BlueStone Press

The best source for local news from Marbletown, Rochester & Rosendale

Published the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month | Vol. 27, Issue 8

New connector trail in Stone Ridge to open on May 21 PAGE 8

April 15, 2022 | $1.00

Rochester considers moratorium on some land uses

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Rochester considers permitting accessory dwellings

A SPECIAL INSERT TO THE BLUESTONE PRESS

Ann Belmont BSP Reporter

High Falls’ Daffodils on Main Street trumpets, ‘spring is on its way!’

When the “Daffodils on Main Street” display starts to show its stuff, everyone knows spring is in the air! For several years, each fall, the High Falls Conservancy plants 300 or so daffodil bulbs. The current tally is approximately 1,800 bulbs planted on Main Street from the Lucas Turnpike intersection to the eastern end of Old Route 213. That stretch, known as High Falls Main Street, is the responsibility of the High Falls Conservancy for its beauty and upkeep under the NYS Department of Transportation Adopt-A-Highway

Rochester's town board is working on a law that's intended to benefit people who are finding it hard to stay in the Town of Rochester because of rising real-estate prices, especially in the last couple of years. On March 31, the public was invited to comment on the first draft of this law, which would amend the zoning laws to make it possible for property owners on smaller parcels, who would otherwise not be eligible, to build "accessory dwelling units (ADUs)," whether adding a separate apartment to an existing house or constructing a new, freestanding building.

The commenters, some physically present at the town hall and some attending via virtual Zoom connection, had plenty to say. First up was a woman who identified as a real estate agent.“I believe it’s important to create more affordable housing ... in a time when there is an incredible housing shortage," she said, commending the board for tackling a tough issue. She had some suggestions for amending the law.

One was getting rid of the restrictions on extra driveways. She also criticized the size limit, written in the draft law as no more than 40% of the primary structure. “If the primary structure is really small,” that would be pretty limiting, she pointed out.

She called the law as written “an important first step” and recommended the creation of a housing advisory committee to come up with more ways to ease the housing crisis.

Several residents who got up to speak at the hearing wanted to expand the living space on their property for their children and grandchildren, but are currently not allowed to do so on the amount of acreage they own. One woman said, “I’ve lived in the Town of Rochester since 2014 …

This is my home. I pay the taxes, I’m very responsible.” Current zoning doesn't allow her to expand her attached apartment to

See Spring, page 4

See Accessory, page 15

Clockwise from top left: Stone Ridge Library plant sale on May 7; the Easter Bunny shares a special moment and a carrot with helpers Sienna Sergio and Ashley Sweeney, Rochester recreation director; Andrew Faust from the Center for Bioregional Living has a program on "Reclaiming Historic Meadow Boundaries" (see page 4); and High Falls Conservancy’s spring cleaners Zoya and Harriett get ready for this year's cleanup. Photos on the right by Manuela Michailescu and Ovi Horta

Spring green shoots popping up everywhere Plant sale at Stone Ridge Library (photo upper left) Join the community from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, rain or shine, on the library lawn, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge, for the Stone Ridge Library’s Annual Plant Sale. The event will feature a variety of donated plants, from flowers to vegetables.

The Library Knitters will be there with all sorts of treasures.

Help the library with the sale by dividing some of plants from a home garden, and stop by the library to donate them; there will be empty pots to fill by the garden gate. Plants can be dropped off at the library the week of May 1, but not sooner.

For more information, visit stoneridgelibrary.org or call 845-687-7023.

High Falls Conservancy’s Annual Spring Cleaning (photo lower left) Join the community of volunteers, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 7, at the flagpole in Grady Park, to enjoy a doughnut (from Davenport Farms of Stone Ridge) and cup of coffee (from the High Falls Deli), and hear about an upcoming event for High Falls, before continuing to work on the High Falls Conservancy’s Annual Spring Cleaning.

This event has become more popular with families seeking to find meaningful ways to express and care for the environment. Keeping the pathways, roads and streams clean a part of this goal.

This hardworking and fun day includes cleaning up Main Street, and the land around the Rondout Creek in High Falls.

Over the past years, Conservancy volunteers have collected approximately 1,800 pounds of trash and recyclables, including a hot water heater, door frames, tires, iron pipes and more bottles, cans and cigarette butts than anyone could count.

This year volunteers are in for a very special treat. With their coffee and doughnuts, they will have the opportunity to hear noted geoscientist Bill Heins talk about some of the geological features in High Falls. Heins’ talk is just the beginning, as the Conservancy will introduce its series of four seminars for the community to be held this summer called “High Falls Rocks,” a geological history of The Shawangunks, Catskills and High Falls.

Upon completion of the day’s events, volunteers will be rewarded with a coupon from Ollie’s Pizza, which will be providing a free Narragansett Beer, Coke or Diet Coke to all spring-cleaning workers.

Both the Adopt-A-Highway and SWEEP projects require registration, which can be done in advance, or at the registration table on May 7, at Grady Park. To register in advance for Riverkeeper SWEEP, go to Riverkeeper.org/sweep, or text SWEEP to 41444 and page through to High Falls: Rondout Creek. Young volunteers must be accompanied by an adult for this event.

If interested in volunteering, call Carole Eppley at 917-705-8711 or email highfallsconservancy@gmail.com.

Page 2, April 15, 2022, BlueStone Press

Stone Ridge family helps with Ukrainian charities and war efforts Tell us a little bit about your past and how long you’ve lived in the area. What do you do for a living?

I’ve been coming up to the Hudson valley since I can remember, specifically Kerhonkson and Ellenville, to attend summer camps. After college I continued to visit these places to see lifelong friends made in those summer camps on big weekends at the Ukrainian resorts, Soyuzivka (Kerhonkson) and CYM (Ellenville), to have fun hangVisit the folks ing by a stream, hiking up to a set next door of cliffs, and sit by a campfire, or go to a summer dance with loud Ukrainian music. My wife has come up on weekends and summers her entire life, and attended the same camps. Her family had a summer place where they spent time hiking, biking, and swimming in the rivers. Ukrainians have always enjoyed this area, many settling here, because it reminded them of their homes. In 2006, my wife and I got engaged and were planning our wedding (Hudson Valley Resort), and the housing market was out of control. We talked about buying a summer house up here, but we got scared with prices climbing so quickly and that we would never have our own slice of paradise, so we scraped everything we had together and bought a foreclosure that had no running water, basement flooding and all kinds of “challenges.”

It wasn’t cheap either, but looking back it was a great investment and changed our lives. We fixed that for several years, spending more and more time up here as weekenders, but moved full time in 2011 when we had our second child. I work(ed) from home as a director for a software company, so it was fantastic to have so much space, and I didn’t have to move the car twice a week. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else right now.

of Mariupol weighs heavily on the hearts and minds of Ukrainians everywhere. I worry about them constantly. Just Imagine a place where all the hospitals, day care centers, schools, universities, power plants, have been targeted and destroyed.

If the war ended today, what will life be like, what is left to go home to?

I can’t imagine – but I’m sure my family and Ukrainians will rebuild it better than before, as they have in the past.

Q&A

Tell us about your family.

I have three children, two girls and a boy. They love dance (ballet) and music.

We have piano, violin, clarinet, trumpet and oboe sounds daily in the house. We have a large, extended family living all over New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ukraine. Both my wife and I are of Ukrainian decent, and we try our best to continue to pass down the language, culture and customs. We attend the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church

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in Kerhonkson, where we are surrounded by fellow Ukrainians, and afterwards we enjoy fellowship over a cup of coffee and snacks. As a family we belong to a scouts organization, the Ukrainian American Youth Association, where we meet weekly to do crafts, learn about history, literature, Ukrainian customs and tradition, sing songs and have some fun outside. As a group we decorated Ukrainian Easter eggs [pysanky] this weekend, which is a very difficult but beautiful art form.

You have family in Ukraine. How has the war has affected them and you and your family here?

My wife and I both have lots of cousins in Ukraine, more than 100, some that we’ve never met but think about every day now that war is upon them. Many of the families are now separated, with the woman and children going as refugees to surrounding countries, many of the older aunts/cousins, have stayed – wanting to protect and help in any way possible and not wanting to leave their land. All the men have stayed. These people, their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents lived through persecution for generations, forced labor, war, starvation (manmade), and are just incredibly resilient, brave, and find ways to celebrate life.

One thing about my family, and Ukrainians in general, is that if things are not going your way, you just keep going.

They are doing amazing things in Ukraine to defend, support defenders, and show terrorists their evil plans will not work on them. That being said, the news of mass graves, death, the starving people

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Tell us about your efforts to assist in helping with this terrible situation.

Well, I have to say everyone in our community has been very supportive, generous and kind. I hope the war ends soon, but people continue to act so selflessly and supportive to all victims of human rights atrocities such as this war.

Our youth group, Ukrainian American Youth Association of the Hudson Valley, has been collecting medical supplies, sorting, packing and shipping them to Ukraine, where other charities pick up the ball and distribute these essential supplies throughout Ukraine to the people who need it the most. The children, and quite frankly the adults in the group, needed to do something to have an outlet of all the emotions we have been going through, and we felt that it needed to be hands on.

We have spent five weeks in a row collecting medical supplies from so many generous people from drop-off boxes in schools, places of worship, businesses, local political offices, neighbors and our drop-off box located at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church on Foordmore Road in Kerhonkson.

To date we have sent over 120 large boxes of medical supplies, as well as 250plus packages of diapers, wipes, etc., for children’s needs. Shipping is expensive, and we have used the monetary donations to pay for the shipping, making sure the supplies get there quickly.

Many people have passed along donations to members of our UAYA group directly, but we also have raised funds using charitable sites like our GoFundMe page https://www.gofundme.com/f/48pdv-humanitarian-aid-for-ukraine.

We are also using monetary donations to buy tourniquets, phones, specialized blood-clotting gauze to help first responders save the lives of people injured by bombs, bullets, mines, artillery, and even being run over by tanks. Those who want to help can send monetary donations to: UAYA, P.O. Box 35, Napanoch NY 12458 What do you like to do in your spare time?

Since the war in Ukraine started most of our spare time has gone toward our charitable activities. During more normal times, I like to spend time with family, driving back and forth to ballet, take on some DIY activities, and ride around on my lawn mower. I have more started projects than finished unfortunately, but I have a lots of hope as my helpers are getting older and more skilled.

What do you look forward to in the future?

I look forward to Ukraine maintaining its freedom and sovereign borders. I would say win the war, but I don’t think there is a winner when so many people have been killed for no reason.

I also look forward to meeting more people in our community who would like to help the UAYA efforts and also partner with other organizations to drive positive change for other causes, and teaching our kids compassion, kindness and the need to get involved along the way.

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BlueStone Press, April 15, 2022, Page 3

Marbletown board to study transfer tax Anne Pyburn Craig BSP Reporter Marbletown’s April 5 Town Board meeting was intended to be livestreamed for the public on Facebook, but technical difficulties arose. Reached by phone afterward, supervisor Rich Parete said the meeting was short and productive, with several resolutions passing 4-0 and another passing 3-1.

The evening’s sole “no” vote came from board member Ken Davenport on the development of a Community Preservation Plan in accordance with state guidelines under the Community Preservation Act, allowing municipalities to impose a 3%5% transfer tax on real estate transactions and use the money to fund open space and historic preservation measures.

The reservation passed last Tuesday will create an ad-hoc committee of Environmental Conservation and Historic Preservation Commission members, along with other interested parties, to organize Marbletown’s existing planning documents into a draft comprehensive Community Preservation Plan and engage the public in a discussion of preservation priorities, ways and means..

“This resolution just authorizes us to begin the process; the draft would need to go to a community-wide referendum before any action takes place on the transfer tax,” Parete said.

The walking trail agreement between

the town and SUNY Ulster was amended to allow Marbletown’s highway department to finish the trail to the Kelder Conference Center, with the college picking up the cost of time and materials, $4,020.

“You can park at the college and walk to Stone Ridge,” said Parete, “thanks to collaboration between the college, the town, the Davenports and the Borzumatos.

Hopefully this is a step toward our longterm goal of connecting to the rail trail.” A dedication ceremony will be held on May 21 to honor the property owners who’ve made the progress possible.

Another resolution addressed an unanticipated expense for water testing at the former Rosendale Elementary School, now town property but still an independent water district requiring daily testing.

Environmental Consultants LLC will provide the testing at a cost of $500 a month.

In other business, the board approved a maintenance agreement with Lowe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. to maintain the split heat & air conditioning units that the company installed at the Rondout Municipal Center in 2016 at a cost of $3,075, approved the creation of a $48,400 escrow account to cover road construction costs at the Oakwood Estates subdivision, and agreed to set fees for fence construction at $50 for zoning and $25 for a permit.

The next meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 19.

SR Library Poets spring celebration at Marbletown Community Center The Library Poets – Catherine Arra, Tina Barry, Frank Boyer, Fay Loomis, Lisa St. John, Carol Shank and Cecilia Worth – invite the community to join them for an evening of poetry, celebrating spring and being able to read in person, 7-9 p.m. Friday, April 29, at the Marbletown Community Center, 3564 Main St., Stone Ridge.

Arra is the author of “Deer Love” (Dos Madres Press, 2021), “Her Landscape, Poems Based on the Life of Mileva Marić Einstein” (Finishing Line Press, 2020), “(Women in Parentheses)” (Kelsay Books, 2019), “Writing in the Ether” (Dos Madres Press, 2018) and three chapbooks. She is a former Rondout Valley High School English and writing teacher and currently facilitates the Stone Ridge Library writing groups.

Find her at catherinecarra.com.

Barry is the author of “Beautiful Raft” (Big Table Publishing, 2019) and “Mall Flower” (Big Table Publishing, 2016).

Her poems and fiction have appeared in numerous literary publications such as The Best Small Fictions 2020 (spotlighted story) and 2016, Drunken Boat, The American Poetry Journal, Lascaux Review, Nasty Women Poets, A Constellation of Kisses and upcoming in Rattle. She is a three-time Pushcart Prize nominee and has several Best of the Net nods. She teaches poetry and short fiction at The Poetry Barn and Writers.com.

Boyer began writing poetry in his early 20s, and has, one way or another, kept his hand in ever since. Originally from the rural Midwest, he came to area by way of NYC. He teaches college courses focused on the interface between image and word.

Loomis lives a quiet life in the woods in Kerhonkson. Her poetry and prose appear in numerous publications, including Amethyst Review, Mad Swirl, Stick Figure Poetry, Breath and Shadow, and Hindsight.

She also is the author of outdoor sculpture guidebooks for Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo,

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St. John’s poetry and essays are published in journals such as The Poet’s Billow, The Ekphrastic Review, Light, Entropy, The Poetry Distillery, Poets Reading the News, Chronogram and Sleet. Her chapbook, “Ponderings,” is available at lisachristinastjohn.com.

Carol Shank’s poetry and other writings have appeared in Cricket, Ladybug, Toasted Cheese, Chronogram and First Literary Review-East. Her poem “Bug Lights” won Highlights High Five 2016 Pewter Plate Award for “Poem of the Year.”

Worth is a retired registered nurse.

Meeting the challenges of life that seem insurmountable shape her writing as they did her nursing. Her essays, fiction and poetry have appeared in several newspapers, anthologies and journals including The New York Times, West Coast Writers and Travelers’ Tales. Earlier this April, the online literary journal Months To Years published her essay “How Is It Going For You Today?”

The Stone Ridge Library Poets spring celebration is free and open to the public. For more information, visit stoneridgelibrary. org or call 845-687-7023.

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Page 4, April 15, 2022, BlueStone Press

BOE reviews preliminary budget Amber Kelly BSP Reporter A preliminary budget presentation was given to the Rondout Valley Board of Education on April 5 by school business official Deanna Rosinski, and a full budget presentation will be given at the next board meeting on April 18, at 7 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. The board will vote on the budget on April 20.

“One of the factors set by law that we use to calculate the tax cap is the tax-based growth factor,” Rosinski said. “When you look at our district compared to others in the county, we actually have one of the highest, which means that our tax base is growing. There are more people, the assessments are higher, and either there are new builds, or the values are increasing.

That’s a consideration in the tax cap formula that allows us to have a higher levy.

I want to point out that because of our capital project and the timing of our aid versus our payments gives us an exclusion for those expenses, so that was the only thing that was adjusted.

“Since the last board meeting, we got a more solid number for both New York state aid and our debt service. Now we are looking at a 5.38% increase in the levy.

When I mention that our assessments are increasing within our tax base growth factor that means that there are more properties or more property value to divide our levy over so that would in a way decrease our tax rate.”

Rosinski said that in comparing RVSD tax rates to four other districts over the last three years, RVSD has the second to lowest rate.

