Adriance Memorial Library - In with the New and Nearly New

ADRIANCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
“In with the New and Nearly New”
By Cheri Raimondi, Project Manager
January 14, 2010

Meyer Contracting Corporation has now successfully completed the renovations to both the existing century-old historic Adriance Memorial Library and the four-level modern, colorful and the new, spacious Addition. The Poughkeepsie Public Library personnel moved in and held a memorable Grand Opening on October 18, 2009, with Pete Seeger and Tom Chapin, our local entertainment celebrities, providing entertainment and brightening what was otherwise a gray and rainy day. It was truly an occasion to remember, attended by hundreds of people who have anxiously awaited the re-opening of this cherished building, as the books had been moved to a temporary location and the local residents continually expressed their anticipation and excitement about the new facility.

The scope of the restoration included refinishing existing wood work, refinishing existing wood floors, cleaning and polishing marble floors, replacing damaged or missing plaster ceiling decorative trim, replacing missing ornamental wood doors and panels, replacing hardware for and refinishing/reglazing of existing windows, installing new state-of-the art storm windows for energy efficiency, repainting including the art deco dome, repairing deteriorated mortar joints to prevent moisture problems and numerous other “tweaks and touches” to all of the finishes to make them shine like new again..

The four-level addition is in full use by the public, who have waited patiently for the return of their beloved library. The use of interesting colors and shapes enhance the architecture and the workmanship. Computer labs, teen room, children’s room, community room, new executive offices add to the excitement of using the brand-new spaces. A dramatic entry way with a curved curtain wall and decorative cornice adds drama to the experience of accessing the ground floor. New spacious parking areas with historically-designed landscaping set the stage for the new Addition. Geothermal wells were provided to save energy. Low VOC finishes were used throughout to maintain a green environment. The interior spaces are full of unexpected shapes, colors and textures and the overall effect is modern and yet warm.

Meyer Contracting and its Team of expert Subcontractors, as well as the representatives of the Architect, Clark Patterson Lee, the Owner, the Poughkeepsie Public Library District and the Construction Manager, the Palombo Group worked tirelessly and in complete harmony for eighteen months on this project to produce the results. None of this could have been possible without these relationships.

We wish to thank Tom Lawrence, Janet Huen and Tony Fornby from the PPLD, Joseph Locascio, Chris Gent and Lou Rodriguez from TPG, Ray Wenzel and Dan Hogan of CPL and our subcontractors: Hudson Valley TRU Concrete, Sucato Builders, Orange County Iron Works, Xtreme Drywall, Goldinson Corporation, Barrett Roofing, Otis Elevator, Industrial Surfaces, Executive Park Painting, Tri State Acoustic Ceilings, J. Herbert Flooring, T G Elliott, Colonie Construction, Lewis Landscaping, Tilcon, Inc. Mion Tile, Rand Window Fashions and Accent Custom Cabinetry. Without their skill and knowledge, this project would not have turned out as well as it did. A special remembrance to our wood flooring subcontractor who is now deceased, Ken Forget.

I also wish to express my thanks to the our “super” Project Superintendent and Site Superintendent, Peter Wohlbach and D.J. Sadowski, respectively, as well as the Meyer Contracting personnel who worked on this project and produced the building we now see. There were a lot of long hard days on the roof, working on the cornice in wind chill sub-zero weather and a lot of painstaking restoration work in the existing building and Butch Sullinger, Frank Haas, Jim Mitchell, Brian Tedrow and Mike Oneto all did a great job. The site crew including Craig McKenna, Herb Lasher, Jim Humphrey and Jeremy Yakovonic produced a beautiful site. Words can not adequately express my gratitude and thankfulness that we have so many talented and dedicated people at Meyer Contracting.

In addition, I want to thank the office staff that makes the whole thing come together; Katrina McKenna, Christine Rice, Stacey Wilson and Linda Mckiernan, without whom we could not produce such a successful project.

Lastly, I can not overlook our “fearless leader”, who leads both by direction and, more importantly, by example, Chris Meyer, without whom this project would not have become a reality at Meyer Contracting, and whose experience and wisdom led us through the maze of problems and out the other end. This project was truly a labor of love and Meyer Contracting was honored to be a part of it.

