulance workers property tax exemption. State law was adopted in December. (To read the proposal, and any other proposed legislation, go to Codes and Ordinances on the town website, subhead Legislation.) Enouen recommended that the board adopt Coleman's suggestion to add a benefit for volunteers who don’t own property.

The annual Real Property Tax Report was released by Ulster County in February. “I’m proud to say, Rochester had the lowest town taxes in the county” for 2022, said Baden. “It’s a friendly competition between Rochester and Marbletown,” but Rochester has won for two, three years running. Highest taxes in the county? New Paltz.

Baden explained why every property owner in Rochester, regardless of age, got a postcard around the end of January about the senior tax exemption. This was mandated by NYS. “You can imagine the confusion of the people who had already filed … It was a well-intentioned idea that was not [executed well]," he said.

Paddock announced that the Recreation Department will be holding its annual Easter Bunny photo op event on April 3 outside of the community center in Accord, free of charge. "We provide the backdrop and the bunny, you take the photos!"

The Rondout Rotary Club has made Rochester an offer, Bader reported, which the board voted to accept: "They would like to do an outdoor library kiosk in our pavilion."

I love it!” Enouen said. “ See Rochester, page 5

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Briefs

Spotted lantern fly

Stone Ridge Library gets the growing going this season with garden education Let’s get growing with Erin Enouen It’s gardening season and the Stone Ridge Library is offering the community an evening via Zoom, 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, March 20, with Erin Enouen, co-owner and farmer of Long Season Farm, 68 Maple Lane, Kerhonkson,. To help prepare for a successful growing season, Enouen will be teaching about soil health and soil amendments, planting spacing and how to deal with pests and disease in the area.

Enouen has been living and farming in Kerhonkson since 2008. In 2014 she started Long Season Farm with her husband, Sam Zurofsky. Their 10-acre certified organic farm is focused on providing fresh, high quality and delicious produce yearround. In her role as co-owner/operator at Long Season Farm, she serves as the general manager and specifically manages the crop plan, variety selection, greenhouse production, outdoor seeding schedule and the overall sales plan for the farm.

Learn about the spotted lantern fly invasive insect The Spotted Lantern Fly is an invasive insect that poses a significant danger to agriculture, trees and recreation in the area. Learn about the spotted lantern fly with Juliet Linzmeier, a USDA plant protection technician, 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 27, at the Marbletown Community Center, 3564 Main St., Stone Ridge.

Linzmeier will answer questions ranging from, “Why are they so bad?” to “What should I do if I see one?” Participants will understand how to recognize the different life stages of these destructive bugs, and their favorite foods to drink from and how to help stop their spread. This program is a collaboration with the Town of Marbletown and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Training class on Community CPR and Narcan in Rosendale The Rosendale Recreation Commission invites members of the community for the opportunity to save a life. A training class on Community CPR and Narcan will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at the Rosendale Community Center, 1055 Route 32, Rosendale.

Instruction will be given in compression-only CPR and use of an AED (automated external defibrillator) device. In addition, each attendee will be provided with a Narcan kit and instructed in its use. This

Annual residential brush burning prohibition started March 16 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning, which began Thursday, March 16, and runs through May 14. Since 2009, DEC has enforced the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires.

"This winter was warmer and drier than most, but regardless of the winter weather, we are always at a greater risk of wildfires in the spring," Seggos said. "This ban helps protect our communities, natural resources, and the Rangers and other firefighters who extinguish the fires. We're encouraging all New Yorkers to think about safety first, before starting a potentially dangerous fire."

Even though some areas of the state remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York state. When temperatures warm and the past fall's debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation. Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC will post the Fire Danger Map for the 2023 fire season on DEC’s website once there is a moderate risk anywhere in New York.

New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur. Backyard fire pits and campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York state.

For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.

Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack and Catskill parks, are designated "fire towns." Open burning is prohibited year-round in these municipalities unless an individual or group has a permit from DEC. To find out whether a municipality is a designated fire town or to obtain a permit, contact the appropriate DEC regional office. A list of regional offices is available on DEC's website.

Forest Rangers, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers and local authorities enforce the burn ban. Violators of the state's open burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense.

For search and rescue, reporting a wildfire or illegal activity on state lands and easements, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264). To report environmental law violations, call 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267).

Pictured on March 11 from left to right; Jen Metzger, Patricia Vincent (Rosendale Police), Sophia Medici (MFAU), Dominic Carlucci (MFAU, Stone Ridge Fire), Gabrielle Lalima (Ulster County Sheriff), Paul Medici (MFAU), Donna Cornell (patient's spouse), Robert Shultes (Mobile Life Support Services) Kneeling: John Cornell (patient) Photo provided by Joe Vitti

MFAU saves lives At 8:57 on Feb. 4, MFAU responded to a 911 dispatch for a personal injury auto accident on Route 213 in High Falls. The crew arrived to find CPR being administered to an adult male by Rosendale Police Officer Patricia Vincent. The driver was suffering a heart attack. MFAU's crew went to work continuing CPR, administering two AED shocks and rapidly transporting the patient to Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston. The patient is pictured above.

On March 11 at noon, MFAU welcomed the patient and his spouse at its School Hill Road building in High Falls to meet the crew, Sofia Medici, Dominick Carlucci and Paul Medici, and to celebrate their receiving awards for their fast and

professional work.

This remarkable life-saving event merits community celebration.

Proud of the MFAU, Joe Vitti states, “CPR saves are a rare and wonderful thing. The patient and his wife have expressed tremendous gratitude. I'd point out that this is a victory for the entire community that has supported MFAU, allowing us to keep a crew at the ready 24/7 and so able to respond consistently faster than ever before.” Vitti e-mailed, “The event was quite a success with John Cornell (patient) and Donna meeting the team that saved John’s life. Jen Metzger [UC executive] joined, as well as a number of fire, police and EMS folks as well. Powerful stuff.”

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Rochester from page 3 They will stock it,” said Baden, with children’s books to start with. “They will take care of all the maintenance. I think it’s a no-brainer. It’ll be great for our summer program … there is one near A&M Hardware, and I am amazed – people respect it. It doesn’t get vandalized. People bring books, they take books – it just works.”

Paddock added, “There’s an online community that posts these tiny libraries all over the country.”

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County will hold its master gardener seed swap on March 19, and Cornell's annual 4-H Tractor Safety Program will be on Thursdays, March 23-April 27. Another CCE offering is Garden Day at SUNY Ulster on April 16. It costs $55 for a full day of classes. Details for all these can be found on the CCE website, https://ulster.cce. cornell.edu.

BlueStonePress.net

“If you want to have your property included in the state-certified ag district, you should contact the county planning department," said Baden. "Applications are due by March 30.” (Rochester includes most of County Agricultural District #3.)

Town clerk Kate Gundberg and the Historic Commission are looking for family members' service photos for their archives. “Anyone who wants to help with that, feel free to reach out to me," Gundberg said.

The town will be accepting applications for seats on the new Agricultural Advisory Committee until March 24. Three ECC memberships are also open (no deadline to apply). Anyone interested in joining either organization should send a letter of interest to Supervisor Baden.

Enouen reported that the Cornell satellite research station is going to be doing an installation of moveable solar panels like those used in Europe that have crops growing under them. “It's very cool.”

At bluestonepress.net everyone can: →Send a letter to the editor →Submit a news tip →Place a classified →Take out an ad →Post your event →And more...

Page 6, March 17, 2023, BlueStone Press

Briefs In-person Holistic Healthcare Day at Marbletown Community Center and virtual week Holistic Health Community of Stone Ridge will offer its ongoing in-person Holistic Healthcare Day from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at the Marbletown Community Center, 3564 Main St., Stone Ridge, and a Virtual Community Holistic Healthcare Week, Monday-Friday, March 27-31, via Zoom and telephone sessions.

Practitioners for the in-person Holistic Healthcare Day include Ami Jayaprada Hirschstein with Ayurveda Wellness Consultations; Cornelia Wathen, Emotion Code; Cristina Bornstein, Eden Energy Medicine; Dahlia Jarrett, art therapy; Donna Cohen, spiritual counseling; Jadina Lilien, Systemic Family Constellations; Dr. Jerry Wintrob, holistic optometry; Judy Swallow, Rubenfeld Synergy®; Larry Balestra, Reiki; Mark Jordan, chiropractic; Mary Zak, Reiki; Maureen Smith, hypnotherapy; Nurit Nardi MA, LMT, RCSt, focusing oriented therapy; Robert Lesnow, spinal balancing; Suzanne Bottigliero, reflexology; and Virginia Doran, auricular acupuncture.

Other free holistic opportunities include Barbara Bash, circle practice, strengthening the heart; Barbara Bash, Katherine Betts and Andy Dillon, nonviolent communication; Bobbi Esmark, free qigong classes; Circle of Friends of the Dying, free Death Cafes; Jadina Lilien, free systemic constellations; Shivaram in Hawaii, free Yoga Nidra; Shulamit Elson, free MediSounds® Sounding; and Therese Bimka, daily community meditations.

Community Holistic Healthcare Day is held on the third Tuesday of each month.

All sessions, in-person and via Zoom or phone, 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.

Though there is no charge for services, sacred reciprocity is encouraged by making a donation, offering volunteer service or by doing an act of loving kindness toward someone in need. To donate and for more information visit holistichealthcommunity. org or call 845-867-7008.

Rosendale Town Board discusses street fest and gas emissions Thomas Childers BSP Reporter The Rosendale Town Board meeting was held on March 13 at the Rondout Municipal Center in Cottekill. Supervisor Jeanne Walsh and councilmembers Joseph Havranek, Carrie Wykoff, Ashley Sweeney and Molly Muller attended.

Penny Coleman delivered the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report to the Town Board. Walsh said, “I want us to make the points (Climate Smart*) … I feel like we have been doing a lot these things, and we have been doing them for a lot of years without really tallying it. Let’s make sure we don’t miss anything.”

Havranek asked, “Then that would impact Climate Smart?” Walsh jumped off that question, asking, “What about the baseline from that to this. Is there a comparison?”

Coleman, a member of the Rosendale Environmental Commission, said, “That is what the benchmarking is supposed to be.

‘No’ is a straight answer, but going forward, ‘yes,’ because we will be able to find if the town actually saved $40,000 with the LED street lights.”

Walsh responded, “We could look at the bills right now and you would see a huge savings … First we did an inventory, then we had the Environmental Commission go knock door to door and ask if they really wanted that light there, and they did a survey of the neighborhood to see what lights really needed to be kept and what needed to go, so we decommissioned a few lights and then we made the plan to purchase and then changed to the LED. In the meantime Central Hudson had already started that process too. Some lights had already been processed to turn to LED, and they had done some and we did some.”

Havranek asked, “Who approves the points? DEC?” Coleman responded that it was handled by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Walsh said, “I am a little confused why, even if we did those reports, they never got submitted to [NYSERDA] – is that what happened?” Coleman responded, “There are deadlines, it has to be within the last 10 years, that’s what happened with Nick’s [Wulczyn, building inspector] training; it’s too far back.”

Walsh said, “Are you kidding me? You know he does constant training. I don’t think it’s an issue to have him do it again or do something. Whatever it is needs to be done he can do it … you know it doesn’t make sense to me since it is the same building inspector, the same people are

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doing the same work, they got the training, and he is certified in that training, he constantly does energy-smart training on a regular basis … It’s unfortunate because he did it for this purpose, I understand … I think we should get a year or two of credit for Covid, almost everything has deadlines pushed back because of Covid.”

The board thanked Coleman and asked when the report needed to be adopted.

Coleman said, “It cannot go on the town website until we adopt it. The next window is April, then another three or four months down the road.”

Walsh said, “OK, I just don’t want to hear [that] you missed your chance and are starting all over.” In the second week of April Coleman will talk more about the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report.

Havranek said, “I don’t want to beat a dead horse, but I would suggest when you have the next Environmental Commission meeting you adopt it and post those minutes. It increases transparency and gets more people involved.”

Billy Liggan presented about the Rosendale Street Festival. Walsh said, “I did get an e-mail from Chief Schaffrick; he has some concern about the private properties that are being designated as either stages or entertainment.” Liggan said, “Rosendale Cafe is a private property being a stage, the firehouse is a private property and that will be a stage.”

Walsh responded, “I will go on record saying I will not approve this document if Ron Parente property is a part of this, and I will tell you why: because he continuously had events on his property and he’s thumbed his nose to the town in getting site plans to us. If he wants to be in compliance going forward we will consider it next year. He’s had multiple events and he’s been asked multiple times to submit site plans for the safety of the public, and he has not complied, so I am not going to approve him to be any kind of event. I think what the chief is concerned about is being able to enter private properties as police officers to handle anything that needs to be

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handled. He also doesn’t want any private events after the street fest, to get that flow of traffic going out.”

Liggan said, “Time to go home.”

Walsh said, “I am sure we have to work out the details, but let’s get on that mindset going forward before your plans are in place.”

In other business, Rosendale police officer Erich Funccius was moved to full-time status, effective March 20, non-precedent setting, at $25.09 per hour. Havranek said, “Erich has been working out great, a very good person, a very good officer.” John Walsh was hired as a solid waste attendant at $16 per hour for no more than 25 hours per week .

“Just for everybody’s knowledge, that is my nephew, “ said Supervisor Walsh. “I had no idea he was applying, he walked into the transfer station.” Walsh abstained from the vote of approval. * Climate Smart Communities (CSC) is a New York state program that helps local governments take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program offers grants, rebates for electric vehicles, and free technical assistance. Source: https:// climatesmart.ny.gov/

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BlueStone Press, March 17, 2023, Page 7

BOE from page 1 member Nicole Parete said.

“It is open for discussion,” Schoonmaker said. “I know in the past, Nicole, we have had the option of using BOCES to help us with this. When we searched for Joe we used an independent consultant.”

Parete said, “With an RFP, would that be including BOCES or would that be us looking for an independent contractor?”

“An RFP would be for both of them,” Alyssa Hasbrouck, school business official, said. “I could call BOCES to find out how much their services cost. They wouldn’t necessarily go through the RFP process, so I can do both at the same time.”

“From my experiMorgan ence, what consultants do is come in and give a presentation and kind of lay all that out for us,” said board member Dr. Alan Roberts. “We don’t have to make any decisions until we hear the top three or four. It can go a number of different ways, but it’ll be our choice what consultant we choose, but they will all have the opportunity to share their vision.”

The board voted to continue to use the First Student bus service for the 2023/24 school year.

A solar farm at 6765 Route 209 in Wawarsing is seeking a 15-year lease agreement in lieu of taxes.

Dr. Morgan said, “Improvement on that property being assessed at a tax value, the tax is based on the production of electricity that the solar field produces, and then that tax on the value is divided between

Jim Malak, a PE teacher and safety liaison for the high school building, asking some questions at the BOE meeting on March 7. Photo by Amber Kelly

the taxing authorities. The school district being the largest taxing authority typically receives the largest share of that percentage of tax on it. Rather than an assessment on the solar field there is an agreement that they will pay a certain dollar amount based on the production of the kilowatts over time. Typically, there’s a riser in the agreement where the amount per kilowatt will increase over time. They will tell us how much it is, and that typically goes to the IDA, the Industrial Development Authority. The land is owned by a private entity, they’re required by law to notify us because there is an exemption for the installation of solar unless the school district says we want to receive some sort of revenue from it and they request a pilot agreement, which is a payment in lieu of taxes, but that cannot be more than the assessed value for the installation of the solar. It can’t be more than what we’d receive in property taxes.

It reduces the tax cap.”

During public comment, Jim Malak, a

PE teacher and safety liaison for the high school building, said, “Hi, just two things.

Has there been any discussion of moving the fourth-graders back to the elementary school recently, or are there any plans to do that?”

Schoonmaker said, “The principals did start a conversation recently but haven’t brought that yet to the full board conversation. It’s nothing more than conversation.”

“OK,” Malak said. “Because I’ve noticed recently there has been more of a focus on bullying and inappropriate language and fighting on the buses, and such. As you know I’m in the community talking to people and they are asking about that.