“The revenue overview includes a transfer from our debt service fund, which is leftover money from the last borrowing that we had, so we were advised by our fiscal advisor to apply that over an even period to help pay for our debt service payments,” Rosinski continued. “We had some other sources of revenue. When you look at the appropriated fund balance, it really comes from the difference between our known revenues and our anticipated

Estimated increase in expenditures includes Capital net principal increase (debt service) $595,000 Capital net interest increase (debt service) $398,531 Health insurance premiums increase $1,058,276 One new position (social worker) $65,000 Preliminary budget summary Tax levy allowable limit: $42,327,556 State aid executive budget: $25,556,229 Other sources of revenue: $1,491,100 Transfer from debt service fund: $250,000 Revenues: $69,624,885 Expenses: $71,481,896 Surplus: (deficit/appropriated fund balance) $(1,857,011) Total: (Last year) $66,994,479 vs.

(Currently Proposed) $71,481,896

expenditures. We’re looking at a total budget of $71,481,896.

“There was a last-minute change today when we got our final MVP rates for health insurance that increased more than we anticipated. I also learned that for our BOCES capital project payment we can transfer money to our capital fund and fund balance and fund it that way rather than incorporating it into the budget.

And that was exactly what was needed.

The largest increases are in our employee benefits, salaries and our debt service payments.”

Board member Nicole Parete said, “As budget chair, not as the committee, my opinion is that we have a lot of support staff, not necessarily called social workers,

Spring from page 1 program.

The Conservancy has received donations from townspeople and others who wish to acknowledge or honor a person, event or other important part of their life. So each one of the daffodils bears a precious remembrance or honorarium. To donate a daffodil, contact the Conservancy at highfallsconservancy@gmail.com or call Carole Eppley at 917-705-8711.

Rosendale Theatre Science on Screen presents ‘A Birder’s Guide to Everything’ A screening of the film “A Birder's Guide to Everything” will be presented at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale, followed by a post-film discussion featuring Drs. Megan Gall, associate professor of biology at Vassar College, and Bruce Robertson, associate professor of biology at Bard College. Jim Metzner, producer of the "Pulse of the Planet" radio series and podcast, will be the moderator for the discussion.

This event is presented through the theater's Science on Screen® series.

“A Birder's Guide to Everything” revolves around a group of teenage friends who set out to find a possibly extinct duck. The movie stars Kodi Smit-McPhee (“X-Man: Apocalypse”; “The Power of the Dog”) and Sir Ben Kingsley (“Gandhi,” “Schindler's List”).

Following the movie, the audience will

be able to ask questions of the expert panel on issues raised by the film, including the nature of "birding" and the status of birds and other animals in a rapidly changing environment. Dr. Gall studies the role of sensory systems in animals and how they influence their behavior and adaptation to the environment. Dr. Robertson focuses on understanding the direct and indirect impacts of human activities on biodiversity, animal behavior, and species interactions.

Admission is $10/$6 members. For tickets and more information, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-658-8989.

RV Lions Club 31st Annual Hackers Open Golf Tournament This event is open to all players regardless of experience or skill and will be held, Monday, April 25, at Wiltwyck Golf Club, 404 Steward Lane, Kingston.

The golf tournament will be played in a

and there are a lot of school psychologists.

We have a lot of school counselors … many more than other districts our size.

So, I don’t know that this position is necessary at this time. We have currently already on staff two social workers, two BCPA or behavioral specialists, and we are the only school in the county that has those positions; again, a support position, not a teacher/not direct teaching position.

We have six school psychologists, one in each elementary building, and two at the intermediate school and the junior high school, and we have two at the high school. It’s a lot.

We have nine school counselors; New Paltz has four less than that with the same amount of students we have. We have a lot of support roles in this district, and I just cannot justify hiring yet another one. That is my position. I don’t support it.

“Just so the board is aware, in addition to all those positions we also have crisis counselors. We have senior crisis counselors, one at Kerhonkson, one at the junior high, and one at the high school. A crisis counselor is trained in therapeutic TCI – therapeutic crisis intervention – and must have a high school diploma and trained in TCI, and it is a civil service position versus BCPA that has a specialty area and is trained and licensed. I’m just saying it’s a lot; it is more than most districts,” Parete said.

In other news, board member Lucy VanSickle attended a safety meeting and said there is not going to be an off-site evacuation practice because of Covid restrictions.

Board member Christopher Schoonmaker asked if the tax levy would be reduced since there is sufficient funding from New York state. Rosinski said that no, less fund balance would be appropriated.

Board member Brian Martin tendered his resignation as of April 1.

Board member Carolyn Peck said the concession stand grant has been signed off and ready to take to bids. Construction duration is projected to be July 1 to Nov. 30.

The PTO at Kerhonkson Elementary is installing an outdoor pavilion on campus.

scramble format, where each player hits the ball, and the team selects the best shot for the next attempt.

For planning purposes, scheduling format will be in accordance with the current Covid guidance. Each team will arrive 45 minutes prior to their assign tee time for breakfast that will be served on the terrace. Tee times begin at 8 a.m. and continue in 10-minute increments from then on. If two or more foursomes would like to be together, they will be scheduled consecutively. Lunch will be held at the completion of the round.

Breakfast menu includes assorted pastries, bagels, muffins, fruit salad, open-face croissant with spinach, ham and cheese, scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, coffee and tea. Lunch menu has hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken breast, hot dogs, salads, brownies, cookies, water and soda.

Registration fee is $125 per player, which includes breakfast, 18 holes with cart and lunch. Soda and water are provided at no cost, and alcoholic beverages may be purchased. Proceeds from the tournament are used to support the Rondout Valley Lions Club, celebrating 71 years of community service and their mission to enhance sight, hearing, diabetes prevention, help food pantries, children with special needs and many other community projects.

To register, send name, email and phone to Daniel Gagnon, 212 Fair St., Kingston, NY 12401. For more information on sponsorship, volunteering, donating and/ or playing in the Hackers Open, contact Gagnon at 845-399-9651 or 854-687-7906 or daniel@gagnon.cpa.com or Janet Sutter at 845-687-0329.

Briefs

Andrew Faust from the Center for Bioregional Living. Photo by Ovi Horta

‘Reclaiming Historic Meadow Boundaries’ with Andrew Faust Come learn about natural succession in the deciduous forest, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at the Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge, and help unveil a somewhat hidden gem at Ashokan, a majestic 250+ year old white oak, on the edge of Hoot Hill. Andrew Faust from the Center for Bioregional Living will share strategic permaculture practices and principles as the group removes opportunistic vines and brushes to highlight the tree’s well-being and reveal the traditional stone wall boundary at the meadow’s edge.

Dress for the weather, and bring work gloves, clippers and/or loppers if possible, and a picnic lunch. For more information, visit ashokancenter.org or call 845-6578333.

‘Native American Bird Stories’ with Evan Pritchard and Sally Bermanzohn The Rosendale Library and the Century House Historical Society will hold a series of programs on the Snyder Estate and at the library exploring Rosendale’s history and natural environment. The first program, “Native American Bird Stories” with author Evan Pritchard (assisted by Sally Bermanzohn), will be held 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, with a rain date of Sunday, April 24.

Join Evan “Chipmunk” Pritchard, Mi’kmaq descendant and director of Center for Algonquin Culture, and Sally “Grandmother Honeybee” Bermanzohn, author of “Indian Annie: A Grandmother’s Story,” and cameo appearances from a variety of winged creatures for a springtime celebration of birds of the area. Pritchard will recall Native American bird stories from his book "Bird Medicine (Inner Traditions) Native American Stories of the Sacred,” “No Word for Time” and “Native New Yorkers.”

Pritchard and Bermanzohn are both authors and co-founders of Neetopk-Keetopk, an eco-cultural education group rooted in local Native American traditions.

The workshop will be held out of doors in the vicinity of the Widow Jane Mine, Century House property, Snyder Estate, in Rosendale. Wear sensible footwear and clothing for the workshop. Binoculars are available. Admission is free with preregistration via the library website, rosendalelibrary.org, or call 845-658-9013.

BlueStone Press, April 15, 2022, Page 5

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Page 6, April 15, 2022, BlueStone Press

Locals speak for the pollinators at Planning Board meeting April 11 Amber Kelly BSP Reporter At the Town of Marbletown Planning Board meeting on April 11 at the Rondout Municipal Center, the application from Solar Generation of Shady Lane, Kingston, the large-scale solar project Gill special use permit (SUP), continued for 16.6 acres in R-1 zoning.

Board member David Cobb said, “The big standstill for Gill is the owner, and we also didn’t realize the three lots were actually three different parcels. Actually, way back when they were combined for tax purposes …they inherited it from their father. We would like to move forward with contingency that we can do a lot-line adjustment to merge these two properties so we can maintain the size of the array so that combined it would be under 50% of the total lot. The total is 33 acres, and it would be 16.5 acres.

Project Miles, a second large-scale solar SUP application from the same applicant, Solar Generation Shady Lane, Kingston, involves 22.1 acres in R-1 zoning.

Cobb said, “It is kind of an odd-shaped parcel, like a trapezoid-rhombus situation. The project area is 11 acres, and the total parcel is 22 acres – it kind of juts out here and fans out in this direction.

But this array will utilize under 50% of acreage. The screening is because the rail trail is just there.”

Chairman Paris Perry said, “The first thing you have to do is to the lot-line adjustment so that you conform to the code to under 25 (acres). We have the list for the lead agency for circulation – we have not done it, so as we get more information we will move forward. We will move them in tangent, but you have to get one before the other. We have the acreage, we know what’s entailed, 12 acres, so we can do 50%, we have the set-backs. Do the lotline adjustment – we’d have to approve that first, but we will then circulate prior to that, because we have the 30 days we have to wait to get lead agency. You have to get your ducks in a row, otherwise it’ll just postpone it another month.”

Perry continued, “Hardenburgh Hills is a subdivision modification; Dan is the point person.”

Board member Dan Proctor said, “I’ve been watching this thing since 2019. The discovery on this is pretty extensive. It has been circulated through all the agencies. We have responded to all the criteria identified by the agencies, and it has been approved. That says Hardenburgh I and II is now combined. At the review of the plat, I have a question about fire code given the structure of the driveways, the width of the driveways. I believe they need to be 12 feet as opposed to 10 feet and is the only thing I see outstanding. It is already classified under SEQRA as an unlisted action. We need to take a look at short form PAF and need to review escrow requirements and make a motion for escrow. Short form also accepted. I

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recommend $3,000 for escrow.”

The board approved.

Public comment came from a neighbor named Eric, saying, “Going from 18 plots to eight is welcome. I do have some concerns about the septic. The site of our well is approximately down a steep incline. There is rock ledge on our property, and there probably is rock over there. Are we looking at an updated design?”

“It is contemporary design approved by the Department of Health. It is over 100 feet away,” Proctor said.

Perry said, “I think we are going from three septic areas affecting the property, and it is now one.”

The owner said, “We chose that area because the soil is pretty good there. We can swap the positions of the primary and the reserve. It is shallow absorption system so it is partially in the ground and partially out.”

Perry said, “By flipping the primary and secondary your situation is improved because then you are a farther distance from the area.”

A neighbor on other side of the conservation area asked who holds the conservation easement.

Perry said, “That is part of the conservational subdivision, so that means that all the people within this development have access to those area. It is written in the deed.”

Public hearing will continue to next month.

Another item on the agenda was for the D&H Canal House site plan application, with applicant D&H Canal Historical Society at 1315 Route 213, High Falls, for change of use from restaurant to museum.

Board member Sharon Klein said, “In this change of use from a restaurant to a museum the issue was the parking.

They have six [spaces], and the parking conforms with the square footage of building.”

The public hearing was closed.

Next on the agenda: the Norman accessory apartment SUP, with applicant Ann Norman of 3772 Main St., Stone Ridge, requesting a special use permit for an accessory apartment.

Perry said, “In a nutshell, there was a shed and a garage present that was reconstructed. It did not impede the setback on the one side and did not meet

The Hasbrouck House public hearing continued with a zone special use modification.

setback on the other side. It is before the Zoning Board of Appeals right now. The applicant is asking for variance to turn it into an apartment,” Perry said.

Special use permit was voted approved.

Perry said, “Next up we now have the Route 209 hotel multi-uses. The [opinion of the] board is the hotel and the other buildings all meet the guidelines of the B-2 district for size, color, slopes. It is all in the packet that we are now reviewing.

We have done part 2 of SEQRA. There has been a lot of discussion about how to view this, and it’s really been looked as multi-uses. There has been an argument that multi-use is limited to one structure, others say within one property. A dance hall, alcohol service, and limited food service is allowed in B-2 district. A hotel is allowed in B-2 district with site plan approval. We are looking at multi-use, rather than accessory.”

Escrow was set at $3,000. The applicants proposed a site for septic downhill near the tree line. They said that chipped

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bluestone will make up the driveway. The cocktail hour outside will have servers walking around delivering drinks while people stand. All dancing and music happen inside. For noise abatement, all the doors to the outside have automatic closers so they cannot be left open. The three buildings have separate foundations, separate but overlapping roofs and an interior courtyard. The public hearing will continue next month.

The Hasbrouck House SUP at 3805 Main St., Stone Ridge, public hearing continued with a zone special use modification; the relocation and extension of parking area, removal and replacement of storage building. The board approved the SUP and closed the public hearing.

Hasbrouck House subdivision public hearing continued for six parcels, each with a proposed single-family residence and accessory apartment, as well as construction of a rural road.

Although the DEC and Army Corps of Engineers approved the delineation of the conservation area in 2018 and the environmental review is considered complete, friends of the adjoining orchard to Hasbrouck House wonder if the environmental study actually takes into consideration all the vast diversity of pollinators and wildlife at the site. They are asking for some additional time and another look at the SEQRA process, suggesting that somebody be retained to re-delineate the wetland and the nesting of pollinators taking place there. Public hearing was closed, with one vote opposed.

Perry said that the board is not doing the determination tonight; they will review all the information provided and will have 62 days to make the determination.

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BlueStone Press, April 15, 2022, Page 7

Local energy, local power A Community Choice Aggregation primer CCA gets a better deal on 100% renewable than an individual, but the standard mix will be even cheaper Ann Belmont BSP Reporter Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) – what is it?

It's a simple concept, sort of a buyers' club made up of towns within a region who band together to negotiate a price on the electricity supply of their citizens. How that concept becomes a reality isn't so simple. Jeff Domanski, head of a nonprofit called Hudson Valley Energy, was there to explain it to the Rochester Environmental Conservation Committee at their March meeting. He came equipped with a slide show that broke down exactly how a CCA works.

To begin with, said Domanski, “the CCAs don’t actually buy electricity for their community members. But by grouping together, [the towns] have leverage to negotiate a rate that people can take advantage of on an individual basis.” Every customer still gets a bill from (locally) Central Hudson. Towns that are members of a CCA change one thing: The default energy supplier becomes the one chosen by the CCA, rather than CH. Domanski put up a slide of a Central Hudson bill, which is divided into two parts, one for delivery charges and one for supply. CH owns the power lines and bills

for delivery. CH is also the default energy supplier unless an individual chooses to deal with a third-party supplier, such as ESCO, or their town can change that default supplier for everyone. Residents could still opt out if they would rather keep being supplied by CH or a third party.

Domanski's organization is a partner of the regional CCA, Hudson Valley Community Power (HVCP). Marbletown is a member of HVCP, along with nine other towns including New Paltz, Saugerties, Poughkeepsie, Beacon and Red Hook.

HVCP was designed by Joule Community Power, which also chose the power supply company for the CCA and negotiates the price. For that service, Joule earns an administrative fee, which is charged to electricity consumers.

"Columbia Utilities is the supplier selected, which engages the owners of power production for the power supply," Domanski explained. "The sources must be 100% renewable sources (hydropower, wind, solar), but we only learn the specifics retroactively through the annual disclosure report."

New York state is supporting CCAs – they are authorized by the Public Service Commission – as a way to encourage renewable energy, but it’s the individual town’s choice whether to offer renewables as their only default or also offer a “standard mix” including all energy sources, renewable, fossil-fuel and nuclear. The CCA gets a better deal on 100% renewable than an individual can get, but the standard mix will be even cheaper, generally speaking.

"It gives people comfort to know that

there’s an option, even though typically there’s a very small percentage of people who do that," said Domanski. "Sometimes they say, 'I’ll pay the standard,' but then when they understand it, they change to 100% renewable … so from a psychological perspective, there’s some advantage.”

