Warm Up To Winter: An Energy Showcase - Free Online Event January 14

The New Paltz Climate Action Coalition is hosting their free online event, Warm Up To Winter: An Energy Showcase, on Thursday, January 14th, 6-7:30pm, on ways to efficiently heat your home this winter. The event is open to all homeowners and renters in the mid-Hudson region. It will include speakers from New Paltz Climate Action Coalition, Interfaith Earth Action, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess & Sullivan Counties.

This session will provide valuable resources to save money on your heating and utility bills this winter as well as the environment. Topics will include:

• free energy audits to help you find ways to save $ on heating bills & electricity

• grant programs/funding for renters, low & moderate income households

• low-interest financing & tax incentives for households looking to switch to renewable energy, do energy upgrades, & more

• renewable energy- community solar (great for renters), home solar power installations, heat pumps, geothermal & more!

• DIY weatherization, winterization & energy efficiency techniques, programs, and companies

Renters and landlords are especially encouraged to join us- there are specific programs we'd love to link you to that are vetted and will help you save both money on your bills AND will help the environment!

To receive the Zoom for the showcase, click here to register and join on Thursday, January 14, 2020 6-7:30pm!

Rain/Wind Storm Predicted For Christmas 2020 - Central Hudson and Optimum Send Alerts

Just as you were debating if you should drive over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s house, in a pandemic, now you also get to decide if you would like to do that in the wind and rain, possibly ending in ice on roads and sidewalks for Friday.

Central Hudson and Optimum have both issued emails alerting customers to possible outages, and that they will be on standby through the holidays should an outage occur. Optimum advises customers to watch News 12 for updates. If we have cable. And can access the Internet. Have your Hot Spot on your phone ready as backup! Not being able to watch Wonder Woman 1984 on Christmas, or connecting with all of our friends on TikTok, Insta and FB would be very bad. Or maybe you are OK with a Zoom family meeting cutting out when the cable goes. Flood and tree damage would also be very bad.

Said Optimum in their email announcement: “Be assured, our teams are on standby and ready to respond to any possible service impacts the storm may bring. For helpful information on how you can prepare, visit optimum.net/stormprep.” Optimum reminds you to sign into your online account to set up notifications of outages. Personally, my account got messed up years ago, and I cannot set up an online account. So send ALBB tips if you get them ;) And also a reminder to be kind to Customer Service and Technitians no matter what happens.

News 12 predicts that rain will begin on Thursday, with strong winds and rain mounting by Friday. The meteorologists at News 12 are calling this a “spring-like storm” that will have temperatures in the 60s, and will drop Friday evening to the 20s. There is still snow on the ground today, so add that to the water that is predicted to contribute to possible flooding in areas. See News 12 for their full report. The Weather Channel also predicts wind, rain and a drop in temperature.

Central Hudson Reminds You To Avoid All Fallen Wires

• You can't tell if a power line is energized just by looking at it. Assume all fallen power lines are live and proceed with extreme caution.

• Do not drive over fallen wires. Always follow the utility personnel instructions regarding fallen power lines.

• If you see a fallen power line, stay at least 30 feet away from it and anything it contacts. The ground around a power line and any objects it contacts may be energized. Call 911 to report fallen wires.

• Do not attempt to move a fallen power line or anything else in contact with it using an object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth can conduct electricity if even slightly wet.

Central Hudson’s Preparedness Checklist:

• Fully charge your cell phone.

• Sign up for Central Hudson's text messaging service to receive updates about power outages and restoration work.

• Have flashlights and batteries handy.

• If you rely on electricity to operate a well pump, ensure you have an adequate supply of bottled water. Fill your bathtub for an extra water reserve.

• Ensure adequate supplies of prescription medicine and other necessities.

• Fuel up your vehicles.

• Have a plan to check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

• Have non-perishable foods that require no refrigeration or cooking.

Central Hudson’s Carbon Monoxide & Generator Safety

• NEVER operate a generator, grill or outdoor heating appliance in your home or in any enclosed space, including your basement or garage. Doing so can lead to a potentially lethal build-up of colorless, odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide.

• Only have an experienced electrician connect a generator to your home. Improperly installed generators may overload circuits, cause a fire or shock hazard, and can result in serious injury or property damage. Improperly installed generators can also back-feed onto electric lines and endanger repair crews working to restore service.

• Plug appliances directly into the generator using a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is designed to handle the wattage of all the appliances being connected.

Winter Storm Warning: Snow Impacts On Parking, Bus, Garbage, School, Meals, 911 Extra Staffing

Photo Credit: Dutchess County County Executive Office

According to a press release sent by the Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro’s Office, “the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning effective now through 1pm on Thursday, December 17th. Snowfall is expected to arrive late this afternoon (Wednesday) into the evening, continuing through Thursday morning, possibly into early afternoon.

“Prediction models vary widely for this nor'easter storm with heavy snow fall expected tonight through the overnight. Snowfall is predicted to be 1”-2” or more inches per hour with 12”-18” inches of accumulation expected, with some models showing projections up to 27” inches. The Thursday morning commute is expected to be impacted significantly and motorists are reminded to allow extra time and exercise caution on the roadways.”

