Ilana Papele’s The List

Apologies for not writing for a month. I have hurt my arm, finger tips to shoulder blade and am avoiding typing as much as possible. But I’ve missed writing up what is going on around the area and so here it a brief list for this week.

Critters:
There are two adorable mini lop bunnies in my garage that I am trying to rehome. Please, someone adopt them soon because they are just too cute and keeping them may endanger my marriage. Also, many other bunnies suddenly need homes. Angoras, for you spinners, other very cute young bunnies.
Dogs and possibly miniature ponies too.

Jobs:
Painters and carpenters looking for work. Personal and office assistants available. Chil minders too.
Work in the big apple for a not for profit.
Work on a neat, organic goat cheese making farm in Bedford. They’re interviewing interns as well as a garden manager.

Keys. Ever lock yourself out of a filing a cabinet? Turns out you can call the manufacturer for replacement keys. Staples may carry them too, as may John Lukas in Poughkeepsie.

The organizers of the Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials presented $37,000 to the Millbrook Fire Department Rescue Squad. Which is terrific. Thank you!

Want to buy American this season? Have you read A Year Without Made in China? Anyhow, www.motherjones.com/commentary/columns/2008/11/aint-that-american.html From cars to beer, there are some big surprises.

This year more than ever, please try to shop locally. If you want shops and not offices or vacant storefronts, please support your neighbors by giving them your business. Competitive prices, ample selection, friendly faces and your local stores usually gift wrap. No mall stress headaches. Keep down your carbon footprint and make it a fun day.

www.hudsonvalleyruins.org/rinaldi/PAGES/HVR-MAIN.htm to see which architectural splendors are in the area and may not be in the near future. The Hudson Valley is losing a tremendous amount of notable architecture…like the Carvel in Hartsdale as well as Halycon Hall.

Which brings up Bennett. The Village of Millbrook Planning Board decided that following the State Environmental Quality Review was simply not important enough require, as the state mandates. It might be for a five house development, but the 91 unit development. www.millbrookmatters.org has information about this as well as how to contact the planning board, village board, mayor, etc. I think it is a horrible precedent to set for large development in this community, but, hey, we can always look to LaGrange for being proactive and passing the cheaper to keep her proposal. Yea LaGrange!

One other item of local interest is that Councilman Allan Rappleyea has resigned from the Town of Washington Board and the Board is considering applicants to replace him.

The county executive has proposed an enormous cut to the arts and libraries for 2009. Consider the Arts Council has an award ceremony for the executive, consider how tourism is dependent on the arts, consider there is more to the county than the Renegades and Healthy Dutchess and then consider the arts budget had finally, last year, gotten up to where Lucille Pattison had left it about 15 years ago. Nearly a 70% cut to the Arts, about 65% to libraries.

This weekend is Merritt’s Book Fair as well as Neil Gould gives insight into “Victor Herbert: A Theatrical Life” on Sunday December 7, 2008 at 1:00 PM in Millbrook. The bookfair has author signing, face painting, ballons and even a Mad Hatter tea Party Raffle.Next weekend, Donna P. Hearn author presentation on her new book Dover on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 4:00 pm in Millbrook. Not Fade Away Writing Workshop/Signing at Merritt Books in Millbrook on Sunday, December 14, with presenters: Mihai Grunfeld and Steve Lewis. And ANNIE LEIBOVITZ–signing and talking at the Merritt Bookstore in Millbrook, Saturday, December 20, 2008 in Millbrook at 12:45 PM. Her newest book is supposed to be a great gift for photographers and is instructional, as well inspiring and affordable. www.merritbooks.com and they may still have Jan Brett signed books.

This is the time of year that having so many historic homes close by is just wonderful. For starts, but certainly not all:
Boscobel has holiday decorating workshops this weekend. www.boscobel.org
Locust Grove has a Twilight Tour and Dinner this Saturday, 5:30, catered by the Artists Palate (yum) using recipes from the archives. Last year, they sold out quickly, but have a few seats left this year.
Locust Grove on Sundays, til December 21: The Hunt for Twas the Night Before Christmas. 12 – 4 and geared to kids. $7kids, @9 adults. Clues, story by Lorraine Hartin-Gelardi, hot cider and cookies, 454-4500, www.lgny.org

Friday, December 5:
Community Children’s Theatre of Dutchess County presents ENCHANTED SLEEPING BEAUTY The Legend of Briar-Rose. Shows this at 7:30 p.m, Saturday and Sunday December 6th and 7th at 1:00 and 3:30 p.m. Spackenkill High School, Poughkeepsie. Tickets available at the door or on-line at www.cctdc.org

THE WOODSTOCK COMMUNITY CENTER, located on Rock City Rd in Woodstock, just up the road on the right from The Colony Café. We hope you’ll come out and support local and live music, sassy and hot Cajun music that is! Dance instruction will start at 8 and then dancing until 10:50. We are gonna have a lot of fun!! No partner is necessary and beginners are welcome. Cost for admission is $12. For more information call 845-238-8663. Les Bon Temps Roullez!

Saturday, December 6:
The Last Rights play Seany B’s.

Annual Monastery Craft Fair on Saturday and Sunday, 10 to 5. There is a monastery on Barmore Road, by the LaGrange-Union Vale border. Brother Victor makes an incredibly good vinegar as well as other edibles, like preserves, herbs and soups. Cookbooks, crafts, nativity sets. A really wonderful place to visit. By the way, that bottle of wine you opened last night and just isn’t tasty may be perfect for vinegar. Bring it over! He also sells vinegar mother if you would like to make it yourself.

At Tymor Park, in Union Vale, is the Festival of Lights. 12 -5.

Opening reception for Judy Reynolds at the Maplebrook School. 1 to 4pm. Exhibit goes to December 21.

Opening reception for Chris Armstrong at the Morrison Gallery in Kent. 4 -6pm. www.themorrisongallery.com. Exhibit runs to January 11.

Motherhouse will have a table of goods for sale at the UCC-Cornwall’s Christmas Sale at 8 Bolton Hill Road, this Saturday from 9:30-2:00… including a great sale on merino woolen undergarments and locally-made stainless steel baking sheets. To see our full line of products, visit www.MotherhouseMarket.com. Warm your loved ones with wool wraps, fresh cookies and…A FAMILY CONTRA DANCE, 7:00 - 9:30 pm at the Cornwall Town Hall on Pine Street in Cornwall, CT with Bill Fischer calling simple squares, circle, contra and other traditional dances to the music of Still the Homegrown Band. Suggested donation: $5/adult, $3/child. Call Rachel Gall 860 672-6328 or Debra Tyler 860 672-0229 for details. For a few photos of past dances, visit www.motherhouse.us/contradances.htm

Maple Syrup Sale at the Sharon Audubon, 9:00am – 5:00pm. One day only! As we prepare for the upcoming Sugaring Season, we need to make room for our new syrup. Stop by the Nature Store and receive 20% off ALL MAPLE SYRUP!
While you’re here, continue your holiday shopping for friends and family. Our nature store is stocked with bird feeders (a variety of squirrel-proof feeders as well), birdseed & suet, bird baths, field guides, children’s books, toys, games, puzzles, bird song identifiers, coffee and water mugs, and other unique gifts for the nature enthusiast. www.sharon.audubon.org, Route 4, Sharon, CT 06069 / (860) 364-0520

Concert in Millbrook by the Millbrook Arts Group. 7pm, Saturday, Millbrook High School. Last years concert was outstanding.

