Written by DEBORA GILBERT         

The Columbia Paper

TAGHKANIC--Board members Joyce Thompson and Larry Kadish addressed a problem with record keeping by the town's former building inspector at the May 3 meeting. It appears that some people have certificates of occupancy and others who should have them don't.

Houses built before 1972 are not required to have the certificates, but many owners of homes built since 1972 who do not have them will run into problems if they try to sell or refinance, said town attorney Robert Fitzsimmons.

It is up to the owner to notify the building inspector when a home is complete, at which point a certificate of occupancy is issued, building inspector Dennis Callahan said at the meeting. The certificate indicates that a home meets the required building code standards.

During the period of public comment, town resident Ardith Truhan said that a fine of $10,800 had been retroactively imposed on her and her husband, John Marcus, by the Town Board in 2007 because they had not obtained a certificate of occupancy, often called a "c of o," after their house was completed. The fine has brought the issue to prominence. The couple, who say that they never received a violation notice left on the door of their house, hired a lawyer who successfully argued that retroactive billing for the 12 years they lacked the certificate was illegal.

"Why did this only happen to us in light of the fact that many other town residents lack certificates of occupancy?" Ms. Truhan asked.

They believe the answer may have something to do with their involvement with the Granger Group, which formed to combat the controversial motorcycle track built without a permit by Alan Wilzig, and because of a letter to the editor Mr. Marcus wrote to The Independent newspaper in July of 2007.

Eric Tyree, Mr. Wilzig's assistant, and now head of the town Planning Board, requested copies of the Truhan/Marcus building records and made the complaint about their failure to obtain a certificate of occupancy. The complaint led to the fine.

Ms. Truhan said she and her husband have now reached a settlement with the town, but she would also like an explanation for the town's action. So far, none has been forthcoming.

But the Town Board is now willing to work to regularize the c of o protocol. Mr. Fitzsimmons said he would work with Dennis Callahan to see what officials can do.

"We need a written policy," said Ms. Thompson.

"It goes to the issue of basic trust between the citizen and the town, it needs to be addressed," said Mr. Kadish.

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Conferences move Cascino case along

By Jamie larson

http://www.registerstar.com

Published: Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Alleged serial polluter Salvatore Cascino is facing a long list of criminal and civil charges for illegally dumping construction debris on land in multiple municipalities in and around Columbia County.

Brief preliminary stipulation conferences with legal counsel were held Monday morning at the Columbia County Court House before Judge Jonathan Nichols. The proceedings regarded two of the lawsuits being brought against the Bronx-based businessman by the office of New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

The Attorney General alleges that Cascino, through his business Bronx County Recycling LLC, illegally disposed of 70 cubic yards of solid waste and petroleum at an unpermitted location off Route 9G in Clermont, just south of Firehouse Road, in violation of state Environmental Conservation Law.

In the first conference before Nichols, Assistant Attorney General James Woods and Cascino attorney Dennis Schlenker worked out when the various written arguments would be due to the court before the criminal trial begins on Sept. 9.

Schlenker said he and Woods are in frequent contact over the case and are working out areas of contention but "there may be some issues." Schlenker joked that unlike many legal arguments his briefs should not be too lengthy. "Considering this is an environmental case," he said, "we won't have to kill as many trees as we usually do."

At the 9G location Monday, building materials including bricks, concrete, rebar, metals, plastics and tiles were clearly visible in the large deposit that spreads from the road into the woods roughly 100 yards.

Cuomo's office has also brought civil charges against Cascino to force him and his businesses, 13 Lackawanna Properties LLC and Copake Valley Farm LLC, to comply with a 2007 court settlement, a Consent Decree, barring any dumping at his farm on Lackawanna Road off Route 22 in Copake.

On Sept. 30, 2009, representatives of the Attorney General's Office and DEC executed a search warrant at Cascino's Copake farm regarding the suspected unlawful disposal of solid waste. "Material not only resembled (construction and demolition) debris in appearance," said DEC Investigator Richard Dana, "but had the spongy feel of processed C&D debris as well."

According to the Attorney General's office the laboratory analysis of the sample, which DEC did not receive until Feb. 22, showed that the C&D debris was approximately 2.2 percent asbestos by weight - more than twice the acceptable legal limit.

On Monday, Assistant Attorney General Michael Myers said he was willing to wave the need for a hearing on the matter as this was a motion to enforce the already existing Consent Decree but that Schlenker was disputing the Attorney General and DEC's findings regarding the asbestos levels.

Myers asked Nichols that if there was going to be a lengthy dispute over the contents of the "waste pile samples" still present at the Copake farm that they be "treated with care," and be tightly tarped and undisturbed.

