"I don't know if you're familiar with Jeff Green's news letter. He's a friend of mine that I sometimes go kayaking with. He really knows his local politics and has some interesting inside information. He works hard keeping our local politicians accountable, something neither you nor I have the time to do! His news letter also has many interesting links about the Hudson Valley area. Check it out! Let me know what you think." - PW
Good Friday Morning,
It's raining, it's pouring and with the exception of only a few degrees on the thermometer, the rains are a repeat, almost to the day, of last year's massive 3'+ snowfall which devastated central Putnam County.
Gasoline prices are rising and the Putnam County legislature, though they may say otherwise, is reveling in the increase since it means additional sales tax collections and you know how much they love sales taxes!
According to an article in the NYJN, a tall, white masked man with an ax robbed the BP gas station at Fair Street and Route 52 the other day. If you happen to see a tall, white masked man with an ax, or know of one, please call the local PD.
County Legislator Tony Hay has announced his candidacy for Supervisor in the Town of Southeast and has done so with a website domain registered, for some unknown reason, in Samoa: youhaverights.ws.
Just in case you did not get the invite, the Senator Who Shall Not Be Named is holding a special "Inner Circle Reception" at 6PM on March 11th at the home of Paul Guillaro in Garrison. Among the special guests are Putnam County Executive Paul Eldridge, County Legislator Vinnie Tamagna and Sheriff Donald Smith. General admission is $1000. Here in Putnam County, the more things change the more they stay the same.
PS: If he votes for marriage equality when it comes up this year in the Senate I'll start naming him again.
Congresswoman Nan Hayworth has promised no earmark funding during her tenure but she did vote to continue $7 million US Military funding for NASCAR events. But then, she also voted to suspend legal aid to veterans which I am sure Putnam's veterans fully and wholly support. After all, they voted for her in droves. And lastly, she also supports the slashing of $25 Billion funding from the Department of Energy's guaranteed loan program which, if successful, would mean the end of 400 high-paying jobs in the Hudson Valley and drive up the cost of garbage disposal for communities from Westchester to Hudson. We love Nan!
Union demonstrators are still at the state capitol in Wisconsin demanding the Governor scale back his plan to remove collective bargaining right from municipal workers. But I have to wonder: where was the union and these tens of thousands of people during the last election? Had they been as active and energetic then there'd be a different governor in place and none of this would be happening.
Europe, one of Libya's largest trading partners, is now prepared to put into place unspecified sanctions against that country. At best guess they'll talk about getting ready to talk about it some more, plan some meetings, hold a few press conferences and then set a date for a meeting to talk about the imposition of sanctions. It's rather like the US's dealing with Iran.
White the nation of New Zealand reels from the effects of a massive earthquake earlier in the week (photos here) which injured thousands and killed more than a hundred, American Christians have been busy blaming the earthquake on gays and lesbians. Christchurchquake.net, based in Utah said, "“The morning of the Christchurch earthquake was the opening of ‘Gay Ski Week’", and thus god was punishing New Zealanders for allowing such a thing. The website seems to be down as of this writing. Perhaps god is punishing them for not being Christ-like?
Forty-eight year old Deborah Oberlin was arrested in the early morning hours of February 18th in Gainsville, Florida. Her blood alcohol level was between .234 and .239, three times the legal limit. So what, right? Well, Ms. Oberlin was the President of Gainsville's MADD (Mother's Against Drunk Driving) chapter.
Like News Corp Like Fox:
From the NY Times:
Fox News Chief, Roger Ailes, Urged Employee to Lie, Records Show It was an incendiary allegation — and a mystery of great intrigue in the media world: After the publishing powerhouse Judith Regan was fired by HarperCollins in 2006, she claimed that a senior executive at its parent company, News Corporation, had encouraged her to lie two years earlier to federal investigators who were vetting Bernard B. Kerik for the job of homeland security secretary. Ms. Regan had once been involved in an affair with Mr. Kerik, the former New York City police commissioner whose mentor and supporter, former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, was in the nascent stages of a presidential campaign. The News Corporation executive, whom she did not name, wanted to protect Mr. Giuliani and conceal the affair, she said. Now, court documents filed in a lawsuit make clear whom Ms. Regan was accusing of urging her to lie: Roger E. Ailes, the powerful chairman of Fox News and a longtime friend of Mr. Giuliani. What is more, the documents say that Ms. Regan taped the telephone call from Mr. Ailes in which Mr. Ailes discussed her relationship with Mr. Kerik. Read the rest here
Taking Back the Kingdom
I've been trying to think what to write this morning concerning how Putnam County's government treats its people and it's obligations as our representatives and not as representatives to out-of-state developers. A lot of words came to mind, few of them fit for public consumption and several opening possible doors to expensive litigation.
