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Tuesday, February 21, 2012 local almanac

February 21, 2012 in Columbia County, Durham, Germantown, Hillsdale, Hudson, Lexington, Taghkanic by Staff | No comments

In addition, most local schools are on winter break this week, and closed all week.

Weather right now

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.
FAR LEFT:The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page.
MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

Local weather forecast
Today’s forecast is specific to Germantown, in Columbia County.
The National Weather Service predicts Germantown will be mostly sunny, with a high near 45 on Tuesday. Tuesday night there is a chance of rain showers before 2 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around 34. The forecast for the rest of the week:
• Wednesday: A chance of rain and snow showers before 9 a.m., then a slight chance of rain showers. Wednesday night there is a chance of rain showers before 4 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.
• Thursday: A chance of rain and snow showers before 7 a.m., then a chance of rain showers. Cloudy, with a high near 53, low around 36.
• Friday: A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 54, low around 33.

Town meetings today
Today is the third Tuesday of the month.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Health and Medical Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson.
DURHAM Town Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
GERMANTOWN Town of Germantown Town Board Meeting: Proposed Town Board Monthly Meeting Agenda. • Town Attorney – Ratify agreement to continue old business with Whiteman, Osterman Hanna LLC; • National Grid – Removal from demand meter and demand rate; • Sewer Issue with Peter Fingar Property – Estimate to scope line to determine needs and mapping. • Karol Harlow – Removal of synthetic marijuana and paraphernalia from local store shelves; G-Tel – Presentation; Gerald Smith – Request to add Mr. Smith to History Advisory Committee. 7 p.m. at Germantown Town Hall, 50 Palatine Park Road, Germantown, 518-537-6687.
HILLSDALE Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Main Street (325-5073).
HUDSON 5 p.m. Finance Committee meeting; 7 p.m. Regular Common Council meeting at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (589-6150).
LEXINGTON Town board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
TAGHKANIC Planning Board workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 82 in West Taghkanic (851-7638).

The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:43 a.m./ 5:36 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 6:10 a.m. / 5:42 p.m.
New Moon: 5:36 p.m.

Last night/Today’s big games
(Hosts: Read scores in the a.m. only, and schedules in the p.m.)
Scores
NBA: New Jersey Nets 100 at New York Knicks 92; Deron Williams, 38 points.
Schedules
NBA: Philadelphia 76ers at Memphis Grizzlies, 8 p.m.

WGXC Program Notes
Special Programming Tue. Feb. 21:
• “WGXC Afternoon Show,” 4-6 p.m.: Hosted by Mariel Fiori and Antonio Flores-Lobos.

Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.
The information below are options of pre-recorded material hosts can choose to play.

Audio clips to play
play Shearwater songs in Campcaster

New PSAs/STATION IDs
• A OFF PSA 20120226 WGXC First Year Membership
• A OFF PSA 20120226 WGXC BIRTHDAY PARTY.mp3
• A OFF_PSA _20120226_WGXC ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY .mp3Pamela Badilla Produced By Shannekia McIntosh
• A OFF PSA 20120224_WGXC_1_YR_DANCE PARTY 20120224.mp3

Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 5:04 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport n/a
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 5:04 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport n/a
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 5:04 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport n/a
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 5:04 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport n/a
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport

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WGXC weekend ski report: President’s Day

February 17, 2012 in Hillsdale, Hunter, Windham by Tom Roe | No comments

Previous fireworks at Hunter Mountain, from their website.

All three local ski resorts feature special events and discounts this President’s Day weekend. Catamount Ski in Columbia County has 31 trails and four lifts open with 18-40″ of snow. The band Satellite Shine performs in the tavern on Sun., Feb. 19 at 3:30 p.m. Windham Mountain has a snow base between 14″ and 44″ on 40 trails with six lifts open. Windham opens for skiing at 8 a.m. all week, and offers night skiing February 17-25 from 4-8 p.m. Hunter Mountain has up to 18″ to 72″ of snow on 43 trails with six lifts. There will be fireworks at 7 p.m. Sat., Feb. 18.

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Barrett campaigns in Hudson

February 14, 2012 in Ancram, Austerlitz, Canaan, Claverack, Columbia County, Copake, Dutchess County, Ghent, Greenport, Hillsdale, Hudson, Stockport by Lynn Sloneker | No comments

Audra Jornov reports in the Register Star about Didi Barrett’s campaign stop at Club Helsinki, Sunday, Feb. 12. The Dutchess County resident is the Democrat candidate in the March 20 special election to fill the New York State Assembly seat formerly held by Marcus Molinaro. Rich Wager is the Republican candidate, and also a Dutchess County resident. A major challenge: Many voters are unaware the special election is scheduled. Barrett told the crowd Saturday, this is “like a school budget election; the only people who will come out and vote are those who care enough….” Barrett’s priorities include a focus on economic development via mandate relief and aid to local farmers, job development, and relief from various unfunded mandates. Jornov writes that Wager “is focusing his campaign issues on changing the culture of state politics and relief on taxes for the district’s small business owners.” Read the full story in the Register Star.

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WGXC weekend ski report: Bruce Fansue

February 10, 2012 in Hillsdale, Hunter, Windham by Staff | No comments

Hunter Mountain snowmaking.

Click here to play entire WGXC Ski Report with Intro/Outro, report, and interview.

National Weather Service forecasters predict that it may actually feel a bit like winter on the area’s three mountains this weekend. Catamount Ski in Columbia County has 28 trails and four lifts open with 16-36″ of snow. Windham Mountain has a snow base between 14″ and 44″ on 40 trails with six lifts open. Hunter Mountain has up to 18″ to 72″ of snow on 43 trails with six lifts.

WGXC’s Paul Smart talked with Hunter Mountain snowmaker Bruce Fansue Wed., Feb. 8 on the “Work” show on WGXC, about just how many people it takes to make all the snow on the mountain. Click here to here an excerpt of that interview.

(Note to hosts: 10-second Ski report bumper is available in Campcaster for intro/outro.)

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Islam pleads ‘not guilty’

February 8, 2012 in Columbia County, Hillsdale by Noah Reibel | No comments

Audra Jornov reports in the Register Star about Shafiqul Islam, 21, suspect in the November death of Lois Decker, 73, of Hillsdale. Islam appeared in Columbia County Court before Judge Jonathan Nichols Tuesday, and entered a plea of “not guilty” to a charge of second-degree murder, and to three charges of criminal possession of stolen property. Islam was represented by Hudson attorney Michael C. Howard. “Islam sat almost motionless, in a stare, never looking around the room, only directly ahead of him,” according to Jornov. District Attorney Paul Czajka appeared and said the matter was ready for trial. The pretrial hearing in the matter will be held June 8. Jury selection begins July 16. Read the full story in the Register Star.

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Weekend ski report

February 3, 2012 in Hillsdale, Hunter, Windham by Staff | No comments

Another winter week without real snow on the mountains, and higher temperatures. Catamount Ski in Columbia County has 30 trails and four lifts open with 16-36″ of snow. Windham Mountain has a snow base between 14″ and 44″ on 40 trails with six lifts open. Hunter Mountain has up to 18″ to 72″ of snow on 45 trails with seven lifts. All three mountains are offering Super Bowl-weekend specials.

(Note to hosts: 10-second Ski report bumper is available in Campcaster for intro/outro.)

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Candidates in place for special election

January 30, 2012 in Ancram, Austerlitz, Canaan, Claverack, Columbia County, Copake, Dutchess County, Ghent, Greenport, Hillsdale, Hudson, Millerton, Pine Plains, Red Hook, Stockport by Noah Reibel | No comments

The candidates are in place for the special election for the Assembly seat in 103rd district, which Marc Molinaro vacated to take up a position as Dutchess County executive. Both candidates are Millbrook residents. Didi Barrett will be the Democratic Party’s candidate, and she will face GOP candidate Richard Wager in the March 20 special election. Parry Teasdale previews the contest in The Columbia Paper. Barrett is a member of the Millbrook Education Foundation and helped launch the Dutchess Girls Collaborative. She is currently a board member of the Anderson Center for Autism Foundation and the North East Dutchess Community Fund. Wager is a former aide to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. He was chosen over two other GOP candidates including former Assemblyman Pat Manning. The 103rd Assembly District takes in the city of Hudson and the towns of Ancram, Austerlitz, Canaan, Claverack, Copake, Ghent, Greenport, Hillsdale and Stockport in Columbia County and 12 Dutchess County towns, including Red Hook, Milan, Millerton and Pine Plains and most of the eastern side of that county stretching south to the Putnam County border. The majority of the population in the 103rd Assembly District lives in Dutchess County, where registered Republicans have a plurality. Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.

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Weekend ski report

January 27, 2012 in Hillsdale, Hunter, Windham by Tom Roe | No comments

Mountain conditions
All three mountains got a little snow this week. Catamount Ski in Columbia County was closed Friday because of the rain, but reopens Saturday with 16-36″ of snow. Windham Mountain has a snow base between 16″ and 48″ on 40 trails with five lifts open. Hunter Mountain‘s snowtubing is closed Friday, but back open Saturday. The mountain has up to 18″ to 72″ of snow on 45 trails with six lifts.

