BlueStone Press

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

Published the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month | Vol. 28, Issue 9

May 5, 2023 | $1.00

Preservation committee proposes land acquisition Purchase to be funded by Marbletown's new real estate transfer tax

Proposed extension of supervisor’s term hears strong public comment

Brooke Stelzer BSP Reporter The Marbletown Town Board meeting was held on Tuesday, May 2, at the Rondout Municipal Building in Cottekill, and streamed on Facebook Live. Board members present in person included Rich Parete, chairman and town supervisor, along with Tim Hunt, Don LaFera and Ken Davenport. Daisy Foote joined virtually.

Dale Robbins, chairman of the Community Preservation Advisory Committee, along with Jonathan Bergman, Bill Merchant and Celia Lewis, presented an update on committee funds and future plans in the area. The CPF is funded by the real estate transfer tax (RETT), which was passed in November. The one-time tax is paid by the buyer and is computed at 1% of the portion of the sales price that exceeds the amount of the median cost of a home in Ulster County, currently $350,000. The RETT funds will then be used to acquire or preserve properties in the township, in partnership with conservation organizations, private donors and state agencies. From January to March, the fund acquired approximately $42,000 from the tax. The first quarter of 2023 included a notable real estate sale of over $2 million.

“Our goal is to preserve community character, our priorities are creating public access to open space, for recreation, and also to conserve our cultural and natural resources in the town. So this has sort of been in the DNA of the town for a long time,” said Robbins.

Upon reviewing the initial RETT funds from the first three months of the year, the CPF is making a recommendation to acquire the Osterhoudt Flats, on Cooper Street, Stone Ridge, near the intersection of routes 209 and 213. The parcel is a 97-acre meadow, split between approximately 47 acres of woodland and 50 acres of open meadows. The property is named for the Osterhoudt family, who settled in Stone Ridge in 1778 and have resided on the original farmstead that flanks both sides of Atwood Road, further north. The committee’s vision is to create a public space and nature preserve on the 97-acre property.

Osterhoudt Flats has been on the market twice in the last few years. Recently, the Open Space Institute (OSI) agreed to an option for nine months on the property

Did you see the northern lights last week?

PAGE 3

Board split on adding 4-year term to Nov. ballot Brooke Stelzer BSP Reporter

town gets a better idea of incoming revenue, whether it will be necessary to take out a loan, and if so, how much. The town would repay OSI the price they negotiated with owner in the option contract.

“To be very clear, any borrowing that the Town might do will be paid back exclusively from the Community Preservation Fund, which gets its revenue from the real estate transfer tax, state grants and private donations,” said Robbins. “In our plans,

Resolution 48 was presented at Marbletown’s May 2 Town Board meeting – a resolution for a local law to have a ballot referendum this November to extend the supervisor's term from the current two years to four years. Town supervisor Rich Parete said, “This is basically the same law that we did four years ago to extend the highway superintendent’s and the town clerk's terms. If it's approved in November, the term will be four years. If it's not approved, then it will be two years, starting in January.”

Public comment opened with Vincent Martello, a former town supervisor. “It's something I hadn't thought about since I was a supervisor. And I think it's an excellent idea. And I think it's an excellent idea for a number of reasons. Number one is that it doesn't make any sense whatsoever … a town supervisor with a part-time town board, and have the supervisor’s term be the shortest term of all the members of the board. When that person is ostensibly supposed to be the thread of continuity, you know, for the many projects and other things that the town addresses. I mean, when you think about projects like this, you talk about local laws, zoning changes, what have you. These are things that take a while to develop. They take an understanding. They take a shepherding through the process. And I think that the town supervisor needs that time to really develop those projects and see them through.”

Laura Cunningham stated, “I don't think that there's really much of a learning curve if you're reelected.” She said that she is not in favor of a four-year term.

Bill Terpening read a prepared statement, which said, in part: “I believe this resolution is an egregious power grab by the supervisor. If the supervisor was not running for office November 7th, only then would this proposal be neutral and less conscionable. Otherwise the degree of

See Land, page 10

See 4-year term, page 15

Osterhoudt Flats are currently used for growing hay and feed corn. The total parcel, an area of 97 acres, consists of 47 acres of woods and 50 acres of meadows, listed as tax parcel (SBL): 61.20-3-9.400 and owned by Claude Osterhoudt, Zoning District: R3, on Atwood/Cooper Road in Stone Ridge.

to take it off the market so that Marbletown would have time to figure out an acquisition and how to pay for it. In September of this year, after the nine-month period, OSI would buy the property for the town. [the town would not disclose the price at this time] A public hearing in June will allow the town board to vote on the decision to acquire the property. As Robbins explained in a statement to BSP on May 3, OSI is generously giving the town an interest-free period of three years to pay back the cost of the purchase while the

Baseball season in full swing in the valley PAGES 12 AND 13

Turtles operate on a different time scale PAGE 19

Page 2, May July5,1, 2023 2022,, BlueStone BlueStone Press Press

The eternal appeal of the Shawangunk Ridge When did you move here and what brought you to this area?

We moved to High Falls in July of 2003.

My wife and I are both from Connecticut but met in Boulder, Colorado. We got married in Colorado and our kids were born there. We experienced some heartbreaking loss in my family, and living closer to our families in central Connecticut suddenly became really important. As a climber, I'd been visiting this area since the early 1980s. My friends and I would Visit the folks always talk about how living near the next door Gunks would be amazing. For our family, the blend of open space, accessibility to the City and proximity to our folks in Connecticut made the area attractive. In the end, it's been the remarkable community of human beings here that has made it home.

Q&A

Photo by Christian Fracchi

Joe Vitti Profession: Rock and ice climbing guide Age: 57 Town: High Falls

Tell us about your family.

My wife is an amazing person. She's an English teacher in the Rondout district.

She loves grammar and food and our friends and books – she really loves books.

My daughter Isabella lives in Breckenridge, Colorado. She loves snow and mountains and her dog, Mesa. When she was small I used to call her “the future leader of the rebel forces.” That fierce flame still burns bright.

Cree is our son. He lives in Los Angeles, though he claims he and his partner are moving to Brooklyn next year (fingers crossed ’cause I miss him). He's an artist, a musician and a lifelong comedian.

Colleen and I have a pair of dogs we love a lot too. Gelsa is a sort of angel with fur and four legs, which makes Fritz, well, SATAN! (A piece of advice, if you get a cattle dog expect mayhem!)

It feels crazy to me, having children in their 20s. Where did these remarkable young people come from? Where does the time go?

I'm incredibly fortunate to be able to spend my work days sharing outrageous experiences in jaw droppingly beautiful places. The tag line for my service is "Connecting with the natural world, climbing in it." This sums up what it's about for me. I spent 10 years working a desk job in Colorado so I know what that's like.

Modern living is loaded with barriers between us and the planet we live on.

When we go climbing things are suddenly a lot less tame, we need to plan, prepare and react to forces beyond our control.

How we manage these challenges, the physical, intellectual and emotional processes, make the sport incredibly satisfying.

It's also a brilliant framework for visiting beautiful places as well. In addition to my work here in the Gunks, Catskills and Adirondacks, I organize trips to the desert Southwest, Sierra Nevadas and the Rockies each year. I’ve worked in Mexico, Cuba, and even an expedition to Papua New Guinea.

Tell us about your work … why you are passionate about it?

I make my living teaching and guiding rock and ice climbers. Climbing has been at the center of my life for over 40 years.

You said you love the community here.

Elaborate on that.

We are all part of a variety of communities, right? We've got our families, the people we work with, our neighbors. When we

left Boulder it was pretty gut wrenching.

After 10 years there we'd become deeply connected to the place. Coming to High Falls, in many ways, meant starting from scratch. I'd tell people that we moved here from Boulder and they'd say, "Why?" It cracked me up that folks living here often didn't realize how amazing a place it is.

After 20 years I've learned so much about this region, its history, the fascinating people that live here. Artists, activists, athletes, woodworkers and farmers, good people with big hearts make their homes here.

I’m grateful to count so many as friends.

Over these years it’s really cool how my different communities have overlapped, the degrees of separation often seem to be dwindling.

What do you do in your spare time?

In 2006 I started working on the ski patrol at Belleayre. I was a competent snowboarder but had very little first-aid training at that time. Most of the folks up there were EMTs and volunteered with ambulance services and/or fire departments.

Ultimately, this inspired me to become an EMT as well and to join Marbletown First Aid Unit. For years I was happy to simply do my weekly shift while other folks did the hard work of keeping the place going.

Over the last few years I’ve taken my turn at doing more, picking up extra shifts, working with the board of directors. MFAU has a rich tradition of service and I’m proud to be part of that.

What else? I go climbing. I’m interested in surf casting and birds and museums and travel and food. I visit my family in Connecticut as much as I can.

What are your plans for the future?

With our children out in the world there’s a little more time to explore. I’ve got some ideas about how to grow my business, about how to help a more broad array of people enjoy the outdoors in safe and environmentally conscious ways. I’m also doing more with my town government because, after all, democracy is a participatory sport.

I read that “curiosity is a form of intrinsic motivation.” I'm gonna stay curious and see where that leads.

P.O. Box 149 Stone Ridge, NY 12484 845-687-4480 bluestonepress845@gmail.com www.bluestonepress.net Office located at: 4301 Route 209 South, Stone Ridge

Publisher Lori Childers Editor Gregory Childers Assistant Publisher Thomas Childers Copy Editor Linda Fite Office Manager Martha Brittell Graphic Artist Jan Melchoir Reporters Ann Belmont Anne Craig Pyburn Amber Kelly Chelsea Miller Michelle Vitner Jeffrey Slater Brooke Stelzer Calendar of Events Editor Donna Cohn Viertel Columnists Wally Nichols, Susan Krawitz, Linda Tantillo, Joanne Ferdman, Jodi LaMarco and Kelly Wright

-Compiled by Jeff Slater, BSP Reporter

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BlueStone Press, May 5, 2023 , Page 3

Did you see the northern lights?

Maintenance

IS CHEAPER than REPAIRS

Elusive phenomenon visits the area Ann Belmont BSP Reporter The aurora borealis, or northern lights, is a phenomenon caused by the interaction of the Earth's and the sun's magnetic fields.

Usually only visible at higher latitudes, it's not something people expect to see here in the Rondout Valley, so if you weren't paying attention, the event on the night of April 24 slipped by without your noticing. Actually, even if you were looking, it wasn't easy to see. You had to stay up past midnight, but there actually was a strange glow in the sky, when the clouds cleared. An aurora! Photos of it taken from the Ashokan Reservoir and Minnewaska were posted on social media.

Now that you're aware of the possibility of actually seeing this phenomenon without having to take a trip to Alaska, how can you know when it might happen again? The BSP asked Bob Berman, a noted astronomer who lives near Woodstock (his mini-lecture "Strange Universe" airs on WAMC radio). Berman, who has an observatory on Overlook Mountain, had plenty to say on the subject.

"The most important thing is dark skies," he began. "Even a city as small as Kingston interferes. You also want the dark of the moon…. Within three days of the full moon, you can forget about the aurora. Also, they tend to increase around local midnight, and they are most intense in a northwesterly direction from here. As for the timing, it goes by the sun’s activity, not by the earthly calendar, but, he added, "they are more common in February, March and April," because in March the Earth is vertical to the sun. "That makes it easier for the sun to interact with our magnetic field.”

Our light show on April 24 did not impress Berman. “There were really no colors to it. People sent me photographs that showed almost nonexistent color – and photos bring out color that the eye doesn’t see. So this was an extremely weak aurora,

Bob Berman

really nothing to write home about … the brighter auroras were further north." He recommended checking out the website maintained by the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, which gives a daily aurora forecast map showing how far south the aurora will go. "There’s an aurora almost every night. The question is, how far south will it get?”

Berman's explanation of what makes auroras happen was wonky but fascinating.

"It all revolves around sunspots, areas on the sun where the magnetism is 5,000 times stronger than the surrounding regions. It creates what we’ll call solar storms, when material and energy from the sun escape and follow its magnetic field, and if the storm is in the right part of the sun, it’ll get here – the right part being [approximately] the center of the sun ... It goes to the magnetic poles, not to the poles of rotation, which are located at 90 degrees north and south, where Santa lives. It goes to the poles where the magnetic field dives vertically into the ground. It makes it easier for charged particles from the sun to get lower down in the atmosphere." The magnetic north pole keeps changing location, it turns out. “It used to be located off Baffin Island in Canada, but the north magnetic pole has been moving toward the north for over a century… For reasons no one can understand it’s been shifting 35 miles a year for the last 20 years, at which rate it’ll wind up in Siberia presently."

Berman then described how the sun's

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Page 4, May 5, 2023 , BlueStone Press

Iconic ice cream cone granted variance Ulster Savings Bank plans pedestrian greenway Amber Kelly BSP Reporter The Ulster Savings Bank open application was presented by Nadine Carney of Peak Engineering at the Marbletown Planning Board meeting on April 24. Present were chairman Max Stratton, board members Dave Cobb, Harry Hansen, Brendan Masterson, Sharon Klein, secretary Shawn Marks, and alternates Ilan Bachrach and Jim Economos.

The application is for new construction of a 8,600 square foot banking facility with drive-up bays, offices and a conference room; to include access from Route 209 and associated infrastructure.

Carney said that, due to comments from both Ulster County and the Planning Board, USB is looking to reduce parking by 10 parking spaces and to eliminate a whole travel lane. The county also wanted to see the pedestrian pathway between the two structures. The landscaping was updated with more details. There will be up to 5,000 square feet on the first floor and 2,600 on the second floor They are looking into the possibility of solar panels and possibly a solar parking structure.

The property still needs to be graded out. It is a 2.7-acre site and the disturbance is 2.9 acres. Septic is the same as was previously approved and is going in just above the parking lot. Storm water will be under the main parking area in

Ann Ganter of High Meadow School addressing the Stone Ridge Planning Board on April 24 presenting a new application for a special use permit modification and Bill Eggers [on far right] presenting a new application for a lot line adjustment to the Planning Board. Photos by Amber Kelly

the ground. There will be a drainage swell along Route 209. Bike racks will be placed at the main entrance.

Klein asked, “If I could throw some things into a wish list, since we are planners, since we have more green space with the removal of those parking spaces, maybe a couple of benches?

“We did improve on the landscaping plan since last year,” Carney said, “and it’s funny because I was thinking, ‘Well, should I show benches outside for employees?’ There is definitely plenty of room, and we increased the landscaping quite a bit to make it a more inviting space if people want to take their lunch there,” she said. “There’s going to be quite a bit of green space and a lot of space for snow removal, so it really works well.”

Having the two plazas connect was part of discussions from the beginning, Carney said. The plan is to do a 20-foot wide

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grading for the access to be prepared, with a 2-foot grass space and then pedestrian sidewalk. Because no sidewalks currently meet up with the site, the plan is grading it to be prepared. Three parking spots would be eliminated on the neighbor’s side, but they do have 20 extra parking spots.

Klein asked, “In terms of the parking lot, is it going to be built with pervious surfaces?”

Carney said, “No, it is going to be paved, as it needs to be plowed, and … it is basically a truck drive-through.”

Stratton said, “I certainly like seeing all that green space on this, it is certainly a step in the right direction, did you say you’re making a community space?”

Carney said, “Yes, we’re not sure if it will be a membership or sign up. We are looking for it to be a new hub for their organization and use it more instead of Schwenk Drive [Ulster Savings’ Kingston offices].

“We know we have to obtain a national wetland permit to disturb the wetlands that are on the site that was issued for the previous application, which I will be renewing, named for this application,” Carney said. “So there are definitely things that need to happen, but we want to circulate it. I know you want to have everything at once. You want to file with them and the health department. We wanted to make sure you were happy with the plan, and that you are comfortable making the SEQRA determination or scheduling a public hearing.”

