No Country For Sane Men: News That Matters - Friday, November 19, 2010

News That Matters

News That Matters
Brought to you (Almost Daily) by PlanPutnam.Org

Day 15 of our

Annual Fund Drive

(which runs until Thanksgiving weekend.)

We want to thank our supporters so far and wonder why the majority of readers are still sitting on their hands!

Yeah, it's tough being the only independent media outlet here
in Putnam County but someone
has to do it.

1000 readers, 27,877 visits to the website since last year, and 2760 posted articles must have some sort of value as they sure as hell took a lot of time to produce.

Good Friday Morning,

We've been promised a beautiful weekend so I encourage as many of you as possible to get outside! Putnam county has more than 20,000 acres of permanently preserved open space lands in a combination of State Parks, watershed lands, State Forests, Multiple Use Areas, Land Trust lands and county holdings.

In order to find some of these places, check out our "Open Space Guide" at PlanPutnam.org.

Along with Joe Greico and Dr. Baum I did some work at the stone chamber on Mt. Nimham yesterday, clearing brush and trees to make the place more accessible and upon doing so, and standing back to enjoy the fruit of our labors, noticed some interesting points about the structure itself.

For example, the top left side of the front of the building has collapsed a bit but the original stones are still there and with a little manual labor cold be restored to their original positions. And as for its construction, corbeled sides were built up then backfilled with earth for support before a block and tackle rig was brought in to place the capstones on top. At some point, probably in the early 20th century, improvements were made with a concrete sill being made topped by a machined 2x6 board to hold a new door assembly in place. In order to do that the front capstone had to have been removed and then replaced.

If you have some time this weekend take a drive to the end of Nimham Court off Gipsy Trail and then walk past the upper gate. The Chamber is two minutes further up. And then visit the firetower (another ten minute walk up the mountain) for the stunning views from NYC to Massachusetts.

Wednesday evening I attended the Patterson Town Board meeting where Putnam's favorite developer was granted a $1.5 million taxpayer funded gift with a unanimous vote. (Read the write-up here) No surprises there.

In response to Wednesday's article, "Democracy -0, Corproate Welfare - 1", reader Pam Rothacker wrote:

I was disgusted by the behavior of Mr. Griffin and the entire Patterson Town Board last night. it is no secret that Mr Griffin is in favor of the Patterson Crossing project and therefore it would be no surprise that he would be in favor of “helping” Mr. Camarda by allowing the taxpayers of NY to foot the bill for costs that Mr. Camarda stated he would be responsible for. But to look out at the people in the room and tell us that Patterson Crossing is NOT the issue and the safety of Patterson residents is the reason behind his decision is insulting and outrageous. The elected officials of this town at least owe us their honest opinions whether we agree with them or not. This is just another example of mr Griffin’s arrogance. Shame on all of you.

At the same time in Carmel a much more contentious meeting was being held about the same developers newest project, "Union Place". Not being able to attend (I'm good, but multi-dimensional time travel is not one of my skills just yet), this is from someone who did attend:

People had legitimate concerns about the necessity of destroying their quality of life for yet another empty promise of lower taxes and increased shopping opportunity that studies have proven do not back the developer's projected numbers or benefits.

People had legitimate concerns about the veracity of the developer's statements and promises to the public and Tim Miller and Associates DEIS given the proven track record of said developer with the Pulte Homes project and the fact that Tim Miller's FEIS and 'findings' for that project and the whole SEQRA process were completely subverted by inept or corrupt individuals.

When do elected and their appointed bodies respond to the concerns of the people? When do the 'people' get fed up enough to say "ENOUGH! I'm tired of being screwed? "

From what I understand, and that the meeting ran until nearly 1AM, that pretty much sums it up. But I also guess regardless of what The People say the politicians will do what they want knowing that by the time the next election comes around we will all have forgotten. Or, we'll be so busy sitting in traffic that we'll not have time to vote.

On Monday I'll be running some comparative images showing the scale of size of Union Place in relation to Blue Black Square in West Hartford, CT, which Camarda's team insists is a model.

Yes, that is your peepee hanging low there on this TSA airport screen take from an AP photo. So when you fly next week to visit grandma just keep in mind that we're all watching - and that the terrorists (whoever they are) are laughing their peepee's off. But not at this guy, generously endowed as he is.

It's funny though: the TSA insists that no one can see these images other than a remote screener and then they're gone. But then you have to ask, why are they all over the place and how did a courthouse in Florida manage to save tens of thousands of these if the function was disabled?

What's Going On?

Friday, November 19
- "Carbon Nation" Film Screening
- Bereznak Brothers Band
Saturday, November 20
- Affordable Art Show
Into the Future

Friday, November 19

"Carbon Nation" Film Screening

7PM - Join the Cary Institute for a free public screening of Carbon Nation, a witty and optimistic documentary about climate change solutions. The 90-minute film details how fighting climate change can boost local economies, improve public health, and strengthen national security. Learn what people are already doing, what we as a nation could be doing, and what the world needs to do to stave off climate change by moving to a low-carbon economy. Events are free and open to the public. For additional information, please contact Pamela Freeman via phone (845) 677-7600 x121.
Location: This event will be held in the Cary Institute auditorium, located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Route 44) in Millbrook, New York. Free.