Sunday, December 7:

12:00 PM, The new FiRE + iCE at Palisades Center will host a Chef Competition as part of the mall’s Restaurant Week.
FiRE + iCE is located at 532 Palisades Center Drive, 4th Floor, West Nyack, New York, 10994. 845-358-3473 or www.fire-ice.com. The event is free and open to the public.
FiRE+iCE is an innovative concept in interactive dining where guests can create their meal choosing from an array of healthy ingredients and watch as one of the restaurant’s trained chefs prepares their meal from behind a massive 8-foot in diameter grill.

Rhinebeck Chamber Music, 4pm, Vinca String Quartet at the Church of the Messiah.

Monday, December 8:
Hall Winery and The Artist’s Palate team up to present a wine and wild game dinner. Starting at 6:00 pm. Enjoy an evening with exceptional wine, food and friends.

Marc Molinaro is hosting an Open House at his Red Hook office on Thursday, December 11 from 4 pm to 6 pm. In the flyer announcing the open house it states, “There is much work to be done for the residents of the Hudson Valley including comprehensive property tax reform, revolutionizing our educational system, making health care more affordable and creating local jobs in an effort to jump-start our struggling economy. I need your help and encourage you to contact my office with questions, concerns and ideas.” The phone number for the Red Hook office is 845-758-9790. This is often the nights of town board meetings, but certainly looks worth attending if you think property taxes aren’t the best way to pay for public education.

David Sedaris will be at the Bardavon on December 12. A friend is selling her extra tickets if anyone is interested. If you haven’t heard it, his “Oscar Meyer Wiener” in Billie Holliday is one of the most hilarious clips I have ever heard.

December 19th at 7:00 p.m. FernGully: The Last Rainforest. Cary Institute Auditorium. 2801 Sharon Turnpike, Millbrook. NY. The animated film tells the story of how magical inhabitants of a rainforest called FernGully fight to save their home when it is threatened by logging and pollution. Rated G and suitable for families. 2801 Sharon Turnpike, Millbrook, NY. (845) 677-7600×121. www.ecostudies.org.

Oh so many great events at Vassar and free (or usually free)
Vassar College Jazz Ensemble, conducted by James Osborn, will perform at 8:00 pm on Friday, December 5, in the Skinner Hall of Music. 845-437-7294.

Soprano Arielle Guterman and baritone Sasha Steinbert, accompanied by pianist Richard Mogavero, perform vocal works in a Senior Recital at Vassar on Saturday, December 6, at 4:00 pm. Skinner Hall of Music. 845-437-7294.

Accomplished author and associate professor of Hispanic studies at Vassar, Mihai Grünfeld will read from his critically acclaimed memoir of a post-Holocaust childhood, Leaving: Memories of Romania, on Saturday, December 6. The reading, to be followed by a reception, will begin at 4:00 pm in the Aula in Ely Hall. Both are free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase at the reception.

The annual candlelight program at Vassar, “A Service of Lessons and Carols,” will feature Advent and Christmas readings and performances by the Vassar College Choir, Women’s Chorus, and Madrigal Singers, as well as the Cappella Festiva Chamber and Treble Choir (December 7, 7:00pm, FREE, Vassar Chapel).

A special benefit choral concert at Vassar by the acclaimed Choir of Queens’ College, Cambridge, who will perform secular and sacred works by Bach, Byrd, Elgar, Tavener, and Tallis. The Vassar College Camarata will join the Choir for the closing works. While the concert is open to the public, the suggested donation will benefit Community Works, the Vassar College fundraising campaign that, since 2001, has provided over $500,000 to area not-for profit organizations, see http://communityworks.vassar.edu (December 10, 6:00 pm, $10 suggested donation, Skinner Hall of Music).

“Vivaldi’s Other Gloria,” is a celebration of the season by the Cappella Festiva Chamber Choir, Treble Choir, and professional orchestra who will perform Vivaldi’s rarely performed Gloria RV 588 and Credo RV 591 (December 14, at 7:00pm, FREE, Vassar Chapel).

“A Warrior’s Tale: To Iraq, Back, and Beyond.” Peter McCary discusses his year in Iraq in lecture at Vassar on Thursday, December 11, at 5:00 pm. Sanders Hall Auditorium (Room 212). McCary was lead interrogator and human intelligence collector for Task Force 1-34, while serving in Iraq. In 2004, the Wall Street Journal noted: “Sgt. John A. McCary, who speaks fluent Arabic and specializes in ‘human intelligence,’ improvises how he does his job and the Army is improvising how it uses soldiers like him. “[His] experience in Iraq shows why this war is so hard to win.”

Not sure what kind of mood I’ll be in come next week, so here is an extended list.

Bennett – Village planning board will accept public comments until November 6, 4pm. Drop them off to the village hall or mail to Planning Board, PO Box, Millbrook 12545.

Something to look forward to this Sunday. Brunch at the Artists Palate. 10:30 to 2:30 and I’ll bet it’s delicious. Would be fun to pair it up with the Nutcracker at the Bardavon. Other great places for Sunday brunch are Troutbeck in Amenia and, I have hear, but not experienced, the Beekman Arms. And there’s always the Diner.

La Castilla Espanol is having a special having to do with lobster. In Poughkeepsie and their shrimp with garlic sauce is delicious. On Main Street close to Raymond. November 9, there will be two Flamenco shows as well. Call for a reservation 452-5924.

Last two days for Frankenstein’s Fortress. Fri.-Sat. 6-9:30pm, Sun. 6-8:30pm. $10, $5 under 10, Creamery Rd. Stanfordville www.haunteddutchess.org.

The women’s correctional facility in Beacon will be teaching minimum security women how to knit. They need donations of yarn, and invariably other supplies like patterns, needles, tape measures, plastic bowls to put balls of wool and volunteer instructors. Call Eve at 914-456-2537.

Daylight savings ends this weekend and we fall back on Sunday.

Trying still to stop those insidious, pesky catalogs? Try again with www.dmachoice.org. Free to register, you can add up to five names or addresses and you can remove the deceased too.

Whoa! Please don’t throw out that unused medicine. There are many things I do not want in the water supply and medications are rather high up in the list. Fish do not need that Prozac either. Joel Tyner had suggested a county solution, but I do not think that was adopted by the legislature. Here are two options, thanks to the Ideal Bite. www.thestarfishproject.org/ and www.smarxtdisposal.net/.

Upstate Films has Religulous and Rachel Getting Married. 876-2515. Both look terrific.

T he Rhinebeck Photography & Art Center is offering exciting photography classes designed to explore and improve your photographic skills. A maximum of six students per class ensures that everyone receives plenty of personal attention. Anyone at any level of photography interested in learning and improving their photography skills will enjoy the benefits from these workshops. Start with a thorough explanation of digital photography and lighting techniques. They teach basic and advanced photographic principles. Adobe Photoshop and computer workflow are clearly explained and explored giving all students a strong foundation for future development. Dan at (516) 286-5104 or www.rhinebeckphotoarts.com.