Schlenker said that the area in contention is apparently an "identifiable pile" and will talk with Myers in the coming weeks and "perhaps come to an accord about the extent of the remediation" needed to satisfy the Attorney General's issue.

Myers recommended that representatives from the DEC as well as for Cascino should be sent to the location to tape off and protect the area in question.

"I will try and get this worked out," Schlenker told Nichols.

Written by DIANE VALDEN 

Tuesday, 04 May 2010 14:24

HUDSON--Acting State Supreme Court Justice Jonathan Nichols confirmed last week his ruling that Salvatore Cascino must pay the Town of Copake $21,609.97 in attorney fees.

In June 2009, Judge Nichols found Mr. Cascino and his business entities: 13 Lackawanna Properties, LLC and Copake Valley Farm, LLC, in criminal and civil contempt for violating a temporary restraining order issued by the court November 27, 2006.

The restraining order prohibited Mr. Cascino from constructing, excavating or depositing anything on his 300-acre property called Copake Valley Farm.

Mr. Cascino, a resident of Larchmont, owns a Bronx-based waste hauling business. For the past 13 years he has amassed violations of federal, state and town law on his property along the east side of Route 22.

As part of the contempt finding, the court ordered Mr. Cascino to pay "the reasonable costs and attorneys' fees expended by" the Town of Copake in the course of suing Mr. Cascino for contempt.

Also in connection with the contempt finding, the judge ordered Mr. Cascino to remove a stone wall and all the materials deposited on his property that were put there in violation of the restraining order and to stop all construction work on a building referred to as a farm stand.

Attorney for Copake, Victor Meyers submitted the required claim for expenses to verify the amount of the attorney fees to be paid by Mr. Cascino, and a hearing was conducted on the matter in September 2009.

After hearing the evidence presented and reading all the legal submissions that followed, Judge Nichols ruled that the reasonable costs and attorney fees due to the Town of Copake to be paid by Mr. Cascino is $21,609.97.

The amount, the judge wrote in his April 19 decision, represents the "actual loss suffered "by the Town of Copake due to Mr. Cascino's misconduct.

The judge's ruling on the attorney fees "is a good thing," said Attorney Meyers, noting that if Mr. Cascino does not pay up, the town will have to enter a judgment that will become a lien and attach his assets.

Since Mr. Cascino has also appealed the judge's contempt rulings, he may be waiting for the decision on his appeal before making payment, said Mr. Meyers, noting that arguments were heard on that matter last month, and a decision may come next month.

Mr. Cascino is also still on the hook for $15,000 due the town for fees it paid to consultants during the Planning Board's consideration of Mr. Cascino's plan to construct several massive buildings. The proposal was unanimously rejected by the Planning Board in November 2008, but Mr. Cascino has sued to overturn the Planning Board's decision.

Dennis Schlenker, Mr. Cascino's attorney, said through his receptionist that he does not comment on pending matters.

In other recent court proceedings involving Mr. Cascino, he was criminally indicted by State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo April 12 on two violations of state Environmental Conservation Law for illegally dumping solid waste at property off Route 9G in Clermont. A trial in that case is set for October 9.

Published: Saturday, May 8, 2010

Camphill Village USA has successfully appealed to U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, to request a federal appropriation for its anticipated senior housing community in Ghent.

Gillibrand released her list of requests for community projects under the Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations bill last month and, within it, she requested $6.4 million for Camphill Ghent.

Camphill Village also received support from Congressman Scott Murphy, who submitted a request through the same appropriations bill for $250,000.

Camphill Village sought this appropriation to help meet its fundraising goal of $23 million to satisfy New York state's deadline to complete construction of Phase I of the project by end of 2011. Private fundraising is also underway.

The project will also lessen the burden on Medicaid, save the taxpayers a projected near-million dollars per year where elder care is concerned, and create or sustain almost 150 jobs during the construction process. It will also create 30 full time equivalent jobs upon completion, and will offer the community day care and medical care services, in addition to other facilities.

Camphill Ghent will provide independent housing, assisted living opportunities and co-housing for as long as possible to long-term volunteers and seniors - some with developmental disabilities and some without, many of low and moderate income, and of all levels of ability. The mission of the community will center around honoring elders.

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Taconic Hills E Fund BENEFIT AT UNDERMOUNTAIN

 Sunday, May 23, 1pm

Boston Corner-Undermountain Golf Course will host the fourth annual Golf Tournament to benefit the

Taconic Hills Educational Enrichment Fund. The nine-hole scramble features men's, women's and junior's competition. Sixty tee slots are available by paid reservation through Undermountain's pro shop.

The entry fee for the golf and dinner is:  $40.00 for adults and $30.00 for juniors.

A barbeque which follows  the event at 4:00 pm is open to non-golfers for $12.

