The best source for local news from Marbletown, Rochester & Rosendale
Published the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month | Vol. 28, Issue 4
Library session gets hot
February 17, 2023 | $1.00
New play based on historical themes
Cannabis new law Public hearing planned in Rochester
Thomas Childers BSP Reporter
Ann Belmont BSP Reporter
The Rosendale Library held its first listening session at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at the library on Main Street, Rosendale. The library is going back to the drawing board to come up with solutions to best improve the library after a failed attempt to purchase the Belltower building on Main Street. The listening sessions are part of that process. Eight people were in attendance, including the town supervisor Jeanne Walsh, council member Ashley Sweeney and former council member Kenneth Hassett. The library’s director, Katie Scott-Childress, did not attend. Jeff Miller, a professor at SUNY New Paltz, led off the discussion with four questions about what people value in the
A Michigan man is suing the state of New York to be allowed to apply to run a cannabis retail business here under an obscure Federal interstate commerce law. New York law prohibits out-of-staters from applying for a license. Because cannabis is still technically illegal in the eyes of the Federal government, the case is still unresolved, holding up the granting of any dispensary licenses in the Hudson Valley. Nevertheless, local townships are getting ready for the future. Most are enacting local zoning laws concerning cannabis businesses, and a few have opted not to allow any. The Town of Rochester will be holding two public hearings at the Accord community center at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. The first hearing concerns subdivision law (see related article), and the second will be about Law B-2023, which proposes to allow cannabis retail operations with specific restrictions on location, open hours, and type of activity on the premises. A quick summary follows. To begin with, a cannabis retail dispensary, defined as an entity licensed to "deliver, sell or otherwise transfer cannabis and cannabis products to cannabis establishments and to consumers," is considered separately from an "on-site cannabis consumption facility," licensed for the sale and on-site consumption of cannabis products. The first business will be like a liquor store, and the second, like a bar. Both will be required to go through the special use permit and site plan approval process with the Planning Board. No place will be allowed to operate as both a store and a cannabis "bar;" it can only be one or the other. Cannabis retail businesses will be allowed only in certain zoning areas. They will also need to be 500 or more feet away from any school facility grades K through 12, from "any daycare center, or any facility where children commonly congregate," which would include "playgrounds, youth
See Rosendale, page 12
In this issue, read all about this original play by High Falls' David Gonzalez called "Falcon Ridge," a fictionalized play set in a rural, multi-racial community in Ulster County between 1800 and 1950. The play combines the areas of Eagle’s Nest and Lapla Road, into a fictional place called Falcon Ridge. Pictured above are residents of the Eagle's Nest-Lapala (Lapla) Road area, in the late 19th century. The play will be performed on March 3 and 4 at the Old Dutch Church, Kingston.
See the full story on page 9
More plastics may be allowed at the Marbletown Transfer Station All plastics 1-7 would be collected Alison Stewart BSP Reporter Most of the plastics dumped into Marbletown's recycling container get trashed, said Jeff Anderson, Marbletown Transfer Station superintendent. “Eighty percent of what goes in there gets thrown out," Anderson said. "I'll talk myself blue about black plastic,” he said. However, that could change by the end of the month, if a plan discussed at the Feb. 7 Marbletown Town Board meeting goes through. Olive resident Del Umbers plans to place bins at the station where users can dump plastic with recycling numbers 1 through 7, including clamshell plastics. “The shape doesn't have to be tubs, jugs or bottles. It could be tubes, it could be
Winning silver at the Empire Winter Games PAGE 12
dental floss,” Umbers said. “These plastics are going in the trash now,” town supervisor Rich Parete said. As to when this service may be set up, it could be soon. “I have to order the containers,” Umbers said, and he expects everything to be in place by the beginning of March. Anderson said the containers would probably be placed in the recycling area. The bins, which could be large cardboard boxes like those used for pumpkins, would have plastic liners into which folks could toss their plastics. “The main thing is to get a layout so that people have room to move around them,” Anderson said. There wouldn't be any added cost to the town for this. “No money is going to change hands,” Anderson said. Parete confirmed it wouldn't cost the town anything, and in fact, could save the town some money. “We pay for tonnage," Parete said. "It's
still going to result in less trips to the landfill and keeping it out of there.” Though Umbers would not charge the town for this service, he hopes to get paid for his efforts by selling the plastic to brokers who will, in turn, shred the plastic and sell it again. Umbers declined to list his brokers specifically, but said similar companies include Waste Management, Casella Waste Systems and Republic Services. He said he'd be checking the containers regularly and, once they are full, collecting and sorting the plastics by number. He then plans to sell it by weight to his brokers. "Then it's their obligation to find another buyer so they can make products again," he said. He is proposing a similar service in Olive, Shandaken, Rosendale and Kingston. “We don't need more garbage,” Umbers said. "I think it'll work," Anderson said.
Duchess Farm and Town of Marbletown lawsuits settled PAGE 8
See Cannabis law, page 10
An incredible story from these two RV teachers PAGE 16
Page 2, February July 1, 2022, 17, 2023, BlueStone BlueStone PressPress
Wearing many hats How long have you been living in the area? What brought you here? I have been living in the area since my father was transferred here by IBM in 1978. I graduated from Rondout Valley High School in 1986 and left the area for Manhattan College and to start a family, but returned home in 2007. Tell us about your family. I have three grown children, Dianna, Andrea and Matthew. Dianna works as a news radio anchor near Seattle, Visit the folks Washington. Andrea is an optomnext door etrist. Matthew is currently a college student studying computer science. All three are RVHS alumni. My parents, Roman and Stephanie, are enjoying their retirement in the area as well.
Q&A
Tell us about your job and why you’re passionate about it. I work as a teaching assistant at RVHS, assisting students with academic and physical disabilities. Multiple members of my family are in the field of education, and after having children I realized my own passion for childhood education. Every day brings new challenges and rewards, and I'm blessed to work with such kind-hearted and beautiful students each day. They inspire me to do and be better. I couldn't do it without the help of my entire team of loving and caring paraprofessionals – they are angels on earth! You're involved in a lot of after-school activities, like coaching track. Tell us about that. Yes, I wear many hats! I am involved in coaching track and field, girls swimming, varsity tennis and unified basketball. Coaching is a way for me to give back. I was fortunate to be trained by so many dedicated and talented coaches and
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Marianne Hawryluk Age: 54 Profession: Teaching assistant in Life Skills at RVHS Town: Rosendale
teachers. They had a huge impact on who I am today. They taught me the life lessons of perseverance, commitment, discipline, good sportsmanship and teamwork. Currently I hold the position of corresponding secretary for the RVF Teachers Union. I am honored to be part of such a dedicated and hard-working collaboration of professionals that have an enormous impact on our youth in the district. This year I will I volunteer as a Special Olympics coach, I'm a class adviser for the Class of 2024, and I’m a club adviser for the Theater Arts Club at RVHS. Currently, the club is painting sets for the upcoming musical, “Mama Mia.” Lastly, I am a mentor and adjudicator of the Seal of Biliteracy in the Ukrainian language at RVHS. It is a huge privilege to be part of the process that highlights the beautiful Ukrainian language and culture that I was raised with. It also gives an opportunity to assist in the growing Ukrainian community by translating for Ukrainian refugees who are arriving as students in our district. The local Ukrainian community will always be a huge part of my life. I am a parishioner of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian
Church and a former events manager at the Ukrainian Heritage Center – Soyuzivka, “SuzyQ” – in Kerhonkson. I’ve taught Ukrainian to students and have been a youth counselor for the Ukrainian American Youth Association located in Ellenville. My Ukrainian roots are very strong. With the war raging in Ukraine, I find myself even prouder to be a part of a culturally resilient people. The local community has been so supportive and giving in these challenging times … so many fundraising efforts by local restaurants and organizations. It’s one of the things I like most about the area. In times of need, people come together and help each other. What do you like to do in your spare time? I know you’re a runner because I’ve seen you on the trails. In my spare time, you can catch me running up and down every road and trail in the area! My personal favorites include the River-to-Ridge trail in New Paltz, the Rosendale Rail Trail and the Ashokan Reservoir trails. I also love to play tennis at SUNY Ulster and Break Point Tennis in Kingston. Landscaping is something I've been pursuing in the summer months when school is over. I just love being outdoors in the fresh air. Living in this area reminds me daily how lucky I am to be surrounded by everything nature has to offer. Musical theater, music and art round out some of my passions in life. I love to sing with my family … It brings me joy! Kerhonkson Elementary School is a pallet for some of my artwork. Along with teaching assistant Jill Bonelli, we have painted murals with the themes of kindness and respect for all. What do you look forward to in the future? I would love to be able to travel more in the future, visiting my children and family across the country. I also think it would be fun to have a run in every state, or at least to finally run a marathon! OK, maybe only a half ...
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BlueStone Press, February 17, 2023, Page 3
Public hearing set for subdivision law in Rochester Ann Belmont BSP Reporter Last summer the Town of Rochester's board voted for a six-month moratorium on major subdivisions, defined as more than two lots (with some exceptions). There has already been one three-month extension of the moratorium, now set to expire in mid-March, said town supervisor Mike Baden. "I'd have to check the exact date. It will be considered to extend at March 2 meeting." That second and final extension, if voted into law, would be for another three months. Of note: On Feb.14, the Town of Olive held a public hearing about whether to adopt a similar land-use moratorium. At 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, there will be a public hearing for one of the proposed zoning law revisions the board has been working on since the moratorium started. This one, Local Law A of 2023, lays out the regulations governing subdivisions in a general sense, for instance, requiring all subdivision applications to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Board before ground can be broken and any physical construction work can begin. The town also reserves the right to grant "certain exemptions" from planning board
review, such as "natural subdivisions or lot improvements." The purpose of the law stated in the draft proposal, which can be read in full on the TOR website, is as follows: A. Promoting the orderly growth and development of the Town in accordance with the Town of Rochester Comprehensive Plan. B. Affording adequate facilities for the housing, transportation, distribution, comfort, convenience, health, and safety of Town residents. C. Minimizing foreseeable maintenance and improvement problems as well as economic burdens associated with development of land. D. Conserving the Town's natural resources and protecting its attractive environment so as to maintain property values and otherwise provide for the general welfare of residents of the Town of Rochester. There is a section dealing with waivers and modifications. If the Planning Board grants these, it must "attach conditions and require such guarantee or bond as it may deem necessary to assure compliance." The penalties for violations of the town's zoning laws are delineated. A fine for a violation can't exceed $350; however, until the violation is fixed, every day counts as a new violation, which can add up very quickly. Finally, the law contains a glossary of terms such as "access,” alley," "block," and every other term used in the TOR's zoning code.
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Page 4, February 17, 2023, BlueStone Press
Seniors argue for bigger property tax break Town Board tables decision until Feb. 21 meeting Alison Stewart BSP Reporter Real property tax exemptions for qualifying seniors topped public comment at the Feb. 7 Marbletown Town Board meeting. The board plans to raise the income level for which seniors qualify for exemptions. Several residents argued for raising the limits to the maximum allowed by the state, which would be more than was being planned by the board. A similar resolution is under consideration for disabled persons, and whatever is approved for seniors is likely to be approved for that group as well. Town assessor Jeremy Baracca said the current annual income maximum for the 50% exemption is $29,000. The exemption percentage then decreases to a minimum of 5% for incomes of about $37,000. The board had proposed increasing the 50% exemption for incomes up to $37,000, with a sliding, decreasing exemption amount ending at 5% for incomes of about $45,000. The controversy is that though the board was indeed planning an increase, the state allows the 50% exemption for annual incomes up to $50,000 – higher than the board planned to go. According to www.tax.ny.gov, “To qualify, seniors generally must be 65 years of age or older and meet certain income limitations and other requirements." The senior citizen exemption legislation allows towns, cities, villages, counties and school districts to set their own maximum income limits for the 50% exemption anywhere between $3,000 and $50,000. From there, there are decreasing exemption amounts down to a 5% reduction. Several residents argued for going to the maximum level. “We are allowed to go to $50,000," said
resident Laura Cunningham. “I think really the higher the better. I don't think there's really any older person in our community that would disagree with that,” Cunningham said. “It's a humanitarian item.” Resident Vivi Hlavsa agreed. "It puzzles me why the board and all of us wouldn't be automatically in favor," said resident Vivi Hlavsa. "Can you give me reasons why you wouldn't want to go to the limit to help our senior citizens?" "This exemption doesn't just lower our taxes," said town supervisor Rich Parete. "It gets redistributed in our community. We're trying to be aware of that, too." Complicating the issue is inflation. Resident Barbara Goodwin said she analyzed the numbers and that, after inflation, someone who historically got an exemption would not be getting one now. "I was looking at some of the numbers and how cost of living increases annually affect senior citizens' exemptions," Goodwin said. She said starting with an income that got a 25% exemption in 2010, that same income (adjusted for inflation) would get nothing today. "In the current year, that becomes zero, and it was zero last year," she said. "We have been able to get less and less help in turns of getting a break on our property taxes," Goodwin said. Resident Tom Konrad suggested linking the exemption to inflation. Town attorney Tracy Kellogg said she didn't know if that would be permitted, but that she would look into it. "This has been really weighing on me," said board member Daisy Foote. "I totally understand your side." However, in terms of raising the rate to the maximum allowed, she said she was also concerned about the resulting in-
creased rates for the remaining taxpayers. "We're answering to every single taxpayer in this town," Foote said. "I was elected by everybody in this town. I wasn't just elected by senior citizens," Foote said. "The dollars are the same," board member Ken Davenport said. "Just say there's $100 of revenue that has to come into the town. If we take $5 that seniors don't pay," someone else has to pay that, he said. "The Town Board is not against seniors," Parete said. "We just have to strike a balance between all the residents of the town, and that's what we're trying to do." Foote said there's a lot of talk about affordable housing, but if folks can't afford to pay their taxes, affordable homes don't really help. "I want to really go over all these figures. I want to make sure that I'm really doing the right thing," she said. A decision was tabled until the next meeting, Feb. 21, to allow board members time to further consider the issue, and Parete said he'd have several options for the board to consider. "I'm putting together three or four different scenarios," he said, which he'll give to the board for consideration. As to his own opinion, he said he wouldn't go all the way up to $50,000. "Going from the current number to $50,000 is a significant increase. It's a lot," Parete said. "I don't mind if we go higher than what we're proposing, but I think we should stay below the $50,000 and then we can re-evaluate it in a year or two," he said. In terms of what spurred the board to consider an increase in the first place, Parete said it's a response to inflation and the state raising the allowed limits last summer. Limits changed last August when Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation raising the maximum annual income the state
would allow to qualify for a tax break. For more details on the changes to the legislation, see www.governor.ny.gov/news. According to a state press release, legislation S.3085A/A.3956A allows towns to provide real property tax exemptions for residents aged 65 and older, as well as for people with disabilities. The new legislation increased the limit from $29,000 for a 50% exemption to $50,000 for a 50% exemption. Parete specified the exemption being discussed by the board was only for town taxes. "Ours is just for town taxes," he said. It's not county taxes, it's not school." "The really tough thing about this for seniors is that the lion's share … comes from the school," Goodwin said. On that point, the Rondout Valley school board voted to continue its tax exemptions for qualifying seniors in January, according to a news update on the district website. "At a RVCSD Board of Education Meeting (BOE) held on January 10, the Board approved the District’s desire to continue this partial exemption," the update reads. The [school] board approved exemptions for qualifying seniors ranging from 50% for annual incomes of $24,000, down to 5% for incomes up to $31,500. For more information on the school tax exemption, see https://www.rondout.k12. ny.us/district/news-annoucements/ The Marbletown Town Board meets on the first and third Tuesdays each month at 6 p.m. in the meeting room of the Rondout Municipal Center, 1921 Lucas Turnpike, Cottekill. For more information see the town website, www.marbletown.net.
Central Hudson to be discussed on Feb. 21 Marbletown appoints new justice, sets public hearing for firefighter tax exemption Alison Stewart BSP Reporter Some Marbletown residents may have been wronged by Central Hudson, according to a resolution passed by the Marbletown Town Board at the Feb. 7 meeting. A legal representative will be coming to the Feb. 21 meeting to discuss the issue. "Town of Marbletown residents have been experiencing Central Hudson billing problems including receiving no bills for several months at a time, receiving multiple bills per month with different amounts due, as well as issues with estimated billing, inaccurate billing, budget billing, and uncharacteristically high bills …" the resolution reads. The resolution supports the state Public Service Commission in its investigation of the matter, and reads, "...billing errors are a direct result of Central Hudson's upgrade to its customer information and billings system on September 1, 2021 …" The resolution also states the PSC report found ratepayers are helping to pay for the system change. Town supervisor Rick Parete said the town is looking for Central Hudson to pay
for their errors out of the CH operating fund. "To pay for the mistake with the billing," he said, rather than passing costs along to customers. He said the person coming to speak does not work for Central Hudson. "They work for a law firm," Parete said. "They're going to help municipalities and their residents to navigate the challenges with the billing." He said there's no cost to the town or residents for this. Also, residents who have experienced billing issues and been unable to resolve the matter with Central Hudson are encouraged to file a complaint with the state Department of Public Service, according to the resolution.
