Greetings from Copake
Copake Connection is an online newsletter brought to you by the Town of Copake. This newsletter will publicize community events throughout the Town of Copake and will be published once a month, on the 15th of the month. The editor is Roberta Roll. All submissions should be sent to roberta.roll@gmail.com no later than the 10th of the month. The newsletter will be distributed to anyone who wishes to subscribe. Simply click the mailing list icon below.
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Table of Contents
Supervisor's Report
Copake to Sue New York State
Solar Report
Summer Camp 2021
Park Commission
Copake Fire District
Hamlet Task Force
Waterfront Revitalization
Vacancy
Help Wanted
Cleanup Day
Copake Outdoors
Copake History
Grange Events
Roeliff Jansen Community Library
What's Happening at the Library
Join the Copake Fire Team
Eco-tips
K.I.S.S.
Ways to Stay Informed and Help
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From the Supervisor’s Desk
Memorial Day - A Small, Great Parade
The local Memorial Day parade is shared by Copake, Ancram and Hillsdale. In 2019, the parade was in Hillsdale; in 2020, restricted by COVID-19, Ancram organized a procession of cars and trucks. So, this year it was Copake’s turn.
In April, I was contacted by Ancram resident and Cadby Shutts VFW Quartermaster/Adjutant James MacArthur. Jim wanted to know if Copake would allow the parade. I contacted the Department of Health. Their first response was that parades were not allowed, but in the weeks that followed, the restrictions on gatherings were eased and the DOH changed their verdict - the parade could go on.
Memorial Day weekend it poured rain, but on Monday, the rain finally stopped and under cold cloudy skies, the parade did go on. It was classic Copake. Boy Scouts and some veterans formed the Color Guard, which included Copake residents Reed Neer and Rob Weingaertner. They were followed by a float with veterans; among them were Copake residents David Silvernail, William Newcomb and Richard Barton. Next came the Copake Town Board, with all members present; then, Hillsdale Supervisor Chris Kersten and Ancram Supervisor Art Bassin. Next came the Copake Grange, followed by the Copake Fire Department, and the Fire Departments of Hillsdale, Ancram and Taghkanic.
After the parade, there was a short ceremony at the Copake Park. I saw more people than I had seen in a year and a half. One of the people I saw was Reed Neer, who was in my class at Roeliff Jansen. We graduated in 1970. Reed served in Viet Nam. When we talked about the parade, Reed told me he had marched in this parade every year for 45 years. “Except last year,” I said. “No,” he said. “Last year I marched, all alone. There was a Sheriff’s Deputy car with me, but I marched alone.”
We have been through a lot in the past year, but this was a great, if small, parade. Thanks to Jim MacArthur for pulling it all together. And thanks to Reed Neer, and all who participated.
Jeanne E. Mettler
Town Supervisor
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Copake to Sue New York State Over 94-c Regulations
At the June Board meeting, the Copake Town Board voted unanimously to join a lawsuit against the State of New York in order to challenge “94-c”, the law under which Hecate Energy is seeking permission to build the Shepherd’s Run solar facility.
This law, passed in 2020, created the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) and expedites the permitting process for solar projects like Shepherd’s Run. The town will be one petitioner in the lawsuit, which will involve other petitioners as well. The board authorized Supervisor Jeanne Mettler to sign an engagement letter with the Zoghlin Group, PLLC. The agreement specifically states that the town will not be responsible for any costs associated with the lawsuit.
The lawsuit will challenge the regulations adopted by ORES. Ben Wisniewski, Esq., a partner with the Zoghlin Group, PLLC, will bring the lawsuit and is already representing Copake with regard to the Hecate application. One of the flaws of the regulations, according to Mr. Wisniewski is that it may violate the State Environmental Quality Review Act, (SEQRA), the law which requires all projects in the state to undergo an environmental review. When this SEQRA exemption was being proposed in Albany several months ago, both Copake and the Columbia County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution opposing the exemption. The exemption was included in the 2021 NYS Budget, which was passed by the NYS Legislature in April.
Mr. Wisniewski stated that the lawsuit is “unfolding” and more details will be released as they become available.
