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.
|
|
Table of Contents
From The Supervisor's Desk
Public Notice
Solar Report
Hecate Meeting Flyer
Covid Tests
Copake Outdoors
Copake History
Roe Jan Historical Society
Grange Events
What's Happening at the Library
K.I.S.S.
Prescriptions
Eco Tips
|
|
From The Supervisor's Desk
Copake Town Board is Busy
There is a lot going on in Copake these days. The February meeting of the Copake Town Board started off with COVID-19-related announcements. First, pursuant to the directive from Governor Hochul and a follow-up memo from Chairman of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors Matt Murell, the Town of Copake will no longer require masks in Town Hall or the Park Building. Individual departments may still require masks and appointments. We also announced that the town has received a large shipment of COVID tests. Copake residents may pick them up at the walk-up window of the clerk’s office from 8am to noon M-Th and 9am to noon Sat., while supplies last.
It has been the continuing goal of this town board to make town government work efficiently and smartly in order to most effectively address the needs of our citizens. The board has made strides in modernizing the workings of our local government. The most recent example is converting all our email to Google mail at “TownofCopake.org” addresses. Not only will this new system save all email to a ”vault” so that it can be retrieved via a special search tool, the system will also help protect the town from cyber attacks and hacking. All boards and departments are using these new addresses, which can be found on the town website.
The town board has been dealing with two challenging issues. First, the town has been unsuccessful in filling the position of Park Superintendent since Bill Gregory resigned last summer. At the February meeting, the board adopted a new approach, which separates the administrative side of the park superintendent’s job from the seasonal maintenance of the athletic fields at the Copake Memorial Park and the other lawns and properties owned by the town. The administrative side of the job has been filled, and now the board is seeking an individual or business to take over the outdoor maintenance.
Second, a local law was introduced which would create the position of an administrative assistant to the supervisor. Last fall, the board approved a budget line for an employee who would handle not only bookkeeping, but also administrative tasks, such as administration of health insurance for highway retirees, administration of grants, oversight of personnel and HR matters, and compliance with state employment laws. The local law which can be found here will be the subject of a hearing at 6:50pm on March 10, 2022 just prior to the town board meeting.
In other business, the town board:
*Authorized Highway Superintendent Bill Gregory to hire a company to repair a retaining wall along Lakeview Road at Copake Lake,
*Heard a report that Trout Unlimited has received a grant to repair the culvert at Valley View and High Valley Road,
*Authorized the Park Commission to pursue the construction of a bandstand at the Copake Memorial Park by putting the construction out to bid,
*Appointed Edgar Masters to the Zoning Advisory Board to consider changes to the Zoning Code if the town chooses to allow cannabis consumption lounges,
*Passed a resolution to request that DOT lower the speed limit throughout the Copake Lake Watershed to a uniform 30 MPH,
*Passed two resolutions to streamline the procedures for passing resolutions and requiring agendas to be posted online,
*Approved the disposal of obsolete computers and electronic equipment in town hall,
*Approved hiring a trainer from Columbia County to teach Prevention of Workplace Violence to the staff,
*Listened to a resident from Upper Rhoda who requested oversight of short term rentals. The board agreed that Code Enforcement Officer Erin Reis, Councilperson Stosh Gansowski and I will meet to discuss this issue.
*Councilpersons gave reports as follows: Deputy Supervisor Richard Wolf advised the board regarding efforts to convince DOT to install a traffic light in Craryville. Councilperson Jeffrey Judd related progress in exploring the possibility of installing an electric charging station. He is working with CAC Chair Edgar Masters and is hoping that funds will become available from NYSERDA soon. Councilperson Terry Sullivan reported concerns about senior citizens in the recent power outage and volunteered to create an emergency call list. Councilperson Stosh Gansowski reported that the bridge over the Noster Kill has finally been removed by Sal Casino and Lackawanna Farm, and was congratulated by the rest of the board for his many years of advocacy in obtaining this result.
