"Former government lawyer John Yoo taking credit on behalf of the Bush administration for Sunday's strike against Osama bin Laden is like Edward John Smith, the captain of the Titanic, taking credit for the results of the 1998 Academy Awards." - Andrew Cohen
Good Friday Morning,
Correction: The rally for independent redistricting is tomorrow, Saturday, not last Wednesday. [See calendar item below] If any of you actually went down to Peekskill the other day I apologize and hope that you took the time instead to walk around and do some business down there. It's actually a cool little city.
Gas!
According to Questerre Energy, unnamed acids, anti-bacterial agents and corrosion inhibitors are all commonly found in consumer products. I'm not sure they mean on the shelves of your local Rite-Aid but in the warehouses of hydrofracking supply companies type consumer products. The key word here is "consumer" and while we're used to thinking of "consumer products" based on our personal purchasing habits the drillers of wells are also "consumers", they just buy different stuff.
Everyone has had their panties wadded up over the Marcellus shale for the past couple of years and that's not even nearby. But as it turns out there's another layer of shale that is under our very feet, the Utica Shale formation, and that one is next in line for deeper drilling and hydrofracking. I'm willing to bet Putnam County government is already preparing plans to allow that where it underlies Putnam Valley and Philipstown.
Trail Volunteers Invited to Help Build Trails at Slabsides, John Burroughs' Sanctuary in Ulster County  With a grant from NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the John Burroughs Association is building and restoring trails at the 200-acre John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary, Slabsides, in West Park, NY (Ulster County). Slabsides is the 1895 rustic cabin retreat of naturalist John Burroughs/ It is a National Historic Landmark and the surrounding Nature Sanctuary is designated a Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.
Trail professional (and Trail Conference member) Eddie Walsh designed the trails that will take hikers deep into the southern portion of the Sanctuary and link up with the 600 acres that Scenic Hudson owns to the south (former West Park Winery). "It's beautiful woods with a lot of interesting features, primarily north/south ridges and sheer cliffs that Eddie has worked into the trail plan that includes a ladder at one of the cliffs." says Joan Burroughs of the association. Eddie will lead crews of volunteers every weekend through the end of June Helping with the trails is an opportunity to be among the first to get to know these "new" woods along Black Creek.
Write here for more information.
The Manhattan Bridge from Fulton State Park:
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Ongoing: Arts on the Lake Spring Art Exhibit 1 PM - 5PM May 21, 22, 28, 29 and Monday May 30.
The featured artists include: Larry Alfano, Wendy Alvarez, Turizzo Anaya, Pallas Athene, Patricia Bolgosano, Taras Borovyk, Lesia Prokopiv Borovik, Keith Brooks, Margaret Brooks, Chris Casaburi, Michelina Compton, George Davison, Eric Ficinus, Toni Flynn, Pal Gyomai, Eleanor Haggerty, Kathleen Hoekstra, Michael Keropian, Deborah Lecce, Don Longabucco, Joan Maliniak, James McGuire, James Muleva, Jerry Michalak, Sharon Nakazato, Amanda O'Shaughnessy, Katherine Pacchiana, Ekaterina Piskareva, Lisa Pitt, Joseph Pizzuti, Michael Rossi, Rena Scelia, Mary Schreiber, Greg Solanto, Gerald Spette, Kimberley Standerwick, Matt Tannenbaum, Carina Tautu, Bill Ullman, Jamie Vogel, and Roy Volpe. at Lake Carmel Cultural Center | 640 Route 52 | Kent Lakes, NY
Help Secure Marriage Equality in New York State Human Rights Campaign is asking us to make phone calls to our State Senator’s office to encourage his support for Marriage Equality.
If you’d like to call, the number is 845-279-3773 and please do so during the work week. It takes like 5 minutes, not even. Tell the staffer your name and town and that you expect The Senator to vote for Marriage Equality when the bill comes up later this month. I’m a fan of letters as they give the Senator’s Staff something tangible to work with. It doesn’t have to be long or involved, you don’t have to pour out your heart unless you feel so inclined. Just state your case, the case for equal rights and the case for New York. Here’s the address: Senator Greg Ball
1441 Route 22
Suite 205
Brewster, NY 10509
This Weekend: 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 Philipstown Town-Wide Cleanup 8AM - 2PM - To help the town continue the Philipstown Cleanup Day during these economically challenging times, the Hudson Highlands Land Trust directors raised the funds internally to underwrite the cost of Cleanup Day for a second year.
