The Highlands Current
@highlandscurrent.bsky.social
The Current is a nonprofit weekly newspaper and website that covers Beacon and Philipstown (Cold Spring, Nelsonville, Garrison, North Highlands and Continental Village) in New York's Hudson Highlands.
150 years ago this month: Gen. Tom Thumb (aka Charles Stratton of Bridgeport, Connecticut, who was 3 feet, 4 inches tall), 37, and his wife, Lavinia Warren, appeared in Cold Spring for two performances as part of a world tour.https://buff.ly/9SGR9Pb
Looking Back in Philipstown
What happened this month 25, 50, 100, 150 and 250 years ago
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November 28, 2025 at 2:10 AM
150 years ago this month: Gen. Tom Thumb (aka Charles Stratton of Bridgeport, Connecticut, who was 3 feet, 4 inches tall), 37, and his wife, Lavinia Warren, appeared in Cold Spring for two performances as part of a world tour.https://buff.ly/9SGR9Pb
Here's the latest data on home sales, listings and prices in the Highlands. buff.ly/VORorMO
Real Estate Market Report (October)
The latest data on home sales, listings and prices in the Highlands
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November 27, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Here's the latest data on home sales, listings and prices in the Highlands. buff.ly/VORorMO
About 18 years ago, Tom Masch, owner of Momma’s Towing in Wappingers Falls, was on a job near Albany when he noticed a World War II-era jeep “out in the woods” behind a garage. He bought it for $1,100 — a bargain, considering jeeps of that era have sold for nearly $75,000. buff.ly/O0z8BmV
Classic Wheels: 1944 Willys MB
A World War II hero rides again
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November 27, 2025 at 3:45 PM
About 18 years ago, Tom Masch, owner of Momma’s Towing in Wappingers Falls, was on a job near Albany when he noticed a World War II-era jeep “out in the woods” behind a garage. He bought it for $1,100 — a bargain, considering jeeps of that era have sold for nearly $75,000. buff.ly/O0z8BmV
Start your Thanksgiving off with a laugh... buff.ly/i41xUH8
The Cartoon
Worth one laugh...
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November 27, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Start your Thanksgiving off with a laugh... buff.ly/i41xUH8
Will Thanksgiving dinner be traditional or different this year? buff.ly/HdILl8b
On The Spot
Will Thanksgiving dinner be traditional or different this year?
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November 27, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Will Thanksgiving dinner be traditional or different this year? buff.ly/HdILl8b
As a young pianist in Rio de Janeiro, Luiz Simas played in a prog-rock combo and a psychedelic rock band. But after he moved to New York City in 1989, his focus turned to writing and playing songs in the styles of his native Brazil.
“I’ve soaked in the music my entire life,” he says.
“I’ve soaked in the music my entire life,” he says.
Brazilian Ragtime
Pianist with ‘samba in his veins’ to play Howland
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November 26, 2025 at 10:41 PM
As a young pianist in Rio de Janeiro, Luiz Simas played in a prog-rock combo and a psychedelic rock band. But after he moved to New York City in 1989, his focus turned to writing and playing songs in the styles of his native Brazil.
“I’ve soaked in the music my entire life,” he says.
“I’ve soaked in the music my entire life,” he says.