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Solar Update
Recently, some Copake residents have reported receiving from Hecate, the Chicago-based energy company, its “Notice of Intent to File an Application” for siting approval for the proposed Shepherd’s Run industrial-size solar power plant. In the notice, Hecate says it intends to file its application with the new Office of Renewable Energy Siting (“ORES”) on or about July 15th.
After repeatedly telling the town that it would keep its project proposal in the State’s “Article 10” siting-approval process, Hecate did an abrupt about-face and announced that it was transferring its efforts to the more streamlined, more developer-friendly, more anti-Home Rule process known as 94-c (Section 94-c of the State Executive Law). As unsympathetic to local laws and residents’ concerns as 94-c is, ORES’ newly-enacted regulations pay lip-service to Copake and other “host communities” by requiring that a project developer must have a substantive meeting with the chief executive of the town (Supervisor Mettler) at least 60 days before a siting permit application can be filed with ORES. According to the regulations, at this meeting Hecate must do the following:
* Describe the facility and the environment into which it would be constructed.
* Provide a detailed map showing where each of the power plant components would be placed (panels, inverters, additional substation, access roads, transmission lines, etc.).
* Summarize Copake’s laws governing “the construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning” of the proposed industrial power plant, and list those laws for which it will ask ORES to rule that Hecate may ignore because they would be “unreasonably burdensome.”
* Identify all of the things Hecate has done to comply with Copake’s laws, “through design changes or otherwise.”
* Consult with the town to identify potential impacts of the proposed solar power plant on Craryville and the larger Copake community, (“including, but not necessarily limited to, transportation and visual resources”) to be able to include these potential impacts in its application to ORES.
So, this meeting is important because it is supposed to be substantive, and Hecate is supposed to meet to share the required, detailed information with Copake at least 60 days before the application gets filed. But Hecate says it intends to file on or about July 15th. That’s 35 days from now, and there’s still been no meeting. Hecate first requested the mandated pre-application meeting in mid-April. Through Copake’s solar attorney and environmental engineer, the town requested information in advance of the meeting so that there could be a useful discussion about the details of Hecate’s proposal. Hecate declined to provide the information sought, which has resulted in an impasse.
Furthermore, the ORES regulations require a second pre-filing meeting with the community - specifically “community members who may be adversely impacted by the siting of the facility.” This required community meeting must take place after the meeting with the Town Supervisor, and also at least 60 days before filing.
If Hecate goes ahead and attempts to file an application without the two mandated meetings, it is the town’s position that, by its own regulations, ORES may not accept the application. This could be an early test of ORES’ objectivity.
Richard Wolf
Copake Deputy Supervisor
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Copake Summer Park Program is Back!
The 2021 Summer Park Program will run from July 5 to August 13.
There is limited enrollment this year with a maximum of 75 campers, so get your applications in as soon as possible. Applications will not be accepted
after the limit is reached.
For Copake residents, the cost is $100 per camper or $250 per family.
Registration for Copake residents will run from May 17 to June 26.
The cost for out-of-town residents is $300 per camper. If space is available, registration for out-of-town residents will run from June 21 to June 26.
To successfully enroll a camper, you will need to do the following:
• Fill out an application form.
• Sign the COVID-19 Consent Form.
• Make payment.
* All applications must be turned in or sent to the Copake Town Hall, 230 Mountain View Rd., Copake, NY 12516.
For applications, COVID-19 guidelines and Consent Form, please go to the town website townofcopake.org.
If you are 16 years or older and interested in becoming a counselor for the summer park program, please email the director at bryan.vantassel3@gmail.com
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Park Commission Plans Summer Fun and Seeks Volunteers
The Copake Park Commission is pleased to announce that they will be having the Summer Concert Series every Saturday night beginning 6/26/21 and running until 8/27/21. The bands will be performing a variety of musical styles from 7:00-9:00pm.
COVID-19 guidelines for outdoor events will be strictly adhered to. A new and exciting feature will be the addition of various food trucks serving from 6:00-8:00pm! Stay tuned for details.