Do you know what is in your neighbors lawn? And thus possibly in your water? www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/petition-sign.cgi?neighbor if you think neighbors should be notified and notify when they are using pesticides.

Portrait of a lady exhibit ends at the Millbrook School on November 3. The lady is Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who sat for 25 artists back in 2006. 677-8261 x 166.

And sad for all of us east of the Taconic. Marlene Weber is closing the day spa in Millbrook. We will have to drive to Adams for her Poughkeepsie spa. Thank you Marlene!

Halloween, Friday, October 31:

Halloween in Millbrook. To have 700 plus trick or treaters is not unusual in the village. If you are new, buy lots of candy. If you just want to see the costumes, grab a window seat at the Diner, Babettes, the new tapas place, Dervin O’Briens or Café Les Baux. The library is open for treaters too.

The Woodstock Chamber Orchestra (WCO) kicks off its 30th season at Bard College with a concert featuring J.S. Bach’s Three Cantatas and the Brandenburg Concerto No. 1. Presented in cooperation with The Bard Center, the performance begins at 8:00 p.m. in Olin Hall. Tickets are $20 for adults; $5 for students. 845-246-7045 or visit www.wco-online.com.

Saturday, November 1:

Vassar Repertory Dance Theatre performs works including “Aureole,” a 1962 piece by choreographer Paul Taylor, now seen as a classic of modern dance. They present dances choreographed by Kathy Wildberger, Vassar dance department, and Tom Gold, New York City Ballet; Peter Pucci, founder, director and choreographer of Peter Pucci Plus Dancers; and Takehiro Ueyama, who also choreographs his dance company, TAKE Dance Company. Maureen Mansfield Kaddar, who directs the company and teaches modern dance at Vassar, was a member of Paul Taylor Dance Company from 1997-2002. A question-and-answer session with choreographers and dancers follows each event. VRDT performs Fri. 10/10, 8pm. Performances continue 11/20, 21 and 22, 8pm. Reservations recommended. Free. Vassar College, Kenyon Hall, Frances Daly Fergusson Dance Theater, 124 Raymond Ave. Poughkeepsie, www.vassar.edu.

Vassar, Colorado String Quartet plays Music of Beethoven, Ginastera, and Brahms at the
Skinner Hall of Music, Vassar College. 845-437-7294 or music.vassar.edu/concerts. Free

Olana View Shed Tour. Olana is one of the most beautiful places in New York State, there is an event. I do not feel like retyping the whole thing, so to summarize: great food by the Artists Palate, incredible views, about a dozen gorgeous properties, good cause, which is historic landscape restoration. Scenic Hudson, Cedar Grove, and the Columbia Land Conservancy are also involved. The benefit party will be in a restored barn on protected land with full sunset and mountain views. Let me know if you’d like me to email you their flyer. 518-828-1872 ext. 103. www.olana.org.

Bard “Fall Dance.” Student choreography presented by the Dance Program. Theater Two, Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, nightly at 8:00 p.m. with a matinee Sunday at 3:00 p.m. www.fishercenter.bard.edu or 845-758-7900. Thru November 3.

Free family day at the Aldrich Museum in Ridgefield, 12 noon to 5 pm. Free admissions,
snacks and tours of the exhibitions. Explore shapes and zany creatures in a workshop led by Scary Stories and Naughty Naughty Pets creator and author/illustrator Wendy Ann Gardner, who will lead a four-hour plush-toy-making workshop from 1 to 5 pm. Learn how to make your own plush characters, starting with a crazy shape. Gardner will help with the sewing, the rest of the details of your creature are up to you! Drop by the Education Center any time between 1 and 5 pm and start creating.
For more information please contact Carolina Pedraza at cpedraza@aldrichart.org or 203.4384519.

Family Contra Dance, 7:00 - 9:30 pm at the Cornwall Town Hall on Pine Street in Cornwall, CT with Jeff Walker calling simple squares, circle, contra and other traditional dances to the music of the home-grown/home-schooled Walker Family Band
Suggested donation: $5/adult, $3/child. Call Rachel Gall 860 672-6328 or Debra Tyler 860 672-0229 for details.

Local artist Tilly Strauss has an Annual Open Studio, Saturday and Sunday November 1 and 2, 12 – 5 p.m. All are welcome, food and drink …fine art and friends. Come take a look and have a laugh at her moving chickens, find yourself a unique map and marvel at the miniatures. If that weekend doesn’t work for you, call for more info, private viewing, or directions- 845-489-3264. Mostly map encaustics on paper and panels, large panels of mixed media anxious chickens, miniature boxes of fruit and vegetables. www.tillystudio.com.

Free 90-minute walking tours of the historic Vassar College campus will be led by Colton Johnson, Dean Emeritus of the College, at 10:00am and 1:00pm. Both tours will begin at the front entrance to the college’s Main Building, and will be held rain or shine.
Main Building is one of two Vassar structures on the National Register of Historic Places, along with the observatory built for the college’s first faculty member, the preeminent astronomer Maria Mitchell. Highlights of the tour will include the college’s Thompson Memorial Library, famous both as an early exemplar of collegiate gothic design and for its sizeable Cornaro stained glass window.
From his very founding of the college in 1861, Matthew Vassar set out to create an exceptional physical environment for learning. By steadily integrating thoughtful landscape and structural design, the college has transformed the grounds of the former Dutchess County Racetrack into one of the world’s most revered academic places. Significantly, Vassar College has never relied upon a predominant architectural style, so over the decades it has grown to showcase the work of such leading and varied architects as James Renwick, Jr. Francis R. Allen, Eero Saarinen, Marcel Breuer, and Cesar Pelli. To sign up for one of the free walking tours, or for more information, call Martha Morrison in the Office of College Relations at (845) 437-7400, or e-mail mamorrison@vassar.edu. Directions to Vassar at www.vassar.edu/directions.

Sunday, November 2:

Rhinebeck Farmer’s Market, 10 -2.

Beacon offers a Year Round Farmer’s Market every Sunday, 10 to 4. On warm days, at the new ferry dock at the Beacon Train Station, so you could take the train from Poughkeepsie if you prefer not to drive. Cold days, look for the Fireside in Pete Seegers Sloop Clubhouse. Year around green house vegs, fresh bread, wine, cheese, soup, salsa, pottery, desserts, smooked fish, eggs, maple syrup, honey, meat, lots of great local things. www.beaconfarmersmarket.com.

The Hudson Valley Chamber Music Circle presents “Whose Turn? Whose Tune?” at 2:00 p.m. in Olin Hall on the Bard College campus. The family concert features Madalyn Parnas, violin; Cicely Parnas; cello, and Babette Hierholzer, piano. No reservations are necessary; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The Parnas Duo—17-year-old violinst Madalyn Parnas and her sister, 15-year-old cellist Cicely Parnas—was awarded first prize in the 2008 International Chamber Music Ensemble Competition at Weill Recital Hall, and has been featured in numerous national and regional magazines, and national and local radio broadcasts. Saint Saens, Dvorak, Schubert and more.