If that is not an option, is it possible that the fourth and fifth graders could ride on an elementary bus even if they are stationed at the middle school? Is that something that may be discussed, even if it is something that could happen in the future? I know you can’t answer this now.

“Another thing,” Malak continued, “the

health and safety of those gyms without the molding, and the baseboards that are not finished. It is a concern for me as a liaison to the Phys Ed Department for the district that we progress to get that finished as soon as possible. It has been like this now since September. I think it is over the amount of time, and it is getting to the point where it is not appropriate.”

During board update time, board member Megan Snair said, “I want to congratulate the musical, all the students, staff and everybody involved with that. I went to it and it was amazing. I enjoyed myself very much. It was great to see the kids they’re doing what they love to do, so congratulations.”

“Megan and I were at the play and it was remarkable,” board member Dean Rylewicz said. “The energy that those kids had, and the joy! I think it is the first time in five, six years that I’ve seen that. The building was lit up with energy and excitement. Kudos to everybody involved.”

“I also wanted to comment on ‘Mamma Mia!’ – what a fantastic show!”

Schoonmaker said.

Board member Christine Kelder said, “I would like to say how I’m enjoying very much the newsletters that the principals are sending out. They put a lot of work into it.”

Board member Lucy VanSickle said, “I want to congratulate the high school math team. They’re going to Africa. Also, I looked on the Facebook page of Marbletown Elementary students, and in some of the pictures of the kids they’re dressed up like they were 100, and I swear to God I find myself wearing the same things!”

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Page 8, March 17, 2023, BlueStone Press

Rochester appoints new Planning chair Stone House Tavern applies to continue its outdoor seating Ann Belmont BSP Reporter The newly appointed Planning Board chairman, Marc Grasso, was born and raised in Kerhonkson. "My family has been there all their lives," he said. "I moved away and have been back in Kerhonkson for five years now. I’ve lived in Rochester for a total of 20 years of my life."

He has a background in finance, and has been a member of the board for two years.

The BSP asked him for his thoughts about his new position.

"I’m excited to have the opportunity to chair the board. My goal is [that] applicants and community members can become more involved in the Planning Board applications and things that are going on in the town, because public knowledge is very important to me.

“I think most people who are involved in the Planning Board process are very green at it. They’ve never done it before, it’s a process they’re not familiar with.

My goal is to educate them and include them as much as possible, so we can get their input –as longtime members of our community – as to what’s going on with lands in our area … People coming to the Planning Board now have no idea what to do, what to expect. It’s very confusing for someone who’s never done it. So my goal is to be a little more proactive on the front end of the application, so the applicant can better understand what’s involved with it, make sure their submittal is correct and they have the opportunity to get a good review on the front end rather than requiring more information throughout the process."

Asked for his thoughts on the future of Rochester, Grasso said, "I think the Town of Rochester is blooming with new people, existing families, a long heritage of farms in our town. I’d like to see that continue, that’s important to me. Preservation of land is important to me, and making sure that … community members are included in … what the town has to offer. What do I want to see in the future in the Town of Rochester? I want to see what the town wants to see. I want people to be very outspoken and involved about what they want to see … what knowledge they have of the land, what potentially they can bring to the board to give us the knowledge that we need to be successful. We have a public hearing section in all our applications, and I want the public to be more involved and outspoken." Part of the way he wants to do that is to elicit “in-depth reporting on these applications” from local media.

"I find it rewarding that I can relate to the applicants and understand some of the challenges of the planning board process ... I’ve always had an interest in real estate. I applied to the PB two years ago, the board appointed me, and I’ve become very much interested in it.” Grasso himself came before the board a couple of years ago with his own development project.

“I’ve been an applicant. I realize the struggles, the level of detail that is required in a planning board application. My goal is to make sure future applicants are aware of that process, so it’s not something that’s a surprise when they finally come before the Planning Board. I recognize the challenges because I’ve been on the challenging end."

The title of board chairperson brings some extra work along with it. “The chair’s responsibility is to meet with the

The Stone House Tavern in Accord.

Photo by Thomas Childers

applicants [before the regular meeting] to outline the application process; to set and create the agenda; and to review the applications." All board members will sometimes go to see a parcel for themselves.

"When the need for a site visit presents itself, we go out and walk properties, visit the land, so we can better understand the application." Helping the board make their decisions, "we have David Gordon, he’s our new attorney for the Planning Board, as well as David Church, our new planning consultant."

Does he think there will be an onslaught of subdivision applications when the landuse moratorium ends in June? “I believe we’ll see numerous applications when the moratorium is over, but I do not expect an influx."

Of interest at the March 13 meeting of the Planning Board was a continuing application from the Stone House Tavern on Route 209, Accord. During the pandemic the Stone House got special

permission from the Zoning Board to have outdoor seating. That temporary permit has expired, and the Stone House is trying to meet the zoning requirements to have it become permanent.

"The Stone House has done a great job recently in their newest submittal," Grasso reported. "They are awaiting a determination about their parking situation near the 209 right of way in the front of their building. The code enforcement officer (CEO) is reviewing a fire code concern that could potentially alter the design of their parking in addition to ADA parking concerns."

Planning Board member Rick Jones elaborated: "The first issue was bathroom access for the outside dining that is up on that hill. They wanted just temporary porto-johns, and that is not allowed by the Department of Health. So they are going to provide more a permanent facility with water treatment and water supply along with its own septic.

“Second, the parking outside the front door ... It is not allowed according to the building inspector, due to fire code issues.

The Planning Board gave them a number of solutions, and it is in their wheelhouse to decide how to handle it. Either petition the state agency that handles these matters, or eliminate the parking out front," Jones said.

Grasso continued, "Depending upon the CEO's determination and then meeting the deadline for the next submission date, the public hearing will be open and sent to involved agencies. The proposal for their extension of parking and seating has been reviewed also and is in good shape."

Rosendale Board gives committee reports Thomas Childers BSP Reporter The Rosendale Town Board meeting was held on March 13 at the Rondout Municipal Center in Cottekill. Supervisor Jeanne Walsh along with councilmembers Joseph Havranek, Carrie Wykoff, Ashley Sweeney and Molly Muller attended.

Havranek gave his committee report, saying, “Bob [Gallagher, Highway Department] reports the winter has been tough on our trucks. We currently have three trucks down … he is also investigating looking at not just a sweeper to replace this but a unit that would have a vacuum system in it as well. Our old sweeper, I want to say it’s a ‘97, is in the repair shop right now and awaiting an estimate. Depending on that way out we may be looking at a used, refurbished unit instead of repairing the existing unit … As far as water and sewer this is mainly the wastewater treatment plant update. The treatment plant project is at 65% completion. The end date has been pushed back to November of last year due to supply chain issues … In regards to the water

tank replacement, the new storage tank is about 90% complete in design. Lastly, Carrie met with the engineer at the tank site to look at access for test pourings that will be done next month.”

Muller gave her committee report, stating, “The RMC snack vending machine has received a cell signal booster to facilitate the use of credit cards; this has helped increase the sales at that vending machine. There are still some hiccups with the poor cell reception in the building.

However, they are looking for a solution for this.”

Wykoff delivered her committee report, saying, “I was really, really excited to attend my first Association of Towns conference in person. I did do it last year online, but some of the highlights for me, and the courses I was able to participate in, was in the accessory dwelling units. I learned a lot about the history of residential building and what is looking to be expected for communities. Another great one was fiscal oversight, and the responsibility of the board was really, really eye-opening to me. I actually met Taylor at that, who is our new bookkeeper. I did a few as the

liaison of the Environmental Commission – one on energy programs, specifically on solar, another on electric vehicle charging stations and how that can help economic development. Then I took one called ‘Navigating the Haze,’ all about cannabis and how that is rolling out. The other one that was really informative for me was ‘Libraries and Local Government.’ I got a lot out of it. I am grateful I was able to go as a representative of the town. Thank you so much.”

Sweeney said she “attended one day and went for Monday’s sessions, and most of the sessions I attended were budgetary and fiscal financial reporting-related since I am the liaison for the bookkeeper.”

Sweeney continued with her report, saying, “The tax department has satisfied the town’s portion of the warrant $4,517,339.16 with a final payment of $1,017,339.16. Payments are coming in, but this year there are more partial payments than in previous years. We had quite a lot of taxpayers enquiring about eligibility for enhanced STAR or senior exemptions or any exemptions they can get. March payments now have a 2% late

Victoria Gardens Rosendale

penalty … the first annual Rosendale plant and seed swap will take place at the Rondout Municipal Center on Saturday March 11, from 1-4 p.m. The Ulster County Office for the Aging is offering Bingo for seniors twice weekly at the rec center, from April to June, so you can contact Doreen at the recreation center if you want to know more about those things. The Youth Department camp registration will be Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the youth center. Someone will also be there to handle swim lessons and pool memberships. From April 3-6, which is spring break, there will be full-day programming for youth available at the youth center.

There is a cost for each day. Please call Matt at the youth center for more information. The eldercare assistance program wanted to report that the song club at the Park Heights community room meets the second Tuesday of every month for one hour with the very talented Debbie Lan, and it has been very successful so far.”

Wykoff asked a clarifying question: “So the

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BlueStone Press, March 17, 2023, Page 9

Film from page 1 got a phone call. That same day, she was visited by Cornudella and Pol Camprubi, the cinematographer. They charmed Muck-Dietrich immediately. “They were just the most lovely, welcoming people,” she says. “Apparently, the second they met Clara, my daughter, they fell in love with her. And she fell in love with them ... they just had this real connection."

Cornudella explains that her movie, which has the arresting title "The Human Hibernation Project," was inspired by science.

“Everything started because I read a piece about echidnas. Echidnas are a type of porcupine that lives in Australia.

These creatures survived severe forest fires” but it was a mystery how they did it.

Echidnas don't normally hibernate, but it turned out that “they burrowed into the ground and lowered their metabolisms, because there was no food or anything” after those fires had destroyed the plant life. This sparked Cornudella's imagination. “What would happen if all the environments [on Earth] became uninhabitable for humans? Is there any chance we could develop new survival skills?” NASA is, in fact, researching the possibility of hibernation for astronauts going to Mars. There is apparently reason to believe that the ability may lie dormant in our genetic code. Based on what she discovered (and she actually met one of those NASA scientists), Cornudella made “a little video piece,” presented it at the Contemporary Museum in Barcelona, and ended up getting a grant to produce a full-length feature film on the subject of human hibernation.

That may sound incredible to budding American filmmakers who vie for financial backing. Muck-Dietrich explains, "My understanding is that the filming process in Spain is different from here – it’s actually government-funded. So there’s a different motivation behind their filmmaking."

“A year ago, we started casting for the film,” relates Cornudella. “I put a lot of advertisements all over the states, looking for farmers who might want to be involved." She liked people she met

in South Dakota, but “I wanted Clara to be the main character. When we met her, Clara started to explain that she talked to her chickens, has a really close relationship with them … I found that she was going to be the main character of the film.”

The strong local farming community in the Hudson Valley and its proximity to NYC were, it seems, equal draws for Cornudella. She brought her little crew over from Barcelona. "We are staying at Grimaldi Farm in Ghent," up in Columbia County, where they are also doing a lot of shooting. “We are six people, and we are doing everything, all of us … They [the Grimaldis] are helping us a lot.” Grimaldi Farm cows have an important role to play in the plot. “I don’t want to shoot anything with trained animals – I’m not okay with that."

The movie imagines a society of humans who hibernate for three months every winter. “The focus is on this young woman who wakes up and goes searching for her little brother,” says Muck-Dietrich. “They were filming my daughter in the fall, as she was starting college. She would go on the weekends to Ghent and film with them. That’s where the cows are from – Ghent …I’ve been an extra in the movie, my husband was an extra … they’ve filmed in our house, in our barns, in the chicken coop.”

Their rewards have been mostly the nonfinancial kind. “We just really love them. They’re such a wonderful group of young people, and we want to help out their project. And they’re taking Clara to Spain this summer … I wouldn’t say we’ve been compensated monetarily, we just have made a really special friendship with this group of people. And we’re looking forward to going to Spain!"

Clara herself comments, "The experience of having a large role in a movie has been amazing! I’ve loved every second of it. It’s unfamiliar territory for me, but that’s why it’s very exciting. I have learned a lot about teamwork and cooperation from the film crew, as well as an appreciation for the finer details.

"There are some challenges, you have to be very mindful of the time because lighting is very important and you can miss a shot and have to wait until the next day to try again. We also worked with animals, which can be unpredictable at

A behind-the-scenes meal with Gala Segui, Sophie Cagan, Clara Dietrich, Anna Cornudella and Artur-pol Camprubi, at Jennifer Muck-Dietrich's house in Stone Ridge, where the crew was filming. Photo by Nicci Cagan

times, but it’s extremely rewarding when you are able to get a good shot with them.

“The film is a suspense/science-fiction movie, it has a lot of weird and wonderful elements that are akin to something David Lynch would create.

There’s lots of animals, landscapes and ponds. I’m open to pursuing acting in the future, but for now I am in college and plan to get at least a bachelor’s degree in biology. I’m very excited to see

where the future takes me!"

Cornudella has to present an initial edit of the film by November to the agency that financed the project, and thinks it might be ready to show in January. At the Rosendale Theatre? “That would be incredible. We’ll project it here for sure.”

To see a trailer for "The Human Hibernation Project," go to annacornudella.com.

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Memoriam Stephanie A. Temple

ROSENDALE—Stephanie A. Temple of Main Street, died on March 4, 2023, at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. She was 77. She was born July 9, 1945, in Yonkers, a daughter of the late John S. Drosdowich Sr. and Anna Estvanik Drosdowich. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed the beach, vacations, her dogs and spending time with her grandchildren. Family was especially important to Stephanie.

Her husband of 51 years, Wayne J. Temple, died Sept.

21, 2018. Stephanie is survived by two daughters, Lisa Yark (Glenn) of Stone Ridge and Deanna Paterno of Kerhonkson; and four loving grandchildren, Johnny Paterno, Noah Yark, Chase Yark and Justin Paterno. She is also survived by her dear sister, Dolores Lambertson of Marbletown, and a special nephew, Michael Moylan of Stone Ridge. Visitation and her funeral were held March 8 at the George J. Moylan Funeral Home Inc., 2053 Route 32, Rosendale. The Rev. Kevin Malick officiated. Cremation took place privately. Memorial donations may be made to the Ulster County SPCA, 20 Weidy Road, Kingston, NY 12401.

James H. Ostrander (Jimmy)

STONE RIDGE—James H. Ostrander (Jimmy) died on March 14, 2023, at his home. He was born in Kingston, March 9, 1944, a son of the late Marion L. and Betty Basten Ostrander. Jimmy was a lifelong resident of Stone Ridge. Jimmy was a sawyer, having owned and operated his own sawmill for many years. A very talented individual, he also farmed, was an auto mechanic and a classic car enthusiast. He was a member of the Stone Ridge Fire Department. He is survived by two sons, Shane Ostrander (Maria D.) of Palenville and Casey Ostrander of Esopus; a brother, Garry Ostrander of Stone Ridge; his former wife, Denise Kraemer of Palenville; a nephew, Garry Ostrander Jr.; and a niece, Richele Ostrander Liberto. Visitation for family and friends will be noon-2 p.m. Sunday, March 19, at the George J. Moylan Funeral Home Inc., 2053 Route 32, Rosendale. At 2 p.m., following visitation, the Rev. Arlene Dawber will officiate his funeral service. Cremation will be held privately. His family suggests memorial donations to the Stone Ridge Fire Department, 525 Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge, NY 12484.

Chair of Shawangunks, and the Shawangunk Conservancy Hugh Neil Zimmerman

ACCORD—Neil Zimmerman died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Accord on Feb. 28, 2023. He was 77. Neil had a special talent for making friends and bringing people together. An avid hiker, he was president of the NY/NJ Trail Conference from 1987 to 1999, where he played a crucial role in preserving Sterling Forest, and was instrumental in developing their excellent hiking maps, which are used by nearly everyone who hikes in New Jersey and New York.

He is a co-author of two books, “50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley” and “50 Hikes in New Jersey.”

