Podcasts about dutchess county

Line down from 3 to 9 p.m. but calls rerouted Dutchess County reported at 3 p.m. on Tuesday (July 15) that its 911 emergency response system was down. It was restored at 9 p.m. The county said the outage was caused by "an issue with a Verizon fiber optic transmission line. Verizon crews from Poughkeepsie and Kingston worked to restore the lines. Incoming emergency calls were rerouted to 7-digit landline numbers without incident during the outage." For future updates, see the Dutchess County Emergency Management page on Facebook or download the Ready Dutchess! mobile app.

Westchester buyer to pay $1.8 million for Mase station Beacon officials have entered into a contract to sell the city's decommissioned Mase Hook & Ladder fire station for $1.8 million. The buyer, Michael Bensimon, signed an agreement on June 24 to acquire the property at 425 Main St., including the three-story brick firehouse that has stood there since 1911. Bensimon, who lists a Port Chester, New York, address on the agreement, made a down payment of $180,000. According to the sale contract, which was provided to The Current, he has a 45-day due-diligence period during which the sale can be canceled and the down payment refunded. City Attorney Nick Ward-Willis said he expects the transaction to close by the end of August. Bensimon and his attorney each declined to comment. Dutchess County records show that an LLC with the same Port Chester address owns 475 Main St. in Beacon, next to the Howland Cultural Center. Although Dutchess records incorrectly combine three parcels - the Memorial Building at 423 Main St., Mase at 425 Main and the adjacent municipal parking lot - into one, Bensimon plans to purchase only the fire station property. It is in Beacon's Central Main Street zoning district; Planning Board approval would be required to bring a commercial or residential use to the building. The city will retain the parking lot, which it intends to restripe for a more efficient layout. Bensimon will receive three spaces. Verizon Wireless will retain its lease to place an antenna on the firehouse roof and equipment in a fenced area behind the building. The site is also part of Beacon's protected historic district, which means that substantial exterior changes to the building would require a "certificate of appropriateness" from the Planning Board. According to the contract, Bensimon must apply for permits to begin interior renovation of the building within six months of closing, and obtain certificates of occupancy, compliance or other municipal approvals within 18 months. Mase and the former Beacon Engine Co. firehouse at 57 East Main St. were listed by the city for sale in May. Both became surplus after a $14.7 million centralized fire station opened near City Hall last fall. Accessory dwellings Homeowners earning up to 120 percent of the Dutchess County median household income ($97,273) can apply beginning Monday (July 14) for grants of up to $125,000 to create or upgrade an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Beacon and nine other municipalities in Dutchess County were awarded $6 million earlier this year through a state program designed to help low- and moderate-income residents build ADUs. The program is being administered locally by Hudson River Housing, a Poughkeepsie nonprofit. See hudsonriverhousing.org. The City Council on July 7 also adopted amendments meant to simplify regulations of accessory apartments. The law now permits ADUs in all zoning districts but only on lots with a single-family residence. One of the structures must be owner-occupied, and the ADU cannot be used for short-term rentals such as through Airbnb. A maximum size was removed from the law, but Planning Board approval will be required if the unit is greater than 1,000 square feet and its floor area is greater than 50 percent of the primary building's floor area. No off-street parking is required. Capital plans The City Council on Monday (June 7) unanimously adopted a five-year capital plan that details $29 million in equipment purchases and infrastructure upgrades for 2026 to 2030. The plan authorizes $6.5 million in spending for 2026, a year that will be highlighted by the renovation and greening of the southwest corner of Memorial Park, estimated to cost $400,000. The city plans to resurface the basketball courts, install pickleball courts, construct a softball batting cage and renovate the bathroom at that end of the park for public use. The adjacent skateboard park has been repaved, with new skating elements and an "art wall" installed. Phase 2 o...

Co-hosts Kathy Kruger and Jonah Triebwasser talkwith Andrew O'Grady about the great work of Mental Health America of Dutchess County.

