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
From the Supervisor's Desk
Three Copake Positions on Ballot
Library Proposal on the November 2 Ballot
Landowners Can Apply for Agricultural District Inclusion in October
Donate or Buy a Book at the Roe Jan Friends Bookshop
The (New) Alander Motel
New Restaurant Opens in Craryville
Copake Outdoors - Next Outing
Copake to Celebrate Bicentennial in 2024
From Bags to Tags
Park Commission Seek Volunteers
Roeliff Jansen Historical Society
Revived in Wood
Copake History
Grange Events
Help Make Hamlet of Copake Festive - Adopt a Holiday Tree!
What's Happening at the Library
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Knit Club Craft Fair/Fundraiser
Copake Iron Works
Walt's Dairy
Science of Fall Colors
Eco-tips
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From the Supervisor’s Desk
The months since this Town Board took office in January 2020 have been tumultuous. The Board has been confronted with both a pandemic and a proposal to build a utility scale solar project. In spite of the challenges, we are proud of what we have accomplished.
We have worked collaboratively. We have built consensus. Individual board members have worked hard. Deputy Supervisor Richard Wolf spearheaded the town’s response on the solar project and has worked countless hours to keep us all informed and represented. Stosh Gansowski has been pro-active in working with our new code enforcement officer to enforce zoning and initiate court action where necessary; he has also worked closely with NYSEG to fix streetlights, get refunds, and ultimately to have our lights replaced with LED lights. Terry Sullivan has been active with the Summer Music Program and the Park Commission. Jeffrey Judd did our internal audit and assisted in our negotiations with the union. We are proud that we created the Copake Economic Development Advisory Committee. We applied for and received a Local Champions grant and formed a Climate Task Force. We created a new Historic Preservation Committee. An ad hoc committee is planning a new historic display for the walls of Town Hall and has already redecorated the Rheinstrom Room. We are working to redesign our website. We became a Purple Heart Town. We switched from an old payroll system to ADP and switched our bookkeeping to a new system. We hired a new accountant and a new attorney, as well as a new Dog Control Officer and a new Code Enforcement Officer. We installed a light on the flagpole in front of Town Hall and resurfaced the Town Hall parking lot. Now, we are ready to plan for Copake’s Bicentennial.
Overview of 2022 Budget
At our October Town Board meeting, we passed a budget for 2022, which we see as the next step as this board works to make our town government responsive and efficient. When we drafted last year’s budget it was a precarious time; with the pandemic raging, no one could predict what would happen financially. We took a very cautious approach to the 2021 budget. Now, looking at the past 12 months, we can see that sales tax has not decreased, nor has mortgage tax. Both are well over the budgeted amount, and when we take a hard look at the budget we see that the actual amounts received, in both mortgage tax and sales tax, are substantially higher than projected and have been for many years.
We have created a 2022 budget which is both transparent and realistic. First, we are using a new format suggested by our accountant, Robert Patterson, CPA, which is both streamlined and easy to navigate. This makes the expenses and revenue of every department easy to track. Second, we have tried to make our budget realistic. By accurately projecting revenue and appropriations, we are able to address budget issues without raising taxes. A major goal of this 2022 budget is to make our town government professional, responsive and effective. Toward that end we are increasing the wages of town employees, so that we can fairly compensate and maintain the excellent team we have now. We are also putting money in the budget so that in 2022 we can consider hiring an administrative assistant for the town. This was suggested in the Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2011, and is a strategy used in other towns in the county.
Another concern which the Town Board wants to address is cyber security. We will be considering changing our email provider to a system which would be more professional and more secure. With that in mind we have increased the line for central data contractual. For a more complete explanation of the budget go to townofcopake.org to view the budget and townofcopake.org to see the Executive Summary.
The town is in very solid financial shape. Our budget decisions have been fiscally prudent. Our 2020 Annual Update, which is posted on the town website, shows we have substantial reserves in addition to Fund Balance. In our continuing efforts to be transparent, the Town Board recently voted to post monthly Budget to Actual Reports on the website. The reports are clear and easy to read. We understand that we are accountable to the taxpayers. The 2022 budget demonstrates our continued commitment to provide taxpayers with a town government which is efficient, effective and transparent.