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Taconic Hills learns about school reform plan

January 24, 2012 in Albany, Columbia County, Hillsdale, Upstate New York by Noah Reibel | No comments

John Mason writes in the Register Star about about the Regents Reform Agenda, a plan financed through a federal grant awarded from the Race to the Top initiative. New York is one of 47 or 48 states that are moving to adopt national standards, including higher benchmarks in math and English Language Arts. Questar III administrators visited the Taconic Hills School Board last week to discuss the reform plan. Questar Superintendent James Baldwin described a four-part plan to improve the schools. The program calls for the adoption of the higher standards which it calls Common Core Standards. The second element is the incorporation of improved data systems, which will track students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The third focuses on teacher certification, making sure teachers are qualified to teach their subject area. The fourth element is a push to improve low achieving schools and hold them accountable if they fail. The state has had an accountability system in place for over a decade, but Baldwin said a lack of enforcement allowed low-performing schools to fall through the cracks. “Schools have been failing to meet the targets established for them,” Baldwin said, “the state has not responded by closing them or forcing them to reconfigure. There will be much greater scrutiny.” Questar III is the local Board of Cooperative Educational Services, or BOCES, and oversees the 23 school districts in Columbia, Greene and Rensselaer counties for the state Education Department. Read about the BOCES school reform initiative in the Register Star.

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Weekend ski report: Wounded Warriors in Windham

January 20, 2012 in Hillsdale, Hunter, Windham by Tom Roe | No comments

Listen to Jack Ross-Pilkington with an audio ski report here. PLAY CLIP

Meanwhile, Chris Valdez in the Windham Journal reports that at Windham Mountain this weekend, the Adaptive Sports Foundation holds its eighth annual Learn to Ski and Ride Festival for the veterans of the Wounded Warriors Project. The free festival, formerly known as Support the Troops, is a three-day event introducing disabled veterans to skiing, snowboarding, tubing and ice skating on the slope side of Windham Mountain. “It’s one more step for our vets to transition back into civilian life,” volunteer ski instructor and media coordinator Karen Feldman said. “It gives them confidence to try other things, expand their comfort zone and understand their abilities. When they see that they can do this, it empowers them to try other things.” Read the full story in the Windham Journal.

Mountain conditions
All three mountains got a few inches of snow this week. Catamount Ski in Columbia County reports 25 of 33 trails are open, with four of six lifts running, and 16-32″ of snow. Windham Mountain has a snow base between 16″ and 44″ on 41 trails with six lifts open. Hunter Mountain has up to 12″ to 50″ of snow on 41 trails with six lifts.

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Parties pick faves for special election

January 20, 2012 in Ancram, Austerlitz, Canaan, Claverack, Columbia County, Copake, Ghent, Greenport, Hillsdale, Hudson, Stockport by Tom Roe | No comments

Tom Casey in the Register-Star reports that the Columbia County Republican Committee backs Richard Wager of Millbrook, while Columbia County Democrats favor Didi Barrett of Millbrook to replace Marcus Molinaro for the 103rd Assembly district seat, up for special election March 20. In 2008, Wager lost a primary to Sandy Treadwell (R-Westport) for the U.S. House of Representative 20th District seat. Barrett failed to unseat New York State Senator Steve Saland in 2010. The seat in the Assembly in Albany represents Ancram, Copake, Hillsdale, Hudson, Greenport, Claverack, Stockport, Ghent, Austerlitz and Canaan in Columbia County, plus Dutchess County to the south.

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Tuesday, January 17, 2012 local almanac

January 17, 2012 in Columbia County, Durham, Hillsdale, Hudson, Hunter, Lexington, Taghkanic by Staff | No comments

Weather right now
Hosts: Please announce the current temperature in Hudson, which is in Studio A in Hudson. Please properly credit any other local temperatures you announce on the air. The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page; the two others are Cairo and Catskill Weather Underground pages.

Please credit the above temperatures: From the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page; and from Cairo and Catskill Weather Underground pages.
On the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page, when the computer at Hawthorne Valley is turned on, the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page reports weather information live from Harlemville. Check dates and times at bottom of image to see whether reports are live or from when the computer was last turned off. Please properly credit any other local temperatures you announce on the air.

Local weather forecast
Today’s forecast is specific to Livingston, in Columbia County.
The National Weather Service predicts for Tuesday in Livingston there will be freezing rain, possibly mixed with sleet before 8 a.m., then rain with a high near 41. Tuesday night there will be rain and snow showers before 4 a.m., gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 27. West wind gusts as high as 31 mph. The forecast for the rest of the week:
• Wednesday: A slight chance of snow showers between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 30.
• Thursday: A slight chance of snow showers after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 29, a low around 14.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 30.

Town meetings today
Today is the third Tuesday of the month.
ALBANY Gov. Andrew Cuomo gives 2012-13 Budget Proposal at 2 p.m. at Hart Theatre, Egg Center for Performing Arts, Albany.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Health and Medical Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson.
DURHAM Town Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
GREENE COUNTY Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection co-sponsor “In the Wake of Irene” as the annual Schoharie Creek watershed conference this January. The day’s program covers all sorts of water and stream issues in the Catskills. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Hunter Elementary, 7794 Main St., Hunter.
HILLSDALE Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Main Street (325-5073).
HUDSON 5 p.m. Finance Committee meeting; 7 p.m. Regular Common Council meeting at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (589-6150).
LEXINGTON Town board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
TAGHKANIC Planning Board workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 82 in West Taghkanic (851-7638).

The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 7:18 a.m./ 4:54 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 1:34 a.m. / 11:47 a.m.

Today’s big games
(Hosts: Read scores in the a.m. only, and schedules in the p.m.)
Scores
NBA: Orlando Magic 102 at New York Knicks 93
NBA: New Jersey Nets 91 at Los Angeles Clippers 101
Schedules
NHL: Nashville Predators at New York Rangers, 7:30 p.m.

WGXC Program Notes
Special Programming Tue. Jan. 17:
• “Vocal Chords,” Noon-2 p.m.: Andrew Sosnowski host two hours of vocal music.

Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.
The information below are options of pre-recorded material hosts can choose to play.

Audio clips to play

New PSAs/STATION IDs
• A_OFF_PSA_20120122 Ghent Playhouse auditions

Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 4:49 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport n/a
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 4:49 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport n/a
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 4:49 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport n/a
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 4:49 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport n/a
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport

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Friday ski report: Chip Seamans

January 13, 2012 in Hillsdale, Hunter, Windham by Staff | No comments

Windham Mountain's first snow of 2012. From Windham Mountain website.

All three mountains got a few inches of snow Thursday morning. Catamount Ski in Columbia County reports 25 of 33 trails are open, with four of six lifts running, and 16-32″ of snow. Windham Mountain has a snow base between 14″ and 40″ on 25 trails with six lifts open. Hunter Mountain has up to 12″ to 50″ of snow on 39 trails with six lifts. It is a holiday weekend, so there are discounts available.

This past Tuesday, new Windham Mountain General Manager Chip Seamans joined WGXC’s Nancy Marron on her “Social Graces” show and here he explained how Windham Mountain’s winter has been so far. PLAY CLIP

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Friday ski report: cold for snow

January 6, 2012 in Hillsdale, Hunter, Windham by Tom Roe | No comments

The local ski resorts did not get the snow they want this past week, but the bitter cold mid-week did allow them to add a lot of artificial white stuff to the mountains. Catamount Ski in Columbia County reports 22 of 33 trails are open (they expect 25 open by Saturday), with four of six lifts running, and 12-30″ of artificial snow. Windham Mountain has an artificial snow base between 12″ and 38″ on 25 trails with six lifts open. Hunter Mountain has up to 12″ to 50″ of mostly artificial snow on 36 trails with seven lifts.

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Copake Hillsdale Trail group raises funds

January 4, 2012 in Copake, Hillsdale by Tom Roe | No comments

The Copake Hillsdale Rail Trail Alliance announced Tue., Jan. 3, it has raised the matching funds required by a $121,965 New York State grant, putting the proposed extension of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail closer to reality. The grant from the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation totals $162,620 with the $40,655 matching amount raised by the community group. The money, which will be administered by the Columbia Land Conservancy, will be used to hire a firm to design a trail with final construction drawings, as well as necessary supporting studies, for the five-mile extension. The Harlem Valley Rail Trail currently ends in Copake Falls. The new section will run north from there through Hillsdale. The expanded trail will link the two communities to the new Roe Jan Community Library and Roe Jan Park with a safe, off-road path for bikers, walkers, runners and cross-country skiers of all ages. “We are thrilled that residents of Copake and Hillsdale have contributed generously to the matching amount we were required to raise,” said Nancy Schultz, a Copake resident who is co-chair of the rail trail alliance.

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Taconic Hills teachers still without contract

January 3, 2012 in Columbia County, Hillsdale by Noah Reibel | No comments

John Mason of The Register-Star reports on ongoing contract negotiations in the Taconic Hills School District. Taconic Hills teachers have been working under an expired contract for three-and-a-half years, since June 2008. Taconic Hills outgoing Superintendent Mark Sposato told the paper the teachers were asking for too much. “They want more money every year,” he said. “… Even though we’re going broke, they want a $35,000 retirement incentive.” According to Sposato’s email, the teachers were seeking raises of five percent per year for the next seven years. Mason also reports that Taconic Hills is dropping some popular “manual arts” or “shop” electives, following the retirement of two veteran teachers. Shop class at Taconic Hills Central School featured a section on house construction where students learned how to build a model frame strong enough to hold their weight without collapsing. Sandra Gardner, the school’s Director of Instruction and Staff Development, told the paper the district is trying to be reflective of the changing realities of the job market. “We’re going to more of a pre-engineering curriculum,” Gardner said, citing a new computer lab. Gardner said high school students wishing to take shop classes can go to Questar III. Read that story in the Register-Star.

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Hillsdale’s new logo

January 2, 2012 in Hillsdale by Tom Roe | No comments

Designed by Cathy Cahill.

New Hillsdale town seal designed by Cathy Cahill via Hillsdale General Store. The building is the new Town Hall, in the old library building.

