Good Friday Morning,
For those of you who have been to the Annual Garden Parties you know my living environment here at the Asylum. I’m looking to replace it for another at a different location in or around the county. If you know of a cottage or small house like this one on open lands for rent or squatting, let me know.
Sunday is May Day, International Worker's Day.
Our hearts go out to the families of loved ones lost to the tornadoes and storms that hit the southeast United States over the past few days.
Our ire goes out to our local news channels who breathlessly swore we were all going to die yesterday, that 4" of rain were going to fall causing floods of biblical proportions, that severe thunderstorms would strike tearing the very hearts out of our lives... and then when nothing happened embarrassingly switched coverage to Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding in England.
Our homegrown article, "Oh my god! The gas prices! Someone should do something!" which first appeared at PlanPutnam/News That Matters on April 26, sits above the fold on the Front Page of OpEdNews this morning and is now out there beyond our little domain and circulating around the 'net world.
Exxon reported an $11 billion profit in the first quarter of 2011. When politicians tell you that gasoline prices are high because of imposed taxes or global turmoil, tell that politician he's full of crude. In a civilized society the government (which is alleged to be *us*) would have slapped Exxon all kinds of ways silly and said that enough is enough. But since corporations are the de facto government there's absolutely nothing you can do about it.
To my dear tin foil hat friends: Now that the President has lowered himself to your level, here's another question for you to ponder... if the President is circumcised, does it prove he's really a Muslim?
What is it with the Cold Spring planning board these days? In the one town we thought was almost half sane, a couple of planning board members have decided that the most important thing for a proposed public park at the Cold Spring Foundry site is an impractical-to-build and impossible-to-maintain sidewalk at the foot of Kemble Avenue and grading and erosion control on an old access road that's to be used for nothing more than a hiking trail. It's the typical Putnam County mindset:
"If it's good and it works, we're not interested. And if we ever do become interested we're going to screw around until you give up and quit or we break you financially. Welcome to Where the Country Begins!"
You can follow the rest of this story over at Philipstown.info.
Back in the day when we were kids and you had your lunch money stolen you'd run home and tell your mom who would call the other kid's mom who would say, "My son would never do such a thing!" Then she'd smack the crap out of him, not necessarily for the alleged crime but for dragging her in to it. If the offenders parent had a conscience they'd show up at your front door, kid in tow, to offer an apology. Usually that was the end of it.
But today we call the police and the local District Attorney's office is only too happy to charge the child with a crime. In this case, a ten-year old.
If you need a sign to prove we are a society in serious decline, just re-read the previous paragraph. And if I were the offending DA or the cop who arrested a child, I don't know how I could face myself in the mirror.
The Greatest Museum in the World
It's a statement of fact regarding the Met, otherwise known as the Metropolitan Museum of Art at 82nd street and 5th Avenue alongside Central Park.
I'm pretty certain that each and every one of my readers has been there at some point in the past but I highly recommend you take the time this weekend to do it again. The admission fee is a whopping $20 per adult but seasoned New Yorkers like myself know that price is "suggested" as the original charter for the museum stipulated that there be no set admission price. Let the tourists shell out the Big Bucks but what you pay is up to your conscience.
If you'd shell out $11.50 a ticket to see a movie, come on... you should be able to come up with $20 bucks for the greatest collection of human artistic expression on the planet - and your visit will last a good deal longer than 2 hours and 5 minutes. But if you're genuinely broke just walk up to the ticket counter, push two $10 bills across and say, "For two". I promise you, the guy/gal working there won't even flinch and pass you two admissions buttons.
 Here's what you get for your money: Salvador Dali's 1954, "The Crucifixion", one the most stunning pieces of modern religious art. There's Gilbert Stuart's 1795 portrait of George Washington and Emanuel Gottleib Leutze's 1851 "Washington Crossing the Delaware", a monumental (12.4' x 21.25') masterpiece that you cannot miss. And, if you see nothing else, if you pass the ancient Egyptians and the Frank Lloyd Wright's and the Rembrandt's and the armor collection (though your young sons will never speak to you again,) and the medieval triptych's, make it a point to stop to see Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux' 1865 marble, "Ugolino and his Sons" - it will take your breath away and break your heart - and both at the same time.
If you drive down, there's almost always street parking on the west side in Hell's Kitchen from where you can take a stroll uptown cutting through Central Park form Columbus Circle. But if you want a guarantee check out ICON Parking's website where you'll find garage parking in the area for as little as $10 at York, or $14 between 2nd and 3rd at 89th street with a print-yourself coupon.
Don't forget to pass this issue of News That Matters on to someone you know who does not read currently read it. You'll make their day and help spread the good word.
What's Going On?