Jeanne E. Mettler
Town Supervisor
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Three Copake Positions on Ballet - All are Uncontested
There are three Town races on the ballot this year - two Town Board seats and one Town Justice position. In all three cases, incumbents are running, unopposed, to keep their seats.
On the Republican line for Town Justice is sitting Town Justice Glenn Schermerhorn. Justice Schermerhorn is completing his second term as Justice and is seeking a third term.
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Running unopposed for Town Council are incumbents Jeffrey Judd and Richard Wolf. Richard Wolf, who is currently Deputy Supervisor, is completing his first term as a board member. Mr. Wolf is running on both the Democratic and Working Families lines. Jeffrey Judd, was elected in a special election in 2020 to fill a vacancy on the Town Board and, like Richard Wolf, is seeing a four-year term. Mr. Judd is running on the Democratic line.
On the back of the ballot is a proposal regarding the Roeliff Jansen Community Library. Details with regard to that proposal can be found in the article below. Also on the back of the ballot are five statewide proposals. The details regarding those proposals can be found on the Columbia County Board of Elections website.
The entire Copake ballot, which includes races for Supreme Court, County Court and County Sheriff can be seen here.
Copake polls are open on Election Day, Tuesday November 2, from 6:00am to 9:00pm. Voters in District 1 and 3 vote at the Copake Town Hall. Voters in District 2 and 4 vote at the Park Building. The districts in Copake were revised in February. If you are uncertain which district you are in, you may call the Columbia County Board of Elections at (518) 828-3115 or look up your voter information and status here.
For early voting information and for information regarding absentee ballots, check the Columbia County Board of Elections website. If you intend to vote absentee, note that a new law requires that an application or request for an absentee ballot that is to be mailed to the voter must be received by the Board of Elections at least fifteen (15) days prior to the election. Absentee ballots will not be mailed to voters unless the application for the ballot is received by the board of elections by October 18, 2021.
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Library Proposal on the November 2 Ballot
Proposal Six on the back of ballots in Ancram, Copake, and Hillsdale this year asks each town to increase its support for the Roeliff Jansen Community Library.
In 2013, Copake voters approved an annual library tax of $55,000, and Hillsdale voters approved $42,500. Ancram currently makes an annual donation to the library of $17,500, paid from town taxes. In 2014, funds from the three towns equaled 45% of budgeted expenses for the year. Due to inflation and increases in expenses, the payments now cover only 33% of budgeted expenses.
The amounts to be raised by Proposal Six will increase support of the library to 40% of budgeted expenses. If voters approve Proposal Six, Copake’s annual payment will be $66,472, Hillsdale’s will be $44,142, and Ancram’s will be $29,977. For individual taxpayers, that means a total cost of $9.03 per $100,000 in property value—a tax rate that is actually lower than the rate approved when Copake and Hillsdale last voted on support for the library. In 2020, the library had more new patrons, particularly families, than any year since 2013, and
2021 is likely to be even higher. Circulation this year will reach 45,000 items. COVID restricts
the number of visits but pre-COVID, there were 40,000 visits a year. Even with COVID
restrictions, the library is holding about 200 programs a year outdoors, on Zoom and in person,
attended by over 3,500 people. The library’s resources and services are available free to everyone in the area – all ages, all interests.
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Landowners Can Apply for Agricultural District Inclusion in October
Most of the land used for agricultural production in Columbia County is in one of the ten agricultural districts. If you believe parcels you own are not included in an agricultural district, you have an opportunity to have your land added to an existing agricultural district. This opportunity is for only 30 days each year. The annual 30-day period for Columbia County is the month of October. Explanation of the process can be found here https://bit.ly/39SMubY. A direct link to the application can be found here https://bit.ly/3zURtmY.
Benefits of Land Being in an Agricultural District
There are numerous benefits to having your land in an agricultural district. Agricultural districts protect landowners and farmers from local laws that may unreasonably restrict farm operations. Agricultural districts also serve the public interest by helping to maintain viable agricultural industry. The Columbia County Agricultural Farmland Protection Board (AFPB) and the NYSDAM work with local municipalities to ensure local laws and regulations are not restrictive to agricultural production.
