Sunrise in Milan
MARCH NATURE NOTES
Early March is a very stressful time for wildlife - particularly birds. It is important to continue feeding birds because their natural food supplies are at the lowest point of the year. Unpredictable weather also challenges birds’ survival—particularly as they prepare for the nesting season. Providing food can make a difference. Offering birds high-energy foods that contain fat and protein (suet and peanuts) will substitute for low insect populations that are difficult to find early in the month.
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Senior Newsletter
Milan, New York
March 2010
ST PATRICK’S DAY
 We have scheduled a party for St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday, March 16th. As we did last year, the club will purchase the corned beef, potatoes, cabbage and carrots. We will need members to help cook the corned beef and vegetables in crock pots. So far we have two who have volunteered but we could use a couple more. If you have a crock pot and would be interested in helping out, please call Mary Ellen at 845 876 2664. Also contact Mary Ellen to make reservations and members are welcome to bring an hors d’oeuvre or dessert to the party. If you do want to bring something advise Mary Ellen what you intend to bring when you make reservations. It would be nice to get some new people involved in club activities, party planning and preparation. If you can VOLUNTEER to help keep the club alive. Again, please let us know if you will be attending or are willing to help. Think GREEN!!!!
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MID-HUDSON VEGETARIAN SOCIETY
CELEBRATES
THE GREAT AMERICAN
MEATOUT
VEGAN POTLUCK
ALL ARE WELCOME
WHEN: Saturday, MARCH 13th, 2010 @ 5 PM
WHERE: Church of the Messiah Social Hall
Route 9 Rhinebeck, NY
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER
GENE BAUR
FOUNDER OF FARM SANCTUARY
Reservations are Required
Email rsvp@mhvs.org or call 845-876-2626
$10 for adults, $5 for teens
Under 12 free, $20 without a dish
Please bring a vegan dish to share (no meat, fish, poultry, dairy, eggs or honey)
Please help the environment; bring your own plate and utensils
Hair of the Dog concert to benefit Friends of Red Hook Public Library
Chase away the winter blues during a rousing performance by Hair of the Dog, the Capitol region's most popular Irish band, at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 7, at Cappucino by Coppola's to benefit the Friends of Red Hook Public Library.
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NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CONFIGURATION
TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN PINE PLAINS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
By Evelyn Bartin, February, 2010
Beginning this fall, the Pine Plains Central School District (PPCSD) will implement a new configuration affecting all students in the elementary grades.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
AMANDA’S LAW
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM REQUIREMENTS
GO INTO EFFECT FEBRUARY 22, 2010
Amanda’s Law will go into effect on February 22, 2010. This new legislation requires all residences to have carbon monoxide alarms installed.
The specific requirements differ depending on the type of residence (existing vs. new, single-family dwelling vs. multi-family dwelling, etc.), so check with your local building code enforcement officer or fire department for details regarding your home.
The following link provides the proposed code text and legislation: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/code/COAlarm.htm
~~BLUEBIRDS~~
By Frank Margiotta
January 2010
 The Eastern Bluebird is New York’s state bird. Around the turn of the century, this beautiful and musical bird’s population began to decline due mainly to the following reasons:
1. Habitat Loss -- Over the years, land clearing for development and agriculture has taken a toll on forest, meadow, wetland and other natural habitats. The ideal bluebird habitat is an open field, pasture, meadow, park and even a large lawn with nearby trees for nesting, protective cover and perching. The perching is part of the behavior that enables bluebirds to observe the open short grass habitats for insects, their main summer food. Many bluebirds migrate but some remain here all year dependent on many kinds of wild berries for their winter food supply. The supply of berries has also decreased over the years and there is intense competition from other bird species for the same food supplies.
2. Reduction in Nesting Sites -- Bluebirds utilize the natural cavities of trees for nesting. Removal of old and dead trees as well as the reduction of forest habitat has diminished the availability of suitable nesting sites which results in population decline.
3. Competition For Nesting Sites -- There are two introduced and very aggressive birds (English Sparrows and European Starlings) that are also cavity nesters. They often drive away the more timid bluebirds. In addition, there are other bird species that compete for cavity nest sites such as Chickadees, Great-crested Flycatchers, Titmice, Woodpeckers and Tree Swallows.
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THE MID-HUDSON VEGETARIAN SOCIETY
By Judi Gelardi, February 2010
The growing trend toward non-animal based diets is growing everywhere, including right here in the Hudson Valley. One organization – whose mission is to educate the community, promote the vegetarian ethic in this region, and aid anyone in the pursuit of a totally vegetarian, cruelty-free and healthy lifestyle – is the Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society.
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