Podcasts about dutchess county

Program would connect city with Newburgh Two area residents have been awarded $100,000 by New York State to explore a bike-sharing program that would connect Beacon and Newburgh. Thomas Wright, a Beacon resident and head of the city's Greenway Trail Committee, and Naomi Hersson-Ringskog, an urban planner who lives in Newburgh, were awarded the funding through a Clean Mobility program overseen by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). It aims to add zero-emission connections to public transportation in underserved communities. The award is not to create a bike-share program but to plan how one could work. Wright, who works in Newburgh, and Hersson-Ringskog will be paired with WXY Architecture + Urban Design to develop a blueprint for a program similar to New York City's Citi Bike initiative. Wright and Hersson-Ringskog said they envision stations with eight to 10 bikes each, some electric, which users could check out for a fee or perhaps at no charge because of sponsors. The duo foresee their plan leading to a public-private partnership like Citi Bike's, which partners with the New York City Department of Transportation and Lyft, the ridesharing company. A combination of private funding, sponsors and memberships support the program. Officials on both sides of the Hudson River have indicated they're supportive of bikes for transportation, Hersson-Ringskog said. In Beacon, Mayor Lee Kyriacou has endorsed the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, a 7.5-mile linear park that Scenic Hudson is planning between Beacon and Cold Spring. The city is equally enthusiastic about a proposed Beacon-to-Hopewell rail trail. Both projects would significantly increase safe bike routes. Beacon also has applied for funding from Dutchess County for a rehab of Beekman Street, which leads to the Metro-North station. The project, still several years away, could include bike lanes that would build on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's "first mile, last mile" initiative for environmentally friendly ways for passengers to connect to trains. In Newburgh, Hersson-Ringskog's nonprofit, Dept of Small Interventions, in 2020 partnered with the city's Transportation Advisory Committee to create a community bike action plan, while monthly "critical mass" community rides take place from April to October. "You feel proud of your community that you're not starting from zero," Hersson-Ringskog said. She and Wright are also working to create the "Regional Connector," a 1-mile path that would connect the Metro-North station in Beacon to the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. That effort, they say, could unify a growing network of trails. A bike-share program could accelerate the campaign, Wright said, "by providing a means of mobility which gives users much greater range. When you add in e-bikes, the options are further multiplied." WXY plans to survey residents in both cities (see linktr.ee/newburgh.beacon.bike), while Wright and Hersson-Ringskog will make presentations to community groups. WXY will also help with data analysis, mapping and exploring partnerships for maintenance, operations and funding. "We hope to uncover the voice of a broad cross-section of the communities that desires this," Hersson-Ringskog said. "Here you have a transportation system that could really unite Beacon and Newburgh. We're stronger together, essentially." The bike-share grant was one of 29 - totaling $2.9 million - that NYSERDA announced in March. Projects elsewhere in the state will explore the feasibility of charging hubs, scooter-share programs and electric-vehicle car shares. Ten of the 29 are in the Hudson Valley, including in Kingston, Poughkeepsie and New Paltz. With "transformational" developments being considered in the region, Wright said he believes "multi-modal systems" that can alleviate congestion without polluting the environment "are so important to think about."

Also, council member protests Trump policies The Philipstown Town Board agreed on April 3 to form a committee to draft a permitting system and operating standards for short-term rentals such as those booked through Airbnb and Vrbo. The regulations would apply outside of Cold Spring, which approved its own code in 2021 that has yet to be enforced. The Village Board is revising the rules, saying they would have been too cumbersome. Philipstown discussed restrictions as recently as 2022, when residents complained at a Town Hall workshop about a long-running rental in Garrison. On April 3, Van Tassel also referenced a recent fire at an Airbnb in Dutchess County that killed a Cape Cod woman and her infant daughter. According to prosecutors, the rental in Salt Point did not have smoke detectors, although the listing said it did, and the hosts did not have a town permit for short-term rentals. Pledge protest Council Member Jason Angell remained seated during the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the meeting. He said he was protesting actions by the administration of President Donald Trump that he considers unconstitutional. Reading a 2½-minute statement after the pledge, Angell said he "didn't recognize my country" when masked immigration agents arrested Rumeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University student from Turkey, on March 25. Öztürk is accused of violating her student visa. The administration has not provided a reason for the detention, but she co-authored an opinion piece in the student newspaper demanding that Tufts "acknowledge the Palestinian genocide" and divest from companies with ties to Israel. Angell also cited the Trump administration's decisions to cut funding and programs approved by Congress. Those decisions are being challenged in lawsuits. "When an elected official takes office, they take an oath to uphold the Constitution," said Angell. "What happens if a person believes their federal government is violating the Constitution? Should they pledge allegiance to their government or to upholding the Constitution?" Van Tassel said he agreed with much of what Angell said, but not with sitting during the Pledge of Allegiance. "But I appreciate your courage," he said. Angell, whose term ends Dec. 31, is not running for re-election. Town justice to resign The town approved a letter of intent to appoint Cold Spring attorney Luke Hilpert to replace Camille Linson, who plans to resign from her town justice seat in June, according to Van Tassel. Linson ran unopposed on the Democratic and Conservative lines in winning a third, 4-year term in November. She joined the court after defeating Hilpert in a Democratic primary in 2016 and Republican Faye Thorpe in the general election. She ran unopposed in 2020. Both Linson and Philipstown's other justice, Angela Thompson-Tinsley, recommended Hilpert to fill the vacancy until the November election. Under state law, the winner will serve for a full term, rather than the 3½ years remaining in Linson's term, according to town attorney Steve Gaba. Oil moratorium The board scheduled a May 1 public hearing on a law that would extend for another six months a moratorium on projects with oil tanks exceeding 10,000 gallons. Philipstown enacted the moratorium in December 2023 to give an advisory committee time to revise zoning regulations that allow tanks with a capacity of up to 399,999 gallons. Allowing tanks that large puts drinking-water sources like the Clove Creek Aquifer at risk from leaks, spills and damage from natural disasters or extreme weather, according to the town. While the draft law allows for two more six-month extensions, the committee is expected to finalize its recommendations soon, said Gaba. Depot Theatre A site near the water tower at the Recreation Department's property off Route 9D is still the optimal location for a facility the Philipstown Depot Theatre initially proposed for a town-owned parcel off Route 403, said Council Member Judy Farrell. The Depot wants to consolida...

Administration promotes benefits for students, teachers Beacon school board members will vote April 22 on the district's 2025-26 budget proposal, which includes $87.7 million in spending and a 5.09 percent tax levy increase, just under the maximum allowed under a complicated state formula. The board will hold a public hearing during its May 6 meeting, and district voters will be asked to approve the plan on May 20. With the levy increase, the district could collect about $50 million in property taxes. The remainder of its revenue comes mostly from state and federal aid. Although state legislators had not approved a budget as of Thursday (April 10), Beacon is expected to receive about $31.5 million from Albany, including $21.7 in unrestricted foundation aid, a 2 percent increase. Direct federal aid accounts for about 2 percent of the Beacon district's budget, or $1.7 million. The Trump administration has threatened to cut funding to states and local districts that do not eliminate what the White House considers to be diversity, equity and inclusion programs, although New York State says it will resist. Beacon administrators plan to use the increased funding to implement summer workshops for incoming Beacon High School students and increased mental health support for students at the high school and Rombout Middle School. Math and reading teachers for struggling elementary students will be hired, as well as a part-time speech instructor at the elementary level. Teacher training would focus on "the science of reading" - a research field that investigates how children develop reading and writing skills. More than 75 percent of the budget will be spent on salaries and benefits for the district's 682 teachers, administrators and other staff. The proposed levy increase is larger than in years past due primarily to two factors: (1) debt service (about 8 percent of expected expenditures) on a $50 million capital project approved by voters last year and (2) increased residential development in Beacon. The capital project will fund sweeping improvements at all six district schools and is the first such effort to trigger a tax increase in at least 15 years. In addition, Beacon's tax base has also grown more than any other district in Dutchess County in the past five years. That growth is one of the factors in the complex state tax formula that determines how much a district can increase its levy; in Beacon it will allow the schools to add $1.2 million to the taxes collected for 2025-26. Superintendent Matt Landahl told school board members during their April 7 meeting that the district is creating individualized data sheets on budget impacts for each school. "This year is really important to give people as much information as they can have walking into their polling place," he said. While the levy is increasing, individual homeowners' tax bills may not go up by the same percentage. Development in Beacon adds taxpaying households, while assessments also impact what a homeowner owes. The district estimates that the owner of a home assessed at the median value in Beacon ($304,700) will pay $3,127 annually in school taxes - still considerably less than other Dutchess districts (see chart). "In my mind, this is an argument to go to the tax cap," Landahl said. "In our hiring and retaining employees, these are some of our closest-competing districts." If you expand the comparison regionwide, "that number just grows, if we're talking about Orange County, Putnam County and obviously Westchester County," he said. "That school tax estimate just gets bigger and bigger, compared to what we're paying here."

The Mayor flies into eternity Karen Finnegan never expected the bird to have such an impact. Before The Mayor became the unofficial mascot of Beacon, the red hen was a scruffy, squawky stray who had a thing for laying eggs in people's yards. In the spring of 2020, about two months after the pandemic shutdown began, the hen was seen wandering around Harbor Hill Court and Davies Avenue. Neighbors dubbed her the Beacon Hood Chicken. Finnegan already owned chickens, so when she read about the stray online, she drove from her home in Fishkill to rescue it from what surely would have been a lonely, and perhaps short, life on the streets. Once home with her new family, the hen carried herself like she owned the place. She was renamed The Mayor. She would peck at the back door to be let inside. Unintimidated by larger members of the animal kingdom, she drank water from the same dish as the three family dogs. Once, when The Mayor slipped into Finnegan's house, she hopped up on the kitchen table and took a sip from her husband Kevin's coffee. Exasperated, he could only muster: "There's a chicken in here. I need a new coffee." That's the confident, outspoken bird that Finnegan recalled on Tuesday (March 25), a week after The Mayor died quietly in her arms. Finnegan said she doesn't suspect bird flu. "I think it was just old age," perhaps exacerbated by fright from an encounter with a fox, she said. "Before anyone else says it, she was no spring chicken and she was a good egg," Finnegan wrote on Facebook. The Mayor was about 6 years old, an average lifespan for a backyard fowl. After adopting the chicken, Finnegan leaned into The Mayor's unique character, livestreaming the hen's bedtime routine on Facebook. "She was such a funny little animal," Finnegan said. "She was making me laugh, and I wanted to spread that. She was a little bit of joy in a very dark period" of the pandemic. Things snowballed after Halloween in 2020. Desperate to maintain a semblance of normalcy, volunteers collected donations and cleaned out the candy shelves at Walmart so The Mayor - wearing a pink tutu donated by a Beacon seamstress and wheeled in a stroller - could deliver treats to more than 100 houses. The exercise was repeated, only larger, at Christmas and Valentine's Day. By 2021 The Mayor had become a celebrity, attracting a crowd everywhere she went. That spring she met Marc Molinaro, then the Dutchess County executive and later elected to Congress, who proclaimed her the county's Poultry Laureate. Drivers would slow down to say hello when Finnegan walked The Mayor down Main Street. In 2023, the hen threw out the first pitch at a Hudson Valley Renegades baseball game. Something else was happening, too. Assuming The Mayor's persona, Finnegan's voice became amplified. Online and in person, she began to comment on the cultural changes she saw happening during the pandemic, often with a biting sarcasm that she might not have used before. "The Mayor led the charge," said Alexandra Devin, whose 6-year-old daughter, Madelein, participated in a women's march with the chicken and 100 other humans at Memorial Park in 2021. "She was like the face of what Karen wanted to put out into the world." When COVID-19 vaccines were introduced in December 2020, The Mayor and Finnegan, who has an immune-compromised child, hand-delivered cards congratulating people who took the shots. Inevitably, they were criticized by those opposed to the vaccines or the masks that were still commonplace. The Mayor "was able to be political and funny," Finnegan said. If things got too heated, she would remind detractors to "stop arguing with a chicken, jackass." Finnegan also has four children who identify as queer - "I have an L, a G and a B; I don't have a T," she said. In 2022, she founded Defense of Democracy with Laura Leigh Abby, who co-owned a Beacon fitness studio. The organization mobilized around school board elections in Wappingers Falls, opposing candidates endorsed by a conse...

