Town of Hillsdale Newsletter

It's that time of year and, as you can see from the length of this newsletter, there's a lot happening around town. By the way, in addition to using this newsletter as a helpful, up-to-date source, the Town website always has the latest and greatest information - events, meeting minutes/video and much more.

Speaking of "that time of year," many folks have been calling Town Hall about Clean-up Day. We're happy to announce that Hillsdalers can bring their discarded stuff to the Town Garage on Saturday, May 5 - starting at 8:30 am. One load per family, please. Along with your trash, don't forget your cash. Donations for Hillsdale's Summer Youth Program will be accepted. Guidelines for clean-up here.

Happy Spring, Hillsdale!

The Town Board: Art Baer, Peter Cipkowski, Augie Sena, Jill Sims-Elster and Steve Tiger

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

2011 Annual Report

2011 was another exceptional year of events and accomplishments in Hillsdale. For starters, tax increases, among the lowest in Columbia County, were again maintained at less than 4 percent despite increases in NY State unfunded mandates and health insurance premiums. Read Supervisor Baer's Summary here or download the Report.

Farmers Market Update

The vendors have meet and are busy growing seedlings to be ready to fill your plates with healthy and wonderful produce. Many of the vendors will be at the Hillsdale Tag sale.

Our opening day will be June 2nd. We are all looking froward to seeing every one. In the meantime you can find out what is going with the market by visiting the Facebook page.

Committee Notes Now Posted

Can't get to a meeting? Want to to know what folks are up to? Moving forward, the Town Board has asked its many committees to provide their official meeting notes on a regular basis. Notes from three of the our most active committees are now available: Roelif Jansen Park Steering Committee notes here; Hamlet Committee notes here; Historic Preservation committee notes here. Notes will be posted promptly as soon as they are received by each committee.

A Public Hearing for the Hamlet Plan

Great effort was put into completing the Hamlet Design and Development Plan and the process is almost complete. The plan has been translated into Comprehensive Plan amendments and (possible) zoning law amendments with the PPS plan itself proposed as an Appendix. Town Attorney Dick Alford has this ready for the Board to discuss after a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, April 17, at 6:30 pm at Town Hall. More background - and the plan - here.

Flea Market Will Move to Roe Jan Park

With more room to spread out, improved parking and plenty of shelter, the 4th Annual Hillsdale Flea Market on Memorial Day weekend will take place on Saturday, May 26 in the beautiful Roeliff Jansen Park. Spaces are available for rent: $35 for space with table rental available for a additional $15. Click here for details.

Summer Counselors Wanted

The Town of Hillsdale's popular youth program, located in the Roeliff Jansen Park, is looking for camp counselors. Candidates must enjoy working outdoors and with children. This summer's program runs from July 9 to August 17, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. More information about the program and the application form here.

Cooking for the Books

The Friends of the Roe Jan Community Library will hold a series of dinner parties as a fundraiser for the Library on selected dates in April and early May. Several talented cooks and hosts are offering fare from Asian, Spanish, Italian, Turkish, Mexican, French, and many other national cuisines. Dates and times of the dinners will be determined by each host... More information here.

Grow Your Own

Are you tired of paying wacky prices for fresh produce? Learn how to plant and care for a vegetable garden (perfect for beginners). FREE weekly classes and assistance are being offered by Hillsdale's Green Solutions. More information here.

Events

Science Workshop for Students 13-17

Saturday, March 31

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School

The faculty at Hawthorne Valley High School welcomes students ages 13 to 17 for a fun-filled and intriguing morning of scientific demonstrations and experiments. More information here.

The Living Soil - Workshop

Saturday, March 31

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Town Hall

Join the Hillsdale Gardeners for a hands-on workshop experience with garden expert Ruth Dufault of Bittersweet Garden. Benefit from her 30 plus years in the landscape business to learn how, when and what to do to your soil to bring it to life and have it work best for your plants. For additional information, click here.

TH Music Showcase

Saturday, March 31

7:00 pm

Roe Jan Community Library

The musical talents of students from Taconic Hills High School will be on display at a "Music Showcase" at the Roeliff Jansen Community Library. Proceeds from any voluntary donations will go to support the Taconic Hills music programs. More information here.