- This Weekend
- May
- Tuesday, May 3
- Wednesday, May 4
- Thursday, May 5
- Friday, May 6
- Saturday, May 7
- Sunday, May 9
- Tuesday, May 10
- Friday, May 13
- Saturday, May 14
- Sunday, May 15
- Monday, May 16
- Tuesday, May 17
- Thursday, May 19
- Friday, May 27
- Saturday, May 28
- June
- July
This Weekend Friday, April 29 Trees for Tribs: Arbor Day Celebration 9AM - 4PM Looking for a way to celebrate Arbor Day this year? Come and join the Hudson River Estuary Program as we pot-up thousands of bareroot seedlings for our “Trees for Tribs” initiative. There will be free pizza at noon. If you have any questions or you’d like to R.S.V.P., contact Laura Heil at ljheil@gw.dec.state.ny.us or 845-256-2253. Location: Hudson River Estuary Program NYSDEC Region III office in New Paltz
Vance Gilbert With Heather Maloney at the Towne Crier  8:30PM - It's all in one seemingly impossible package: Vance Gilbert's spellbinding live show; his deliriously virtuosic singing; his accomplished guitar style; his outrageous, edgy humor; AND the songwriting. Shawn Colvin invited Vance to be a special guest on her Fat City tour, and Vance took audiences by storm across the country: "With the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god, it was enough to earn him that rarity: an encore for an opener" wrote the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in its review of a show from that tour. With one of the sharpest wits in folk music, Vance is one of the most entertaining singer-songwriters you'll ever see. But, he can deftly change the mood of a show in an instant with a sincere delivery of one of his deep-flowing songs. So, don't be surprised if your tears of laughter mix with tears of sorrow in a satisfying blend of yin and yang. $20 advance/ $25 door Click here for more information.
Saturday, April 30 Trees for Tribs: Arbor Day Celebration Continues
9AM - 4PM Looking for a way to celebrate Arbor Day this year? Come and join the Hudson River Estuary Program as we pot-up thousands of bareroot seedlings for our “Trees for Tribs” initiative. There will be free pizza at noon. If you have any questions or you’d like to R.S.V.P., contact Laura Heil at ljheil@gw.dec.state.ny.us or 845-256-2253. Location: Hudson River Estuary Program NYSDEC Region III office in New Paltz
Trail Maintenance with the Putnam County Land Trust 10AM - 2PM - Looking to volunteer and enjoy the great outdoors? Then join PCLT for a trail maintenance work party at our 33 acre Twin Hill Preserve. This work party will consist of trail maintenance tasks including erosion control, cutting back overgrowth encroaching on the trail system, removing debris and downed trees, weed-whacking grassy areas of the trails, invasive species removal and replacing trail markers. No experience in necessary, just bring an eagerness to work outdoors, a pair of gloves, proper footwear and water. PCLT’s Twin Hill Preserve is located 1.1 miles north of the intersection of Route 312 and Farm-to-Market Road on the Brewster/Patterson border. Look for the newly-erected preserve sign at the entrance to a small dirt road on the west side of Farm-to-Market. Drive a short distance down the dirt road and the parking area for the preserve is on the left where the dirt road curves to the right. If you would like to join us, pleasevisit www.pclt.net or email info@pclt.net.
Meet at the Twin Hill Preserve on Farm-to-Market Road in Patterson about 1 mile north of Route 312
Putnam County Bicentennial Quilt 1PM - Special viewing of the Putnam County Bicentennial Quilt. Gladys Boalt, who designed the quilt, will speak about the history and creation of this work of art. The quilt will soon be exhibited at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. At the Kent Public Library on Route 52 in Kent Lakes, NY
Watershed Wildlife Watercolors by Paul Thiesing 1:00pm to 5:00pm - Opening Reception. Tilly Foster Farm Museum, 100 Rte 312 Brewster, NY. 10509 Show runs April 30th through June 26th. For directions and viewing hours (http://tillyfosterfarm.org) or call (845)363-4913 .
Over the past 19 years, Mr Thiesing's career with NYC DEP has been to help protect NYC'S most important resource, it's watersheds.It was here he developed his passion for educating the public on the importance of protecting our delicate environment. Mr Thiesing's work has been shown worldwide and hangs in many private collections , most notably the collection of HRH Prince Willem of the Netherlands.So come and meet Paul at the farm and get your free autographed poster at the opening reception ,while supplies available.
Gallery Talk: Anthony Huberman on Franz Erhard Walther 2PM - Dia:Beacon, Riggio Galleries, 3 Beekman Street, Beacon, NY 12508 845 440 0100 www.diaart.org
Free with museum admission. For reservations, click here.