Each entry includes a donation to the Fund. Groups will play as 2 person teams. Golfers ages 10-18 are encouraged to participate provided they can walk and play 9-holes of golf.

 Any players under the age of 21 must have at least one adult in the four-some. Adult pairings are also permitted.  To date the E Fund has contributed over $50,000 to students, faculty and community members for the creation of Enrichment programs at Taconic Hills, not supported by the school's budget. 

Business and individuals may purchase an advertisement, which recognizes their contribution, or may become sponsors. Sponsor information and golf/dinner entry forms may be obtained at the School's Greeter Stations or from the pro-shop at 518-329-4444  prior to the May 12 deadline.  For more information about Undermountain Golf and tournaments please visit their website at www.undermountaingolf.com or email them at service@undermountaingolf.com

To volunteer or obtain information, please call Roberta Roll, 329-0384 or email roberta.roll@gmail.com.

When:   Sunday, July 18, 2010.  Tee Time is 11 am.  This will be Shot Gun Format, which means that everybody tees off at the same time.

Where:  Copake Country Club, 44 Golf Course Road, Copake Lake, Copake

Cost:  $100.00/person

The price includes:

18 holes of golf and a cart

Hot dogs, hamburgers & beverages between the 9th and 10th holes

Dinner at the end of the tournament

Cash Bar

Prizes:

The 2 closest to the pin will each win a putter

The longest drive for women and for men will each win a $100.00 gift card to the pro shop.

Plus other wonderful prizes

For those who do not play golf, but would like to join in the festivities, Dinner is $30.00/person and will start at 4:00 pm

For more information or to reserve your place contact George Filipovits at phone# 329-0933 or e-mail bjfilipovits@fairpoint.net.  Mail checks to Copake Democratic Club, PO Box 55, Copake, NY 12516.

There's lots of citizen energy swirling "around the clock" and things are beginning to happen! The bulletin board in the center of town has been repaired, funds have been donated by High Voltage to spruce up the signs at the north entrance to town on Rte. 22 and to design and build a matching sign for the south entrance on Rte. 22, the Farmer's Market will open June 12th and gardening is being done at the base of the clock.

by Roberta Roll

Holistic Health

The terms complementary and alternative medicine, along with the not-as-common integrative medicine, have been around for a while.  While these practices emphasize healing modalities other than drugs and surgery (such as accupuncture, homeopathy, massage, hydrotherapy, naturopathy, etc.), the term holistic denotes a philosophy of life and health.  The American Holistic Health

Association defines holistic medicine as "the art and science of healing that addresses the whole person - body, mind and spirit." 

When we think of the term holistic, we may think of the mind/body connection, but holism recognizes the interrelationship between all aspects of who we are and the world we live in.  The whole is made up of interdependent parts;  we are made up of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects and interact with the various aspects of our environments.  Holistic medicine seeks to balance and integrate these aspects, to establish respectful and cooperative relationships, to make wellness-oriented lifestyle choices and to actively participate in our healing process.  

Disease can be prevented and treated within this model, but the object is to promote optimal health.  And just what is health?  According to the holistic model, it is the "unlimited and unimpeded free flow of life force energy through body, mind and spirit." (AHHA)  When this life force is blocked over a period of time, pain and illness can occur.  If this happens, the symptom is seen as a guide in looking below the surface for the root cause.  Just as with a plant, a dried or withered leaf may be picked off to make the plant look better, but unless the soil is tended to, the plant may die.  An illness is looked at in the context of the person - his personality, her constitution, and his or her environment.  The physical condition, nutritional needs, social contacts, thoughts and feelings are all part of the picture.  There are abundant examples of this.  Someone has to take an exam and gets a stomachache, or a person who has to go to court experiences a headache.  Lack of social contact or excessive worry can lead to depression. 

Suppressed anger or other feelings can result in ulcers, eczema, or breathing difficulties.  Living in a polluted environment can bring on a myriad of illnesses.  In contrast, releasing the stress of hostility, shame, greed, fear, anger or grief and fostering love, hope, humor and enthusiasm can create boundless waves of energy and health. 

Holism was the foundation of ancient healing traditions.  5,000 years ago in India and China, living in harmony with nature was the way to health.  Socrates, the philosopher in the 4th c. B.C. warned against treating only one part of the body - "for the part can never be well unless the whole is well."  In 1926 Jan Christiaan Smuts coined the word "holism," but it was not until the late sixties and early seventies that the word "holistic" became common (originally spelled "wholistic").  During the 20th c. medicine became preoccupied with germ theory, the discovery of bacteria and viruses and the concept of disease coming from an outside source, leading to ideas and images of war, attack and quick fixes.  Although modern Western medicine is generally very good at acute care and symptom relief, chronic conditions and debilitating illnesses are often not responsive to the Western allopathic "arsenal."  In recent years, the holistic approach has regained popularity, as people realize that making healthy lifestyle changes in diet, physical activity, and attitude can create better health - from the inside.  

