July/August 2010
Town of Hillsdale Newsletter
Hillsdale, New York
Town of Hillsdale 
 
 Hillsdale Website
 
The Hillsdale website 
has a comprehensive list of departments, hours and town meetings.  Go to: 

Hillsdale Directory

 
Town Meetings

 Third Tuesday of the month @ 7:30
 
Planning Board
Second Monday of the month @ 7:30
 
Zoning Board of Appeals
First Tuesday of the month @ 7:30
Committee Meetings

 7/8: Green Solutions Meeting

7/18  Hamlet Committee Meeting
  9:00 am @ Town Hall
Town Events
Quick Links
Click on an underlined event for full details.

 
 
 
 
7/17 and 7/31:  Hillsdale Farmer's Market
 
 
 
 
 
 
Local News
The Columbia Paper

ccSCOOP

Register-Star

The Copake Chronicle

Rural Intelligence

Archived Hillsdale Calendars and Newsletters
Local Calendars
Taconic Hills School District Calendar

CoCotodo.com
Town Historian
Jay Rohrlich
[email protected]
518-325-4956

Volunteer in Hillsdale
You can help, meet people and have fun!

Keep Hillsdale Blooming

Help maintain the flower planters
Contact Lynda Brenner at
[email protected]
or call 325-7364


Roe Jan Community Library
 
Roe Jan Park
Taconic Hills School Aquatic & Fitness Center
Hours for community use during summer vacation
Monday-Friday 3:00-8:00 pm
Saturday                                9:00am-2:00pm
Sunday                                  1:00pm-4:00pm
 
more info 
 
Call 325.0432 for schedule updates
Nearby Natural Areas open to the public 
Roe Jan Park

Harlem Valley Rail Trail
 
 Columbia Land Conservancy Conservation Areas
 
 Bash Bish Falls State Park
 
Taconic State Park, Copake Falls
 
Lake Taghkanic State Park
 
Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center and Sanctuary, Craryville
 
Mount Washington State Forest, Mt. Washington, MA
 
Mt. Everett State Reservation, Mt. Washington, MA
Local Arts
 
Ghent Playhouse
 
Hudson Opera House
 
Columbia Arts Team
 
Art Omi
 
PS 21, Chatham
 
Time & Space Limited
 
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
Resources
Cornell Cooperative Extension
(gardening, pest questions)
828-3346

Hawthorne Valley Farm
Blogs
Farmscape Ecology Program
 
Local Movies

Join Our Mailing List
Greetings!

Summertime and the season in Hillsdale is in full swing.  The Farmer's Market has begun, the new Library is in its home stretch,  the Youth Program is underway, and there are lots of activities in town and throughout the county.  Hope you're enjoying them!

The Town Board:  Art Baer, Town Supervisor, and Carmen Barbato, Peter Cipkowski, Christian Kersten and Augie Sena.

PS Please note that some e-mail servers cut off the end of the calendar and the newsletter.  So if yours does not end with a little note from us, go to the very end and click on "view entire message."
News
rail trail pathBringing the Rail Trail to Hillsdale
 
The Harlem Valley Rail Trail runs from Wassaic to Copake Falls and is popular with bicyclers, walkers, runners and anyone who remembers the trains that made their way here well into the 1970s.
 
Hillsdale is now exploring the possibility of extending the rail trail all the way to the hamlet and beyond. Click here for more info
Memorial Day Flea Market draws 600

FleaMarket2010Despite the threatening skies, more than 600 people turned out Saturday May 29 for the second annual Hillsdale Flea Market in the Hamlet Park.  Shoppers found nearly 40 vendors offering bargains on items ranging from dishes and kitchen appliances to handmade jewelry, collectibles, furniture, artwork and pottery.  Food was provided by the tireless members of the Hillsdale Firehouse.

Proceeds from the sale benefit the Hillsdale Hamlet Committee, which is working to improve the town's center.