Anthony Huberman is a curator and writer based in New York. As Chief Curator of the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, he organized exhibitions with Gedi Sibony, Lutz Bacher, Bruce Nauman, John Armleder, and Olivier Mosset, and initiated The Front Room, an ongoing series with young artists. He has worked as a curator at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris and at Sculpture Center in New York, and is currently a Visiting Professor at Hunter College.
Sunday, May 1 International Worker's Day  Arise ye workers from your slumbers
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.
Hike to Hawk Rock 11AM - On Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 11:00 AM we'll meet at the DEP parking area at the end of Whangtown Road. If you're not sure where it is, you can use this map to get driving directions to the parking area and preview the hike.
If you haven't been to Hawk Rock, you're in for a treat. When the glaciers retreated northward at the end of the last ice age, they were carrying some really big rocks that sometimes ended up in odd positions when the ice melted. One of these so called "erratics" is Hawk Rock. Local lore has it that long ago the Native Americans named it and used the site as a meeting place. It is certainly a believable story; the setting is beautiful and it's one impressive rock.
The Mead Farm, like the rest of this hike, is on land that was originally part of the hunting grounds for the Nochpeem tribe of native Americans, a part of the Wappinger Confederacy. After passing through various people's hands, sometime in the 1860s Moses F. Mead purchased the eastern part of the farm where the ruins are today. The site includes a number of interesting features, including the foundations of the house, the stone portions of a cow barn and a beautiful corbelled stone chamber.
This is a moderate hike that takes about three hours including stops for lunch and to look around the farm site. If weather forces us to cancel the hike, we'll let everyone who subscribes to our hikes list know by e-mail and post the news on kentcac.info at least an hour ahead of time. For further information feel free to contact David.
To the Orangerie - Holocaust Remembrance Day   4:30PM - The BeanRunner Cafe & Peekskill Playhouse. A special presentation of an original short play, To The Orangerie, on Holocaust Remembrance Day. In 1938, the Nazis annexed Austria for the Third Reich. 79,000 Jews were arrested in Vienna, alone, in the first week of The Anschluss.
We now know the history that was written in the months and years of World War II that followed. Don Monaco has written a touching drama of one woman's escape from the claws of National Socialism in Austria and Hitler's Final Solution.
With Jessica Danahy and Adam Glatzl. Pianist, Nina Rathbun plays piano and sings following the play reading. Playwright, Don Monaco, the playwright, will discuss the work and the period. $12. At the Beanrunner Cafe 201 South Division Street, Peekskill
May Tuesday, May 3 Marylin Elie (IPSEC) on Indian Point 7PM - A meeting with Marilyn Elie of the Indian Point Safe Energy Commission (IPSEC), to discuss what residents can do about stopping the relicensing of Indian Point. We will talk about what the disaster in Fukushima teaches us and how those lessons apply to Indian Point. Location: Meeting Room, Desmond-Fish Library, 472 Route 403 (200 ft East of Rt 9D), Garrison. This event is sponsored by Philipstown for Democracy. No charge, but contributions to cover expenses are appreciated. Questions - call 917 273-0808
Wednesday, May 4 Anniversary of the Kent State Shootings  From Wikipedia: The Kent State shootings—also known as the May 4 massacre or Kent State massacre[2][3][4]—occurred at Kent State University in the city of Kent, Ohio, and involved the shooting of unarmed college students by members of the Ohio National Guard on Monday, May 4, 1970. The guardsmen fired 67 rounds over a period of 13 seconds, killing four students and wounding nine others, one of whom suffered permanent paralysis.[5]
Some of the students who were shot had been protesting against the American invasion of Cambodia, which President Richard Nixon announced in a television address on April 30. Other students who were shot had been walking nearby or observing the protest from a distance.[6][7] There was a significant national response to the shootings: hundreds of universities, colleges, and high schools closed throughout the United States due to a student strike of four million[8] students, and the event further affected the public opinion—at an already socially contentious time—over the role of the United States in the Vietnam War.[9] Thursday, May 5 Come Get Your Free Iodine Pills! 9AM - 4PM at the Putnam County Emergency Services Building
2PM - 7PM at the Carmel Town Hall
Just in case former County Executive Bob Bondi was wrong and you cannot escape from a perfectly safe Indian Point accident, at the very least you can protect your thyroid with these nifty free iodine pills, courtesy of Putnam County.
Friday, May 6 The Singing Life of Birds 7PM - Bird song expert Donald Kroodsma will describe how birds communicate and why. Listen to the sounds of birds as you've never listened before, using their songs as a window into their minds. Location: Cary Institute's auditorium, located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Route 44) in Millbrook, New York.