His “day job” was as chief librarian at the Population Council in New York City from 1974 to 2017. While at the Population Council he was a founding officer of the Association of Population/Family Planning Libraries and Information Centers (APLIC). One of his many accomplishments was the development and implementation of a global program to provide academic books to libraries in developing countries.

As he told it, Neil’s hiking career began in 1974 when he won a car in a raffle. To get some use out of it he started camping with friends. He fell in love with the Shawangunks in particular around 1980 when the Mohonk Preserve asked him, as the then map chairman of the Trail Conference, to help produce a hiking map set of the area. He was subsequently appointed a member of the Minnewaska State Park Master Plan Advisory Committee, formed

by PIPC and NY State Parks shortly after the big 1987 Lake Minnewaska addition. He served as the chair of the American Hiking Society, as a governor of the Adirondack Mountain Club, and as a member of the DEC’s Forest Preserve Advisory Committee.

In retirement Neil served on the boards of the Town of Rochester Food Pantry, Friends of the Shawangunks, and the Shawangunk Conservancy, chairing the latter two from 2007-2018. He loved his volunteer role at Angel Food East in Kingston, where for a time he was the master salad maker.

Neil hiked and trekked the world over, from

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Neil Zimmerman was instrumental in developing Sterling Forest's hiking maps, which are used by nearly everyone who hikes in New Jersey and New York. In 1980 Mohonk Preserve asked him, to help produce a hiking map set of the area.

Nepal to Peru, New Zealand, England, St. John, Hawaii, Bhutan, Galapagos, Costa Rica, including the arduous Annapurna circuit, and the Tour de Mont Blanc. He also rafted the Colorado River for its total length. Twice. He always returned from a trip with a funny story. He was member of the Catskill 3500 Club, ADK 46ers, AMC NE111, 100 Highest and 4000 Footers. He was working on the Colorado Fourteeners and the Highpointers list. He also enjoyed canoeing and biking.

He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends and neighbors, and those he worked with over the years. Neil is survived by his sister Judith Roshke and nephews Mark and Richard Maltz.

Suggestions for donations: The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Friends of the Shawangunks, NY/NJ Trail Conference, Mohonk Preserve, President’s Challenge Scholarship program at Ulster County Community College.

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March 17, 2023

Page 11

Raising stories Ulster County Community College Foundation hires alumni specialist and is looking for SUNY Ulster alumni to tell their stories to inspire the next generation Chelsea Miller BSP Reporter SUNY Ulster is so much more than a college. Both on and off the campus, students past and present create a vibrant tapestry that is a testament to the power of opportunity, education and inspiration. Nestled in the SUNY Ulster campus is the office of the Ulster County College Community Foundation, a separate 501c(3) organization that has a mission of supporting the entire community of the college, including professors and staff, students and the even broader base of the residents of Ulster County. Alumni play a crucial role in the college; they provide inspiEckardt ration to current students and can, at times, be the very lifeblood that creates opportunity for future students. On Jan. 17, 2023, the college welcomed a champion of education to celebrate and engage alumni, Heather Eckardt, who will now be serving as alumni specialist.

Lorraine Salmon, who joined the Ulster Community College Foundation as executive director of institutional Salmon advancement and external relations eight years ago, says that the foundation has experienced incredible growth over those years.

When Salmon joined the team in 2015 the foundation was awarding $222,000 worth of scholarships. Fast forward to 2023 and the foundation is on track to give out $1 million.

The President’s Challenge Scholarship, launched in 2016, provides a full SUNY Ulster scholarship to ambitious first-generation students applying in the eighth grade, and has grown from no scholarships in 2016 to over $360,000 annually. The critically needed Lights for Learning Fund gives out emergency funds aimed at alleviating financial barriers that may cause a student to drop out.

“The Lights for Learning Fund covers almost anything that is declared an emergency for a student,” explains Salmon. “We’ve seen just about everything. Sometimes it looks like replacing a washer and dryer to a single parent who needs it because they are juggling work, college and three kids – we know something like that can cause them to drop out. Sometimes it’s a transmission. Sometimes

it’s a student who has been living in their car and saved enough for their rent but doesn’t have the down payment.

To give an idea of the scale, in 2015 we were giving $2,500 a year out for the Lights for Learning, and during Covid we were up to $120,000, and every other year we are awarding between $40,000 and $80,000 a year, depending.”

Giving can come in the form of one-time or reoccurring donations, or be earmarked for endowment – in essence, the donation is contributed to the endowment fund and the principle is never touched, only the interest in gains, meaning that a gift to the endowment is a gift that keeps on giving in perpetuity.

The mantra of unlocking opportunity is a current that runs fast and deep throughout the department, so much so that Salmon has a reminder on her wall to greet her every morning: “Gifts to SUNY Ulster Foundation create that special place, one where legacy resides, not in a list of precise accomplishments, but in the life of another who has been given great opportunity.” Needless to say, things have been busy around the office. Salmon says that all of it is possible in large part due to a fantastic board, aligned foundations, grants through the county, and alumni.

In fact, when looking at the data, Salmon says that they found that nearly 10% of lifetime giving comes from SUNY Ulster alumni. This data inspired her and the board to expand their efforts in connecting with alumni, and the hunt of was officially on for the right alumni specialist.

Enter Eckardt, who says that she was drawn to the position of alumni specialist because she has a deep-seated belief in learning. “I consider myself a lifelong learner, I have a passion for education, and I saw this as a great opportunity to build something around that,” she says.

Eckardt, who hails from Virginia and found her way to the area 16 years ago via her avid Gunks-climbing husband, received her associate’s degree in business management from SUNY Empire State College, obtained her bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, and is currently working toward her master’s in sustainable management through the University of Wisconsin. Prior to her position with the SUNY Ulster Foundation, she worked with Scenic Hudson, where her position evolved from executive assistant to assisting the president of Scenic Hudson in building the North East Carbon Alliance, an initiative to sequester carbon and enhance biodiversity all through natural climate solutions – from the ground up.” It was this data-driven,

ground-up approach that spoke to Eckardt.

“I’m good at analyzing data and bringing disparate things together,” says Eckardt. “Right now, I’m combing thorough data, taking a deep dive on our alumni donors and looking at what made them want to donate, analyzing gaps and digging into surveys – noting what people found most inspiring. And there are themes! Over and over I am seeing alums urging future students not to give up on themselves and saying that SUNY Ulster is a great place for second chances, and also reminding them to believe in themselves and let SUNY Ulster be a great confidence builder. A lot of our alums have gone on to Ph.D.s, own business, and one even works at NASA. I want to keep these people involved. There’s a lot to work with, and I’m really excited about the possibility because a lot of current students look at their alumni as role models. It’s thrilling to see people getting excited about their education, and seeing these people who started here and went far coming back to make sure others can do the same is inspiring and invaluable.”

The next step, says Eckardt, is meeting with existing alumni who are already donors and forging out to connect with a broader pool of alums. “If you attended SUNY Ulster in any capacity, I’d love to meet you,” she says. “I’d love to hear about the impact that the college had on your career and in your life.”

Salmon says one of the more immediate goals is to find a way to tell more alumni stories. “We want to find a way to tell a collection of stories that can be consistently inspiring to the students who are here today. There’s one thing we all know – life is not easy, and earning your college degree isn’t easy while doing life. And that’s why we are committed to a two-prong approach: We want to step in and impact the students so that they know they are not alone and doing it themselves – we are invested in their success. And we want to reach out to the donors and tell their story. Money helps, but people’s stories are what inspire people to finish. It’s not just about money. It’s not just about raising funds, it’s about raising stories,” Salmon says.

For more information about the Ulster County Community College Foundation, visit www.sunyulster.edu/foundation/ about/index.php or give the office a call at 845-687-5093.

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Athletics, recreation & fitness

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March 17, 2023

SUNY Ulster searches for a new athletic director as well as a baseball coach Gander girls break

Rondout indoor track team sends athletes to the nationals school records in relay and triple jump

Jeff Slater BSP Reporter SUNY Ulster has initiated its search for a new athletic director and baseball coach.

The search is necessary due to the Matt Brennie’s departure. Brennie, who was assistant dean of student services as well as athletic director, left to become associate athletics director at Vassar College.

Jake Tobin, the baseball coach, also left for a new employment opportunity.

According to Jenn Zell, chief of staff and secretary to the board of trustees, “Brennie had many roles in his position, and we are in the process of reviewing and separating the roles and responsibilities prior to the launch of our search.

The current goal of our search is to hire a qualified director who will be solely responsible for the oversight of the athletics department, including its staff and facilities, and to support the academic success of our student-athletes.”

SUNY Ulster has a strong athletic history.

Zell continued, “The camaraderie built by our coaches within our existing programs and the meaningful experiences our students have through competition are valued.”

Among the existing programs are men’s soccer, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, men’s basketball, wrestling, golf, track and field and cross country.

For the fall semester of 2022 SUNY Ulster had a newly established Boom Squad comprised of a bucket drumming pep band, which was made up of students and staff to support athletic energy and pride at all home volleyball and soccer games.

Among the accomplishments of SUNY Ulster’s athletics are the women’s volleyball team who won the Mid-Hudson Conference Tournament, and later fell to Delaware Tech in the championship.

Three student-athletes were named to the Mid-Hudson Conference All-Conference teams, one to the first team and two to the second team.

SUNY Ulster men’s soccer team ended with a 10-3 record, winning their second straight Mid -Hudson crown. The team lost in the championship round of the sub-district game to Massasoit Community College in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. Six of those student-athletes were named to the Mid-Hudson Conference All-Conference First Team.

SUNY Ulster’s women’s soccer team

Jeff Slater BSP Reporter Last weekend athletes from Rondout’s indoor track team finished the season by participating in the New Balance Nationals in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Nike Nationals in NYC. After participating at the state qualifying meet, Jacqueline Kennedy, Olivia Waruch, Mackenzie Heyl and Kayla Oakes qualified for Nationals in the 4 x 200 relay and broke the school record and finished No. 2 in that event. Oakes also qualified for the triple jump, broke the school record and finished second in Division 2. Kennedy qualified for the 60-meter dash for Nationals. She improved on her Nationals qualifying time and finished No. 1 in NY Division 2 in the 55-meter dash.

Heyl said, “We had only run the 4x200 one time before the state qualifiers, so I was unsure of what the outcome would be, but I was extremely confident in my teammates and knew we could hit the time for the Nationals. We worked hard all season, and coming off the track to see a 1:48.86 was an amazing feeling. We are all very excited to go to Nationals in Boston and see the new facility.”

“This year will be my second year going to the indoor Nationals,” Kennedy said.

“I’m excited to run and to see the new facility in Boston. I was disappointed that I didn’t go to the State Championships.

So I’m happy having the opportunity to improve my time before the season ends.

I’m eager to see what the outdoor track

Girls 4x200 relay team at the NewBalance Nationals in Boston, from left to right, Kayla Oakes, Jacqueline Kennedy, Mackenzie Heyl and Olivia Waruch. On right, Matt Peck at Nike Nationals in NYC

season brings.”

Kennedy just missed out on the States competition, losing in a photo finish at the state qualifying meet.

There were several noteworthy performances at the state qualifiers, according to coach Jake Maloney.

Chris Jordan, after playing guitar for the school musical on Friday night, took the early morning trip to the city for the state qualifiers and rebroke his own school record in the 3,200-meter run on Saturday, Feb. 25, finishing 10th in the state among Division 2 athletes.

Jackson Paley and Luke Kotsides both finished their season pole vaulting in the top 10 in the state D2, with Luke tied for third and Jackson tied for sixth.

Matt Peck also broke his own school record, finished sixth in D2, and qualified for Nationals in the weight throw. Peck participated at the Nike Nationals and took 18th place overall in the weight throw.

At the New Balance Nationals the girls’

4x200 relay team had a strong performance and came from behind in their heat to finish second and overall 59th.

Oakes had her three best jumps of the season and had a personal record and new school record of 35’ 0.5” and finished 19th overall. Kennedy ran the fastest 60-meter dash time of her career and took 86th place.

“This was definitely the most successful indoor track season ever for Rondout Valley,” said Coach Maloney. “Winning divisions with both teams was definitely one of our goals at the beginning of our season, and the girls’ sectional win was a great team effort. The coaching staff is very proud of the accomplishments of both the girls’ and boys’ teams on and off the track.

The group was really a pleasure to work with.”

The girls’ and boys’ teams also were NYS Scholar Athlete teams.

Congratulations to both indoor track teams on a great season. Go, Ganders!

Rookie of the year It was just announced that Aaron Coston won the SUNYAC Rookie of the Year award. Coston, a 2022 Rondout Valley High School graduate, starred for the Rondout varsity basketball team last year.

Aaron is a freshman on the SUNY Cortland basketball team.

See Sports, page 15

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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 desire considered opinions on issues of local interest.

Call 687-4480 with questions.

March 17, 2023

They don’t seem to know who is coming or going this March

Resurrecting a bad idea To the Editor: The recommendation by the Ulster County Association of Town Supervisors and Mayors to the County Charter Revision Commission to return Ulster County to the “50 years ago” Board of Supervisors type government and eliminate the County Legislature is regressive, and not suited to Ulster's current environment.

I see no good reason to do this except one extremely pretzel-like contortions to justify a return to a 50-yearsago scenario and to further concentrate power in the hands of a few Ulster communities and persons.

In their proposal, each town supervisor, village mayor, the mayor of the City of Kingston, and alderman-at-large (whoever or whatever that is or means) would have a seat on an “exhumed” and revived Board of Supervisors. However, there would not be equal voice from each town and village. That's because each of these persons would be assigned a weighted vote based on the population of the entity they represent. That's not “one person, one vote” and not representative. That's malarkey. The assigned weights would allow municipalities with larger populations to run the show. This would be in opposition to the current legislative representation based on equal populations in each legislative district and each district have one legislator. One municipality should not have more to say than another. Making comparisons to the U.S. Constitution is not germane in this case, although congresspersons also overlap municipalities. Instead, look to New York state where state legislators do overlap the communities they represent.

So, the larger entities such as City of Kingston, Town of Ulster, Village of New Paltz and a few others would call the shots given the weighted nature of voting. Today, parts of each of these may be split amongst different legislative districts, but it is still based on total population in each district. Weighted voting gives too much power to a few entities to control not just their local government (which they should) but to use their “weight” and control the county.

There was a concern expressed with lack of communication between “locals” and their legislators. Really? You do have a phone, don't you? Pick it up and call your legislator and insist that they attend your local meetings in a forum that is conducive to discussion. You want to see them. And if all else fails, don't support that representative in the next election and let your town or village constituents know that they should not support him or her in the next legislative election either. Communication goes both ways, and it sounds like some supervisors and mayors just want to sit and be catered to because they are more important, smarter, all knowing and so on ad nauseam???

And how about the workload? Many towns and villages and certainly the mayor of Kingston have a full-time job already running their town, village or city. Does anyone really think that they will have time to attend meetings in Kingston in the newly named Board of Supervisors' chamber? Of course not. Add on top of that there are the many committees of the current legislature. Two full-time jobs will mean both would be done poorly. The whole scenario begs inefficiency.

What is the real reason for a proposed switch? I know more and so I want to run the world??? I want a larger salary than I have now?? It's certainly not better representation. So, leave it be – returning to a 50-years-ago scenario is just regressive.

Rick Jones Town of Rochester

Thanks for reopening the town park To the Editor: The Marbletown Town Park is open again!

Thank you to Marbletown Recreation Department director Jill McLean, assistant recreation director Jessica Phelan, supervisor Rich Parete, and other town personnel for reopening the town park this winter. Though the park has historically been closed during the winter months, the town had chosen to keep it open the previous two years in response to Covid. This year, however, they closed it again in late fall.

However, town personnel remained open and willing to hear my repeated requests to reopen the park, and at the beginning of February, they did. They even rented a

porta-potty for the time period until the bathrooms could be reopened, and have kept the parking lot plowed after snow – I think highway superintendent George Dimler is to thank for that one.

I've been delighted to be able to use this wonderful resource again. Thank you!

Alison Stewart Stone Ridge Editor's note: Alison Stewart reported on the Town of Marbletown for the BSP in the past and we are grateful that she subs in occasionally to help us out.