New town justice and other news Also at the meeting, the board approved a new town justice. "We have a vacancy in our court. Judge Glick … decided to retire," Parete said. He said the board had gone through the interviewing process and selected Lawrence Menkes. Menkes will replace Glick as one of two Marbletown town justices. His term goes until Dec. 31, 2023. Justice Mark Glick was a judge for a little over 16 years, Parete said. "His last day was Friday, Feb. 3," Parete said. "Thank you so much for stepping up," said board member Daisy Foote. As to what the court handles, Parete said it's mostly things like traffic violations.
Lawrence Menkes will replace Mark Glick as one of the Marbletown town justices. Town clerk Heather Moody helps with paperwork at the Feb. 7 Town Board meeting. Photo by Alison Stewart
"It's mostly vehicle and traffic," he said. In other news, the Town Board members passed several additional resolutions. The board set a public hearing for Feb. 21 for a property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel. "The state in December allowed municipalities to pass a property tax exemption for volunteer fire … and emergency … folks," Parete said.
Board member Don LaFera pointed out an exemption would help only those volunteers who own homes. The board also established a reserve fund to ensure adequate funds for state retirement costs. Parete specified it wasn't a decision to spend any additional money, it was simply a way to put money in reserve to pay for already-allocated retirement costs. "The purpose of this Reserve Fund is to accumulate money to finance the cost of New York State Retirement Costs," the resolution says. "The market's been a little unsteady," Parete said. If the retirement costs are more than what was planned for, Marbletown can pull from this fund to cover the difference, he said. The board then voted to move $50,000 from the town general unappropriated fund into the newly established retirement reserve fund. To see a full list of the meeting's resolutions, visit https://www.marbletown.net/ town-board/pages/town-board-resolutions and see everything beginning with 2.7.2023. The Town Board meets on the first and third Tuesdays each month at 6 p.m. in the meeting room of the Rondout Municipal Center, 1921 Lucas Turnpike in Cottekill. For more information see the town website, www.marbletown.net.
BlueStone Press, February 17, 2023, Page 5
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Page 6, February 17, 2023, BlueStone Press
Refurbished lockers, gold art Marbletown First awards, and ‘Mamma Mia!’ Aid Unit saves a life Briefs
At 8:57 on Saturday morning, Feb.4, MFAU responded to a 911 dispatch for a personal injury auto accident on Route 213 in High Falls. The crew arrived to find CPR being administered to an adult male by Rosendale Police Officer Vincent. The driver was suffering a heart attack. MFAU's crew went to work continuing CPR, administering two AED shocks, and rapidly transporting the patient to Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston. The patient survived! On March 3 at noon MFAU will welcome the patient and his spouse at its School Hill Road building in High Falls to meet the crew, Sofia Medici, Dominick Carlucci and Paul Medici, and to celebrate them receiving awards for their fast and professional work. This remarkable life-saving event merits community celebration. Proud of the MFAU, Joe Vitti states, “CPR saves are a rare and wonderful thing. The patient and his wife have expressed tremendous gratitude. I'd point out that this is a victory for the entire community that has supported MFAU, allowing us to keep a crew at the ready 24/7 and so able to respond consistently faster than ever before.”
Nominations requested for local artists and organizations for Arts Awards Arts Mid-Hudson is requesting nominations for the 11th Annual Ulster County Executive's Arts Awards. Residents of Ulster County and businesses or corporations that are based in Ulster County are eligible to receive an award. The 10 categories this year include: Artivist, Arts in Education, Arts Organization, Art in Public Places, Business/Corporation, Inclusion in the Arts, Individual Artist, Patron/Philanthropy, Volunteer, and Youth with Exceptional Promise in the Arts. Recipients are not chosen by the number of nominations received, but by the quality of their work and by the depth of which it benefits the Ulster County community. Nominees must be residents of, or corporations/organizations doing business in, Ulster County. For more information call 845-454-3222 or email artsawards@artsmidhudson.org.
Amber Kelly BSP Reporter
The RVSD Budget Committee reported good news at the Feb. 7 BOE meeting in the high school cafeteria. “We had some discussion about some lockers in the middle school,” board vice president Chris Schoonmaker said. “The initial budget that was estimated when we went out to bid was $259,000, and we got some quotes to come back, to replace all the lockers, and it is around $400,000. Looking into other options of refurbish and painting it looks like costs are cut by about 50% if we do the refurbishing relative to full replacement.” The building principal recommended taking out the free-standing lockers and sending them to a factory for painting and installation of a new lock mechanism. The current mechanism allows the padlocks to swing and make scratch marks. The new ones will have an inlet chrome piece so the lock will just hit that. The board voted yes. Student board member Emily Bordalone said, “The high school performance of ‘Mamma Mia!’ will take place in the high school auditorium on Feb. 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. and on Feb. 26 at 2 p.m.” Principal Andrew Davenport gave an update on Marbletown Elementary School, saying that since January 2023, they have worked on expanding the amount of offerings after school. There are two different sessions of the Painting Club, a K1 Lego club, and a STEAM club (science, technology, engineering, art and math). Two groups are doing a third-grade drama club. In one club, students are going to learn a poem, recite it, and dress the part. Another group of third graders are working with modified scenes from Shakespeare. There is soccer after school, and basketball three nights a week after school. “In January we had a PTA-held dance, it was a ‘Frozen’ theme … it was a movie, we had face painting, food, DJ, and photo booth,” Davenport said. “I was really surprised we had tons of people come out, and the kids were all dressed up – it was pretty fantastic. “David Levine from Teaching Empathy Institute came in and also worked with students and staff. His book is ‘A School of Belonging’ and it fits nicely with our emphasis on success skills like empathy, integrity, self-control and embracing diversity. He worked with kids in the classroom and also met with the grade-level teachers,” Davenport said. “We also had
Cast of “Mamma Mia” rehearsing choreography
our 2023 reading challenge, with the goal of reading 2,023 books in four weeks. We ended up with 15,773 books. “Our focus for this month is empathy and kindness, so when Sen. (Michelle) Hinchey’s office reached out to us last week to see if we’d be interested in having our students make Valentine’s Day cards for senior citizens, I put it out to staff and they jumped on that. This morning a representative from Sen. Hinchey’s office came over and took a huge box of hundreds of valentines. They’re going to nursing homes in our area. Next week is Random Acts of Kindness Week and our school counselors are pushing into classes with the Bullying Prevention Program. Our No Place for Hate club will also be doing an event here in the next few weeks. “I want to thank Mr. Cutler and the staff and students at the intermediate school. They came down last week to work with the second- and third-graders,” Davenport said.
The art department encourages students to enter competitions. Lisa Pacht, assistant superintendent of schools and operations, said, “I’m very excited to announce that on Friday night we had our Hudson Valley Scholastic Art awards ceremony in SUNY New Paltz. If you don’t know, Scholastic Art Awards is open for seventh- to 12th-grade students, and their artwork is adjudicated by a panel of judges, and they’re awarded gold at the highest level, silver and honorable mention. “This year we had five silver winners and eight gold winners. The gold winners will now go down to New York City and be adjudicated at the national level, and if we have any winners they will go on to Carnegie Hall in the spring to get their award,” said Pacht. “Sitting at the table here, it just so happens … Sierra (Hikade, student board member) had two silver awards and two gold awards on Friday, so congratulations!”
BlueStone Press, February 17, 2023, Page 7
Students look to state composting program after conducting waste audit ing experience,” said sophomore Sophia Clark, “and the student body has been really good about separating their waste. With this new data we can start more projects that will significantly reduce our waste and make our school more environmentally friendly.” The students are creating a proposal to bring to the school board at the end of March. “As I mentioned earlier, we have four goals we’re working on. This is our second year as a club and we are excited to see things move forward with the support of the school community,” concluded McPeek. “Kate McPeek and the RVHS Environmental Club are doing important research-based studies that will lead to systemwide improvements, positioning RVHS as a model school, with exemplary cost-savings practices and environmental stewardship,” said Lisa Giannico, member of the Marbletown Environmental Commission and Climate Smart Communities Task Force. The students meet every Wednesday after school. These young men and women should be commended for helping our community to be a more environmentally friendly place. Good luck to the Environmental Club in its efforts.
Jeff Slater BSP Reporter Last week the Environmental Club at Rondout Valley High School took a preliminary step in starting a composting program in the district. The students came up with the entire project. “After doing research we, the club, decided to start a waste audit,” said Kate McPeek, one of the club’s advisers, along with Angela Longway. A waste audit is a process in which materials are separated into different groups based on their composition. “We are doing a waste audit to determine the amount of waste being produced in the high school cafeteria so we can reduce overall waste in the school,” said Siddhartha Lama, a member of the Marbletown’s Environmental Conservation Commission as well as the RV Environmental Club. The students set up bins that separated trash from food waste and recyclables as well as the disposable trays the cafeteria uses for school lunches. “The Environmental Club met with people from the UCRRA [Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency], Marbletown ECC, and the Rondout administration to discuss the first steps in implementing a composting program. One of our students is a member of the Marbletown ECC and
Junior Siddhartha Lama and senior Kyle Fallaha count and weigh disposable trays. One of the school Environmental Club's initiatives is to replace disposable trays with reusable ones.
introduced the rest of the town committee. We have been communicating with the ECC and building friendships as we discuss different ways to be environmentally cautious. They have volunteered with our waste audit if necessary,” said McPeek. The club decided on four initiatives: 1. Design and implement a composting program. 2. Design and implement an accurate
and efficient recycling program throughout the schools. 3. Research for a grant or raise funds to get a dishwasher in the cafeteria and bring back reusable trays and flatware. 4. Work with the administration and the community to bring local food into the cafeteria as well as more vegetarian options. “The audit has been a really interestQ U I C K
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Page 8, February 17, 2023, BlueStone Press
Navigating the world of Briefs medicinal mushrooms with Rosendale mycologist Call for submissions Luke Sarrantonio for LGBTQ+ Short Join local mycologist Luke Sarrantonio for a discussion on Play Festival at the mushrooms vs. mycelium, the history of human use, extraction methods, and what to ask product producers to hold them Rosendale Theatre accountable for what they are making and what the public is The Rosendale Theatre Collective announced a regional call for writers (who reside at least part-time in the Mid-Hudson Valley) for submission of original, previously unproduced 10- to 12-minute plays for a fully produced short play festival, “Love is love, the LGBTQ+ plays.” Produced with the assistance of the Ulster County Cultural Services & Promotion Fund administered by Arts Mid-Hudson, the festival will have four performances, June 8-11, at the Rosendale Theatre, in honor of LGBT Pride month, dedicated to celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride. “Love is love” invites different perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues and themes, personal, political and everything in between. Styles can be realistic, fantastical, musical, ridiculous, sublime, anything! All pieces must have small casts (no larger than five), and very simple settings are requested. The 10- to 12-minute requirement will be strictly adhered to. This is around 12 pages of standard script format in 12-point type. The deadline for submissions is midnight Saturday, April 8. All submissions must be sent to ann@rosendaletheatre. org. A committee of theater directors, including Susan Einhorn, Guy Anthony, Ann Citron and one more TBA, will choose the plays to be invited into the festival, and the selection will be announced on Monday, April 24. Auditions for the festival will take place 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 29 and 30, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. For more information, reach out to Susan Einhorn, the artistic director of the festival, at saenyc@aol.com and/or Ann Citron, Theatre Arts director at the Rosendale Theatre and producer, at ann@ rosendaletheatre.org.
Annual Meeting of the High Falls Conservancy The High Falls Conservancy will hold its annual meeting, 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at the High Falls Firehouse, 7 Firehouse Road, High Falls. At this year’s meeting, the Conservancy is celebrating its 10th year, and looking forward to its projects in the coming year. In addition to a review of past projects, and recognition of volunteers, there will also be a showing of the Conservancy’s short documentary, “Hollywood in High Falls: Stories of Splendor” that showcases interviews with High Falls residents who were a part of the filming of “Splendor in the Grass” at High Falls. The Conservancy’s 350 Year Timeline of High Falls History will also be on display. Coffee and cupcakes will be provided by the Conservancy, along with souvenirs for purchase. In each program, attendees will receive a chance to win a Conservancy Cookbook, or an “I Luv High Falls” bumper sticker. For more information, visit highfallsconservancy.org or contact Carole Eppley at 917-705-8711.
consuming. Sarrantonio grew up in Rosendale and spent much of his childhood exploring the surrounding landscape. It wasn’t until college at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry that he truly discovered fungi. After graduating in 2011, he was discouraged by the lack of learning resources around fungi and ecology and has been developing programming and consulting ever since. This event, sponsored by the High Falls Food Co-Op, will be held 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, in the Kiva behind Marbletown Multi-Arts, MaMA, 3588 Main St., Stone Ridge. There is a suggested donation of $25. All are welcome to pay what they can. Serving the public since 1976, the High Falls Food Co-op is the one and only open-for-business food co-op in Ulster
Rosendale mycologist Luke Sarrantonio
County, located on the corner of Route 213 & Lucas Turnpike. A member-owned grocery store, open to all shoppers, while also offering special benefits (such as discounts and voting rights) to customers who buy an annual membership. Food co-ops offer access to local, ethically and organically grown produce and other products that might not be available at regular grocery stores. For more information, visit highfallsfoodcoop.com or call 845-687-7262.
Duchess Farms and Town of Marbletown settle lawsuits BSP Staff Reports The new year has brought a settlement to the long battle between Duchess Farm and the Town of Marbletown involving lawsuits over the Duchess Farm’s subdivision. On the heels of Justice Mott’s Oct. 21 ruling, the judge ruled in favor of Duchess Farm and annulled the town violations. On Jan. 6 Judge David Gandin heard and documented a settlement agreement in his chambers before a bench trail was scheduled in on Jan. 11. Judge Gandin said that the parties had “conferenced the case extensively in chambers” and reported to him that they had Parete reached a settlement. A nine-page court report documents the settlement agreement. The parties agreed to “withdraw with prejudice all pending appeals, and the right to bring an appeal on either or one of those Warren actions with prejudice.” In non-lawyer terms this means the lawsuits are dropped and the involved parties will not sue again on the same subjects. After the Jan. 6 settlement, Rich Parete, Marbletown supervisor, said it “ensures that Mike [Warren, of Duchess Farm] will do storm water and we can inspect the roads, something we've wanted to do.” Parete went into more detail recently, saying, “The agreement both sides agreed to requires the developer to build the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan [SWPPP] according to state and town laws. So, we are happy the judge determined it has to be done according to applicable laws. The town will withhold all building permits and certificate of occupancy until the storm water [infrastructure] is built, and then inspected and approved by the engineering firm CPL.” Parete said, “CPL is not doing a stormwater plan. They are reviewing the plan Mike Warren's engineer developed, to
Duchess Farm subdivision entrance on Route 213 in High Falls
ensure it meets state and local laws. Once the plan meets state and local laws, Mike Warren will be able to get permit from NYS DEC. CPL will then inspect during the building of the infrastructure and sign off when it's built in accordance to approved plans.” The judge reported in the Jan. 6 settlement report “that plan, which had up to now been reviewed by Peak Engineering … the review will be taken over by CPL Engineers. They will continue to review that plan for compliance and to make a determination as to whether the plan that has been submitted is acceptable, and if not, what if any revisions are required. The parties have agreed to share the cost 50-50 of all expenses incurred by CPL for the review, both of the SWPP and compliance.” Warren said the storm water work will be minimal, saying, “the original SWPPP plan was for 26 home sites and the revised is for 19. The reduction and the DEC changes have made the SWPPP much easier and there is only a couple of days work to put in a forbay around the pond to complete the new one. We were stopped by the litigation and could have had this done two years ago. The ‘neutral engineer’ [CPL] appointed by the court actually reviewed the site and work and said that our engineer actually has overbuilt the storm water.” The town has spent nearly $240,000 in legal fees and “now has to pay for half of the SWIPP because they held the review of the SWIPP for nine months, Warren said. As far as Michael Warren of Duchess Farms is concerned, the entire thing was a “waste of money,” and by his count, Duch-
ess Farms has won every legal battle in the courts since 2021, “score Duchess Farm 4, Town of Marbletown 0,” he said. Parete said the town will abide by the Jan. 6 agreement. “I hope Mike builds the infrastructure correctly. If not, we will be back in front of the judge.” Still on the table and handled in the Jan. 6 court settlement is the issue of Duchess Farm Homeowners Association membership, an HOA that incorporated in 2020. Warren said this week, “The HOA is for rules, etc. The town requires all homeowners from this date forward to be in the HOA. The town does not understand that the deeds have all the required maintenance requirements in them, as per the planning board decisions. “DFEC [Duchess Farm Equestrian Community] does not own the roads or storm water since 2020, and DFEC LLC does not have any responsibility or maintenance for any roads or storm water per the deeds because it was preexisting. The title companies understand all this,” Warren said. According to a court filing in 2022 regarding the HOA, “the deed conveying the roads now means that the HOA owns the roads, and it is my understanding that the HOA is now undertaking all actions and expenses relative to maintaining the roads.” Parete said, “Disputes over the roads and Home Owners Association will be taken up directly between property owners and the developer.” The Jan. 6 settlement stipulates that all future purchasers will have to be part of the HOA but that existing homeowners can opt out of membership. “There will be no obligation from the town or any other party to refuse to issue building permits or C of O’s simply because that party refuses to join the HOA for any existing or foreseeable application out there,” stated the in the Jan. 6 court settlement report. Ed and Kathy Parker built their home at Bridle Path Lane in Duchess Farm in 2019 and have been waiting for their certificate of occupancy for two and a half years. They don’t see why the town is holding up the C of O when the Jan. 6 settlement “doesn’t say to hold up C of Os.” The Parkers say this has “cost us great suffering and emotional and financial loss.”
