Good Friday Morning,
Leshana Tova! to all my brothers and sisters in the faith. (For you goyim that's Happy New Year).
And that's it! There's a lot going on this weekend and the weather should be wonderful. Get out and do something fun.
Announcements: 11th Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble  The Hudson River Valley Ramble celebrates the history, culture and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, as well as the amazing landscape, communities, and trails throughout the region. What began as a modest event that was held during one weekend in September, has grown in popularity and in numbers over the years. This year, the Ramble takes places over three weekends in September. Every year, participation continues to grow. ‘Ramblers’ come not only from the Hudson Valley region and New York State, but from other regions of the country as well to discover the riches our Valley has to offer.
Many Ramble events highlight themes such as the Revolutionary War, Great Estates, Hudson River School artists, Greenway Trails and the Hudson River Estuary. Whether you are interested in a challenging hike, bike or paddle, an inspiring walk through the grounds and homes of some of the Valley’s most notable artists, authors, and Great Americans, a trip back in time to experience the significant role the region played in the Revolutionary War, or a family-fun festival or river exploration event, the Hudson River Valley Ramble truly offers something for everyone!
More information on the Ramble in general is available here and a PDF version of the complete schedule is here.
From the Putnam Arts Council The Belle Levine Art Center in Mahopac offers a variety of classes and workshops in art and music this Fall. The schedule of programs for adults, teens and children is now currently available and registration is open.
Area residents will find interesting opportunities to study drawing, painting (both watercolor and oil/acrylic), pottery, photography, monotypes and holiday ornaments, all taught by the Center’s teaching artists. The teen and children’s programs in pottery, drawing, and painting have been augmented by addition courses such as jewelry making, the art of the altered art book, and some interdisciplinary adventures. All of this takes place in the beautifully re-built facility on Kennicut Hill Rd. on weekdays, weekends, after school and evenings.
One time opportunity: Guitar workshop by visiting New Orleans master guitarist Spencer Bohren on October 2, from 2-4. Mr. Bohren has been singing and touring for over 40 years throughout the US, Europe and Japan. In addition to his singing, songwriting and teaching, Mr. Bohren creates another type of art, with found objects and boxes which his son calls “little mysteries,” that have become a consuming passion for him, as well.
Please call PAC for reservations for the concert (tickets are $20.00/$15.00 PAC members) and note that only 5 spaces remain for the guitar workshop ($125.00 prepaid). Visit our website: putnamartscouncil.com for directions and Spencer’s site, spencerbohren.com for more info on the artist. PAC office hours are: Tues– Fri 10-4; 845.803.8622
From the NY/NJ Trails Conference: Volunteers Needed to Construct a Summit Loop, Handicapped Accessible Trail at Bear Mountain
This Fall the Trail Conference will be undertaking the construction of a 1-mile long loop trail at the summit of Bear Mountain. The trail, which will largely be an extension of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, will also provide a rare skill building opportunity for aspiring trail builders, as half of it will be built for handicap accessibility.
Those interested in joining the Fall work crew at Bear Mountain can do so by registering for orientation workshop at Bear Mountain State Park scheduled for this Sunday, September 12 . The orientation will largely consist of a challenging hike up Bear Mountain and through the work sites scheduled for construction. Topics to be covered will include techniques used to build the trails on Bear Mountain thus far as well as a detailed explanation of the volunteer opportunities for the season.
Those who complete the orientation will then be able to attend the Trail University workshop series that will follow over the next two weekends. Techniques to be taught in these workshops will include stone splitting and shaping, basic stone work construction, and the use of small mechanized machinery to transport materials to and from work sites. More info is here.
Friday, September 10 Michelle LeBlanc 7:30PM - 10:30PM - At the DIvision Street Grill, 26 North Division Street, Peekskill. 914.739.6380. Featuring Pianist Tom Kohl. Join us for an evening in Michelle's favorite small city at the jazz club that sparked the Peekskill jazz renaissance.
 Todd Guidice at Whistling Willie's
8PM - Join the crowd at Whistling Willie's in Cold Spring for singer-songwriter Todd Guidice. No cover. Menu available. Intersection of Routes 301 and 9D.
Nothing Important 8 PM at the Philipstown Depot Theater at Garrison Train Station. Putnam Valley's Judy Allen is directing Pearse Columb's play, "Nothing Important" in the Fourth Annual 20/20 One-Act Competition. If she gets enough votes to move to the semi-finals, the next performance will be on Saturday, Sept 18th (narrowly missing Yom Kippur). And if she get enough votes to move to the finals, the final performance will be on Sunday, Sept 19th. Hope you can make it. If you have any questions, call the theater at 845 424-3900.