Judge rejects request to delay eviction A Dutchess County judge last week rejected a request by retired volunteer firefighters to pause a city order to vacate a 136-year-old station on East Main Street. The firefighters argue it is not clear that Beacon owns the property. City officials plan to sell the Beacon Engine Co. and Mase Hook and Ladder stations and apply the proceeds to a $14.7 million central station that opened in October near City Hall. Gate House Compass Realty was selected to facilitate the sales, and the buildings should go on the market next month. The Beacon Engine Co. station was built in 1889 at 57 East Main St. by the Village of Matteawan, which merged in 1913 with Fishkill Landing to become the City of Beacon. The 2½-story brick structure was constructed in the Second Empire style of 19th-century France. The Mase firehouse is a 113-year-old, three-story brick building at 425 Main St. Together with the Lewis Tompkins Hose Co. station, which was on the site of the new firehouse, the buildings were the headquarters for generations of volunteers. Beacon Engine closed in 2020 and Mase was vacated when the new station opened, but retired volunteers have continued to use Beacon Engine for social and charitable events. On March 12, a group of those volunteers asked Judge Maria Rosa to set aside a city order that they vacate the building by March 31. The volunteers also asked Rosa to stop any sale until she determined their rights to the station. After Rosa denied the petition two days later, Beacon Engine Co. trustees said they are preparing to move out, although they dispute city ownership. When the City Council voted in February 2020, just weeks before the pandemic shutdown, to close Beacon Engine, both the retired volunteers and city officials believed the fire company owned two-thirds of the building - the original structure, which is believed to have housed the first motorized fire engine in Dutchess County - with the city holding a larger bay added in 1924. Since that time, the firefighters say, Beacon officials conducted a title search that showed municipal ownership of the entire building. In their petition, the volunteers disputed that, saying ownership is unclear because of "aged, handwritten deeds" and "incomplete searches and conclusory assertions" by the city. City Attorney Nick Ward-Willis said Tuesday (March 18) that Beacon provided the volunteer trustees with documentation of its sole ownership two years ago and would file supporting evidence with the court today (March 21). The volunteer company offered to lease or purchase the building but was turned down, he said. "While the city recognizes and appreciates the years of contribution from the volunteer firefighters," the company has provided no evidence of ownership, Ward-Willis said. Since the city closed the station in 2020, volunteers say they have paid for its maintenance, including roof, floor and window repairs and insurance, despite the unclear title. It continued to be the headquarters for charitable efforts such as the annual Toys for Tots drive and fundraising for a campus in Hudson for volunteer firefighters who can no longer care for themselves. The building is a social hub for retired volunteers and could attract more members if the city halted or paused plans to sell, said Joe Green, a Beacon Engine Co. trustee. "There's a lot of guys who would use this firehouse if they could," he said, estimating that as many as 250 retirees from the three companies live in the area. Mike Angeloni, the company treasurer, said the volunteers approached the Beacon Historical Society about creating a City of Beacon Firefighters Museum at the site and, if given the green light, would have pursued grants to continue rehabbing the building. The company had a good working relationship with the city "until the dollar signs came out," he said. The Beacon Engine firehouse was listed in 2004 on the National Register of Historic Places, which limits what...

Join Michelle Barone and Ashleigh McPherson on RED as they sit down with the iconic Teresa Giudice from The Real Housewives of New Jersey. In this episode, Teresa opens up about her past, including her experiences in jail, her divorce, and the ups and downs of reality TV. The discussion also highlights the importance of mental health, with insights into Mental Health America of Dutchess County. Don't miss out on the exclusive details about the future of RHONJ and Teresa's personal journey.-----------------------------------------------------Support Our Sponsors!Mental Health America of Dutchess County: Dedicated to promoting mental health and providing comprehensive support services to individuals and families. Learn more and find resources at https://mhadutchess.org. WAVA Water: Discover how Wava Water goes beyond hydration to fuel your body and mind. Visit wavawater.com to find your focus and stay refreshed. Pixi Beauty: Discover the natural glow with Pixi Beauty products. Shop now at https://pixibeauty.com and let your skin shine. Derma Laser Center: Schedule your Consultation Now! https://www.dermalasercenterny.com/-----------------------------------------------------Subscribe to the podcast now: https://www.youtube.com/@michellebaroneredpodcast Check out RED on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellebaronered?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Follow Michelle Barone Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/michellebaroneonline/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michellebarone?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow Ashleigh McPhersonInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ashhmcpherson/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashhmcpherson?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ashmcpherson Check out RED for more: https://michellebaroneonline.com/ -----------------------------------------------------00:00 Introduction01:22 Teresa Giudice on Real Housewives04:28 Reflecting on Past Seasons10:37 Balancing Life and Fitness12:06 Skincare Secrets Revealed13:13 Discussing Divorce and Jail Time15:06 Life in Jail and Reflections18:22 Legal Battles and Lessons Learned

Co-hosts Kathy Kruger and Jonah Triebwasser talk with Dora Celestino about the great work of the Council on Addiction Prevention and Education of Dutchess County.

As the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was yesterday. Tree time and people time are different and in the decades of growth that an oak needs to reach its full size, humans age out or move on. That makes planting a hopeful cast for future generations to enjoy the benefits of a maple or white pine. As the window closes to avert the worst effects of climate change, any day is a good day to plant a tree. Trees offer shade and cooling, clean the air and store a lot of carbon. They are critical parts of our ecosystems. Recognizing their role in mitigating global warming, the state's 25 Million Trees by 2033 initiative is part of New York's goal to be carbon neutral by 2050. Using a tracker developed by the Department of Environmental Conservation, you can add your tree plantings to a statewide map at dub.sh/tree-tracker. There aren't any reports of new trees in Putnam County and only three reports for 18 trees around Beacon. But it's new! Give us time. Annabel Gregg is the program coordinator at the DEC. Her job is to coordinate public and private efforts to fill gaps and get people excited about planting trees. Why 25 million trees? It begins with the Climate Action Plan of 2019. To reach carbon neutrality by 2050, the scoping plan sets out to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 85 percent and sequester 15 percent using trees and forests. To hit that goal, we need to establish 1.7 million acres of new forest by 2040. The reforestation plan is nearly final and Gov. [Kathy] Hochul wanted to get us started. That's why the 25 million trees by 2033 launched last year. We need to scale up and do it fast. How does the tree tracker fit into this? We launched it a month ago, so we're still adding data from 2024. We can use the tracker to measure progress. With Arbor Day coming on April 25, it's a great time to celebrate trees. There will be a lot of planting events. By this time next year, we can tell how well the tracker has integrated into what people are doing and make this part of the norm. How is tree loss accounted for? New York is 62 percent forested. The U.S. Forest Service conducts an inventory every five to seven years. New York state lost 1 percent of its forest cover between 2017 and 2022, the year of the most recent survey. [Pamela's note: The inventory lists Putnam County with 76 percent cover and Dutchess County with 53 percent. Throughout the state, 73 percent of forested land is in private hands. See dub.sh/forest-inventory.] Are there new approaches to reach the goal? I'm wondering about the dense plantings pioneered by Japanese forest ecologist Akira Miyawaki. We're setting up the first pilot project of a Miyawaki forest at the Five Rivers Education Center in Delmar [near Albany]. We're hoping that kids who come to the project will see all these species in a small space. We're studying the best reforestation and afforestation [planting where there has been no recent covering] strategies and there are programs like Regenerate New York for landowners to support things like slash walls [made of logs to protect young trees from deer]. Sources for trees The Tree Tracker explains how to plant trees and has a calendar of tree-planting events. Until Saturday (March 15), the Butterfield library in Cold Spring and the Desmond-Fish library in Garrison are offering free seedlings to children. Sign up at their websites. Beacon residents can purchase any of six species through the city at a discount. See dub.sh/beacon-trees. The deadline to order discounted seedlings from the DEC is May 14. For example, it offers 25 red-oak seedlings for $30. If you can't plant them all, consider sharing an order with friends or donating some. But act quickly because many varieties are already sold out. See dub.sh/DEC-trees.

State allows 5.15 percent tax-levy increase The Beacon school district is considering taking advantage of the full 5.15 percent tax-levy increase it has been allowed for 2025-26 by New York State to raise more than $50 million in property taxes. A state tax cap for public school districts and local governments limits annual increases to 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. However, other factors in a complicated formula can push the allowable increase well beyond that. At Haldane, the cap for 2025-26 is 3.38 percent and at Garrison, 5.78 percent, although both districts will likely ask voters for less. In Beacon's case, two factors in the formula raised the amount of property taxes the district can collect. First, it is the first budget to include debt service on a $50 million capital project approved by voters in 2024. Second, and more significantly, development added $1.2 million to the levy. Beacon has had the highest tax-base growth in Dutchess County for at least five years. In 2024-25, new construction allowed the district to add $793,795 to its levy. In 2023-24, it added $721,620. The administration has yet to propose its spending plan for 2025-26, but the district will spend $83.9 million in 2024-25. Its revenue this year includes $47.7 million in property taxes, or 3.91 percent more than 2023-24. The school board will continue a discussion of the 2025-26 budget at its March 24 meeting and vote on the plan on April 22. District voters will have their say on May 20. If the budget is approved, worst-case scenario figures provided by the district estimate an average $122 annual tax increase for Beacon homeowners, $159 for district residents in Fishkill and $161 for those in the Town of Wappinger. During the school board's meeting on Monday (March 10), some members questioned whether the district should seek the maximum allowable increase. "It seems a little high at 5 [percent], but I know what we're trying to do," said Eric Schetter. "If we could get it below 5, I would be happier with that. I think it would 'sell' more" to voters. However, Meredith Heuer, who joined the board in 2016, noted that "if we don't use what we can with our levy, we fall behind very quickly." The district chose not to seek the maximum allowable increase during one of her first years as a board member, she said, "and the next thing you know, you're negotiating for a teachers' contract, and there is no money." Superintendent Matt Landahl said Monday that pushing the budget "to cap" would allow the district to potentially expand from eight- to nine-period days at Rombout Middle School, giving students receiving extra academic help more time for electives and expanding class topics beyond core subjects. That change, if implemented, would probably require the district to hire four full-time teachers, he said. Additional reading and math teachers are needed at the elementary level, and the district hopes to expand a reading-support program offered in grades 3-5 to include grades K-2. "This is a lot, and to be real, we probably cannot afford all of this," Landahl said. "But I want to create, at minimum, a two-year plan to get this done. We want to look at multi-year planning for these larger initiatives, to make them affordable, to make them sustainable." Another factor for the board to consider is the unpredictable nature of its state and federal funding. Last year, the district received no increase in state funding, which typically accounts for a third of its revenue. That included foundation aid - state funding without spending restrictions - which was flat from 2023-24 to 2024-25, at about $21 million. Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed 2 percent foundation aid increases for nearly every district in the state, including Beacon, for 2025-26, but "there's concern on our end, in terms of: How long is that going to be the case?" Landahl said. Federal funding makes up far less of the district's budget - about 2 percent - but it pays fo...

County receives about $65 million annually About 10 percent of Dutchess County's funding - $65 million - comes from federal funding through eight agencies, according to a newly released report by Dan Aymar-Blair, a Beacon resident who is the county comptroller. The report also calculated that Dutchess residents receive $1.9 billion annually in direct federal assistance through programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and military medical insurance. Aymar-Blair released the report, which is posted at dub.sh/dutchess-federal, following a freeze on Jan. 27 by President Donald Trump of all federal funding, causing confusion for municipal governments and nonprofits. Although a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order a few days later and ordered the money restored, the funding has been inconsistent and unpredictable. At the same time, cuts driven by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an ad hoc agency created by the administration and led by carmaker Elon Musk, have caused further uncertainty. "We were getting a lot of questions," said Aymar-Blair. "People had concerns about how much federal funding the county had, what it was used for, and whether it had been touched by the feds." In Putnam, the finance department and clerk did not respond to inquiries about how much of the county's funding comes from the federal government. Putnam does not have a comptroller's office. Aymar-Blair said he had expected that the investigation would reveal sources of federal funding that the county could do without, but "every single program struck me as vital to the county's functioning and to supporting the vulnerable people in our county." The county's largest source of federal funding in 2024 was $43.6 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which funds programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (aka "welfare"); the Home Energy Assistance Program; adoption and foster care; and the enforcement of child support. The county also received $2.95 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (aka "food stamps") and $12.9 million from the Department of Transportation, among other federal expenditures. The report said that, as of Feb. 20, the county had not seen delays in federal disbursements, but Aymar-Blair said this week that's no longer accurate. "Everything's changing all the time," he said. At a March 6 meeting of the county Legislature's Public Works and Capital Projects Committee, Bob Balakind of the Department of Public Works reported that a federal grant the county had received to study the feasibility of electrifying the county bus fleet had been frozen. A consultant hired to produce the study was already a month into the work; if the funds aren't forthcoming, the county will have to pick up the tab. A grant to install new cameras at Dutchess County Airport also was paused, although "that may have since wiggled loose again," Balakind said. He noted that 90 percent of the airport's capital funding comes from the federal government, with the remainder split between the state and county. "We're usually only stuck with paying that last 5 percent, which is great," he said. "But that federal funding is now much more volatile." There is confusion about the status of some of the $3.2 million that the Department of Housing and Urban Development pays the county after the nonprofit Hudson River Housing reported that it had been told its contract with HUD would not be renewed as of March 31. That could leave dozens of Poughkeepsie families homeless, it said. Hudson River Housing did not respond to a request for comment. Meanwhile, the future of the Social Security Administration office in Poughkeepsie, the only one in the county, has been in doubt. The office, which had been closed for renovations, appeared on a list of government sites that DOGE expected to close. Earlier this week, Aymar-Blair said that the office's staff weren'...

