SUNY Cobleskill Shifts to Online Only for Remainder of the Week

In collaboration with the Schoharie County Department of Health, SUNY Cobleskill is extending remote-only learning through the remainder of this week. Our mission as a campus community is to take care of one another, and not to shame. Attaching stigma to those in our community who contract COVID-19 will not help us overcome this pandemic. We can only do this through compassion and a shared sense of accountability.

It is our understanding that nearby, off-campus gatherings took place earlier this month, events that now show overlap between the attendees and the positive cases among our student body. These events have put our campus at risk and will continue to do so if they continue to occur at this present time.

Failure to abide by student conduct codes related to COVID-19 policies may result in temporary suspension from the College pending the outcome of the student conduct process. (See Page 3 of the "What Students Should Know" Document under SPRING 2021 PLAN on Cobleskill.edu). Further, students can face fines starting at $1,000 by the Department of Health if found in violation of COVID-19 regulations.

As you know, we have returned to Phase 1 of student engagement, which will be the case until further notice. Enhanced social distancing measures will remain in effect, no visiting within or between residence halls will be permitted, and all on-campus dining options will remain grab-and-go only.

Residential students who plan to leave for the weekend and have not yet submitted a pooled testing sample this week MUST test before they leave campus. Any students currently in, or in the future directed to enter, precautionary quarantine should return to pooled testing upon their release from quarantine.

Faculty members, it is vital that you strictly adhere to mask protocols while in class. Please read the expectations shared with you today by email related to COVID-19 and contact tracing.

- Send questions on COVID-19 testing to: covidtesting@cobleskill.edu
- Send questions on academic support to: academicaffairs@cobleskill.edu
- Send questions on residence hall policy to: residentiallife@cobleskill.edu

Employee questions should be directed to Nicole Field in HR at fieldnm@cobleskill.edu. CAS employees should contact their HR representative, Barbara Furlong, at furlonbd@cobleskill.edu.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Cobleskill Library News

The Library is open for browsing the first floor. Face masks and social distancing are required at all times. We continue to take every precaution to keep our patrons, staff and the building safe so if you feel unwell, please do not come into the Library.   

  

Library hours are Tuesday 10-7pm, Wednesday 10-5pm, Thursday 10-7pm, Friday 10-5pm and Saturday 10-1pm. These hours may change without notice. You may fax, make copies and use the computers for 30 minutes. Public meeting rooms are not available and Library seating has been removed except at the public computers. Curbside pickup continues to be available, just give us a call to schedule your pickup.  

  

The Librarians of Schoharie County have been working with Schoharie County Office of the Aging and Mohawk Valley Library System to develop a set of tools to help you schedule a COVID vaccine appointment. To see detailed instructions on how to navigate pharmacy websites and fill out the required forms, visit http://bit.ly/VaccineHelp  

  

Would you like to be more involved with the Library? Consider becoming a Library Trustee. Prospective trustees submit petitions and are voted on by residents of the Cobleskill-Richmondville School District. There are two five-year and one four-year slots open. Petitions are available at the Library and the District Clerk’s Office and are due to the District Clerk’s Office by 5pm on Monday, April 19th. 

 

2021 marks 100 years of service for The Community Library. We are planning to celebrate this milestone later in the year. In the meantime, we will be sharing information on Facebook and in the Library on our past, present and future. For more information follow our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/theCommunityLibraryCobleskill/or sign up for future Library News emails at https://mailchi.mp/287db1f866ef/news  

  

State and Federal Tax forms and instructions are here. They can be found in the lobby or can be delivered by curbside pickup. The new deadline to file is May 17^th. 

  

Reminder, there is no seating available in the Library, but the Wi-Fi is accessible 24/7 on Library property. Use our WiFi to download updates to your devices or download eBook, audiobook and magazines from Overdrive/Libby. If you need help updating game consoles stop in and Kim can help you out.  

  

You have access to online books, audiobooks and now over 3,000 magazines through Overdrive/Libby using this link https://mvls.overdrive.com/. Cobleskill Richmondville students can increase their access to books by linking their SORA card to the Library account.  