Saturday, May 7 Catskill Leanto Workshop Doug Senterman, Leanto Supervisor for the NYNJTC will be partnering with the Catskill 3500 Club to provide two leanto workshops regarding the duties of a leanto maintainer. The workshops will be on Saturday May 7th in conjunction with a hike to Hunter and SW Hunter and a visit to the new John Robb leanto.
On Sunday May 8th (Happy Mother's Day) we will visit the Bouton leanto on Table Mt. Again, the trip will include climbing to the summit of both Table and Peekamoose mountains. Please consider joining us for one of these trips to see what a leanto maintainer's duties are and consider adopting one of your favorites in the Catskills. There is no obligation to do so based on your attendance at these events, but once you see how easy it is to be a maintainer, we are hoping.................One of the joys of being a Leanto Caretaker is the "obligation" to get out in the woods just three times a year to visit your favorite leanto and you can always bag a peak or two while you are out there. As always, thanks very much for your interest in giving back to our Catskill Mountain region. Please contact Laurie Rankin to sign up for one of these dates: laurierankin@hvc.rr.com (preferred) or by phone at 845-926-2182.
Birding 101 9AM - Join the Oblong Land Conservancy and Larry Feldmen from the NY Audubon for a guided walk through prime bird habitat, including an upland cedar grove and the Great Swamp floodplain. Meet at the Slocum Mostachetti Preserve, 7/10's miles to the west of the traffic light at the intersection of Route 22 and Pleasant Ridge Road in Wingdale. Click here for more information.
Open Auditions for New One-Act Plays 11AM - 2PM - Drawing from the talent at Tony Howarth's Playwright's Workshop, the director is seeking 15 actors to help realize several new one-act plays. The roles are as follows:
Mending Fences:
Samantha - 30-45
Will – 50-65
Never Too Many:
Alice – 30-40
Saul – 65+
A Cable Situation:
(Brad) (an unseen voice)
Sheila - 20-50
Blackout:
Julie – college age
Wallace - college age
Sarah – college age
Dirty Laundry: Jim – 20-30
Karen – 20-30
Late for Her Own Funeral
Joanne – 30
Dad – 60
Jeff – 30
Lou - 50
Bring a Resume to the Cultural Center on Lake Carmel, Route 52 in Kent. (It's the old firehouse just south of the Route 311 causeway.)
Stony Kill Farm Earth Day Celebration  11AM - Join us for our annual Earth Day Celebration and Plant Sale at Stony Kill Farm on Route 9D in Wappinger Falls. There will be activities and crafts for children; food and baked goods for sale; vegetables and house plants for sale; Open Barn Tours - come see our new baby calf, piglets and lambs; sheep shearing at 1:00 p.m. by Steve Fink; guest appearances by Smokey Bear; live music by the Howland Wolves; gift shop and informational tables by the following organizations: Common Ground Farm, Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Master Gardeners; Dutchess County Environmental Management Council, Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Hudson Valley Wood Carvers, Mid-Hudson Trout Unlimited, Mountain Scout Survival Camp, Sharpe Reservation - Fresh Air Fund, Stony Kill Foundation, Inc.; and the Verplanck Garden club. For further information, call 845-831-1617 or email us at foundation@stonykill.org.
Sunday, May 9 Celebrate the Buddah's Birthday 10:30AM - 4:00PM - Chuang Yen Monastery will hold a Garden Party on Sunday, May 8th, 2011 from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM to celebrate the Buddha's Birthday & Mother's Day. Vegetarian Food Street Fair, Mind Power Counseling Station, Doctors of traditional Chinese medicine for Free Medical Clinic, Buddhist Heritage Exhibition, Kid's Playground area available. Watch the various performances, magic show, and more. No registration required.
 To celebrate Buddha's Birthday and congratulate to all the mothers of the world, Chuang Yen Monastery, located in Carmel, NY (an hour drive away from NYC, houses the largest in-door sitting Buddha status on the western hemisphere with oriental architectures & landscapes) will host a Buddha Bathing Ceremony & Garden Party on May 8th, 2011.
The event will start from 10am in the morning and last until 4pm in the afternoon. A group of five noble people will start the prelude of the Buddha Bathing Ceremony. Abbot of Chuang Yen Monastery -Ven. Dhammadipa Fa yao, and the renowned American Buddhism scholar ¡V Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi are cordially invited to direct the ceremony. Wish all the participants have their minds purified and pray for blessing to both the loving mothers and family members.