The Process
At the end of October, all requests for inclusion are referred to the Agricultural Farmland Protection Board (AFPB). The Board will determine if the land to be included consists predominantly of viable agricultural land. The AFPB makes a recommendation to the County Board of Supervisors within 30 days. A public hearing is then scheduled and held for public comment. After the public hearing, the County Board of Supervisors adopts or rejects the request. This action must be taken no later than 120 days after the termination of the annual 30- day period (for Columbia County, this is October). If approved by the County Board of Supervisors, the recommendation is forwarded to the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM). If approved by NYSDAM, the tax parcels are included in one of the county’s agricultural districts. Tax parcels can only be added and not removed during this process.
If you are applying for inclusion this year, send your application to the Clerk of the County Board of Supervisors, 401 State Street, Hudson, NY 12534. For more information or to request the form by phone, you may call Patrice Perry, Columbia County Department of Planning at (518) 828-3375 or Steve Hadcock at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia County at (518) 318-115. You may also email Patrice at patrice.perry@columbiacountyny.com or Steve Hadcock at seh11@cornell.edu.
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Donate or Buy a Book at the Roe Jan Friends Bookshop
The Roe Jan Friends bookshop will be open for business November 6 and November 27 from
10am to 2pm for browsing, purchasing and donations. On other days, donations will be accepted by appointment only. The bookshop is located on the lower level of the Roeliff Jansen
Community Library. Please email caskahn@gmail.com for more information or to schedule a
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The (New) Alander Motel is Open!
Reid Kendall and Jason Seiler purchased the old Johanna’s (and formerly Alander) motel in May of 2021, with the goal of transforming the property from a budget roadside motel for the
occasional passerby into a modern boutique lodge aimed at showcasing the abundant natural/recreational beauty and unique shops and dining this area offers. Inspired by the former name and the beauty of Alander Mountain, right across the street, they decided to rechristen it The Alander.
Reid and Jason had a longtime dream of opening a small hospitality operation and got inspired
by a growing trend in the west of folks purchasing and renovating mid-century era motels. The
property has a bar and restaurant that they plan to reactivate next year, and they also plan on
installing a pool. There are currently three rooms fully renovated and available to guests. Two
more will become available by November in time for ski season. There are 12 rooms in total, all
of which will be renovated and available by late spring 2022.
The new owners have wide backgrounds in travel and hospitality. They love meeting new
people and providing fun, curated experiences that showcase the best of what’s around. Jason
and Reid say, “Copake has been an incredibly welcoming community, and we consider ourselves very lucky to have landed here. We hope to contribute substantially to its thriving economy and help lift our neighboring business partners.”
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New Restaurant Opens in Craryville
Zinnia’s Dinette opened this past August with a fabulous party, attended by crowds of people from all over the area, complete with a terrific New Orleans jazz band.
Zinnia’s is owned and run by Amy Lawton, who also spends most of her time in the kitchen, cooking comfort food for all who enter. Amy brings influences from her hometown roots in Rhode Island, from time spent in Puerto Rico, New Orleans and, of course, the Hudson Valley, to her New England-style fish-fry menu. She serves up fish and chips, buttermilk fried chicken, shrimp, chowders, lots of salads, veggies and sandwiches. The menu also accommodates different dietary needs, such as dairy and gluten-free.
Amy, who has had years of experience in the restaurant business, says that she had always liked this building, which was the site of the old Dutch Treat. She wanted to bring people together, and indeed, people came together to help her buy the building and open the restaurant. Food, comfort, friendship and flowers are her guiding forces.
Zinnia’s is open Friday through Monday from 11am to 9pm. She plans to expand the hours as soon as she can find some additional willing workers! For more info, go to https://zinnias-dinette.square.site/
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Copake Outdoors - Next Outing
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, Nov. 7 at 9:30am.
Copake Outdoors has had some wonderful hikes and bike rides over the summer. On Nov. 7 the group will hike into Sage’s Ravine. Meet at the lower Bash Bish parking lot at 9:30am. The group will then drive up to Mt. Washington to get to the trail head. The hike into Sage’s Ravine is not long but it is rugged and steep at times. The trail also meets up with the Appalachian Trail and leads to Bear Mountain, if people are game for a longer hike with great views of the autumn colors at the top. Bring water, sturdy shoes and snacks. Hiking poles are recommended, especially if conditions are wet. Rain cancels the event. You can find more information about the trail at http://berkshirehiking.com/hikes/undermountain.html.