“When do you expect to have the SWPPP [storm water pollution prevention plan]?” Stratton asked.

“Two weeks ago,” Carney joked. “No, I really want to have this in by the end of the week.”

The board voted in turn, each affirming that all documents must be in hand before scheduling a public hearing. The board read through each consideration and then accepted the short environmental assessment form [SEAF] part two.

“I’m glad to know we are going to have this corridor between this lot and the adjacent lot,” Stratton said.

Next on the agenda was a referral from the building department regarding the High Meadow School special use permit modification, because of questions about set-backs and the fact that it’s a tight parcel. They are not expanding the footprint, just enclosing and insulating a space internally, and bumping up part of a roof.

It is an addition of 800 square feet and 200

See Planning, page 10

BlueStone Press, May 5, 2023 , Page 5

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magnetic particles that reach the poles excite molecules of nitrogen and oxygen in our atmosphere, and the movement of the electrons emits light. “In fact that’s the only way light is ever born, in case you were curious. Light is only created in one way – when an electron moves inward, closer to the center of its atom. Then a particle of light called a photon just magically appears out of nothingness."

"In the case of oxygen, the movement always produces a green photon. So green is by far the dominant color of the aurora.”

Red is very rare, “a once-in-a-lifetime event. … If an aurora is faint, our eyes will not detect any color.”

"Each swarm of particles, like a swarm of bees, has its own magnetic field," Berman continued. Whether we get an aurora or that swarm is deflected off into space depends on the alignment of that field with Earth’s. "If they are opposite, the two fields will interact."

As for here in Ulster County, “It’s been awhile now since we’ve had a good one.

March 13, 1989, stands out for Berman.

Incredibly, the aurora that night was seen vividly as far south as Mexico. Also memorable was a very unusual red aurora in the autumn of 2001. "A red aurora doesn’t really have a shape. A vivid aurora display will typically have lines that look like rays and curved lines that look like draperies … or they can have rainbow-shaped arcs. But most commonly you’ll just get blotches of color that come and go. In the really vivid auroras, you’ll see movement, generally slow… you’re not even sure it’s moving, but if you look away and look back 10 seconds later you’ll see it’s changed a little bit. In a VERY active aurora you’ll see movement that looks rapid in the sky. Since I’ve seen them every year for the last 30 years up in Alaska I’m a little jaded. Nevertheless, from our area, I have seen a few good ones over

the years.”

You may have glimpsed an aurora without even knowing it. Auroras radiate from the northwest. Fortunately for us in the Rondout Valley, northwest is the direction of maximum darkness, owing to the mass of the Catskills. "If you’re looking to the northwest, and you don’t have a big city – if you don’t live south of Albany, let’s say – and one night you go out and that northwest sky is glowing, well either your neighbors in that direction are throwing quite a party or it’s an aurora. Because nothing else is going to make it glow like that. The most common thing will be a glow without a form. The next most common will be a blotch that will come and go, then a few seconds or minutes later there’ll be another blotch. The third most common would be actual lines or rays that seem to radiate from below the horizon.”

But how often does even a minimum display visit us? “I’d say once every three or four years."

Berman's parting advice to locals with the northern lights on their bucket list: "It’s usually in the mass media if there could be an aurora, so that’s when you want to go on the web. Check the U of Alaska website and see if they really are predicting an aurora.

Then look at your lunar calendar, make sure it’s not a full moon, because that’ll throw cold water on the whole party. Of course you want the weather to be clear, or at least mostly clear. So with all those conditions having to be met, and the relative rarity of the aurora in the first place, it’s not the kind of thing that happens that often for us."

That said, gazing at the sky to northwest is easy, and it's free. Keep watching and waiting, and maybe one night, there it'll be!

Visit the University of Alaska at Fairbanks aurora forecast at gi.alaska.edu/monitors/ aurora-forecast or visit spaceweather.com And, Bob Berman's Northern Lights Alaska tours, visit specialinteresttours.com.

Page 6, May 5, 2023 , BlueStone Press

Briefs New language learning resource at local libraries The Ulster County Library Association announces the availability of Transparent Language Online for Libraries, a complete language-learning system with courses and lessons designed to build listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Transparent Language Online allows learners to explore a new language in the comfort of their own home, at the library or on-thego. Through any of the public libraries in Ulster County, county residents now have unlimited access to more than 110 languages, including English for speakers of over 30 languages. Transparent Language is packed with pronunciation practice, speech analysis, grammar, writing activities and vocabulary-building activities.

This extensive language-learning program works on any computer or mobile device through a web browser or mobile app.

This new resource is provided through funds from the Ulster County legislature. “We are so pleased to offer this vital resource to Ulster County residents. At the library we are seeing an increase in refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine and are thrilled that this program includes English for speakers of Ukranian, Urdu, and Pashto, among other languages,” said Katie Scott-Childress, director of the Rosendale Library. “There is also a curriculum for children to learn new languages that includes games and other fun activities.”

Visit rosendalelibrary.com or call 845658-9013, stoneridgelibrary.org or call 845-687-7023, or ask a librarian for more information on how to access this service.

Rochester plastic bag recycling drop off event May 6 The Town of Rochester Environmental Conservation Commission is sponsoring plastic bag recycling events the first Saturday of each month for Town of Rochester transfer station permit holders.

The next event will take place 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. this Saturday, May 6.

To participate in the program: - Accepted pliable plastics (plastic bags) must only be dropped off during the event hours - All plastics must be inspected & accepted by a volunteer - This event is open to permitted users of the Town of Rochester Transfer Station This opportunity is made possible through the Bags to Benches program through NexTrex. Once 500 pounds of qualifying plastics are collected, the town will earn a bench made from recycled plastics.

What can be recycled? Only clean, dry: bread bags, produce bags, newspaper sleeves, pallet wrap & stretch film, salt and ice bags, grocery bags, cereal bags, case overwrap, bubble wrap, wood pellet bags Plastic shipping envelopes, dry cleaning bags, Ziploc and other reclosable food storage bags.

Note: There is no longer a plastic bag recycling drop-off at the Rochester Community Center. These monthly events are the only opportunity to drop off qualifying plastics for this program. Questions? Email ecc@townofrochester.ny.gov.

Residents plan MCC fundraiser Funds to help with building repairs Brooke Stelzer BSP Reporter Marbletown resident Nancy Plumer came to speak during public comment at the Town Board meeting on Tuesday, May 2, regarding preservation of the Marbletown Community Center. “I was here a couple months ago when Don [LaFera, board member] and Ken [Davenport, board member] weren’t here. I sent you all a couple of emails around the Community Center, and I just wanted to reiterate what a special and precious place it is for this community. I talked to Rich [Parete, town supervisor] about the budget, he kind of went through the budget with me.” Plumer announced that she and Evry Mann, director of Marbletown Multi-Arts, are planning a fundraising event to support the Community Center.

“And I just want to know from the Town Board that you'll support the Community Center continuing because it is such a precious place for people. And I want to say we're doing the fundraiser. I have concern if we did the fundraiser and put money into it, I don't want you to sell it!”

Councilman LaFera responded, “I don't think we have any problem with keeping the Community Center. I've said this before, we have a fiscal responsibility to discuss what bills are coming up, what costs are on things, and what the best way to move forward is on things. And the only way we can do it together is when we're sitting here. So, if we bring something up and we start talking about it, it doesn't necessarily mean that something specific is going to happen. So even though everybody's got this big push-back on it, which is fine, it doesn't ever mean that anything was going to come of that, other than we were saying we've got some big bills coming up on that building.”

Plumer responded, “And we really want to support taking care of some of the repairs.”

“If you're able to raise money and, you know, we will have to contribute some, I think there would be a commitment from us,” said Parete. “We're not going to take it and sell it for a lot more money. We're not going to take your money and then all of a sudden put a ‘For Sale’ sign on it. But on the other token, we can't bind to future town board, [but] I think I would not vote to sell it. And then it would be subject to a referendum. And I think the public would be pretty upset with the town board that took donation money from people that worked so hard and care so much about the building and then put it for sale.”

We’re Open!

In a statement to BSP on May 4, Plumer shared, “The MCC is a special gathering place that has served our community for a variety of events. To name just a few: private birthdays, graduations, weddings and baby showers, as well as memorial services for beloved family members. Jill McClean, the recreation director, gave me a list of over 30 organizations that use the MCC.” The fundraiser is set to happen at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at the MCC. There will be live music, food, drink, a silent auction and a chance for people to share their memories from the center. An online

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fundraising option will be available in the coming weeks, and local businesses have started signing up to donate items for the silent auction. Mann has met with the Rondout Valley Business Association to help with engagement. “The community is rallying around this and it is so heartening,” said Mann. “It’s in the middle of the town and we don’t want to lose it, and I think the board and supervisor are supportive of what we are doing.” Residents interested in helping with the fundraiser can reach out to Plumer via email, nplumer52@gmail.com.

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Four run School District budget finalized for 3 school All the programs will board seats remain the same Amber Kelly BSP Reporter The Rondout Valley Board of Education has four candidates applying for three seats. Meet the candidate night will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, in the district office on the RVSD campus.

Voting for BOE candidates will take place 7 a.m.-9p.m. Tuesday, May 16, in the district office. There are two new nominees, David Bendell and Patricia Meoli, and two current board members whose terms are up and who have decided to run again, Dean Rylewicz and Carolyn Peck.

Carolyn Peck has enjoyed three years on the board, has a B.A. in math from Merritt College and an M.S. in education, with focus on curriculum, instruction and assessment. Peck said that teaching for 23 years in another district has broadened her perspective. Peck is a parent herself with three children, one sixth grader, one a senior, and one that just graduated. Peck said that last year she was on the committee just starting to work on the five-year plan and she would love to see it through.

“I’ve put a lot of work into it so far, and also want to be involved with finding the new superintendent,” Peck said.

Dean Rylewicz is a lifetime resident of Ulster County and an 11-year resident of Stone Ridge. Dean currently has two children in the Rondout Valley School District and has a vested interest in being a part of the Rondout Valley BOE. Dean has a B.S. from SUNY Plattsburgh and brings a wealth of experience as a leader, currently employed as the deputy commissioner of public works for Ulster County. Dean is committed to the youth of Rondout, having volunteered several years as a coach and also serving on the board for the Rondout Valley Little League. As a board trustee, Dean would focus on ways to provide our children with quality education, diverse programs, continued athletic options, and guidance to become successful adults.

Patricia Meoli has spent over 36 years in education, receiving B.A. and M.S. from SUNY New Paltz and teaching at Ellenville Central School District, where she met her husband, Peter. Meoli left after two years to start a family, then returned to her alma mater, Rondout, spending the next 20 years teaching high school English in the same school as her boys attended, to See School board, page 15

Amber Kelly BSP Reporter

The Rondout Valley School District BOE meeting on April 18 began in the district office with school business official Alyssa Hasbrouck giving an overview of the final proposed budget for the 2023-2024 school year. She said the tax levy goes to 3.9% but as a budget committee decided to go with 3%. She showed the state executive budget, saying the legislative budget has not come out yet.

“There are a few extenders at the governor’s request,” Hasbrouck said. “But the key point is that the building aid is finally catching up with the capital projects, it is going up by $1.9 million, although BOCES is now including the new capital project that we are financing for the next few years. Transportation is finally back up to normal, and we are finally catching up to our transportation aid.”

“With the state budget not passed, what risks does that pose for us, if any?”

Chris Schoonmaker, board vice president, asked.

“Not much,” Hasbrouck said. “Foundation aid remains the same and we are held harmless.”

“We are just waiting for the final number,” Superintendent Dr. Joseph Martin said. “Most of our aid is cost-driven. The money we spend, we get back, except for foundation aid. As Alyssa said, we remain harmless, but we are technically over-

Information courtesy of the Rondout Valley School District. Graphic illustration by Jan Melchoir

funded, but we will receive an increase, and that is that $500,000 increase. So right now, we anticipate that this (budget) is what we will do.”

All the programs will remain the same, with added enhancement of agricultural program and enhancement of K-3 technology program. Hiring will remain the same with addition of one K-3 technology teacher, one K-12 agriculture teacher, and one Kerhonkson Elementary School teacher.

“We have a lot of retirements coming up, forecasting for next year as well,” Hasbrouck said. “People are retiring, with top-level salaries being replaced with more entry level, so there’s a savings there.

Accounts payable will be taken over by my office, so we are taking back $70,000. We have somebody to do that here, and we’ve been transitioning that position already and it’s going well. We are extending for another year with First Student (bus trans-

portation), and then the following year we are going to go out to bid ... which will most likely be high … due to Covid.”

The 2022-2023 approved budget was $71,481,896, and the draft 2023-2024 budget is $75,058,323, a dollar difference of $3,576,427 and a 5% increase. The breakdown of the proposed budget is 73.3% is for program, 15.7% is capital, and 10.9% administrative expense. Grant monies will be used for security upgrades. Next month a long-term financial plan will be presented. State aid is up 11.21%.

“We are drawing less fund balance this year because our revenues are going up with the building state aid increase. The majority of our revenue is property taxes at 58%, we have 38.8% state aid, you can see that fund balance (1%) and other (2.2%) are not that much,” Hasbrouck concluded.

The board voted to pass the budget.

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Memoriam Kara Anne Egan

ROSENDALE—It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kara Anne Egan. Kara died on April 20, 2023, after a short illness at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, surrounded by her family. Kara was born Oct. 1, 1976, in Queens. The daughter of Kathleen and Anthony Egan, Kara graduated from Washingtonville High School. She received a bachelor's degree from SUNY Plattsburgh and a master's degree in social work from Hunter College.

She worked as a clinician at Family Egan Services in Rhinebeck. Kara dedicated her career to helping others, especially those struggling with mental health issues. She was a tireless worker who did her job in a quiet, unassuming way and her final act of love was the donation of her organs. Kara is survived by her parents and her brothers Desmond (Erin) of Marshfield, Massachusetts, and Anthony (Kelly) Yorktown Heights, and her two adoring nieces Kyla and Quinn, as well as her many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Visitation took place at George J. Moylan Funeral Home on April 24. A Mass of Christian Burial was held the morning of April 25 at St. Peter's Church, Rosendale. The Rev. Kevin Malick officiated.

Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations in her memory may be made to: People’s Place, 17 St. James St., Kingston, NY 12401.

Peter Scott

HIGH FALLS—Peter Scott died Friday April 21, 2023, at the Eleanor Nursing Care Center in Hyde Park. He was born April 11, 1936, in Rochester, and was a graduate of

Planning from page 4 square feet. Exterior lighting by the library will be added.

“This qualifies as an enlargement or modification to a special use permit,” Marks said.

Ann Ganter, building and grounds coordinator at High Meadow School, said, “The school is going into its 38th year and I’ve been here 15 years. The main building is one of our historical buildings. It’s where we house administration and an office with a nurse. There is an inner space between the building and the lower school. The lower school was built in 1996, and that inner space has never been touched. The upstairs of that space is for breakouts, a kitchen, a bathroom and a small office. There is no insulation in there and no headroom. It’s 7 feet and it goes down to 4 feet. So, before I leave, I’d like to raise that roof up, put storage space on either side and give the staff a kitchen and multiple bathrooms. Second one, there is a space between the main building and the lower school, about 12 by 30 feet long. We already have permission to put a deck there, but we’d like to do an enclosed room … a library and resource room. We’d just be utilizing the space.”

Land from page 1 we also hope to budget for the Phase I development of an upgraded trail, parking and signage. So there are a few factors in play.”

The committee gauges the rating of the property by measuring against a list of checkpoints, and Robbins stated that this property checks almost all of them, one being water protection, as a significant portion is underlain by the Marbletown Elementary School aquifer.

