LOCAL NON-PROFIT COLUMBIA ARTS TEAM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS 

 

Columbia Arts Team (CAT), a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit performing arts corporation in Columbia County,  seeks volunteers for its 2010 season.  CAT seeks people to help promote events, organize, fund-raise, staff the box office and refreshment table at events, and help a busy performing arts company run its programs.   Opportunities also exist for volunteers to earn extra money by selling tickets; as well as selling ads on a commission basis for CAT's seasonal program.    
Ad deadline is April 10.
 
Some of the events CAT is planning for the year include "Wonder," an original musical in conjunction with Columbia-Greene Community College in April; the annual Hudson Valley Songfest and Music Expo in May; teen talent showcases; the Upstate Idol music competition in July; CAT-A-THON 2010, CAT's annual fundraiser; the annual Kids Holiday Theater Workshop; CAT Kids Holiday Spectacular in December; and the long-running sketch comedy/variety show Saturday Night Liv.  CAT events are family-friendly and always free for kids.
 
CAT's co-founder Christina Dellea explains, "being a volunteer for CAT has lots of perks, including free tickets to our shows, learning the biz, meeting new friends, and getting to be a part of some exciting and fun events.  But the most important reason to volunteer is to help support the performing arts in the region, and help local kids gain exposure to their creative and artistic selves."
 
CAT, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit, has been supported in part over the years by Berkshire Taconic's Our Town Fund, the Black Rock Foundation, Herrington's Inc., Key Bank, Stewarts, First Niagara Bank, Wal-Mart Foundation, Hillsdale IGA, Mount Washington House, Price Chopper's Golub Foundation, the Hudson River Bank & Trust Foundation, Town of Copake, the Twin Counties Cultural Fund (which is administered by the Columbia and Greene County Councils on the Arts); and many local businesses.
 
CAT has been serving Columbia County and its environs since 2004.  It has provided free theater, comedy, and songwriting workshops for kids and teens.  CAT is unique in its dedication to supporting original work by local artists and offering opportunities for local performers, writers and musicians to display their talents.   CAT is a member of the Columbia County Council on the Arts, the Chamber of Commerce, and "Perform Columbia", a performing arts collective in Columbia County.
 
To become a CAT volunteer for 2010, call 518-325-3045, or email [email protected].  For more information, visit www.columbiaartsteam.org

 

Enjoy!
For a Free Tour Map click here

Copake Green for sale: $1.2M                                   

Written by DIANE VALDEN             

Thursday, 08 April 2010 02:22

The Columbia Paper

 

Unpopular Copake hamlet plan stalls for lack of funding

COPAKE--The 122-acre cornfield between the hamlet and the town hall--the proposed site of a controversial 138-unit senior and mixed-income housing development called Copake Green--is now up for sale. The asking price is $1.2 million.

 

And unless someone ready, willing and able to invest in the housing project shows up before the property is sold, Copake Green will be nothing more than a not-so-fond memory for many in town who never thought it was a good idea.

 

"With a profound sense of disappointment, Housing Resources' Board of Directors has concluded that the prospect of successfully

developing our Copake Green property to provide a wide variety of housing opportunities for Columbia County residents cannot support additional allocation of agency resources," Housing Resources of Columbia County Executive Director Kevin O'Neill wrote in a prepared statement about the situation.

 

"As a result of this decision, we are placing the property on the market for sale. While the property is on the market, we will continue our efforts to find an investor/partner to move the project forward," he said.

 

Housing Resources, a non-profit affordable housing developer with headquarters in Hudson, first proposed the Copake housing development as a possible 24- to 36-unit project six years ago. Mr. O'Neill was invited by town officials to pursue an affordable housing project locally and he met with the town's Economic Advisory Board to discuss the project in March 2004.

Housing Resources purchased the 122-acre agricultural property from Odyssey Farm South, Inc. later that year for $650,000.

 

But by the time a preliminary presentation about the housing project first surfaced at a Planning Board meeting in December 2005, it had grown to a proposal for 138 housing units on 118 lots.