The Park Commission is seeking volunteers to participate and assist with the planning of events throughout the year. The commission meets on the second Monday of the month, and as needed. Exciting things are being planned for 2021!
Those interested should send or email a letter of interest to Copake Town Clerk, Lynn Connolly at copaketownclerk@townofcopake.org or 230 Mountain View Rd., Copake, NY 12516 by May 3, 2021.
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Hamlet Task Force Bids Farewell and Recalls Work Well Done
At the June meeting, the Copake Town Board accepted the recommendation of Roberta Roll, Chairperson of the Copake Hamlet Revitalization Task Force that after nine years of work, the Task Force should be disbanded.
She explained that with the creation of the Copake Economic Development Advisory Committee (CEDAC), most of what the Task Force would address now could be subsumed by the new committee. Before voting to dissolve the Task Force, the Town Board expressed tremendous gratitude for their accomplishments and noted the extraordinary efforts of Chairperson Roberta Roll.
And so, after nine years, the Copake Hamlet Revitalization Task Force, having fulfilled its mission thus far, will be dissolved. However, its work will go on, and its accomplishments have been many. To read the full report CLICK HERE.
The Task Force was appointed by the Town Board in 2012 and had its first meeting on August 22 of that year. Original members of the Task Force were Rus Davis, Jerry Kraus, John Pollok, Nancy Schultz and Roberta Roll, who was elected chairperson. Jeanne Mettler served as liaison to the town board. Subsequent members of the Task Force over the years were Chris Quinby, Jennifer Redman, Peggy Lewis and Len Barham. Steady members for the past few years were Andy Fisher, Alan Friedman, Tom Goldsworthy, Peter Kelly and Roberta Roll, with Richard Wolf and then Jeffrey Judd as liaison.
The committee met with business owners in order to assist with their needs for growth and sustainability. It also helped to promote new businesses in town. At their second meeting, the idea of an urgent care facility was proposed. Overtures to Columbia Memorial Health in January 2013 were successful and resulted in the opening of Copake Rapid Care in June 2016.
Another initiative was to make Copake a bicycle-friendly destination; to that end, the Bike Copake committee was formed, and the first annual Roe Jan Ramble, with 75 riders, took place in 2013. By 2019, the ride had grown to almost 600 cyclists.
The Task Force took on the process of planning for economic development of the hamlet through recreation, design, zoning and attention to environmental issues. With the expert help of consultants, the committee created the Design and Development Plan for the Copake Hamlet, completed in October 2015. This plan made it feasible at last to convince the county DOT to go ahead with a long-awaited road re-design in the hamlet, which is now in the planning stages and should see the beginning of construction sometime next year. The Task Force also applied for and received funding from the Department of State for a Waterfront Revitalization Plan, a five-year process, which was
completed in March 2021.
Other initiatives included the installation of signage on Rt. 22 and in the hamlet to direct people to amenities and attractions. Initial steps were undertaken regarding installation of an EV charging station. A brochure outlining steps for the process of commercial and residential construction was developed for the building department. In 2020, the Task Force spearheaded the annual holiday tree project with the help of Copake Community Service, Inc. Historic preservation was high on the agenda and has resulted in the establishment of the Historic Preservation Committee. The Copake Connection, this town newsletter, which was started by the former Economic Advisory Committee, was taken on and continues under the editorship of Roberta Roll.
The Task Force worked tirelessly over the years for the benefit of the hamlet, and indeed for all citizens of Copake. Members dialogued with local organizations, foundations and individuals to bring new life and opportunities to the community in so many ways. Although the committee will no longer exist, its mission and spirit will continue. Two of its members, Tom Goldsworthy (Chairperson) and Roberta Roll, are on the Copake Economic Development Advisory Committee and will ensure that not only the hamlet, but the whole of Copake will continue to benefit from the work of the Task Force. Recommendations to the Town Board for projects and policies can be found in the FULL REPORT.
