Good Friday Morning,
Breaking News:
This issue is late this morning because of an event that took place in Albany just minutes ago at around 9AM:
NY State Senator Greg Ball has resigned his seat in order to, as he said, "Put my best efforts towards representing the people of this district in the Congress of the United States."
Addressing a hastily organized press conference just outside the Senate chambers, Mr. Ball said that while his election to the Senate was the defining moment of his life, he felt that he could do a better job for his constituents in Washington and not in Albany and challenged Nan Hayworth on her loyalty to the Republican party and its ideals.
The Senator accused Congresswoman Hayworth of "pandering to special interests", saying that he did not feel she was adequately representing the voters and that they had been "cheated", that she was not a genuine supporter of the Tea Party movement but had only used them to achieve an election victory. "She is playing charades with the voters," Mr. Ball said, "and what's needed is a voice that will speak for all the people of the 19th Congressional District, not just the special interests - and I am that voice."
Senate Republican leader Kemp Hannon who attended the press conference said, "While we will miss having the dynamic personality that Mr. Ball brings to the Senate, we trust that New Yorkers will be better served when he has recaptured the Congressional seat now held by Ms. Hayworth," Mr. Hannon continued, "Now that a budget agreement has been reached and other important legislative milestones achieved, we can allow the Senator the freedom he needs to concentrate on his election to higher office and we wish him Godspeed and our continued support."
The appointment of a replacement for Senator Ball now falls to the hands of Governor Cuomo who, through a press agent, suggested the governor would maintain the balance of power in Albany by appointing another Republican to fill Mr. Ball's seat. Sources say that the governor's short-list includes retiring Dutchess County executive William Steinhaus and Putnam's caretaker County Executive Paul Eldridge whose term runs out at the end of this year.
What's Going On
- Ongoing:
- This Weekend:
- Into the Future
- Wednesday, April 6
- Thursday, April 7
- Friday, April 8th
- Saturday, April 9
- Sunday, April 10
- Saturday, April 16
- Sunday, April 17
- Monday, April 18
- Tuesday, April 19
- Friday April 22 - Earth Day
- Saturday, April 23
- May
- June
- July
Ongoing: Putnam County 2011 Tree Program Orders must be in by Wednesday, April 6, 2011.Call Lori Taylor at (845) 878-7918 for more information and tell her we sent you.
From the flyer: We’ve added some exciting and different trees and shrubs this year. Most of them will attract and provide food and habitat for birds and other wildlife for your enjoyment and some even offer the opportunity to make jams and jellies. Blackberry (Rubus darrow) has large berries that are firm, juicy and have honey sweet true blackberry flavor. They are proven the most reliable producer of large crops of top quality fruit. Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) this tree provides excellent vertical definition in a shrub border or as a free standing specimen. Creamy white lemon scented flowers are followed by small red seeds which are used by a variety of wildlife. Pussy Willow (Salix discolor) one of the most time-honored spring rites, Pussy Willow greets your spring starved eyes while snow is still on the ground. The flowers bloom on bare stems and provide pollen for the native bees and food for birds. Sweet Shrub (Calycanthus floridus) has many common names all alluding to the aromatic properties of its leaves, bark, twigs and roots. Best of all is the wonderfully fruity scent produced by the unusual flowers. This plant is deer resistant. Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) Nannyberry’s white flowers give way in autumn to blue-black berry like drupes which often persist into winter and are quite attractive to birds and wildlife. Fruits are edible and used in jams and jellies. Fountain Grass (Pennisetum) is a graceful elegant ornamental grass with plumes resembling bottle brushes that appear in summer and persist until fall. It is suited for residential landscape more than most other ornamental grasses because of its small size. Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) white flowers provide nectar for butterflies, native bees and other pollinators. The fruit provides a good source of food for birds and wildlife in fall and early winter.