While listening to Scottish folksinger Alistair Hulett the other night I came across this old song:
Arise, ye workers from your slumber,
Arise, ye prisoners of want.
For reason in revolt now thunders,
and at last ends the age of cant!
Away with all your superstitions,
Servile masses, arise, arise!
We'll change henceforth the old tradition,
And spurn the dust to win the prize!
So comrades, come rally,
And the last fight let us face.
The Internationale,
Unites the human race.
I know Karl Rhode just spilled his coffee and that's too bad. The gut reaction to those words is unfortunate as they sum up quite precisely what is needed to change our government to one that is responsive to the people and not to the monied special interests. Arise, ye workers from your slumber! And that's exactly what's needed here in Putnam County.
Until we stand together against County and town governments they will continue to feed upon themselves - and you - becoming more corpulent, hubristic and myopic with each passing day.
We thought when we lost Vinnie Leibell that things would change but they have not. And in many ways without his guidance, the county and are towns are adrift in a confused sea of internecine politics in which no one but outsiders benefit. They hand out corporate welfare like it was candy on Halloween. They refuse to reel in spending or reduce government's intrusion in our lives and they patently refuse to focus on saving the working man, the backbone of our community.
So, Arise ye workers from your slumber! Let's get something going that's going to bring us a brighter future of being secure in our homes, our jobs and our health. A future that sees community before person, the common welfare before corporate welfare and one we will be proud to hand to the next generation knowing we've done what we could to ensure their success and not the success of the Paul Camarda's of the world.
What's Going On?
Ongoing: Photographs: Little People  A Photographic exhibition by Kent resident Chris Casaburi. As complex as big people, Little People captures the individuality and uniqueness of people in the early stages of their life, featuring commissioned photographs and personal work.
As you walk into the Kent Library make a hard right turn, then look to your right you’ll see a wall of large colorful prints. This exhibit celebrates the wonders of childhood… up one minute and down the next, moods can swing in an instant. Mr. Casaburi said, "It’s important to work quickly when photographing children. They tend to have little patience. They meet me and the lights and the camera, and they play along for awhile."
Little People runs until Feb. 28, 2011. Kent Library, 17 Sybil’s Crossing, Kent Lakes, NY 10512. Phone (845) 225-8585
Known in the commercial and editorial world for his colorful and engaging portraits of corporate executives, Chris’ work with children reveals a different side in this series of large color photographs. In this exhibit Chris celebrates the wonders of childhood.
Tax Preparation Assistance For Seniors AARP TAX-AIDE volunteers will again be providing free tax return preparation services at the Kent Public Library. The program is for all low to moderate income taxpayers with special attention given to seniors at the Kent Public Library. Electronic filing is offered for both Federal and New York State returns. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to take advantage of this service. AARP Tax-Aide is the largest volunteer tax preparation service in the nation and all tax counselors are IRS Volunteer Certified.
Every Tuesday February 8 through April 12 from 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm.
Every Thursday February 10 through April 14 from 10am, 10:45am, 11:30am.
Appointments Required: Call (845) 225-8585.
"Comic Book Art" Exhibit A new one-person show titled "Comic Book Art" with drawings, paintings, and story boards by Kent artist Franco Aureliani, a popular art teacher at Carmel High School, opens on February 1. The exhibit is sponsored by the Friends of the Kent Library and runs through the end of the month. With names like Tiny Titans and Shazam, the comic book superheroes of today as drawn by Aureliani, are intensely colored, powerful, and fun. Story board and thumbnails, as well as finished comic books by Aureliani will highlight the process and challenges of this narrative art.
Friday, February 25 Tartuffe 8PM - A new translation of this classic play by Roger McGough. “Under the cloak of religious piety, the lecherous, menacing, arch-hypocrite title character schemes to marry his benefactor’s daughter, seduce his wife, then defraud him of all he possesses. Does the scoundrel succeed? Take your seat and find out in this new and exciting adaptation of one of the world’s greatest comedies.” At the Philipstown Depot Theater, at Garrison Landing. Tickets are $18 and reservations can be made here. Repeats February 26 at 8PM, February 20 and 27 at 2PM and, March 4,5 at 8PM and March 6 at 2PM.
Saturday, February 26
Dia:Beacon, Riggio Galleries 3 Beekman Street, Beacon, NY 12508
845 440 0100 www.diaart.org
2PM - Free with museum admission. For reservations, click here.