Beacon Parking & Shoveling

The City of Beacon issued a city-wide robo-call, reminding residents to:

• Not park on city streets due to plowing operations Wednesday night, into tomorrow Thursday.

• Yes to park in public city parking lots. Parking lots will be plowed later, and the city will post a notice in the lots prior to plowing. See A Little Beacon Blog’s Guide to Free Parking Lots for pictures.

• Sidewalks should be cleared by residents no later than 24 hours after the snow stops falling.

• Do not throw snow into the road when shoveling the sidewalks and driveways. The snow plow will push it back onto your sidewalk because that is all that the truck can do. No matter how sharp a side-eye you give a plow truck. So give a wink and a smile as you throw that snow into your own yard.

Garbage Pickup In Beacon Delayed 1 Day

The City of Beacon also announced via robo-call that due to the pending snow storm, garbage pickup will be delayed by 1 day. Thursday pickup will occur on Friday and Friday pickup will occur on Saturday.

Beacon City School District Calls Snow Day

Important to Beacon’s Superintendent, Dr. Matt Landahl, and his own children in the district, were “good old fashioned snow days.” He has called his first one this evening in anticipation of the bad weather and possible power outages, impacting remote learning. The kids can go sledding, while staying safe. No Morning Meets.

Dutchess County Experiencing Staffing Shortages For Snow Management Due To COVID-19

Dutchess County Public Works highway crews have loaded trucks with materials, and salt will be applied to County roadways as the storm begins, according to the Dutchess County press release. Crews will be out through the duration of the storm to clear roadways. However, County Executive Marcus Molinaro urged patience “as this will be a significant storm and response efforts are complicated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused staffing shortages and continued safety concerns,” he said.

County Executive Molinaro said, “This first storm of the season looks to be a significant event. The forecast of rapid accumulation of snow, combined with ongoing concerns for the safety and shortage of staff because of the pandemic will make this storm very difficult. We urge all residents to be extremely cautious, avoid travel if possible. If you must travel, leave plenty of extra time for safety. Importantly, please be patient as it will take crews added time to clear roadways for safe travel.”

9-1-1- Center and Emergency Operations Center Increased Staffing

Dutchess County Emergency Response has increased staffing at the 9-1-1 Center and the Emergency Operations Center has been activated with representatives from County DPW, State DOT, New York State Police, County Sheriff, County Health, Central Hudson, NYSEG, and Red Cross for the duration of the storm, according to the Dutchess County press release.

Public Transit Bus Suspended Starting 7pm Wednesday

Dutchess County Public Transit will suspend service beginning at 7pm today, Wednesday. Bus passengers can check for delays or schedule changes at www.dutchessny.gov/publictransit, on the DCPT mobile app, or call 845.473.8424, TDD/TTY: 711.

Residents needing MTA service should follow the MTA on Twitter who posts updates.

Meals Delivered To Dutchess Seniors And Beacon Students

Dutchess County Office for the Aging staff and volunteers have delivered extra meals to Home Delivered Meals recipients.

Students in the City of Beacon School District who opted into Remote Delivery were given food today via the Beacon School Buses and runners who deliver the meals, which include hot meals, like pizza slices and chicken nuggets, as well as fruit and muffins.

Dutchess County Government Offices

Dutchess County Government offices will open at noon on Thursday. Individuals who have DMV appointments in Poughkeepsie and Wappinger from 9am to 12pm will be rescheduled for the same appointment time on Friday, December 18th

Residents can stay up to date on the County’s storm response online at dutchessny.gov or on the County’s social media pages on Facebook or Twitter.

Deer Virus May Be Causing Increase In Dead Deer In Yards Near Mountain - Councilperson Aymar-Blair Provides Guidance

Councilperson Dan Aymar-Blair, representing Ward 4 near Mount Beacon, gave residents guidance during this week’s City Council meeting on what to do if they found a dead deer in their yard: call the Highway Department to remove it. Additionally, the Highlands Current reported early in September about the increase in dead dear in the region, which New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) confirmed was the result of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), which is carried by a midge who bites a deer.

One was found near the Fishkill Creek in Madam Brett Park, and 32 EHD fatalities in the Cold Spring area and 26 across the Hudson River near Goshen, according to the article. Depending on the movement patterns of the local midge population, say officials, the disease could be spreading. It could be paused by prolonged freezing weather.

According to the article, written by Brian PJ Cronin: “After a deer is bitten by a midge carrying the virus, it takes about 7 days for symptoms to appear. Once they do, the end comes swiftly, usually 8 to 36 hours after being affected. Besides acting disoriented, appearing lame and losing their normal fear of humans, infected deer have high fevers that cause extreme thirst, which is why most deceased deer are found near water sources (one of the first reported cases was a doe found in a Putnam County lake). Other visible symptoms include swelling of the head, neck, tongue and lips.”

According to the article, and to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the disease is not transmittable to humans or pets, like dogs. It is limited to white-tailed deer, mule deer and pronghorn antelope. In other words: ruminants, which are hoofed, even-toed animals, according to ODFW. Colder weather with a freeze would drive the midges into hibernation mode.