  

You have access to Gale databases, encyclopedias, newspapers and other resources with your library card through this link https://communitylibrary.mvls.info/research-2/  

  

Want to see what is new in our collection visit https://bit.ly/3c2TdCl To request items log into your account with the barcode on the back of your library card. Your pin is the last 4 digits of your phone number. Don’t have a card, stop into the Library with your id and a piece of mail with your current address and complete a library card application.  

 

The Friends are going to start collecting gently used books for their Fall sale. If you have one or two books, please place them in the book drop. If you have lots of books to donate, please contact the Library to let us know you are stopping in during Library hours. If the Library is closed you can still use the green Better World Book bin in the parking lot. 

 

Library Giving Day is on April 7^th. Please consider making donations to the Foundation for Mohawk Valley Libraries. The Community Library has received support from the Foundation to increase awareness of the Library and for the purchase of a TV to enhance programming. More information can be found at https://mvlslibraryfoundation.wordpress.com/library-giving-day-april-7-2021/ 

 

The next Library Board of Trustees virtual meeting is April 8^th at 1pm. Meetings are open to the public however if you would like to attend please call the library (518.234.7897) and leave a message with your email address or email cob-director@mvls.info with your interest to attend.  

  

Library Contact: 518.234.7897, coblib@mvls.info, cob-director@mvls.info https://www.facebook.com/theCommunityLibraryCobleskill/  

https://communitylibrary.mvls.info/ 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful Launches 2021 Regional Clean & Green Effort in a “Quaran-TEAM” Way

Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful (KMVB), a six-county NYS affiliate of the national Keep America Beautiful (KAB) program, is launching the 20^th annual Clean & Green Effort, scheduled for April 1 – June 20. KMVB is a standing committee of the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. (MVEDD).

 

KAB works to create sustainable communities that are socially connected, environmentally healthy, and economically sound and their annual Cleanup effort is part the country’s largest community improvement program. Each spring KAB affiliates, like KMVB, engage more than 4 million volunteers in more than 20,000 communities nationwide. “We intend to have local volunteers in the six-County Mohawk Valley Region take action to work on beautifying and cleaning areas along the canal and other waterways, parks, recreation areas and streets,” said Stephen Smith, MVEDD Executive Director.

 

KMVB will be hosting a kick-off event to celebrate the 2021 Regional Clean & Green Effort in a “Quaran-TEAM” Way on Saturday, April 24^th at 10 AM at Hanna Park, Utica, NY. Registered cleanup groups will be able to pick up free materials at the event from 10 AM – 2 PM.

 

The regional Clean and Green “Quaran-TEAM” effort offers individuals and families who are quarantined together to break up their day by taking a walk outside alone or as a family to clean up litter along their property/streets and surrounding areas. “We intend to have adults and children in the six-County Mohawk Valley Region take action to work on beautifying and cleaning areas across their communities while adhering to federal, state and local public health guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic,” continued Smith.

 

KMVB also invites businesses, organizations, and community groups to register cleanup or beautification events in the Mohawk Valley region.

 

KMVB reminds volunteers participating in the “QuaranTeam” Cleanup to wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves when appropriate during litter cleanups.

This year, KMVB welcomes the Genesis Group of the Mohawk Valley Region as a partner in the regional Clean & Green Effort. “Promoting and collaborating litter cleanups, community gardens, recycling and beautification across the region showcases the significant impact volunteers across the Mohawk Valley

can make by working together,” stated Raymond J. Durso, Genesis Group President & CEO. “Additionally, these collective efforts help leverage other public and private resources to positively impact our region,” he continued.

 

Jamie Tuttle, Recycling Educator of the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority (Authority) and partner in the Cleanup Program, said “While KMVB along with other organizations plan volunteer events structured to clean up and beautify public areas, they also focus on inspiring generations of environmental stewards.  KMVB is cleaning up, yes, but we are also changing behaviors by engaging the enthusiasm of involved young people,” said Tuttle.

