Hillsdale NY
Hillsdale Newsletter
November - December 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
Join Our Mailing List

 

 

As we send the newsleter on Halloween, we're here to remind you to vote on Tuesday, November 5. 

 
If you're out of town on Tuesday, vote ANYTIME at the Columbia County Board of Elections at 401 State Street in Hudson. They're open until 4 pm on Friday, November 1, until noon on Saturday, November 2, and until 5 pm on Monday, November 4. You'll be in and out in a matter of minutes. No excuses. Vote!
 
In the meantime, we're wishing all our readers, near and far, a safe and joyful Halloween and a very happy holiday season.

Best Regards,

 

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 

HISTORIC 1851 MAP ON DISPLAY

 

Hillsdale Court Clerk Jan Keefner and her family have loaned a remarkable 1851 map of Columbia County in memory of Jan's father, former Hillsdale Supervisor Calvin Sheldon, who passed away in August. The map, which was framed by Supervisor Sheldon, will be hung in the main meeting room for all to enjoy.

LIBRARY BALLOT PROPOSITION Q&A

 

On Election Day, a proposition will appear on ballots in Ancram, Copake and Hillsdale to allow voters to approve a higher level of funding for the Library under Chapter 414 of the laws of New York State. The following questions and answers explain why additional funding is needed and what it all means. The Hillsdale Town Board supports the Proposition, believes it makes economic sense, and is the right thing to do. But it's up to the voters. Download PDF.

TOWN HALL RESTORATION UNDERWAY

 

Following their selection after the bid process, Ganem Contracting went straight to work on the delicate process of restoring the brick parapets, mortar and slate roof on Town Hall. Zbigniew (Zig) and Wayne were among the expert masons who restored the sensational Copake Iron Works furnace (see picture below). Their work in Hillsdale is expected to be completed before the end of the year (weather permitting) and is funded by contributions from the Rhinestrom HIll Community Foundation, the citizens of Hillsdale, and the capital reserve. Next up: windows, columns and grills will be restored, one by one in the spring.

Rail Trail RAIL TRAIL UPDATE

 

Work advances on extending the Harlem Valley Rail Trail northward to Hillsdale. A section of the trail with drainage issues between Black Grocery Road and Underhill Road in Copake was improved recently with the addition of a membrane and a layer of crushed gravel. Soon, signage will be installed to direct trail goers to parking spaces near Anthony Street in Hillsdale. The goal is to have a portion of the rail trail extension open for public use this year.

A MESSAGE FROM THE FARMERS MARKET

 

The Hillsdale Farmers Market completed its 8th season in mid-October and we couldn't be happier with our season! The move to the Harvest Barn at the Roe Jan Park was successful for vendors and customers alike. We all enjoyed the shelter, the ample parking, and the gorgeous views. We know that our customers also enjoyed our new weekly schedule as well as the extended hours from last year. Thank you for "keeping it local" and supporting your neighbors!

 

Good news! Two winter markets will take place in the park's Harvest Barn on Saturday, November 23 and on Saturday, December 21 from 10 am to 1 pm. See events below or get on the market's mailing list.  Email [email protected] with "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line.

 

One final note: we want to send out a big thank you to the musicians who volunteered their time during the season, especially Christina Dellea who generously made FOUR appearances! 

CLIMATE CHANGE WORRY YOU?

 

Want to help protect future generations? 

 

"Most impressive is the work of Citizens Climate Lobby, a relatively new, fast-growing, nonpartisan, nonprofit group with [130] chapters across the United States and Canada. If you want to join the fight to save the planet, to save creation for your grandchildren, there is no more effective step you could take than becoming an active member of this group."  - Dr. James Hansen, former head of Goddard Institute for Space Studies, NASA

 

The group Hansen is referring to is "Citizen's Climate Lobby." A few local folks are starting a Columbia County chapter with lots of different volunteer opportunities. If you are interested and would like to learn more, contact Iona Lutey at [email protected].

STAR EXEMPTION REGISTRATION

 

New enacted legislation requires all homeowners receiving a Basic STAR exemption to register with the New York State Tax Department in order to receive the exemption in 2014 and subsequent years. More here about deadlines and procedures.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX CREDITS

 

The Preservation League of NY State, the organization that awarded Hillsdale a grant that led to the Hamlet Historic District, gives excellent workshops about New York's Historic Preservation Tax Credits. Click here for details about upcoming workshops in November. Historic properties in the Hamlet are eligible for tax credits for repairs inside and out. Brochures prepared by Historic Hillsdale on tax credits are available at the Town Hall and are also posted here.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER EVENTS 

Copake: A History in Photos

 

Saturday, November 2

4 pm

Roe Jan Community Library

 

Back by popular demand, historian Howard Blue will repeat his standing-room-only overview of Copake's colorful history. Blue's program is largely based on interviews with local residents, many of whom shared old photos of the town and its people from their family albums. His talk will include such history gems as the 1840s agrarian revolt in Copake, the town's unusual aeronautical history, three local former horse racetracks, and ice harvesting in town. More here. 

 

Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School High School Open House

 

Saturday, November 2

10 am - 2 pm
330 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY

 

Join us at our fall High School Open House. Take a campus tour, visit classrooms, and learn about our Waldorf curriculum. The goal of Hawthorne Valley High School is to develop true education through the harmonious integration of the fundamental human capacities of thinking, feeling, and willing. The aspiration of Hawthorne Valley High School is to develop the full creative potential of each individual. For more information or to make a tour reservation, email [email protected] or phone 518-672-7092 x 111.