Though the disease is not transmissible to humans, it can cause deer to die quickly near humans, and begin decomposing, which can cause a foul smell. The dead deer should not be eaten. According to the Highlands Current: “Deer that succumb to EHD decompose at a much higher rate than normal as a result of weakened blood vessel walls and an elevated body temperature from fever. This leads to extremely rapid meat spoilage, so infected deer should not be eaten.”

The article encourages people to contact the wildlife department at the DEC’s Region 3 office in New Paltz by calling 845-256-3098 to report sick or dead deer. Councilperson Dan encouraged Beaconites to call Beacon’s Highway Department at (845) 831-0932 and by emailing the Highway Superintendent, Michael Manzi, mmanzi@cityofbeacon.org.

Remastered Virtual Hudson River Revival Music Festival to be Restreamed October 4th

The Great Hudson River Revival (AKA Clearwater Festival), the world’s oldest and largest music and environmental festival, went virtual this year on June 20th due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Due to popular demand, Clearwater will stream a remastered version of the all-day event on Sunday, October 4th from 11am-11pm at ClearwaterFestival.org. The remastered Revival will include a day full of music and activism, as well as a beautiful American Sign Language interpretation throughout. This is a free virtual event however, donations are greatly appreciated at ClearwaterFestival.org. 

This Year’s Performers

The event will feature musical performers, storytellers, and activists, including: Tom Chapin, David Amram, John McCutcheon, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, Peter Yarrow, John McEuen, Noel Paul Stookey, Tom Paxton, Emma’s Revolution, Guy Davis, Tommy Sands, Reggie Harris, The Mammals, The Chapin Sisters, Lyn Hardy, Arm of the Sea Theater, Abbie Gardner, Breakneck Ridge Revue, R.J. Storm, Magpie, The Rix, The Vanaver Caravan, Betty and the Baby Boomers, Kyle Tigges, Mel and Vinnie and more.

Going Virtual 

Bringing Revival into the virtual world has allowed Clearwater to reach new audiences globally, and also include folks who’ve not been able to attend the festival in person due to health, geographic, or financial restrictions. The online fundraising event raised over $50,000 for Clearwater when it originally streamed in June earlier this year.

Tom Chapin, one of the event’s organizers and a musician participating in Virtual Revival, said, “Happiness, for me, is performing at the Clearwater Revival and, for the first time, being able to actually watch all the other great artists play. Tune in and join us. Support the group that built the sloop that saved the Hudson River.”

This event is part of a larger initiative to transition Clearwater’s educational and environmental programming online in order to continue its important Hudson River education and environmental work during a time when gathering in person is unsafe.

Virtual Revival will be live-streamed on October 4th from 11am-11pm. The online chat that accompanied the live feed became a place for new and old Revival attendees to connect with each other. Clearwater hopes that many people will join in again on the live commentary. 

Virtual Revival T-shirts are available for purchase here.

"Clearwater's work has always involved inspiring people to fall in love with the Hudson River and take action to protect it. Even now amidst the pandemic, that work continues," said Erik Fyfe, Clearwater's Education Director. "Despite the distance, we've been excited to be able to bring people to the river through virtual sails and interactive online programs, and the response so far has been terrific."

About Hudson River Sloop Clearwater 

Launched in 1969 by legendary folk singer and activist Pete Seeger, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater has been at the forefront of the environmental movement as champions of the Hudson River. To date, more than half a million people have experienced their first real look at an estuary’s ecosystem aboard the sloop Clearwater.   Clearwater has become the grassroots model for producing positive changes to protect our planet. For more information, visit www.clearwater.org.  

Tropical Storm Isaias Cuts Power, Internet; Power Restoration For Thousands Continues; Mutual Aid Increases

Photo Credit: A Little Beacon Blog

Just as businesses were beginning to get into a grove of new business, and residents were starting new end of summer routines like day camps for kids, Tropical Storm Isaias tore through the region, leaving 116,000 Central Hudson home and business customers without power (on Tuesday, 100,000 was reported, but has increased since), and at least 500 locations with wires down as a result of the high winds. At least 360 line workers and tree personal, including arriving mutual aid workers, are on the scene to restore power, which increased to 500 by Wednesday and 570 by that evening, and this morning (Thursday) is at 600, and by Thursday evening has reached 700 line and tree personnel. Metro North continues to run on a weekend schedule, which it started Tuesday in preparation for the damage.

Central Hudson has declared it the 4th most severe to impact the region in Central Hudson’s history. In New York City, Con Ed told Gothamist that the storm was its 2nd worst for power outages, second only to Super Storm Sandy, leaving 210,000 customers without power in NYC.

City Hall and the Police Department both lost power, and some businesses on Main Street were without power on Tuesday, and owners of businesses suffered power outages at home, making it hard come in to open a store. Cross Court Tennis in Hopewell remained without power for at least two days as they recently opened a small tennis camp for kids.

