HVNY News + Notes (August 28 - September 3, 2023)
On Monday, West Point officials livestreamed the opening of a time capsule that was found inside a monument dedicated to Revolutionary War patriot Thaddeus Koscuiszko. The lead box was discovered after crews were disassembling the base of the monument for repairs. It is believed to be from 1829, and placed by cadets. A high-powered X-ray machine was used to try to look inside the box without opening it, but was unsuccessful because the box is made of lead. “There’s a lot that’s still left for us to uncover. There’s still more work to be done by historians and archeologists to understand what was going on here at the Academy in its early years,” Col. Scully said during the livestream. Watch the unveiling of the time capsule on the West Point YouTube channel. (Spoiler: Don’t get too excited, there was a lot of silt on the bottom of the box, indicating there was water penetration.)
According to forest rangers, a man said he was “being hunted like in Predator” while hiking in the Town of Shandaken last week. On August 21, 2023 at 2:45 a.m., Forest Ranger Martin received a call from Ray Brook Dispatch about an injured subject on Mount Tremper in Ulster County. At 3:10 a.m., Ranger Martin made phone contact with the 36-year-old from Connecticut who claimed he got into an altercation with his hiking companion and believed he was "being hunted like in Predator." The hiker twisted his ankle while escaping. Three more forest rangers responded to the site with a six-wheeler and found the subject at 5:50 a.m., asleep off the trail. Rangers then found the hiking companion, a 31-year-old from Beacon, in the Mount Tremper lean-to. Interviews of both subjects indicated significant drug and alcohol impairment. Both subjects were looked at by Shandaken EMS with no further incident.
‘Turkey shoot’ sign vandalized in Rhinebeck: Police are seeking information after a sign was vandalized at the intersection of Violet Hill Road and Route 9G in Rhinebeck over the weekend. The sign promoting the Neighbor’s Gun Club’s annual Turkey Shoot on September 24 was marred with the words “cowardly murder” in neon orange spray paint.
“For whoever did this, let it be known: we do not shoot live turkeys. We shoot paper targets, and the winner of each event receives a frozen turkey. Many of which go to those who need one for Thanksgiving. That’s why it’s called a turkey shoot,” the gun club explained.
According to witnesses, the person in question vandalized the sign during the day and was seen driving off in a dark blue Porsche convertible. Contact the Village of Rhinebeck Police at (845) 876-8181 with any information.
The Kingston Point Beach and Andretta Pool will close for the season on Sunday, August 27, 2023. Once the pool is closed, there will be no parking at Dietz Stadium as construction continues on the stadium’s $20M renovation.
The Town of Fishkill has voted to impose a moratorium on the development of self-storage facilities in the town. “In recent years, self-storage facility development has exploded in Fishkill … the town has found itself inundated with proposals for facility development and many residents have voiced concerns. The moratorium gives the town a 12-month window to research and examine the town code and potentially consider amending the town zoning code to ensure the proper regulation of self-storage facilities.
The New York State Public Service Commission will hold a virtual conference on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 10am to discuss Central Hudson’s proposed gas and electric rate hike requests, charges and regulations. Access the meeting, here.
After being closed for three years, Sprout Creek Farm announced it will be re-opening under the new ownership of Gopal Farm, a no-kill farm and organization headquartered in New Paltz. “Gopal Farm is going to be the model for an ethical A2 no-kill dairy- and farm-based wellness, educational and artistic retreat center,” the new owners said of their plans for the 200-acre farm that skirts along the 24.8-mile-long Sprout Creek. The farm’s first community event will take place in the fall, details TBA.
Interested in picking up the popular sport Pickleball? The Dutchess County Parks department and the Office for the Aging will be offering a free, three-day “Learn to Play Pickleball” lesson series at Quiet Cove Park in Poughkeepsie on September 19, September 26 and October 3, 2023. Equipment will be provided. Classes are open to Dutchess County residents ages 60 and over. Space is extremely limited, reservations are required by calling 845-486-2555.
Teachers are appreciated every Friday this summer at the Wethersfield Estate and Garden, Amenia. Wethersfield Estate & Garden offers free admission to teachers and their immediate families every Friday through August. Set on 1,000 acres, the estate includes a gorgeous formal garden inspired by the villa gardens of the Italian Renaissance. Wethersfield’s network of trails is open for hiking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. Click here to learn more.
Get ready to start something new: Never Been in Book Group Book Group will meet on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 1:30pm at the Clinton Community Library. Everything you ever wanted to know about book clubs but were afraid to ask – now's your chance! This book group is for anyone who is dipping in for the first time. At the first meet-up, there will be talk about what books the group is interested in and how the group will run.
