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COMMUNITY BRIEFS: Hudson Flag Day, Memorial Day events called off

In Communities, Communities - Columbia, The Columbia Paper
April 19, 2020
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Hudson Flag Day is called off

HUDSON—Current coronavirus circumstances have made for unpredictable events that have not been experienced in this lifetime. The Hudson Flag Day Parade Committee has been monitoring news outlets and government sites to stay apprised of the situation.

“We know that due to these specific circumstances we have to take into consideration the safety of all and continue to take precautions in our professional and personal lives,” Committee President Christine Grossman said in an April 17 press release.

For these reasons, the Hudson Flag Day Committee, having considered suggestions and concerns from local authorities, has decided, “with deep regret, that we must not move forward with the 24th Hudson Flag Day Parade and Festival that was scheduled for June 13, 2020,” the release said.

The planning of this event requires an intensive amount of preparation and organizing; and moving forward at this point is not feasible for that date.

“It is our hope that our supporters and friends will remain with us through these difficult times and join us in looking forward to upcoming events as soon as they are possible and safe for all involved. The Committee offers all “its sincere wishes that you, your friends, and your family remain safe and healthy during this crisis.”

Hudson Memorial Day parade and service canceled

HUDSON—Due to the Coronavirus, the Hudson Memorial Day Parade and Service planned for Monday, May 25 is canceled. Organizers are disappointed at having to take this action, but do it for the safety of veterans, parade participants and the community.

“The Memorial Day Committee and I ask that on Memorial Day, you take a moment to say a prayer to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. We look forward to next year and if you fly the American Flag, remember, let the flag fly at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day. At noon, the flag again is raised to the peak of the flag pole, where it remains until it is lowered for the day. Thank you for your past support and God Bless,” Committee Chair Ed Coons said in a press release.

Chatham Legion foregoes Memorial Day parade

CHATHAM—It is with great sadness that Chatham Post 42 American Legion, announces the cancellation of its traditional 2020 Memorial Day parade due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“Since the inception of the American Legion a century ago, Post 42 has joined the community in remembering and honoring our fallen military veterans with public memorial ceremonies,” Commander James Garvey said in a press release.

“The continuing health crisis with its prohibitions on public gatherings and social distancing restrictions, however, has seriously jeopardized planning and conducting the annual event,” he said in the release.

With the statewide shutdown now extended until mid-May, the commander said the annual Memorial Day cemetery services also could be in jeopardy—or limited—depending on the continued imposition of social distancing and state and federal guidelines.

“If we must cancel public ceremonies, we can still keep in-mind the significance of Memorial Day with the display of Old Glory, and by visiting the graves of veterans and departed loved ones,” Mr. Garvey said.

MVB Historic Site hosts virtual National Park Week events

KINDERHOOK—National Park Week is going virtual at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site with a variety of special programs and activities from now through Sunday, April 26.

In addition to highlighting some favorite partners and programs, the site will post activities the whole family can do from home throughout the week. There will also be chatting with park rangers across the service about their parks’ stories during the Coffee with a Ranger Facebook series. Virtual visitors get the opportunity to ask their own questions and post their own experiences on twitter and Instagram. Bookmark our website and follow us on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram in advance. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/mava/learn/news/virtual-national-park-week-2020.htm

The complete Virtual National Park Week schedule below:

*Sunday, April 19: VIP (Volunteers In Parks) Day, 9 a.m. Coffee with a Ranger on Facebook; All-Day Spotlight— Volunteers-In-Parks (all platforms)

*Monday, April 20: Military Monday, 9 a.m. Coffee with a Ranger on Facebook; All-Day Spotlight—Abraham Van Buren, Soldier and Son (all platforms)

*Tuesday, April 21: Transportation Tuesday, 9 a.m. Coffee with a Ranger on Facebook; Instagram Challenge: Post a photo of a road or transportation route that means something to you and why. Tag it with #TransportationTuesday

*Wednesday, April 22: Earth Day, 9 a.m. Coffee with a Ranger on Facebook; 3 p.m. At-Home Activity: A Trip Around the World Without Leaving Home (all platforms)

*Thursday, April 23: Throwback Thursday, 9 a.m. Coffee with a Ranger on Facebook; 8 to 9 p.m. Ask a Ranger: Join us on Twitter to chat about preserving and interpreting history.

