Updated Information - 3rd Case in Shandaken

There is a 3rd case confirmed here in Shandaken and 462 cases in Ulster County. Town Supervisor Rob Stanley put out an update on the Town website today. It has a lot of good information about getting food safely if you are at risk. Here is the link.

https://www.shandaken.us/news/3-18-20-update-volunteers-needed/

Also, the Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan has been holding online town hall briefings. His next one is Thursday, April 9th at 2pm. You can tune into it from the Ulster County CO-VID 19 information page. Here is that link.

https://covid19.ulstercountyny.gov

Please remember to take care of your own mental health in this crisis and take news breaks when it all feels like it is too much. We are lucky to live in a beautiful place, take a few deep breaths and enjoy the beauty just outside your window.

Stay healthy and safe!

County Stats and Town News

Ulster County has put together a web page where you can follow the number of Covid-19 cases on a town by town basis. As of right now, Shandaken still has only one. There is all sorts of other information on this site like the county Covid-19 hotline number and information about mobile testing sites. Here is the link.
https://covid19.ulstercountyny.gov

Town Clerk Joyce Grant is still writing marriage licenses in the town. If you need one you can call her at 845-688-5004. She will then arrange to meet you outside of Town Hall with the paper work and get it done, sort of like curb service. Joyce has never stood in the way of love and she won't start now.

Town Supervisor Rob Stanley weighed in on whether AirBnBs in Shandaken should remain open or not. To see what he has to say go to the Daily Freeman link below and read Rob's thoughts on the issue.

https://www.dailyfreeman.com/news/local-news/shandaken-supervisor-urges-restrictions-on-short-term-rentals-amid-pandemic/article_50c4b4ce-704c-11ea-ad54-17ce1fa79cca.html

Finally, if you are on Facebook be sure to follow the Town of Shandaken Facebook page for up to the minute updates for the town. That page is used to get information out in this and all other emergency situations.

1st Case in Shandaken

Here is an update from the Town of Shandaken website as of tonight Friday 3/20 at 6pm. There is one new case in the Town of Shandaken.

COVID-19 Update 6pm
Cases of confirmed jumped to 15 in Ulster County
There is 1 confirmed case in Town of Shandaken
“Treat everyone as if they have been infected”
Keep a 10 ft. distance. Practice 'Social Distancing'
* If you are experiencing any symptoms please call Ulster COVID-19 Hotline at 845.443.8888 or in case of dire emergency 911. https://ulstercountyny.gov/coronavirus
Follow Federal, State & County measures.
* It is best to self-quarantine as best you can at this time.
* In order to prevent the spread and protect the welfare of it's citizens, the Town of Shandaken is doing what is can to provide protections for you.
If you or someone you know identifies as being a high risk demographic to contract COVID-19 according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC),
the Town is providing delivery services for your needs if you are at high-risk or self-quarantining.
Please make a list of basic supplies you may need for the next week so we can bring them to your door.
Call Town Clerk 845-688-5004, townclerk@shandaken.us or Town Supervisor 845-688-7165, supervisor@shandaken.us
*Most Local Restaurants are offering safe Take-Out Service
*Phoenicia Supermarket is offering Free Delivery 845-688-2448

Shandaken Studio Tour 2016

The Shandaken Studio Tour is next weekend. You can view maps of all the studios online. I just received this email from Dave Channon who is organizing this year's tour. Here are the details he provided.

Come out and join us on the tour next weekend if you can!

Friday July 15 at The Arts Upstairs - Kick-off party & "Short Tall Tales" with host MC Sparrow 7-10 pm

Saturday July 16 at The Arts Upstairs - 6-9 pm  -  Gala opening with Jonathan Wilner's solo show

Saturday and Sunday July 16-17 10 am - 5 pm  - Open studios self guided tour. 

View maps online at:  ShandakenArt.com   Start at any studio and pick up a free catalog & guidebook. Also available at shops in Phoenicia.

