News That Matters - December 11, 2009 - Things To Do Edition

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The 2009 PlanPutnam Annual Fund Drive Is Coming To A Close Have you helped keep this newsletter coming? If not, please click here today. Your Support Is What Keeps Us Growing! Good Friday Morning, Hanukkah begins at sundown this evening. According to a Gallup poll, 61% of Americans either do not believe in evolution or are unsure. It's been rumored for quite some time that the natural political progression in the south-eastern portion of our county would be that while part-time Assemblyman Greg Ball was off running full-time for Congress, County Legislator Dan Birmingham would be running for the Assembly seat in the 99th district. But things have changed and Mr. Birmingham has decided against a run for the State Assembly. There were three main reasons Dan gave for not moving up in the political world. For one, he thinks he'd have a hard time asking voters to accept that after he gets sworn in for his three-year Legislative term, a month later he announces he's running for the Assembly. Second, he was concerned that if he did dedicate the time to running for state office, time away from his Legislative responsibilities, that he'd become one of those of the 'governing class', those that  have separated themselves from the day-to-day lives of their constituents. And third, he likes working here in Putnam County. With all that said, I don't think his constituents would mind all that much if we tapped him to run for County Executive. How about it, Dan? Patterson Crossing is in the news again. This time around the developer is seeking permission to drill wells and install 11,200 gallons per day worth of subsurface discharge units. More information can be found here. If you're looking for a musical gift to give this holiday season look no further than some Lake Carmel based musicians. BATIK, a group made up of Barry Hartglass, Tim Ouimette and others, are offering their premier issue CD, VUDU, for only $5 ($4 mp3 download) through the month of December. Get it here. Indian Point scored a 78.5% rating on its latest siren test and the world is doing everything it can not to go war against Iran. Iran's stated desire is to produce high-grade uranium for, as they say, domestic nuclear power. But we all know that's the first step in producing The Bomb and, well, letting Iran have access to one of those babies is not a very good idea unless you'd like to see a couple hundred thousand dead Israeli's, an act that would most certainly lead to World War III. But nuclear power plants such as those being proposed in Iran and existing ones like Indian Point could be using a different fuel, Thorium, a fuel that does not lead to plutonium which does not lead to building The Bomb which does not lead to the End Of The World. India is basing its future nuclear power industry on thorium and the Russians are working on it as well. Dr. George Baum of Kent, a chemist by profession, has written a short informational paper on its use that should be of interest. You can find it at the News That Matters blogsite. Here's another infographic from FOXNews. What's most confusing is that FOX's fans either don't care or aren't smart enough to know when they're being fed propaganda ~ or when the numbers just don't add up. A quick glance at the tens column alone tells you there's something wrong. Anti-intellectualism rolls on! It's tough to be a photographer in London these days.  As I've reported over the past few months, police in London have this 'thing' about people taking pictures. It's not illegal, not by any means. But heck, if there aren't any real crimes they've got to make it look like they're doing something. In the latest foray into totalitarianism, police surrounded, searched and questioned Grant Smith, quite a well-known personality with a camera and famous for his photographic works, while he was working. Last week the Association of Police Chief's warned officers to stop being dorks about all this. This week they said, "Photographers should be left alone to get on with what they are doing. If an officer is suspicious of them for some reason they can just go up to them and have a chat with them - use old-fashioned policing skills to be frank - rather than using these powers, [Section 44 of the Terrorism Act] which we don't want to over-use at all." From the Life is Stranger Than Fiction Department: Alan Scheinkman, a 9th Judicial District Administrative Judge is complaining that the bad economy is hurting attorneys. He claims that unemployment and tightened budgets are preventing people from hiring lawyers and that law firms aren't hiring new lawyers anymore. I'm trying to feel a sense of pity and sorrow ~ but it's just not coming. It was reported today that Tiger Woods has 12 mistresses. That alone should keep the lawyers busy. The 2009 PlanPutnam Annual Fund Drive Is Coming To A Close Have you helped keep this newsletter coming? If not, please click here today. Your Support Is What