Good Friday Morning,
A short one today. I didn't get back from last night's rehearsal in The City until after 1AM.
10222010 is today's date numbered-out and in binary it spells the word: "Sh'ari't" which is Sud-Bengali for "Death to America!"
I just made that up but most who read anything on the internet believe the first thing they see. And don't forget, if you don't keep this email going a puppy will be eaten by an endangered gorilla at the San Diego zoo handled by an Ethiopian who, with the assistance of your debit card and ATM pin, will send you $5,000,000 for assisting his father, the deposed king of Swaziland, in recovering his stolen billions. Remember, you read it here first.
There is a freeze warning in place for overnight. You know the drill, bring in anything that will die and harvest the last of your summer crops. On the other hand, a good freeze will give sweetness to things like hearty kales and Brussels sprouts.
Lyme Disease. 'nuff said. I swear, if my dog wouldn't eat them I'd fill the field with guinea hens to eat the over-abundance of ticks that has appeared since it rained a couple weeks back. Saving that, a small tactical nuke might do the trick. Maybe not. Grrrr... Starting the doxy. Again. Again. Again.
Last week DEC Commissioner Peter Grannis was fired by Governor Paterson for being honest, caring about his employees and most importantly, saying straight-out what the decimation of the NYSDEC would mean to you as residents of this state, your health, the environment and enforcement of the law. You can read more about this outrage here. DEC has lost almost 1000 employees and half its budget during the past 3 years alone. How happy do you think polluters and developers are at this turn of events? Here is what Commissioner Grannis had to say.
Coming Monday, News That Matters' take on the local elections.
What's Going On? Friday, October 22 Spooky--Not Scary--Stories on the Hudson 5:00pm Meet at the Little Stony Point bridge on Route 9D just north of Cold Spring village. 1 hour, Easy/Family Friendly. A Take-a-Hike! tradition! Gather your courage and meet us for an eerie evening walk through Little Stony Point Park in Cold Spring. Professional storyteller Jonathan Kruk will spin yarns of local mysteries and spooky area legends, perfect for putting families in the Halloween mood. The hike is free, but registration is required: call 845/424-3358. Sponsored by the Hudson Highlands Land Trust.
Genetically Modified Crops 7PM - Aquatic ecologist Dr. Emma Rosi-Marshall, will "discuss the adoption of modified crops in the U.S., evidence that the insecticides and herbicides in these plants can escape into natural areas, and pose potential threats to biodiversity and freshwater supplies." From to the organizers: "The next time you go grocery shopping, survey your cart. If it contains products that list corn, soybeans, canola oil, cottonseed oil, or papaya as ingredients... chances are good that they can be traced back to genetically modified crops. These crops, which have been altered to repel pests and/or resist herbicide exposure, are now a mainstay of U.S. agriculture." Free. At the Cary Institute Route 44 in Millbrook, NY Contact: 845 677-7600 ext. 121.
Featured Event:
Crossroads at Mike's Friday October 22nd at 8PM
Saturday, October 23rd at 8PM
Sunday, October 24th at 4PM
8 PM at the Roy Arias Theater, 300 W43rd, 4th floor. Broadway Briefs presents. One Bartender, One Bar...if those walls could talk....this is what they would say... On Night. One Bar. Nine Plays. A concept play written in parts by Fidel Fonteboa, Gabby Fox, Tony Howarth, Carol Mark and Pat O'Connor.
Starring: Jon Barb, Joseph Colantino, John Crandell, Jessica Danahy, Fidel Fonteboa, Jeremy Frutkin, Linda Gervargiz, Adam Glatzl, Mark Gorham*, Karen Hanley, Shelley Lerea, Laurel Lettieri, Marisa Lowe, Zulie Lozada, Matt McKenna, Richard Manichello, Carol Mark, Barbara H. Marks, Sophia Shkreli, Leslie Smithey, Howard Weintraub, Jason Xay, Maria Zadrima, Gus Zucco... and one stage manager (yours truly!).