Saturday, September 11 Canning and Pickling Workshop 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Learn how to preserve the harvest and enjoy the delights of summer throughout the year. Taught by two local canning expert--Susan Loxely-Friedle and Barbara Nelson. This workshop is free. Phillies Bridge Farm Project, 45 Phillies Bridge Rd, New Paltz. www.philliesbridge.org 845-256-9108.
Dutch Heritage Weekend 2 PM. (Repeats Sunday) Power point lecture about the Dutch heritage of the Hudson valley by Firth Fabend describing the river and all aspects of the Dutch settlement. Museum and grounds will be open from 10 AM - 4 PM each day as well. Van Wyck Homestead Museum, 504 Route 9, Fishkill (by I 84). Info: Steve Lynch 845-896-8755, museum 845-896-9560. vanwyckhomestead@aol.com , www.fishkillhistoricalsociety.org . Free
Maggie Seligman Performs 2-4PM Join Lake Carmel's Maggie Seligman at the Taste Budds Chocolate and Coffee Cafe at 40 West Market Street, Red Hook, NY. 845.758.6500 info@tastebudds.com
 "Dalliance" with Barry Mangione
3PM-6PM At the Beanrunner Cafe 201 S. Division & Esther Street in Peekskill. 914-737-1701. The Dalliance (www.thedalliance.org) is a local band on a mission to rekindle the romance between music and American politics that’s been cold since the seventies. Their recent single, “Wake Up Stand Up” gained the attention of Coffee Party USA, a grassroots organization dedicated to restoring democracy and unity in America. The Coffee Party invited The Dalliance to perform at their first national convention in Louisville, KY on September 24th. “Open Mic for the Open Road” is a fundraising concert to help The Dalliance hit the road and rock for democracy. The Dalliance will open with an acoustic set of their unique alt-rock and then turn the stage over to lead singer/guitarist Barry Mangione who will host an acoustic open mic. Bring your guitar, your voice, and your love of music, but come early since time will be limited. There is no cover charge, but donations to help the band on their way are recommended and will be appreciated.
Alana Amram and the 'Rough Gems'  9PM At the Bearsville Theater on Route 212 (Tinker Street) in Bearsville (That's just west of Woodstock for those who don't know). Tickets: $10. Alana is a Brooklyn based singer/ songwriter who fronts country rock band Alana Amram & the Rough Gems. Formed in 2003, they have toured internationally. She also plays bass for Lights (Drag City). Amram and the Rough Gems are finishing up their first LP Painted Lady with producer Jesse Lauter (James Blood Ulmer, The Low Anthem). Breaking the industry standard, they are releasing their second LP, Songs of Vince Martin simultaneously. Produced by Jesse Lauter and Mark Sebastian (Loving Spoonful.) Amram comes from a huge music family, often seen sitting in with the band. She has garnered a reputation for her classic songwriting. Influenced heavily by folk, country- western storytellers and early rock and roll, the Rough Gems range from deep sentiment to wild honky tonk. They are currently the subject for the feature length documentary Sound of Asphalt. The Rough Gems are: Adira Amram, Phillip Sterk, Alec Morton, Alec Higgins, Sam Hopkins, Dave Lindsay, Jesse Lauter & special guests!
Sunday, September 12 Kent Community Day 11AM - 6PM Ryan's Field at the back of Lake Carmel. Fun and games and burgers and whatnot. Big blow-up slides and more politicians than you can shake a stick at! Fun for the whole family! (just stay clear of the politicians...) Stop by the Town's Stormwater Management Committee's tent for free balloons for the kids and great information for mom and dad.
Ride to Remember Jeff Coursen 11AM - Motorcycle Ride. 1PM - Picnic at the Pawling Fire Department (South Street in Pawling, just north of route 55) A 100 mile motorcycle ride and picnic to remember Jeff Coursen’s dual passions: Motorcycles and helping alcoholics and addicts overcome addiction. Everyone’s Welcome! The Event and Picnic are sponsored by Jeff Coursen’s family and friends. Your tax deductible donations will benefit St. Christopher’s Inn, a treatment facility that has been providing hope and compassionate care to alcoholics and addicts for 100 years. For more information and to register contact: Ed and Mary Mahaffey at The Annex Florist Pawling, 28 Charles Colman Blvd, Pawling NY 12564 845.855.9612 or email: ridetorememberjeffcoursen@gmail.com
In The Gallery 1PM - 4PM Public Reception. Belle Levine Art Center. Fine Art Photography Exhibit opens; Meet the Artists 1-4pm. 19 artists from two photography groups, the Photographic Eye (Putnam Arts Council’s resident photography group), and the Digital Discussion Group present a collaborative show . On view through 9/26 during gallery hours: Tues- Fri 10 – 3, Sunday 1-4. 521 Kennicut Hill Rd. Mahopac, NY 845.803.8622 or putnamartscouncil.com Free admission & parking.