No commitments yet as feasibility study continues Although it's not yet known if Dutchess County will commit to a 13-mile rail trail connecting Beacon and Hopewell Junction, a planning firm it hired told the City Council on Monday (March 3) that it has found no major roadblocks. "This is all buildable," Tom Baird, an engineer from Barton & Loguidice, the Albany firm conducting a feasibility study with the county, told the council. "There aren't big obstacles, there aren't major environmental concerns. We don't have any real hazardous materials to worry about, either." Dutchess County released a report on conditions along the Beacon Line, an abandoned rail spur, in November. A final report, with detailed concepts, cost estimates and phasing recommendations, should be finished by the summer. The Monday presentation to the City Council can be viewed at highlandscurrent.org/rail-trail-deck. The proposed trail would begin at the Beacon Metro-North station, a stone's throw from the Hudson River, then wind for 4 miles around the city's southern perimeter before running parallel with Tioronda Avenue and the east end of Main Street. Major crossings would include Churchill Street and East Main Street (at the dummy light). The trail would run underneath Route 9D (at Tioronda Avenue) and hug northbound Route 52 (Fishkill Avenue) to the city line. The trail would connect with the proposed Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail near the bridge at Madam Brett Park, where the planners said a trailhead could be located. Scenic Hudson, which is building the Fjord Trail between Beacon and Cold Spring, is a member of the Beacon-to-Hopewell Trail Advisory Committee. Once the rail trail leaves the city, it would veer back and forth over Fishkill Creek on its way through the Village of Fishkill and the towns of Fishkill and East Fishkill. At Hopewell, it would connect with the Dutchess Rail Trail, the Maybrook Trailway and, overlaying both, the 750-mile Empire State Trail. The abandoned rail line is owned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. A year ago, Metro-North, an agency of the MTA, "railbanked" the line, reserving the right to revive service, although an agency representative told The Current in February 2024 that it had no plans to do so. The important takeaway from the conditions study is that "the majority of the corridor is in really good condition," said Chris Hannett, another Barton & Loguidice engineer, on Monday. There are two options for constructing a trail, although one would be a much heavier lift. A "rail-with-trail" conversion, in which the tracks remain in place, would present many challenges, including a 20- to 25-foot buffer required between the tracks and any trail. Bridges in the corridor, which are no longer safe for trains, would have to be rebuilt, adding significant cost and environmental impacts, and right-of-way acquisitions would be required. The second option, a "rail to trail," would permit the reuse of bridges and ballast stones, the rocks used to stabilize the tracks, but the rails would be removed. A rail to trail would minimize environmental impacts, with little and possibly no rights-of-way needed. When the study began, Metro-North's abandonment of the line had not been approved by the federal Surface Transportation Board, so the engineers studied both options. The final report will include both but won't recommend either, instead letting "the engineering and the cost speak for itself, as well as the environmental impacts," Baird said. The planners anticipate a 12-foot-wide path made with a crushed-stone mix or asphalt, depending on the location. It would likely be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and could be lighted because of its proximity to dense urban areas. Baird said the county is conducting the study because funders often consider projects "and some will scratch their heads [and say], 'Can they really do that?' " With a report analyzing environmental impacts and other factors, "it...

Applicants could receive up to $125K for dwelling units Beacon and seven other municipalities in Dutchess County have been awarded $6 million from a state program to help low- and moderate-income residents construct or upgrade accessory dwelling units. Applications for the funding from Plus One ADU should be available later this year, after the Poughkeepsie nonprofit that will administer the program locally finalizes contracts with the state and municipalities. Single-family homeowners who qualify will be able to apply for up to $125,000 per project. The other Dutchess municipalities awarded this funding are the towns of Amenia, North East, Pine Plains, Poughkeepsie, Stanford, Union Vale and the Village of Rhinebeck. On Wednesday (Feb. 26), City Administrator Chris White said he was unsure whether the state or the nonprofit, Hudson River Housing, would evaluate applications. The city's role will be to promote the program, he said. The $6 million award, announced Feb. 14, is part of the third round of funding for the Plus One program; the state allocated $85 million in the 2022-23 budget. Applicants who receive funding will be required to confirm for 10 years or longer that the ADU is being used as housing and not short-term rentals, with site visits every two years. Gov. Kathy Hochul has supported ADUs as a relatively easy way to create affordable housing. They are often used to house an older relative but can provide income if used as long-term rentals. The City Council on Monday began a discussion of ways to further simplify Beacon's ADU approval process. In 2022, the council approved zoning-code amendments to streamline the lengthy Planning Board review that had been required for ADUs, but permits have been issued for only four units since then. Twenty-nine were approved in the three decades after the city began allowing ADUs in 1989. "We are not seeing the uptake of ADUs that was maybe thought [would happen] when these regulations were originally developed," said Natalie Quinn, the city's planning consultant. "I think there was a thought that it would be hugely popular and there would be one on every other lot." Because of the low participation, many municipalities are trying to make approvals easier, she said. Monday's meeting gave council members the opportunity to weigh in on several questions about regulations and ways to simplify them. The council seemed inclined to allow ADUs on any lot with a single-family structure. Currently, accessory units are not allowed in the Linkage or Fishkill Creek Development zones, among other areas. Council members appeared OK with keeping a requirement that the property owner must live in the primary structure or the ADU. They agreed to lower the minimum accessory apartment size from 200 square feet to match the state building code, which is 150 square feet. The city's current maximum is 1,000 square feet. The council also seemed to agree that some applications - for example, those for ADUs above a certain size or requiring a new structure rather than a renovation - should require Planning Board review. Council members leaned toward eliminating the requirement of one parking space per unit but said that, if an application must go to the Planning Board, a parking requirement should be considered. Finally, they agreed to continue requiring a $750 application fee and $3,000 escrow payment for Planning Board applications to cover the time of city attorneys and planning and engineering consultants. Despite those restrictions, by streamlining the process so that the building inspector can review and approve most applications, "you're removing the application fee, the escrow and engineering fees" for applicants, noted City Attorney Nick Ward-Willis. "That's where you're getting your most significant savings." Ward-Willis said he would bring a draft law to the next council workshop on March 10. If the council approves, it would schedule a public hearing for feedback before voting. East Mai...

Mild winters spell trouble for iceboating John Sperr, 75, doesn't need scientific reports to understand how climate change has affected iceboating on the Hudson River. "This year we've gone out seven or eight times," says Sperr. In the "good years" - three to four decades ago - he would sail 35 to 40 times per winter. "I could depend on the pond in my backyard freezing by Dec. 9, but as time went on that was no longer true. We rarely get a good season of ice." The Rhinebeck resident began iceboating in 1982, "a particularly spectacular year on the Hudson," he recalls. "We could sail on 26 miles of ice from Hyde Park to Germantown," in Columbia County. When the ice is good, the experience is amazing, he says. "You have to be smart, making your own decisions about how to get from point A to B. You have the wind in your hair, you hear the clickety-clack as you move along, you're having a good time with friends, enjoying the beauty of the river." There has been good ice this season near Athens, in Greene County, in the western channel around a small island off the City of Hudson, across the river. The U.S. Coast Guard breaks the ice in the eastern channel. The mile-wide Orange Lake, northwest of Newburgh, is another popular site. It freezes more consistently than the Hudson, Sperr says. Tivoli Bay in Dutchess County was an iceboating center, although not in recent years. Iceboats date to the 17th century in the Netherlands and the Gulf of Riga between Latvia and Estonia, where they transported goods before becoming popular as pleasure craft that Europeans dubbed "ice yachts." In the 18th century, Dutch settlers along the Hudson added runners to their boats, enabling winter transport of goods and people over the ice. In 1790, Oliver Booth of Poughkeepsie added runners to a wooden box and a rudder to create what many consider the prototype for recreational ice boats. The Poughkeepsie Ice Yacht Club, founded in 1861, was the first of its kind in the U.S. Within five years, a local newspaper reported there were more than 100 ice yachts on the Hudson, with clubs from Newburgh to Albany. In 1885, after a dispute, members of the Poughkeepsie group left to form the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club. Its first commodore was John Roosevelt, an uncle of future President Franklin D. Roosevelt. John Roosevelt and his Hyde Park neighbor, Archibald Rogers, were among the nation's best iceboat builders and captains. Two of their boats, Icicle and Jack Frost, won the sport's most prestigious competition, the Ice Yacht Challenge Pennant of America, nine times between them after The Phantom, sailing out of the New Hamburg Ice Yacht Club, took home the 30-foot silk banner in the inaugural race in 1881. The years 1880 to 1910 are considered the golden age of Hudson River iceboating. During that era, even in a moderate breeze, iceboats sped along at speeds of 70 mph, outracing trains on the riverfront tracks. For a brief period, iceboats were the fastest vehicles in the world. By 1908 the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club had 52 yachts, including The Hawk, owned by the club's vice commodore, FDR. The wooden boats gave way in the 1920s to streamlined craft developed in the Midwest around the Great Lakes. In the early 1960s, the club enjoyed a resurgence led by Ray Ruge, a Cornwall resident who rescued old boats. Today, the club has about 30 yachts, including Spider (Sperr's 26-footer) and the Jack Frost, which has 800 feet of sail. Its body has been rebuilt but the cockpit is original. (Its companion, Icicle, is owned by the Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston.) During one outing on the Jack Frost, on the river in Columbia County, "the wind came up suddenly and threw the two guys out of the cockpit" onto the ice, Sperr says. The men scrambled back aboard and yelled to Sperr and others in nearby boats to join them; they needed more weight. "Four of us jumped on," he says. They turned the boat downwind, "accelerated through a broad reach, the runner plank ...

Officials envision replica of lost structure As her finger slowly moved over each face in a 65-year-old photo of 10 children inside a classroom, Maryanne Cavaccini began reeling off names. Her cousin Joanie, Evelyn, Marie, Billy, Peter, Lenny. She named three more before stopping at a little girl in a print dress, a second grader. "Yeah, that's me," she said. Memories, photos, news clippings and an empty lot are all that remain of the Little Red Schoolhouse, which stood for 129 years at Route 9D and Red Schoolhouse Road in Fishkill, just north of Beacon. At the time it closed in 1959, when its veteran teacher retired, the one-room structure held seven grades - "pre-first" to six. Students continued their education in the Beacon school district. The building was torn down in 1971, but there is talk of building a replica - if anyone can figure out who owns the property. A title search by the state in 1977 failed to identify the owner, but the Town of Fishkill has renewed the effort so it can preserve the site for visitors. "The more attractions we have, the more we can celebrate our history," said Town Supervisor Ozzy Albra. The school's history began with its construction in 1830 on property owned by the Verplanck family, large landholders who also donated the property for Stony Kill Farm, which sits across Route 9D. Elizabeth Travis, a Glenham native and Beacon High School graduate , was the teacher for 47 years, from 1912 until it closed in 1959. With children in seven grades occupying one room, Travis called one class at a time to a front bench. "When she was doing a lesson with one grade, we had to be quiet and do our studies," said Cavaccini, then known as Maryanne Greggo. Cavaccini entered as a kindergarten student in 1956, when the Little Red Schoolhouse may have been the only remaining one-room school in Dutchess County. Her brother Frank also attended the school, which drew students from Baxtertown, Red Schoolhouse and Stony Kill roads, as well as Route 9D. On Tuesday (Feb. 25), Cavaccini recalled the DeSoto that her teacher drove, the potbelly stove that provided heat and a swing students hung to fling themselves into a pond. One newspaper report credited Travis with saving the structure from a fire by organizing a bucket brigade of students armed with water from a stream. A truck filled with candy once overturned outside the school, spilling its contents and drawing students outside, said Cavaccini. "We were screaming, 'We got the candy,' " she said. "The teacher came out screaming, 'You can't do that.' Well, we did it." When the school closed, Cavaccini was about to enter the third grade. She transferred to South Avenue Elementary and later graduated from Beacon High School. Her career included stops in the San Francisco area and jobs at Central Hudson, the Stewart Air National Guard Base and the Castle Point VA Medical Center. Five years after the schoolhouse was demolished, Elizabeth Travis attended a ceremony marking the installation of a sign made by students at Glenham Elementary School in Fishkill, which is part of the Beacon district. She died in 1984 at Highland Hospital in Beacon. Last week, a photo posted on Facebook showed students standing outside the school. It drew nearly 100 comments, including from Cavaccini and people whose parents or other relatives attended. Someone remembered their family buying strawberries in the summer from Travis, who ran a farm with her husband. Many of the commenters denounced the decision 54 years ago to demolish the school. "That could have been a historical building," said Cavaccini.

Democrats endorse newcomers for seats Four of the seven members of the Beacon City Council will not seek re-election in November, and the Beacon Democratic Committee has endorsed four newcomers to fill the seats. Jeff Domanski (Ward 2) and Pam Wetherbee (Ward 3) will not seek re-election; Molly Rhodes (Ward 1) is leaving to run for the Dutchess County Legislature; and George Mansfield (Ward 4), appointed in January to fill a vacancy, is not running to keep the seat. The Democrats have endorsed Lastar Gorton (Ward 1), Zach Smith (Ward 2), Sergei Krasikov (Ward 3) and Carolyn Glauda (Ward 4), as well as incumbents Amber Grant and Paloma Wake for the two at-large seats. The Democrats also endorsed Yvette Valdés Smith for District 16 on the Legislature, which includes Ward 4 in Beacon and parts of Fishkill, and Rhodes for District 18, which includes Wards 1 to 3. The latter is held by Nick Page, who will not seek a fifth term. For the past two elections, Democratic candidates for the City Council have run unopposed. Gorton is a life coach and author who was grand marshal of the 2024 Spirit of Beacon Day parade; Smith is a data scientist who serves on the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail Visitation Data Committee; Krasikov chairs the city Conservation Advisory Committee and co-chairs the Fishkill Creek Watershed Alliance; and Glauda is programs and outreach manager for the Southeastern New York Library Resources Council and a member of the city's Traffic Safety Committee. In an email, Mansfield, who previously served seven terms before returning to the council this year, said Thursday that "there were so many good, qualified people stepping up to run that I decided these new voices and perspectives would serve the city well." The Democrats also endorsed Dan Aymar-Blair, a former council member who was elected in November as Dutchess County comptroller. He is serving the final year of a four-year term held by Robin Lois, who resigned to take a state job, and will run in November for a full term. He may face Will Truitt, the Republican chair of the Legislature, who filed to run for the position.

