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Dear Hillsdale,

Welcome to our April Newsletter. There's lots happening as we enter spring. Here are a few events coming up soon:

EASTER EGG HUNT AND PALM SUNDAY BREAKFAST

Join us on Saturday April 12 at 2PM in Hamlet Park for our annual Easter Egg hunt.

Then on Sunday April 13 from 8 a.m. until noon, show your support for the Hillsdale Fire Company #1 at its annual Palm Sunday Brunch at the Firehouse (9387 State Route 22). All you can eat for $20. Children 3-10 are $12, and children under 3 are free. And don't forget the raffles for great prizes!"

It's Hillsdale’s turn to host the annual Roe Jan Memorial Day Parade, which rotates annually among the three towns of Ancram, Copake, and Hillsdale. We are working to make this the best Hillsdale parade ever, with floats, bands, marchers (human and canine!), vintage cars, our VFW heroes, fire companies, first responders, and a special commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the 1775 Revolutionary War Knox Expedition. Participant registration is now open. Here are just a few ways to join:

• Create or sponsor a float to promote your business, your organization, or upcoming event.
• Organize a group of marchers! There are some fun suggestions in the application form, and we’re open to your ideas! 
• Leash your best four-legged friend and march with the Roe Jan Pup Patrol
• Drive your splendid vintage car along the parade route.
• Tune up your tractor and show us what a real farm vehicle looks like!
• Dress in Revolutionary garb to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Knox Expedition, which moved 60 tons of cannon – a “noble train of artillery” -- from Fort Ticonderoga through North Hillsdale to Boston and drove the British out of the city.
• There will be marching bands, bluegrass bands, kids in costumes, special holiday hours at our Hamlet businesses, and all the bells and whistles that make small town parades so charming.
• Or just come as a spectator and enjoy all that our Hamlet has to offer – no application necessary!

The Veterans of Foreign Wars will lead a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial on Route 23.  The parade will culminate with a flag raising, commemoration, and a rifle salute at Hillsdale Fire Company #1, followed by free light refreshments.

You must register to participate. Click here for more ways to join and to fill out the registration form.

Let’s celebrate and honor our heroes on Memorial Day together!

For questions or more information, please contact deputyclerk@hillsdaleny.com 

HILLSDALE FLEA

The Hillsdale Flea returns to Hamlet Park on May 24, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend (with Sunday, May 25 as the rain date). The flea market will start at 9 a.m. with a suggested admission of $10 for the first hour, which will benefit Hillsdale Fire Company #1. The Fire Company will also be on hand to make breakfast sandwiches and coffee for shoppers and vendors alike. Stay tuned for more food options to be announced soon.

Vendor spaces are going fast, so sign up today. You can download the application form by clicking below.

Spaces cost $50 for a 15' x 15' one or $30 for a 10' x 10' one. Thanks to Joanna Virello for the great graphic!

Click here for an application!

THANK YOU TO OUR HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

As winter winds down, we want to thank our entire Highway Department for keeping us safe. While we avoided major storm for the most part, it's important to realize that even with a few inches of snow (or even worse, ice), our highway crew is out there preventing slippery roads at all hours of day and night. This season's pattern of thawing and then refreezing and many smaller snow events has been especially challenging. So, a big THANK YOU to our entire crew:

Richard Briggs, Highway Superintendent

Ben Damgaard

Ralph Shufelt

Donald Stalker

Thomas Thornton

Daryl Waite

Brian Zullo

April Town Board Meeting

The April Town Board meeting will be on Tuesday, April 15. The meeting will be held in person at Town Hall at 7 p.m. and will be available on Zoom. People participating via Zoom will be able to make comments during the designated Public Comment times at the beginning and end of the meeting.

April Town Board Zoom Link

Documents that will be referred to at the Town Board meeting will be posted on the Agendas & Minutes page of the town website a few days before the meeting. Links to the documents will also be included in the agenda. Among the documents linked to are the latest financial statements for the town. Minutes of previous Town Board meetings are posted on the Town Board page and the Agendas & Minutes page. 

PROPERTY ASSESSMENT GRIEVANCE DAY

DATE ANNOUNCED

Monday, June 2 - Stay tuned for more information

TOWN CLEAN UP DAY

May 10th from 8am to Noon

What is accepted/not accepted? NO tires, TV’s, computers, or computer screens, and NO chemicals or paint. There will be a charge for mattresses and box springs . Do people have to empty their own vehicles? Yes, but Highway Department employees will be there to assist. For Hillsdale residents only.