Two concerts at Vassar, Skinner Hall, and free.
11:00 am, Master Class with members of the Colorado Quartet. Featuring students of the Music Department. 3:00 pm, Vassar Camerata. 845-437-7294 or music.vassar.edu/concerts. So, you could hear the first, walk around the campus, grab lunch at Miss Saigon, go to the Frances Lehman Loeb Museum and then listen to the second. Revealed Anew is at the museum and includes rarely seen and fragile works, drawn from the permanent collection, November 7, 2008 – January 4, 2009.

Taste of the Hudson Valley at the Grandview in Poughkeepsie. www.tastehv.org. 12 to 4, wine and food, 12 -3 silent auction, 3:30 live auction. Minimum $200 per ticket, benefits Saint Francis Hospital, so there is a tax deduction. 431-8707.

Monday, November 3:

If you are going to be away and need an absentee ballot, you must swing by the Board of Elections today. Fill it out and hand it back.

Knitting night for me. Do let me know if you are interested in joining us this year. We may have a fourth Thursday sewing/mending night too.

Bard Innovative Contemporary Fiction Reading Series with Peter Carey, Australia’s most celebrated living writer, two-time Booker Prize winner, and author of True History of the Kelly Gang, Oscar and Lucinda, Theft: A Love Story, Wrong About Japan, and My Life as a Fake, among dozens of other books, reads from new work. Carey has been lauded for his deep and idiosyncratic engagement with the history and culture of his native Australia as well as for his counterpoint observations of his adopted America. Introduced by Bradford Morrow. Olin 104, the Music Room. 2:30 p.m. 845-758-1539.

Bard in NYC lecture “Roman Woodworking: Materials, Techniques, and Patronage.” Classical archaeologist Roger Ulrich will consider the complementary aspects of function, technique, and cultural significance of the most important Roman furniture types. Advance registration required. Admission: $23 general, $17 students and seniors. The General Society Library, 20 West 44th Street, New York City. 6:30 p.m. 212-501-3011 or programs@bgc.bard.edu.

Tuesday, November 4:

VOTE. Find your polling place at www.vote411.org/pollingplacebystate.php. There is also www.govote.org, but they didn’t have Verbank listed. If you have the room and schedule, consider offering to take your neighbors.

For those in LaGrange, please remember there is a vote on open space preservation.

Still undecided? Check out http://lcv.org/scorecard/ for ratings on incumbents by the League of Conservation Voters. A big hooray for John Hall, who has a 100% positive score for his voting on the environment. 100%! Thank you John!

Concerned about Voter Fraud? You should be if you think that everyone has a right to vote. Bottom of this article gives tips for what to do if you find yourself or loved ones not able to express their constitutional right to vote, www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-f-kennedy-jr-and-greg-palast/drinking-the-acorn-koolai_b_138390.html. And to follow the fraud, www.motherjones.com/news/outfront/2008/11/election-fraud-map.html?state=FL. To see Bravenewfilm’s take on ACORN, http://bravenewfilms.org/blog/58493-help-spread-the-truth-about-acorn.

And then go have some fun with www.palinaspresident.us.

Bard Conservatory students in concert. Free, Olin Hall. Noon. 845-758-7196 or conservatory@bard.edu.

Wednesday, November 5:

Two neat events at the Millbrook Library.

Chinese cooking class with Norma Chang, 3:30 – 4:30, for Grades 5 – 8. Hands-on Chinese cooking class. Learn to make Chinese food. And the best part – eating your results! Space is limited to 12 participants. Registration is required. Call 677-3611, ext. 4. I think Mom took Norma Chang cooking classes in the 70’s and she came home with some great recipes and techniques.

Making sense of your digital camera with Lori Adams at the Millbrook Library, 7 – 8:30. Lori will bring in cameras (both film and digital) to discuss basic concepts common to both cameras. She will use beautiful imagery that reflects the different settings on a digital camera. Digital cameras can be confusing. What is a pixel? How does the camera record images? Join us for an interactive lecture and presentation that will show the steps involved in digital photography and give the novice photographer a foundation for understanding the digital camera. Pre-registration is required; please call 845-677-3611 ext. 2 for further information or to register. Free!

Bard “Music Alive Ensembles,” Joan Tower and Blair McMillen, directors. A dynamic mix of classics by Samuel Barber, Gustsav Holst, and Astor Piazzolla and new works by
Conservatory composers Conor Brown and Ben Pesetsky, featuring a full string orchestra (conducted by Grammy Award winner Joan Tower) and outstanding soloists from the Conservatory. Presented by The Bard College Conservatory of Music. Olin Hall. 8:00 p.m. 845-758-7196 or conservatory@bard.edu.

Vassar, at 5:30 pm, “Stranger in the Eco-Village: Race, Tourism, and Environmental Time” lecture by Rob Nixon. Taylor Hall, room 203. (845) 437-5370.

Thursday, November 6:

Get those comments to the Millbrook Planning Board by 4pm. There is a workshop scheduled for that evening on the Bennett Proposal.

Bard in NYC “In Raptures with the Furniture: An Evening with Jane Austen.” Actress Barbara Feldon—who has a special passion for the poetry of this period—will read from a selection of Austen’s writings that portray characters (and the houses they inhabited) from all levels of early 19th-century English society. Advance registration required. Admission: $25 general, $20 students and seniors. The BGC, 18 West 86th Street, New
York City. 6:00 p.m. 212-501-3011 or programs@bgc.bard.edu.

Town of Union Vale Board Meeting, 7:30. By the way, the Union Vale Town Hall is now closed on Fridays, until further notice, to conserve energy.

CIES Dr. Jerry Melilo of Woods Hole will address “new frontiers in global research: an exploration of unintended consequences”. 4pm and free.

Senegalese writer Boubacar Boris Diop will discuss “What it Means to be a Francophone Black African Writer Today” (“Etre un écrivain négro-africain francophone aujourd’hui”), at 7:00 p.m., in Taylor Hall 102, Vassar. This event is free and open to the public.

Lecture by Anne McClintock at Vassar, 5:30, “Paranoid Empire: Specters of Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib,” Taylor Hall, room 203. (845) 437-5370

Friday, November 7:

Philosophy comic Steve Martin expounds “children are like ideas, you have to watch over them or they might end up wrong” in his hilarious one-act play “Picasso at the Lapin Agile at The Hotchkiss School, November 7 and 8 at 7:30 PM and November 9 at 2:30 PM in the Walker Auditorium.
The plot of the play turns around an imagined meeting of the minds of Picasso and Einstein at a bar in Paris, 1904. One year later, Einstein will publish his ³Special Theory of Relativity²; three years later Picasso will paint his famous ³Les Demoiselles D¹Avignon.² Perhaps had this night not taken place, perhaps had the mysterious messenger from the twentieth century not arrived ³all shook up² and ready to sing, these amazing feats of art and science might never have been created. Well, at least that¹s the way Martin sets us up for an evening or matinee of good-natured laughter just right for an early winter weekend.
Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. For more
information or to make reservations please call 860-435-3203.

