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
Solar Report
Copake is Lead Petitioner
Funds to Replace Septic Systems
Community Bulletin Board
Bacon's Pizza
Invasion of the Gypsy Moths
Roeliff Jansen Historical Society
St. John in the Wilderness
Help Wanted
Vacancy
Help Wanted
Roe Jan Ramble
Copake History
Join the Copake Fire Team
Grange Events
What's Happening at the Library
Roe Jan Community Library Benefit
Copake Iron Works
Eco-tips
Ways to Stay Informed and Help
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From the Supervisor’s Desk
The Copake Town Board thanks our Public Health Emergency Taskforce.
Our July 10 meeting was the first time the Copake Town Board had met in person since March 2020.
At that meeting on March 12, 2020, the pandemic was coming at us like a tsunami. No
one could predict what we were up against. All we knew was that whatever was about
to happen, we had to make decisions which were careful and science-based. In those
early days, the best decision we made was to appoint a Public Health Emergency
Taskforce. The members we appointed were Rus Davis, Dave Proper and Janet
Mackin, all of whom have deep professional experience on which we could rely.
The past 16 months have been harrowing, but we got through it. As we round a bend
and hope that the pandemic is in the rear view mirror, I especially want to thank Rus,
Janet and Dave, who were so generous in sharing their expertise in this challenging
time. At the July Town Board meeting, the board adopted a resolution expressing our
thanks. It can be read here.
Jeanne E. Mettler
Town Supervisor
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Solar Update
Last month, Hecate, moving ahead with its plan to seek expedited approval from the state’s new Office of Renewable Energy Siting (“ORES”) to site its proposed industrialsize solar power plant, Shepherd’s Run, in Craryville, issued a “Notice of Intent to File
an Application” on or about July 15.
Hecate has transferred out of the longstanding state siting approval process, known as
Article 10, into the new, streamlined “Section 94-c” process. 94-c requires that before a
developer files an application for a solar power plant with a capacity of 25 megawatts or
more, it must participate in two mandatory meetings in the following order: first, in this
case, Hecate is required to meet with the chief executive of the “host community,”
Supervisor Jeanne Mettler. Thereafter, the developer, Hecate, must meet with “the
community,” specifically “community members who may be adversely impacted by the
siting of the facility.” Both meetings must occur at least 60 days before Hecate is
allowed to file its siting application with ORES. Hecate’s announced intention to file on
or about July 15 will not be met, since those meetings have not taken place.
At this point, we have no idea when Hecate will file. Since our June Town Board
meeting, two important developments have occurred which may well affect the timing: a
meeting we had with senior Hecate people, and a lawsuit. On June 17, Supervisor
Mettler and Deputy Supervisor Richard Wolf met with Hecate partner and Chief Strategy
Officer David Wilhelm, Senior Vice President of Environmental and Permitting Diane
Sullivan, and Shepherd’s Run Project Manager Alex Campbell. It was agreed by all that
this meeting was not the first meeting required by the 94-c process. The town reiterated
its two primary objections to the project as currently proposed: (1) it is too big for
Copake, and (2) the proposed siting is no good. Although the meeting failed to produce
new ideas or tangible progress, the town has been told that Hecate is in the process of
revising its plan.
The second development is a lawsuit that was filed against ORES on June 29. The
lawsuit, known as an “Article 78 petition,” has been brought by Copake and five other
upstate, rural towns (Cambria, Farmersville, Malone, Somerset and Yates), as well as
seven non-profit avian interest groups and community grass-roots organizations.
Copake is a lead petitioner, but no town funds will be spent on this litigation. ORES
must respond within 30 days. The lawsuit was filed by Copake’s solar attorneys, the
Zoghlin Group, together with two other prominent attorneys.
The lawsuit challenges regulations promulgated on March 3, pursuant to Section 94-c
by ORES. Without going too deep into the weeds, suffice it to say that the plaintiffs
challenge the ORES regulations on three major grounds:
First, the regulations violate the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”)
because ORES mischaracterized them and then issued what is called a “negative
declaration of environmental significance,” in effect, saying that their new regulations
will not affect the environment.