Bereznak Brothers Band

10PM at the Rainwater Grille in Hastings-on-Hudson. Help Mike and Dave celebrate their Birthdays by coming to THE RAINWATER GRIILLE in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY this Friday, November 19th. The show starts at 10pm. There is a suggested donation of $10 at the door. The Joshua Panda Band will open the show and then we will take the stage. This is a full band show with 2 new songs for you to wrap your ears around so be ready to rock!!! We'll have Gary Schwartz on Drums, Bill Gordon on Bass, and Howlin' "Mad" Marty on Harmonica and Percussion. Please come early and enjoy some great food and drink in a warm and comfortable atmosphere and help us feel welcome at this new establishment.

Saturday, November 20

Affordable Art Show

10AM - 4PM (repeats tomorrow, Sunday November 21.) If you are shopping for high-quality, unique and affordable gifts or if you simply want to furnish your home with new art, Arts on the Lake may have what you’re looking for. AotL is proud to announce its first Affordable Art Show to be held at the Center on Saturday, November 20th and Sunday, November 21st from 10:00-4:00. Those who “oohed and aahed” over the high quality and scope of the art exhibited at AotL’s Annual Fall Members’ Art Show now have an opportunity to shop for pocket-friendly fine art created by the Center’s member artists. AotL is located at 640 Route 52, Kent Lakes , New York 10512. For further information call 845 228-2685.

Into the Future

Monday, November 22

Dam Removal 201: Sediment Assessment & Management

9:00AM - 3:30PM. Norrie Point Environmental Center, Staatsburg, NY Hosted by American Rivers. Funded by and in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River Estuary Program, and the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission.

Objective: This free one-day workshop is a follow-up to our Dam Removal Project Manager Training held this past March. By popular demand, this workshop will focus in more detail on sediment assessment and management approaches at dam removals. The workshop speakers and facilitators will include expert staff from American Rivers, as well as Joe Rathbun, who instructs courses around the country on dam removal sediment assessment and is a member of the federal Subcommittee on Sediment, which is developing national guidelines for dam removal sediment assessment and management. The morning portion of the workshop will include presentations on sediment assessment techniques and management approaches through case studies and a description of the draft federal guidelines. In the afternoon, we will have a facilitated discussion of how national and regional dam removal sediment protocols conform with existing New York regulations and guidance, with the objective of defining sediment assessment and management approaches that are applicable to dam removals in New York.

Who Will Benefit: Regulators, state conservation staff, conservation organizations, watershed organizations, county soil and water conservation districts, emergency management officials, hazard mitigation planners, public works department staff. Previous attendance at the Dam Removal Project Manager Training is NOT necessary for this workshop.

NOTE: Consultants are welcome, but will be placed on a wait list and registered if space remains after the registration deadline. Registration is limited to 40. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

To Register or Obtain a Detailed Course Agenda, contact: Rebecca Budd, American Rivers, rbudd@amrivers.org, Subject: "NY Dam Removal Workshop."

Saturday, November 27

PAC's Annual Juried Craft Sale

Noon - 5PM Our 2010 Craft Showcase & Sale will be on display in our beautiful, re-built Gallery space at 521 Kennicut Hill Rd. in Mahopac. Join us for this 16th annual juried collection featuring fine crafts from 40+ regional crafts artists including pottery, jewelry, wearables, candles, soaps and lotions, ornaments and more, more, more. A limited number of framed photographs and matted prints will be available. Great gifts for everyone, you, and your dog, too!

Also featured is our 2011 Art Calendar, a great idea for everyone, so be sure to stock extras for unexpected giftees – 13 original works are featured and remind you of the Arts Council and Center all year long. Another popular gift of Art could be a one year gift membership encouraging participation in our programs and special events, while supporting the arts.

Our Craft Sale offers free parking and free admission, we accept Visa & MasterCard and best of all, you support local artists, local economy and your local art center.

Sunday, December 5

Memorial Concert for Art Kamell

2PM - 5PM With David Amram, Pete Seeger, David Bernz, Chris Ruhe and Howland Wolves and others yet to be confirmed. At the St. Lukes Episcopal Church gymnasium, Rte 9D, Beacon. A Memorial concert top benefit the organizations Art Kammel loved: Doctors Without Borders, Pastors for Peace, School of the America's Watch and the United Farmworkers. We are working on the details, the musicians' line-up, etc. but the flyer won't be ready till next week and I wanted you to know NOW about this very special event. So please put Sunday, Dec. 5h, 2-5 pm on your calendar and come out to enjoy great music and memories of one of the most wonderful people it has been my pleasure and privilege to know. Contribution: $20 (though no one will be turned away.) Contact Judy Allen for more information.

Monday, December 13

Conference on Water Resources and the Regional Economy

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Hudson River Estuary Program, in partnership with the SUNY New Paltz Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach, the Hudson River Watershed Alliance will host a conference on Water Resources and the Regional Economy. Confirmed Speakers are Maurice Hinchey, Region 2 Administrator Judith Enck, and NYSDEC Assistant Commissioner for Water Resources James Tierney. Expected audience: Municipal staff, engineers, planners, environmental groups, and volunteers involved in green infrastructure and low impact development planning projects. For more information and regular updates visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/4920.html, or email hrep@gw.dec.state.ny.us and put "Water Conference" in the subject line.
Location: SUNY New Paltz, Student Union Building, Multi-Purpose Room

Subscribe to the News That Matters RSS Feed and stay up-to-date.