This Weekend: Friday, April 1 BATIK Contemporary Jazz Ensemble Barry Hartglass, Dave Anthony, Tom Nazziola, Tim Ouimette and John Roggie - 5 serious musicians who don't take themselves so seriously. Lake Carmel Cultural Center, 640 Route 52, Kent Lakes, NY Admission: $15. ($10 AotL) Tickets and more info at: www.artsonthelake.org
Saturday, April 2 Invasives, Clear Trails or a Walk in the Woods 9AM - Noon Talk invasives with our new Land Steward, John Sullivan of Harlem Valley Ecological in Dover. Shown here is Buckthorn, or Ramnes Cathartica. Help clear trails, hike, see the Swamp River from a relatively dry vantage point. Wear boots. A bit about John: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-sullivan/12/8aa/787. At the Slocum Mostachetti Preserve (SMP) 3517 Pleasant Ridge Road Wingdale, NY - entrance shares a driveway with a private residence.
The Reflectionist Spring Art Exhibit 1PM - Opening Reception: Arts on the Lake, 640 Route 52, Kent Lakes, NY 10512. Mood, Magic, Mystery - What secrets lie within? Come and find out, and add your own point of view in a dialogue with the artists. Refreshments provided. Admission is free. Additional Exhibit Hours: Sun, April 3, 1-4PM, Sat, April 9, 1-4PM, Sun, April 10, 1-4PM
More info: http://www.reflectionist.org/exhibitions.html
Putnam County Historical Society Annual Meeting and Presentation by Rita Shaheen 4 pm - Please join us for the Annual Members Meeting of the Putnam County Historical Society. Learn more about our exhibitions, events, and programming while meeting some of our new board of trustees.
Immediately following the meeting, join us for "A Heritage Park at Scenic Hudson's West Point Foundry Preserve." Rita Shaheen, Director of Parks at Scenic Hudson, will present the organization's future plans for the West Point Foundry Preserve, a national register historic site located right in the Village of Cold Spring.
There is no charge for these events. To RSVP, call 845-265-4010 or email, kshier@pchs-fsm.org.
Pete Seeger and the Rivertown Kids 7PM - A celebration for their Grammy Award. Musical friends including: David Amram, Dar Williams, Jeff Haynes , C. Lanzbom , David Bernz, Dan Einbender, Travis Jeffrey, Rick Nestler, Peter Siegel, Karen Brooks, Melissa Ortquist and Steve Stanne. At St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 850 Wolcott Avenue (Route 9D) Beacon, NY. Suggested donation $10.
Sunday, April 3 Trail Maintenance with the Putnam County Land Trust 10AM - 2PM. The Putnam County Land Trust, in partnership with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, is currently seeking individuals interested in developing critical skills focused on clearing, improving, and maintaining high quality trails in the Hudson Hills and Highlands region. These individuals will have the opportunity to work along side trails professionals, as well as future opportunities in learning techniques for stone working, trail construction, and sustainable design. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned veteran, all can develop a tool kit in trail construction and maintenance while shaping the future of trails. Instructor: Gary Haugland & Andrew Seirup. Meet at the Dorrie O'Brien House at the bottom of Cobb Road in Brewster.
Michelle LeBlanc 2PM - 3:30PM - 1950's Jazz: Bop, Cool, R&B Our quartet returns to perform at the Shrub Oak Library just in time to celebrate the coming of spring. Michelle jazz combo features the legendary Bill Crow on bass, the talented arranger Tom Kohl on piano and the world touring sax player, Ed Xiques. Our show will include a special encore featuring tunes from our new CD "I Remember You." This free concert take place in the special events room of this lovely library. Ample and convenient parking is available, so invite all your jazz lovin' friends. John C Hart Memorial Library, 1130 E Main St, Shrub Oak, NY (914) 245-5262 www.yorktownlibrary.org
John Hall in Concert (Yes, that John Hall)  7:30PM - Town Crier, Route 22, Pawling. We're thrilled to welcome back John Hall after his two terms as US Congressman. Singer/songwriter/guitarist John Hall will bring his unique guitar stylings and expressive voice to The Towne Crier for his first concert since leaving Congress. The average music fan may associate John Hall with blockbuster Orleans hits like Still The One and Dance with Me, but those familiar with him know his more eclectic work. He wrote for Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, The Doobie Brothers, Linda Ronstadt, Ricky Skaggs and James Taylor. John has also played guitar solos on records by Taj Mahal, Carly Simon and Little Feat. As one of the organizers of the historic No Nukes concerts, he was among the performers featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine with co-producers Graham Nash, Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt. :|: artist's home - $20 advance/ $25 door Buy TICKETS now!
