MILLBROOK — When the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies was founded by Gene Likens, world-renowned ecologist, in 1983, the world was a very different place. Over those 35-plus years, science has evolved, and so has the Cary, and while buildings were added to and improved upon, the main edifice has basically remained the same.
Joshua Ginsberg, the current president of the institute, invited Cary supporters, board members, area residents and community members to share in “Reimagining the Cary Institute” via Zoom on Friday, Aug. 21, and a great many took him up on the offer.
Ginsberg spoke of the future of the Cary, plans for a $13 million renovation, $11 million of which has already been fundraised, with a Campaign for Cary launched to hopefully raise the remaining $2 million.
Ginsberg answered many questions that have arisen concerning the renovation of a building that is a familiar site on Route 44. For instance: Is this the right time to start a project like this, during a worldwide pandemic? Plans were made far in advance of the COVID-19 crisis; it was put on hold, but now it’s felt that it will be safe to proceed. The expected time for the renovation to be completed is between 12 and 18 months. Since many scientists and staff are already working from home, there will be less disruption to the scientific work and research done at the institute. Only a small section of the nature trail, from the fern glen to the headquarters, will be closed, and at times parking in the lot will be unavailable, but other arrangements will be made for onsite access to parking and trails.
Ginsberg said when the staff and the pubic are able to return to the brick and mortar establishment, “they will be returning to a cutting-edge building that has incorporated modern health and safety features, and is highly energy efficient.”
Some have asked why the original building isn’t being torn down, and an entirely new building constructed, but Ginsberg pointed out that the original building was built in 1974 to last, using sustainable products, and it remains sound. It was also noted for its energy efficient design and original saw-tooth roof that allows natural lighting. This original design will be reinstated, and the solar field adjacent to the property will be used as an energy source.
“We are focusing on updating the mechanicals and the way space is used,” he said. “Renovating the space is greener, cheaper, takes less time and is far less disruptive to our campus.
Becker and Becker, architects from Westport, Conn., are doing the work. The pandemic has had some influence on their redesign; separate air handling systems will be used so that all indoor spaces will have their own filtered outdoor air, not recirculated air. They are also observing the need for social distancing and will be using low-VOC products. Hands-free doors and fixtures as well as antimicrobial surfaces are also being use, as well as a design that will keep a connection to nature. A recent renovation provided added community space, which will also be updated with health and safety in mind.
While about 570-square feet will be added, allowing the scientists 1,200 additional square feet of space, the return to the saw-tooth roof will lower the height of the building by approximately 5 feet, the berms that cover part of the building will be removed and an old squash court currently being used for storage will be reclaimed.
Consigli Construction Company of Pleasant Valley will be the construction managers, and a number of local vendors will also be tapped for work, providing local jobs.
The project is expected to get underway just after Labor Day, according to Cary Communications Assistant Erin Frick. The new design “prioritizes energy efficiency, sustainable materials and features that support health,” she added, noting some traffic disruptions may occur periodically, but nothing dramatic is expected.
“The modernized facilities will help us to advance the science needed for environmental solutions,” concluded Ginsberg.
For more on the Cary Institute, go to www.caryinstitute.org.
PINE PLAINS — The Pine Plains FFA Ag Fair brought a crowd to the high school on Church Street Saturday, Oct. 11.
Kicking off the day was the annual tractor pull, attracting a dedicated crowd that sat in bleachers and folding chairs for hours watching Allison-Chalmers, International Harvesters and John Deeres compete to pull the heaviest weights.
A large collection of food was on offer from the Pine Plains FFA and each one of the classes in the Pine Plains Central School District. The football team was selling pickles.
Stissing Mountain High School Principal Christopher Boyd enjoyed a dip in the dunk tank to raise money for the Pine Plains teachers’ union-sponsored scholarship.
Stissing Mountain High School Principal Christopher Boyd got dunked several times during his half-hour shift in the dunk tank. Proceeds from the throws benefitted the Photo by Nathan Miller
MILLERTON — Ten candidates for office in the Nov. 4 election will answer questions from Dutchess County voters at a candidate forum on Friday, Oct. 24, at the Annex at the NorthEast-Millerton Library located at 28 Century Blvd.
The forum, which is sponsored by the library, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Candidates for local and county offices will answer questions from residents in attendance or from residents who have submitted questions in advance.
“We’re excited to keep the tradition of the candidate forum going,” said Rhiannon Leo-Jameson, director of the library. “Some years we can’t always get candidates together.”
This year’s forum will include:
Rachele Grieco Cole, a Democrat, and Chris Mayville, a Republican, who both are running uncontested for the North East Town Council;
Casey McCabe, a Democrat, also running uncontested for North East Justice.
Among Dutchess County races:
Tracy MacKenzie, who is endorsed by Republicans and Democrats, is running uncontested for Dutchess County Family Court Judge;
Kara Gerry, a Democrat, and Ned McLoughlin, a Republican, are in a contest for a Dutchess County Court judgeship currently held by McLoughlin.
Chris Drago, D-19, and Tonya Pulver, a Republican, are competing to represent Dutchess County’s19th District seat currently held by Drago.
Democratic incumbent Dan Aymar-Blair and Will Truitt, the Republican chair of the county legislature, are competing for the Dutchess County Comptroller position currently held by Aymar-Blair.
Leo-Jameson is encouraging questions for the candidates to be submitted in advance, which will not be revealed to candidates beforehand. Dutchess County residents may pose questions during the forum. To submit a question on the library’s website, go to the calendar at nemillertonlibrary.org and find the link in the Oct. 24calendar entries.
The format calls for opening statements from the candidates, followed by questions from residents, and candidates will be able to stay after the forum to answer questions personally.
The “Elusive Ki Shusui” koi were temporarily relocated into a tub before being returned to their home pond at Maxine Pietro’s annual koi harvest at Broccoli Hall Farm in Amenia on Friday, Oct. 10. Speaking of their yellowish beauty, Pietro is pictured pointing out that the fish are scaleless but for scales that grow along the “zipper” on each fish’s dorsal ridge. The koi in the photo are estimated to be 6 or 7 years old.
MILLERTON — The Village Zoning Board of Appeals was scheduled to hold a joint working session with the Planning Board on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and while village officials did not answer questions about the meeting’s purpose, public records indicate it was likely to address a possible merger of the two groups amid ongoing challenges to attract volunteers.
The idea of a merger, raised by ZBA Chair Kelly Kilmer at the Board’s Sept. 2 meeting, would likely help the Village operate more efficiently and address its apparent volunteer shortage. However, the session was canceled due to a lack of quorum — the minimum number of members needed to conduct business.
Officials say the workshop session will be rescheduled.
There is currently one open seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals, which comes with a five-year term starting in 2025. The Planning Board has two openings — one is a new five-year term beginning in 2025, and the other is to complete an existing term that runs through 2028.
Participation has been a challenge over the past year, raising concern among Village Board members. In response, the Board took action in July, unanimously passing a local law on July 29 to help address the issue. The new law, now part of the Village code (Articles 41-3 and 41-4), allows members of the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals to serve even if they live outside the Village, as long as they reside within Dutchess County. Despite expanding the eligibility area, several seats remain unfilled.
Recently appointed Zoning Board Chair Kelly Kilmer spoke at the July 29 Village Board meeting in support of the local law and urged residents to get involved. “It is very crucial that we get people on these boards,” she said. “When people are trying to plan things to upgrade the Village — whether it be their home, their business or whatever — we need people who are going to be here and engaged.”