“This would allow the aquifer close to town to just recharge. There's the view of mountain and there's beautiful viewshed as you're driving along Cooper and you see this vista. It would be ideal for public use for walking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, community gatherings,” she said. Robbins went on to explain that there is potential to develop a 2-mile farm road into an accessible walking trail, as well as creating a parking area that is wheelchair accessible. She noted the central location and notable size of the property. “The only way to really take a walk in this town without cars is to go on the rail trail, which is fantastic, or to drive up to the reservoir. We think there's a need for more open space that's just available to the public.”

Significantly, the parcel is adjacent to an African American burial ground, which actually used to be part of the same property. Further value points include a designated wildlife habitat in the woodlands and wetlands on the property, which are considered an environmentally

Villanova University. An area resident for many years, he previously owned Ridge Books in Stone Ridge. He was predeceased by his wife, Penny Scott, in the early 1980s and was a dear friend of Marylou Richards. He leaves behind a close friend, John Sullivan of Stone Ridge, and many other dear friends. Graveside services were held April 28 at the High Falls Cemetery, Berme Road, High Falls. The Rev. Marcella Gillis officiated.

Arrangements are by George J. Moylan Funeral Home Inc., Rosendale.

Besides his Villa family, Les is survived by his cousins, Rick and Loida Jilleba, and their son, Eric. Memorial visitation for family and friends was held at Humiston Funeral Home, Kerhonkson, on April 29. A memorial gathering and celebration of his life followed at the Villa.

Memorial contributions may be made in Les’ name to the Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 80 Washington St., Suite 204, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

Lester T. McCandless

KERHONKSON—Lester T. McCandless died on April 17, 2023, at his home. He was born Sept.3, 1940, in Morristown, New Jersey, to the late Lester and Josina (Jilleba) McCandless. Lester was affectionately known as “Les.” Les was a counselor with Veritas Villa for well over 40 years and had filled many positions with expertise and care. The Villa has lost a great friend. He was surrounded by dear friends, the love of cousins, his Villa family and Hospice family. He gave so much genuine care and love to all around him and loved all the Villa guests, constantly reminding them they are good people. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Les was born on Labor Day, he spent the next 35 years in Green Village, New Jersey, with his grandparents and mother. His father had died when he was 8 years old. He attended business school and worked in retail. During this time, he began training and showing quarter horses all around the United States for other owners and was a licensed judge of all breeds of horses. He then moved from New Jersey to Long Eddy, N.Y., where he became partners in a ceramic shop for a few years. At that time, he became involved with AA and went to Sullivan County Community College and pursued a career in alcohol and drug counseling. Les went to work at the Veritas Villa in Kerhonkson (now the Villa Veritas Foundation) in 1979. As he got older he did less and less with horses but still judged shows from time to time. He retired in 2020, however still worked with alcoholics and addicts at the Villa. Les celebrated 50 years of sobriety in January 2021.

ROSENDALE—Joan Katherine Creeden died April 24, 2023, at HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston. She was 89. She was born Aug. 26, 1933, in Hachensack, New Jersey, as Katherine. She was adopted

by Harry and Anna Quinn in 1935 and named Joan Katherine Quinn and raised in Rosendale. She first lived on Main Street and then since 1945 she lived on James Street. Joan was educated at the Rosendale Union Free School on Snyder Avenue in Rosendale, St. Peter's RC School in Rosendale and Creeden St. Ursula's Academy in Kingston.

She had been employed by Hercules Powder Co. in Port Ewen and IBM in Kingston. She was also a bus driver for 23 years at Arthur F. Mulligan Inc. in Tillson until her retirement. Joan was predeceased by her husband, Jerry Creeden, whom she married April 27, 1957. Jerry died July 22, 2006. She is survived by her daughter, Connie A. Creeden-Muller, her former son-inlaw, Steve Muller, and her pride and joy granddaughter, Molly Katherine Muller. She is also survived by "adopted daughters" Janice Mulligan Cole and Patti Fogarty. Joan had many James Street friends who watched carefully over her. She was loved by all. As was her wishes Joan will be cremated and interred at St. Peter's Cemetery in Rosendale with services being held privately. Memorial donations are requested to the Ulster County SPCA, 20 Wiedy Road, Kingston, NY 12401. George J. Moylan Funeral Home, Rosendale, is assisting the family with arrangements. (www.GJMoylanFuneralHome.com)

Stratton wondered if this increase of square footage would affect the parking. Ganter reported that previously [architect] Kurt Sutherland brought a request to double the existing square footage for a music house, which would not require more parking, because,Ganter explained that there are 175 students and 45 staff; "a number that will never change. When the school was at that maximum number during the Covid pandemic, it was obvious that no more could be added," she said.

“It takes us beyond what our culture is,” Ganter said.

“Our culture is to know every family and every child.”

The board determined that this is a Type II SEQRA (state environmental quality review act) that doesn’t require circulation for lead but does need a public hearing for special use, which the board set for May 22.

A new application for a minor subdivision came in from Medenbach & Eggers, represented by Bill Eggers. All parcels on the 22-acres plot have existing homes.

Cobb asked, “So it looks as if you are creating four lots out of two.”

Eggers said, “Technically that’s out of three. On the right is County Route 2, Kripplebush Road ... That parcel is what is left of the Oakley Homestead.” The new owners bought an adjacent parcel. They want to create two lots

on the other side of Oakley Road. The fourth parcel that they purchased they intend to merge with their existing property for a buffer. There’s a structure that in my opinion is barely standing. There is plenty of acres remaining.

Thirty-nine acres is what we’ve got right now including their existing parcel.”

“The dilemma is that is is across the street and it is a non-conforming lot,” Klein said.

The Planning Board referred the lot approval to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The PB also approved a $600 escrow for the town engineer to look at average density and circulate for comment to public works, DOT, town highway, fire department.

Cherries put in a new application for a variance regarding a freestanding sign. It is dark-sky compliant. When the new Cherries sign was approved at the largest possible size for visibility, the free-standing ice cream cone image was not included. The zoning board approved a variance for it, saying that the ice cream cone sign has been there since the 1970s and is now considered an icon. Stratton asked for a roll call, and the acceptance of the application was unanimous. It was designated Type II SEQRA. The public hearing for the Cherries building special use request was closed.

sensitive area.

Referencing the presentation deck, Robbins said, “This commission recommends that a conceptual Plan B is developed and that we work with a planner or a landscape architect to figure out how to best use this property and make it accessible.” Phase 2 of the plan would include input from the community, with ideas like pollinator gardens, bird habitats, a rest area and a potential pavilion for community gatherings. Robbins presented maps with ideas about how to connect a new public trail to the rail trail, creating a network of trails that connect Stone Ridge with High Falls. In terms of funding, Robbins shared, “We project that we probably will get about $250,000 a year into the fund, which puts us in a very good place to talk about purchasing a property of this size. That's what I would call a conservative estimate. I mean, the market

could go a lot of ways. But basically, we think this property checks all the blocks for the kind of places we're looking to conserve.”

“We're looking at great opportunities that the town may be eligible for and we're looking at a timeline we may be comfortable with, assuming that the Town Board is in agreement on purchasing this property,” Parete stated. He continued, “This preservation fund is new to the Town Board. It’s new to all of us in the community. Our town has no debt, so borrowing money and going into debt is something that's going to be new to all of us as Town Board members.”

Parete shared that the town plans to apply for grant money from the state, with the help of Robbins and Foote, with funding up to $600,000 available. The application is due at the end of July.

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May 5, 2023

Page 11

O brave new world, that has such AI in't The age of artificial intelligence is here, and Cyber Mouse is poised to help businesses and mission-driven organizations of all sizes get organized, leverage the power of AI, streamline and automate their operations for maximum impact Chelsea Miler BSP Reporter Throughout history the way humans work has been ever evolving. From the very first fire, to the Industrial Revolution and right up through the advent of the internet, the way we work is constantly changing. We’ve reached another milestone – the dawning days of the artificial intelligence – AI – revolution. Patrick Leber is at the ready, and in January 2023 he founded Cyber Mouse, a boutique company dedicated to helping clients, ranging from small businesses to large organizations, streamline their systems for maximum workflow optimization and utilize AI support, all with an eye toward creating work systems that feel profoundly human.

Leber’s interest in computers and systems began at an early age. He grew up in Tillson and remembers as a young man feeling the draw of the possibility of computers. “I was obsessed with computers, ever since my family had one when I was 6 or 7,” says Leber. “I was so obsessed I’d skip school to build my own little fantasy worlds on the computer, learning the precursor to Photoshop and 3-D editing tools to make my own models and skin [paint] them. Even then, I liked the process of creation and possibility of the systems that exist in a lot of software and enjoyed figuring out how to accomplish complex things. The process is rewarding, and I remember moments as a kid feeling that satisfaction of seeing my little 3-D model wave back or animated characters come to life on the scene.”

At 20 years old, Leber moved to New York City. “I was very content working upstate but it didn’t fulfill my desire to grow faster in the field of creative marketing and design,” says Leber. “I had a lot of ambition to expose myself to more people, more processes, more work styles. The move was deeply fulfilling. I really thrived with the exposure to different types of people and the multitude of ways that they can work and accomplish their goals.”

Initially Leber started out in the restaurant industry to get his bearings, but he quickly landed a job with Barbara Corcoran, real estate mogul and star of ABC’s award winning show “Shark Tank,” focusing on logo and graphic design then quickly transitioning into becoming a core member of her team and eventually the company’s director of media.

Working for Corcoran was a crash course in everything leadership and operations. The office was busy, a whirlwind of constantly shifting new ideas being explored

Patrick Leber, founder of Cyber Mouse

and mountains of minutiae that came with the pursuit of new things. “She’s lightning in a 5-foot frame,” says Leber, laughing. “I learned a lot from that job as the gold standard for both ways to galvanize a team and also handle an immense amount of day-to-day admin.” He would remain with Corcoran for over four years, and it was during that time that he had one of his first operational breakthroughs.

“A big turning point for me with Barbara was when she was in Tai Pei and she had four speeches booked that were all in a row, and she quickly needed me to change her presentations dramatically – as it turned out she had a lot of overlapping audiences on the tour, which meant that she couldn’t repeat the same speech,” Leber says.

“That high-stakes, high-pressure moment taught me that when under the fire I can create incredible changes to processes that are lasting. I ended up giving her a speech ‘menu’ that had an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert that she could shuffle up on the fly and still have a beautifully structured and organized speech – and it was so much more efficient and it changed how we worked moving forward.” Leber says that there was an immense amount of working and learning packed into his four years with Corcoran, and eventually he felt a hunger to move on and master more things.

Partially inspired by the entrepreneurs of “Shark Tank,” Leber’s next position was with an online reputation management start-up called Brand Yourself. “I had a bunch of friends who worked there and spoke very highly Brand Yourself, and so I was really excited to accept the position of head of communications. The crux of the concept is that Google uses an algorithm for SEO [search engine optimization] that is always changing and rather unknown to the public. Using best practices, Brand Yourself helped the search engine, and the client, by prioritizing the content that exists on the internet that you actually want seen. Brand Yourself operated like a digital agency, creating websites and profiles that help people clean up their reputations online. Think that award you won in college rising to the top of search results versus the one time you complained on Twitter about your Uncle Len’s bad table

manners on Thanksgiving.”

Leber was quickly promoted to director of communications, which included a vast array of operational functions. The position gave him the opportunity to really explore leadership within bigger teams. “It was a very young company, and even at the age of 27, I was actually an ‘elder’ in the company,” Leber says. “Laughing aside, it really gave me an opportunity to lean into a position of leadership and see the real world consequences when an entire company adopts your advice and ideas.”

What might not come across is that at the heart of Leber is creative innovation. And with that comes a drive to continually learn and grow. And so, after two and a half years with Brand Yourself he felt drawn to experience the corporate world and landed a job as an executive assistant to Dan Levi of Clear Channel, a big billboard company. “The environment was way more corporate than I enjoyed, but I learned a ton about how big business works,” says Leber.

But here’s the thing about upstate. Few who originate from here are immune to the siren song of open fields, campfires with friends, and the continually jaw-dropping vistas and landscapes that lie in wait around nearly every bend. “I wanted to get back to my roots, the love for the outdoors, for fire pits, for the scenic aspect of the Hudson Valley, to re-explore the places I grew up in,” says Leber.

He returned to the area and applied for a job that, Leber says, seemed too good to be true. The job description for the position at Radio Kingston aligned with his desire to be part of an organization striving toward a more fair and just society.

“I applied for the job with very little expectation I’d get the job, but I approached it with a great deal of honesty and frankness,” says Leber. “To my surprise they thought I was a dynamic individual who could support their initiatives and could help grow and develop their internal systems.” Radio Kingston is a nonprofit, noncommercial radio station funded heavily by the NoVo foundation, located in Kingston, with a mission to uplift marginalized voices.

Leber says that the dream job did not disappoint. “Radio Kingston was amazing, it unlocked a lot of my deep desires to understand philosophically the world and what is needed for positive things to take root,” he says. “It also felt like I was working for a dream machine and I had to figure out the mechanics for helping to fulfill their bold, world-changing desires.” The operations department was primarily two people (now including Leber) and was responsible for all the day-to-day functions and minutiae of running a radio station. Thus continued Leber’s love for designing efficient systems and processes. He dived deep-

See AI, page 15

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Athletics, recreation & fitness

Page 12

May 5, 2023

Rondout varsity baseball team off to a great start with high hopes for the season Jeff Slater BSP Reporter With a new head coach and a team filled with juniors and seniors, RVHS varsity baseball is off to a 6-3 record thus far.

The team has 14 players, with six of them seniors. They are led by Mike Markle, who pitches, plays third base and catches, Jacob Strange at first base, Terrance Strange at third base, Aidan Davenport in outfield and pitching, Ryan Hornbeck at second base, Billy Brush in outfield, and Nate Nilsen pitching and playing outfield.

Their coach is Jim Malak, in his first season. “Our expectations will always be to find a way to win our division and compete in the MHAL championship,” Malak said, “and put ourselves in a good position for the Section 9 Class B championship. These were our preseason goals.

“We’ve gotten off to a good start, and I believe that is because we have been in the gym two times a week since January. The two captains, Mike Markle and Ryan Hornbeck,were getting our players to commit to the weight room and batting cage since January. Our players have bought into doing these extras sessions, and I believe it helped us get off to a good start.”

Markle said, “The season has been great so far and will continue to get better. We

have a great team this year with a bunch of great guys. We fight hard and work harder day in and day out. We have many goals for the season, with the most important one is winning the Class B section championship.

All in all it’s a great team and we love being around each other. We are just a big family.”

Hornbeck said, “Being nine games into the season has shown what we are capable of as a team. We have some hard losses, but we know where we need to improve on to move us onward. We have made lots of improvements and have high hopes of winning the Class B championship this season and move on to compete in the regionals.

We had some tough teams we had to face through the season and play a fair number of teams from Class A, which really lets us show what we are ready for in future games.

I an very impressed with where we stand as teammates and how well we work together.”

The team has an 18-game schedule with about half remaining. The team competes in the Mid-Hudson Athletic League but also has a bunch of games against Class A teams.

“The Class A division is loaded with top notch pitchers,” said Malak. “Every team has at least one or two excellent pitchers.

The best team we faced to this point is Wallkill, they have two outstanding pitchers, both guys headed to D1 programs, so when they’re throwing 85-90 mph it is quite

Rondout Varsity baseball team getting instructions from coach Jim Malak.

Photo by Lilli Vitelli

an adjustment for our hitters.”

Along with Wallkill, the team’s toughest opponents are New Paltz, Red Hook and Lady of Lourdes, new to the division.

The team’s latest victory was against Poughkeepsie High School, a Class A team.

The team won 10-0 thanks to contributions from several players.

