Gary Dodson’s rainbow takes a run in “Disneyland.” We got a late start July 25 and the water temperature was about 64 degrees at 9 a.m.
Patrick L. Sullivan
August brings warm-water lake fishing, which means it’s time to test out the new big flies. The Chupacabra is eight inches long and Gary Dodson says “it’s like casting a wet towel.”Patrick L. Sullivan
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At Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center, the Hammer Building has twenty stories of laboratories, lecture halls, classrooms, and a library. By day it is bustling but even at 2 a.m. lights are on in some of the labs. That means a Ph.D student or a post-doctoral fellow, say in immunology or embryology, is working. Our student may be watching embryonic cardiac muscle cells bound to a plastic petri dish. Under her microscope, they beat. After a day of classes teaching a histology lab for medical students, and preparing her cells she is tired, but the sight of individual heart cells beating in unison is mesmerizing. How do they do that?
Across the street, surgeons, cardiologists, and anesthesiologists in the Milstein Hospital are transplanting a heart — such operations don’t wait for morning. The patient’s distended heart has been removed and a machine pumps oxygenated blood to his lungs and body. Soon the vessels of the new heart have been sutured to the patient’s vessels, and the transplanted heart starts to beat. These physicians and nurses form one of the great cardiology departments in the world.
If the Trump administration rips vetted research projects from researchers in at least 60 universities from Arizona State to Vanderbilt, they will be punishing the wrong people.
The graduate student’s experiments are basic research — not directed to curing a disease, but to understanding a process. She and her thesis advisor had an idea about how rhythmic beats were established — they did experiments asking whether their idea was feasible and wrote a grant application to the NIH, which has a program for early exciting results. Months later an NIH study section, a jury of 15 of her older peers, was convinced. The funds would be forwarded to the university, and our young researcher will have a fellowship for three years and money for supplies; she can concentrate on the fundamental properties of heart cells. One day she will meet the cardiologists and surgeons at a seminar; they will talk and ask her to come to their group meeting to think about how her ideas can push clinical improvements.
I have a friend at the University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago who is the Chair of its program in cancer research. He sent me the statistics on improvements in breast cancer treatments, including a branch running clinical trials. These trials are about to be curtailed.
Twenty years ago, the idea was that aggressive treatment — more chemo, more radiation, and surgery — would produce longer survival. That was often an illusion. Now, because of detailed knowledge about how cell division is controlled, the discovery of oncogenes fifty years ago, and advances in genomics and chemistry, the survival times of women with advanced breast cancer are much better. Pharmaceutical companies large and small are vital to this effort but basic research and training researchers and physicians is the function of universities.
The idea that basic research gives rise to clinical progress has had many prophets and apostles, among them Louis Pasteur in the 19th century and Vanevar Bush in the 20th. Bush wrote a classical book called The Endless Frontier about basic science as a precursor to medical or other progress. He was President Roosevelt’s Chief Science advisor and was asking about how the basic science investments of World War II — penicillin, radar, and computers — could be channeled to solve civilian problems. He and Roosevelt opened a new path for research. In many branches of science and medicine and agriculture investigator-initiated research provides the footing for practical advances.
Graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and junior faculty drive this progress in basic science and engineering departments. I was their Associate Dean at Columbia. They are some of the most energetic and directed people I have met. Many have wanted to do research since high school, and they will spend four of five years getting a PhD or a little less for a Master’s. They will go on to run their own labs, work in industry, create start-ups, and work in public health.
If the Trump administration rips vetted research projects from researchers in at least 60 universities from Arizona State to Vanderbilt, on the grounds that the university administration failed to address antisemitism adequately, they will be punishing the wrong people. There are other ways to deal with that problem, which I do not deny. These kids want to work on serious problems and there is no reason to destroy their dreams.
The grant application structure has been in place since the 1950s. It is very expensive but it works because it mobilizes individual imagination. If it is hijacked, research will stop, the number of graduate and master’s students will decrease, research will stop clinical trials will be cancelled—an age of scientific optimism and progress will be wasted. Cancer, bird flu, Ebola, measles, TB and many other catastrophes will continue when they could have been stopped.
Editor’s Note: On Friday, March 21, Columbia conceded to Trump administration demands, though it remained unclear whether the concessions would be enough to reclaim federal monies.