Although we all come into this world and grow up with certain physical and emotional characteristics and input, the cells in our bodies are constantly being shed and replaced.  New cells are built from what is available nutritionally.  Mental attitudes are created from what we see and hear.  Where do you see yourself on the continuum of health?  Ill, chronic pain,  making it through the day, full of energy, striving for the highest level of well being?  Explore what works for you.  Education and taking responsibility for your well being can be extremely empowering and rewarding.  

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 roberta.roll@gmail.com. 

This article is not meant to substitute for a medical doctor's care. *registered trademark

Chronicle Editor's Note: I ran this card in one of the first issues of the Chronicle. We had perhaps a few hundred subscribers back then, and when I did run the card I didn't re-print the charming little message between mother to daughter on September 23, 1937.  The card shows Young's Store on Copake lake.  The sign on the street reads Trojan Ice Cream.  It looks like the SOCONY gas was 15¢ a gallon. Above the window is a sign for Utica Club Pilsner and in the window is a sign for Orange Crush. I remember the first time I ran this card several people remembered going to Young's Store. If you have any memories of this store it would be fun for our readers to hear about it. Please send a note to the editor of the Chronicle with your stories and memories.  The card reads as follows:

Dear Mildred:  How are you all in Saugus? I received your very welcome letter. Thanks, I felt very much better after I got it. Thanks for the hankies of cotton. I just got them Tuesday, 4PM. We are going out this evening. It has been very cold here for this time of year. What are you doing this week? Why don't you come out to see us. Love Mother

Edgar M. Masters will speak on the history of the Taconic State Park His talk, which will includes historic photos, continues the narrative he began at the Historical Society a year ago.  He will discuss early land acquisitions that formed the Taconic State Park and historic buildings that existed both prior to and during the first two decades of the park's existence.

Admission and refreshments are free.

Also on Saturday, May 22, CAT will present Ellis Paul in Concert, at Columbia Greene Community College's Art Center, on Rt. 23 in Hudson, NY, at 7:30 PM.  Mr. Paul, a well-known indie singer/songwriter, whose music is described as modern folk with a country flavor, has released 16 albums and has been the recipient of 14 Boston Music Awards, and is considered by some to be a pinnacle of contemporary acoustic music success.  Paul's music is heard on local stations WKZE and WDST.  Winners of Friday's "New Songwriter's Award" will also perform.

Finally, on Sunday, May 23 at 12:00 PM, CAT will hold its Feedback Showcase, at Photographics Solution, at 2 Park Place, in Hudson, NY.  Bands and soloists will perform their best tunes in an open mike format, and industry professionals will offer critiques and one-on-one sessions for performers.   Refreshments are available.  General admission is free.

Columbia Arts Team (CAT) is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit performing arts organization, which showcases new work by local performing artists.  CAT's signature events include the comedy/variety show Saturday Night Liv (hosted by Liv Cummins), the Songwriters Festival, music coffeehouse concerts, the CAT Kids Holiday Spectacular, various educational workshops for youth, teens, and adults, and the Upstate Idol Music Competition.

For more information on all events, go to www.columbiaartsteam.org.  To order tickets, go to www.catevents.org.

       Painter and art educator Jeffrey L. Neumann is now accepting students and announcing the opening of his new studio and gallery on the corner of Anthony and Coldwater Streets in the center of Hillsdale, NY.  Courses will be offered in drawing, watercolor painting, and oil painting.

       Working in both oils and watercolors, Neumann has been painting for over 30 years, however making art and teaching art has only recently become his full-time occupation. Prior to making a purposeful career change, Neumann enjoyed a 25 year career in the art materials industry. He was U.S. Product Manager for Arches Papers and the developer of the brand's first specialty paper for digital fine art printmaking.

       "I decided that the best way for me to make a direct positive difference in people's lives is through teaching," says Neumann, who is a MA Certified educator and holds a Masters Degree in Visual Arts Education. With five solo exhibitions, awards, commissions, and work represented in numerous private, corporate and public collections, Neumann draws upon his broad experience to offer private lessons to students of all levels.

         The artist is represented by Hanback Gallery, Millerton, NY, Art Exchange Gallery, Santa Fe, NM and JLI Prints, Taos, NM. The gallery at Neumann Fine Art will feature an eclectic collection of work from various periods in Neumann's artistic career. To register for classes or for more information visit: www.neumannfineart.com or call 413-246-5776.

Our Lady of Hope

8074 State Route 22

Copake Falls, N.Y.

Rev. Joseph A. Falletta, Pastor