BlueStone Press, February 17, 2023, Page 9
Local history is transformed into theater ‘Falcon Ridge,’ a play by David Gonzalez Ann Belmont BSP Reporter A most unusual play about a most unusual place is being mounted for one weekend only at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston. It's called "Falcon Ridge," and its author is High Falls resident David Gonzalez. Falcon Ridge is a fictionalized historic community somewhere in Ulster County, based loosely on the Eagle’s Nest-Lapala area, a unique place. As recounted in a BSP article last August, it was a multiracial community going back to the early 1800s. Gonzalez talked about how his imagination was fired by this history, how improbable it was for this community to thrive in such a segregated era. "At that time, it was extraordinary," he commented. "There are still some folks there today who are descendants of the Eagle’s Nest and Lapala Road [aka Lapla Gonzalez Road] [communities], so it’s very alive in these people’s personal histories." Although the play's characters and events are fictionalized, Gonzalez affirmed that "everything in it is based on or inspired by facts – real places, real people, real times ... instead of Eagle’s Nest and Lapla Road, we combined the two into a fictional place called Falcon Ridge.” Was it hard to construct a story that would meet with the approval of everyone still living who has a family connection to the real place? “You know, you can’t please everybody,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve tried to be as sensitive to the history, to the people and the families, to the stories, and
Archival photograph of a cabin in Eagle's Nest-Lapala community. Courtesy of the Eagle’s Nest-Lapala Road Project
also to the truth." The story, he said, "is based upon two couples and their conflict ... but with four or five other stories woven into it … It’s been really a fascinating labor for me to try to find a way to tell this very, very complicated, very long story in a way that would be compelling, engaging and entertaining and informative all at the same time." Before beginning to write, Gonzalez worked with a research team who are engaged in an ongoing historical sleuthing effort known as the Eagle’s Nest-Lapala Road Project, organized by Wendy Saul. She described "Falcon Ridge" as "a great springboard to history, a great model for writers ... I’m hoping that people interested in teaching writing can look at how David used historical documents to turn it into a drama with an arc. There are a lot of plays based on history that are pretty
shabby. I really liked the fact that David had worked with other historical documents and institutions. We’re very pleased with the actors and with the musician...I think it’ll be a real class act." The musician is Guy Davis, who is just returning from a cross-country tour. "Ever since the first rehearsal, I’ve been on the road," he commented. "The last few rehearsals before the performance is when things will be solidified … the actors will work their stuff out, and that’ll give me my cues as far as being creative. Seeing and hearing their rhythms will let me know." He’ll play guitar, also some banjo, “maybe some harmonica." Stylistically, Davis is completely at home in the world of blues and Americana, but he has also composed hip-hop, folk … classical pieces with intricate melody and countermelody. "I plan to
adapt whatever I play to the action and the energy that is on the stage," he said. Davis drew back the curtain part way on his creative process. “This is a bit of a complex piece,” he commented. It revolves around “a land ownership issue that started back in the 1800s and continues until the present day … I have to walk kind of delicately. We’re looking at history through the eyes of two couples in a more modern time. I will have to indicate, by music, that we go back in time, and we see a moment between some ancestral characters. .. The big challenge to me as an artist is never to overstep the words … Back in the time of Haydn, Mozart, et cetera, the composers and the librettists were a little bit at war. The composer would say, 'my music is the most important thing,’ and the librettist would say, ‘no, the words are the most important thing.’ The way I look at it, after years of experience, the words have to be first and foremost. They must be supported just so. I have to find a way to make the music exciting – but not too exciting!" Saul said that their grant, funded by the National Writers Project, will only support one weekend of performances, but those performances will be videotaped. “You know, there’s always the hope some Broadway producer will pick it up!” she chuckled. "We’re so grateful to the Old Dutch Church for letting us present it there.” They had thought of the Rosendale Theatre, “but I think this will give people from the Kingston area better access… we’re hoping to attract persons of color and people whose family lived on Eagle’s Nest or Lapla Road at one time … there
See Play, page 10
Citizen volunteers step up to the plate ... and other news from Rochester Ann Belmont BSP Reporter Two new advisory committees were on the agenda at the February meeting of the Rochester Town Board. The first meeting of the newly-created Housing Committee “went off very well,” said board member Charlotte Smiseth, who is spearheading the project. At their next meeting on Feb. 21 they will have a county planner as guest speaker. A goal of the committee is to qualify for ‘Housing Smart’ community certification. Housing Smart is a county program designed to give incentives to local municipalities to create affordable housing, in the form of grants, access to expert guidance and other advantages. A resolution to register the Town of Rochester to participate in the "UC Housing Smart Communities Interactive" was approved. The board also voted to create an Agricultural Advisory Committee, headed by board member Erin Enouen, who is an organic farmer. Its seven members, appointed by the board, will be drawn from the community of Rochester with a background in all kinds of agriculture, and in the “nursery, brewery and winery” industries. There will be seven members, appointed by the Town Board. The committee will review applications to the planning board and land-use changes proposed by the zoning board that might affect agriculture, and reach out to farmers about opportunities and government policy that might affect them.
Enouen, who is board liaison to the transfer station, reported on a meeting of the Ulster County Recycling Oversight Committee. "They have some very ambitious goals," she said, "to reduce our county waste output and increase the amount of recyclables … on a grand scale. We’re talking about, like, mattress recycling!" Enouen serves as liaison to the Rochester Environmental Conservation Commission. She reported that the ECC is planning to take over the plastic bag recycling program that has been handled by the recreation staff for the last couple of years. At the February ECC meeting, "We had a lively discussion about that, some great plans came out of it." The plan that emerged is to have a once-a-month event at the transfer station for people to drop off clean plastic bags there. The Trex company, which does the actual recycling, rewards the town per so many pounds of plastic, in the form of benches made from recycled material. That ECC meeting featured a presentation from Angela Sisson about Pollinator Pathways, "a grassroots organization [no pun intended] that promotes turning your lawn into pollinator habitat," Enouen explained. The board approved a budget of $1,800 for the ECC for 2023. Some of that money will go to creating a pollinator garden around the town hall this spring, with a design donated by Diane Greenberg of the Catskill Native Nursery. Reporting as recreation department liaison, town supervisor Mike Baden said
the basketball program (which has 180 participants) had to be paused for three days “because of some vandalism at the school [Kerhonkson Elementary]." Security cameras recorded what Baden said were "some older siblings of the participants who went behind the school and did some damage to the side of the building.” Baden, recreation director Ashley Sweeney and the school principal came up with a Code of Conduct “that all participants will now be signing,” as well as those who accompany them and watch. “It’s a one-time signing thing … we just want to remind people that it is a privilege that the school lets us use that gym.” The director of the program will make announcement at each event reminding people to “police themselves" and behave in a responsible manner. Spurred by last month's violent altercation in the municipal lot behind the Accord firehouse, the board approved a plan to put out a request for proposals (RFP) to various security consultant companies. "The town has put out an RFP for a consultant to be hired to analyze the town buildings and properties and make recommendations for any security improvements," Baden said later, explaining that this is "the first step." There was a discussion of a state law passed on Dec. 8 which allows municipalities to make "a 10% tax reduction for volunteer EMS people and firemen” – meaning a 10% reduction in the taxation of their properties. “They must live in the district that serves the town,” that is, the Accord and Kerhonkson fire districts. The board
determined that they didn't have enough time to get a local law passed by the deadline of March 1. "This is an incentive to volunteer," Smiseth observed. “That is the purpose,” agreed Baden. “Almost every town I know is moving forward with this in one form or another.” He mentioned that volunteer EMS and firefighters can take an income tax reduction from the IRS instead, but not both. Baden reminded everyone that senior citizen tax exemptions applications are due March 1. People can call the assessor's office, 845-626-0920, for details.
A number of appointments to town boards and commissions were made, as follows: Environmental Conservation Commission: John Messerschmidt Historic Preservation Commission: Joan Ewing, Shirley Avery Planning Board: Patrick Williams, AnneMarie Moloney (alternate) Zoning Board of Appeals: Harley Davis Board of Ethics: Adam Paddock, Steven Roberts Recreation Commission: Deborah Martin, Pam Stocking, Sandy Chipman, Marjorie Bogert Rochester Ambulance District Budget Advisory Committee: Bea Haugen-Depuy, David Bollin, Bruce Psaras, Michael Meoli, Joe Vitti. High Falls Ambulance District Budget Advisory Committee: Bea Haugen-Depuy, David Bollin, Bruce Psaras, Michael Meoli, Charles Nerko.
Page 10, February April 15, 2022, 17, 2023, BlueStone BlueStone Press Press tion for family and friends will be 3-5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at the George J. Moylan Funeral Home Inc., 2053 Route 32, Rosendale. At 5 p.m. following visitation the Rev. Linda Miles will officiate his funeral service. Cremation will be held privately. Memorial donations are requested to the United Reformed Church in Bloomington or to Marbletown First Aid Unit.
Memoriam Eileen Joan Kladakis
ACCORD—Eileen Joan Kladakis passed away Feb. 10, 2023. She was 70. Eileen was born Dec. 17, 1952, in the Bronx, the daughter of Gerard and Caroline (Dimperio) Neville. Eileen graduated from Cresskill High School in June 1972. She had married Nikitas Kladakis in Ellenville and together they raised their family in the Kerhonkson/Accord area. Before her retirement, Eileen was a lifeguard at Fallsview Resort in Ellenville for many years. Eileen is survived by her husband, Nikitas; her children, Gerard Kladakis Kladakis, Anthony Kladakis and his wife, Anna, Nikitas Kladakis and his wife, Rebecca, Andrew Kladakis and his wife, Juanita, and Elizabeth Kladakis and her husband, Craig; and her grandchildren, Gerard, Demi, Gabriel, Zachary, Timothy, Constantine, Amber, Sarah, Justin, Elijah, Gavin, Jonah and Cory. She is also survived by her sisters, Josephine Larsen and her husband, Ralph, Harriet Neville, Mary Gidney and her husband, Jack, and Angela Neville Pereira; and her brothers, Phil Neville and Robert Neville and his wife, Michelle. In addition to her parents, Eileen was predeceased by her brothers Gerard “Jarod” Neville and Patrick Neville. Visiting hours were held Feb. 13 at Humiston Funeral Home, Kerhonkson. The funeral service followed, and burial was in Whitfield Cemetery, Accord.
William Vincent Carelli Jone Miller with her husband, Steven Schoen
Dance for Jone Memorial Friends, neighbors and members of the Hudson Valley art and social justice communities are still mourning the tragic loss of Jone Miller last month. To honor Jone and her love of dance and movement, fitness instructors from Mac’s Gym, where Jone regularly attended Zumba classes, are holding a memorial fitness session from 10-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, at Mac Fitness, 338 Plaza Road, Kingston. The event will feature Zumba instructors Lisa Ricci, Vivian Diaz, Joan Henry and Janice Zito and will include Jone’s favorite, Zumba, as well as DXF and Shine. Those wishing to make a donation in her honor, the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network is an organization that was near and dear to Jone's heart.
Gary S. Mayhon
HURLEY—Gary S. Mayhon died surrounded by loved ones on Feb. 12, 2023. He was the son of the late William and Emma Mayhon (DeCicco); stepson of Lucy Mayhon (Dimicco); husband of Judy Mayhon (Lawrence) for five years; father of Alana Mayhon and the late Jocelyn Mayhon; brother of William Mayhon II and Pamela Mayhon (Deming) and husband, Michel Deming; brother-inlaw of Gail Burns, Sharon Styles, Leslie Just, Ruth Fernadez, Peter Lawrence; uncle to many nieces and nephews and Mayhon cousins. Gary was a loving husband, father and friend and will be missed more than words can say. Calling hours will be from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at the George J. Moylan Funeral Home Inc., 2053 Route 32, Rosendale. A memorial service will begin at 4 p.m.
Helen A. Shook
OLIVEBRIDGE—Helen A. Shook passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 3, 2023. She was 79. She was born in Poughkeepsie on Feb. 1, 1944. She lived in St. Petersburg, Florida, for 30 years and enjoyed spending time at the beach fishing. She married Ellwood J. Shook on April 8, 1962, in Poughkeepsie. She retired from Marshall’s department store after 40 years of service. She enjoyed reading, swimming, camping, traveling and spending time with her family. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Shook Ellwood Shook; her parents, Albert and Dorothy Jones; her sisters Dorothy
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Kaedy, Pauline DiUglio and Mary (Tinker) Meir. She is survived by her two daughters, Dorothy Eckert and Helen Fritz, both of New York; one son, John Shook (Jennifer) of Florida; and a sister, Doris Ward Jacobs (Jake) of Indiana. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Billy Schoonmaker (Michael), Barron Eckert (Rosina), Megan Fritz, Josh Fritz (Rebecca), Mathew J. Shook; and four great-grandchildren, William Schoonmaker, Haley Fritz, Skylar Kelly and Weston Eckert, and extended family. Cremation arrangements were handled by George J. Moylan Funeral Home, and a celebration of her life will be held at a later time. She will be loved and missed by all. (www. GJMoylanFuneralHome.com)
Robert Kenneth Pennacchio Sr.
HIGH FALLS—Robert Kenneth Pennacchio Sr. passed away on Feb. 10, 2023. He was born May 24, 1943, in Beacon, a son of the late William Hansen and Marie (DiPeter) Pennacchio. He was married to Vincene Mae (Sickles) Pennacchio on March 13, 1971. Bob previously worked for Davenport Implements in High Falls and ran the SRS Farms in Cottekill. He retired from Braggs Electric in Highland where he worked as an electrician for 35 years. Bob was an avid archer and enjoyed deer hunting. He was the 1981 ChamPennacchio Sr. pion in New York State Archery. In addition to his wife, Vincene Mae, Bob is survived by a son, Robert Kenneth Pennacchio Jr. of Rosendale; a daughter, Darlynda Mae Pennacchio of High Falls; and grandchildren Robert Jordan Pennacchio, Abriana Pennacchio and David Pennacchio. He is also survived by several brothers and sisters. Memorial visita-
Cannabis law from page 1 service programs, day care centers, youth sports facilities, dance schools, and gymnastic schools," as well as places of worship and rehab facilities. Furthermore, they may not be located "in a trailer, cargo container, motor vehicle or other similar nonpermanent enclosure."
Play from page 9 are a huge number of them, actually. If you look on our Facebook page, you’ll see the conversations, like, ‘oh yeah, that’s Aunt Muriel, we called her Tootsie’ or whatever.” Saul also hears from people who are far from the area but have family ties. (See blog, hurleymtn.com/stories, also the Facebook page, life on eagles nest and lapala road.) Gonzalez mused, "Back in the day ... there were many, many denigrating articles about Eagle’s Nest and Lapala
KERHONKSON—William Vincent Carelli passed away Feb. 13, 2023. He was 81. William was born Oct. 27, 1941, in Dobbs Ferry, the son of Vincent and Rose (Gernivivo) Carelli. For many years William worked for Nevis Labs doing research science for Columbia University. More recently, he worked for Ulster County and retired as the maintenance supervisor. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed gunsmithing, and was a talented artist with a brilliant mind. William had a real passion for Lionel model trains Carelli and was well versed in World War II era history. The only thing more important to him than his German shepherds, Max, Lugar and Katie, was his family. He loved being a father and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. William is survived by his children, Dawn Schulze and her husband, Tom, of Croton-on-Hudson; William Carelli of Kerhonkson; and John Carelli and his wife, Amanda, of Accord; his grandchildren Thomas, Danielle, Darren, Isabella and Olivia; and by his beloved German shepherd, Katie. He is also survived by his brothers, Nicholas and Anthony, and by his Aunt Elizabeth Kawalchuk. Visiting hours will be held 3-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at Humiston Funeral Home, Kerhonkson. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the funeral home, followed by burial in Pine Bush Cemetery, Kerhonkson.