At public question and answer sessions conducted by the Planning Board in April and May 2006, people raised concerns about everything from the kind of lighting that would illuminate the development to increased traffic and worries over sewage and well water.

 

The project remained active on the Planning Board agenda until late in 2006.

In March 2007, news of financial difficulties encountered by Housing Resources--an unfavorable audit and embezzlement by an employee--came to light, and the project lay dormant, although Mr. O'Neill reported that engineering and development activities were ongoing along with environmental studies.

Mr. O'Neill appeared again before the Planning Board in June 2009, assuring board members that his agency was ready to pick up where it left off 2� years before. That never happened.

 

Recent news stories have chronicled Housing Resources' debts, especially to the City of Hudson for unpaid water and sewer bills, and its inability to secure loans to pay pre-development costs.

Contacted for comment, Copake Supervisor Reggie Crowley said of the Copake Green project: "This definitely was a major issue the 2007 town election. I think the reason [the election] turned out the way it did was because we [the Republicans] opposed such a large development in the center of town from the beginning. I hope whoever buys the property will use it for something that will complement our community."

 

"I am pleasantly surprised," Democratic Councilwoman Linda Gabaccia said. "I always felt the scale and scope of the project was not right for Copake. I hope someone purchases it who has the best interests of Copake in mind," she said. Ms. Gabaccia, who received a less than enthusiastic response to her suggestion some time ago that the town develop a plan for the potential purchase of the property, said this week that "the town should certainly discuss that the land is for sale, it's in a crucial part of town."

"We are delighted to see an end to the uncertainty and anxiety over the Copake Green proposal," said Diana Wilson, chair of the Friends of Copake, a local civic advocacy group that opposed the Copake Green project due to the impact the sizable development would have on the town. "Serious surveys of the 122-acre site selected for the Copake Green proposal... suggested that this field may not be well suited for this type of residential development," she said in a written statement.

Though the parcel is zoned residential, there has never been any residential development on it, and the Friends of Copake "advocate re-zoning the property as agricultural, in perpetuity."

During an interview about another affordable housing initiative April 6, Mr. O'Neill told The Columbia Paper that he had listed the property for sale with Coldwell Banker Bartolotta Associates in Hudson last week.

 

He said his agency had invested $1.5 million in the project in engineering and development costs and drilled two wells on the property.

 

For the rest of the Article Click Here

                                     

Written by DIANE VALDEN

             

COPAKE--Forty million dollars is available through the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal for housing or public facilities for special needs groups this year and the town wants some of it.

The Town Board conducted a public hearing and special meeting March 24 to get input, particularly from senior citizens, about what they would like to see the town provide for them in the way of facilities.

 

Councilwoman Linda Gabaccia and George Filipovits, a Planning Board member and advocate for seniors, are spearheading the application process, collecting data, enlisting the donated services of an architect and other experts to complete the 74-page document, which could result in a grant of up to $400,000. The application has to be submitted by April 23.

The project the town has in mind is an addition to the existing main building at Copake Memorial Park.

Ms. Gabaccia said in a phone interview March 31, "We are looking at doubling the size of the park building."  The structure would remain 80 long, but its width would expand from 55 feet now to 110 feet.

 

The space may be primarily designated for the programs and activities of the Roe Jan Young-At-Hearters, a senior citizens' social group with 142 members from three area towns, which currently rents space at the Hillsdale firehouse. But it could also be used at alternate times by children of working families attending park or after school programs, and the Copake VFW, which has no permanent hall or lodge.

 

The design of the addition will allow for the use of existing kitchen and bathroom facilities, if possible, and would have a retractable or movable wall that, when opened, would create one huge space that could accommodate hundreds of people.

The project application will be rated based on a point system, Mr. Filipovits said at the meeting, with points given for facilities that will serve poverty-level residents and facilities incorporating "green" technologies--the more points the better. The project has to basically be shovel-ready and able to be completed in two years.

 

It also has to exhibit "long-term viability."

 

"We're always going to have seniors," said Mr. Filipovits.

