KINDERHOOK–The Village of Kinderhook has sent out an invitation to neighbors in the Village of Kinderhook, the Village of Valatie, the Hamlet of Niverville, and the Town of Kinderhook to join in a lighting a candle outside their homes every Friday night at 8 p.m.
The invite says, …”local teachers, firefighters, sheriffs, state troopers, emergency rescue workers, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, postal workers, FedEx and UPS drivers, farmers, food and drink providers, supermarket staff, and many more are working every day to help keep our communities functioning during the Covid-19 emergency. We invite you to help us acknowledge their dedication… Your candle will also acknowledge the many individuals who have tragically lost their lives to the coronavirus.”
THIS CERTAINLY HAS BEEN A TUMULTUOUS week adjusting to changes resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. I am of an age that places me in the higher risk category. Fortunately, I don’t smoke and have a good heart and lungs, which may help offset the advance of age. My siblings are in the same boat, so we all have agreed to stay home and visit by email and telephone. This includes all friends and family.
None of us older folks have used Skype and we agreed we really don’t have to look at each other or need to figure out how to use it. Having grown up in the country on a local dairy farm, I always revert to our get-ready-for-winter plan. I already have a 3-month stockpile of toilet paper and paper towels. Lots of canned goods, flour, sugar and dry goods, Staron Farm potatoes, and Love Apple Farm apples. Tierra Farm near Chatham sells wonderful coffee, nuts, dried fruit, and a definite necessity for me, chocolate. Chatham Real Food Store, Hawthorne Valley Farm Store, The Berry Farm, and Kinderhook Farm along with many others have valuable offerings.
Farmers Markets and restaurants may be closed, but things can be purchased at the farms, and restaurants have takeout and deliveries. We live in an area of abundant resources of almost any food from meat to cheese to fruit. How lucky we are to also have volunteers for meal deliveries and organizations and government to check on us. Read more…
GHENT–The Town has a limited amount of liquid hand sanitizer to distribute for free to Ghent residents who have been unable to obtain it elsewhere. The hand sanitizer will be distributed Saturday, April 4 from noon- 2 pm (or until it runs out) in the parking lot of Ghent Town Hall. The hand sanitizer will be distributed in individual plastic containers with lids, and residents will need to transfer it to their own spray bottles at home. The town does not have any spray bottles to distribute. Only take this hand sanitizer if you have not been able to get it elsewhere. Town Board members will be on hand to monitor the distribution, but everyone must maintain at least a 6 foot distance from one another, as mandated by law.
Instructions:
1 – Enter the parking lot at the State Route 66 entrance and proceed to the end of the car line. When your car reaches the front of the line, exit your car (one person only), and approach the table.
2 – Take one plastic container of hand sanitizer and immediately return to your car. Do not touch anything other than the container you take.
3 – Exit the parking lot at the Garage Place exit.
4 – After you transfer the liquid to your own spray bottle, be sure to wash your hands.
Only one person may approach the table at a time. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible, and using hand sanitizer only when soap and water are not available.
Get take-out chicken, support Flag Day
HUDSON—The Hudson Flag Day Parade Committee will barbecue complete chicken dinners for take-out only, at the Hudson Elks Lodge, 201 Harry Howard Avenue, Saturday, April 4. Pick up the meals from 4 to 6 p.m.
A dinner includes a half chicken, baked potato, corn, cole slaw and roll. Required advance sale tickets are $12 and available from any committee member; by calling 518-821-0816; via Hudson Flag Day Parade face book page by leaving a message, or at the Bank of Greene County, Greenport Branch, via the drive up window.
The event is a fundraiser for the 2020 Flag Day Parade and Festival.
Upcoming fundraisers also include two Coin Drops, April 11 and May 9 at the intersection of Green Street and Fairview Avenue (near Stewart’s).
For more information call 518-821-0816.
To make a contribution to the event visit the web page www.hudsonflagdayparade.org or mail a donation to Hudson Flag Day Parade, P.O. Box 793, Hudson 12534.
Egg hunt, camp applications postponed
ANCRAM—The Town of Ancram has postponed the Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for Saturday, April 4 at Town Hall, according to a message from Ancram Town Clerk Monica Cleveland.