Eliza Street condominiums incomplete A lender filed a lawsuit in Dutchess County court this month demanding repayment of nearly $4.63 million from the developer of an incomplete Beacon housing project. The suit, filed Feb. 4 by Insula Capital Group, alleges that Qele "Charlie" Qelaj, who is listed in a state database as the registered agent of Eliza Street LLC, failed to repay loans of $747,000 and $3,881,950 to construct The Mews at Beacon, a nine-unit condominium development at 53 Eliza St. The project, which was approved by the Beacon Planning Board in 2019, would have loft-like condos in three buildings around a landscaped courtyard. A representative for the developer said in 2023 that construction was 70 percent complete and Qelaj was getting new financing. Last year the representative said Qelaj had approached a new lender. Insula said in its complaint that Qelaj requested three extensions on the $747,000 loan, which was taken out in 2021. According to the legal filing, in 2022 Qelaj consolidated two other loans totaling $3.9 million. In January 2023, the Zoning Board of Appeals granted the project a one-year extension of a variance to construct multi-family units in an area zoned for single-family homes. It also provided an extension on a variance to construct nine units on a parcel that was allowed only six. At that time, the project's attorney wrote in materials submitted to the ZBA that the three buildings had been constructed and would be "completely finished" within 10 months, notwithstanding complications presented by the pandemic. Insula asked the court to force the sale of the development to pay the debts, plus interest and fees. 416-420 Main St. The City Council on Tuesday (Feb. 18) approved a second six-month extension of the special-use permit approved in 2021 for the four-story building at 416-420 Main St. The project merged two lots and will include retail on the ground floor, office space on the second and third and a single apartment on a recessed fourth floor, as well as an outdoor plaza open to the public. Construction had been delayed by "long lead times required to finish interior spaces," according to a memo from the city attorney, but is expected to be complete within six months.

Representative Rob Wittman is a Republican representing Virginia's 1st Congressional district in the US House of Representatives. Representative Pat Ryan is a Democrat representing New York's 18th Congressional district, and is a former Army intelligence officer who deployed to Iraq.  Together, they formed the House Modernization Caucus, driving key policies in national security innovation. On this episode of the Defense Tech Underground, Representative Wittman and Representative Ryan discuss the launch of the bipartisan Defense Modernization Caucus and early wins from the caucus in the 2025 NDAA. They explain the challenges for the Pentagon to move from a hardware centric organization to a software centric one, and discuss opportunities for the caucus to drive impact in defense innovation.  This episode is hosted by Jeff Phaneuf and Helen Phillips.    Congressman Wittman:  Congressman Rob Wittman was first elected to the United States Congress to serve Virginia's First Congressional District in 2007. While in office, he has focused on strengthening our military and supporting our nation's veterans, promoting a flourishing economy through fiscal responsibility and pro-growth policies, fixing our crumbling infrastructure, increasing access to high-speed internet, and promoting workforce development through Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs. In the U.S. Congress, Congressman Wittman serves as vice chairman of both the House Armed Services Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee, where he is well-positioned to represent the needs of Virginia's First District. He has earned a strong reputation for being an advocate for our men and women in uniform and for being a champion of the Chesapeake Bay. Congressman Wittman was re-elected for his ninth full term in the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2024 and prior to that, he served in several levels of government. Congressman Wittman won his first campaign for public office in 1986 when he was elected to the Montross Town Council, where he served for 10 years, four of them as mayor. In 1995, he was elected to the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors and was elected its chairman in 2003. In 2005, voters in the 99th Legislative District elected Rob to the Virginia House of Delegates, where he served until his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2007. Prior to his election to Congress, Rob spent 26 years working in state government, most recently as field director for the Virginia Health Department's Division of Shellfish Sanitation. Earlier in his career, he worked as an environmental health specialist for local health departments in Virginia's Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions. He holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Public Health degree in Health Policy and Administration from the University of North Carolina, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Virginia Tech.   Congressman Ryan:  Congressman Pat Ryan is a fifth-generation Hudson Valley native, proud Kingston High School alum, and the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ryan served two combat tours in Iraq, earning two Bronze Stars. Prior to his 2022 election to Congress, Ryan served the community that raised him as Ulster County Executive. There, Ryan led the County through the COVID-19 pandemic and spearheaded policies that delivered relief to working families while never raising taxes. He led the charge to revitalize the former IBM site, now known as iPark 87, helped put money back in small business owners and residents' pockets, took on corporate special interests, and delivered new investments in mental health services. In Congress, Ryan is focused on defending fundamental freedoms and delivering relief for Hudson Valley families. Serving on the House Armed Services Committee, Ryan is working on issues of military preparedness, countering the threat of a rising China, and investing in the United States Military Academy and the next generation of military leaders. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Ryan is committed to improving the daily lives of all residents in NY-18. Whether you commute to work on Metro North, travel Route 17 through Orange County, or need broadband access in Dutchess County, he will fight every day to improve our region's infrastructure. Ryan has also championed efforts to expand access to affordable health care, support local law enforcement, preserve Social Security and Medicare, prevent gun violence, and protect a woman's right to choose. Ryan lives in Gardiner, NY with his wife, Rebecca, and their two young sons, Theo and Cameron.

rWotD Episode 2839: Myers Corner, New York Welcome to Random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia’s vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Monday, 10 February 2025 is Myers Corner, New York.Myers Corner is a hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Wappinger, Dutchess County, New York, United States. The population was 6,790 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Poughkeepsie–Newburgh–Middletown, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as the larger New York–Newark–Bridgeport, NY-NJ-CT-PA Combined Statistical Area.Myers Corner is in the town of Wappinger on County Route 93 and County Route 94. Myers Corners School is also located here.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:33 UTC on Monday, 10 February 2025.For the full current version of the article, see Myers Corner, New York on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Gregory.

Dutchess County has slowest growth A New York report released last month found that the number of people without long-term housing nearly doubled between 2022 and 2024, although Dutchess County had the lowest growth rate in the state, at 11 percent. The report, compiled by the state Comptroller's Office, found that, from January 2022 to January 2024, New York's homeless population grew by 50 percent, compared to 20 percent in the rest of the country. It relied on a census conducted annually by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development that estimated about 770,000 people in the U.S. were homeless in 2024, including 140,000 in New York City and 18,000 in the rest of the state. Only Hawaii and Washington, D.C., had higher rates per capita. The homeless population in Dutchess County grew to an estimated 705 residents. Putnam County was not broken out, but Westchester County had a 19 percent increase, to 1,611. The statewide increase was 113 percent, although nearly all of that growth was in New York City, the report said, citing an influx of asylum seekers, the end of a pandemic freeze on evictions, a lack of affordable housing and rising rents. In a news release on Jan. 30, Dutchess County cited its "proactive approach to addressing homelessness" for its state-low growth, including street outreach, case management and two licensed social workers hired in December. How to Get Help Dutchess County residents who need housing or a warming center can call the Department of Community & Family Services at 845-486-3300 during business hours or call 211 or law enforcement. Putnam County residents who need emergency housing can call the Department of Social Services & Mental Health at 845-808-1500, ext. 45233, during business hours. The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at 800-342-3009 or dub.sh/NY-help can provide guidance for emergency benefits. Last summer, the county Department of Community & Family Services took over operations of a Poughkeepsie shelter, known as PODS, where an eight-person team works with each resident to develop "individualized independent living plans" and provide mental health support and crisis intervention. The shelter population dropped by 33 percent from 2023 to 2024, the county said. According to the federal data, the number of families without long-term housing in New York state tripled between 2022 and 2024, to 96,000, accounting for about 60 percent of the population. More than half of state residents without long-term housing are Black or Hispanic, and an estimated 10 percent suffer from severe mental illness or chronic substance abuse. To its credit, New York state has the lowest rate of unsheltered homeless in the country (3.6 percent of all homeless, versus 44 percent nationally), the lowest rate of homeless seniors (2.5 percent) and the lowest rate of chronically homeless (3.6 percent). The state has 128,000 emergency beds (compared to 76,000 in California), 95 percent of which are in shelters, according to the report. The remaining 5 percent consists of "rapid re-housing" for moving people to permanent homes, "safe havens" for people with severe mental illness and "transitional housing" with support for up to 24 months.

Beacon committee's plan would prohibit self-storage, drive-thrus The Beacon City Council is expected on Monday (Feb. 10) to begin its review of a draft law that, if approved, would ban new self-storage facilities and businesses with drive-thrus on Fishkill Avenue (Route 52). The proposal is part of a first batch of recommendations for the busy thoroughfare generated by the Fishkill Avenue Concepts Committee, a citizen workgroup assembled by Mayor Lee Kyriacou a year ago. The council in November asked the group to present "quick fixes" while the committee works on more detailed recommendations for the mile-long stretch from Blackburn Avenue to the Town of Fishkill line near the Industrial Arts Brewing Co. The City Council will likely fine-tune the draft on Monday before scheduling a public hearing and sending the proposal to the Dutchess County and Beacon planning boards for review. Existing businesses in the corridor would be exempted. There are no drive-thrus on Fishkill Avenue, but the Planning Board will hold a public hearing the following night (Feb. 11) on a proposal to convert 420-430 Fishkill Ave., the former site of the Healey Brothers Ford dealership, to a Dunkin' coffeehouse with a drive-thru. The building also would have other commercial space and three apartments. If the Planning Board approves the Dunkin' proposal, it would be regulated by whatever zoning is in place when a foundation is poured and "something substantial has come out of the ground," City Attorney Nick Ward-Willis told the council during its workshop on Jan. 27. During that meeting, J.C. Calderon, who chairs the Fishkill Avenue committee, introduced four recommendations, although the law being discussed Feb. 10 will only include the first two: 1. Prohibit self-storage facilities, which provide minimal employment and do not contribute to "vibrant corridors." 2. Prohibit drive-thrus, which are inconsistent with the committee's "pedestrian-scale vision." 3. Reduce the minimum front-yard setback for new development in the corridor from 15 feet to 10 feet, and require parking spaces to be located behind, underneath or to the side of a building. If to the side, parking should be screened by a low wall or landscaping. 4. Prohibit gas stations, car washes, vehicle sales or rental lots and auto-repair shops, while allowing existing auto-related uses in the corridor to remain as non-conformities. The committee is expected to make other recommendations that could include the creation of a Fishkill Avenue zoning district. Calderon noted that the interim suggestions, particularly No. 4, were not unanimous among the nine committee members, although he suggested some of that could be attributed to a misunderstanding about existing businesses being exempt. Natalie Quinn, the city's planning consultant, told the council: "There's a thought that these [gas stations, car washes, car dealers and auto-repair shops] are viable business options that provide services to members of the community, and they have to be located somewhere, and this may be one of the last corridors in the city that allows some of these uses." She said, in some cases, the opposition could be boiled down to: "Many people own a car that needs repair at some point." Beacon Planning Board members have also expressed concern with the fourth recommendation, Quinn said, because auto-related ventures are "what the market is currently providing" for available lots on Fishkill Avenue. Pam Wetherbee, who represents Ward 3, which includes the corridor, said she favors banning drive-thrus because of the emissions and traffic they create. "We're going to have a rail trail," she said, referring to Dutchess County's study of a dormant line along Fishkill Creek, "and to have emissions happening right where people are walking in nature seems to go against itself." But she and Kyriacou each said they would move deliberately on No. 4 because much of the corridor is autocentric. "I don't want to be in the situati...

Co-hosts Kathy Kruger and Jonah Triebwasser talk with Rotarian Todd Bowen and Gene Noone about Dutchess County's St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Scientists say no immediate threat to humans The Putnam County Department of Health confirmed on Jan. 17 that the carcass of a wild goose found at Green Chimneys in Brewster last month tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. On Thursday (Jan. 30), the state Department of Agriculture and Markets said five more birds - three wild and two domestic - had tested positive at Green Chimneys, which provides therapeutic services for children that focus on animals and nature. The staff is being monitored for symptoms of illness, although none have been tested for avian flu, the county health department said. Green Chimneys has paused its public programs. The birds at Green Chimneys are among four confirmed cases of the disease statewide in the past two weeks: On Jan. 21, health officials on Long Island announced a positive case at a commercial poultry farm with over 100,000 birds. The facility, Crescent Duck Farm in Suffolk County, has been placed under quarantine while its staff is tested. Its entire stock will be destroyed. On Wednesday (Jan. 29), the Ulster County Department of Health announced that all but two of about 50 chickens and ducks at an unnamed farm had died of avian influenza. The remaining birds were euthanized. "Human contact with the birds was limited to the owners and a veterinarian, who will remain under surveillance for symptoms over the next 10 days," the department said in a statement. On Thursday, the state said it had confirmed two cases in Romulus, in the Finger Lakes, with tests pending on birds found dead on Seneca Lake and Onondaga Lake near Syracuse. Residents who encounter dead birds should avoid making contact. On Wednesday, on Perks Boulevard in Philipstown, Stephen Heath reported finding a dead hawk in his yard that did not appear to have injuries. He contacted the state Department of Environmental Conservation but was told that the agency isn't collecting further samples for testing. It advised him to triple-bag the carcass while wearing gloves and a mask before throwing it in the trash. Suspected bird flu cases can be reported online at bit.ly/DECbirdflu, but an agency representative said there's not much that can be done for wild birds. People should assume any dead bird is infected and follow the guidelines at cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is unusual for humans to be infected by avian influenza viruses and it typically occurs only because of close or lengthy unprotected contact (i.e., no gloves or respiratory or eye protection) with infected birds "or places that sick birds or their saliva, mucous and feces have touched." Infection can also occur through an intermediary animal, such as a cat or cow. The CDC has confirmed 67 cases of bird flu in humans, nearly all attributed to close contact with sick cattle or poultry, and one death, announced on Jan. 6 - an older Louisiana resident who contracted avian influenza from backyard chickens. There have been no reported human infections in New York state. The first bird flu viruses emerged in China in 1996 and Hong Kong in 1997, leading to 18 confirmed human infections. The first U.S. case was recorded in 2022. Avian influenza showed up in Dutchess County in 2022. Over the past two years, the virus has been evolving and has been detected in over 40 mammalian species, said Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, an infectious diseases physician and founding director of Boston University's Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases. "As of last spring, this virus has made a jump from birds into dairy cows, which has led to a scenario where many more humans may now come into contact with cows on dairy farms that are being infected," she said. "That has led to what we call 'sporadic infections,' where the infection is transmitted from an animal into humans. Thankfully, we do not see any evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission." Because tens of millions...