*Friday, April 24: Friendship Friday, All-Day Spotlight: The Friends of Lindenwald (all platforms); 3 p.m. Martin Van Buren–Friend to Poets? (video series on Facebook)

*Saturday, April 25: Park RX Day, All-Day Spotlight: Veterans Art Program (all platforms); Instagram Challenge: Share your experiences of solace and healing in national parks with an image and quote, poem, or phrase that best represents your experience. Tag it with #ParkRX

*Sunday, April 26: Bark Ranger Day, 9 a.m. Coffee with a Ranger on Facebook (with special Bark Ranger guest host); 3 p.m. At-Home Activity: “Sorry Mr. President, No Tigers Allowed in the White House” (all platforms).

Martin Van Buren National Historic Site modifies operations

KINDERHOOK—Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, in response to guidance from the New York State Department of Health, has made additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

As of April 14, the site will offer no services outside those that support visitor or resource protection. The following services and operations will be suspended in order to comply with the state health guidance:

*The planned April 18 opening date for the 2020 visitor season will be delayed

*The park headquarters building, visitor center, and historic Lindenwald will remain closed

*The park will not issue permits, conduct on-site public or educational programs, collect trash, operate or provide restrooms, maintain roads or walkways, or provide visitor information and services.

The health and safety of visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site is the number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the Covid-19 pandemic. The public will be notified when full operations are resumed. Updates will be provided at www.nps.gov/mava and social media channels.

Outdoor spaces at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site remain accessible to the public in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local health guidance.

The NPS asks visitors to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees. As services are limited, the NPS urges visitors to continue to practice  “Leave No Trace” principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safer and healthier.

The NPS encourages people to take advantage of the many digital tools already available to explore Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, including: a virtual tour of historic Lindenwald; videos on various topics; self-guided learning activities.

Visit www.nps.gov/mava or https://www.facebook.com/MartinVanBurenNationalHistoricSite/ for more information.

Virus keeps seniors at home

NEW LEBANON—New Lebanon Seniors usually meet on the first and third Friday of the month, 1 p.m. at the New Lebanon Town Hall. But both May meetings have been canceled due to the virus.

The group’s May 12 day trip to West Point has been cancelled.

The June 7 to 9 trip to Perkins Cove, Maine, has been postponed due to the virus. Notice will be given if and when it is rescheduled. Accommodations are at the Anchorage Motel, activities include a lobster boat ride, lobster bake, trolley ride and some free shopping time; stop on way home at Stonewall Kitchens; price $405/double.

The August 27 Essex Steam Train ride, with a steamboat ride on the CT river and lunch included for $60/person is still planned. For more information call Mary Derfreest at 518-733-0009.

The Easter Bunny made a stop at the Kinderhook Elks Lodge, April 11 for a “drive-by” visit with the kids. Photo contributed

Lodge closed, but Elks still active

KINDERHOOK—Kinderhook Elks Lodge #2530 has been shut down due the coronavirus.

But the Elks and their pal the Easter Bunny collected food and monetary donations to help out the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry, Saturday, April 11. A few members came out on that cold blustery day and collected a truckload of nonperishable food and $320.

The Lodge also hosted a drive-through Easter Bunny visit that Saturday. People drove in to get a glimpse of their furry friend. Kids were not allowed to get out of the car for a picture with the bunny, but they were happy to see him and to get a little bag of goodies. The bunny and his helpers gave out over 150 bags of candy.

Sometime in the future the Kinderhook Elks will host breakfast with the Easter Bunny so the kids can all get the pictures they missed out on. Check the Elk’s Facebook page. The Elks have also jumped on board with the “518 Rainbow Hunt.” They want to know how many rainbows everyone has found.

‘Gettysburg’ talk is off for now

GREENPORT—The Adult Learning Institute’s (ALI) presentation of “The Second Battle of Gettysburg” with Ron Gabriele, scheduled for Thursday, April 23 has been canceled. Contact ALI at 518-828-4181 X 3431 or ali@sunycgcc.edu.