“Regardless of how our season goes I want them to get better every day, mentally, physically and socially,” Malak said.

“I want them to build memories so that 10 or 20 years from now they can sit around the campfire and talk about how good

Annual Golf Classic to support positive youth development

Classes led by certified personal trainer Marty Prakelt at new fitness court The Rosendale Recreation Commission introduces the new fitness court at the Rosendale Recreation Center, 1055 Route 32N, Rosendale, with a series of instructional classes led by certified personal trainer Marty Prakelt, owner and operator of Marty’s Fitness Studio, 430 Main St., Rosendale. Designed to give a full-body workout in only seven minutes, the fitness court, installed in the fall of 2022, provides a self-guided series of exercises that can be modified for anyone.

Prakelt will be introducing participants to the equipment with advice on how to best use it for their individual needs.

Group size is limited, and preregistration is required. The classes, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Saturday, May 13, and Tuesday, May 16, are free to Rosendale residents, with a $5 fee for non-residents. For more info and registration, call the Recreation Office at 845-658-8198.

they were. I want them to develop into fine young men that understand what it takes to be as an individual and the importance of being a successful team member. They need to carry with them the values of integrity, responsibility, commitment, reliability, sacrifice and competitiveness. We need to get them ready for the real world,” said Malak.

The team plays its next home game Wednesday, May 10, against Highland.

That’s also Senior Recognition Day, so come on out to the ballgame.

Go, Ganders!

Come check out the Mid-Hudson Misfits Roller Derby Team in action at Skate Time!

Mid-Hudson Misfits Roller Derby Team upcoming bout at Skate Time in Accord The Strong Island Derby Revolution will take on the Mid-Hudson Misfits Roller Derby Team, on Saturday, May 6, at Skate Time Roller Skating Rink, 5164 Route 209, Accord. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the first whistle at 6 p.m.

This will be the Misfits’ first bout in three years, and they are coming back in a big way! Skate time will also have beer, wine, ciders, and a bunch of Kerhonkson’s

own Bjorn Qorn amazing popcorn!

Adult tickets are $12 presale, $15 at the door, and $7 for kids 12 years and younger. Tickets can be purchased by visiting https://misfitsvsstrongisland.brownpapertickets.com/.

To volunteer as a non-skating official, NSO, visit https://forms.gle/Q9dDXHSyLKjWCzyN9.

Stone Dock GOLF COURSE & CAFE

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County is holding the 24th Annual Golf Classic on Thursday, May 18, at Apple Greens Golf Course in Highland. The tournament raises money for the Ulster County 4-H Youth Development Program, one of the oldest youth organizations in the United States. Players will join in on a great day of golf, food and excitement, all while surrounded by the panoramic views of Mohonk Mountain and the Shawangunks. Sign up to play by May 11.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and the four-person scramble with a shotgun start will start at 9 a.m. The $125 entry fee includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, continental breakfast, snacks and lunch on the course, and an awards dinner following the tournament. There will be competitions with great prizes awarded to teams for first, second and third place, and much more.

For more information, including sponsorships and the player sign-up form, visit ulstercornell.edu/golf2023 or contact Charlie Pane, at 845-340-3990, ext. 328, or cap295@cornell.edu.

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BlueStone Press, May 5, 2023 , Page 13

Indian Valley kicks off Little League season with a record number of kids Jeff Slater BSP Reporter On Saturday, April 22, Indian Valley had its opening day ceremonies. With a record number of athletes signed up and field improvements, the league is excited about the start of its season.

Brian Shanley, Indian Valley League president, said, “Opening day was amazing! We had games all day. The opening ceremonies were led by the Kerhonkson Fire Department color guard, the national anthem was sung by the Rondout Valley Junior High select chorus, and the first pitch was thrown out by Tyler Harned and Veronica Prevete.”

This year Indian Valley has a record 191 athletes registered. The league gets its athletes from the towns of Wawarsing, Kerhonkson and Rochester.

According to Shanley, the league has 17 teams. They include T-Ball, coach-pitch baseball, coach-pitch softball, kid-pitch minors baseball, kid-pitch softball, majors baseball and softball, and seniors softball.

The league has three teams in the majors division.

Each team has 12 or more games. Girls can play either softball or baseball.

In refence to the fact that a lot of kids are

Indian Valley senior girls softball team

playing sports other than baseball, Shanley said, “A lot of our kids are multi-sport athletes and split time between sports, so I wouldn’t say we lose kids to other sports, especially with our numbers being so high this year.”

The field in Kerhonkson is making some major improvements.

“This season we are looking forward to making this year the best year yet for

Area women’s ice hockey team to host May Melt Tournament this weekend The Saugerties Nightmares, a women’s ice hockey group with recreational and advanced players, will host their second annual charitable event of the season, the May Melt Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament, May 5-7, at their home rink, the Kiwanis Ice Arena in Saugerties. The Nightmares include gals of all ages from High Falls to Pleasant Valley to Germantown. The event is a fundraiser for Miles of Hope, a local organization that gives back to area families who have been impacted by breast cancer.

Recreational teams competing in the tournament include the Frozen Assets, Troy; Western Mass Stars, from Massachusetts; Albany Angels; Ice Breakers, Mount Vernon; and the Saugerties Nightmares 1 and 2. The C Division roster includes

our kids. The softball field is getting a full renovation,” Shanley said, “including expanding the field, new fencing and a new scoreboard. Playing ball gives the kids an opportunity to grow as athletes and builds character by social interaction. Sports in general helps kids find a path in determining who they are as an individual.”

The players are very excited about their upcoming season.

Madison Stanley said, “I’m looking forward to making new friendships and learning some new skills.”

Elizabeth Hornbeck said, “The thing I love most about softball is kind teammates, good sportsmanship and a lot of wins.”

Brooke Baul said, “I’m looking forward to making good memories this season.”

“Baseball is so much fun,” said James Moran.

Brandon Pra said, “I’m looking forward to developing into a better player and working hard to be the best teammate.”

“I am most looking forward to healthy attitudes, good sportsmanship and hard work,” said Hunter Mulkowsky.

“Last year my ultimate goal was to bring the entire Rondout Valley community together into one Little League community,” Shanley said. “This would allow us to become closer and stronger as a community, but some still want to strike that divide. I want to continue to show that our league, Indian Valley, wants nothing more than the best for our youth and ultimately growing Rondout Valley School District’s sports program stronger.”

We’ll see you down at the ball field.

RVHS senior and Gander softball player Naccarato commits to SUNY Cobleskill

Saugerties Nightmares goaltender Amy Montalbano

Saugerties; Hot Flashes, Maynard, Massachusetts; and Ice Horses, Greater New England.

Games on Friday, May 5, are scheduled 6:15-10 p.m.; Saturday competitions, 9:15 a.m.-7:15 p.m.; and Sunday games start at 9 a.m., concluding with the Recreational Championship at 11:30 a.m. and C Division at 1 p.m.

The public is invited to come for a free weekend of exciting women’s hockey games.

Rondout Valley High School senior Abigail Naccarato has committed to attend SUNY Cobleskill after graduation. Following a successful high school softball career, she will be continuing her softball journey in the fall of 2023.

Naccarato will be majoring in pre-vet and animal science, with a minor in business.

For more information, call 845-6872400, ext. 2401, or email dgottstine@ rondout.k12.ny.us.

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Page 14

Your letters, views & ideas

Hey, it’s May !

Applauds changes to bail reform To the Editor: I'm glad to see that the governor has made changes to bail reform. One was to the rules of discovery which regarding a time limit was dropped after pushback from public defenders. Glad she listened to the people actually charged with doing the work – the public defenders. Maybe if they were better funded and paid, they would not need the amount of time they are asking for? Public defenders rarely (?) make a career of being a public defender since they can make a lot more money working the other side of the courtroom as private defenders in either criminal or civil cases. Not a good idea to underpay them.

The other change was to cash bail. The usual cries from the far left that this will disenfranchise those who can't make bail were, like clockwork, right on the heels of the governor's bail reform changes. Good to have these views stated, but isn't the issue whether the person is a repeat offender and/or a threat to society given the nature of the repeat or first-time offense?? For this event the judges were constrained by the “least restrictive means” wording of the original bail reform of 2019. Glad to see the changes, notwithstanding the cries from Ms. Shrestha. At least she had the moxie to state her position.

Crime goes deeper than the singular event and the causes, whether education, trauma, poor job opportunities, mental illness all need to be addressed, and that is where we should spend our dollars and debate. But, keeping the repeat and/or violent offenders off the streets is just as important. Both have to happen. I assume the governor sought input from various justices throughout the state and thus this decidedly more judicious change to the law??

Rick Jones Kerhonkson

Supervisor’s term extension unnecessary To the Editor: We give our local leaders a lot of leeway. As they often complain, no one attends the Town Board meetings and few check the website. Generally, despite politics (candidates can even switch parties), if a leader is doing a decent job, they can be re-elected without too much campaigning.

Evidently many townships are now extending the terms of their supervisors on the principle that projects they initiate often take longer than their terms, when they have to run again. Just as de Tocqueville noted, kings can accomplish more than presidents.

However the argument that terms for the town supervisor should be extended runs aground on this problem: namely, that a leader’s projects, if unchecked, can

May 5, 2023

become unhelpful or, worse, harmful, to an unheeding community.

So I think every two years is about right. If the supervisor is responding to the real needs of the community, they should have no trouble being re-elected.

ViVi Hlavsa Lomontville

Stop the dumping of radiological waste To the Editor: Recently, Holtec, the company that has taken on decommissioning Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant, announced that it is planning to dump 1 million gallons of radiological waste into our beloved Hudson River.

They must be stopped!

Contaminating our environment must not be a part of

this nuclear nightmare process. This decision is motivated by cost and not by necessity.

The state of our natural environment impacts all of our lives. It’s our job, as stewards of this planet, to keep it healthy and vibrant. We have an inherent responsibility to take care of this planet, as it gives us life, but also to protect its future for our children and grandchildren!

Water is life! Please help stop this egregious act! We must protect what we have left!

New legislation introduced (S5181/A5338) by state Senator Pete Harckharm and Assemblymember Dana Levenberg, with the support of a growing list of co-sponsors, will put a stop to any planned discharge into the Hudson River.

Please contact Gov. Hochul (518-474-8390) and urge her to oppose this plan.

Also, connect with the organizations championing this fight: Riverkeeper and Food and Water Watch.

Jo Shuman Cottekill

Community lunch returns post pandemic Andrew Lutz Special for the BSP Back in 2010, the Rev. Alison Quin, then rector at Christ the King, met with Tana Miller to talk about ways that CTK could be more engaged with the outer community. Tana, a wonderful reader of many books, recommended a book

by Sara Miles, titled “Take This Bread.” They also met with Georgia Snyder, a pillar of the Marbletown Reformed Church who had hosted weekly lunches for the wider community for many years. Georgia’s positive attitude and expertise convinced Alison and Tana that Christ the King could host monthly lunches.

The following are quotes from Rev. Quin as she remembers the positive outcomes from the times prior to the pandemic for lunches at Christ the King: “Memories – how many folks became regulars and got to know each other, and brought their friends. It was especially moving to see people who lived alone come and socialize. When our daughter Rosemary was unemployed and living at home, it was important to her to have the

support and encouragement of the regular attendees.

“When the lovely professional chef from NYC was working at the orchard for the summer, he brought lunch for everyone, and how surprised people were to taste goat curry, but it was delicious. I can’t remember his name, unfortunately. He came to church a number of times.

“There were faithful cooks and dishwashers – probably can’t name all because I might forget someone, but Tana, Wendy, Jim, Andy, Ellie, Tully, Darrel were all engaged on a regular basis.”

Tana added to the list of volunteers over the years adding, “The Fieldmans, Janet Weissman, Alice Gray, Al Hoffman, Rod and Lourd Basten, Pam Hoveling and others. What I remember the most,” she said, “was how much fun we had cooking together. We all had different jobs. I remember Wendy Blair always lit the very cranky stove (she is fearless by nature) and stirred every pot of soup so it wouldn’t burn on the bottom. When lunch was ready, we all enjoyed greeting everyone who arrived, parishioners, community members, people visiting our area, the occasional dog. I cannot remember anyone complaining.

Everyone ate what was offered and added their good spirits to the mix. I am still involved with Community Lunch, which Rod Basten revived this month after a long Covid pause, cooking less and eating and visiting more!”

Christ the King’s new rector, the Rev. Marcella Gillis, has carried on CTK’s tradition of hospitality through a variety of community events and outreach ministries, including an ongoing collaboration with the Afghan Circle of the Hudson Valley, which provides monthly Afghan food carry-out prepared by a recently resettled Afghan family.

Rev. Marcella has also supported Robyn Boyd’s efforts at bringing Sunday afternoon folk music concerts in the fall of ’22, spring of ’23, and into the future, where collections are taken in support of local nonprofits like the Rondout Valley Food Pantry, Rural and Migrant Ministry, and the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network.

The next Community Lunch at Christ the King, 3021 Route 213 east, Stone Ridge, will be 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Tuesday, May 9. All are welcome!

What’s your opinion? Write your letter to the editor.

EMAIL: BLUESTONEPRESS845@GMAIL.COM • SNAILMAIL: BLUESTONE PRESS, PO BOX 149, STONE RIDGE

BlueStone Press, May 5, 2023 , Page 15

4-year term from page 1 self-dealing is outrageous, since this resolution is especially convenient for this supervisor to entrench his rule since apparently no other candidate is running in opposition to counter this attempt to extend the supervisor’s hold on power.”

Joe LaFera, the building manager for the RMC paid half by Marbletown and half by Rosendale commented, “I’m definitely in favor of a four-year term for supervisor. I've seen the difference with other towns.”

“As someone serving my three-year term as the chair of the ECC, I've served under two supervisors now,” said Tom Konrad. “And I definitely found the transition was tough. So, I do like longer limits, although in that same thing, the two supervisors I've served under both have been here a really long time, so I'm not sure it's really solving a problem, other than making them run a lot, which is a problem. I mean, it's a distraction. To me, the main problem there is the distraction of the supervisor having to run. Most of them seem to be able to win reelection, as long as they want it.” Konrad continued, “But I do have a little sympathy to the arguments here where it would start immediately with the term we're electing right now. I feel that it would make more sense to start in two years.”

Tim Guinee, councilwoman Daisy Foote’s husband, concluded public comment by stating, “I'm intimately familiar with what it takes to be on the town board. I think you're all out of your mind!”

Councilman Don LaFera stated, “I've heard some stuff that kind of smacks like personal points over political. The fact that we passed the clerk and the highway terms without any pushback, and that it

seems to keep coming back about Rich more than about the four-year term, it just seems like this is more about a personal issue. I don't think that that is the reason that you pass a four-year or don't pass a four-year term. And it seemed like you guys are, you know, hearing people joining the two things together, whether or not Rich is running opposed or not opposed? This is still going to be its own vote. And if we put it on the ballot, it's still going to go in front of the voters. So all we're doing is asking the voters to make a choice on this.” He continued, “And it is going to be extremely difficult to find people to do it for two years because of the disruption that it has in your life and your professional career. So I think that is cause to look at that in a different way. I've heard things about term limits. We have term limits, it’s called voting.

We vote for somebody else. That's term limits. In my opinion.”

Councilman Tim Hunt said, “I really think I'm also in favor of the four-year term, and for all the reasons we're hearing today, and I really appreciate someone like Vin, who's had the experience. But we have about one quarter of our citizens voting. So, you know, this may energize them, but again, it's an important thing to make sure people are aware of. It is a change that will impact everyone. And I hope they will take it very seriously.”

Councilwoman Foote joined via Zoom and added, “I've had this conversation with Rich and I'm very much in favor of this four-year change just because, I've seen, again, we have some big tasks ahead of us in town that have been ongoing. But because I want the town to feel like they've been given some time, I would feel much more comfortable putting it on the 2024 ballot.”

