Serving Rhinebeck and Neighboring Towns
Issue 80 | August 8, 2023
This Week

We start the week by getting to know Mark Van De Carr of M&M Automotive and chat with him about race car driving and how to run a car repair business, among other things. 

We have hit the halfway point of the summer! Seasonal rentals are packed with visitors, the fairgrounds are getting ready for the thousands upon thousands who will descend upon our town for the Dutchess County Fair, and nearly all of the area’s therapists and psychiatrists are on vacation. 

Each week we like to thank all of you for being a part of our community and supporting the Pilot –  that’s important this week, as always. Thank you for all of your support. 

Eric Steinman
Executive Editor

Rhinefolk: Mark Van De Carr of M&M Automotive

Mark Van De Carr, owner of M&M Automotive in Rhinebeck, loves cars, racing cars, drums and positive political expression, in that order.
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Under the Radar
Dems vs. Dems at the Municipal Lot // There has been recent tension brewing in Rhinebeck between those who support the traditional Democratic Party, and those who support controversial 2024 Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. A Prius-driving gentleman from Red Hook (who did not want to be identified) has been parking in the Village municipal lot on Sundays during the weekly Rhinebeck Farmers’ Market, displaying multiple signs in support of Kennedy, and engaging passersby in political discussion.

This past Sunday, a group representing the Rhinebeck Democratic Committee, which had reserved space in the lot with the Village, set up within striking distance from the RFK Jr. supporter and tensions flared. The Rhinebeck Democratic Committee set up a sign between themselves and the RFK Jr. supporter which read “We do NOT support RFK Jr.” Evidently harsh words were traded and the Village Police were summoned twice during the course of the day. This drew attention to a significant disagreement happening on the national level about the Kennedy candidacy and away from the start of summer tomato season at the Market. Mayor Bassett is said to be working on a solution that will hopefully appease all factions.

Get the Lead Out // Last month we reported on revelations that the lead levels in the City of Poughkeepsie’s drinking water were elevated to an alarming level. One in 10 children in Poughkeepsie has elevated levels of lead in their blood, according to a recent report. Now, after committing to help Poughkeepsie replace all of its lead water lines, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency made its first visit to the city on Tuesday, where they were joined by the State Department of Health and several elected officials to begin formulating a plan to remove the city’s estimated 5,500 water lines containing lead, according to reporting from the Albany Times Union. Roughly $15 billion, coming from the bipartisan infrastructure plan, has been made available to replace lead water pipes throughout the United States. Poughkeepsie officials have said it would cost some $163 million to remove every lead water line in the city.

Deceased Hiker’s Family Vows to Finish His Hike // In late July, we reported on the Rhinebeck hiker, Robert Kerker, who went missing in Southern Vermont while attempting to complete a stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Last week, Kerker was found dead, presumably drowned in rising waters along the Stony Brook after a storm. Kerker had always dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail, and now Kerker’s younger brother, Charlie Kerker, and his niece Chelsea Kerker, will complete the trail in honor of their lost relative. 

Tackling the Appalachian Trail was the hiking adventure Robert Kerker had always dreamed of, and something he could finally take on in retirement, Charlie Kerker told the Albany Times Union. “Now, he’ll always be part of it.”
LOCAL EVENTS!
The HV Pilot continues to grow and serve the community. Check out our new events page with local happenings updated continuously.
"GynoCURIOUS"

Dr. Amy Novatt speaks with Shakai Shepard, who talks about her journey in becoming an acupuncturist and Eastern healing arts. Listen to how she helps her clients be healthy and seek wellness.
Heads Up!
This Week

Meteor Shower!