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Friday ski report: no real snow, but cold

December 30, 2011 in Columbia County, Greene County, Hillsdale, Hunter, Windham by Tom Roe | No comments

The local ski resorts are certainly bemoaning the lack of real snow so far this holiday season, save for that freak pre-Halloween storm. They are all making lots of artificial snow, and the colder temperatures this past week are helping those efforts. Catamount Ski in Columbia County reports 16 of 33 trails are open, with four of six lifts running, and 10-20″ of artificial snow. Windham Mountain has an artificial snow base between 10″ and 34″ on 19 trails with six lifts open. Hunter Mountain has up to 44″ of mostly artificial snow on 29 trails with nine lifts. There are holiday discounts available this weekend.

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Taconic Hills Superintendent Sposato retires

December 27, 2011 in Claverack, Columbia County, Craryville, Hillsdale, Philmont by Noah Reibel | No comments

The Register-Star reports that Taconic Hills Superintendent Mark Sposato announced his retirement at Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting. The Star’s John Mason says the announcement came as a surprise since Sposato is only three years into a five-year contract. He told the board his wife has taken a job Florida and so his family is moving. His contract requires he give two-months notice. Sposato says he will finish out the school year and his retirement will be effective September 8, 2012. Read the article in The Register-Star.

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Catamount opens; Santas take Windham Mountain

December 23, 2011 in Hillsdale, Hunter, Windham by Tom Roe | No comments

Catamount Ski in Columbia County opened last weekend, and will be back open this weekend in Hillsdale with 8″ to 20″ snow base on 15 trails with four lifts. On Windham Mountain‘s second weekend open, more than 200 Santas on skis raised more than $2000 for the local food pantry at Hope Restoration Church in Windham on Sun., Dec. 18. Windham Mountain has an artificial snow base between 6″ and 25″ on 14 trails with three lifts open. Hunter Mountain has up to 44″ of mostly artificial snow on 23 trails with five lifts.

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011 local almanac

December 20, 2011 in Columbia County, Durham, Hillsdale, Hudson, Hunter, Lexington, Taghkanic by Staff | No comments

Weather right now
Hosts: Please announce the current temperature in Hudson, which is in Studio A in Hudson. Please properly credit any other local temperatures you announce on the air.

Please credit the above temperatures: From the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page; and from Cairo and Catskill Weather Underground pages.
On the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page, when the computer at Hawthorne Valley is turned on, the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page reports weather information live from Harlemville. Check dates and times at bottom of image to see whether reports are live or from when the computer was last turned off. Please properly credit any other local temperatures you announce on the air.

Local weather forecast
Today’s forecast is specific to Philmont, in Columbia County.
The National Weather Service says Philmont will be sunny, with a high near 36. Tuesday night will bring increasing clouds, with a low around 23. The forecast for the rest of the week:
• Wednesday: A slight chance of rain, snow, and sleet before 10 a.m., then rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 44.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.
• Friday: A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40.
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41.

Town meetings today
This is the third Tuesday of the month.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Health and Medical Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson.
DURHAM Town Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
HILLSDALE Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Main Street (325-5073).
HUDSON 5 p.m. Finance Committee meeting; 7 p.m. Regular Common Council meeting at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (589-6150).
LEXINGTON Town board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
TAGHKANIC Planning Board workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 82 in West Taghkanic (851-7638).

The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 7:16 a.m./ 4:31 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 2:34 a.m. / 1:07 p.m.

WGXC Program Notes
Special Programming Tue. Dec. 20:
• “WGXC Afternoon Show,” 4-6 p.m.: Mariel Fiori hosts the “WGXC Afternoon Show” with local and international news updates, interviews, features, music, and more.

Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.
The information below are options of pre-recorded material hosts can choose to play.

Audio clips to play

New PSAs/STATION IDs
• A OFF PSA 20111219 CCC Christmas dinner
• A_OFF_PSA_20111226 Catskill High School Cat Camp.mp3

Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 3:11 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:10
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 3:11 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:10
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 3:11 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:10
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 3:11 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport 3:10
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport

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Tuesday, November 15, 2011 local almanac

November 15, 2011 in Athens, Columbia County, Durham, Hillsdale, Hudson, Hunter, Lexington, Taghkanic by Staff | No comments

Local weather forecast
The National Weather Service says there is a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 9 a.m. Tuesday. Then, mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Tuesday night, there is a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 1 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. The rest of the week:
• Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers, with a high near 55.
• Thursday: A 20 percent chance of rain and/or snow showers before 10 a.m., with a high near 44.
• Friday: Sunny, with a high near 47.

Town meetings today
ATHENS Greene County Emergency Services Director John Farrell talks about the impact of Hurricane Irene on Greene County. Call 945-2700. At 11 a.m. at Rivertown Senior Center, 39 2nd St., Athens.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Health and Medical Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson.
DURHAM Town Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
HILLSDALE The Preliminary Budget of the Town of Hillsdale for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2012, has been completed and filed in the office of the Town Clerk, Hillsdale, NY, where it is available for inspection by any interested persons at regular Town Clerk Hours. The Town Board of the Town of Hillsdale will meet and hold a Public Hearing where any person may be heard in favor of or against any item or items therein contained. PURSUANT to Section 108 of the Town Law, the proposed salaries of the following Town Officers are hereby specified as follows: Supervisor, $11,367; Town Council, four (4) at $4,102.50 each; Town Clerk, $16,471; Justices, two (2) at $9,195; Tax Collector, $4,259; Highway Superintendent, $53,681. Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Main Street (325-5073).
HUDSON 5 p.m. Finance Committee meeting; 7 p.m. Regular Common Council meeting at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (589-6150).
LEXINGTON Town board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
TAGHKANIC Planning Board workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 82 in West Taghkanic (851-7638).

Columbia County gas prices
The Register-Star surveys Columbia County gas prices this week:
• Gulf, Valatie: $3.51
• Xtra Fuels, Valatie: $3.52
• Mobil, Hudson: $3.53
• Hess (2), Hudson: $3.53
• Sunoco, Hudson: $3.54

The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:42 a.m./ 4:39 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 8:45 p.m. / 10:41 a.m.

Birthdays
November 15 Felix Frankfurter, Georgia O’Keeffe, Ed Asner, J. G. Ballard, Clyde McPhatter, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

WGXC Program Notes
Special Programming Tue. Nov. 15:
3 p.m.: “What’s Going On?” Elaine Fernandez talks to Peter Pherson about the proposed Acres Food Co-Op in Hudson.

Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.

New PSAs/STATION IDs
• A OFF PSA 20111117 Coop Ext Stream Spotters.mp3
• A OFF PSA 20111130 Coop Ext Water Wells.mp3

Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 10:06 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport. 3:10
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 10:06 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport. 3:10
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 10:06 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport. 3:10
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 10:06 PLAY CLIP also International Network News (INN), through Audioport. 3:10
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport

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October 18, 2011 local almanac

October 18, 2011 in Cairo, Columbia County, Durham, Hillsdale, Hudson, Hunter, Lexington, Taghkanic by Staff | No comments

Local weather forecast
The National Weather Service predicts Tuesday will be partly sunny, with a high near 63. Tuesday night clouds move in, with a low around 43. Wednesday rain begins, mainly after 2 p.m. High near 57. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Town meetings today
CAIRO The Planning Board of the Town of Cairo holds a Public Hearing on the planned Hannaford Supermarket in Cairo on Tuesday, Oct.18. It will be held at the Acra Community Center, 645 Old Rt 23, Acra, NY (behind St. Edmond’s Church). Take Rt 23 West to Acra Manor, make a right and go to stop sign, make left onto Old Rt 23 and proceed to Acra Community Center. For more info call the Cairo Town Hall at 518-622-3120. 7 p.m. at Acra Community Center, 645 Old County Route 23, Cairo.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Health and Medical Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson.
DURHAM 7:30 p.m. The Durham Town Board opened a Public Hearing on August 2 for the following proposed Site Plan Reviews which will remain open until further notice: Property owned by Edward Armstrong, parcel 49.00-6-30 located at 1105 Hervey Sunside Road, Cornwallville consisting of approximately 54.80 +/- acres. Their wish is to place a 140’ wind tower on this parcel; And property owned by Robert Stefanko, parcel 63.00-3-8 located at 7591 Rt 23, East Windham consisting of approximately 17.10 +/- acres. Their wish is to place a 120’ wind tower on this parcel. The board meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Town Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
HILLSDALE Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Main Street (325-5073).
HUDSON 5 p.m. Finance Committee meeting; 7 p.m. Regular Common Council meeting at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (589-6150).
LEXINGTON Town board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
TAGHKANIC Planning Board workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 82 in West Taghkanic (851-7638).

The skies above
SUNRISE/SUNSET 7:09 a.m./6:13 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 10:49 p.m. / 1:01 p.m.

Birthdays
October 18 Chuck Berry, Mike Ditka, Laura Nyro, Terry McMillan, Martina Navratilova, and Rick Moody.

WGXC Program Notes
Special Programming on Mon. Oct. 17:
• 4-6 p.m.: On Tuesdays the WGXC Afternoon Show is hosted by Mariel Fiori and Antonio Flores-Lobos, who present news and features and interviews in English and Spanish.

Audio clips for WGXC programmers
This information is not meant to be read on-air.