Miss René Bailey’s birthday To the Editor: Our dear friend and chanteuse Miss René Bailey will be celebrating a “biggie” birthday on March 22. I thought it might be fun to flood her mailbox with birthday greetings. Knowing René, she will be overwhelmed by the outpouring of kind thoughts. If you are so inclined, please mail your card or note to: Miss René Bailey, P.O. Box 498, Bailey Kerhonkson, NY 12446 As a longtime resident of the Rondout Valley and a bright light of musical talent, not to mention her incredible generosity of spirit, René has given the community so much over the years. It would be great if we could let her know how much she’s meant to us.

Yours in the music, David Winograd Formerly of Kerhonkson

WE MISSED YOU THIS ISSUE. Your letter to the editor is one of our readers’ favorite sections!

Email: bluestonepress845@gmail.com Snailmail: BlueStone Press, PO Box 149, Stone Ridge

BlueStone Press, March 17, 2023, Page 15

Snoring hubby

Dear Susanne B: Ugggghhh, I feel ya. A snoring bedfellow stretches the sinews of spousal love and acceptance to mechanical failure mostly because an interrupted sleep, and resulting sleep deprivation, just, in a word, sucks.

Maybe it was tolerable when you were dating?!? Maybe … But that rumbling midnight freight train of his snoring a few decades (days?) into marriage is whatever the opposite of bliss is. And it is now hauling 100 boxcars of festering resentment, deep fatigue and prickly irritation on rusty, brakeless axels that spark dangerously.

The engineer is likely sleep apnea that itself fell asleep on the throttle. (18 million Americans, or 1 in 15, according to HoustonSleepCenters, suffer from sleep apnea, which is the main result of snoring. Snoring, from a partially blocked airway, is caused by being overweight and/or high alcohol consumption and/or medical/traumatic airway blockage, and ummmm, age*, to name a few causes.)

My college roommate snored like a mofo, and back then, we could not ask these kinds of preemptive per-

sonal questions with any chance of a lineup change. Or I would have, and possibly not made the lifelong friend I now have. So we had to make the best of it and gun for June. Clichéd as it is, my solution was to throw my shoes (one at a time) across the room at his head. That seemed to work in a way that my intemperate yelling at him didn’t. I cared not that a head injury might adversely impact his semester grades. Too bad. I needed my beauty sleep! (Still do.) Sometimes I’d make a point of returning to the dorm a half-hour before he did (I fall asleep quickly). But I shouldn’t have to have done that, and you should be able to snuggle up to your partner (fartner?) without fear of being rattled out of bed by unmanaged snoring.

You, however, can’t find a new roommate when school starts back up in September. (Well, actually you can, but that’s a big life change decision, and I’m not necessarily advocating that option! Snoring is the third leading cause of divorce in the U.S. after infidelity and financial concerns, according to Dr. Rosalind Cartwright of the Sleep Disorder Center at Rush University Medical Center. Snoring is so disruptive to nuptial bliss that, with its bronze medal placement on this toxic award podium, it pushes off addiction, laziness, bad breath, annoying in-laws and generalized “growing apart.”)

You wisely filed for “sleep divorce,” which is relocating to separate bedrooms, an activity done by 12% of Americans (and my grandparents, to our idiotic, naive and myopic derision. Old people have figured out a lot of stuff by the time they are old, including the virtues of a good night’s sleep at any cost and unapologetic nursing home hook-ups).

Apnea-correcting devices like CPAP machines (think “strap on a large, plastic elephant proboscis every night and get waterboarded with air forced into your lungs”) help regulate and monitor breathing and airflow. They are an expensive hassle, but then again so is divorce. A general rule of thumb: From every human orifice (by this I also mean those belonging to your husband) comes a foul smelling, sounding or tasting liquid, solid or gas when you least expect it. That is one of the strongest arguments for you staying there in your own bedroom for eight years and counting while your miasmic husband sleeps (or tries

Rosendale

Sports

Dear Wally: What do I do about a snoring husband? I literally can’t sleep a wink once he goes full throttle. What is the purpose of snoring historically/scientifically … if not to drive wedges between couples? And how many millions of people have felt the need to endure the snoring … thus suffer terrible sleep … thus suffer exhaustion or poor mental acuity thru the day … thus lose jobs or just become loftless (I think I just made that word up) … all because society proclaims “bedding” together is bliss.

Well, I checked out about eight years ago. While I seriously miss the companionship, I absolutely ADORE my good, deep sleep.

Thoughts? What’s your take?

Sorry if you’ve already covered this over the years of advice.

– Susanne B

Dear Wally

Wally Nichols

from page 1

from page 12

senior citizen exemption – what is officially senior citizen?”

Age 65 was the response. Havranek jumped in, saying, “ We aren’t there yet.” Wykoff responded, “We’ve got a decade ahead of us, Joe.” Supervisor Walsh clarified that, for the exemption, “it only has to be one owner who has to be 65.”

Walsh continued, “I just want to clarify one thing you talked about with the tax collector: That amount of money also covers the fire department the library. I have to write a check to those other taxing districts so when the tax collector gives the supervisor that money that is on the tax bill for the town that also includes those entities I have to write checks to, just so you know that $5 million is not just the town.” Wykoff jumped in and said, “And our library is a special district library.” Walsh said, “Yes, our library, our five fire departments, High Falls water district – you know those things I have to give checks to, and also you know your highway department, your water, sewer and stuff.”

Havranek said, “Before we move on just a reminder about minutes, making sure they are getting posted … the Economic Development Committee last had minutes from February 2020, and I don’t see anything from the Environmental Commission, I don’t know if we are getting those minutes.” Walsh said, “They need to be posted. Send them to Mandy” [Mandy Donald, town clerk for Rosendale].

finished with a 6-5-1 record and qualified for the regionals for the first time.

“We look forward to future seasons of continued athletic recruitment for competition with the addition of women’s basketball,” said Zell.

SUNY Ulster’s basketball team had one player named to the Region XV D11 Men’s Sportsmanship team. The wrestling team had five wrestlers compete for the 202223 season. Track and field and golf will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.

“SUNY Ulster has an incredible team of coaches who contribute significantly to the success of our athletics program and staff and share pride in our athletics community, which grew substantially under Brennie’s leadership. We are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to find a new athletic director with the agility and dedication to take all our teams to a higher level of sports and academic success, and we look forward to fielding a new baseball teams as soon as possible in our quest to regain our championship title,” said Dr. Alison Buckley, college president.

to sleep) across the hall.

I love giving uninformed, unsolicited and sketchy medical advice, so here goes: Snoring (obstructive airway) is really not a good long-term mental or physical health condition. Consider speaking to an actual doctor about any lurking concerns in play versus asking an advice columnist (barely) with an English degree (barely) who, like you, makes up words like loftless*. *Not sure if I should be worried about it, but I understood exactly what you meant …

So as I see it you have a couple of decent, if not inchoate, options in your lap: 1. Ragequit. If you are super cool, run away with me. I don’t snore. (At least that’s what they tell me.) (Ragequit is a word! And it’s self-explanatory.)

2. Buy more shoes for frontal cortex impact! (Steeltipped work boots make short work of the task. Practice at the new trendy ax-throwing place.) Or maybe buy a gently used, rapid-fire tennis-ball cannon to teach him who is in charge of the volume knob in the bedroom. Set speed to “Pete Sampras.”

3. Stay sequestered in your own dead-bolted, princess sanctuary overnight to keep him from wandering in and ruining your sleep. (Chant ‘Eight more years’ like you are at a Trump rally.)

4. When he finally wakes up, have your husband seek medical advice to address the underlying, aforementioned issues. *Bear in mind, they haven’t figured out how to cure age yet.

5. You sleep through the day. Or he does.

6. Chainsaw-grade ear protection.

7. Train the family cat to sleep on his face and muffle him. Even if the “family cat” needs to be a pillow …

Well, hope all this helped. If I see a zombie loping around town, I’ll know her name is Susanne and that she is tired.

Got a question for our advice columnist or need to drop your snoring loved one off at his Kerhonkson “sleep center” (aka a stall in his horse barn)? Email him at cwn4@aol. com.

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Page 16

Your friends and community

March 17, 2023

The art of being human – where meditation and dance meet In-person Shambhala training coming up at Sky Lake Lodge with Accord resident and world-renowned teacher Arwana Hayashi Chelsea Miller BSP Reporter On the ride up to Sky Lake Lodge, it’s hard not to feel as if one is on a mini pilgrimage. No matter the season, the landscape seems to push up against the road, and with every twist and turn there are opportunities for losing oneself in imagination – a particularly inviting circle of trees, liken laden rock faces, or the quiet gurgling of a mountain stream. Once near the end of the ascent the reward only intensifies as you pull off into the driveway, the scent of pines and mountain breezes beckoning you just a little but further into what feels like a protected little kingdom. Once properly parked, the lodge coyly revels itself as you patter down the steps and into the building that can be described as feeling like a perfectly at home treehouse.

A calm settles as you walk through the door, the serene interior contrasting with the audacious opulence of the scenery outside the windows. For decades, Sky Lake has been a Shambhala contemplative center for Buddhist meditation, arts and community and has hosted nearly countless retreats and gatherings. The pandemic necessitated a drastic shift from in-person gatherings to remote gatherings and retreats. The community endured, however, and now, on the (hopeful) other side of the pandemic, is returning to in-person events. On March 31, Sky Lake is welcoming Accord resident and world renowned dancer and teacher Arawana Hayashi for “The Art of Being Human: Shambhala Training Level 1.”

Hayashi came to the practice of Shambhala through the circuitous route to dancing. She grew up in rural Ohio in a little township just east of Cleveland called Chesterland.

Born to an Ohio native mother and a Japanese American father who also happened to the be the town doctor, Hayashi discovered dance at an early age. “My mother put my sister and me in ballet classes, when I think I must have been 5 or 6,” says Hayashi. “My whole growing up life was about dancing and music, and my young life was very much around dance and wanting to be a dancer. My parents thought of dancing as something you do to be more graceful – they weren’t thinking about it as a career.”

However, in dance, Hayashi found freedom and the first gesturing toward a life of meditative practice.

“Ballet wasn’t a place for a young, stockily built Asian girl with glasses, there was not a place for me in the situation, which my parents knew,” explains Hayashi. “But I seemed to be oblivious of all that. It was something about freedom – attending to just the experience of the body moving though the space that turned out to be, for me, this way of being honest or genuine.

This freedom from all of my thinking and psychological ups and downs – the dancing was divorced of that, it allowed more space, more experience of space and freedom in life. Also the discipline of it – I appreciated the simplicity – the movement was so completely what it was, I wasn’t also thinking about whatever else was going on, There was something about dance that was a hint about a life that later would be become very focused on movement. The detail of an embodied sense of feeling within space. You could make the space feel very large or small.

Even from a young age, it was my way of being free of my own suffering to some extent.”

After high school, Hayashi initially attended Denison University for the more parent-palatable major of library sciences, however, she found her way back to dancing during college. In the late ’60s Hayashi attended the American Dance Festival and met Jamie Cunningham, who introduced her to the world of improvisational

Accord resident and senior Shambhala teacher Arawana Hayashi

dance, and she ended up moving east to join his company. Improvisational dance was the gateway for the beginnings of a meditation practice. “I had this troupe of really interesting folks who were willing to experiment,” says Hayashi. “In the way I was working with improvisation – and still am – it was at this point that it started to mix with meditation practice – to be able to pay attention to the whole collective of people and how you collectively create something that was actually worth looking at, beginning to think about what is collective creativity and then letting something emerge – this is what became interesting to me.”

While in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and in the wake of the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Hayashi was tapped by the Boston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs to direct an interracial, improvisation-based, street dance company.

“It was a turbulent time,” explains Hayashi. “I was affected by civil rights and anti-war movement and this sort of social upheaval of that time, and the project through the mayor’s office came about. Boston is an amazing city and it was very segregated at the time, it was about neighborhood integrity. I had the opportunity to put together a dance company that was half black and half white and myself. That little company toured all the neighborhoods all over Boston – it would go into the Irish and Italian and Black neighborhoods and provide performances and workshops. It encapsulated that sense of contributing through the arts, it was something about that time that still to this day is imbedded in the interest of my work, a way of engaging very diverse community.”

By the early 1970s, Hayashi’s interest in Zen was budding, and it was on a cross-country trip with a troupe of dancers that her path intersected with the then-new Naropa University, which was founded by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa.

“There were 2,000 people who showed up that summer for this summer program, which was being led by Trungpa and Ram Dass,” says Hayashi. “I was just passing through with the dance company – then we headed to San Francisco. I was already starting to sit and meditate; I wasn’t looking for a teacher particularly.” However, the following year, after an interview with Trungpa in Vermont, she was asked me to move to Boulder and to become part of the dance faculty at Naropa, where she could remain as co-director for the next five years. During those five years, Hayashi took a deep dive into Bugaku, traditional Japanese court dance. In the form she found not only a connection to her lineage but an underscoring of the nature of collective presencing that she treasured in improvisational dance. “The dance is contemplative – you are experiencing the ‘social body’ being in tune with both yourself and the people – and it to explore what is like to feel the transformation of the social body. In this very for-

mal way you are attending to others in the space, always in relationship, even down to the orchestra, which doesn’t have a conductor. Everything is on breath time. The music and the orchestra are operating without a leader, and it’s a collective unfolding – everyone has to be coordinating themselves just by sense of listening and the breath. I learned so much.”

After her tenure at Naropa, Hayashi headed back east and spent the next several decades founding and directing dance companies, leading Shambhala trainings and heading up the creation of Social Presencing Theater (SPT) for the Presencing Institute where, along with Otto Scharmer and colleagues, she brings her background in the arts, meditation and social justice to creating “social presencing” that makes visible both current reality and emerging future possibilities for individuals and groups.

This work has brought her all around the globe, often traveling for 10 months out of the year. She found her way to Accord in 2003, through mutual friends who were connected to Sky Lake Lodge. The Shambhala Level 1 training at Sky Lake marks the beginning of a focus on the U.S. for Hayashi. “I have had all these invitations in Latin America and Europe so I’ve spent time developing classes and teaching out of the country. Now I’ve turned my attention to the U.S., and this area in particular,” says Hayashi.

Hayashi says that she hopes that the retreat at Sky Lake Lodge will be an opportunity for the community to refresh and renew. The focus is, given the challenging times that we live in, that there is power and importance in taking some kind of personal time to reflect on our own habits and assumptions and actually feel our own basic goodness, our own capacity for compassion. This retreat will center around the first of the five-part Heart of Warriorship series based on the teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche in “Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior,” accessing meditation as its basis and emphasizing the development of genuineness, confidence, humor and dignity.

“We are saying that many of us just need a little bit of designated time to get to know ourselves and strengthen ourselves for whatever life we live so we can just show up better for our kids and parents and colleagues,” says Hayashi. “It’s a method, applying meditation and some embodiment practices and some reflection tools for celebrating our life and providing some support for really showing up in a helpful and intelligent way and examine how do we access our own wisdom and courage to be really useful,” she says.

“Having an ongoing spiritual practice of meditation and study is just not easy for anyone these days given the demands of life and all the other things that grab our attention. Having like others of friends and colleagues on this journey of trying to integrate the meditation and contemplative practices in their life, you don’t feel like you are journeying by yourself. You get people and friends that you enjoy that are journeying with you is invaluable. I don’t know what I would do without that support. It’s wonderful to have others to think together about how meditation is relevant. I hope people leave feeling refreshed, feeling that they appreciate themselves more, and we can lighten up on our complaints and really increase out joy in living. That sense of joyfulness is actually needed on the planet today with all these negative stories going on. We would like people to feel like they’ve touched their own hearts and felt their own tenderness and strength and are able to engage after the program with more equanimity.”

For information about the retreat, which runs the evening of March 31 to the evening of April 1 and is available as an overnight or as commuter, visit: https://skylake.shambhala.org/programs-listing/1575/the-art-of-being-humanshambhala-training-level-1/ For more about Arawana Hayashi, visit https://arawanahayashi.com.