 

"And you guys are going to live forever," said Ms. Gabaccia, addressing the seniors present.

The project would also have positive implications for the town's emergency management plan, because the park building is a designated emergency shelter, but it does not currently have adequate storage capacity for cots and other emergency supplies.

 

The town's Park Commission, which sponsors numerous events at building annually, would also get more elbow room for storage of concession stand items and household items provided to those in need through the Copake Community Closet program.

 

Events such as Santa's annual visit, which draw overflow crowds, could be accommodated indoors, as well as youngsters attending the town's summer park program, who need to take shelter from inclement weather.

 

All will not be lost if the project is not funded this year, because it can be resubmitted in January of next year, said Mr. Filipovits, who speculated that the senior citizens and the park commission "will work perfect together."

 

Interested parties were asked to submit information about what they would like to see the project include to Mr. Filipovits or Ms. Gabaccia as soon as possible.

 

"Let your imagination go wild--we're going to try to make it happen," they said.

 

For the Rest of the Story Click here

.69% in New York Say State Better Off If Most Legislators Not Reelected

Friday, April 02, 2010

 

New York voters apparently are fed up with their state legislators.

 

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of New York voters finds that 69% think it would be better if most incumbents in the state legislature were defeated this November. Just 12% say it would be better for the state if most of the incumbents were reelected. Another 18% aren't sure.

 

Only 22% believe their own local legislator deserves reelection this year. Forty-nine percent (49%) say their local representative does not deserve reelection, and 29% more are undecided.

 

But then 56% of voters in the Empire State say the legislators are most to blame for New York's ongoing budget crisis. Twenty-eight percent (28%) think the overall economic meltdown is the chief cause, while only nine percent (9%) blame Governor David Paterson.

 

As the legislature continues to wrangle with the governor over the state's sizable budget deficit, 80% of male voters think New York would be better off if most incumbents were defeated, a view shared by just 61% of women voters. Men also feel more strongly that their own legislator should not be reelected.

 

Click Here for the rest of the Story

New Garage Saga Continues in Ancram

By Robert Lachman

Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

Published: Sunday, April 4, 2010

 

ANCRAM - The Town of Ancram has wanted to build a new garage for the highway department for the last two years but finding the right site for the project has been the biggest hurdle the town has had to face.

 

The last board pushed hard for the Mathews property on Roche Lane, but that never happened due to its high cost and residential location. Donna Hoyt, a former town councilwoman, has requested a town referendum on whichever site is chosen, but Supervisor Art Bassin considers it unnecessary unless the town has to borrow money for construction.

 

"When the garage committee effort started in 2008 they thought buying the Mathews property was a good idea," Bassin said. "Once that was not feasible we looked at all the alternatives because, under New York town law, a town can't pay more than fair market value for municipal property."

 

Since Bassin has been the town's supervisor he and the board spent the last three months working on a plan that would build a new town garage on the present garage site. A bone of contention on that plan has been that the site is too small, at three acres for an 80-by-80-foot or a 60-by-100-foot structure. The town has been in negotiations with local resident Dan Slott to buy an acre of his land to bring the total acreage up to 3.9 acres. These negotiations are ongoing.

 

"Three point nine acres is not up to county standards because most are two to four acres larger than ours," said Councilman John MacArthur at the Feb. 19 town board meeting.

 

According to Bassin, there is no such thing as a county standard where town garages are concerned.

 

Since taking office in January, the Garage Construction Committee has focused on getting designs and ideas for the new garage. Bassin, MacArthur, and Councilman Jim Miller have visited eight garage sites in the area to see what other towns are doing and every building they saw was made of metal and all but one were on parcels of under three acres.

 

"I was surprised that all the buildings we saw were made of metal and under three acres," commented Bassin, who along with MacArthur, saw a 100-by-60 foot structure with five bays, truck access from the side and room for all five plow trucks, as well as the backhoe, grader and wood chipper. The committee is now looking into the cost of metal buildings and are getting estimates from firms well-known for their metal structures, such as Olympia Construction and the Essex Structural Steel Company.