Virginia Beth Coleman
GARDINER—Virginia Beth Coleman passed away after a short illness on Feb. 2, 2023, at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie. She was 77. Virginia was born in the Bronx, daughter of the late Ernest and Cecile Coleman. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by a former husband, Steven Neil Levinski, and a daughter, Tecia Jade Coleman Mondello. Virginia is survived by her beloved husband, Bruce A. Sumber; her sonin-law, Robert F. Mondello; her granddaughter, Megan Elizabeth Mondello; Coleman her brother, William Coleman of Las Vegas, Nevada; her stepson, Seth Sumber; her stepdaughter, Aryn R. Sumber, and her step-granddaughter, Lelaina Sumber Frost. Virginia spent her adult life as a clinical psychologist for Ulster County and later operated a private practice in the Poughkeepsie area. She was a longtime resident of Gardiner, where she volunteered on the Town Democratic Committee for many years. Prior to her adult professional life, she was a guitar playing folksinger in the clubs in Greenwich Village. She was a creative person, making pottery her hobby as a young adult. Her cremated remains will be laid to rest at the New Paltz Rural Cemetery. There was be a memorial service held in her honor at Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston, on Feb. 11, followed by a reception. Contributions in Virginia’s memory can be made to the Williams Syndrome Foundation, in honor of Megan Mondello, at www.williams-syndrome.org The hours of a dispensary will be limited to between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. An "onsite cannabis consumption facility" can stay open from 9 a.m. through 2 a.m. The law's full title is "Adult Use Cannabis Retail Dispensary and On-Site Cannabis Consumption Facility,” and it is available for study on the town website under Codes and Ordinances, subhead Legislation. The public is invited to comment by email, written word, or on Feb. 23 in person. … people were disrespected and shunned and portrayed in all these awful ways … The hook of the whole play is courage to love. When you have the courage to love people who don’t necessarily look like you, the courage to build a community outside of the norm, and to survive and sustain that community even when there are outside forces denigrating and shunning the community – it takes courage." “Falcon Ridge,” an original play by David Gonzalez When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 3, and 4 p.m. Sat., March 4 Where: Old Dutch Church, Kingston Admission: Free (recommended for ages 12 and over) Reservations available at hurleymtn.com
February 17, 2023
Local money, local ideas
Page 11
Renderings of the indoor and outdoor seating coming to Mill & Main, Kerhonkson. The new restaurant will have a seasonal menu and a full-service bar.
Mill & Main restaurant opening mid-March in Kerhonkson You can currently book private events for the Mill & Main space Thomas Childers BSP Reporter Mill & Main has a mission of being “a gathering place that nourishes the local community and surrounding areas with food and hospitality from the heart. We’re committed to quality, respect and diversity as we fold ourselves into the fabric of Ulster County.” The family-owned Mill & Main has been working toward this mission with its provisions shop and coffee bar, which has been open and serving customers for a while. Claudia Sidoti and Paul Weathered, their son, Christopher Weathered, and Lily Feldman are getting closer to making the renderings seen above a reality on Main Street, Kerhonkson. To do this, Sidoti has had some help that she wanted to make sure was highlighted. “A giant shout that we are working with Studio M&M on design, and the fabulous general contractor and construction team at Upper Restoration, and millwork for our bar from Braxton Alexander. All of these folks are awesome, local and super supportive in the community!” Sidoti said. When asked how the restaurant opening would affect the current coffee bar and provisions shop, Sidoti said, “We will have more prepared food options and likely some limited produce offerings.” The new Mill & Main restaurant will feature “a
seasonal menu that celebrates local producers, with a full-service bar,” according to Sidoti. She also noted that their outdoor area would “be open for dinner and Saturday and Sunday brunch. We will seat approximately 25 and host more for cocktail events, but the indoor restaurant space will be equipped for 56 people.” Sidoti also said that they will have a fire pit and “hope to offer live music at some point down the road.” Sidoti said the restaurant's launch would have a week of “Friends and Family events, ribbon-cutting and more, with details still being finalized.” As for the anticipated hours of operation, Sidoti said, “We have not 100% settled on hours but we will do a soft opening with four days a week, Friday through Monday, dinner only, closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to start. We will roll out Saturday and Sunday brunch in early summer and likely expand to a five-day model with Thursdays as well.” You can currently book private events for the Mill & Main space “starting late summer, fall and winter 2023 and 2024,” according to Sidoti. Currently, Mill & Main are looking for staff for their restaurant, and they invite people to apply at hello@millandmainstreet.com. As previously reported in the BSP when the provisions shop and coffee bar opened, the last thing Sidoti anticipated when she became a part-time resident of Kerhonkson seven years ago was being an upstate business owner. But her entrepreneurial spirit and the chance to own a beautiful space in her weekend town made the prospect too good to pass up. The building her family purchased on the old Main Street of Ker-
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honkson might have been overlooked by someone else, but Sidoti found herself sitting in the Ulster County Courthouse during a tax auction, and raising her paddle to place a bid. “I just looked at my husband and we said to each other, ‘What have we done?’” Sidoti says. What they did was purchase a double-tenant building on what was once the main thoroughfare of the hamlet of Kerhonkson … “I went to Evergreen State College in Washington state, where I studied sustainable agriculture and food systems,” said Christopher Weathered, son of Claudia and Paul, “and Blue Hill [at Stone Barns, Tarrytown] was a great place to apply it all. Getting to see my education play out that way was really special.” After his apprenticeship, he went to work at Olmsted in Prospect Heights, another farm-to-table eatery, and helped the owners open their new place, the North End Grill. “There are so many approaches,” Christopher continued, “that if you stay in one place you will hit a wall of learning.” He will get to etch his own mark on the restaurant of Mill & Main as executive chef and beverage director. “I envision locally sourced, seasonally driven, and most especially family-enjoyed.” For this family the flavors will come from all over the world. “My dad is West Indian, my mom is Italian and Colombian, and then of course there’s the American spin on things,” Christopher said. Sidoti added, “We have this crazy, multicultural family, and our food will represent that in a really accessible way.”
Page 12
Athletics, recreation & fitness
February 17, 2023
Sean Reidy earns silver metal with hockey team at Empire Games Donna Cohn Viertel Calendar of Events Editor Earlier this month, 11-year-old Sean Reidy, who plays right wing for the Saugerties Mustangs, won the silver medal with the team at the Empire State Winter Games in Lake Placid. It was quite an accomplishment, to say the least, for Reidy, who fell in love with the game at first sight and has been playing hockey for two years now, getting his start in the Junior Rangers program at Kiwanis Ice Arena in Saugerties. “I was watching the Mighty Ducks movie and I really wanted to play hockey,” he said. “That winter was Covid, and everything else was canceled, except hockey in Saugerties. Kiwanis was open and letting kids skate and play, so I signed up and started to learn.” Reidy enjoys the speed and skill of the game, and also the team camaradery. And despite being new to the sport, he was able to turn his fear into excitement, and work with his team for success. “The thing I love about hockey is skating and going fast on ice,” he said. “The adrenaline of being at ESWG was the most exciting hockey thing I have ever done, I mean, it was awesome. The tournament was at Lake Placid, and we played in the USA Olympic rink where the miracle happened.” Just to explain, in the words of Wikipedia, “Miracle on Ice"
Rosendale from page 1 library and how the library could overcome its challenges. There was an initial statement from Rose Unes, a member of the library’s board of trustees, about how any project regarding bond measures would require a public vote. Hassett introduced himself as being against the purchase of the Belltower building, a former church built in 1896 at 398 Main Street. He encouraged a dialogue about how to improve the library and “thinking outside of the box” on how to keep the library in its current location and not have to move. Walsh introduced herself and said, “Before becoming supervisor I enjoyed coming here and getting books with my cousins. This was a play area used weekly, and nostalgia is there, and I am very attached to it. I admit as I got older and busier I did not come to the library as often, especially when Nooks came out. But as town supervisor, I am interested in the quality of life for everyone, and I strive for that at the town level.” Sweeney said that she finds the Rosendale Library helpful when she has to help her children with school projects. Sally Bermanzohn said, “I love that this is part of the Mid-Hudson Library System … but I can’t always find a quiet place in the library.” Walsh said, “I am very interested in what the public wants and what they think is important. I just want to be on record it wasn’t that the board was against the proj-
Sean Reidy at the torch-passing ceremony at Kiwanis Ice Arena in Saugerties. The torch travels from Manhattan making stops along the way before reaching its final destination in Lake Placid for opening ceremonies at ESWG. On right, Sean Reidy with his parents, John and Alyson Reidy (former owner of Cherries in Stone Ridge), moments after winning silver medal at U.S. Olympic Ice Rink in Lake Placid.
was the ice hockey game during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid between the hosting United States and the Soviet Union on Feb. 22, during the medal round of the men's hockey tournament. Though the Soviet Union was four-time defending gold medalist and heavily favored, the
United States upset and won 4-3.” Watch the 2004 film, “Miracle,” which tells the story. As a rookie, Reidy admitted he was nervous, but he was confident in the team and their belief in one another. “It was scary because I didn't know anything
ect, it was clearly that we needed to see the proper steps being taken, one of those being a public referendum before you borrow money, which is what I was advised by the bond council when the Town Board is responsible for borrowing money for the library … so we have to make sure that it’s in a way that we are advised by our bond council. “So a lot of misinformation is out there about not getting a letter of support,” Walsh continued. “The letter of support we felt was not appropriate until we saw those steps being taken. If the public says this is what they want I will support it. The other side of this is that I have and continued to offer other town spaces for the library to do programming … We have a gym [at the Rondout Municipal Center] that is sitting empty a lot of the time.” Hassett said that the library could add more to its pavilion and find other “out-ofthe-box solutions.” Deb Weltsh, an ex-librarian, said, “There was an attempted expansion with the Ritter property.” Hassett interjected immediately, “… and it was voted down.” Weltsh continued to comment, saying, “As generous as it is to have other spaces in the community to hold programs, it is much better to have library programs in the library. In every community it is better to associate library programming with the physical library – it’s a universally known thing. There are other possibilities, but they are not ideal for the best case.” Supervisor Walsh responded, “I understand what you are saying for a large library, that you are obviously going to have the resources to do that, but I also feel like the goal is to serve the public, and
you can do it in other ways. I don’t see any reason why the library can’t say this is a sponsored program by the library in town spaces. Maybe some programming should be in other spaces and not in the library.” Ted Dixon, husband of the president of the library board, responded to Hassett’s pushing out-of-the-box thinking. “I know we are talking about thinking outside the box. I was wondering whether we are looking at having eight library locations. I don’t know how many libraries on the planet have eight different locations for the library. So in terms of thinking outside the box, maybe the thinking outside the box is what we should do. What if the town didn’t have a library? I don’t think they would pick this site for a library, because it wouldn’t work. So we should take away the emotional part of the building … with emotions connected to saving the building. It's like having your grandma give you a house, and she had two kids, and you have 14 kids – it’s not going to work, you will move. You use it and once it gets outdated you let it go. You are going to have non-fiction in one building and fiction in another, it’s just not a library. It’s like a town building, it’s like having a police station with different buildings. If we think that way we may come up with ideas. I am thinking 20 years from now, 30 years from now, this won’t be a library.” Hassett asked, “Why not?” “Because of the size of the concerns,” Dixon responded. “I went to Florida, and they had separate sections for children and adults. What children need from a library is different from what adults need.” Hassett said, “I respectfully disagree. I cannot separate the emotional attach-
about the other teams we were playing against, but we did so well because we are good at passing and teamwork. We are all friends, and we talk a lot and help each other out.” When asked who his favorite hockey player was, it was easy to see his respect and love of the team sport. “My favorite hockey player is my best friend Luke Armstrong,” he said. “He's on my team, and he's really, really good.” So what’s next for Reidy and the Mustangs? “My team is going to play in a tournament in Hershey Park in a few weeks, but the season ends soon,” he said. “ I go to hockey camps in the summer, but I also play lacrosse, and that starts soon.” And who is he following in the run for the NHL playoffs? “Rangers all the way! I even got to meet and play with [former Rangers player and radio announcer] Brian Mullen [in the Junior Rangers program].” When asked what advice he would have for other kids his age who want to play hockey, Reidy answered like a seasoned veteran, both in his own words and quoting Wayne Gretzky, aka “the Great One,” the greatest hockey player. “Work hard, hustle, and you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.” For more information on local ice hockey programs and the ESWG, visit saugertiesyouthockey.com and empirestatewintergames.com.
ment. That’s why I said think outside the box, because we can do anything we want in today’s world if we just put our mind to it. There is a way to utilize this space – not necessarily this building only, but this whole space – to get basically what we want. It won’t be a university library, and I don’t believe the library is responsible for providing every service and program there is because other entities and organizations could do that. I can’t separate the emotions, and a lot of people can’t and won’t.” Walsh said, “ In my vision, if there is children’s programming we have staff at the youth center the library could use, as an example, and I know the library hired an outside person for a yoga program. Maybe not every program would work, but there are some that would. Cost is a big issue with moving. What are people in the town willing to pay for the new space?” Miller jumped in, saying, “You have to figure out what you want before you can decide to pay for it. That’s what these sessions are for.” Weltsh responded, “I know that rec center workers are trained to work with children, but library staff have special training with a specific skill set that you don’t farm out other parts of the community. Instilling a love of reading and early literacy skills and having trained professionals is important.” Walsh responded, “Good point, Deb.” Weltsh said, “The attendance and number of programs have expanded a lot, the numbers have tripled in terms of children using programs and a thousand more children's books circulated. There are a lot of
See Rosendale, page 13
BlueStone Press, February 17, 2023, Page 13
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Patreon is a monthly service thatheap gives to go down the street. Sell this for $600,000 when the same thing. When we can put it in one unified space you have a different experience. If you and were doing this provides support to the BSP, also houses in High Falls are selling for almost $300,000 … today you wouldn’t put this library here. Often a building there was not a lot of thought I think on the disposal of the perks tojust our subscribers! doesn’t have one use in its lifetime. It could be somebuilding. That triggers the emotional attachment. With
thing else. I am not saying to tear the building down, but it that said, I have to leave.” does not need to be library forever. We have been having kid programs going on here. It really deserves the space.” The meeting was wrapped up by Miller as Hassett left. this discussion for 20 years. ” Support us and community journalism now: patreon.com/bluestonepress Dixon said, “The nostalgia won’t happen for the kids There will be two more public listening sessions, and Hassett responded, “ We can be different, we can think today like us old people coming into the building because people can register on the library website to attend, on outside the box and figure out a way to get it done and get they won’t have the same sense of service that we had Monday, Feb. 16, at both 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The library when we were younger here … when I am 120 people who it done here. I am saying that in 30 years people will still boardHAT! plans to compile all they learn at these sessions ALL RECIEVE BLUESTONE valueSUPPORTERS the building the way I do. I haveA29-year-old sons PRESS are 60 looking at the library will have a different experiand go back to the drawing board from there as to how to that were very upset to find that the place where they ence because it was crowded and noisy and ‘they sent went for reading circle is going to be thrown on the trash me over to the rec center, they sent me over here,’ it is not come up with solutions to best improve the library.
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Letters policy Please send letters to the editor to the BlueStone Press by email at bluepress@aol. com or send to P.O. Box 149, Stone Ridge, NY 12484. Include your name, hometown and daytime phone number. Letters should be fewer than 500 words and may be edited for clarity, brevity and taste. Letters won't appear in consecutive editions from the same author. The BSP hopes that, in the spirit of community dialogue, readers and writers in the letters section are respectful of a diversity of viewpoints. We err on the side of freedom of speech in our letters, and we hope that vigorous dialogue is more likely to produce an informed public than censorship, however well meaning. Call 6874480 with questions.
The new year is looking bright From the BSP: The paper is showing up in local mailboxes more quickly, thanks to the new post office program we started last month. This results from a yearplus effort by our office and delivery staff. We launched the brand-new BlueStone Press website this month, where all subscribers have press-day access to the full BSP as part of every subscription. Many readers have already used the new website submission options to enhance their communication with our office and will see their submissions printed in this edition. On this new website we have a well-stocked calendar we invite you to look into the next time you want to attend an event or let our readers know about an upcoming event. Keep it all coming. The community is more dynamic with you participating. Send us your letters, kudos, memorials, news releases and tips, and post your events on our calendar. Thank you, everyone! Childers Family BlueStone Press publishers
Jone was a gift to our community To the Editor: Jone Miller was one of our beloved Zumba students. I personally have been teaching since 2019 and can remember her at most of my classes. However, I can remember her taking Zumba classes long before I was an instructor. She had a love of dance. Watching the music move her was quite amazing! She spent her entire life giving, and caring for others. Zumba was a form of self-care for her. It was an hour for herself, where she
Your letters, views & ideas
February 17, 2023
Presidents Day Happy Birthday, Abe. Can’t recall which day anymore … yours?