Gary Carrión-Murayari was recently appointed Associate Curator at the New Museum, New York. Prior to that, he worked for seven years at the Whitney Museum of American Art where he curated or co-curated exhibitions including "Television Delivers People," "Elad Lassry: Three Films," and "Whitney on Site: Tauba Auerbach." His most recent exhibition is "Karthik Pandian: Unearth." Together with Francesco Bonami, he co-curated the 2010 Whitney Biennial.
For more information on upcoming Gallery Talks, click here.
Hello Dolly! 5PM - Winter giving you cabin fever? Join us for free pizza and a movie. The Putnam County Historical Society proudly presents Hello, Dolly!, filmed right here in historic Philipstown. Before the screening, join Kendall Ingenito for a presentation and mini-exhibition of photographs by Robert Beckhard, taken during the production.
Hello, Dolly! starring Barbra Streisand, Walter Matthau, and Michael Crawford is set in turn-of-the-century Yonkers, where an ambitious young widow with a penchant for matchmaking has an idea for the perfect match--tight-fisted, local merchant Horace Vandergelder and--herself! The run time for this celebrated musical is 148 minutes.
The Putnam County Historical Society & Foundry School Museum is located at 63 Chestnut Street in Cold Spring. Free for the general public. Space is limited; reservations are strongly suggested. Please call 845-265-4010 or email by February 23rd.
Michelle LeBlanc 7:30PM - Jazz vocalist, Michelle LeBlanc with guitar great Dennis Winge at the historic Hudson House River Inn from 7:30 to 10:30 PM . 2 Main Street, Cold Spring NY 10516 Call 845 265 9355 for dinner reservations Arts on the Lake's Mid-Winter Members Gathering 7:30PM - At Arts on the Lake, 640 Route 52, Kent Lakes, NY. A chance to socialize with other members, enjoy great desserts, and participate in planning for the coming year. Desserts at 7:30. Program at 8:00 Party goes until the wine runs out. No charge for members. New members always welcome. If planning to attend please write: rsvp@artsonthelake.org Maggie Seligman 8:30PM - Opening for Catie Curtis at the Towne Crier Cafe, 130 Route 22 Pawling, NY (845) 855-1300 The Town Crier is one of the premier music venues around and one of the most supportive environments for musicians of all kinds, thanks to the long-time commitment and dedication of owner Phil Ciganer. Not only is there great music served up here but also great food. If you have never had the pleasure of the "Crier" experience, now would be a perfect time to do it!
Sunday, February 27th
Winter Ecology Walk 2PM Join Cary Institute educators for an interpretive stroll along our snow-covered trails. While bears and chipmunks are sleeping away the winter, there are still signs of life on our grounds. Put on your hat and boots and discover animal tracks, ice bell formations, cold weather insects, and the wonders of winter survival. Meet at the main campus parking area, located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Rte. 44) in Millbrook, NY. RSVPs are required; let us know if you are signing up for the adult walk or the family-friendly walk. Contact (845) 677-7600 x 121 or e-mail freemanp@caryinstitute.org.
 Last Sunday in February
4:30PM - "Until Hamlet Laughs", a one-act play by John J. Curran. And Agent Si, a a singer, songwriter who lives in Westchester NY. Born and raised in Chicago, she started out singing and performing as a teen. In her 20’s set off for London to work as a fashion model and sing. Her career brought her to New York. At the Beanrunner Cafe, 201 S. Division Street. Wine & Cheese, Live Jazz. $12. donation. Produced by Ted Bitter and Drew Claxton.
Gathering to Honor Volunteers 5PM - Dorrie O'Brien House, 63 Cobb Road, Southeast. The Putnam County Land Trust presents a brief presentation, Introduction of new Volunteer Coordinator, Refreshments, and Free-Flowing Gratitude in an informal setting. Chat with Trustees over snacks, share your ideas and experiences, and meet other Volunteers who have generously helped PCLT over the years.