Even if the town only offers only 100% renewable in their default energy supply, like Marbletown or Saugerties, a customer still has the power to choose CH as their supplier. Tom Conrad of the Marbleton ECC explained, "The Hudson Valley Community Power CCA is about both cost reduction and renewable energy, but how much it is about each depends on the adopting municipality. HVCP offers two electricity supply options: 100% renewable and standard. The standard rate costs users $0.006 (3/5ths of a cent) per kWh less than the renewable rate. The municipality decides which of these plans is the default. In Marbletown, we put into our enabling law that the 100% renewable rate would always be the default, so, in Marbletown, I would say that the CCA is about getting green electricity at a competitive, fixed rate that protects residents from price spikes. In short, it's about both being green and saving money when it counts. When Central Hudson's rates have been low (summer of 2020), our residents were paying a little more. By making 100% renewable electricity the default, we have demonstrated that renewable energy is more important to us than cost savings. If we, or the Town of Rochester, were to choose the standard rate as the default, then I would say that that implementation of the CCA was primarily about saving

money."

Of course, the sources of the power that is delivered to your home through CH’s power lines can be coming from any number of places. Domanski estimated New York state’s renewable percentage right now as being around 20% of its total energy sources, including hydroelectric, wind and solar. "The rest is nuclear and gas, for the most part.”

That being the case, how can CCAs encourage green energy?

Here's where it gets somewhat wonky.

What the CCA does is akin to a corporation buying carbon credits. The member towns can direct their energy supply payments exclusively to renewable producers in New York state by buying Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), aka credits.

Domanski said, "When a customer’s supply payments go to a renewable producer, they can say their home/business/et cetera is exclusively powered by renewable production sources ... this has real influence (immediately and as a longer-term signal) in driving demand for more renewable production on the New York state grid, resulting in a large proportion of renewable electrons within the mix."

"There is one difference between what Marbletown has and what is (currently) being proposed for Rochester," Konrad added. "Marbletown is not only doing the electricity supply option, but we're working on launching opt-out community solar as well."

Yes, there's a way to encourage solar energy specifically, said Domanski. A

See Local power, page 17

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Page 8, April 15, 2022, BlueStone Press

Briefs Stone Ridge dentist pleads guilty to fraudulently acquiring and obtaining oxycodone Vivian Letizia, 63, of Stone Ridge pled guilty recently to acquiring and obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception or subterfuge. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Timothy Foley, acting special agent in charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division.

In pleading guilty, Letizia admitted that, on Dec.16, 2019, she fraudulently submitted a prescription for oxycodone for one of her dentistry patients using that patient’s name and date of birth. Letizia then obtained that oxycodone from a pharmacy in Woodstock, for her own consumption.

At the time Letizia submitted the prescription to the pharmacy, she knew that she was not treating this patient and that she intended to personally consume the oxycodone.

At sentencing on Aug. 25, 2022, Letizia faces up to four years in prison, a supervised release term of up to one year, and a maximum fine of $250,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

By pleading guilty, Letizia also agreed to surrender her New York state medical license. She also agreed that she would be prohibited from reapplying for a DEA registration number that would allow her to write prescriptions authorizing the dispensation of controlled substances for legitimate medical purposes.

This case was investigated by the DEA Albany District Office’s Tactical Diversion Squad, and the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Moran, of the Civil Division, also assisted in the investigation.

New connector trail for SUNY Ulster to open May 21 Community cleanup in the works for Marbletown Rail Trail Committee Jeff Slater BSP Reporter This winter was a difficult one with the wind and ice storms. Not only did they do damage to homes and businesses in our area, but the rail trail in the Town of Marbletown was affected as well.

Carl Pezzino, chairman of the Marbletown Trails Committee, said, “The committee has been working hard on cleanup from the various storms that hit the town hard this winter. From whole trees down to limbs that have fallen, we have been working diligently on cleanup, with special help from the town Highway Department.

And not mention the invaluable help of Jill McLean and Jess Phelan of the Youth and Recreation Department and Michelle Solcberg of the town supervisor’s office.”

In addition to a cleanup of the rail trail, a new connector trail is opening on May 21.

The connector trail will run from behind the RidgeWell Fitness, where there is plentiful parking, a quarter mile to the Kelder Building on the campus of SUNY Ulster. They are still working on the signage for the trail.

Andy Lutz, a committee member said, “The progress on the college connector has been great, and the trails committee walked it a few days ago.”

Pezzino continued, “The ongoing cleanup will continue on the new connector trail opening on the 21st sponsored by the RVBA. It is a Community

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New connector trail from RidgeWell Fitness to SUNY Ulster. Photo by Jill McLane

Day, and the committee is hoping for a big turnout. We have a build-it-and-theywill-come philosophy. And this is just one addition to our trail system.

“Another project is the Creek Walk in High Falls, which runs through the Kathy

Cairo Davis Bridge along the Central Hudson generator. The Creek Walk, funded by the High Falls Conservancy, is another addition to the trail system and will be maintained by our committee and the Town of High Falls.”

BlueStone Press, April 15, 2022, Page 9

Under discussion: six-month moratorium on some land uses in Rochester The proposal for the moratorium says specifically that any building over 4,000 square feet couldn’t be approved during this time Ann Belmont BSP Reporter One of the items on the agenda at Rochester's March 31 Town Board workshop meet was a possible six-month stay on all land uses requiring site plan approval, including subdivision applications and special use permits.

"It’s still going to allow an awful lot of building to occur," said town supervisor Mike Baden later. "People will still be able to build a single-family house, additions, a garage, a deck." And if the town passes the Accessory Dwelling Unit law that's in process, those too would be exempted from the moratorium.

"It's the larger projects" that would be temporarily stayed, Baden said. He described the purpose of the moratorium as "not so much to put the brakes on development as to insure that development is happening in areas of the town that

can support it. We’ll be taking the Zoning Review Committee’s comments, looking at the Comprehensive Plan, looking at the Natural Resource Inventory … we may end up with different zoning in certain areas … [we need to] determine better where development should and shouldn’t happen.

What should be protected, what shouldn’t be protected."

A committee was formed in 2020 to look at updates needed to the town's zoning laws. Rochester has had a veritable blizzard of applications for subdivisions before the Planning Board in the past couple of years: 29 since January 2021, according to Baden, plus 10 special use permits, probably setting a town record.

Building department permit applications, for which no Planning Board approval is needed, numbered over 700 for the same period, he said. The moratorium would give the board time to consider how best to keep true to the town's Comprehensive Plan (also due for updating) and to adopt local laws to update its subdivision codes.

The proposal for the moratorium says specifically that any building over 4,000 square feet couldn’t be approved during this time. Applications for waivers would go to the Town Board instead of the Zoning Board. Exemptions would include any application approved by February 2022, even applications that have only made it as far as being on the Planning Board's agenda. Marylou Christiana, Rochester's legal consultant, pointed out

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that if you change the law, you have to make provision for people who may have already invested in projects affected by the moratorium. Board member Erin Enouen suggested that they could be grandfathered in.

For the moratorium, during which the board will review all the recommendations and pass local laws based on all that information, Baden is proposing a six-month time frame, but “we’ve given ourselves two three-month extensions. It'll be under a year; we hope it'll be in the sixto nine-month range.”

He described a couple of the Zoning Review Committee's recommendations.

“One of the proposals from the ZRC is creating a new district that has a 10-acre minimum ... A lot of the properties that they recommended have conservation easements in place already. To counter that, there are places that are listed as

AR-3 that we’re thinking of making less.

It’s really about getting the development in areas where the infrastructure is in place," infrastructure meaning mostly roads adequate to carry the projected traffic from future development.

Another issue is also driving the moratorium, said Baden. "We know that we’re in a housing crisis right now. All of Ulster County is.” Many people who’ve grown up in the area are being priced out of the housing market, “and we don’t have a lot of rental units. Maybe we need to look at ways to get more rental units.

"So that’s why the time-out," he concluded.

A public hearing on the moratorium will be held on April 28 at the Harold Lipton Community Center on Tobacco Road in Accord. Virtual attendance is also possible via livestream (see the Rochester website).

Page 10, April 15, 2022, BlueStone Press

A small preview of the local summer camps Marbletown Summer Camp Kids, age 6 by Dec. 1, 2022, through seventh grade in the fall, are invited to the Marbletown summer camp program offered 9 a.m.-noon, Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Week one, July 11-15; week two, July 18-22; week three, July 25-29; week four, Aug. 1-5; week five, Aug. 8-12, and week six, Aug. 15-19, at Marbletown Town Park, 350 Tongore Road, Marbletown.

For more information, registration and cost, visit marbletown.net, email youthandrec@marbletown.net or call 845-6877500, ext. 170.

Rosendale Summer Day Camp The camp for kids, ages 5-12, will be held in two-week intervals and run 9 a.m.3 p.m., June 27-Aug. 19, at the Rosendale Recreation Center, 1055 Route 32 North, Rosendale, with before- and after-camp options. For cost, registration and more information, email Town of Rosendale Youth director Matthew McCluskey at youth@townofrosendale.com or call 845658-8982.

Rochester Summer Program Signups for the summer program begin 9 a.m. Monday, May 2, at the Harold Lipton Community Center, 15 Tobacco Road, Accord. The program will be six weeks, at the Accord Town Park. There will be three weeks available in July and three weeks in August. Register for any weeks desired.

Only Town of Rochester residents will be accepted. Summer camp fee includes the cost of trips. Registration forms will only be accepted in person. Forms that come through the mail will not be considered. A deposit of $25 for each week signed up for is required and non-refundable and must be paid to hold a spot. The weekly program has limited spaces. Slots will fill up quickly. Payment is due in full by June 20.

Summer camp spots will be filled by those

Town of Marbletown summer camp counselors and campers and the “Leave Behind Rock Garden Project”

on a waiting list if payment is not received.

An appointment can be scheduled if registration is needed during non-office hours.

For cost, registration and more information, contact Recreation Department director Ashley Sweeney at 845-626-2115 or email recreation@townofrochester.ny.gov.

Lederman Children's Center summer camp for preschoolers and toddlers Children 18 months-5 years (before kindergarten) are invited to attend Lederman Children’s Center Camp, at 3007 Route 213 East, Stone Ridge. LCC is committed to making sure everyone has fun during their mornings. They spend as much time as possible outside during camp hours with waterplay, crafts, songs and friends.

Summer camp sessions run from July 5Aug. 26. Each session of camp is 9 a.m.noon, Monday-Friday, with wrap-around care available from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Parents

can register their child for an entire week, or several days within the week where spots are available. Tuition is $8.50/hour for toddlers 18 months-3 years and $8/ hour for preschoolers 3-5 years.

For more information email julianna@ ledermanchildrenscenter.org or call 845687-7696.

High Meadow Summer Camp Offering innovative, age-appropriate programming for campers entering nursery through eighth grade, High Meadow Summer Camp program runs for seven weeks, is open to the public, and focuses on creating an exciting and enriching environment for all campers, at the school, 3643 Main St., Stone Ridge.

There is a full day, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., option, Monday-Friday, and a mini day option for nursery and kindergarten, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday. Week one is June 27-July 1; week two, July 5-8 (no camp July

4); week three, July 11-15; week four, July 18-22; week five, July 25-29; week six, Aug. 1-5, and week seven, Aug. 8-12.

For more information, call 845-687-4855 or visit highmeadowschool.org.

Other area camps with an array of summer camp programs include the Ashokan Center of Olivebridge’s many music and family camps, visit ashokancenter.org for the full list; Rosendale’s Vanaver Caravan’s Summer Dance Camp Programs, visit vanavercaravan.org; Mohonk Preserve’s summer program for kids 7-13, mohonkpreserve.org; and Camp Ulster, at SUNY Ulster, Stone Ridge, visit sunyulster.edu.

Have a camp program offered not listed here? Email calendar editor Donna Cohn Viertel at donna@ulstercountypress.com to have it submitted to BlueStonePress’ May calendar.

Rosendale Theatre collaborates with Youth Ensemble Theatre for summer program Theatre Arts director Ann Citron sat down with YET director Amy Poux to talk about the Youth Ensemble Theater and their exciting summer program with the Rosendale Theatre.

What prompted you to start the Youth Ensemble Theatre (YET)?

I started Youth Ensemble Theater as a passion project. I was interested in creating devised contemporary theater as an option for those teens who were interested in acting but not interested in musical theatre. At that time, there wasn't youth theater happening up here that used a devised approach, so I sent out an eblast to see if there was interest. Within three days, there was a waiting list.

What is your philosophy as a facilitator/ teacher with young people?

The approach of YET is based on the principles of Theatre of the Oppressed, which Augusto Boal founded and fostered with his theatre troupe in Brazil in the 1960s. Boal’s primary inspiration was Bertolt Brecht’s Epic Theatre work, which originated in the 1930s in response to Nazi Germany. The goal has always been to create high quality theater that is non-hierarchical. In YET, every actor has the same sized role. This is different than traditional theatrical plays, which usually have two or three lead roles (stars) and many smaller parts. We use improvisational acting

Rosendale Theatre Arts director Ann Citron, YET director Amy Poux, and executive director and founding board member of the Rosendale Theatre Collective, Carrie Wykoff

exercises and techniques, collaborative story making, so that the work originates from the members of the group. Actors also learn stage acting techniques, character development, and ensemble theater practices.

The aesthetic of our plays is similar to the Group Theatre or Workers Theatre movement, which typically used minimal/ representative sets and costumes. The goal of these theaters was to use theater as a forum for diverse viewpoints. The goal of YET is to use theater as a forum to

illustrate the perspectives, experiences, and viewpoints of youth.

Please explain a few highlights of each program offered this summer at Rosendale Theatre.

One program being offered this summer is for high school/young adults where serious actors can create their own work and also take on different roles during production. They can direct, write, as well as act. There will also be a filmmaking option for those participants who might

be interested in creating media or using media in their plays. This program can also be used as an opportunity for those actor/playwright/filmmaker teens who need materials for their college portfolio applications.

The second program is our outlandish long-form improvisation program for tweens. In this program young people will use our YET improvisational approach to create, rehearse, and then perform a zany theater piece. This program is incredibly fun (a lot of laughter) and engaging, and kids really become an ensemble.

Working with the Rosendale Theatre has been a dream of mine for some time. Now with the new stage area and a robust series of plays that the theater is rolling out, it's an honor to be part of the theater's new chapter.

As we reemerge from the pandemic, how do you think theater arts can help our young people?

As a teacher during the pandemic, I've seen young people recede. This work is meant to have us connect, not only with other people but also with ourselves. We need more local places for youth to hang out, be social and create. Wouldn't it be fantastic if they felt like the Rosendale Theatre was that kind of space for them?

For more information, visit youthensembletheater.com.

BlueStone Press, April 15, 2022, Page 11

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Page 12, April 15, 2022, BlueStone Press

Memoriam Christine A. (Jensen) Ferrari

HIGH FALLS—Christine A. (Jensen) Ferrari passed away on March 28, 2022, at her home. She was 71.

Daughter of the late Constance I. (Burton) and James J. Norris, she was born on July 28, 1950, in Yonkers and was raised in Kingston, where she graduated from Kingston High School in 1968. She was a proud Kingstonian, though she lived in High Falls for over 50 years with her late husband, Mark E. Ferrari. Over those years, she worked as a bookkeeper at Colonial City Carpet, as a teller at Key Ferrari Bank, and most recently, as an associate at Freihofer’s Bakery Outlet until its recent closure. For Christine, every day was an adventure.

She held equal excitement about day trips to her favorite locales (Lake George, Saratoga, Atlantic City, Arthur Ave in the Bronx) as she did for a quick run to the grocery store. She could be tempted to go anywhere for a good slice of pizza and would be in the car before the invitation was even fully extended. She always had a project up her sleeve, more recently overhauling her vegetable garden, having a woodshed built, and clearing out new areas for flower beds. All the while, she always had music playing, usually tuned to Willy’s Roadhouse. In recent years, Chris enjoyed time with her friends, usually spent walking local rail trails and sometimes on visits to a casino. She could be counted on to celebrate even the smallest event in her loved ones’ lives. Chris always kept the table laughing (“three tomatoes were walking down the road ...”). Christine is survived by her daughter, Kathleen M. Ortiz of High Falls; her son, Joseph E. Ferrari and partner, JV Mercanti, of Brooklyn; her grandchildren, Alejandro E. Ortiz of High Falls, Victoria R. Ortiz and her partner, Keith Russell, of Astoria; Christian E. Ortiz of Kerhonkson; her dog April of High Falls; her brother-in-law Francis Livulpi of Murrell’s Inlet, South Carolina; her sister-in-law Donna (Delgado) Jensen of Leland, North Carolina; her sister-in-law Evette G. (Ferrari) Keizer and husband, Ronald, of Kingston; and her sister, Ellen J. (Norris) Rick of Connecticut. She is also survived by cherished nieces, nephews and extended family including Garrett Lapp, Sara (Holloran) and Nate Boehm. She was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Mark, as well as her sister Wanda I. (Jensen) Zappolo (Robert); her sister Jeanne C. (Jensen) Livulpi; her sister Martha E. (Jensen) Curtis; her brother William J. Norris; her brother Robert J. Norris; her brother-in-law Robert M. Ferrari (Carol); and her sister-in-law Ilena M. (Ferrari) Christman (Darrell). As per Christine’s request, there will be no funeral services. Cremation to be arranged by George J. Moylan Funeral Home of Rosendale (www.GJMoylanFuneralHome.com). Memorial donations in honor of Christine to People’s Place, whose work she supported, at peoplesplace.org/.