 

By registering your event on the ohswa.org website, you are eligible to receive free materials including gloves, trash bags, and other assistance. KMVB encourages any individual or group hosting a cleanup, community garden, recycling or beautification

project – new or existing – to register their event. In addition to free materials and

resources, registrants will be highlighted for their efforts on the Authority website and KMVB social media platforms.

 

To register your event or volunteer your time, visit www.ohswa.org. (Click Great American Cleanup.) You may also follow KMVB on Facebook (Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful – KMVB) for additional information. If you would like to report a site that needs to be cleaned or rehabilitated, email Jamie Tuttle, Authority Recycling Educator at jamiet@ohswa.org. To donate funding or materials, call (315) 733-1224 ext. 2300.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Iroquois Museum Opens April 1st

After more than a year of closure, we are excited to reopen this week on Thursday, April 1, with limited hours and public health precautions in place.

Over the past year, the Museum has been busy creating virtual programming like the summer artist demos series, themed tours on our website, and virtual field trips with participants from all over North America (we’ve booked several school groups from Alberta, Canada).

We are looking forward to being a destination for visitors and area residents again this year while creating a safe space for all. Visitors will need to ring the bell to gain entrance and wear a mask and practice social distancing while inside the building. We are planning to offer individual activity packets for children while the interactive exhibits in the Children’s Museum are temporarily closed.

With our beautiful surroundings starting to turn green and blossom, we are welcoming people to take advantage of our 45-acre Nature Park. Visitors can learn about native plants from a Haudenosaunee perspective through labels near the entrance of the Park by the log houses that were transported to Howes Cave from Six Nations.

The Museum has planned a full schedule of mainly outdoor events each weekend in July and August, with additional programming in the fall. Look more more info in an upcoming email and on our Facebook.

We can’t wait to have friends old and new at our home in Howes Cave again! We--especially Chief Feline Officer Little Boy-- hope to see you soon.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Robinson Terrace Hosting the Easter Bunny

Robinson Terrace Rehabilitation and Nursing Center will be having a free drive-through event on Saturday, April 3rd , 1-2 p.m.  Families may drive up to the main entrance at 28652 NY-23 and receive treats from the Easter Bunny!

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

State police issue 43 tickets to an 18 year old following a pursuit

On March 21, 2021 at 10:12 a.m. a trooper patrolling on State Route 17 in the town of Goshen observed a 2003 Infiniti G35 traveling east at a high rate of speed and in violation of other New York State Vehicle and Traffic Laws. The trooper verified the speed on RADAR at 117 mph in a 65 mph. The trooper attempted to catch up to the vehicle. The operator of the vehicle was weaving in and out of traffic without signaling and cutting off other motorists. The vehicle exited at exit 129 and attempted to hide in the park and ride lot. The trooper observed the vehicle and began to walk up to the vehicle to speak to the operator when the vehicle fled the area. The trooper was able to obtain the plate and a visual of the operator. The vehicle reentered State Route 17 east and proceeded to Interstate 87 south. The trooper continued  the pursue the vehicle. The pursuit was terminated for safety reasons after the vehicle reached a speed of 148 mph in a 65 mph. 

During the trooper’s investigation he was able to determine that the plate on the Infiniti belonged to another vehicle out of NYC. The trooper was able to locate the owner of that vehicle. The trooper then learned that the owner of that vehicle was a relative of the suspected vehicle. Through the use of social media, the trooper saw photographs with the suspect standing next to the Infiniti G-35 with the switched plate. With the assistance of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) the vehicle was located in Queens along with the suspect. The suspect was detained by NYPD and then turned over to New York State Police in New York City. The suspect was transported to the state police barracks in Monroe where he was charged with Reckless Endangerment 1st degree, (felony) Reckless Driving and Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the 3rd degree. (misdemeanors).  The suspect was released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Goshen Court on April 12, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. and was also issued 43 tickets, including 117mph in a 65 mph zone and 148 mph in a 65 mph zone. All tickets were issued to the corresponding jurisdictions that the violations occurred.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Police Seeking Man Who After Weapons Discharge at Roadblock

On March 25, 2021 at approximately 4:59 a.m., New York State Police at Catskill (Troop F) were investigating a domestic incident in the town of Halcott.  The suspect left the area in a vehicle before troopers arrived. 