The past two years have been a struggle as we dealt with COVID, but the board has worked on lots of other issues. We will continue to do so, and we look forward to meeting together again in person.
Jeanne E. Mettler
Supervisor
|
|
Public Notice Town of Copake Request for Proposal
Request for Proposal Maintenance of Copake Memorial Park and Town of Copake Properties-2022
The Town of Copake seeks a proposal by an individual or company to maintain the Copake Memorial Park grounds, including playing fields, and other Copake properties as follows:
Copake Memorial Park including Athletic Fields
Obtain estimates for maintenance material, submit request to Town Board and after obtaining approval, Order all maintenance material necessary for baseball diamonds
Maintain contact with Little League regarding 2022 game schedule
Prepare and maintain fields for athletic practices and all games- both Little League and Girls’ Softball. (This includes marking the fields and also when needed, extra mowing of the fields)
Oversee and provide all outside maintenance at Copake Memorial Park (mowing lawns, trimming shrubs and trees, mulching and maintaining beds, trees) April 2022 through November 11, 2022
Town of Copake Properties
Outside maintenance of Folger’s Triangle, Hamlet Sign, Clock Circle, Viewmont Circle, Parkside Drive, Town Hall Property, Williams Cemetery, Fire Pond Park and adjoining property, Roe Jan Historical Society and the Flag Green in Copake Falls
Planting and weeding of flowers at Town Hall, Copake Memorial Clock and Copake Memorial Park
Check all other properties frequently to insure proper maintenance (weeding, pruning, etc.) April 2022 through November 11, 2022
You will be responsible for providing labor to complete the above named tasks. You will have responsibility for purchasing flowers and other materials at Town expense, once you have received Town approval. Please include in your proposal whether you intend to use your own equipment and machinery or whether you are requesting to use Town owned equipment.
Interested Parties should submit proposals to Lynn Connolly, Town Clerk, Town of Copake, Copake Town Hall 230 Mountain View Road, Copake NY 12516. Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 pm March 3, 2022. Proposals may be mailed, delivered by hand or emailed to copaketownclerk@townofcopake.org
|
|
Solar Update
The Copake Town Board has been consistent in its position regarding Hecate’s Shepherd’s Run proposal. We acknowledge that Copake needs to do its part to address the existential crisis of climate change, but we do not believe that the town should be required to do more than its fair share.
The Shepherd’s Run proposal is still too big for Copake. Two hundred twenty-eight acres of solar panels, inverters, and related equipment “inside the fence” is 45% of what Hecate originally proposed, but it is still too big. The proposed location for the industrial-scale solar energy factory is situated primarily along County Route 7, south of State Route 23, a primary gateway to the Copake hamlet and Copake Lake. It would destroy the rural character of the area and reduce property values for nearby homeowners. These homeowners should receive just compensation. The town has pressed Hecate to move the arrays that would be most visible (particularly those planned for hill inclines east of CR 7), and substantially improve the screening: plant mature trees, not saplings; plant in staggered rows; use berms. The town provided Hecate with pictures of fencing that is less of an eyesore and more animal-friendly than the chain-link fencing Hecate intended to use. Finally, the town has urged Hecate to delay filing a siting application with the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) until it address Copake’s concerns and recommendations, as well as those of an ad hoc working group, which includes Sensible Solar, Friends of Columbia Solar, Scenic Hudson, the Columbia Land Conservancy, two groups from Cornell University, and volunteer landscape architects. We may, or may not, agree with all of the working group’s recommendations, but their hard work and dedication to Copake is to be commended.
The group presented its findings and recommendations to Hecate on Feb. 8. It will present its recommendations and discuss them with the community one week from tonight, on Thursday, February 17, at 6pm. However, in its most recent “Notice of Intent to File an Application,” Hecate announced that it will file on February 18 just 10 days after receiving the working group’s report. If Hecate is serious about its stated intention to be a collaborative community partner with Copake, it will hit the pause button and take the time to modify its Shepherd’s Run proposal to incorporate the working group’s recommendations into the siting permit application.