Wednesday AM

Central Hudson crews restored power to nearly 26,000 customers on Tuesday night. As of 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, approximately 89,000, customers are still without electricity, primarily in southern Dutchess County and Orange County on Wednesday:

• Columbia County: 1,160

• Dutchess County: 42,350

• Orange County: 31,800

• Putnam County: 2,800

• Ulster County: 11,250

Wednesday PM

Said Central Hudson in a customer email: “As of 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Central Hudson has restored power to more than half the customers impacted by the storm. More than 1,100 damage locations remain, which is higher than the initial number provided on Tuesday, and approximately 57,000 homes and businesses are still without electricity, the majority of which are in southern Dutchess County and Orange County:”

• Dutchess County: 25,000

• Orange County: 22,000

• Putnam County: 3,300

• Ulster County: 6,400

Thursday AM

Said Central Hudson in a customer email: “Two-thirds of our customers impacted by Tropical Storm Isaias have had service restored within 36 hours. As of 7 a.m. on Thursday morning, roughly 38,000 are without electrical service, the majority of which are located in Orange County and Southern Dutchess County:”

• Dutchess County: 16,812

• Orange County: 14,468

• Putnam County: 2,050

• Ulster County: 3,900
  

Thursday PM

Said Central Hudson in a customer email: “A compliment of more than 700 line and tree personnel along with hundreds of employees in support roles are working to address approximately 1,000 damage locations. As of 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, approximately 26,200 homes and businesses within Central Hudson’s service area are without power, with the majority of remaining outages located in Orange County and Dutchess County. Central Hudson anticipates electric service will be restored to 95% of affected customers as follows by county:”

• Columbia County: Friday, August 7, 8 p.m.

• Dutchess County: Friday, August 7, 11:30 p.m.

• Orange County: Saturday, August 8, 12 p.m.

• Putnam County: Friday, August 7, 8 p.m.

• Ulster County: Thursday, August 6, 8 p.m.
  

Since the start of the storm, Central Hudson crews have been addressing more than 1,600 reports of wires down and repairing 91 broken utility poles. Central Hudson anticipates 90% of homes and businesses will have power restored by 11:30 pm on Friday, August 7.

“Our crews continue to make significant progress in restoring electrical services to our customers. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to recover from this historic storm,” said Ryan Hawthorne, Assistant Vice President of Electric Engineering and Operations at Central Hudson in a daily storm update email. “We also want to thank the emergency responders as well as our municipal, county and state officials for their assistance and support.”

Internet Outage

Internet was also out due to the storm, which isn’t a first for Beacon at least, who has received spotty, unreliable service from Optimum since the pandemic started. Just last weekend, Optimum went out on Saturday evening, making calling or online ordering of food impossible, forcing customers to drive to their favorite restaurant to place their order. The nerve!

Central Hudson also lost Internet, rendering useless their ability to notify customers via digital outreach, including their website, mobile app, and other digital sources. They do have a Facebook and Twitter. According to the Times Herald-Record, services for 911 were down in Orange County, and have since been restored.

Safety Reminders - Gas Ordors

From Central Hudson’s Storm Update Email:

Heavy rains can cause localized flooding, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians. Residents are urged to avoid standing or running water, as fallen wires could be hidden beneath. In addition, heavy flooding may undermine natural gas lines, and customers are urged to report gas odors they may detect by doing the following:

• STOP what you are doing. Do not light or use a match. Do not turn lights on or off or use a flashlight, cell phone or telephone. Do not turn on any other appliance or electric/electronic device and do not flush or run water.

• GO outside immediately.

• LET US KNOW by calling 911.

Safety Reminders: Fallen Wires

Central Hudson also issues this warning: AVOID ALL FALLEN WIRES:

• You can't tell if a power line is energized just by looking at it. Assume all fallen power lines are live and proceed with extreme caution.

• Do not drive over fallen wires. Always follow the utility personnel instructions regarding fallen power lines.

• If you see a fallen power line, stay at least 30 feet away from it and anything it contacts. The ground around a power line and any objects it contacts may be energized. Call 911 to report fallen wires.

• Do not attempt to move a fallen power line or anything else in contact with it using an object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth can conduct electricity if even slightly wet.

Dry Ice Distribution Thursday Night To Tropical Storm Isaias Victims At 3 Locations In Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, Hopewell Junction, From Dutchess County

Power continues to be out for many residents after high winds and rain from Hurricane Isaias took down power lines across the region on Tuesday. Dutchess County Government’s Emergency Operations Center has announced that in addition to their other recovery efforts, they are facilitating dry ice availability, which has been in short supply, in coordination with Central Hudson. Keeping food cold has been challenging with no power.

According to Dutchess County’s press release: “with assistance from Town of East Fishkill Supervisor Nick D'Alessandro and Councilman Anil Beephan, County Executive Marc Molinaro had the County’s Emergency Response and Public Works departments connect Central Hudson with a Kingston area dry ice supplier and secure the vendor’s remaining inventory from Albany. Central Hudson will be distributing the 1,500 pounds of dry ice, along with regular ice and bottled water, this evening (Thursday, August 6, 2020, at the following locations:

• Poughkeepsie Home Depot, 3470 North Rd., Poughkeepsie

• Newburgh Armory 321 S. William St., Newburgh

• East Fishkill Town Hall, 330 Route 376, Hopewell Junction
  

County Executive Molinaro said, “This storm has left a tremendous amount of damage in its wake and we continue to work together to recover as fast as possible, but complications such as a dry ice shortage only make the process more urgent and stressful. We are working together with our local municipal partners and the area utilities to ensure residents needs are met. This is a great example of the collaborative response effort underway – East Fishkill Supervisor Nick D’Alessandro was able to provide a resource opportunity and the County made the connection with Central Hudson – ensuring solutions to meet critical needs.”

