Hillsdale NY
Hillsdale Newsletter
August 2013
  Hillsdale Town Seal
Hillsdale's website has a comprehensive list of departments, office hours, and a full listing of local events.
Town Meetings
 

Third Tuesday of the month @ 7:00

  

Planning Board
Second Monday of the month @ 7:30

Zoning Board of Appeals
First Tuesday of the month @ 7:30

Local Services


Check out the list of useful links and businesses on the services page here.

Local News
The Columbia Paper

ccSCOOP

Register-Star

Archived Hillsdale Newsletters

Local Calendars
Taconic Hills School District Calendar

CoCotodo.com
Transfer Station
Wednesday:
7:30 am - 12 noon
Saturday:
7:30 am - 4:00pm
65 Holm Road
(518) 325-3844   
Volunteer

 


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 9:00 am - 2:00pm
Sunday 2:00 pm - 5:00pm

 
Call 325-0432 for holiday hours and schedule updates
Local Nature
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
Local Resources
Cornell Cooperative Extension
(gardening, pest questions)
828-3346


Hawthorne Valley Farm 
Local Blogs
Farmscape Ecology Program
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Greetings! 

 

Hillsdale keeps popping up in fancy magazines. This time, Edible Berkshires describes our little town as "a small town that time forgot, a place you might hardly notice on your way to the Berkshires. But that is changing fast." Though many of us want it both ways, it's undeniably fantastic to see more and more folks stop and spend money in our little town. The article is here.

 

We love it here. Wishing you a fun-filled August. 

 

The Hillsdale 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 
Library pic - historic

TOWN HALL RESTORATION

 

Town Hall, formerly the Hillsdale Library, is one of the most significant historic buildings in town. The next phase is to have the outside of Town Hall match the beautifully restored interior and complement the little Town Hall Park that is nearing completion. Historic Hillsdale's fund raising appeal has a goal of $40,000 and has already raised more than $20,000. Additional contributions are being sought from residents and local foundations. The $40,000 raised by Historic Hillsdale will be matched by town funds set aside for this purpose. This will ensure that restoration will use the highest standard of historic preservation. 

Hillsdale Youth Program

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM UPDATE

 

The kids of the Hillsdale Summer Youth Program are having a great time in their digs at the Roe Jan Park. With loads of great activities every day, the kids are also spending time in their community garden. Their plan is to sell their vegetables at the farmers market later this summer. While having fun and tending to their patch of ground, these enterprising young farmers are talking about how spend the earnings. 

Royal Raindrops

NEW TREES IN PARK

 

Visitors to the Roe Jan Park may have noticed several new trees and vines. Donated by generous community members, they include four Royal Raindrop crabapples donated by Cheri and Joe Hanselman. We're excited by these beautiful additions to the park and forever grateful. Read more here. 

AUGUST EVENTS 
Farmers Market

Tomatoes and Corn are Here!

 

Saturday, August 3

9 am - 1 pm

Farmers Market, Roe Jan Park

 

The Roe Jan Park is where it's at on Saturdays. The barn is cool and there's lots of parking. Plus, kite-flying for the kids when the wind is up. On August 3, nine artisans will join the market and, drum roll, local tomatoes and corn are making their first appearance. We also hear that Cool Whisper Farm will have their own locally raised pork sliders and hot dogs for sale. While supplies last! Better hurry. 

Wallace Bruce 1905

Historic Marker for Wallace Bruce to be Dedicated

 

Saturday, August 3

3 pm

Whippoorwill Road

 

A new historic marker will be dedicated on Whippoorwill Road to honor Hillsdale legend Wallace Bruce on August 3. On the large white granite boulder 1.8 miles from Route 22 is a marble panel inscribed with the first stanza of a poem, "The Rock Where My Mother Played," written by Wallace Bruce, a Hillsdale native who went on to become a major literary and diplomatic figure in the late 19th century. More.

Copake Lake

Exhibit at Roeliff Jansen Historical Society Museum 

 

Saturdays and Sundays

2 - 4 pm 

Copake Falls

 

The summer exhibit celebrates the Roe Jan area's historic contribution as a recreational wonderland, past and present. From Hudson River School painter John Frederick's Kennset's pre-Civil War discovery of of Bash Bish Falls through the rise of popular village inns that catered to guests escaping the city's summer heat through the establishment of the Taconic State Park in the 1920s through the present day, the exhibit showcases photographs and artifacts. More on the society website.