RSVP by February 23 to Volunteer Coordinator Jude Jones: jude.jones@comcast.net (preferred) or 914-450-6083
Into the Future
Monday, February 28 Film Showing:  Gasland 6:30PM - About the film: "The largest domestic natural gas drilling boom in history has swept across the United States. The Halliburton-developed drilling technology of "fracking" or hydraulic fracturing has unlocked a "Saudia Arabia of natural gas" just beneath us. But is fracking safe? When filmmaker Josh Fox is asked to lease his land for drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and contamination. A recently drilled nearby Pennsylvania town reports that residents are able to light their drinking water on fire. This is just one of the many absurd and astonishing revelations of a new country called GASLAND. Part verite travelogue, part expose, part mystery, part bluegrass banjo meltdown, part showdown." At the Mahopac Library, Admission Free. Contact: 845-228-4265
Friday, March 4 Hollywood Jazz 8PM - Arranger, composer and trumpeter extraordinaire Tim Ouimette will be joined by Thierry Arpino (Drums), Seth Carper (Woodwinds), Joey Berkley (Woodwinds), Art Triggs (Trombone), Rob Aires (Keyboards), Peter Calo (Guitar), Patti Priess (Piano) and Kati Mac (Vocals) in an evening of music from The Sandpiper, Guys and Dolls, Pink Panther, Elevator to the Gallows, From Russia with Love, Robin and the Seven Hoods, The Wizard of Oz and Mondo Cane. Is it the film or the music you remember? This evening will bring it back. At the Lake Carmel Cultural Center on Route 52 in Lake Carmel. Tickets: $15.00 General Admission, $10.00 AotL Member Admission.
Saturday, March 5  Talk by Local Artist Jill Reynolds
11AM - Noon. The Dutchess County Arts Council, in conjunction with with the Friends of the Great Swamp (FrOGS) and Oblong Land Conservancy, organizations dedicated to the conservation of wetlands in Eastern Dutchess County, will be presenting a talk by Dutchess County Sculptor and Glass Artist Jill Reynolds on Saturday, March 5, 2011, at the Dann Building Lecture Hall at Trinity Pawling School from 11:00AM to noon. Following the talk, there will be a reception at Gallery on the Green in Pawling where you will also be able to speak with Reynolds and see work by other accomplished artists who are working in the region. The lecture is free but space is limited, so please make reservations by emailing info@artsmidhudson.org or call the Arts Council at 845-454-3222.
Sunday, March 6 Putnam Arts Council Annual Members Meeting 3PM The Putnam Arts Council will hold its 48th annual Members’ meeting on Sunday March 6, at 2pm followed by an opening reception for the Members’ exhibit, 3-5pm at the Belle Levine Art Center, 521 Kennicut Hill Rd., Mahopac.
Executive Director Joyce Picone and the PAC Board will review 2010 accomplishments and plans for 2011 including Board elections and an exciting new support Initiative for members and friends. The meeting will be followed by an opening reception for the Council artist members’ exhibit, from 3-5pm. This is a potluck and attendees are invited to bring a ready to serve dish to share.
All are welcome for both the meeting and the reception. The exhibit remains on view through March 27th , Tuesday - Friday, 10-4 and Sundays 1-4. Admission and parking are free.
The Putnam Arts Council is supported, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency, and with public funds from Putnam County. Additional support is raised through membership, programs, fundraising, and donations from businesses and individuals.
Information on upcoming cultural events and activities along with directions to the Art Center may be found at putnamartscouncil.com or call 845.803.8622.
Thursday, March 10 Mid-Hudson Watershed Omelet Series
8AM - Topic: River and Estuary Observatory Network (REON) to Minimize the Gap between Science and Practice. Presenter: Dr. Shahidul Islam, REON Project Manager, Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries The Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries (BIRE), Clarkson University and IBM are developing a River and Estuary Observation Network (REON) for real-time monitoring of physical, chemical and biological river data. REON uses an integrated network of sensors, robotics and computational technology in the Hudson and St. Lawrence Rivers. Real-time availability of the measured datasets will help capture episodic events and interpret important processes controlling river water quality. These datasets are expected to minimize gaps between science and practices, helping communities address effects of anthropogenic activities and natural water resource variability during a time of burgeoning human growth and uncertain climate changes. Please RSVP to Russell Urban-Mead, rum@chazencompanies.com , to confirm your attendance. There is a $4 minimum food/beverage purchase. Location: Plaza Diner (Stop & Shop Plaza), New Paltz
Saturday, March 12 Irish Open Mouth 8PM - Songs, dances and Spike Mulligan's Pukhtoon. Jim Dale - of Broadway, film, TV and Harry Potter fame - will join our celebration of Irish humor and music in an evening that includes musicians Tim Pitt, Patrick Cummings, Pallas Athene, Neil Hickey, Patrick Delamere, Lora Lee Ecobelli and Jan and Kate Hoekstra. Also on the bill will be Irish step-dancing, a short play, Gerard Furey's Irish Language and the Double Bass Bagpipes. Mr Dale is expected to entertain with Thomas Meehan's Yma Dream and Spike Milligan's Pukhtoon. At the Cultural Center on Lake Carmel, Route 52, Lake Carmel, New York. Tickets: $15.00 General Admission, $10.00 AotL Member Admission.