Troopers working in Delaware County (Troop C – SP Margaretville) spotted the suspect in the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.  The operator of the vehicle failed to comply and a pursuit was initiated but later terminated. 

After the pursuit was terminated, other area law enforcement from the villages of Delhi and Walton set up a stationary roadblock at the intersections of County Road 2 and State Route 10 in the town of Hamden.  The vehicle drove around the roadblock and at a police officer from the village of Walton, who discharged his firearm. 

At this time, no injuries have been reported and it is unknown if the vehicle was struck by any bullets. 

The suspect is Bahji Green, age 29.  He is a black male, approximately 6 feet tall, weighing 145 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.  The vehicle he was last seen in is a Toyota Minivan with New York license plate JBU7991. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact New York State Police at Catskill at (518)622-8600.

The investigation is on-going.    

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

REGGIE HARRIS' CATSKILLS OBSERVANCE from the Gilboa Historical Society

Reggie Harris introduced the GHS to the potential of video at the same time as he celebrated the spirit of the northern Catskills with this performance. A songwriter of great depth and insight, Reggie writes from a deep sense of humanity and a uniquely positive world-view. He is a trailblazer who performs for audiences of all ages. His humorous and hopeful presence has led fans to label him the “Ambassador of Joy, Hope, and Freedom.”

. . . . . Click here for this free performance through April 3, 2021, after which we'll end the season with Dave Ruch and Phil Banaszak putting their special shine on American traditional music.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Story Telling Workshop at the Gilboa Museum

STORY-TELLING, COMPLIMENTS OF THE

Gilboa Historical Society

A FREE YOUTUBE PERFORMANCE BY OUR FAVORITE STORY-TELLER NANCY PAYNE. She will you tell you about a when Kenyan women were denied education and channeled into a life of agricultural field work. Nevertheless, one such woman used education to rise through local expectations and national politics to gain recognition throughout the world and go on to create a new universal definition for the word "peace" and win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Nancy Payne's free performance link (click here) can be used now through March 27, when we'll send you a new link for Reggie Harris.

______

This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered in Schoharie County by Greene County Council on the Arts dba CREATE.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Town of Cobleskill man arrested for Criminal Obstruction of Breathing

New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations from SP Princetown arrested a 26-year old woman from Cobleskill, NY for Endangering the Welfare of a Child and a 32-year old man for Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Criminal Obstructing of Breathing following a domestic dispute between the two parties.

On March 14, 2021, New York State Troopers responded to a reported domestic dispute between two subjects on Rhineback Rd in the Town of Cobleskill.  Upon arrival the troopers interviewed both Melissa Teich and her boyfriend Jesse McHargue regarding the reported incident.  After conducting interviews with the parties involved and additional investigative steps taken, both Teich and McHargue were found to have two minor children present in the residence during the physical altercation.  During the investigation it was discovered that McHargue had used his hands to restrict Teich’s breathing capabilities during the dispute.  McHargue was arrested for one count of Criminal Obstructing of Breathing, a Class A Misdemeanor and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A Misdemeanor.  Teich was arrested on one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. 

McHargue was arraigned at Town of Seward court was released on his own recognizance with a return date at court on May 6, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.  Teich was and released with an appearance ticket for the Town of Seward court on April 1, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Catskill Symphony Orchestra announces new Acting Executive Director Cassandra Miller

CSO also welcomes new board members and sets date for next Conversations with Beethoven virtual event

ONEONTA—The Catskill Symphony Orchestra announces that Cassandra Miller will serve as its new acting executive director. Miller has held leadership roles with nonprofit, arts, and community organizations in Oneonta and Baltimore/DC and began her position with the CSO this month.