Amidst all the hustle and bustle in the hallways and studios, KuBe Art Center in Beacon is also home to an extensive repository of holdings that document the evolution of contemporary Chinese law and art. buff.ly/9ZpSib5
They Loved Chinese Art
KuBe in Beacon is home to three new archives
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November 26, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Amidst all the hustle and bustle in the hallways and studios, KuBe Art Center in Beacon is also home to an extensive repository of holdings that document the evolution of contemporary Chinese law and art. buff.ly/9ZpSib5
Following the demise of the Hudson Valley Venom after its 2024-25 season, another semi-pro hockey team will make a go of it at McCann Ice Arena in Poughkeepsie. buff.ly/VCCQ0Z8
New Hockey Team Opens Season
Semi-pro hockey returns to Poughkeepsie
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November 26, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Following the demise of the Hudson Valley Venom after its 2024-25 season, another semi-pro hockey team will make a go of it at McCann Ice Arena in Poughkeepsie. buff.ly/VCCQ0Z8
One of the three Democrats who declared intentions to challenge Rob Rolision for the state Senate seat whose territory includes Beacon and Philipstown said on Monday (Nov. 24) that she is rescinding her announcement. buff.ly/vh581cI
Democrat Rescinds State Senate Bid
Arnoff had planned to challenge Rolison
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November 26, 2025 at 12:10 AM
One of the three Democrats who declared intentions to challenge Rob Rolision for the state Senate seat whose territory includes Beacon and Philipstown said on Monday (Nov. 24) that she is rescinding her announcement. buff.ly/vh581cI
The New York State Police are investigating an incident on Monday (Nov. 24) in the Town of Southeast in which a Putnam County Sheriff’s deputy shot a fleeing suspect who police say struck him with a vehicle. buff.ly/1sbfWh5
State Police Investigate Shooting
Police say Putnam deputy shot suspect who struck him with car
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November 25, 2025 at 10:41 PM
The New York State Police are investigating an incident on Monday (Nov. 24) in the Town of Southeast in which a Putnam County Sheriff’s deputy shot a fleeing suspect who police say struck him with a vehicle. buff.ly/1sbfWh5
The Beacon Players presented the musical, accompanied by a live orchestra, on Nov. 14, 15 and 16 at Beacon High School. It is based on the 1868 novel by Louisa May Alcott, which follows a family of four sisters growing up during the Civil War. buff.ly/ARtsIZV
Little Women
Beacon Players perform musical based on classic book
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November 25, 2025 at 7:42 PM
The Beacon Players presented the musical, accompanied by a live orchestra, on Nov. 14, 15 and 16 at Beacon High School. It is based on the 1868 novel by Louisa May Alcott, which follows a family of four sisters growing up during the Civil War. buff.ly/ARtsIZV
According to federal government data, while people ages 65 and older comprise 17 percent of the U.S. population, they account for 22 percent of suicides. One study estimates that a third of seniors worldwide experience symptoms of depression, although clinical depression is far less common.
High Anxiety: Seniors
Part 3 of a series about mental health in the digital age
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November 25, 2025 at 5:41 PM
According to federal government data, while people ages 65 and older comprise 17 percent of the U.S. population, they account for 22 percent of suicides. One study estimates that a third of seniors worldwide experience symptoms of depression, although clinical depression is far less common.
Gail Duffy is the new superintendent of the Haldane school district in Cold Spring. buff.ly/OdKf63T
5 Questions: Gail Duffy
New superintendent of the Haldane school district
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November 25, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Gail Duffy is the new superintendent of the Haldane school district in Cold Spring. buff.ly/OdKf63T
The Howland Cultural Center in Beacon held a ribbon-cutting on Nov. 15 to celebrate the $150,000 restoration of its portico after two years of fundraising. Theresa Kraft, the cultural center president, noted that the restoration had been contemplated in 1978 and took “47 years to fruition.”
Around Town (Photos)
Grand opening, pie run, Oxalis
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November 25, 2025 at 2:10 AM
The Howland Cultural Center in Beacon held a ribbon-cutting on Nov. 15 to celebrate the $150,000 restoration of its portico after two years of fundraising. Theresa Kraft, the cultural center president, noted that the restoration had been contemplated in 1978 and took “47 years to fruition.”
Here is how our House members and New York’s two senators voted on select issues during the legislative weeks ending Nov. 21.https://buff.ly/nvhk2GN
How They Voted (Congress)
Select votes by our House and Senate members through Nov. 21
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November 25, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Here is how our House members and New York’s two senators voted on select issues during the legislative weeks ending Nov. 21.https://buff.ly/nvhk2GN
The Toys for Tots Program sponsored by the Marine Corps League is entering its 32nd year in Philipstown. buff.ly/U7FMVqq
Toys for Tots Launches in Philipstown
Donations collected through Dec. 14
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November 24, 2025 at 10:41 PM
The Toys for Tots Program sponsored by the Marine Corps League is entering its 32nd year in Philipstown. buff.ly/U7FMVqq
“It’s all wired, maximalist stuff with way too much content,” says Heather Christian about her work. Christian, a Beacon resident, was named a MacArthur Fellow last month by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. buff.ly/qeenkMh
Glory Be!