Who's to blame for these skyrocketing electricity bills? The causes are many: aging infrastructure, economic uncertainty, tariffs, wars, red tape, the failure to build enough renewable energy, inefficient construction, rising demand, the responsibility of investor-owned utilities to generate profits for shareholders and rapidly changing climates, both atmospheric and political. Over the next few weeks, we'll examine some of these causes and innovative solutions being proposed. But to understand utility prices, you first must understand how the largest machine in the world works - one so ubiquitous that although we use it every minute of every day, we hardly notice it. New York's power grid consists of 11,000 miles of transmission lines that can supply up to 41,000 megawatts of electricity. The problem is that the grid is losing power faster than it can be replaced. Fossil-fuel plants are aging out of service. Since 2019, New York has added 2,274 megawatts while deactivating 4,315 megawatts. "It's an old system," said Rich Dewey, president of the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), the nonprofit tasked with running the grid, on an episode of its podcast, Power Trends. "The expectation that it's going to continue to perform at the same high level that it has, say, for the last couple of decades, is just not reasonable. We're going to need to replace those megawatts" to maintain a reliable transmission system. The state has undertaken several initiatives to boost the energy flowing through the grid. Six years ago, the state Legislature passed an ambitious law that stipulates that New York must be powered by 70 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 100 percent zero-emission electricity by 2040. Last year, 48 percent of the energy produced by the state was zero-emission; nearly all that energy is produced upstate, where solar and hydropower are abundant. The $6 billion Champlain Hudson Power Express, which will carry 1,250 megawatts of renewable energy from Quebec to New York City, and passes by the Highlands buried beneath the Hudson River, is expected to go online in 2026. This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced her intention, citing the Build Public Renewables Act of 2023, to construct nuclear plants that will produce at least 1 gigawatt. The site or sites for those plants are expected to be in less-populated areas upstate or in western New York, which would make them subject to the same problem that prevents solar and hydropower from reaching downstate, including the Highlands: a bottleneck where the upstate and downstate grids meet. The $2 billion question If Jeffrey Seidman, a Vassar College professor, sounds philosophical when discussing climate change, it's to be expected. Seidman is an associate professor of philosophy. A few years ago, he began having second thoughts about his chosen field of study. "Watching the world visibly burning, I began to doubt that continuing to teach philosophy was morally defensible at this moment," he said. A career change seemed out of the question - Seidman had just turned 50 - but Vassar's Environmental Studies department is interdisciplinary. So he developed a class called Climate Solutions & Climate Careers. Lately, he has been taking his lectures outside the classroom to clear up misinformation for lawmakers. Renewable energy faces strong headwinds these days, as President Donald Trump's executive orders and proposed legislation demonstrate that he intends to make it more difficult to build wind and solar projects. Before relenting, the federal government briefly halted an offshore wind project that was under construction off Long Island. At a June 3 meeting of Dutchess County mayors and supervisors, Seidman explained the potential of battery energy storage systems (BESS) to facilitate the transfer of renewable energy from upstate to the Hudson Valley. Jennifer Manierre of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) discussed how the state can help ...

Scheduled for June 28 at John Jay High School Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican whose district includes Philipstown and parts of Dutchess County (not including Beacon, which is represented by Rep. Pat Ryan), has scheduled a town hall for Saturday (June 28) at John Jay High School in Hopewell Junction. It is the fourth of four town halls he said he would hold, following those in Rockland, Westchester and Putnam counties. Tickets are available online at eventbrite.com. The event begins at 6 p.m. In the list of conditions for ticket requests, Lawler's office writes: "Unfortunately, due to security concerns and threats made against the congressman, his family and our staff, there will be additional security measures put in place to ensure everyone's safety…. If our office has information indicating that you are actively planning to disrupt the Town Hall, or if you have disrupted prior Town Halls, you may be denied entry." According to the other terms, attendees may be asked to provide proof of residency in District 17; no bags, signs, noisemakers, bullhorns, megaphones or face coverings will be allowed; questions can only be asked by the person whose ticket is called and must be limited to 30 seconds; and except for members of the press, no flash photography or audio or video recording will be allowed.