CGHS/SPCA has unexpectedly had an unprecedented number of adoptions in the last month—more than 30 in the last two weeks. Pictured is one of the four-legged friends going to its new forever home. Photo contributed

CGHS/SPCA gives Covid-19 update

CLAVERACK—Based on Governor Cuomo’s extended stay in place policy and continued business regulations, the Columbia-Greene Human Society/SPCA’s lobby will continue to be closed to the public.

The shelter will make every effort to continue to offer vital shelter services while ensuring a safe environment for staff and visitors. To meet the essential needs of the community, some services and adoptions will continue to be offered in a limited capacity:

Food Bank: Food Bank will continue to be open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those quarantined and need pet food, call 518-828-6044 X 100 or 108, or email jessica@cghs.org.

Surrender Services: All surrenders are accepted by appointment only. Call 518-828-6044 X 100 or email at jessica@cghs.org

Adoptions: Adoption services are ongoing. Potential adopters can view animals at cghs.org and fill out an online application to be pre-approved for adoption. Interaction with pets is limited to ensure the safety of staff and the potential adopters.

Grooming: Grooming services are canceled until April 29.

Boarding/Daycare: Since many clients are medical professionals and rely on boarding and daycare services to care for their dogs, the shelter will continue to offer these services by appointment only. Any questions, call or text 518- 610-3232 or email jessica@cghs.org.

Medical Clinics: Currently, Health and Wellness clinics are canceled through April 29. Anyone in need of medical treatment for their pet, should call or text 518-222-4218.

Spay/Neuter Clinics: Spay/Neuter Clinics are canceled through April 29.

Donations: Donations of pet food and supplies can be left at the front door. To get a receipt, call or text Ron Perez at 518-828-6044 X 100 or email ronperez@cghs.org.

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A mighty oak, sycamore and even an elm grow here

In News - Columbia, The Columbia Paper
July 27, 2024
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By DEBORAH E. LANS

GHENT–Did you know that Big Tree Hunters roam the forests and fields of Columbia, Greene and neighboring counties in search of great old trees? Moreover, they have “bagged” trees 200-300 years old, trees that require multiple people holding hands to encircle them and trees that are state “champions.”

The state’s DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) maintains a Big Tree Register which lists champions by both scientific and popular names according to standards set by the non-profit American Forests, which runs the National Champion Tree Program. A tree is assessed by a score which is the sum of its height, trunk circumference at chest height and the average spread of its crown.

Since trees grow, fall and sometimes are cut down due to illness, a champion one day may be replaced another.

A chestnut oak at the Greenport Conservation Area was awarded champion status in 2002, standing 75 feet tall and 168 inches around according to the Columbia Land Conservancy’s Heidi Bock. The tree stands in the hedgerow to the north of the access-for-all trail leading to the gazebo, but it has recently lost its champion status to an oak on private land in the south part of the county.

Chestnut oak in Greenport. Photo contributed

Other mighty oaks are publicly accessible in Kinderhook, in and just beyond the Dutch Reformed Cemetery, in “an impressive old forest” according to Fred Breglia, a certified arborist who is also a big tree hunter and the executive director of the Landis Arboretum in Esperance.

Mr. Breglia knows whereof he speaks. Two years ago he “discovered” the biggest tree in the state, on private land in Rensselaer County – a towering cottonwood estimated to be 108 feet high and with a circumference of more than 33 feet (or, 11 feet in diameter). Cottonwoods grow quickly and are short-lived – that is to say, they live 75-100 years on average. Experts estimate Mr. Breglia’s discovery to be “only” some 150 years old.

Far older is an American sycamore tree on the grounds of the Martin Van Buren house, Lindenwald, also in Kinderhook. Park Ranger Dawn Olson says the tree was probably planted in the late 1700s, before President Van Buren bought the property and at a time when the property was likely entirely agricultural. Mr. Breglia measured the sycamore in 2023 to be 73 feet tall, with a circumference of more than 16 feet and an average crown spread of 94 ’x 93’. Put in simpler terms, the tree is massive and dwarfs the Van Buren home which sits to its side.