Jacob (Jake) Bierganns Jr.

TROY—Jacob (Jake) Bierganns Jr. passed away March 30, 2022, at Samaritan Hospital in Troy. Jake was born on Jan. 28, 1973, in Kingston to Jacob Bierganns and Mary Jo Smith. He is survived by his father and devoted sister, Daysha. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and life partner, Tracey Hughes. He is predeceased by his mother, Mary Jo, and his brother, Jack Bierganns. Jake graduated from Rondout Valley High School in 1991. He loved sports, music, reading, animals, and was an avid YanBierganns Jr. kees, Eagles, Syracuse and Miami Heat fan. His outgoing personality and wit made him a well-liked individual wherever his work led him, most recently at NYS OSC and Spirits of Troy. He will be remembered for his helpful spirit, and was loved by many. Jake's family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the staff of the Intensive Care Unit at Samaritan Hospital and the Center for Donation and Transplant, of which Jake gave the ultimate gift of generosity in donating life to

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others. A celebration of life was held April 9 at George J. Moylan Funeral Home, Rosendale, followed immediately by graveside burial at Rosendale Plains Cemetery, Tillson.

In memory of Jake, please consider donating to a charity of your choice. (www.GJMoylanFuneralHome.com)

Jo Ann Lorberer

RUBY—Jo Ann Lorberer died March 22, 2022, with her family by her side. She was 67. She was born on April 30, 1954, in Hackensack, New Jersey, to Arthur and Sonia Barker. She married Richard Lorberer in October 1975 and they had two children, Murry Lorberer and Miranda Lorberer. She is survived by her children, their spouses, Lorien McCabe and Patrick Connors; her grandchildren, Lula and Arlo Connors; and her brother, John Barker. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2002. Jo was Lorberer an amazing person who loved without judgment and gave a feeling of family to many. She was the best Grandma in the world who loved her family, blood and chosen, deeply. She delighted in watching birds and relaxing with her cat, Mustang. Jo loved seeing her grandchildren on the trampoline and Slip n Slide in her yard on hot summer days. She loved family vacations in Cape Cod and always relished her big, loving, accepting, and fun Thanksgiving celebrations.

She and her family and friends spent their time together often gathering at the family home. She was a special part of the Kingston community. She will be missed tremendously. She owned and operated Amber Floral in uptown Kingston, worked for Hudson News, and built, owned and operated Baby Be Green, a cloth diaper service serving the Hudson Valley. A family gathering in her honor will be held at a later date. George J. Moylan Funeral Home, Rosendale, is assisting the family with arrangements (www.GJMoylanFuneralHome.com). Memorial donations may be made in her name to The Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund, benedictinehealthfoundation. org/financial-and-support-programs/gruner-fund.

John Donald Briggs

HURLEY—John Donald Briggs, lifelong resident of Hurley, passed away peacefully April 5, 2022. He was 67. John was born in Kingston, Jan. 25, 1955, the eldest son of Shirley Ayers Briggs and Donald Ellis Briggs I. His love of the outdoors, tending the earth and stone work made him a John of all trades. His natural love of the outdoors led him to pursue studies for the NYS Conservation Correspondence Course Certification. Most at home and at ease with nature, he Briggs lived out his years as an Eagle Nester, a true mountain man and explorer.

Almost everyone knows someone with a green thumb; well, anyone that knew John knew that ALL his fingers were green. Whether it was a vegetable garden, a mini orchard or his amazing flowers, his horticulture talents were admired by many. Even when it wasn’t growing season, his handiwork could be seen adorning the Hurley Mountain Inn for many Christmas seasons. The giant grapevine wreaths festooned with pine boughs brought joy to many area residents. John was also a frequent caller to the WGHQ Radio Station.

If you ever encountered “Snake” at HMI during its heyday, he may have showed off his bar stool “handstand” and you likely lost a bet that day. John was very proud of his many years of sobriety, declaring for all his “Anniversary off the Sauce” as Feb. 8, 1995. He often expressed immense gratitude about the many people along his path that helped him reach and maintain that goal. He is survived by siblings: Donna (Ken) Wamsley, Mary Briggs, Bill (Janet) Briggs, Bob (Annette) Briggs, DBII, Jennifer (Karl) Raacke, and special cousin Bette (Jim) Estep, along with a multitude of nieces and nephews (great and greatgreat) who will always cherish the memories of the McDollars he gave them each Christmas. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by sisters Susan Boice Wick and JoAnn Carroll. Memorial visitation for family and friends was April 8 at the George J.

Where will you Rest in Peace?

KRUMVILLE CEMETERY Beautiful, serene, country setting in Town of Olive

Moylan Funeral Home Inc., 2053 Route 32, Rosendale.

Interment was April 10 at the High Falls Cemetery. To leave a personal condolence for the family, please visit www.GJMoylanFuneralHome.com.

Rose M. Sferrazza TILLSON—Rose M. Sferrazza, 90, of Tillson passed away at Ten Broeck Commons in Lake Katrine on April 7, 2022. She was born in the Bronx July 19, 1931, a daughter of the late Michael and Anna DeRosa Lavallo. Rose had been a Tillson resident since 2001.

She had been employed as a superviSferrazza sor by the NYC Department of Social Services until her retirement. She also had been employed by the NYPD in the communications department. Rose was a parishioner of St. Peter's Church in Rosendale where she taught CCD and belonged to the Holy Name Society. Rose enjoyed gardening and also loved to travel. While in Florida she was active in widowed, single and divorced women groups. Her husband, Frank Sferrazza, died Oct. 18, 2002, and a son Fred Sferrazza, died Jan. 18, 2015. Rose is survived by three sons, Charles and Francis Sferrazza, both of Tillson, and Michael Sferrazza of Hicksville. Also survived by five grandchildren, Francis, Jorden, Gabriel, James and Susan Sferrazza; two great-grandchildren, Rebecca and Alyssa Sferrazza; and a brother-in-law, former NYPD Lt. James Hyland, of East Northport. Her funeral was held April 11 from the George J. Moylan Funeral Home, 2053 Route 32, Rosendale. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered at St. Peter's Church, Rosendale. Interment followed in St. Peter's Cemetery, Rosendale.

Norman A. Gray KERHONKSON—Norman A. Gray passed away on April 9, 2022. He was 91. Norman was born on Feb. 14, 1931, to the late Jacob T. and Henrietta (Meyer) Gray, at the family home in Kerhonkson. Norman served his country in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954, earning the rank of corporal. Upon his honorable discharge he transferred to the Army Reserves, serving until 1960. Norman worked for the Town of Rochester as a heavy equipment operator, retiring in 1992. He was a life member of Rochester Fire Company #2, where he also served as a past commissioner. Norman was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Norman is survived by his children, Teri Gray of Kerhonkson, Kevin Gray (Mary) of Kerhonkson; granddaughter Vanessa Hamlin (David) of Vermont; grandson Codi Conklin of Kerhonkson; two great-granddaughters, Kayden and Brenna Hamlin, also of Vermont; his brother, Herbert Gray of Kerhonkson, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Norman was predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Lillian Gray, and his brother, Richard Gray. Services will be held privately at the Gray Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Norman's memory to Rochester Fire Co. #2, P.O. Box 304, Kerhonkson, NY 12446 and/or Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 67, Kerhonkson, NY 12446.

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Local money, local ideas

Page 13

The magic of Tillson moonshine Jason Gaidies earns the title master distiller on ‘Moonshiners: Master Distillers’ series on Discovery Chelsea Miller BSP Reporter Tillson-based Jason Gaidies has been making moonshine and teaching others to make moonshine for the past 10 years. However, it wasn’t until recently that he could officially call himself a master distiller when, on April 6, Gaidies was crowned master distiller on the Discovery channel’s cult hit reality competition show “Moonshine: Master Distillers.”

For those who may not know, moonshine is the term for any alcohol that is made illegally and not taxed by the government. The term “moonshine” sprang up shortly after the American Revolution when the government started to tax alcohol as a way to offset the costs of the war.

Many were infuriated by the tax, and with this fury came a shadow industry, moonshining, a name that alludes to the practice of distilling at night to avoid detection from authorities. When Prohibition hit in 1920, the moonshine business was ramped up and continued in full force until the end of prohibition in 1933, when the sharp decline of moonshining began. However, the make-your-ownhooch practice never fully went away, and dedicated moonshiners around the country – with a heavy concentration in the South – have continued to distill. In recent years, moonshine has experienced a revival, and it’s now not uncommon to see moonshine nestled in liquor stores across the U.S. Gaidies grew up in Lomontville and Stone Ridge and attended Rondout Valley High School. Throughout high school he also attended flight school, but on the cusp of graduation, still wasn’t quite sure what he wanted to do so he headed to SUNY Ulster. From SUNY Ulster, Gaidies transferred to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and studied to become an aircraft mechanic. This profession, which he is still in today, appealed to his curiosity and perfection-driven nature and captured his love of flying.

It wasn’t until about 20 years ago that Gaidies discovered moonshine.

“A good friend of mine married into a NASCAR family, and at the wedding my friend’s new brother-in-law handed me a jar with some clear liquid and some strawberries floating in it and said just ‘drink it,’” recalls Gaidies. “I’d never tasted anything like it – I’m from upstate New York, there’s not a lot of history of moonshine here.”

That first sip of moonshine stirred curiosity in Gaidies and, ever the perfectionist, he started to research how to make moonshine, reading all the books he could get his hands on. After about 10 years of research, he was ready to start experimenting himself. He found that the process was a combination of mechanics and cooking, completely precise while at the same time creative.

“You need to understand what’s happening in both aspects,” says Gaidies. “The distilling is all science and mechanical. After, that it’s more like cooking. Once you understand the science, there’s a million ways to make moonshine … it’s endless.” Gaidies says over the years he’s made moonshine out of just about everything from fruit loops to corn to whatever fruit was on sale at the supermarket. He also began teaching others how to make moonshine at Pantano's Wine Grapes and Home Brew Shop and over the years has taught north of 500 people to distill their own. When pressed as to why he loves to make moonshine, Gaidies says, “I love seeing people enjoying what I made, and I even more I enjoy seeing people learn to make it themselves. That’s what’s fun for me. People love to make moonshine, and I love to teach them.”

While flipping through TV channels two years ago, Gaidies stumbled upon an episode of the first season of “Moonshine: Master Distillers” and was instantly hooked. When a casting notice came across on one of the Facebook pages dedicated to distilling that Gaidies follows, he decided to jump on it. After a year and a half long casting process, Gaidies was invited to be one of competing cast members of Season 3. The Episode?

“Caffeinated Shine.” Gaidies starting doing what he does best, experimenting and perfecting a coffee-inspired moonshine.

It was important to Gaidies that his competition moonshine fully represented his home turf. When it came time to gather supplies, he turned to local purveyors. “I started really looking around locally.

I was coming to this show from Upstate New York, I

Jason Gaidies teaching a moonshine distilling class at Pantanos Wine Grapes & Home Brew Shop. Photo by Jerry Pantan

wanted them to know I wasn’t coming from a state with more moonshine history, like Louisiana or Arkansas. I worked out of Pantano's in New Paltz, sourced grains from German Town Beer Farm, and roasted a batch of coffee from Autonomous Coffee in Kingston. My brother passed a couple years ago, and I and wanted to include his friends, one of whom makes maple syrup, so I added their syrup, Banta’s Maple Syrup, which is based out of Accord. My brother was also a knife collector and one of his closest friends is a knife customizer, so I had him build me a custom coffee bean- handled knife that I took to the competition. I wanted to include everybody, and I wanted to have a taste of home with me.”

When it came time to shoot the episode in December, Gaidies waived the option of a plane ticket and opted to drive, packing up a trailer and heading to Kodak, Tennessee, for filming. “It was a 12-hour drive, and when I showed up at the hotel, all I had was the hotel reservation, I didn’t know anyone,” says Gaidies. He knew he was in the right place when someone pulled up in a 1946 Chevrolet truck with a still in the back. He was told by producers to be ready to shoot at 8 a.m. the next day. The next morning, Gaidies loaded into a van with his two competitors and headed to a local distillery that was currently not in production, complete with a fake cabin, ready to film.

Gaidies was up against two fierce competitors – Deanna Terece, a farmer out of Virginia who specialized in brandy, and Matthew A. McLain, a fourth-generation distiller who distills on a large scale in Oregon. The contestants were given one hour to produce their mash – the first step in the distilling process. Gaidies says that his background in teaching proved instantly helpful. “I usually have 30-40 people watching me in a class, so I didn’t feel the pressure of an audience.” After the initial mash was made, there was only one thing to do: wait. The fermenting process takes about a week, and during that week Gaidies says that his fellow competitors became his friends. “These people started as complete strangers, then you spend a week with them talking about life and distilling, and at the

end of the week, you love these people. It was an amazing experience in that respect.”

After a week, contestants returned to their mash and began four hectic days of distilling. Gaidies says that each competitor’s style was different, but he chose to let his recipe evolve throughout the process. The result? A delicious coffee-inspired moonshine. Gaidies called the moonshine Nanny’s Espresso Fudge Moonshine because, “When I mixed it, it smelled just like the hot fudge my mom makes for the kids.”

When it came time for judging, Gaidies says that he wasn’t stressed.

“By the end of the filming, there’s no real concern about winning or losing because either you are going to win or your really good friend is going to win,” says Gaidies.

However, there must always be a winner in a competition, and at approximately 9:55 Eastern time, an audible roar could be heard from Ole Savanah Southern Table and Bar in Kingston, where Gaidies and his family hosted a watch party. After the judges praised Gaidies for his complex layering of flavor and tasting notes of chocolate, cream and caramel and one very long, nail-biting pause … Gaidies was named Master Distiller and awarded a limited, legal run of his winning moonshine. Of his winning moment, Gaidies says, “It was kind of disbelief that I impressed the judges that much but it was also assurance that I was doing my self-taught hobby correctly, and that my methods worked. I went from a hobbyist to standing shoulder to shoulder with famous moonshines.”

To keep up with Gaidies’ moonshining adventures or find out about upcoming moonshine distilling classes, follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jason. gaidies. For more information on “Moonshiners: Master Distillers” and to find out about upcoming airdates for the episode, visit: https://www.discovery.com/shows/moonshiners-master-distiller.

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Your letters, views & ideas

Page 14

Letters policy Please send letters to the editor to the BlueStone Press by email at bluepress@aol. com or send to P.O. Box 149, Stone Ridge, NY 12484. Include your name, hometown and daytime phone number. Letters should be fewer than 500 words and may be edited for clarity, brevity and taste. Letters won't appear in consecutive editions from the same author. The BSP hopes that, in the spirit of community dialogue, readers and writers in the letters section are respectful of a diversity of viewpoints.

We err on the side of freedom of speech in our letters, and we hope that vigorous dialogue is more likely to produce an informed public than censorship, however well meaning. Call 6874480 with questions.

April 15, 2022

Cold Spring Not just a town on the Hudson.

Great piece about the amphibian crossing!

To the Editor: That was a great article about the salamanders by Ann Belmont. We went out for the first time on a rainy night, and it was great fun. It took something to get off a soft couch in front of a fire at 8 at night and walk along a road in the rain, looking for amphibians. But the payoff was well worth it. I have never had the chance to pick up so many frogs and salamanders, not to mention save their lives.

The spotted salamanders are beautiful and surprisingly big, some bigger than my hand. I have to wonder how old they are to get that big? The tiny peepers were great too. They are the size of a dime and would cling onto the tip of my index finger, perfectly happy to stay there, as I walked to the other side of the road, and then hop off into the dark. We probably moved 15 or 20 amphibians safely to the other side of the road. An unfortunate five or 10 were squished by cars before we could get to them. After a while, you start to get an eye for it and can easily spot them among the cigarette butts and rocks. Driving home, I was still tuned in to them and could see them on all the back roads, especially in the lower areas.

Whenever you’re driving on a rainy night in early spring, watch out for them and slow down! Maybe even pull over and help them cross over to the other side of the road.

John Messerschmidt High Falls

(actual screen shot)

Substitute teachers’ expertise underutilized To the Editor: Permit me to comment on the interesting letter by my former high school math teacher James Ayers.

He mentions the importance of the importance of a substitute teacher having a class in his/her area of certification. I would say that is also true of any area of knowledge.