The town recently heard from Hecate that it intends to address some of our concerns; Hecate says it will modify its proposal by substituting animal-friendly fencing for chain link, and it will substantially improve the type and quantity of plantings for screening. The town continues to urge Hecate to work with us, so that together we can create a template that can be a model for upstate solar development projects - a model that respects small-town, rural communities even as it helps the state to meet its ambitious energy goals. To that end, our Assembly Member Didi Barrett, who is part of the ad hoc working group, wrote an excellent letter to Governor Hochul seeking a balance between climate actions and community preservation. The letter couldn’t have been more timely.
Recent questioning of ORES’ Acting Director by our State Senator Daphne Jordan revealed the predisposition of ORES to make determinations that ignore any semblance of balance. Senator Jordan was told that ORES would waive a town’s local laws if they were inconsistent with the state’s climate goals. This means ORES would ignore Copake’s Zoning Code, Comprehensive Plan, and Farmland Protection Plan. We commend Assembly Member Barrett and Senator Jordan and urge them to continue to advocate in Albany for fairness for Copake.
Even as the siting application process moves along, Copake's attorneys are completing papers soon to be submitted for the appeal in the lawsuit challenging the regulations promulgated by ORES. Copake is a lead petitioner, now appellant, along with five other upstate towns and seven non-profit avian interest groups. No town funds are being spent on this lawsuit.
Richard Wolf
Deputy Supervisor
|
|
COVID Tests Available in Copake
The Town of Copake has picked up a new delivery of tests from Columbia County.
We will make these available to Copake residents beginning Tuesday February 8. Please bring proof of residency. Tests will be available this week at the Clerk’s walk-up window, as follows: Tuesday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to noon. Saturday's 9:00 a.m. to noon.
To learn details about the availability of masks and tests, check the town website and also the Copake Facebook page. Or you may call the clerk's office at 518-329-1234 Ext 2.
|
|
Copake Outdoors
Copake Outdoors, the local group dedicated to having fun hiking, biking, kayaking and swimming in and around Copake, will have its next outing on Sunday, March 6, weather permitting.
Due to the changing weather and recent frigid temperatures, we have not set a location
yet. We will send out information several days before the March outing, and we will also
send out emails announcing impromptu hikes and other activities, especially if the
March 6 outing needs to be canceled due to bad weather. If you’d like to stay informed,
|
|
Copake History
Growing Up in Copake and Other Stories
The large exhibit that artist Nick Fritsch and I are preparing to redecorate the Copake Town Hall is moving along nicely. So far, we've completed about 15 panels (with historic photos and relevant text) of a target number of at least 25. Were trying to make it interesting, partly with anecdotes connected with the panels themes. We also want to honor Copake by making it as accurate as possible. Roberta Roll just spent a bunch of hours editing the first batch of text that I sent her. She did a wonderful job.
Recently, to motivate some people I've talked with to come up with stories, I've told
them about the following: Not long ago, I had almost finished the text for a panel about
the Catamount Mountain Resort, but I realized that it needed a bit more pizzazz. So I
called Barrie Fisher, one of the daughters of Catamount founder, Jack Fisher. When I
told her what I wanted, she came up with the following anecdote.
One day while Jack was still creating the ski center, he was cutting down a tree on a
slope. Suddenly, hearing a commotion down below, he whacked his axe into the tree
and rushed down below. The date was Sunday, December 7,1941. So, Jack learned
that the Japanese had just bombed Pearl Harbor. Jack was a pilot, so he quickly wound
up in uniform and was shipped to Arizona to work as a flight instructor. When the war
ended, Jack returned to Copake and continued working at Catamount. Possibly on the
day of his return, he walked up that slope that he had been on several years earlier.
There he found the tree that he'd been cutting - with the axe still in it.