To RSVP for this outing, participate in future events, or to lead an outing, please contact Peggy Lewis at plewispok@gmail.com or Roberta Roll at roberta.roll@gmail.com.
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Copake to Celebrate Bicentennial in 2024
Town Board takes first steps in planning celebration.
2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Town of Copake. At their October meeting, the Copake Town Board created a Bicentennial Committee, charged with planning a calendar of events to be held in 2024, which may include public meetings, ceremonies, gatherings, performances and a parade.
It is the intent of the Town Board that the membership of the committee be diverse and include a broad representation of the town’s residents. With a view towards wide representation of the many individuals and perspectives in Copake, the Town Board invites letters of interest from part-time and full time residents, longtime residents and those who have located here more recently, high school and college-age residents, working people and retired people, members of the Copake Grange, the Roe Jan Young-at-Hearters, the Friends of the Taconic State Park and the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society, and residents from all of the areas of Copake: the Hamlet of Copake, Taconic Shores, Copake Lake, West Copake, Copake Falls, Craryville and North Copake.
In order to encourage input from a wide cross-section of the town, the Town Board also created an Advisory Committee to the Bicentennial Committee. The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to include town residents who support the Bicentennial celebration; they may be called upon to give advice as needed and to be involved to the extent they are available. In keeping with broad representation of the town, members of the Advisory Committee shall be all those listed above, as well as members of the Copake business community, members of previous town administrations, members of the Copake Fire Department, the Craryville Fire Department and members of town committees. The Advisory Committee shall be unlimited in size.
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From Bags to Tags
Columbia County Solid Waste is changing from a bag system to a tag system for garbage disposal.
Over the past few months, the Columbia County Solid Waste Department has been experiencing issues with restocking their inventory of county garbage bags. Their vendor, who has been servicing the county for over twenty years, has been unable to secure resin, ink and employees; therefore they have opted out of their contract with the county. Since the county had little success with other vendors who have bid in previous years, they made the decision to switch over to a “tag system.” This system had been discussed in the past, so they felt it was the perfect time to implement.
The county will start distributing tags as their inventory of remaining bags runs out. The new tag system will consist of three different colored tags. Eventually they will no longer offer options for five different-sized bags, as this will simplify the program and the paperwork.
The SMALL tags are $1.00 each, and they will cover bags up to 10 gallons.
The MEDIM tags are $3.00 each, and they will cover bags up to 30 gallons.
The LARGE tags are $5.00 each, and they will cover bags up to 55 gallons.
See you at the transfer station!
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The Roeliff Jansen Historical Society Museum
Summer 2021 Exhibition is open!
Saturdays and Sundays 2-4pm from July to
October 2021 (Open 10am to 4pm on Saturday, July 21 for Copake Falls
Day)
Inspired by Arthur Baker’s seminal book of photographs, WOODEN CHURCHES:
Columbia County Legacy, the Revived in Wood exhibit explores many aspects of
the Greek and Gothic architectural styles as seen in 17 wooden church buildings
remaining in the five towns of the Roe Jan area: Ancram, Copake, Gallatin, Hillsdale
and Taghkanic.
The exhibit also features photographs, artworks, models, objects, antique tools and
photography equipment, vintage postcards, original documents, memorabilia,
and architectural plans dating from the 19th century. On view in the historic RJHS
Museum building (formerly the Old Copake Falls Church) in Copake Falls, N.Y. until
October 2021. An exhibition catalogue and guide to the churches is also available
for purchase.
The Roe Jan Historical Society has produced a 7-minute video featuring highlights of
exhibit narrated by RJHS President, Lesley Doyel. Use the link below to access this
lively introduction to the “Revived in Wood” exhibition.
The Roeliff Jansen Historical Society Museum - 8 Miles Road, Copake Falls, NY
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Copake History
A Farm Girl’s Reminiscences Inspired by a Cookbook
By Linda Lampman Hinchcliff
(Linda recently got a copy of Cook & Chatter: A Trip Down Memory Lane, a cookbook written by the late Jill Peck Vona. Below are Linda’s comments about it. - Ed.)
There are so many familiar names [in the book]- most of them parents of the kids with whom I or my brothers went to school.