"The Board of Directors believes that a mechanism that allows residents to responsibly dispose of their larger refuse items is a necessary component of protecting the natural resources and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands," explained HHLT Executive Director Andy Chmar.
The Cleanup Day drop-off is at the Garrison Volunteer Firehouse and is for Philipstown residents only. A driver's license, tax bill or other proof of residency must be presented upon arrival at the site. Participants will be limited to two vehicle-loads per household, and no vehicle larger than a pick-up truck will be accepted.
Other guidelines include: no regular bags of household garbage, railroad ties, computer monitors, or items containing freon. No 55-gallon drums, propane tanks, paint cans, batteries, or any other toxic materials will be accepted. Brush and wood will be accepted, tied in length no longer than 5 feet. Metal will also be accepted, and tires (not to exceed 16 inches). White goods like washing machines, stoves or dishwashers will not be accepted at the Garrison Firehouse, but can be brought to the Town Recycling Center on that day.
Philisptown residents with questions should call Town Hall, 845/265-3329, for more information.
7th Annual Still River Cleanup 8AM - 3PM Volunteers will meet at Larsen's Farmstand in Brookfield on Junction Road.
Volunteers will work along a six- mile long area of the Still River in Brookfield starting at Stew Leonard's and ending at Aldrich Road collecting and removing trash and other debris along the way.
Volunteers should be prepared to get dirty and/or wet!! Recommended dress includes: high-topped work boots with nonskid soles, work gloves, hat or scarf for sun protection, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Absolutely no open-toe shoes!! Rain gear is recommended in case of poor weather.
Lunch will be provided.
Volunteers are asked to pre-register by May 1st with Sig Hepp, Still River Clean-up Coordinator email: stillrivercleanup@hotmail.com or call 203-426-3830.
Volunteers under 16 years of age must have a parent or guardian with them throughout the day. Volunteers under 18 years old will need a parent or guardian to sign a release form in order to participate. Medical forms and release waivers can be downloaded here.
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).
There will be hundreds (yes hundreds!) of tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and other veggies, Herbs both culinary and aromatic, Annuals, perennials from the Master Gardeners own gardens, A tent stocked with tools, soaps, gloves and other items gardeners need. You’ll find hand-crafted hypertufa containers and much, much more. Bring a soil sample for a free soil pH test!
Guided Park Walk - Popolopen Gorge 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Details: Join Docent John Jurasek on this 6-mile, strenuous (3-sneaker) walk to view Revolutionary War Forts and a Geological Gorge. Bring 2 liters of water and pack a lunch. The walk is mostly flat with some rocky, steep areas.
Directions: From the Palisades Interstate Parkway North, travel to the end of the parkway. There will be a traffic circle. Do not go around the circle but bear right onto Rt. 9W south. There will be a welcome to Bear Mountain State Park sign and also Hessian Lake will be on the right. Travel Rt. 9W for 1/4 mile to a traffic light. At the light, bear up the hill on the right. At the top of the hill will be the Bear Mountain Inn. Go around the circle of the Inn and pull into the parking lot.
Please note there is an $8 parking fee. Walkers will meet in front of the Bear Mountain Inn. Pre-registration for all walks is suggested, but not required. Call: 845-708-7307 or e-mail rcamericorps@co.rockland.ny.us.
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
Rally For Independent Redistricting in New York State Noon - From MY-H: State Senator Greg Ball (R) campaigned for office as a supporter of independent redistricting. This means that the mandatory redistricting, required by the census, would be done on a non-partisan basis with neither the Republican nor the Democratic Party controlling. (Note to those who aren’t familiar with this – the normal process is for it to be very partisan with the politicians deciding which districts will be Republican and which will be Democratic.)
Ball even went a step further and signed a pledge that he would stand firm in his support of independent redistricting.
[See: "Sorry, I Must Have Forgotten" News That Matters - Wednesday, May 11, 2011]
But now that he’s been elected, Senator Ball has decided to go back on his word. Instead of keeping his promise to support independent redistricting to draw fair district boundaries for the 2012 elections, Senator Ball – now in office—wants to keep in place the same broken system that allows politicians to draw their own district lines.
This Saturday a number of groups have decided to come together to hold a rally and press conference to call upon Senator Ball to keep his word and support fair and independent redistricting.
Location: Riverfront Green Park (Next to the Train Station)
Robert Whitman, MoonRain (2010) 2PM - Dia Art Foundation is pleased to present the recent theater piece, MoonRain, by Robert Whitman, a pioneer of multimedia installation and performance. Referencing a famous collection of 18th century Japanese ghost stories by Ueda Akinari, the innovative work is set inside a fog environment designed by Fujiko Nakaya and will be staged in Dia:Beacon's lower level gallery.