New PSAs
A OFF PSA 20111030 Pledge Drive
A OFF PSA 20111029 North Chatham Rotary Halloween
A OFF PSA 20111029 Clermont Ghost Tours

Audio headlines for top of the hour
• 5 a.m.: WGXC News 9:58 PLAY CLIP and International Network News (INN), through Audioport.
• 6 a.m.: WGXC News 9:58 PLAY CLIP and International Network News (INN), through Audioport.
• 7 a.m.: WGXC News 9:58 PLAY CLIP and International Network News (INN), through Audioport.
• 9 a.m.: WGXC News 9:58 PLAY CLIP and International Network News (INN), through Audioport.
• 4 p.m.: International Network News (INN), through Audioport
• 5 p.m.: Free Speech Radio News headlines, through fsrn.org
• Midnight: International Network News (INN), through Audioport

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Hillsdale moves to new Town Hall in old library

October 11, 2011 in Hillsdale, Stuyvesant by Tom Roe | No comments

Chris Simonds in The Columbia Paper reports that Hillsdale officials moved in to their new town hall, in the former Hillsdale Public Library building on Sept. 23, and will hold a dedication ceremony at 11 a.m. Sat., Oct. 15. Supervisor Art Baer, always a good quote, takes a dig at Stuyvesant while mentioning that Hillsdale spent $530,000 in total on the new town hall. “There are towns that are building salt sheds that are more expensive than this,” Baer told Simonds. That’s a reference to the $845,000 bond Stuyvesant voters recently approved to build two salt sheds. The story goes on to note that the town is seeking a $400,000 state historic preservation grant for exterior improvements and grounds work, so, eventually, it may cost more than those cross-county salt sheds. Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.

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October 4, 2011 local almanac

October 4, 2011 in Cairo, Catskill, Columbia County, Copake, Durham, Hillsdale, Lexington, Livingston by Staff | No comments

The National Weather Service predicts showers likely, mainly before 11 a.m. Tuesday, otherwise cloudy, with a high near 61. Tuesday night there will be scattered showers, with a low around 47. Wednesday should be mostly sunny, with a high near 66.

Town meetings today
CAIRO There will be a district-wide information meeting for the community in the MS/HS Media Center to regarding the proposed conversion of Durham Elementary to a Charter School. There will be a presentation and a question and answer period. 7 p.m. at Cairo-Durham High School, 1301 Route 145, Durham.
CATSKILL Town Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 439 Main St., Catskill (943-2141).
COLUMBIA COUNTY The Columbia County Industrial Development Agency meets at 8:30 a.m., and the Columbia County Capital Resource Corporation meets at 9 a.m., both at 4303 Route 9, Hudson.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Finance Committee meets at 5 p.m. at County Office Building, 401 State St., Hudson.
COPAKE Park Commission meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
DURHAM The Durham Town Board opened a Public Hearing on August 2 for the following proposed Site Plan Reviews which will remain open until further notice: Property owned by Edward Armstrong, parcel 49.00-6-30 located at 1105 Hervey Sunside Road, Cornwallville consisting of approximately 54.80 +/- acres. Their wish is to place a 140’ wind tower on this parcel; And property owned by Robert Stefanko, parcel 63.00-3-8 located at 7591 Rt 23, East Windham consisting of approximately 17.10 +/- acres. Their wish is to place a 120’ wind tower on this parcel. Town Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
HILLSDALE The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Hillsdale holds a public hearing on a special permit for Howard Henward to remove sediment and gravel in compliance with DEC permits from his stream pond at 165 County Route 21, Hillsdale. At 7:30 p.m. at Hillsdale Town Hall, Main St., Hillsdale.
LEXINGTON Town Board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
LIVINGSTON Zoning Board of Appeals meeting at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, County Rte. 19, Livingston (851-9441).

The skies above
TIDES Hudson: High, 9:56 p.m./Low, 3:59 p.m.
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:55 a.m./6:35 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 2:36 a.m. / 12:38 Wed a.m.

Birthdays
October 4 Charlton Heston, Alvin Toffler, Anne Rice, Tony La Russa, Susan Sarandon, and Russell Simmons.

Tune in today
WGXC MORNING SHOW Phillip Grant presents the morning news, music, other features, agriculture reporting, and more. 6-8 a.m.
DEMOCRACY NOW! Hosted by Amy Goodman. 8 a.m.
WGXC MORNING SHOW Phillip Grant updates of the morning news, and plays music. 9 a.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH International news. 11 a.m.
VOCAL CHORDS Andrew Sosnowski hosts. Noon-2 p.m.
YOUTH RADIO 3:30 p.m.
WGXC AFTERNOON SHOW Mariel Fiori and Antonio Flores-Lobos host. 4-6 p.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH 6 p.m.
FREE SPEECH RADIO NEWS 6:30 p.m.
JMOORE Jeff Moore plays music. 7 p.m.
BATTLEFIELD EARTH Dan Seward hosts. 9:30 p.m.
TRANSMISSION ART Radio theater, experimental sound, field recordings, radio art, mash-ups, shortwave radio news, and more midnight through 6 a.m. Wednesday morning.

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September 27, 2011 local almanac

September 27, 2011 in Canaan, Greenport, Hillsdale, Hudson, Stuyvesant by Staff | No comments

The National Weather Service predicts it could drizzle or be foggy before noon Tuesday, then isolated showers after 3 p.m. are possible. Otherwise, it will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Tuesday night there is a 40 percent chance of showers, after 9 p.m., with a low around 58. Wednesday there is a 50 percent chance of showers, with a high near 67.

Town meetings today
CANAAN A public hearing before the Canaan Zoning Board of Appeals will be conducted to be consider a request for a special permit in Appeal 2011-2 by Bobbi-Jean Bennett, 13131 State Route 22, Tax ID#60.-1-37 and a request for two area variances in Appeal 2011-3A&B by David and Shalva Gliner, 530 County Route 24, East Chatham NY 12060. Meeting at 7 p.m. at Canaan Town Hall, 1647 County Route 5, Canaan.
GREENPORT Planning Board meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Greenport Town Hall, Town Hall Drive, Hudson (828-4656).
HILLSDALE The Town Board of the Town of Hillsdale holds a special meeting on the Tentative Budget for 2012. At 7 p.m. at Hillsdale Town Hall, Main St., Hillsdale, 518-325-7563.
HUDSON Common Council Economic Development Committee meeting, 6 p.m. at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
STUYVESANT Zoning Board meets, discusses sound issues surrounding Glencadia Dog Camp. At 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant.

The skies above
TIDES Hudson: High, 3:23 p.m./Low, 9:41 a.m. and 10:08 p.m.
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:48 a.m./6:47 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 7 a.m. /6:34 p.m.
New Moon: 6:10 a.m.

Birthdays
September 27 Jim Thompson, Bud Powell, Wilford Brimley, and Carrie Brownstein.

Tune in today
WGXC MORNING SHOW Phillip Grant presents the morning news, music, other features, agriculture reporting, and more. 6-8 a.m.
DEMOCRACY NOW! Hosted by Amy Goodman. 8 a.m.
WGXC MORNING SHOW Philip Grant updates of the morning news, and plays music. 9 a.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH International news. 11 a.m.
FOURTH TUESDAY OPERA SCENE Margaret Juntwait, host of the Metropolitan Opera on radio, will talk with Ed Beaty about the 2011/2012 Met Opera season, and will recall their years working together on the live Met Broadcasts. Noon-2 p.m.
BLINDSPOT RADIO Radio show about photography. 2 p.m.
YOUTH RADIO Karen Schoemer and Loretta. 3:30 p.m.
WGXC AFTERNOON SHOW Ann Forbes Cooper hosts with Rene van Schaack, the interim executive director for the Greene County Industrial Development Agency will talk about its new initiatives to help businesses affected by Irene and other issues such as how to attract new industry to the area. in the 4 p.m. hour; and Vincent Seeley, Catskill Village President answers questions about his term in office, Hurricane Irene, the economy, the future of Catskill Village and much, much more in the 5 p.m. hour. Listeners are urged to call in with questions for either, at 518-828-0290. The show kicks off with psychologist Risha Handlers discussing how individuals deal emotionally with crises, such as major local storms. 4-6 p.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH 6 p.m.
FREE SPEECH RADIO NEWS 6:30 p.m.
THE TOM WAITS SHOW Kurt and Doug host. 7 p.m.
BATTLEFIELD EARTH Bee Mask, Drainolith, Saviour Self, DJ Peoplekiller will be on a wgxc.org internet feed beginning at 8 p.m., and will air on the FM signal at 9:30 p.m. with regular host Dan Seward at the helm.
TRANSMISSION ART Radio theater, experimental sound, field recordings, radio art, mash-ups, shortwave radio news, and more midnight through 6 a.m.Wednesday morning.

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September 20, 2011 local almanac

September 20, 2011 in Columbia County, Durham, Hillsdale, Hudson, Hunter, Lexington, Taghkanic by Staff | No comments

The National Weather Service predicts showers, mainly before noon, high near 67 on Tuesday. Overnight should be mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Wednesday, the prediction is a slight chance of showers after 2 p.m. Otherwise partly sunny, with a high near 74.

Town meetings today
COLUMBIA COUNTY Health and Medical Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson.
DURHAM Town Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
HILLSDALE Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Main Street (325-5073).
HUDSON 5 p.m. Finance Committee meeting; 7 p.m. Regular Common Council meeting at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (589-6150).
LEXINGTON Town board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
TAGHKANIC Planning Board workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 82 in West Taghkanic (851-7638).

The skies above
TIDES Hudson: High, 8:59 p.m./Low, 2:44 a.m.
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:41 a.m./6:58 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 11:58 p.m. /2:20 p.m.
Last Quarter Moon: 8:40 a.m.

Birthdays
September 20 Upton Sinclair, Jelly Roll Morton, Anne Meara, Sophia Loren, and George R. R. Martin.

