September/October 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

 9/2: Friends of the Roe Jan Library
9:30 am at the RJL, Route 22

9/12  Hamlet Committee Meeting
  9:00 am @ Town Hall
Town Events
Quick Links
Click on an underlined event for full details.

 
 
9/1:  Roe Jan Library Open House Tour.  5pm - 7pm
 
 
 
9/19:  Sowing the Future at Hawthorne Valley
 
9/25:  Hamlet Plan Handover Event.  4pm @ Hamlet Park
 
10/2:  Fall Family Festival, Roe Jan Park
 
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 until September 1
Monday-Friday 3:00-8:00 pm
Saturday                                9:00am-2:00pm
Sunday                                  1:00pm-4:00pm

Beginning September 1
Monday-Friday
6:00-7:20 am
5:30-8:30 pm
Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm
Sunday 2:00pm- 5:00pm
 
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!

Summer is winding down but there are still lots of fun things to do in Hillsdale!

The Farmer's Market will be going until October 2, there will be two harvest festivals, and the Roe Jan Park, the Fire House, the library and the Hawthorne Valley community are brimming with special events.

We hope you enjoy the chance to have fun with your Hillsdale neighbors!

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
Sharing Services with Other Towns Saves Taxpayer Dollars
 
Though the Hillsdale Town Board is committed to its Comprehensive Plan and zoning enforcement, it's also devoted to managing the town's expenses, maximizing efficiencies and leveraging new technologies.  Read the article in the Register Star.
County Publishes Comparisons of Town Budgets
 
Here's a just-published, fascinating (and useful) comparison of the town budgets in Columbia County.  All things considered, Hillsdale is in pretty good shape.  That isn't to suggest we don't have some difficult decisions to make as we prepare next year's budget.  More on that later.  See the comparisons on the Columbia County Website.
Dog Run Opens in the Roe Jan Park
 
Canine residents of Hillsdale and the surrounding area have a new place to play and socialize, thanks to the opening of Roeliff Jansen Park's Old Route 22 Dog Run. Columbia County's newest -- and only public -- dog run has separate areas for large and small dogs and is designed to let dogs run free and play with other dogs. The large, grassy, fenced-in area includes chairs and a picnic table for owners keeping an eye on their pets while chatting with other dog lovers.
 
To learn more about the run and how to schedule play dates at the run with other dog lovers, click here.
Firemen Cooked and "Mustered" at Community Day 

Five local fire companies came and battled the heat in their turnout gear in competitions such as tug-o-war, keiser sled, turnout race, bucket relay and water ball.
 
Pictured below is water ball.  Three-member teams in full gear competed against each other to move an object past at "goal line" using a high pressure stream of wFireCompanyBucketBlastater.  The team with the most "goals" after 3 minutes won the event.

The Beef BBQ was a huge success.  Sold out!
Fred Miller, Josh Stalker in back and Robert Burns with the gloves, and David Lee with the camera
FireCompanyBeefBBQ

Events
For more information on town events, use the links at left, under "Town Events Quick Links."
Tour the Nearly Completed Library

If you want to check on construction progress, join one of the upcoming Open House Tours on Saturday August 28 from 10 am to 2 pm, Sunday August 29 from 11 am to 2 pm or on Wednesday, September 1 from 5 pm to 7pm.

Learn more about the new library and its progress from the Capital Campaign's new web site, www.rjclcapitalcampaign.org.  Also, here's the press release announcing additional financing from the Bank of Greene County.

Also, mark your calendar:  The Friends of the RJL meet monthly at the library the first Thursday of each month at 9:30.  The next meeting is September 2.  The public is welcome!
Summer Harvest: The Hillsdale Farmer's Market
 
FarmersMarket.Markristo9:00 am - 12:30 pm, every two weeks, Town Park behind Town Hall. Next markets:  September 4 & 18.  Final market on October 2!
Child friendly

Buy wonderful locally grown salad greens, vegetables, eggs, meat and flowers -- and support local farmers!  Luscious locally made baked goods too. Mingle with your Hillsdale neighbors!  For info contact Willa Horton at FarmersMarket.WhiteOak[email protected].
 
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 are farms in Hillsdale.
Creatures of the StreamAt the Park -- Creatures of the Stream
August 29, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
(rescheduled from last week due to rain)
Roe Jan Park
Child friendly
 
Let's dip a net into the Roeliff Jansen Kill to see what might be hiding under a rock or floating on a leaf traveling down the stream. We'll collect, sort and identify aquatic insects and have fun learning about their habitat, movement, feeding, breathing and why they are important to us as humans and to the health of ecosystems.
63rd Annual Firemen's Ball
Saturday, September 11, Hillsdale Fire House

Build a Primitive Shelter at the Park
Sunday, September 12, 2:00-3:30 pm
Child friendly

Knowing how to construct a shelter can be just for fun, or it  can be a means of protection should you suddenly find yourself faced with a survival situation. 
 
No tools are needed to build a safe structure that can keep you warm, dry, and protected from the elements. Participants will learn how to decide on an appropriate location to build a shelter and what materials to collect. A great opportunity for scout troops, home-schooled families, or other youth groups to participate in a team-building project!
Gardening with Native Plants, On a Budget
Four-part workshop
Remaining session:  Saturday, September 18, 9:00 am-12 noon
Creekhouse, 1075 Harlemville Road, on Hawthorne Valley Farm, Harlemville
Facilitated by Ruth Dufault of Bittersweet Gardens, with Judy Sullivan of Project Native.  Hands-on workshop on soil preparation and planting, using native plants.  To register, email [email protected] or call 672-7994.
Sowing the Future at Hawthorne Valley
September 19, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Child friendly 

Hawthorne Valley and The Nature Institute welcomes you to join in hand-sowing a field of wheat and to learn about small grains and the evolution of agriculture in Columbia County.  Sift through various grain varieties and explore the role of grains in the development and history of Columbia County.
 