Into The Future Thursday, September 16 Public Meeting with Sandy Galef 7-9 PM at the Cortlandt Town Hall, 1 Heady Street in Cortlandt Manor, please join me for a panel discussion on School Sharing and Consolidation: Ways to Shrink School Budgets (see the attached flyer for more specifics). As you know, I continue to focus my efforts on ways to reduce our property tax burden. School taxes constitute the larger portion of our property taxes, so this is a critical discussion about ways to reduce in that area.
Sunday, September 19  Volunteer Trail Work at Minnewaska State Park Preserve
10AM - 2PM - Come to Minnewaska State Park Preserve to meet new friends, help improve trail conditions, and learn about basic trail maintenance from experienced trail keepers. Join members of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, a region wide volunteer organization devoted to maintaining and improving public trails, and Park Preserve staff to help improve an overgrown footpath. Volunteers will use hand tools to clip back overgrown shrubs and clear woodland debris.
This program is recommended for adults and teenagers, who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 years. Students in public school looking to accrue necessary community service hours for completion of their requirements may be particularly interested in volunteering for this program.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own work gloves and tools including loppers, bow saws and clipping shears. The parking fee will be waived for participants volunteering for this program. Please wear appropriate clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, and bring plenty of snacks, water and lunch. For more information and to register for programs, please call the Park Office at 845-255-0752. Pre-registration is required.
The Park Preserve will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. at this time. The fee for parking at Minnewaska is $8 per car. All fees are subject to change. There are no additional fees for public programs, unless noted otherwise. Minnewaska State Park Preserve consists of approximately 21,000 acres of wild and scenic land located on Route 44/55, five miles west of the intersection with Route 299 in Gardiner, New York.
Highlands Bluegrass Festival and Crafts Fair  1-7 PM at Harmony Hall 15 Liberty Rock Road, Sloatsburg, New York 10974. 845.712.5220. The Highlands Bluegrass Festival & Craft Fair at Harmony Hall will feature three outstanding festival bands. Our featured band, Carol Beaugard & the Blue Express, will be joined by The Proud Flesh and the Ramapo Torne Ramblers to perform music that tracks the Bluegrass movement from its Appalachian Mountain roots to today's youthful indie sound. The event also will feature the crafts and services of some of the region's most talented artisans, children's games, refreshments and a cook-off event to raise funds for the restoration of Harmony Hall's South Salon. More information and a schedule can be found here.
Michelle LeBlanc 3:00 to 6:00 pm The Community Foundation of Dutchess County Annual Garden Party Benefit at the Colonel Oliver Hazard Payne Mansion on Route 9W in Esopus NY (Ulster County). Featuring Tom Kohl on piano and Bill Crow on bass This event is a private affair requiring pre registration. For more information, visit: www.cfdcny.org
Saturday, September 25 2010 Garden Party at the Asylum From 3PM onwards. It's that time of year again! (yeah I know, we usually do it in July but late is better than never!). It's an all day BYOF/B type of thing. Kids during the day, raucous debauchery at night around the fire. If you've been here before you know the drill. If not, there's nothing to know other than to show up and most are welcome. Bring the kids and the dogs, friends and family and make a day of it. Hurricane/Tropical Storm/Nuclear War cancels. And I will have the grill running this year.
Gallery Talk: Jenelle Porter on Agnes Martin 2pm at Dia:Beacon, Riggio Galleries 3 Beekman Street, Beacon, NY 12508. 845 440 0100 www.diaart.org
Free with museum admission. For reservations click here.
Jenelle Porter is curator at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, where she recently organized shows including "Dance with Camera," "Dirt on Delight: Impulses That Form Clay" (with Ingrid Schaffner), "Trisha Donnelly," "Locally Localized Gravity," and "Gone Formalism." She has also served as curator at Artists Space, New York (1998-01), curatorial fellow at the Walker Art Center (1997-98), and curatorial assistant at the Whitney Museum of American Art (1994-97). She has contributed essays to numerous publications and produced books on Trisha Donnelly, Joshua Mosley, Stephen Prina, Matthew Ritchie, and Uri Tzaig.
Wednesday, October 6 Future of the Hudson River Watershed 6:30-9pm. Sandy Galef will be joining NYS Assemblyman Frank Skartados at the Newburgh Free Library, 124 Grand Street, Newburgh, for a community forum on the Future of the Hudson River and its Watershed. The Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda provides crucial planning to protect one of our greatest local and state resources. Fran Dunwell, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Coordinator will be on hand to discuss and answer questions about the Action Agenda. It is critical that we are all aware of the issues that threaten our environment and the plans to protect it so we can work together to ensure a successful future.
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