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Waterfront Revitalization Plan Completed - Next Steps
The Waterfront and Community Revitalization Plan for the Roe Jan Kill, Bash Bish Brook and Taghkanic Creek was completed in March 2021. At the Town Board meeting on June 10, the Town Board approved a motion to hire River Street Planning & Development to write an application for project funding as a first step toward implementing the plan.
The waterfront plan for the Town of Copake, undertaken with funding from the Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund, completes a five-year process under the guidance of the Copake Hamlet Revitalization Task Force and consultants River Street Planning & Development. The full plan, as well as all the planning components, can be viewed at copakewaterfronts.com.
The waterfront plan gives an inventory and analysis of Copake, including demographics and environmental features. It identifies strengths and opportunities for the community
and outlines the economic, health and environmental benefits of developing its inland waterways (the Roe Jan Kill, Bash Bish Brook and Taghkanic Creek) for recreation, tourism, public access, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation. Many projects are identified in the plan, among them the Copake Spur, which would connect the Harlem Valley Rail Trail to the hamlet of Copake. Other trails are identified, both within the hamlet and connecting Copake Falls with the Copake hamlet. Additional projects feature fishing spots, kayaking, pocket parks, wayfinding, and flood mitigation.
The Copake Spur is a project which has been many years in the making and would address three important issues for the town. One is economic development. Towns which host bike paths have been shown to receive enormous economic boons; this we can see in towns in our area. In addition, the trail would be designed so that construction of the trail would mitigate the flooding along Main St. in the Copake hamlet, a long-standing and increasingly problematic issue. The trail would also increase our visibility as a bicycle destination, a beautiful, healthy place to visit and live, and a step in the process to connect our community in more creative ways.
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Vacancy for Copake Planning Board Member and Alternate ZBA Member
The Town Board of the Town of Copake will be accepting letters of interest and resumes for one vacancy on the Planning Board, and one alternate vacancy on the Zoning Board.
Applications must be received by 12 Noon on Thursday, July 7, 2021.
Please submit letters of interest to Lynn Connolly, Town Clerk, at: copaketownclerk@townofcopake.org or to Copake Town Hall, Attention: Town Clerk, 230 Mountain View Road, Copake, NY 12516.
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Help Wanted! Lifeguards, Taconic State Park
The Taconic State Park is currently seeking individuals to fill lifeguard positions.
Please click on the following link to apply.
For additional information please contact Christopher D. Rickard, Park Manager, Taconic State Park, Copake Falls and Rudd Pond, 518-329-3993, or email Christopher.Rickard@parks.ny.gov.
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Cleanup Day is a Success!
On May 15, the Copake Highway Department held the annual Copake Clean-up day. In a report to the Town Board, Highway Superintendent William Gregory stated that the department collected eight ten-wheeler loads of trash. All this rubbish was disposed of at Carmen Barbato, Inc. Tires were also collected and were disposed of at the Columbia County Solid Waste Department.
Residents were allowed to dispose of electronics. Highway Superintendent Gregory reported, “We sorted out the used electronics during clean-up day. We prevented numerous TV’s, computers, printers, etc. from ending up in a landfill. These electronics will be recycled through the Columbia County Solid Waste Department.”
The Copake Town Board assisted at the clean-up day by helping to direct residents as they arrived. At the June Town Board meeting, Supervisor Mettler called the day a huge success. She expressed thanks to Superintendent Gregory and the Highway Department on behalf of the board and the town.
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Copake Outdoors Launches Inaugural Hike
A great time was had by all on Sunday, June 13 for the inaugural hike for Copake Outdoors, a group dedicated to having fun hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming and other
recreational activities in and around Copake.
Tammy Gaskell, Gary and Peggy Lewis, Mariah Purcell, Jane Peck, and Roberta Roll
went for an easy hike at the High Falls Columbia Land Conservancy area in Philmont.
The highlight of the hike is a beautiful waterfall - the highest in Columbia County, not to mention several states in the U.S.