White Elephant Sale. Friday, November 7th and Saturday, November 8th, 2008. Grace Church – Franklin Avenue, Millbrook, New York. 9 am – 4 pm. Quality items at bargain prices. Furniture, household items, lamps, children’s clothing, winter coats, nursery furniture, toys, books, and so much more. Coffee and donuts for the early birds. For more information call 677-3064 or 227-5303.

Local glass artist Jeep Johnson has an open studio event too, this weekend and again in December. Friday, 4 – 8, Saturday and Sunday 12 – 7. 6 Hamilton Street in Poughkeepsie. 914-474-6173.

November 8:

Some of the Hudson Valley’s hottest alternative and pop punk bands will be performing during The CENTER Rocks! concert, scheduled for 7 p.m. November 8 at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. On the roster are Poughkeepsie-based band The Here and Now, Set on Site of Hyde Park, Failin’ Phelan and The Strate A Students from Rhinebeck, Atlantic Escape from Rockland County and Hello Control from Plattsburgh. General admission tickets: $12.

Hudson Valley Philharmonic Plays at the Bardavon. www.bardavon.org.

Opening at the Millbrook School for Fitzhugh Karol’s new Work. 5:30 to 7pm. See the work at www.fitzhughkarol.com.

Vassar Senior Recital at 1:30 pm. Piano Music of Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Scriabin, Skinner Hall of Music.

Vassar College Women’s Choir, 8pm, Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest by Conrad Susa, featuring members of the music faculty on marimba, guitar and harp. 845-437-7294 or music.vassar.edu/concerts.

The Union Vale Fire Co. is sponsoring their annual Ham Supper, at Union Vale Station 1, Rt. 82 Verbank. Continuous servings from 4pm to 7pm. Eat in or take out. Adults $10.50 (advance); $11.00 (at door), Seniors $9.50 (advance); $10.00 (at door), Children (4-12) $5.50 (advance); 6.00 (at door). Ticket Information: Leo DiBono (845) 406-0313

Sunday, November 9:

Vassar, 3:00 pm, Vassar Mahogany Ensemble, Music of Ives ad Weill
Skinner Hall of Music, Vassar College, 845-437-7294 or music.vassar.edu/concerts.

The CENTER for Performing Arts singer and guitarist Steve Kirkman opens for acoustic folk trio Red Molly who will be performing a crisp blend of harmonies on the heels of their newly-released album, “Love and Other Tragedies.” The concert starts at 4. Tickets: $15. www.centerforperformingarts.org or by calling the box office at 845-876-3080.

Bard Conservatory Orchestra, conducted by Melvin Chen. Sosnoff Theater, Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, 3:00 p.m. 845-758-7900 or conservatory@bard.edu.

Old Style Life Skills Series workshop “Blood and Guts.” Francisco Alves will share his culinary expertise in making use of blood, hooves, organ meats and other “spare parts” left after butchering a veal animal. At the UCC-Cornwall, CT Parish House. 10:30-1:30. $35/ family. Bring a dish to share for a pot-luck lunch with other participants. Must pre-register with Debra@Motherhouse.us or 860 672-0229

November 10 – 11:

Auditions for the CENTERstage Production of Gypsy have been scheduled for 7 p.m. November 10-11 at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck. The premiere show business musical, Gypsy, has been set for February 13-March 1, 2009. Gypsy will be directed by Rafael Rivera with choreography by Lisa Baldwin.

Prepare a song from the show. Dance auditions begin at 7 p.m. with singing and acting auditions at 8:30 p.m. Callbacks may be Nov. 12. For more information, call Lou Trapani at 845-876-3088 ext. 14.

November 13, 6 - 9:30pm, Edible Landscaping With Ease, Part 1. With rising gas prices, local food becomes more and more essential for economic and ecological sustainability. SUNY Ulster, BRC, Kingston. Register at 845-339-2025, www.sunyulster.edu, $59.

Hall Winery and The Artist’s Palate team up to present a wine and wild game dinner hosted Monday, December 8, 2008, at 6:00 pm. Enjoy an evening with exceptional wine, food and friends. An exclusive event. Reservations Required.

My apologies, but there is not much of a list today. There are plenty of things to do, really terrific things in this area. I just will not have time to write them up this morning and last night, I saw the marvelous Whirling Dervishes at Bard, so I could not write then either. Rumi poetry readings, hearing the 22nd grandson of Rumi (yes, going back 800 years), singing, ancient instruments, and seeing the 800 year old Sema ceremony. And there are a few more venues. October 25 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, October 26 at Yale, October 27 at Amherst College. Quite fascinating.

I implore you who have recently registered to confirm you are in fact registered. Bummer to go vote and then not be allowed. www.dutchesselections.com. The last day to request an absentee ballot in New York State is October 28th (postmarked), or November 3rd (in person.) New military voters need to postmark their applications four days earlier (October 24th). You may qualify for an absentee ballot if you will be out of the county on election day, if you are sick or otherwise home- or hospital-bound, or in jail awaiting Grand Jury action or in prison for a non-felony offense. Please read this page, for more detailed information, and for an application for an absentee ballot: http://www.ongov.net/Board_of_Elections/absentee.html

And http://wvgazette.com/News/200810180251 to see how well the electronic machines are working in West Virginia.

A local opportunity support Open Space Preservation if you are in the town of LaGrange, or just feel like supporting because you have to drive through LaGrange. The It’s Cheaper to Keep Her Movement refers to working farms. For more information go to http://www.preservelagrange.org. And join them OCT 25th at Sprout Creek Farm for music, cider, doughnuts and more. 11AM to 2PM at Parking at Noxon Elementary School. As most townships in Dutchess, LaGrange has a few school districts, including Millbrook. Again, what happens one place will affect all of us, regardless of being LaGrange, Millbrook village or West Virginia.

Pumpkins. If you are carving away or have decorative pumpkins that need to be recycled, please let me know as my chickens love pumpkins. Farmers markets offer an incredible selection, there is a nice patch on 82 in Stanfordville and another in Dover, on Halls Corners Road.

The Canterville Ghost in Lenox, Shakespeare and Co. www.shakespeare.org. Goes to November 6 and looks fun. Nights and matinees.

Wing’s Frankenstein Fortress in Stanfordville. Once a year and certainly the best haunted house I have ever experienced. Every weekend from now to November 1. Your kids may actually be scared. Which is the purpose of a haunted house. Follow a winding trail through town, including the asylum, Paris Opera House, Louisiana swamp, and Half Moon. Created by Peter Wing, owner of Wing’s Castle, and town kids. Fri.-Sat. 6-9:30pm, Sun. 6-8:30pm. $10, $5 under 10, Creamery Rd. Stanfordville www.haunteddutchess.org.

To Nov. 2: “The Best of Broadway,” The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck. This Rodger and Hammerstein musical revue puts a fresh and vibrant face on some of the most popular and beloved songs in Broadway history. The entire family will take delight in musical numbers from such Broadway hits as Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, State Fair, Cinderella, South Pacific, and more. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $22 for adults; $20 for seniors and children. (845) 876-3080 or www.centerforperformingarts.org.