In the vote, Foote and Hunt voted “no” to add the referendum to the ballot in November. Parete, Davenport and LaFera voted in favor. The resolution passed, 3-2.

School board from page 8 her delight, not so much theirs. Upon retirement, Meoli spent 14 years as an adjunct at SUNY Ulster. For 11 years she volunteered for KAFAS as a driver and EMT, taught

Board discusses 4-year term Hunt said, “I would like to hear more from other towns their experience in making the change, any downside, because in Rockland County they tried to reverse the four-year term, it went to the Supreme Court because the town actually did something illegal in the way they did it, and the Supreme Court upheld the four-year term there. They tried to undo it for some reason, and I don’t know why. I would like to explore why.”

Parete said, “I hadn’t heard that.”

Hunt continued, “The point around the November referendum, I would like to know what I am voting on. Am I voting for this person for a supervisor for two years? I don’t know if I am voting for four years because I don’t know if the referendum is passed or not. I don’t get a chance to separate those two. I am beholden to whatever the second vote is going to be.”

Parete said, “The reason we are bringing this up is that it has to be done 150 days before an election.”

Hunt said, “I looked into the recusal question with the chair of our board of ethics and she agreed because of the election was happening

literacy at the public library, joined the Lions Club, and is currently a volunteer at the Rochester Food Pantry.

David Bendell is running for the Rondout Valley Board of Education. He is a lifelong resident of the district, and both he and his children are graduates of RVSD. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz and an educator for over 20 years, he says he really loves it. He has also volunteered

and, Rich, you would be running again, you would not need to recuse yourself.”

Foote said, “Tim, I am glad you checked that out.”

Hunt said, “She is not speaking for the whole board though. I want to be clear of that. We did not have time to run it by the whole board.

This goes back to my initial point. I just would like better planning. If we had rolled this out earlier then the Democratic Party could have considered this in their nomination process … that would have been a smoother or more thoughtful transition.”

Hunt said at the end of the meeting, "I learned about this the Friday before the public hearing was announced." Davenport said at the end of the meeting, "We have been discussing this with Rich since March or April."

Parete said, “As board members, we don’t want to think in a political process, that’s kind of dangerous if we are putting political considerations over here. We are here for the residents.” Hunt said, “I don’t put the supervisor in the same category as the clerk and highway department; the supervisor’s role is really clear – you are the executive lead.”

for the Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad for the past 10 years, with responsibilities that include serving as the current director of personnel, trustee, and a NYS-certified EMT. Bendell said, “I look forward to the opportunity to further serve my community as a member of the Rondout Valley Board of Education.”

High Falls Food Co-op invites you to

AI from page 13 er into system-task management platforms. “These new digital platforms and systems are revolutionizing work,” says Leber. “Platforms like Asana and Monday break down business and organizational needs into mathematical components and automate process … That was my first ‘oh my god’ moment, these systems are incredible –they are game changers for the way people work.

Additionally, while at Radio Kingston, his love for AI truly began to blossom. “A year ago I was playing with AI that was a billionth of the power that it is now,” says Leber.

AI felt like an extension of many of the platforms that Leber was already utilizing in his systems design work.

What happened next was a culmination of Leber’s work experience. Feeling the stirrings of inspiration of entrepreneurship enjoyed at Barbara Corcoran, and the call of innovation gained at Brand Yourself, and the deeply rooted sense of contributing to humanity that settled in at Radio Kingston, Leber decided to take a leap and founded his own company, Cyber Mouse, headquartered in Tillson but ready to go anywhere in the world.

Cyber Mouse specializes in creating holistic, streamlined and efficient systems that are both functional and user-friendly for all sizes of businesses and organizations.

Services include system building, digital asset management, workflow optimization, automation solutions and support for navigating and making most of the AI wild, West we are currently in. “I primarily create systems and manage services, automating day-to-day processes, finding ways to create more efficiency in the ways that people are working. Everyone works differently so it’s important that the systems and processes feel organic to the individual – no shoehorning people into technology.”

He’s also at the forefront of AI and serves as tour guide and trainer to find out how AI can assist work process.

“AI has been with us longer than we realize,” says Leber.

“But we are at a new scale now. Someone flipped a switch and opened the floodgates, and now it’s here and it’s going to transform our lives the way Google did. I chose to learn it as opposed to fear it so I could understand its impact and how to best utilize it in an ethical way to support the everyman, to support people who could potentially very much need the benefits. I help my clients navigate the tool, which I believe can be a benev-

olent tool with the right intention.”

While systems and computers may be the tool, humans are at the very heart of Cyber Mouse. The questions that keep Leber up at night are ways in which we might build supportive systems to literally give back time – life – to the people who are using them. “I’m passionate about helping small businesses and entrepreneurs grow,” says Leber, “and often hiring another person early on is not cost effective. I think my services help supplement that need to do the minutiae so the team can do the more creative things they love to do and grow to the point where hiring makes sense.”

Leber’s perfect day, unsurprisingly, includes a mix of friends – both virtual and of the human variety. When asked about his perfect day, now that he’s back in the Hudson Valley and at the helm of his own company, Leber says, “The day starts with having a good cup of coffee, bike riding on the rail trail, and then getting all my monitors turned on and loaded with spreadsheets. Next, meeting a new client and learning about their pain points and putting creative attention into solving their problems.

I’d finish out the day back outside, finding hidden swimming holes or relaxing around a fire with friends.” While life with AI may be changing the way we work, the ways in which we find meaning outside of work strike universal cords – good coffee, the great outdoors and friends – so why not let AI help you get more of that?

For more information, visit: https://thecybermouse.com, call 845-901-4376, or email patrick@thecybermouse.com .

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Your friends and community

Page 16

May 5, 2023

Modernizing an ancient practice

‘The New Psychedelics: Avoiding Missteps of the Past and Optimizing Therapeutic Potential’ Chelsea Miller BSP Reporter When the Kiva at Marbletown Multi-Arts opened two years ago, Ev Mann had high hopes for the magical little round building, which is located behind MaMA in Stone Ridge. The structure represented a culmination of many aspects of Mann’s eclectic life – the meeting of spirituality, community and music – and his hope was that the community will find connection with both the space and each other there, connecting to a deeper source of energy, in whatever terms people wanted to label it. Two years in, the dream has been made reality and Mann says that the Kiva has exceeded his every hope and dream for the space. “The amount of healing work that is going in there is amazing,” said Mann, “and it runs the gamut – meditation groups, music classes for kids, sonic healing events, sound baths, concerts and workshops – it’s been amazing.”

Coming up on May 13, the Kiva will be hosting a talk with Mann’s longtime friend Len Worley on the topic of the use of psychedelics within a therapeutic context.

Worley and Mann met over 25 years ago through a mutual friend who is based in Tivoli, and over the years the friends have connected sporadically but meaningfully through their mutual love of travel and exploration of the human spirit on both the physical and metaphysical plane.

Worley’s path to the field of therapeutic psychedelics was a winding one. Over the last 30 years, Worley has enjoyed a career as a psychologist, marriage and family therapist, Rolfing bodyworker, and dream researcher and mentor. The pandemic proved a shifting point for Worley. Leading up to the pandemic, Worley was based in Austin, Texas, with a thriving Rolfing practice. When the pandemic forced the practice to close he looked at it as an opportunity to focus on his writing and made the bold move to the Andes of Ecuador.

“I could see two different volcanoes – one to the east and the other to the west, while living at 8,000 feet,” said Worley. The cost of living in Ecuador ran about 20% of the cost of U.S. living, giving Worley the freedom to dive into his work. After the pandemic, he headed back to the States and settled himself into a retreat center outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. Worley said that upon his return he was met with delight and surprise. Suddenly there was a national conversation happening around the therapeutic use of psychedelics – a concept that is arguably ancient, but this time with some big deal research surrounding it, coming out of the likes of John Hopkins, Harvard and Stanford. “I had read the book ‘How to Change Your Mind,’ and when I came back to the U.S. and saw all this activity around psychedelics, I realized that the field is exploding.” Ironically, Worley, who is 75 years old, said that his own first experience didn’t come until he was in his early 40s.

“I was a psychologist at the time in private practice.

Up until then I had never done psychedelics – I never touched even cannabis,” Worley said. “I grew up in the conservative, racist, fundamentalist South, and all drugs were bad, and I was afraid,” he said. “Ultimately I was afraid of losing some kind of control, I was zipped tight.

Even though intellectually I’d become a liberal man by the time I got my Ph.D., I didn’t realize that my core personality structure was rigid. Some part of me intuited I needed more than talk therapy and I read an article about the therapeutic nature of MDMA … I trepidatiously

Len Worley, who will be holding the talk entitled “The New Psychedelics: Avoiding Missteps of the Past and Optimizing Therapeutic Potential” at MaMa on May 13.

tried it. It was the most important day of my life because it showed me how much life and feelingfullness and beauty and richness of emotion I was missing out on. I had a baptismal, unconditional love that day.” Worley was quick to continue that, at the time, he felt he had found the “holy grail” and began to study the compounds and plants, and as he did he became more aware that it is how you use the psychedelics that makes them therapeutic … or not. It is with this background that, once in the back in the U.S. post-pandemic, Worley enrolled in the Somatic Psychedelic Institute to study the use of psychedelics as a transformational therapeutic process.

The process of therapeutic psychedelics differs from the both the recreational and ceremonial use of psychedelics in two fundamental ways. Firstly, the dose is very deliberately and typically small. Secondly, the session is typically short and in the company of a trained therapist as opposed to the passive, stereotypical “trip sitter.” Worley is extremely excited to explore this emerging field. “In this model therapist is highly involved – tracking what’s going on in the client’s body moment to moment, and as a result of that one-on-one attunement they are able to trust their body literally taking over and begin to unwind whatever didn’t get fully released when they experienced trauma in the past,” Worley said. “What appears to contribute to conditions such as PTSD is not simply the traumatic event itself but the body does not have the opportunity to process the trauma, emotions are cut off that are too overwhelming, and the body is not allowed to go through the process. Mammals have the impulse to share after a traumatic event, and if you look to the animal world you will still see mammals shaking it free. In our culture that process is not trusted.”

When pressed as to why Worley thinks the process is distrusted, he said, “Several reasons: It may not be safe with the people you are with to go into a trembling state, people may fear that they are losing control and they might go crazy. Even in traditional therapy we have a bias of narrative in talking about trauma. In the process of somatic psychedelic therapy the use of low-dose psychedelics takes you out of

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your executive function and lets you go fully into the body. The body knows what to do if we give it a chance to unwind, and often the flight-fight-freeze response gets interrupted. In these short sessions the focus is not on visionary states but rather to make space for the body to untangle trauma in its own intelligent and naturalistic ways.”

Mann said that he is excited to bring Worley’s work to Stone Ridge. “There are some therapists locally who have used ketamine work with their depression patients, and I’ve witnessed that success,” he said. “There’s also a lot of interest in this area about this topic. I think it’s important work. It can be such a powerful help for so many people and it’s great to see so many studies and the approvals are coming through. It’s exciting. I’m a big fan of Len’s work – he’s so committed and I appreciate that about him.”

For Worley’s part, he is looking forward to the opportunity to educate around the subject. “Pandora’s box has opened, and it’s not closing like it did in the Greek myths.

It’s staying opened, and what opportunity we have now as therapists to add in psychedelics. And frankly speaking, compared to the use of anti-depressants, it’s night and day. We can actually get to the cause of depression and anxiety and bring healing here, instead of a pharmaceutical symptom relief. The reason I am doing the talk at MaMA is that we need to be informed people, not just be starry-eyed about psychedelics every time a favorable article comes out on the therapeutic effects. At the moment there are highly curated psychedelic experiences that cost a lot of money – they are expensive events. Most people won’t be paying that, and if they do underground psychedelics it will have greater harm or at the very least be of less therapeutic value. The art we need to develop is how to use these potent substances. There needs to be preparation for the experience, as there was in ancient times. We are at a unique time in history where we have the opportunity to blend the wisdom of indigenous practice with western psychology framework. It’s how you use these psychedelics. The more individualized the attention the more likelihood there is that it will be healing.”

Len Worley, Ph.D, will be leading the discussion “The New Psychedelics: Avoiding Missteps of the Past and Optimizing Therapeutic Potential” from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at MaMA, 3588 Main St., Stone Ridge. There is a $30 fee to attend, payable at the door or by reservation by contacting evrymann@gmail.com. To learn more about MaMa visit https://cometomama.org. To learn more about Worley and his writings and film, visit https://evolutionarydreaming.com/

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BlueStone Press, January 6, 2022, Page 17

Kudos

Kathleen Dennin-Gundberg, Glenn Pomerantz and Dr. Geri Rhoades at the RVHS induction ceremony held April 28. Lisa Pezzino was not able to attend in person; she sent a video.

2023 Rondout Valley Hall of Pride inductees In the fall of 2012, the Rondout Valley School District came up with an initiative to recognize graduates who have made a special contribution or been recognized for an outstanding achievement. The criteria for a nomination were a personal accomplishment; entrepreneurial and professional accomplishment, academic achievement, community/school service and/or leadership.

The pandemic put the ceremony to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of former Rondout Valley graduates on pause for several years but on April 28 four recipients: Kathleen Dennin-Gundberg, Class of 2001; Glenn Pomerantz, Class of 1980; Lisa Pezzino, Class of 2001; and Dr. Geri Rhoades, Class of 1978, were inducted into the Hall of Pride in a ceremony in the high school auditorium The Hall of Pride was established to show students that many possibilities do exist outside of the Rondout Valley. Biographies and pictures of these graduates are installed in the main entrance of the high school. Previous inductees include and extraordinary range of accomplishments in a variety of fields: international soccer coach, author, opera singer, actor/puppeteer, attorney, physician, engineer, publisher and astronaut, U.S. Army

serviceman, doctor and teacher.

If you are interested in joining us for this exciting event, please RSVP to Debbie Gottstine at 845-687-2400, ext.

4201. Visitors on April 28 should enter through the 500wing lobby and check in at the Welcome Center.

Class of 2001, Kathleen Dennin-Gundberg is the Town of Rochester town clerk, president of Friends of Historic Rochester and the town historian. Kathleen graduated from SUNY Ulster County Community College unsure of her career path, and in 2005 she became deputy town clerk and found her true passion. In November 2009 Gundberg successfully ran for town clerk cross-endorsed on four party lines and has continued that record her four last terms. Gundberg served 13 years in various officer positions for Ulster County Town Clerk and Tax Collector Association, five terms as the president and elected the official historian for the organization. During her high school years she enjoyed advanced ceramics, photography, creative writing and mystery and suspense, played second base and pitched for the JV/V softball team. The start of her career in the Town of Rochester government began in the ninth grade working for the youth commission. Her role with Friends of Historic Rochester has developed a deep appreciation for the local archives and history; she works hard at keeping the history of the town alive while getting community engagement.

Class of 2001, Lisa Marie Pezzino graduated from Northeastern University earning a BS in civil and environmental engineering. She then continued her education earning a MS in environmental management from University of San Francisco. While at Rondout, Pezzino was class president, student council president and an accomplished field hockey player, and she played piano and clarinet in jazz band, band and chorus. She was the valedictorian of her class and has always had an innate enthusiasm for science and math. At Northeastern, Pezzino focused her studies on environmental engineering due to her interest in more global public health concerns associated with water and sanitation access and infrastructure. She co-founded Northeastern’s Engineers Without Borders program. She completed her MS at University of San Francisco, utilizing a National Science Foundation fellowship to complete research on the degradation of native Hawaiian fishponds on O’ahu. Pezzino is now the vice president of SRT Consultants, a women-owned engineering firm, she founded and manages the record label The Long Road Society to support music within her community. The Long Road Society currently has a roster of eight musicians of various genres including folk, jazz and hip hop, and produces vinyl records and events throughout California.