In this Mother's Day Garden Party will include Vegetarian Food Fair for flavorful snacks from different ethnic groups, Orchards Show, Chan (Zen) Buddhism Tea ceremony, Arts Exhibition, and Floral Arrangement presented by famous Japanese master, Mrs. Moriwaki, an instructor from School of Sogetsu and other famous floral designers from France and Hong Kong. Various performances will be arranged in the afternoon. Some Chinese doctor volunteers will offer medical consultation including free pulse taking for health diagnosis. Wish tree and wish fountain will be set up for visitors. Participants can tie a card with your wishes written on to the wish tree. Blessing lamps will also be available for paying tribute to the Buddha or sending blessing to mothers or deceased relatives.
You are welcome to participate, and bring the whole families. Best regards to all the mothers from all over the world. Chuang Yen Monastery 2020 Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512. Telephone number: 845-228-4288 Extension 103
Tuesday, May 10 Rain Barrel Building Workshop 7PM - Lakeside Park in Pawling. Sponsored by the Dutchess Watershed and Cornell Cooperative Extension Services.
Although we don’t often think about it, storm water can play an enormous part in the condition of our rivers, creeks, ponds, lakes, and wetlands. When it rains, this water is usually channeled into storm drains to be taken to the closest body of water. As storm water travels across the grounds’ surface as runoff, it can pick up different types of pollutants, washing them into our water bodies. You can help! Rain barrels are a great option to better manage excess storm water from your roof. The water is captured before it picks up pollutants, and it is safe to use for watering plants. A rain barrel can save gardeners up to 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer months!
This workshop will help you learn to better manage storm water AND will help you build your own 55 gallon rain barrel to take home. Cost: $45 per person, includes cost of rain barrel. To Register: contact Angela Sullivan, 677-8223 x 114
Friday, May 13  The Last Mountain
7PM - Join us for an advanced screening of this documentary film exploring how mountaintop coal mining impacts the environment and human health. An Official Selection at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Location: Cary Institute's auditorium, located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Route 44) in Millbrook, New York.
In the valleys of Appalachia, a battle is being fought over a mountain. It is a battle with severe consequences that affect every American, regardless of their social status, economic background or where they live. It is a battle that has taken many lives and continues to do so the longer it is waged. It is a battle over protecting our health and environment from the destructive power of Big Coal.
The mining and burning of coal is at the epicenter of America’s struggle to balance its energy needs with environmental concerns. Nowhere is that concern greater than in Coal River Valley, West Virginia, where a small but passionate group of ordinary citizens are trying to stop Big Coal corporations, like Massey Energy, from continuing the devastating practice of Mountain Top Removal.
David, himself, never faced a Goliath like Big Coal.
Saturday, May 14 Putnam County Master Gardener's Plant Sale 8:30AM - 11:30AM - More than a thousand tomato plants, many vegetables, annuals, huge herb selection, Putnam Proven Perennials from the Master Gardeners' own gardens and gifts for all who garden. Free soil tests, great advice! At the CCE office at 1 Geneva Road in Brewster (Where the Motor Vehicles Office is).
West Point Foundry Preserve Tours for Heritage Weekend 10:30AM - We’re proud to be part of New York Heritage Weekend (May 14 and 15)—a celebration with special events at heritage destinations across the Empire State to help kick off the summer tourism season.
Join us for a guided tour exploring the remains of a 19th-century industrial powerhouse, the West Point Foundry, that made locomotives, steam engines and Parrott guns that helped win the Civil War.
TOUR TIMES: 10:30 a.m. – noon; 12:30 – 2 p.m.
The walks will occur rain or shine, except in the event of torrential rain, when they will be canceled. Please wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Tick precautions, such as tucking pants legs into socks and applying bug repellent to shoes and pants, are highly recommended.
MEETING PLACE: West Point Foundry Preserve
QUESTIONS? Contact Scenic Hudson Parks Event Coordinator Anthony Coneski: aconeski@scenichudson.org, 845-473-4440 x273
Event Location
63 Chestnut Street
Cold Spring, NY 10516
Hiking the Road to Ruins  5PM - 7PM - Join us for a presentation with David Steinberg, author of Hiking the Road to Ruins. Steinberg will discuss twenty-two day hikes (and sometimes campouts) to old iron mines, deserted buildings, historic military leftovers and other things abandoned and available for visit by intrepid hikers. Many of the ruins are located right here in our backyard.
David Steinberg is is a life-long resident of the New York City area and has been a paid leader of hikes for fifteen years. From 1985 to 1996, he was a staff photographer and photo-feature writer for The Queens Courier, a weekly newspaper.
This event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, call the museum, 845-265-4010 or email, office@pchs-fsm.org.
Putnam County Historical Society & Foundry School Museum 63 Chestut Street Cold Spring, NY 10516
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.