BTW: It’s Labor Day Weekend! Most offices will be closed on Monday, including the HVNY office (but the HVNY Marketplace will still be open and accepting orders). Share your Hudson Valley news, info and events to hello@hvny.info.
Every summer, Erica Margot and her family head to Maine for a month. This summer is different — not only is it the summer before her senior year, but her twin brother’s best friend, Cameron, is tagging along. And he’s kind of hot. But she doesn’t have time for romance, does she? Can she be a strong, independent woman in STEM but also desperately want a boyfriend? While checking off annual family traditions, Erica Margot tries to grapple with who she is — and how to put it into a college application essay — along with her growing feelings for Cameron. As a straight-A student, she’s constantly afraid of coming across as high-maintenance and arrogant instead of determined, and she’s scared Cameron will think he’s holding her back. Despite her sorta-kinda-high-maintenance-ness, Erica Margot’s family vacation is full of silliness, inside jokes, and an absurd amount of ice cream. And maybe that’s exactly what she needs to figure out what life is all about, and to find her place in between the stars.
Paperbacks are printed on demand.
One mountain, three victims. Strangers and old friends spend the night on Mount Macabre, but not all of them make it home. The local Sheriff navigates difficult personalities, decodes lies, and unravels secrets on the haunted summit she knows all too well. How long will it take, and how many lives will be ruined in the process?
Paperbacks & hardcovers are printed on demand.
The truth is out there, hidden in remote, tucked-away corners of the Hudson River Valley…Are you ready to uncover it?
In Hauntings of the Hudson River Valley, author Vin Dacquino strives to discover the true story behind three enigmatic folk legends: Sybil Ludington, Chief Daniel Nimham, and George Denny. Each was the central figure in a dramatic series of events; each became enshrined in local lore for their actions; each has had their true story obscured; and each may have left behind a spiritual residue. Follow Dacquino as he interviews local experts, explores areas where hauntings may have occurred--such as Carmel's legendary Smalley's Inn – and digs deep into historical archives to open new windows into the lives and possible afterlives of these three mysterious characters.
Pages: 128
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Imprint: The History Press
Publication Date: 15th November 2007
Format: Paperback
Shipping’s included in all prices on the HVNY Marketplace
Hand-drawn illustration of the Hudson Valley’s Revolutionary War siren Sybil Ludington on 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester). Made to order. Price includes shipping.
Escape, in your head at least, to the riverside with this 100% chino cotton twill low-profile hat with adjustable strap and antique buckle. Made to order. Shipping’s free.
For 141 years, Hudson River State Hospital was home to tens of thousands of individuals suffering from mental illness.
Famous architects Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux drafted the main building in 1869. The facility grew from a 208-acre parcel in 1871 with seven patients to 752 acres with five dozen separate buildings containing nearly 6,000 patients in 1954. The main building was constructed on a Kirkbride plan, a treating philosophy centered around an ornate building of equal proportions staffed by employees who integrated dignity and compassion into health care. Famous architects Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux drafted the main building in 1869. The landscape was penned by Frederick Law Olmsted, perhaps best known for the design of New York City's Central Park. Ships for free directly from Arcadia Publishing.
The history of New York is inseparable from the history of sailing on the Hudson River. Beginning with Henry Hudson in 1609 the Dutch and English extended their empires into the Hudson Valley and extracted its bounty via sail.
Control of the Hudson River was a lynchpin for American victory in the Revolutionary War and New York City's 19th-century rise to global prominence was powered by the sailing vessels on its waterways. Upriver, sloops and schooners delivered goods from the nation's interior and international whaling businesses operated from Hudson and Poughkeepsie and Kingston and Newburgh became noted shipbuilding centers. Yacht racing and ice yachting emerged as popular sports among wealthy families like the Astors and Roosevelts. Sailing clubs preserved these traditions into the 20th century. Since the 1960s, activists including Pete Seeger have used sailboats to galvanize a movement to revive the river ecosystem. Today, the river is home to new generations of sailors continuing these traditions into a fifth century.
Steve Schwartz has sailed and captained numerous sailing and motor vessels on the Hudson River since the 1970s. He and James Malchow are both captains on the Hudson River ferry sloop Woody Guthrie. Images in this book, collected from local libraries, historical societies, the New York State Archives, Library of Congress, and private collections, capture the people, places, and ships that have made the Hudson River an important sailing center for over four centuries.
Shipping’s included in all prices on the HVNY Marketplace
This shirt features Allison Walker’s "Two Waters Meeting" piece, depicting two ocean tides coming together. “It is a piece about two lives, or two big ideas, coming together. I like wearing this over my heart and lungs, it feels like fresh breath & an open heart!”
Available as a Festival Crop, a Classic Tee or Lightweight Crewneck Sweatshirt
All items on the HVNY Marketplace ship directly from their makers + All prices include shipping.
"Walking on Water" is a recurring theme of Allison Walker’s, depicting the “walking-on-a-tidal-wave nature of spiritual journeys. The deep blue and bright gold represent a journey with range.”
All items on the HVNY Marketplace ship directly from their makers + All prices include shipping.
Design by Peekskill resident Evan Rosen
50% of all proceeds will be donated to The Lenape Center
• Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Lightweight
• Acrylite front protector
• Hanging hardware included
• Blank product components in the US sourced from Japan and the US
• Blank product components in the EU sourced from Japan and Latvia
This item is made-to-order. All items on the HVNY Marketplace ship directly from their makers + All prices include shipping.
11x14 inches, matted, unframed, fine art Giclee print. “I try to escape to the beautiful beaches in the New York area. Here’s a scene from a visit to Montauk.”
All items on the HVNY Marketplace ship directly from their makers + All prices include shipping.
One-of-a-kind, cut-and-layered art paper for a three-dimensional effect, unframed, ~20x16." The Esopus Meadows Lighthouse and its backdrop as interpreted from Mills State Park.
All items on the HVNY Marketplace ship directly from their makers + All prices include shipping.
Unframed original watercolor. Please note: This item is available for pick-up only. The artist will contact the buyer after purchase to arrange pick-up.
Highland Farm Smoked Venison Snack Sticks are the perfect, farm-fresh protein snack. They are individually wrapped, and easy to pop in your purse or lunchbox.
Includes 30 individually wrapped sticks: 6 - Venison Snack Sticks, 6 - Hot Venison Snack Sticks, 6 - Cracked Pepper Venison Snack Sticks, 6 - Teriyaki Venison Snack Sticks, 6 Venison and Cheddar Snack Sticks
Highland Farm Venison Doggie Treats are a farm-made dried venison meat treat guaranteed to delight your pup! Filled with lots of wholesome venison meat and organs and no junk! Store the jerky strips in the fridge or freezer (since there are no preservatives except for a pinch of salt) and just cut or rip off a piece for your very good pup!
This item is only available for pick-up directly from Highland Farm in Germantown. Pick-up details will be emailed when order is complete.
The Beast Box is a collection of some of Highland Farm’s most popular cuts. It makes a great gift for the game meat lover in your life!
The Beast Box includes:
Bison Ribeye - 2 x 12oz steaks
Elk Loin Roast - 1 x 12oz portion
Venison Steak - 2 x 12oz steaks
Wild Boar Ribs - 2 pounds
Elk and Bison Bratwurst - 1 pound
This item is only available for pick-up directly from Highland Farm in Germantown. Pick-up details will be emailed when order is complete.
A limited edition of three of Highland Farm's most popular sweet and savory summer sausages, and a branded logo cutting board. A perfect host/hostess gift for the holidays!
Sausage Flavors: Venison Summer Sausage, Venison and Cheddar Summer Sausage, Elk Burgundy Cheddar Summer Sausage.
All items on the HVNY Marketplace ship directly from their makers, for free.
A print of the winning shot from the 2022 HVNY Summer Photo Contest by Amy Mott. 12" x16" lustre finish. Prints made to order.
Updated for 2026! Wildsam Field Guides: Hudson Valley and Catskills leads travelers along the mighty Hudson River, into colorful forests and through mystical mountains with guidance from trusted locals and experts.
Stories from prize-winning writers, past and present
A detailed road trip plan and profiles of 10 idyllic towns
Interviews with artists, preservationists, brewers and hardware store owners
Delightful miscellany from the archives, selective recommendations about authentic Catskills experiences and a deep dive into the world of art history and antique collecting.
Shipping included in price. 128 pages, printed in the USA. 4x6.5” - Back pocket size
Fresh, multi-colored chicken eggs from a flock hatched and raised by hand here in the Hudson Valley. Available for pick-up only from Salt Point, NY; Address will be sent to customer after order.
Quantity available updated daily!
Handmade oyster shell trinket dishes. Not food safe but perfect for jewelry or other trinkets! One of each, as pictured. Price includes shipping.