Ditto, George. When’s yours again? Same, let’s just celebrate together on Monday.
could let the music move her, and let her troubles go. Everyone who knew her from Zumba can agree that she was the true definition of love. She would always ask about your life, if you needed help in any aspect, she was always right there. She was always so thoughtful. Often she would surprise you with a gift that had a powerful meaning behind it. It was always something that you could look at and say Jone gave me this and I will remember it for this reason. For example, I am a professional baker. I have a business named Sweet Lisuzza. We often talked about different ideas she had for me to grow my business. She wanted nothing more than to watch me succeed. Again, the true definition of love and selflessness. She had been having trouble with the recipe for a cake she was working on for a friend. She asked me some baking advice. After I gave it to her, she was so appreciative that she went out and got me a necklace with a turtle charm on it. It would be the last time I saw her. She said she had a similar one, and made me promise that I would always wear it or keep it with me. It was a symbol of pro-
tection and femininity. She said that she always wore hers or kept it with her and it has always kept her protected. She gave me a hug and said, "Love to you, dear one." As she often did, then she said she would see me next Sunday for class. But that Sunday would have been the day she passed. That is just one small snippet of who she was. Everyone has a story that is similar. I could go on about her. But I would end up writing a book. So I will give you the information about the memorial event at Mac Fitness in the Kingston Plaza. It will be this Sunday, Feb. 19, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. It will be myself, Vivian Diaz, Joan Henry and Janice Zito. We are all instructors of Zumba at Mac Fitness. And we each loved Jone dearly. On behalf of myself and the other instructors, I would like to thank you for spreading the word about this event. If people feel led to give a donation it will go to an organization that was near and dear to Jone's heart, the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network.
Lisa Ricci Rosendale
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Desert Island 5 Dear Wally – I was recently asked about the top 5 things I couldn’t live without if I was stranded on a deserted island. I wonder what you have to say about my list. Cell phone. Internet. Coffee. My dog. Chocolate. – Alive with 5 Dear Alive – Ahhhh, you have just barely cracked the sarcophagus of essential things that make life livable*. I will give you a pat on the head and a Scoobie Snack for your dog (and one for you) for your honesty (chocolate?!). Also, a gentle nudge in the direction of some other less tangible things that I’d argue you and I and everycan’t really live without. But Wally Nichols one first, from a basic survival point of view, we need water, air, food, shelter. Let’s say those don’t have to be on your list because they are existential givens, and likely your prompt (is this some gamey dating app poke?) is about the material things you THINK you can’t live without! *A confusing metaphor! When I think about this list as it relates to me plunked
Dear Wally
down on an island, I’d sheepishly agree with the cell phone, internet and the dog. For better or for worse, coffee and chocolate aren’t on my list. I know the sugar and the embedded caffeine kick are critical for some. Respect. And maybe if marooned, I’d come to Jesus on those, especially if there was no Netflix. I’d also squeeze in a guitar. Love is on the list, most definitely, and I’d invite you to consider how important experiencing love is to a best life experience. For sure being besotted can hurt (will hurt) at some point in a way that almost nothing else does, but love is what makes us human and it belongs in the list of 5, if we are being honest. It doesn’t have to just be romantic love, either. Love can have wispy overtones – you love gardening, flying airplanes, eating dessert, skiing, tracking spy balloons, family members, math, flossing, etc. Romantic love and passion and joy are intertwined inextricably, as they are with grief and loss. And what is life if not hugging the ass end of the mighty pendulum that bandies between both extremes and trying to not jump off or get clocked in the head or get knocked off? Real love, the kind that hurts when its silhouette morphs into something you no longer recognize, can no longer have, or can no longer identify, requires vulnerability. So if love is on the list, so must be vulnerability. Gratitude is another critical life list member. Technically, we can probably gimp along in this life without it, but is it more important than the internet? A resounding
yes. Gratitude for what you do have (cable!) versus what you don’t have (my crappy DSL), and that can also be nontangible things like passions, experiences, health, companionship. Also gratitude for what you can do, versus what you can’t do. Damn, this is starting to sound like a lecture! Let’s pivot back to the playful nature of the question. Your list is great. A big question might be, do you actually want to stay ON the deserted island? (It’s some people’s dream come true). Or are you trying to get OFF this island and on to one with an All Inclusive Club Med and lots of people? If you don’t like humanity, then the deserted island itself would be on your list of things you can’t live without. If not, might I suggest a jetpack or a surfboard to immediately vacate this isolated, sand flea ridden, scorched earth hellhole? And if you stay because you like it, and can get enough chocolate airdropped because it’s top 5 on your list anyway, you know your deserted island will then become a desserted island :). (Snare and cymbal hit please!) – Wally P.S. Don’t forget the dog food or YOU may be the dog food. Also use suntan lotion. (Damn, I can’t not lecture! Just ask my 15-year-old daughter) Got a question for our advice columnist or just want to whisk him away to your all-inclusive tropical island made out of love, gratitude, guitars and cell phones? Email him at cwn4@aol.com.
‘Swallowing Stones’ Poet chronicles grief and transcendence Cottekill poet Lisa St. John has been published in a long list of anthologies and journals and won several awards. “Swallowing Stones,” her first book, is a wildly evocative ride focused on love, grief and reawakening to joy, as experienced by someone whose love and grief are both fine-tuned to the particular and deep and wide enough to embrace all life. The stones she swallows are so hot they sizzle, finding form in deft, meticulous and precisely chosen words that hit like a chainsaw, evoking the devastation Anne of widowhood and the loss of Pyburn Craig one’s true love to cancer. “Give me back the world/of Mexican
Book Review
beaches/and the two of us dancing/alone/ late at night/before bed,” she writes in “Stomping My Foot,” letting the reader inside the coming together of pleading Cover and demanding when St. John we know both will be in vain. Part II glides smoothly onto the sharpened blade of life as a woman – part exultation, part rage, part anguish. St. John picks up her stones and examines their facets, cracks, smoothed surfaces and curves with an unflinching gaze, giving eloquent voice to the particular wounds and glories of the female experience in ways that center us amid the blood, mud and beauty of human existence.
Those existential questions are taken head on in Part III, opening with an incredibly powerful poem, “Why We Are Here,” that rings like a powerful sermon or the closing argument of a brilliant defender, as does “Label Me Human,” later in the collection. These are anthems. St. John’s feminism and anti-war passion never stoop to mere politics; this voice speaks from an awareness of the larger transcendent connections we can find, often by paying attention to the “little” things – breath, bugs, subtle gradations of color, the slant of the sunlight. To close the collection, St. John circles back to grief and widowhood with fresh strength, and sticks the landing perfectly. Unsurprisingly, her Feb. 19 book launch at Stepping Stone Creative Center is sold out; but a Meet the Author event is planned for the same venue sometime in March. Meanwhile, you can purchase the book at www. lisachristinastjohn.com.
WE MISSED YOU THIS ISSUE. Your letter to the editor is one of our readers’ favorite sections! Email: bluestonepress845@gmail.com Snailmail: BlueStone Press, PO Box 149, Stone Ridge
Page 16
Your friends and community
February 17, 2023
A tale of two teachers
Rondout Valley High School teacher to donate part of her liver to a colleague Jeff Slater BSP Reporter “We are truly in the presence of heroes, two of our colleagues, coworkers by chance and friends by choice, one in need of a liver transplant and one who selflessly decided to donate parts of hers, “said Rondout Valley Federation member Joe Delessio. When Deb Morris, RVHS special education teacher, found out she needed a liver transplant her friend and colleague Desiree Vandemarks, after getting tested and finding out she was a match, is volunteering to give part of her liver to Deb. The transplant is scheduled for March 16. “I was diagnosed as with polycystic kidney disease when I was in high school,” Morris said. “I was told by my nephrologist not to worry about it because by the time it would affect me there would be so many medical advancements and new treatments. About five years ago I noticed a cyst in between my ribcage. After a few procedures my gastroenterologists found cysts on my liver, and there was nothing we could do about it. After Covid I went back to my doctor and told her I could feel more cysts on my liver and taking up more room in my abdomen. (I was getting a bigger belly and not just from eating too much!) After seeing many doctors and having many tests, my MRI showed that most of my liver was taken up by cysts and the only treatment option was a transplant. I remember being in my classroom when the doctor shared with me the results of my MRI. I was shocked to hear I needed a transplant. The first appointment available was March 17, 2022. So, my journey to a transplant started last St. Patrick’s Day in New York City. Dr. Edmond said it was probable within a year that I would get my transplant. He was right. I’m scheduled for my transplant on March 16th of this year.” Morris continued, “I had what seemed like a million appointments from March until June and was listed for a transplant in early July for a deceased donor ... In the meantime if I found someone to be a match, I could have a living donor as opposed to waiting my turn on the transplant list. I shared the news with my family and close friends. I also have a core group of work friends, one of them being Desiree. My husband couldn’t be the donor because of a preexisting condition.” “I learned that Deb needed a liver transplant sometime last spring,” Vandemarks said. “I was devastated that one of my best friends needed a transplant, so I knew immediately that I had to get tested and had a strong feeling that I was going to be the one to share my liver.” Several of Deb’s colleagues at RVHS also got tested to see if they were a match. “I was moved to hear so many people wanted to get tested,” Morris said. “I have to say that I was always excited to hear people were interested in helping but kept a
Deb Morris (teacher who needs a liver transplant), on right, and Desiree Vandemarks (teacher who is donating part of her liver), on left, at RVHS. The transplant is scheduled for March 16 of this year.
realistic attitude. I knew the chances of people matching were low, and for someone to make that decision was a lot to ask. I learned that donors could back out anytime during the process. I would share the news of my illness with others but never considered asking someone to donate,” she said. “The donor evaluation process was easy but drawn out,” Vandemarks said. “I was moved to the third step, which was blood typing and liver function. I received the phone call about a month after the test. I was walking in the hallway with a friend after having lunch with Deb and all of the sudden my cell phone rang in the middle of our conversation it was the donor liaison from NY Presbyterian saying I was a match. Deb had no idea who went through the donor evaluation process so she didn’t know I was a potential candidate. I was so happy that I’d be able to help Deb, I just kept crying tears of joy. I called my son to tell him. He and his wife have supported my decision from the beginning. I then asked one of my group of friends to accompany me to tell Deb the news. We all just hugged and cried, and Deb kept asking me if I was sure I wanted to do this,” said Vandemarks. Morris said, “Making a donation is a big deal and I never wanted to make her feel like she had to do it. From what I understand she knew right away she was going to
be a match and felt like it would be her. When she came to my classroom to share the news, I was overwhelmed and in shock that it was actually happening.” The friendship between Morris and Vandemarks goes back a long time. “Desiree and I have been friends since my first day at RVHS. She had been working there several years and I had gone back to school to get my master’s degree. We shared a classroom and students. I tell people that if it weren’t for Desiree, I may not have made it through my first year,” said Morris. “We have been friends for 18 years,” said Vandemarks. “We have a close-knit group of Rondout friends we call ‘The Sassies.’ We dine, shop, vacation together. We are there for each other through the good the bad and the ugly. The Sassies have been our rock through the entire process and will be a major part of our after-care team.” “It is amazing that Desiree would consider doing this for me. Early on in the process I told her I would never be mad if she decided to change her mind. How can you ask someone to go through surgery for you?” said Morris. “I have no fear whatsoever,” said Vandemarks. “I am very excited to be a donor. I don’t consider myself a hero. I’m just doing what I know Deb would do for me if the roles were reversed. This has opened my eyes to the need for living donors, especially in New York state. There are so many people waiting for the gift of life.” The pre-op is scheduled for March 1 and the surgery for March 16. “I feel privileged and humbled by the outpouring of support from my colleagues and friends,” concluded Morris. Good luck to these two brave women, our thoughts will be with you.
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BlueStone Press, January 6, 2022, Page 17
Kudos Academic kudos Southern New Hampshire University congratulates the following students on being named to the fall 2022 president's list. The fall terms run from September to December: Salvatore Marchese of Esopus and Debra
Nawrocki of Kerhonkson. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the president's list. Sam Culwell of Kerhonkson was one of 720 SUNY Cortland students who earned president's list honors for the fall 2022 semester. Sam is studying international studies and anthropology. To qualify for the president's list, students must earn a grade of A- or better in each of their classes while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more. Congratulations to Olivia Degraw of Kerhonkson for
Rehabilitation Through the Arts art exhibition in Stone Ridge “Fork in the Road,” an exhibition featuring artwork by incarcerated individuals from correctional facilities in New York state, will be presented by Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), March 2-April 29, at the Stone Ridge Library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge. A brief presentation with the exhibition curator, RTA staff and formerly incarcerated artists of RTA’s visual arts program will take place at the artists’ reception, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at the library. The concept of the exhibition, “Fork in the Road,” a moment of decision in life or history when a choice must be taken, was the vision of incarcerated participants of RTA’s visual arts program. The exhibition will feature 25-30 artworks from three correctional facilities in New York – Bedford Hills, women’s maximum security; Green Haven,
Musicians Alicia Svigals and Donald Sosin perform silent-film score collaboration A special screening of Eleanor Antin’s acclaimed 1992 indie film classic “The Man Without a World” will be presented, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge, with new original music composed and performed live by world-renowned klezmer violinist Alicia Svigals and celebrated silent film pianist Donald Sosin. “ ‘The Man Without a World’ is an extraordinary film by a renowned performance artist who took great care to re-create the milieu of the shtetl where her mother grew up,” said pianist and composer Sosin, who has more than 1,000 scores and hundreds of recordings to his credit, and nearly a half-century of performing at major film festivals worldwide. “Alicia and I have created a score that reflects that setting, with klezmer tunes and other musical ideas that evoke the period and the characters. By turns lively and boisterous, dark and melancholy, this is a score we are very proud of and look forward to sharing with the Ashokan audience.” An innovative meditation on life in a Jewish “shtetl” (village) in Poland in the late 1920s, “The Man Without
earning a spot on the president's list for the fall 2022 semester at The College of Saint Rose in Albany. Degraw is majoring in EngAdolEd/SpEd (Dual) BA/MSED. Full-time undergraduate students, who complete a minimum of 12 graded credit hours and who achieve a semester average of 3.9 or higher without a D, F, or incomplete are eligible for the president's list. Dean College announced that Rylie Jones of Tillson has earned a place on the dean's list for the fall 2022 semester. Founded in 1865, Dean College is a private, residential college located in Franklin, Massachusetts.
men’s maximum security; and Woodbourne, men’s medium security. The artwork was created in classes taught by RTA teaching artists Angela Tornello and Claire Wasserman, who also curated the exhibition. The project is being supported in part by the NoVo
Foundation and Arts Mid-Hudson (Ulster County Cultural Services and Promotion Fund). The RTA model provides an intensive and comprehensive arts program that builds a sense of community, accountability and develops critical life skills so incarcerated participants can meet the challenges of connecting with family and community when released. RTA’s ongoing success is dramatic, as less than 5% of RTA members return to prison, compared to the national recidivism rate of 60%. Founded at Sing Sing in 1996, RTA helps people in prison develop critical life skills through the arts, modeling an approach to the justice system based on human dignity rather than punishment. With a roster of over 30 professional teaching artists, RTA operates in six maximum- and medium-security men’s and women’s New York state correctional facilities within a 150-mile radius of New York City, including Bedford Hills, Fishkill, Green Haven, Sing Sing, Taconic and Woodbourne. RTA teaches theater, music, dance, creative writing and visual arts to over 225 incarcerated men and women at any one time, with plans to expand its programs within New York and beyond. Learn more at rta-arts.org.
a World” poses as a “rediscovered” work of the fictional Soviet director Yevegny Antinov. Accordingly, the film was conceived and shot in a style recalling the heyday of silent cinema, intertitles and all. “It's a wonderful, smart, funny and moving bit of sleight of hand, a fictional silent film by a fictional director, made by a contemporary artist,” said violinist and composer Svigals. “For me as a klezmer fiddler and composer of new klezmer tunes, the richness and detail of the world Eleanor Antin created in the film was the perfect impetus to spin out the melodic counterpart of her work.” Klezmer is the instrumental musical tradition of the Ashkenazi Jews of Central and Eastern Europe, and Svigals, a co-founder of the Grammy-award winning band The Klezmatics, is considered among its foremost living exponents. “Donnie is a masterful and prolific silent film accompanist, and an inventive and melodious composer who draws on deep knowledge of the Western classical piano tradition,” said Syigals. “He wove my new klezmer tunes and his own beautiful themes, and some iconic Jewish songs, into a musically sophisticated whole that responds to each gesture, movement, thought and feeling on the screen.” Although the central narrative of the film revolves around the doomed romance of a young Bohemian Yiddish poet and the Jewish daughter of a local merchant, it also sheds a fascinating light on a number of topical issues facing Eastern European Jewish communities of the early 20th century: Zionism, socialism, anarchism, religious orthodoxy, modernism, assimilation and clashes
of ideology, all interwoven with timeless universal themes of love, death and madness. “I make seemingly ‘old’ films in order to enter the lost world of the past from the inside, not to stand outside of it and see it as history,” said director/co-producer Eleanor Antin, who also acts in the film. A filmmaker, an author and artist, Antin was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1997 and was the recipient of the National Foundation For Jewish Culture Media Award in 1998. Her work has been exhibited in the most prestigious museums and galleries in the country, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of Contemporary Art, and the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art, where “The Man Without a World” premiered in 1991. “There has, in fact, been a renaissance of live music with silent film,” said Svigals, whose grandparents met in a theater where he was a pianist who played for silent films and she was in the audience. “To sit in the theater for two hours with no ‘talking’ can be daunting as people come in for the first time, and when they come out they say, ‘Oh my goodness, I had no idea, this was the most extraordinary thing,” said Sosin. This unique live musical experience marks the return of Svigals and Sosin to Ashokan, where they performed their original score to the 1923 German silent drama “The Ancient Law” in 2020. For more information, visit ashokancenter.org or call 845-246-2121.