Over the years I've put out appeals for stories and photos. Many folks have responded,
as did both Joni Peck Ford and a man, whom for the moment I'll call Bill. Joni is in the process of sending me some digitized photos. The first couple that she sent so far are terrific. Bill, who grew up on a farm, lent me a huge collection, which I scanned. This morning Bill and I spoke on the phone and I asked him for some anecdotes. First, to illustrate the kind of thing I'm looking for, I told him about Jack Fisher and the axe. Of course, he got it and he immediately told me one good story of a winter incident involving his father, and he's going to get back to me with other stories.
We need some more anecdotes for the panels, and always for this monthly posting. We
created a nice panel about Copake kids over the years. Please think about the story
about Jack and the axe. What fun or just interesting stories do you and your siblings or
cousins tell and retell to each other about your childhoods when you get together?
And thanks, - Copake thanks you!
Howard Blue
Photo: Jack Fisher, c. 1941, founder of the Catamount Mountain Resort; from the Barrie Fisher collection.
|
|
From the Home Front to the Front Lines: The Roe Jan Historical Society remembers WWII
An exhibition inspired by the 80th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor
The subject of the Historical Society’s 2022 summer exhibition will be WWII as told through personal correspondence, photographs, G.I. standard issue equipment, commendations, medals, official documents, and mementos of family members who served.
But we can’t do it without you!
The Historical Society invites residents of the entire Roe Jan area to lend photographs, letters, and memorabilia from any branch of the Armed Forces, and from service at home or overseas. This spring, RJHS will be open on the following Friday and Saturday afternoons from 2 to 4pm to receive items for the summer exhibit: March 18 and 19, March 25 and 26 and April 1 and 2 You can also make an appointment by calling 518-329-3251, or write us at roeliffjansenhs@gmail.com
The Roeliff Jansen Historical Society Museum
8 Miles Road, Copake Falls, NY
|
|
Grange Events
Saturday, Feb. 26, 7:00 - 9:30pm. Suspense Theater Radio Dramas - presented live online by The Two of Us Productions. The ABC Murders features Alexander Bonepart Cust, a remarkable character, created by England's noted thriller author, Agatha Christie. In August Heat, we are introduced to James Clarence Withencroft, who has been irresistibly driven to draw a picture of a criminal in the dock. Walking on a hot summer day, James suddenly comes face-to-face with the man in the picture! To register, go to www.thetwoofusproductions.org. Event is free and donations are gratefully accepted.
|
|
Friday, March 4, 7:00-9:00pm - Open Mic Night. LIVE and IN-PERSON! Live open mic is on 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. For more information, contact copakegrange@gmail.com.
|
|
Saturday, March 5, 10am-12pm. First Saturday of Giving. Support the Roe Jan Food Pantry and Taconic Hills School District by dropping off healthy, non-perishable foods, such as oatmeal, canned goods, peanut butter, rice, pasta, beans, nutritional snacks; personal hygiene products; winter hats, gloves, socks and boots.
The Grange is located at 628 Empire Rd.
|
|
What’s Happening at the Library?
Thursdays, 9:00-10:00am
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
|
|
Mondays & Thursdays, 9:00-10:30am
|
|
Satudays, 10:30am
Storytime With Tia. Tia, the library's Children's & Youth Services Asscociate, will be sharing stories and related activities for kids in the Children's Room every Saturday starting at 10:30am. Check our Facebook page for weekly themes. We hope to see you there!
|
Wednesdays, 12:30 - 1:30pm Homeschool Wednesdays. Homeschooled children and their families are welcome to join us in our Children's Room for Homeschool Wednesday. We will read a book and work on a different activity every week.
|
Wednesday, February 16, 6:00 - 7:15pm. History Webinar: Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow. Based on the New-York Historical Society's 2018-19 exhibition of the same name, this virtual presentation explores Black Americans' struggle for equality under the law from 1865 through World War I. Learn about both Southern and Northern roles in this dark chapter of our history, as well as Black New Yorkers’ organizing and community-building in the face of discrimination. This program is presented by the New-York Historical Society and sponsored by the Columbia County Libraries Association. Email director@roejanlibrary.org to register.
|
Wednesday, February 23, 6:00 - 7:00pm. The Importance of Focus--For Getting More of What You Want in Life. Do you want more out of life? Do you find yourself distracted? Do you wish you could be more focused and achieve more? Former illusionist Greg Dwyer will show you how to create real magic in your life to get more of what you desire. Greg has worked backstage for Doug Henning’s The Magic Show and was seen by over six million people on CBS on The Late Show with David Letterman. Greg knows how to make the impossible possible, and has traveled the world sharing his insights with others. If you want more out of life and would like to focus on making it happen, this interactive 60 minute online workshop is for you.