Enjoy summer in the Hudson Valley all yearlong with a print of Croton Point Park from our 2025 HVNY Summer Photo Contest winner, Matthew Daly. Prints made to order.
For every almost maybe
the ½ loves
the right hearts but the wrong time
the lonely nights
the rainy days
may these pages restore hope in your eyes
and peace in your heart
today, tomorrow and all the days to come
A book of poetry that explores topics such as coping with various emotions, navigating relationships, love, loss, cultivating self-compassion, and more. It highlights the journey of self-exploration, through vulnerability, mindfulness, uncertainty, and a lot of the messy things many of us relate to but often avoid talking about.
Ships directly from the author.
Order a full or drilled-out Emu Egg from a lovingly handraised flock here in the Hudson Valley and impress those Easter guests!
Each egg is approximately 6” in height. The empty eggs are drilled out on either end. Ships directly from the flock in Dutchess County. Shipping costs are included in price.
Full emu eggs for culinary use are available for contact-less pick-up only from the farmstand in Salt Point, NY. Limited availability (through March). Customers will receive pick-up instructions after order confirmation. Email us for more information.
For fans of Alison Espach and Claire Lombardo, a poignant and thought-provoking debut novel about the fraught bond between mothers and teen daughters, the ripple effects of a tragic event in a small town, and the search for meaning after loss.
What if the only way forward is to let go of everything you know?
Kate’s life in the Hudson Valley seems picture-perfect: a thriving career as a realtor-slash-momfluencer, a devoted husband, and a strong bond with her brilliant teenage daughter, Indie. But when Indie’s best friend dies suddenly, their idyllic small-town haven begins to crumble. Kate and Ethan lose their footing, and Indie, alone in her grief, falls down an internet rabbit hole of nihilism and existential despair.
As Indie searches for meaning in a world that feels random and cruel, Kate struggles to reconcile her carefully curated online persona with the raw, unyielding grief tearing her family apart. When long-buried family secrets rise to the surface, she is forced to confront unsettling truths that challenge everything she thought she knew—about marriage, motherhood, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
Told in the dual voices of a mother and daughter grappling with loss, No One You Know is filled with poignant observations on parenthood, best friendship, class and political divides, infidelity in a small town—and the bitter truth that death can touch everything we love.
Release date: January 20, 2026. Shipping is included in all prices.
Each piece is uniquely handcrafted, featuring four hand-rolled polymer clay beads in a coordinated black and gold colorway. No two necklaces are the same – gold foil accents create one-of-a-kind swirls and shimmer in every bead.
These lightweight statement necklaces are designed to be both stylish and versatile, perfect for dressing up casual outfits or adding a touch of glam to evening wear.
Beads measure approx. 1/2" each
Strung on a 30" elastic gold-tone cord – adjustable to your perfect length
Comes in a black organza gift bag – ready to gift or keep
This item ships directly from its maker.
Shipping is included in all prices.
One-of-a-kind botanical art made using real dried flowers: Daisy, yarrow, Queen Anne’s lace, hyacinth & seasonal blooms.
Handcrafted baroque-style frame – made from poured, painted, and sealed resin.
Size: 4" wide x 3.125" high
This item ships directly from its maker.
Shipping is included in all prices.
Support Hudson Valley artists and makers on the HVNY Marketplace – with a gift card!
Purchasing this digital gift card creates a unique code. The gift card recipient can enter this code at the HVNY Marketplace checkout to subtract the gift card value from their order total. This gift card never expires.
Prince Nyle of Wisteria, newly 17, is set to sail the Floral Sea with Captain Oxford, his father’s lead commander. Nyle’s heart longs for adventure, but it also longs for Adelaide, his childhood best friend. However, like in any classic fairytale, Nyle’s father has forbidden him from marrying a commoner. Unbeknownst to the feuding father-son pair, Captain Oxford is plotting with King Oleander of Chrysanthemum to seize control and rule the Flower Alliance. As Oxford’s plot is revealed, Nyle, Adelaide, and a misfit band of heroes work together to stop Oxford and restore peace. In part two, King Oleander’s son, Henbane, finds a piece of a treasure map that will lead to answers surrounding his mother’s death. Theo, a pacifist from Poppy (the island of war), and Emma, a healer from Amaranth, get caught in the treasure hunt. King Alastair of Poppy seeks the lost treasure for himself. With the democracy of the Flower Alliance once again at risk, Theo and Emma team up with familiar friends to find the treasure.
Paperbacks & hardcovers are printed on demand. Paperbacks are $26, and Hardcovers are $32.