The Hamlet Committee also used the flea market to introduce the public to the committee's goal of extending the Harlem Valley Rail Trail to Hillsdale and beyond. Representatives of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association answered questions and displayed maps of the current trail, a section of which terminates in Copake Falls, about four miles south of Hillsdale.
Short-Term Solution for Hillsdalers in Philmont Fire District Announced
 
At the Town Board meeting on June 15, Supervisor Art Baer reported that the Trustees of the Hawthorne Valley Farm voted to voluntarily pay $5,000 "in lieu of taxes" for the 2010 year to help offset the burden placed upon Hillsdalers who reside in the Philmont Fire District. The payment will be made to the Town of Hillsdale and a rebate check will be forthcoming to those affected, according to an equitable formula which is in the process of being calculated.

As reported last fall, the Town Board held a public hearing on October 20, 2009, on the rate increase that the Village of Philmont proposed for the northwest section of Hillsdale that is covered by the Philmont Fire Department.  Philmont agreed to reduce their proposed new rate from $.95 per $1,000 of assessed value to $.6365 per $1,000 of assessed value. However, this figure did not take into account the tax exemption of the Harlem Valley Farm and School complex, so in January, residents were billed $.80 per $1,000 to reach the $48,000 owed to Philmont.

In spite of the tough economic climate, the school has expressed a willingness to consider increasing their donation toward next year's fire protection contract.  The Town Board expects that this amount will be reflected in the fire protection tax rate billed next January.

The Town Board is grateful to Hawthorne Valley for their understanding and support of their neighbors. They recognize that their tax-exempt status has significantly affected the fire protection rate currently in effect.
Committees
Green Solutions Group
 
Our next meeting is July 8th at 5:00 at Town Hall.
 
On July 17th, the Green Solutions Committee will sponsor a demonstration  "From Garden to Table" with special guests Ruth Dufault and Gert Alper, owner-chef of the Swiss Hutte.  The demo will be at approximately 10:45 AM at the Farmer's Market.
 
We will also be offering information from NYSERDA about energy cost
savings for the homeowner.
Events
For more information on town events, use the links at left, under "Town Events Quick Links."
The Hillsdale Farmer's Market is in Full Swing

FarmersMarket.Markristo9:00 am - 12:30 pm, every two weeks, Town Park behind Town Hall. Next market:  July 3
Child friendly

Buy wonderful locally grown salad greens, vegetables, eggs, meat and flowers -- and support local farmers!  Luscious locally made baked goods too.  Cooking and composting workshops.  Mingle with your Hillsdale neighbors!  For info call Willa Horton at FarmersMarket.WhiteOak[email protected] or call (518) 325- 7950.
 
See the full summer schedule here

Above, Rachael Stosiek and Willa Horton, representing Markristo Farm, and at right, Fred Laing, proprietor, and helper Fran Sherman of White Oak Farm.  Both farms in Hillsdale.
Roe Jan Historical Society opens exhibit on Farms of the Roe Jan Area, needs help with Civil War project

Opens July 3 and July 4 and all Saturdays and SundayFarm.LongHills until Labor Day, 2:00-4:00 pm.  Roe Jan Historical Society Museum in Copake Falls.

The Society is looking for loans of farm memorabilia and for volunteers.  Please contact  Janet Doherty at 329-5751.

Another project is underway - a Civil War story featuring the Civil War uniform of John Bingham Collin, a resident of Hillsdale, part of the collection.  Research has revealed that John Collin served in the 91st Regiment of New York Volunteers as a company captain.  To help with this project please contact Janet Doherty, the Museum Director.
Farmscape Ecology Program in Harlemville offers nature walks, native plant gardening workshops and opens nature center 

The walks take you and the entire family to different parts of the farm and introduce you to a variety of on-farm habitats and their wild inhabitants. The walk is free, we will meet at 2:00 pm in front of Hawthorne Valley Farm Store on Route 21C in Harlemville; no need to register.   Child Friendly
Upcoming Farmscape Ecology Walks:
Saturday, July 17: Who lives in our Ponds and Streams?
Saturday, August 21: Wet Meadows and Shrubby Hillsides
Saturday, September 18: Fall Flowers of Meadows and Forest