Alliance backs designation as 'inland waterway' Sergei Krasikov's laps across Fishkill Creek come with caveats. After a rainstorm, wait several days for the runoff carrying potential pollutants to clear before swimming. Protect your nose and eyes, and shower afterward. Back on land, Krasikov is co-chair of the Fishkill Creek Watershed Alliance and part of a movement to protect the creek not only for flora and fauna but as a place of respite and recreation. The creek extends for 33.5 miles between Union Vale in northeast Dutchess County and the Hudson River. Featuring gorges and waterfalls, it is the main branch of a 193-mile watershed that spans 14 municipalities in Dutchess and Putnam counties. Born in July 2023 from a collaboration between conservation advisory committees in Beacon and East Fishkill, the alliance's first major project is getting the creek designated by the state as an "inland waterway," said Krasikov, who chairs Beacon's committee. If legislation sponsored by state Sen. Rob Rolison, whose district includes Beacon, becomes law, Beacon and other municipalities through which the creek passes would become eligible for funding through the state's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) and the Environmental Protection Fund. The programs provide grants for planning, design, land acquisition and other waterfront projects for designated coastal water bodies, such as the Hudson River, and inland waterways. Beacon adopted a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program for its riverfront and Fishkill Creek in 1992 and updated it in 2011, but the creek lacks designation as an inland waterway. "This designation opens the door for the towns along the Fishkill Creek and its tributaries to access vital resources," Rolison said. Along Beacon's portion of the creek, several sections of its Greenway and Heritage Trail have already opened. Along the Beacon Line, an unused railroad line envisioned as the route for a rail trail between Beacon and Hopewell Junction, several vacant parcels have been identified, Krasikov said. For 2 miles, the rail line follows Fishkill Creek, where the alliance envisions places to kayak, swim or relax. "There is a potential for pocket parks - connecting two together and giving people a chance to experience being by the water and enjoying the beautiful creek," he said. New York's designated inland waterways include Wappinger Creek in Dutchess County and Lake Carmel, Lake Mahopac and Lake Nimham in Putnam. With the Hudson River designated as a coastal waterbody, Beacon has used LWRP grants on such riverfront projects as the kayak deck at Long Dock Park. Other beneficiaries include the City of Poughkeepsie, which received a $765,000 grant in 2023 to develop strategies to improve biodiversity, water quality and public space along the Fall Kill Creek. That same year, Nyack received $417,000 to install an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant shoreline walkway and to buttress its waterfront against storm surge and other impacts of climate change. In December, Kingston received $167,000 to update its 1992 waterfront plan and earlier was awarded $552,000 to demolish two condemned, city-owned houses in a flood zone and build a parking lot, boardwalk and pier. With "lingering concerns" about water quality, one of the goals of the Fishkill Creek Watershed Alliance is to study the lower creek's health, said Krasikov. The alliance successfully lobbied to have the middle and upper segments included in an ongoing state water-quality study that covers "everything, from agricultural runoff to biological markers to industrial pollutants," he said. Additional tests for the creek are being designed in partnership with faculty at Bard and Vassar colleges, and Riverkeeper is interested in collaborating with the alliance to measure bacteria indicating fecal matter from sewage, said Krasikov. The alliance is also collaborating on a "watershed characterization" study with Clarkson University's Beacon Institute for...

Income levels last updated 20+ years ago The Beacon City Council is expected to schedule public hearings for Feb. 3 on laws that would expand property tax exemptions for both senior citizens and disabled residents with limited incomes. To determine exemptions, the city uses sliding income scales that haven't been updated in more than 20 years. If approved, new income brackets and exemption levels would apply to residential tax bills beginning in 2026. The city exempts 50 percent of a home's assessed value from taxation for property owners 65 or older when their annual household income is less than $20,500. The senior income scale, which has been in place since 2001, incrementally increases to encompass households earning between $25,301 and $26,200. Those homeowners are eligible for a 20 percent exemption. The new schedule would give the 50 percent exemption to senior households earning $41,600 or less and would bring Beacon's income brackets and exemptions in line with those used by Dutchess County. The schedule would also gradually increase income-eligibility limits, with the final bracket - households making between $49,100 and $49,999 - allowed a 5 percent exemption. The income schedule for disabled residents has not been updated since 1999. It gives the 50 percent exemption to households earning $18,500 or less annually. If the changes are approved, the 50 percent bracket would increase to $41,600 or less, with a 5 percent exemption ceiling for households earning between $49,100 and $49,999. There is no age limit for residents seeking disability exemptions. The figures are higher than the U.S. poverty line, which is $21,150 annually for a household of two and $31,150 for a household of four. The proposed adjustments are not only overdue but would give residents greater purchasing power in the face of ongoing inflation, which rose by 2.9 percent in December, City Administrator Chris White told the council during its Monday (Jan. 13) workshop. City Assessor Kathy Martin, who suggested the changes, said she was unsure how many additional residents would benefit. While the adjustments would require council members to pass two laws, the public hearings may be held concurrently because the programs are similar, said City Attorney Christian Gates. The senior exemption "truly helps people to stay in their homes," Martin said. "It can cut their taxes in half." Seniors may apply for the city's limited-income exemption and the Enhanced STAR exemption, a program for homeowners 65 and older administered by New York State that applies to school taxes. The Enhanced STAR program comes with its own income restrictions: In 2025, it is $107,300 annually or less for a homeowner and spouse. The Enhanced STAR limit is based on adjusted gross income, while the city programs base their brackets on total income, including interest, rental income and Social Security, Martin noted. Taxes not collected by the city because of exemptions are subsidized by other taxpayers. Exemption applications are due to Martin by March 1 and must be renewed each year. See dub.sh/NY-exemptions. For Enhanced STAR, see tax.ny.gov/star. Fishkill Avenue zoning The Fishkill Avenue Concepts Committee, an 11-member citizen group studying zoning, streetscapes, non-vehicular access and other questions related to the northeast section of Beacon, will share preliminary zoning recommendations for the corridor with the City Council in February. But Amber Grant, an at-large representative, said Monday (Jan. 13) that she wants to begin the conversation during the council's next workshop, on Jan. 27. The city's vision for Fishkill Avenue has been a topic of interest since Mayor Lee Kyriacou created the committee a year ago. When J.C. Calderon, the committee chair, gave the council an update on its work in November, Grant said she wanted to get a head start on zoning "to minimize the stuff that we absolutely don't want to be happening" around the busy thoroughfare. In lieu of enac...

George Mansfield returns but process faces pushback George Mansfield, a 14-year, seven-term veteran of the Beacon City Council who chose not to run for re-election in 2023, was appointed to the council on Monday (Jan. 6) to fill a vacancy created when Dan Aymar-Blair resigned after being elected Dutchess County comptroller. The council's vote to confirm Mansfield was 5-1, with Jeff Domanski of Ward 2 voting "no." Mansfield, a Democrat, will serve the final year of Aymar-Blair's term as the Ward 4 representative. Mansfield said Tuesday that he plans to run in November, but for an at-large council seat, which could set up a Democratic primary if Amber Grant and Paloma Wake, the current at-large representatives, both run again. Beacon's charter gives the mayor the authority to fill a vacancy on the council, and for the second year in a row, Mayor Lee Kyriacou named a former member to fill an empty seat (he previously appointed Amber Grant, who served from 2018 to 2021, after Wren Longno resigned). Kyriacou said he received about "half a dozen" applications for the Ward 4 post after Aymar-Blair announced on Dec. 2 that he would leave at the end of the year. Mansfield told The Current in January 2024 that a break from the council would tie in well with the September 2023 closing of Dogwood, the restaurant and bar he owned on East Main Street. However, he left open the possibility of returning, and this week said he applied to be part of the conversation regarding development at the Metro-North station, the possible rezoning of the Fishkill Avenue corridor and the future of the city's two closed firehouses. After interviewing candidates, the mayor said he chose Mansfield because he's "somebody who knows exactly what they're doing and can come to the table and start right off the bat." Appointing someone who had not previously won a contested election "kind of gives them a free election," Kyriacou said. A year ago, Kyriacou appointed Grant to represent Ward 3. At the same meeting, Pam Wetherbee, a former Ward 3 representative who had been elected in November 2023 as an at-large member, shifted to that seat, and Grant became an at-large member. Grant and Wetherbee were required to run in November to keep their positions. Both ran unopposed and were sworn in on Monday. Kyriacou did not reveal the names of other applicants for Aymar-Blair's seat but acknowledged that council members were likely aware of them. Domanski called the appointment a "missed opportunity" because "there was no consultation or broader conversation that was had to explore the candidates in a more formal way, even in executive session." Before voting, Wake asked if council members had suggestions for amending the charter guidelines. Wetherbee said the value of an experienced "plug-and-play" member outweighed concerns for her because Mansfield will have to run for election in less than a year. Domanski advocated a more collaborative process but made no proposal. To change the city charter, the council must approve a policy and hold a public vote. While the mayor has appointed council members two years in a row, before last year it apparently had not happened since the city went to a "strong mayor" structure in 1991, with ward representatives rather than at-large commissioners. Firehouse broker By a 5-1 vote, the council on Monday selected Gate House Compass Realty to broker the sale of the Mase Hook and Ladder and Beacon Engine Co. fire stations, with Domanski abstaining. City officials issued a request for proposals on Dec. 2 for agencies to facilitate the sale of the century-old stations. The proceeds will be used for the $14.7 million central fire station that opened recently at 1140 Wolcott Ave. City Attorney Nick Ward-Willis said representatives from 10 companies toured the empty stations last month. Gate House, a Beacon agency owned by Charlotte Guernsey, was one of four firms to submit proposals by the Dec. 19 deadline. Of the four, "Gate House was the one...

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Investors update older homes, and their prices TikTok users took aim when a Brooklyn design firm in 2023 listed a renovated property in Beacon for nearly five times the amount it had paid three years earlier. In a one-minute post in July 2023, a user named BavidDoughy ranted about the 1940-built Cape Cod at 112 Washington Ave. that Factioned bought for $260,000, renovated and relisted for $1.25 million. "This video goes out to all the greedy, delusional house flippers in my area who are buying houses like this and doing too much," he said. The post prompted more than 55,000 comments. Factioned was not that delusional. In June, the home sold for $1.1 million. Nor is the company alone in replacing the city's modest single-family homes built many decades earlier with modern residences. An 1880s Victorian at 33 Davis St. with three bedrooms and three baths that sold for $325,000 in August 2020 underwent a restoration in 2022 that added two bedrooms and a bathroom. The property sold in June for $2.23 million, or $330,000 more than the asking price. A limited liability company that bought 144 Spring Valley St. for $370,000 in March demolished the two-bedroom house and is building a new five-bedroom one offered for $1.7 million. It will have "double-height" ceilings on the first floor and a "stunning patio and spacious yard with views," according to the Zillow listing. Spring Valley runs along Fishkill Creek. The same investors won Planning Board approval to subdivide 46 Judson St., built in 1930. They renovated that property, selling it for $960,000 in January, and used the second lot to build 50 Judson St., which is for sale at $1.35 million. At Factioned, design director Jared Lairmore said he moved to Beacon, to a home three blocks from the Washington Avenue property, before the pandemic hit in March 2020. With most businesses closing, the firm decided to buy and renovate 112 Washington to keep its staff working. "We made a commitment internally that we weren't going to get rid of any of our staff, if at all possible," said Lairmore. He described the project as a "passion project and not a flip." Factioned's gut renovation included dropping the first floor by 2 feet to increase the ceiling height and adding a sunroom and outdoor balcony with a fire pit. "It would be like if you bought a custom home - where you came to us as a client," said Lairmore. "This has that level of detail and consideration." The median home purchase in November in Beacon was $1.17 million, according to data compiled by the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors. The sales included 37 N. Elm. Built in 1900, the property sold for $1.2 million after being purchased in February 2023 for $340,000 and renovated. Buyers paid between $900,000 and $1 million for at least four other single-family homes this year. With inventory lower by 19 percent during the 12 months ending Nov. 30, the median price for single-family homes in Dutchess County stood at $465,000 - about 10 percent higher than the previous year, according to OneKey MLS, a listing service. Homes stayed on the market for an average of 57 days, compared to 73 days during the previous year.