Ann Drumm - mother of Ronnie, classmate of my brother Larry
Inez Ferguson - owned Copake Theatre with brother Eddie (before my brother Allen bought it)
Sally Hotchkins - was the cook at "The Little School" in Copake where I attended grades K-2
Johanna Zitek - known as "Honey" - mother of Joanne, my "best friend from kindergarten" (&
still today)
Blass, Porteous, Pectal, Ackley . . .on and on:
It’s interesting that the first recipe in the book is "Grammy Nell's Soft Molasses Cookies." I
looked in my online file of recipes under cookies, and sure enough, there it is: "Nell Peck's Soft
Molasses Cookies." They could often be found in our cookie jar at the farm, those and the one I
would have submitted:
"Emily's Cookies" - a soft sugar cookie from, I believe, Emily McIntyre and my all-time favorite.
I don't see it in the book, so it's too bad I was a slowpoke and didn't send it in. I have distinct
memories as a young girl of tiptoeing downstairs in the middle of the night to enjoy one or two.
I still make them regularly, only now enjoy with my morning tea.
It intrigued me to read on page 56 about the Cock 'N Bull Restaurant in Pine Plains. Jill writes,
"One of our favorite restaurants...We enjoyed fabulous meals..." One of my classmates, Arthur
Long, whose parents at one time owned The General Store, has also told about enjoying meals
out, at The Swiss Hutte & other places. I must admit to feeling a twinge of jealousy. When
growing up, I was oblivious to the difference between "townies" and farm families. But now I
understand that the dads of families in the towns were "professionals," who obviously had
disposable income to be able to eat out.
WE ate out only ONCE A YEAR - after the Memorial Day Parade, at either Tudge's or at a takeout stand (we'd call it a clam shack today) in Sheffield. Of course, farm families grew their own produce and raised animals, so eating what was grown & raised was natural. I was going to say that, once grown up, I've considered eating out a superb treat. Now that we're seniors, we a) pinch our pennies, and b) in many cases think we cook better meals at home - so we seldom go out!
[Consider sharing some of your stories of growing up in Copake – or of the great ones a parent or grandparent told you years ago! Contact Howard at copaketownhistorian@gmail.com.]
Howard Blue
Town Historian
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Grange Events
Friday, Oct. 22, 7pm - Classic Movie Night: His Gal Friday. A 1940 American screwball comedy-drama-romance, directed by Howard Hawks, and starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. Based on the hit play, The Front Page, it tells the story of formerly married newspaper reporters covering on last story together. Grange Classic Film Series organizer, Lenny Barham, will provide commentary and insights about the film prior to the showing. Donations appreciated at the door. Masks and social distancing may be required. For more information go to copakegrange.org.
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Saturday,Nov. 6, 9am-12pm - First Saturday Giving. Stop by to donate nutritious, non-perishable food items for the Roe Jan Food Pantry Thanksgiving Basket Drive. Also you may donate clean folded clothing and soccer gear for Afghan refugees. Contact Peggy Lewis plewispotok@gmail.com or Rita Jakubowski rlj304@gmail.com. |
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Wednesday, Nov. 3, 7-8pm - Speaker Series. Massachusetts - NY Border Wars 1682-1787. From the beginnings of Livingston Manor to the final boundary survey, contention over the Massachusetts / New York border line led to political action, armed gangs, assault and even murder. Why did a line across the land spark such bitter conflict? Dan Haas will speak about this fascinating story of the Taconics that took place right in our “backyard.” Live and in-person at the Grange.
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Friday, Nov. 5, 7:00-9:00pm - Open Mic Night. 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. For more information, contact copakegrange@gmail.com. |
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Friday & Saturday 11/12, 11/13, 11/19, 11/20 at 7:30pm and Sunday 11/14, 11/21 at 3:00pm - Cabaret. Presented live and in person by Two of Us Productions. Cabaret, a musical, with dramatic commentary at its heart,
is told through three parallel story lines: the younger couple who are denying reality, Fraulein Sally Bowles and the aspiring novelist Cliff Bradshaw; a romantic sub-plot of love denied in the endearing older couple Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schultz; and the social commentary of the Master Of Ceremonies. The Kit Kat Klub performers work with the Master of Ceremonies in commenting on the dark cloud of National Socialism that is engulfing 1930s Germany and how the gathering storm is impacting the principle characters. Tickets - $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and $12 for groups and families. For more information contact ConstanceRLopez@gmail.com or call (513) 329-6293. For tickets go to www.thetwoofusproductions.org.