Other Emergency Needs Met By Dutchess County

In addition to today’s effort, Dutchess County has been able to help in other ways, including:

• Dutchess County Public Works highway crews have continued to clear roadways of storm debris, in coordination with utility crews, to help facilitate power restoration efforts;

• Dutchess County Emergency Response was able to assist the Town of Stanford in providing bottled water to town residents; with Dutchess County Public Works delivering pallets of water, yesterday;

• Dutchess County Emergency Response has secured a large supply of bottled water from New York State to ensure availability for residents;

• Emergency Response has been coordinating with both Central Hudson and NYSEG to provide temporary power for residents still without power to operate critical medical equipment; and

• Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office has been performing wellness checks on senior or disabled residents living alone who are still without power.
  

Boscobel Reimagines Its Experience; Waives $50K Rent Of Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival; Opens For Outdoor Social Distancing

One view from Boscobel.
Photo Credit: Tyler Mell

Like many farms, camps, and museums, Boscobel was getting ready to launch its spring season into summer when the pandemic hit and mandates shut down every business. Back in March, thinking that outdoor gatherings in warmer weather would be safe, they tried to move forward with an Open Air Flex Pass ticket program for their popular tenant, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (HVSF), so that customers could buy tickets to the upcoming Shakespeare performances.

However, out of safety precautions, HVSF was unable to hold any performances due to rehearsal and gathering restrictions. This was quite a jolt, as the theater company had performed in repertory on Boscobel’s grounds since 1988. In light of the pandemic, Boscobel waived the HVSF rent of $50,000, and moved forward with re-imagining how it can continue, according to a press release they issued this week. “In the wake of HVSF’s 2020 season cancellation and its own COVID-19 hardships, Boscobel waived the Festival’s rent,” Boscobel stated.

“Boscobel is mourning loss, navigating new health protocols, and suffering major budget impacts from COVID-19, but the outpouring of community support keeps us strong,” says Executive Director and Curator Jennifer Carlquist, who notes that maintaining the site alone costs more than $2,500 every day. “The heartfelt thanks we’ve received from pandemic visitors underscores what psychologists have long studied—that experiencing profound beauty increases people’s sense of well-being, and makes them feel more connected to their loved ones and the world around them.”

Boscobel Opened To Healthcare Workers - For One-Household At A Time Enjoyment

“As soon as we realized that it would be some time before we could open our gates as wide as we’d like, we started to think about what we could do to contribute to our community during quarantine. Focusing first on the selfless healthcare workers who risk so much for the greater good, we opened up our gardens and grounds for one-household-at-a-time, free respite visits for healthcare workers,” says Director of Visitor Engagement Ed Glisson.

Boscobel is an ideal place to take a well-earned deep breath. As respiratory therapist Margaret Degan Dorangricchia put it, “It was a beautiful and much needed escape from the confinement of our home and the daily mental and physical exhaustion of our work.”

Boscobel Now Opening Access To Their 68 Acres To The Public

Now offering a limited number of timed gardens and grounds tickets to the general public via Boscobel.org, tickets remain free to healthcare workers and Boscobel members. Guests are welcome to picnic, stroll the gardens and grounds, and hike the trail—there are 68 acres for safe, social distancing.

The location is one of the most beautiful places in the Hudson Valley, with its Great Lawn overlooking the Hudson River, and Constitution Marsh. A pollinator-friendly Herb Garden and Formal Garden with plants that were popular in the 19th century are also available to experience, as well as a mile-long Woodland Trail along the river.

The Cold Spring Farmers Market is also hosted at Boscobel. Every Saturday, Cold Spring Farmers Market and Boscobel open Boscobel’s gates to host local vendors and hundreds of market-goers seeking fresh, local food while adhering diligently to public health guidelines. In other words, Mask Up! And wait in line very far away from each other (6 feet). Then come to Beacon on Sunday for Beacon’s outdoor Farmers Market near the post office.

Distancing Learning Of Boscobel

To bring Boscobel’s historic site, Neoclassical mansion, and decorative arts collection to anyone wishing to have a personal experience of Hudson Valley design, history, and nature, Boscobel created a pilot virtual tour, accessible from Boscobel.org, which is just as illuminating from home as it is on the grounds. The museum also created virtual programs for K-12 students who had to miss their field trip visit. There is also yoga on the grounds sometimes.

Boscobel Researches Early Black Inhabitants

Boscobel’s staff has been reduced to a core focusing on building a more sustainable, inclusive museum for the future. Together with committed trustees, staff are developing a long-term Interpretive Plan, which involves researching and incorporating the histories of Boscobel’s early Black inhabitants. Earlier this year, Boscobel joined the Hudson Valley Slavery Roundtable and is mining 18th- and 19th-century papers for references to slavery and manumission. In 1810, four of Boscobel’s ten inhabitants were “free” Black people. “It is long past time to better understand how ‘free’ they really were,” poses Director Carlquist. “How did everyday New Yorkers cope with the seminal conflicts of war and slavery?” Boscobel recently received a Humanities New York grant to advance this research.