BlueStone Press, January 6, 2022, Page 17

In the presence of love, real change is possible ‘The Cake,’ a play by Bekah Brunstetter, directed by Ann Citron Della’s North Carolina bakery is legendary! She is overjoyed when her best friend’s daughter returns from New York to get married and asks Della to make her wedding cake. Della, a sweet-natured Christian, is forced to re-examine her deeply held beliefs and her own marriage when she realizes there is not one bride, but two. Faith, family and frosting collide in this timely new play by Bekah Brunstetter. Bella must find a balance among her good-old-boy working-class husband, Tim; her godchild, Jen, one of the two brides along with the other bride, Macy, a liberal from New York City; and George, the Big American Bake-off announcer and voice inside her head.

Directed by Rosendale Theatre Arts director Ann Citron,

Kudos A concert for Charlie Charlie Knicely has been the Chair and Co-Chair of the Rosendale Street Festival for almost 20 years. He is also on the Board of Advisors for the Rosendale Theatre. He is a beloved member of the community and leader in the music scene of the Hudson Valley and beyond.

He is known as a consummate band leader and side man playing the bass.

His door has always been open to those in need. Now he needs the help of the community.

In December of 2022, he experienced an aortic aneurysm. The surgeon named this a major life event and called Knicely him a Christmas miracle because he survived. The medical team has told him that in order to stay healthy he needed major dental work to clear up and infection and rebuild his mouth. The community needs to make this happen.

A Concert for Charlie, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale will be a star-studded event featuring the best musicians. The house bands include Danny Louis, Randy Ciarlante, Matt Fink, Pete Levin, Chris Bowman, Bob Shaut, Steve Rust, and Machan Taylor with special guests, Brenda Bufalino, Jimmy Eppard, Verna Gillis, Kitt Potter and Harvey Sorgen; plus many more joining the band throughout the evening!

All funds raised will go to help Charlie get healthy.

Donations can be made at rosendaletheatre.org or at the concert by check or cash.

This event is graciously supported by Radio Kingston and produced by The Rosendale Street Festival. For more information, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-6588989.

RV High School Honor Roll Marking Period 2 Grade 12 High Honor Roll Maria Ayala, Menena Baron, Emily Bartolone, Dylan Bowels, Ryan Britt, Jaiden Buffong, Gabriella Ferri, Evan Fraser Jr., Fiona Fraser-Gross, Gina Garofolo-Goodman, Mackenzie Heyl, Ryan Hornbeck, Christopher Jordan, Andrew Kassain, Christopher Kay, Nicholas Kay, Isabel Kinsella, Ella Kormondy, Michael Markle, Isabelle May, Joseph Messina, Audric Mondini, Abigail Naccarato, Kayla Oakes, Alexandra Olivieri, Riley Owens, Seneca Pharmer, Marley Pileggi, Makalah Quick, Asher Rosen, Jack Samko, Riley Schoonmaker, Aria Sickler Avery, Caitlyn Sindt, Alma Sutherland-Roth, Abigial Tuttle, Skyler Van Kleeck and Nikolas Zocchi.

Honor Roll Zachary Banks, Brooke Bogart, Byron Bradley, Julian Browne, Cadence Cardinale, Anna Clausen, Freyja Cross, Randall Davis, Noah DeGraw, Randall Davis, Elise Dymond, Kyle Fallaha Jr., Mackenzie Hubbard, Olivia Jeter, Noah Johnson, Amelia Lamkin, Caleb Leahey, Morgan LeBlanc, Christopher Lennon, Shea Malenski, Landen Mesceda, Isaac Millrood, Matthew Peck, Miu Person, Hannah Read, Antonio Rizzo, Lucas Roland, Sarah Roosa, Jessica Sedlak, Liam Sell, John Shultis Jr., Connor Slinsky, John Soi, Joshua Santiago, Lillian Startup, Ethan Tur, Michael Vanorden, Destiny Wood, Reid Wogan, Kevin Walsh, Nathan Wright and Solomon Zweig.

“The Cake” is a surprising and sweet take on a modern-day controversy, steeped in humor and warmth. It’s also a plea for people in a polarized culture to find a way to talk to each other.

“One of the things I loved about this play is that ev-

eryone changes,” said Citron. “Some changes may be a bridge too far for now, but every character grows.” She emphasized, “There is a way to find common ground.

Life can feel so fixed at times. We live in a culture that is divided and insulated from differences. Everyone wants to be right. Sometimes it is impossible to see beyond your own beliefs. Then something or someone enters your world and blows apart the things you held so tight, forcing you to examine your life.

In the presence of love, real change is Citron possible.”

This delicious comedy will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, March 23-25; at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25; and at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 26, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. The cast includes Chantez Engeleit, Katie Horn, Rick Meyer, John Michalski and Sarah Jayne Rothkopf.

Tickets are $20, or $18 for members. For more information, tickets, and/or sponsorship opportunities, email ann@rosendaletheatre.org, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-658-8989.

Merit Roll Faith Avello, Desirae Baumann, Makayla Chapman, Kai Day, Lucas Dee, Aiden Demorest, Matthew Dymond, Riley Dymond, McKenna Feinberg, Nicholas Galewaler, Adrian Gonzalez, Chase Kiszkiel, Jake Lawlor, Alyssa Lopez, Micah Mahany, Madeleine Malak, Taylor Marcel, Lexi McConnell, Maya Montalvo, Brady Morse, David Pennacchio, Julian Perez, Abigail Post, August Rubin, Ryan Somer, Terrence Stange and Landon Williams.

Palmentiero, Borny Patwoary, Lucas Pitre, Ruby Powell, Hudson Scott, Addisyn Spano-Meyer, Jeffrey Ulrich Jr. and Gypsy Wish.

Merit Roll ncasoMichael Avello II, Chloe Coonrod, Lila Hill, Noah Kelly, Josephina Kozack, Jocelyn Leahey, Jasmine McNeil, Elizabeth Murphy, Hattie Nichols, Ben Pfaff, Hudson Rowan, Owin Simmons, Gianna St. Hilaire, Mia Trumbore, Georgia Tuttle, Alyssa VanLeuven, Brody Wynkoop and Alexandra Young.

Grade 11 High Honor Roll Django Accardi, Merryn Arms, Shana Blandon, Aidan Davenport, Victoria DeGraw, Adeline Delessio, Amelia Dunphy, Trevor Gilliland, Chloe Goodin, Brayden Hanigan, Sadie Heagney, Sierra Hikade, Finnigan Kenney, Mica King, Luke Kotsides, Siddhartha Lama, Nicholas Laskowski, Jackson Paley, Ellis Picuri, Maceo Pileggi and Olivia Waruch.

Honor Roll Sydney Allen, Michelle Avello, Jakob Baron, Clifford Bush, Jonathan Chamberlain, Garvey Chiarolanzio, Joseph Ciancio, Thomas Clark, Hannah Coddington, Jill Creegan, Jessica Daddio, Peter Dymitryszyn, Rosendo Fontanez, Caylee Illa, Emma Jolly, Giada Labate, Ian LaPierre, Justin Nazario, Gavin Rosa, Gabriel Schoonmaker, Charles Scully, Mackenzie Snair, Nora Suszczynski, Caleb Taszak and Nadja Welden.

Merit Roll Logan Bauer, Hunter Bober, Brittany Brown, Abigail Chorzempa, Aili Clark, Zola Coughlin-Ebert, Grace Cutaia, David Ferraiolo-Scalera, Savannah Freer, Bhumin Gajjar, Lexus Healy, Kylie Ivan, Jacqueline Kennedy, Sumner King-Barra, Tetiana Koshut, Adriana Marano, Mia Mendez-Patton, Cristofer Osuna Trejo, Erin Parete, Niomi Perry, Thomas Rearick, Hunter Ridgely, Lucas Russell, Harriett Seubert, Brayden Soura, Alexa VanDemark, Emil Weintraub, Ashton Wynkoop and Chase Yark.

Grade 10 High Honor Roll Rowan Boyd, Addyson Eck, Kendell Erlwein, Freja Ermer, Stori Gallicchio, Vivian Gonzales, Joana Koehler, Samuel Lever, Abigail McGuinness, Halle Meoli, Miles Ouellette, Kenneth Schade, Lauren Schoonmaker and Gwenyth Tuscanes.

Honor Roll Ramona Anderson, Sophia Bollin, Kelly Casas, Sophia Clark, Grace Curran, Julia Deyo, Ian Domitrovits, Anastasia DuBois, Violet Elder-Rusciolelli, Ryan Gillis, Brian Henderson, Devin Jimenez, Joleigh Kozack, Aidan Nolan, Domenic Palazzolo, Flora Parker-Myers, Justin Paterno, Clara Samko, Jaycub Schaniel, Lukcas Schaniel, Joseph Soi, Millina Tully, Anna Weber and Carsyn Wolford.

Merit Roll Finn Bowers, Candace Browne, Carlo Bueti, Grace Coonrod, Gage Davis, Danielle Driekonski, Juliana Ellsworth-Dumond, Adriana Faso, Dominic Giamei, Ashtyn Gray, Keara Johnson, Logan Keller, Nash Kennedy, Hayden Lazzaro, Nathan Nilsen, Ava Seablom, InJolina Secreto, Tate Suszczynski, Juliana Turner, Madelyn Tuscanes and Chloe Warren.

Rondout Valley Lions Club Scholarship

‘The Cake,’ a play directed by Rosendale Theatre Arts director Ann Citron

Grade 9 High Honor Roll Brody Baker, John Basten, Fahad Bhuiyan, Sedric Boughton, Evalyse Bradley, Maven Flamhaft, Gabrielle Hart, Isaac Herman, Henry Hutchins, Grace Kiskiel, Harris Kyaw, Zi Qing Liu, Hudson Paley, Tristan Post, Samantha Ritayik, Hanna Rylewicz, Jack Stewart and Beatrice Wilhelm.

Honor Roll Laszlo Beke, Emily Bodie, Julia Brown, Tristan Cantello, Kaden Dennin, Corwin DeRosa, Amanda DeWitt, Waylon Foreman, Fionn Forsythe, Elizabeth Hanigan, Kyleigh Healy, John Hedley, Hannah Heijink, Hailey Kellerhouse, Jack Kotsides, Jacob Kraft, Adreenah Mason, Grace McArdle, Camille McMillan, Brooke Mulkowsky, Ruby Ortner, Graham

A $500 scholarship is available to one graduating student at Rondout Valley High School and one graduating student at Ellenville High School. These scholarships will be awarded to one senior in each school district who best exemplifies the qualities that the Lions Club embodies.

The mission of the Rondout Valley Lions Club is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs. Locally, they draw their members from the townships of Marbletown, Rochester, Rosendale and Wawarsing. They also welcome volunteers to help with activities to serve these communities.

The Rondout Valley Lions Club supports youth vision screening; eyeglasses and eye exams; Guiding Eyes for the Blind, diabetes awareness and support, hearing aids; the Ronald McDonald House; local food pantries; youth leadership; college scholarships; and the environment with their NexTrex recycling bottles for local outside benches program. They accomplish these goals through fundraising activities such as participation in street festivals; White Cane events in Rosendale and Stone Ridge; spaghetti dinners; pancake breakfasts, raffles; donations; sponsorships; and their Hackers Golf Tournament.

Their Scholarship Committee members include Joanne Kozack, Amy Capen, Jim McCasland, Janet Sutter and Marge Gagnon.

Applications must be submitted by April 15 via email to marge.gagnon.ny@gmail.com or by mail to Marge Gagnon, 3408 Route 209, Stone Ridge, NY 12484. For assistance by phone, call 845-706-6459. Scholarships will be decided by May 1.

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lakekatrineanimalhospital.com

Page 18

Arts, culture & entertainment

March 17, 2023

Low tide The hilly knob I live on is nearly a thousand feet above the level of the Atlantic Ocean and hundreds of miles from its coastline, but there’s something about it that reminds me strangely of beach. Maybe it’s the way the fields pitch and drop like giant stop-motion waves. Or because open land, like open water, offers oceanic views of pure sky.

To make the illusion complete, in spring, sometimes a wayward current of sea air drifts up the Hudson River and fans out over these hills, adding a strange whiff of salt. And it was on one of these seabreeze days that I found the first shell. It was embedded in a large mossy rock right next to the road, a rock I must have walked past thousands of times before finally noticing that the strange bumps all over it were actually the ridgy imprints of fossils.

When you’ve discovered something like that in a rock, you’ll never again take another one for granted, and I soon discovered fossil rocks are everywhere around me. They are big and small, flat and round. My most fruitful hunting

Susan Krawitz

grounds are the stone walls that crawl all over these hills, but my keen-eyed daughter even finds them in chunks of driveway shale.

The rocks hold imprints of all kinds of long-gone life; beings that look like modern clams, the bark of ancient twigs, wormy-looking tubes, tiny shells with miniature ripples, and long ones shaped like the wings of a moth.

Some rocks showcase just one kind of life form, but I’ve found others that turn out to be globby sandwiches of an array of ancient mollusks, complete with whole specimens that can be pulled out and pushed back in like pieces in a Devonian-age jigsaw puzzle. All the fossil rocks are bluestone, which is one of the nicknames for the type of blue-grey hued sandstone abundant in the Rondout Valley. Sandstone is as it sounds, a conglomeration of tiny rocks cemented by time and pressure into hard stone. But it was water that bound sandstone’s elements together.

And that means that every slab of it that’s piled on a wall or heaved up by a straining shovel was born below a great expanse of sea.

It is absolutely mind-bending to imagine, but it was all really here once; sea, ocean, beach, in a place now so high in elevation it could only flood if the water level rose over 800 feet.

The water receded an almost unbelievably long time

ago; between 350 and 450 million years. That’s when the mud and sand dried and forever preserved the last living day of the creatures that lived within it. The earth has changed incredibly since then, and it will never not amaze me that I can still walk into my back field and find a rock that holds the perfect shadow of a life form that lived before the existance of our greatest of great-great-grandfathers – even before the thought of them. And us. Humankind.

I’ve kept a few prime specimens, but my favorite thing to do with the fossil shell rocks is give them to small children and tell them how old they are. I love watching them try to grasp the fact that our earth has lived millions and millions and millions of yesterdays. Just wait til they learn about the boundless infinity that is tomorrow.

And who knows. Maybe sometime in some impossibly distant future, water will rise again, and these hills will wear away, eroding the bluestone back to its elements.

This property may once again be beachfront.

For now, I’ll keep collecting ancient shells, and on seabreeze days, sit on the porch squinting my eyes to make the road in front of the house look like a shoreline, and the weathered pickets that border it like those wooden fences used on beaches to hold back sand.

The march of time Let me start off by saying that I am too tired to lose an hour of sleep. Now that I’ve got that off my chest, how’s everyone else doing? I went for my typical jaunt around towns the other day to find some humor. I have to tell you, it was difficult. I’m not sure if everyone is hibernating, have just given up, or we are back to the antisocial Covid mode because …. Well … people.

In any event, I drove over 44/55 to begin my quest in Kerhonkson.

As I turned into the downtown strip, I remember the area once being such a hub of activity. That was where you would see your neighbors, your family, and see life happening. Whenever my Grandma would say, “I’m going to town,” I would be the first to yank on her housecoat and ask I could go, too. There was a Around town ifdepartment store, the post office, a barbershop, and, I believe, a bakery. Hell, I can’t remember what I did yesterday, let alone what was in Kerhonkson 50 years ago, but like I said, it was the hub. I do remember stealing 10-cent Charms peach lollipops from the pharmacy and Grandma buying fresh hard rolls and raisin pumpernickel bread from what I think was Cohen’s. OMG. Everything was so delicious. Anyway, a lot has changed in downtown Kerhonkson. Well, I think it’s downtown. Could be uptown for some or just town for others. Eh, who really cares? What I do care about is there was some refurbishing happening at Mill & Main. I am sorry to say I haven’t been in that store and was too lazy to get out of my car that day, but it did make me smile. I would love to see Kerhonkson become the comeback kid.

Cruising right along, I went down Main Street in Accord. More memories smacked me in the brain. I remember there was a laundromat with a bar across the street.