Into the Future
Wednesday, April 6  Roy Zimmerman in Concert
7:30PM - Zimmerman's songs have been heard on HBO and Showtime, and he's a featured blogger for the Huffington Post. The Los Angeles Times says, "Zimmerman displays a lacerating wit and keen awareness of society's foibles that bring to mind a latter-day Tom Lehrer." Tom Lehrer himself says, "I congratulate Roy Zimmerman on reintroducing literacy to comedy songs. And the rhymes actually rhyme, they don't just rhyne." Joni MItchell says, "Roy's lyrics move beyond poetry and achieve perfection." At All Souls Unitarian Church, 1157 Lexington Avenue (at 80th). Suggested donation, $15.
Thursday, April 7 Greg Ball for Congress 7:30PM Join NY State Senator Greg Ball as he launches his primary challenge to Nan Hayworth at the Philipstown Town Hall, 238 Main Street, Cold Spring. Posing as a pro-gun rally, this event marks the Senator's initial foray into the 2012 congressional race. See more here.
Friday, April 8th The Ariane One-Act Festival 
Saturday, April 9 Passport Day in Putnam 9AM - 1PM The Putnam County Clerk’s Office is hosting a Passport Event at its office located at 34 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel, New York on Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm to provide passport information to U.S. citizens and to accept passport applications. Putnam County Clerk Dennis Sant is joining the Department of State in celebrating Passport Day in the USA 2011, a national passport acceptance and outreach event.
U.S. citizens must present a valid passport book when entering or re-entering the United States by air. U.S. citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present a passport book, passport card, or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government.
Information on the cost and how to apply for a U.S. passport is available at the Putnam County Clerk’s Website located at www.putnamcountyny.com. U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone by calling the Putnam County Clerk’s Office at 845-808-1142 X49273 or the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
Medication Take-Back Day 9AM - 1PM at The Putnam Hospital Center Wagner Cancer Pavilion, 670 Stoneleigh Ave., Carmel, NY 10512. Individuals can dispose of: Prescription Medication, Over-the-Counter Medication, Pet Medication. Please remember to keep medications in their original package, if possible, and to remove personal patient information. Unfortunately syringes can't be accepted because they require a different protocol. For more information please contact Mary Rice at the Putnam County Department of Health -- (845) 808-1390 x 43164 or visit http://www.putnamcountyny.com/health
Putnam County Land Trust 42nd Annual Dinner  5:30PM - Join in the celebration as Putnam County Land Trust marks 42 years of preserving open space and protecting sensitive habitats in Putnam County- right in your big backyard. Enjoy live music by Bruce Eisenstein, a sumptuously wonderful buffet dinner, their famous silent auction of eclectic items and an exciting Live Auction led by Ivan and Laura Cohen. Displays of Land Trust properties along with recognitions and awards will be part of the evening.
The proceeds from the event will benefit the preserves and programs of Putnam County Land Trust. Speaking about the upcoming dinner, Land Trust President Judy Terlizzi said, “PCLT needs the community’s continued support to preserve open space and sensitive habitats in Putnam County.” In addition to attending the dinner, the Land Trust is looking for supporters to donate goods or services for the auction or advertise in the dinner journal.