I was a sub at Rondout. My college degree is Spanish and I speak that language quite well. I looked forward to being assigned to fill in for language classes (or being a tutor for students). I was confident that I would have been able to teach a few words of Spanish, or even French.

But NO! Teaching was not my career and I was not a certified teacher – although the previous year I had been

employed as an English tutor for Latino youths. I was not allowed to choose a language class. Indeed, one day there was a someone (uncertified also) subbing for Spanish and I was told to cover an art class. That person told me she knew almost no Spanish. I was very poor in art. But we were not allowed to switch classes. So what was the point of that? Quoting a sentence from Mr. Ayers’ letter, two students told him, “It was nice to have a substitute who actually knew what he was doing.”

I sometimes used a few words of Spanish and some students wondered if I was a teacher of that language. What a shame and a waste that I was not able to use my field of knowledge with the students. Maybe sometimes common sense should take precedence over rules.

Philip Russak High Falls

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BlueStone Press, April 15, 2022, Page 15

Mall Easter Bunny Dear Wally: I recently got a job at an area mall as the wrangler for the Easter Bunnies that give out candy and such to kids from their full human-size costumes in the days leading up to the holiday.

In the event an employee doesn’t show up, I have to suit up and be the Easter Bunny.

I am writing because I want to express my disgust and frustration about the following: Teenagers have been roaming the mall, coming up from behind and punching/knocking down the Easter Bunny and then taking off. It’s been happening regularly, and, rightfully so, some employees don’t feel safe showing up for work.

On one occasion, after her child got a plastic egg from one of my bunnies, and when the child Wally Nichols wasn’t looking, the mom grabbed my employee in the crotch. Can you believe it?

Another was punched so hard in the kidney that he had muscle spasms all day and had to seek medical attention.

Per mall rules, we are not allowed to even defend ourselves let alone exhibit any aggression.

I fear the world is going to hell in a hand basket when this is allowed to happen. I’m not sure I even have a question other than maybe, what would you do? – JO

Dear Wally

Dear JO: Going to hell in an Easter basket is more like it. Sigh. Well, first, I didn’t know Easter Bunnies even had crotches, so, yerp, ya learn something new every day.

Other related yet off-topic thoughts: It must be so hot and swampy in that suit?!?! And even in the face of adversity (assault?!), those furry sweat lodges must maintain a false countenance of holiday joy …

Off topic, a different direction, one day I will have to figure out how it is that rabbits and chickens and baskets, and colored hidden eggs and chocolate and shopping malls all got appropriated by Jesus’ resurrection …

Back to you. This mall assault business is really dis-

Accessory from page 1 have space for her grandchildren. Another woman said that she'd bought her 5 acres with the idea that each of her sons could have an acre to build a house on “and never have to worry about being homeless," but because her land isn't zoned to allow a house per acre, only one of her sons has his own parcel. Another said, “A lot of us have extended families … in today’s America, we’re going back to the old times when families had to live together if they wanted a place to live.”

A woman attending virtually via Zoom said, “I don’t see how the law as written lines up with the Comprehensive Plan. There are conflicts, and I’d like to see that those are addressed.”

Another Zoom attendee said, "I really want to thank the board for tackling the issue. The law aims to address the needs and concerns of a broad cross-section of residents."

But she thought some provisions were unfavorable to low-income families. “Restrictions on ADUs [accessory dwelling units] to have a maximum of one bedroom” may exclude people with children from living in one, and “that’s a critical part of our population that we want to provide housing for.” She also took issue with the 40% rule. "I appreciate that we want to preserve the character of the town,” she said, but she thought capping the size of ADUs at 40% of the main house would be “too restrictive.”

Mike Baden, town supervisor, read aloud from several letters he'd received on the proposed law. One, from a self-described “housing intermediary” who worked with local governments about “housing and displacement issues," wanted to include short-term rentals in the category of accessory dwellings.

Another letter expressed the opinion that the proposed law does not target low/median income families enough and suggested that the town create incentives for developers to build mixed-income housing as a way to “support aging population in the Town of Rochester.

It’s important to create smaller residences. This would allow these aging residents to remain in the town” while opening up their former homes for “growing families.”

The letter also suggested that the town relax the rules for

“Mall Maul”

turbing. One might like to think the quintessential ’80s shopping Mecca (now somewhat post-apocalyptic, dystopian, moribund and spooky) is at least a safe place to be because no one else is there. But honestly, malls freak me out a lot (always have), and I find myself regularly looking over my shoulder – and that’s not just because you can buy a wedding ring or a bagel for more or less the same price.

And that’s me feeling antsy without (like you and your crew) having an added layer of protection in the form of a padded rabbit suit. It would be bunny/not bunny if it was a scene in a movie (like “Jackass”), but even then, Hollywood would toss the audience some semblance of vigilante satisfaction by having the Easter Bunny haul the perpetrator(s) by the scruff of their neck, into the men’s bathroom out of the scope of the security cams (which clearly don’t work anyway), and administering a proper

commercially-zoned areas. (Later, Baden clarified the commercial zoning laws. Mixed-use is allowed, such as an apartment over a store.)

Another letter-writer suggested that "the law should be written in such a way…that it increases the likelihood that this new housing will be affordable ... Can we expect aging homeowners, young families, or those with limited income capital and expertise to plan and construct ADUs without some kind of help?” The writer also believed that anyone could take advantage of this law to create shortterm rentals, counter to the law's intention.

Immediately after all the comments were made, the board began its monthly workshop meeting, devoting much of it to discussing what they'd just heard from the public. Besides Baden, board members Charlotte Smiseth, Michael Coleman, Adam Paddock and Erin Enouen were in attendance.

Enouen remarked, “What we’re doing has not been allowed in our code, ever," although Baden later said, "Way back in the day, the town used to have what were called mother-daughter apartments. At that time, we required it to be a relative living there." That’s not going to be a requirement of the new law; someone unrelated to the owner could rent the ADU. The law specifies that any ADU be "clearly secondary" to the main house so as to preserve the character of the town implied in the zoning laws.

One of the points discussed by the board was whether to require an extra 50% of acreage for a detached building, meaning that if you live in an AR2 zone, you'd need an additional acre to build an additional structure or, say, make an old barn into a domicile. (This wouldn't apply to an attached apartment.) However, Ulster County’s planning board recommends considering each application individually. Approval would depend on meeting the code for water, septic, setbacks from the road and from wetlands, and all other standard requirements for a building permit.

Accessory dwelling units will be allowed in all residentially-zoned neighborhoods.

The draft law sets a limit of one ADU per parcel, but that may change in the next drafted version. “I’m in favor of removing that [limitation],” said Baden. “But if you want to build more than one, then density should apply.”

Another difficult decision was how big to allow the accessory dwelling to be. Marylou Christiana, town counsel, said that, legally, to be "clearly secondary," the ADU must

swirly in the nastiest toilet to be found.

But this isn’t Hollywood. Where the eff is mall security? Don’t they scoot all over on those mono-wheeled things (with the amber flashing light) that move faster than anyone can run? Especially wilding teenagers?

Alas, mall cops and Easter Bunnies are probably not allowed to take down a punk for legitimate fear of the internationally terrible optics that would upstage the invasion of Ukraine or even Covid. “Easter bunny beats the living chocolate out of teenage thug.” … “Mall Maul” …

In general two wrongs don’t make a right, but self-defense seems like a reasonable, if not last, resort. What about hiring a couple Mixed Martial Arts black belts to take a ride in the rabbit suit one weekend?

My mind also goes to the booby trap approach, which is probably illegal. What about embedding in a small piece of plywood some outwardly facing roofing nails under the rabbit fur (in the general kidney area) such that anyone punching you or your Easter Bunnies would punch the nails with their fist? This would be the first and last time they would ever do it, methinks. You’d probably have blood on the costume (hard to explain to a horrified mom and kid), but at least you wouldn’t have blood in your pee from a kidney punch …?

And here we are with yet another reason I have no business being an advice columnist!

To say this is disrespectful is an understatement. Here I was thinking Easter was a pretty safe holiday …

It’s no wonder your employees aren’t interested in showing up. Luckily rabbits reproduce VERY quickly and you’ll have more help soon.

Be careful out there, and wake me up when it’s a safe holiday like Memorial Day. –W Got a question or general outrage to share with our advice columnist? Email him at cwn4@aol.com. Or just track him down at the mall, but don’t approach from behind …

be smaller than the original home. But will it be possible for people to flip-flop and declare the original house as the ADU? asked Paddock.

The board didn't reach a decision on maximum ADU size, but a minimum of 350 square feet will be kept in the law, to match NYS code. ("Tiny houses" didn't come up for discussion.)

The owner of the ADU will have to live on property and sign an annual affidavit affirming that. If the property is sold, and/or if a family member no longer resides in the ADU, it couldn’t then be converted to short-term rental status without going through an application process with the town. Baden: “You don’t want somebody building one of these and then renting it out for $3,000 a month because they can get it. That’s not the purpose.” Coleman suggested capping the rent people can charge, but Smiseth was uncomfortable with that.

The board agreed with Baden to hold the public hearing open while they consider the comments and make some changes in the law, which they’ll post on the town website before holding another hearing at a date TBD. In a follow-up phone call, Baden clarified a few points.

Any parcel containing an ADU will not be subdividable.

“Because it’s not subdividable, that house is always going to be joined with your existing house.” You can’t sell the two separately, “because it’s all on one parcel … it’s creating housing, a rental situation or a family-member situation ...We’re saying, that property can sustain a second house, and in return, you aren’t building somewhere else on vacant land. Bear in mind that in order to do this, you have to have a house on the property already. You can’t create an ADU on a property that doesn’t already have a house.”

If you live in an R2 zone on 2 acres, building a second house could only be permissible as an ADU, because “It’s going to change the density. The ADU only takes effect if you don’t have the acreage to build a second house …

If you live in an R2 zone and you have 4 acres, you don’t need any approval, other than a building permit," Baden said.

The next time the ADU law is slated for board discussion is Wednesday, April 21.

Page 16

Your friends and community

April 15, 2022

Century House: An institution with a firm cement foundation plans an exciting season Anne Pyburn Craig BSP Reporter The Century House Historical Society and the Rosendale Library have joined forces to bring us “For the Love of Place,” a rich array of programs drawing together the town's fascinating tapestry for a springtime full of good times.

The programming, funded by American Rescue Plan money through the New York State Library, reads like the curriculum for a master’s degree in Rosendalian wisdom of all sorts: Native American Bird Stories with Evan Pritchard and continuing on into June with geology, cement-industry history with Gil Villahermosa, recycled instrument making with Fre Atlast, foraging with Maria Reidelbach and more. Learn more and register for the “For the Love of Place” events at rosendalelbrary.org.

It’s the kickoff to what may be the busiest season yet for the Century House Historical Society and Snyder Estate, an organization unlike any other anywhere on earth: devoted to in-depth, scholarly and open minded examination of the history, business and science that forged its location, while maintaining an underground event venue that’s hosted Halloween parties, poetry readings, musical and theatrical performances of all sorts, milestone celebrations and a legendary rave.

The lack of stuffiness in no way connotes a lack of intellectual seriousness -- on their website you’ll find geological studies and tales of Old Rosendale alongside an open invitation to consider what sort of event you yourself might wish to host in the cool cavern that is the Widow Jane Mine, beloved by (among many others) Japanese Taiko drummers and performance poets for its unique acoustics and aesthetics.

Then there’s the museum, an estate property that’s gracious without being grandiose, begun as a family farm that morphed with the advent of the natural cement industry. First chartered in 1992 by Dietrich Werner, Gayle Grunwald, Anton Werner and a few compatriots, the Society was dedicated from the very beginning to a deeper understanding of all things Rosendale Cement-related and how it informed the town’s development and its place in New York state and the world.

Under Werner and Grunwald’s leadership, the Society gained its absolute charter in 2000 and continued to deepen its resources, welcoming scientists, artists and historians from everywhere, hosting underground celebrations (the rave, which happened one Street Fest weekend, drew about 3,000 people and a wee bit of notoriety) and hosting annual meetings, ice cream socials, and cleanup days.

Dietrich’s sudden death in 2009 was a blow to the entire community, but the society he spearheaded has proven durable and vital. “As a young girl I never thought of a world without my father in it,” says Althea Werner, who currently serves as CHHS treasurer. “He was an extraordinary man; I was never really able to truly understand this until my later years and becoming so deeply involved in this organization.” In the immediate wake of the family’s loss, his daughter didn’t stay involved – but when Grunwald encountered serious health problems, Werner had to step up in a hurry.

“It was all very sudden,” she recalls. “When Gayle fell ill I was thrown in the deep end. Henry had just begun his role as president, and the former president found my contact info and handed me the keys to later wash her hands of the whole thing. The biggest saving grace was that Gayle was able to give the much-needed guidance. Without her assistance I couldn't have accom-

"The Snyder Estate is a busy place these days," says Althea Werner, who currently serves as CHHS treasurer.

plished anything.

“We built up the board with a few additional members plus a few other changes. We focused on the mission, building up membership and tackling the deferred maintenance. I kept a forward motion with the help of others. We are, even despite the pandemic setbacks, rebuilding a strong foundation for CHHS. I'm often overwhelmed with the amount of work involved in it, but knowing how much it meant to him keeps me going.”

Besides “For the Love of Place,” the mine and estate have a jam-packed summer schedule of music, art and education – there are drum events, including the beloved Taiko Masala troupe (July 30 this year), a site-specific Earth Opera that premiered last year, performances from local luminaries like Sarah Perrotta and Lara Hope.

The Subterranean Poetry Fest plans a comeback. And that’s just a taste. For the complete schedule, visit centuryhouse.org.

But do be aware, Werner points out, that that schedule is always subject to change without notice. The Snyder Estate is a busy place these days. “We have a number of things that aren't on the calendar,” says Werner. “School groups on field trips, Walkway Over the Hudson's Ambassadors group, smaller private tours. Pushing the educational mission and helping maintain the site are my primary focus. The performances are only a small part

Programing inside the Widow Jane Mine

of the equation, but extremely valuable to help get the word out and bring much-needed revenue to our small nonprofit organization. And, of course, we are always looking for volunteers who want to be part of preserving our rich local history.”

BlueStone Press, April 15, 2022, Page 17

Poetry and musings in ‘Rethinking the Ground Rules’: Good medicine from women’s writing collective’ There are reasons why saner cultures often looked to older women for guidance. Women who have lived and loved and survived to look back in grief, joy and awe have a profundity that the modern world’s mainstream discourse too often lacks, unafraid of the blood and mud of life, cognizant of the subtleties of human connection, open to being torn by the beauty of a leaf, a cracked dish, dust motes in sunbeams, everyday life.

It’s a perspective more helpful than ever, as we all strive to find our balance and keep moving forward in a world reeling from pandemic and conflict. What better time could there be to rethink the ground rules, after all? Clearly the old ones needed work.

Anne And who better to turn to for Pyburn Craig insight than a group of women of a Certain Age? The Hudson Valley Women's Writing Group – seven friends from diverse occupational backgrounds (academics, social workers, teachers and lawyers) who write from that collective perspective in a culture that tends to render

Book Review

RVHS Music Boosters establish Kevin Archambault Scholarship As many friends and families of the Rondout Valley Performing Arts Community may know, Rondout Valley music director Randy Loder’s husband, Kevin Archambault, tragically passed away Jan. 10, Kevin Archambault and Randy 2022. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, and by the performing arts community that he passionately contributed to and loved so dearly.

In years past, many Rondout students had the opportunity to work with Archambault at the Center for Performing Arts where he, as artistic director, generously shared his knowledge and inspired students to hone their artistic skills and pursue their dreams in music and theater. To honor his contributions to Rondout’s performing arts community and the positive impact he had on so many Rondout students, the RVHS Music Boosters have established the Kevin Archambault Performing Arts Scholarship.

Scholarship applications to attend a theater camp at the

Local power from page 7 community can issue a request for proposals from energy suppliers, “and in a parallel way, a request could be issued to identify community solar developers” who would offer subscriptions to community members. As with energy supply, the town could decide to make community-solar subscription an opt-out rather than opt-in choice; if you

The Hudson Valley Women's Writing Group: Kappa Adair Waugh, Jan Zlotnik Schmid, Mary K O’Melveny, Tana Miller, Eileen Howard, Kit Goldpaugh and Colleen Geraghty

older women invisible or irrelevant -- share their unique perspectives on memory, joy, resistance, resilience, aging and transformation in this, their second anthology of poetry and short prose, and show us exactly how relevant they are.

“Rethinking the Ground Rules” explores topics from the Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck will be open to all Rondout students, K-12. Visit centerforperformingarts.org or call 845-876-3080.

The fundraising goal for the scholarship is to raise $1,000 by the end of May, as to continue funding the scholarship for years to come so that future generations of Rondout students can benefit from the Center’s various performing arts programs.