A bar that I went to several times. I think maybe even for a New Year’s Eve or two. I don’t remember if the drinking age was 18 or 21 at that time, but I was definitely underage. Sorry, officer, I’m pretty confident there’s a statute of limitations in effect here. Oh, jeesh. I just realized I am a criminal. Stealing lollipops, underage drinking … can’t wait to see what else I confess in this article. Whatever, though, move along, officers.

Kelly Wright

A sign of the times

Back to Accord, there’s now another general store, which was pretty fantastic to see. Back in the day, I remember the store being something akin to a Norman Rockwell painting. People playing checkers, drinking pop at the soda fountain, reading newspapers, gossiping about the small town. Which, by the way, continues to this day but without the cuteness or vintage charm. Smalltown gossip is alive and kicking. Hey, here’s a challenge: Next time you want to talk about someone, try giving a compliment. Flip the switch. Confuse the gossip hounds and say nice things instead. Then sit back, slyly smile, and watch a new story unveil. Moreover, the look of shock on the rumor-mill faces may be worth it.

OH! The Galley! That was the bar. Man … I’m literally going to be one of those crazy old ladies sitting outside talking to animals, shouting out random statements as my memory kicks in, and playing with the neighborhood children. Or scaring them, depending on my mood.

From Accord, I took a right and headed down whatever that road is called. You know the road that goes to the Deep Hole. Well, whatever I am, I’m still country in that I give directions by landmark rather than cardinal. Once

I arrived at the swimming hole, I started thinking about how fantastic life was during my first couple of decades and the stark differences in how it is during my last. There were “No Parking” signs everywhere.

This got me thinking about the freedom children of the past had. I remember traipsing down Boice Mill Road, barefoot and carefree, headed on some adventure of skinny-dipping at Stubby Dunn’s and running away from boys. Walking to the waterfalls at the Sommers house with my best friend to spend the day swimming, exploring, and waiting for boys. The same with High Falls and all of the swimming holes in our area. All the ’80s kids will remember drinking beer at gravel pits and in random fields without a care in the world other than who was kissing … or punching … who. That was part of our lives, and I am so grateful I was able to enjoy our area to the fullest effect.

These days, you can’t do any of those things. Between the “Private Property” and “No Parking” and “Do Not Enter” signs, we have all been denied of nature’s wonder. Shut down. How sad.

So, in typical criminal mode, I parked and walked around. It was then that I found a cute sign. “Help Keep Deep Hole Beautiful” along with another sign that’s too long to type so let me sum up. It said this is a private and wild land. Be safe, do not pollute or harm, pick up your dog poop, keep the peace, and be a Deep Hole steward.

While it’s sad that this needs to be noted, it clearly is necessary because, ew. So, because of dirty people with no respect, my thanks to Spirit Circle LLC for trying to reclaim the innocent joy of days gone by and protecting Deep Hole.

After that, I was done. I didn’t break any more laws but I did turn the music up and enjoyed my ride home. Memories of the past, gratefulness for the present and excited anticipation for the future drifted in and out of my head.

Of course, these thoughts all taking place in between my car concert performance. Listen, you cannot listen to Van Halen without singing, dancing and thinking. It’s just not possible.

In closing, to those who had the distinct joy of growing up here during the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, who is surprised they are still alive? And, more importantly, who wouldn’t change a dang thing?

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BlueStone Press, March 17, 2023, Page 19

Comfort food fully loaded in Rosendale The Santa Fe Burger Bar in Rosendale has become a new favorite destination for tasty and detailed comfort food. The burgers are two-handers (three if you have an extra one). Made of Schweid & Sons all natural (half-pound) beef, they are the foundation of the restaurant by spirit and name. Ranging from $15-$17, all sorts of configurations are available, including one with a gluten-free bun if your gut needs it. But some elements that find their way to various iterations of the classic burger include caramelized onions, black and green peppercorn sauce, brie cheese, a sunny-side-up egg, Wally Nichols and horseradish sauce. There is also a daily craft burger and a veggie burger.

Onion rings or sweet potato fries can be swapped out for the regular fries, and the burgers come with a choice of sides for a slight upcharge (waffle fries, Brussels sprouts, or a side salad).

But the appetizers alone could make a meal. Caramelized Brussels sprouts ($9.95) are topped with goat cheese and a balsamic drizzle, and are served with or without bacon. The guac and chips ($11.95) feature ripened Hass avocados, cilantro, sweet red onions, and fresh chopped jalapeños. Crispy cauliflower ($11, and prepare to share!) is served with a choice of the following dressings: blue cheese, creamy roasted red pepper, ranch, balsamic vinaigrette. The crispy calamari is served with a marinara sauce. The Ahi Tuna Poke ($13) is cubed tuna with soy ginger, served with fresh corn chips. Chicken wings are also available in

appetizer size.

Salads of course! The wedge ($11) is a towering blue cheese, bacon and tomato creation that could be a stand-alone meal.

Horoscopes

addition, the Sun and Neptune are positioned on the cusp of the 10th house – strongly influencing any decisions you make. However, Mars (action) is positioned directly on the ascendant, warning of hasty action. Think over any major change very carefully.

Put a fork in it

The planets continue to orbit the Earth and seem to maintain the same distance from one another although the aspects between them change. In the process they presently describe unusual and unexpected results. Saturn is now in the sign of Pisces and reaches toward Neptune and the Sun. Mars is leading the planets and is positioned in the sign of Cancer while the planet Pluto is trailing its friends but has moved into the sign of Aquarius. All this in 150 degrees in the sky. The new Moon falls on March 21 in the sign of Aries, the beginning of spring. The time of plantings and movements to start and build – the awakening.

Your Zodiac Joanne Ferdman

ARIES: 3/21 to 4/19: Mars, your ruling planet, is positioned on the cusp of your 4th solar house of home and family. It is also square three planets in poor aspect to the ascendant: the Sun, Mercury and Neptune.

This seems to imply the strong energy of Mars can easily distract you from your goal by an attractive alternative.

On the other hand, it's possible you can push too hard.

TAURUS: 4/20 to 5/20: Venus, your ruling planet, is conjunct Uranus in your 1st solar house. It is also in good aspect to Mars on the cusp of the 3rd house of education and communication. This time the winds are blowing new ideas your way. When you think them over carefully and find them workable, don't be surprised when you find strong winds blowing you in a different direction.

GEMINI: 5/21 to 6/20: Mercury, your ruling planet, is part of the stellium that includes the Sun, Neptune, Jupiter and Mercury – all on the cusp of the 10th and 11th houses that describe your career and income from your career. Since your ruler will be difficult to access, you would be advised to delay any sudden change of plans and format until your path is clearer.

CANCER: 6/21 to 7/20: The Moon child deals with the new Moon on the 21st that falls in your 10th house of career and is positioned with both Mercury and Jupiter. In

Sante Fe Burger Location: 388 Main St., Rosendale Style: Casual Contact: 845-658-8500 Open: dinner every day except Tuesday, open for lunch weekends

LEO: 7/21 to 8/22: The Sun, your ruling planet, is positioned in a major stellium in your 8th and 9th houses and includes the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Neptune. You want to make some changes, both personal and professional. Of course, they must be thought over carefully.

However, it is not yet time to make any decision. Circumstances are rapidly changing.

VIRGO: 8/23 to 9/22: Mercury, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 8th solar house but is looking for a change in circumstances. The strong March winds are blowing, forcing you to be more aggressive about finances. It's also possible that you haven't recognized facets of your own creativity. Perhaps it's time to investigate possibilities.

LIBRA: 9/23 to 10/22: Venus, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 8th solar house of potential change.

However, your planet is conjunct Uranus – one of the outer planets that is always offering alternatives to present circumstances. Mars, the planet of action, suggests you may want to change careers. Just think carefully before you make any decision.

SCORPIO: 10/23 to 11/22: Your two rulers: Mars and Pluto, continue to form the bookends of the planets as they appear in the sky. Mars is on the cusp of the 9th solar house while Pluto is on the cusp of the 4th. Your dilemma is based on family responsibilities and a desire to think of a change or modification of your present career choice.

The new Moon may provide a clue as to when and where to make the choice.

SAGITTARIUS: 11/23 to 12/21: Jupiter, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 5th solar house of children and creativity and is positioned halfway between Mars and Pluto, the bookends of the chart. You seem to be pushing to reach the pinnacle of success from a solid base. The new Moon gives energy to your ambition and helps you stay on course.

CAPRICORN: 12/22 to 1/20: Saturn, your ruling planet, has now moved to your 3rd solar house of education and communication. Perhaps you've realized that you need more knowledge in your field to reach your goals and fulfill your ambition. The new Moon on the 21st is the time to register for the best way to get the information

Recently I got the Cajun shrimp special, which came on a bed of heavenly mac and cheese. The whole flavor-bursting situation was as massive as it was sublime. Even the super friendly wait staff were excited that this favorite was cycling through, and confirmed my suspicion that this was the right special to order. And it was. So if you are there when this available is, a big nudge in that direction from me, and you can thank me later.

Speaking of later, it’s impossible to not consider the dreamy dessert offerings, starting with their king-size apotheosis of desserts, their Insane Shake ($14). Served in 16-ounce pint glasses dipped in melted chocolate that you can shave off with the spoon’s edge, they dominate the counterscape and draw immediate attention from tables near and far. They are all homemade (except the ice cream), and you’ll want to bring a snorkel and eat your peccant way up to daylight from the bottom. Options include killer brownie (we fought over them but not to the death), funfetti, cookies and cream, cookie dough, strawberry shortcake, s’mores. Just these monsters alone are worth the trip. For those who fear this level of commitment, the more traditional desserts like Key Lime Pie are outstanding as well.

The craft brew selection (also some on tap) is really impressive and includes offerings from Jack Abby Brewery in Boston (American Amber), Steuben Brewing’s Club Stout, Vermont’s The Alchemist (Focal Banger and Heady Topper) as well as Dutchess Ales’ Pylon Pale Ale. For a sour IPA consider The Bronx Brewery’s City Island Sour. This is just the tip of the iceberg re craft beer offerings.

Delicious food, incredibly (and consistently) friendly staff and an easy environment- You aren’t going home hungry and you ARE going home happy!

you will need.

AQUARIUS: 1/21 to 2/19: Uranus, your ruling planet, remains positioned in your 4th solar house and continues its emphasis on home and family. However, Pluto is placed directly on the Ascendant – wanting control. Your ruler is now conjunct Venus, bringing good events to your doorstep, while Mars is about to enter your 6th house of work. The new Moon in Aries writes the final good news – you have the energy and good fortune to succeed.

PISCES: 2/20 to 3/20: Neptune, your ruling planet, continues positioned in the closing degrees of your 1st solar house of personality. It is also conjunct the Sun with Saturn about to enter the 1st house. Together it suggests that some hard work will allow your creative talent to be shown to the public and bring in some much-desired dollars when you use more publicity.

Joanne can be reached at 561-744-9962. She is available for private telephone consultations if you want more information relating to your personal chart. Treat yourself – and you will learn what to expect from the current transits and receive an overview of long-term goals. Remember to read both your Sun sign and your Ascendant.

3457 Main Street. Stone Ridge, NY 12484

Professional health and wellness services in a beautiful and tranquil setting.

Page 20, March 17, 2023, BlueStone Press

FOR THE FAMILY Local Quilters Guild meetings The Wiltwyck Quilt Guild comes together to share their work, learn a new skill and meet new friends. The next meeting of the Guild will be held 10-11 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at Grace Community Church.

Coffee, tea and snacks begin at 9:30 a.m.

At 11 a.m. via Zoom, the Guild presents “Creating contrast in your quilts with Jennifer Holden.” Using fabric with different values, textures and patterns are the first steps to gaining contrast. Holden will talk of embellishments and other ways to create dimension within a piece and the role of design. Everything adds levels to get the wow factor. Her presentation will be followed by her workshop, “Mini-Bargello Sunflower, Part 1.” Part 2 will be presented on March 25. For more info, visit wiltwyckquilters.org. Members are always wanted and welcomed to join the projects benefiting the community.

For Zoom link and questions, contact Guild secretary Mary Tyler of Rosendale at marycodytyler@yahoo.com.

Learn how the mountains were made at Minnewaska Join Minnewaska’s education staff 1:30-4:30 p.m. Monday, April 3, to learn how powerful forces of nature shaped the landscape of the Shawanagunk Ridge. The event will begin with a discussion about the geological periods that created common rocks, including shale, limestone, and the iconic Shawangunk quartz conglomerate. The group will learn how to identify clues left over from the glaciers that shaped the landscape, creating the dramatic white cliffs and sky lakes. Then everyone will go for a hike around Lake Minnewaska, investigating the rock faces for glacial evidence, and take a walk out to Patterson’s Pellet, a huge boulder that the glacier placed right on the cliff’s edge! Complete with a scavenger hunt, don’t miss this fun, educational experience. The approximate total distance for this walk is 4 miles. This program is recommended for families with kids between the ages of 7-12 years old, but interested children of any age who are able to participate are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at least 18 years of age. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, 5281 Route 44/55, Kerhonkson.

High Peter’s Kill to Awosting Falls Loop at Minnewaska Come explore the High Peter’s Kill Footpath, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4 with Laura Conner, environmental educator, and Josh Grosse, Student Conservation Association and AmeriCorps environmental educator, on this approximately 5-mile hike. Participants should bring enough water and food for the outing and wear proper hiking shoes. Meet in the Lower Parking Area.

High Falls’ John Cox to give lecture on history of barrel making at D&H, rescheduled to March 31 John Cox, owner of Quercus Cooperage in High Falls, will give a lecture on “Coopering: the long history of barrel making,” 7 p.m. Friday, March 31, at D&H Historical Society, 1315 Route 213, High Falls. The original date of the lecture, March 10, had to be postponed to March 31 due to snow. Admission is $5 per person, free to members. For more information, visit canalmuseum.org.

Rosendale Seniors monthly meetings The Town of Rosendale Seniors meetings are held at the Rosendale Recreation Center, 1055 Route 32, Rosendale, twice a month (excluding November and December) at 1 p.m. every second Wednesday (April 12), for a social meeting and fourth Wednesday (March 22) for a business meeting, where members are kept informed of the resources available to them. The Rosendale Seniors’ first trip of the year on May 4 is hosted by their very own tour guides, Hal Sampson and Chicky Sterritt. The trip is to the Riverview Inn for a show featuring comedian JoJo Russell in “ Back for More.”

The Seniors will also sponsor a tour to Branson, Missouri, courtesy of Diamond Tours, Sept. 16-24, nine days and eight nights. The tour consists of motorcoach transportation with eight nights lodging including four consecutive nights in the Branson area, 14 meals of eight breakfasts and six dinners, and admission to six fabulous shows – three morning shows and three evening shows. Cost is $1,029/pp double occupancy. Call Chickie at 845-658-2414 or Hal at 845-6589020 for more information. For videos

.

Take part in tree-tapping and syrup-making demos or enjoy a guided hike at the Ashokan Center’s Maple Fest!

Maple Fest at the Ashokan Center Come enjoy a day of maple sugaring, pancakes and good times for all ages, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 18 and 19, at the Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge. Be a part of the blacksmithing demos ($20 to make a take-home project), live music by the Mapletones (10:30 a.m.), Russ Rentler (11:30 a.m.), and Jay Ungar & Molly Mason (12:30 p.m.), cozy campfires and guided hikes to the place where the magic happens, the sugar shack! Plus, delicious food

and group pictures, visit grouptrips.com/ chicky.

Little Ones Learning Center adds and expands programming A free early literacy program, Little Ones Learning Center, located at Rochester Reformed Church, 5142 Route 209, Accord, recently added a day to their program and rented a second room in the church.

Their Story Times are currently 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays (March 22, 29 and April 5) and Saturdays (March 18, 25 and April 1) and 3-5 p.m. Thursdays (March 23, 30 and April 6). The program, which includes stories, crafts, socialization and free time to explore the many early learning activities available, is geared toward children 0-6, but all are welcome. Parents/caregivers are required to stay with the children. For more information call 845-750-4112 or email LOLC12404@gmail.com.