With the arrival of 2025, our reporters caught up with and updated select stories from the past year JANUARY Garrison's Landing water - Philipstown officials forecast a spring hookup for a new 20-gallon-a-minute well that will serve businesses and homes at Garrison's Landing, with $750,000 from the federal American Rescue Plan to help pay for the connection. Despite the upfront cost, the line will save Philipstown money. Trucking in water in response to inadequate flows from existing wells costs $25,000 to $30,000 a month, said Robert Flaherty, a Town Board member. Update: In June, the Putnam County Legislature approved Philipstown's request to redirect $370,000 in county sales tax revenue to the water district project. The money had been set aside to connect the nearby Garrison Institute. In December, the Town Board approved a $15,489 bid from Claverack Well & Pump Service to install the pump for the well, which the company also dug. Flaherty said last week it should be in service by the end of February. Farming couple retires - For ardent customers of the Cold Spring Farmers' Market, the news felt like an obituary: Jay and Polly Armour would not return. They had been among the market's founding vendors, tending for 35 years to their 24-acre Four Winds Farm near Gardiner. Many especially mourned the loss of the Armours' heirloom tomatoes. Their reason for stepping away was simple. "My body's too old for this," said Jay, 70. Update: Asked this week how retirement was going, Jay said he was "busier than before." The couple leases most of their farmland now but still grows tomato seedlings in the greenhouse for spring sales. Last year, they grew 40 varieties and sold more than 13,000 seedlings. They also sell 26 types of vegetables but, unlike in the past, there is no crew to help out. Jay said he planted a small garden but "had trouble scaling down. I planted 20 tomato plants - way too many. I only need two or three." Avid skiers, the Armours were disappointed with last winter's conditions so, on the spur of the moment, they embarked on what Jay described as a fantastic eight-day trip to Iceland. Tallix Foundry sale - The former Tallix Foundry building in Beacon, a nearly 17,000-square-foot structure that drew international attention in 1999 when it produced a 24-foot bronze horse meant to fulfill Leonardo da Vinci's dying wish, was listed for sale for $1.995 million, or $18,000 per month as a rental. Update: According to Dutchess County records, the site sold for its asking price, $1.995 million, in March to Niche Modern LLC. No information is available on what the company plans to do at the former foundry, and no plans for the site have been submitted to the Planning Board. Beacon evictions - Donald Van Voorhees, a 74-year-old disabled Beacon resident, had until Jan. 31 to leave the studio apartment where he had lived for 23 years after the city's "good-cause" eviction law was overturned by a City Court judge. (Similar laws were also overturned in Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, Kingston and Albany.) Len Warner, a member of the Beacon Planning Board, knew Van Voorhees from their early-morning conversations on Main Street, and tried to help. After searching options for low-income renters in and around Beacon, the situation looked dire. A Main Street apartment opened on Jan. 29 and Nick Page, a Dutchess County legislator whose uncle owns the complex, contacted Warner. Update: After several years of advocacy from housing organizations, Gov. Kathy Hochul in April included a statewide good-cause measure in the 2024-25 budget. In August, the Beacon City Council unanimously opted into the law, which restricts landlords who own more than one unit from evicting tenants except in specific circumstances, including when they have arrears that are not due to "unreasonable" rent increases. Warner said this week that when he last spoke to Van Voorhees, "he was very comfortable and happy" in his new apartment. FEBRUARY Beacon Line payments - A St...

Editor's note: Beacon was created in 1913 from Matteawan and Fishkill Landing. 150 Years Ago (December 1874) John McCabe was carting cook stoves to Matteawan when his horses were frightened by an approaching locomotive. The horses raced along the track and a stove fell off the wagon in front of the engine, which demolished it. Lewis Tompkins, of the Fishkill Landing Hat Works, put down one of his prized brown mares after it broke its leg in the stable. It was valued at $700 [about $19,000 today]. Patrick Murphy, who worked at the Gowdy brickyard near Dutchess Junction, was arrested on assault charges. Murphy was absent when John Gowdy distributed wages and later demanded his $28 [$775]. Gowdy said he did not have the cash on him and Patrick, who was drunk, attempted to take Gowdy's horse. When Gowdy resisted, Murphy punched him. Murphy was fined $25, which he had Gowdy take from his pay, leaving him with $3 [$83]. The Matteawan Manufacturing Co. was making 200 dozen ladies' jockeys every day but was still 150 cases behind filling orders. Two sheep owned by Jacob VanWyck near Fishkill were slaughtered in his field and the meat carried off. James Pettigrove moved from Cold Spring to Fishkill Landing to operate Traver's hotel, which had been damaged by fire on Sept. 3 but restored. Several young men in Matteawan formed a gymnasium society. W.H. Mase of Fishkill Landing sold his trotting horse Mountaineer for $6,000 [$166,000]. A Fishkill Landing milkman said he would sell milk through the winter at summer prices of 6 cents [$1.66] a quart. A Matteawan Free School teacher found in an old history book a handwritten copy of a Thanksgiving sermon preached by the Rev. Samuel Prime on Nov. 23, 1833. [In 1840, the young Presbyterian minister left the village for New York City to become an editor at a Christian newspaper where he worked for the next 45 years.] The Seamless Manufacturing Co. of Matteawan received an order for thousands of skirts, in variety of sizes, including what were thought to be the largest ever made in the U.S.: 5 feet, 7 inches long; 5 feet, 1 inch around the waist; 10 inches around the hip; and 16 inches at the bottom. Mr. and Mrs. David Kniffen, of Fishkill, lost two children - their 5-year-old daughter and 2½-year-old son - in the same week to diphtheria. Their third child, an infant, was not expected to survive. When the Albany Post reported that "Aunt Betty," the last known person enslaved in New York state, had died in Cayuga County at age 99, the Poughkeepsie Press reported that an inmate at the Dutchess County poorhouse was older. He recalled being traded for a barrel of rum. [According to research by the New York State Archives, a woman named Sophy, who died in November 1876 in Cornwall, was likely the last surviving person who had been enslaved in New York.] On a late Saturday night train, a passenger refused to pay the fare. The conductor ordered him off at New Hamburg, but the passenger retreated to the toilet and sat with his back against the door. At Poughkeepsie, a police officer ripped off the door with a crowbar. At 3 a.m. on a Saturday, a fire at John Gerow's brick building in Matteawan destroyed everything inside, including the stock of the Noel & Smith clothing store, Hatche's cigar store and Vosburgh's printing office. Frank Timoney, the brick manufacturer, and an employee, William Doyle, were struck by an express train south of Dutchess Junction. Doyle was killed and Timoney was not expected to survive. [Timoney lived another 29 years.] 125 Years Ago (December 1899) A man who missed the last train at Fishkill Landing for Cold Spring hired a wagon. According to the Matteawan Journal, the driver had been on duty for hours and the passenger had not slept for two days, so both fell sound asleep on the journey along the river road. When the horse reached a trough in the village, it took a drink, turned around and returned to Fishkill Landing. There, the passenger and driver awoke and, confused, ...

When it comes to disability etiquette, I was a lousy role model. My brother-in-law, John Costa, struggled most of his life with schizophrenia. He was a groomsman at my wedding 36 years ago at The Bird & Bottle Inn in Philipstown. But John scared the hell out of me with his brooding look and his tendency to lecture on topics that didn't make much sense. I couldn't see past his disability. So I avoided him. I thought about John on Dec. 6 while attending the eighth annual Dutchess County Think Differently Conference at the FDR Presidential Library in Hyde Park. The topic was disability etiquette, and the lineup of speakers provided a primer. The takeaway: Treat people with disabilities like people, not like people with disabilities. To do otherwise makes them feel like "the other." "I do not consider myself disabled or handicapped or whatever word," explained Shadei Williams, who lives in Fishkill. She has cerebral palsy and was one of five participants in a morning panel. "We all find a way to do the same things, whether in a wheelchair, walking or teaching ourselves how to do things. We're still getting the job done. It might take a little bit more time. But to label us like we're not people, that's where the hurt comes." The recommendation is to use "person-first" language. Instead of saying someone is "disabled," say she is "a person with a disability," "a person with limb loss" or "a person who uses a wheelchair." Avoid outdated and hurtful words such as crippled, lame, handicapped, crazy or retarded, which the moderator referred to as "The R word." Etiquette is also about being respectful. Never touch someone's wheelchair or guide dog unless invited. Identify yourself for people who are blind. When serving as a sighted guide, offer your arm rather than grabbing and pushing. And give people space. "Don't assume that they're dependent or need help," said Lisa Tarricone, executive director of Taconic Resources for Independence, which advocates for civil rights for people with disabilities in Dutchess County, including Beacon. Tarricone, who uses a wheelchair, has been out shopping and had strangers grab packages from her lap and insist on taking them to her car, "as if I can't do it myself," she said. When dealing with people who are disabled, she said, "the best practice is not to look at them as the other. They're just like you. They just move differently. Somebody with a speech impediment speaks a little more slowly. You know, they're just different, that's it." Disability Etiquette: A Starting Guide MOBILITY DISABILITIES Do not touch a person's mobility equipment. During physical contact, be considerate of possible pain, balance or post-traumatic stress concerns. Select a location where you can converse comfortably that reduces distance between you. DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING Get the person's attention before starting a conversation. If the individual uses a sign-language interpreter, speak directly to the person, not the interpreter; keep your eyes on the individual. Speak in normal tones. BLIND OR LOW VISION Identify yourself when starting a conversation and announce when you leave. When acting as a guide, offer your arm or shoulder rather than grabbing or pushing the person. Describe the setting, environment, written material and obstacles. Resist the temptation to pet or talk to a service animal. SPEECH DISABILITIES If you do not understand what the person is saying, ask the person to repeat what they said and repeat it back to ensure you understood. Do not speak for the person or attempt to finish sentences. Source: DisabilityIN.org My kids got that. They saw past John's disability and just approached him as an uncle. Benjamin, my oldest, who is a software engineer, talked programming languages with John, who was a math and science standout at Spackenkill High School in Poughkeepsie. My second child, Elliott, would talk to John about dogs and cars, especially self-driving technology. Annie, my youngest, would discuss ...

Committee chair provides progress report The citizen committee studying the Fishkill Avenue corridor in Beacon is more than 50 percent finished with its work and could soon issue preliminary zoning recommendations to the City Council. That was the most significant takeaway from a status report that committee Chair J.C. Calderon delivered to the council on Monday (Nov. 25). While firm dates were not discussed, Mayor Lee Kyriacou said that he and City Attorney Nick Ward-Willis would meet with Calderon, who is a former Planning Board member, and Natalie Quinn, the city's planning consultant who is advising the committee, in the next two weeks. A batch of recommendations could follow, with more potentially to come. Kyriacou created the 11-person committee in January (since then, three members have dropped out and one was added) to study zoning, streetscapes, non-vehicular access and other questions related to the northeast section of Beacon, although most of Monday's discussion focused on Fishkill Avenue (Route 52). The group has met monthly since March, with subcommittees concentrating on zoning and streetscapes. The former is further along. "The zoning subcommittee definitely has some solid ideas, they just need to get them down and formalized and get the full committee's support," Quinn said. After that, they can be sent to the council. It was Council Member Amber Grant on Monday who asked if she and her colleagues could "lock arms" on a first tranche of zoning revisions and then return to the issue once the committee has completed its work. The urgency, she said, is evident after this month's Planning Board meeting, which marked the beginning of the city's review of a proposal to convert the former Healey Brothers Ford dealership at 420 Fishkill Ave. to a Dunkin' coffeehouse with a drive-thru, additional commercial space and three apartments on the second floor. "Are there some things from the zoning aspect that we could take a look at really quickly and get into place to minimize the stuff that we absolutely don't want to be happening" on Fishkill Avenue, Grant asked. Another council member, Molly Rhodes, agreed, likening preliminary recommendations to the low-cost "quick fixes" that the Main Street Access Committee submitted to the council in 2020, nearly two years ahead of its full report. Calderon also introduced a series of hand-drawn sketches that, if finalized, would give the council multiple scenarios to consider for adding or improving sidewalks and street trees along the corridor. Three of the four sketches include adding bike lanes to Fishkill Avenue, which should please the members of the Beacon Bicycle Coalition. Members of the coalition and its supporters have flooded the council with public comments in recent weeks advocating dedicated lanes for cyclists on the busy thoroughfare. Calderon's update made frequent reference to a trail that's been proposed for the dormant Metro-North rail bed that runs mostly parallel to Fishkill Creek, recommending trail connections at seven sites in the corridor, including near Lank's Automotive, the former Healey properties and the Hudson Baylor recycling center. Dutchess County issued a report this month on conditions along the 13-mile segment of railroad from the Beacon waterfront to Hopewell Junction, where, if built, the trail would connect with the Dutchess Rail Trail and the 750-mile Empire State Trail. The report notes that the corridor is in good condition and introduces two options: converting the corridor into a trail or constructing a trail adjacent to the railroad tracks. A detailed analysis of the options will follow in a separate report, but "the study team did not find any issues that would preclude the conversion of the corridor to a trail," it said. The Fishkill Avenue committee is also studying walkability in the area and may "strongly" advocate sidewalks on both sides of the road in its final report, Calderon said. "My goal is to make Fishkill Avenue a place...

A 16-year-old Dutchess County, NY girl rode a horse in pouring rain for 40 miles to rally area militia to come to the aid of Danbury, CT which was under siege by the British during the Revolutionary War. At least, that's the legend of Sybil Ludington. But, not all professional historians sign-off on the tale, due to scant written evidence. Now, a retired teacher says he has found proof that shows that Sybil made the ride. Hear the story with Vince Dacquino.

Andrew O'Grady has been the CEO of Mental Health America of Dutchess County (MHADC) since 2012, also overseeing Addiction Services (formerly MARC). He began his journey with MHA over 20 years ago, helping to transition case management services from Dutchess County. A dedicated social worker with a background in behavioral health and administration, he is proud to lead an agency that makes a significant impact. Andrew is also a sponsor for Season 4 of the RED podcast.Today, we sit down for an amazing interview with Andrew O'Grady, where he delves into the impactful work of Mental Health America (MHA) of Dutchess County. He shares insights on the importance of mental health advocacy and how MHA supports individuals through comprehensive mental health services and addiction programs. Andrew emphasizes the agency's role in community outreach, crisis intervention, and support systems, highlighting the growing need for mental health awareness in today's society. His passion for creating meaningful change is evident throughout the discussion.