“We hate to have to do this, but we have to stay within the recommendations mandated by the State. If for any reason the regulations change by the end of April, we may schedule another Saturday after Easter. If not, we will look forward to next year.”
Also, the dates for application to the Ancram Kids’ Camp are postponed because the Town Hall is currently closed to the public. Camp applications will not be available until sometime in May. The town will alert everyone when the applications are ready and the new 2020 applications will be posted on the website: www.ancramny.org
No bunny breakfasts or visits
KINDERHOOK—The breakfasts with the Easter Bunny at the Kinderhook Elks Lodge scheduled for April 5 and 12 and all Elks Club activities have been suspended until further notice. Town of Kinderhook has canceled visits with the bunny in the Kinderhook Village Square, April 11.
Spring break camp canceled
PHILMONT—The Free Columbia Around the World Spring Break Camp Special Edition CHINA set for April 13 to 17 at the Philmont Community Center, 14 Lake Drive, has been canceled. Contact: Susannah White 716-464-0931, , www.freecolumbia.org, www.laurasummer.com 518-672-7302
‘Man of Parts’ not happening
GREENPORT—All Adult Learning Institute (ALI) programs and activities are suspended until further notice.
This includes “The Storied John Philip Clum: Claverack’s Man of Parts” presented by Glenn Fisher, Thursday, April 9 in the Columbia-Greene Community College faculty staff café.
To reach the ALI Office call 518-828-4181 X 3431 or email .
Ghent pantry still open
GHENT—The Ghent Food Pantry continues to operate.
It serves residents of the Chatham Central School District. And is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to noon.
Pre-packaged groceries can be picked up at the side door of Ghent Town Hall, 2306 State Route 66. Contact: . Monetary donations are accepted by this non-profit 501(c)3 organization.
Quakers worship on web
OLD CHATHAM—Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) have temporarily moved their Sunday worship at 11 a.m. from their Meetinghouse at 539 County Route 13, to the web. All are welcome to worship with then every Sunday using a zoom link on their website: www.oldchathamquakers.org
Presbyterians go digital
HUDSON—First Presbyterian Church of Hudson broadcasts a modified worship service weekly from the church sanctuary at the regular worship time 10:45 a.m. Join in on Facebook Live on the church’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FirstPresHudson/ for the duration of the church closure.
CLC calls off public programs
CHATHAM—The Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) was eagerly looking forward to joining together to celebrate the coming of spring with a greatly enhanced offering of public programs and educational opportunities.
But in keeping with guidelines from the CDC and the State of New York on social distancing, CLC has canceled all in-person public programs through April 30, and have also decided to cancel the June 20 Summer Solstice Soiree.
There are still ways to engage with nature, and with CLC, which will be providing public programming online, and developing new educational activities and materials. Visit the CLC website to learn more: clctrust.org
All of CLC’s Public Conservation Areas are open, dawn to dusk. Be mindful of the CDC’s social distancing guidelines while recreating, and be considerate of where you park. If the parking lot is full, consider visiting another Public Conservation Area or coming back later.
Groceries and supplies delivered to doorstep
HILLSDALE—There’s a safe new delivery service in Hillsdale offering free delivery of groceries and supplies to seniors, immunocompromised, or otherwise at-risk community members during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Doorstep Deliverers is delivering groceries to housebound neighbors and helps local businesses that do not have the capacity to offer free deliveries.
Volunteers from Doorstep Deliverers will pick up and deliver in Hillsdale, Copake, Egremont, Craryville and Great Barrington from any local supermarket or store that offers pickup of orders paid for by phone. To sign up for this service, visit: https://www.doorstepdeliverers.org/or call 917-583-9612.
Grange steps up to deliver groceries
COPAKE—In response to the COVID-19, the Copake Grange is matching up volunteers who want to help, with individuals who are homebound and need assistance with getting groceries or prescriptions.
To volunteer—or those in need of someone to pick up groceries or a prescription, call Granger Janet Mackin at 917-270-5989 or email her at: . Non-Grange members are welcome to volunteer and the Grange will help anyone who needs assistance regardless of whether they are a Grange member.