 

At the March 3 meeting, Morris Associates proposed an engineering support package for the project that would cover designing the storm water retention pond, the building foundation, the grading plan, septic system and development of the bid package at a price of $17,500. The board is still looking at additional proposals for alternatives.

 

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HEALTH MATTERS

by Roberta Roll

 

Relaxation

 

Relax!  Does that word make you pause, take a breath, release tense muscles?  Or does it cause a flurry of sensations and thoughts such as, "How on earth do I do that?"  Relaxation can sometimes be elusive and is influenced by your state of mind, general health, and the people and environment around you.   So, what is relaxation?  It could be described as an absence of tension and worry and a sense of ease and equanimity.  Physiologically speaking, the muscles, organs and nervous system are in a state of balanced tone.  Let's talk about the nervous system for a moment.  When we are stressed, the nervous system goes into a state of "fight or flight."  Our blood goes to our extremities, respiration increases and hormones from the adrenals are released into the bloodstream.  These physiological processes cause agitation, and over the long term, can cause damage to our joints and organs, not to mention our state of mind.  Often times, we may not even realize we are not relaxed until we notice that we are irritable or have a flare up of back or neck pain.  When we are relaxed, our breathing and digestion are easy, and we can relate to family and friends in a calm and friendly way.   Our bodily systems are in sync, right down to the cellular level. 

 

So how do we find and maintain a state of relaxation?   Each person finds things that are suited to him or her.  Taking a walk in the woods, doing yoga, taking an afternoon nap, playing tennis, talking with friends, meditating - whatever it is, it brings a sense of equilibrium, ease and refreshment.   Maintaining that state often takes a conscious effort at first.  Remind yourself to take that walk, or to take a few deep breaths to sort out your thoughts before you respond to someone,  or to adjust your sitting or standing posture if you find your neck and shoulders are aching.

 

Sometimes we need help to break the cycle of tension and worry and create new "relaxation pathways."  Call a friend, go to a yoga class, get a bodywork or massage session. 

 

Here are a few things to help you get started. 

 

Take a few moments once or twice a day to sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and breathe easily and fully for a couple of minutes.  Let your feet rest fully on the floor.  Feel the sensation of your back, belly and chest expanding as you inhale and gently settling as you exhale.  Take your time.  

  Lie down on the floor and put your legs up so that your calves are resting on the seat of a chair.  Feel your body letting go and settling into the floor.  Observe the quiet movement of your breath and the subtle changes in your body as you let go.

  Before you eat, take a few moments to breathe easily and fully and to appreciate the sight and the smell of the food before you.  Chew each bite thoroughly and feel the food nourishing you.

  Remember that a big part of relaxation is having compassion for yourself and those around you.  

 

For further information contact Roberta Roll, registered movement therapist and yoga teacher and certified Body-Mind Centering* practitioner and infant developmental movement educator at Health in Motion, 518-329-0384 or [email protected].

 Night at The Museum 2

March 7 

 

As we plan our move into the new library , we are also considering possible changes to the content and conduct of our 

Roe-Jan Socrates Caf� Philosophical Discussion Group Meetings.  We are at the beginning of our third year of existence and can look back on many fascinating, thought-provoking discussions and would like to put changes into effect which appeal to the community and enrich our offerings.  We feel that the group is an asset to the community and to the library itself.

 

Please use our e-mail address:

 [email protected]

 and give us comments and feedback on the following points:

 

1.  We would like to establish an advisory board which would make and evaluate suggestions, select topics and be involved in determining focus and rules, if necessary.

 

a.  Do you prefer advertising our group over a larger area or advertise only locally?

What means of advertising would you suggest?

 

b.  Do you feel the reference to "Socrates" and "philosophical" appropriate for our purposes?

 

c.  Would you prefer to keep a pure Discussion Group format or consider adding               short movie

clips, lectures or workshops with a discussion to follow?

 

d.  What new types of programs would you propose?

 

e.  What day and time is considered convenient for most people?