This program is cosponsored by the Roeliff Jansen Community Library, Hudson Area Library, Claverack Free Library, and Philmont Public Library.
|
Monday, February 28, 5:45 - 7:00pm Tech Lab: Cyber Security. Learn how to be safe online with Roe Jan Library's tech guru Pam Doran, who will discuss how to avoid falling prey to viruses and phishing emails. This program is sponsored by the Roeliff Jansen Community Library, Hudson Area Library, Claverack Free Library, and Philmont Public Library. Email
|
Wednesday, March 2, 12:30 - 1:30pm Traveling Early Learning and Literacy Program. Talk Read Sing Columbia/The Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood will join us to read a book and do a STEAM project. This month we will be reading Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan's Life-Saving Invention of the Traffic Signal by Karyn Parsons and doing a traffic light STEAM project with kids. |
Monday, March 7, 5:45 - 7:00pm Tech Lab: Library E-Book Apps. Join Roe Jan Library tech guru Pam Doran to learn more about how to use the library's e-book apps, Libby/Overdrive and Hoopla. This program is sponsored by the Roeliff Jansen Community Library, Hudson Area Library, Claverack Free Library, and Philmont Public Library. Email director@roejanlibrary.org for the Zoom login information.
|
Monday, March 14, 11:00am - 4:00pm Health Care Navigator Appointments. A Navigator from the Healthcare Consortium will be available the second Monday of each month from 11:00am to 4:00 pm. 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. You can make an appointment by calling (518) 822-9600.
|
Monday, March 14, 5:45 - 7:00pm Tech Lab: Facebook. Social media permeates our lives. Learn more about the ins and outs of Facebook with Roe Jan Library tech guru Pam Doran. This program is sponsored by the Roeliff Jansen Community Library, Hudson Area Library, Claverack Free Library, and Philmont Public Library. Email director@roejanlibrary.org for the Zoom login information.
|
Eco Tips for Healthy Living
Indoor Air Quality When we hear about air pollution, we might think of vehicle exhaust or burning barrels, or other forms of outdoor air pollution, but have you thought about the air you breathe inside, everyday? In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air, even in large cities.
There are many substances that can cause the air inside our homes and offices to become unhealthy, and even downright hazardous. Pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary culprits. These include fumes from fuels, such as oil, gas, propane, kerosene and wood, as well as tobacco products. Building materials containing asbestos, pressed wood products, vinyl, carpets, adhesives, paint, air fresheners, cleaning products, flame retardant and other treated fabrics, personal care products and detergents, as well as many other materials, can produce polluting and toxic emissions. Even cooking, especially frying and sautéing, can cause damage to the respiratory system. Outdoor substances, such as radon, pesticides, smoke and other pollutants can accumulate inside as well. Inadequate ventilation, high temperatures and humidity can increase indoor pollutant levels, molds and mildews.
It is wise to try to improve the air quality in your home, even if you do not notice any symptoms. Some effects of indoor air pollution may be noticed immediately, such as irritated throat and eyes. Other health effects may show up either years after exposure has occurred or only after repeated periods of exposure. These effects, which include some respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal.
Some ways to reduce exposure in your home or office include the following:
Use non-toxic building, paints, adhesives, and cleaning materials
Eliminate or reduce exposure to tobacco
Make sure your appliances and heating systems are clean and well-functioning
Test for radon and take mitigation steps if necessary
Make sure you have good ventilation
|
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.
|
Contact
Copake Town Hall
230 Mountain View Road
Copake, NY 518-329-1234
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
