| Town of Hillsdale
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
|
| Committee Meetings |
12/2: Friends of the Roe Jan Library 9:30 am at the RJL, Route 22 12/5 Hamlet Committee Meeting 9:00 am @ Town Hall |
Town Events
Quick Links
| |
Click on an underlined event for full details.
|
Apartment for Rent
in the Roe Jan Park
|
Sunny, delightful 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath duplex located in scenic,
town-managed Roeliff Jansen Park. $1,000 per month + utilities.
Must feel comfortable living in a public park.
Pets OK, leashed outside. Woof.
References required.
Contact Zelda at (518) 325-6353 for an interview.
|
| Transfer Station | Wednesday 7:30am-12noon
Saturday 7:30am-3:30pm
65 Holm Road
(518) 325-384 |
| Town Historian | Jay Rohrlich
jay.rohrlich@verizon.net
518-325-4956
|
| Volunteer in Hillsdale | You can help, meet people and have fun!
Roe Jan Community Library Roe Jan Park |
| Taconic Hills School Aquatic & Fitness Center | Hours for community use
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 holiday hours and schedule updates
|
| Resources | Cornell Cooperative Extension
(gardening, pest questions)
828-3346
Hawthorne Valley Farm
|
|
| Greetings!
Hillsdale has been a hub of activity and there's lots of good news to
report. In addition to all the ongoing activities associated with the
opening of the Roe Jan Community Library, two major developments have occurred that will impact our community for generations.
187 acres of scenic land, owned by the Gibson family, are to be permanently protected by a conservation easement. Further, the effort to extend the Harlem Valley Rail Trail to Hillsdale took a giant leap forward this month when it was awarded a $121,965 grant by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. You can read all about these developments below.
Many other activities are underway in the coming weeks in Hillsdale
and the Roe Jan Community and we're pleased to promote them here.
The Town Board: Art Baer, Town Supervisor, and Carmen Barbato, Peter Cipkowski 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."
|
|
|
|
 The Roe Jan Library is Open!
After 10 years of planning and over 18 months of construction, the new Roeliff Jansen Library opened to rave reviews from area residents. The parking lot was filled to overflowing for the ribbon cutting by the supervisors of the three towns the library serves: Art Bassin of Ancram, Reggie Crowley of Copake and Art Baer of Hillsdale. As soon as the ribbon was cut the crowd of close to 150 streamed into the library to get a look at the building, check out books, use the computers, view the special exhibits, and sign up for library cards. There are many events and programs at the new library. To learn more click here. To read about the opening weekend and view photos of the event click here |
Chris Kersten Resigns Town Board; Two Positions Open in Hillsdale Town Government
Earlier this month the Hillsdale Town Board reluctantly accepted the
resignation of Town Board member Christian Kersten who was elected in November 2009. Due to a professional opportunity outside the
community, Chris decided to step aside. The Board wishes him well
and is grateful for his service. Consequently, the Board is now
accepting letters of interest through December 7 and expects to
appoint a replacement at the December board meeting or shortly
thereafter. The appointment is for one year or through December 31,
2011. A new election will take place in November 2011.
The Town Board is accepting applications through 12/07/2010 for appointment to the Hillsdale Town Board.
The Town Board is also accepting applications through 12/14/2010 to the Hillsdale Zoning Board of Appeals.
|
Rail Trail Extension Wins State Grant
Organizers of an effort to extend the Harlem Valley Rail Trail to Hillsdale received some wonderful news last week. The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation awarded a $121,965 grant toward the project. The funds will pay for the engineering work needed to create the construction blueprint for the approximately five-mile extension from Copake Falls northward through Hillsdale Hamlet.
The grant, awarded to the Columbia Land Conservancy and the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association, requires these groups to raise some $40,000 in matching funds. A committee of residents from Hillsdale and Copake is working jointly with the land conservancy and rail trail association to bring the multiyear project to fruition. Read more on the Columbia Land Conservancy site here. |
The Hillsdale Website Team Wants Your Feedback
After 8 months in action, it's time to prepare the Hillsdale website for 2011. The Town Board and the volunteers manning the Hillsdale website are looking for your feedback. This is a short, anonymous survey and should take 5 minutes or less of your time. You can take the survey on the Hillsdale website by clicking here. |
Columbia Land Conservancy and Local Family Protect 187 Acres
It was announced this week that the Columbia Land Conservancy and a local family signed the agreements allowing 187 of scenic and ecologically important Hillsdale land to be placed in conservation. Read the article in the Register Star. |
Events
For more information on town events, use the links at left, under "Town Events Quick Links."
|
|
Magic Show (for kids of all ages!)
Child Friendly
Saturday, November 27, 11:00 am, Roe Jan Library
Route 22, south of the light.
With Steve Johnson. For more info, call 325-4101. |
|
Roe Jan Library Speakers: From Winter Home Care to Great Tales of the Atlantic
Sunday, November 28, 4:00 pm, professional house inspector Ned Depew will speak on "Essential Home Maintenance: Fall/Winter Edition."
Tips and guidance from this popular speaker and expert on every aspect of home maintenance and energy conservation.
Wednesday, December 1, 2:00 pm, Managing Your Medications.
Judith Greenfield, PhD, RN. Practical tips and ideas on understanding drugs you might be taking, managing medications, drug interactions, etc.
Saturday, December 4, 10:00 am, Family Resources Workshop, on family budget management and financial planning.
Sunday, December 5, 2:00 pm, Simon Winchester. A Berkshires resident, the world-renowned journalist and non-fiction author
has just published Atlantic: Great Sea Battles, Heroic Discoveries, Titanic Storms, and a Vast Ocean of a Million Stories.
