HVNY News + Notes

Aug 18

Written By HVNY

Hudson Valley Symphony Orchestra names new principal conductor, artistic advisor – Andre Raphel has been appointed to a two-year term beginning in September of 2024. The HVSO was formed by musicians of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic in May following a dispute with the Bardavon. The Hudson Valley Philharmonic began as the Dutchess County Philharmonic Orchestra in 1932 when a small group of musicians came together, and gave their first public concert in 1934. One of the original businessmen, George Hagstrom, became the ensemble’s first conductor, and the group consisted of professionals, amateurs, and student musicians from area high schools. Subsequent conductors were: Ole Windingstad (1945), Claude Monteux (1959), Imre Pallo (1976), and Randall Craig Fleischer (1992). Raphel has collaborated with the musicians of the ensemble several times since 2022, including conducting the inaugural concert of the HVSO in May featuring “The Music of John Williams.” “The musicians have expressed their overwhelming support as we officially welcome Maestro Raphel,” HVSO executive director and violinist Rachel Crozier said. “We are excited to embark on this new chapter together.”

Village of New Paltz to host community circle – “Recently our community has experienced a lot division regarding the war in the Middle East & community members’ reactions to it. We are inviting local residents to meet for a community circle to discuss how to disagree on the crisis in the Middle East without hurting each other.” During a community circle, the conversation is centered around a series of prompts and led by a facilitator. Participants will have a chance to speak to each prompt for a set amount of time without interruption. This circle will be facilitated by Miriam Frankl, Executive Director of the Dispute Resolution Center on Monday, August 16, 2024 at 7pm in the Village Hall meeting room, 25 Plattekill Avenue. (Use the entrance adjacent to the former fire department garage bays.) For those interested in taking part, email Stana Weisburd sweisburd@villageofnewpaltz.org.

County to separate community health services – Three major service areas under Dutchess County’s Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) – Mental Health, Public Health and Veterans Services – will be reorganized into independent departments, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced. “When people are looking for services and resources in times of need, we want to be doing all that we can to make it easy to figure out where to go and who to talk to,” she said. “This alignment also ensures Dutchess County can take advantage of the growing resources that may be available and focus on the critical issues that are affecting our neighbors.”
Trail on Breakneck closed until further notice; free shuttle available – The Brook Trail (Red Trail) on Breakneck is closed between the Cornish Connector trail and Route 9D as construction begins in the Breakneck Tunnel. Pedestrian use of the tunnel is also prohibited at this time. The DOT has a free shuttle service for pedestrians from the gray booths at the Lower Brook and Wilkinson Trailheads. The trail will be closed until further notice.

Home of chestnut oaks in Shawangunks protected – More than 98 acres of fully forested land Located high on the Shawangunk Ridge to Roosa Gap State Forest in Sullivan County has been protected by New York State and the Open Space Institute. The parcel is home to one of the largest chestnut oak forests in New York State. The expansion “will enhance opportunities for hiking and other recreational activities in the southern Shawangunks, as well as protecting important stretches of the 357-mile Long Path and the 71-mile Shawangunk Ridge Trail, which cross through the parcel.”
Horse in the Town of Newburgh dies from “extremely rare but serious and often fatal infection” – The horse died late last week in Goshen, and tests results from the New York State Department of Health confirmed a diagonsis of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). EEE is spread by mosquitoes and can infect people and horses.
Symptoms of the EEE virus typically appear 4–10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. EEE virus only spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito and is not spread person-to-person, people to animals, or animals to people. It is possible that some people who are infected with EEE virus will not develop any symptoms.
People over 50 and younger than age 15 are at greatest risk for severe cases of EEE virus infection, which begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting which may progress into confusion, seizures, and coma. Approximately one third of patients who develop EEE virus will die, and many who survive have mild to severe brain damage.
OCDOH Health Commissioner, Dr. Alicia Pointer, reminds residents that the EEE virus could remain active in the environment until the first hard frost occurs.
“Until we have a hard frost, people in all areas of Orange County need to fully protect themselves from mosquito bites when they’re outdoors,” she said. “If you are outside, you should use insect repellants and consider wearing long pants and long sleeves.”
“A positive test in a horse lets us know that EEE is circulating in mosquitos that bite mammals, including humans. We continue to monitor and assess mosquito and virus activities,” said Dr. Pointer. “We will keep you updated on our social media pages and the OCDOH webpage while we continue to work closely with the NYSDOH, which provides support and guidance.” For more information on mosquito prevention or protection, call the Orange County Department of Health at 845-291-2332 or visit www.orangecountygov.com/health

K-9 Yoda comes to the service of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office – Yoda, a certified health and wellness service dog, from the esteemed organization Puppies Behind Bars will help to provide emotional support and comfort to law enforcement officials, which can improve psychological well-being and reduce stress.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health for law enforcement officers to be effective at keeping communities like Orange County safe,” said Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. “They are under more stress than we have seen in decades. Their jobs entail protecting the public as well as helping others with mental health issues, with overdoses just to name a few. That is why it’s critical that they take care of themselves.”
First Sergeant Jeremy Yela, the K-9 Unit supervisor, recently completed a rigorous two-week training course at Green Haven Correctional Facility. During this time, he and Yoda were expertly matched by the Puppies Behind Bars staff. Yoda, who has mastered over 50 commands, was raised by incarcerated individuals from 8 weeks old.
Hosting an event? Add it to the HVNY calendar – Deadline for the HVNY weekly newsletter is 5pm on Fridays. Add your event using the form at https://hvny.info/share-your-event
Submissions wanted: Enter the 2024 HVNY Summer Photo Contest. Email your (1) best shot of summer around the Hudson Valley from this year to photos@hvny.info. Deadline: The last day of summer!