You can support Boscobel at any time here with an online donation or membership.

Pair with your visit a trip to Beacon for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Use A Little Beacon Blog’s Restaurant Guide to help you plan where to eat, and the Shopping Guide to help you know where to shop the boutiques.

Tree Falls In Beacon: Windy Gusts Take Tree On Main Street Outside Beacon Barkery

Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

If you follow A Little Beacon Blog’s Instagram, you may have seen the InstaStory we put up that was a picture of this flowering tree taken through the car sunroof. This week in Beacon is usually one of the most beautiful because it is when the white flowering trees on Main Street all open up. We were doing a little countdown of when all of the buds would open.

Photo Credit: A person who emailed this into Mayor Lee Kyriacou, who forwarded it to ALBB.

Thursday (yesterday) was a particularly windy day, especially in the morning, which ended in a hail flurry, catching some outdoor joggers by surprise. The storm system was predicted and reported on by the Daily Voice, saying it came from the Midwest (my Ohio family confirmed it; I knew of the gusty wind earlier). Friday is turning out to be similar, with a few ice snow flurries.

Thursday morning, Jon from Beacon Barkery (pet food store) wrote in with some weather-related activity outside his shop: “Good morning Katie. It's been pretty exciting on Main Street so far. The giant flowering tree in front of my store snapped and broke my flag pole.”

Good grief! Jon was OK, as he was inside the shop when he heard the tree fall. “It all started when I was in the back cleaning. I heard a loud noise and Angel (my pug) barked. I figured it was a customer knocking on the door to get my attention. When I went to the front of the store, I looked out and said: ‘Holy Cow!’ The branch had fallen and crushed the flag and broke the end half of my flag pole.”

Jon reports that the City of Beacon maintenance crew was on it in what felt like 5 seconds. They came with chainsaws to cut the tree and remove it. White flower petals were blowing around, and Jon stayed inside so that the debris would not blow into his shop.

The Beacon maintenance crew returned a few hours later to cut and remove the entire tree.

A Little Beacon Blog wrote into the mayor’s office to see what details they knew of the incident, and received this response from Mayor Kyriacou:

“Thursday morning a brief, but strong wind storm passed through the City and broke a tree on Main Street. The Highway Department head happened to pass by and immediately called in City crew to cut and clean up the debris. Even in these unusual times, the essential City of Beacon operations continue. I applaud the of the Highway Department for their help, as well as all the efforts of the City employees.”

School and Non-Essential Bizes Closed To April 29; Regents Exams Canceled; Fines Doubled for Social Distancing Violations

Today, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivered hopeful news that social distancing may be working, as the increase of total number of infections is lower than what was originally projected, as reported in Forbes. As spring approaches, Cuomo encouraged people during his daily briefing to not let up on the social distancing, and increased fines for violations from $500 to $1,000. That includes non-essential gatherings with families who are not in Sphere Lock with each other (like if you get together with good friends, or if you have your cousins over).

Governor Cuomo has been tough yet understanding when it comes to social distancing, letting people figure it out on their own when outside. However, when he witnessed basketball and soccer games continue on a daily basis, as well as social gatherings at kids playgrounds, he warned that they’d need to close them down, in the name of social distancing and the inability to clean the surfaces at the playground. By April 1, the Governor banned basketball games and contact sports.

As quoted in Politico: “I talked about this for weeks. I warned people that if they didn’t stop the density and the games in the playgrounds — you can’t play basketball, you can’t come into contact with each other — that we would close the playgrounds,” Cuomo said. “Use the open space in a park. Walk around, get some sun, great. No density. No basketball games. No close contact. No violation of social distancing, period. That’s the rule.”

When pressed by a reporter today during the briefing on what else the governor could do to curb groups gathering, the governor responded that it is up to the enforcement at local levels.

Fines Increased For Violations of Social Distancing

Possibly more problematic for New York City, the fines for not social distancing were increased from $500 to $1,000. Beaconites have been complying pretty well. It should be noted, that if an area of an open space is crowded, simply find another place, for your own protection.

Regents Exams Canceled

The Board of Regents has canceled the Regents Exams for this year, as announced by Beacon Schools’ Superintendent Matt Landahl.

Beacon Trivia: Did You Hear That Siren Too? Totally Normal... Here's What It Is (hint: it's a normal fire alarm from across the river)

PUBLISHED: Sunday, March 22, 2020

Living in Beacon means you get used to certain sounds. Like you would get used to sounds anywhere you live. In Beacon, that means sounds from the train whooshing by on the tracks, and its long whistle blow. It also means, for some people, the evening patio crowd enjoying themselves to music on the waterfront over in Newburgh, across the Hudson River. Depending on where you live, and on weather, sounds carry, especially from the river.

If you have lived in Beacon for a while, but you commute to New York City or elsewhere, you may not be here during the day. Or, you may be here all day every day, but work from inside your home or your office, and you normally don’t go outside as much as you’ve been going outside lately.