TOWN BOARD SUPPORTS SWAP ACT

Legislation would create state funding program for water infrastructure

At the March Town Board meeting, the Board unanimously backed and signed a letter of support addressed to Governor Hochul for the Safe Water Infrastructure Action Program (SWAP). The program, sponsored by state Senator Michelle Hinchey, would create a state funding program similar to the CHIPS funding that currently exists for our roads and highways. As we know, the costs of maintaining a wastewater facility continue to rise and are a continual challenge for Hillsdale Sewer District #1. Our State Assemblymember Didi Barrett also backs the measure. We have been in conversation with both representatives about the unique challenges of running a sewer district and applaud them for taking this initiative.

On March 4, Supervisor Dvorchak attended the Lobby Day at the state Capital sponsored by NYCOM (New York Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officers) and NYAOT (New York Association of Towns). The top priority was advocating for the SWAP Act and he met with representatives from both the Barrett and Hinchey offices. Both strongly suggested that municipalities and citizens send a letter of support to Governor Hochul.

NEW COMMITTEE FORMED

Loose Gravel Road Gift Committee

At the March Town Board meeting, a new committee was approved consisting of the town supervisor, town clerk and highway superintendent. The purpose of the committee is to review and advise the Board on any potential gifts from residents who prefer that their roads remain loose gravel as opposed to sealed gravel or asphalt. The potential gifts would defray the added costs of maintaining loose gravel roads to Hillsdale taxpayers. For those residing on current loose gravel roads interested in exploring gifts for ongoing maintenance, please contact townclerk@hillsdaleny.com.

Please see New York State Law for guidance: Acceptance of certain moneys for highway purposes

For local press coverage click here. For a video of the Public Input and March Town Board Meeting, please visit: March Town Board Zoom (video starts at 47 minutes).

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The town clerk's office is now approved to issue hunting and fishing licenses! If you need a license please come to Town Hall or make an appointment

to see the deputy town clerk, Emily Stalker. She can be reached at deputytownclerk@hillsdaleny.com.

Hazard Mitigation Plan for Hillsdale and Columbia County

Draft Plan Available for Review until April 15

Most of us are aware of the increasing intensity and frequency of large storms, extended droughts, flooding, and wildfires that have been occurring here, nearby, and throughout the country in recent years. In an effort to anticipate and prepare for future such events in Columbia County, the Columbia County Office of Emergency Management is leading a project to update the Multi-jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP).  The county has been working with consultants at  Tighe & Bond Engineering and with advisory committees from Columbia County towns and villages to identify the known and potential natural hazards; identify the services and critical facilities that are at risk; and develop plans for mitigating and reducing damage to people, property, and natural areas.

A substantial draft of the updated plan is ready for public review. Volume 1 is the county-wide plan, and Volume 2 holds the plans developed for individual municipalities, including Hillsdale. The Hillsdale Hazard Mitigation Committee and the Conservation Advisory Council encourage Hillsdale residents, landowners, and businesses to review the plan and submit comments to Henry Swartz (cceoc@columbiacountyny.com) and to Haley Rivers (hrivers@tighe-bond.com) by April 15.

Once the final plan is published—expected to be later this year—the county will be eligible for special federal funding for projects to reduce the risks and damage from natural hazards.

TOWN BOARD PASSES RESOLUTION

SUPPORTING ROE JAN LIBARY

At its March meeting, the Town Board passed a resolution in support of continued federal funding of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The resolution stated in part:

WHEREAS, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) plays a critical role in supporting public libraries through its Grants to States program, which provides necessary funding to state library agencies, including the New York State Division of Library Development; and

WHEREAS, the loss or significant reduction of IMLS funding could have a ripple effect, disrupting critical services, delaying state aid for libraries, and severely impacting the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS), which supports the Roe Jan Library; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Hillsdale recognizes the indispensable role of the Roe Jan Library in fostering literacy, providing access to technology, supporting workforce development, and strengthening community engagement;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of Hillsdale, New York:

Expresses its strong support for the Roeliff Jansen Community Library and the essential services it provides to our residents.

The resolution was passed unanimously and copies were sent to all of our Federal and State representatives. Supervisor Dvorchak then presented an expanded resolution containing all County libraries to the County Government Committee which voted to forward for consideration at the Columbia County Board of Supervisors' April meeting.

Tammy Gaskell, Director of the Roeliff Jansen Library, sent the following explaining the importance of IMLS funding:

"The Roe Jan Library does not receive direct funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an independent federal agency that supports libraries, archives, and museums. However we are very dependent upon IMLS funding indirectly. In New York State, IMLS funds support the State Library's Division of Library Development (DLD), which is funded entirely by IMLS's Grants to States program. The DLD works in partnership with library systems such as our Mid-Hudson Library System to develop services that meet regional and local needs. These services are especially critical to smaller, rural libraries such as ours, which would not otherwise be able to afford the technology support, e-resources, and more that we currently provide.

