Transition at the top

The New Year’s holiday causes us to look forward to 2012 with anticipation, but also to reflect back on the previous year. With the transfer of power from County Executive Bill Steinhaus to newly-elected Marc Molinaro, Dutchess County government has also been looking both forward and backward. The Legislature recognized Steinhaus for his long service to county government at the final county legislative meeting in December. First elected in 1991, he served as county executive for 20 years and as county clerk for 13 years prior to that. We also honored four departing legislators, including Suzanne Horn (R-Pleasant Valley) and Sandra Goldberg (D-Wappingers), both for 20 years of dedicated service. High-ranking staff retirements included Legislative Clerk Patty Hohmann, after 38 years at the Legislature, and Steinhaus’ chief of staff, Nancy Giordano. In many ways it is an end of era, not to mention the start of a new one.Steinhaus spoke about how he was inspired to enter public service through his freshman political science course at Dutchess Community College. At the time his professor, Jack Lippman, was chairing the committee that produced the county charter — the instrument that today provides the framework for county government. Hohmann, who began clerking for the Legislature in the 1970s, reflected on how things have changed including when legislative meetings were dominated mostly by men smoking big cigars. At retirement parties the walls were adorned with photo collages depicting the progress and evolution of Dutchess County in the last few decades. It seemed to underscore perfectly Steinhaus’ advice to legislators as he reflected on the close of his county career, “Democracy works.”Documenting and recalling history is important. Filling a void in historical scholarship the County Legislature appropriated $25,000 in the 2012 county budget to appoint a county historian. Provided for in the charter but vacant for some time, the historian position is intended to record our history and heritage because history and heritage is central to maintaining and understanding our identity as a county.When appointed, the new county historian will take his/her place on the County Heritage Committee that was formed in April by a resolution that I authored. This Heritage Committee has been meeting since October 2011 to plan activities to commemorate the county’s proud history during Heritage Days (Oct. 23 to Nov. 1), including a special 2013 celebration of the 300th anniversary of democracy in Dutchess County. The committee reflects the geographical differences of the county (opportunities to serve still exist), and is composed of town historians, school teachers, academics, re-enactors, genealogists and history buffs from all walks of life. It wisely paired up with Dutchess County Tourism for help with marketing and — it is hoped — will result in local economic fecundity.The Heritage Committee has designated five themes that it is focusing on to illustrate the county’s heritage. These include agriculture, education, transportation/industry, political/military, and arts/architecture/culture. The committee is seeking volunteers to serve on these subcommittees. Early brainstorming ideas include producing a commemorative book, websites, classroom lesson plans and events including a possible transportation-themed parade showcasing the evolution of locomotion in all its various forms.History is fascinating. So also is opportunity. As county government turns a page we look forward not only with appreciation for the past, but with a commitment to excellence for the future. Michael Kelsey represents Amenia, Washington, Stanford, Pleasant Valley and Millbrook in the Dutchess County Legislature. Write him at KelseyESQ@yahoo.com.

Latest News

Frederick Wright Hosterman

KENT — Frederick Wright Hosterman passed away peacefully in his home in Kent on April 16, 2025. Born in 1929 in Auburn, Nebraska, he was the son of farmers. He attended a one-room schoolhouse just outside of Brownville, Nebraska, adjacent to his family’s farm. The little brick schoolhouse is still standing! After graduating from high school, Fred attended the University of Nebraska (Lincoln), eventually earning a master’s degree in agronomy. He took a job with Monsanto in Buffalo, New York, where the company was a pioneer in applying biotechnology to agricultural sciences. In Buffalo, Fred met his future wife, Dorothy. Fred and Dorothy moved to New York City for several years in the early 1960s, before settling down in Norwalk. In Norwalk, Fred and Dorothy had three children. The family later moved to Kent. In 1980, Fred and Dorothy divorced, and Fred bought a large tract of land on Carter Road in Kent. He built a house there, largely by himself, which he maintained until his death at age 95. After taking early retirement, he spent the following decades working on his property, adding various buildings, woodcrafting, landscaping, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nancy (Case) Brenner

CANAAN — Nancy (Case) Brenner, 81, of Canaan, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington, following a long illness on Good Friday, April 18, 2025.

Nancy was born on April 10, 1944, to the late Ray Sargeant Case Sr. and Beatrice Southey Case. She was the second youngest of five children, predeceased by her three brothers, Ray S. Case Jr., David E. Case and Douglas C. Case, and her sister Linda (Case) Olson. She grew up in New Hartford and Winsted, where she graduated from Northwestern Regional 7 High School.

Keep ReadingShow less
Adam Rand

SHEFFIELD — Adam Rand, 59, of Sheffield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully in his home on April 22, 2025, after a long battle with ALS.

Adam was born on April 6, 1966, to Lee and Charles Rand II of Boston, Massachusetts. Adam spent his early childhood in Nantucket, where his love of fishing and water was born before moving to Sharon. It was here where he made many lifelong friends and later graduated from Housatonic Valley Regional High School in 1984. He attended Hiram College in Ohio before settling in Connecticut.

Keep ReadingShow less