Stephen Cohen, founder of Stephen Cohen Law, is one of the premier real estate attorneys in the restaurant and retail industries. An expert in strategic planning, leasing, financing and development, Stephen provides trusted counsel for real estate-driven brands of all sizes including STK Steakhouse, BJ's Restaurants, Einstein Bagels, Kona Grill, Hell's Kitchen and many others. Stephen has also served as General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Real Estate for Rainforest Café, where he led the company's national and international expansion. Stephen is a frequent speaker at national and regional real estate and commercial leasing conferences. He also serves on the board of Red Hook Responds, a not-for-profit organization that responds to food insecurity and supports agriculture, emergency relief and other community needs in Dutchess County, New York. Website: http://stephencohenlaw.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-cohen-0423724/

Welcome to Multiverse News, Your source for Information about all your favorite fictional universes. The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton is in talks to helm the fourth Spider-Man movie for Sony and Marvel Studios. While neither Sony or Marvel have provided a comment at this time, this is in line with previous reports and claims that a fourth Spider-Man film with Tom Holland was being fast-tracked to begin shooting next year. Though he only has one MCU feature under his belt, Cretton is already beginning to feel like a bit of an elder statesman within the Marvel Studios stable of filmmakers, having been previously attached to The Kang Dynasty before it became Avengers: Doomsday and creating the Wonderman series that is in production. Early reviews from Venice Film Festival screenings for Joker: Folie a Deux, the sequel to 2019's Joker, hit the internet last week, with the response to the musical follow-up decidedly mixed. Critics seem divided on the film's uneven tone, with criticisms citing a plodding narrative and underutilization of Lady Gaga. Positive takes celebrated the performances of Phoenix and Gaga, as well as Philips' direction. In a July 2024 interview, Kevin Fiege confirmed more Marvel Studios Special Presentations, like Werewolf By Night and the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, were on the way, with one actively in production at the time– sounds like old news, but now, Marvel Head of Streaming, Television and Animation Brad Winderbaum, doubled down on the promise while speaking with Comicbook.com. Previously, Feige detailed that the Special Presentation wouldn't air in 2025, but 2026, though Winderbaum's answer seems to insinuate it could be sooner. James Earl Jones, the legendary actor known for his iconic baritone as Darth Vader in Star Wars, died Monday at his Dutchess County, N.Y. home. He was 93. Warner Brothers has released the trailer for A Minecraft Movie, starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa and directed by Jared Hess. The game-based film premieres in theaters on April 4, 2025. Ahead of the main Emmy Awards scheduled for Sunday, September 15, last weekend saw the Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony held at downtown Los Angeles' Peacock Theater, where the FX network enjoyed an incredibly successful evening. With 14 wins, Shogun broke the record for a single season of television, while The Bear took home 7 awards as well. Notable wins include The Dark Knight's Nestor Carbonell as the best guest actor for his role as the Portuguese merchant Rodrigues, and Jamie Lee Curtis for best guest actress in a comedy series for her appearance in The Bear, her first Emmy win. Alison Brie has been cast as a key villain role of Evil-Lyn in Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Films' live-action take on Masters of the Universe. Only Murders in the Building has been renewed for season five. Currently, season four is dropping weekly episodes on Hulu every Tuesday, leading up to the finale on October 29. Netflix has greenlit the long-rumored Twilight animated series, now in production. Based on Stephenie Meyer's Midnight Sun, it retells Twilight from Edward Cullen's perspective. In a deleted blog post, Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin criticized creative choices in House of the Dragon's second season, hinting at future posts addressing issues. HBO responded, citing the need for "difficult choices" due to the scope of Martin's work. A Reacher spinoff is in development at Amazon Prime, with showrunner Nick Santora writing. The series is expected to focus on Frances Neagley, played by Maria Sten. In a PEOPLE interview, Michael Keaton revealed his real name is Michael Douglas, but he had to change it when joining SAG-AFTRA in the 1970s. Now, he plans to use a hybrid name, Michael Keaton Douglas, for future projects.

TOPICS:James Earl Jones, the revered actor who voiced Star Wars villain Darth Vader, starred in Field of Dreams and many other films and Broadway shows and is an EGOT winner, died at his home in Dutchess County, NY. He was 93.Residents Of Springfield Ohio (population 60,000) Beg For Help After 20,000 Haitians Overwhelm City, Eat Local Wildlife and neighbors Pets...cars, school buses being flipped on their sides in the middle of the road. We are Chris, Dave, and Greg, hosts of The Last Americans Podcast, who discuss everything from aliens to politics. We are family men and also close friends who have had the privilege of growing up during what can be considered as the last true American generation. We are the last Americans. Support the Show! Merchandise► https://thelastamericanspodcast.creator-spring.com/Patreon► https://www.patreon.com/TheLastAmericansPodcastPayPal► https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=YZJ83ZMQ379W4 Follow the Show! Rumble► https://rumble.com/c/TheLastAmericansPodcastInstagram► https://www.instagram.com/thelastamericanspodcast/YouTube► https://www.youtube.com/@TheLastAmericansPodcastX► https://twitter.com/LastAmericans_Apple Podcasts► https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-last-americans-podcast/id1688603737Spotify► https://open.spotify.com/show/0exCepznsAE9fwOxGWmy7q?si=ec7aa9ffe5994d5fSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-last-americans-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

GDP Script/ Top Stories for September 10th Publish Date:  September 10th   From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, September 10th and Happy heavenly Birthday to outfielder Roger Maris. ***09.10.24 – BIRTHDAY – ROGER MARIS*** I'm Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia Gwinnett County Launches Microtransit Pilot In Norcross Mill Creek Grad Jake Magahey Named to U.S. Men's National Team Roster James Earl Jones Dies: ‘Field of Dreams' Actor & Voice of ‘Star Wars' Darth Vader Was 93 Plus, the Striper Report with Tyler Matzek All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: KIA M.O.G.   STORY 1:    Gwinnett County Launches Microtransit Pilot In Norcross The Ride Gwinnett microtransit pilot program launched in Norcross on August 26, offering on-demand, shared-ride service to enhance mobility in the area. This initiative, a collaboration between Gwinnett County, Gateway85 Community Improvement District, and the city of Norcross, follows similar services in Snellville and Lawrenceville. The program operates Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with rides costing $3. It aims to improve transportation access for residents and businesses, particularly for the 14,000 people in the Gateway85 CID without cars. The pilot will run for one year and is funded by Gwinnett County, Gateway85 CID, and Norcross. For more details, visit RideGwinnett.com. STORY 2: Mill Creek Grad Jake Magahey Named to U.S. Men's National Team Roster Jake Magahey, a Mill Creek High School graduate, has been named to the 2024-25 U.S. Men's National Swimming Team for the 400-meter freestyle. His time of 3:46.89 earned him a top-six spot nationally. Magahey, who trains with SwimAtlanta, was a standout at this year's NCAA Championships, earning first-team All-American honors in multiple events and holding several Georgia school records. His national team roster spot lasts from September 9, 2024, to September 8, 2025. STORY 3:    James Earl Jones Dies: ‘Field of Dreams' Actor & Voice of ‘Star Wars' Darth Vader Was 93 James Earl Jones, the acclaimed actor known for his iconic voice as Darth Vader in the "Star Wars" franchise, has died at age 93. His death was confirmed by representatives from Independent Artist Group. Jones, who passed away at his home in Dutchess County, New York, had a career spanning over five decades, also earning acclaim for his roles in "The Lion King," "Field of Dreams," and "Coming to America." A recipient of the EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), Jones made significant contributions to both film and television. The cause of death has not been disclosed. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We'll be right back Break 2: TOM WAGES   ***STRIPERS REPORT INTERVIEW*** Break: Gwinnett County Fair ***GUIDE HEALTH MINUTE*** Break 4: INGLES 1 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com  www.wagesfuneralhome.com www.kiamallofga.com www.gwinnettcountyfair.com guideinc.org   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Earl Jones, the iconic actor known for his commanding voice as Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, passed away on September 9, 2024, at the age of 93 in his home in Dutchess County, New York. Jones had a career spanning over seven decades, earning EGOT status for his achievements in theater, film, and television. Overcoming a severe childhood stutter, his voice became one of the most recognizable in entertainment history. Jones' notable roles included performances in The Great White Hope, Field of Dreams, and Coming to America. While the cause of his death has not been revealed, his legacy as a trailblazer and an unforgettable performer endures​.

Mr. Michael Balles is a clinical social work practitioner and administrator. He is the Director of the Council on Addiction Prevention and Education (CAPE) of Dutchess County, New York. He has a record of significant accomplishments as an administrator in the the field of addictions treatment and has occupied major roles in several establishments. In this conversation, he provides an in-depth discussion of the etiology of addictions, the challenges and stigma associated with addiction.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Dr. Vishal Rekhala, a double board-certified interventional pain physician, as he unveils the cutting-edge advancements in pain management. Dr. Rekhala shares his expertise on innovative treatments like spinal cord stimulation, regenerative medicine injections, and ultrasound-guided injections, providing a thorough understanding of how these procedures are transforming patient care. We also tackle the pressing issue of chronic pain management in the wake of the opioid crisis and explore the potential of medical marijuana in offering new hope to patients in New York.   For our aspiring medical professionals, Dr. Rekhala offers invaluable insights into the financial and professional challenges faced by new doctors. He explains the industry dynamics that push many young physicians toward guaranteed contracts with large medical groups, rather than venturing into private practice. Discover a comprehensive support service designed to help doctors establish their own practices, covering everything from office setup to marketing and revenue management, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to succeed independently.   The episode takes an engaging turn as we highlight the pivotal role of medical representatives in healthcare. Dr. Rekhala discusses what makes a rep truly valuable, from keeping abreast of the latest technologies to integrating smoothly with healthcare teams. We also explore his personal life, including his favorite pastimes like reading "Harry Potter" with his daughter and dining at Manhattan's Nobu 57. Finally, we wrap up with Dr. Rekhala's reflections on his professional journey and his ongoing efforts to guide fellow physicians towards successful private practices. Don't miss this episode packed with insights and inspiration!   Meet the guest: Dr. Vishal Rekhala is a dedicated double board-certified physician in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) and Pain Management. He has a double fellowship training in interventional pain and palliative care, along with being certified in musculoskeletal ultrasound. He has over 15 years of experience in effectively treating patients with painful conditions, and he brings a wealth of expertise to every case. He is currently serving as a partner on the managing board at Orthopedic Associates of Dutchess County, specializing in pain management and sports medicine. Dr. Rekhala is deeply committed to providing comprehensive care and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, he proudly serves on the advisory board of Independent Practice Partners, where their mission is to empower physicians in reclaiming control of their professional careers by establishing their own private practices. He is passionate about delivering exceptional care, advancing healthcare and supporting fellow physicians.   Connect with him: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-p-rekhala-79a71069/   https://ipracticepartners.com/

Welcome Hudson Valley! This is Conor Walsh, host of In Touch, Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley's Award-Winning Public Affairs and Issues program. This week on In Touch, we speak with Bryan Wigton from Inroad Technologies (formerly known as Ulster Computers). Inroad's experts have spent years carefully selecting the best technology solutions to drive industry forward. Bryan and I discuss the growing need for cyber security for your personal information, along with your business. Not just that, we also dive into his Cyber Strong Dutchess initiative that is in the works to help make Dutchess County one of the most cyber-hardened counties in the nation. We invite you to join us and listen to a previously recorded conversation between Bryan and myself here on In Touch. __________________________________________________________________ This has been this week's edition of IN TOUCH, the award-winning public affairs and issues program that runs across Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley radio stations. We want to thank Bryan Wigton! For more information on Inroad Technologies, visit inroadit.com More links from this episode: Townsquare Spotlight Because of the awesome success of In Touch over the last year, we are expanding! We are launching a new spin-off series under the In Touch umbrella called Townsquare Spotlights. These Spotlights focus on amazing celebrities and leaders passing through the Hudson Valley who are making an impact in pop culture. You can check out our latest spotlights with Hudson valley author Bree L Taylor, and Long Island Medium Theresa Caputo wherever you listen to In Touch. MORE OF IN TOUCH Whether you've been listening for a while or you have just joined us, thank you! You can find In Touch episodes new and old on your favorite streaming services like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and more! That, and listen On Demand with your Townsquare Radio Station Mobile App. Of course, you can still find all articles and audio under the In Touch Tab on this radio station's app and website. And don't forget, we are also on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram @intouch_hv. If you like what we do here on In Touch, and want to be on the show, let us know! Whether you have a topic you want to discuss or want to be a guest, you can fill out the In Touch Submission form, which can be found in the description of this episode. Episode Request Form https://airtable.com/appGnl6JDyjBvEIL2/shragOT0ARpwsBE0h In Touch Calendar https://airtable.com/appGnl6JDyjBvEIL2/shrJ0xLHBWR8XgaFO/tblgtaUl0MK8EveUr?date=2024-05-11&mode=undefined I've been your host, Conor Walsh. Until next time, stay curious, keep an open mind, and as always, I'm glad we get to Spend Some Time. [carbongallery id="666469cae228451015db7740"]