Free with museum admission. For reservations, click here.
Robert Whitman first met Fujiko Nakaya during the E.A.T. project to build the Pepsi Pavilion at Expo ’70 in Osaka, Japan, where Nakaya developed the cloud sculpture that surrounded the building. Nakaya continued to participate in E.A.T. projects and also to create an extended series of fog sculptures around the world that have been incorporated in the designs of public spaces, buidlings and parks, often in collaboration with other artists and scientists.
 In 2004 Whitman and Nakaya were both at an exhibition on E.A.T. at the museum in Norrkoping, Sweden, and worked together on a piece Whitman called Dialogue.
As Whitman describes it:
“Because I had been interested in projecting on fog and anything else I could project on, it just seemed very natural to introduce that idea as part of a dialogue which we performed at the opening of the exhibition in Norrkoping. I projected video images from an earlier piece, Not a Novel, onto the fog sculpture Fujiko had created in the garden of the museum. I’ve projected on leaves in the woods and stuff; and one of the things that happens with fog, it blows around, so a piece of fog comes up here and reveals part of the image and another piece of fog comes up over there and another part of the image is revealed: the image is fragmented. You can set up a circumstance where the likelihood is good of something happening that you never saw before. That’s the thing with the fog.”
For the piece, MoonRain, which was to be performed in the summer of 2010 in the woods in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, Whitman told Fujiko that he wanted to work with her to make the fog an active part of the imagery of the performance. As he has said: “I was relating to this idea of Ugetsu which comes from the 18th century writer Uedia Akinari, Tales of Moon Light and Rain (Ugetsu mongatari). They come from a tradition where the story is made with gaps, kind of like a Chinese painting where you have the landscape and the whole empty canvas, and wherever those gaps are, they are filled in by the person telling the story or reading the story and leaving room for your mind to wander and be engaged. So fog is a lot like that. There are a lot of gaps, things come and they go, disappear and appear. I thought that was an interesting parallel.”
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 Eagle Scout Fundraiser 9 AM - Noon - Jimmy Duncan is hosting a breakfast fundraiser. This fundraiser is for the Cleaning and waxing of the GAR Monument at Veteran's Park (Electrazone Field)-hoping to be completed for Memorial Day. The 2nd Phase will be the placement of a historic marker.
The menu includes an omelet station, waffles, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, baked goods, oatmeal, juice, milk, coffee and tea. Reservations are not required, and all are welcome. The Brewster VFW hall is located at 262 Peaceable Hill Road and the phone number is 845/279-6969. Open to All $10 Adults. $5 Children.
Community Garden Plots at Stony Kill Farm  10 AM - The Stony Kill Foundation, Inc. announces the opening of the 2011 Community Garden Plots at Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center on Route 9D in Wappinger Falls. Plots are 20' by 20' and are available immediately, for a fee of $30 for the season. Please call 845-831-1617 for an application or email us at foundation@stonykill.org.
Join us on Sunday, May 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a Family Wilderness Survival Class with instructor Shane Hobel. This class is made up of many skills and introduces you to the scope of this subject of study and particularly the “Basic 4”: Shelter, Water, Fire & Food. You will also experience the beginnings of Tracking, Awareness & Movement. Topics are learned through discussion and practice. Children participating must be in grades 3 and older. All particpants should bring a bag lunch, snack and drink. Meet at the barn classroom. All should dress in layers and bring bug spray. For further information, visit mt.scoutsurvival@gmail.com. Reservations are required to attend this program and can be made by emailing foundation@stonykill.org or by calling 845-831-1617.
Guided Hike: Raymond G. Esposito Rail Trail When: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM Details: Join Docent Nice McLean on this moderate (2 sneaker) mostly flat walk that will be 3.5 miles in length along the Raymond G. Esposito Rail Trail to the newly restored Piermont Train Station used by the Erie Railroad in the 1870's. See the wonderful views of the Hudson River and the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Directions: Route 59 to Broadway in Nyack. Make a right and go south. Look for a gazebo before the South Nyack Police Station. Participants will meet at 282 South Broadway in South Nyack.