Tune in today
WGXC MORNING SHOW Philip Grant presents the morning news, music, other features, agriculture reporting, and more. 6-8 a.m.
DEMOCRACY NOW! Hosted by Amy Goodman. 8 a.m.
WGXC MORNING SHOW Philip Grant updates of the morning news. 9 a.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH International news. 11 a.m.
VOCAL CHORDS Andrew Sosnowski hosts. Noon-2 p.m.
YOUTH RADIO 3:30 p.m.
WGXC AFTERNOON SHOW Ann Forbes Cooper and Richard Roth host. 4-6 p.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH 6 p.m.
FREE SPEECH RADIO NEWS 6:30 p.m.
JMOORE Jeff Moore hosts. 7 p.m.
BATTLEFIELD EARTH Dan Seward plays all sorts of music. 9:30 p.m.
TRANSMISSION ART Radio theater, experimental sound, field recordings, radio art, mash-ups, shortwave radio news, and more midnight through 6 a.m. Wednesday morning.

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August 16, 2011 local almanac

August 16, 2011 in Columbia County, Durham, Hillsdale, Hudson, Hunter, Lexington, Taghkanic by Staff | 1 comment

The National Weather Service predicts a 40 percent chance of showers, mainly before 5 p.m. Tuesday, cloudy, with a high near 75. Tuesday night there could be patchy fog after 5 a.m., with a low around 56. Wednesday, that fog should linger until 8 a.m., then sunny, with a high near 83.

Town meetings tonight
COLUMBIA COUNTY Health and Medical Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson.
DURHAM Town Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
HILLSDALE Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Main Street (325-5073).
HUDSON 5 p.m. Finance Committee meeting; 7 p.m. Regular Common Council meeting at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (589-6150).
LEXINGTON Town board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
TAGHKANIC Planning Board workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 82 in West Taghkanic (851-7638).

The skies above
TIDES Hudson: High, 5:45 p.m./Low, 11:50 a.m.
SUNRISE/SUNSET 6:06 a.m./7:54 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 8:54 p.m./ 8:57 a.m.

Birthdays
August 16 Menachem Begin, Charles Bukowski, Eddie Kirkland, Carol Moseley Braun, Madonna, and Steve Carrell.

Tune in today
WGXC MORNING SHOW Philip Grant presents the morning news, music, other features, agriculture reporting, and more. 6-8 a.m.
DEMOCRACY NOW! Hosted by Amy Goodman. 8 a.m.
WGXC MORNING SHOW Philip Grant updates of the morning news, and plays local music. 9 a.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH International news. 11 a.m.
VOCAL CHORDS Andrew Sosnowski plays vocal music. Noon-2 p.m.
COUNTERSPIN FAIR’s weekly media show. 3 p.m.
YOUTH RADIO 3:30 p.m.
WGXC AFTERNOON SHOW Ann Forbes Cooper and Richard Roth host. 4-6 p.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH 6 p.m.
FREE SPEECH RADIO NEWS 6:30 p.m.
JMOORE Jeff Moore plays music. 7 p.m.
BATTLEFIELD EARTH Dan Seward hosts, and hosts. 9:30 p.m.
TRANSMISSION ART Radio theater, experimental sound, field recordings, radio art, mash-ups, shortwave radio news, and more midnight through 6 a.m. Wednesday morning.

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Gibson all over county this weekend

August 5, 2011 in Chatham, Germantown, Hillsdale, Stuyvesant by Tom Roe | No comments

Congressman Chris Gibson (R-Kinderhook) will be in Hillsdale, Chatham, Stuyvesant, and Germantown this weekend. He starts out on Sat., Aug. 6 at the 2011 Summer Paw Picnic in North Chatham from 12:15-1:30 p.m.; then from 2:15–4 p.m. at Hillsdale Day, in Hillsdale; then from 5-6:45 p.m. at the Rededication of the Ernest R. Lasher Jr. Memorial Park in Germantown. On Sunday, Aug. 7 he will be at the Clambake at the Stuyvesant VFW – Stuyvesant from 4-5 p.m.

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August 2, 2011 local almanac

August 2, 2011 in Catskill, Columbia County, Copake, Durham, Hillsdale, Hunter, Lexington, Livingston by Staff | No comments

The National Weather Service predicts Tuesday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Tuesday night should be partly cloudy, with a low around 58. Wednesday there is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, but otherwise mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Thursday, should be sunny, with a high near 84.

Town meetings today
CATSKILL Town Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 439 Main St., Catskill (943-2141).
COLUMBIA COUNTY There will be a meeting of the Columbia County Industrial Development Agency at 8:30 a.m. and the Columbia County Capital Resource Corporation 9 a.m. for the purpose of discussing any matters that may be presented to the Corporations for consideration. At 8:30 a.m. at 4303 Route 9, Hudson.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Finance Committee meets at 5 p.m. at County Office Building, 401 State St., Hudson.
COPAKE Park Commission meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
DURHAM The Durham Town Board holds a Public Hearing on the following Site Plan Applications: Property owned by Edward Armstrong, parcel 49.00-6-30 located at 1105 Hervey Sunside Road, Cornwallville consisting of approximately 54.80 +/- acres. Their wish is to place a 140’ wind tower on this parcel. And Property owned by Robert Stefanko, parcel 63.00-3-8 located at 7591 Rt 23, East Windham consisting of approximately 17.10 +/- acres. Their wish is to place a 120’ wind tower on this parcel. Durham Town Board will hold a Public Hearing on the following proposed subdivisions: Property owned by Janina Rachubinski, parcel 21.00-4-57 located at 446 Stonitch Road, East Durham consisting of approximately 12.22 +/- acres. Their wish is to subdivide into two parcels of 2.04 +/- acres and 10.18 +/- acres. And Property owned by Barry Nesson, parcel 21.00-4-68 located at 4178 Route 145, Durham consisting of approximately 4.40 +/- acres. Their wish is to subdivide into two parcels of 1.7944 +/- acres and 3.7519 +/- acres. Town Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
HILLSDALE Hillsdale The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Hillsdale holds to consider the following application: A public hearing on a variance for Norman and Sandra Reisman, 4 Stonehill Drive, to build a bedroom addition on to existing house. At 7:30 p.m. at Hillsdale Town Hall, Main St.
HUNTER The Town of Hunter Planning Board meeting scheduled for Tues. Aug. 2 has been canceled. The next Planning Board meeting is Tues. September 6, at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall in Tannersville.
LEXINGTON Town Board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
LIVINGSTON Zoning Board of Appeals meeting at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, County Rte. 19, Livingston (851-9441).

The skies above
TIDES Hudson: High, 5:51 p.m./Low, 12:07 a.m.
SUNRISE/SUNSET 5:53 a.m./8:11 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 9:19 a.m./ 9:35 p.m.

Birthdays
August 2 Hank Cochran, Garth Hudson, and Caleb Carr.

Tune in today
WGXC MORNING SHOW Philip Grant presents the morning news, music, other features, agriculture reporting, and more. 6-8 a.m.
DEMOCRACY NOW! Hosted by Amy Goodman. 8 a.m.
WGXC MORNING SHOW Updates of the morning news. 9 a.m.
WORK Hosted by Max Goldfarb and Laura Kunreuther, on this program, they, “talk to neighbors in and around Columbia County about their experience and relationship to work, as well as the relationship between their work and the places they live.” Different episodes of this show will air at 10 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Friday this week, and then take up a regular spot in the schedule the second Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH International news. 11 a.m.
VOCAL CHORDS Andrew Sosnowski plays vocal music. Noon-2 p.m.
COUNTERSPIN FAIR’s weekly media show. 3 p.m.
YOUTH RADIO 3:30 p.m.
WGXC AFTERNOON SHOW Carl Ritchie, director/writer of The Real (Desperate) Housewives of Columbia County Musical, discusses his latest work, his career and what it was like to go to High School in the Himalayas. Hosted by Ann Forbes Cooper and Richard Roth. 4-6 p.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH 6 p.m.
FREE SPEECH RADIO NEWS 6:30 p.m.
JMOORE Jeff Moore plays all sorts of music. 7 p.m.
BATTLEFIELD EARTH Dan Seward plays even more all sorts of music. 9:30 p.m.
TRANSMISSION ART Radio theater, experimental sound, field recordings, radio art, mash-ups, shortwave radio news, and more midnight through 6 a.m. Wednesday morning.

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July 19, 2011 local almanac

July 19, 2011 in Columbia County, Durham, Hillsdale, Hudson, Hunter, Lexington, Philmont, Stuyvesant, Taghkanic by Staff | No comments

The National Weather Service predicts patchy fog before 7 a.m. Tuesday and then, mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Tuesday night should be mostly clear, with a low around 62. Wednesday should be sunny, with a high near 92. Thursday there is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, and it will remain mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

Town meetings today
COLUMBIA COUNTY Health and Medical Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson.
DURHAM Town Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
HILLSDALE Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Main Street (325-5073).
HUDSON 5 p.m. Finance Committee meeting; 7 p.m. Regular Common Council meeting at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (589-6150).
LEXINGTON Town board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
PHILMONT The Planning Board of the Village of Philmont holds a Public Hearing to consider the following: The application by Doris Rossman, 33 Main Street, Philmont, NY and Monte E. Jennings, 37 Main Street, Philmont, NY for a minor subdivision pursuant to Section 130-7 of the Code of the Village of Philmont. Meeting is at 7 p.m. at Philmont Village Hall, 124 Main St., Philmont.
STUYVESANT The Town of Stuyvesant Zoning Board of Appeals holds a special meeting to address the zoning interpretation request of William Pflaum regarding the Glencadia Dog Camp. Meeting at 7 p.m. at Stuyvesant Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant.
TAGHKANIC Planning Board workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 82 in West Taghkanic (851-7638).