Farmscape Ecology Program Open House:
Saturday, July 3rd, 11am - 4pm


Visit the Farmscape Ecology Program's new home, the "Creekhouse" on Hawthorne Valley Farm (former Hawthorn Clinic), 1075 Harlemville Road, Ghent.
It has been transformed to accommodate a community reading room, office/lab space, an intern/guest apartment, as well as staff housing.  Please join us for a look around, refreshments and conversations about nature and (agri)culture in Columbia County.

"Gardening With Native Plants on a Budget" Workshop
The Farmscape Ecology Program is offering a four-session workshop on gardening with native plants on a budget, which will be facilitated by experienced landscaper, Ruth Dufault of Bittersweet Gardens.  The workshop will include reasons for using native plants, plant selection for various sites, soil preparation and planting techniques, deer susceptibility and more.
Session dates:
Friday, July 17, 7-9 pm -- Introduction
Saturday, July 18, 9am-12pm -- Planning the garden, hands-on
Saturday, August 21, 9am-12pm -- Implementation, hands-on
Saturday, September 18, 9am-12pm -- Implementation, hands-on

The workshop will be held at Creekhouse.  Fee is $15 per session, $50 for entire workshop, but no one will be turned away for lack of resources.  For registration, email [email protected] or call  Claudia and Conrad Vispo at 672-7994.  For more info, go to
Kids! Can! Cook! Hawthorne Valley Summer Youth Program 
9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday-Friday,  The Hawthorne Valley Learning Center, Harlemville
3 two-week sessions:  July 5-16, July 26-August 6, August 16-26.
Child friendly
 
Kids really can cook . . . And cooking opens the door to healthier lifestyles, connecting to the wonder and beauty of nature, learning about nutrition, food and farming, and the traditional crafts that are the natural expression of that connection. Cooking, gardening, animal care, carding, spinning, weaving, clay modeling, and metal working are all part of KIDS! CAN! COOK!  Open to all children between the ages of 8 and 14 years.
 
To learn more click here 
Saturday, July 10, The Elements of Earth, Roe Jan Park
10:00-11:30 am, Roe Jan Park
Child friendly

Prepare to get your hands dirty as we examine different types of soils. Children will pretend to become soil particles and water drops, and learn about soil percolation.  Families will make a yummy Oreo "dirt cake" for a delicious ending to a fun day!  For info.
Bossy Frog BandFriday, July 16, The Bossy Frog Band at the Roe Jan Park
6:30 pm, the Roeliff Jansen Park
Child friendly
 
THE BOSSY FROG BAND  "Banjos, Fiddles, Corny Jokes & Happy Families" 
The Roe-Jan Library will kick off their children's summer programs with an appearance by Jeffrey Friedberg of the Bossy Frog Band. 
Please join us for all the fun and if you like, bring a picnic supper for you and your family.
Tuesday, July 20, Young at Heart Social Group
12:00 noon-3:00 pm, Hillsdale Firehouse
(Third Tuesday of each month)
 
This local senior group meets at the Hillsdale Firehouse and enjoys a variety of activities including featured speakers, field trips, seasonal events and luncheons. 
 
Comprised of a membership of over 150 people and an active membership of around 95, this group is well attended.  Membership is drawn from the Copake, Ancram and Hillsdale townships.  more info
July 23, The Locavore Way...Summer Cooking Series Continues
The Hawthorne Valley Learning Center
 
What better way to cook with farm-fresh food than right here on the farm?  Amy Cotler, locavore extraordinaire, will teach four hands-on cooking classes over the course of the growing season in our new teaching kitchen.  Each session will end with a class-cooked meal. 
 