The event will be held at the Starr Ridge Banquet and Conference Center at 38 Starr Ridge Road in Brewster on Saturday, April 9th, 2011 at 5:30pm. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Take advantage of special dinner pricing of $60 per person if paid by March 30th. To make a reservation, inquire about advertising space or donate goods or services for the auction, call 845/228-4520 or 845/279-3122, or visit the PCLT website at www.pclt.net.
Montgomery Delaney and the Itchy Nipple Band 7:30PM Putnam Arts Council/Belle Levine Art Center 2nd Saturday’s In the Center music series features Montgomery Delaney and the Itchy Nipple Band - One of the Hudson Valley's most Thoughtful, Insightful and Provocative Songwriters Like You've Never Heard Him Before - "An Outstanding Songwriter".... Dirty Linen Magazine. 521 Kennicut Hill Rd., Mahopac, NY 10541 putnamartscouncil.com 845-803-8622. Seating is limited, and reservations are advised; Tix $20./$15 for PAC members.
Sunday, April 10 Communities in Transition - Local Strengths, Local Resilience
3PM - Mohonk Consultations: We will explore the issues of Peak Oil, climate change and how, together, we can create a locally-based, sustainable and resilient future
Learn how the growing, community-based TRANSITION TOWN movement has begun to implement solutions for climate change, renewable energy, transportation, housing, safe water and food, and strengthening local economies in our region and around the globe.
TRANSITION TOWN INITIATIVES represent the most promising and positive ways of engaging people and communities to take the far-reaching actions that are required to build local sustainability.
Panel Presentation and Group Discussion
The Transition Town Movement is a rapidly spreading global effort to holistically reorganize entire communities and municipalities, and create sustainable and locally based economies in the face of deteriorating oil resources, and increasing climate and economic instability. The Movement embraces the idea of "engaged optimism".� It emphasizes that ordinary people have the collective will to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to build local resilience to address the challenges of our times.
Reservations required. By phone 845-256-2726, or email mohonkconsultations@hvi.net
Suggested donation: $10 Seniors; Students $5
Mohonk Consultations
Mohonk Mountain House
1000 Mountain Rest Rd
New Paltz, NY 12561
Voice: 845.256.2726
Website: mohonk-consultations.org
Mohonk Consultation's mission is to bring together people of diverse perspectives to promote dialogue that inspires greater understanding and sustainability of all life on Earth.
 Saturday, April 16 Gasland - The Film 2PM - The prize-winning documentary film "Gasland" will be shown Saturday, April 16 at 2 pm in Lake Carmel Cultural Center, 640 Route 52, Kent Lakes, NY.
When filmmaker Josh Fox was offered a drilling lease for natural gas on his family home in Pennsylvania, he embarked on a multi-state odyssey to discover and document the impacts of high-volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing, or hydrofracking, on air quality, water quality, and public health. The film won a special jury prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Described by Fox as "part verite travelogue, part expose, part mystery, part bluegrass banjo meltdown, part showdown," the film has been shown commercially and at several libraries in the area and includes appearances by Pete Seeger and Dick Cheney. A key scene is residents in Pennsylvania lighting their drinking water on fire. The widespread showings of "Gasland" have sparked growing public awareness of the safety issues surrounding hydrofracking.
There is a moratorium on new fracking permits in New York State until this July 1st, pending the submission of a revised General Environmental Impact Statement. The NYS Assembly is considering a bill that would extend the moratorium until the US Environmental Protection Agency completes a study. A separate bill before the NYS Senate would mandate open disclosure of proprietary chemicals that are injected into the ground during hydrofracking.
The one hour and forty-seven minute film will be followed by a discussion of the issues raised. Refreshments will be available. To defray costs of the showing, Arts on the Lake is asking for a $5 donation at the door or in advance at www.artsonthelake.org. The Croton Watershed Clean Water Coalition Hydrofracking Educational Kit will be available at the showing.
Sunday, April 17 Chris Hedges Speaks in Beacon  1:30PM - Chris Hedges has written for numerous publications including The Nation, Foreign Affairs, Harper's Magazine, The New York Review of Books, Granta, Mother Jones, New Humanist and Robert Scheer's web magazine Truthdig where he publishes a column.