Second, the regulations violate the Home Rule provisions in Article 9 of the New York
State Constitution, because they do not set standards governing when ORES may
override local laws, including Copake’s zoning law, as well as our Comprehensive Plan
and Farmland Protection Plan and years of planning to be effective, forward-looking
stewards of Copake’s lands.
Third, ORES violated the State Administrative Procedure Act (“SAPA”), because when it
issued uniform standards and conditions which will apply to all industrial-size renewable
energy power plant applications anywhere in New York State, it failed to consider
alternatives, as SAPA requires. ORES ignored over 5000 comments on its draft
regulations before finalizing them, without making substantive changes in response.
Further, ORES outsourced the drafting of the regulations to a company called Tetra
Tech, which just happens to be a consultant to several large-project energy developers
working on New York State projects, including Hecate.
What Copake and the other plaintiffs are asking the courts to do is invalidate the ORES
regulations; require ORES to go back to the drawing board and draft regulations that
abide by the requirements of SEQRA, the Home Rule provisions of the State
Constitution, and SAPA; issue an injunction enjoining ORES from acting on any 94-c
applications using the existing regulations; and authorize developers who have already
filed siting applications under 94-c to transfer to the “old” Article 10 siting board process
so that their projects aren’t stopped cold. Again, this lawsuit is directed not at Hecate,
but at ORES.
Richard Wolf
Deputy Supervisor
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Copake is Lead Petitioner in Lawsuit against New York State
In a lawsuit filed on June 29, Copake joined five other rural New York State towns and seven organizations to challenge the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting, known as ORES. ORES is the office that was created by the New York State Legislature when it enacted Executive Law 94-c in 2020. ORES and 94-c replace the Article 10 procedures previously used to permit renewable energy projects larger than 25 megawatts. The purpose in creating ORES was to accelerate the approval process for large renewable energy projects.
The lawsuit challenging ORES and the regulations adopted in 2021 alleges a violation
of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). The lawsuit seeks
to overturn regulations setting standard uniform conditions applicable to all renewable
energy projects in the state. The coalition of plaintiffs alleges ORES failed to
acknowledge that its regulations for siting power plants could result in even one
significant adverse environmental impact, and as a result failed to prepare an
environmental impact statement.
The lawsuit complains that ORES did not properly comply with SEQRA in adopting its
regulations in 2021. This is made more significant because in 2021, the NYS legislature
passed a law exempting individual applications to ORES from SEQRA. The lawsuit
also complains that ORES delegated the drafting of the regulations to a private
consulting company, Tetra Tech. The company represents numerous renewable energy
developers in the State, including Hecate Energy.
The lead lawyers in the matter are Mindy Zoghlin and Benjamin Wisniewski, of the firm Zoghlin Group PLLC, who also represents the Town of Copake in the Hecate Energy Shepherd’s Run application, and Gary Abraham, long-time energy and environmental advocate. William Sheehan, the Vice-President and General Counsel of the American Bird Conservancy, is acting as its co-counsel in the case.
The Copake Town Board passed a unanimous resolution in June agreeing to join the
lawsuit. Donors from across the state are paying for the litigation and the town will not
be paying any legal fees or expenses for its participation.
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Get Funds to Replace Your Septic System
New York State has a program that can help you replace your septic system. This program is funded by NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation. Its mission is to help fund the replacement of septic systems which are located within 250 feet of the targeted body of water (in Copake: Copake Lake or Robinson Pond) to reduce nutrients entering the water body. The following criteria must be met:
• Septic system must be within 250 of the water body.
• Septic System conditions warrant repair, upgrade or replacement.
• You must submit a complete application to the Columbia County Department of Health (CCDOH). • CCDOH will schedule a site visit.
• An engineer design may be required based on work to be completed.
• Once approved, your contractor may conduct the work.
• Once work is completed, a detailed bill must be submitted to CCDOH.
• Reimbursement for project will be based on all eligible expenditures.