Sunday, May 15 Riverkeeper's Annual Shad Fest  For over 20 years, Riverkeeper’s Shad Fest has been a celebration of the vast numbers of American shad that returned each year to the Hudson River to spawn. The shad run has been a welcome sign of spring, rebirth and renewal for thousands of years, since the Lenape Indians populated the Hudson’s shores. Sadly, the shad population has declined in recent years to dangerously low levels and the focus of this year’s event is on saving the American Shad and other Hudson River signature fish which are similarly at risk. Shad Fest started off as a backyard barbeque held at Bobby Kennedy Jr.’s house, and has grown every year. To be held at Boscobel House and Gardens, Route 9D in Cold Spring. Click here for more information and tickets.
Garnet Rodgers with Shawn Taylor at the Towne Crier  7:30PM - Garnet Rogers has established himself as "One of the major talents of our time." Hailed by the Boston Globe as a "charismatic performer and singer," Garnet is a man with a powerful physical presence --close to six and a half feet tall-- with a voice to match. With his "smooth, dark baritone" (Washington Post) his incredible range, and thoughtful, dramatic phrasing, Garnet is widely considered by fans and critics alike to be one of the finest singers anywhere. His music --like the man himself-- is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, and deeply purposeful. Cinematic in detail, his songs "give expression to the unspoken vocabulary of the heart" (Kitchener Waterloo Record). An optimist at heart, Garnet sings extraordinary songs about people who are not obvious heroes and of the small victories of the everyday. As memorable as his songs, his over-the-top humour and lightning-quick wit moves his audience from tears to laughter and back again. $17.50 advance/ $22.50 door. Click here for more information.
Monday, May 16 The Buddha's 2600th Birthday Celebration  Globally - In the year 624 BC, in Kapilawaththu (Nepal) Siddhartha Gautama was born as a prince. His father was King Suddhodana and his mother was Queen Mahamaya. When he was sixteen he finished his education and he married Princess Yasodara. King Suddhodana handed over his kingdom to his son Siddhartha. They had a baby name Rahula. When king Siddhartha was 29 years old he decided to renounce lay life. Siddhartha left from his kingdom and went to several well-known teachers to study the ultimate nature of reality. But their teachings didn’t satisfy him and he set out to find his own path. Six years later he went to Bodgaya near the Neranjana River and sat under a tree.
 Siddhartha's mind was calm and relaxed. As he sat his concentration deepened and his wisdom grew brighter. In this clear and peaceful state of mind he began to examine the true nature of life. "What is the cause of suffering,” he asked himself, “and what is the path to everlasting joy?" In his mind's eye he looked far beyond his own country, far beyond his own world. Soon the sun, planets, the stars out in space and distant galaxies of the universe all appeared to him in his meditation. He saw how everything, from the smallest speck of dust to the largest star was linked together in a constantly changing pattern: growing, decaying and growing again. Everything was related. Nothing happened without a cause and every cause had an effect on everything else.
With much equanimous joy, we would like to announce the program to commemorate the 2600th anniversary of the Buddha’s Enlightenment at the United Nations in New York.
Visit e2600.org for more information.
Tuesday, May 17 Passsive House Design  6PM - 8PM - Imagine a home that is warm during our cold, snowy winters and cool in our humid, hot summers; that also requires minimal ongoing costs for fuel and electricity to keep it comfortable. Well-executed passive house design is a proven method for achieving such a building. Join us for a discussion on how the passive house concept can be applied with equal success in urban centers, where projects are likely to be renovations, and in rural settings, where new construction is more common. The presentation will show the implementation of passive house principles in a newly-built certified passive house in the Hudson Valley (the Hudson Passive Project) designed by Dennis Wedlick Architect LLC and a passive retrofit of a brownstone in the historic district of Park Slope, Brooklyn designed by Prospect Architecture. What is a passive house? The passive house standard embodies today's highest benchmark for energy efficiency and conservation. A cutting-edge approach to design and construction, the passive house standard drastically reduces the amount of energy required to operate a building (for instance, it results in a 90% reduction in energy required for heating). Originally developed in Germany, the passive house energy standard is being implemented with ever-greater frequency in the United States.
About The Presenters:
Dennis Wedlick, Architect:
Dennis Wedlick is the founder of Dennis Wedlick Architect LLC, a full-service architecture, master planning, landscape and interior design firm in Manhattan and Hudson, NY. The firm is known for sustainable, expressive projects that combine great design, technology and craft. Last year, the firm designed its first passive house, The Hudson Passive Project, which was completed in the fall of 2010.
 Brian Marsh, Architect:
Brian Marsh is the Associate Partner of Dennis Wedlick Architect LLC, a full-service architecture, master planning, landscape and interior design firm in Manhattan and Hudson, NY. Last year, the firm designed its first passive house, The Hudson Passive Project, completed in the fall of 2010. Mr. Marsh is the lead architect on the Hudson Passive Project.
