September 2025 Palisade Boat Club Newsletter
September 2025 Palisade Boat Club Newsletter
Change of Seasons
Photo credit: Tracy Broome
Work Parties Get the Job Done!
On September 6th, we got a lot done before the weather turned. We opened up another 75 feet of space going north up the tracks. The trailers were removed yesterday, and debris removal started earlier in the week, which was a huge help! We also emptied out most of the loose stuff in the big boat to get it prepped for removal. We had a great crew for this work party: Anton, Atul, Brian, Chris Grieco, Colleen, Lucas, Randy, Roel, Sean, Taylor, and Tracy.
On September 13th, we made a lot of progress on the Mac Moran and the surrounding area. It was supported with more stands so that the wooden supports were ready for removal, which also helped us locate the drain plug (there was a lot of water inside). The area around the boat was cleaned/weeded and the sluiceway was also cleared out at the same time. After that, a temporary ramp was set up with planks for when the boat is moved. There was also a huge amount of garbage taken out of the boat, up the hill, and to the Yonkers dump. Many thanks to everyone that came down to help: Atul, Chris, Kelly, Matt, Randy, Roel, Sean, and Steve.
And then separately, Tracy and Randy fixed the ladder attachment on the float and Les and Tracy finished bringing all the Belgium blocks down (over 500 pieces!).
We Kilned It at the Make Your Own Mug Workshop
We had terrific turnout and a ton of fun at our first Make a Mug Workshop on September 7th, taught by club member Tatjana Kunst. You can check out all of the photos here.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Justin Fornal and HASAN Release “If These Stones Could Talk: The Story of Columbian Harmony Cemetery” Documentary
The History Arts and Science Action Network (HASAN), cofounded by PBC member Justin Fornal, recently released a new documentary called "If These Stones Could Talk: The Story of Columbian Harmony Cemetery.” Working with James Sexton, another PBC Member, the organization has made a real impact on many people. Below are details about the project and where to watch the documentary.
In 1959, Columbian Harmony Cemetery, Washington DC’s most prominent burial grounds for Americans of African Descent was sold. While the remains of the 37,000 interred were relocated to the larger National Harmony Memorial Park in nearby Landover, Maryland, the headstones, monuments and grave markers dumped along the banks of the Potomac River as makeshift riprap.
The HASAN team is working directly with the descendant community and the state of Virginia to recover, research and share the history of these gravestones, the people and community they represent. Legible stones recovered from the Potomac River are being transported to the National Harmony Memorial Park in Maryland where they will be thoughtfully formed integrated into a memorial wall and footpath.
Watch the documentary here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOkWi6QYcSM
For more on this great organization you can visit:
Summer Photo Gallery from Jason McGinnis
HUDSON RIVER HAPPENINGS
Photo credit: Riverkeeper
Ossining, NY — September 12, 2025: Riverkeeper and a network of partners are currently monitoring and collecting data on a large, widespread harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the Hudson River Estuary. Based on observations to date, this appears to be the most extensive HAB in the estuary in living memory.
The public is advised to avoid water contact on shorelines where a suspected HAB is present, as HABs can produce toxins that pose health risks to people, pets, and wildlife via ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. The most common symptoms that may occur from exposure include skin rashes or stomach upset. Exposure to high concentrations of the more potent and rare toxins can damage the liver or neurological system. Dogs that swim in waters affected by HABs have died.
This HAB appears to be centered in the Hudson River near Kingston. As of this week, HAB conditions have been observed mostly in shallow areas from shorelines from the Village of Catskill and City of Hudson, south to the Town of Esopus and Town of Hyde Park, with isolated observations at other points along the river. Not all areas within this reach may be affected, or affected to the same degree, and it is unknown how long the condition may persist.
The public can help by taking photos and reporting observations to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
It can be hard to distinguish harmless plants floating on the water’s surface from a HAB, and both may be present simultaneously. For more information and tips for identifying HABs, visit Riverkeeper.org and the NYS DEC’s HABs page.
UPCOMING & ONGOING CLUB ACTIVITIES
Photo credit: Jeff Rappaport
WEEKLY PADDLE NIGHT: WEDNESDAYS AT 6 PM
Hosted by Chris Grieco and Catherine Johnson
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To contribute photos and stories to the newsletter, please email: PBC-newsletter@jamesmumm.org.
Visit the Palisade Boat Club website: https:/thepalisadeboatclub.com/
The Palisade Boat Club
1203 Warburton Avenue
Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, 10706
United States
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