Last week of Bard’s Summerscape on Prokofiev. www.fishercenter.bard.edu/boxoffice or the Bard box office at 845-758-7900. “Prokofiev and His World” – Bard Music Festival

Friday, October 24
Program One – From Chicago to Moscow (repeated Saturday, October 25), Sosnoff Theater
7:00 p.m. Preconcert Talk: Christopher H. Gibbs
8:00 p.m. Performance: Mira Wang, violin; American Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Leon Botstein, music director

Sergey Prokofiev (1891–1953)
Waltz Suite, Op. 110 (1946)
March and Scherzo, from The Love for Three Oranges, Op. 33 (1921)
Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major, Op. 100 (1944)

John Alden Carpenter (1876–1951)
Violin Concerto (1936)
Tickets: $25, $40, $55

Saturday, October 25
PANEL – Art and Dictatorship, Olin Hall
10:00 am – noon
Leon Botstein; Simon Morrison; Daniel Mendelsohn; Jennifer Day
Free and open to the public

Program Two – The Uneasy Rivalry: Prokofiev and Stravinsky, Olin Hall
2:30 p.m. Preconcert Talk: Elizabeth Bergman
3:00 p.m. Performance: Faculty and students of The Bard College Conservatory of Music

Sergey Prokofiev (1891–1953)
Overture on Hebrew Themes, Op. 34 (1919)
Sonata for two violins, Op. 56 (1932)
Sonata for cello and piano, Op. 119 (1949)

Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971)
Sonata for two pianos (1943–44)
Septet (1952–53)
Tickets: $25
Box Office: 845-758-7900

Saturday, October 25:

The last Millbrook Farmer’s Market of 2008. Good time to stock up vegetables, cheese, soap, honey, maple syrup, baskets, candles, beeswax, Herondale meat, wooden bowls, sculpture, wool, all of that great stuff… as well as catching up with the people you won’t see until 2009. 9 – 1.

Representative Kirsten Gillibrand and candidate for family court judge Joan Posner will be in Millbrook 10am. Ask them questions and find out where they stand.

Sunday, October 26:

Yin and restorative yoga workshop with Nancy Causey at the Half Moon Yoga Barn. www.halfmoonyogabarn.com Yin yoga is a quiet practice developed to stretch fascia and connective tissue by holding poses from 3 to 5 minutes. It focuses mainly on the hips, legs, and lower back areas. This workshop will combine yin yoga and restorative yoga to achieve deep opening and relaxation. The workshop will close with Yoga Nidra, 30 minute guided meditation. 2:30 ~ 5:00, $35.

Audubon Kids’ Day is from 12-3 pm in Sharon. This fun-filled autumn family event features various nature crafts and games, an animal menagerie touch station, hay bale maze, food and more. Following the crafts and games at 2:00 PM, children are invited to join in a costume parade around the Center grounds led by the Salisbury Band and some of the friendly animal characters from Audubon’s Enchanted Forest. All children (as well as adults) are encouraged to wear a costume. Admission to the event is $7.00 per carload. Not scary and great for children preK-2nd grade. For more information on either event, please contact the Sharon Audubon Center at (860) 364-0520 or visit the website at www.sharon.audubon.org.

The widely acclaimed Atlantic Brass Quintet will take the stage, at 4 p.m., in the Esther Eastman Music Center¹s Katherine M. Elfers Hall for an afternoon concert of wide-ranging music brilliantly colored and delivered with more than a touch of personality.
The group has enjoyed an illustrious two-decades long career that began with a string of grand-prize competition victories and being named Young Artists of 1988 by Musical America, and that has seen them perform in 48 of the United States and more than a dozen countries across four continents. www.hotchkiss.org/calendars or call 860-435-4423 for more details about additional concerts and recitals, and other Arts at Hotchkiss events. The Hotchkiss School is located at 11 Interlaken Road in Lakeville, CT.

Tuesday, October 28:

Falling Through the Cracks: The Science and Policy Challenges of Conserving Small Wetlands in the Hudson Valley. 9am-5pm. Norrie Point Environmental Center, Staatsburg. This conference will address the important issue of small wetlands conservation, through presentations on the science of small wetlands, including the implications of climate change; current federal and state protections; local authority; and examples of local initiatives to conserve small wetlands in the Hudson Valley. The conference will be especially relevant to local government planners, managers, and engaged community members, as well as consultants and regulators. Sponsored by the Hudson River Environmental Society, Cornell University, and the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program. Check www.hres.org for updates and registration information.

Wednesday, October 29:

Confronting Biological Invasions: A Growing Environmental Problem NYS Biodiversity Research Institute Fall 2008 Biology and Conservation Lecture Series. 12:00pm NYS Museum, Albany. Introduced invasive species have transformed most of our ecosystems and more problematic species are on the way. Dr. David Strayer, of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, reviews the history and impact of a few prominent invaders, the extent and causes of these introductions, and proposed elements of a solution to this escalating problem. For further information, visit
www.nysm.nysed.gov/bri/program/bri_lectures_fall08.html or call 518-474-5817.

Village of Millbrook, 7pm, Thorne Building. Bennett Public hearing. Blumenthal-Brickman has submitted the final portion of their plans for their 91 unit development on the former Bennett College site to the Village of Millbrook Planning Board and the Planning Board has set a Public Hearing. So come hear and be heard! Copies of the plans submitted are available at Village Hall, the Library, and at www.bennettredevelopment.com. www.millbrookmatters.org for more updates. You need not be a village of Millbrook resident to attend. Come if you think it is important to the way to village will feel, interact, impact your life or vision. This is the gateway to the community here and Millbrook means mores than the village. Letters will also be added to the record.

For the last few weeks, I often recall that wonderful line from the Princess Bride. “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means”. So we looked up the definition of “maverick”. According to American Heritage, NOUN: 1. An unbranded range animal, especially a calf that has become separated from its mother, traditionally considered the property of the first person who brands it. 2. One that refuses to abide by the dictates of or resists adherence to a group; a dissenter.
ADJECTIVE: Being independent in thought and action or exhibiting such independence: maverick politicians; a maverick decision.
ETYMOLOGY: Possibly after Samuel Augustus Maverick (1803–1870), American cattleman who left the calves in his herd unbranded. (The rest of the Samuel Maverick story is that then when his cattle intermingled with a neighbors, he claimed all unbranded calves as his own. Crafty).

www.dutchesselections.com for absentee ballots.

Get on board for change, via chartered buses. Grassroots canvassing & get out the vote! Travel with us to wilkes-barre, Pennsylvania. We will leave in the morning and return the same night – no charge. Oct 18th: rhinebeck, poughkeepsie & beacon. Nov 1st: poughkeepsie & new paltz. Please contact Melanie at m.whaley@verizon.net or 845-677-2201.

Pumpkins. If you are carving away or have decorative pumpkins that need to be recycled, please let me know. My chickens love pumpkins. Farmers markets offer an incredible selection, there is a nice patch on 82 in Stanfordville and another in Dover, on Halls Corners Road.

Innisfree closes its doors until next May. This is the last chance to go for 2008.
Today until 4, Saturday and Sunday 11 to 5. www.innisfreegarden.org.