The community is asked to support this by donating to the Kevin Archambault Performing Arts Scholarship. Any amount will be greatly appreciated. Generosity in enriching the lives of Rondout students by helping to fund this scholarship, and in honoring the memory of Kevin Archambault, a person who contributed so much to the Rondout performing arts community is greatly appreciated.

Use @RVEFoundation to donate via Venmo. Or mail a tax-deductible donation to RVHS Music Boosters, P.O. Box 9, Accord, NY 12440. Make checks payable to RVEF (Rondout Valley Education Foundation) and note in the memo: “HS Music Booster Fund – K.A. Performing Arts Scholarship.”

For more information, visit rondout.k12.ny.us or call 845-687-2400.

Artist Dan Shornstein at Lifebridge Sanctuary The Lifebridge Foundation celebrates the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals featuring local artist, Dan Shornstein, “Pathways and Waterways: Explorations into Light and Color,” with a focus on SDGs #14, do nothing, then, you’re a subscriber, with the advantage that you don’t have to have an individual contract with, say, Nexamp, which owns the solar arrays in Rochester and has a lot of customers in the town, and deal with the complexities of having electric bills coming from both Nexamp and CH. If Rochester were to follow the example of Marbletown, “theoretically, every community member could take advantage of the opt-out by cancelling their [contract] and joining the town’s."

CCAs are good news overall for solar developers like Nexamp, though, said Domanski. “It’s very exciting to all

coronavirus to the cosmos to the craft of writing itself in varied works that offer journeys of re-examination and rule-breaking that will leave readers marveling at the restorative power of words. There are rants and incantations, lyrical odes to life’s beauty and blunt indictments of its flaws. ThroughCover out, there is a postgraduate-level perspective on love, death, longing and satisfaction that frees us to wander in the meadows of our own minds with greater confidence.

This is the Writing Group’s second anthology; the first, “An Apple in Her Hand,” was published in 2018. Perhaps if we heed the subtle instructions of the Crone, our species will muddle through long enough to enjoy a third – but read this one now, the better to be of help. You’ll find not a drop of preaching here; all the same, an open-hearted reader will be transformed in the wake of a thorough reading. Rock on, folks.

“Rethinking the Ground Rules,” published by Mediacs Books, can be purchased online from Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com in hard copy or e-book formats.

“In the Gloaming,” oil on canvas, 12x24, by Dan Shornstein

Life Below Water, and #15, Life on Land.

A meet-the-artist Wine and Cheese Reception will be held 2-4 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at Lifebridge Sanctuary, 333 Mountain Road, Rosendale.

Shornstein has been involved in the field of education for over 40 years in a variety of teaching and leadership positions. He currently serves as education director at the Ashokan Center.

“Over the past several years I have dived into both studio and plein air work, inspired by the stunning landscapes of our region,” said Shornstein. He continued, “Our natural world is vulnerable and suffering, and I believe that highlighting nature’s beauty and creating connections to it is not only soul-satisfying but also a moral imperative. I hope these paintings remind us of the importance of cherishing and protecting our water, our forests and our ecosystems.”

Shornstein’s exhibit will be on display through Aug. 12.

For onfo, email him at dan.shornstein@ashokancenter. org or contact the Lifebridge Foundation at 845-658-3439. the community solar developers … the beauty of doing business under the CCA umbrella is that they don’t have to do any marketing … individual contract signing also goes away. So life gets easier in this beautiful, symbiotic relationship."

Rochester's joining Hudson Valley Community Power is just a possibility, for now. The very first step has to be the adoption of a local law enabling the town to do business with the CCA. Domanski is in touch with the town board and hopes to be invited soon to make his presentation at a public board meeting.

Resources: Hudson Valley Energy CCA@HudsonValleyEnergy.org Jeff@HudsonValleyEnergy.org Hudson Valley Community Power hudsonvalleycommunitypower.com

Home Clean Home Air B&B , Private homes, Offices Reliable - Free estimates References available Call or Text: 845-706-1913 845-421-1037

Arts, culture & entertainment

Page 18

April 15, 2022

Home again (don’t go there) One of the houses my family lived in when I was a child had a garage wall with a line of horizontal pencil marks on it. Each had a name next to it and a date: Maryanne, 4/11/59; Roger, 7/18/ 62.

One day Maryanne herself came to our door. She had fond memories of the house and wanted to see it again, she said. She was thrilled to find the pencil marks still in place; her father had put them there, she told us tearfully, to memorialize his children’s growth.

It was a good thing she visited when she did. Just a month later, my parents had the garage turned into an apartment for my grandmother. The pencil-marked wall was torn down, demolished, gone for good.

In the early days of living in my current house, Mrs. L, the former owner, used to stop by every summer. Her visits always started coyly, slowly cruising her car back and forth in front of the farmhouse where she and her husband and “the boys” had spent many happy weekends and holidays. Finally, she’d park and ask to come inside.

She was never happy with what she found there. “The cabinet my cousin made!” she’d cry in horror, pointing to the blank wall above the place where the sink used to be.

“Why did you get rid of it? And my sister Ruth’s bedroom!

You turned it into a bathroom!”

It’s been many, many years since the last time Mrs. L dropped in to exclaim over the house’s changes, but one day last month, I saw a car performing a familiar cruise pattern on the road. Finally, it pulled into the driveway, and a man and woman in their late 50s got out. The man

Susan Krawitz

seemed to be pointing out various features of the lawn and yard. The woman pulled out a camera, and snapped a picture of him in front of the barn, an outbuilding, a tree.

Finally, they made their way to the front walk. But they didn’t come to the door; instead, they stopped at the edge of the yard for more photography. I opened the front door and waved at them.

“He used to live here,” the woman said, pointing to her companion.

“You must be one of the boys,” I said.

His name was Richard, he told me. His mother had died several years back.

“He talks about this place all the time,” the woman said.

“So many wonderful memories,” he murmured, staring up at the house.

The house wasn’t exactly tidy and company-ready, but nonetheless, I let the pair march through it. They climbed stairs, went into the basement, and opened the door to every single room. Richard started to look slightly dizzy and disoriented, like a time traveler who’d spun the dial a bit wildly and landed in the right place at the wrong time.

“The fireplace is still here,” he said, “but where’s my Aunt Ruth’s bedroom?”

As he climbed the stairs to the third floor, Richard paused, then asked if I’d ever wondered why the bannister was in two parts. It had been the first-ever DIY project for him and his dad, he said, laughing, and they’d cut it 17 inches too short.

My daughter’s room had been the master bedroom, he told us, and my bedroom was just an unfinished storeroom, something I already knew, since I’d helped finish it. His friend took his picture in my room, on the stairway, in front of the fireplace, and beside the big cast iron cook stove. “The old beams are still here!” he said reaching up and brushing the tips of his fingers on the rough, dark

wood.

At long last, they seemed ready to leave. Back out on the lawn, Richard pointed to the tall arborvitae hedge that bordered the street. Deer had nibbled the shrubs into lollipop shapes, destroying their ability to offer roadside privacy. “See those?” he said. “They were the first thing we planted. And then, that winter, the deer ate them down. We thought they were dead. What did we know?

We were city folk. But by spring they came back, and look at them now!”

I did. I looked at them. And that’s when I remembered an appointment I’d nearly forgotten. Checking my watch made me gasp. It was almost time.

Richard paused at the end of the walkway. “My brother said to make sure and tell you that if you ever want to sell, he’d be interested,” he said. And then he shook his head.

“I told him it’s the memories he wants, not the house. You can’t buy back memories!”

They took one final photo, then got in their car and left. And just 20 minutes after they pulled out of the driveway, a crew of workmen pulled into it. They took out clippers, chainsaws, and machetes, and used them on the yard’s bushes and trees. The overgrown forsythias got a good trim, the syringa was reshaped, the catalpas lost their drooping lower branches. But the straggly, sad, hedge-failure arborvitaes were the real focus of the yard makeover. And they weren’t slated for a trim. In less time than it took to write this column, they were cut down, demolished, gone for good.

And Richard, if you ever return for another nostalgic looksee, kindly remember your own words: It’s the memories you want, not the shrubs, er, house.

April showers Has anyone heard any good rain jokes lately? Now, I love April and I love the rain. Heck, I lived in Seattle for a while … how could I not love the rain? First, there’s my favorite rain joke: Why does Snoop Dog need an umbrella? Fo Drizzle. Yea, yea, I hear the groans, but it makes me laugh every time. Then there are umbrellas and rain boots. You can jump in puddles and dance while twirling your umbrella all while looking cute, fun and fashionable.

What’s better than that? The gloomy and dark skies make for a perfect setting to sleep in, stay in your pj’s, sleep some more, watch movies, and eat junk food all day.

Don’t forget that April showers bring May flowers. I’m thinking a TON of flowers are going to show up after all the rain we’ve been getting. You can sing “I love a rainy night” at the top of your lungs. There’s a slim chance that you might see a rainbow and possibly find a pot o’ gold.

The good times are endless when it’s raining.

However, the way Mother Nature has been treating us, our seasons are definitely out of control.

The flooding, the blocked culverts, rail trails closed, creeks becoming rivers, sump pumps dying. (By the way, I just found out what a sump pump was. The things you learn in your 50s.) There was even someone who got stuck in his car while trying to cross a flooded road. Yep. Around town Sometimes we need to experience things to learn things. A car is not a kayak. Crazy, I know.

The good news, other than the possibility of being flooded by flowers, is that the sun is starting to shine and the weather is getting warmer. Just last night, I went to take the trash out wearing capris and a T-shirt. Not only was I comfortably warm, but I also gave approximately 1 billion mosquitos a nice venue for dinner.

Some more good news is I heard that the Town of Wawarsing approved a cannabis processing plant. So, if the rain or mosquitos get to be too much for you, at least we’ll have cannabis! Who would have ever thought that a knife factory would have eventually transitioned into a weed factory? It’s like some weird B-rated movie on Showtime. I really need to write a screenplay. There

Kelly Wright

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are so many storylines. I used to work at V.A.W. back in the day. What a hoot that would have been. I could have stopped there at Cannabis Central on the way to work, on my lunch hour, and on the way home. There’s also the prison right down the road! Tell me you couldn’t make up a comedy storyline with that combination.

Anyway. Easter is coming, so I hope everyone has a very nice day. I actually made Easter Egg Bread for the first time in my life. I am not Italian and I don’t eat carbs, so this was a little out of my comfort zone. I was with about 25 women kneading, braiding and chatting away. Just because the smoke alarm went off does not mean we didn’t know what we were doing. It was fun and everything, but I would have rather taken part in an Easter Egg Hunt for adults. One where all the colorful eggs could be filled with mini bottles of liquor. I’m pretty sure there would be more than 25 people in attendance and many different cultures on the hunt! After all, as Wonka said, candy is dandy but liquor is quicker. Does anyone know what town accepts event suggestions?

BlueStone Press, April 15, 2022, Page 19

Put a fork sponge silicone brush in it With most attention directed at chefs, restaurants, bars, food, beverages, crops and edible offerings specific to the area, I found myself staring at a mountain of dishes recently and considered my feelings toward this near end game of the food and eating experience.

I have a perfectly functioning dishwasher (recently discussed in my column as one of the least used appliances in the typical home). And yet, I do all my dishes by hand. It doesn’t make sense to any outside observer. Also doesn’t make sense to my teenage daughter, who also chooses to do dishes by hand when I am successful in getting her to do dishes in the first place.

But my adult friend recently observed this illogical choice from Wally Nichols a few feet away (illogical because hand-washing is way more work and uses more electricity/water) and offered a handy, new age, woo-woo-ish explanation. Hydro-therapy.

There is something comforting about the warm, soapy water cascading over hands. There is something satisfying

Put a fork in it

Horoscopes The planetary pictures continue in a tight formation, with the Sun, Mercury and Uranus in Taurus, and Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Neptune in Pisces. Saturn in Aquarius and Pluto in Capricorn complete the picture. The full Moon is in Libra on the 16th, and the new Moon is in Taurus on the 30th. Pluto turns retrograde near the end of this period, while Mercury waits a few extra days for the next retrograde cycle to begin. The Sun will conjunct Uranus during this period and may have some effect on monetary systems. Neptune will conjunct Venus around the 25th of this month, causing more unexpected events. In the meantime, the war in Ukraine continues as Joanne we pray for it to end.

Your Zodiac Ferdman

ARIES: 3/21 to 4/19: Mars, your ruling planet, is in your 12th solar house of hidden enemies, forming a stellium of four planets that includes Neptune, Jupiter and Venus – resulting in the feeling you’re not progressing the way you planned. The new Moon on the 30th is a good time to initiate action so that you will get the results you desire.

TAURUS: 4/20 to 5/20: Venus, your ruling planet, is positioned with Neptune, Jupiter and Mars in your 11th solar house of income from career. This stellium is in good aspect to other planets – placing you in position for a promotion or other kudos from your employer. The new Moon on the 30th should bring the good news.

GEMINI: 5/21 to 6/20: Mercury, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 12th solar house, working behind the scenes. Mercury is presently on station, about to turn

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about the defined beginning and end of a project that is entirely one’s making and entirely under your control. There is something rewarding about seeing a clean sink and the promise of order it suggests. Never mind the smooth hands. When doing dishes, no one comes around and either interrupts or distracts for fear of being enlisted, so it is quiet (in a clanking way) time that doesn’t actually feel isolating.

Hydro-therapy. Hmmm. Catchy.

There are some stats from a recent YouGov survey that bespeak a broader tendency to not use a dishwasher. Of those surveyed, 16% of people who own dishwashers said they just use their dishwasher for things other than washing dishes (5% to dry hand-washed dishes and 5% to store household items; 1% said ‘other’ which is a little eyebrow raising in its vagueness … The TLC program “Extreme Cheapskates” featured a woman who cooks lasagna and poached salmon in her dishwasher. And that’s pretty gross).

I used to dread hand-washing dishes, but my objections these days are mostly to the assumption that I will just clean someone else’s dishes because they are left there. This only grinds when it feels like a devaluation of my time. But the dirty secret is, I actually like doing dishes for all the reasons above. And there are moments when, gulp, it actually feels like a treat to myself.

And if I am on a phone call or listening to a podcast, it’s all the more enjoyable/less burdensome.

retrograde and unable to help at present. The group of planets in your 10th solar house of career will enable you to maintain your present commitment and stability.

meeting many new people who may help you.

CANCER: 6/21 to 7/20: The new Moon on the 30th is positioned in your 11th solar house of money from career.

Mercury and the Sun, as well as Uranus, suggest this will be a turning point in your career – for better or worse.

However, since Mercury is about to turn retrograde, there may be changes before any decision is finalized.

LEO: 7/21 to 8/22: The Sun, your ruling planet, is positioned with both Mercury and Uranus in your 10th solar house of career. An unexpected event may occur – especially at the time of the new Moon on the 30th. On the other hand, with Mercury about to turn retrograde, the unexpected event may prove important. However, be careful!!

VIRGO: 8/23 to 9/22: Mercury, your ruling planet, is positioned with the Sun and Uranus in your 9th solar house of communication and education. Presently, Mercury is on station prior to turning to retrograde motion.

Remember, you are especially vulnerable to lost and misplaced items and purchases. Best to stay home and learn something new.

LIBRA: 9/23 to 10/22: Venus, your ruling planet, is positioned in your 6th solar house of health and your daily work. Jupiter, Neptune and Mars are working with Venus to keep you working hard to achieve an elusive goal.

Unfortunately, the stress seems to be taking a toll on your health. Try to slow down a bit – you might feel better.

SCORPIO: 10/23 to 11/22: Mars is positioned in your 5th solar house with Venus, Jupiter and Neptune, suggesting you’re working to create something original that will help you in the future. In the process, you’re seeking outside interest and funding in the project. You are also

Time magazine did a piece on the nasty microbial colonies that infest sponges. The nooks and continually damp surfaces are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. By the estimates of German researchers in a 2017 study published in Scientific Reports, 362 different kinds of bacteria were found in sponges collected from ordinary homes; 5.5 trillion microscopic bugs were found crawling around the typical sponge.

Of course the suggestion is to use a dishwasher to wash the dishes and kill the germs with the hot water and heat.

But that deprives us hand washers of our “free” hydro therapy.

So, they have a suggestion for those without dishwashers or without any desire to stop hand washing: plastic or silicone brushes.

And that’s where this column ends because I need to go to the store right now and get some of those.

No amount of “hydro-therapy” can cure my skeevy feels around exposure to trillions of breeding bacteria bugs.

SAGITTARIUS: 11/23 to 12/21: Jupiter, your ruling planet, is positioned with Venus, Neptune and Mars in your 4th solar house of home and family. Your primary concern is the health and well-being of your extended family. The new Moon in Taurus on the 30th is the opportunity to insure they take steps to healthier living – or learn something new.