Tickets $16 in advance $18 at the door. Also runs Saturday at 8PM and Sunday at 4PM. Room for only 75 attendees each performance so head over to Smarttix.com and reserve your place now... before it's too late. Would you like that shaken or stirred?
| Documentary on Lyme disease and the medical industry 8:15pm "Under Our Skin: There's No Medicine for Someone Like You" (2008, dir Andy Abrahams Wilson, 104 mins, http://UnderOurSkin.com/ ) Exposes the underreported epidemic of Lyme disease, and claims that a lumbering and even corrupt health care system is failing to address one of the most serious illnesses of our time. From the Filmmaker: "A gripping tale of microbes, medicine & money, 'Under Our Skin' exposes the hidden story of Lyme disease, one of the most controversial and fastest growing epidemics of our time. Each year, thousands go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, often told that their symptoms are 'all in their head.' Following the stories of patients and physicians fighting for their lives and livelihoods, the film brings into focus a haunting picture of the health care system and a medical establishment all too willing to put profits ahead of patients." "The visual beauty of the film underlies its most haunting theme. The closer humans get to nature, the more sensitive they must become to its hidden dangers. Under Our Skin details a medical nightmare. The movie only looks like a sun-kissed dream." --Michael Sragow, Baltimore Sun. The screening will be followed by a short discussion. Cost: Free. Location: Elting Library, 93 Main St (at North Front St) in New Paltz, NY Contact: 845 255-4815
Saturday, October 23 Volunteer Trail-Building Day -- Mount Beacon
10AM - 2PM Scenic Hudson Savor the joys of being outside on a crisp, colorful autumn day by working with Scenic Hudson staff and fellow volunteers. We’ll be creating an exciting new sustainable, multi-use trail system on a rugged, 2,000-acre parcel of Fishkill Ridge. Wear clothes you won’t mind getting dirty, including long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, sturdy closed-toe shoes and a hat (along with an evening “tick check,” all will help prevent tick bites and Lyme disease). Also bring gloves if you have them and sunscreen, water, a lunch and bug spray. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. See this for more information.
FrOGS Great Swamp Art Show 11AM-5PM. Free. Friends of the Great Swamp (FrOGS) has announced the 14th annual Great Swamp Art Show & Celebration for Saturday, Oct. 23 and Sunday, Oct. 24. The event will once again take place at Christ Church’s Frances Ryan Thomas Center on Quaker Hill in Pawling, NY. Saturday hours are 11 AM to 5 PM; and Sunday hours are 12 PM to 4 PM.
This free and highly popular event is very family-friendly, and normally draws about 2,000 visitors over the two days. The location is spectacular, with views of magnificent fall foliage on the distant hills, making for a perfect day with the family.
Included in the event are professional and amateur paintings, photography, and pottery inspired by the Swamp as well as educational programs, children’s activities, birds of prey demonstrations, live music, and refreshments. Sale of the art provides FrOGS, a non-profit organization, with the majority of its annual income. See the website for more information. Or call, (845) 878-9248
Hike the Cold Spring Foundry 4PM With Archaeologist Arron Kotlensky. Join PCHS for a hike of Scenic Hudson's West Point Foundry Preserve with archaeologist Arron Kotlensky, who conducted research there while a graduate student at Michigan Technological University in a project sponsored by Scenic Hudson. The foundry operated in Cold Spring from 1818 through 1911, and was a pacesetter in America's Industrial Revolution. Best known for supplying the United States government with ordnance, including the Parrott gun, the foundry also produced some of the nation's first steam engines, locomotives, and ironclad ships. Kotlensky will discuss the foundry's manufacturing process by analyzing the site's natural resources and extant ruins-the centerpiece of Scenic Hudson's future plans for an exciting "outdoor museum." Free for members. $5 for the rest of us. Call 845-265-4010 for more information.
Cary Institute Full Moon Ecology Walk 6:30 PM - Experience the sights and sounds of nature at dusk. Listen for owl and other forest-dwelling animals while enjoying the crisp fall air, the scent of pines, and the golden moon. All ages welcome. RSVPs suggested by calling 845-677-7600 x 121 or or emailing freeman@caryinstitute.org. Walk begins at main campus parking area. Long pants, hiking shoes, binoculars, and flashlights recommended. Free and open to the public. Location: Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, 2801 Sharon Tpk., Millbrook.