The afternoon will culminate as farmers and participants alike walk a field together, sowing seeds of wheat. Sturdy shoes are recommended and participants are asked to bring a mug for refreshments and a hat to fill with seeds. A free event for all ages. For more information, please call 518-672-7500 x 105.
Hamlet Development Plan goes to Town Board September 25
September 25, 4:00 pm
Hillsdale Hamlet Park
 
Two years in the making, the Design and Development Plan for the revitalization of the Hillsdale Hamlet will be handed over to the Town Board by Project for Public Spaces, rain or shine. Refreshments will be served, and the entire community is invited to attend.
Barn Dance, Roe Jan Park
September 25, 7:00 pm
Roe Jan Park
Child friendly
 
Annual traditional square dance with caller, hosted by the Friends of the Roe Jan Library, to benefit the library.  For information call 325-4101
Fall Family Festival, Roe Jan Park
Saturday, October 2, 12 noon - 6:00 pm
Roe Jan Park
Child friendly

It's a party in the Roeliff Jansen Park for the whole family. Chili contest with $100 prize. Live bands, entertainment, children's lawn games, hay rides, kite flying, volleyball. Teen DJ at the Boogi Barn. Lot's of good food by local non-profit groups.

Hawthorne Valley 16th Annual Fall Festival
Saturday, October 9,  10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Child friendly 

This free event invites children and adults of all ages to explore the farm and participate in a wide array of games and activities. Tour the barn, creamery, and gardens, sample foods made on the farm, attempt the hay maze, meet the horses, watch a blacksmith at work, eat delicious food from local farms, and more. Pie-baking and scarecrow-making contests. Sauerkraut workshops. For more information, visit www.HVFallFest.org, call 518-672-7500 x 136, or e-mail:  [email protected]
Full Moon Coyote Howl Fest, Roe Jan Park
Saturday, October 23, 5:00-6:30 pm
Roe Jan Park
Child friendly

Come watch the sun set and the moon rise from a great vantage point at the Roe Jan Park. We'll overlook a field where the coyotes tend to gather for their nightly howl fest.  Participants will be taught to yip and yelp, bark and growl, woof and howl as we try to trick the "trickster" into talking back to us.
For active and aspiring farmers: Hawthorne Valley Farm to repeat its successful farming course
Begins October 16, Hawthorne Valley Farm, Harlemville

This program will include seven classroom sessions in on-farm goal setting, strategic and business planning, marketing, and financial management, for those interested in developing or expanding farming enterprises. Hudson Valley Farm Beginnings is farmer led and farmer taught.
 
For information about this program, please access our website, http://www.hawthornevalleyfarm.org/education/farmbeginnings.htm.  For questions, or to submit an application, please contact Caroline Smialek at 518-672-7500, x105, or [email protected].

Halloween Costume Parade for Dogs, Roe Jan Park
Sunday, October 31, 10:00 am
Roe Jan Park
Child friendly

Dress your pet in their scariest, prettiest or funniest costume for the Halloween Costume Parade at the Old Rt. 22 Dog Run in Roeliff Jansen Park. Owners welcome to come in costume as well. Prizes for best (dog) costumes. Refreshments. Come mingle with other dog lovers.
Halloween Parade and Hayride
Sunday, October 31.  Hillsdale Fire House.  Details to come
Child friendly
Plan ahead

October -- Roe Jan Library plans to move to it's new building.
Stay tuned for details and special events!

Saturday, November 6 -- Cooking for the Books.   Dinner parties hosted by some of the Roe Jan area's best cooks to benefit the Roeliff Jansen Community Library building fund.

Around the county and nearby


Friday, September 3 - Monday, September 6 -- "Books that Changed My Life"  at the Spencertown Academy Arts Center
 
This year the Festival of Books will explore how books change our world with more than twenty distinguished authors including keynote speaker Susan Orlean, Ann Hood, Madhur Jaffrey, Emily Arnold McCully, and many more. Come and change your world!  more info 
 
Saturday, September 25 - "The Meaning of Home," benefit for Columbia County Habitat for Humanity
11:00 am- 1:00 pm, Local 111, Philmont. 
Interior designer Matthew White (a Hillsdale resident) will speak.  The event, which also features a delicious brunch, will include a raffle of Columbia County goodies.  The donation is $35. Reserve your tickets now as space is limited.  Call CCHFH at 518-828-0892.

Thursday, September 30 -- Columbia County Environmental Management Council Speaker Series
7:00 pm, Copake Town Hall
Hudsonia Ltd. Biodiversity Director (and Hillsdale resident) Gretchen Stevens will explore how local action can take account of our natural habitats and make choices that help protect them.

The public--especially members of town planning and zoning boards--is urged to attend. Admission is free of charge.

All Saturdays and Sundays until Labor Day

Roe Jan Historical Society exhibit on Farms of the Roe Jan Area

2:00-4:00 pm, Roe Jan Historical Society Museum in Copake Falls.
Contact:  Janet Doherty at 329-5751.
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