Class of 1980, Glenn Pomerantz attended Ulster County Community College earning an A.A.S. degree in

electrical technology, then continued his education at SUNY College of Technology at Utica/Rome earning a B.T. in electrical technology, and finished his education at Walden University, earning a M.S. in electrical engineering. At Rondout, Pomerantz was an average student, earning A’s in math and science and C’s in English and social studies. During his school years he worked as a waiter at the Brookside Hotel, an old-time Jewish Catskills resort, which enabled him to afford college. Pomerantz began his career at a small company, ASD in Poughkeepsie, where he got a deep-dive education in electronic design/ manufacturing, mechanical design/fabrication and quality engineering. He then went on to an electronic tech job at IBM, shifting his career to metrology (the science of measurements). He began as a technician and later achieved an advisory engineer title, where he continues to work. Outside of work Pomerantz is a volunteer EMT with the Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad for 40-plus years. He umpires baseball/softball and is the lead referee of a high school football officiating crew. Glenn is also a very active volunteer and executive board member of the Kerhonkson Synagogue.

Class of 1978, Dr. Geri Rhoades attended SUNY New Paltz earning her B.A. in communications w/honors, she then went on to Brooklyn College, where she received her M.A. in communications, again with honors, to Simmons College for her M.B.A., and finishing at Capella University where she earned her Ph.D. in education. While at Rondout, Rhoades was the class president three out of her four years and was named Citizen of the Year by the Daughters of the American Revolution in her senior year.

She actively participated in band, choir, track, gymnastics and cheerleading. Inspired by her leadership work as well as her public speaking teacher, Mrs. Decker, she went on to focus on communications in her education and for her 40-plus year career. Throughout her profession, Rhoades carefully navigated her opportunities in a mostly male-dominated business world, eventually reaching the executive level as senior vice president of an international financial services organization. She has published extensively and is considered a thought-leader in her field.

Rhoades has conducted workshops through Dress for Success and mentored young women at risk of not continuing their education through Take Stock in Children.

In 2002, Rhoades founded Rhoades Communication and spent the rest of her career sharing her knowledge with leaders world-wide, enabling them to become better communicators. She is most proud of her philanthropic endeavors, including founding Boston AIDS Africa, a nonprofit responsible for sending caregiver kits to those suffering from the side effects of AIDS.

Town of Rochester – Earth Day celebration The Town of Rochester Recreation Department hosted two weekends of road cleanups for Earth Day this year.

On two Saturdays, April 15 and 22, volunteers in the Town of Rochester "adopted" a road of their choosing to clean up. There were many volunteers ... so on April 22, the town hosted a brick-oven pizza party behind the Harold Lipton Community Center in Accord to say thank you for all the volunteers’ hard work. The pizza was made fresh by county legislator Chris Hewitt, who volunteered his time and energy, which was much appreciated by both Rochester and the cleanup participants.

Chris Hewitt making pizza on Earth Day for the volunteers. Photo by Manuela Michailescu

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Page 18

Arts, culture & entertainment

May 5, 2023

There’s no place like home On my 19th birthday, I took some bad ecstasy and began having panic attacks shortly thereafter. I had already been struggling with depression, and my botched drug experience did me no favors. When I started on antidepressants later that year, it was a relief. My panic attacks stopped. My anxiety subsided. But so did my joie de vivre. I wasn’t quite myself. The world didn’t shine the way it once did. I felt flat. Indifferent. It was unnerving for someone who finds so much delight in the beauty of the world.

By the following summer, the trade-off no longer seemed worth it. Young and uninformed, I did a very dumb thing. Rather than consult with my doctor, I went on a camping trip to Utah and simply left my meds behind. A few days later I was in withdrawal. I sat on the floor of my tent, dizzy, flu-ish, and inexplicably furious. If my “out of personality experience” hadn’t already put me off to pharmaceuticals, my floundering dismount sealed the deal. Panic attacks and depression be damned. I swore I’d never touch the stuff again.

In the time since, I developed a few unhelpful and untrue ideas that further put me off to prescription drugs.

Namely, that taking pills to improve my mood would be laziness on my part. After all, I had made some progress through therapy. I took it as proof that I should be able to work through my feelings without medication.

But as my grandma used to say, “Man plans and god laughs.” In a forehead-slapping moment of realization, it recently came to my attention that I have ADHD. It’s an

Jodi LaMarco

idea I still have trouble accepting. As an adult, I internalized the labels I received as a kid: Careless. Undisciplined.

Inattentive. I had heard of ADHD, but my own experience made me believe that there was simply no such thing. I didn’t have ADHD. I was just lazy and bad.

My self-esteem has suffered enormously due to my behavior and my beliefs about my behavior. During a time of high stress, I began a practice of repeatedly checking my stove to make sure I had turned it off. I was so paranoid of my carelessness, I’d often return home when I was already halfway to my destination just to check it again.

I’d then arrive late, feeling totally crappy about myself, still wondering if I might accidentally burn the house down in a spell of absent-mindedness. There are numerous examples like this. All of them resulted in various levels of self-loathing. Because I didn’t have a problem. I was the problem.

With my diagnosis came the question: Should I give medication a try? I knew I needed help. But I might end up in the same pickle I found myself in when I was 19.

I didn’t like the idea of being evicted from my familiar internal landscape. Sure, the place needed work. But for better or worse, it was the world I knew.

The weather is actually pretty good in Jodiville. It’s usually sunny, which is pleasant. It doesn’t take much to amuse me. A nice leaf or a soap bubble will often do it.

Storms are frequent, but they’re over quickly. Like I said, I’ve had a lot of therapy.

There’s a creek of anxiety that runs through the center of my internal world, murmuring in the background like white noise. I do my best not to get my feet wet, but I’m not always successful.

Then there’s the unceasing sound of what I think of as The Radio, which echoes throughout Jodiville. The problem with The Radio is that it plays every station simulta-

neously, and every station is tuned to ADHD FM. Say I’m chopping an onion and I notice my knife is dull. Welcome to ADHD FM! We’ll be cranking out hits all afternoon! Coming up next is, I should really sharpen that knife. After that, stay tuned for Actually, maybe I need a new knife? I should look on Amazon for a new knife. Right now.

Sometimes, I abandon my onion and end up knife-shopping on the internet. But even when I can stay on task, ADHD FM Knife Radio keeps playing in the background.

I’m still chopping when I hear an old favorite. That familiar ballad, When am I going to clean my fridge?

Oh good! The Did I Put My Laundry In The Dryer?

Show is on! This one often has a surprise ending where I find a lump of stinky wet clothes from two days ago in my washing machine.

And so there I am, trying to chop my onion while all three radio shows play simultaneously. I can’t listen to three radios at the same time. Nobody can.

I love Jodiville. In good times, it’s incredibly entertaining. But it’s also an exhausting place to live. When my doctor offered me pharmaceutical help, I decided to take it.

My first day was a revelation. I noticed the hypothetical dirty fridge and dull knives, but without the running background noise of ADHD FM. Each thought was just a thought, not a hostage situation. A calm settled upon the land. Even Anxiety Creek fell down to a trickle.

I like the quiet. I like myself better, too. I’m learning to judge myself less harshly. Jodiville is looking pretty good these days. It doesn’t matter that I needed a little help to get the place in order. I fixed it up. And that’s what counts.

Mays past in the Rondout Valley May 2, 1859 – Kingston Daily Chronicle Steam on the Delaware and Hudson Canal.

—The Delaware and Hudson Canal Company have it in contemplation to place steam canal boats upon their Canal. Fuel for this purpose can of course be obtained on this Canal at less expense than on any other, and we have no doubt that the change will be of vast pecuniary benefit both to the company and to the consumers of coal. We understand that it will not be long before this important experiment will be tried. We shall welcome it when it occurs as one of the great improvements of the day. [This never came about …]

From the archives Linda Tantillo

May 4, 1871 – New-Paltz Independent High Falls Items.

—Tamney’s extensive stabling establishment is completed.

—The old baseball ground near Bruceville is occupied every Sunday by a club of about fifty members, white and black. They play from one o’clock till dark, and are an ornament to our community.

—Several young ladies and gentlemen have organized a company for the manufacture of ice cream. They have had one meeting and, of course, the congealed article had to take it.

May 11, 1876 – New-Paltz Independent The Ellenville Knife Works are now employing fifty-three hands, all of whom have as much as they can do.

A larger force is soon to be employed. The Works are now turning out one hundred and fifty dozen knives a week.

They are so busy that they are compelled to enlarge their capacity and are putting in new machinery.

May 20, 1875 –New-Paltz Independent The flagging-stone business of Marbletown, which has grown into great importance within the past dozen years, has suffered somewhat from the depression of the last year, but is still carried on to a great extent. Ten cents per square foot is the present selling price at Wilbur.

May 14, 1913 – Pokeepsie Evening Enterprise Cement Mills Are Destroyed Engine Valued at $30, 000 is Made Valueless by Burning of Old Buildings.

The abandoned mill and buildings of the Consolidated Rosendale Cement Company, formerly the Beach plant, and located between Binnewater and Rosendale, were destroyed by fire yesterday. …

The main buildings were erected in 1894 or 1895 and other additions were built later. It was closed four years ago and was being dismantled by the Consolidated Cement Company. Some of the buildings had been half torn down and a large amount of machinery had been

transported to the other mills of the company. An engine which is said to have cost $39,000 had not yet been taken down and was ruined by the fire.

May 3, 1940 – Rosendale News Read About Our Library The Comus Club wishes to take this opportunity to thank all those who have cooperated with them in their efforts to organize a free library for the Town of Rosendale.

Those of you who haven’t made your contributions, but intend to – do it now. Bring whatever you wish to give to Mrs. Auchmoody’s store, Main Street, Rosendale, N.Y. Might as well get used to going there because that is where Your Library is going to be.

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BlueStone Press, May 5, 2023 , Page 19

To the rescue! Saving turtles Have you ever rescued a turtle? You see something that looks very like a rock in the middle of the road. Just in time, you see the rock move. You pull over, pick it up, deposit it on the side it was heading for and save that animal from sudden death.

My neighbor Judith Karpova told me recently: "I was driving down Route 28 toward Woodstock and I saw this huge turtle on the shoulder, just about to put one massive column of a leg down in the right-hand lane of traffic. It was a snapping turtle, as big as half a basketball. ... I pulled over and just flew back up that highway in the middle of the lane waving my arms like a maniac. I grabbed it by its back end and slid one hand underneath the shell. It tried really hard to bite me. But I got it off the ground Ann Belmont and staggered across the highway and put it down well into the shoulder of the opposite side. And it hauled itself half around and looked right into my face, with these skeptical, astonished pale brown eyes. People were pulling up, taking photos, yelling 'good job!' I was terrified it would turn around and head back onto the road, and I finally gave it a shove with a little branch, which it tried to bite in two, but then it sort of shrugged and turned around and stomped off into the woods."

To the question that may spring to your mind, Kiley Briggs, a turtle conservationist, has the answer. “Most turtles, if they cross a road, it’s because they’re looking for a place to lay their eggs … but it could be that they’re just out looking for food. Wood turtles feed on land. They eat leafy greens, fruit, also anything squirmy that they can catch." Although their home base is near a river or wetland, "they might spend weeks on end away from the river.”

Briggs is the conservation director of the Orianne Society, whose stated mission is to conserve critical habitat for rare reptiles and amphibians. "The Hudson River Valley [including the Rondout Valley] and the Berkshires are really the only places in the world where

Wild Things

Horoscopes The planets continue to consolidate between Pluto in Aquarius at one end of the Zodiac and Mars at the other end in the sign of Cancer. Mercury, Uranus and the Sun are all within 30 degrees in the sign of Taurus. However, Saturn has entered the sign of Pisces while Venus is close to Mars in Cancer. This planetary picture seems to show a concentration of energy on money and financial matters. Note the bank failures and general unrest around the world. Mercury turns to direct motion on the 15th – our personal lives will return to normal. The full Moon on the 5th is in Scorpio while the new Moon on the 19th is in Taurus.

Your Zodiac

ARIES: 3/21 to 4/19: Mars, your ruling planet, continues to Joanne be positioned in your 4th solar Ferdman house of home and family and will be joined by Venus shortly.

Hopefully this will result in some special financial news with Mercury turning to direct motion in the sign of Taurus (money). The full Moon in Scorpio, as well as the new Moon on the 19th, suggests that you take special care when it comes to financial matters.

TAURUS: 4/20 to 5/20: Venus, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 3rd solar house of education and communication and suggests you contemplate signing up for a course that will provide you with greater employment opportunities. When Mercury is direct, it is always a good time to think positive. The new Moon is always a good time to start something new.

GEMINI: 5/21 to 6/20: Mercury, your ruling planet, will turn to direct motion on the 15th of this month, ending some of the disconcerting effects – lost or broken items and missed appointments. However, it is a good

the species of turtles that we’re interested in helping all share the landscape," he told me. “I’ve been working on restoring habitat for a species called the wood turtle" as well as bog, spotted and Blanding’s turtles, all small in size and very shy. "They do their best to hide."

The turtles you see on lakes and ponds in the Northeast, he said, are usually painted turtles, which are more common.

According to Briggs, wood turtles can live into their 90s. "They’re an animal that just does everything slowly … they’re operating on a very different time scale than us." So it was no surprise when he said, "I think turtles across the board have really struggled to cope with the rapid pace of change as we’ve developed the environment. I’ve heard from a lot of people that places where they used to see turtles, they just don’t see them anymore, even common species like painted turtles. It’s really sad to see their numbers declining so much over such a short period of time.”

So can these rare species be saved from extinction?

Briggs was optimistic. “What we’re hoping for is to identify the most important places for the turtles and to work with landowners and the DEC to secure the future of these animals … so even if their numbers continue to decline in areas most heavily impacted by humans, they’ll have a good chance of still being here 300 years from now."

Besides keeping them from becoming roadkill, what helps wood turtles is to give them a little bit of space, Briggs said. “There’s a really big push to create what’s called a riparian buffer, a strip of shrubby habitat along the banks of the river that's at least 35 feet wide.” This will “improve water quality, stop fertilizer from getting into the river, and reduce erosion ... those buffers are also very important habitat for species like the wood turtle. There are a number of conservation programs that actually reimburse landowners, provide a financial incentive to set that land aside as wildlife habitat." As a compromise, Briggs explained that "waiting until Oct. 15 or later to mow or brush hog protects the turtles because they should all be back in their streams by

then. Raising mower blades to 7 or 8 inches also helps, if mowing needs to take place earlier in the year."

Another threat: invasive plants.

“Japanese knotweed is the one that is most concerning, that can ruin their nesting habitat. A wood turtle will generally lay its eggs on the banks of a river where there’s sand or a gravel bar. If they don’t have that … sometimes they’ll travel miles up or downstream to look for a good spot. Or they might just head farther away from the river, where they might lay their eggs in a farm field, or someone’s garden, or on the edge of the road ... very dangerous places for the turtles. The most dangerous time for all these turtles is May through early July, because that's when they’re laying their eggs."

Briggs hesitated to be specific about where these rare animals still live in the Rondout Valley, except to say that "meandering river valleys" are their comfort zone.

"Unfortunately there’s a thriving international black market for wild-caught wood turtles, so we need to be very cautious about naming specific sites. Poachers use the internet and local media to learn these locations … there’s a very strong demand for these turtles overseas.”

The goal of the Orianne Society, said Briggs, "is to pick out a handful of areas to really focus our attention on and do landowner outreach.” He'll be out this spring "walking valley streams and counting turtles," and relying on citizen science. "Report your sightings," he requested. "That's the only way for us to know where the important habitats are."