Wednesday, August 9th, 10:00AM - 12:30PM
Young Explorer Adventure, including scavenger hunt and art project. For ages 5-12; children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets $5 at wilderstein.org or call 845-876-4818 for information. At Wilderstein Historic Site, 330 Morton Rd., Rhinebeck.
Friday, August 11th, 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Opening reception for Dan Goldman art exhibit, “Dialogues with Nature.” At CO Co-working, Meeting, and Event Space, 6571 Spring Brook Ave. (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck.
Saturday, August 12th, 4:00AM - 10:00AM
Meteor Shower and Sunrise Viewing at “one of the world’s ten best gardens,” which “merges the essence of Modernist and Romantic ideas with traditional Chinese and Japanese garden design principles.” For details and required registration, see innisfreegarden.org. At Innisfree Garden, 362 Tyrrel Rd., Millbrook.
Saturday, August 12th, 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Rhinebeck Repair Cafe. Get your “broken but beloved” stuff fixed FREE! At The Pavilion at Brookmeade, 34 Brookmeade Dr. (off Rte. 308), Rhinebeck.
Saturday, August 12th, 10:00AM
Special guided tour focusing on Wilderstein’s gardens and landscape, the exterior design of the mansion and outbuildings, and the lives of the Suckley family. Advance reservations encouraged. Tickets $12. Register at wilderstein.org. At Wilderstein, 330 Morton Rd., Rhinebeck.
Sunday, August 13th, 10:30AM - Noon
Bollywood Dancing Workshop with Arobi Hanif, dancer and Bard graduate. No experience needed and all ages welcome. FREE. At the Beatrix Farrand Garden at the FDR Historic Site, Hyde Park.
Sunday, August 13th, 11:00AM - Noon
Skull and Bones,” an interactive nature-based “detective” program for families and children ages 6-9. $2 per child. Advance registration required, at https://Bookeo.com/StaatburghSHS. At Staatsburgh State Historic Site, 9 Old Post Rd., Staatsburg.
Upcoming
Tuesday, August 15th, 6:45PM
Rhinebeck Legion Band Performance (if raining, concert is canceled). FREE. Bring your own seating. Outside at lower level, Starr Library.
Tuesday, August 15th, 8:00PM
Movies Under the Starrs, showing “The Princess Bride.” FREE. Presented by the Rhinebeck Town Recreation Committee. “Bring a chair, blanket or pad.” At Thompson-Mazzarella Park, Rhinebeck.
Wednesday, August 16th, 6:00PM
Narcan training: Learn how to prevent an opioid overdose. FREE. Free Narcan kits will be provided. Presented by the Clinton Volunteer Fire Dept. and Clinton Recreation. Register at TownofClinton.com. At Fran Mark Park, 337 Clinton Hollow Rd., Rhinebeck.
Friday, August 18th through Sunday, August 20th
Summer Sidewalk Sale organized by the Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce and Enjoy Rhinebeck.
Saturday, August 19th, 5:00PM - 7:00PM
Rhinebeck Arts Walk Wine Reception and viewing of works by painter Evelyn LaStella. At Gallery 71, 71 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
Ongoing
Rhinebeck Rec is now offering Aqua Zumba (Wed. evenings) at the Town pool and Adult Pick-up Soccer (Wed. PM and Sunday AM) at the newly refurbished soccer field. Register for all the sessions or pay a drop-in fee as you go. For details, see rhinebeckny.gov.myrec.com.
Now through August 20 – “Apocalypse Sky,” works by artists whose lives were transformed by the HIV/AIDS crisis during the 1980s and 1990s, including Keith Haring, Nan Goldin, Robert Mapplethorpe, and others. Vassar.edu/theloeb. At Vassar’s Lehman Loeb Gallery, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie.
Now through September 20 – Register for 2023-24 EMT training for people “of all ages and career stages.” No fee IF sponsored by a NYS-certified EMS agency. Trainings run through February 2024, Mon/Wed. 6PM-9:30PM; some Saturdays 8AM-11:30AM. For info. call Cheryl Hilbrandt, 845-876-0448 X136, or email [email protected]. At Bard College.
Now through November 26, “Indian Theater: Native Performance, Art, and Self-Determination since 1969,” a show of over 100 works by Native American, First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and Alaska Native artists. See details at ccs.bard.edu. At Hessel Museum, Bard College.
Town of Clinton Food Drive, to restock the food pantry at Pleasant Plains Presbyterian Church. Drop off canned goods and non-perishables at the Town of Clinton Clerk’s office, 1215 Centre Rd., Rhinebeck, Mondays-Thursdays, 9AM - 4PM, or at the Church, 2 Fiddlers Bridge Rd., Staatsburg.
Call for submissions: artworks inspired by the Rhinecliff Train Station, to be exhibited at Morton Library, Rhinecliff, later in 2023. Contact [email protected] to submit a piece.
Local Meetings
Tuesday, August 8th
Rhinebeck Village Board
Village Hall
6:00PM

Agenda includes RFP for composting subcontractor and Tree Commission tree prune/removal requests. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
Thursday, August 10th
Rhinebeck Village Comprehensive Plan Committee
Village Hall
6:00PM

Agenda not yet available. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
Monday, August 14th
Rhinebeck Town Board
Town Hall
6:00PM

Agenda not yet available. See Town website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
Wednesday, August 16th
Rhinebeck Town Zoning Board of Appeals
Town Hall
7:00PM

Agenda not yet available. See Town website. At Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck.
Thursday, August 17th
Rhinebeck Village Zoning Board of Appeals
Village Hall
6:00PM

Agenda includes signage at Northern Dutchess Hospital. See Village website. At Village Hall, 76 East Market St., Rhinebeck.

A web page has been added to the Rhinebeck Village website, providing ongoing information about the development project at 6 Mulberry St., also known as the Brogan Center.

The Rhinebeck Town Conservation Advisory Board (CAB) is looking for new members for two-year terms. No experience necessary. The CAB provides assistance to the Town Planning Board in reviewing proposals that may negatively impact Rhinebeck’s natural environment. If interested, contact the Town Clerk.
Pet Show
"Lola"

Lola is a four-year-old rescue from Puerto Rico, who splits her time between finding the softest surface in the house and patrolling the backyard against the squirrels she suspects are out to do harm to her family.
Please send your pet photos and bios to [email protected]