 

Election Day: VOTE!

 

Tuesday, November 5
6 am - 9 pm
Hillsdale Fire House

 

Familiarize yourself with the 2013 ballot and seven different referenda here. If you're out of town on Tuesday, vote ANYTIME at the Columbia County Board of Elections at 401 State Street in Hudson. They're open until 4 pm on Friday, November 1, until noon on Saturday, November 2, and until 5 pm on Monday, November 4. Voters will be in and out in a matter of minutes. No excuses. Vote!

How to Navigate the New Healthcare System

 

Saturday, November 9

2 pm

Roe Jan Community Library

 

The Roeliff Jansen Community Library will host a presentation by representatives from Columbia Health Net on how to navigate and buy health insurance through the new healthcare marketplace. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session. One-on-one assistance will not be provided at this presentation. More.

Bob Bates Plays Country and More at RJCL

 

Saturday, November 9

5 pm

Roe Jan Community Library

 

Country singer and songwriter Robert Bates will appear in concert at the Roeliff Jansen Community Library in a program called "Country, Blues, and Rock n' Roll." He'll perform his hit song "I Just Can't Stay" which hit #21 on the global bluegrass charts. He'll also perform a song co-written with Joann Sifo entitled, "Silver And Gold," which went to #1 on the charts in Ireland. More.

Have a Blast at the Furnace!

 

Sunday, November 10

Noon - 2 pm

Copake Iron Works

 

Friends of Taconic State Park invites the community to Have a Blast at Furnace Fest on Sunday, November 10 from noon to 2 pm at the historic Copake Iron Works, Valley View Road in Copake Falls.  Come celebrate the Unveiling of the Arches and enjoy music, raffles and lunch!  For more information, visit www.friendsoftsp.org or call 518-329-6451. 

Say Cheese: Beyond Mozzarella - Burratta!

 

Saturday, November 16

Noon to 3 pm
$50 per person
Hawthorne Valley Farm Learning Center, 327 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY

 

Burratta is a truly decadent cheese from Italy - imagine cream-filled mozzarella. Come join Peter Kindel, Hawthorne Valley Farm cheesemaker, in the farm Learning Center to stretch, fill and eat. We will make a large batch of curd from scratch, stretch, fill, and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Space is very limited for this special workshop; please register in advance. $20 deposit required. For more information or to register please email caroline@hawthornevalleyfarm.org, or phone 518-672-7500x232

History of One Room Schoolhouses

 

Sunday, November 17

2 pm

Roeliff Jansen HIstorical Society Museum

 

The Roe Jan community was once organized into 29 small school districts, each with its own school house. Many of these buildings still dot the region. Join Lynn Perrella at the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society in Copake Falls for this overview of the history of the school house in the Roe Jan area.

November Town Board Meeting

 

Tuesday, November 19

7 pm

Town Hall

 

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

Thanksgiving Farmers Market

 

Saturday, November 23

10 am - 1 pm

Roe Jan Park

 

Join us in the toasty harvest barn to collect the goods you need for your holiday celebration: vegetables, meats, pies, baked goods, spices, and table decor. It's all local!

Duck Walk

 

Saturday, November 30

9 am

Copake Lake

 

Join the best local Duck Walk imaginable, led by Susan Scheck of the Alan Devoe Bird Club, on November 30 at 9 am. Meet at the parking area on Rte.7 intersection with Lakeview Drive in Copake Lake. Susan will guide the group as it looks for migrating ducks, herons, loons and eagles in and around Copake Lake.
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School Yuletide Fair

  

Saturday, December 7

10 am - 4 pm

Free admission; tickets to puppet show $4

330 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY

 

Join us for a magical treat as the school's assembly hall is transformed into a gingerbread wonderland! Children and adults are invited to enter an original creation in this year's Gingerbread Contest. Friends, families, and neighbors - come enjoy viewing these wonderful creations and bid on your favorite at the Gingerbread Auction! We'll have puppet shows, activities for children, dozens of artisan vendors who will help you check off your holiday shopping list, and delicious lunches. For more information, visit www.hawthornevalleyschool.org.

Christmas Tree Lighting

   

Saturday, December 7

4:30 - 6 pm

Hillsdale Firehouse and Town Square

 

The Hillsdale Fire Company, Hillsdale Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary and members of the Hillsdale Business Alliance will be joining forces on December 7 to create another magical tree lighting ceremony. The fun for kids starts at the Hillsdale Firehouse (4:30) for a Hay Ride to the town tree, located in the town square. More here.

Hawthorne Valley School Winter Concert

  

Thursday, December 12 at 5 pm
Friday, December 13 at 7:30 pm
Free admission
St. Mary's Church, 429 E. Allen Street, Hudson

 

Excerpts from Handel's Messiah, directed by Lawrence Glatt, will be presented by the Hawthorne Valley High School Chorus, joined by Harpsichordist Mariken Palmboom, the Columbia Greene Community Orchestra, and students in Grades 4 through 8.

December Town Board Meeting

 

Tuesday, December 17

7 pm

Town Hall

 

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

Christmas Farmers Market

 

Saturday, December 21

10 am - 1 pm

Roe Jan Park

 

Join us in the toasty harvest barn to collect the goods you need for your holiday celebration: vegetables, meats, pies, baked goods, spices, and table decor. It's all local!
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. With more than 600 subscribers, the Hillsdale Newsletter is a great place to promote your upcoming event. Email details, suggestions or questions to [email protected]. 

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