Park playgrounds, camping closed indefinitely
COPAKE FALLS—The trails at Taconic State Park, 253 State Route 344, are currently open. The park office is open limited hours.
All park playgrounds, camping, cottages and cabins are closed indefinitely. All reservations have been canceled.
New York State has suspended all new camping, cabin and cottage reservations for the 2020 season until further notice. This goes for Lake Taghkanic State Park, 1528 State Route 82, Gallatin as well. Officials are assessing campground status on a daily basis. Anyone who made a reservation for the season beginning May 1, and officials determine your campground is safe to open, your reservation will be honored. Visitors who want to cancel an existing reservation may do so and receive a full refund. Contact the park at 518-329-3993.
Claverack seniors stay home
CLAVERACK—The April 10 meeting of the Claverack Seniors has been canceled. The group’s trip to Encore Casino in Boston, MA planned for April 21 has been postponed.
Neighbors want to help
ANCRAMDALE—During this uncertain time of ever-changing facts and policies facing our community and families as a result of the COVID-19 virus, many of neighbors will face the reality of furloughed jobs, financial hardships and social isolation, according to a press release from the Ancramdale Neighbors Helping Neighbors Association (ANHNA), which serves the Ancram Township including Ancram, Ancramdale and Boston Corners.
ANHNA stands ready to help in any way it can and has made necessary changes to its weekly (Monday) food pantry program following CDC guidelines to provide more protection to volunteers and recipients. ANHNA is working closely with the Regional Food Bank to ensure that supplies remain adequate. If additional families need to come onto the program during the weeks and months ahead, ANHNA extends its hand. Counsel and direction in getting families newly in need of social services to the right local agencies can also be provided.
All emergency medical issues should be referred to 911 or one’s personal doctor. The NYS Department of Health Hotline is 1-888-364-3065. Any elderly person in need of transportation or shopping assistance or who simply needs to discuss their situation and how ANHNA can help, should call the number(s) below.
Like many communities, ANHNA’s volunteer population is aging. In fact, almost all volunteers who make the weekly food program happen are in the 60+ category—the age group most vulnerable to COVID-19.
Any able-bodied person, under 60 and who can spare an hour or two each week is asked to call.
For assistance or more information call Jack Lindsey at 518-329-7306 or Hila Richardson at 917-414-8270.
Submit photo entries now
CHATHAM—From the blue herons at Hand Hollow to the salamanders at Siegel-Kline Kill, all 10 of the Columbia Land Conservancy’s (CLC) Public Conservation Areas are home to images worth capturing.
All CLC trails are open, and getting outside and appreciating the beauty of nature is a great way to practice self-care during this stressful time.
CLC’s first annual Photography Show is open to people of all ages and all levels of experience, and is free to enter. This show is not limited to fine art or technical photographers but is rather a way to connect to this land. Post photos on Instagram and Facebook using #clclandwelove
This year’s theme is CLC’s Public Conservation Areas. Whether wildlife, landscape or portrait, CLC wants to see the best shots. Participants may submit up to three photos of these special places. Once submissions have closed, a panel of volunteer jurors will select the top three photos from the adult division, and the top photo from the youth division for each Public Conservation Area.
Finalists will be notified in September and their photographs will be on display this fall. The window for submission is from now to August 31. Contact the Columbia Land Conservancy, 49 Main Street, at 518-392-5252; P.O. Box 299, Chatham 12037; www.clctrust.org or
SPCA lobby closed, some services available
CLAVERACK—The Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA 111 Humane Society Road, has closed its lobby to visitors effective immediately, based on Governor Cuomo’s new business regulations.
But to meet the needs of the community, the shelter will continue to offer some services in a limited capacity.
*Food Bank: continues to be open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone quarantined and in need of food for their pet should call 518-828-6044 X 100 or 108 or email .
*Surrender Services: All surrenders are by appointment only. Call 518-828-6044 X 100 or email at
*Adoptions: Adoption services will be canceled until March 31; potential adopters can view animals on the website at cghs.org and fill out an online application to be pre-approved for adoption.