Training class on Community CPR and Narcan in Rosendale The Rosendale Recreation Commission invites members of the community for the opportunity to save a life. A training class on Community CPR and Narcan will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at the Rosendale Community Center, 1055 Route 32, Rosendale. Instruction will be given in compression-only CPR and use of an AED (automated external defibrillator) device. In addition, each attendee will be provided with a Narcan kit and instructed in its use. This class, which is free and open to the public, will be taught by Officer Patrick Carroll of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Department. For more information, call 845-658-8198.

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.

The Lions meet at 5 p.m. on the second Wednesday (April 12), and at noon on the fourth Thursday of every month (March 23) in the conference room of the Rondout Municipal Center, 1925 Lucas Turnpike, Cottekill. For more information on being included in the club’s next meeting, contact Sue Curcio, president,

and refreshments will be available for purchase with vegan and gluten-free options. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 on the day of, and kids under 5 are free.

Event proceeds support the Ashokan Center’s ongoing work to inspire learning and build community through shared experiences in nature, history, music and art.

For more information, visit ashokancenter.org or call 845-657-8333.

at otrlsc@gmail.com or Janet Sutter, treasurer, at janet.sutter@aol.com.

RVMS Spaghetti Dinner at the Marbletown Community Center Rondout Valley Middle School Student Council members are hosting their annual Spaghetti Dinner on Thursday, March 30, with 5 and 6 p.m. seatings, at the Marbletown Community Center, 3564 Main St., Stone Ridge. Dinner includes salad, spaghetti with meatballs, bread, and iced tea and cookies for dessert. The cost is $10 for adults and $6 for children, with all proceeds going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please make checks payable to the RVMS 4-6 Student Council. Reservations should be made by March 23. For more information and reservations, email Angela Rion at arion@ rondout.k12.ny.us.

Marbletown Seniors meetings and next group trip Open to all those over 55, whether living in Marbletown or not.

The Seniors hold their meetings at the Marbletown Community Center, 3564 Main St., across from Key Bank in Stone Ridge, at noon on the first Friday, April 7 (bring a dish to share or drop $3 in the basket on the food table), and at 1 p.m. on the third Friday, April 21 (bring a dessert to share or drop $2 in the basket on the dessert table), each month. For more information, call Donna Lamerson at 845-750-8616. The next group trip will be on Tuesday, April 11, to Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville, Connecticut, for “Shake, Rattle ’n’ Roll,” dueling pianos featuring mixing music, comedy and audience interaction in a sing-along, dance-along show, also offering a meal with choice of Chicken Kathryn or baked ham. Cost of trip is $63. Bus leaves 8:30 a.m. This trip leaves from Rosendale Recreation Center, 1055 Route 32N, Rosendale. For trip reservation, call Sharon Letus, at 845-687-9162.

ARTS, MUSIC, BODY & MIND Live Music at Lydia’s Café Enjoy live music 7-10 p.m. Saturday nights at Lydia’s Café, 7 Old Route 209, Stone Ridge.

Upcoming performances include the Vinnie Martucci Trio, where Manhattan Transfer co-founder Laurel Massé joins SUNY music professors performing jazz and original works on March 18, with

Martucci on keys, Rich Syracuse, bass, and Jeff Siegel, drums, and March 25 features Marty Elkins & Co, with Elkins on vocals, Peter Tomlinson, keys, Lew Scott, bass, and Larry Balestra, drums.

There is a suggested donation of $20.

Saturday night’s also feature the “jazz” buffet with Creole and Southern-style cooking. Artwork by Fran Sutherland is on display, with proceeds from sales going to Doctors Without Borders Ukraine.

For more information, call 845-687-6373 or visit lydias-cafe.com.

Saturday Creature Features presents Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi double feature Following the release of “Dracula” and “Frankenstein” in 1931, Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff reigned as Hollywood’s undisputed Masters of Horror.

“The Black Cat” would be the first film to co-star the two horror heavyweights and would become Universal Pictures’ highest grossing film of 1934. Karloff plays the devil cult high priest Hjalmar Poelzig, who has unsavory plans for a woman stranded following a road accident.

Lugosi co-stars as Dr. Vitus Werdegast, who challenges the mad Poelzig at every turn! “The Raven” (1935) would unite Boris and Bela once again in a tale of murderous obsession and mad science that also remains a fan favorite to the present day. In the film, Lugosi is mad surgeon Dr. Richard Volin, who desires a beautiful ballet dancer and will use any instrument of torture at his disposal to murder those who stand in his way.

Karloff is escaped murderer Edmund Bateman, who has fallen prey to Dr. Volin and his mad scheme. The films will be shown at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. Admission is $14 or $10 for members and those in costume. For more information, visit rosendaletheatre. org or call 845-658-8989.

Turning the Tables Healthy Cooking Classes presents ‘Sheet Pan Dinners’ Learn to cook delicious, easy, inexpensive meals using fresh, on-hand ingredients and pantry staples. Find out all the ways that adding whole, plant-rich and local foods to meals can instantly benefit self, family, the community and the planet. Free monthly online classes show how fun and simple it is to use fool-proof master recipes to create an endless variety of tasty meals, snacks and desserts.

Learn to cook on the fly! These classes are a collaboration of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County, Ellenville Regional Rural Health Care Network and Stick to Local Studio. The next Turning the Tables Healthy Cooking Class is “Sheet Pan Dinners,” 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, via Zoom. For the Zoom link and more information, contact High Falls’ own Maria Reidelbach, Healthy Cooking educator, at mrr233@cornel.edu.

Science on Screen Series opens with ‘In the Garden of Sounds’ documentary The documentary “In the Garden of Sounds (Nel giardino dei suoni)” will be screened at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. A post-film discussion featuring psychotherapist SarahRose Hogan and Jim Metzner, producer, and host of the “Pulse of the Planet” radio series and podcast, along with a recent interview with the film's star, Wolfgang Fasser, will also be presented.

Alan Newman, the Science on Screen® producer, will moderate the discussion.

“In the Garden of Sounds” documents the remarkable work of Fasser with severely disabled children. Fasser, who went blind as a young man, had turned his disability into a tool for helping children through music and sounds. In a small Swiss hamlet, he engages children with drums, piano, and even a bed that resonates with sounds. The documentary is subtitled in English and was recorded in Swiss German and Italian. It is the first of four films in the Science on Screen® series featured monthly, at the Rosendale Theatre. The series creatively pairs films with a lively discussion by notable figures from the world of science, technology, and medicine. Science on Screen® is an initiative of the Coolidge Corner Theatre, with significant support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. For more information, visit rosendaletheatre. org or call 845-658-8989.

Death Café group discussion via Zoom, free & open to all Circle of Friends for the Dying’s Death Café is a group-direct-

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BlueStone Press, March 17, 2023, Page 21 Events continued from page 20 ed conversation with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session; it is free and open to everyone.

Death Cafés are held on the 18th of each month, with the next discussion, 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18, via Zoom, discussing different types of losses, death, relationship, empty nest, environmental, retirement, job loss, move, illness, loss of function – any of these that can bring a sense of loss of identity. For more information and registration, visit cfdhv.org.

Events at the Kiva, at MaMA The Kiva is located behind Marbletown Multi-Arts, MaMA, at 3588 Main St., Stone Ridge.

Upcoming events include Temenos Shabbat with Rabbi Zach Fredman and friends, 6:30 p.m. tonight, Friday, March 17, temenosnyc.com; Cacao, meditation, sound healing, and intention setting, 5-7 p.m. Saturday, March 18, RSVP at heartopengatherings@gmail.com; Sounding Spring, 6 p.m. Monday, March 20; and QOYA, 3-5 p.m. Sunday, March 26. Each week are Zoom Sunday gatherings at 11 a.m., and the meditation, movement and conversation group led by Wes Ostertag and Ev Mann, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. For more information on all these events, visit cometomama.org or call 845-8535154.

Writers’ group with Cathy Arra Two separate writers’ groups meet 4-6:30 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 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 for Group 1 is on March 20 and for Group 2 on March 27. For more information and to join the group, email carra22@aol.com.

Conversational French with Claudine Brenner A native French speaker, born in Paris and raised in Europe, Claudine Brenner chose Stone Ridge as her place to retire following a 30-year government career abroad. Culture, medicine, travels and anything/everything culinary are favorite subjects that she would love to share and exchange with others, speaking in French. The program she is offering is held, 1-2 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month, with the next conversation hour on Tuesday, March 21, in the activity room, at the Stone Ridge Library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge. For more information, visit stoneridgelibrary. org or call 845-687-7023.

Tap workshops with Brenda Bufalino at the Rosendale Theatre Brenda Bufalino, international performer and tap dance master, will teach a tap workshop for advanced beginner-intermediate levels, noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, March 22 and 29, at the Rosendale Theater, 408 Main St., Rosendale, for $25/class. For more information, visit rosendaletheatre. org or call 845-658-8989. For registration, email brendabufaline@yahoo.com.

For more on Bufalino, visit brendabufalino.com.

Discover the Arts at SUNY Ulster Come learn about SUNY Ulster’s arts programs, and preview student work, 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 22 (snow date, March 23), in the Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery in Vanderlyn Hall, Room 265, SUNY Ulster, 491 Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge. Prospective students are invited to participate in an optional Portfolio Review of their work, and tour the art department facilities including the Gallery, Print Shop, Mac Lab, Mac Studio and Inner Space. SUNY Ulster offers $1 million in scholarships to students annually, and with financial aid, many of its students graduate with zero debt.

SUNY Ulster graduates have transferred on to attend four-year colleges such as Fashion Institute of Technology, Pratt, School of Visual Arts, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Purchase, etc. Registration is required. For more information, contact SUNY Ulster Admissions, The Enrollment & Success Center at admissionsevents@ sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5022.

Drum Circle for peace with Fre Atlast Gather and drum in a vision of peace, noon-1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 26, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosen-

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The Rosendale Theatre’s Science on Screen Series presents ‘Windshipped’ and ‘One Dam at a Time’ Stone Ridge filmmaker Jon Bowermaster will screen two new environmental documentaries, “Windshipped” and “One Dam at a Time,” 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. He will be joined by Dr. George Jackman, Riverkeeper’s senior habitat restoration manager and star of “One Dam at a Time.” Matt Kovner, Town of Olive Environmental Conservation Commission member and Third Thursday Environmental Series organizer, will moderate the after-film discussion. The event is presented through the Rosendale Theatre's Science on Screen® series.

“Windshipped” (2022) documents the rebirth of the Apollonia, a 64-foot steel bottom cargo ship built in the 1940s as a cargo sailing ship on the Hudson River.

Using sustainable energy, wind and sun, the Apollonia transports goods from the mid-Hudson area through regional ports, including Kingston and Poughkeepsie, to New York City, and returns with cargo from downstate.

Filmed locally, “One Dam at a Time” (2023) features Jackman and highlights the challenges and efforts to remove old, unused dams on creeks and streams running into the Hudson River. Removing these dams restores these waterways to the aquatic life that depends on them.

Following the movies, the audience will be able to ask questions of the panel about issues and query Bowermaster on his career as a filmmaker and storyteller.

Bowermaster has produced and directed more than 30 documentary films and written 11 books. He is a six-time grantee of the National Geographic Expeditions Council and one of the Society’s “Ocean Heroes.” Over the course of 10 years, he and his teams brought back stories from the Aleutian Islands to French Polynesia.

Currently, his One Ocean Media Foundation/Oceans 8 Films focuses on short films about the environmental risks to, and hopes for, the Hudson River Valley.

After retiring from the New York City Police Department as a lieutenant, Jackman earned his Ph.D. in ecology, evolution and behavior from the CUNY Graduate Center in conjunction with SUNY. He currently works on dam removal in the Hudson Valley and teaches as an adjunct professor at Queens College. Jackman’s research

focuses on migratory fish.

This program is organized by members of the Third Thursday Environmental Series and receives major funding from Science on Screen®. Additional support comes from Riverkeeper and Sustainable Hudson Valley.

Science on Screen® is an initiative of the Coolidge Corner Theatre, with major support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Only 40 competitive Science on Screen® grants were awarded nationwide in 2022-2023. This is the fourth year that the Rosendale Theatre Collective has been granted funding for this program.

Third Thursday Series is a program of free, online events, organized by members of the Gardiner, Marbletown, Rochester and Olive environmental conservation commissions. Each month the series presents a program on an environmental topic of general interest to residents of

St. Patrick’s Day with the Wild Swan Band, at the Rosendale Theatre

Flower Hill House Concert No. 5 with Sarah Perrotta and Studio Stu

Join the community, 8 p.m. Friday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale, for an evening of music with the Wild Swan Band. This band was the traditional Irish house band at the Rosendale Cafe for many years, and they perform a graceful mix of Celtic song, jigs, reels and waltzes, along with original songs in the Celtic/ folk rock tradition. The band features Sarah Underhill on vocals, Ian Worpol, guitar and vocals; T.G. Vanini, fiddle; Jon Garelick, mandolin; and Robert Bard, stand-up bass.

All are invited to sing along on the chorus, tap their feet to the beat or get up on the dance floor! Come on out for great music, company, and food and drink served in Uncle Tony’s Tavern. This event is produced by Mark Morgenstern, owner and music booker extraordinaire of the Rosendale Cafe. Morgenstern is on the board of advisers of the Rosendale Theatre Collective. Admission is $20/$15 members. For more information, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-658-8989.

Filmed locally, “One Dam at a Time” (2023) features Riverkeeper Dr. George Jackman and highlights the challenges and efforts to remove old, unused dams on creeks and streams running into the Hudson River.

“Windshipped” (2022) documents the rebirth of the Apollonia, a 64-foot steel bottom cargo ship built in the 1940s as a cargo sailing ship on the Hudson River.

Marbletown’s Sarah Perrotta will be hosting house concert #5 from her home, 8 p.m. Saturday, March 18, with her featured guest, washtub bass comedy jazz extraordinaire Studio Stu and his band of Mark Dziuba, guitar; Paul Duffy, piano; Brian Melick, drums, and Vito Sparansa, flugelhorn. Doors open at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m. Finest attire encouraged. There is a $35 suggested donation that includes food, libations and a great night of live music. For more information, email sarah. perotta@gmail.com.

Ulster County. Subscribe with an email to thirdthursdayseries@gmail.com.

Riverkeeper is a nonprofit environmental organization (riverkeeper.org) dedicated to the protection of the Hudson River and its tributaries, as well as the watersheds that provide New York City with its drinking water.

Sustainable Hudson Valley’s mission is to speed up, scale up, jazz up and leverage progress against climate change, creating communities where people and nature thrive. Learn more at sustainhv.org.

The Rosendale Theatre Collective operates the historic Rosendale Theatre using the power of film and live performance to entertain, educate and inspire connection.

Tickets for the two screenings and Q&A are $10/$6 members. Although not mandatory, the wearing of masks is encouraged. For info, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-658-8989.

Marbletown’s Sarah Perrotta and Studio Stu

Rosendale artist Ted Dixon ‘Less is four’ abstract paintings exhibit “Less is four,” an exhibition by Rosendale artist Ted Dixon will be on display for March and April, with the artist reception, 4-7 p.m. Saturday, March 18,

at Montgomery Row Art Space, 6423 Montgomery St., 2nd floor, Rhinebeck.

For more information, visit www. hereisted.com.

Page 22, March 17, 2023, BlueStone Press

Spaghetti Takeout Dinner Fundraiser for Little Ones Learning Center in Accord

Events continued from page 29 dale. Drummer Fre Atlast will guide the rhythmic journey of songs and chants of peace from multiple cultures and traditions. Bring drums and percussion instruments. Some drums will be available.

Dancers and chanters are encouraged to attend. This is a safe space to play for all levels. For more information, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-658-8989.

Stone Ridge Library presents Spanish conversations with Francisco Rivera ¿Hablas español? To brush up on Spanish conversation skills and meet other language lovers in a friendly and stressfree environment with facilitator Francisco Rivera, join the class, 1-2 p.m. every fourth Tuesday of the month via Zoom, with the next session on March 28. All levels are welcomed. ¡Hasta entonces!

Rivera was born and raised in Spanish Harlem in NYC and is a long-term resident of Marbletown. Contact programs manager Sarah Robertson at programs@ stoneridgelibrary.org to join the group.