Pre-registration for all walks is suggested, but not required. Call: 845-708-7307 or e-mail rcamericorps@co.rockland.ny.us
Sheep Shearing at Glynwood Farm  Noon - Glynwood Farm opens up to the community with the annual family Sheep Shearing Day, celebrating springtime. Each spring, Glynwood celebrates the new planting season with a day of family activities. Tour the farm and gardens, visit with the animals, including newborns, and participate in games and activities conducted at the farm. Watch the sheep get shorn, see wool get transformed into yarn and felt. Learn about beekeeping and heirloom vegetable varieties suited to the Hudson Valley. Tour the Glynwood greenhouse and learn about energy saving features that have been installed.
The farm will be open from noon until 4 p.m. and the cost is $10 for adults 18 and over, and free for children under 18. This includes a light lunch. An onsite market will sell Hudson Valley regional products. Glynwood is located on Route 301. Advance registration is required due to parking limitations, and can be done by phoning 845-265-3338. For more information visit www.glynwood.org/ Photo courtesy of Glynwood.
Gallery Talk: Art in the Digital Age 1PM - With artist and educator, Dr. Sherry Mayo, who will discuss arts technology and the combination of both traditional and digital materials into studio practice explaining how she moves between the two, integrating drawing, painting, photography, installation, and digital to create her work. She will feature her recent installation at Westchester Community College Fine Arts Gallery in Faculty/Selects and discuss her relationship to contemporaries working in similar ways. Dr. Mayo is currently Director of the Center for the Digital Arts, Peekskill Extension of SUNY Westchester Community College.
This free program is part of the PAC Sunday’s in the Center and is partially funded through a community grant from Entergy; reservations are advised.
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.
Into The Future: 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.
Saturday, May 21 Putnam County Hazardous Waste Collection 9 AM - 1PM - Time to get rid of all that stuff under your kitchen sink and the bottles in the garage you can no longer identify. The county says they'll take drain cleaners and solvents and thinners and herbicides and phot chemicals and your old chemistry kit. What they won't take is latex paint, car batteries, used motor oil (bring that to any service garage where the smart ones strain it and use it in their oil burners) nor old computers and the like.
As usual, you have to register with the county at 845 808-1390 x43150
Canopus Beach Parking Lot
Route 301 in Kent
Arts on the Lake Spring Art Exhibit 1 PM - Opening Reception - The featured artists include: Larry Alfano, Wendy Alvarez, Turizzo Anaya, Pallas Athene, Patricia Bolgosano, Taras Borovyk, Lesia Prokopiv Borovik, Keith Brooks, Margaret Brooks, Chris Casaburi, Michelina Compton, George Davison, Eric Ficinus, Toni Flynn, Pal Gyomai, Eleanor Haggerty, Kathleen Hoekstra, Michael Keropian, Deborah Lecce, Don Longabucco, Joan Maliniak, James McGuire, James Muleva, Jerry Michalak, Sharon Nakazato, Amanda O'Shaughnessy, Katherine Pacchiana, Ekaterina Piskareva, Lisa Pitt, Joseph Pizzuti, Michael Rossi, Rena Scelia, Mary Schreiber, Greg Solanto, Gerald Spette, Kimberley Standerwick, Matt Tannenbaum, Carina Tautu, Bill Ullman, Jamie Vogel, and Roy Volpe. at Lake Carmel Cultural Center | 640 Route 52 | Kent Lakes, NY
Sunday, May 22 FrOGS Great Swamp Canoe Trips Each year Friends of the Great Swamp leads canoe trips on the East Branch Croton River into one of the largest wetlands in New York State. Join us on one of these enjoyable adventures into the Great swamp and experience this beautiful and valuable resource for yourself. As we enter this magical wilderness we will explore the biodiversity and learn more about the values of this nationally significant wetland. The Swamp provides critical habitat for aquatic species as well as for migrating and breeding birds. We have seen Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Prothonotary Warblers and Common yellowthroats as well as Wood Duck, Mallards and many, many more. There are Turtles, Dragonflies, some fantastic plants and possibly catch a glimpse of a mink or a muskrat. Explore the Swamp with FrOGS. Meet us at the Green Chimney’s Beach on Doansburg Road (formerly Putnam Lake Road) of Rte 22. FrOGS members will guide each trip and point out the birds and plants as we canoe. All levels of paddlers are welcome. We will provide canoes, paddles, Life jackets (bring your won if you wish) and a licensed Lifeguard. We suggest you bring bottled water, sunglasses and layered clothing to accommodate temperature changes. We will canoe rain or shine. In extreme conditions, we ask that you call for cancellation and rescheduling information. Reservations are a must and space is limited so get your reservations early! For information and reservations contact: Laurie Wallace at (845-279-8858) or Laurwally@aol.com subject: Canoe Trip $25.00 Adult Member, $12.00 Child (6 to 14 years)
$29.00 Adult Non-member, $16.00 Child (6 to 14 years) Michelle LeBlanc Jazz
2PM - Here's another chance to catch Michelle's exciting award winning show, "1950's JAZZ: Bop, Cool, R&B." Michelle will be playing with her top shelf trio: the talented arranger Tom Kohl on piano, Bill Conway on bass and the world touring sax player, Ed Xiques. Sponsors for this show include these Putnam County jazz lovers: Feehan Insurance Agency, Trebb Records and Desmond Fish Library. Suggested donation for this concert is $10. At the Desmond Fish Library, Route 403 & 9D in Garrison, NY Contact: 845-424-3020 or http://dfl.highlands.com
Thursday, May 26 How Six Putnam County School Districts Can Become One 6:30PM - Featured speakers, including NY Assembly representatives Sandy Galef and Steve Katz, will provide a legislative perspective on the consolidation of the six existing School Districts of Putnam County into one countywide School District...a feat never before attempted in the state of New York.