Not everyone would venture to rescue a snapping turtle on Route 28, but a small turtle on a country road is easy. So, everyone – look out for your turtle brothers and sisters. And drive carefully.

time to check your finances and confirm your status at work. Perhaps the time is right to plan to increase savings.

CANCER: 6/21 to 7/20: The Moon child deals with the full Moon in Scorpio on the 5th when you realize you must make a change that adds a creative component to your agenda. The new Moon on the 19th in the sign of Taurus brings thoughts of ways to increase your income.

How innovative can you be, and what is possible for the future?

LEO: 7/21 to 8/22: The Sun, your ruling planet, is conjunct Uranus and positioned in your 10th solar house of career. Mercury is also positioned in your 10th house and will turn to direct motion on the 15th. Much is happening at work, with the result that shortly you will face decision time. The cycles of the Moon will have a significant effect on your decision.

VIRGO: 8/23 to 9/22: Mercury, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 9th solar house of information and education and will turn to direct motion on the 15th. Then you will be able to take steps to clarify any misunderstandings. In addition, your present work environment will provide income from several sources.

LIBRA: 9/23 to 10/22: Venus, your ruling planet, is positioned in the 10th solar house of career. Mars, the planet of action, is also in this house, encouraging you to take positive steps to further your potential. Your search includes tapping into your creative self with new innovative ideas. The new Moon on the 19th is the time to start the push forward.

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 in Cancer and Pluto in Aquarius. You seem to be asked to follow your dream – to go for what you're seeking. It's time to allow your creativity to surface and develop!!

SAGITTARIUS: 11/23 to 12/21: Jupiter, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 6th solar house of daily work that includes three additional planets – the Sun, Mercury and Uranus. All are asking you, as a statesman, to blend them into a viable solution, as best you can, to many of our current problems both socially and economically.

CAPRICORN: 12/22 to 1/20: Saturn, your ruling planet, is in your 3rd solar house of education and communication. This is a good position for you to assume control over your special interest group as to what is learned and

discussed. Presently it may involve the activities of children or a social organization. The new Moon on the 19th may bring forth a discussion of fees to be charged.

AQUARIUS: 1/21 to 2/19: Uranus, your ruling planet, remains positioned in your 4th solar house of home and family, but now is joined by two additional planets, the Sun and Mercury. It seems the family has joined together to form a united opinion about many problems facing society now, and then will work to reform them.

PISCES: 2/20 to 3/20: Neptune, your ruling planet, continues positioned in the closing degrees of your 1st solar house of personality and is conjunct Jupiter, showing your creativity is at an all-time high. However, the Sun, Uranus and Mercury are in the sign of Taurus, your 3rd solar house, insisting you begin to monetize your creativity in a formal way. The new Moon on the 19th is a good time to start.

To report sightings of rare turtles and learn more about helping them survive, visit orriannesociety.org

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

Page 20, May 5, 2023 , BlueStone Press

FOR THE FAMILY 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 (May 10 and 17) and Saturdays (May 6, 13 and 20) and 3-5 p.m. Thursdays (May 11 and 18). 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.

Ellenville Regional Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop Mother’s Day Extravaganza Treat that special gal with the new spring collection of items, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, May 10-12, at Ellenville Regional Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop, 10 Healthy Way, Ellenvlle.

Take 30% off everything, from sterling silver and costume jewelry to handbags, scarves, clothing, and home décor items.

For more information, visit erhny.org or call 845-647-6400.

Garden Tea, Plant, Craft and Homemade Goods Sale on Saturday This event will be held, rain or shine, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at Rondout Valley United Methodist Church, 25 Schoonmaker Lane, Stone Ridge. Come by, sit, and enjoy freshly brewed tea, homemade cookies, scones and tea sandwiches in a garden setting. Enjoy the sale that includes garden and house plants, crafts, homemade goods and the all-time favorite, tea-party to-go. For more information and available vendor tables, call Elaine at 845-687-9061.

Rosendale Seniors monthly meetings, events and trips 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 (May 10), for a social meeting and on the fourth Wednesday (May 24), at 10:30 a.m. for the executive board meeting, and 1 p.m. for the business meeting. There will be a Memorial Service to honor deceased relatives.

Children and spouses will be the honorees. The Rosendale Seniors announce the movie presentation of “Charade,” starring Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. Contact the Office for the Aging for reservations at 845-340-3456. Rosendale Senior trips, open to all ages, will take a trip to Villa Roma on June 13. The cost is $72 per person. The group will also sponsor an overnight tour to Branson, Missouri, courtesy of Diamond Tours, Sept. 16-24, nine days and eight nights.

The tour, departing 8 a.m. from the Rec Center, 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 three morning shows (Dublin’s Irish Tenors and special guests the Celtic Ladies, Doug Gabriel Morning Show; and a Neil Diamond tribute) and three evening shows (The Haygoods Show; Presley’s Country Jubilee; and Queen Esther, at the Sight and Sound Theater). Cost is $1,029/pp double occupancy. Call Chickie at 845-658-2414 or Hal at 845-658-9020 for more information. For videos and group pictures, visit grouptrips.com/chicky.

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 (May 10), and at noon on the fourth Thursday of every month (May 25) 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, at otrlsc@gmail.com or Janet Sutter, treasurer, at janet.sutter@aol.com.

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Victor Lissabet, performer and event co-organizer, is a descendant of Cuban and Colombian immigrants with an extensive background in music therapy and music education.

Latin culture with Dia de las Familias Día de las Familias is a new opento-the-public day-long music and arts festival with music, food vendors, nature walks, activities for children and more, todo en Español! This event will be held, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at the Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge. The day will feature live music by renowned traditional Veracruz artists Radio Jarocho, youth music group Radio Kingston Niños, and the Noche Buena Band, a local ensemble fronted by festival co-organizer Victor Lissabet.

This festival will be offered entirely free of charge to the general public thanks to generous donor support.

Food vendors on site will be selling rice, beans, chicken, churros and flan. Nature hikes throughout the day will be co-lead in both English and Spanish.

Día de las Familias will provide an immersive experience for people of all ages and backgrounds by adapting the 300-year-old tradition of son jarocho and the fandango to the current times and context.

Son jarocho (Veracruz sound) is a regional folk musical style of Mexican Son from Veracruz, a Mexican state along the Gulf of Mexico. It is a style that developed in 18th-century Veracruz, Mexico, and that was mainly practiced in the countryside. The majority of songs speak of Veracruz's natural world, animals, waterways, flowers and trees. A fandango is a community celebration where people are invited to gather, sing, play music

Thursdays at Clove Valley Community Farm of High Falls Join community organizer Aileah Kvashay and friends, 4-7 p.m. each Thursday, through Nov. 2, with upcoming gatherings on May 11 and 18, at Clove Valley Community Farm (park to the left of the barn), at 81 Clove Valley Road, High Falls, for open-farm work party, food sharing and co-creative fun. Whether working the gardens, shopping at the farm stand, preparing for the farm-to-table dinner, or enjoying the beauty of nature, come be a part of the magic. Arrive early and stay for the community dinner. Wrap-up at 9 p.m.

Work-trade for farm fresh produce. Dogs must be on a leash for this event. For more information, visit clovevalleycommunityfarm.org.

and dance in the son jarocho style and tradition. Fandangos generally occur in rural settings. “The Ashokan Center offers the perfect landscape to replicate a traditional fandango and give participants a taste of what this celebration is like in Veracruz,” said percussive dancer Julia del Palacio of Radio Jarocho. “Son jarocho and the fandango are, by nature, inclusive practices. The rhythm of the music is also universal, which means that anyone with some familiarity with music can participate with their own instrument.”

Victor Lissabet, performer and event co-organizer, is a descendant of Cuban and Colombian immigrants with an extensive background in music therapy and music education.

This spring he will connect with local families to bring about a Spanish language chorus, to meet weekly and then perform a mixture of folk songs at Día de las Familias. He will also perform with the Noche Buena Band, a group of local musicians of Cuban heritage playing a blend of traditional Afro-Cuban, with R&B and funk.

Radio Kingston, Ulster Immigrant Defense Network, Family of Woodstock, and other local organizations are on board to help spread the word and bring more diverse populations to Día de las Familias.

Attendees of all ages are invited to enjoy a range of activities offered with an emphasis on Spanish language, including canoeing, kids’ activities, and a guided nature walk led in Spanish.

Kripplebush-Lyonsville Fire Company Sub Nites are back! Enjoy great sub sandwiches at the Kripplebush-Lyonsville Fire Company, at the intersection of County Route 2 at 519 Pine Bush Road in Stone Ridge, just 1 mile north of Route 209. Ham, turkey, roast beef or mixed meat, mixed veggie, chicken parm, meatball, tuna, and of course Philly cheese subs are made to order on a 12-inch roll with choice of toppings and served with a bag of chips and a drink (assorted cans of soda, iced tea or bottled water). Take a sub home or eat one in the dining room at the firehouse. Sub Nites are held 4-7 p.m. (with call-ins at 3:30 p.m.) on the second Friday of each month, March-November (this month on May 12), for a suggested donation of $10. For more

information or to place an order, call 845-687-9801.

Explore the magical world of mushrooms with Luke Sarrantonio Regional mycologist Luke Sarrantonio will delve into the ecology of the Morel mushroom, a springtime favorite, and share tips on what other species to look for as the temperature warms up, 10 a.m. Sunday, May 14, at the Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge. There is a suggested price of $20 for this event, free for kids under 12. 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.

Hudson Valley ICEbergs adaptive hockey program The Hudson Valley ICEbergs, an ASHA-approved adaptive hockey organization, invite local players to their program, 10:30 a.m. and noon, Sundays, May 14 and 21, at the Kiwanis Ice Arena in Saugerties. The ICEbergs is a new all-inclusive adaptive hockey team that provides an environment where youngsters 5 years old and up can play hockey regardless of skill level, physical disability, and developmental or behavioral challenges. The growing organization, which invites and includes local players, is a nonprofit organization and a member of the American Special Hockey Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving those with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities through the sport of hockey. The goal is to share the joy of playing a sport and being a member of the team. The organization helps players develop skating and hockey skills taking into consideration individual needs, establishing confidence, making friends, playing games, having fun and, more simply, learning to get up again after falling down, realizing that underneath the surface lies a superhero within everyone. For more information, visit specialhockey.org, email carmela.m.dewitt@gmail.com, or check out Hudson Valley ICEbergs on Facebook.

Second Sunday Supper The Rondout Valley United Methodist Church will host its Second Sunday Supper at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 14, at the church, 25 Schoonmaker Lane, off Route 209, Stone Ridge. All are invited to meet and greet other members of the community, dine together and enjoy one another’s company. Second Sunday Suppers are free and held on the second Sunday of every month (except July and August). Sunday worship at RVUMC is in person at 10 a.m. or online anytime at rvumc.org. For more information, call 845-687-9061. Need prayer? Call Pastor Caroline at 845-6879090.

Bloomington Fire Department Food Truck Fiesta This event will be held 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, with rain date of May 23, at the Bloomington Fire Department, 14 Taylor St., Bloomington. There will be live music by 90 Proof. Beer and wine will be available. For info, call 845-338-2794.

Marbletown Seniors meetings and next two group trips 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, June 2 (bring a dish to share or drop $3 in the basket on the food table), and at 1 p.m. on the third Friday, May 19 (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 Monday-Thursday, June 5-8, to Ohio's Amish Countryside. The trip includes three nights lodging, three breakfasts, three dinners, a live theatrical production at Ohio Star Theater, a musical comedy show, Lehman's General Store, a winery, cheese store, and more.

Cost is $627 per person double occupancy, $876 per person single occupancy. On Tuesday, Sept. 12, the Seniors will travel to Villa Roma, Callicoon. The trip includes a Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers tribute with a meal of roast loin of pork, Chicken Francese or filet of cod.

Cost is $58. The bus departs 8:45 a.m.

All trips leave from and return to Marbletown Reformed Church, 3750 Route 209, Stone Ridge. For more information and

See More events, page 21

BlueStone Press, May 5, 2023 , Page 21 Events continued from page 20 trip reservations, call Sharon Letus, at 845-687-9162.

Learn how to install a no-till ‘lasagna’ of layered compostable materials All ages are invited, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge, to learn and help install layered compostable materials for a no-till garden on top of Hoot Hill. This event is free to the community and registration is not required.

Donations gratefully accepted online or on site. Krista Speroni of True Foods Collective will be teaching how to transform a formerly overgrown area into a garden from scratch. Learn this land-conscious method for installing a no-till “lasagna” of layered compostable materials to build healthy soil. Observe, learn, ask questions, and help out with the installation. Bring work gloves and dress for the weather. BYO picnic lunch for after the workshop. For more information, visit ashokancenter.org or call 845-657-8333.

Ulster County Women’s Network presents screening and discussion of 'What Time Is Left' Join the Ulster County Women’s Network, 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at the Arts Society of Kingston (ASK), 97 Broadway, Kingston, for a wine and cheese reception and screening of the documentary “What Time Is Left.” Film producer Christine Herbes-Sommers will

offer opening remarks. Following the screening of the documentary, Caren Martineau, founder of Bevival, will lead a Q&A and discussion. The analysis will help formulate their “Aging With Grace” workshops going forward this year.

The night’s agenda includes check-in with wine and cheese reception, 5 p.m.; opening remarks and screening of “What Time Is Left,” 5:30 p.m.; Q&A and discussion, 6:45 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Admission is $10 for members, guests for $15. Visit https://ucwn.org/ events/202305 for tickets or email UCWN member and Stone Ridge resident Sheila Gould at vp@ucwn.org.

Reading with local authors Nikki Pison of Rosendale and Jay Blotcher of High Falls, at Spoken Word

ARTS, MUSIC, BODY & MIND Rosendale Theatre & Asbury Shorts USA present ‘A Celebration of Short Films’ Asbury Shorts USA, New York City's longest running short film exhibition and touring show, is partnering with the historic Rosendale Theatre to present a weekend "Celebration of Short Films," beginning 7 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. The program is repeated, 2 p.m. Sunday, May 7. Both shows will feature two different “locally produced” short films, specially selected for these screenings. "A Celebration of Short Films" is strongly recommended for ages 16 and way above. Jesse Brown, co-founder and creative director of Hudsy.TV, will serve as guest host of the Saturday night, May 6, screening.

General admission tickets for Saturday, May 6, are $20/$17 for Rosendale Theatre members. For the Sunday, May 7, matinee, admission is $15/ $12 members.

For more information, call 845-6588989 or visit rosendaletheatre.org.

Live Music at Lydia’s Café Enjoy live music 7-10 p.m. Saturday nights at Lyd-

See More events, page 22

D&H Canal Museum & Mid-Hudson Visitor Center Open Everyday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

High Falls Flea Market at Grady Park Weekends, weather permitting 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

www.canalmuseum.org/events

1315 MAin Street, High Falls 845-687-2000

Join the screening and discussion of the documentary “What Time Is Left.”

Students from the Fine Art Visual Art and Fashion Design programs of SUNY Ulster will hold exhibitions of their work this month, on the Stone Ridge campus.

SUNY Ulster Fine Art and Fashion Design Student Exhibitions this month Students from the Fine Art Visual Art and Fashion Design programs of SUNY Ulster will hold exhibitions of their work on the campus, at 491 Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge. The Fine Art/Visual Art Exhibition will be held tonight, 4-6 p.m. Friday, May 5, in the Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery, and the Fashion Design Annual Exhibition and Runway Show will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 12, in the College Lounge.

The Fine Art/Visual Art Exhibition will feature work from various art courses including Drawing and Composition II, Painting, Printmaking, Watercolor, Intro to Drawing, Photography, Intro to Design Foundations, Dimensional Design, and Digital Visual Narrative.