Richard Kessin is Emeritus Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center. He was Associate Dean of the PhD programs hosting 450 students.
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Aimee Davis and Brian Crouse in their shared office space at 65 Main St. in Millerton.
Natalia Zukerman
‘We need to be touched, we need to be tended to, and we need to remember who we are and how we are actually doing,” said massage therapist Aimee Davis, her words echoing softly in the warmly lit loft of the space she shares with Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist, Brian Crouse, in Millerton. In a world that keeps us increasingly disconnected from our bodies, the healing practices of Davis and Crouse offer a sanctuary of care that integrates both physical and energetic restoration. They share a space and a mission of healing, one that embraces the complexity of the body, mind, and spirit.
Davis and Crouse both come from backgrounds rich with both experience and personal transformation. Their paths intersected in Millerton, where they now work alongside each other in a healing space that is as inviting and serene as their practices. At an early age, Davis was inspired by her parents’ work in science and medicine and at 18, she worked in a home for the mentally challenged, most of whom were chair-bound. “I realized then the obvious way that you can connect to another human even if they’re incapable of talking,” said Davis. A licensed massage therapist and intuitive healer, Davis has spent over two decades honing her craft in bodywork, energy healing, and coaching. Her work spans from deep tissue massage to Reiki, chakra balancing, and 4-dimensional healing. Yet, it’s the unique blending of these modalities that makes her approach so effective. “I prefer the mixed pot of whatever a person is, as opposed to just a sports massage or just an energy session,” said Davis, describing her belief in customizing healing practices to meet the distinct needs of every individual.
Brian Crouse’s path to healing also had its own meandering route. “When I was a kid, I just always had this thought I was going to be some kind of doctor/healer and also own a restaurant and also be a bass player,” Crouse recalls with a smile. He has managed to do all of that and more. After leaving chiropractic school, he owned a restaurant on Long Island for many years, but the call to medicine never left him. When he returned to his studies, he shifted focus a bit, eventually studying both naturopathic medicine and acupuncture. “I saw what food did to people over time,” he said, explaining the pivot that led him to a more holistic approach.
Today, Crouse blends his expertise in naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, and nutritional counseling to address the root causes of health issues. His practice is centered on supporting the body’s innate ability to heal. “As a naturopath, I use natural therapies rather than pharmaceutical drugs,” Crouse explained, emphasizing his belief in the body’s capacity for self-regulation. If there are any fears around acupuncture, Crouse assured, “It doesn’t hurt, and it’s a very relaxing and healing modality.”
Whether it’s Davis’s bodywork or Crouse’s naturopathic treatments that brings you into their office, both practitioners see patients as unique individuals, deserving tailored care. “It doesn’t have to be all one way or another,” said Crouse. “You don’t have to have a massage every two weeks, but you can combine things that work for you,” added Davis, emphasizing the importance of finding what resonates best for each person. For Crouse, it’s all about offering choices. “I try to guide people to the healing wisdom that’s inside them and reignite it,” he explained, ensuring that his patients are not just passive recipients of treatment, but active participants in their own healing journey.
While their professional lives are grounded in wellness, their personal passions also fuel their work. Brian, an avid musician, still finds time to play bass, even occasionally practicing in the shared office space. His passion for music is just one of the many ways he nurtures his own well-being and creativity, which he said, “helps me balance the demands of my practice.” Davis, too, finds time to engage in her own self-care and personal growth, and along with her bodywork practice, she also offers women’s circles and relationship coaching. “Everybody needs help,” she acknowledged, understanding that healing, both physical and emotional, is a lifelong journey.
“It’s not a luxury to take care of yourself,” said Davis. “It’s maintenance so you can live longer and feel better.”
“And as a society we’re losing touch with ourselves and our bodies, and this is a way to reconnect,” Crouse added. “Yea,” said Davis. “It’s stressful out there, and we need to come home to the body and each other.”
For more information or to book an appointment with Brian Crouse, call 518-592-1033. For more information or to book an appointment with Aimee Davis, visit connectandbalance.amtamembers.com or call (860) 248-5452
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Eamon O'Leary and friends at the St. Paddy's celebration at the Norfolk Library.