Works featured in the “Fork in the Road” exhibit at the Stone Ridge Library, “Forked”
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Arts, culture & entertainment
Page 18
February 17, 2023
A winter wander There’s a looping path in the woods behind my house. It offers a steepish climb up and a balancy hike down, a good way to get winter blood moving. I’ve been walking there daily, up and down, up and down. Again and again and again. And again. It’s good exercise, but not really mentally stimulating. And ever since the snow melted, I’ve been pulled to ramble beyond its well-trodden confines. There’s deep woods behind my house, small cliffs, a stream, vernal pools and old stone quarries. I explored it all frequently when I first moved to this part of the world, but had to stop when a wave of invasive pines grew to the height of faceslap. A pine desert, a forest expert called it. Torture by tree is more like it. But time has altered this dynamic. The brushy tree babies have suffered the fate of their own success and over-competed themselves into widespread failure. Overcrowding made them tall and spindly, a state incompatible with tree health. Many have now died or fallen, which makes much of the woods human-walkable once more. It’s been fun to wander again, re-acquainting with old landmarks. I re-found the chipped stone boundary markers for a long-gone farmstead, the tracks of the dirt road my neighbor Helen said she’d learned to drive on, the huge crumbling ledges topped by ferns and heaps of rock.
Susan Krawitz
And there have been new findings too. A wood-chip footpath now snakes through several deep-woods acres. The old quarry with its borders of laid stone walls is now neighbored by a house. And there are deer stands, deer stands, deer stands; so far, a total of six. I used to tramp these woods with a wander party that included goats, a dog, sometimes cats. Which was fun but maybe limiting, because without them, I’m seeing things I never saw before. Like old house foundations, including one just 50 feet from the road I live on. It still has stone steps leading into a root cellar and bluestone flooring for three tiny rooms, and a companion foundation built against a cliff that probably held livestock. Yet another, smaller cellar hole is sited far in the woods. It’s in a flat spot between hilltops and ringed by an amazingly firm-walled stone fence. Who would ever want to live way back there back then? It’s near the quarry, and that may have had something to do with it. Or not. My neighbor Helen used to tell me about people who lived in the woods and made herbal salves to peddle. Not for the first time and not for the last, how I wish she was still here so I could ask for more detail. But the land does offer clues. And so does local history research. The trees back there are far smaller than the ones near my house, and many are multi-trunked, quite possibly meaning re-sprouts from felled giants. This land was cut and likely cut again for timber, fuel, and to keep it open for grazing. Incredibly, the oldest maps show far more property lines here than exist today – all long, skinny and land-locked. They were wood lot “allotments,” designated for landowners in the town of Stone Ridge far
below. The early Dutch and English settlers farmed the fertile flats there “in common,” and used the woods up here the same way, as a place to turn their livestock loose to graze winter mast from a then-abundant oak, butternut and chestnut forest. But when New York state abolished in-common farming around the turn of the 1800s, the woods were privatized, sliced and separated. And human habitation started. Which lasted 150 strenuous years at best, and required so many trees to be cut, so much stone moved. All to eke out what must have been the slightest of livings, and abandoned in the industrial age for the greater ease and abundance offered by just about any other kind of life. Since then, the earth’s reclaimed most of their work. The tan egg cases laid by the spongy moths that invaded here last summer are all over the trees in this forest. Most are on oaks, but some were laid on pine and hemlock, or even dead trees. I scrape them off with whatever is on hand: a key, a sharp rock, my fingers. But unless a wet spring brings enough of the virus that kills these moths, they will probably ravage again come summer. The infestation may be a bad one, leaving trees stripped leafless. But as the pines, the cellar holes and the triple-trunked trees show, it’s just another cycle. The moths will come and they will go, and they will come and go again. Like the pines, like the quarries, like the homesteads, and those pesky, invasive humans, who probably thought the things they built in these woodlands would last forever.
February funk I’m really glad February is the shortest month of the year because it always seems to throw me into some weird funk. The February funk. This funk is all encompassing. I mean, I view everything as crazy. Not just the lovers overload but everything. For example, have you heard every woman on the planet singing “I can buy myself flowers” by Miley Cyrus? This new breakup song has been in my head for weeks. So much so that I even ran down to Green Cottage just to buy myself flowers. Ugh. I hope these women didn’t get mad on Valentine’s Day when their significant others were like, “Welp. You sang it. Go buy your own flowers.” Proof that some men do listen … Around town I’ll have to take their side on this argument. Now that you lost, go smell your flowers and be happy. I wonder how many people broke up over Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is one of those days that add to the funk. Women are either truly madly, deeply in love and life is great. Or mad because their SO didn’t get what they told them they wanted. Or they’re sad because they had to buy their own damn flowers. Which, by the way, is not a bad thing. I’ve been single for a couple of years and here are some things you must know. First and foremost, just because I’m single doesn’t mean I’m trying to steal your man. Seriously. If this is how the crazy is going in your life, maybe take a good, long look at your relationship instead. Figure out those insecurities, try therapy, break up, I don’t know, but stop. Secondly, but just as important, I am not sad. I get to do whatever I want, whenever I want, and with whomever I want. That’s an amazing source of power. I’m not gonna lie. Now, don’t get me wrong, if Mr. Wright came knocking on my door, I would let him in. Wait … no, I wouldn’t. I already let him in, married, him, had a child
Kelly Wright
Even the cow was curious about the galoshes.
with him, and divorced him. I’m good. So, if Mr. Whatever His Name Might Be came knocking on my door, I’d open it. I’m not against relationships, I’m just OK not being in one. Now that I’m talking about exes, shout-out to one of mine who told me he reads my articles. First, I was like, “Wow! You read?” but then I was extremely flattered. So, thanks, Cakes, that means a lot. So, I went to visit one of my best friends from high school. She and her husband have a local farm in Accord. That’s another thing us single girls like to do. Play
with animals. Personally, I don’t care what kind – dogs, cats, goats, horses, cows, 6-foot-tall brunette men who resemble Jeffrey Dean Morgan … it really doesn’t matter. Lucky for me, she had all of these except the cats and men. There were also birds. Which, typically, I’m not a fan of because they peck your eyes out. But, these were peacocks and guinea hens, so I was OK. The funny thing about me is I am weather challenged. I wore pink Timberlands, thinking, “Oh, yeah, this is farm wear! I totally look like a farmer!” The outcome reminded me of when I had just returned to New York and went to a snowmobile party wearing pink Chucks. Honestly, what is wrong with me? I had to borrow that friend’s snowmobiling gear. Luckily, I was saved, but I obviously didn’t learn my lesson. My bestie let me borrow some, I don’t know, galoshes, and off I went on my farm field trip. Needless to say, I was butted by a goat, licked by a cow, and humped by a dog. Please don’t ever think my life is lacking. I had the best day and was filthy. My point of this story is that farm funk is a good thing. It made me realize how difficult having a farm with animals is. It is hard work with many struggles but it’s a life of love. Love for the land, the animals, the tradition. We are lucky enough to have many farms around town, so please support your local farmers. The last funk I’m going to mention is also about an animal. Specifically, Groundhog Day. Really? Just like the time change, why is this still happening? We all know seasons have a start date. We all know spring is approximately six weeks from Groundhog’s Day. Leave poor Phil alone. Jeesh. The guy is just trying to live his best single life and ends up getting manhandled by strangers in weird hats. Rude. Did you know about other notable groundhogs, like Staten Island Chuck, Milltown Mel in Jersey and Gus in Pennsylvania? Along with a bunch more in the U.S. and Canada, but I don’t want to name them all. So, yeah, the first day of spring is March 20. Anyway, for me, February is like a mullet. It looks short, at first. But it turns out to be really long. The funk is almost over though.
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BlueStone Press, February 17, 2023, Page 19
Damn Good Honey Farm Market When I first met Jen and Keith Duarte, owners of Damn Good Honey, it was because I was interested in doing a piece in the BlueStone Press on their bee-keeping business. At the time they were mostly doing classes and helping people set up and maintain hives all over the county. They also had a small roadside cart along Route 209 that featured their own honey, Jen’s crafts, and some of the produce they grew. Subject to the vagaries of the weather and the seasonal growing guard rails, it seemed that there was imminent opportunity for rooting down, permanence and expansion. In the deepest sense of the phrase “it takes a village …,” Damn Good Honey, as a young and developing family business, has experienced the love and support of the community they serve as they work hard toward a grander vision of even more Wally Nichols community inclusion. Full disclosure: I wanted this young, super cool couple to set up operations on my farm (Rustic Ridge View) way back then because I knew immediately upon meeting them that they would be a cornerstone of the kind of community that I and so many people here would value. So that’s what we did, with hammers, saws, shelves, a lot of excitement, welcoming Route 209 frontage, stunning views of the Gunks and some shared daydreaming. I’m now sitting in the packed market eating a next-level gourmet bacon, organic egg and cheese bagel feast fit for royalty, crafted by chef Mischa Schact, who runs the new kitchen and who brings a passion and professionalism, if not some good-natured billingsgate, to this very exciting part of Damn Good’s evolution. (The kitchen serves seriously delicious hot and deeply intentional comfort food Thursday-Sunday at the moment. Prepared, pre-packaged items for a grab-and-go situation (to wit, salads, soups and couscous bowls) are also available. Summer hours of both the kitchen and the farm market will expand soon.) Both Jen and Keith (who mostly manages the farming and building ops) have been helping out in the kitchen under Mischa’s tutelage, and Jen has even taken over soup production. The cabbage soup I tried this weekend
Put a fork in it
Horoscopes Now that the planets are all in direct motion, we find the personal planets are grouped together in the sign of Pisces. Both Jupiter and Saturn define the space within the sign as bookends. Neptune is also included, making a total of six planets in the Pisces house. This leaves Mars, Pluto and Uranus in three other distinct signs and houses. The result seems to focus on the humanitarian aid being offered to both the earthquake victims or the war zone in Ukraine, and let us not forget the continuation of gun violence in this country. This month the new Moon on the 20th falls in the very humanitarian sign of Pisces with us all aware of the needs of the victims.
Your Zodiac
ARIES: 3/21 to 4/19: Mars, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 3rd solar house of education and information with Jupiter conJoanne junct Venus in your 1st house of Ferdman personality. You seem to be doing well selling your personality, or product, to the public as a recognized authority. You may also be meeting the public in an innovative way that has managed to add to your business in an unexpected way. TAURUS: 4/20 to 5/20: Venus, your ruling planet, is conjunct Neptune in your 11th solar house and continues to tap into an innovative touch that enhances your personality and ability. This is working well to keep you more than solvent as you focus on new techniques. The new Moon in Pisces has helped you understand that a bit of creativity can be helpful. GEMINI: 5/21 to 6/20: Mercury, your ruling planet, is part of the stellium positioned in Pisces in your 10th
Bacon, egg and cheese Location: 15 Old Queens Highway, Kerhonkson (Across from the Trooper Barracks on 209) Contact: damngoodhoney.com 845-253-0073 Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday Style: farm stand
feels generational and is a hearty meal unto itself. I’m at the register chatting with Jen, who is selling these egg-and-cheese delights (that is also her breakfast ) hand over fist because not only are they incredible tasting, but because they are also impossible to see and not want. Customers walk in, see the glorious sandwich in front of them, and the inclinations and machinations of joyous hedonism take over. That’s just what happens. And I’m keeping her talking about the farm stand so long that this meal goes uneaten and thus acts as a de facto and compelling showcase floor model. When Jen kicks me under the table, I let her have a brief break from talking so she can eat. Mary, who has been working with the Duartes from the start, takes over the register. Jen tells me, to my shock, that they have been running the market for seven years, and I guess I’ve been busy with parenting, working and life to notice the speedy passage of time. The incremental growth of their operations has been oak-like – steady and measured – but now there is quite a lot happening. And their young son, Hunter, is helping out, learning how things work. Just looking around the inside of the market there is solar house of career. This may result in being slightly overwhelmed by the number of possibilities now open to you – especially when the planet of action is positioned in your 1st solar house. The new Moon in Pisces will help you understand the way in which you have helped create your present situation.
CANCER: 6/21 to 7/20: The Moon child deals with the new Moon in Pisces on the 20th of the month, falling in your 9th solar house of education and communication. The Moon is part of the stellium in Pisces calling for a creative and/or service-oriented time that will bring objectives into focus and allow you to understand the big picture. LEO: 7/21 to 8/22: The Sun, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 8th solar house where change takes place. Your recent busy social life has left you feeling tired and alone among the many people you met recently. This is the time for some creative thinking about the future and what are your prime interests, as well as where you want to be. The new Moon is an excellent time to start thinking about it. VIRGO: 8/23 to 9/22: Mercury, your ruling planet, is positioned with the stellium in Pisces in the 7th solar house of partnerships. You may feel a lack of togetherness or feel overwhelmed by a lack of sociability. Now is the time you're able to take easy steps to correct the situation. You will find it simple to find and join a group dedicated to some form of social action. Or perhaps play less golf and take some time for yourself. LIBRA: 9/23 to 10/22: Venus, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 6th solar house of daily work and health with the six-planet stellium that includes Neptune, Jupiter and Saturn. You're working hard to maintain your health by working out daily. However, this goes only so far – you also need to lighten up and have some fun and sociability. And let's not forget family. SCORPIO: 10/23 to 11/22: Your two rulers: Mars and Pluto, form the bookends of the planets as they appear in the sky. Pluto is on the cusp of the 4th house, home and family, and Mars in the 8th house where change takes
proof of progress and community inclusion. The shelves are packed with local goods and crafts and it is clear to see the authenticity of the claim that they are just about as farm-to-table as it gets in the area. Organic produce, honey from the fields just behind the market, earrings fashioned by a local artist, pottery from neighbor Hester Thomas, Bjorn Corn popcorn, muffins and Caterina’s pastries from Little Rye Bakehouse, soaps, bread from Bread Alone, Ronnybrook Farm milk, Democracy gourmet coffee, meats from Mountain Products Smokehouse … the list goes on and on. They were just selected to sell pancake mix from the Phoenicia Diner. This is a huge win because the famous diner very carefully limits to whom they sell their branded and proprietary mix. Other current menu items include a gluten-free bacon, egg and cheese, their now-famous Hot Damn! chicken sandwich ($16) with honey and a garlic aioli swerved on a brioche. Pickles are house made. There is also a crispy vegan eggplant focaccia ($13) served with a maple syrup-sweetened cherry tomato relish and basic oil. (This menu will change seasonally.) Outside, and also inside, they have partnered with Erin Enouen and Sam Zurofsky of Long Season Farm to run a super popular weekly CSA, something that really kicked off during Covid and has kept going strong. (To join, reach out to hello@longseasonfarm.com.) That happens in the new greenhouse during the off growing season, and happens on covered farm tables set up outside during high season. Damn Good has already had many fun and community-building pop-up markets that are supportive of the local crafts folks. And appealing to locals and tourists alike. What’s especially cool about the entire Damn Good Honey story is that the humble origins have not been forgotten, and the mission has been kept in focus. All this has happened with community nurturing. It’s a beautiful thing, and gratitude abounds in every direction. Some of the very exciting things on the horizon include private cooking classes with Chef Mischa (think date night or cooking club), live music, seasonal picnicking, and expanded kitchen operations such as catering. Have a dinner party with friends, a rehearsal dinner, or Super Bowl party (next year!) and let Damn Good Honey handle the food. Head down (or up) the road now and also in the spring and see what’s going on, going down, and growing up at Damn Good Honey Farm Market. place. The Sun, Moon and other planets are struggling to determine which way to go with so many unknowns at present, i.e., the war, earthquakes, balloons and gun violence.