Jeremy R. M. Shannon, Architect:
Jeremy R. M. Shannon is the Principal Architect of Prospect Architecture, PC, a sustainable design-build firm located in Brooklyn, NY. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Polytechnic and State University and is, as well a LEED Accredited Professional, BPI Envelope, Heating, and Multifamily Specialist, and is a Certified Passive House Consultant. He has served as Vice President of the national Passive House Alliance, a trade organization created to promote the growth of Passive House in the United States. He is also a part time instructor at Parsons The New School. Jeremy specializes in residential townhouse and multifamily building construction using sustainable materials and focusing on energy efficiency without sacrificing the aesthetics or character of existing buildings. He designed and was the construction manager of the renovation and retrofit of multiple Passive House townhouses in Brooklyn New York.
Register for the Putnam/Dutchess County event with the links below. 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.
Chapel of Our Lady Restoration, 45 Market Street, Cold Spring, NY
Thursday, May 19 Community Forum on Term Limits Laws The League of Women Voters of Eastern Putnam County will be hosting a forum on Term Limits at the Historic County Courthouse in Carmel. Speakers will represent both sides of the issue as well as those who will touch on the factual and historical aspects of Term Limits. County Executive, Paul Eldridge; NYS Assemblyman, Steve Katz ; myself, Tony Fusco, a former Putnam County Legislator; Joyce Mitchell, a member of The Putnam County Charter Review Commission; Putnam County Legislators, Dan Birmingham and Sam Oliverio; Dave Gagliardi, an American History teacher and Jeff Green, a businessman and columnist .
The event will be moderated by Bruce Apar of the North County News, also a major sponsor of the event. This is a matter of public policy which will affect the way our elected officials govern in the future, and will likely have an effect on the uneven distribution of legislative power, locally, in the state and in the national arenas. Please make every effort to attend this worthwhile and informative event.
Friday, May 27 Uncommon Ground with guest Tim & Sylvia 8:30PM at the Towne Crier, Route 22 in Pawling. Uncommon Ground is a hot, pan-genre, acoustic music group from New York's Hudson Valley that is on a mission: to flex the boundaries of traditional music. Since making an impressive debut to a full house at the Towne Crier in 2007, they have continued their evolution into "the complete package" ... great vocals, fiery instrumental abilities and a continually evolving repertoire of well-crafted tunes. Their music bears an unmistakable stamp of originality without losing the authenticity of the original sources. Audiences delight in the thrill of musical discovery as the band performs a repertoire that includes music from such diverse sources as Bill Monroe, Gabriel Faure, Venezuelan Choros and Gypsy Jazz. Uncommon Ground draws on the talents of Mike Kobetitsch, and Wayne Fugate, both long-time veterans of the Bluegrass scene who have performed with Grammy award winner, Lisa Gutkin and a host of other noteworthies; the ever amazing Rachel Han! dman and Phil Helm, two principles in the Hudson Valley Philharmonic whose technical precision, fertile inventiveness, surprising touches and mastery of the Bluegrass genre give the band a distinctive, signature voice; and Craig Bitterman, whose percussion lays down a groove-infused rhythmic foundation that adds colors and textures that make their tunes really snap. :|: artist's home. $17.50 advance/ $22.50 doors
Saturday, May 28 Giant Book Sale at the Kent Public Library
June Saturday, June 4 NY/NJ Trails Conference Annual Meeting  Bear Mountain State Park: On June 4, the Trail Conference will open a wheelchair accessible section of the Appalachian Trail on the summit of Bear Mountain. For the past year, Trail Conference volunteers have been hard at work building this ADA-compliant segment of this historic and nationally celebrated long-distance trail. The trail will allow wheelchair users to enter the woods and view the Hudson River and Valley from one of the region’s most scenic spots. At 10:30 AM, we will open and dedicate the trail. Later in the day, the Trail Conference will have its Summer Meeting on the lawn below Bear Mountain. There will be food and music by the acclaimed urban bluegrass group, Two Dollar Goat. The event is co-sponsored by Disney/ABC and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Places. Members of the Disney team will be on hand to help.
 What's Happening When
8:00: Departure of early hike to summit of Bear Mountain from Fort Montgomery Historic Site (co-sponsored by Mid-Hudson ADK) 10:00: Morning refreshments at Trailhead of the ADA-compliant segment of the Appalachian Trail at summit of Bear Mountain 10:30: Opening ceremony and Dedication 10:45: Hike or drive down to Lawn (Options from easy to strenuous available) 12:00-varied: Lunch on the Lawn with Music by Two Dollar Goat.