CAPRICORN: 12/22 to 1/20: Saturn, your ruling planet, continues to be positioned in your 2nd solar house of money. However, it is now time to widen your focus and learn something new to broaden your horizons – to spend more time with your children and see them grow up.

Surprisingly, that will find you more relaxed.

AQUARIUS: 1/21 to 2/19: Uranus, your ruling planet, is conjunct both the Sun and Mercury and is positioned in your 4th solar house of home and family. It’s important you know Mercury is on station, eager to upset your plans – lost mail, forgotten appointments and minor accidents.

In addition, be extra careful when dealing with money or purchases.

PISCES: 2/20 to 3/20: Neptune, your ruling planet, continues to be positioned in your 1st solar house of personality together with Venus, Jupiter and Mars. This is not the time to sit back and rest on your many accomplishments. Use the new Moon in Taurus to learn something new – to affiliate with a group that involves you with a new discipline.

Joanne is available for private/personized consultations at 561-744-9962. Treat yourself – learn what to expect from the current transits and receive an overview of your longterm goals.

PAW Plans

~ Pet Annual Wellness ~ Want to help a local pet in need?

When you enroll in a PAW Plan, a donation is made to a local pet up for adoption.

Ask us for more details!

We See Cats, Dogs and Small Breed Practice Book online or with our APP!

845-687-7800

WRAP AROUND CARE IS AVAILABLE

845.687.7696

3056 Route 213, Stone Ridge NY, 12484

ledermanchildrenscenter.org/summer julianna@ledermanchildrenscenter.org

Page 20, April 15, 2022, BlueStone

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FOR THE FAMILY

Plowing the field at Saunderskill Farm in Accord. Come out to the Spring Plow for a fun day for all ages.

Hudson Valley Draft Horse Association’s Spring Plow at Saunderskill Farm It's back! The Hudson Valley Draft Horse Association will hold their annual Spring Plow, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday, April 30, at Saunderskill Farm, 5100 Route 209, Accord. The Spring Plow features horses, mules and oxen plowing the fields.

Eight teams of oxen are expected to help with this event, along with the mules and several horse teams, at the farm. Other attractions will be activities for kids, vendors, pony rides, wagon rides, good food, live music, noon-4 p.m. with Olivebridge singer/songwriter Ben Rounds and more.

The Hudson Valley Draft Horse Association (HVDHA) was established in 1981 and is dedicated to “draft power” in the Hudson Valley.

People of all ages are amazed at the work these animals can do and are

groups. The next meeting for Group 1 is April 18, and Group 2 meets on April 25.

Email carra22@aol.com.

Mahjong, Tuesdays and Fridays at Stone Ridge Library The Stone Ridge Library hosts ongoing weekly mahjong at 10 a.m. Friday mornings (April 22, 29 and May 6), plus a beginner’s group, 10 a.m. Tuesdays (April 19, 26 and May 3), in the activity room of the library, 3700

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also taken with their gentleness.

Help bring a little of the past back to life; come out to enjoy a great day and meet the folks who work and train their animals.

Vendor space is still available for $35 per 10 x10 space, and admission is free.

Leashed dogs are welcome at the Spring Plow event and on the outdoor patios. However, there is a no-pet policy in the market and fields.

HVDHA holds monthly meetings, mostly potluck lunches, and offers driving classes from January-April.

For more information on the Hudson Valley Draft Horse Association, contact Robin Jurechko at 845-2949016 or dmjure33@frontiernet.net.

Main St., Stone Ridge. New members are welcome. No registration required. Just walk in. For more information, call 845687-7023 or visit stoneridgelibrary.org.

Basics for Beginners Yoga in Stone Ridge Whole Sky Yoga, at 3588 Main St., Stone Ridge, presents Basics for Beginners, an in-person yoga program, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, April 19, 26 and May 3. For more information, SPRING 2O22

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A simple act with a powerful impact, American Red Cross blood drive in Stone Ridge Come to give blood, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Marbletown Community Center, 3564 Main St., Stone Ridge. Thanks to Suburban Propane and their SuburbanCares initiative, donors will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Plus participants will automatically be entered for a chance to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps eight. For more information, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.

Emmanuel’s helps raise money for UCSPCA’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month All this month, Emmanuel’s My Town Marketplace, 3853 Main St., Stone Ridge, will offer patrons an option of rounding up at checkout, with all roundups going to the Ulster County SPCA in support of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. And join the community for Fill the Van event at Emmanuel’s, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Marketplace. Come help fill a van with needed supplies, food and monetary donations for the UCSPCA, who will bring along some furry friends looking for a home. Visit ucspca.org or call 845-3315377.

Stone Ridge Library Knitting Group The Stone Ridge Library Knitters meet 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays in the activity room, at Stone Ridge Library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge, with the next upcoming gatherings on April 16, 23 and 30. All ages and experience levels can join, and drop-in knitters are also welcome. Bring your own supplies, do as much as wanted, and ask for help or advice if needed. Donations of yarn to the library get made into items for sale at the Library Fair and during the winter holidays for the benefit of the library.

Some group members also knit things for local hospitals or for U.S. troops. For more information, visit stoneridgelibrary. org or call 845-687-7023.

Mindful Mondays with Aimee Trumbore Join the community at 2 p.m. Mondays, April 18, 25 and May 2, via Zoom or in person, at the Stone Ridge Library, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge, to develop awareness, cultivate more presence, and strengthen the ability to bring mindfulness into day-to-day life. These weekly drop-in sessions will include a short talk on the topic of the week, guided meditation, and opportunity for discussion. All levels of practitioners are welcome, no previous experience required. Mindful Mondays are led by Aimee Trumbore, certified Mindfulness Meditation teacher.

For more information and registration, visit stoneridgelibrary.org or call 845687-7023.

Writers group with Cathy Arra Two separate writers groups meet 4:30-6:30 p.m. on alternate Mondays at the Stone Ridge Library in the activity room, 3700 Main St., Stone Ridge, with a maximum of 10 participants in each group. The program is designed for those who are actively writing and publishing work and who want to participate in a structured, critical feedback process. Cathy Arra, a poet, writer and former teacher of English and writing in the Rondout Valley School District, facilitates the

visit wholeskyyoga.com or call 845-7063668.

Reading and discussion series hosted

by Jeff Miller at Rosendale Library Centered on the theme of community engagement and service, and made possible through of a grant from Humanities New York, the Rosendale Library will hold a reading and discussion series led by Dr. Jeff Miller, a Rosendale resident and faculty member of SUNY New Paltz’s Political Science and International Relations Department. The series will showcase various readings from sociology and philosophy to history and poetry. The discussions will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, April 20, 27 and May 4, at the Rosendale Library, 264 Main St., Rosendale. The program is free and open to the public, and participants can choose to attend any or all the discussions. For registration, readings and more information, visit rosendalelibrary. org or call 845-658-9013.

Singing frogs in spring ponds at Minnewaska Come join other homeschool families at Minnewaska, 1-3 p.m. Thursday, April 21, to learn about amazing amphibians. Children will play a frog life-cycle tag game, make their own frog mask, learn about amphibian habitats, and visit vernal pools to look for frogs, salamanders and insects. This program is recommended for children between the ages of 7-12 years old, accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Well-behaved younger siblings are always welcome. This program is dependent on the proper weather conditions.

Meet at the Peter’s Kill Area. Preregistration is required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-2550752.

All-ages Chess Hour at the Rosendale Library Every Thursday, 4-5 p.m., April 21, 28 and May 5, enjoy playing chess, all ages, all levels, at the Rosendale Library, 264 Main St., Rosendale. For more information, call 845-658-9013 or visit rosendalelibrary.org.

Music on the Market Concert Series, live and virtual, presents Soul City Enjoy dance music from the Motown, soul, disco and funk era, from the 1960s and ’70s to the R&B of today with the band Soul City, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at MISU, 40 Market St., Ellenville, and live streamed on Zoom. For more information, visit misucatskills.org.

Marbletown Seniors meetings and trip to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse The Seniors generally hold their meetings at noon on the first Friday (bring a dish to share) and 1 p.m. on the third Friday of each month. This month, however, the third Friday is a holiday, Good Friday, so the meeting will be on the following Friday, April 22. A trip is planned for the Marbletown Seniors on Tuesday May 10 to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, Hampton, New Jersey, for the comedy “I left my dignity in my other purse,” featuring Joyce DeWitt from the TV sitcom “Three’s Company.” Cost of $78 includes lunch with choices from menu. Bus takes off at 9 a.m. The “Ride the Rails” fourday, three-night trip to West Virginia is Monday-Thursday, June 6-9, and includes Cass Scenic Railroad, Black Water Falls State Park with a spectacular waterfall,

See More events, page 21

FASHION DESIGN 4-7PM FINE ART OPENING IN THE MUROFF-KOTLER GALLERY 5-7PM FASHION EXHIBITION OPENING IN THE COLLEGE LOUNGE

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

GALLERY@SUNYULSTER.EDU

BlueStone Press, April 15, 2022, Page 21 Events continued from page 20 Seneca Caverns and more. Cost of $680 for a double room or $879 for a single includes three breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners. All meetings are held at, and trips leave from, the Marbletown Reformed Church, 3750 Main St./Route 209, Stone Ridge, across from the post office. For more information, call Sharon Letus, trip chairperson, at 845-6879162.

Drop-in Earth Day litter cleanup and family scavenger hunt Help the Minnewaska staff keep the Park Preserve clean and free of trash, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, April 24. Diana Beckenhaupt, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps environmental educator, will be handing out bags to any hikers willing to collect trash spotted during their outings. Stop by the table outside of the Visitor Center to grab one, or to drop off a filled trash bag after a hike. As a carry-in/carry-out Park Preserve, any help in picking up litter and waste along our many trails is enormously helpful. What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to help keep Minnewaska clean for another year of enjoyment? There will also be helpful hiking information available, and a fun scavenger hunt activity for kids. Preregistration is not required. For more information, call 845-255-0272.

Rosendale Seniors next meeting and upcoming trips The Town of Rosendale Seniors meetings are held at 1 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Rosendale Recreation Center, 1055 Route 32, Rosendale, with the next meeting on April 27. Upcoming trips include a day trip on May 10 to Villa Roma in Callicoon for lunch and a show-tribute to Elvis and Connie Francis.

Cost is $67 per person. Bus will leave at 8 a.m. from the Rec Center. Another trip is scheduled on July 19 to River View Inn in Matamoras, Pennsylvania, for lunch and a show, “Jo Jo Russell, Man of a Thousand Laughs,” for $58 per person.

Bus leaves from Rec Center at 8:45 a.m.

A visit to Myrtle Beach is also planned for Sept. 11-17. The cost is $739/person double occupancy. For more information, call Chickie at 845-658-2414 or Hal at 845-658-9020.

Poetry with Rosemary Dean Join the community via Zoom, 1:30-3 p.m. every other Thursday, with the next meeting on April 28. This program is presented by the Stone Ridge Library. Contact Rosemary Dean at rmdeen@gmail.com to join the group.

Forest bathing at Minnewaska Join the community, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28, for the first of a five-weeklong Forest Bathing Series led by Jane Dobson with Mind the Forest guides.

A growing body of scientific evidence shows that forest bathing promotes both physical and mental health, reducing stress and anxiety, while improving mood, focus and sleep. This program is open to participants aged 16 and older.

Meet at the Peter’s Kill Area. Preregistration is required for each program by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0272.

Millbrook Mountain and Gertrude’s Nose Loop hike at Minnewaska Join Nick Martin, park educator, 9:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, for an adventurous 8-mile, round-trip hike to Gertrude’s Nose. Participants should come prepared with appropriate footwear, food and water. Meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. Preregistration is

See More events, page 22

Film and food pairing in celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month Celebrating Aging Series pays tribute to National Arab American Heritage Month and the Middle Eastern North African [MENA] culture with a film about couscous, “Secret of the Grain,” and a couscous tasting, 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main St., Rosendale.

Set in a small port town in the south of France, “Secret of the Grain” unfolds slowly, much like a documentary whose goal is to expose a universal wrong. Conversations about ageism, heritage and one’s identity are artistically framed with subtle visual metaphors by the award-winning Franco-Tunisian indie filmmaker Abdellatif Kechich.

The story centers around a washed-up shipyard laborer from the Maghreb and the immigrant diaspora that supports the local port economy. After 35 years of dedicated service, new management claims this aging protagonist has become unprofitable. “I’ve done nothing, left nothing,” he declares to his divided family. Determined to leave something of value, he reinvents himself with the help of a young friend and his ex-wife’s famous couscous.

Couscous, a staple food of the MENA culture, is also widely consumed in France. To

Hafsia Herzi and Habib Boufares in "The Secret of the Grain"

enhance theatergoers’ sensory experience, authentic Tunisian savory and sweet couscous will be served during the film. Tasting comes packaged with flatbread in an ecoand lap-friendly disposable container with utensils. Couscous tasting is available by pre-order only until April 25.

Now in its fourth season at the Rosendale Theatre, Celebrating Aging Series, produced by Rosendale Theatre board of directors member Caren Martineau, is a monthly program that explores various cultural narratives through the creative lens. For more information, visit rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-658-8989.

One of the 15 outdoor pieces featured in the Mirror Pavilion of the Bradford Graves Sculpture Park from the series “This mirror can crack a stone”

In its 12th season, Bradford Graves Sculpture Park opens Sunday, May 1 Bradford Graves (1939-1998), “the limestone cowboy,” was the most naturally stoned person. He worked primarily in limestone and possessed a deep and unyielding fascination with archeology and all things of the earth. His sculpture is complex and rich with meaning, simultaneously ancient and modern, raw and sophisticated, solid and luminous.

On 5 acres, May 1-Nov. 30, at the park at 28 Doggums Way, Kerhonkson, visitors can spend quiet and leisurely time viewing more than 100 sculptures on display. The outdoor pieces in the Mirror Pavilion feature 15 of Graves’ sculpture from the series “This mirror can crack a stone.”

There are smaller pieces in both clay and bronzes on display in a separate gallery. Drawings and prints, and Graves’

extensive personal library are available upon special request.

Bradford Graves Sculpture Park is a special project of Soundscape Presents Inc., a not-for-profit corporation. It is the second largest display of outdoor sculpture in New York (after Storm King), and is available for special events and photo shoots.

Admission is free and by appointment only. Email bradfordgravessculpturepark@gmail.com, call 845-626-4038, or visit bradfordgravessculpturepark.com.

SUNY Ulster presents poetry forum virtual event with author Erika Meitner Registration is open and required for the 2022 Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum with poet, essayist and social critic Erika Meitner at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, via Zoom.

Moderated by Rachael Pompeii, instructor of English at SUNY Ulster, the virtual event will include Meitner reading from her work and an interview.

Meitner is the winner of the 2018 National Jewish Book Award for Poetry and author of six Meitner books of poems: “Useful Junk,” “Holy Moly Carry Me,” “Inventory at the All-Night Drugstore,” “Makeshift Instructions for Vigilant Girls” and “Ideal Cities,” which was a 2009 National Poetry Series winner, and “Copia.”

Born and raised in Queens and Long Island, Meitner is a first-generation American, her father from Israel and her mother born in a refugee camp in Germany, which is where her maternal grandparents settled after surviving the Holocaust.

Meitner is currently a professor of English at Virginia Tech.

Sponsored by the Ulster Community College Foundation, the poetry forum is an annual event that brings well-known and award-winning poets to SUNY Ulster for a reading and an intimate question-and-answer session. In 2007, the program was renamed the Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum to honor the memory of Ellen Robbins (1952-2006), who was on the faculty at SUNY Ulster, 1994-2006, and chair of the English Department, 20022006.

This event is free and open to the public.

Zoom information will be provided upon registration via a confirmation email. To learn more, contact Kari Mack by email at mackk@sunyulster.edu.

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Page 22, April 15, 2022, BlueStone Press

In-person Holistic Healthcare Day at Marbletown Community Center and virtual week

Events continued from page 21 required by calling the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center at 845-255-0752.

‘Findings’ at Stone Ridge Orchard Join award-winning farmer and cider master Elizabeth Ryan and Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider for the second annual “Findings,” Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1, at Stone Ridge Orchard, 3012 Route 213, Stone Ridge. Findings is a market of specialized growers, boutique nurseries, antique dealers and local makers offering the very best in plants, garden antiquities, handcrafted and farm-fresh goods. General admission is $15 per day. Discounted weekend admission $25. Advanced tickets are required.

Children 12 and under are free of charge.

Dogs welcomed. For more information, visit stoneridgeorchard.com.