The Fashion Design Annual Exhibition will present work from both freshman and sophomore students and include a runway segment. The runway segment will run from 5:30-6 p.m. and will display shirts, skirts and other garments. In addition to the show, student designers Sarah

Connolly, Anna Thomas, Mikyla Hough, Sophie McCarthy, Vera Hrab and Monserrat Medina will be available to talk about their pieces and portfolios.

SUNY Ulster’s art programs provide students with foundation courses and career skills, taught by faculty who are working professionals in their fields. Students learn artistic, technical and theoretical skills in addition to general education courses that prepare them for transfer to complete their four-year degree or enter the job market. Many of SUNY Ulster’s art graduates transfer to top art colleges such as Fashion Institute of Technology, School of Visual Arts, SUNY New Paltz and more.

Both events are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available at the fashion exhibition. For more information on the student art exhibition, contact Chris Seubert at seubertc@sunyulster. edu. For more on the fashion exhibition, contact Kristin Flynn at flynnk@sunyulster.edu.

St. Peter's Flea Market is back

‘Findings’ by the Farmhouse Project, at SR Orchard

After a three-year hiatus due to Covid, the annual St. Peter's in Rosendale Spring Flea Market is back, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 13, bigger and better than ever. There will be 17 different vendors, the popular Flowers, Plants and Herbs tables, raffles, bake sale, and children's area tables filled with toys, books and games all geared for kids. There will also be a selection of Mother's Day flowers and gifts to choose from.

Admission is free. Rain or shine, the Market will be in Mulry Hall, on Keator Avenue off Route 213 in Rosendale. For more information, call Carol at 845-687-7735 or email ckf3@msn.com.

Join award-winning farmer and cider master Elizabeth Ryan and Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider for the “Findings,” 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 6 and 7, at Stone Ridge Orchard, 3012 Route 213, Stone Ridge. Findings is a market of specialized growers, boutique nurseries, antique dealers and local makers offering the very best in plants, garden antiquities, handcrafted and farm-fresh goods. General admission is $10 per day. For more information, visit stoneridgeorchard.com and thefarmhouseproject.market.

Spoken Word, the monthly Ulster County reading and performance series, presents an evening of readings by local authors. Nikki Pison of Rosendale and Jay Blotcher of High Falls will read from original works, 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 11, at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills, 320 Sawkill Road, Kingston.

Interspersed with Pison’s and Blotcher's presentations, there will be open mic presenPison tations. Attendees are invited to present their own spoken works, limited to three minutes per person.

Pison is a writer, visual and performance artist, and farmer. She raises a herd of dairy goats on her small family farm as well as being an avid traveler and a collector of art and stories. In her spare time, she is a clinical psychologist, although she says she is still considering becoming a midwife, a hot air balloon pilot, or an astronaut. She has published three books, all from Little Heart Press, “The Oracle and the Pearl” (2021), “Fragments of Butterflies” (2013), and “The Cusp of Sad” (2013).

Blotcher has been a journalist since 1981 and has written about the arts and politics for publications including Boston Phoenix, Advocate, Salon, The New York Times, Woodstock Times and Chronogram. He has contributed personal essays to more than 10 anthologies. A fulltime local resident since 2001, Blotcher co-founded New Paltz Pride and the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center. As a book editor, he has edited more than 90 works since 1991. He loathes dangling participles.

Elga Antonsen and Penelope Levine have been the co-hosts and stewards of Spoken Word events since the autumn of 2022, taking over for Annie LaBarge after several years.

There is a $5 suggestion donation for admission. Masks are required.

For more information, visit uucatskills. org or call 845-331-2884.

Send your calendar events to BSP!

Page 22, May 5, 2023 , BlueStone Press

High Falls Conservancy Spring Cleaning Day tomorrow

Events continued from page 29 ia’s Café, 7 Old Route 209, Stone Ridge.

Upcoming performances include the Rob Scheps Core-tet, with Scheps on woodwinds, Wes Georgiev on piano; Cameron Brown, bass; and Anthony Pinciotti, drums, on May 6; Gravy Train with Matt Finck, guitar; Jay Collins, vox, sax and keys; and Adam Cote, bass, playing a variety of soul, R&B and jazz tunes, on May 13; the Horton and Regusis Quartet with Regusis, piano; Ron Horton, trumpet and flugelhorn; Lew Scott, bass; and Jeff Siegel, drums, May 20; and David Lopato & Global Coolant with Lopato, keyboards and composer; Ed Neumeister, trombone; Lucas Pino, saxes, clarinets; Ratzo Harris, bass; and Bob Meyer, drums, May 27.

Come celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer and hear music from the upcoming release of David Lopato’s “Short Stories” on Global Coolant Records!

There is a suggested donation of $20.

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.

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. May 11 and June 1. Students need their 2022 tax information on hand, which includes the W-2 forms, federal tax returns, and any other income or asset documents, before the workshop begins. Registration is required. For information, contact Kathleen Hasbrouck at 845-687-5217.

Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas concert at the Ashokan Center The Ashokan Center presents this annual afternoon concert, 3 p.m. Sunday, May 14, in person, in the performance hall, at the Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge, or via Zoom, to showcase a lively concert of Scottish fiddle and cello music with renowned performers Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas. They’ll be joined by fiddler Emerald Rae and cellist Donal Sheets, who co-teach at the Scottish String Fling. Jay Ungar & Molly Mason will also add their renowned musical magic to the show. The thrilling acoustic concert will end with a grand finale, a rousing multi-tune arrangement performed by the entire camp. For more information, visit ashokancenter.org or call 845-657-8333.

Volunteers needed for ‘Trees for Tribs’ at Stone Dock Golf Course Stone Dock Golf Course, 12 Stone Dock Road, High Falls, is planting trees to protect and improve the Rondout Creek shoreline.

These shoreline plantings stabilize the creek’s banks, reduce erosion, slow flood waters, and provide critical habitat for fish and wildlife. Volunteers are needed for the “Trees for Tribs” two fun days of planting, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday and Sunday, May 13 and 14. Consider bringing gloves, a water bottle and sunscreen.

For more information, text/call Jennifer O’Donnell at 845-687-7107.

Bike to Hike at Minnewaska Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, and Josh Grosse, Student Conservation Association/Americorps Environmental Educator, 9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 16 for a bike ride to Lake Awosting and a loop hike in the Minnewaska back country. The total distance for the bike ride is approximately nine miles and the hike distance is approximately one and a half miles. Participants must bring their own bikes, equipment, food and water.

Only Class 1, pedal-assist, electric bikes are allowed in the Park Preserve. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center Upper Parking Lot. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.

Changing Perspectives, a meditative hike above the Palmaghatt Join Josh Grosse, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps environmental educator, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, for a calming 4-mile hike along gently sloping carriage roads. Bring a writing utensil, journal, and an open mind. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, 5281 Route 44/55, Kerhonkson. Preregistration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-2550752.

Folk musician James Keelaghan

Christ the King Church presents Juno and Canadian folk music by James Keelaghan Juno and Canadian Folk Music Award-winning James Keelaghan will close out a stunning season of International Concerts, 4 p.m. Sunday, May 14,

at Christ the King Episcopal Church, 3021 Route 213E, Stone Ridge. For more information, visit ctkstoneridge.org or call 845-687-9414.

The Perennial Division Workshop, at SUNY Ulster, preregistration required The Staple Singers

Music Fan Series presents ‘Wattstax’ A one-of-a-kind concert film, featuring performances by the top stars of 1970s soul, gospel, R&B, blues, funk and jazz, will celebrate its 50th anniversary re-release in a one-night-only screening, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, May 17, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale.

Directed by Mel Stuart, “Wattstax” showcases the musical brilliance of legendary artists Isaac Hayes, the Dramatics, the Staple Singers, the Emotions, Johnnie Taylor, Mel and Tim, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, Luther Ingram, the Bar-Kays, Albert King and Little Milton, plus others. “Wattstax” was a seven-hour benefit concert organized by Stax Records to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the 1965 riots in the Black community of Watts, Los Angeles. The concert took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Aug. 20, 1972. Civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson was emcee.

Richard Pryor appeared in the film via a series of segments filmed later. In 2020, the film was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” Admission is $10/$6 members.

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

Town of Rochester Recreation Department Spring Fling Luncheon This community event will be held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, May 19, at the Harold Lipton Community Center, 15 Tobacco Road, Accord. Call 845-6262115 to sign up.

Join Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County’s master gardeners for this fun spring workshop, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 13, at their award-winning Xeriscape Garden on the SUNY Ulster Campus. Bring gardening gloves and tools such as pitch forks, spades and trowels.

Participants will work in small groups guided by master gardeners. Registration is $25 per person, and attendees will leave with some prize divisions from the Xeriscape Garden. Preregistration is required.

Register at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/perennial-division-workshop-tickets-619821792667.

Join the community for this rain or shine event, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 6, with registration at 10 a.m., at the flagpole in Grady Park to enjoy a famous “Mimi” doughnut courtesy of Davenport Farms and a delicious cup of coffee from the Last Bite Café before setting out to clean up High Falls Main Street and the land around Rondout Creek.

This is the Conservancy’s continuing effort to fulfill its “Protect the Present” mission and is one way they strive to express their care for the environment. This year, as always on Spring Cleaning Day, the Conservancy is partnering with Riverkeeper as a Team Leader in its annual SWEEP program. SWEEP is designed to clean up around all the important tributaries to the Hudson River along its entire length. The Conservancy is proud to contribute to that effort, now in its 12th year.

And in addition to cleaning up Main Street and the land around the Rondout Creek in High Falls, this year the Conservancy is happy to announce that Vicky Coyne of Victoria Gardens will be joining the group at 12:30 p.m. to give a talk on “Pollinator Shade Gardens,” a subject of special interest to all gardeners, and to the Conservancy’s Garden Project Team. As an additional treat for volunteers, Ollie’s Pizza of High Falls will be providing a free Narragansett Beer, or regular or Diet Coke, to all spring-cleaning workers with a coupon after their work is completed on Saturday.

The Conservancy wishes to express their special “thank you” to Davenport Farms for the doughnuts, to the Last Bite for the coffee, to Ollie’s Pizza for the beer and Cokes, and to Victoria Gardens for Vicky’s expertise on pollinators. And – hats off to all volunteers!!

Both the Adopt-A-Highway and SWEEP projects require registration that can be done at 10 a.m. at the registration desk near the flagpole in Grady Park on May 6. Note that all young people must be accompanied by an adult for this event. For more information, visit highfallsconservancy.org and/or contact Carole Eppley at 917-705-8711 or highfallsconservancy@ gmail.com.

Junior Sportsmen’s Program takes aim at knowledge and safety for all with free classes Each Thursday at 6 p.m., May-October, students of all ages come out to the Marbletown Sportsmen’s Club Junior Sportsmen’s Program.

The archery class, taught by Pete Sarr, chairperson of the program, is alternated every other Thursday with firearms, with both programs held at the Marbletown Sportsmen’s Club, 95-105 Scarawan Road, Stone Ridge.

Students of every level, from first timers to seasoned hunters, from kids to mature adults, learn everything from the proper stance to how to hold the bow and gun, to

Taught by Marbletown Sportsmen’s Club chairman, Peter Sarr, students of every level, learn everything about archer.

the proper terminology on the range, and much more, all emphasizing proper safety.

All necessary equipment is provided for the program at no cost.

Call Sarr at 845- 687-9305 or visit marbletownsportsmensclub.com.

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203-858-3634 Mowing Lawns/Fields Property care tree maintenance improving your outdoor living 845-721-4741 Rose Hill Antiques 5066 Route 209 in Accord, ten miles south of Kingston or ten miles north of Ellenville.

Open Saturday and Sunday, 11am-5pm.

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.

Worth IT!

MARBLETOWN

to place an ad: rates

Rates are $15 for 15 days with $.25 for each additional word after 30 words and $30 for 30 days with $.25 for each additional word after 30 words.

online

Please place your classified ad any time at bluestonepress.net

phone

Call the office Monday-Thursday 10-3 (845-687-4480)

email

Send your e-mail to bluestonepress845@gmail.com

Spring is here !

Lawn Mowing Weed Whacking Spring Clean Ups Discount rates.

845-893-5644 Whittaker Welding Steel & Cast Iron Repair Fabrication Modifications Reinforcement Hardfacing 407 Krumville Road Olivebridge, NY 12461 845-657-6719

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

Help Wanted/Items Needed

Director of Conservation Programs: Senior level manager w/a minimum of 5 yrs. exp. in conservation/land protection to provide vision, leadership, and oversight for Mohonk Preserve’s conservation initiatives.

Responsible for planning, managing, budgeting, and implementation of conservation programs. Strong supervisory and team management skills req. Master’s degree in natural sciences, natural resources, conservation, forestry, science-based land management, planning or related disciplines OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

Excellent computer, communication & presentation skills. Salary range: $80-$84k/year based on exp., excellent benefits. Cover letter & resume

by May 26, 2023 to esticker@mohonkpreserve.org EOE Details: https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/who-we-are/jobs-fellowships-and-internships/ 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

Page 23 April 21, 2023

Sales and Events ST PETERS-ROSENDALE SPRING FLEA MARKET Sat. May 13 - 9 - 3 17 Vendors! Flowers, Plants & Herbs! Bake Sale! Raffles!

Children’s Tables of Toys!

Rte 213 & Keator Avenue 845-687-7735

Rondout Municipal Center 1925 Lucas Avenue, Cottekill marbletown.net

845-687-7500

Housing Committee May 9 @ 7:00pm CPAB Meeting May 10 @ 5:00pm Town Board Meeting May 16 @ 6:00pm Planning Board Meeting May 22 @ 6:00pm Zoning Board May 23 @ 6:00pm Housing Committee Meeting May 23 @ 7:00pm Town Board Meeting June 6 @ 6:00pm

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

845-658-3159

Town Board Meeting May 10 @ 6:00 pm Environmental Commission May 11 @ 6:30 pm Planning Board Meeting May 11 @ 7:00 pm Economic Development May 15 @ 5:30 pm Recreation Commission May 17 @ 7:00 Police Commission May 23 @ 3:30 pm

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

845-626-7384

Planning Board Meeting May 8 @ 7:00 pm Recreation Commission May 17 @ 9:30 am Zoning Board Meeting May 18 @ 7:00 pm Historic Preservation May 20 @ 2:00 pm Environmental Conservation May 23 @ 6:00 pm Town Board Audit Meeting May 25 @ 7:00 pm

News tip?

Contact the BSP bluestonepress.net

BOARD OF ED District, Kyserike Road, Accord rondout.k12.ny.us/ board-of-education BOE MEETING May 9 @ 7:00 pm

BSP classified ads!!!!

Place them on the NEW website

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

BOE MEETING May 23 @ 7:00 pm Confirmation of meeting times through individual town offices is recommended.

Page 24, May 5, 2023 BlueStone 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

SPECIAL APRIL/MAY/JUNE

MEMBER NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD

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

Medenbach & Eggers

Stone RiDGe DentiStRy

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

www.gagnoncpa.com

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

MOLD. ALLERGENS. DEEP CLEANING.

Donald J. Giamei, Agent donaldgiamei@hotmail.com Michele Aversano, Licensed Associate michelesri@outlook.com PO Box 341, 3669 Main Street, Stone Ridge Phone 845-687-2828 | Fax 845-687-2829 stoneridgeinsurance.net | Like us on

Reconstruction/Remodeling Post Construction & Seasonal Clean Up Foam installation application.

Cracked Pipe, Flood & Black Water Damage, Dry Out & Disinfecting NYS Licensed Mold Assessor & Mold Remediation

Commercial & Residential. Insurance Claims Accepted.

845-657-7283 • greencleaning.net

All Motor CArs Creating thoughtful, livable spaces.

sales & service 845.658.8015

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