Welcome Hudson Valley! This is Conor Walsh, host of In Touch, Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley's Award-Winning Public Affairs and Issues program. This week on In Touch, we speak with Bryan Wigton from Inroad Technologies (formerly known as Ulster Computers). Inroad's experts have spent years carefully selecting the best technology solutions to drive industry forward. Bryan and I discuss the growing need for cyber security for your personal information, along with your business. Not just that, we also dive into his Cyber Strong Dutchess initiative that is in the works to help make Dutchess County one of the most cyber-hardened counties in the nation. We invite you to join us and listen to a previously recorded conversation between Bryan and myself here on In Touch. __________________________________________________________________ This has been this week's edition of IN TOUCH, the award-winning public affairs and issues program that runs across Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley radio stations. We want to thank Bryan Wigton! For more information on Inroad Technologies, visit inroadit.com More links from this episode: Townsquare Spotlight Because of the awesome success of In Touch over the last year, we are expanding! We are launching a new spin-off series under the In Touch umbrella called Townsquare Spotlights. These Spotlights focus on amazing celebrities and leaders passing through the Hudson Valley who are making an impact in pop culture. You can check out our latest spotlights with Hudson valley author Bree L Taylor, and Long Island Medium Theresa Caputo wherever you listen to In Touch. MORE OF IN TOUCH Whether you've been listening for a while or you have just joined us, thank you! You can find In Touch episodes new and old on your favorite streaming services like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and more! That, and listen On Demand with your Townsquare Radio Station Mobile App. Of course, you can still find all articles and audio under the In Touch Tab on this radio station's app and website. And don't forget, we are also on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram @intouch_hv. If you like what we do here on In Touch, and want to be on the show, let us know! Whether you have a topic you want to discuss or want to be a guest, you can fill out the In Touch Submission form, which can be found in the description of this episode. Episode Request Form https://airtable.com/appGnl6JDyjBvEIL2/shragOT0ARpwsBE0h In Touch Calendar https://airtable.com/appGnl6JDyjBvEIL2/shrJ0xLHBWR8XgaFO/tblgtaUl0MK8EveUr?date=2024-05-11&mode=undefined I've been your host, Conor Walsh. Until next time, stay curious, keep an open mind, and as always, I'm glad we get to Spend Some Time. [carbongallery id="666469cae228451015db7740"]

You've all heard the term "cidiot", right? Well we're talking to the self-proclaimed "Cidiot" himself, Mat Zucker, the creator and host of the award-winning regional podcast Cidiot®, a show about learning to live and love life in the Hudson Valley. Hear how Mat went from bright lights and big city to cows and small towns, from a trepidatious newcomer to a thriving certified tourism ambassador for Dutchess County. Plus this episode is half of the Valley Girls x Cidiot collaboration, so check out Cidiot wherever you get your podcasts and listen to episode 102, where we continue the conversation and Mat turns the tables and asks us the questions! You can find more Cidiot on Instagram and at cidiot.com! Follow Valley Girls Podcast from our show page, find us on our website valleygirlspodcast.com, and at instagram.com/ValleyGirlsNYpod. Episode music by Robert Burke Warren entitled Painting a Vast Blue Sky can be found at robertburkewarren.bandcamp.com/track/painting-a-vast-blue-sky.

We are hosting a series of conversations with women about their motherlines. Join us monthly. We began in March and continue through March 2025.  We speak with Stephanie JT Russell, poet and visual artist, Poet Laureate for Dutchess County, New York.  Poet,interdisciplinary artist, and cultural worker Stephanie JT Russell's most recent creative nonfiction book is One Flash of Lightning, a poetic treatment of the classical Samurai Code (Andrews McMeel). Her poetry, essays, and visual art are anthologized in books and journals including Colossus: Body, Xavier Review, The Winter Anthology, Sequestrum, Lightwood, and ArLiJo. She has performed and exhibited at venues such as The New Museum, The Griffin Museum of Photography, The Albright Knox, Bowery Poetry Club, and The Berkeley Museum. A visiting teaching artist at New York University, Vassar College, The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding, and other noted institutions, Russell received the Overall Winner Award from the 2022 Wirral Poetry Festival, UK.  As Dutchess County Poet Laureate, Russell is curating Stream of Life, a series of intercultural poetry and multidisciplinary events featuring diverse Hudson Valley artists. https://www.artsmidhudson.org/dc-poetlaureatewww.stephaniejtrussell.comwww.stephaniejtrussell.com We close with Abby Lincoln and Max Roach's "Freedom Now." When do we want it? Now!       

Welcome Hudson Valley! This is Conor Walsh, host of In Touch, Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley's Award-Winning Public Affairs and Issues program. Melaine Rottkamp from Dutchess Tourism returns this week! Dutchess County played a critical role in the Revolutionary War. In the spirit of the legend himself, Dutchess Tourism launched Commander in Cheers — an augmented reality experience that serves up a pint-sized George Washington to share a story about Dutchess County's revolutionary endeavors. We invite you to join us and listen to a previously recorded conversation between Melaine Rottkamp and myself here on In Touch. __________________________________________________________________ Thank you for all the kind words shared in regard to In Touch officially being awarded the 2023 New York State Broadcasters Association Award for “Outstanding Public Affairs Program or Series,” as part of the 57th Annual Excellence in Broadcasting Awards. This recognition would not be possible without the incredible team here at Townsquare, all our phenomenal guests that we learn from and grow with every single week, and of course you, the listener! Whether you've been listening for a while, or you just found us, thank you for taking part in the conversation and staying In Touch with what's going on in the Hudson Valley. We here at In Touch are all about, well, being In touch with what is going on in the Hudson Valley. What better way to stay in touch with what's going on than by downloading the Townsquare Media Mobile App for this radio station. Not only can you listen to this station live at any time using the app, but you can also listen to In Touch On Demand! Besides In Touch, you can read daily articles about news, events, entertainment and more that's going on in your community. And when the weather gets bad, you can use the app to check on weather reports and see which schools and organizations are closed. Your Townsquare Media App is also the best place for concert and event tickets. We are constantly giving away tickets to the hottest shows in the area! Again, you'll have access to all of this if you just download the Townsquare Media mobile app for this radio station. In Touch is nothing without the support from the hundreds of listeners we get on a weekly basis. Thank you so much for listening and taking part in the conversation! If you listen to In Touch through a podcast service such as Spotify, or Apple Podcasts, please consider leaving a positive review. With more 5-star reviews on these platforms, the algorithms will work harder to promote our show and bring In Touch to new people. That, and also sharing In Touch with your friends and family is so important. Just sharing our links and listening live each Sunday goes such a long way. Thank you for all you do to stay In Touch with what's going on in the Hudson Valley. __________________________________________________________________ This has been this week's edition of IN TOUCH, the award-winning public affairs and issues program that runs across Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley radio stations. We want to give a big thank you to MElaine Rottkamp. To learn more about the awesome things happening around Dutchess County, visit Dutchesstourism.com Of course, all links and information can be found in the description of this episode. Whether you've been listening for a while or you have just joined us, thank you! You can find In Touch episodes new and old on your favorite streaming services like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and more! That, and listen On Demand with your Townsquare Radio Station Mobile App. Of course, you can still find all articles and audio under the In Touch Tab on this radio station's app and website. And don't forget, we are also on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram @intouch_hv. If you like what we do here on In Touch, and want to be on the show, let us know! Whether you have a topic you want to discuss or want to be a guest, you can fill out the In Touch Submission form, which can be found in the description of this episode. Episode Request Form https://airtable.com/appGnl6JDyjBvEIL2/shragOT0ARpwsBE0h In Touch Calendar https://airtable.com/appGnl6JDyjBvEIL2/shrJ0xLHBWR8XgaFO/tblgtaUl0MK8EveUr?date=2024-05-11&mode=undefined I've been your host, Conor Walsh. Until next time, stay curious, keep an open mind, and as always, I'm glad we get to Spend Some Time.

This week we are shimmying into the local burlesque scene. We'll learn a little about the history of this art form and get to know some of the local performers, venues, and classes, and tell you about an upcoming show in Woodstock with the one and only Lady Fingers! Check out Lady Fingers at instagram.com/lady_fingers_burlesque/. But first we start the show by heading across the river to talk to a Dutchess County farmer who would love to have you over to hang out with her alpacas and goats at Clover Brooke Farm in Hyde Park! Visit Andrea and her adorable animals at instagram.com/cloverbrookefarmhydeparkny/. All links mentioned in the podcast will be in our blog post at valleygirlspodcast.com/blog Follow Valley Girls from our show page and at: instagram.com/ValleyGirlsNYpod, youtube.com/@ValleyGirlsPodcast, and valleygirlspodcast.com . Episode music by Robert Burke Warren entitled Painting a Vast Blue Sky can be found at robertburkewarren.bandcamp.com/track/painting-a-vast-blue-sky.

Nutrition has vast effects on individual and population health—impacting obesity rates, chronic conditions, and quality of life. Yet despite its proven, wide-reaching effects, nutrition remains largely overlooked as a social determinant of health. Dr. Livia Santiago-Rosado, MD, Commissioner of the Dutchess County (NY) Department of Behavioral and Community Health, joins Dr. Enrique Enguidanos to discuss this important topic and how communities can work together to make small tweaks and big impacts. Bio:Dr. Santiago-Rosado has been Commissioner of the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral Health since her appointment in December 2021. Following completion of a BA in Biological Anthropology summa cum laude from Harvard University, she attended medical school at Columbia University. Having completed residency training at Mount Sinai and Elmhurst Hospitals in New York City, has practiced Emergency Medicine in New York for over two decades, working in emergency departments (EDs) in diverse settings including urban, suburban, rural, public and private. She holds an academic appointment as Distinguished Visiting Professor at New York Medical College and Adjunct Associate Professor at the Touro School of Osteopathic Medicine.Dr. Santiago has dedicated her career to working with and enhancing the care of underserved populations. Prior to moving to Dutchess County, she spent 15 years as a clinical leader in New York City's public hospital system, Health + Hospitals (H+H), where she helped found a novel ED Care Management program for highly vulnerable patients and the first ED-based observation unit in H+H. Prior to her current appointment, Dr. Santiago was the Medical Director and inaugural Chair of Emergency Medicine at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, NY. Dr. Santiago is an active member of the New York State Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO) and sits on its Emerging Issues committee. She also currently serves as a Councilor representing New York at the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and has served two terms on the Board of Directors for the New York Chapter of ACEP. She also serves on ACEP practice committees at both the State and national levels. Throughout her career, she has led and participated in policy development, education, informatics and data analytics, quality improvement, change management, and research in Emergency Medicine, social determinants, and population health at the local, state, and national levels. Lastly, since local health commissioners in New York are required to have a master's degree in public health (or related field) in addition to a medical doctorate, she is currently enrolled in the MPH program at the University at Albany.

This week, the Ryans bring New York State Assemblyman Anil Beephan Jr. onto the podcast - the first state lawmaker on the DMGS Back in Session Podcast! They discuss Asm. Beephan's experience in his first year in office, what it was like serving as a local elected official before being elected to the state Assembly, and some of the issues he's fighting for in Albany on behalf of his constituents in the 105th legislative district.About Assemblyman Anil Beephan:Anil Beephan Jr. was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 8, 2022. His district is comprised of parts of Dutchess County including the towns of Amenia, Beekman, Dover, East Fishkill, Fishkill, LaGrange, Pawling, Union Vale, and Wappinger.As an Assemblyman, Anil utilizes his experience as a town councilman to focus on the important issues facing the residents of Dutchess County including support for policies that seek to make New York State energy independent. He seeks increased domestic energy production while also holding public utility companies accountable to customers. Anil is ready to fight for our environmental needs and to protect our ecosystem for future generations. Further, he will push to reduce the wasteful spending habits of Albany and ease the heavy tax burden shouldered by New York's small businesses and residents. Anil believes in smarter spending and greater resources for schools, infrastructure projects, and emergency services. Additionally, he will support the needs of law enforcement and changes to the state's bail reform measures to directly address safety issues in our communities.Anil completed his undergraduate degree at Arcadia University and later earned his master's degree in Management at Harvard University. He previously served in various legislative roles for state Sen. Sue Serino before embarking on a career as a client-driven public relations and marketing strategist. Prior to being elected Assemblyman, Anil served as a councilman for the Town of East Fishkill.Anil is a long-time resident of East Fishkill and served his community as a volunteer firefighter. He is also a private pilot.Learn more: https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Anil-Beephan-Jr/bio/

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org. Fisher and David talk about the eclipse, and one in particular that occurred during the Revolutionary War that military leaders used to rally the troops. David then shares the remarkable story of the discovery of a uniform of a World War II vet and how it found its way into the hands of the vet's granddaughter. Then, another World War II story has had another chapter written. The ship involved in one of America's great naval disasters has been located. David then talks about the upcoming conference of the Federation of Genealogical Societies in Pittsburgh and shares a blogger spotlight on Robin Lacey's spadeandthe grave.wordpress.com, where Robin talks about digging up a graveyard of ancestors. Then Fisher begins his two part visit with his first cousin, Joann (Fisher) Schmidt, of Dutchess County, New York. When Fisher and Joann began collaborating on their shared family history back in the 1980s, Joann also looked into her mother's side. There, she discovered a horrible family secret. Her grandfather's family had been decimated in a disaster on a steamboat in 1904 in which ten family members were killed. It is called the General Slocum disaster, and it took place in New York City. The tragedy marked the greatest single loss of life in New York City history prior to 9/11. In this two part interview, Joann shares her story of how she learned the details of her grandfather's greatest trial, and how he endured the aftermath. Then, Tom Perry checks in from the road as he continues his Preservation Tour, scanning genies' pictures for free at sites around the country. Where is he now and where will he be next? He will tell you. Tom then answers another listener question concerning the best way to be sure your material will still be around years from now. That's all this week on Extreme Genes, America's Family History Show!

In the deep shadows of Thanksgiving Day, 1930, a grim tale unfolded in Stanford, New York, one that seeped into the annals of true crime history. The Germond family, residing on their serene dairy farm, found themselves at the heart of a tragedy that would send ripples of horror through Dutchess County and beyond. The details of this case, as gruesome as they are perplexing, would attract the attention of none other than Franklin D. Roosevelt, the then-Governor of New York and a fellow resident of Dutchess County...Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!CALL 888-MURDERY, that's, 888-687-3379, to share YOUR Kinda Murdery story or your story of living with a disability or other challenges, and you could inspire an episode of the show!Sources:https://modernfarmer.com/2017/10/death-dairy-farm-family-murdered-1930-still-unsolved/https://poklib.org/a-murder-on-thanksgiving/This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5496890/advertisement