To learn more click here 
 
Make a Splash - Read!  Summer library program for young kids
Grades K-2
Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00-10:00 am
July 20 - August 5
NEW Roe Jan Library!  Route 22, south of the light
Child friendly
 
Children who have signed up for the Roe-Jan Park Summer Program and wish to participate in this library program can be dropped off at the library by their parents and we will escort them to the park at 10:00 so they can enjoy the park activities for the rest of the day.
Hillsdale House TourSecond Annual Hillsdale Historic House Tour
July 31, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Tour at least five houses and an historic law office, all on Cold Water Street, where 19 buildings are on the National Historic Register.  Plus, hear about the history of the houses, street and town from long time residents.  On the tour will be some of the oldest buildings in the hamlet.  Tickets $20 in advance, $25 the day of the tour. Click here for more information and to download a ticket form.

The Hillsdale Historic House Tour is being sponsored by the Hillsdale Preservation Committee.  Proceeds will help the committee to continue its work to protect the historic character of the town of Hillsdale.
BBQ Boogie & BidBBQ, Boogie & Bid at the Park
August 1, 12:00 noon - 3:30 pm
Roe Jan Park
 
The Roe Jan Library's annual BBQ and Silent Auction will be held at the Roe Jan Park again. Visitors will enjoy pulled pork and BBQ chicken and music by a local group, and will be able to bid on unique and interesting items and services at the silent auction. Auction items include original art and sculpture, a four week writer's workshop with a former deputy editor of the New York Times Book Review, tickets to a Disney Broadway show and lots more fun items!
 
Tickets, $20 for adults and $10 for kids. This is a fundraiser for the library building fund. For details click here.
Community Day Bouncy CastleHillsdale Community Day
August 7, 12:00 noon - 10:00 pm
The Former Roe Jan School, Route 22
Child friendly
 
This Year, Fireworks and More!
Large vendor's area,  children's tent, bounce house,  kid's maze trailer, all day entertainment-including live music, as well as physical comedian Pat Ferri, merchant raffle, and all day food.  This year there will be many new attractions:
 
  • A FIREMAN'S MUSTER starting at 2 PM.
  • The Hillsdale Fire Company will have a BEEF BBQ starting at 5 PM
  • DJ and KARAOKE entertainment at 7pm, and
  • Grand finale, a FIREWORKS DISPLAY at 9:30 pm. 
     
    Tickets for the BEEF BBQ must be purchased in advance by calling 325-4721.  We encourage all vendors to stay and enjoy the evening with us as we expect a big crowd for the evening's events.  more info
  • Library offers grant-writing seminar

    Thursday, August 12
    with Colette Lemmon of the Columbia & Greene Counties Councils on the Arts, 5:45 - 7:45 p.m. at the new Roe Jan Library, Rt. 22, Copake.
    Plan ahead
     
    Hillsdale Farmer's Market

    9 am - 12:30 pm, Town Park behind Town Hall. 
    The 1st & 3rd Saturday of every month through the 1st weekend in October.  There will be an extra market on July 31 to coordinate with the  Hamlet House Tour.  more info

    Saturday, October 2 -- From the Earth, Roe Jan Park Fall Festival

    Around the county and nearby


    Saturday, July 10 -- Bird Walk,  Alan Devoe Bird Club.
    7:00 am, Claverack Rail Trail.  For info and directions, call coordinator George Rodenhausen at 851-719

    Saturday, August 14 -- Ancram Community Day


    Saturday, August 21 -- Copake Falls Day


    All summer  -- Wine Tasting, Hudson-Chatham Winery. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 12-5 pm, 1900 Route 66, Ghent. 392-WINE. 

    Hello!
    We want this newsletter to be useful to you, so please tell us what we can do better and tell us about your events!  Contact us at [email protected] by the 15th of the month before your event, or as soon as you know about it.
     
    Sincerely,
    Peter Cipkowski, Communications Chair, Town Board
    Iona Lutey and Christopher Ross, editors

    The Town of Hillsdale