The next activity will be a hike at the Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Center on Sunday, July 4 at 9:30am. If you would like to participate in the group or lead an activity, please contact
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Copake History
Remembering Copake's "Typical Columbia County Citizen"
The Register Star once suggested that the late Howard McGee might be identified as the typical Columbia County citizen—kindly, wise, courteous, quietly humorous, God-fearing, tolerant, and slightly shy, but never awed. Howard's family came to Copake from Mt. Vernon when he was less than 6 months old. He attended the village school, the old Hillsdale High School and, for a while, owned a farm with his father. He sold it in 1933 on becoming Copake’s postmaster, a job he held for 28 years.
Howard attended New Paltz Normal and then taught in Taghkanic for 3 years while working on the Hudson River Day Line. He also managed the old Copake Falls baseball team, was active with the Copake Grange, the County Silver Medal Club and the Fire Department, where he was chief for 12 years. He was a president of the county Volunteer Firemen’s Association and a trustee of the Copake Methodist Church. For some years, Howard lived in Taconic Shores.
Photos: contributed by Tom McGee.
Howard Blue
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Grange Events
Saturday, June 19, 8pm - Drive-in Movie - Dr. Strange. Our drive-in movie theater returns to Copake Memorial Park. Dr. Strange stars Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays the part of a talented neurosurgeon who, after a tragic car accident, must put ego aside and learn the secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions. FREE. For more information, email mackinjanet@gmail.com.
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Saturday, June 26, 7:30pm - Radio Dramas - “Week Ago Wednesday” and “The Man Who Knew Too Much.” The Two of Us Productions virtual live staged readings. In “A Week Ago Wednesday” a married couple’s quarrel turns into something terrible when Maude Haskins returns home to make up with her husband and finds someone else is living in what she thought was her apartment! In “The Man Who Knew Too Much” two gentlemen meet on a commuter train. As they pass the time on the train in quiet discussion, it occurs to Mr. Pender that Mr. Smith knows far too much about how to commit a murder and get away with it! Register to attend by going to www.thetwoofusproductions.org. For more information contact constancerlopez@gmail.com or call (518) 329-6293
To learn more about the Grange and to see all our programs, go to copakegrange.org.
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Open Mic Night - Friday, July 2, 7:00-9:00pm. LIVE and IN-PERSON!
Live open mic is back and it’s great! Come on down to the Grange and join us with your instruments, songs, poems, stories, skits, etc. We have a piano.
Masks are required except when performing. Social distancing is maintained. For more information, contact copakegrange@gmail.com.
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Wednesday, July 7, 7pm - Speaker Series. Your Cousin in Arkansas & Other Sources of Old Copake Stories & Photos. Live via Zoom. Howard Blue, Town Historian, will discuss over twenty different types of sources he’s used to research stories about Copake’s history. Many of the same techniques can be used to research your own family history. Go to copakegrange.org/events for the link. |
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Children’s Theater Workshop - July 12 - 24, Mon. - Fri. 10am-1pm, performance on July 24 at 1 and 6pm. This program will provide students with an opportunity to develop a theater piece for performance - The Jungle Book, under the direction of Constance Lopez and Hunter Anderson. This program is FREE!, but you must apply by July 1. Download and fill out the registration form at copakegrange.org/events and email constancerlopez@gmail.com.
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Saturday, July 17, 7:30pm - Murder Mystery. Live production by The Two of Us Productions. It’s the 1940s, and the WMGR Radio Playhouse of the Air is coming to Copake, broadcasting live from the classic theater at the historic Grange. If the show doesn’t go well, the station will go out of business, but someone is trying to sabotage the show. Suspense, murder, love, digestive upset and a cast of wacky characters create a memorable evening. Tickets - $10 adults, $5 children - go to www.thetwoofusproductions.org or purchase at the door. For more information contact constancerlopez@gmail.com or call (518) 329-6293. |
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Children’s Summer Art Program - July 26 - Aug. 6, 10am-11:30am. Boys and girls ages 6-11 will have the opportunity to explore drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and puppet-making in a safe and spacious outdoor area. Students will be taught skills and techniques that will give them confidence to find their own unique ways to express themselves artistically. They’ll also co-create a mural based on the Mohican creation myth, “The Celestial Bear and Winter Festival.” The program is free but you must apply by July 12. Download and fill out the registration form at copakegrange.org/events.