The skies above
TIDES Hudson: High, 6:30 a.m./Low, 1:02 p.m.
SUNRISE/SUNSET 5:40 a.m./8:24 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 10:26 p.m./ 10:10 a.m.

Birthdays
July 19 Buster Benton, Brian May, and Rick Ankiel.

Tune in today
WGXC MORNING SHOW Phillip Grant presents the morning news, music, other features, agriculture reporting, and more. 6-8 a.m.
DEMOCRACY NOW! Hosted by Amy Goodman. 8 a.m.
WGXC MORNING SHOW Phillip Grant updates the morning news and more. 9 a.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH International news. 11 a.m.
VOCAL CHORDS Andrew Sosnowski hosts. Noon-2 p.m.
COUNTERSPIN Presented by FAIR. 3 p.m.
YOUTH RADIO 3:30 p.m.
WGXC AFTERNOON SHOW Ann Forbes Cooper and Richard Roth host. 4-7 p.m.
JMOORE Jeff Moore plays music. 7 p.m.
BATTLEFIELD EARTH Dan Seward hosts. 9:30-mid.
TRANSMISSION ART Radio theater, experimental sound, field recordings, radio art, mash-ups, shortwave radio news, and more through 6 a.m. Wednesday morning.

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June 21, 2011 local almanac

June 21, 2011 in Ancram, Columbia County, Durham, Hillsdale, Hudson, Hunter, Lexington, Taghkanic by Staff | No comments

June 21 is the first day of summer, technically starting at 1:16 p.m.

The National Weather Service predicts isolated showers between noon and 1 p.m. today, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m., with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are also predicted overnight, with a low around 61. Wednesday more scattered showers are possible, with thunderstorms also possible after noon and a high near 75.

Town meetings today
ANCRAM Town of Ancram Zoning Board of Appeals holds two public hearings to consider an application by Jerry Peele, of Herondale Farm, who is seeking a special use permit and an area variance to operate a farm store in an existing barn located at 90 Wiltsie Bridge Road. Also under consideration is an application by Tom and Wendy Borgeson who are seeking an area variance to construct an addition to their house, located at 554 Hall Hill Road, closer to the front property line than is permitted by zoning regulations. At 7 p.m. at Ancram Town Hall, 1416 County Route 7, Ancram (518-329-6512).
COLUMBIA COUNTY Health and Medical Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. at 401 State St. in Hudson.
CLAVERACK The Town of Claverack Republican Party for enrolled Republicans for the purpose of nominating candidates for election to town offices at the General Election to be held on November 8, 2011 will be held at the Claverack Town Park, at the rear of 91 Church St.
DURHAM Town Board meets at 7:30 p.m. at Town Building, 7309 State Rt. 81, East Durham (239-8260).
HILLSDALE Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall on Main Street (325-5073).
HUDSON 5 p.m. Finance Committee meeting; 7 p.m. Regular Common Council meeting at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUNTER Meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5748 Route 23A, Tannersville (589-6150).
LEXINGTON Town board meeting at 7 p.m., at Municipal Building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
TAGHKANIC Planning Board workshop meeting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 82 in West Taghkanic (851-7638).

The skies above
TIDES Hudson: High, 7:52 a.m./Low, 2:23 p.m.
SUNRISE/SUNSET 5:25 a.m./8:30 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 11:59 p.m./11:23 a.m.

Birthdays
June 21 Jean-Paul Sartre, Lalo Schifrin, Ray Davies, Nils Lofgren, Berkeley Breathed, and Juliette Lewis.

Tune in today
WGXC MORNING SHOW Philip Grant present the morning news, music, other features, agriculture reporting, and more. 6-8 a.m.
DEMOCRACY NOW! Hosted by Amy Goodman. 8 a.m.
WGXC MORNING SHOW Philip Grant updates the morning news. 9-11 a.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH International news. 11 a.m.
OPERA SHOW Ed Beatty hosts. Noon-2 p.m.
YOUTH RADIO 3:30 p.m.
WGXC AFTERNOON SHOW Richard Roth and Ann Forbes Cooper host. 4-7 p.m.
JMOORE Jeff Moore plays music. 7 p.m.
BATTLEFIELD EARTH A Demographic of One with Dan Seward. 9:30 p.m.
TRANSMISSION ART Radio theater, experimental sound, field recordings, radio art, mash-ups, shortwave radio news, and more through 6 a.m. Wednesday morning.

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Wednesday headlines and audio

June 8, 2011 in Catskill, Greene County, Hillsdale, Washington by Tom Roe | No comments

IDA discusses PILOT for Flanders
Jamie Larson reports in the Register-Star about how the new Flanders air filtration company purchasing the former Kaz Industries building on Route 9 in Greenport may get a tax break from the Columbia County Industrial Development Agency. The county IDA approved a resolution Tuesday morning June 7 to begin the process of, “awarding Flanders a 10-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement that would forgive 25 percent of the company’s annual taxes dependent on the property’s assessed value, which is currently around $4 million, though the purchase price, when finalized, is expected to be $3.2 million.” The PILOT will reduce Flanders’ annual taxes from roughly $84,000 to $61,000. The North Carolina company to be known as Precisionaire of Hudson New York agreed to provide 180 full time jobs, but says it may hire more than 200. Columbia-Greene Workforce Employment Career Center has been tracking a percentage of the employees that were laid off when Kaz moved its operations to Mexico, and will contact those workers about a planned job fair. Larson says the company decided on Hudson, “to move its residential product line closer to their Northeast distribution centers.” Read the full story in the Register-Star.

Gibson among top 10 House freshmen staff salary spenders
Sarah Tung in Capitol Confidential, the Albany Times-Union’s political blog, reports that Rep. Chris Gibson, Republican from Kinderhook, spent $202,705 on staff expenditures in the first quarter, ranking eighth among House freshmen who spent the most on staff salaries, according to a recent analysis conducted by Colorado Pols. “Each office is given the discretion with how to spend that budget,” Gibson spokewoman Stephanie Valle explained to the newspaper. “(We) prioritize our overall spending to make sure the constituents have access to (qualified) staff.” Read the entire item in Capitol Confidential.

Strawberry Season is Officially Here In New York State
The New York State Berry Growers Association says Father’s Day usually marks the beginning of the New York strawberry harvest, which lasts about a month. The group’s website lists some, but not all, local strawberry sources. Pickyourown.org lists other spots in Greene and Columbia counties. The growers association says that when the strawberries run out in July, local raspberries and blueberries should be ready. Some local strawberry sources:
GREENE COUNTY
• Story Farms, 4640 Route 32, Catskill, NY 12414. 518-678-9716
COLUMBIA COUNTY
• Thompson-Finch Farm, 750 Wiltsie Bridge Road, Ancram NY, 12502. Phone: 518-329-7578. Open: Strawberry picking begins in early June and goes through July 4; Open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Organic.
• Samascott Orchards, 5 Sunset Ave., Kinderhook, NY 12106. 518-758-7224, samascottorchard@aol.com

New York flags at half-staff Thursday
Governor Andrew Cuomo directed flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Thursday, June 9 in honor of a soldier from Cohocton who was killed in action in Afghanistan on June 4. Army Specialist Devin Snyder died of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device struck her vehicle during a mounted patrol in Lagham province. She was assigned to the 164th Military Police Company, of the 793rd Military Police Battalion, part of the 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. “On behalf of all New Yorkers, I express our sympathy to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers of Specialist Devin Snyder,” Governor Cuomo said. “We join with them in mourning her death and honoring her dedication and service to our nation.”

Roe Jan Library now open Sundays
Copake’s Roeliff Jansen Community Library is now open on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., only the second library in Columbia County open Sundays. “Sunday hours are helpful for students and anyone who works weekdays,” said library director Carol Briggs in a press release. “Since we started construction we’ve had many requests from weekenders for Sunday hours so they more easily can take advantage of our great new facility.” The library opened a new building last November, and since then visits to the library have doubled and over 500 new library cards have been issued. The library is located at 9091 Rt. 22 in Hillsdale, approximately one-half mile south of the light at the intersection of Rts. 22 and 23.

WEDNESDAY AUDIO CLIPS
Click on title of each item to play audio mp3 clip.

• Joan Kutcher interview about Mountaintop Arboretum.
Interview by Ann Forbes Cooper on WGXC Afternoon Show. Joan Kutcher talks about summer activities at the Mountaintop Arboretum in Greene County.

• Patrick Milbourne and Sasha Chermayeff interview.
Interview by Ann Forbes Cooper, Richard Roth, and Tom Roe. Milbourne’s M Gallery in Catskill has an opening this Saturday for an exhibit, “Hudson Valley Art and Wine,” with art from Chermayeff.

• Peter Pehrson interview about proposed Hudson Food Co-Op.
Interview by Richard Roth and Ellen Thurston. Pehrson is spearheading efforts to bring a Hudson Food Co-Op, with a meeting June 14 at First Presbyterian Church in Hudson.