Deadline is Monday (June 23) Although other home-energy assistance programs offered by New York State have closed for 2024-25, the application for cooling assistance such as an air conditioner or fan is still open, although the deadline is Monday (June 23). Eligible adults who are over the age of 60 and meet income requirements can receive up to $800 per household for the purchase and installation of an window or portable air conditioner or a fan, or $1,000 for an existing wall-sleeve unit. You may be eligible if: Your household's gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted in the table at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap (e.g., for a family of four, the maximum monthly gross income is $6,390) or You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance (TA) or Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone), or You received a regular benefit greater than $21 in the program year or received a regular benefit equal to $21 during the program year and reside in government subsidized housing with heat included in your rent, and Your household contains at least one individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat, or Your household contains a vulnerable member based on their age (60 years or older, or under age 6) which meet all other component eligibility criteria, and A member of your household is a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, and You do not have a working air conditioner, or the air conditioner you have is five years old or older, and You did not receive a HEAP-funded air conditioner within the past five years. To learn more, Dutchess County residents can call the Department of Social Services at 845-838-4800 and Putnam County residents can call the Department of Social Services at 845-808-1500. For information about other home-energy assistance programs, see otda.ny.gov/programs/heap. Air conditioners are also available to from New York State to residents with persistent asthma who are members of the Essential Plan. Persistent asthma means you experience asthma symptoms (such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing attacks, chest tightness or chest pain) much of the time or need a daily medication for asthma to control symptoms. Units are available until Aug. 31, or until funds run out. Installation cannot exceed $900 for a window or portable air conditioner or $500 for a standing floor fan. For an existing wall sleeve unit replacement, installation cannot exceed $1,100. Cash benefits are not available. See info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

Editor's note: Beacon was created in 1913 from Matteawan and Fishkill Landing. 150 Years Ago (June 1875) A Matteawan judge fined three drunken young men from Newburgh $25 [about $730 today] for throwing coal at pedestrians. According to the Matteawan correspondent for The Cold Spring Recorder: "This village is a very peculiar place and most miserably governed. Our people support over 60 gin mills - most of which are running full blast on the Sabbath." A Fishkill Landing resident was selling his trotting stallion, Nicotine. The body of a female newborn was found in the back of the ladies' waiting room at the Fishkill Landing train depot. John Falconer, of the Seamless Clothing Co. in Matteawan, was building a second factory to make Brussels-style patterned carpets. Commodore Thomas Ramsdell installed a buoy between Low Point and the Fishkill Landing dock to mark a sandbar where vessels often went aground. Three Matteawan boys were brought before Justice Schenck for playing ball in the street. One was fined $1 [$30] and the others were dismissed. A Fishkill Landing trustee obtained arrest warrants for three men accused of racing their horses on Sunday, in violation of village ordinance. A bull and three cows died on a farm near Fishkill from an unknown disease. Before dying, the animals threw back their heads and walked in circles for 12 to 14 hours. Smith Van Buren, a Fishkill Landing resident who was the son of former President Martin Van Buren, was confined to the Hudson River Hospital for the Insane in Poughkeepsie with dementia. [Van Buren died the following year, at age 59, and is buried at St. Luke's Church.] George Peattie, while drunk, came into Drewen's barbershop in Fishkill Landing and attacked James Gogswell as he sat in the chair. Zebulon Phillips, 80, a farmer near Fishkill, was killed when he fell off his roof, which he was repairing. 125 Years Ago (June 1900) James W.F. Ruttenber, editor of the Newburgh Sunday Telegram, was found guilty of publishing an obscene newspaper based on gossip printed in his Feb. 4 issue. The jury deliberated for less than 10 minutes. Ruttenber had been indicted in Dutchess County because the Telegram was distributed in Fishkill Landing and Matteawan. The judge sentenced the editor to 15 days in jail and a $15 fine [$575]. The offending paragraphs, by an unnamed Fishkill and Matteawan correspondent, included a report that "a Landing girl sent word to a young man in town that he could see her disrobe for 10 cents. Of course, the young man was unnerved by so sudden and cheap an offer. Still, there is no telling what she will do next if he doesn't accept her proposition. Take her up, George, before she changes her mind." He also wrote: "Poker as it is played on Cedar Street does not always require a pocket full of money. I am told that the females in the house are sometimes put up as an equivalent." Clarence Chatham Cook (below) died at his home at Fishkill Landing at age 72. The Harvard graduate gained fame in 1863 with critical articles on American art in the New York Tribune. "He treated most of the work of American artists with merciless sarcasm and injured his influence by his extreme verdicts," according to one obituary. Cook later caused a stir when he suggested that many of the statues from Cyprus in the newly opened Metropolitan Museum of Art were fakes. He created an art periodical, The Studio, and in 1878 published a book, The House Beautiful: Essays on Beds and Tables, Stools and Candlesticks. Two brickyards at Dutchess Junction employed about 100 Black men who migrated each year from Virginia and North Carolina. They ate in squads of 25, with one man appointed to cook in a camp kettle. Many brought their fiddles and banjos from the South. The residents of Fishkill Landing voted to install sewers. James Greene, of Fishkill Landing, was admitted to West Point as an alternate after a candidate from Kingston failed the entrance exam. He was the son of Maj. Henry A. Greene, w...

