REVISED LINK:Message from the Mayor: Accumulated items post-storm

Peter Swiderski
Fellow Residents,
 
Tuesday’s storm didn’t knock anyone out of power and left things wintery for the first day of Spring. March has certainly lived up to the adage of coming in like a lion: at the start of the fourth week, I am waiting for the lamb part. As long as trees aren’t coming down, however, I’m good.
 
We have several items that have accumulated, having been crowded out by raging storms and savage beasts. These are below.  A reminder that keeping sidewalks clear of snow is the property owner’s responsibility. No one should be forced into the street because the sidewalk is still covered in snow.
 
Openings on Boards
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Much of the good stuff in town gets done by volunteers. The Village government relies, in part, on volunteers who staff the various Boards and Commissions that help determine policy, zoning variances, environmental initiatives, and new efforts like traffic safety.  We have several openings on Village boards we are seeking to fill. Please go (HERE) and complete the application, indicating which Committee you are interested in, attach a bio or resume, and submit it tovolunteers@hastingsgov.org or drop it off at the Village Clerk’s office (on your left as you walk into the Municipal Building). 
 
Comprehensive Plan Update Committee
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Awkward (and likely temporary) name, important mission.  Six years ago, we concluded the village’s first comprehensive planning process, driven by a group of selected Village residents,  which resulted in a formal Comprehensive Plan.  Much of what we have done since has been informed by this plan, and we have made great progress through its many strategic goals. It’s time to revisit the plan and update it to reflect new priorities.  We are seeking volunteers for this Committee: the update to this plan will be less laborious that the first iteration, but is very important to reflect community priorities, values and direction.  While we would appreciate applicants with planning, parks, conservation/sustainability, traffic/circulation and/or project management skills, we also appreciate a diversity of backgrounds and skills sets. Please apply if you are interested. 
 
Hastings Arts Committee
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The Hastings Arts Committee seeks a new members for this dynamic group that is always working on the next, great project. They’ve contributed tremendously to the Village and seek those interested in the arts to apply.
 
Community Composting
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Starting April 7th, you will be able to drop off your food scraps at every outdoor Farmer's Market (during market hours only). Your scraps will be commercially composted in Ulster County through the town of Greenburgh. Your food scraps can include meats, bones, fish, eggs, oils, cheeses as well as vegetable and fruits. PLEASE: No plastic, and no pet waste. Click here for more info on what's allowed and where else you can bring your scraps or purchase scrap totes.
 
Beware of Escos pitching promises
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The default electricity provider for Hastings is Constellation, which provides green energy at a fixed price to the community. A number of residents have been approached by various ESCOs making claims that aren’t entirely accurate.  Clearly, you can make your own choice for an ESCO, but please understand that Constellation is the default supplier that offers certified, green energy at a fixed price.
 
Sierra Campaign in Puerto Rico
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We are continuing a campaign to raise funding for a community in Puerto Rico still in the dark. We are partnering with a local branch of the Sierra Club to provide the funding for a community solar project in a rural community  which will help to light community structures and give people a place to recharge phones. This shouldn’t still be a need six months later, but it is. This will provide some level of resiliency in a future outage, with at least light and communications available immediately. Please click here (https://www.teamsierra.org/DayOfAction/WestchesterCares)  to contribute. I ask that you think how important and gratifying it is to hit that light switch and assume that power is there and then give accordingly. These Americans should not still be in the dark, 25 times longer than we were. Please help in gratitude for the big and little advantages we have and because we can.
 
Awaiting spring.  It will be welcome.
 
Sincerely,
 
Peter Swiderski
Mayor