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Tuesday headlines

May 17, 2011 in Copake, Copake Falls, Greene County, Hillsdale, Stockport by Tom Roe | No comments

Residents raise money for trail extension
Bart Ziegler, from Hillsdale, and Nancy Schultz, of Copake, are forming the Copake Hillsdale Rail Trail Alliance, to raise funds to extend the Harlem Valley Rail Trail from Copake Falls north through the Hamlet of Hillsdale. Schultz says that to fund the design and engineering of the extension, “the Rail Trail received a $121,000 grant from the NYS Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, with the stipulation that we raise $40,000 in matching funds. Our objective over the next 10 months will be to raise that money through trail-related events, grants and donations from the public.” The five-mile extension would link Copake Falls and Hillsdale and pass by the the new Roeliff Jansen Community Library and the Roeliff Jansen Park. “In the development plan for the Hillsdale Hamlet that it created last year, the planning firm Project for Public Spaces identified the extension of the Rail Trail as a catalyst that could attract more stores, restaurants and recreational tourists to the area,” says Linda Brenner of the Hillsdale Hamlet Committee. “Many are convinced that it is one of the keys to revitalizing Hillsdale’s downtown.” The Rail Trail extension is being coordinated by the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association, which oversees the envisioned 46-mile trail from Wassaic to Chatham, along with the Columbia Land Conservancy, which is the official recipient of the NYS Parks Department grant. Contact nancy @ nancyschultzconsulting.com for more information.

Greene EMS seeks bigger share from county, less from towns
Ariel Zangla reports in The Daily Freeman that a proposal in the Greene County legislature would shift the burden of funding somewhat to the county from the towns. The county pays 66 percent of Greene County Emergency Medical Service’s annual operating budget currently, the story says, with the towns contributing the remaining 33 percent based on the number of paramedic calls received. Under the five-year contract proposal, the county would cover 75 percent and the towns’ 25 percent. “Greene County EMS President Mark Evans said the towns are under no obligation to remain a part of the county paramedic service,” Zangla writes in the story. “He said the proposed change in funding was a way to make it financially advantageous for them to remain.” Greene County Legislature Chairman Wayne Speenburgh said they would work out a contract for lawmakers to vote on in July. Read the entire story in The Daily Freeman.

Bard College receives $60 million challenge grant
A staff report in The Daily Freeman reports financier George Soros donated a $60 million challenge grant to Bard College for off-campus projects of the college’s Center for Civic Engagement. Bard will have to raise $120 million in matching funds, according to a college press release announcing the grant, and the funding “will enable Bard to strengthen its worldwide network of projects—from assisting low-income students in struggling high schools in New Orleans, to helping people in New York state prisons earn degrees, to partnering with the first liberal arts institution in Russia.” Read the entire story in The Daily Freeman.

Pulcher bows out, won’t run for super
Bob Green in the Register-Star reports that Leo Pulcher will not run for re-election, ending a decade as supervisor of Stockport and more than 20 years on the town board. “During my years as supervisor, I always understood when someone had to take time off to care for family. At this time, I have to take that advice,” the newspaper reports he told residents at the May Town Board meeting. “Due to my wife’s health issues, I will not be seeking re-election in November.” Read the Register-Star for the whole story.

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May 17, 2011 local almanac

May 17, 2011 in Columbia County, Durham, Hillsdale, Hunter, Lexington, Philmont, Taghkanic by Staff | No comments

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Greene and Columbia counties and predicts showers will continue through the weekend. High near 60 with a 90 percent chance of rain, between a quarter and half of an inch. Tuesday night brings more showers and possibly a thunderstorm, low around 52. Wednesday more showers are forecast, with thunderstorms possible after noon and a high near 65.

Town meetings today
CAIRO at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 512 Main St., Cairo (622-3120).
CATSKILL at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 439 Main St., Catskill.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Human Services meeting at 4 p.m. at County Office Building, 401 State Street, Hudson.
GHENT Planning Board session at 7 p.m., at Town Hall, 2306 State Route 66, Ghent (392-4644).
GREENE COUNTY Legislature meeting at 6:30 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
HUDSON Zoning Board of Appeals meeting at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).

Astronomical bodies
TIDES Hudson: High, 4:33 p.m./Low, 10:54 a.m.
SUNRISE/SUNSET 5:37 a.m./8:08 p.m.
MOONRISE/MOONSET 9:52 p.m./6:19 a.m.

Birthdays
MAY 18 Perry Como, Brooks Robinson, Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo), George Strait, and Tina Fey.

Tune in today
WGXC MORNING SHOW Philip Grant presents the morning news, and other features, agriculture reporting, and more, with news of the school board elections. 6-8 a.m.
DEMOCRACY NOW! Hosted by Amy Goodman. 8 a.m.
WGXC MORNING SHOW Philip Grant and Norman Keyser read the news, plays music, and more. This morning they will preview today’s school board elections. 9-10 a.m.
@ISSUE Victor Mendolia hosts with guest Hudson Common Council President Don Moore talking about the LWRP. 10 a.m.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH International news. 11 a.m.
VOCAL CHORDS Andrew Sosnowski hosts. Noon-2 p.m.
THE JUKE IN THE BACK Classic R&B. 2 p.m.
COUNTERSPIN FAIR’s media show. 3 p.m.
YOUTH RADIO 3:30 p.m.
WGXC AFTERNOON SHOW Richard Roth and Ann Forbes Cooper host. 4-7 p.m.
JMOORE SHOW Jeff Moore plays all sorts of music. 7 p.m.
BATTLEFIELD EARTH Dan Seward hosts. 9:30 p.m.
TRANSMISSION ART Radio theater, experimental sound, field recordings, radio art, mash-ups, shortwave radio news, and more. Overnight through 6 a.m. Sunday.

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Friday headlines

April 29, 2011 in Albany, Catskill, Columbia County, Coxsackie, Greene County, Hillsdale, Hudson, Lexington, New Lebanon by Tom Roe | No comments

Audits Find Widespread Waste in Spending by State Government
Nicholas Confessore in The New York Times reports some startling statistics from a series of audits of the New York State budget nearing completion under Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo:
* More than a million square feet of state office space, sits empty while some state agencies continue to lease new spaces as recently as December.
* The government data center at 40 North Pearl St. in Albany is one of four centers that back up each other in case of a natural disaster, but all are within a few miles of each other.
* State agencies operate 850 toll-free numbers, almost half of which have not been dialed in months, but cost millions of dollars to operate.
* 1,719 vendors supply New York’s state government with pens, paper and paper clips.
“We’re a $100 billion-plus corporation that has squandered its buying power, has no standardization across business units and does not reward efficiency,” said Howard Glaser, the director of state operations charged by Cuomo to find waste in the state budget, in the story. Read the entire story in The New York Times.

Architect to work with seniors on facility’s renovation
Melanie Lekocevic reports in the Greene County News that architects will soon begin meeting with the seniors that use the Coxsackie Senior Center about what they want in a $400,000 renovation paid for by state grants. The Greene County Department for the Aging serves on-site meals, and facilitates Meals on Wheels for homebound seniors in the former Knights of Columbus building. And the Center also hosts other senior activities, and special events such as town meetings with local congressmen. Renovation work should begin this summer, when the food services will be temporarily moved to another location. Read the whole story in the Greene County News.

RISA is open and looking to hire
Gail Heinsohn in the Chatham Courier writes that RISA Management Corp., has moved into the former Ceramaseal building on Route 20 in New Lebanon, and is looking to hire 30 more employees, according to Operations Manager Jeff McCumber at the April 20 Planning Board meeting. The company manufactures large-scale metal projects such as stairs, railings, windscreens, and canopies, for pedestrian shelters, train stations and other applications. “Ceramaseal manufactured adhesives and coatings for use in ‘high temperature environments,’ according to the website of the company, now known as CeramTec,” Heinsohn writes. “While information about the chemicals used in the process was not readily available, according to Town Supervisor Margaret Robertson, there were spills and leakage sufficient that a nearby pond ‘didn’t freeze in the winter.’ Acting Planning Board Chair Trina Porte asked the company’s representatives whether the water at the facility had been tested. ‘We don’t drink the water,’ McCumber said. ‘We have signs everywhere. We provide bottled water.’” Read the entire story in the Chatham Courier.

Division continues as decision deadline nears in Lexington
Michael Ryan reminds readers that the Town of Lexington loses out on a $9.1 million block grant for infrastructure improvements if they do not act by May 6. The town needs, “to inform the Catskill Watershed Corporation if they wish to enter the pre-construction phase of the controversial sewer project which is being financed by the Department of Environmental Protection,” according to Ryan. A landowner was unwilling to sell land needed, as the town believed it needed a large area for the system. But Town supervisor Greg Cross recently discovered Hillsdale utilizes a recirculating textile filtration sewer system, with nearly double the treatment capacity recommended for Lexington with roughly one-third of the annual operation and maintenance expenses. Town board members meet on May 3 to decide how to proceed. Read the entire story in the Windham Journal.

Get rid of expired, unwanted medicines Saturday
Ariel Zangla in The Daily Freeman reports that anyone who wants to dispose of expired or unused prescription and over-the-counter drugs can to do so Saturday as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Sheriff’s offices in Columbia and Greene counties will accept anonymous drop-offs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. without charge.
Greene County
• Sheriff’s Office, 80 Bridge St., Catskill.
Columbia County
• Sheriff’s Office, 85 Industrial Tract, Hudson.