The Mid-Hudson Library System receives 78% of its operating revenue from the state, through DLD. Therefore the collapse of IMLS could have a ripple effect if funding is cut or delayed, forcing MHLS to make significant cuts and hampering the system's and our ability to access state aid through programs such as Central Library Services Aid, which pays for resources such as our shared e-book platform, reference materials, and more; Coordinated Outreach Aid, which has supplied grants to local libraries, including ours; and State Aid for Library Construction. We are planning on applying for a state construction grant this year.

None of the 66 libraries in the Mid-Hudson Library System could do a fraction of what we currently do without MHLS support, which ranges from technology support, the shared catalog, delivery services, staff professional development and training, board development and training, to advocacy and so much more. Smaller, rural libraries like the Roe Jan Library are likely to be particularly hurt by any funding cuts or delays."

For further information please see a recent article in

 The New Pine Plains Herald.

The Community Hospice is a non-profit organization, accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program. It is part of the St. Peter’s Health Partners and works with every hospital in the region to provide hospice services. It serves seriously ill patients and their families. 



Dr. Carol Curran began her career as a vocalist and switched to medicine at the age of 33. She completed her residency in emergency medicine and practiced for 16 years and then embarked on a fellowship of palliative care medicine. The title of her presentation will be “Don’t Count the Days, Make the Days Count.”

The Safe at Home Committee has helped to facilitate 13 senior volunteers to read to elementary-age children at Taconic Hills School. The program is called “Stories Across Generations.” Initiated by Sandra Gardner, Ed.D., the program has been well received by the administration, the volunteers, the teachers and the children. Sandra will speak about the program's implementation and success. 

Safe at Home Wednesday morning walks will resume this month on April 16, if weather permits. We meet at the Harlem Valley Rail Trail kiosk behind Herrington's, next to the Twisted Sisters Coffee Shop, at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome. Please come and enjoy the trail and make new friends. 

Call Natalie if you have any questions or need a ride at 518-265-2113. The committee’s email address is hillsdalesafeathome@gmail.com.

CALLING ALL VENDORS

Hillsdale ArtsWalk is seeking vendors for its August 9 event. ArtsWalk is an annual event celebrating the talented artists and artisans in our area. This non-profit, volunteer-run organization provides showcase for local artists to share their work with a large and diverse audience. Applications are welcome from makers of everything from oil paintings, photography, watercolors, collage, ceramics, jewelry, pottery, woodcraft and more.

Hillsdale ArtsWalk is organized by a private group of residents and local business owners. The event combines both outdoors and indoors exhibits, taking place in the historic Hamlet along Route 23 and Anthony Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 9 (no rain date). Live music by local musicians will entertain the guests. 

Email Hillsdale Arts Walk to request the vendor guidelines and an application.

Upcoming Programs at the Roe Jan Library

The Friends of the Roe Jan Library Book Shop will be open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (weather permitting). The Friends will be accepting donations from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Riverkeeper Sweep at Roeliff Jansen Park is set for April 12, 9 to 11:00 a.m. Volunteers can register here: carano.nordenstrom@hillsdaleny.com

Importance and Management of Native Plants with Kristopher Williams CCE Saratoga Invasive Species Coordinator May 1, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - Public Zoom Registration

Building Local Capacity for Conservation with Christine Vanderlan from the Hudson River Estuary Program May 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - Public Zoom Registration

Upcoming Town Meetings

The Zoning Board will meet at Town Hall on Tuesday, April 1, at 6:30 p.m.

The Planning Board will meet at Town Hall on Monday April 14 at 7 p.m.

Hamlet Committee

Time: Saturday, April 12, 11 a.m.

At Town Hall and via Teams: https://tinyurl.com/HAMLETCOMMITTEE

Sewer Task Force

Time: Thursday, April 10, Noon

At Town Hall and on video: https://tinyurl.com/SEWERINFRA

Infrastructure Committee

Time: Thursday, April 10, 12:45 p.m.

At Town Hall and on video: https://tinyurl.com/SEWERINFRA

Conservation Advisory Council

Time: Thursday, April 17, 7 p.m.

Town Hall

Safe at Home Committee

Time: Tuesday April 29 10 a.m.

The Hillsdale House

And last but not least, a BIG THANK YOU to our Highway Warriors who helped clean Route 23 on Saturday, March 29! Thanks to :

Karen Phillips, Steve Tiger, Tod Wohlfarth, Irwin Feld, Marcy Feld, Amy Davidsen, Lisa Berman, Kevin Burns, Tim Stookesberry, Mike Dvorchak, Jeremy Dodd, Bart Ziegler and (not pictured) Lauren Letellier and Everest Burns.

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Check out the Hillsdale Business Directory. From plumbers to galleries, restaurants to landscapers, businesses have a lot to offer in Hillsdale. 

If you have a business located in Hillsdale you can add or edit your listing online.