Ms. Deborah Cunningham of the NY State Education Department (NYSED) will participate by lending her expertise on consolidation or centralizing and prior to May 26 we will confirm additional panelists.
At the Mahopac Public Library. Write to Jim Kirk for more information: jdkjjk@gmail.com 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 door
Saturday, May 28 Giant Book Sale at the Kent Public Library Take-A-Hike! Season Begins With The Birds of Foundry Preserve  8:30 to 10:30am - Join Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary Director Eric Lind for this birding hike in Foundry Preserve in Cold Spring. An accomplished wildlife photographer, Eric is just the person you want along to share his knowledge as you walk from the village to view a wide variety of species. Don't forget your binoculars!
"We're excited to kick off this season with Eric's hike. Learning to identify birds by sight and sound is a great way to get back into the outdoors," says Outreach Director MJ Martin. "And we're grateful to all our volunteers who help lead the excursions for us; without them, this popular program would not be possible."
A total of eight hikes have been scheduled for the season, with selections ranging from a tot-friendly musical jaunt to a more challenging trek up Breakneck Ridge. Check your mailboxes for the complete schedule.
All Take-A-Hike! programs are free, but registration is required. Contact the HHLT office at 845/424-3358 or info@hhlt.org to make sure you're on the Take-A-Hike! mailing list.
June Saturday, June 4 - National Trails Day
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
FrOGS Great Swamp Canoe Trips Each year Friends of the Great Swamp leads canoe trips on the East Branch Croton River into one of the largest wetlands in New York State. Join us on one of these enjoyable adventures into the Great swamp and experience this beautiful and valuable resource for yourself. As we enter this magical wilderness we will explore the biodiversity and learn more about the values of this nationally significant wetland. The Swamp provides critical habitat for aquatic species as well as for migrating and breeding birds. We have seen Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Prothonotary Warblers and Common yellowthroats as well as Wood Duck, Mallards and many, many more. There are Turtles, Dragonflies, some fantastic plants and possibly catch a glimpse of a mink or a muskrat. Explore the Swamp with FrOGS. Meet us at the Green Chimney’s Beach on Doansburg Road (formerly Putnam Lake Road) of Rte 22. FrOGS members will guide each trip and point out the birds and plants as we canoe. All levels of paddlers are welcome. We will provide canoes, paddles, Life jackets (bring your won if you wish) and a licensed Lifeguard. We suggest you bring bottled water, sunglasses and layered clothing to accommodate temperature changes. We will canoe rain or shine. In extreme conditions, we ask that you call for cancellation and rescheduling information. Reservations are a must and space is limited so get your reservations early! For information and reservations contact: Laurie Wallace at (845-279-8858) or Laurwally@aol.com subject: Canoe Trip $25.00 Adult Member, $12.00 Child (6 to 14 years)
$29.00 Adult Non-member, $16.00 Child (6 to 14 years) 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 The Environmental Footprint of Marcellus Shale Gas 7PM - New natural gas extraction technology has led to an increase in the exploration of organic-rich shale in the United States. In New York State, the Marcellus Shale formation has captured the public’s attention. Will gas extraction in the Marcellus Shale be a boon, providing cleaner domestic energy, or a bust, contaminating our air and water resources? Find out answers from Duke University’s Rob Jackson. His research captures the latest science on the impacts of shale-gas extraction and fracking.
Location: Cary Institute's auditorium, located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Route 44) in Millbrook, New York. 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.
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