Beacon artist selected as MacArthur Fellow
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November 24, 2025 at 7:42 PM
“It’s all wired, maximalist stuff with way too much content,” says Heather Christian about her work. Christian, a Beacon resident, was named a MacArthur Fellow last month by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. buff.ly/qeenkMh
Philipstown Obituaries: Tommy McDermott, Paul Merando, Chuck Roda buff.ly/bEhaiYg
Philipstown Obituaries
Tommy McDermott, Paul Merando, Chuck Roda
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November 24, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Philipstown Obituaries: Tommy McDermott, Paul Merando, Chuck Roda buff.ly/bEhaiYg
Here's how gas prices have changed in the last month - and the last year - at the local, state, and national levels buff.ly/QwckI42
Price at the Pump (November)
The latest local, state and national prices per gallon
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November 24, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Here's how gas prices have changed in the last month - and the last year - at the local, state, and national levels buff.ly/QwckI42
The Village of Cold Spring could face fines of up to $37,500 a day after discharges from the wastewater treatment facility on Fair Street exceeded acceptable fecal coliform and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels four times between mid-August 2024 and mid-September 2025. buff.ly/XIyACFN
Cold Spring Cited for Sewage Violations
Violations found at the treatment plant
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November 24, 2025 at 2:10 AM
The Village of Cold Spring could face fines of up to $37,500 a day after discharges from the wastewater treatment facility on Fair Street exceeded acceptable fecal coliform and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels four times between mid-August 2024 and mid-September 2025. buff.ly/XIyACFN
Debbie Wolfe (1962-2025). Beacon resident had long career in corrections buff.ly/wMGzWdi
Debbie Wolfe (1962-2025)
Beacon resident had long career in corrections
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November 24, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Debbie Wolfe (1962-2025). Beacon resident had long career in corrections buff.ly/wMGzWdi
Although federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits have been restored, $50 gift cards to Key Food or the Beacon Natural Market or $60 in coupons for the Beacon Farmers’ Market are still available for SNAP recipients at the Recreation Center at 23 West Center St. buff.ly/GJumCS6
Grocery Gift Cards Still Available
Beacon funded cards during shutdown
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November 23, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Although federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits have been restored, $50 gift cards to Key Food or the Beacon Natural Market or $60 in coupons for the Beacon Farmers’ Market are still available for SNAP recipients at the Recreation Center at 23 West Center St. buff.ly/GJumCS6
The Beacon Planning Board will continue its review of a proposal to construct an addition onto the Telephone Building at 291 Main St. after a straw poll at its Nov. 12 meeting showed that three of the five members present opposed the application. buff.ly/yXznkYF
A Tough Call
Review of historic Beacon building continues
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November 23, 2025 at 10:41 PM
The Beacon Planning Board will continue its review of a proposal to construct an addition onto the Telephone Building at 291 Main St. after a straw poll at its Nov. 12 meeting showed that three of the five members present opposed the application. buff.ly/yXznkYF
The New York State Council on the Arts on Tuesday (Nov. 18) announced $63 million in grants to more than 2,400 nonprofit arts and culture organizations and individual artists. buff.ly/VSzh3hU
State Grants Arts Awards
Funds distributed to 2,400 nonprofits
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November 23, 2025 at 7:42 PM
The New York State Council on the Arts on Tuesday (Nov. 18) announced $63 million in grants to more than 2,400 nonprofit arts and culture organizations and individual artists. buff.ly/VSzh3hU
Three Democrats have announced their plans to campaign for the state Senate seat held by Rob Rolison, which will be on the ballot in 2026. The district includes Philipstown and Beacon. buff.ly/hFTTSds
Three Democrats Seek Senate Seat
Announce plans to challenge Rolison
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November 23, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Three Democrats have announced their plans to campaign for the state Senate seat held by Rob Rolison, which will be on the ballot in 2026. The district includes Philipstown and Beacon. buff.ly/hFTTSds