Cell Service For Our Area

Many of us have been frustrated and concerned about the lack of cell service in the area. Our Town Supervisor, Rob Stanley has reached out to the Public Service Commission to try and rectify this situation. He wrote a letter and received the response below. He is now asking anyone who can to write a letter to the PSC at the address provided below. Let's all try and comment to see if we can get some better cell service than the spotty coverage we have now.

Folks,

FYI - Friday I received a response from the Public Service Commission (see excerpt below) regarding a letter I wrote to Governor Cuomo regarding the lack of cellular communication in our area.

It appears that the PSC is looking for comments.

I just sent a copy of this to the Town Clerk to post as I'm hoping we can get a few folks to submit comments to help stress the need for cellular communications in our area.

Write or send your comments and try to get as many people as you can to send comments as well.

The original letter was sent from me as the Chair for the Route 28 Municipal Leaders Group, which is the Board of Directors for the Scenic Byway. So try to get others you may know in the region to submit as well.

Best,

Robert A. Stanley, C.F.M.

Supervisor, Town of Shandaken

Shandaken Town Hall

PO Box 134

Shandaken, NY 12480

Phone: 845.688.7165

Fax: 845.688.7392

Excerpt from the letter to Rob Stanley from the Public Service Commission:

As you note in your letter, attracting investment to the diverse regions of the State is of critical importance and the State has several programs in place to address this issue. For example, in 2011, Governor Andrew Cuomo established the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, through which 10 Regional Councils develop long-term strategic plans for the economic growth oftheir regions. 
The Regional Councils are redefining the way New York invests in its economy and creates job by using a community-based and competitive approach for State resources. Additionally, Governor Cuomo has dedicated $500 million - the largest contribution of any State - to building high speed broadband infrastructure in those areas of the State that do not have it. On the topic of health and safety, the State, through the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, is participating in the federal FirstNet project. FirstNet is an independent authority authorized by the United States Congress to design, build and operate a nationwide wireless data network dedicated to public safety communication.

The Department of Public Service, through its Examination of the State of Telecommunications, is actively engaged in reviewing its regulatory frameworks to address issues of resiliency, reliability and availability of communications - cellular and otherwise - in all parts of the State. A formal proceeding has been initiated and we encourage your participation so that the issues you raise may be addressed. Comments and information may be submitted to the Department directly as set forth below.

Internet: www.dps.ny.gov (Case 14-C-0370)
E-mail: secretary@dps.ny.gov
Phone: (800) 335-2120
Mail: Hon. Kathleen Burgess, Secretary, NYS Public Service Commission, 3 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223

Dog Park In Shandaken

With the beautiful weather we are having today some of you may be looking for a place you can run your fur babies off-leash. If you don't know about it already, there is a great dog park and agility center in Shandaken. It is up on Rt 42 at Glen Brook Park. There are different areas for large and small dogs and benches for you to sit and watch the activity. There are also ramps and other things to practice agility training if your dog seems inclined. So while we have this interlude of mild temperatures get out there with your furry friends. It will help both of you beat your cabin fever!

Medical Supply Lending Shed

Recently I was reminded that the town of Shandaken has a medical supply lending shed. They have all sorts of equipment (walkers, crutches, canes) that are available to town residents. The shed has quite a big selection of some things. So if you are a senior citizen or are planning some sort of surgery and need equipment I highly recommend checking out this resource.

And if you have equipment that is in good shape and you want to donate them to the town you can bring them to Joyce Grant, the Shandaken Town Clerk, during regular business hours. 

Shandaken Police Alert

This was posted on the Shandaken Facebook page this morning. Even though this is in the western end of town we should all remember to lock our cars!


SHANDAKEN POLICE NOTICE Members of the Shandaken Police report that over the last twenty four hours they have handled numerous larcenies from unlocked vehicles in the Big Indian and Pine Hill area. This is just a reminder that theft from unlocked vehicles is a crime of opportunity. Do not leave valuables in your car, and LOCK YOUR CAR!