Keeps Us Growing! Calendar: Tonight: Hanukkah Begins Holiday Arts Crafts Sale Howland Center's Monthly Open Mic Beacon Sloop Club Annual Holiday Sing! Saturday: Kids Unplugged Nature Series Memorial Service for Stephen Andersen The No Strings Marionette Co. in two performances The Magic of the Nutcracker Tale Jonathan Kruk - Storyteller Climate Change Vigil Messiah Sing-Along Sunday: The People Speak Into the Future: Friday, December 18 A Christmas Carol A Christmas Carol Aviva & Dan - Around the World for the Holidays Sunday, December 20 Holiday Skating Show Thursday, December 31 Michelle Leblanc Support Our Sponsors TaconicArts.com Brown Ink Joe Greico's Out On A Limb Flower Power Pins Tonight: Hanukkah Begins Sundown. Don't miss this video, or this one. They are office safe but there is a chance you will spill your coffee. More than 2000 years ago there was a time when the land of Israel was part of the Syrian-Greek Empire, dominated by Syrian rulers of the dynasty of the Seleucids. In order to relate the story that led up to Chanukah, we shall start with Antiochus III, the King of Syria, who reigned from 3538 to 3574 (222-186 B.C.E.). He had waged war with King Ptolemy of Egypt over the possession of the Land of Israel. Antiochus III was victorious and the Land of Israel was annexed to his empire. At the beginning of his reign he was favorably disposed toward the Jews and accorded them some privileges. Later on, however, when he was beaten by the Romans and compelled to pay heavy taxes, the burden fell upon the various peoples of his empire who were forced to furnish the heavy gold that was required of him by the Romans. When Antiochus died, his son Seleucus IV took over, and further oppressed the Jews. Read More. Holiday Arts Crafts Sale At Tilly Foster Farm. The Putnam Arts Council has added two completely new aspects to their sale of fine Craft and Art. The Inaugural Arts Council 2010 Calendar features the work of 12 select artists from the area and is now available at the sale. In addition, a raffle of fine craft items includes a one-of-a-kind handmade Santa scene created inside the giant egg of a reah (south American) bird. New pottery coming out of the kiln every week. Hours: Dec. 5th thru Sunday the 20th - Every day from noon to 5 pm (except Tuesdays). Howland Center's Monthly Open Mic 8 PM - This month we will be holding the Open Mic on the second Friday instead of the third Friday. We will still be celebrating the Winter Solstice and Christmas and Channuka, so come on down and hear some of the best talent in Dutchess County. Program starts at 8:00PM with early sign up at 7:30. More info here. Beacon Sloop Club Annual Holiday Sing! 8 PM: Admission: canned goods for the Beacon Food Pantry. As well, bring something portable for the potluck. Schedule to appear: Pete Seeger, Jacob Bernz, Alison Hartwell, Creek Iversen, Rob Tepper - James Durst, Travis Jeffrey - David Bernz, Mel Healy and Vinnie Cerniglia, Roland Moussa - Chris Ruhe, Dan Einbender and the Kids From Room 12, Karen Brooks and Melissa Ortquist, Ingrid Heldt - Goldee Greene, Michael Scolnick, and other guests. At the Beacon Sloop Club - waterside at the Beacon Train Station. [Ed note: if you've never been to this event now is the time.] Saturday: Kids Unplugged Nature Series 9:30 AM - 12 noon. Adapting to Cold Weather at Sam’s Point. Take a winter nature walk and find out who lives in the snow. Winter worlds are very much alive. Grab a warm jacket, hat and gloves and see for yourself! Contact Heidi Wagner at 845-647-7989 ext. 101 or email hwagner@tnc.org. Memorial Service for Stephen Andersen 10 AM - Tompkins Corners Church - A memorial service for long-time resident and Putnam Valley Town Historian Stephen Andersen will be held at the church this morning. Music and remembrances. A reception will follow at the PV firehouse just down the road. The No Strings Marionette Co. in two performances "Wasabi", A Dragon's Tale" at 1 PM and "The Hobbit" at 4 PM. All children are admitted FREE but must be accompanied by an adult for a suggested $10 ticket donation. The holiday season program is sponsored by the Howland Public Library and the Howland Cultural Center. The Magic of the Nutcracker Tale 3PM - At the Cultural Center on Lake Carmel. Produced by Arts on the Lake. A remake and retelling of the Nutcracker story by Bart Cook and Maria Caligari. This show builds on the success of the last two seasons and promises to be one of the Cultural Center's most beloved events. Rumor has it it's bigger, more complex and better than ever. The show repeats tonight at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 1PM and at 4PM. More information and reservations here. And if you come to the late show on Saturday or Sunday I'll be working the door. Photo courtesy of Chris Casaburi. Jonathan Kruk - Storyteller 5 PM - Join the Putnam County Historical Society for an event that brings the Quadricentennial alive. Enjoy festive drinks and refreshments while Kruk appears as both Henry Hudson and Robert Fulton. Guests will