To learn more about the Grange and to see all our programs, go to copakegrange.org.
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Winds in the Wilderness Concert
Winds in the Wilderness will be performing an Outdoor Garden Concert (indoors if raining) of ensemble music with flute, oboe, violin/viola, guitar and bass on Wednesday, June 30 at 5:00pm at Church of St. John in the Wilderness, 261 Route 344, Copake Falls, NY.
Honoring the fourth of July and the challenges we have all faced together - the pandemic, racial equality, national unity - we will play ‘Duettino Sur Des Motifs Americains’ by Franz Doppler; 'Trio Sonata in G’ by Giovanni Platti; ‘Donna Lee’ by Charlie Parker; 'Five Miniatures’ by William Grant Still; ‘Chaconne in D' by J.S. Bach; and ‘Hands of Healing’ by John Myers.
Suggested donation: $20, children and students free. There will be a reception after the concert. Reservations are recommended. Options for advance ticket payment are on the website windsinthewildernessconcerts.org.
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Roeliff Jansen Community Library Wants your Input and Opinions!
We want to serve you better, and to do so, we need your help. This is YOUR library, so we need to know what YOU want.
This survey is for both those who use the library and those who do not. The information gathered will be used to guide our decisions on library collections, programs, services, hours, communication, and more. We hope you can spare five minutes to help the library better serve our community.
You may complete the survey online or pick up a paper copy at the library.
Thank you for your feedback!
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What’s Happening at the Library?
Thursdays, 9:00-10:00am
Virtual Senior Balance and Strength Class. Dr. Paul Spector is leading his popular Balance and Strength Class on Zoom. These classes introduce exercises that improve postural stability, core strength, spatial body awareness, sensory integration, agility and coordination. For more details, including login information, please visit our website at www.roejanlibrary.org/adult-programs/.
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Mondays & Thursdays, 9:00-10:30am
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Saturdays, 10:00am-12:00pm
Farm Market Kids. Story time has moved to the Copake Hillsdale Farmers Market for the summer! Join Tia for stories and fun art and science projects every weekend through Labor Day.
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Wednesday, June 16, 7:00-8:00pm
Chitt Chat: Snails. Join Chittenango Ovate amber snail expert Cody Gilbertson for a lesson on a snail that is so rare, it only exists in one place: the Chittenango Falls state park. This online program, geared towards adults, is hosted by Claverack Free Library, Hudson Area Library, Philmont Public Library, and Roeliff Jansen Community Library. Visit http://www.roejanlibrary.org/adult-programs/ for login information.
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Saturday, June 26, 2:30pm
Broadband: Connecting the Roe Jan Community. Join members of our local and county broadband committees to learn about what has been done to bring broadband to all in our community, what remains to be done, and discuss next steps to further digital inclusion in the Roe Jan community. This community conversation will be held at the Hilltop Barn, Roeliff Jansen Park.
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Sunday, June 27, 3:00pm
Concert in the Park: HBH, and an Afternoon of American Popular Song. The HBH Band (Scott Heth, Keyboard; Jay Bradley, Drums; Wanda Houston, Vocals) celebrates their 16th year of performing together with an afternoon of American Popular Song. The music they perform is jazz, but they find influences from all the music they know and love: R&B, Rock, Country, Gospel, Musical Theater, Blues, and Classical. The concert will be at the Hilltop Barn, Roe Jan Park. Lawn chairs appreciated. Social distancing will be required.
This concert is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered in Columbia County by Greene County Council on the Arts dba CREATE Council for Resources to Enrich the Arts, Technology & Education.
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Friday, July 9, 10:00am
Zoom in to Summer Reading: Sing-a-long with Mike Pagnani Music. Roeliff Jansen Community Library, Claverack Free Library, Philmont Public Library, and Hudson Area Library invite you Zoom into summer reading with collaborative programs Fridays in July. Program registration includes a free craft-to-go kit. Email youth@roejanlibrary.org to register and receive the login information.