“Cassandra’s enthusiasm, creativity, and strong track record of leadership—as well as her love of this community—convinced our board that she was the right person to step into the role of acting executive director,” CSO Board Chair Kellie Bean said. “We have several new faces within the organization, including Music Director Maciej Żółtowski, whose debut was to be the CSO’s Cabaret Concert in March 2020. Over the winter, the CSO also welcomed new board members Laura Tansey Wetzel and Ian Kenyon, both of Cooperstown. We have a lot of fresh energy in the CSO, of which we are excited for Cassandra to take the helm.” 

In the absence of live performances due to COVID-19 this past year, the CSO has continued to be active by presenting virtual programming, including a series of “Conversations with Beethoven” led by Żółtowski. The third virtual event in the series, “Beethoven Conspiracy: The Illuminati” is at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 27, via YouTube, followed by a live post-event discussion. Below are more event details. Miller will work with Żółtowski and the Board to offer additional upcoming programming, including a fourth “Conversations with Beethoven” event and a “Meet the Players” video series with CSO musicians. More information will be announced soon. 

“The CSO provides an important resource for our community by bringing classical music and world-class performers to our region and I’m honored to be working alongside the Board of Trustees and incredible musicians, including the impressive Maestro Żółtowski, to continue the tradition of excellence,” Miller said. “The rich arts community here is part of what makes our region so special, and I’m thrilled to be back in Oneonta contributing to this place I love.”

Miller held leadership roles in Baltimore/DC with Baltimore Center Stage (the state theater of Maryland), The Washington Post, and Visit Baltimore; and local roles with organizations including the Iroquois Indian Museum and SUNY Oneonta. Since moving back to Oneonta in 2019, she has served on local boards, including the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center and the Friends of the Oneonta Theatre and as co-chair of CANO’s City of the Hills Festival. From 2008 to 2012, she was an editor of The Daily Star, where she founded the arts and entertainment publication, The Scene. She has performed locally with Orpheus Theatre and Catskill Community Players. A graduate of Unatego High School, Miller has a B.S. in Journalism and minor in Art History from Boston University and is currently an M.B.A./M.S. in Communications Management candidate at Syracuse University. 

Miller replaces former Executive Director Thomas Wolf, who served the CSO for two years, transitioning from his position in February to pursue other opportunities. Miller’s full biographical sketch is below, as is more information about the CSO and the March 27 “Conversations with Beethoven” virtual event.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

State Police Requesting Help Finding SP AR-15

A Rock River AR-15 rifle serial# CM203155 with optic# K3319796 in a black nylon carrying case was last seen on Tuesday, March 16, along State Route 9 in the vicinity of Riverside Drive in the town of Chestertown. The missing rifle is owned by the New York State Police.

The weapon was not stolen, and an investigation into the circumstances of how the rifle was lost is ongoing. The incident is also part of an ongoing internal administrative investigation.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the rifle is asked to call the State Police at (518)-583-7000.

No further information is available at this time, any updates will be posted here on the State Police online newsroom

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

NEW YORK FARM BUREAU MEMBERS RANK SECOND IN COUNTRY FOR FARMER FOOD DONATIONS

 

Food donations top eight million pounds in 2020

 

New York Farm Bureau members continued to make generous food donations during a challenging year for so many families in need. This past weekend, American Farm Bureau Federation recognized New York Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) program for its efforts to donate more than eight million pounds of food to the regional food banks across the state last year. That was the second highest donation total in the country for 2020, behind Florida.  NYFB’s YF&R program was awarded a $250 check for its efforts that will be donated to Feeding New York State.

 

Due to the pandemic, the normal gleaning and on-farm collection events could not be conducted. Instead, farmers worked with producers and dairy manufacturers to increase their donations as there was a surge in demand at food banks across the state. Many county Farm Bureaus collaborated with member farms, food processors, other agricultural organizations and their food banks and pantries to conduct dairy product drive-thru events to distribute the food to those in need.

 

The 8,028,541 pounds of food collected, about a million more pounds than in 2019, was through the “Harvest for All” donation program, a nationwide annual farm donation partnership linking Farm Bureau and Feeding America in each state. In New York, NYFB’s YF&R Committee and Feeding New York State administer the statewide donation partnership.  The food is then distributed among the 10 Feeding America food banks throughout the state.