*Grooming: Grooming services will be canceled until March 31.
*Boarding/Daycare: Because so many shelter clients are medical professionals who rely on boarding and daycare for their dogs, the shelter will continue to offer boarding services by appointment only. For information call or text 518-610-3232 or email
*Medical: Many pet-owners rely on CGHS/SPCA for medical treatment for their pets. Currently, the shelter has canceled its Health and Wellness clinics through March 31. Anyone in need of medical treatment for their pet should call or text 518-222-4218.
*Spay/Neuter Services: These clinics are canceled through March 31.
*Donations: Since storage space is limited, the humane society asks people who want to contribute to the food bank to donate monetarily to the bank, and staff will then purchase food to restock it as the supply is utilized and space is available. To donate either to the food bank or with a general contribution, checks can be mailed to: CGHS/SPCA, 111 Humane Society Road, Hudson 12534. Donations can also be made through our website, cghs.org.
Questions pertaining to shelter services should be directed to President/CEO Ron Perez at 518-828-6044 X 108 or email
Brothers in fire service recognized
OLD CHATHAM—The Niverville Fire Department held its annual installation of officers dinner at Jackson’s Old Chatham House, March 14. Many current officials were re-elected and a few new officers were appointed to various positions.
In 2019, there were 148 calls for service. There were also 35 drills, some that were mutual-aid working with other departments, law enforcement and EMS agencies.
Two true “brothers in fire service” were recognized. James and Donald “Pete” Brahm” with 65 and 57 years respectively, were recognized for their lifelong commitment to the community and fire department in particular. Besides receiving a special thanks from Chiefs Dedrick, Huyck and Harvey, they received recognition from State Senator Daphne Jordan (R-43rd), Kinderhook Town Supervisor Patsy Leader, Director Barbara Fisher, Hudson-Mohawk Volunteer Firefighters Association, Sergeant at Arms Tom With, Firemen’s Association of New York State and First Vice President Tim Trowbridge and the Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Pictured from (l-r): Supervisor Patsy Leader, Sergeant at Arms Tom With, Jim Brahm, Vice President Tim Trowbridge, Senator Daphne Jordan, Chief Chris Dedrick, First Assistant Chief and Installation Committee Chair Wayne Huyck, 2nd Assistant Chief Pete Harvey, and Director Barbara Fisher. Missing is recipient Pete Brahm. Photo contributed
Austen joins Zonta Club
Pictured is Diane Austen of Canaan, (r), who recently joined the Zonta Club of Upper Hudson Valley. She was sponsored by Irene Waldorf (l) and installed by Patricia Corbett, co-president. Ms. Austen has a private practice in holistic coaching, dream work and spiritual mentoring. She holds a master’s degree in social work. She has an interest in stopping abuse, such as human trafficking and child marriage and in working to strengthen women’s rights. Her commitment is coincides with the Zonta mission to empower women worldwide through service and advocacy. To join contact Patricia Corbett at or 518-461-4663. Photo contributed
Tribble is newest Lion. Cathy Tribble (l) is the newest member of the Northern Columbia Lions Club. District Governor Mark Jones inducted her and Lion Mimi Johnson presented her Lions Club pin. More information about the club is available by calling President Donna at 518-758-7602 or at www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/ncolumbia, as well as on Facebook. Photo contributed
TROY—Seventy 4Hers, countless volunteers and dedicated Cornell Cooperative Extension staff from the Capital District participated in the District Dairy Bowl Competition held at Tamarac High School, Saturday, March 7.
4H Dairy Bowl is an elimination and round-robin-style quiz bowl where participants can test and display their dairy knowledge. This ranges from animal and crop science to history and agribusiness within the dairy industry.
Teams from seven local counties have practiced for months and competed in the beginner, junior and senior levels on the day of competition. Columbia-Greene 4H had 14 participants and four teams compete. The top scoring teams in each division are recognized and the top four highest scoring players within each division will move on to the state competition. The junior and senior teams will compete at Cornell University later this spring while the beginner team will compete at the State Fair this summer. Columbia-Greene 4H congratulates all of its teams Read more…
