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HILLSDALE NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 2015
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The goal of this newsletter, issued by the Town of Hillsdale, is to share a bit of news and the long list of the many things that are happening in the Roe Jan community.
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Question: What was the latest plan that was submitted to the DOT?
The plan submitted as part of the design approval is available to view in Town Hall. It includes concrete sidewalks, granite curbs, a brick buffer on the northern stretch of Route 23, and 6 crosswalks: one at White Hill, 3 at Anthony Street, one opposite the Hamlet Park entrance, and one across Route 22 to the Methodist Church.
Question: Why can't the wires be buried?
Though the undergrounding of utilities can typically be done, it is extremely costly and takes substantial time to complete. NYSEG made it clear that they will not do it in Hillsdale - the process would affect every home and business and most likely require service upgrades at the owner's expense. Such relocations are not reimbursable for State or Federal funds and would be the sole responsibility of the Town to fund.
More questions and answers on this page.
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RECORD-BREAKING SEASON FOR FARMER'S MARKET
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The Copake Hillsdale Farmers Market in the Roe Jan Park is having a record-breaking season. Rumor has it that the team that runs the show is working on a plan to hold an indoor winter market during November and December. Look for an update very soon. Congratulations to the market leaders and all the brilliant vendors who have participated this summer, not to mention the thousands of people who have come through so far this season. And is there a more gorgeous site for a farmers market?
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This stately fella was feasting around the Hillsdale hamlet of Harlemville the other day - about 24 hours after he was seen enjoying Taconic State Park in Copake Falls. One of the largest land animals in North America, the moose's normal habitat stretches from the Arctic to the northern tier of states. But lately it is moving south into areas normally occupied by white-tailed deer. Just stay out of my garden.
But the fact that there are any moose at all in New York is exciting, because the animals had been extinct in the state for more than 100 years.
The moose, with its impressive wide antlers, is a protected species here. A bull can weigh as much as 1,500 pounds, standing six feet tall at the shoulders and perhaps 10 feet long. Cows are smaller, sometimes reaching a weight of 1,100 pounds. The more common white-tailed deer rarely weigh as much as 200 pounds. That's a lot of cabbage!
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Housed in Herrington Lumber's original office, Hillsdale's newest business, Adagio Spa, opened in September. Owner-operator, Shannon Osborn, is a New York State licensed massage therapist and cosmetologist and offers manicures, pedicures, massage therapy, and body waxing. "I will use natural, organic and mainstream products to accommodate my clients," she says. "I'm excited to be joining the community of Hillsdale businesses and look forward to being part of such a vibrant little town." Hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 9 am to 6 pm. Please spread the word and schedule an appointment at 518-610-1336.
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For the past year, the Hamlet Committee has been working with brand design agency Rock Paper Pixel to create a new logo, signs and marketing materials for the Town. There was a public information meeting about the project last month. Though nothing is currently funded in the 2016 budget (and this project will obviously take time and money to roll out), a tagline contest has been launched to complement all this hard work. Taglines can set the tone for the future of Hillsdale. Details, contest rules, slogan tips, and a release form at included on the Town website. If you'd rather enter on paper, print the release document, fill it out with your slogan and return to the Town Hall. The deadline for this contest is October 31, 2015. Winners will be notified by January 1, 2016.
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The 4th Annual Hillsdale Pumpkin Festival is Saturday, October 17! Like last year, we are celebrating three things that we LOVE about our Town: agriculture, community, and our small businesses.
Activities will be spread throughout the Hamlet from morning to evening, with many businesses offering fun fare like pumpkin decorating, lots of pumpkin food & beverage specials, hay rides and much more.
The Village Square will be the center of attention from 12-4 with live music, community organizations, and a bake sale to benefit the Roe Jan Food Pantry. Read more here.
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WELCOME FINE WINES AND SPIRITS - FINALLY!
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Many of us were happy to see Hillsdale Fine Wines and Spirits finally make its much anticipated appearance early last month. Though business owner Chuck and store manager Meghan had hoped to be open for July 4, such is life with the New York Liquor Authority. Some will recall that it's not the first time Hillsdale had a package store under the same roof with a barber shop (Trudy is much more than a barber, of course).
In any case, it was worth the wait - this is a strikingly beautiful shop. A lot of water under the bridge since the building served as one of Hillsdale's four or five gas stations! Plenty of fuel still available here and open seven days a week. Check them out on Facebook.