 

In addition, county Farm Bureau members collected $3,500 from other members in 2020 that was donated for the purchase of milk along with a separate drive to purchase hams during the holiday season. Members also volunteered more than 700 hours of their time to gather donated dairy and produce and assist with the large food distribution sites.

 

Christina Kohler, New York Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Chair, said, “New York’s farmers responded in a time of need, even when their own farms were facing significant market and pricing disruptions related to the pandemic. I am incredibly proud of our members who always step up to help people in their community and across the state.”

 

In the past 16 years of the Harvest for All Program, farms in New York have given around 114 million pounds of food to support the work by the regional food banks in our state. That translates into more than 90 million meals.

 

Dan Egan, Executive Director of Feeding New York State, said, "New York's food banks are so grateful to our farm partners for another fantastic year. It is remarkable that in a year marked by challenging weather and dominated by a historic pandemic, New York's farmers continued their tradition of generous giving to our neighbors in need. We could not do our jobs if farmers did not do theirs. We at Feeding New York State thank you from the bottom of our hearts. " 

 

For more specific information on local food donation projects, please contact your regional food bank.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Thomas Cole Site Announces "Spring Lights"

Thomas Cole National Historic Site Announces “Spring Lights,” A New Outdoor Nighttime Walk-Through Public Program in Catskill, New York, Inspired by the Artist Thomas Cole (1801-1848) and His Love of Nature.

 

The New Experience Includes a Building-Wide Projection by Contemporary Artist Brian Kenny and Immersive Light & Sound Environments Designed by Clerestory Light, a leading “Son et Lumière” Creative Agency. The Experience Features Audio of Thomas Cole’s Writing, Brought to Life by the Film Actor Jamie Bell.

 

Thanks to Underwriter Support, the Ticketed Experience Includes Free Community Fridays Starting Friday, April 16.

 

Catskill, NY – Wednesday, March 17 – The Thomas Cole National Historic Site announced today a new outdoor nighttime walk-through public program called “Spring Lights,” inspired by the artist Thomas Cole (1801-1848) and his love of nature. Spring Lights will take place in the gardens and grounds of the Thomas Cole National Historic Site after nightfall. The ticketed experience will be offered every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night starting on Friday, April 16.

 

Visitors with timed tickets will walk through a one-way looping path to encounter a building-wide projection by the contemporary artist Brian Kenny and immersive light and sound environments designed by Clerestory Light, a leading “son et lumière” creative agency. The experience features audio of Thomas Cole’s written words, brought to life by the film actor Jamie Bell, with special thanks to Brian Swardstrom. Spring Lights is made possible by a generous grant from The Bay & Paul Foundations in support of using light to inspire new experiences.

 

Spring Lights will be open by advance reservation at timed intervals every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from Friday, April 16 to Sunday, May 9. Advance reservations are required. Reservations are available online at thomascole.org/springlights. Tickets are $20 General Admission, $17 Members, $5 Teens ages 13 to 19 and FREE for kids age 12 & under. Reservations are available while supplies last. Capacity is limited. Spring Lights will adhere to all New York State safety guidelines.

 

Thanks to generous Underwriter support, the Thomas Cole National Historic Site is offering the following benefits to the local community.

 

• FREE Community Fridays: Free admission every Friday for families with K-12 students in the Greene and Columbia County public schools or Catskill Library card holders. Advance reservations are required.

• FREE admission for all kids ages 12 & under

• Discounted $5 admission for all teenagers age 13 to 19

• Free luminary lanterns to all kids age 12 & under

 

Advance reservations are required for all types of tickets, including kids, teens, adults, paid and free. Online reservations are available via thomascole.org/springlights.