Avello Asphalt offers Dutchess County property managers comprehensive parking lot safety upgrades including re-striping, pothole repair, and drainage correction to reduce liability risks while maintaining property value and minimizing business disruption. Avello Asphalt & Construction Corp City: Poughkeepsie Address: 141 Daley Road Website: https://www.avelloasphalt.com

Avello Asphalt & Construction launches specialized bid services for Dutchess County paving projects, offering quick quote turnaround, DOT-approved materials, and expertise in municipal bidding requirements for projects exceeding $20,000. Avello Asphalt & Construction Corp City: Poughkeepsie Address: 141 Daley Road Website: https://www.avelloasphalt.com

Philipstown organization gets a triple boost Seamus Carroll and his wife, Marie Wieck, began shopping at Foodtown in Cold Spring when it opened in 2003 following a fire that had destroyed the previous supermarket at the location, the Grand Union. Like other customers, they started accumulating 10 points in Foodtown loyalty awards for every dollar spent. The points could be redeemed for grocery gift cards. Three months ago, the couple became the first Foodtown customers to reach 1 million points, according to the store manager, Mike Wilson. Carroll said they decided to push for 1 million in 2008, when they hit 100,000. "It became a family joke," he said, noting he would scold his daughters if they cashed in points to get discounts at the checkout. "I told them we were saving for 1 million; they laughed at that." When they hit the mark earlier this year, Carroll sent a photo of the receipt to his daughters, who live in England and China, respectively. They responded with smiley faces, he said. This week, Carroll and Wieck donated their points to the Philipstown Food Pantry, which operates on Saturday mornings at the First Presbyterian Church in Cold Spring. The pantry redeemed the points for $1,150 in Foodtown gift cards. The supermarket donated another $350 in cards for an even $1,500. "We thought this would be a way to leverage the gift cards, prompting others to donate," Carroll said. "It's a reminder that you can give points to the food pantry [at the customer service desk]; I'm sure people forget this option." The food pantry will receive another unexpected gift on Saturday (June 14) when Donna Anderson delivers a $1,017 donation from Philipstown Senior Citizens of Putnam County, which disbanded at the end of 2024. Food Insecurity Widespread Even amid wealth, many people struggle to make ends meet. An annual report by the United Way known as ALICE (for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) "is an alarm bell for what we see every Saturday" at the Philipstown Food Pantry, said Kiko Lattu, its coordinator. In May, the pantry provided food and other necessities to an average of 71 households each week. The United Way argues that the federal poverty level does not accurately reflect the number of people struggling financially to meet basic needs. Using census and other federal data, it calculated for its latest report, released in May, that 38 percent of Cold Spring/Philipstown and 35 percent of Garrison households don't earn enough to cover the costs of essentials such as housing, food, transportation, health care, child care and a basic phone plan. "Even more troubling, 51 percent of seniors and about two-thirds of single-parent households in Putnam County are likely struggling," Lattu said. In Putnam County, the United Way calculated that a single adult needs at least $54,180 annually to meet basic needs, or $135,660 for a family of two adults with two children in child care. In Beacon, the United Way calculated that 42 percent of the city's 8,367 households struggle to meet a basic survival budget for Dutchess County of $40,296 for a single adult with $114,996 for a family of two adults and two children in child care. By contrast, the federal poverty level is $14,580 for an individual and $30,000 for a family of four. Anderson, who served as president for the final two years, said the club was formed in 1974 and at one time had more than 100 members. But by last year, the remaining members voted to dissolve the club and donate its fund balance to the pantry because many seniors suffer from food insecurity. Anderson was a vocal advocate for establishing a county senior center at the redeveloped Butterfield Hospital site. After the Philipstown Friendship Center opened there in 2018, she said the need for a seniors' group diminished. On June 1, a Nelsonville family - Karen and Ryan Peters and their daughters, Callie and Sadie - set up a table outside Foodtown to solicit donations for the pantry. In less than three ho...