Bottled water might not be what you expect, especially if you think just hydrogen and oxygen. Here is one report. www.ewg.org/reports/bottledwater

The Canterville Ghost in Lenox, Shakespeare and Co. www.shakespeare.org. Goes to November 6 and looks fun. Nights and matinees.

Mesmerizing, original and a good thrill is Wing’s Frankenstein Fortress in Stanfordville. As Grandpa once said, you pay your money and you get what you get and this is about $10 a ticket. Once a year and certainly the best haunted house I have ever experienced. Every weekend from now to November 1. Follow a winding trail through town, including the asylum, Paris Opera House, Louisiana swamp, and Half Moon. Created by Peter Wing, owner of Wing’s Castle, and town kids. Fri.-Sat. 6-9:30pm, Sun. 6-8:30pm. $10, $5 under 10, Creamery Rd. Stanfordville www.haunteddutchess.org.

Bennett Development: Blumenthal-Brickman has submitted the final portion of their plans for their 91 unit development on the former Bennett College site to the Village of Millbrook Planning Board, and met with the Planning Board to set a Public Hearing for October 29 at the Thorne Building, at 7 pm. Copies of the plans submitted are available at Village Hall, the Library, and at www.bennettredevelopment.com. www.millbrookmatters.org for more updates.

Peonies for Sale through October 18 at historic Locust Grove, the home of a stunning collection of peonies planted in the late 1800’s. Divisions of these beautiful and fragrant antique varieties can be purchased for your own garden. Plant a piece of local history at your own home. Plants for sale include at least three buds to ensure spring flowering. Order your historic peonies today as supplies are limited; plantings available on a first come, first serve basis. Proceeds support the gardens. Purchase peonies at gift shop, $15/plant. Locust Grove, Morse Historic Site, 2683 Rt. Poughkeepsie www.LGNY.org.

Friday, October 17:

Some Delights of the Hudson Valley: An Anthology of Hudson Valley Humor by Danny Shanahan will be launched at a fundraiser for the Dutchess County Arts Council on Friday, October 17th at Olin Hall on Bard Campus in Annandale-on-Hudson at 6:30pm. This funny new book is comprised of short fiction, essays, poems, cartoons, art, and photography by local stars like Leon Botstein, Mary Gaitskill, Robert Kelly, Graham Parker, Michael Crawford, Liza Donnelly and many more. Readings by book contributors and musical performances will fill the evening along with a cartoonist’s panel, food, wine, book signing, and drawing including tickets to the Emmy award-winning, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Tickets are $35/person (includes one book, $50/couple (includes one book). Please call the Dutchess County Arts Council at 845-454-3222 or visit us online at www.artsmidhudson.org for tickets.

Oct. 17-Nov. 2: “The Best of Broadway,” The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck. This Rodger and Hammerstein musical revue puts a fresh and vibrant face on some of the most popular and beloved songs in Broadway history. The entire family will take delight in musical numbers from such Broadway hits as Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, State Fair, Cinderella, South Pacific, and more. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $22 for adults; $20 for seniors and children. (845) 876-3080 or www.centerforperformingarts.org.

And for a delicious twist on Les Miserables, http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/09/les-misbarack.html.

Enchanted Forest at the Sharon Audubon. Friday & Saturday, October 17 & 18, 6:30-8:00 pm. Raccoons, skunks and foxes, OH MY! No need to fear these critters at the Enchanted Forest. Guided groups will meet these friendly costumed animal characters and some more of their friends along the trail and hear how the animals live their lives on the Audubon grounds. After the tour, which lasts approximately 45 minutes, participants can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate inside the Center building before taking a hayride back to the parking area. This non-scary program is ideal for children up to 8 years old and their families. Admission is $4.00 for adults and children. Tours begin every 10-15 minutes between the hours of 6:30 and 8:00pm. Participants should bring an extra flashlight if available. www.sharon.audubon.org, Route 4, Sharon, CT 06069 / (860) 364-0520.

Saturday, October 18:

Sheep and Wool festival, October 18 and 19. www.sheepandwool.com. At the DC fair grounds in Rhinebeck. Saturday is a longer day, but Sunday has the pumpkin chucking contest, aka Pumpkin Trebuchet. www.sheepandwool.com//workshops/schedule.asp for the schedule of workshops, which started Thursday.

The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. Saturday Morning, 11am,
Hiawatha by Catskill Puppet Theater Family Series. Using full sets, exquisitely crafted puppets, and accompanied by Native American flute and drum, this enchanting play is based on the life of the Iroquois hero, Hiawatha. A curious boy, Hiawatha discovers a magical world full of friends who help him discover the path to becoming a great man. Tickets can be purchased at the door one hour prior to show time for $6 for children, $8 for adults. Advance reservations available: $7 for children, $9 adults plus $.75 processing fee per ticket. For more information, call the box office at 845-876-3080.

Maintaining Fruit Trees in the Landscape, Emphasizing Apples 9 am - 12 pm
A follow-up to the fruit tree establishment class, renovating and managing mature apple trees is a primary focus of this class. All aspects of fruit tree care are also covered. Topics include spraying, pruning, critter protection, and nutrient management—everything you need to know to manage a successful harvest of luscious tree-ripened fruit. $47 Non-Members, $42 Members. WI GAR 295 Section A, Bard College, Annandale, NY. Olin Humanities Bldg. Room 102. In order to sign up for this or any of the NYBG classes at Bard you can register online at www.nybg.org/bard, email nybg at conted@nybg.org, or fax at 718-817-8666 or call at 800-322-6924.

Garage Sale for a good cause! 10a.m. to 3p.m. rain or shine. The address is 329 North Clove Rd. Verbank. It is on the corner of North Clove Rd.and Mallory Rd, entrance to the sale is off of Mallory Rd., The majority of the sale is kid’s toys, books and cloths- mostly girl’s size 3 and under. Proceeds go to The Good Dog Foundation. For more info on The Good Dog Foundation you can go to www.TheGoodDogFoundation.org, the local number to volunteer is 518-398-5249, Susan Fireman is the local executive trainer.

The Dutchess County Art Association presents the 7th Annual Rhinebeck Paint Out & Art Auction. Artists Paint the Town: 9-3pm (and what a beautiful time of year!) followed by an Auction Viewing 4-5pm and then a Live Auction 5-8pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to buy a freshly painted Work of Art! For a list of artists and more info, please check online: http://www.barrettartcenter.org/paintout.html or call Barrett at 845-471-2550.

Ashokan Fall Festival. 477 Beaverkill Road, Olivebridge, NY 12461, (845) 657-8333
www.AshokanCenter.org, 11-5, annual family-fun event in a unique 19th century setting with an 1817 Schoolhouse re-enactment, Tinsmithing, 19th century cemetery walk, Live animals Pumpkin soup, chili, hot & cold cider, hot dogs, snacks and Jay Mason and Molly Ungar.