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Friday, Dec. 3, 7:00-9:00pm - Open Mic Night. 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. For more information, contact copakegrange@gmail.com. |
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Saturday, December 11, 3-5pm - Open House. Come celebrate winter and the holidays at the annual Grange Open House. Hot cider and treats, music, and plenty of good cheer. Bring a donation for the Roe Jan Food Pantry. You can watch the Holiday Parade afterward as it goes through town.
The Copake Grange is located at 628 Empire Rd., near the Clock Tower Pub & Grill. For more information go to copakegrange.org
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Help Make Hamlet of Copake Festive - Adopt a Holiday Tree!
Every year Copake dresses up for the holidays, and 2021’s pandemic will not stop us. This year, over 25 trees throughout the Hamlet of Copake will be decorated with lights. For the first time, the project is being sponsored by the Copake Grange.
You may support this effort by adopting a tree for $30 (cash or check), which you can dedicate in memory or honor a loved one. Application forms are available at Copake General Store, Dad’s Diner or the Clerk’s office in Town Hall. All checks should be made payable to Friends of Copake Grange #935 Inc., a non-profit organization.
If you cannot get to one of those locations, you can email alnoelfair@gmail.com to arrange your adoption.
The trees will be placed in front of participating businesses and municipal buildings around the Hamlet of Copake for the holiday season. If you wish to adopt a tree at a specific designated spot you can request the location on your form. We will make every effort to honor your request. Otherwise, locations will be assigned by a random drawing. You will be notified which tree you were assigned.
The trees will be installed right after Thanksgiving and will be decorated on Saturday, November 27. Those who wish to help with decorating can gather in the parking lot by the Copake General Store at 1:00pm.
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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 in-person in the library and also 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
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Mondays & Thursdays, 9:00-10:30am
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*NEW DATE* Monday, October 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Eleanor Roosevelt. Join us for the first of a series of history programs on FDR,
presented by Jeff Urbin, educator from the Roosevelt Presidential Museum and Library in Hyde Park.
Eleanor Roosevelt is the US's longest serving first lady, and she was an extraordinary one. During the Depression, she traveled around the nation and reported her observations to her husband. She became his "eyes, ears and legs." She was an
advocate for the poor and disadvantaged. After FDR's death, she continued her public
work as a delegate to the United Nations, where she helped secure passage of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
On Zoom. Register by emailing library@philmont.org.
This program is cosponsored by the Roeliff Jansen Community Library, Hudson Area Library, Claverack Free Library, and Philmont Public Library.
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Thursdays, October 21-November 12, 6:00pm -7:00pm
The Art of the Novel: A Graphic Novel Workshop Series. In this 4-session workshop series, led by cartoonist Barbara Slate, students will learn how to create a graphic novel, learn about the creative process, how to write a character study, focus on the narrative of the story, and create layouts. No experience or drawing skills are necessary to participate. This workshop is free and open to tweens, teens, and adults.
Participants must commit to all 4 sessions. Limited to 20 participants.
This program 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
Schoharie County by the Greene County Council on the Arts dba CREATE Council for Research to Enrich the Arts, Technology & Education.
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Saturday, October 30, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Trick or Treat at the Library. Children who come trick or treating at the Library in
costume will get a special treat--a free book!
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Monday, November 8, 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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Monday, November 8, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Infamy to Victory: FDR’s Leadership in World War II. Join us for the second of a series of history programs on FDR, presented by Jeff Urbin, educator from the Roosevelt Presidential Museum and Library in Hyde Park.
On December 7, 1941, the United States - ranked 17th in the world in military power at the time - was unexpectedly plunged into World War II. Just 1,365 days later we emerged as the world's first Superpower. This presentation outlines how Franklin
Roosevelt’s leadership brought us from a ‘day of infamy’ to ‘absolute victory.’ On Zoom. Register by emailing library@philmont.org.
This program is cosponsored by the Roeliff Jansen Community Library, Hudson Area
Library, Claverack Free Library, and Philmont Public Library.
