Francesca Olsen in The Register-Star reports that State Assemblymen Marcus Molinaro, R,C,I-Red Hook, and Peter Lopez, R,C,I -Schoharie, who reprsent Columbia and Greene counties respectively, voted “no” on a proposed bill designed to “simplify the absentee ballot process.” Five assembly members voted against the bill: Molinaro, Lopez, George Amedore, R,C-Rotterdam, James Tedisco, R,C,I-Schenectady-Saratoga, and David R. Townsend, Jr., R,C,I,WF-Kirkland. Recently in Columbia County, and Taghkanic in particular, Republicans have challenged absentee votes, targeting second-home owners. "The bill would also amend Section 8-400 of state election law so that voters would be able to vote by absentee ballot if they are absent from their residence on Election Day, unable to personally appear at their polling place because of illness or disability or because they are taking care of someone with an illness or disability, an inmate or patient at a V.A. hospital, or detained in jail for anything other than a felony," Olsen wrote.

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Colin DeVries in The Daily Mail reports on on the 3-3 vote Tuesday by the Catskill Planning Board against the 33-unit "Moonlight Ridge" senior housing development proposed for 49 Vedder Road. Members Dan Howard, Larry Federman and Jack Rivitusovoted “no;” Chairman Joseph Izzo, Vice-Chairman Harry Sacco and member Allen Uhler who voted “yes” for the special use permit. A tie vote goes to the neighbors who were vocal in their opposition to the project's manufactured home units over 18 acres, and unique wastewater treatment system.

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The Daily Freeman reports that State Assemblyman Marc Molinaro (R-Red Hook) decided not to challenge incumbent Democrat Scott Murphy for New York’s 20th Congressional District seat, which represents Greene and Columbia counties.

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The Register-Star reports that the Columbia County Board of Supervisors voted for a two percent pay raise for county employees Wednesday night. Supervisors voting “yes” on the pay raise were: Chairman Roy Brown, R-Germantown; Jeffrey Braley, R-Austerlitz; Reggie Crowley, R-Copake; Deputy Chairman Larry Andrews, R-Ghent; Art Baer, R-Hillsdale; Ed Cross, D-Hudson2; William Hallenbeck Jr., R-Hudson3; Deputy Chairman Bart Delaney, R-Hudson5; Pat Grattan, R-Kinderhook; Kevin McDonald, R-Livingston; Leo Pulcher, R-Stockport; and Valerie Bertram, R-Stuyvesant. Voting against: Art Bassin, D-Ancram; Robin Andrews, D-Claverack; Ray Staats, D-Clermont; Minority Leader Jesse DeGroodt, D-Chatham; Lynda Scheer, R-Gallatin; Ed Nabozny, I-Greenport; John Musall, D-Hudson1; William Hughes, D-Hudson4; and Margaret Robertson, D-New Lebanon.

Current Trustee Angelo Amato and political newcomer Brian Kehoe square off in the only contested race in Village of Catskill elections March 30 at Catskill Firehouse, The Daily Mail reports. At caucuses Tuesday, current Village President Vincent Seeley was nomined by both Republicans and Democrats. Republicans also nominated sitting justice Charles Adsit, who has no challenger. Amato runs Candyman Chocolates, and Kehoe is an urban and regional planner, according to Susan Campriello's story.

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Woodstock's Tinker Street Cinema reopens Friday with the Rhinebeck-based non-profit Upstate Films running the show. Dede Leiber, co-director of Upstate Films, tells The Daily Freeman that the theater will continue to host the annual Woodstock Film Festival.

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Monday Albany Broadcasting began simulcasting light-rock station Magic FM (100.9 FM) on 590-AM, killing WROW and the talk radio format that had been there 16 years, Chris Churchill in the Albany Times-Union reports. The station had a few Capitol Region-based hosts and also ran syndicated shows from conservative talk show hosts such as Glenn Beck and Dennis Miller.

WGXC is trying to get on the air and bring community radio to Greene and Columbia counties. We have the license. We got a grant from the U.S. Commerce Department for half of the money needed for the transmitter, antenna, and major studio equipment. We now have to raise the other half, a little over $71,000. Above, you can see where we are so far. We need your help to get this community radio station on the air. We need you to become a Founding Member today! If you have a business, we need you to become a Founding Underwriter, and underwrite future community radio programs. We need you to go to our fundraising event Feb. 13 in Hudson at Nicole Fiacco Gallery. We need you to go to www.WGXC.org and get involved in your community radio station.