For more information, visit stoneridgelibrary.org or call 845-687-7023.

Local construction contractor breakfast to discuss bid opportunities RUPCO Inc. is seeking construction contractors to submit their qualifications to join the list of qualified contractors notified of bid opportunities for the Revitalize Broadway Corridor Program and other programs such as the ReGen Homes Project, Kingston, and many Home Ownership Center programs.

Eligible contractors must provide proof of comprehensive or commercial general liability insurance coverage, workers' compensation, and automobile liability insurance. To learn more about full eligibility requirements and to submit qualifications to join RUPCO's list, interested contractors can complete the registration form at rupco.org/contractor.

RUPCO will host a contractor breakfast at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, at 2 Main St., Kingston, to further discuss these bid opportunities. To RSVP visit rupco.org/events.

Virtual Financial Aid Workshops in Stone Ridge SUNY Ulster has scheduled multiple financial aid workshops to be held on Zoom. During the workshops, students can get help from a SUNY Ulster financial aid counselor in completing their 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The workshops will be held from 2-3 p.m. April 6, May 11 and June 1. Students need their 2022 tax information on hand before the workshop begins, which includes the W-2 forms, federal tax returns, and any other income or asset documents. Registration is required. For more information, contact Kathleen Hasbrouck at 845687-5217.

‘Word on the Street,’ photos by Bob Esposito in the gallery at the Rosendale Theatre Local photographer Bob Esposito has always had a fascination with how people communicate at street level. Be it by signage, sculpture, graffiti or the wonderfully witty wall scrawl, these photos, mainly shot on expired Kodak film using vintage toy cameras, will be featured for the months of March and April, in the gallery at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. All prints are nicely priced at $10-$15. All proceeds above printing cost go to the Rosendale Theatre. For more info, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-6588989.

Rehabilitation Through the Arts exhibition in Stone Ridge “Fork in the Road,” an exhibition featuring artwork by incarcerated individuals from correctional facilities in New York state, will be presented by Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), through April 29, at the Stone Ridge Library. The concept of the exhibition, “Fork in the Road,” a moment of decision in life or history when a choice must be taken, was the vision of incarcerated participants of RTA’s visual arts program. The exhibition will feature 25-30 artworks from three correctional facilities in New York: Bedford Hills, women’s maximum security; Green Haven, men’s maximum security; and Woodbourne, men’s medium security. The artwork was created in classes taught by RTA teaching artists Angela Tornello and Claire Wasserman, who also curated the exhibition. The project is being supported in part by the NoVo Foundation and Arts Mid-Hudson.

High Falls filmmaker Taylor Seupel will hold a Q&A after the film.

‘Suicide Eyes,’ a film by Taylor Seupel of High Falls, back by popular demand Garnering standing ovations from a capacity crowd in Kingston last month, “Suicide Eyes,” a short film produced in the Hudson Valley by Taylor Seupel of High Falls, is back for two more showings, 7 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, March 25 and April 8, at the Arts Society of Kingston, 97 Broadway, Kingston. Note that Broadway parking is limited, but parking is also available at the nearby police station, 1 Garraghan Drive; on Spring Street, and across from the Maritime Museum, 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston.

A 14-minute dark comedy meant to kick off discussion about this tough subject, the film was hailed by many educators as a must-see for schools and colleges. The story follows Jake, a young man who decides to end his life. However, there are consequences he can’t escape, and he must

bear witness to the events that unfold.

Dedicated to Seupel’s brother, father, and friend, all of whom died of suicide in 2012, the film heavily features local actors, including Marbletown’s Ed Morris, who plays Jake’s dad, and locations of the Hudson Valley. Students from the Digital Media Department at SUNY New Paltz also helped with production.

Actor, writer and filmmaker, Seupel has pursued his career in Manhattan, England, Los Angeles and in the Hudson Valley. He received his B.A. in theater from SUNY New Paltz and has performed on stage and in film. He will hold a Q&A reception with refreshments after the film. Admission is free, but donations to help defray expenses and for film festival fees are accepted.

For more information, email tsuepel@ gmail.com.

Fishbowl (left to right) is Harvey Boyer, Sevan Melikyan, Nicole Ryan and Bob Wallner.

Fishbowl at the (new) High Falls Cafe The community is invited to come in costume to Fishbowl’s “Come As You Aren’t” show, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the new location of the High Falls Café, 2842 Route 209, North Marbletown.

Fishbowl will play tunes like “Lady Marmalade,” “Venus,” “Bad Guy,” “Poker Face,”

“One Way or Another,” “Creep,” “Billie Jean, “Mony, Mony,” “Karma Chameleon” and more. Prizes will be awarded for best costume, best dance, and many other categories. For more information, visit highfallscafe.com or call 845-687-2699.

In-person workshop, ‘The Waking State’ with Elizabeth Gross

day, March 26, in the Sky Room at Whole Sky Yoga, 3588 Main St., Stone Ridge, students will learn how to support the body’s natural cleansing processes through gentle movement; explore ways to connect to the organs and natural elements associated with spring; and encourage the release of unhelpful patterns and stuck energy.

Gross is trained in Embodied FlowTM, an integrative system of hatha yoga, somatics, movement meditations, tantric philosophy, and transpersonal psychology and teaches group yoga classes and workshops.

For more information, visit wholeskyyoga.com or call 845-706-3668.

Through a well-balanced practice of gentle yoga, breathing exercises, mediation and journaling, a deep connection to and appreciation for spring will be encouraged, cultivating a sense of refreshment and renewal within the body and mind. During this guided experience with instructor Elizabeth Gross, 2-4 p.m. Sun-

Little Ones Learning Center, a free early literacy program for children 0-6, is sponsoring a Spaghetti Takeout Dinner Fundraiser, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at their location at Rochester Reformed Church, 5142 Route 209, Accord. The menu for the takeout-only spaghetti dinner includes spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread and dessert. The cost is $12 for adults, $8 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 5.

Reservations are required by calling 845-750-1341 or emailing LOLC12404@ gmail.com.

YET (Youth Ensemble Theater) presents ‘The Field Trip,’ an original play directed by Amy Poux “The Field Trip” is an original multimedia play by the Youth Ensemble Theater troupe, which traces a motley group’s journey to a wax museum.

There are the runaways who are escaping, the horticulturalist who just likes to ride buses, the cryogenically preserved bus driver, and a few mysterious characters who seem to be after Poux one wax figure with a ruby heart. The play, with one performance only, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 18, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale, features Nora Abramson, Alila Andersen, Ari Apteker, Finn DeWitt, Liam Engel, Cleo Gebert, Rosaleah Glantz, Sage Goldstein, Josiah Hinestroza, Dino Philippis, Jordan Vargas, and directed by Rosendale’s own Amy Poux, Founded in 2005, the mission of Youth Ensemble Theater is to serve diverse groups of young people with expansive, potent and vital experiences in the arts in this rural community. YET has found its home at the Rosendale Theatre with a new series of year-round theater and media programs and performances, including their summer program where enrollment is now open.

For more information, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-658-8989.

Worth it!

BSP classified ads!!!!

Place them on the NEW website

bluestonepress.net OR call BSP at 845-687-4480

Find what you’re looking for

Page 23 Services Offered

Bell Excavation and Stonework 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

$15.00 for the first 20 words. ($.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!

Whittaker Welding Steel & Cast Iron Repair Fabrication Modifications Reinforcement 407 Krumville Road Olivebridge, NY 12461 845-657-6719

Doug Tyler Jr. SNOW PLOWING Sanding & Salting Residential & Commercial Over 30 years experience 10% Discount for Seniors 845-849-5909 (cell) 687-0087 (home) Mini- Excavator and Operator Available for trenches, driveways, debris removal, horse fencing and treasure burying.

203-858-3634 Rose Hill Antiques 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.

Senior advocate, companion care.

Transportation and assistance with medical appointments. Second set of ears to aid in the adherence of treatment recommendations. Hearing needs assessment. Assistance with completion of an advanced directive regarding end of life care and legacy projects. Social outings to local exhibits, galleries, theatres, educational presentations, historic landmarks, lunches. Over 20 years experience working with seniors in the hearing healthcare sector. $35/hour.

Call or text - 297-935-1210 References available. Email for more information. hudsonvalleyseniorsentinel@gmail.com Tired of overpriced and overtaxed products from the dispensary? Worried about the additives and pesticides that pervade the black market supplies?

NYS laws now allow Certified Patients to grow their own legally. Educated and experienced local grower working with patients to cultivate legal, organic medical marijuana at your home. From site visits and consultations to garden construction and maintenance, Gunk View Growers will get you started.

Discreet and dependable. Inquiries to: gunkview@gmail.com Help Wanted/Items Needed

Rice Plumbing and Heating is looking to hire an experienced HVAC Plumbing technician.

3 to 5 years experience.

Clean drivers license.

Full time.

Salary based on experience.

Send resume to riceplumbingandheating@gmail.com

JOIN

OUR TEAM!

MARBLETOWN

Sell it now!

Winter’s here!

Snow Plowing / Sanding. Fall / Spring Clean Ups. Discount rates.

845-893-5644

March 17, 2023

Seasonal Facilities & Grounds Assistant: Mohonk Preserve’s Stewardship team manages over 8,000 acres incl. 30 miles of carriage roads, 40 miles of trails, five trailheads, a visitor center, and many historic and recreational facilities.

We are seeking team members with diverse maintenance skills and ability to perform strenuous labor outdoors; clean driver’s license. April -Nov. (30-40 hrs./week); starting wage: $15 -$17/hr. Potential for flexible hours. Open until filled. Email statement of interest and work history to employment@mohonkpreserve. org EOE Details: https://www. mohonkpreserve.org/who-we-are/ jobs-fellowships-and-internships/ The Roost in Stone Ridge is currently interviewing for f/t cooks and dishwashers at competitive wages. Please apply in person at the restaurant 3542 Main St., Stone Ridge.

Veronica’s Garden in Stone Ridge is seeking an Experienced Landscaper Good salary, flexible hours Must have a licensed Call 845-687-9026 or (845)399-1708 Home Sought

Rondout Municipal Center 1925 Lucas Avenue, Cottekill marbletown.net

845-687-7500

Town Board Meeting March 21 @ 6:00pm Housing Committee March 28 @ 7:00pm Town Board Meeting April 4 @ 6:00pm Housing Committee April 11 @ 7:00pm CPAB Meeting April 12 @ 5:00pm Historic Preservation April 13 @ 6:00pm

ROSENDALE Rondout Municipal Center 1915 Lucas Avenue, Cottekill townofrosendale.com

845-658-3159

Zoning Board of Appeals March 21 @ 7:00 pm Police Commission March 28 @ 3:00 pm Youth Commission April 3 @ 7:00 pm Town Board Workshop April 5 @ 7:00 pm Town Board Meeting April 12 @ 6:00 pm Environmental Commission April 13 @ 7:00 pm

ROCHESTER Harold Lipton Community Center, 15 Tobacco Road townofrochester.ny.gov

845-626-7384

Young couple looking for our forever home We just moved back to the area to be near our new little nephew and growing family in Stone Ridge. Hoping to find a 3+ br / 1+ bath on a quiet 2+ acre property where our family can gather, hopefully with a barn or shed that could be used as a wood shop and enough space for a small garden. In Ulster, western Dutchess, or southwest Columbia county. We’re both handy and very open to taking on an older property in need of care. We love old houses (1870s-1940s), but open to all types of homes! Please reach out to Mia at (818)384-0698 or mtramz@gmail.com

BSP IS LOOKING FOR A NEW OFFICE MANAGER IN OUR STONE RIDGE OFFICE. The right candidate will be detail-oriented and have good communication skills. This customer service position works with the community, advertisers and reporting staff. It also includes inside sales, account management, and website tasks on proprietorial software specific to the newspaper industry.

INTERESTED? CONTACT THE BSP OFFICE.

845-687-4480 | bluestonepress845@gmail.com

WE WILL TRAIN THE RIGHT PERSON.

Historic Preservation March 20 @ 2:00 pm Environmental Conservation March 28 @ 6:00 pm Town Board Audit Meeting March 30 @ 7:00 pm Town Board Meeting April 6 @ 6:30 pm Planning Board Meeting April 10 @ 7:00 pm

BOARD OF ED District, Kyserike Road, Accord rondout.k12.ny.us/ board-of-education SPECIAL BOE MEETING March 14 @ 4:30 pm BOE MEETING March 21 @ 7:00 pm BOE MEETING April 18 @ 7:00 pm Confirmation of meeting times through individual town offices is recommended.

Page 24, March 17, 2023BlueStone Press

Water Testing & Treatment for over 25 years

James Lyman Reynolds architect 3555 Main St, Stone Ridge Iron, Hardness, Sulphur, Bacteria - UV Treatment, pH - Green Staining

845.687.9161 4303 US Route 209 | Stone Ridge, New York 12484

jameslymanreynolds.com

(845) 687-0420 • aquacheckllc@gmail.com

Custom Showers • Ceramic & Stone Tile Stone Veneers • Full Bath Build-Outs • Insured

845-687-4745

Accessories -- Sales Accessories Sales--Installations Installations Cars --Trucks Trucks -- RVs Cars RVs -- Boats Boats OVER 45 www.davescarcare.com YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE VALLEY

Coal, Gas THE MAD HATTER  &Wood, Oil Flues CO .

CHIMNEY SWEEP INC Expertly Cleaned

Flynn O’Connor

COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE DETAILING

Dave Hllml • By Appointment 687-2445 Dave Hllml By Appointment 687-2445 4693 Route 209, Accord, NY 12404 4693 Route 209, Accord, NY 12404 www.davescarcare.com

Call

SPRING CLEANING

Matthew Flamhaft 845-687-9735 www.visitvortex.com/Matthew_Flamhaft

Wayne W. St. Hill, DDS, MAGD

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MEMBER NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD

 Caps, Dampers Installed  Masonry Repairs & Water Sealing  Pre-Fab Chimney Specialist  Stainless Steel Relining Specialist

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Civil EnginEEring and land SurvEying PC Stone Ridge Dentistry 3642 Main Street Stone Ridge, ny 12484 (845) 687-0600

212 Fair Street Kingston, NY 12401 P: (845) 331-3600 F: (845) 334-9465

4305 uS Highway 209 • Stone ridge, ny 12484 PHonE (845) 687-0047 • Fax (845) 687-4783

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info@mecels.com • www.mecels.com

PC Perfection

Edgar P. Campbell Joanne C. Whalen

Helping Human Beings Cope with Computers since 1986

Counsellors At Law

Tutoring, Sales, Repair, Cleaning

Taking Care of Your Legal Needs!

Alan Silverman

• Wills • Real Estate • Elder Law • Estates

(845) 687-9458

Injured? Call us

(914) 948-7700 (845) 687-0353 3536 Rt. 209 Stone Ridge, NY 12484

All Types of Roofing Fully Insured

alan.silverman.computers@gmail.com http://alan-silverman-computers.com

Sanitall

Stone Ridge Insurance

HudSon Valley Green CleanerS

Serving All of Your Insurance Needs

Steam Vapor Sanitizing SerVice ChemiCal Free!!!

100% Green Cleaning testing and removal of

Emergency Well Pump Service Plumbing Repairs & Installation Water Filtration Systems Radiant Heat Flooring Oil & Gas Heating Systems-Installation & Service Septic & Drain Field Installation/Sump Pump Installation

Licensed Master Plumber #136 • Fully Insured riceplumbingandheating@gmail.com • riceplumbingandheating.com

Donald J. Giamei, Agent donaldgiamei@hotmail.com

mold. allergens. deep Cleaning.

Michele Aversano, Licensed Associate michelesri@outlook.com

Reconstruction/Remodeling Post Construction & Seasonal Clean Up

PO Box 341, 3669 Main Street, Stone Ridge Phone 845-687-2828 | Fax 845-687-2829 stoneridgeinsurance.net | Like us on

Cracked Pipe, Flood & Black Water Damage, Dry Out & Disinfecting nYs licensed mold assessor & mold remediation

Commercial & Residential. Insurance Claims Accepted.

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All Motor CArs Creating thoughtful, livable spaces.

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