 

f.  Should religious or political questions be part of the discussions?

 

2.  We would like to attract and interest more participants and also people willing to participate in  facilitating some events.  We sincerely welcome your feedback and hope to hear from you.

 

Inge Etzbach

[email protected]

 AUSTERLITZ HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO SPONSOR ANTIQUE APPRAISAL DAY

 

 

KAREN ALLEN AND MICHAEL WELLER TO APPEAR AT AGLET THEATRE COMPANY'S

"FIFTY WORDS"

Aglet Theatre Company will present a staged reading of Michael Weller's searing marital drama "Fifty Words" on April 10 at Berkshire Theatre Festival's Unicorn Theatre and on April 17 at TriArts' Bok Gallery.  Mr. Weller and Karen Allen will participate in the post-performance discussion at the respective theatres.

 

Michael Weller, who teaches at the New School and is heavily involved in the Cherry Lane Theater's Mentor Project, has been a theatrical force ever since his 1972 "Moonchildren" summed up the restless fever of the 1960s and then followed by the bittersweet romance "Loose Ends."   He is also the screenwriter for the films "Ragtime" and "Hair" and many others along with numerous teleplays.

 

Karen Allen made her film debut in "National Lampoon's Animal House" followed by the adventure classic "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and its recent sequel "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"  She has appeared in many other movies including Paul Newman's screen adaptation of "The Glass Menagerie," the successful science fiction movie "Starman" and the Christmas hit "Scrooged."

 

Ms. Allen debuted on Broadway in "Monday After the Miracle" for which she received a "Theatre World" Award for outstanding debut by an actress.  She has also performed at numerous off-Broadway and regional theatres.  A member of the Berkshires' community where she has developed her abilities as a fabric artist with a retail shop in Great Barrington, Ms. Allen also received great acclaim for directing Michael Weller's "Moonchildren" last year at Bard College at Simon's Rock.

 

 "50 Words" is the story of a marriage in which the protagonists have forgotten that they love each other.  Adam and Jan's well-mannered behavior covers a multi-layered knot of anger, antagonism and bitterness, driven by a hunger to be alone and a need to be infinitely loved. Through an intense single night they dissect their past, the erratic behavior of their nine-year-old son and their apprehensions about the future.

 

Featured as Adam is Aglet favorite Jim Beaudin ("The Waverly Gallery" and "Don't Blame Me, I Voted for Helen Gahagan Douglas.")  He has also appeared at many off-Broadway and regional theatres including the Chester Theatre Company where he was featured in "Almost, Maine."  Jim has a number of films as well as commercials and voice-pvers to his credit.

 

Making her debut with Aglet is Melissa Wolff, a graduate of Yale Drama School and a veteran actress in New York City, regional theatres (including Berkshire Theatre Festival and Williamstown Theatre Festival) as well as many films, television programs, voiceovers and industrial shows.

 

"Fifty Words" is directed by Aglet's co-founder and artistic director Macey Levin.  Mr. Levin has an extensive background as a teacher, lecturer, historian, artistic director, actor and reviewer.   After a lengthy stay on Long Island, he has applied his theatrical knowledge and craft to establish Aglet as a highly creative and provocative theatre experience.         

 

      

Doors open at 7:00 for complimentary wine and refreshments; the reading begins at

 7:30 followed by a discussion led by Gloria Miller, Aglet's Associate Artistic Director and dramaturg. 

 

Tickets are $25.00; $20.00 for students under 18.

 Reservations may be made by calling 860-435-6928 or writing to

 [email protected]. 

Visit our website at www.aglettheatre.net.  

 

Our Lady of Hope

8074 State Route 22

Copake Falls, N.Y.

Rev. Joseph A. Falletta, Pastor

 Parish of Our Lady of Hope
A merging of St. John Vianney & St Bridget's Parishes
8074 State Route 22, Copake Falls, N.Y. 12517
Rev. Joseph A. Falletta, 

 Eucharistic Liturgies:

 

 

St. John in the Wilderness