also have a last-chance viewing of our Quadricentennial exhibitions including a model of the Half Moon and the remarkable postcard exhibition, Traveling the Hudson in the Wake of Robert Fulton. The Putnam County Historical Society & Foundry School Museum is located at 63 Chestnut Street in Cold Spring. Admission is free for members and donors, and $5 for the general public. Space is limited; reservations are strongly suggested. Please call 845-265-4010. Climate Change Vigil 5:30 PM - A candlelight walk and vigil in solidarity with the UN Climate Change Conference — taking place in Copenhagen Dec. 7-19 — will begin at 5:30 p.m. from the east end of Main St., across from City Hall. Participants will walk to the Howland Cultural Center at the west end of the street. The organizers advise: "Bring friends and family, candles or flashlights, and signs and leaflets, if you wish. And wear warm clothing." Sponsored by Mid-Hudson Progressive Alliance, Beacon Sloop Club, River Pool at Beacon, Philipstown for Democracy and Climate Crisis Coalition. More info here. Messiah Sing-Along 8PM - The Putnam Chorale. Sing along to Handel's Messiah with the chorale and live orchestra at the Gilead Presbyterian Church in Carmel. $10. Sunday: The People Speak 8 PM - On the History Channel. Democracy is not a spectator sport. Using dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries and speeches of everyday Americans, THE PEOPLE SPEAK gives voice to those who spoke up for social change throughout U.S. history, forging a nation from the bottom up with their insistence on equality and justice. Narrated by Howard Zinn and based on his best-selling books, A People's History of the United States and Voices of a People's History, THE PEOPLE SPEAK illustrates the relevance of these passionate historical moments to our society today and reminds us never to take liberty for granted. Read more about this important event here. Into the Future: Friday, December 18 A Christmas Carol 7:30 PM - The Pied Piper Children's Theater presents an original adaption of this famed story by Lake Carmel resident James Ryerson. At the White Pond Center in Stormville, NY. Call 845 878-9780 for more information or click here. A Christmas Carol 8PM - A reading by the Blue Horse Repertory Company at the Cultural Center on Lake Carmel. Cast: Stu Hample, Nancy Johnston*, Ryan Katzer*, Joe Capone*, Paul Coleman and Brian Keeler*. Directed by Peggity Price.* After a night of turmoil, Scrooge is given a redemptive second chance. *Member of Actors' Equity Association. Tickets: $10.00 - $12.00 Aviva & Dan - Around the World for the Holidays For their unprecedented third 2009 Howland concert, Beacon & Brooklyn's globally-acclaimed duo returns for two extraordinary sets of holiday music from around the world. Light refreshments and snacks available. Sponsored in part by The Artisan Wine Shop, Beacon, NY. In keeping with the spirit of season, we are asking all our guests to bring a donation of non-perishable food items for the benefit of St. Andrew's Food Pantry, Beacon $12.00 Tickets available online: www.howlandculturalcenter.org Sunday, December 20 Holiday Skating Show 10 AM - 11:30AM - Brewster Ice Arena. Free Admission for the general public. The annual holiday skating show at the Brewster Ice Arena will feature skaters of all levels, each performing to music in costume. Double   Salchows and double Axels, waltz jumps and spirals, costumes and music! You might even be inspired to skate yourself at the public session afterwards (fee)! Snack bar and restaurant on the premises. Skates available for rental. Thursday, December 31 Michelle Leblanc 8:30 PM ~ Join Michelle and jazz pianist Tom Kohl for a lovely New Year's Eve celebration in Cold Spring. Welcome in the new year in the comfort of the most beautiful Inn on the Hudson River. Come for dinner or extend your stay by reserving a room overlooking the River and Storm King mountain. New Year's eve dinner is $75. per person. See the menu, get directions and call for reservations here. The 2009 PlanPutnam Annual Fund Drive Is Coming To A Close Have you helped keep this newsletter coming? If not, please click here today. Your Support Is What Keeps Us Growing!	Sign up to have News That Matters Delivered to your email inbox! Email: Visit News That Matters on Facebook! Support Our Sponsors TaconicArts.com Interior/Exterior House Painting by someone you can trust. (845) 225-2104 jeff@taconicarts.com  Brown Ink Commercial Printing 600 Horsepound Road, Kent Lakes, NY 10512 (845) 225-0177 Greg Brown Joe Greico's Out On A Limb All types of tree work, all aspects of lawn maintenance, snow plowing, lot clearing, excavation, retaining walls, stump grinding. 82 Hortontown Rd. Kent Cliffs, NY 10512 greico@verizon.net T- (914)224-3049 F- (845)231-0815 Flower Power Pins Hand painted ceramic pins, each one is different. They retail for $8. Other items available. Janice Lanza 210 Cushman Road Patterson, NY 12563 845-878-3791 janlanz@comcast.net
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