Annual Palm Sunday Brunch

Hillsdale Fire House

Sunday, April 1
8:30 am - 1:00 pm

Treat yourself to a hearty brunch at the Hillsdale Firehouse on Sunday, April 1, to benefit our fire fighters. The menu includes all the usual treats: pancakes, French toast, eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, hash, among other things and, NEW THIS YEAR, blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes. Come early! More information here.

Easter Egg Hunt in Hillsdale Park

Sunday, April 1

1:30 pm

Hillsdale Park Behind Old Town Hall

Bring the kids (and your own baskets) for all the goodies you'll discover. Hillsdale's annual Egg Hunt is open to kids of all ages from any town and it's 100% FUN and totally FREE!

Shakespeare in Word and Song

Sunday, April 1

2:00 pm

Roeliff Jansen Community Library

Students from the Taconic Hills High School Drama Club, along with baritone Keith Spencer and pianist Mark W. Jones, will kick off the celebration of National Poetry Month at the Roeliff Jansen Community Library. More details here.

Herbs at the Farm

Sunday, April 15

10:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Learning Center at Hawthorne Valley Farm

Gather herbs from our cultivated gardens as well as from the wild. Learn to transform these herbs into practical, helpful products. Designed for the sprouting as well as the established herbalist. Taught by certified herbalist Margo Mullein. More here.

History of the Mount Washington House

Tuesday, April 17

7:00 pm

Roeliff Jansen Museum in Copake Falls

Kelly Fox, proprietor of the Mount Washington House, will be speaking at the RJHS Museum about the history of the Mount. Visit the RJHS website here for more information.

Open Morning for Parents and Children

Saturday, April 21

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Hawthorn Valley School

Experience a world of wonder during this morning of delightful activities for children up to age 6. Parents and children are welcome to explore Hawthorne Valley's Early Childhood Center and to participate in one or more of the following free offerings. More here.

Bird Watching in the Roe Jan Park

Monday, April 23

7:30 am

Roeliff Jansen Park

Rheinstrom Hill Assistant Warden and Educator Larry Federman will lead a birding walk in the Roe Jan Park on April 23. Whether you are an experienced birder or a beginner, you'll be sure to enjoy a walk with Larry, who is so familiar with all the birds that can be found in our area. Click here more details.

Learn How to Make Camembert

Saturday, April 28, 2012

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

The Learning Center at Hawthorne Valley Farm

Join us for the holy grail of the cheese world, the perfect camembert. Come join Peter Kindel, the Hawthorne Valley Farm cheese maker, we will make, salt and taste this French classic. Class size is limited, so please book in advance. Details here.

Wildflower Walk at Roe Jan Park

Sunday, April 298, 2012

10:00 am

Explore the Roeliff Jansen Park with wildflower expert Janice Goldfrank who has spent over 35 years studying and documenting wildflowers in upstate New York. More here.

Hillsdale Clean-up Day

Saturday, May 5, 2012
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Town Garage

It's officially spring and that means it's time for clean-up! The Hillsdale Garage on Old Town Road will be open on Saturday, May 5th, for Hillsdale Clean-Up Day. Guidelines here.

Volunteer Bakers Wanted

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Julie Gale's At The Kitchen Table Cooking School will be holding a special baking session on Saturday May 5 where volunteers will bake delicious treats to be enjoyed the next day at the third annual Flowers to Power the Park luncheon. Click here for details.

Hillsdale Bird Watching Walk

Sunday, May 6, 2012

8:00 am - 10:00 am

Book Barn

Susan Scheck is leading a bird watching walk on Sunday, May 6 at 8:00 am. Meet at the Bookbarn on Rodman Road. For more information call 325-4537. The walk will take about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Save the Date: May 6

Hello, Dahlia! The Third Annual "Flowers to Power the Parks" Luncheon

Click here for more info.

Save the Date: June 2

Roe Jan Library Gala

To learn more click here.

Dear Fellow Hillsdalers:

The goal of this newsletter, issued by Hillsdale's Town Board, is to provide a summary of all the cool things that are happening in our community. If you have an event taking place in Hillsdale (or in adjacent communities), contact us as soon as you know about it. Please provide as many details as possible. Information is posted on the town Town website and also appears in the monthly newsletter. Contact us at hillsdalecalendar@gmail.com.

Sincerely,
Peter Cipkowski, Communications Chair, Town Board
Christopher Ross, Editor

The Town of Hillsdale