Items taken thus far have included loose change, credit cards and medication. The Shandaken Police in conjunction with the Ulster County Sheriff's Office and the New York State Police are working on numerous leads at this time. Should anyone have any information please call us at (845) 688-9902.

Planning Board Seeks New Member

The Shandaken Planning Board needs a new member. If anyone in Woodland Valley is interested here is the official announcement.

Shandaken Planning Board is currently seeking a Planning Board Member. This position is a volunteer, non-compensatory membership with a term of seven (7) years and requires residency within the Town of Shandaken. Resume and letter of intent may be submitted to the attention of: Building Dept., via e-mail at shandakenbldg@gmail.com or sent to: P.O. Box 134, Shandaken, N.Y. 12480, postmarked no later than November 25, 2015; This may also be dropped off at the Shandaken Town Hall, 7209 Route 28, Shandaken. Prospective applicants should plan on attending the Planning Board Workshop meeting on Wednesday, January 13, 2015 at 7:00 PM.

Fundraiser For Shandaken's Parks

The 2nd annual celebration honoring Shandaken's Parks will be held this Sunday, September 20th in the pavilion at the Emerson. There will be a picnic lunch starting at 1pm. Tickets are $30.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids. All the proceeds will support Shandaken's Parks.

Loss Of A Young Life

  Many of you may know that there was a tragic drowning death of a young, teenage girl in the Esopus Creek last Saturday. I am linking to an article that fully explains the details of how it happened.

http://www.watershedpost.com/2015/teen-drowned-while-tubing-after-bus-dropped-her-near-notorious-hazard

  Woodland Valley resident Pete Oberbeck was featured in the article and probably saved the life of the kayaker that he was able to warn about the strainer. The hazard exists in Shandaken by the cemetery at the fishing accessing point. Please warn everyone you know not to go into the Esopus at that point until the DEC removes that dangerous hazard.

  I am copying and pasting a sample letter from the Town of Shandaken website to the NYSDEC. You can help by writing to them and helping to get that hazard removed.

  From the Town of Shandaken -

PLEASE HELP US PREVENT FURTHER LOSS OF LIFE! Use this sample letter below to contact the people shown to solve this problem with the debris in the Esopus Stream - (owned by NYSDEC). Before another tragedy occurs. Please copy and paste.. insert your own contact info at bottom.
Sample letter:

"Dear Governor Cuomo, Senators Carlucci & Seward and Assembly Members Cahill & Zebrowski:

This email/letter I'm forwarding to you is one I hoped to never have to write.

A 14 year old girl, Jordyn Engler, lost her life on the Esopus Creek by putting her inner tube into the river in a location that was known to be unsafe (her Dad was also injured).

The obstruction that took her life was a well known strainer (many downed trees in the stream's main current) that has been pointed out to folks from Ulster County, the NYS DEC, NYC DEP and the members of the Ashokan Stream Management Program's Recreational Stream Access Committee. As these downed trees are on NYS DEC's Forever Wild land, they can't legally be moved or destroyed as per Article XIV of the NYS Constitution.

Section 1. The lands of the state, now owned or hereafter acquired, constituting the forest preserve as now fixed by law, shall be forever kept as wild forest lands. They shall not be leased, sold or exchanged, or be taken by any corporation, public or private, nor shall the timber thereon be sold, removed or destroyed.

As an individual that advocates for recreational use of the Esopus Creek; I'm exceptionally heartbroken over this loss.

I appeal for your help to preserve the recreational use of the Esopus Creek by taking reasonable measures to protect public safety; Article XIV, as written, doesn't speak to safety - so feels out of balance, though of good intent.

Can you suggest either amending Article XIV of the NYS constitution (easy, no?), get an executive exception for this parcel of land or land adjacent to recreational whitewater resources, or suggest or execute any other actions to prevent further loss of life?