Hikers arrive from a variety of trails, eat, enjoy music. Rain or shine under tent! 1:30 (estimated): Meeting
All programs are free! Lunch: $15 donation. RSVP for lunch by sending a check or going to our donation page. Please indicate your RSVP in the comment box. Questions, comments, or phone reservations, contact Joanne Reinhardt at jreinhardt@nynjtc.org or x26 at the office
Rain Barrel Building Workshop 10AM - Fishkill Town Hall. Sponsored by the Dutchess Watershed and Cornell Cooperative Extension Services.
Although we don’t often think about it, storm water can play an enormous part in the condition of our rivers, creeks, ponds, lakes, and wetlands. When it rains, this water is usually channeled into storm drains to be taken to the closest body of water. As storm water travels across the grounds’ surface as runoff, it can pick up different types of pollutants, washing them into our water bodies. You can help! Rain barrels are a great option to better manage excess storm water from your roof. The water is captured before it picks up pollutants, and it is safe to use for watering plants. A rain barrel can save gardeners up to 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer months!
This workshop will help you learn to better manage storm water AND will help you build your own 55 gallon rain barrel to take home. Cost: $45 per person, includes cost of rain barrel. To Register: contact Angela Sullivan, 677-8223 x 114
Orange County Earth and Water Festival  11AM - 5PM- The OCWA is pleased to announce that the 4th Annual Earth and Water Festival will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery, NY. This unique festival is family-friendly, intimate, educational and of course, lots of fun! Stay an hour or stay all day. Bring a blanket, the kids and even your dog and enjoy the fresh air, listen to live music and entertaining performances by highly talented local musicians and peformers. Visit the Green Expo area at the festival and learn from many local vendors how they are making a difference by being "green" or what sustainable goods and services they provide. Buy fresh homemade bread, baked goods, produce and plants in the Farmers Market. Let the kids run wild in the Children's Activity tent (big festival favorite).
Live performances this year are diverse, colorful, creative, fun and always entertaining. Returning this year by popular demand are:
Arm-of-the-Sea Theater: Performing "To Fuel the Fire", a free-wheeling allegory about the ecological costs of energy. This tragic comedy features primordial masks and kinetic puppet figures, vivid paintings, whimsical props and live music. Their performances are award-winning and are a must see! You know it's good when a festival full of people stop to watch and listen. Click here to visit their website http://www.armofthesea.org/
 Maxwell Kofi Donkor and the Sankofa Drum and Dance Ensamble: Their african drumming and dancing is interactive, makes your feet tap and people dance, and puts a smile on everyone's face. Click here to visit their website http://www.bak2roots.com/
"iS"coustic: This unusual, three piece jam band delivers live performances to electrify audiences. The bands name, which loosely means "the present tense" emphasizes their improvisational nature. They offer a unique experience that includes original diverse, memorable songs and exceptional musicianship. Click here to visit their website http://whatitis.biz/
Snakeman's Snake Show: Their performance will teach the audience about the environment and how snakes provide their part for the balance of nature. Their show is both interactive and hands-on with real live snakes, which will educate as well as entertain you. They will be at the festival all day and will do a special performance on the stage for everyone to enjoy! Click here to visit their website http://www.jerrythesnakeman.com/
New to the stage this year are Half Jester and Little Sparrow. These bands will delight and keep audiences moving. More details and the full performance schedule for follow soon.
More information is here.
Friday, June 10 Six New One-Act Plays 8PM - Six new one-act plays from Tony Howarth's Playwright's Workshop. Plays by Pat O'Connor, Gabby Fox and Carol Mark, directed by Tony Howarth. At the Cultural Center on Lake Carmel, Route 52 just south of the Route 311 Causeway.
Saturday, June 11 Six New One-Act Plays 8PM - Six new one-act plays from Tony Howarth's Playwright's Workshop. Plays by Pat O'Connor, Gabby Fox and Carol Mark, directed by Tony Howarth. At the Cultural Center on Lake Carmel, Route 52 just south of the Route 311 Causeway.
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 Saturday, July 9 Long Dock Park Celebration 1PM - 6PM - Help us celebrate the opening of this new and improved Hudson Riverfront park in high style. Take to the water on a free kayak paddle, try out a new bike on the Klara Sauer Trail, join a guided tour of exciting park features, including Scenic Hudson’s River Center, our new venue for arts and environmental activities. If that’s not enough, you can test your mettle at hula-hooping and enjoy a great lineup of live performers—all while admiring magnificent Hudson River vistas.
LIVE PERFORMANCES by:
Arm-of-the-Sea Theater
Uncle Rock
We Must Be
The Big Takeover
Event Location: Long Dock Rd. Beacon, NY 12508 - On the river side of the Beacon Train Station.
 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.
| |