Into the Future:
Monday, October 25 Evening Overview: Beyond Pipe and Pond A Research-based Approach to Stormwater Management
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Arrive between 5:00 and 6:00 to participate in a tour; arrive by 6:45 for the program)
Speakers: Patrick Kozakiewicz, Architect and Garrett Jobson, Landscape Architect, NY State Parks; Simon Gruber, Hudson Valley Regional Council; Jamie Houle, CPSWQ, University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center.
Participants will tour a local example of innovative practices including pervious pavement, stream restoration, and energy conservation; learn about the Hudson Valley Green Infrastructure Stormwater Planning Project; learn from the experts at the UNH Stormwater Center how innovative stormwater systems work and learn about applications of green stormwater practices in New Hampshire. Hosted by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the NYSDEC Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve in cooperation with the Hudson River Estuary Program.
Cost: $7 Dinner; 2 PDHs for Professional Engineers available ($20). Please contact Emilie Hauser (logistics), 845-889-4745 x 112 or Barbara Kendall (program) 845-471-7383 x 104 or RSVP to this link: http://www.hrnerr.org/public/training/stormwater/workshop.htm. Registration in advance in requested.
Location: NYS OPRHP Taconic Region Headquarters, 9 Old Post Road, Staatsburg, NY 12580
Tuesday, October 26 Watershed Roundtable 6:30-9:00pm, Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County’s Environment Program and the Dutchess Watershed Coalition will be hosting a Dutchess County Watershed Roundtable, at the Farm and Home Center in Millbrook. The goal of the Roundtable is to promote communication and collaboration among the groups and organizations working on watershed protection in Dutchess County. The evening will begin with brief presentations from each of the watershed groups followed by facilitated group discussions on topics such as challenges groups are facing, ways to collaborate on issues and how to overcome these challenges. For more information about the forum contact Carolyn at 845-677-8223.
Wednesday, October 27 Stonewall building workshop Free Workshop limited to 12 participants. Registration by October 25th is required. Individuals interested in learning more about New York’s wonderful dry-laid stone walls and the ancient craft of drystone masonry are invited to participate in a general public workshop scheduled for Wednesday – Friday, October 27-29, 2010, at the Roosevelt Farm Lane Rt. 9 trailhead. Co-hosted by the National Park Service and Scenic Hudson, this three-day introductory workshop will be taught by professional drystone masons from the nationally recognized Dry Stone Conservancy, a Kentucky-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve historic drystone structures nationwide and to revive and promote the ancient craft of dry-laid stone masonry. Potential attendees should be able to commit to all three days to derive the most benefit and sense of accomplishment. See: the FDR Home website for more information and further details.
Hudson Valley Science Café 7PM - It's All in the DNA: How Evolution Happens: Lessons from Molecular Biology. Presenter: Toby Rossman, Ph.D., Professor of Environmental Medicine, NYU Langone School of Medicine. A Science Cafe is a monthly gathering in a Cafe, Pub or Restaurant, open to the public, with a short presentation of a topic followed by discussion. The essence of a Science Cafe is informality, with groups seated around tables with food and drink to encourage conversation. Hudson Valley Science Café usually meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month, except where noted. Website: http://www.cafescientifique.org/hudsonvalley.htm
Saturday, October 30 Aurora: Reading of a new play by Tony Howarth 8 PM at the Cultural Center on Lake Carmel/Arts on the Lake. Locked in a prison in his mind, a Vietnam Veteran is shaken by his encounter with an Illegal Immigrant trying to avoid a prison that is more literal. The cast for this reading: Lester: Sean Hopkins, Eduardo: Angel Morales, Olivia: Zulie Lozada, Poppy: Lora Lee Ecobelli, Hamilton: Paul Dommermuth, Pierce: Jeff Green, Stage Directions: Bart Cook. Tickets: $8.00 – $10.00 Visit Arts on the Lake for more information.
Friday, November 12 The Future of Your Woods A workshop for landowners in the Eastern Hudson Highlands. At the Clearpool Education Ctr, Carmel, NY. This workshop will provide landowners with info and tools to get the most out of their woodlands, and learn how to take care of it for future generations. For more information, contact Kristi Sullivan at kls20@cornell.edu or Laura Heady at lheady@gw.dec.state.ny.us | |