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SEQR%20dialog%20DRAFT%20recommendations%20020810.pdf

A diverse group of citizen practitioners have issued and asked for public comments on draft recommendations regarding potential improvement to the implementation of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (known as SEQR) in the Hudson Valley and Catskills (Department of Environmental Conservation Region 3). The proposals come a few months after NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis charged the group with gathering public input and ideas for streamlining SEQRA without compromising environmental protection or public participation. The initiative was chaired by DEC Regional Director Willie Janeway, Pattern for Progress President Jonathan Drapkin and Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan. The draft report was issued following three months of public meetings and oral and written comments by interested stakeholders representing citizen and environmental groups, business, builders, consulting planners, the legal community and local, county and state government agency representatives. Every person wishing to comment was encouraged to take advantage of one or more of the opportunities provided for in person or written comments.

A Public Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 17 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and again starting at 7 p.m. at the DEC Regional Headquarters at 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561. This will give people an opportunity to ask questions and make comments.

Until March 12, 2010, comments or suggestions regarding the draft recommendations may also be sent via email to: R3SEQRWorkgroup@gw.dec.state.ny.us The comments received will be reviewed and changes to the draft recommendations considered before
suggestions are forwarded to the DEC Commissioner.

It should be noted that this effort is in addition to other continuing Department efforts to help improve the environmental review process such as new guidance with regard to climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and the amended Environmental Assessment Form (EAF).

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The First Reformed Church of Catskill, 310 Main Street holds a take-out Spaghetti Dinner Friday, Feb. 26 from 4-7 p.m. for a $10 donation (children $7). The fundraiser is part of the church's Outreach mission locally and internationally.

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The Greene County Council on the Arts (GCCA) and the Columbia County Council on the Arts (CCCA) announced the recipients of regrant awards through the Twin Counties Cultural Fund Decentralization Program for Columbia and Greene Counties (DEC) with 33 not-for-profit organizations awarded $48,950 for 2010.

Greene County received requests from 17 applications for requests totaling $50,855 – more than twice the amount of available regrant funds. Fifteen organizations received $22,517 for the Decentralization Program (DEC) Project Support which includes organizations that act as a conduit (fiscal managers) for artist initiated projects. They are:

Cairo Public Library was awarded $1400 for multidisciplinary arts programs.
Catskill Community Center was awarded $1000 for Self-Portrait Books, Drawing & Painting from Poetry & The Art of Jazz Community Arts programs.
Catskill Mountain Wolf Center & Joseph Capone were awarded $1700 for presentation of Six Characters in Search of an Author.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Greene County was awarded $1125 for Little Theater in the Woods program at the Acra Forestry Education site.
D.R. Evarts Library was awarded $1000 for visual arts, dance and storytelling.
Greene Arts Foundation was awarded $2700 for a stage adaptation of O’Sullivan Stew involving teens.
Heart of Catskill Association & David Woodin were awarded $2200 for classical concerts with professional and amateur musicians.
Love ‘N Care Pet Sanctuary & Margo Muller were awarded $1800 for children’s theater project based on the Little Red Schoolhouse local landmark.
New Baltimore Reformed Church & Brian Mellick were awarded $1000 for a series of small ensemble acoustic concerts in New Baltimore.
Oak Hill Preservation Association was awarded $892 for artist presenters for Oak Hill Day.
Pleshakov Music Center was awarded $1800 for lecture/concerts at the piano museum in Hunter.
Rivertown Housing & Jeanne Heiberg were awarded $1000 for writing & collage workshops, public reading & exhibit.
Schoharie Creek Players was awarded $1800 for production of The Importance of Being Ernest.
Town of Hunter & Kevin VanHentenryck were awarded $2000 for outdoor stone carving class & demo along Route 23 in Hunter.
Windham Public Library was awarded $1100 for physical character & theater, an investigation of Calder mobiles and other workshops.