SAGITTARIUS: 11/23 to 12/21: Jupiter, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 5th solar house of children and creativity. While it is in the sign of Aries, it is also part of the stellium of six planets centered in Pisces, in the 4th. Thus, it is looking to make sense of what is happening in the "neighborhood." As a fire sign, you may want to take the lead as a volunteer and help others in need. CAPRICORN: 12/22 to 1/20: Saturn, your ruling planet, is positioned on the cusp of your 3rd solar house of communication and education that precedes the stellium in Pisces. Presently all planets are positioned below the horizon for you and are unable to reach out or make any major changes. Therefore, they will maintain their present goals and strive to organize and structure whatever they find possible. AQUARIUS: 1/21 to 2/19: Uranus, your ruling planet remains positioned in your 4th solar house and continues its emphasis on home and family. However, the six-planet stellium is centered in your 2nd solar house of money. This may result in concentrating on ways to increase your earning capacity, whether by taking a relevant course of study or finding another source of income. PISCES: 2/20 to 3/20: Neptune is your ruling planet and continues positioned in the closing degrees of your 1st solar house of personality. However, your 1st solar house also concerns Pisces and affects your creativity. It is likely that you are being led to a new source of income that will add to your marketability and independence. In addition, you may contemplate a move to a different location. 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.
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FOR THE FAMILY Kripplebush-Lyonsville Fire Company Valentine’s Pancake Breakfast Sunday Enjoy “all you can eat” pancakes, sausage, hash browns, scrambled eggs, hot coffee and cold orange juice, 8 a.m.-noon Sunday, Feb. 19, at the Kripplebush-Lyonsville Firehouse, 519 Pine Bush Road, at Route 2, one mile off Route 209, between Accord and Stone Ridge. Admission is $8 donation. For more information, call 845-687-9801. Local Quilters Guild meetings on Zoom The Wiltwyck Quilt Guild comes together to share their work, learn a new skill and meet new friends. The next meeting of the Guild will be held via Zoom, 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. The regular meeting will be followed by a lecture, “Smuggle Principles,” by Karen Brow-Meier of JavaHouseQuilts.com. Other member-led Zoom workshops include “The Dresden Plate Centerpiece,” 10 a.m.-noon, Sunday, Feb. 19, and “Convergence Quilts,” 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20. For more information, visit wiltwyckquilters.org. Members are always wanted and welcomed to join the projects benefiting the community. For Zoom link and more information, contact Guild secretary Mary Tyler of Rosendale at marycodytyler@ yahoo.com. Frozen waterfalls snowshoe walk at Minnewaska holiday hike Join Laura Conner, environmental educator, 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, Presidents’ Day, for a 2.5-mile snowshoe walk to Awosting Falls. If weather conditions are cold enough, a frozen volcano-like structure forms at the base of the waterfall. A limited number of snowshoes are available to borrow from the Education Department, with advance registration. Plan to arrive at 9:30 a.m. to borrow snowshoes. If there is insufficient snow cover, this program will be offered as a hike. If conditions are icy, participants are encouraged to bring microspikes or other ice traction devices. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Peter’s Kill Area. Preregistration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752. Rosendale Seniors monthly meetings The Town of Rosendale Seniors meetings are held at the Rosendale Recreation Center, 1055 Route 32, Rosendale, twice a month, excluding November and December, at 1 p.m. every second Wednesday (March 8), and fourth Wednesday (Feb. 22), a business meeting where members are kept informed of the resources available to them. The Rosendale Seniors are proud to sponsor a tour to Branson, Missouri, courtesy of Diamond Tours, Sept. 16-24, nine days and eight nights. The tour consists of motorcoach transportation with eight nights lodging including four consecutive nights in the Branson area, 14 meals of eight breakfasts and six dinners, admission to six fabulous shows – three morning shows and three evening shows. Cost is $1,029/pp double occupancy. Call Chickie Steritt at 845-658-2414 or Hal Sampson 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 (March 8), and at noon on the fourth Thursday of every month (Feb. 23) in the conference room of the Rondout Municipal Center, 1925 Lucas Turnpike, Cottekill. For more information on being included in the club’s next meeting, contact Sue Curcio, president, at otrlsc@gmail.com or Janet Sutter, treasurer, at janet.sutter@aol.com. Marbletown Seniors meetings and next group trip Open to all those over 55, whether living in Marbletown or not. The Seniors hold their meetings at the Marbletown Community Center, 3564 Main St., across from Key Bank in Stone Ridge, at noon on the first Friday, March 3 (bring a dish to share or drop $3 in the basket on the food table), and at 1 p.m. on the third Friday, March 17 (bring a dessert to share or drop $2 in the basket on the dessert table), each month. For
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Marbletown’s Ed Morris plays Jake’s dad in “Suicide Eyes,” a short film produced by Taylor Seupel of High Falls. On right, actor, writer and filmmaker Taylor Seupel.
High Falls’ own, Taylor Seupel premieres his film ‘Suicide Eyes’ “Suicide Eyes,” a short film produced in the Hudson Valley by Taylor Seupel, will premiere at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at the Arts Society of Kingston, 97 Broadway, Kingston. A Q&A, reception and refreshments will follow. There is no admission fee, but donations to help defray expenses will be appreciated. The film is a 14-minute black comedy about Jake, a young man who decides to end his life. However, there are consequences he can’t escape and must bear witness to the events that unfold. "Suicide is a subject I unfortunately have a good deal of experience with,” said Seupel, who grew up in
more information, call Donna Lamerson at 845-750-8616. The next group trip will be on Tuesday, April 11, to Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville, Connecticut, for “Shake, Rattle ‘n Roll,” dueling pianos featuring mixing music, comedy and audience interaction in a sing-along, dancealong show also offering a meal with choice of Chicken Kathryn or baked ham. Cost of trip is $63. Bus leaves 8:30 a.m. This particular trip leaves from Rosendale Recreation Center, 1055 Route 32N, Rosendale. For trip reservation, call Sharon Letus, at 845-687-9162.
ARTS, MUSIC, BODY & MIND High Falls’ Marlene Wiedenbaum among local artists featured in ‘meet and greet’ exhibit event The Olive Free Library Association is showcasing the works of the 15 member artists of LongReach Arts, a Hudson River Valley Artist Cooperative. The show, “I Dreamed a Garden,” is coordinated by Stone Ridge native Carol Pepper-Cooper from LongReach Arts and Linda Schultz from the Olive Library's Exhibition Committee. The exhibit at the library, at 4033 Route 28A, West Shokan, runs through March 4, with an artists' meetand-greet event, 2:30-4 p.m. Saturday, March 4. For more information, call the library at 845-657-2482 or visit olivefreelibrary.org. Mohonk Preserve February volunteer orientations and trainings As spring approaches, it’s time for volunteer orientation and training at Mohonk Preserve. New volunteers are welcome and needed in all activities. Orientations will take place at the Preserve or by Zoom. The next few volunteer group and trainings include Phenology, 9:30-11:30 a.m. via Zoom, and Phenology Field Training, at Testimonial Gateway, mandatory for
High Falls. “In these cold months, I'm looking to bring people together to remember we have each other, and to bring a light to this taboo and hard-todiscuss topic." The film heavily features local actors, including Marbletown’s Ed Morris, who plays Jake’s dad, filmmakers, locations of the Hudson Valley, and was in part created with the help of students from the Digital Media Department of SUNY New Paltz. Seupel, actor, writer and filmmaker, has pursued his career in Manhattan, England and Los Angeles as well as in the Hudson Valley.
new volunteers, 1-2:30 p.m., both on Saturday, Feb. 25; and Photographers, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 4, via Zoom. Check the website at mohonkpreserve.org/volunteer for descriptions and requirements for all volunteer activities and a link to register online. To get involved but not available to attend a scheduled orientation, contact Andy Reynolds, volunteer programs manager, at volunteers@mohonkpreserve.org or 845-255-0919, ext. 1269. In case of inclement weather, call the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center at 845-255-0919 for status of trainings. Music Fan Series presents ‘Soul Power’ and Energy Dance Company Only one concert ever combined the talents of giants of the soul, jazz, R&B and salsa worlds. Only one concert brought to the same stage James Brown, Miriam Makeba, B.B. King, Celia Cruz, Bill Withers, the Crusaders, Manu Dibango, the Spinners and Sister Sledge. That landmark, oncein-a-lifetime concert was captured in the documentary “Soul Power,” to be shown, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. In celebration of Black History Month, the evening will open with a special performance by Energy Dance Company from The Center for Creative Education. The award-winning dance company has swept the valley with its fresh and entertaining hip-hop, Reggae and Latin dance styles. In 1974, the most celebrated American soul, jazz, salsa and R&B acts of the time came together in Africa for a 12-hour, three-night concert held in Kinshasa, Zaire. “Soul Power” is a verité documentary about the legendary music festival “Zaire ‘74” and captures musical luminaries who were inspired to explore their African roots and give the performances of their lives. The documentary is crafted from the outtakes from the boxing film, “When We Were Kings.”
The concert film was edited from more than 125 hours of footage. Admission is $10/$6 members. For more information, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845658-8989. Sprouting mung beans with Rosendale’s Diana Seiler Learn to sprout the nutrition-packed mung beans and go home with a sprouting kit in this Holistic Health Community of Stone Ridge Soil to Soul workshop, 12:30-2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at People’s Place Wellness Empowerment Center, 775 Broadway, Kingston. Enjoy tasting various mung bean dishes, sprouted salad and kitchari. Mung beans are rich in digestible protein, soluble fiber, folate, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. For more information on Seiler, visit hudsonvalleythaimassage.com. Admission to the class is free through sacred reciprocity by donating, offering volunteer service or by doing an act of loving kindness toward someone in need. For registration and more information, visit holistichealthcommunity.org or call 845-867-7008. Artful Journeys lecture with Sevan Melikyan travels to the Orsay, Rodin and Petit Palais museums The Artful Journeys series meets via Zoom at 3 p.m. Sundays, with instructor and tour guide Sevan Melikyan, owner and operator of Wired Gallery in High Falls, founding member and director of Chagall in High Falls Inc., lecturer on art museums, and artist. The next Artful Journey excursions are to the Orsay Museum on Feb. 19, and to the Rodin Museum and the Petit Palais Museum on Feb. 26. Cost is $20 per session. Visit artfuljourneysllc.com/parisarmchair for info. Register at artfuljpurneysllc.com/classes-registration. Saturday Creature Features presents ‘Forbidden Planet’ (1956) With a $2 million budget in 1956, “Forbidden Planet” would be Gene Roddenberry’s important inspiration for “Star Trek,” the first film to depict a faster-than-light starship, the first film set on a distant planet outside our solar system, the first film to depict a robot with a distinct personality, and the first film to use an entirely electronic musical score. A sci-fi classic for any decade, a spaceship travels to the planet Altair IV to learn the fate of a scientific expedition sent there years earlier. When they arrive they discover only two people: Dr. Morbius (Walter Pidgeon) and his daughter Altaira (Anne Francis). Soon, the mystery of what happened to the rest of the expedition on Altair IV is discovered, and why only Morbius and Altaira are the sole survivors. The “Star Wars of the 1950s,” come see “Forbidden Planet” on the big screen, 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. Admission is $10/$6 members and those in costume. For more information, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-658-8989. Events at the Kiva, at MaMA The Kiva is located behind Marbletown Multi-Arts, MaMA, at 3588 Main St., Stone Ridge. Upcoming events include 7:30 p.m. tonight Friday, Feb. 17, Sonic Tonic with Peter Blum, Katie Down, Ev Mann and Thomas Workman, with sacred singing metals, flutes, drums, vocals, crystal bowls and more. Dance Lab Winter Series with Improv by Alexandra Bayeva; Ecstatic Dance, DJ Omar Aena; and Sound Healing, Jessica Caplan, is 7-10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24. Navigating the world of medicinal mushrooms with mycologist Luke Sarrantonio is 1-3 p.m. followed by “The courage to feel” with Qoya inspired movement (quoya.love/courage), 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26. On Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. March 2, 9 and 16, is Elder Odyssey Quality of Life Workshop with facilitators Ev Mann and Lester Strong. Each week are Zoom Sunday gatherings at 11 a.m., and the meditation, movement and conversation group led by Wes Ostertag and Ev Mann, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. For more information, visit cometomama.org or call 845-853-5154. Death Café group discussion via Zoom; free & open to all Circle of Friends for the Dying’s Death Café is a group-directed conversation with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session; it is free and open to everyone. Death Cafés are held on the 18th of each month, with the next discussion, 10-11:30
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BlueStone Press, February 17, 2023, Page 21 Events continued from page 20 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, hosted by Carolyn Van Ness, via Zoom, discussing different types of losses, death, relationship, empty nest, environmental, retirement, job loss, move, illness, loss of function – any of these that can bring a sense of loss of identity. For more information and registration, visit cfdhv.org. High Falls Conservancy’s Annual Meeting See the timeline of High Falls history from 1669-2019, meet the Conservancy volunteers, purchase/win a cookbook or High Falls sticker, see the Conservancy’s documentary, and celebrate the past 10 years of the Conservancy with cupcakes and coffee, at the annual meeting, 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at High Falls Firehouse, 7 Firehouse Road, High Falls. For information, visit highfallsconservancy.org. Conversational French with Claudine Brenner A native French speaker, born in Paris and raised in Europe, Claudine Brenner chose Stone Ridge as her place to retire following a 30-year government career abroad. Culture, medicine, travels and anything/everything culinary are favorite subjects that she would love to share and exchange with others, speaking in French. The program she is offering is held, 1-2 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month, with the next conversation hour on Tuesday, Feb. 21, in the activity room, at the Stone Ridge Library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge. For more information, visit stoneridgelibrary. org or call 845-687-7023. Tap workshops with Brenda Bufalino at the Rosendale Theatre Brenda Bufalino, international performer and tap dance master, will teach a tap workshop for advanced beginner-intermediate levels, noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 22 and March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, at the Rosendale Theater, 408 Main St., Rosendale, for $25/class. For more information, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-6588989. For registration, email brendabufaline@yahoo.com. For more on Bufalino, visit brendabufalino.com. Discover Criminal Justice and Human Services event in Stone Ridge SUNY Ulster presents this Discover Criminal Justice and Human Services event, 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, in Hasbrouck Hall, Room 217, on the campus, 491 Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge. Department chair Professor Jim Truitt will represent the college’s two Criminal Justice associate degrees; Dr. Janay Gasparni will be at the event for the department’s Police Academy; and Professor Keri McArdle will talk about the college’s career and transfer Human Services associate degrees and the Direct Care Practice Certificate program. Admissions representatives will also be available to explain the admissions process and address any questions on enrollment, financial aid, student support services, campus life and more. Campus tours will be provided. For registration and more information, visit sunyulster.edu or call 845-687-5000. ‘The Expressive Figure’ studio course with Kerhonkson’s Keith Gunderson This workshop will be held 9 a.m.-noon Thursdays, Feb. 23 and March 2 in Studio 1, at the Woodstock School of Art, 2470 Route 212, Woodstock. “Despite the importance of drawing what we see, it is the application of what we know that breathes life into the figure,” said Kerhonkson artist Keith Gunderson. “The Expressive Figure” explores both these parameters with special emphasis on providing the student with intentions that develop techniques of visualization, of media and surfaces, and the dynamics of the drawing space. For cost, supply list and more information, visit woodstockschoolofarts.org or call 845-679-2388. For more on Gunderson, visit keithgunderson.com. ‘The beauty of pressed botanical specimens,’ an art exhibition by David Schaengold Schaengold’s exhibit will be on display through Feb. 25, in the activity room, at the Stone Ridge Library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge. All proceeds of sales from the exhibition will be donated to the Stone Ridge Library and the Rondout Valley Food Pantry, as per Schaengold. For more information, visit stoneridgelibrary.org or call 845687-7023.
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Cast of “Mamma Mia” with Amanda Seyfried (seated, center), who played Sophie in both movies.