Zydeco in Roe Jan Park

Zydeco Party in the Park

 

Saturday, August 10

7-9 pm

Roelif Jansen Park

 

The  Roeliff Jansen Park is hosting a Louisiana style Cajun Band, Dr. Zsa Powdered Zydeco, on Saturday, August 10, in its Hilltop Barn. Though Brooklyn-based, this fun, lively band has an authentic feel for America's most funky, dance-defying southern music. Tickets are $10 for adults (children under 15 free) and can be purchased at the door or at the Hillsdale Farmers Market. Check out the band here.

Bat Crossing

Build a Bat Habitat

 

Saturday, August 17

10 am - noon

Roelif Jansen Park

 

Everybody knows that bats are good for us. Mud Creek Environmental Learning Center will provide a free educational program about bats, why they're so important to our ecosystem and how you can help them. Stick around to build  bat boxes (to take home). There's a $10 fee per bat house to cover materials. Though the bat houses are pre-cut, some assembly and nailing will be required. Kids will love it. Please register by emailing roejanpark@gmail.com.

Beekman Boys
Copake Falls Day
 
Saturday, August 17
Copake Falls

Events unfold all day long and include "This Heirloom Life," a talk about gardening, food and the rural life by the Beekman Boys. A cooked breakfast and book signing starts at 10 am at St. John in the Wilderness followed by the talk. Then continue to Margaret Roach's sensational garden and a plant sale by the legendary Broken Arrow Nursery. It's all here.

Roe Jan Library Benefit Golf Tournament

 

Sunday August 18
Undermountain Golf Course, Copake

 

Enjoy a round of golf, win prizes and eat delicious food at the sixth annual Roeliff Jansen Community Library Golf Tournament. Two-person teams will play in a dual shotgun, 18-hole scramble, with prizes for men's, women's and mixed teams. Here for more info.

Ecology Walk: Who Lives in Our Streams and Ponds?

Saturday, August 17
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Hawthorne Valley Farm

 

Join ecologists from the Farmscape Ecology Program for an activity for the entire family. Get your hands and feet wet and get to know some of the fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects who live in the waters of the farm. No registration necessary. More here.

August Town Board Meeting

 

Tuesday, August 20

7:00 pm

Town Hall

 

All welcome. Agendas for past meetings here; corresponding minutes and videos are here. Financials are always here.

Despicable Me Free Movie Night for Kids

 

Saturday, August 24

8:30 pm

Taconic State Park, Copake Iron Works

 
Friends of Taconic State Park hosts movie night. Despicable Me, suitable for all ages, will follow a few entertaining short "flicks" compiled by Friends of Taconic State Park. Admission is free. Bring your own chairs or blankets. More here.

The Emerald Trio at RJCL

 

Saturday, August 24

5 pm

Roe Jan Community Library

 
The Emerald Trio - Karen Bogardus, flute, Orlando Wells, violin and viola, James Castle, piano - will perform at the Roeliff Jansen Community Library on August 24.  The program will include a Mozart trio, a twentieth century sonata by Bohuslav Martinu, and a contemporary trio by Alessandro Annuziata. More here.

Family Treasure Hunt

 

Saturday, August 31 and Saturday, September 1
9-11 am 
Hilltop Barn, Roe Jan Park

 

The RJP Family Treasure Hunt Program will again be offering self-exploratory activities for families (and all your Labor Day Weekend guests). We'll have age-appropriate nature activities and games for individual families or groups to go off on their own and have fun together in different parts of the park. Families can pick up their activity packs at 9 am on Saturday and Sunday, spend as much time as they want in the park, and then return the packs before leaving. Meet us at the kiosk to pick up your packs.

COMING IN SEPTEMBER

2013 Columbia County Garden Party

 

Sunday, September 1

3 - 6 pm

Kinderhook

 

Join Honorary Chair, Assembly Woman Didi Barrett, the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York at the private estate of Architect/Design team, Steven Harris and Lucien Rees Roberts, aptly named "Galloway Hill" in Kinderhook, New York.  The 2013 Columbia County Garden Party is an afternoon of friends, food and fundraising to support the vital work the AIDS Council does to assist those affect by HIV/AIDS. More here.

Opening Reception at RJCL

 

Friday, September 6
5 - 7 pm
Roe Jan Community Library

 

You're invited to the opening reception for an exhibit of photos by B. Docktor including her Community Portrait of library patrons, volunteers, staff and supporters. Photos will be on display at the library for the month.