So you may be hearing new sounds. One of those sounds is a long siren that sounds like those long sirens in the movies during war time when something is signaled. If you hear this siren for the first time, and if it is during a moment where, let’s say, there is a lot of news coming out about a lot of different coronavirus-related things at once, for instance:

• California announces for the first time that their residents must shelter in place last Thursday night.

• Italy has its worst day in deaths (there have been new worse days since)

• All non-essential business in New York must temporarily close.

…the siren sound might sound a lot different during that part of the morning when you hear it. It might sound like an actual siren from the movies, announcing that you need to act quickly to do … something.

Good News: It’s An Old-Fashioned Fire Alarm!

Good news: It’s a totally normal siren! It is the fire alarm siren from the Middle Hope Fire Department across the river. Says Beacon’s Fire Chief Gary VanVoorhis: “During a particularly humid day, as we had on Friday, sound travels across the water of the Hudson River more.”

The fire chief says that Beacon does not have an old-fashioned siren like that because the city uses modern technological methods to mobilize their volunteer and professional firefighters. For those who like adding to their Beacon Trivia, there is another siren that is used by a private dam, says Beacon’s City Administrator, Anthony Ruggiero.

PS: Auto Accidents “Drastically Down” In Beacon At Moment

By the way, the fire chief added that there has been a drop in auto accidents, since people are staying home. “Auto accidents are drastically down,” he told A Little Beacon Blog last week. Calls for an ambulance are also down. People who are feeling coronavirus symptoms are strongly encouraged to call their health care professional or urgent care first before coming in. This is to protect the workers and other patients in these medical centers.

The City of Beacon has been so responsive to all of our questions here at A Little Beacon Blog as we pursue articles, even while we know that all government officials are in meetings constantly regarding local responses to managing coronavirus. As we work on different articles here, we reach out to verify procedures and ask how things work. We appreciate their responses so much. Very comforting.

Fire On Breakneck Ridge - Cars and Brush Fire - 9D Closed Between Beacon and Cold Spring

UPDATE 3/10/2020: Route 9D is open; the fire has been contained but may still be burning.

The text came in from a train commuter at 8:29 pm: “The fires by Cold Spring were crazy today. There were at least 9 cars totally burned up.” This blogger had just left the City Council Workshop meeting in order to switch gears into another work assignment, and then drove to a high point in Beacon in order to see the orange glow at Breakneck still blazing at 9:30 pm. The Highlands Current reported that Route 9D had closed between Beacon and Cold Spring.

The Fishkill Police Department confirmed that the cars were destroyed, as first reported by WRRV and the department’s own Facebook page. We do know some information from other reports coming online this evening: The Dutchess Junction Fire Department was dispatched to a brush fire at 8 Hartsook Lane, according to an article at Mid Hudson News. The Rombout and Glenham Fire Departments were called to assist in fighting that fire. Fire departments from Eastern Orange County were called out to help battle the Breakneck Ridge brush fire, according to the article. The Fishkill Police Department was one of several agencies to respond and make updates. The Fishkill Police department reported that all hikers came down safely from the mountain.

The City of Beacon’s Fire Department was not called to assist in these fires, as they were fighting two other small fires near the train tracks in Beacon at the same time, according to Beacon’s Fire Chief, Gary Van Voorhis. We may have more information about those fires on Tuesday, so refresh this article if you’re looking for updates.

According to the Mid Hudson News article, several other brush fires have ignited during the day. This could be for a range of reasons, but know this: A burn ban is going into effect for the State of New York, which prohibits some open burning of trash, painted wood, leaves, and other items. Read all about it here.

Only 529 Tickets Available For Clearwater's The Great Hudson River Revival 2020 After Required Downsizing

Clearwater’s The Great Hudson River Revival will be produced on a much smaller, intimate scale as compared to years past, with tickets for 529 attendees only. Normally a million-dollar event, last year’s festival suffered a financial loss of $190K due to a rainy forecast, according to the organizers. The organization has been working its way out of that loss since June 2019.

For many years, The Great Hudson River Revival was Clearwater’s most important annual fundraiser. It has since grown into the country's oldest music and environmental festival, uniquely spreading environmental awareness, education and activism. With no corporate sponsorship, this loss made a big impact on the organization.

“The Great Hudson River Revival was a major success last year, in the sense that thousands of people joined us to celebrate the Hudson River through music, dance, volunteerism, education and activism,” said Clearwater Executive Director Greg Williams in a press release. “Due to many factors, including a wet weather forecast and rain on Sunday causing low attendance, the festival suffered a financial loss of approximately $190K. Since June, we have been working to keep the organization stable, while paying down our debt to festival vendors, and we are grateful for their patience. It would be irresponsible of Clearwater to move forward with replicating another million-dollar Clearwater Festival in 2020 without having addressed the financial loss we incurred in 2019. We expect that these steps, with the public’s ongoing support, will put us in the best position to return with Revival in 2021."

Williams continued in the press release: "We hope that our transparency will give the public some confidence that we keep our mission close at heart; to continue the work that we do year-round on the Hudson, educating and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.”

The Community Celebration for June 2020 will be a unique and intimate event for 529 attendees. Attendance will be very limited due to venue space capacity, but will provide a familiar welcoming weekend of unity, action, education, food, music, crafts, and merrymaking.