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The third annual Roe Jan Ramble on Saturday, September 19, attracted some 155 participants and raised more than $15,000 for the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. "We are thrilled that the turnout handily exceeded last year's participation and that contributions are on track to at least match the 2014 level," said Jon Strom of Copake, one of the event's organizers. The ride was sponsored by the towns of Ancram, Copake and Hillsdale. Participants had a choice of four routes through the towns. The funds raised will go toward the extending the fully paved rail trail from Copake Falls to the Hamlet of Hillsdale. We can't wait!
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HILLSDALE TOLL HOUSE PRESENTATION
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The Roe Jan Library, Historic Hillsdale and the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society are pleased to sponsor a presentation and discussion about the history - and possible future - of the fascinating Hillsdale Toll House.
The building served as the residence for the toll-keeper of the Columbia Turnpike's East Gate from 1799-1907. The story of the Turnpike and Toll House provide a unique window into understanding nineteenth century Columbia County. The Saturday afternoon presentation includes remarks by William Krattinger, Project Officer for the NYS Office of Historical Preservation, and Peter Cipkowski, Hillsdale Town Historian and president of the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society. At the Roe Jan Community Library at 3 pm on Saturday, October 31.
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HAVE YOU VISITED THE COPAKE IRON WORKS?
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Friends of Taconic State Park has begun the furnace cornerstone stabilization project at the 19th century Copake Iron Works in Copake Falls. The group had hoped to begin work in early spring but last minute design changes requested by the New York State Historic Preservation officer postponed the start date until now. The project consists of replacing the cornerstones that were removed from the furnace after the infamous hurricane of 1938. At that time, massive facing stones taken from the furnace were used to re-build Route 344 which had suffered great damage in the storm. Efforts to locate the original stones were unsuccessful; they are presumed to be deeply buried under many outside layers of the roadside embankment. Facsimile stones therefore will be crafted from a special compound of concrete and will be tinted to match the existing stonework. The Friends group hopes to complete work before the arrival of winter weather but realistically expects to continue the project in the spring.
The furnace cornerstone project has been funded by private donations and a New York State matching grant. Ganem Contracting, specialists in historic masonry preservation, will do the work. Ganem has completed previous projects at the Copake Iron Works including the arch stabilization project and the machine shop foundation and façade reconstruction.
Visitors are most welcome to take self-guided tours of the Copake Iron Works history trail featuring 25 newly installed interpretive signs, during daylight hours. Maps of the Iron Works Trail are available at the park office. Docent-led tours of the newly expanded museum exhibit are offered every weekend from 2 pm to 4 pm through Columbus Day weekend. Visit the Friends' website.
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Here's terrible news. For more than a year or two, Hillsdale has enjoyed dozens of American and seasonal flags flying periodically from the utility poles on Route 23. Many have commented on how much they enjoy seeing them.
Unfortunately, the Town has been ordered by NYSEG to refrain from using "their poles" to hang flags. This means that, even with the coming of the Pumpkin Festival (October 17) and of Veterans Day (November 11), flags will not be hanging from the utility poles. This doesn't mean that Hillsdale won't seek new ways to display flags, most of which have been generously donated.
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VOTING NOVEMBER 3 - OR BEFORE
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2015 is a big election year in Hillsdale with eight offices up for election - supervisor, highway superintendent, clerk, tax collector, two justices, and two council seats.
If you're not registered to vote in Hillsdale, applications must be postmarked no later than October 9 and received by the board of elections no later than October 14.
Registered voters who will be out of town can vote absentee by completing this application on this page. A ballot will be mailed to you pronto by the Board of Elections (BOE) after October 13. Applications are also available in the foyer at Town Hall and in the Roe Jan Library. IMPORTANT: Did you know that you can also vote before November 3 at the BOE in Hudson in what's called "Over-the-Counter Absentee Voting"? Just show up at any of the times below, complete an application, and cast your absentee vote. Hours for Over-the-Counter Absentee Voting:: - Any Monday- Friday: 8 am - 4 pm
- Additional hours include: Thursday, October 22 and 29, until 7 pm
- Additional hours include: Saturday October 24 and 31, 9 am until noon
The Columbia County Board of Elections is located at 401 State Street in Hudson.
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Thanks for reading this newsletter - we enjoy pulling it together. If you want to promote your upcoming event or have a story or photo to share, please email us. Photos and jpgs are welcome. No pdfs, please.
Peter Cipkowski and Vivian deGeorges, Editors
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