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Monday, July 12, 11:00am–4:00pm
Healthcare Navigator Appointments. A Navigator from the Healthcare Consortium will be available by appointment on the second Monday of each month, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Navigators can assist individuals and families in Columbia and Greene Counties with shopping for, comparing, and enrolling in quality, affordable health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan, through the New York State of Health Official Health Plan Marketplace. Navigators can also assist with applying for financial assistance to help pay for coverage.
Navigator services are free of charge. Please call 518-822-9600 to make an appointment.
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Tuesday, July 13, 11:00am
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia. This program, presented by the Alzheimer's Association Northeastern New York Chapter, covers the basics of Alzheimer’s and dementia to provide a general overview for people who are facing a diagnosis as well as those who wish to be informed. Zoom login information to follow. This online program is sponsored by the Roeliff Jansen Community Library, Hudson Area Library, Claverack Free Library, and Philmont Public Library.
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Friday, July 16, 10am
Zoom into Summer Reading: Mush with Karen Land & Noggin, the Sled Dog. Roeliff Jansen Community Library, Claverack Free Library, Philmont Public Library, and Hudson Area Library invite you Zoom into summer reading with collaborative programs Fridays in July. Karen Land is a three-time participant in the 1,049-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race across Alaska. See https://stringofdogs.com/. Program registration includes a free craft-to-go kit. Email youth@roejanlibrary.org to register and receive the login information.
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Saturday, July 17
Roeliff Jansen Community Library Benefit Golf Tournament. Get outside, have fun, and support the library! This tournament, at the Undermountain Golf Course in Copake, features a 2-person Scramble, Dual Shotgun, a new Putting Contest, and a chicken barbeque! Entry forms available at the library. For more information call 518-329-4444 or email service@undermountaingolf.com.
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Wednesday, July 21, 6:00pm
Birding for Beginners. This virtual program presented by the Sharon Audubon Center is an interactive way to learn more about the birds around you! This introduction covers the basics of observing, listening, identifying, and understanding bird behaviors. To register for this program, email director@roejanlibrary.org. This program is cohosted by the Roeliff Jansen Community Library, Hudson Area Library, Claverack Free Library, and Philmont Public Library.
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Eco-Tips
Look for the Zero: Use Only Phosphorus-Free Lawn Fertilizer
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos has announced the launch of the state’s annual "Look for the Zero" public awareness campaign that encourages homeowners to go phosphorus-free when using lawn fertilizer. DEC is encouraging consumers to review bag labels for phosphorus content when shopping for fertilizer. Fertilizer labels have three numbers. The number in the middle is the percentage of phosphorus in the product.
Regardless of the lawn's location, excess phosphorus can wash off and pollute lakes and streams, harming fish and ruining boating and swimming. More than 100 water bodies in New York State cannot be used or enjoyed due to phosphorus overuse. For more information, visit DEC's Lawn Fertilizer webpage.
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Ways to Stay Informed and to Help
In this difficult time, we want to stay as informed as we can and as connected as we can. Also, many people want to help by shopping for those who find it difficult, making meals, and doing other errands.
Below are some websites you can go to in order to find information on all of these things.
To subscribe to the Copake email newsletter, the Copake Connection, you can access the town's website, townofcopake.org
To subscribe to Hillsdale's email newsletter, News from Town Hall, you can access the Hillsdale website, hillsdaleny.com
To subscribe to Ancram's email newsletter, Ancramemail, you can access Ancram's website, townofancram.org
for online events and ways to volunteer through the Match-Up Program.
The Roe Jan Food Pantry - call Vernetta Moore at 413-446-9431 or Betty White at 518-325-3977
Financial contributions welcome. Mail to:
Roe Jan Food Pantry
PO Box 475
Hillsdale, NY 12529.
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If you wish to submit an article or notice regarding a community event taking place in the Town of Copake to the Copake Connection, please e-mail: thecopakeconnection@gmail.com. All submissions should be received by us by noon on the 10th of the month.
For more and current information on Meetings in Copake and events throughout the Roe Jan area, go to the Copake Website.
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Contact
Copake Town Hall
230 Mountain View Road
Copake, NY 518-329-1234
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