• Columbia County will reimburse 50% of eligible expenses up to $10,000.00.
• Funds are only available through December 2026, or until grant funds are exhausted.
For more information, contact Columbia County Department of Health at 518-828-3358.
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Community Bulletin Board Gets a Face Lift
The Community Service Committee of the Copake Grange has renovated and upgraded the community bulletin board on Main Street next to the Copake General Store.
It is available by appointment for posting an organization, business or personal notice. Contact Elayne Dix at 718-644-4111 and leave a message with your name and phone number or email. Calls will be returned promptly to make arrangements for posting. Please keep all postings 8 x11 or smaller, and do not attach pull-off phone numbers or emails. Please include an expiration date. The board will remain locked to protect everyone’s posts, and expired postings will be removed.
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New Owners for Bacon’s Pizza
In 2020, a new pizza place opened in Craryville, named Bacon’s Pizza, after its owner, Corey Bacon.
As of June 11, the establishment changed hands; the new owners are Rob Heeder and John Reed.
Rob is a 2007 Taconic Hills graduate and a Craryville resident. He has been making
pizza at various local establishments for many years and is excited about having his
own shop. Bacon’s Pizza is open Tuesday through Sunday. The hours are 11am to
8pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. On Friday and Saturday they stay
open until 9pm. Orders can be placed at 518-325-3100. The address is 1817 State
Route 23.
The menu is expansive, including calzones, strombolis, wings, salads and other
We welcome Rob and John to the Copake business community and wish them well.
Pictured are (l-r) Rob Heeder with staff members Augustus Crayton and Jennifer
Mentzer.
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Invasion of the Gypsy Moths
Many of you have noticed that gypsy moth caterpillars have been ravaging some of the forests this spring and summer. Most years, they are with us in low numbers and are hardly noticeable among the diverse other caterpillars that occupy our gardens, lawns, fields, and forests, but every now and then, multiple environmental factors coincide to create a large outbreak. When this happens, you’ll see the moths especially attacking their favored oak species, but also many other hardwood trees and shrubs, and even white pine.
Although it can be horrifying to watch the defoliation of your favorite trees, many will put out new leaves this summer and most trees will survive. The stress of defoliation, however, will certainly slow the trees’ growth and also make them more vulnerable to other stresses, such as drought and disease. Weaker trees may succumb when a second and third year infestation occurs.
Luckily, many forest organisms help to control gypsy moth populations. White-footed mice consume the gypsy moth pupae, many species of songbirds feed on the caterpillars, and a number of predatory and parasitoid insects feed on both caterpillars and pupae. The most effective enemies of the gypsy moth, however, are a fungus and a virus normally present in our forests. They attack and kill the late-stage caterpillars and have been credited with preventing even larger and longer-term infestations that would cause more permanent damage to our forests.
By late June, surviving caterpillars enter the pupal stage of their life cycle. After a couple of weeks, adult moths emerge from the pupae and breed. The females then deposit their buff-colored fuzzy egg masses on tree trunks, and both the males and females die. Caterpillars will then emerge from the eggs in spring 2022.
What can you do about gypsy moths? At this time of the summer, not much, and the large outbreak this year is an unfortunate predictor of another large outbreak next year. If you are concerned about several trees in your yard, there are non-toxic methods that may reduce the numbers of caterpillars on your trees. Around mid-May next year, you could wrap a broad (12”- 18” wide) band of burlap or other cloth around the trunk, secured in the middle with string, letting the upper half flop over. The caterpillars that are intercepted as they move up or down the trunk can be collected and disposed of in soapy water. Right now, you can also remove the fuzzy tan egg masses that start to appear on the tree trunks in your yard.
Applications of pesticides may kill the caterpillars, but may also harm all the beneficial insects that are essential to the tree and forest ecosystems. So just sit back and endure the several weeks of infestation, and count on all the other organisms of a healthy forest to help most of your trees and shrubs survive.
Special thanks to Gretchen Stevens, Director, Biodiversity Resources Center, Hudsonia Ltd. for this article.
Photo by Karla Salp, Washington State Department of Agriculture, bugwood.org
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Roeliff Jansen Historical Society Opens Summer Exhibition
Revived in Wood: Greek and Gothic Revival Churches of the Roe Jan Region will open on Saturday, July 10 at 2pm. The exhibit will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 2-4pm, July through October 2021.
During the 19th century in America, two distinct architectural styles flourished side by side: the classical style of Ancient Greece and the Gothic style of Medieval Europe. However, unlike their classical and European antecedents built in stone, the characteristic architectural forms of each were revived and translated into wood, the nation’s most abundant material. Though used in both civic and domestic architecture, both styles also found vivid expression in numerous rural churches dotting the American countryside.
Inspired by Arthur Baker’s seminal book of photographs, WOODEN CHURCHES: Columbia County Legacy, the RJHS summer exhibit explores many aspects of the Greek and Gothic 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 exhibition, featuring photographs, objects, models, antique tools and photography equipment, documents, mementos, and memorabilia, will be on view in the historic “Old Copake Falls Church,” now the RJHS Museum. An exhibition catalogue and guide to the churches will be available for purchase.
The Roeliff Jansen Historical Society Museum is located at 8 Miles Road, Copake Falls, NY. For more details and summer programs go to roeliffjansenhs.org
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Learn About St. John in the Wilderness and Architect Richard Upjohn
On Sunday, July 18th at 2pm, Dale Peterson, AIA will give a presentation titled St. John in the Wilderness & Richard Upjohn: The Architecture, The Architect at the Church of St. John in the Wilderness in Copake Falls.
Why was America's most architecturally significant Carpenter Gothic church built in the heart of the Roe Jan area? We'll explore how 19th Century changes in American religion, the rise of iron mining in Columbia County and the life of British-born architect Richard Upjohn came together in Copake Falls. Upjohn's Church of St. John in the Wilderness, built in 1852, reinterprets medieval Gothic themes - originally built-in stone - in the American vocabulary of wood. The church's board and batten exterior expresses the vertical thrust of Gothic in a uniquely American form.
Dale Peterson, AIA, is a retired architect and construction manager, now living full time in the hamlet of Copake Falls. He is an active member of the Episcopal Church of St John in the Wilderness. A graduate of the Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, his professional career spanned a wide variety of commercial projects from office buildings, office interiors and computer centers to Wall Street trading floors. From 2009 until 2017 he was the City of New York's project executive for PSAC II, the city's new 911 call center in the Bronx. He has had a home in Copake Falls since 1986.
The church is located at 261 Route 344 Copake Falls, NY. Admission is Free!
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Vacancy for Park Superintendent
Please take notice the Town of Copake seeks Park Superintendent.
Responsibilities include: Supervision of Copake Memorial Park including overseeing and assisting with all outside maintenance; coordinating all outside events and athletic practices and games; ordering all maintenance materials; opening and winterizing outside restrooms & concession stand; maintenance of Ice Rink, coordination of all outside agencies for large and special events.
Park Superintendent is also responsible for maintenance of Town properties in Hamlet of Copake and Copake Falls, including Williams Cemetery.
Complete job description available upon request. Letters of interest and resumes should be submitted to Lynn Connolly, Town Clerk, Copake Town Hall, 230 Mountain View Road, Copake NY 12516 or emailed to copaketownclerk@townofcopake.org but must be received by 2:00 pm on July 22, 2021.
Inquiries may be made to the Supervisor at 518-329-1234 ext 1.
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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, August 12, 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.
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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Roe Jan Ramble Bike Tour Returns This Fall
The Roe Jan Ramble Bike Tour is coming back to Copake this year on Saturday, September 18, 2021.
This will be the 9th year for the popular non-competitive ride that follows six different routes through Copake and neighboring Ancram and Hillsdale. The routes range from the easy and mostly flat family-friendly 10-mile ride, all the way up to the challenging 100km/62.1-mile ride for experienced cyclists. The Ramble is free to ride, and donations will be raised to support the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Join in on the fun. Register to ride by going to www.roejanramble.org.
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Copake History
Copake’s World War II Airplane Spotting Tower
During World War II, the Aircraft Warning Service, the civilian arm of the Army’s ground observation corps, was created to help protect the nation from possible intrusion of enemy aircraft. Volunteers were first organized in May 1941, and on the East Coast they operated under the auspices of an Army Air Force unit based at Mitchell Field in Long Island, NY.
Integral to the effort was establishment of observation posts such as this one, which was located near present-day Copake Town Hall. Rev. John Evans Jr., pastor of the Methodist Church, was probably the town’s most masterful airplane spotter. In April 1943, Rev. Evans returned from New York’s Hotel McAlpine, where he had completed a course in the Aircraft Recognition School, placing second in his class in recognizing photographs of airplanes that were flashed on the screen. It was alleged he recognized all of the airplanes in an average of 1/100 of a second each. Once back in Copake, Rev. Evans taught classes in aircraft recognition two nights a week.
Spotters were provided a chart which showed the shapes of various aircraft to aid them in their reporting. Normally they worked in pairs and took turns staying outside to increase the chance that they would hear an aircraft. When they did, they would use a telephone that was provided in the tower to call the Air Defense Command. In part, because so many men were in the military, most of the aircraft warning service’s volunteers were women.
Regrettably, Copake’s tower was torn down a few decades ago.
Photo of airplane tower courtesy of Tom McGee.
Howard Blue
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Grange Events
Saturday, July 17, 7:30pm - The Sound of Murder. Live, in-person 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 contactconstancerlopez@gmail.com or call (518) 329-6293.
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July 12-23, Performance Saturday, July 24, 1pm and 6pm - Children’s Summer Theater Program. This summer the participants will develop The Jungle Book under the direction of Constance Lopez and Hunter Anderson. Theatre games and improv work, vocal and movement exercises will assist the students in developing skills necessary for a successful experience and performance. The performances are free and open to family, friends and the whole community. For more info email contancelopez@gmail.com
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July 26 - Aug. 6, 10am-11:30am - Children’s Summer Art Program. 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. Download and fill out the registration form at copakegrange.org/events. For more info email roberta.roll@gmail.com. |
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Aug. 4, 7pm - Grange Speaker Series - Healthy Diet, Healthy Body, Healthy Mind: Eat More Plants. Online event. Have you wanted to transition to a more plant-based diet but wondered how to do it and still have a tasty, nutritious and satisfying meal? Roberta Roll, a professional with over 40 years experience in the field of health and wellness, will lead a discussion to explore how eating more veggies can be a delicious pathway to personal health and a more sustainable planet. The talk will be via Zoom. To participate, go to copakegrange.org/events.
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Aug. 4 - Aug. 28 - Community Leadership Program for Teens. The program is designed for middle school and high school students interested in taking a major role in projects designed to serve the Roe Jan community. From start to finish, the students will be involved with designing, planning, implementing and evaluating their assigned project. This program is more than a summer activity; it is an opportunity for young people to grow. For more information and to apply, go to copakegrange.org/events. You can also contact Janet Mackin at copakegrange@gmail.com or call 917-270-5989.
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Friday, August 6, 7-9pm - Open Mic Night. LIVE and IN-PERSON, open mic is back and it’s great! The first Friday of every month. All are welcome to perform - music, stories, skits, readings, poetry, dance, songs, etc. We have a piano if you need it. Or you can just come to relax and be entertained. This is a great venue for both beginning and veteran performers. Free and donations gratefully accepted. For more information, contact copakegrange@gmail.com.
To learn more about the Grange and to see all our programs, go to copakegrange.org.
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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 and in the library. 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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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 also includes a free take-and-make kit! Register at https://forms.gle/4md8M4tohKz59zNU6 Email youth@roejanlibrary.org to register and receive the login information.
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Saturday, July 17, 8:00am
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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Friday, July 23, 10:00am
Zoom into Summer Reading: The Trevor Zoo. Roeliff Jansen Community Library, Claverack Free Library, Philmont Public Library, and Hudson Area Library invite you to Zoom into summer reading with collaborative programs Fridays in July. Celebrate National Zoo Keepers Week and learn about the animals at the nearby Trevor Zoo. Program registration includes a free craft-to-go kit. Register at
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Sunday, July 25, 3:00pm
Concert in the Park: The BTUs. Break out your dancing shoes and come out (rain or shine) to hear local favorites, the BTUs. The best local Jazz, R'n'B, and Blues. With Steve Ide and Bobby MacVeety on guitar and vocals, Rob Putnam on Bass, and Conor Meehan on Drums. The concert will be at the Hilltop Barn, Roe Jan Park. Lawn chairs appreciated.
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 30, 10:00am
Zoom into Summer Reading: Will Parker and the Make Believe Band. Roeliff Jansen Community Library, Claverack Free Library, Philmont Public Library, and Hudson Area Library invite you to Zoom into summer reading with collaborative programs Fridays in July. Will Parker is a children’s songwriter and teaching artist who writes and performs music for “kids ages 1-100.” Program registration includes a free craftto-go kit! Register at https://forms.gle/4md8M4tohKz59zNU6 or email
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Friday, August 6, 10:00am
Bees and Beekeeping. Come visit us at the library to learn more about bees! Local
beekeeper John Jasmin will teach children about bees, pollination, and how bees
make honey. Children will be able to observe bees at work in an observation hive
and sample the honey they have made.
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Monday, August 9, 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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Friday, August 13, 10:00am/Raindate: August 20
Two by Two Zoo. Close out a summer of reading Tales with Tails with a visit to the Two
by Two Zoo at the Library! A 30-minute educational presentation will discuss diet,
habitat, and fun facts, and is followed by a hands-on educational display. Animals
visiting include a kangaroo, blue & gold macaw, North American alligator, goats, a
tortoise, rabbit, and snake! The program will be followed by an opportunity for
children to create their own artwork depicting their favorite animal–of any kind. Art
work will be displayed at the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society this fall for the annual
blessing of the animals. All art materials will be provided.
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Eco Tips for Healthy Living on a Healthy Planet
Here's a riddle for you - what can you feel but not see or touch? It surrounds us and sustains us. Invisible but powerful. Air - a vital natural resource filling the atmosphere and essential in our daily lives. In the hustle and bustle of the world around us, it is important that we take time to care for our air.
Ozone (O3) Awareness - Ground level ozone pollution (the bad type of O3), can negatively affect human, animal, and environmental health. It is caused by a variety of factors, such as motor vehicle exhaust, evaporation of household solvents, evaporation of gasoline, and more.
You can help improve our air quality with a few simple habit changes to reduce your contributions to air pollution.
• Carpool or use public or other transportation to help reduce emissions in our air. Choose clean transportation - electric vehicles, bicycles, walking - options when possible.
• Reduce electricity and fuel use. Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. This small action will reduce power generation and thus, power plant pollution.
• Mow your lawn less - not only does it help our air by reducing the amount of emissions that are produced from gas-powered equipment, but lawns also absorb carbon, helping our climate change efforts.
• Use manual or electric equipment for lawn and garden work.If you choose to use gaspowered - use a funnel when refueling your equipment to reduce spills and smog-forming volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Minimize the use of VOC products. Select lotions or pump sunscreens and bug repellents instead of aerosol sprays. Make your own natural bug repellent. Use low-VOC paints and stains for home projects.
Did you know?
• A mature tree can absorb up to 50 pounds of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, in one year. Plant trees and shrubs to absorb carbon dioxide, and flowers in your garden to enjoy the cleaner air with your family.
• Foliage cover in cities and around buildings decreases energy use with its cooling abilities and reduces particulate pollution.
• Not all ozone is "bad." Ozone can be harmful at the ground level. But it is beneficial in the upper level of the stratosphere (the ozone layer) as it protects us from UV (ultraviolet) light.
If unhealthy ozone conditions occur, DEC issued alerts are available on the toll-free Ozone Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.
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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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