HVNY News + Notes (9/25/23)
ICYMI: A moose was the talk of several towns last week – A Hyde Park homeowner spotted a large bull moose on Roosevelt Road near the Eleanor Roosevelt Historic Site on Wednesday, saying, “I thought it was a horse walking by my window at first!” A moose was also seen romping through the baseball fields in Rhinebeck, and, of course, passing by Holy Cow in Red Hook before another sighting over the weekend in Livingston, Columbia County.
Rhinebeck is seeking input to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety in the village during a public workshop on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 6pm. In anticipation of the discussion, the village’s Comprehensive Plan Committee has been reviewing recommendations from the Transportation Subcommittee, and members of the Village Board and the Climate Smart Rhinebeck Task Force have been working with students on a Safe Routes to School project.
As of Monday, September 25, 2023, U.S. households can receive four free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests delivered via the USPS. Order at covid.gov/tests or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
DYK: Post-production for Barbie, the summer blockbuster hit from Greta Gerwig, took place in New York? Learn more from Barbie crew members and department heads during a virtual panel discussion, Post-Production NY: The Making of Barbieland on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 11am. Panel guests include Jennifer Lane, associate producer and post-production supervisor, Susana Peric, supervising music editor and editor Nick Houy. Link to register.
Due to last weekend’s weather, several local events were postponed or cancelled: While the will to go on rain-or-shine was strong, Spirit of Beacon Day was postponed to Sunday, October 1, 2023. Explore Stissing in Pine Plains has been rescheduled for this Saturday, September 30, 2023. The season-closing concert by Half Waif at the Beatrix Farrand Garden in Hyde Park is now planned for Sunday, October 1, 2023. East Fishkill Community Day, planned for Saturday, September 23, has been moved to October 8, 2023. Monarch Day at Burger Hill, planned for Saturday, was cancelled. And Scenic Hudson’s 2023 Farmland Cycling Tour through the valley’s idyllic countryside, which was at capacity, was cancelled completely. Check HVNY’s calendar, and Instagram + FB Stories for the latest updates.
Premium sake maker, Dassai, opened the first-ever Japan-led sake brewery on the East Coast in Hyde Park on Saturday. Dassai Blue is a $80 million, 55,000 square foot, state-of-the-art brewery and tasting room located at 5 St. Andrews Road, just off Route 9, in the Town of Hyde Park. Dassai Blue will also be the name of a new sake made using New York water and Yamada Nishiki rice the company currently uses in Japan. The facility converted a long-vacant grocery store building into a brewery and a rice polishing facility. According to Dutchess County officials, Dassai will be partnering with The Culinary Institute of America to develop curriculum, certification programs and public classes. Beginning October 12, visitors will be able to attend tours and tastings at the brewery on Thursdays and Fridays from 1–4pm, and by reservation only through the company’s website: https://www.asahishuzo.ne.jp/dassaiblue/
The National Parks Service announced that Bard College has been chosen as a recipient of a $750,000 Save America’s Treasures grant through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) to help support the restoration of the Montgomery Place Mansion, a National Historic Landmark owned by Bard College. The grant funding will support structural repairs to the exterior of the building in order to restore its integrity and resiliency for future preservation. The work at Montgomery Place Mansion will include a comprehensive assessment of the structural conditions and will help secure the long-term preservation of the building, its finishes, and its collections. Following completion of the structural assessment and a comprehensive onsite evaluation of the building envelope, restoration work will begin focusing on the mansion roof, drainage, north- and east-facing porches, as well as exterior paint. “As stewards of this historic property, we’re gratified that the National Park Service has recognized the importance of Montgomery Place and awarded us this generous grant to support its ongoing restoration and conservation,” said Bard College President Leon Botstein.
Bard College professor Kerri-Ann Norton has been awarded $31,657 from the National Institutes of Health for a study to help “improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy drugs by using computer models to help characterize the dynamics between malignant tumors and the body’s immune responses, and to improve clinicians’ ability to select the most promising combinations of drugs in clinical trials.”
Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act provides funding for projects that will provide clean water, help New Yorkers adapt to climate change, and create new green jobs. The submission deadline for the Bond Act Project Ideas Survey has been extended through September 30, 2023.
Most small game hunting seasons open on Saturday, October 1, across New York State. "From waterfowl and upland gamebirds to squirrels, rabbits, and more, there are abundant opportunities for hunters across New York State," Commissioner Seggos said. "This year, hunters can enjoy even more waterfowl hunting opportunities, with an increase in mallard and Canada goose bag limits and an extended goose season." Season dates, bag limits, and other hunting regulations for New York's small game species are available in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, which can be obtained from a license-issuing agent or on DEC's website. DEC wilderness areas and public lands are open to all. To ensure the safety of every recreator, DEC encourages everyone to abide by basic hunter safety practices:
Wear bright orange – Ensure that every member of your group has an article of bright orange clothing before heading into the woods, including pets.
Keep dogs on leash – To keep you and your dog safe, keep them on a leash and close by.
Keep it quiet – Respect the wildlife and other users in the backcountry by keeping conversations and other noises to a reasonable volume.
Practice firearm safety – Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded, always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and be aware of your target and surroundings before touching the trigger.
If you own five or more acres of forestland or land suitable for establishing forest, you may be eligible for a Regenerate NY grant. Regenerate NY is still accepting applications for Round 3 through 5pm on Friday, October 6, 2023. This cost-share grant program aims to help private landowners promote forest regeneration on their land. Projects must be created with the help of a forester or natural resource professional and can include any combination of the following practices:
Planting trees;
Controlling invasive species and other competing vegetation;
Restoring the health of their forests; and
Using fencing to reduce deer browse.
Visit the Regenerate NY webpage for more information
A Town of Newburgh woman flees from Trooper, drives into pond, is saved by Trooper and issued 50 tickets. On September 15, 2023 around 11:39pm, a New York State Trooper observed a Cadillac traveling north on state Route 9W in Newburgh in violation of numerous vehicle and traffic laws. The driver, Melissa D. Branagan, 38, of Newburgh, failed to comply and fled, with the pursuit traveling through the towns of Newburgh and Marlborough. “The pursuit came to an end when the vehicle drove into a pond on Marchese Drive in the town of Marlborough. Ms. Branagan, the sole occupant of the vehicle was unable to exit as the vehicle began to submerge. The Trooper entered the water and was able to remove Branagan through the driver side window and then successfully swim back to shore with her. She refused medical attention. Further investigation revealed that Branagan was impaired by alcohol. She was charged with felony Driving While Intoxicated and felony DWAI drugs, Aggravated Unlicensed Operator, and Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the third degree. Branagan was issued an appearance ticket returnable to court and was issued 50 tickets.”
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Historic marker for one of the oldest buildings in Fishkill that Washington frequently visited restored and reinstalled: “Fishkill is home to a number of historic locations and buildings, and subsequently is also home to a number of blue-and-yellow historical markers which identify sites of historical value. This week, Councilman Carmine Istvan and Highway Department operators returned one historical marker to its proper location.” The marker is visible on Route 82 at the intersection of Lomala Road, and indicates the presence of the Brinckerhoff-Van Vorhees House in the vicinity of the intersection. The house, built in the 1730s, is one of the oldest buildings in Fishkill and was frequently visited by Gen. George Washington during the Revolutionary War. The sign was meticulously restored by former Town Historian Paul Gromkowski after it was damaged in recent years.
Historic marker for one of the oldest buildings in Fishkill that Washington frequently visited restored and reinstalled: “Fishkill is home to a number of historic locations and buildings, and subsequently is also home to a number of blue-and-yellow historical markers which identify sites of historical value. This week, Councilman Carmine Istvan and Highway Department operators returned one historical marker to its proper location.” The marker is visible on Route 82 at the intersection of Lomala Road, and indicates the presence of the Brinckerhoff-Van Vorhees House in the vicinity of the intersection. The house, built in the 1730s, is one of the oldest buildings in Fishkill and was frequently visited by Gen. George Washington during the Revolutionary War. The sign was meticulously restored by former Town Historian Paul Gromkowski after it was damaged in recent years.