In 1983, Hedges began his career reporting on the conflict in El Salvador. Following six years in Latin America, he took time off to study Arabic and then went to Jerusalem and later Cairo. He spent seven years in the Middle East, most of them as the Middle East Bureau Chief for The New York Times. During the first Gulf War he was taken prisoner by the Iraqi Republican Guard while covering the Shiite uprising in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. He was released after a week to the International Committee of the Red Cross. He left the Middle East in 1995 for Sarajevo to cover the war in Bosnia followed by the war in Kosovo. Later, he joined the investigative team of The New York Times, based in Paris, and covered terrorism.
The Howland Cultural Center
477 Main Street
Beacon, NY 12508
howlandculturalcenter.org
Call 845-228-8894 for more information
Monday, April 18 Passover Begins Passover begins at sundown this evening.
Tuesday, April 19 Sustainable Roofing: Living/Green Roofs, Cool Roofs  6PM - 8PM - Much of conventional roofing represents a wasted opportunity to reduce energy costs, improve building performance and durability, create useable habitat for flora and fauna, improve biodiversity, increase the performance of installed photovoltaic systems, mitigate combined sewer overflow (CSO) events, reduce waste stream pollution, lessen urban heat island effects (UHIE) and make the "view from the top" a much prettier place. Our experts on sustainable roofing will talk about proven roofing alternatives that can do all these things, turning underutilized dark roof surfaces into acres of better space for the environment, for occupants, and for owners. Participants will gain a strong understanding of innovative roofing technologies such as cool roofs, photovoltaic roofing, vegetative roof systems, recyclable roofing, and roofing materials manufactured with post-consumer recycled content and low VOC roofing options.
About The Presenter: Rich Kuhn, Territory Manager: Rich Kuhn is a Territory Manager for the Garland Company which is a full-service manufacturer of High Performance Building Envelope Moisture Protection Products. Rich believes that the best way to be "green" is by providing the longest lasting, lowest Life Cycle Cost roofing solutions for his clients. Rich obtained a B.S. in Biology from Seton Hall University in 1999. He is a member of the AIA, NYASBO, NYSB&G, and the USGBC.
At: Cathryn's Tuscan Grill 91 Main Street, Cold Spring, NY
Register for the Putnam/Dutchess County event here. Reservations are $10 for advance sales to USGBC NY Upstate Chapter Members and Students, and $20 for non-members. Members & students pay $15 at the door. This presentation qualifies for AIA LU
Friday April 22 - Earth Day An Earth Day Celebration to Benefit Clearwater We're excited to announce Clearwater Generations: An Earth Day Celebration to Benefit Clearwater, which will be held at the Tarrytown Music Hall in Tarrytown, NY, on April 22 at 8pm.
 The show will feature Pete Seeger & Tao Seeger, Peter Yarrow & Bethany Yarrow, Bernice Johnson Reagon & Toshi Reagon, and David Amram and Family. Performances by Clearwater friends and special guests including Janis Ian, Tom Paxton, Tom Chapin, Livingston Taylor, Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, Guy Davis, Rufus Cappadocia and the Power of Song, will round out this special celebration.
Clearwater's environmental mission is about inspiring and educating the next generation, and we have applied this theme to music. Honoring tradition while looking toward the future has always been a major part of the Clearwater Festival. The Generations concert is all about classic Clearwater artists performing with and inspiring their children and grandchildren in order to carry on their legacy through song.