All events are free and held at the new Roe Jan Library on Route 22, half a mile south of the light.
|
 Hillsdale's Annual Tree Lighting
Child Friendly
Saturday, December 4, 4:30 pm, Hillsdale Fire House. Meet with family, friends and neighbors for a hay ride to the town tree just outside the Hillsdale House. Santa will join us for Christmas carols, then everyone returns to the Fire House for a gift from Santa and refreshments.
|
|
Holiday Cookies and Books Sale
Friday, December 3rd, Saturday & Sunday, December 4-5
Hillsdale Firehouse, Route 22
Friday, December 3: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Admission $10
Saturday & Sunday, December 4-5: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Admission free.
Enormous sale includes thousands of used books, audio books, CDs, DVDs and videos, as well as homemade holiday cookies. Free general entry, $10 for early-birds (9 a.m.). Gift basket raffle, soup lunches available. Event sponsored by the Friends of the Roe Jan Community Library, proceeds benefit library programming. For more information, call the Roe Jan Library at 518-325-4101.
The Hillsdale Firehouse is located on Route 22 just north of the light in Hillsdale.
|
|
Roe Jan Library Free Film Series
Roe Jan Community Library, Route 22
Friday, Dec. 10 at 7 P.M.
Short Film Festival This 10th annual collection of short, innovative films from "Media that Matters" always informs and inspires. Created by independent and youth filmmakers around the world, this year's films - some just a few minutes long - include animation, documentaries, even puppetry, and touch on themes such as criminal justice, human rights, immigration, religious freedom, the environment, family and society.
Admission is free and join your neighbors for a spirited discussion about the film!
|
|
 Winter Explorations
Sponsored by Hawthorne Valley Farm. Walk location to be announced
Saturday, December 11, 12:30 pm - 2:20 pm.
Hawthorne Valley Farm invites you to join us for a series of winter ecology walks to various locations throughout Columbia County. We will explore the plant and animal life, as well as clues to land-use history that can be experienced during the winter. To register and for directions (and specific themes for each exploration), please contact Claudia Knab-Vispo at claudia@hawthornevalleyfarm.org or call 518-672-7994 during the week before the walk. Destinations are weather-dependent and will be determined at short notice. The walks will not be strenuous, but might lead through somewhat rugged terrain. All walks are free.
Note that additional walk dates are scheduled for January 15, February 12, and March 12.
|
|
Winter Concert, Hudson Valley Choral Society
Wintry choral music from Byrd to Vaughn Williams. Carol sing to follow.
Saturday, December 11, 7:30 pm
Spencertown Academy, Spencertown
Sunday, December 12, 4:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church, Warren Street, Hudson
With Hillsdale vocalists James Clapp, Esther and Curtis Chappuis, Bill Demma, Ruth Dufault, Cheryl Jones, Marybeth Ketz, Marilyn Simon and Penny Watkins.
Admission $10/$8 seniors/ free for under 18. Tickets available at the door. For reservations at Spencertown call Marita at 758-6000.
|
|
A Winter Wag 
Saturday, December 19, 11:00 am
Roeliff Jansen Park, Route 22 south of the light in Hillsdale
Child Friendly
A chance for the Roe Jan Park's canine friends to play together and show off their favorite sweaters, doggie coats and boots. Coffee and hot chocolate. Doggie treats and new tennis balls. Take this opportunity to share contact information. Your dog may want a few play pals during the winter.
|
|
Around the county and nearby
Saturday, November 27 -- Duck Walk at Copake Lake. 9:00 am. Alan Devoe Bird Club. We meet at the corner parking area on Rte 7 and Lakeview Rd.
Saturday, December 4, Annual Christmas Bazaar
10:00am -2:00 pm, Copake United Methodist Church, in Church House next door. Traditional Victorian theme, serving a homemade lunch. Homemade baked goods, fresh wreaths, jewelry and new and nearly new items. Bargain Shop will be open.
Spencertown Academy Arts Center Enjoy a variety of holiday activites at the Spencertown Academy Arts Center throughout the month including:
Thursday-Saturday through December 4, 8:00 pm, Painting Churches by Tina Howe. A moving portrait that explores family ties, presented by Walking the Dog Theater. $20.
Saturday, December 4, Handmade Holiday Gift Shop. Opening reception 12:00-3:00 pm. One-of-a-kind gifts handcrafted by more than 30 local artisans. Mulled cider and seasonal treats. Open 10:00 am-5:00 pm until December 22.
Sunday, December 5, Holiday Sing. Co-sponsored by the Austerlitz Historical Society. Sing along or just enjoy listening to holiday favorites. Free.
And many more. For more information visit the website.
Columbia County Habitat for Humanity Needs Volunteers!
Columbia County Habitat for Humanity is building this fall and winter on Columbia Street, Hudson, NY. It's exciting to be downtown... building two-story attached federal style townhouses for two families. Go to the website for details and to register. We build on Fridays and Saturdays . All you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to help.
|
|
Plan Ahead
Sunday, February 13th and/or February 20th - Biodynamic Winter Intensive 2011
The Nature Institute and the Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center are offering two complementary weeks of instruction to those seeking a fuller understand of biodynamic agriculture. To learn more visit the website.
Upcoming Presentations in the "Knowing Your Farmscape Series.", Hawthorne Valley Farm
Jan 13: Special Places of Columbia County: Native Plants and Animals in the Farmscape
Feb 10: Community Food Assessment of Columbia County: Food in the Farmscape
March 10: The Flow of Life Between Forest and Field: The Agro-ecology of the Farmscape.
For more information call 518-672-7994 or email: claudia@hawthornevalleyfarm.org |
|
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 hillsdalecalendar@gmail.com 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
|
|
|