Lindenwald sycamore. Photo by Deborah E. Lans

Of course, size does not always matter. Dr. Charles Canham, senior scientist emeritus at the Cary Institute, reports that the oldest tree he knows in the Hudson Valley “is a scrawny 6” diameter chestnut oak growing on a steep slope at the Cary Institute.” He believes the diminutive oak is over 300 years old and survived because it was “just never worth anyone’s time to scramble up and cut it down.”

Dr. Canham also points out that, notwithstanding a century of Dutch Elm Disease, a fungus spread by a beetle, both the American elm and slippery elm species, can still be found in the area.

Indeed, in Copake, outside the Kneller Insurance Agency, Kirk Kneller has been nursing a 100+ year old American elm with the help of Eric Haupt, whose Haupt Tree Company was recently acquired by Bartlett Tree Experts. Mr. Kneller says townspeople used to get married under the elm and call it the wedding tree.

The elm in Copake. Photo by Deborah E. Lans

Every few years, Mr. Haupt injects the Copake elm with a fungicide that is highly effective in protecting the wood from the destructive fungus. Mr. Haupt also takes care of a large elm to be found by the Town Hall in Great Barrington and another in Stockbridge, not to mention the sycamore at the Martin Van Buren site, another huge sycamore right outside the McDonald’s in Great Barrington and a pre-Revolutionary War oak at that town’s Simon’s Rock campus.

At the Siuslaw Model Forest on Route 23 in Acra, the Cornell Cooperative Extension for Columbia and Greene Counties measures its largest American elm to have a diameter of 28 inches (meaning, a circumference of about 7.3 feet). Shane Stevens, the extension’s Natural Resources Program Coordinator, estimates that the elm, like Mr. Kneller’s, is more than 100 years old. The tree is located by a stone wall that served as a livestock pasture boundary, proving shade for the livestock. The extension treasures its elm for having survived the disease that practically eliminated mature elms from the landscape but also worries that it may be showing signs of the disease.

While perhaps not state champions, many very old trees can also be found at the South Woods in Bard’s Montgomery Place campus which is approached by a beautiful allee of black locust trees.

As might be expected, the Catskill Mountains are also home to many stands of large and very old trees. Now-retired forestry professor Michael Kudish mapped them extensively in “The Catskill Forest: A History,” which he recently updated. Professor Kudish’s handwritten and illustrated field notes can be found on line at uvm.edu. The notes are sorted by hike so an interested explorer can literally follow in the professor’s footsteps and see the woods through his skilled eyes — as he saw them over the course of his walks.

The Landis Arboretum with its old growth forest spans more than 300 acres and the trees along its trails are labeled. A visitor can see a 250 year old red oak and another 15 oaks that exceed 150 years of age, from dawn to dusk and 365 days every year. The Landis website (Landisarboretum.org) has a calendar of events, which include big tree hunts, concerts and workshops.

Hunting for special trees is a lesson in change. As Dr. Canham notes, “many towns that relied on elms as street trees lost them to the disease many years ago and, in many cases, replaced them with ash (that are now being lost to emerald ash borer). The moral of the story is that life is precarious, even for such stately organisms.”

ENTERTAINMENT: Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts: Shaping community and aspiring dancers

In Arts & Entertainment - Columbia, The Columbia Paper
November 14, 2024
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By MARLENE McTIGUE

Capital Region Independent Media

JUST OFF THE western side of the Taconic Parkway, nestled between the rolling hills of far eastern Columbia County and the black snake of the mighty Hudson, there stands a little white building, a Grange Hall in another life, that has been repurposed into a vibrant hub of dance and performing arts.

This building is home to the Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts (HVAPA), founded by Debra Hughes, a passionate and accomplished dancer with an unwavering vision. For 18 years, Hughes has poured her heart and soul into teaching classical ballet, along with other dance forms, to students of all ages, turning the old church into a space where dreams come alive.

JOURNEY FROM DANCER TO MENTOR

Hughes, the academy’s artistic director, has dedicated her life to dance. Her career has taken her from small towns in California to major stages in the world of professional dance.