Tickets for the Clearwater Generations: An Earth Day Celebration concert range from $48 to $98. A limited amount of $250 tickets include premium seating, a post concert reception with the artists, as well as special Clearwater gifts. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Hudson River Sloop Clearwater
Saturday, April 23 Brewster Roadside Cleanup 7:30AM - 1PM The Village of Brewster and Town of Southeast are sponsoring a Roadside Cleanup and Litter Removal Day. More information here (PDF)
May
Saturday, May 14 Carmina Burana 8PM at Brewster High School. The Putnam Chorale performs CARMINA BURANA - One Performance Only - with full orchestra and accompanied by the Brewster High School Chamber Singers and the Seven Star Dancers, on MAY 14, 2011 8 pm at the Brewster High School Performing Arts Center, 50 Foggintown Road, Brewster, NY. Get more information at our web site (www.putnamchorale.org) or by calling 845-279-7265.
A collection of historic medieval songs and poems was discovered in the year 1803 at an abandoned monastery in Bavaria. This collection was found to be satirical works that had been performed by traveling goliards, disaffected clergy and clerical students, who used the works to lighten the burden of everyday life and to poke fun at the authorities of the day. In a way, the Saturday Night Live of its time!
The works make fun of church excesses and follies and mock the changing morals of the times. There are love songs and songs for drinking and gambling that celebrate Epicurus, the ancient Greek Philosopher and advocate of the blissful life. The stories are provocative and often disrespectful, but offer a common man perspective and a chance at some frivolity.
June
Saturday, June 18 Clearwater Revival Croton Point Park - Pete Seeger star Drive-By Truckers star Martin Sexton star Indigo Girls, Arlo Guthrie star Josh Ritter star Jorma Kaukonen star Peter Yarrow, John Sebastian star Janis Ian star The Low Anthem, Red Horse (Lucy Kaplansky, John Gorka & Eliza Gilkyson) star The Klezmatics, Toubab Krewe star Justin Townes Earle star Chris, Smither star Joanne Shenandoah, Tom Chapin star Bernice Johnson Reagon star Dan Zanes & Elizabeth Mitchell, James McMurtry | Jay Ungar & Molly Mason | Jeffrey Broussard & The Creole Cowboys, Tao Seeger Band | Toshi Reagon & Big Lovely | Mike & Ruthy | Sarah Lee & Johnny, Bethany & Rufus' Roots Quartet | Clayfoot Strutters | Zlatne Uste | Joe Purdy, The Nields | The Kennedys | Jen Chapin | K.J. Denhert | Zon del Barrio, Vanaver Caravan| Buskin & Batteau | Dave Douglas & Brass Ecstasy, Brooklyn Qawwali Party | Joe D'urso | Joel Plaskett, Arm-of-the-Sea Theater star The Power of Song star The Rivertown Kids, Mustard's Retreat star Magpie star Roger the Jester star Dog on Fleas, Walkabout Clearwater Chorus star Paul Richmond star The Storycrafters, Rick Nestler star Donna Nestler star Travis Jeffrey star Margo Thunderbird, Marva Clark star Linda Richards star Eshu Bumpus star Dan Einbender, Dirty Stay Out Skifflers star Geoff Kaufman star Sarah Underhill star Peninnah Schram, Kay Olan/Ionataiewas star Mel & Vinnie star Karen Pillsworth star Gregorio Pedroza , Allan Aunapu star Jan Christensen star The New York Packet star Matt Turk star Hope Machine
July
 July 21 - 24
Gathering of the Vibes Seaside Park, Bridgeport, CT - Gathering of the Vibes, the Northeast’s acclaimed music festival destination, will “bring the magic” once again with a 4-day extravaganza of eclectic music, arts and community, July 21-24, 2011 at Connecticut’s magnificent Seaside Park. The rumor mill is swirling with artist announcements around the corner. Gathering of the Vibes promises its most spectacular and diverse lineup to date, delivering over 40 hours of music on multiple stages. Powerhouse Vibes alumni include: The Allman Brothers, Crosby Stills & Nash, Furthur with Phil Lesh & Bob Weir, James Brown, The Black Crowes, and Damian Marley and Nas, alongside breakout acts like Umphrey’s McGee, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Jackie Greene, and tri-state favorites The McLovins. The Vibes also warmly embraces new, virtually unknown artists, who may submit music for consideration through sonic bids.
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