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Thursday, November 18, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Art Workshop: The Circle Game: Color and the Delaunays. Artist Tia Maggio will be leading
three art workshops that experiment with different styles and mediums. In this second workshop, we will take inspiration from French artists Robert and Sonia Delaunay, who co-founded the Orphism art movement, noted for its use of strong colors and geometric shapes. Working with colored pencils, we will create our own circular color masterpieces. All supplies provided.
Registration is required. Space is limited to 10 participants. Register by emailing
youth@roejanlibrary.org.
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Science of Fall Colors
How and why do the leaves change color and what determines how brilliant the leaves will be
each autumn?
Scientists have worked for many years to understand the changes that occur in trees and shrubs during autumn. Although we don't know all the details, we do know enough to explain the basics to help you enjoy nature's multicolored display. Three factors influence autumn leaf color: leaf pigments, length of night, and weather. In early autumn, in response to the shortening days and declining intensity of sunlight, leaves
begin the processes leading up to their fall. The veins that carry fluids into and out of the leaf
gradually close off as a layer of cells forms at the base of each leaf. These clogged veins trap
sugars in the leaf and promote production of anthocyanin. Once this separation layer is complete and the connecting tissues are sealed off, the leaf is ready to fall.
A color palette needs pigments, and there are three types that are involved in autumn color. Carotenoids produce yellow, orange, and brown colors in leaves, as well as other things, such as corn, carrots, and daffodils, as well as rutabagas, buttercups, and bananas. Anthocyanin gives reds and blues, such as those found in cranberries, red apples, concord grapes, blueberries, cherries, strawberries, and plums. Chlorophyll gives leaves a basic green color. It is necessary for photosynthesis, the chemical reaction that enables plants to use sunlight to manufacture sugars for food. Trees in the temperate zones store these sugars for the winter dormant period.
During the growing season, chlorophyll is continually being produced and broken down and
leaves appear green. As night length increases in the autumn, chlorophyll production slows down and then stops and eventually all the chlorophyll is destroyed. The carotenoids and anthocyanin that are present in the leaf are then unmasked and show their colors. Certain colors are characteristic of particular species. For instance, sugar maples have an orange-red color. Aspens and black maples glow yellow, beeches turn a light tan, and oaks a red, brown or russet color. Some leaves of some species, such as the elms simply shrivel up and fall, exhibiting little color other than drab brown.
Now to the question everyone always asks - what about the weather? The amount and brilliance of the colors that develop in any particular autumn season are related to weather conditions that occur before and during the time the chlorophyll in the leaves is dwindling. Temperature and moisture are the main influences.
A succession of warm, sunny days and cool, crisp but not freezing nights seems to bring about
the most spectacular color displays. During these days, lots of sugars are produced in the leaf but the cool nights and the gradual closing of veins going into the leaf prevent these sugars from moving out. These conditions – lots of sugar and light – spur production of the brilliant
anthocyanin pigments, which tint reds, purples, and crimson. Because carotenoids are always
present in leaves, the yellow and gold colors remain fairly constant from year to year.
The amount of moisture in the soil also affects autumn colors. Like the weather, soil moisture
varies greatly from year to year. The countless combinations of these two highly variable factors assure that no two autumns can be exactly alike. A late spring, or a severe summer drought, can delay the onset of fall color by a few weeks. A warm period during fall will also lower the intensity of autumn colors. A warm wet spring, favorable summer weather, and warm sunny fall days with cool nights should produce the most brilliant autumn colors.
So enjoy the colors, no matter how brilliant or muted. Fall is here!
Source: US Forest Service, Department of Agriculture
Forest Service photo by Scott Bell
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Eco Tips for Healthy Living on a Healthy Planet
Even small changes in your daily routine can have a large impact. If we all work together, we can achieve positive results for all of us and our planet.
Here are some tips for reducing waste:
* Recycle whenever and wherever you can. Follow the guidelines at your recycling center, so that your recyclables will be be accepted.
* Carry a reusable, refillable water bottle. Bring a thermos or cup when you go to buy a cup of coffee or tea.
* Use stainless steel or bamboo straws instead of paper or plastic.
* Bring reusable bags to the grocery store. Keep them in your car or handbag.
* Use cloths or sponges to clean up spills rather than paper towels.
* Buy ink refills for your pens instead of throwing the whole pen away.
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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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