Rondout’s musical production of ‘Mamma Mia!’ Rondout Valley High School will present the musical “Mamma Mia!” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24 and 25, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, in the school’s auditorium, at 122 Kyserike Road, Accord. Set on a small Greek island, Sophie, played by Rondout Valley High School’s Sadie Heagney, dreams of a perfect wedding, one which includes her father giving
her away. The only problem is that Sophie doesn’t know who he is. Her mother refuses to talk about the past, so Sophie decides to take matters into her own hands. Sneaking a peek in her mother’s old diaries, she discovers three possible fathers and secretly invites all three to the wedding, convinced that she’ll know her father when she sees him. When all three
turn up, it is not as clear as she thought! Come enjoy music and lyrics by ABBA's Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and ABBA's songwriter Stig Anderson. Tickets, $15 for adults and $10 for students/seniors, can be purchased ahead of time by calling 845-687-2400, ext. 4103, or emailing hsmusical@rondout. k12.ny.us.
In-person Holistic Healthcare Day at Marbletown Community Center and virtual week
Enjoy delicious hot chocolate, an ice sculptor demo, and so much more at the Hot Chocolate Fest at the Ashokan Center.
Hot Chocolate Fest at the Ashokan Center Enjoy everyone’s favorite hot beverage, hot chocolate, in a lovely winter setting, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 18 and 19, at the Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge, with live music, food, guided hikes with Del Orloske (10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.), campfires, blacksmithing, jugglers on Saturday and an ice sculptor on Sunday. Live music includes: Hey Bub, 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday;
Krisha and the Krew with Mark Dzuba, at 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. All ages welcome. Delicious food and refreshments will be available for purchase with vegan and gluten-free options available. No dogs or pets of any kind are allowed on site. Tickets are $10 and kids under five are free. For more information, visit ashokancenter.org or call 845-657-8333.
Quick breads with fruit and nuts, a free healthy cooking class online via Zoom Turning the Tables Healthy Cooking Classes presents Quick Breads with Fruit and Nuts. Banana bread, zucchini bread, blueberry muffins, pumpkin bread – there are so many fruit and nut bread spin-offs! Learn how to make them all with one master recipe, in this free class, a collaboration of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County, Ellenville Regional Health Care Network and Stick to Local Studio, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, via Zoom. For registration and more information, visit
Under an hour from urge to plate
turningthetablescookbook.com or email Healthy Cooking educator Maria Reidelbach at mrr233@cornell.edu.
Holistic Health Community of Stone Ridge will offer its ongoing in-person Holistic Healthcare Day from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the Marbletown Community Center, 3564 Main St., Stone Ridge, and a Virtual Community Holistic Healthcare Week, Monday-Friday, Feb. 27-March 3, via Zoom and telephone sessions. Practitioners for the in-person Holistic Healthcare Day include Cornelia Wathen, Emotion Code; Dahlia Jarrett, art therapy; Deb DiPietro, One Light Healing Touch; Donna Cohen, spiritual counseling; Greg Madden, Biophoton therapy; Jadina Lilien, systemic family constellations; Dr. Jerry Wintrob, syntonics and sound frequencies; Kate Anjahlia Loye, soul listening; Larry Balestra, Reiki; Lauren Schaub Molino, Brennan Healing Science; Mary Zak, Reiki; Maureen Smith, hypnotherapy; Nandini Austin, Ayurvedic medicine; Nurit Nardi MA, LMT, RCSt, focusing oriented therapy; Suzanne Bottigliero, reflexology; and Virginia Doran, auricular acupuncture. For Virtual Holistic Healthcare Week, practitioners include Cornelia Wathen, Emotion Code; Donna Cohen, spiritual counseling; George Jacobs, PsychSpiritual counseling; Jadina Lilien, systemic family constellations; Joanna Leffeld, “Healing your money story”; Karin Reynolds, life coaching; Katie Todd, “The flow of grace”; Lightfield session; Sharon Lococo, consciousness shifting; Kris Journey, astrology consultations; Suzanne Bottigliero, chakra clearings; Vicki Kramer Nathan, resilience and wellness coaching; and Wendy Wolosoff-Hayes, spacious heart guidance. Other free holistic opportunities include Barbara Bash circle practice, strengthening the heart; Barbara Bash, Katherine Betts and Andy Dillon, nonviolent communication; Bobbi Esmark, free qigong classes; Circle of Friends of the Dying, free Death Cafes; Jadina Lilien, free systemic constellations; Shivaram in Hawaii, free Yoga Nidra; Shulamit Elson, free MediSounds® Sounding; and Therese Bimka, daily community meditations. Community Holistic Healthcare Day is held on the third Tuesday of each month. Holistichealthcommunity.org or 845-867-7008.
Page 22, February 17, 2023, BlueStone Press
‘Learning to See for Surviving and Thriving’ with Dr. Marc Grossman
Events continued from page 29 Drum Circle for peace with Fre Atlast Gather and drum in a vision of peace, noon Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. Drummer Fre Atlast will guide the rhythmic journey of songs and chants of peace from multiple cultures and traditions. Bring drums and percussion instruments. Some drums will be available. Dancers and chanters are encouraged to attend. This is a safe space to play for all levels. For more information, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-658-8989. Spring Energy Cleaning with local energy coach Tom Konrad Co-sponsored by the Marbletown and the Rosendale environmental commissions, this event, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Rondout Municipal Center, 1915 Lucas Turnpike, Cottekill, Tom Konrad, local energy coach, will explain how to clean up energy use and transition off fossil fuels, with information about the many government and private incentives available to offset the expense. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 845-658-8198. Writers’ group with Cathy Arra Two separate writers’ groups meet 4-6:30 p.m. on alternate Mondays at the Stone Ridge Library in the activity room, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge, with a maximum of 10 participants in each group. The program is designed for those who are actively writing and publishing work and who want to participate in a structured, critical feedback process. Cathy Arra, a poet, writer and former teacher of English and writing in the Rondout Valley School District, facilitates the groups. The next meeting is for Group 2 on Feb. 27. Email carra22@aol.com. An orchard, a cliff edge view and an echo at Minnewaska Join Laura Conner, environmental educator, and Josh Grosse, Student Conservation Association/Americorps member, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for a winter hike through a historic orchard that once served the grand hotels found at Minnewaska. This walk is mostly along easy-walking carriage roads, with an estimated total distance of 6.5 miles. Bring water and food and dress appropriately for the season. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center, 5281 Route 44/55, Kerhonkson. Preregistration is required by calling 845-255-0752. Stone Ridge Library presents Spanish conversations with Francisco Rivera ¿Hablas español? To brush up on Spanish conversation skills and meet other language lovers in a friendly and stressfree environment with facilitator Francisco Rivera, join the class, 1-2 p.m. every fourth Tuesday of the month via Zoom, with the next session on Feb. 28. All levels are welcomed. ¡Hasta entonces! Rivera was born and raised in Spanish Harlem in NYC and is a long-term resident of Marbletown. Contact programs manager Sarah Robertson at programs@ stoneridgelibrary.org to join the group. For more information, visit stoneridgelibrary.org or call 845-687-7023. ‘Painting Abstractions,’ new works by Rosendale artist Ted Dixon In honor of Black History Month, Rosendale artist Ted Dixon will present his exhibit, “Painting Abstractions,” for the month of February, in the gallery at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. Through the application of acrylic paints on paper and canvas, Dixon explained, “My goal is to create images that speak to a point in time that someone will embrace, be moved by, and cannot live without.” For information, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-658-8989. SahasraYoga in-person and Zoom classes with Kyra Sahasrabudhe at RidgeWell Fitness All levels and abilities are welcome to join these in-person hatha yoga classes taught by Kyra Sahasrabudhe (CYT) of Stone Ridge, 10-11:15 a.m. Mondays and 9-10:15 a.m. Wednesdays, at RidgeWell Fitness, 3555 Main St., Stone Ridge, and in the virtual (Zoom) class 5-6:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Props and modifications are offered in class allowing students to make each pose/ asana their own. For cost and all info, email sahasrayoga21@gmail.com or call 845-750-7808. Scrabble meet-up every Tuesday at the Rosendale Library Join the community, 1 p.m. every Tuesday, at the Rosendale Library, 264 Main St., Rosendale. To register for the group, visit rosendalelibrary.org or call 845-658-9013.
The Bunkhouse Boys is Mark Sagar on rhythm guitar; Roger Weiss, Cajun fiddle; and Laren Droll, Creole Zydeco accordion.
Live Cajun music with the Bunkhouse Boys The Bunkhouse Boys discovered each other in a bunkhouse in Ashokan, while studying the music they all love, Cajun/ Creole. Mark Sagar, on rhythm guitar, brings his lifelong love of country blues to the band; Roger Weiss plays soulful Cajun fiddle, and Laren Droll is on Creole Zydeco accordion. Their vocals and locked-in rhythm produce the authentic sound of
the bayou. Produced by Mark Morgenstern, owner and music booker of the Rosendale Café, this event will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. Admission is $15/$12 members. For more information, visit rosendaletheatre. org or call 845-658-8989.
James Baldwin Abroad, a program of three films, at the Rosendale Theatre Brilliant thinker, writer and activist was James Baldwin, whose prescient essays, plays and novels continue to shine a searing light on American racism 35 years after his death. Born in 1924, in Harlem, Baldwin spent much of his life abroad, and in these three short films, made in Istanbul, Paris and London (with Dick Gregory), he can be charming, candid, churlish, witty and acerbic. Whether ruminating on his own “American-ness,” his experience as a child-minister, Black Power, or the Baldwin nature of love and sexuality, creativity, freedom and survival, his unsparing opinions are never less than eye-opening, and his onscreen presence never less than riveting. All three films have recently been restored, so don't miss the chance to see them on the big screen, 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. Set in Istanbul, the first film, “From Another Place,” directed by Sedat Pakay, opens with a surprisingly candid scene of Baldwin leisurely awakening in his bedroom. Pakay, a Turkish filmmaker who studied with Walker Evans, is known for his photographic portraits of famous artists and writers, Baldwin among them. Here in Istanbul, Baldwin seems relatively relaxed, walking among crowds in a public park or on the city’s streets. His focus is personal, even intimate. “The life I live is very different from what people imagine. I love a few men. I love a few women. Love comes in many strange packages; it never comes to you as you think it will. I think the trick is to say yes to life.” He speaks of how difficult it is to concentrate and to write in the United States and said, “American men are paranoiac on the
subject of homosexuality.” The film offers us a self-reflective James Baldwin, one who fearlessly examines his most private thoughts and feelings. “Meeting the Man, James Baldwin in Paris” was shot in Paris, a city in which Baldwin lived for nine years after leaving New York, a decision he had described “as a matter of life and death.” The early sequences of the film, directed by Terence Dixon, find Baldwin uncooperative, even hostile to the British director and cameraman, clearly resenting their controlling role. He brings them to the Bastille, whose significance he explained: “They tore down this prison … I am trying to tear a prison down too. When a white man tears down a prison, he is trying to liberate himself. When I tear down a prison, I am simply another savage. What you don’t understand is that you for me are my prison guard, you are my warden. I am battling you, not you, Terry, but you the English, you the French.” Called “the Godfather of Black British filmmaking,” documentarian Horace Ové films Baldwin at the top of his game, in good spirits, joining his friend, comedian/activist Dick Gregory, at the West Indian Student Centre in London in the film “N****r.” Baldwin spoke movingly of the historical antecedents of his life and that of other Black Americans, “My entry into America is a bill of sale. I became Baldwin’s n****r. I was formed in a certain crucible. My frame of reference is George Washington and John Wayne.” Speaking of slavery’s reality he averred, “I discover those songs darkies sang were not just the innocent expressions of primitive people, but extremely subtle, difficult, dangerous and tragic expression of what it felt like to be in chains.” For tickets ($10/$6/members) and more information, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-658-8989.
ADVERTISE TODAY! Local Business to Local Readers Contact BSP at 845-687-4480
“How you see helps determine who you are,” said Dr. Marc Grossman, O.D.L.Ac. “Visual symptoms provide valuable messages that allow you to become more aware of your true soul nature.” This eye-opening program, 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at Marbletown Community Center, 3564 Main St., Stone Ridge, based on Grossman’s new book, “Natural Eye Care,” integrates the art and science of Grossman expanding vision and its practical and spiritual aspects to reprogram consciousness, gain skills to enhance perception of the world, and improve vision, whether it’s myopia, presbyopia, cataracts, macular degeneration or other eye conditions. Grossman is a developmental behavioral optometrist and licensed acupuncturist. Coauthor of “Greater Vision: A Comprehensive Program for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Clarity” and several other books, he lectures and teaches workshops on his integrated approach to vision and its influence on the body, mind and spirit. Though there is no charge for this workshop, sacred reciprocity is encouraged by making a donation, by offering volunteer service, or by doing an act of loving kindness toward someone in need. For registration and more information, visit holistichealthcommunity.org or call 845-867-7008.
From the Oscar-nominated short documentary “The Elephant Whisperers,” elephant whisperer Lek Chailert
See all the Oscarnominated Shorts For the 18th consecutive year, Shorts HD and Magnolia Pictures present the “Oscar-Nominated Short Films, Animated, Live Action and Documentary.” This is the chance to predict the winners. Ballots will be provided! The Academy Awards are Sunday, March 12. Short documentaries can be seen at 7 p.m. tonight, Friday, Feb. 17, and noon Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale. Documentaries include “The Elephant Whisperers,” Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga, India, 40 min.; “Haulout,” Evgenia Arbugaeva and Maxim Arbugaev, UK, 25 min.; “How Do You Measure a Year?” Jay Rosenblatt, USA, 29 min.; “The Martha Mitchell Effect,” Anne Alvergue and Beth Levison,” USA, 40 min.; and “Stranger at the Gate,” Joshua Seftel and Conall Jones, USA, 29 min. The live action shorts will be shown at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Rosendale Theatre. Admission is $10/$6 members. For info, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-658-8989.
Find what you’re looking for
Page 23 Services Offered
Winter’s here! Snow Plowing / Sanding. Fall / Spring Clean Ups. Discount rates. 845-893-5644 Doug Tyler Jr. SNOW PLOWING Sanding & Salting Residential & Commercial Over 30 years experience 10% Discount for Seniors 845-849-5909 (cell) 687-0087 (home) 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. Whittaker Welding Steel & Cast Iron Repair Fabrication Modifications Reinforcement Hardfacing 407 Krumville Road Olivebridge, NY 12461 845-657-6719
February 17, 2023
TOWN OF MARBLETOWN
Sell it now! $15.00 for the first 20 words. ($.25 for each additional word) All classified ads must be paid for by the end of Tuesday before our Friday issue date. The newspaper is printed on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. Billing privileges are extended to display advertising clients and accounts placed for six months or more. Our mailing address is PO Box 149, Stone Ridge, NY 12484. Please call 687-4480 for more information. We take credit cards!
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Town Board Meeting February 21 @ 6:00pm Housing Committee February 28 @ 7:00pm Town Board Meeting March 7 @ 6:00pm
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CPAB Meeting March 8 @ 5:00pm
House for Rent $2450 per month No utilities included. 2 Bedroom1-1/2 baths No pets Call 845-721-4741
Historic Preservation March 9 @ 6:00pm Housing Committee March 14 @ 7:00pm
TOWN OF ROSENDALE Help Wanted/Items Needed
Rice Plumbing and Heating is looking to hire an experienced HVAC Plumbing technician. 3 to 5 years experience. Clean drivers license. Full time. Salary based on experience. Send resume to riceplumbingandheating@gmail.com
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Veronica’s Garden in Stone Ridge is seeking an Experienced Landscaper Good salary, flexible hours Must be a licensed driver Call 845-687-9026 or (845)399-1708
Rondout Municipal Center 1915 Lucas Avenue, Cottekill townofrosendale.com
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Zoning Board of Appeals February 21@ 7:00 pm Police Commission February 28 @ 3:30 pm Town Board Workshop March 1 @ 7:00 pm Youth Commission March 6 @ 7:00 Town Board Meeting March 8 @ 6:00 pm Environmental Commission March 9 @ 6:30 pm
TOWN OF ROCHESTER Harold Lipton Community Center, 15 Tobacco Road townofrochester.ny.gov
845-626-7384
Historic Preservation February 20 @ 2:00pm
Visit bluestonepress.net and select Special Sections On the website now! at the bottom.
Recreation Commission February 21 @ 9:30 am Town Board Audit Meeting February 23 @ 6:00 pm Environmental Commission February 28 @ 6:00-8:00pm Town Board Meeting March 2 @ 6:30 pm Planning Board Meeting March 13 @ 7:00pm
Worth it!
BSP classified ads start at $15! email: bspmartha@gmail.com or call BSP at 845-687-4480
BOARD OF EDUCATION District, Kyserike Road, Accord rondout.k12.ny.us/ board-of-education BOE MEETING February 21 @ 7-9pm BOE MEETING March 7 @ 7-9pm Confirmation of meeting times through individual town offices is recommended.
Page 24, February 17, 2023BlueStone Press
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