Friday, March 18 Two One-Man Shows  8PM - The Blue Horse Repertory Company presents two exciting one man shows at Arts on the Lake on Route 52 in Lake Carmel. Old Hickory by *Ric Siler (photo) and Cemetery Man by Ken Jenkins.
Fresh from its successful run at The Woodstock Fringe Festival, Old Hickory will be performed by the author Ric Siler and directed by *Wallace Norman. Old Hickory is the funny, murderous tale of boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy hates girl, boy wants to kill girl. Cemetery Man by Ken Jenkins will be performed by *George Kimmel and directed by *Peggity Price.
In Cemetery Man we meet an aging gravedigger who is about to be replaced by a backhoe and who does not accept the change gracefully. As he recounts his experiences, it becomes abundantly clear that digging a proper grave is a human thing, which calls for care and concern if the departed are to go peacefully into eternity.
Lighting and Stage Manager, Jeff Green, Assistant Stage Manager and Sound, Zuli Lozada.
Tickets are $15 and $10 for AtoL members. Tickets may be purchased at: www.artsonthelake.org. or call: 845 228-AOTL (2685) http://www.artsonthelake.org
*Member of Actors Equity Association
Saturday, March 19 Putnam County History Conference 9AM - Morning Session. The morning sessions will be of general interest to history-lovers. Eugene Boesch will talk about what Putnam County was like at the time of its creation in 1812 and about what archeology reveals about society of that time. Sallie Sypher will speak on the many little reasons why our towns seceded from Dutchess County. Pat McMahon Houser will discuss the changes in land use from 1812 to the present and how the reservoirs affected planning, farming, and growth. There will be breaks between each talk and plenty of time for questions and answers. Lunch. Jonathan Kruk and Rich Bala, Hudson River Ramblers, will entertain during lunch, which is scheduled to begin at 12:15. Those wishing to have lunch should telephone the County Historian's Office (845- 808-1420) or e-mail to historian@putnamcountyny.gov and send a check in the amount of $10 to County Historian , 68 Marvin Ave. , Brewster NY 10509. Even if you do not want lunch, please let us know that you plan to attend. Teachers wishing in-service credit for the conference should register with www.ihare.org. Afternoon Sessions. The afternoon session, which begins at 1:15, is designed primarily for teachers, but all are welcome and will find it interesting. County Historian Karl Rohde will lead a discussion of Bicentennial planning and opportunities for teachers and students. At the Mahopac Library.
Two One-Man Shows 8PM - The Blue Horse Repertory Company presents two exciting one man shows at Arts on the Lake on Route 52 in Lake Carmel. Old Hickory by *Ric Siler (photo) and Cemetery Man by Ken Jenkins.
Fresh from its successful run at The Woodstock Fringe Festival, Old Hickory will be performed by the author Ric Siler and directed by *Wallace Norman. Old Hickory is the funny, murderous tale of boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy hates girl, boy wants to kill girl. Cemetery Man by Ken Jenkins will be performed by *George Kimmel and directed by *Peggity Price.
In Cemetery Man we meet an aging gravedigger who is about to be replaced by a backhoe and who does not accept the change gracefully. As he recounts his experiences, it becomes abundantly clear that digging a proper grave is a human thing, which calls for care and concern if the departed are to go peacefully into eternity.
Lighting and Stage Manager, Jeff Green, Assistant Stage Manager and Sound, Zuli Lozada.
Tickets are $15 and $10 for AtoL members. Tickets may be purchased at: www.artsonthelake.org. or call: 845 228-AOTL (2685) http://www.artsonthelake.org
*Member of Actors Equity Association Sunday, March 27
Vernal Pool Exploration and Book Signing 1PM - Come explore vernal pools and learn about the species that rely on them for survival such as frogs, fairy shrimp, salamanders and newts! A hands-on, outdoor activity for children and families and people of all ages, led by outdoor educator, naturalist and author Laurel Dodge. Wear mud boots! Copies of Laurel's newly published book Nature Study for the Whole Family will be available for purchase and signing. Nature Study for the Whole Family promotes a return to nature study as a first-choice activity for family fun and learning and emphasizes how nature study can bring families closer, create special family memories, and encourage personal growth. Registration is suggested as space is limited. A donation of $5 per person or $10 per family is greatly appreciated with proceeds going towards the future stewardship of Land Trust nature preserves. Call 343-0840, x12 to register or RSVP via our Facebook page. Location: Laurel Hill Preserve, Town of Minisink.
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.
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