As always, thank you for your support and representation."
Signed ....
(Here is the contact info)..Gov. Cuomo - www.governor.ny.gov
Senator Carlucci - http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/david-carlucci/contact
Senator Seward - seward@nysenate.gov
Assembly Member Cahill - cahillk@assembly.state.ny.us
Assembly Zebrowski - http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Kenneth-Zebrowski/contact/

Shandaken Day This Saturday

Shandaken Day is this Saturday in Big Indian Park on Rt 28 in Big Indian. The festivities run from 10am - 6pm with games, music, food and other assorted fun for all. So come out and show your town spirit. See you at Shandaken Day!!!

Rent In One Of Shandaken's Parks

Planning a Party? BBQ, Family Reunion? Need a venue? Why not rent one of Shandaken's fabulous parks?.. Weddings, Kids parties.. $50 a day! $100 for non resident. All applications are made through Town Clerk's Office. Glenbrook, Parish Field or Big Indian Park.. plan your event now and reserve! Application>http://www.shandaken.us/…/2…/06/NEWPark-Application-Form.pdf

Tag Sale To Benefit SAVE

Be sure to check out the Shandaken Animal Volunteer Effort's annual Tag Sale. It is being held today at the Migliorelli Farm Stand in Mt Tremper from 10am to 5pm. All the proceeds go to the Shandaken shelter. These people do wonderful work with the dogs so get out there and buy something if you can. You can also stop by and donate if you really don't need anything else for your home (that's what I do). So go check it out and support a worthy cause!!!

Shandaken Studio Art Tour

This is to remind everyone that the Shandaken Studio Art Tour is this weekend. Go out and check out the fabulous art and artists that live in our area. For a full list of the studios on the tour and a map go to http://shandakenart.com. There is so much talent in our community go out and see for yourself!!

ZBA Seeking A Board Member

Town of Shandaken Zoning Board of Appeals seeking a Board Member. This position is a volunteer, non-compensatory membership with a term of five (5) years and requires residency within the Town of Shandaken. Resume & letter of intent may be sumitted to Shandaken Building – Zoning Dept., via email at shandakenbldg@gmail.com or sent to PO Box 134 Shandaken NY 12480 or dropped off at Town Hall, 7209 Rt. 28 Shandaken NY 12480. Call 845-688-5008 for more info.

Joyce Grant
Town Clerk - Tax Collector - RMO
PO Box 67 - Shandaken NY 12480
845-688-5004
Fax: 845 688-2041
http://www.shandaken.us

Angel Found

This is the first photo of the dog that the people at Town Hall have named Angel right after she was found. She is now being cared for by the SAVE shelter at Town Hall. Currently she is at the vets office being treated for eye problems, malnourishment and severe skin problems. The vet feels that she was in the woods quite a while. She has had puppies (they don't know when) but there was no sign of them when she was found. They think she is a St Bernard (Mix?). She was found on Lost Clove Road in Big Indian. They think she is a fairly young dog.

This is an updated photo of Angel from the nurse at the vet. They say her eyes look better, she is clean and healing nicely. Hopefully, she will be recovered soon. If you would like to make a donation to help pay for Angel's medical bills please go to this link http://www.shandaken.us/services/shandaken-dog-shelter/

Shandaken In Bloom Garden Tour

I got a message from Susan Robertson regarding the upcoming Shandaken Garden Tour. Here is what Susan had to say.

It's that time of year again….Shandaken in Bloom, June 29th 10-4

Advance tickets are on sale now ($20) at the Library and at Tender Land Home…Tickets are also available the day of the event ($25) at the gazebo on Main Street and Route 214 in Phoenicia…

Hope to see you there!

Shandaken In Bloom 2014

I am marking this one on my calendar. The annual Shandaken garden tour. Save the date in your busy schedules too!

Save the Date!!

Shandaken In Bloom

Annual Garden Tour

June 29th 10-4 

Rain or Shine

6 Glorious Gardens

Advance Tickets $20.00

Day of Tickets $25.00

Friends of The Phoenicia Library

for more info call Susan at 688-7493

NY Rising Meeting May 3rd

There is another meeting regarding the NY Rising grant money on May 3rd 1-3pm at the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center. Find out how Shandaken and Hardenburgh are building back better!