Mike Cobb
On Saturday, March 22 at 5:30 p.m., Eamon O’Leary and friends entertained a packed house at the Norfolk Library with classic and original Irish folk songs to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, St.Patrick.
Originally from Dublin, O’Leary has lived in New York since the early 1990s. With O’Leary typically playing the bouzouki, a long, lute-like stringed instrument, he was accompanied by Jefferson Hamer on guitar, Brenda Castles on concertina and vocals, Ivan Goff on uilleann pipes, and Liz Hanley on fiddle and vocals.
The band regaled the audience with the stories behind the songs and had the enthusiastic crowd singing along to the chorus of the traditional Irish sea shanty “Across The Western Ocean.” The song speaks to how immigrants fled Ireland’s hardships and set out for America in search of a better life.
“Oh, the times are hard and the wages low
Oh, sailor, where are you bound to?
The Rocky Mountains are my home
Across the western ocean”
Festive Abe Lincoln overlooks the gathering at Norfolk Library March 22.Mike Cobb
Now in its 30th year, the St. Patrick’s Day celebration is booked by Norfolk Library events programmer, Eileen Fitzgibbons. As an Irish American, Fitzgibbons was raised with a love of traditional Irish music.
“All four of my grandparents were from Ireland, so Irish music is in my soul. I love offering traditional Irish music at the Library. The music is ancient and entertaining. I enjoy how folks of all ages come together in the great hall to share time together. And of course it’s a nod to my ancestors,” Fitzgibbons said.
Library associate Jack Dillon presented a letter from Helena Nolan, the Consul General of Ireland, recognizing and congratulating the Norfolk Library Associated on their 50th anniversary as well as the 30th anniversary of their St.Patrick’s Day concerts.
“The Norfolk Library Associates have truly embodied the spirit of Irish America, valuing knowledge, service, and the betterment of the community. Your deep-rooted commitment to cultural preservation, access to education, and enriching lives echoes the timeless values of generosity and solidarity,” Nolan wrote.
In addition to an hour of lovely music in the idyllic setting of the library’s great hall, the audience was invited to hors d’oeuvres and “Irish spirits.” With such good cheer, it’s easy to see why the St. Paddy’s Day Celebration is one of the Norfolk Library’s best attended events.
For information on upcoming events, see their site: norfolklibrary.org
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Why small town living is the best
Screeching sounds in the dark of the late night, two horrendously loud crashes far beyond what a trash-seeking bear could make, and an unknown smashed up car in our front yard led to a 911 call on Saturday. All that, in turn, resulted in a perfect example of why small town living is the best.
While the 911 operator was still taking details, neighbor and Assistant Chief of the Millerton Fire Department Cary Farray was on the spot, checking the driver, assessing the damage and reassuring us that all would be well.
Sirens blared as nearly a dozen emergency vehicles brought company volunteers who willingly braved the freezing temperatures to handle the wide variety of tasks that kept the area safe.
The Northern Dutchess Paramedics brought help to the driver.
Deputies from the Dutchess County Sherrif’s department traveled from Pleasant Valley to investigate and let us know what procedures were to come.
Neighbors, including Jen Lima who even beat the sirens, gathered as neighbors do — just checking to see if anything was needed.
Consolidated Towing took the car away after the witching hour, and all who had stayed to be sure there were no further problems, were finally able to go back to their warm homes.
But the thoughtfulness didn’t end there. On Sunday morning, neighbors Crystal and Brandon Smith worked their way — unasked — along the path the car had followed from their yard through four lawns, picking up debris including the tree branches, downed shrubs, glass and metal bits that had been left behind in the night.
To all, a heartfelt thank you for making Millerton such a wonderful place to call home. How lucky we all are.
Carol and Theodore Kneeland
Millerton
Thank you to our doctors in Sharon community
This Sunday, March 30, marks an important occasion in the field of healthcare as we acknowledge and honor physicians everywhere on National Doctors’ Day. In celebration of this annual observance, I would like to take a moment to honor the dedication, skill and unwavering commitment of our local physicians in the Sharon community. By providing high-quality health care to our friends, neighbors and family, these professionals we’ve come to know and trust play a pivotal role in safeguarding our health and way of life. On behalf of myself and the team at Sharon Hospital, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the tireless efforts of our local physicians.
Christina McCulloch,
MBA, BSN, RN
President, Sharon Hospital
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