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Positive virus cases surge over 200

In News, News - Columbia, The Columbia Paper
April 30, 2020
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HUDSON—The number of total positive coronavirus cases in Columbia County topped 200 as of April 30 at 4:15 p.m.

The new total—205 cases is up by 36 cases from the 169 positive cases reported by the Columbia County Department of Health (DOH) yesterday.

The coronavirus death toll stands at 13.

In other numbers reported by the DOH earlier in the day (3 p.m.) Thursday, April 30: there were 188 positive coronavirus cases; 92 have recovered from Covid-19; 14 are hospitalized with 6 of them in the ICU.

Columbia County Department of Health Director Jack Mabb said in the Thursday, April 30 Covid-19 update press release issued by the county that the DOH is performing ongoing extensive due diligence on the different tests, their capabilities and accuracy.

“We are very aware the public is eager for more information on testing, and for more testing to occur, and we are in that same position. Before spending precious funds on the next order of kits, we want to be certain that they are the correct tests for us. Inaccurate results would do no one any good.” Mr. Mabb said in the release.

The county DOH will continue to issue updates on its research and where it’s leading as the process proceeds.

In mid-April, the wearing of a face covering became mandatory when six feet of distance cannot be maintained between oneself and others, County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said Thursday.

“Any individual who is over the age of two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face-covering when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, social distance,” Austerlitz Town Supervisor and county Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Rob Lagonia explained in the release.

“However, if a face covering would inhibit or otherwise impair an individual’s health, or if an individual is not older than two years of age, an individual is not required to wear or use such a covering. Further, essential business operators and enforcement authorities are prohibited from requesting or requiring medical or other documentation from an individual who declines to wear a face covering due to a medical or other health condition that prevents such usage. This does not represent an excuse to not wear a mask,” Mr. Lagonia said in the April 30 release.

“As our health officials have pointed out, a mask protects us from one another in the event someone sneezes or coughs—this is a critical piece in the fight against the coronavirus, and it has proven to work,” Mr. Murell said.

Anyone who wants to donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as N95 masks, face shields, and gowns, are advised to contact the Emergency Management Office at 518-828-1212. If there is no answer, leave a message and someone will return the call.

Food donations should be directed to the county Office for the Aging 518-828-4258 and local pantries.

Monetary donations for the purchase of much-needed equipment for emergency responders, medical personnel and others on the front lines of the coronavirus fight can be sent via check in care of Columbia County, with coronavirus noted in the memo field. Mail the check to the Columbia County Controller’s Office, 401 State Street, Hudson 12534. All money received is being placed in a dedicated account.

A hotline has been established for the elderly and vulnerable in the county, including those with medical conditions or who are disabled and would welcome a deputy checking on their well-being on a daily basis. The number for the hotline is 518-828-0601 X 1400.

For the most up-to-date, accurate information visit the County Department of Health’s website at https://www.columbiacountynyhealth.com/home/coronavirus-covid-19 or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Columbia-County-Department-of-Health-469399129790791/. The state’s coronavirus website, with up-to-the-minute information, can be found at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home.

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Local dancers are off to American Academy of Ballet summer program

In Arts & Entertainment - Columbia, The Columbia Paper
June 15, 2023
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By DAVID LEE