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Mid-Hudson Cable does not take grant

April 26, 2011 in Ashland, Austerlitz, Cairo, Catskill, Chatham, Claverack, Copake, Coxsackie, Ghent, Hillsdale, Hudson, Lexington, New Baltimore, Taghkanic, Windham by Tom Roe | No comments

Sam Pratt at his blog named after himself revisits Mid-Hudson Cable‘s $3.5 million “rural broadband” grant awarded in 2010 from the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utility Services programs. Then-U.S. Rep. Scott Murphy announced the grant last year, claiming that the towns of Ashland, Jewett, Lexington, Cairo, Catskill, Windham, Coxsackie and New Baltimore in Greene County, and Austerlitz, Copake, Claverack, Ghent, Chatham, Hillsdale and Taghkanic in Columbia County would get help for rural customers seeking better Internet connections. In trying to get a local internet connection at his Taghkanic house, Pratt gets a visit from his cable guy in his account. “According to Mid-Hudson engineer David Fingar, the company has since decided not to tap into these funds—at least for the moment,” Pratt writes. “Asked why (during a cordial visit to my property recently, after I’d placed multiple calls over the past three months to MHC about availability in my area), Fingar stated that there were “too many conditions attached” to the funding, but did not rule out accessing the funds later.” Mid-Hudson’s franchise with the city of Hudson is up for renewal this year. Read the entire post at Sam Pratt.

UPDATE: The Daily Mail writes this same story in Wednesday’s paper, a day later, and does not credit Pratt.

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Monday headlines

April 25, 2011 in Claverack, Great Barrington, Hillsdale, Hudson by Tom Roe | No comments

Exits at local paper
The Hudson-Catskill Newspaper Corp. loses two of its best reporters soon, as Francesca Olsen leaves the Register-Star, and Colin DeVries leaves The Daily Mail. DeVries exits May 4, and announced on his paper’s blog that he will become managing editor of 12 weekly newspapers in Queens, New York. Olsen also made a blog announcement, and tells WGXC she is taking a non-newspaper job nearby. She stops covering Columbia County government April 27, the same day as her last appearance as co-host on “@Issue” on WGXC Wednesdays at 10 a.m.

DAR marks Civil War anniversary with new exhibit (reg. req.)
Jamie Larson in the Register-Star reports from the opening of the Hudson chapter of the Daughters of The American Revolution’s new exhibit “One Nation.” The show, at the Robert Jenkins House at 113 Warren St. in Hudson Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., coincides with the national observance of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War this year. The exhibit includes the flag, “carried into battle by the local boys of the 128th on May 27, 1863. The battle, fought coincidentally enough at Port Hudson along the Mississippi River in Louisiana was a bloody one and Columbia County [forces] sustained many losses, including the companies commander Colonial David Cowles,” Larson writes. Read the rest of the story in the Register-Star.

Special Handling for a Gift in a Fragile Package
The New York Times is all over the hot topic of folks eating eggs at dinner in their Westchester section Sunday, and featured Richard Harrison of Cowberry Crossing Farm, in Claverack, in their roundup. “He quickly sells out of his multicolored eggs at the Chappaqua, Hastings and Pleasantville farmers’ markets,” the article says. “‘They have that bright orange yolk… What people say is there are no eggs that taste like these, especially when spring kicks in,’” says Harrison in the story. Read more in The New York Times. (reg. req.)

Carrie Haddad Gallery in Hudson celebrates 20 years
Amy Griffin delves back to a time in Hudson before art galleries. Twenty years ago Carrie Haddad helped open the first one, Warren Street Gallery, there, and gets her story told on the anniversary. Haddad now has two, Carrie Haddad Gallery and Carrie Haddad Photographs, and the town has 16. Haddad says now the arts in Columbia County help drive the economy. “Hudson is becoming a cultural hub. If the county could just recognize the income generated by the arts, they would embrace Hudson,” Haddad tells Griffin in the Times-Union. “20th Anniversary Exhibition” with David Paulson, Allyson Levy, Louise Laplante, John Cross, Vince Pomilio, Darshan Russell, and David Halliday is at Carrie Haddad Gallery through May 29. Read more in the Times-Union.

WBCR-LP pledge drive
WBCR-LP, 97.7-FM, Great Barrington’s all-volunteer community radio station begins its on-air fund drive today, Monday, April 25, which continues through Sunday, May 1. The drive will raise funds for station operating expenses. The station recently was allowed to jump to full-power, and if it can raise the money to do so, will be heard throughout Columbia County from a tower in Hillsdale. Go to berkshireradio.org for more information.

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Monday headlines

April 18, 2011 in Copake, Coxsackie, Greenville, Hillsdale, Hudson by Paul Smart | No comments

Seders feature endless variety
Jennifer Patterson has a story in the Times Union about changes in the seder, which marks the start of Passover, the Jewish holiday that commemorates the biblical story of the ancient Israelites’ exodus from slavery in Egypt to freedom, including the release of a new haggadah, or guidebook to the readings, from Maxwell House. “The seder (meaning “order”) is one of the most celebrated Jewish home rituals, but no two households conduct it the same exact way,” Patterson writes. “For all, it’s a chance to come together, share a meal and re-enact history. Some last for less than an hour, others go on for a lot longer. Participants read from the Haggadah (meaning “telling”), which spells out the steps with songs, prayers and commentary for the spring holiday’s festive meal.” She then notes how new Maxwell House Haggadahs, offered free at supermarkets, has undergone its first major translation makeover since 1932, with antiquated “thees” and “thous” replaced by the more colloquial “you.”

Man falls at Bash Bish
The Register-Star reports that a man sustained a fall at Bash Bish Falls at 1:48 p.m. on April 17. The Copake Rescue Squad and Copake, Hillsdale, and Egremont Fire Departments responded to the scene, and the subject was transported via Lifenet helicopter to Albany Medical Center. No word on the subject’s condition is available at this time, and no further information was available.

Lawmakers supporting, not opposing, closure of one state correctional facility
Veronica Lewin has reported in the Legislative Gazette what could be good news for Columbia and Greene counties: Westchester state, county and local legislators are calling for the closure of the infamous Sing Sing correctional facility they say is doing nothing for the community. Which could take the pressure off possible closings of other state prisons, including that in Hudson or, less likely, at Coxsackie. “During his State of the State address, Cuomo called for closing a number of correctional facilities around the state,” Lewin writes. “Closing Sing Sing would eliminate approximately 1,700 to 2,000 cells, while preventing an upstate community from losing a correctional facility that its economy depends on.”

Young entrepreneurs prep for Lemonade Day
Colin DeVries reports in the Daily Mail on a Sunday, April 17 event at GNH Lumber in Greenville where area kids learned what it takes to build a successful stand for the upcoming Lemonade Day on May 1. “More than 250 children of Greene County are already signed up to sell lemonade during the nationwide event intended to promote entrepreneurship,” DeVries writes. “Now, with only a few weeks until Lemonade Day, participants are preparing their business plans, recipes, locations, and constructing an attractive stand.”

Front St. work starts Tuesday
The Register Star ran a story this past weekend announcing an earlier Tuesday, April 19 start for the road work that will reduce Hudson’s Front Street to one lane. “The milling up of the old roadway will take place on Tuesday because parking is needed on Front Street Wednesday for a large event at the Shiloh Baptist Church on lower Warren Street,” the piece reads. “There will now be no roadwork done Wednesday. The surface of the street will be rough.” The repaving of the roadway will take place Thursday, April 21 and Friday, April 22.

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Monday headlines

April 11, 2011 in Claverack, Columbia County, Greene County, Hannacroix, Hillsdale, Hudson Valley, Hunter, Kinderhook, Livingston, Philmont, Shandaken, Ulster County, Upstate New York, Windham by Paul Smart | No comments

Hannacroix Creek dumper caught
Colin DeVries reports in the Daily Mail that a 79-year-old Coxsackie man was charged with illegally dumping into the Hannacroix Creek on Saturday, April 9, state police said after a report of a suspicious person dumping household garbage into the creek was reported to them. Lawrence J. Burke was found traveling in his vehicle on County Route 61 and ticketed by police. Police said Burke had dumped a bag of household garbage, containing rancid meat, into the creek. The bag was located and returned to Burke, who was ordered to properly dispose of the refuse.

NYSP makes arrest in underage drinking investigation
The Register-Star reports that a 19-year-old has been charged with second-degree obstructing governmental administration, a misdemeanor, after the New York State Police at Livingston arrested him April 8 following an investigation March 18 by the State Police at Kinderhook, who looked into a report of an underage drinking party being held at a private Kinderhook residence. Troopers located an 18-year-old female described as “obviously intoxicated” and turned her over to her parent. Continued investigation into the incident led to the Friday arrest, with police alleging that Pinkowski intentionally interfered with the troopers’ official duties. He was arraigned in the village of Kinderhook court and released, pending court appearance on April 19.

Goodbye, but not forever
Andrew Amelinckx reports on a ritualistic walking of a labyrinth on Sunday, April 10,to honor Benedicta Bertau, the co-artistic director of Hudson’s Walking the Dog Theater. Bertau, who is originally from Germany, is leaving the country for an unknown amount of time while her immigration status is determined. She and fellow Walking the Dog Theater director David Anderson created the labyrinth on the Philmont Village Green two years ago. “Friends came out to say good-bye to Bertau and help clean up the labyrinth, raking leaves and twigs off the stone structure,” Amelinckx writes. “While Bertau is gone—she said it could be up to a year—WTD will continue to produce shows.” Bertau has been in the U.S. for six years working with WTD under a H1-B visa, a non-immigrant visa that allows non-residents to work in specialty areas. A lawyer is trying to help her secure a green card, but while the process unfolds she will have to be outside the country.

Greene County ski season officially ends
Colin DeVries writes in the Daily Mail about the end of the ski season up at Hunter Mountain, who called it quits for the snow on Sunday, April 10, with ski center reps calling the past year “fantastic.” Hunter Mountain ended its 2010-11 ski season with some mud-skimming revelry a week after Windham Mountain closed on April 3. Also closing on April 10 was state-owned Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort in Ulster County, which faced major state budget cuts and accompanying job losses earlier in the season. Catamount, located in Massachusetts between Hillsdale, NY and Egremont, MA, closed in late March.

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