Ecology Walk

 

Saturday, September 14, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Hawthorne Valley Farm

 

Join ecologists from the Farmscape Ecology Program for a leisurely walk through the forest and meadows to appreciate the diversity of fall-blooming wildflowers on our farm.  No registration necessary. More.

Senator Marchione's Listening Tour

Saturday, September 14
12:30 am - 2:00 pm
Town Hall

 

Hillsdale's Town Hall will host Senator Kathleen Marchione's Listening Tour on September 14 at 12:30 pm. Residents of Hillsdale, Ancram, Austerlitz, Copake, Gallatin, and Taghkanic are invited to attend. This is a unique opportunity to share concerns directly with Senator Marchione.

Dine Around Town Benefit

 

Saturday, September 14

 

Historic Hillsdale is sponsoring a special event for September 14 for the benefit of the Town Hall restoration project. Dinner will be hosted by Hillsdale residents and will not only feature fabulous food but also interesting themes and entertainment. Several local restaurants will also participate. More information will be posted on the town website soon. More here.

Limb Shakers Play RJCL

Saturday, September 15
5 pm

Roe Jan Library

 

The Limb Shakers Jazz Band, founded by clarinetist / saxophonist / singer Allen Livermore in 2010, plays old school jazz moods and grooves for all kinds of dance moves-everything from W.C. Handy to Jelly Roll Morton to Dizzy Gillespie. The band creates an authentic, polyphonic sound for an engaging, fun dance and listening experience

Celebrate 100 Years: History of the Roe Jan Library

 

Friday, September 20

7 pm

Hillsdale Town Hall

 

A talk will be given by Peter Cipkowski of the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society, in the former library, now the Hillsdale Town Hall, followed by a reception for long- time library volunteers Charles and Marge Deitz.

Celebrate 100 Years: Library Birthday Fair

 

Saturday, September 21

Roe Jan Library

 

Birthday Fair on Saturday, September 21, including the popular Birds of Prey, kids' activities, big trucks, music, Friends Book Sale, library tours and demos, birthday cupcakes, pictures in the big green chair, and more.

Hillsdale Arts Festival

 

Saturday, September 21

Sunday, September 22, 2013, 11 am - 4 pm

Hillsdale, NY

 

Hillsdale is quickly developing its rightful reputation as a burgeoning arts community. With recent national exposure in 'Martha Stewart Living' magazine and the amazing draw of both artists and art-lovers to the Hillsdale area and surrounds, the time has come to gather together and celebrate the arts in this beautiful upstate community. More details on town website

Salisbury Band Hotshots at RJCL

 

Saturday, September 21
3 pm
Roe Jan Library

 

More details to come but here's a story on the Salisbury Band, founded in 1928.

Opening the Eyes to Nature: A Weekend of Herbal Discovery

 

Sunday, September 22, 10 am - 6 pm

Monday, September 23, 10 am - 1 pm

Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center

 

Join master herbalist Julia Graves at this special two-day workshop. Learn to look at herbs and healing in the living, energetic way that once was so common, focusing on the doctrine of signatures, or the language of plants. Highly relevant for clinical practice, learning to read plants changes the way plant healers work. More here.

Hawthorne Valley Let's Moove 5K Walk & Run

 

Saturday, September 28, 9 am

Hawthorne Valley Farm

 

Join us for the first annual Let's Moove 5K Walk & Run at Hawthorne Valley! The event features an off-road trail through fields and gently rolling hills, surrounded by a beautiful vista. The 5K is open to all ages. All net proceeds will support need-based scholarships for place-based learning programs. More here.

Say Cheese: Take Home Feta

 

Saturday, September 28,12 - 4 pm

Hawthorne Valley Farm Creamery

 

Feta is a very simple cheese with a very complex character. Join Peter Kindel, the Hawthorne Valley Farm cheese maker, to make your own feta to take home.  You will make your own wheel of cheese from scratch and walk away with a cheese you will brine, store and eat at home.  More here.

Post Your Upcoming Event Here

 

With more than 550 subscribers, the Hillsdale Newsletter is a great place to promote your upcoming event. Email us the details.

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 these parts. Email suggestions or questions: [email protected]. 

Best Regards,
Peter Cipkowski, Communications Chair, Town Board
Vivian deGeorges, Editor
The Town of Hillsdale, New York
www.hillsdaleny.com