Columbia County received requests from 22 organizations totaling $60,150 – more than twice the amount of available funding. Eighteen organizations received $26,433 from the Decentralization Program (DEC) Project Support which includes organizations that act as a conduit (fiscal manager). They are:

Clarion Concerts was awarded $1500 for Leaf Peepers Series.
Columbia County Office for the Aging & Heather Martin were awarded $1433 for jewelry making & ceramic explorations for seniors.
Friends of Chatham Library was awarded $1200 for theater, paper marbling & pottery workshops.
Friends of Chatham Library & Bend the Knotted Oak were awarded $750 for a chamber music concert at St. James Church.
Hudson Area Library was awarded $500 for cultural storytelling & dance program with Elena Mosley.
Hudson Library & Diata Diata International Folkloric Theatre were awarded $2000 for Maii: The Wonder of Water! an original dance and theatrical production.
HRC/Showcase Theatre was awarded $1500 for staged readings of original plays.
Hudson Valley Choral Society was awarded $1500 for musicians for 2010 concerts.
Mental Health Association of Col/Greene Counties were awarded $1250 for theater workshops and public performance with Walking the Dog Theater.
North Chatham Library was awarded $1500 for literature & arts series.
North Chatham Library & Sheri Bauer Mayorga were awarded $2000 for Columbia County Children’s Vocal Ensemble.
Philmont Community Chorus was awarded $900 for a consultant and accompanist for their winter and spring concerts.
Philmont Library was awarded $1500 for evenings of outdoor music.
Roeliff Jansen Community Library & Robin Becker were awarded $1700 for Columbia Chamber Orchestra concerts of Indian, fusion & other music.
Roving Actors Repertory Ensemble was awarded $2500 for productions of Barefoot in the Park & Jesus Christ Superstar.
United Way of Col/Greene Counties and Amy Madden were awarded $1000 for a process based art practice workshop for teens.
United Way of Col/Greene Counties and Dara Lurie were awarded $1200 for teen writing & rhythm investigations.
Valatie Community Theater, Inc. was awarded $2500 for their Youth Theater Project.

The Greenville Press is a great independent local newspaper, and what it lacks in a web site it makes up with thorough reporting. Unfortunately, there was no issue this past weekend, and their are rumors circulating about its status. A call to the office this morning found an answering machine, where a message was left. This post will be updated when we get further information.

Democrats in the Village of Catskill hold a caucus Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at Doubles II (29 Church St.) bar to determine candidates for this spring's elections.

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Fran Heaney of the Chatham Courier reports that PS/21 requested Special Use Permit for permanent use of their temporary tent at a Jan. 28 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, as they do not have the $11 million needed to construct a sound proof structure. Located on Route 66, the cultural center has hosted classical music and other events since 2005 at a 50 decibel sound level at the property line, well below the town building code sound level of 90 decibels, and much quieter than the lawnmowers run by the neighbors who are complaining about the sound. Those neighbors filed an Article 78 lawsuit against Chatham after the town approved PS/21's plans in 2005, and a judge dismissed it later that year. The ZBA meets next Thursday, Feb. 25 for another public hearing about PS/21's Special Use Permit.

UPDATE: The comments now include two anonymous statements from people claiming to be neighbors of the facility that include information not in the Chatham Courier story, specifically: "When the ability to rent to third parties was granted in 2008 to aid the financially failing tent, the project completely changed in focus. There is nothing arts focused about the electric slide and chicken dance."

Seeing Greene's Dick May handicaps the race to fill the seat of Greene County Court Judge Daniel K. Lalor, who retires on December 31. In November, voters will choose a replacement, and it will not be District Attorney Terry Wilhelm who says he is not running. May reports Republicans Ted Hilscher of New Baltimore, a historian and part-time teacher at Columbia-Greene Community College and a former Assistant District Attorney and a Catskill-based attorney; Peter Margolius, Catskill Town Justice and attorney; and Charles (“Chip”) Tailleur of Coxsackie, the Assistant District Attorney will all be running. No Democrats have announced yet, but May speculates that Greg Lubow of Tannersville, an attorney and former Chief Public Defender of Greene County; Edward Kaplan, a Hunter-based attorney; Lee Allen Palmateer, attorney and Athens Town Supervisor; and Alex Betke, a partner in an Albany law firm, Coxsackie Town Supervisor, and Catskill Village attorney may all run.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07puku2bUMk&hl=en_US&fs=1&]Chatham Brewing owner Tom Crowell talks about the brewery, ale, and his use of local ingredients.

Click on this link to listen to Hans Tammen today live at 6 p.m. at the I 'heart' WGXC fundraiser at Sorted in Hudson:

Hans Tammen

I "HEART" WGXC

Sat., Feb. 6, 2010: 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
at Sorted, 357 Warren St., Hudson

Spend Saturday, February 6 with WGXC at Sorted: Shopping, Sounds, and Strongtree.