Another list includes Dutchess, Putnam counties The U.S. government's list of "sanctuary jurisdictions" that includes hundreds of communities, both red and blue, is confounding critics. They have noticed the list - which includes Beacon, Dutchess County and Putnam County - included misspellings, communities with small immigrant populations and those with strong support for cooperation with federal authorities. Jessica Vaughan is director of policy studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, which favors anti-sanctuary policies and started publishing a list of sanctuary jurisdictions 10 years ago. The CIS list is different from the government's but includes Dutchess and Putnam counties. The center says its list, most recently updated on May 30, includes "cities, counties, and states have laws, ordinances, regulations, resolutions, policies or other practices that obstruct immigration enforcement and shield criminals from ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] - either by refusing to or prohibiting agencies from complying with ICE detainers, imposing unreasonable conditions on detainer acceptance, denying ICE access to interview incarcerated aliens, or otherwise impeding communication or information exchanges between their personnel and federal immigration officers." "That's one thing that I feel is missing from the [government's] list is some documentation as to why they're appearing on the list," Vaughan said. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) list is part of the Trump administration's efforts to target communities, states and jurisdictions that it says aren't doing enough to help its immigration enforcement agenda and the promises the president made to deport more than 11 million people living in the U.S. without legal authorization. What are the stakes? The DHS and the U.S. attorney general said they will send official notice to the 500 jurisdictions "regarding its defiance of federal immigration law enforcement and any potential violations of federal criminal law," according to an executive order from President Donald Trump. The list could be updated when the administration receives new information, but those that remain on the list could face serious financial consequences, including suspended or terminated federal grants and contracts by the Office of Management and Budget. It is not clear what legal actions the government will pursue. How was the list made? In response to questions, DHS reiterated that it was compiled using a number of factors, including whether the localities identified themselves as sanctuary jurisdictions, how much they complied with federal officials enforcing immigration laws, if they had restrictions on sharing information with immigration enforcement or had any legal protections for people in the country illegally. The agency noted in an email that the list will be updated regularly. But experts said it was difficult to understand the criteria. "It seems quite arbitrary because not all of these states or specific jurisdictions have a policy that limits cooperation with ICE," said Nithya Nathan-Pineau, an attorney with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. How did communities that support Trump's policies end up on the list? Several communities said they have been outspoken supporters of the president and his stringent immigration policies and do not understand why they have been included. Among them: Shawano County, Wisconsin; Alexandria, Virginia; and Huntington Beach, California. Jim Davel, administrator for Shawano County, thinks the administration may have confused the county's vote in 2021 to become a "Second Amendment Sanctuary County" that prohibits gun control measures with it being a safe haven for immigrants. He said the county has approved no immigration sanctuary policies. What is a sanctuary city? It is generally understood to apply to state and local governments that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. DHS said it considered "factors like complianc...

In todays show, Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes two remarkable guests, Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, an advocate for victims of domestic violence, and Nikki Addimando, a criminalized survivor from Dutchess County. Together, they delve into the profound impacts of domestic violence on individuals and explore the complexities of navigating the judicial penal system, which often adds layers of trauma instead of providing justice and protection. Highlighting the staggering statistics provided by the CDC and the ACLU, the discussion sheds light on the broader crisis of intimate partner violence and the systemic failures that exacerbate victimization. Kellyann and Nikki candidly share their personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding each survivor's unique journey. Throughout the conversation, Kellyann discusses her extensive work with victims, addressing systemic gaps and supporting survivors through multidisciplinary teams. Nikki recounts her harrowing experience of being a criminalized survivor, the challenges she faced during her trial, and her resilience in advocating for the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA), which has played a crucial role in re-sentencing her case and offers hope for countless other survivors. The episode also underscores the significant role of voting in shaping the landscape of criminal justice, urging listeners to consider the impact of their choices on domestic violence survivors. Dr. Novatt and her guests advocate for electing informed and empathetic officials who can transform the systems that often fail victims. The discussion calls for continued education, professional accountability, and systemic change to ensure that survivors are protected and supported. FEARLESS! f/k/a Safe Homes, National Domestic Violence Hotline, Grace Smith House, Office for The Prevention of Domestic Violence