WEST TAGHKANIC – During the Spring recital on May 7 at The Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts on Route 82, Academy Director and instructor Debra Hughes took the opportunity to announce the accomplishments of some of the students under her tutelage. Four students auditioned and were accepted to the American Academy of Ballet Summer Intensive conducted on the campus at SUNY Purchase. Those students are Chloe Shipman, 11, Brenna Lu, 14, Blake Schober, 16, and Lotta Pflaum, 16.
“These auditions are very competitive,” Ms. Hughes said, “They are looking at dancers from across the country as well as from other countries.” Another HVAPA student Amaya Preston, 14, auditioned for and was accepted to Steps on Broadway Summer Intensive and the Manhattan Youth Summer Intensive. Chloe was also chosen to dance onstage with the New York City Ballet in their production of “Firebird” at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center this summer.
Ms. Hughes highlighted dancers Chloe and Emma Miller, 13, for having been chosen to begin the study of dancing “en pointe.” This is a great accomplishment for a ballet student. Ms. Hughes does not graduate students to pointe unless she sees that they are really ready. The dancer must be at least 11 years old and advanced to Ballet level 2.
“They must have had enough classes to have gained core strength and technique,” she said. “It represents a lot of commitment.”
Following the recital, Ms. Hughes reflected about ballet in general. Being a product of very traditional classical training herself she teaches with a similar emphasis. But Hughes teaches with uncommon patience, kindness and just plain joy.
“Ballet is an art form that requires dedication perseverance and hard work— it is maybe one of the hardest of art forms. So much work is required to make it look effortless. There is an equal combination of strength and flexibility,” she said.
“It is important to me to train girls so if they choose to dance professionally, they could,” Ms. Hughes said, adding, “Of course, people who want to become professional, you have to have that fire inside you.”
Ms. Hughes wishes that more boys would participate in ballet at HVAPA. “Dance develops athletic ability.” She pointed out that movie star Patrick Swayze played football in high school, and also studied ballet.
In a recent conversation at the academy studio with Brenna, Lotta, Chloe and Blake, they all agreed that the auditions for the American Academy of Ballet Summer Intensive were very competitive.
“The judges were very critical– I made a lot of mistakes,” said Blake.
“But they were looking as much for your attitude,” said Lotta.
“Yes, I think that the three of us had the most character,” said Blake. Chloe, being a few years younger, auditioned with a different group.
“This was all of our first auditions,” she said.
Four weekly sessions are conducted during the month of July and participants can apply for a single or all four weeks. The dancers stay in the dorms at SUNY Purchase, and each day for the six-day week the students will be dancing all day. There is a 3-hour morning and pointe class before lunch. In the afternoon, it is Pas de Deux and repertoire in preparation for a recital at the end of the week.
“There are teachers and students from all over the world,” said Ms. Hughes, “so it is a real international experience. Many of the teachers are themselves professional dancers.”
With all of their accomplishment and love of dance, none of the four have formulated professional dance ambitions.
“I guess that’s my fault,” said Ms. Hughes, “I tell them, ‘you’ll make a better living doing anything else.’”
“Often it is not the most talented dancer that becomes professional,” she said, “but the one with the fire in the belly and drive that it takes. I teach them classical ballet so they could be an a ballet class anywhere. And I believe that the training helps to prepare them physically and mentally for life and whatever they do.”


David Lee
Talking after class at he Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts are Chloe Shipman, Brenna Lu, Lotta Pflaum and Blake Schober.

Central Hudson looking for 16% electricity rate increase

In News, News - Greenville, The Greenville Pioneer
August 1, 2023
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By Melanie Lekocevic

Capital Region Independent Media

Utility company Central Hudson has submitted a proposed new rate plan that would increase residential electricity and natural gas rates by 16% and 19%, respectively. Courtesy of Pexels

The utility company Central Hudson is looking for a 16% increase in the residential electricity rate and a 19% increase for natural gas.

The company’s rate plan proposal is undergoing a review process with the New York State Public Service Commission and if approved, would go into effect July 1, 2024.

For the average customer, the rate difference would amount to about a $1 per day increase for electricity and for natural gas, according to the company, or about $30 a month for each service.

The new rate plan is needed to pay for upgrading outdated equipment and infrastructure, according to the company.

“We believe that this proposed rate plan is essential to address our infrastructure needs, recover from the impacts of COVID-19, and ensure that we can respond effectively to extreme weather events, which are occurring more frequently,” said Joe Hally, vice president of Regulatory Affairs for Central Hudson.

“By making these necessary investments, we will not only maintain the safety and reliability of our utility operations but also comply with New York state’s nation-leading clean energy laws, protect the environment, and improve customer service through the adoption of new technologies,” Hally continued.

The company contends that 20% of its existing electric infrastructure is beyond its “expected useful life,” and that the increase would enable Central Hudson to allocate more personnel, resources and equipment to deal with extreme weather events that lead to power outages.

“As climate change continues to manifest in the form of severe storms and extreme weather events, Central Hudson recognizes the importance of being well prepared and responsive,” Hally said. “The proposed rate plan will enable us to invest in advanced technologies and equipment necessary to enhance our storm preparation and response capabilities.”

State Sen. Michelle Hinchey, D-41, said in a statement she opposes the rate hike, particularly as Central Hudson is under investigation for its billing practices and a new billing system implemented in 2021 that is accused of issuing inaccurate customer bills. Thousands of complaints were lodged with the Public Service Commission, which launched an investigation in April 2022.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Central Hudson should not receive a rate increase, and most certainly not at a time when the company is being investigated by the PSC for improper billing practices while continuing to issue inaccurate bills to Hudson Valley residents,” Hinchey said. “Until the company has straightened out its billing system, a rate increase should not be an option on the table, and I’ll continue fighting to protect our residents’ pockets from this unacceptable rate proposal.”

The company’s current rate plan expires in June 2024.

Central Hudson’s proposed rate plan is currently under review with the Public Service Commission. The review process will include the opportunity for public comment, which has not yet been scheduled.

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