Ellenville Regional Hospital Auxiliary Fundraiser, Mother's Day Sale, all items 20% off! Check out all the gift items – sterling silver, estate jewelry, scarves, handbags, and more, etc. – at the sale, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7 at the Hunt Memorial Bldg., Liberty Sq., Canal St., Ellenville. For more information, contact Auxiliary board member and event coordinator Helene Morris at 845-210-7120.

Spring Cleaning Day in High Falls Join the community from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7, for the High Falls Conservancy’s Adopt a Highway and Riverkeeper’s 11th Annual Sweep. Meet at Grady Park flagpole for registration, coffee and doughnuts and a special preview of the summer series, “High Falls Rocks.”

For more information, call 845-687-6187 or 917-705-8711.

Rondout Valley Lions Club New members, men and women of all ages, are wanted and encouraged to join the Rondout Valley Lions Club, serving the towns of Marbletown, Rochester and Rosendale since Oct. 18, 1950. During this time, they have helped those in need, whether it is for sight, hearing, medical emergencies or any worthwhile cause. “We serve” is their motto, and this is what they do.

For more information on being included in the club’s next meeting, contact Janet Sutter at janet.sutter@aol.com.

Got gardening questions? Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County Volunteer Master Gardeners of Stone Ridge will help home gardeners prepare for the growing season through their Horticulture Hotline, 9 a.m.-noon, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through October, at 845-340-DIRT (3478).

Little Ones Learning Center program coordinator Debby Skogman holding story time

Spring Fling and story times at Little Ones Learning Center in Accord Little Ones Learning Center, a free early-literacy program held in the space rented from the Rochester Reformed Church, will celebrate its resuming of in-person story times by sponsoring Spring Fling.

This free, special event will take place, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 30, at the church, at 5142 Route 209, Accord. There will be animals for children to see and pet plus a variety of crafts, such as shoe gardens, birds, binoculars, balloon animals

and bubbles.

Beginning 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, May 4, Little Ones will resume its in-person story times at their space in the church, and continue doing so, 10 a.m.-noon each Wednesday and Saturday.

Parents/caregivers are required to stay with their child.

For more information, call Little Ones Learning Center at 845-626-4112 or call Mary Lee, LLC treasurer, at 845-626-7249.

ARTS, MUSIC, BODY & MIND MaMA Sunday Gatherings continues virtually Marbletown Multi-Arts of Stone Ridge’s Sunday Gatherings provide meditation on various spiritual matters and issues, and continue virtually via Zoom, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. each Sunday, with upcoming sessions on April 17, 24 and May 1. Newcomers are always welcome. For more information, visit cometomama.org or call 845-853-5154.

Death Café group discussion via Zoom on different types of losses; free & open to all Circle of Friends for the Dying’s Death Café is a group-directed conversation with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session; it is free and open to everyone.

Death Cafés are held, 7-8:30 p.m. on the 18th of each month, with the next discussion on Monday, April 18, discussing different types of losses, death, relationship, empty nest, environmental, retirement, job loss, move, illness, loss of function – any of these that can bring a sense of loss of identity. For more information and registration, visit cfdhv.org.

Conversational French with Claudine Brenner A native French speaker, born in Paris and raised in Europe, Claudine Brenner chose Stone Ridge as her place to retire following a 30-year government career abroad. Culture, medicine, travels and anything/everything culinary are favorite subjects that she would love to share and exchange with others, speaking in French. The program she is offering via Zoom is held 1-2 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month, with the next conversation hour on Tuesday, April 19. Visit stoneridgelibrary.org or call 845-687-7023 to sign up.

Ecologist/mycologist Luke Sarrantonio. Photo by Ovi Horta

Fungi walk and workshop with Luke Sarrantonio at the Ashokan Center Learn about the ecology of morels on a fungi walk through the Ashokan forest with ecologist/mycologist Luke Sarrantonio, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at the Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge. After a lunch break (BYO picnic), the workshop will culminate in a hands-on inoculation of oyster mushrooms in locally harvested logs. Make observations, ask questions, and pick up new knowledge and techniques.

In college at SUNY ESF, Sarrantonio worked in the world of science and mycology (study of fungi). After following his passion through travels in the Pacific Northwest and work on a shiitake farm in the Finger Lakes region, he eventually landed back in the area. Currently he is working to develop education program-

ming and mushroom-based products under the name Mycophilic.

The fungi day begins at 10 a.m. with the Mushroom Walk. May is early for most species of fungi, but Sarrantonio will keep eyes peeled for morels and share knowledge of their unique ecology. At 11:30 a.m. is the BYO picnic lunch. The Inoculation Workshop is at 12:30 p.m. Drill and stack logs and learn two different methods to introduce edible mushroom mycelium, bolts and totem. Discover how to cultivate or encourage mushrooms in the backyard.

At 2 p.m., enjoy free time on Ashokan’s nature trails and campus. Suggested workshop price is $25.

For more information, visit ashokancenter.org or call 845-657-8333.

ADVERTISE TODAY! Local Business to Local Readers Contact BSP at 845-687-4480

Holistic Health Community of Stone Ridge will offer its ongoing in-person Holistic Healthcare Day from 4-8 p.m.

Tuesday, April 19, at the Marbletown Community Center, 3564 Main St., Stone Ridge, and a Virtual Holistic Healthcare Week, Monday-Friday, April 25-29, via Zoom.

Community Holistic Healthcare Day is held on the third Tuesday of each month.

All sessions must be booked online.

Practitioners offering their in-person services include Ami Jayaprada Hirschstein with Ayurveda Wellness Consultations; Cornelia Wathen, Emotion Code, releasing trapped emotions from past trauma; Diane Silverberg, acupuncture; Kate Loye, Soul Listening; Genna Rose, Reiki with crystal healing; Katy Bray, Resonance; Maureen Smith, Hypnotherapy for Stress Reduction or Past Life Regression; Samuel Claiborne, ortho-bionomy, AuraLuminance Technique; Sarah Carlson, health coaching; Suzanne Bottigliero; and Theresa Widmann, energy refresh and balancing with Reiki and tuning forks.

Patients should make an appointment for one session only so the maximum number of people may benefit. To make an appointment, go to http://hhcny. simplybook.me. Once the appointment is made, all information will be sent to the practitioner, and then they will contact each patient.

Online Zoom and telephone services will be offered by Wathen; Donna Nisha Cohen, spiritual counseling; George Jacobs, psychospiritual counseling and coaching; Jadiana Lilien, Systemic Family Constellations; Karin Reynolds, life coaching; Lightfield Foundation sessions; Nancy Plumer, One Light Healing Touch; Rob Norris, reconnective healing; Sharon Lococo, consciousness shifting; Shulamit Elson, sound healing; Suzanne Bottigliero, chakra clearings; Vicki Kramer Nathan, resilience and wellness coaching; Wendy Wolosoff-Hayes, Spacious Heart Guidance; Bobbi Esmark, qigong classes; Circle of Friends of the Dying, Death Cafes; Shivaram in Hawaii, Yoga Nidra; and Therese Bimka, daily meditations.

The Holistic Health Community Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, charitable corporation.

Visit their website to donate and for more information about the Holistic Health Community, its practitioners and the modalities offered, at holistichealthcommunity.org, or call 845-867-7008.

Sat. night music at Lydia’s Café with Jodocy, Zwerin & Yamamoto Trio Enjoy live music 7-10 p.m. Saturday nights at Lydia’s Café, 7 Old Route 209, Stone Ridge, with no cover; donations welcome, reservations recommended. Upcoming performances include the Daniel Jodocy, Ben Zwerin & Yusuke Yamamoto Trio on April 16, with live improvised groove, jazz and dub; Nancy Donelly & Cohorts on April 23, with Donnelly on vocals, Peter Tomlinson, keys, Mark Usvolk, bass, and Matt Garrity, drums; and on April 30 is Soul City, with R&B, Motown and soul. For more information, call 845687-6373 or visit lydias-cafe.com.

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Apr. 15, 2022 Services Offered

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845-626-3542 or 845-389-3000 Curb Appeal Landscaping Accord, High Falls, Stone Ridge & surrounding areas Snow Plowing Fall & Spring Cleanup Mowing & Trimming Property Management Storm Cleanup and more...

Anthony@curbappeallandscapingny.com Call/Text 845-853-9113 for free estimate

Dependable Rides For Seniors Retired social worker and overall mensch will transport you safely and respectfully to all daily errands and appointments ~and wait with you~ Affordable Rates Ira @914.466-9505 Doug Tyler & Son Clean ups & clean outs Demolition C & D material removal Scrap metal pick-up Roll off containers available in 8, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 yards 687-7569 or 687-0087 (home) 845-674-5463 (cell) Down to Earth Landscaping Koi Ponds, Patios and Decks, Yard Maintenance, Tree Trimming Fence Installation and Repair and Snow Removal FULLY INSURED Ben Watson 845-389-3028 BluestoneExperts.com www.fb.com/downtoearthny

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Sell it now! $15.00 for the first 20 words. ($.25 for each additional word) All classified ads must be paid for by the end of Tuesday before our Friday issue date. The newspaper is printed on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month.

Billing privileges are extended to display advertising clients and accounts placed for six months or more.

Our mailing address is PO Box 149, Stone Ridge, NY 12484.

Please call 687-4480 for more information.

We take credit cards!

Town of Marbletown Rondout Municipal Center 1925 Lucas Ave., Cottekill, NY

marbletown.net 845-687-7500 Town Board April.19 @ 5:00pm Housing Committee April 26 @ 7:00pm

Mini- Excavator and Operator Available for trenches, driveways, debris removal, horse fencing and treasure burying.

203-858-3634 Painting and Staining Licensed and Fully Insured Interior and exterior painting and staining, References available.

Call Mathew 845-217-5127 Rose Hill Antiques 5066 Route 209 in Accord, ten miles south of Kingston or ten miles north of Ellenville.

Open Saturday and Sunday, 11am5pm. 1500 square feet of Art Deco, Vintage Art Pottery, country and formal furniture, selections of 19th and 20th century lighting, vintage photos, and decorative accessories.

Something for everyone. rosehillantiques.com 845-5945752. BUYING antiques and used furniture.

Property Improving your outdoor Living Mowing Services Lawns/Fields Tree removal/Stump grinding General maintenance Consultation/Experience 845-721-4741 Discount snowplowing / sanding/ mowing/ clean up/ Airbnb Prop Mgt (845)-893-5644 For Sale

For Sale British Shorthair Kittens Beautiful, wonderful companions to approved home.

Ready in May. Contact britishshorthairkittensale@ gmail.com

BSP classified ads start at $15! email: bspmartha@gmail.com or call BSP at 845-687-4480

Help Wanted

TOWN OF ROSENDALE POOL IS LOOKING FOR LIFEGUARDS!!! SUMMER OF 2022 *Must be at least 15 years old & Certified for lifeguarding* Application must be received

by April 30th, 2022 Applications can be sent to the Rec. Center at 1055 Route 32 Rosendale NY 12472 OR The Rondout Municipal Center at 1915 Lucas Ave. Cottekill, NY 12419 Applications can be left with the Town of Rosendale Town Clerk in the outside drop box for further information: Call: 845-658-8198 Rice Plumbing and Heating is looking to hire an experienced HVAC Plumbing technician. 3 to 5 years experience. Clean drivers license. Full time. Salary based on experience.

Send resume to riceplumbingandheating@gmail.com Support Needed Stone Ridge volunteer refugee resettlement group looking for a donated driveable car, 2-3 bedroom apt and/or studio apt, market rates.

Email: harvhil@earthlink.net Sales and Events

Zoning Board of Appeals April. 27 @ 6:00pm Town Board May 3 @ 6:00pm Planning Board May 9 @ 7:00pm to 9:00pm MPIC May 10 @ 5:00pm

Town of Rosendale

All meetings held at Rondout Municipal Center unless otherwise noted, 1915 Lucas Ave., Cottekill, NY townofrosendale.com 845-658-3159 Zoning Board of Appeals Apr. 19 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Economic Development Commission Apr. 20 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Recreation Commission @ Rosendale Center Pavilion Apr. 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Water/Sewer Commission Apr. 25 @ 6:00 pm-7:00 pm Police Commission Apr. 26 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm High Falls Water Commission

STORMVILLE AIRPORT ANTIQUE SHOW & MARKET APRIL 23 & 24 OVER 400 EXHIBITORS 8:00am-4:00pm Rain or Shine!

428 Rte. 216 Stormville, NY Free Admission & Parking No Pets Vendor Space Available 845-221-6561 AS SEEN ON HGTV FLEA MARKET FLIP! www.stormvilleairport fleamarket.com

CATSKILL ADC

• Nuisance Wildlife Management • Resolving Human and Animal Conflicts • UCT, NYSTA, NWCOA, NTA Life Member

Humane Removal Bats • Squirrels Skunks • Raccoons And More

Mark W. Charpentier Brandon Charpentier

Phone: (845)389-8841 email: CatskillADC@gmail.com

Apr. 26 @ 6:00 pm-7:00 pm

Town of Rochester Town Board, Planning Board and ZBA meetings will livestream broadcast on YouTube.

Rochester Town Hall 50 Scenic Rd, Accord, NY

Recreation Commission Apr. 20 @ 9:30 am – 11:00 am Zoning Board Apr. 21 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Environmental Conservation Committee Apr. 22 @ 6:00-8:00pm Town Board Audit Apr. 28 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Town Board Workshop Apr. 28 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Town Board Regular May 5 @ 6:30 pm –9:00pm

Page 24, April 15, 2022 BlueStone Press

Water Testing & Treatment for over 25 years

James Lyman Reynolds architect 3555 Main St, Stone Ridge Iron, Hardness, Sulphur, Bacteria - UV Treatment, pH - Green Staining

845.687.9161 4303 US Route 209 | Stone Ridge, New York 12484

jameslymanreynolds.com

(845) 687-0420 • aquacheckllc@gmail.com

Custom Showers • Ceramic & Stone Tile Stone Veneers • Full Bath Build-Outs • Insured COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE DETAILING

Accessories -- Sales Accessories Sales--Installations Installations Cars --Trucks Trucks -- RVs Cars RVs -- Boats Boats Dave Hllml • By Appointment 687-2445 Dave Hllml By Appointment 687-2445 4693 Route 209, Accord, NY 12404 4693 Route 209, Accord, NY 12404 www.davescarcare.com

OVER 45 www.davescarcare.com YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE VALLEY

Matthew Flamhaft 845-687-9735 www.visitvortex.com/Matthew_Flamhaft

Wayne W. St. Hill, DDS, MAGD

Medenbach & Eggers

Stone RiDGe DentiStRy

Civil EnginEEring and land SurvEying PC Stone Ridge Dentistry 3642 Main Street Stone Ridge, ny 12484 (845) 687-0600

Edgar P. Campbell Joanne C. Whalen Counsellors At Law Taking Care of Your Legal Needs!

• Wills • Real Estate • Elder Law • Estates Injured? Call us

212 Fair Street Kingston, NY 12401 P: (845) 331-3600 F: (845) 334-9465

4305 uS Highway 209 • Stone ridge, ny 12484 PHonE (845) 687-0047 • Fax (845) 687-4783

www.gagnoncpa.com

info@mecels.com • www.mecels.com

PC Perfection

You could be

NOTICED

Helping Human Beings Cope with Computers since 1986 Tutoring, Sales, Repair, Cleaning

Alan Silverman

with your ad here.

(845) 687-9458

Please call 845-687-4480 or email bspmartha@gmail.com

(914) 948-7700 (845) 687-0353

alan.silverman.computers@gmail.com http://alan-silverman-computers.com

3536 Rt. 209 Stone Ridge, NY 12484

Sanitall

Stone Ridge Insurance

HudSon Valley Green CleanerS

Serving All of Your Insurance Needs

Steam Vapor Sanitizing SerVice ChemiCal Free!!!

100% Green Cleaning testing and removal of

Emergency Well Pump Service Plumbing Repairs & Installation Water Filtration Systems Radiant Heat Flooring Oil & Gas Heating Systems-Installation & Service Septic & Drain Field Installation/Sump Pump Installation

Licensed Master Plumber #136 • Fully Insured riceplumbingandheating@gmail.com • riceplumbingandheating.com

Donald J. Giamei, Agent donaldgiamei@hotmail.com

mold. allergens. deep Cleaning.

Michele Aversano, Licensed Associate michelesri@outlook.com

Reconstruction/Remodeling Post Construction & Seasonal Clean Up

PO Box 341, 3669 Main Street, Stone Ridge Phone 845-687-2828 | Fax 845-687-2829 stoneridgeinsurance.net | Like us on

Cracked Pipe, Flood & Black Water Damage, Dry Out & Disinfecting nYs licensed mold assessor & mold remediation

Commercial & Residential. Insurance Claims Accepted.

845-657-7283 • greencleaning.net

All Motor CArs Creating thoughtful, livable spaces.

sales & service

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845.658.8015

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www.allmotorcarsltd.net