Beacon fifth graders help restock trout If you saw 37 fifth graders marching with fish signs down Churchill Street in Beacon on May 16, they were off to release 60 trout friends into Fishkill Creek. The children, who attend South Avenue Elementary, had given the 3-inch brown trout names like Holiday, Jeremy, Jeff, Billy Bigback, Patricia Felicia Petunia, Little Jim Bob and Li'l Shoddy. It was the culmination of an eight-month school project about trout, their habitat and conservation, and the importance of caring about nature. "Why would you care about the environment if you're not connected to it in any way?" asked Aaron Burke, the school librarian who runs the project. "This is a way to help make that connection. Every time they drive over that bridge, they'll think, 'I wonder if Fred is in there.' " Students in 5,000 schools nationwide and more than 350 in New York are conducting similar releases as part of Trout in the Classroom, a program organized each spring for more than 30 years by the conservation group Trout Unlimited. "The big goal of the program is to create this connection with students in their watershed and their drinking water," said Cecily Nordstrom, the nonprofit's stream education manager. Burke has worked with Trout in the Classroom for five years and starts each fall with a small jar of trout eggs hatched in an aquarium in the school library. He gets the eggs from the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The DEC uses the same stock in hatcheries that annually produce 2 million trout to stock streams and lakes. The state adds 6,100 brown trout each spring to Fishkill Creek, which starts in Union Vale and flows 33 miles through Dutchess County before passing through Beacon and emptying into the Hudson River. About 90 percent of those trout are 9-inch yearlings. Starting in 2020, about 10 percent of stocked trout were 13-inch two-year-olds, giving anglers "a shot at catching one of those nice larger fish," said Fred Henson, the DEC's cold water fisheries leader. Photos by Ross Corsair Henson explained that Fishkill Creek is a "put-and-take" fishery, which means the fish are put in the stream and quickly taken out by anglers fishing in places like Madam Brett Park off Tioronda Avenue. Stocked trout rarely survive to reproduce. Without stocking in Fishkill Creek, Henson said, "you wouldn't have a fishery." Development along streams like Fishkill Creek undermines the clean, cold water needed for trout to thrive, he said. As with many waterways in developed areas, stormwater runoff pollutes the creek and fewer trees leads to rising water temperatures. Henson said that the state reduced stocking last year in Beacon's section of Fishkill Creek to 400 trout because fewer property owners allow fishing. Until 2023, the state was stocking the section with 1,100 brown trout, he said. "As more and more large properties are subdivided and development increases in the Hudson Valley and in Dutchess County, we're limited by landowners who are unwilling to let the public access trout streams for recreation," said Henson. The South Avenue Elementary release was at a public greenway behind the Hudson Valley Brewery. Burke had a tabletop model of a watershed to show how development impacts a waterway. Teachers led scavenger hunts while children took turns releasing trout. Mark Jones, a board member of the Mid-Hudson chapter of Trout Unlimited, was there to teach fly casting. While most of its members are anglers, Jones emphasized that his chapter's mission is "to show the importance of stream preservation." On Fishkill Creek, he said the chapter has done clean-ups and tree plantings that reduce bank erosion. April Stark, another member of the Mid-Hudson chapter, demonstrated fly tying and explained that a river with healthy bugs produces healthy trout. "Trout only live in good, clean water," she said. "So, when you see trout who are able to thrive wi...

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.

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...

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.

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...

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

James & Jimmie bring you more crazy reviews, including an old school diner that may leave you with a concussion & stomach problems. A volcanic mountain in Japan that people are upset with... about the weather, and blame a "hostile" Japanese attitude. A home pizza maker with tech of a space heater, and a name that makes us crazy & much more!!Join comedians James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman as they explore the most opinionated part of the internet: The Reviews Section!Subscribe and we will see you every Monday with Your Stupid Opinions!!!Don't forget to rate & review!!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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!       

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.

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