Details about the 2020 Great Hudson River Revival will be announced soon. Clearwater expects to return to a full-scale event in 2021, re-envisioned as a sustainable, less-commercial event, according to the press release.

For 2020, a Clearwater Community Celebration will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21, on the festival’s traditional Father’s Day Weekend on a smaller portion of Croton Point Park, in Croton-on-Hudson, NY.

Other Ways To Donate In The Meantime

To contribute to Clearwater’s ability to continue to hold festivals, and/or other programming, you can ​click here​. You can choose whether to have your donation committed to a specific program, or to be used where it is most needed.

You can ​sail on ​Clearwater ​​this sailing season, ​volunteer on the sloop​, help
out with ​winter maintenance​, attend one of their ​events​ this year, or make a donation.​

Where Does Beacon's Recycling and Trash Go? Royal Carting Answers The Question

Like a Billie Eilish song asking where do we go when we sleep, you might be wondering: “Where does my trash and recycling go when I throw it away?” The trash used to go to the city dump (now called the transfer station… we took a field trip there and wrote about it). Some things go to the transfer station, like trash you yourself are hauling (rubble from your garage, couches, TVs, etc.) when you can’t dump them on an Electronics Recycling Day or some such.

Where does the rubble from the cans go once it is collected by the trash trucks? A Little Beacon Blog reached out to Royal Carting by way of their attorney, Jim Constantino (who frequents City Council meetings when negotiating the yearly contract renewal or answering recycling or solid waste questions), to answer this question, in what became a few questions:

ALBB: Where is the recycling dumped for Beacon?

“Republic (Re Community), 508 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon, N.Y.”

ALBB: Where is the trash dumped for Beacon?

“Royal utilizes the Dutchess County Waste-to-Energy Plant (read a brief history here), Sand Dock Road, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. The waste disposed of at the plant (which is Federal Clean Air Act-compliant) is used as fuel to produce steam that is sold to Central Hudson to generate electricity. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has qualified the ash byproduct with a ‘Beneficial Use Designation’ as alternative operating cover.”

ALBB: Is an incinerator used for Beacon's trash at all, and if so, where is that located?

“See above. Royal utilizes the Dutchess County Waste-To-Energy Plant. Solid waste delivered to the plant is used as fuel.”

ALBB: Do the trucks look the same as they do as when they are picking up regular trash?

“The trucks are the same design and color - green Mack rear load-compaction vehicles. Truck No. 199 collects the recycling. Truck No. 247 collects the solid waste.”

Read more about how recycling works in Beacon and why it is crucial to rinse your plastics, not put soggy paper into the cans, and make sure you know some of the other things you can’t put into the recycling can.

Did You See That Funeral With The Black Coffin With Bagpipes In Beacon?

Marchers in the funeral procession for the billion animals killed in Australian fires, as well as all of the species being lost to climate change.
Photo Credit: Gilles Uzan

As you were strolling along in Beacon down Main Street, you may have heard bagpipes in the distance. And as the sound got closer to you, passing you, you may have noticed people dressed in black carrying a small black coffin surrounded by signs with a particular symbol on them (two triangles or an hourglass in a circle). What was it?

Photo Credit: Extinction Rebellion New Paltz

It was a funeral procession in Beacon for the billion animals killed in Australian fires - as well as all of the species being lost to climate change, according to the press release from the organizers, Extinction Rebellion Hudson Highlands. “Extinction Rebellion (held on Sunday, January 26, 2020) is an international movement engaged in nonviolent direct action to force governments to respond to climate and ecological breakdown,” according to the press release.

“We are watching the world that we love unravel before our eyes because of climate change,” says Krystal Ford, a representative of Extinction Rebellion Hudson Highlands. “Last year alone, several species of birds, frogs, a shark, a snail, and one of the world’s largest freshwater fish were among those declared extinct.”

The funeral met on the sidewalk in front of the Beacon Post Office and marched to Polhill Park on Route 9D for a brief ritual. Marchers were dressed to honor the dead. Adults and children brought wreaths, flowers, pictures of environmental campaigners, and of extinct or endangered species that were placed upon a coffin. Bagpipes were played by James Hartford, from River Architects.

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Photo Credit: Gilles Uzan

When emailed for further comment, Krystal elaborated on the mission of the march:

“We have been losing species at unprecedented rate. We have entered the sixth mass extinction. The images many of us have seen of the koalas and kangaroos being rescued from burning forests are only the most recent and heartbreaking example of species being lost to the climate and ecological crisis. 1 billion animals in Australia have been lost due to the wildfires alone. If our world is dying without our publicly and collectively expressing our grief, we might assume these losses aren't important, but of course they are. Yesterday, over 60 people came together in Beacon to publicly honor their pain for the world, showing that we care. Once we allow this pain to register, instead of turning away or being numb to it, we may find ourselves released from our paralysis, and demand action from our government to act on this climate and ecological emergency.”

According to Wikipedia, “the extinction symbol represents the threat of holocene extinction (or sixth mass extinction) on earth; the circle represents the planet and the stylised hourglass is a warning that time is running out for many species. The symbol has been attributed to anonymous East London artist, ESP or Goldfrog ESP.