Organized by Elizabeth Powell, this WGXC benefit event will feature goods made by local artisans including ceramics (Michele O'hana and Paula Shalan,) photography (Karen Keats and Carlos Loret de Mola,) books (Rebecca Wolff/Fence,) textiles (Minc House,) jewelry (Stephanie Iverson,) beeswax candles (Susan Reisen,) leather accessories (Elizabeth Powell,) knitted hats (Gundula Brattke,) tabletop design, and other multiples and one-of-a-kind objects. Sound artist Hans Tammen will perform his "Endangered Guitar" throughout the day, culminating in a performance at 6 p.m. Just in time for Valentines day, proceeds from I "heart" WGXC will go towards acquiring the equipment needed to launch WGXC's FM signal on 90.7. Organic and delicious coffee will be available courtesy Hudson's Strongtree Organic Coffee Roasters.

Hans Tammen is a 2009 Artist Fellowship recipient of the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA). This presentation is co-sponsored by Artists & Audiences Exchange, a NYFA public program.

WGXC is a community-run media project, re-envisioning radio as an innovative platform for local participation. Our inclusive programming connects diverse voices, and distributes information across the public spectrum in New York's Greene and Columbia counties. This multi-faceted project will be much more than just a radio station. With studios in Catskill and Hudson, WGXC activities will include special exhibitions and events, workshops and media training for youth and adults, a news blog with writing and photography, and a local calendar of events, meetings, and other resources.

WGXC volunteers are working hard to launch a 3,300-watt community radio station. More than 78,000 people throughout Greene and Columbia counties will be able to receive the signal on 90.7-FM. WGXC received its license from the FCC and a grant from the US Commerce Dept that will cover 50 percent of our equipment needs. We now need to raise matching funds in order to get on the air. Join us on February 6th and help launch WGXC-FM.

About Hans Tammen's Endangered Guitar
In hundreds of solo performances since 1993, New York-based Hans Tammen has explored the sounds of concert halls and small clubs with an assortment of mechanical contrivances applied to his modified "endangered" guitars, interactive software programming, and stereo and multichannel sound systems. His music has been described as an alien world of bizarre textures and a journey through the land of unending sonic operations.

His instrument is a hybrid between a guitar and a computer, designed to react with the resonant frequencies of the room. It constantly records his sounds, and the information from the analysis of these sounds and the playing determines a wide variety of processes. This makes every performance a site-specific one, bringing the sonic qualities of the surrounding conditions to the listener's attention. www.tammen.org

About Elizabeth Powell
Elizabeth Powell is a designer who makes accessories from leather. She works and resides in Columbia County with her family.

About Sorted
Sorted is a small, fully solar-powered graphic design studio in Hudson, NY. Special thanks to Antony Katz for making his beautiful space available for this event. sortofsorted.com


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Lynn Sloneker at unmuffled reports that voters in Hudson will be asked in May by the Hudson City Board of Education to pay to replace roofs at John L. Edwards Primary School, M.C. Smith Intermediate School, Hudson High School, and the former Claverack School, and perhaps for the relocation of district offices. Hudson City Board of Education Vice President Jeff Otty estimated those projects may cost $7 million, although state grants will pay for some of the costs. The board unanimously approved a motion from Otty to begin gathering proposals at a Jan. 25 meeting. The board also approved installation of acoustic tiles in the junior high school cafeteria for $4-5,000, and an $8,000 flower and vegetable garden called the Henry Hudson Discovery Garden.

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Carole Osterink of The Gossips of Rivertown reports:

"I just got back from the IDA meeting and can report that the Kohl's application has been rejected, mostly because the IDA felt twenty years was too long but also because they had misgivings about giving a PILOT to a retail business. Although it was not an official public hearing, they did invite comment. More details about the meeting to come."

Mike McCagg of ccSCOOP reports that The Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda is currently the subject of public comment. The agenda is to improve river access and preserve the environment and conserving more land in the Hudson Valley. Through Feb. 22, comments on the plan are being accepted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at hrep@gw.dec.state.ny.us (include the words "Draft Action Agenda" in the subject line) or by mail to: Action Agenda, Hudson River Estuary Program, NYSDEC Region 3 Office, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561.

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