 

Underwriter support is provided by Community Underwriter Lisa Fox Martin; Elementary Students Underwriters Nina Matis & Alan Gosule and Anne Miller & Stuart Breslow; High School Students Underwriter Gary DiMauro Real Estate Inc.; Sustainability Underwriters Betsy & Al Scott, Warner Shook & Frank Swim and Maynard & Kay Toll; Luminary Underwriters Susan Ball & John Brigham, Sara & Tom de Swardt, Foreland Catskill and Alison Lankenau; and Friend Underwriters 335 Main Street LLC, Jimmy & Micaela Bulich, Ginnie Gardiner, Linda & Tom Gentalen, Guy Griggs & Greg Ventra, Robert Palmer, Susan H. Perkins, Pro Printers, Nancey Rosensweig & Dan Arshack, Edward Rothfarb & Thomas McManus, Stephen Shadley and Hudson Talbott & Jay Lesenger.

 

Underwriters are invited to an Underwriter’s Opening night on Saturday, April 10. Underwriter reservations are still available. Capacity is limited. Opening Night will include sweet & savory small bites catered by The Athens Rooster. Additional information can be found at thomascole.org/springlights.

 

The creative team behind Spring Lights is:

 

Chris Bocchiaro, Creative Director & Lighting Designer, Clerestory Lights

Chris is a lighting designer with a passion for movement theatre and the synthesis of old and new technologies. Chris' work includes projects with Madison Square Garden, New York Life and New York Harbor Lights.

 

Brian Kenny, Artist

Brian is a multidisciplinary artist exhibited in the US, Canada, Russia, Israel and across Europe. Using an array of mediums including drawing, painting, textile, video and performance, his artwork is bright and vividly expressionistic. Brian’s work includes collaborations with Christian Lacroix, Paris, and The Highline Park, NYC.

 

Greg Hanson, Sound Designer & Composer, Clerestory Lights

Greg is a sound designer, audio systems designer, audio engineer, and musician. He serves as the Head of Audio and in-house Sound Designer at the McKittrick Hotel, home of Sleep No More, in NYC.  

 

Megan Kinneen, Associate Creative Director & Scenic Designer, Clerestory Lights

Megan’s work draws from her training in theater design, architecture and illustration. She works in project management for historic preservation by day. Megan's work includes projects with Castle Hill on the Crane Estate.

 

“We cannot wait to welcome the community safely to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site gardens and grounds for a totally new experience after nightfall,” said Betsy Jacks, Executive Director of the Thomas Cole Historic Site. “We hope that ‘Spring Lights’ will push the bounds of what a historic house museum can be, and what this organization can offer to the local community that we serve.”

 

“We are thrilled to be working with this amazing team of leading creatives at Clerestory Lights and the contemporary artist Brian Kenny. None of this would have been possible without the generous support and encouragement of The Bay & Paul Foundations that gave us the freedom to explore using light to inspire new experiences. We are so grateful to our Spring Lights Underwriters for making this event free and accessible to local community members.”

 

ONGOING EXHIBITION at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site

+ The Pollinator Pavilion: A walk-in public artwork created by Mark Dion and Dana Sherwood offers visitors an opportunity to encounter local pollinators. The outdoor sculpture is free and open daily year-round from dawn to dusk.

 

THE THOMAS COLE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE is an international destination presenting the original home and studios of Thomas Cole (1801-1848), founder of the Hudson River School of painting, the nation’s first major art movement. Located on six acres in the Hudson Valley, the site includes the 1815 Main House; Cole’s 1839 Old Studio; the reconstructed 1846 New Studio building; and panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains. It is a National Historic Landmark and an affiliated area of the National Park System. The Thomas Cole National Historic Site operates as a forward-looking non-profit organization. It is responsible for raising over 90% of its annual operating budget to supplement ongoing government support facilitated through the National Park Service.

 

Thomas Cole Site’s activities include guided and self-guided tours, special exhibitions of both 19th-century and contemporary art, print publications, extensive online programs, activities for school groups, free community events, lectures, and innovative public programs such as the Hudson River School Art Trail—a map and website that enable the public to visit the places that Cole and others painted. The goal of all programs at the Thomas Cole Site is to enable visitors to find meaning and inspiration in Thomas Cole’s life and work. The themes that Cole explored in his art and writings—such as landscape preservation, the need for public art museums, and our conception of nature as a restorative power—are historic and timely, providing the opportunity to connect to audiences with insights that are highly relevant to their own lives.

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD