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The newsletter from this morning did not include the link to the Hillsdale Historians' article containing some fascinating information about the documentary "Hillsdale in the 1930's." To read more about the film, please visit their website below.
"The Hillsdale Historians close out 2024 with a look at "Hillsdale in the 1930's: A Swinging Town," a documentary that deserves a wider audience. History remains alive in Hillsdale, and the discovery, preservation, and scoring of this footage is one great example. Kudos to producers Ron Vincent, Marilyn Herrington, Julia Brandi, editor/film scorer Elizabeth Wilder Elm, the Rheinstrom Hill Community Foundation whose generous grant made the film possible, and to The Roe Jan Historical Society for their support."
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NOTES FROM THE TOWN SUPERVISOR:
It’s been a momentous 12 months for the Town of Hillsdale. Thanks to an energized town government, Highway Department, and volunteers, we have been able to make significant progress in terms of infrastructure, pursuing grants, efficiency and transparency as well as streamlining and improving our procedures. We still have lots of work to do, but we are well on our way as we start the year 2025. We hope you will stay informed about what the Town is doing. There are many ways to stay in touch in addition to subscribing to and reading this newsletter.
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Attend Town Board meetings – Attending Town Board meetings is the heart of our democracy (as immortalized in the painting by Norman Rockwell). While we can't allow comments during the formal part of the meeting as the public Town Board meeting is the only time the Board can legally meet as a unit to discuss and vote on initiatives, we welcome attendees to share thoughts and opinions during the public comments section near the top of the meeting. The next meeting will be our annual organizational meeting on Monday, January 6th at 5PM during which we will set committee assignments for the upcoming year. Our regular monthly January Town Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14 at 7PM. Both will occur at Town Hall (2609 State Route 23). We will be setting the meeting schedule for the upcoming year at our organizational meeting, and we will share it online and in the next edition of this newsletter. If you can’t attend in person, you can attend via Zoom.
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Watch Video of Town Board Meetings – if you find yourself busy that night, all Town Board meetings are videotaped and posted on our website soon afterwards.
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Read the Town Board Minutes – The Town Board minutes, prepared by the Town Clerk, are by New York State Law the official record of the Town. The minutes detail the various motions that were put forth and discussed as well as the resolutions passed during the meeting. Draft minutes are posted 10 working days after the meeting and approved at the following meeting.
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Sign up for the Town’s text or email alerts – sign up for breaking news via text and/or email. We will be sending out alerts to remind you of upcoming Town Board meetings with links to our agenda which will contain the Zoom link. You can also sign up for alerts for particular committees when new minutes are posted. Also, in case of an emergency, we will be sending out important alerts. Sign up today:
https://hillsdaleny.com/how-do-i/emergencies/
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Consider applying for a position with the Town – currently we have several positions open on our Board Assessment Review, Planning Board, CAC and Zoning Board. Click here for a full list of available positions:
https://hillsdaleny.com/available-positions/
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Volunteer for a Citizen Advisory Committee - If you are interested in one of our Citizen Advisory Committees, please contact townclerk@hillsdaleny.com.
For a list of committees, please visit: hillsdaleny.com/town-committees/
For a calendar of meetings, please visit the "Upcoming Events" section of our homepage hillsdaleny.com
We hope to see you at January's Board meeting. The draft agenda is generally posted a week in advance with additions taking place as needed until the time of the meeting. Highlights of January’s agenda will include:
Wastewater Management Update – Our Town Engineer (CPL) as well as our Sewer Operator (H20 Innovation) will be attending to address the Town Board and public about the situation at our wastewater facility.
Migratory Bird Recommendation – The Town Board will be considering the best steps moving forward in regard to the mowing schedule at the Roe Jan Park.
284 Agreement: The annual agreement for the expenditure of highway money will be presented. The name comes section Chapter 25 (Highway), Article 10 (Finances), Section 284 of New York Consolidated Law entitled "Expenditures for repair and improvement of highways."
These among other issues will be discussed.
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LAST CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HAMLET PARK SURVEY!
All responses must be received by January 3, 2025. The survey takes only a few minutes, click on the box below!
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Bard College Brass Band Quintet
Performs at Holiday Tree Lighting
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While the local businesses were open for holiday shopping on for the annual Hillsdale Holiday Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 7th which featured a brass band playing holiday music at Cullen Park while people sipped on hot cider provided by local businesses. Also featured were grab bags for the kids, and a warm fire pit while everyone waited for the light parade and the arrival of Santa. (photo by Marcy Feld) | |
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The Hillsdale Fire Company #1 had their annual hayride through town where Santa himself made an appearance and lit the town's Christmas tree. After the tree lighting, the kids returned to the firehouse to meet Santa and have yummy hot cocoa and cookies.
Photo Credit goes to Kelsey Kilmer as adorable Miss. Savannah Kilmer who told Santa all the toys she wanted this year.
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This year the Hillsdale Fire Company #1 had around 50 children who came and saw Santa. Miss. June Gansowski told Santa that she was a good girl this year, and Santa made sure that she was put on the nice list. | |
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2025 Organizational Meeting January 6th
Town Board Meeting January 14th
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The Town Board's 2025 Organizational meeting will be held on Monday, January 6th at 5 pm at Town Hall. At the meeting, the Town Board will make appointments and designations for the 2025 year as well as authorizations, policies, and procedures regarding the highway department, meeting times, purchasing, budgeting, and other town business. Planning board and building permit fees will also be approved. The meeting is open to the public or you can join via Zoom.
Organizational Meeting Zoom Link
January Town Board Meeting will be held on
Tuesday, January 14th at 7PM at Town Hall.
The agenda for the Town Board meeting will be posted on the Agendas & Minutes page of the town website a few days before the meeting. Links to the documents pertinent to the meeting will be included in the agenda. Among the linked documents are the latest financial statements for the town. Minutes of previous Town Board meetings are posted on the Agendas & Minutes page.
January Town Board Meeting
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Tax Bills Available Online | |
Property tax bills for 2025 are now available online and the bills are in the mail. For the month of January, Town Tax Collector Joe Hansleman, Jr. will be at Town Hall on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9 AM to noon. Payments are due by January 31. | |
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March 1 is Deadline for
2024 Property Tax Exemptions and Renewals
If you are renewing any property tax exemptions or applying for a new one you must apply by March 1.
Basic STAR
STAR is the New York State School Tax Relief program that provides an exemption from school property taxes for owner-occupied, primary residences. All new applicants must apply through the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. To register, call 518 457-2036 or go to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website.
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Enhanced STAR
If you are already a recipient of the Enhanced STAR, for those 65 and older with qualifying income, you do not have to file a renewal application so long as New York State Taxation and Finance can continue to verify your income eligibility. If you have the Basic STAR, once you turn 65 you may want to check with the assessor’s office as to your eligibility to receive the Enhanced STAR.
Low Income Senior Exemption: Use form RP-467 (new applicants) or RP-467-Rnw (for renewals)
This provides for an exemption in the amount of between 5% and 50% depending on income. The current income Limit for the Town, County and School is between $34,000 for a 50% exemption and $42,399 for a 5% exemption. This is an increase from last year’s limit, so you may qualify this year, even if you did not last year. Income includes all Social Security as well as all owners and spouse income. You MUST include a copy of your prior year Federal Tax Return (2022). If you do not file a return you MUST fill out an Income Worksheet.
This exemption must be renewed annually. Renewal notices were mailed in December. To qualify you must be 65 years of age or older and reside in your own home.
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Low Income Disability Exemption: Use form RP-459-c (new applicants) or RP-459-c-Rnw (renewals)
This provides for an exemption in the amount of between 5% and 50% depending on Income. The current Income Limit for the Town, County and School is between $34,000 for a 50% exemption and $42,399 for a 5% exemption. This is an increase from last year’s limit, so you may qualify this year, even if you did not last year. You MUST include a copy of your prior year Federal Tax Return (2022). If you do not file a return you MUST fill out an Income Worksheet.
This exemption must be renewed annually. Requirements are the same as the Low Income Senior except that you need not be 65; however, you must have a qualifying disability. An award letter from Social Security certifying eligibility for either SSDI or SSI or the Railroad Retirement Board certifying Railroad Retirement Disability benefits or the US Department of Veterans Affairs certifying a Veterans Disability pension or a certificate from the state commission for the blind and visually handicapped stating the property owner is legally blind, must be submitted.
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Alternative Veterans Exemption
New York State (NYS) Real Property Tax Law section 458-a provides a limited exemption from real property taxes for real property owned by persons who rendered military service to the United States, provided the property meets the requirements set forth in the law. NYS Real Property Tax Law provides an exemption of taxation for qualified residential real property owned by veterans of defined periods of war, veterans who received expeditionary medals, or certain members of their family based on a percentage of assessed value.
All other exemptions, such as forest or agriculture, whether new or renewed, must also be applied for prior to March 1.
If you have any questions on any exemptions, contact Cheryl Kaszluga, Town Assessor, at assessor@hillsdaleny.com 518 325-5073 ext. 8.
Key Dates:
March 1 (Taxable Status Date) – deadline for all exemptions to be filed with the Assessor. Property improvements and condition, as of this date, will be the basis for the coming assessment cycle.
May 1 (Tentative Assessment Roll) is filed containing all values and exemptions for the tax year. Change of assessment notices are mailed this week.
July 1 (Final Assessment Roll) filed. Town, County and School taxes are based on this roll’s information.
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Safe at Home Committee
Two Presentations scheduled for January 28 Coffee Hour:
“Professional Organizer Makes Life Easier” presented by Laura Gratz (pictured) and "Copake Rapid Care Reopens After Community Support.”
The Safe at Home Coffee Hours meet the last Tuesday of each month at the Hillsdale House from 10-11:30. Coffee and snacks are free, and all are welcome to attend. We expect interesting and compelling conversations.
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Representatives of Columbia Memorial Health (CMH) will attend the January Safe at Home Committee meeting to discuss the services now available at Copake Rapid Care. The Copake facility originally opened in 2016 but closed during the pandemic due to a staffing shortage. Leaders of a five-town coalition came together in 2023, maintaining that the Copake location was vital to local healthcare. In collaboration with residents of the five towns, CMH launched a fundraising effort which received strong community support. CMH reopened the Rapid Care facility in June 2024. The towns which supported the reopening were Ancram, Copake, Gallatin, Hillsdale and Taghkanic. Then Supervisor Chris Kersten was very vocal in asserting that the services offered by the facility were critical to the wellbeing of the community. Current Supervisor Mike Dvorchak is also incredibly supportive of the Rapid Care facility.
Presenting on behalf of CMH at the January meeting will be Dr. Michael Weisberg, Vice Chair for Community Emergency for the Health System, Chief of Emergency Medicine and Medical Director of the Rapid Care Centers, and Edward McNamara, Vice President of Ambulatory Services and Physicians Practices. Jeanne E. Mettler, former Supervisor of the Town of Copake and an advocate for the reopening of the facility, will introduce the two CMH representatives.
Copake Rapid Care is open for walk-ins Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Laura Gratz has her own business as a professional organizer called “Berkshire Organizing” in Great Barrington, MA. Laura states that since childhood she has been an organizer. She would have “clean out days” for her own room. This expanded into helping friends and family organize if they felt overwhelmed with clutter and mess. She collaborates with her clients to figure out what items they do not need or want anymore. She has relationships with local antique dealers and junk haulers and everything in between. “Organization helps create space and time.” She will organize your home, your office, or organize your move to a new place. Seniors often call her for downsizing which can be complicated, and she wants to minimize stress. Ms. Gratz approaches her work as a collaboration with her clients and
knows it is difficult for them to start. She brings her sense of humor, respect, and compassion to the process. Laura will share her process and techniques on how to start and then explain that it is important to step back and admire your work.
Please come and join the fun. Call Natalie if you have questions or need a ride at 518-265-2113. The committee’s email address is
Safe at Home
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Note from Mike Dvorchak: I want to highly recommend Copake Rapid Care. Recently, I had a bout of bursitis of the elbow (returning to tennis after a multi-decade hiatus has proved challenging). I was in constant pain and was having difficulty booking an appointment with my doctor.
I went to Copake Rapid Care, and was seen right away. The staff was remarkably efficient and I waited less than 10 minutes to see a doctor who provided expert care. It's great to know that Copake Rapid Care is so close by and will use their services in the future.
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Is Your Alarm Registered? | |
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The Hillsdale Fire Company wants to remind Hillsdale residents that Columbia County Local Law #7, which was passed in 2016, requires residents and businesses to register their alarm systems annually for a $25 fee. Residents and businesses may be charged for law enforcement or fire department response to repeated false alarms. The law provides for a fine of up to $50 for each unregistered or expired alarm system in the county. Burglar and intrusion alarms must also be registered.
The goal of the ordinance is to reduce the number of false alarm activations requiring a response by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and Local Fire Departments, which will free up resources, and to reduce the fines levied on alarm customers. If you have not registered your alarm, click on the link below to do so.
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Roe Jan Food Pantry
The Roe Jan Food Pantry helps vulnerable families put food on their tables. Currently, food is being provided to about 22 -27 families a month. Based in Hillsdale, the Pantry serves the Taconic Hills school district, except the Philmont area which has its own food pantry. Some families may need help just when dealing with an emergency, while others need long term support. Need increases at the end of the year when families have to deal with the cost of fuel for heat.
Families in need can arrange to pick up food on Fridays between 10 AM and 12 PM by calling Betty White at 518 441-2789 or Jackie Dextraze at 518 965-5770. They will also help in emergencies. Call if you know of a neighbor who may need help. Information is kept confidential. The Pantry is located at 2684 State Route 23, beneath the Sheriff’s substation.
How to Donate: Roe Jan Food Pantry, PO Box 475, Hillsdale, NY 12529. (Tax deductible.) Or put money on the Pantry’s account at the Freshtown Hillsdale service desk. Food and toiletries may be left in the deck box to the right of ramp to the pantry. Call one of the numbers to let them know if you leave items in the box.
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Recycling Stickers
In the new year Columbia County Solid Waste has implanted that seniors who would like to purchase a recycling permit MUST get them at town hall. The cost is $50, which has been the same for a few years. You can get the permits as well has garbage bags with Emily at the clerks office.
Columbia County Solid Waste
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Town of Hillsdale Community Solar Campaign | |
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Hillsdale’s Climate Smart and Clean Energy Community Task Force has secured alternative clean energy capacity with PowerMarket so Town of Hillsdale homeowners, renters and business owners can participate in community solar. Community solar offers the benefits of solar savings without the need to install rooftop panels.
By subscribing to PowerMarket community solar, you earn direct credits on your electric bill every month from your portion of the solar that’s generated by the project. NYSEG will pay the community solar supplier for the energy generated, and each subscriber receives a portion of the dollar value generated by their community solar subscription as a credit. This credit is applied directly to a subscriber’s monthly electric bill, helping to reduce customers’ electricity costs. Subscribers will continue to receive electricity from NYSEG.
The subscriber agreement with PowerMarket offers:
- No upfront costs or cancellation fees
- Up to 10% direct savings applied to your NYSEG bill each month
- Homeowners, renters, business owners and places of worship qualify
- Recipients of HEAP benefits qualify
- Third-party ESCO (energy service company) buyers qualify
Homeowners, renters, and business owners interested in subscribing to community solar can sign up here PowerMarket.io/hillsdale.html or call (315) 503-6433.
Questions can also be emailed to Councilperson Jamie Carano Nordenström at carano.nordenstrom@hillsdaleny.com.
The Climate Smart and Clean Energy Community Task Force is dedicated to supporting a clean energy transition that is sustainable and less costly for the Hillsdale community. In recognition of these efforts, NYSERDA is providing the town municipal grant awards for execution of campaigns supporting community solar, clean energy and cooling (electric heat pump Installations) and electric vehicles (new registrations). Residents can help by letting the committee know when they take actions to support these campaigns.Email carano.nordenstrom@hillsdaleny.com.
Sign Up Here: PowerMarket.io/hillsdale.html
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Hillsdale Town Historians
The Hillsdale Historians close out 2024 with a look at "Hillsdale in the 1930's: A Swinging Town," a documentary that deserves a wider audience. History remains alive in Hillsdale, and the discovery, preservation, and scoring of this footage is one great example. Kudos to producers Ron Vincent, Marilyn Herrington, Julia Brandi, editor/film scorer Elizabeth Wilder Elm, the Rheinstrom Hill Community Foundation whose generous grant made the film possible, and to The Roe Jan Historical Society for their support.
Hillsdale in the 1930's a Roaring Town
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY | |
Roe Jan Community Library
The Friends of Roe Jan Community Library Bookshop is open every Saturday from 10am to 2pm. They accept gently used books Saturday's only from 10:30-1:30. The bookshop is located on the ground floor behind the Library.
For more information about events at the RJ Library, please visit: https://www.roejanlibrary.org/
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Town Officials Email Addresses | |
Did someone forward this email to you? Join the mailing list so the newsletter is delivered directly to you. | | |
Follow Hillsdale on our official Facebook and Instagram pages.
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Check out the Hillsdale Business Directory. From plumbers to galleries, restaurants to landscapers, businesses have a lot to offer in Hillsdale.
If you have a business located in Hillsdale you can add or edit your listing online.
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2609 State Route 23/Main Street
Hillsdale NY 12529
518 325-5073
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