Pleasant Valley Library Expansion

The past decade has seen phenomenal growth in library use—at the Pleasant Valley Free Library, circulation for 2009 was up 13% over 2008, for example. Free computers, DVDs of movies and books, and Wi-Fi account for higher levels of library use also.
In Pleasant Valley, we ran out of space for expansion ten years ago. Since then we have been forced to discard a book for every new one purchased. We desperately need to expand the usable building space. In the past few years we have instituted appeals, fundraising events, and ways to contribute to our fund for building expansion online. So far these efforts have produced thousands of dollars, almost all from Pleasant Valley Library patrons, but we are still a long way from funding building expansion.
The building we now have—the Manse—is owned by the Library. The Presbyterian Church next door has gives us a dollar-a-year lease on the land for another 150 years. When we bought the Manse forty years ago, community volunteers help refit it for a library building and added the one-story wing where most of the books are shelved. The resulting building was adequate until about 2000, when major increases in library use began. We added a half-dozen more computers and places to shelve books and other materials wherever we could. Eventually, with the help of a large grant from the Fairchild foundation, we rebuilt most of the 2nd floor of the Manse. In the process we solved structural problems. Separately, we replaced the aging soffits below the roof overhang, repainted the meeting room and first-floor reading room, installed replacement windows, and replaced a broken flagstone walkway with concrete, spending well over $60,000 to keep the Manse in shaped.
Not only is the Manse too small for current Library activity, but also there are other problems. While the first floor is barely handicapped accessible via a ramp that does not meet ADA specifications, the second floor, where the Children’s collection and meeting room are, can only be reached by steep stairs. The meeting room, used daily by many different community groups, is too small and can only be used during hours when the Library is open.
Ultimately, we need to double the effective size of the Library. As a first step, we need to create handicapped access.
The Library Trustees owe it to the Town to maintain the Manse, as the one of the few remaining historic buildings in Pleasant Valley. Also, it is important to keep the Library in its present central location. Architects have shown that we can expand the building sufficiently on the land we now lease and to blend the expansion with the existing building. Go to this link to see a rendering: http://www.pleasantvalleylibrary.org/capcampaign.html We also can expand in stages, probably starting with improved handicapped access.
What we lack now is sufficient funding. Tax-free donations can be made through the Community Foundation of Dutchess County, either with checks or by credit card at the Website , which can also be reached via the Library Website: http://www.cfscny.org
Written by Bryan Bunch (Board Member)

New Solar Energy Company coming to the Valley

Anytime businesses move to the Hudson Valley, that's a good thing for both employment and stirring the creative and competitive juices of local businesses. TSEC will be located in Kingston, see the below article:
http://www.midhudsonnews.com/news/2010/january/12/solar_anno-12jan10.html

It's a "NEW" year, let's keep those resolutions

10 Tips for Keeping New Year's Resolutions

The best way to stick with your resolution is to plan ahead.

Chances are, at some time in your life, you've made a New Year's Resolution -- and then broken it. This year, stop the cycle of resolving to make change, but then not following through. If your resolution is to take better care of yourself or get your vices under control, you'll have a much better year if your resolution sticks. Here are 10 tips to help get you started.

1. Be realistic
The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable. For instance, resolving to never eat your favorite food again could be a bad choice. Strive for a goal that is attainable, such as avoiding it more often than you do now.

2. Plan ahead
Don't make your resolution on New Year's Eve. If you wait until the last minute, it will be based on your mindset that particular day. Instead, it should be planned well before December 31 arrives.

3. Outline your plan
Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have one more cigarette. This could include calling on a friend for help, practicing positive thinking and self-talk, or reminding yourself how your bad habit affects your life.

4. Make a "pro" and "con" list
It may help to see a list of items on paper to keep your motivation strong. Develop this list over time, and ask others to contribute to it. Keep your list with you and refer to it when you need help keeping your resolve.

5. Talk about it
Don't keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself for the better or improve your health. The best case scenario is to find yourself a buddy who shares your New Year's resolution and motivate each other.

6. Reward yourself
This doesn't mean that you can eat an entire box of chocolates if your resolution is to diet. Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something that you enjoy that does not contradict your resolution. If you've been sticking to your promise to eat better, for example, perhaps your reward could be going to a movie with a friend.

7. Track your progress
Keep track of each small success you make toward reaching your larger goal. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and small accomplishments will help keep you motivated. Instead of focusing on losing 30 pounds, say, focus on losing that first 5. Keeping a food diary or a symptom journal may help you stay on track.

8. Don't beat yourself up
Obsessing over the occasional slip won't help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take each day one at a time.

9. Stick to it
Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality. Your new healthful habits will become second-nature in no time.

10. Keep trying
If your resolution has totally run out of steam by mid-February, don't despair. Start over again! There's no reason you can't make a "New Year's resolution" any time of year.

Fast Facts About New Year's Resolutions

* 63% of people say they are keeping their resolutions after two months
* 67% of people make three or more resolutions
* Top four resolutions:
1. Increase exercise
2. Be more conscientious about work or school
3. Develop better eating habits
4. Stop smoking, drinking, or using drugs (including caffeine)
* People make more resolutions to start a new habit than to break an old one.