Hughes has performed with regional ballet companies, worked as a commercial dancer, and even graced the stage at the Academy Awards, dancing under the direction of Debbie Allen. But after years of professional performance, Hughes felt a calling to give back.

“It was my dream to open a ballet school with serious training but also nurturing training for young people and adults alike,” Hughes said. “I wanted to make sure it was professional, but I also wanted it to be fun and accessible.”

This balance of rigor and warmth defines her teaching philosophy, allowing students to grow not only as dancers but as individuals. Hughes believes the discipline and dedication required in dance can shape strong, determined young people with skills that transcend the studio.

Hughes’ Academy offers students structured, high-quality training. She teaches a blend of different methods, including elements of the Vaganova method, a classical Russian ballet technique, and more contemporary approaches focused on anatomy and individual development.

“In Russia, they select the perfect bodies for ballet, but here, everybody gets to dance. So, it’s important to know how to work with people on an anatomical basis to ensure they don’t get injured,” Hughes said.

This personalized approach allows her to work with dancers of all shapes and abilities, training them in a way that fosters growth while ensuring each dancer’s safety.

Hughes shares that her goal is not just to produce technically proficient dancers, but to cultivate individuals who understand the possibilities of hard work and perseverance.

“I always tell my students, ‘You can’t do this now, but it’s possible if you take baby steps, follow the process, and work hard,’” she said. “That lesson applies to so much more than dance—it’s about life.”

The school has been a launchpad for many talented young dancers. Students have been accepted into both the School of American Ballet and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, the official school of the American Ballet Theatre—two of the top ballet schools in the United States.

Others have been accepted into the elite Katzban program and the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s summer intensives. These opportunities are a testament to Hughes’ ability to inspire and equip her students for professional success.

THE STRUGGLES OF RUNNING A DANCE SCHOOL

While the school has seen incredible success in shaping young talent, Hughes admits that running the Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts comes with its challenges.

Despite the school’s community impact and the students’ achievements, Hughes has struggled to make ends meet.

“Basically, I’m not getting paid,” she admits.

Most of the school’s revenue goes toward maintaining the building, keeping it warm in the winter and suitable for year-round classes.

She dreams of converting the building to solar energy, but the process is expensive and requires extensive updates to the electrical system.

“This would be the perfect building for solar,” she notes, “but we need to go fully electric first, and that’s another major cost.”

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT

Beyond teaching ballet, the Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts has always had a strong commitment to community outreach. Hughes has made it a priority to give back, organizing performances to support various causes.

“We’ve done performances to help Haiti, supported relief efforts for Ukraine, and put on shows for seniors and veterans,” she said.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the academy even performed outdoors at a local care facility, bringing joy to the residents while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Hughes also recalls a special performance the academy organized to help a local family whose house had burned down.

“We did a dance fundraiser to help them rebuild,” she said, underscoring her deep connection to the community and her desire to use the arts to make a difference.

Lessons can begin as early as age 3 at Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts. Photo contributed

A CALL FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT

As the Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts continues to serve the community, Hughes is asking for help. Whether it’s donations, volunteer efforts, or simply attending performances, she hopes that those who understand the value of the arts will step up to ensure that her vision can continue.

“I need help and support here—someone who believes in the arts and can help manage, market, and grow this school,” she said.

Hughes has expanded her adult class offerings, from swing dance to jazz, in order to engage more community members.

“I love training adults,” she said, having taught at Steps on Broadway in New York City for over 20 years. “Dance is for everyone, and I want this school to be a place where everyone feels welcome.”

THE FUTURE

Despite the financial challenges, Hughes remains optimistic about the future.

“We’ve built something special here. We have ‘Nutcracker’ every year, and we hold spring performances. We’ve sold out shows, and the community loves what we’re doing,” she said.

The goal is to continue to expand, both in terms of student numbers and community engagement.

As Hughes looks to the future, she hopes the Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts will continue to inspire young dancers, support the local arts community, and serve as a beacon for those seeking a creative outlet for many years to come.

For more information about the Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts, or to inquire about classes or support opportunities, visit https://hvapa.com.

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