Tuesday, October 21 at 6:00 pm

Congressional Forum at the Bardavon will feature the three local incumbents and their opponents in a program sponsored by The Poughkeepsie Journal & The Hub (Young Professionals of the Hudson Valley), with special support from Hudson Valley Audio Visual and The Bardavon.
Participating are the incumbents: John Hall, D-Dover, in the 19th Congressional District; Maurice Hinchey, D-Hurley, in the 22nd; and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-Hudson, in the 20th. With Hall’s Republican opponent, Kieran Michael Lalor, and Hinchey’s GOP rival, George Phillips, will appear along with Sandy Treadwell, Gillibrand’s Republican opponent. Bardavon 1869 Opera House, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie
Also webcast live at www.poughkeepsiejournal.com. To register and for information about the Congressional Forum, e-mail events@gsdcc.org or
www.chamberdata.cc/ccao/wc.dll?Evt~RegFormDisplay~&Org=nysdu&EvtId=412722.
Free and open to the public.

Wednesday, October 22:

Conserving Barrens Buck Moth in Pine Barrens Habitats. NYS Biodiversity Research Institute Fall 2008 Biology and Conservation Lecture Series Wednesday, October 22, 12:00pm NYS Museum, Albany Dr. Dylan Parry, associate professor at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, discusses how prescribed burning in the Albany
Pine Bush Preserve has enhanced habitat for the Barrens Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia). He examines the role of natural enemies in population declines, citing an introduced insect parasitoid that has decimated species closely related to the Barrens Buck Moth. 518-474-5817 or www.nysm.nysed.gov/bri/program/bri_lectures_fall08.html.

Native Plant Training Workshop, 8:30 am - 5:00pm. At the Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies Millbrook. Participants will learn techniques and methods for reintroducing native plants to areas that have been managed for the control of invasive plants and will also learn how to preserve existing native plant habitats. Who should attend: Land managers including local, state and national parks, land stewards, land trusts and preserves, large land owners such as corporations, religious institutions, historic mansions, colleges and residential schools, DEC foresters, landscape architects, horticulturists, growers, nurseries, soil and water conservation district employees, highway workers, NYS Turf and Landscape , EMC, CAC, and Master Gardeners. Presented in cooperation with NYSDEC Estuary Training Program of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve, Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies, and PRISM. Meredith Taylor 845-889-4745 ext. 109 mjtaylor@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

The GRACE SMITH HOUSE shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence has scheduled its 2008 annual “WOMEN OF GRACE” Awards for Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 5:30pm at the Grandview. Reserved tickets are priced at $125 per person, and will include cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert.
The evening will commemorate GRACE SMITH HOUSE’s 27 years of service to victims of domestic violence in our community and honor two women whose lives have heightened Domestic Violence Awareness in Dutchess County. Honorees this year are Jeannette Schlobach and Robin Trainor.
For more information please call 845-452-7155, or log on to www.gracesmithhouse.org.

Sunday, October 26, 2008
Yin and restorative yoga workshop with Nancy Causey at the Half Moon Yoga Barn. www.halfmoonyogabarn.com Yin yoga is a quiet practice developed to stretch fascia and connective tissue by holding poses from 3 to 5 minutes. It focuses mainly on the hips, legs, and lower back areas. This workshop will combine yin yoga and restorative yoga to achieve deep opening and relaxation. The workshop will close with Yoga Nidra, 30 minute guided meditation. 2:30 ~ 5:00, $35.

With the market tanking, here is a focus on free and under $12 things to do:

You still need to eat and farmer’s markets offer good, healthy, local and long term sensible food. Millbrook on Saturday, 9 to 1, stops at October’s end. Rhinebeck on Sunday, 10 to 2, continues for a few weeks after. FreshTown in Amenia has a great selection of RonnyBrook farms yogurt and milk reasonably priced. Maronas in Millbrook carries Hammond’s yogurt. I can vouch for the peach and vanilla being excellent, but the chocolate is supposed to be sublime.

Millbrook/Washington Historical Society has the annual Rail trail walk. This Saturday, 3 to 5, starting at the village green. Free, but membership is reasonable and the presentations are good! Well behaved leashed dogs are welcome for this event.

Mesmerizing, original and a good thrill is Wing’s Frankenstein Fortress in Stanfordville. As Grandpa once said, you pay your money and you get what you get and this is about $10 a ticket. Once a year and certainly the best haunted house I have ever experienced. Every weekend from now to November 1. Follow a winding trail through town, including the asylum, Paris Opera House, Louisiana swamp, and Half Moon. Created by Peter Wing, owner of Wing’s Castle, and town kids. Fri.-Sat. 6-9:30pm, Sun. 6-8:30pm. $10, $5 under 10, Creamery Rd. Stanfordville www.haunteddutchess.org.

Registering to vote in New York state must be done by today. Today. www.dutchesselections.com. If you have been following this at the county level, there has been a delay reported in processing the registrations. Hopefully, more staff has been hired and all of the new registrations get input. If you have recently registered, you may want to give a followup call.

Stormville Flea Market this weekend.

If anyone who would like to do housework or childcare on Saturdays, and get paid for it, please let me know.

News on Bennett Development: Blumenthal-Brickman has submitted the final portion of their plans for their 91 unit development on the former Bennett College site to the Village of Millbrook Planning Board, and met with the Planning Board to set a Public Hearing for October 29 at the Thorne Building, at 7 pm. Copies of the plans submitted are available at Village Hall, the Library, and at www.bennettredevelopment.com.
Please check www.millbrookmatters.org for more updates.

Pumkpins – nice patch on 82 in Stanfordville.

Peonies for Sale through October 18 at historic Locust Grove, the home of a stunning collection of peonies planted in the late 1800’s. Divisions of these beautiful and fragrant antique varieties can be purchased for your own garden. Plant a piece of local history at your own home. Plants for sale include at least three buds to ensure spring flowering. Order your historic peonies today as supplies are limited; plantings available on a first come, first serve basis. Proceeds support the gardens. Purchase peonies at gift shop, $15/plant. Locust Grove, Morse Historic Site, 2683 Rt. Poughkeepsie www.LGNY.org.

Vassar Repertory Dance Theatre performs works including “Aureole,” a 1962 piece by choreographer Paul Taylor, now seen as a classic of modern dance. They present dances choreographed by Kathy Wildberger, Vassar dance department, and Tom Gold, New York City Ballet; Peter Pucci, founder, director and choreographer of Peter Pucci Plus Dancers; and Takehiro Ueyama, who also choreographs his dance company, TAKE Dance Company. Maureen Mansfield Kaddar, who directs the company and teaches modern dance at Vassar, was a member of Paul Taylor Dance Company from 1997-2002. A question-and-answer session with choreographers and dancers follows each event. VRDT performs Fri. 10/10, 8pm. Performances continue 11/20, 21 and 22, 8pm. Reservations recommended. Free. Vassar College, Kenyon Hall, Frances Daly Fergusson Dance Theater, 124 Raymond Ave. Poughkeepsie www.vassar.edu.

FFA Annual Fall Festival. The Pine Plains Chapter of the National FFA Organization hosts their Annual Fall Festival. Activities start Fri. 10/10: Lawn Garden Tractor Pull, 4pm; followed by Roast Beef Dinner, 5-7pm. Sat. 10/11: events begin with a parade through Pine Plains, 9:30am. Tractor pull begins earlier than usual, 9:30am. Horse pull stays at 11am. All other activities open after parade: livestock & dairy judging; indoor & outdoor exhibits, food booths and pet show. Fee for dinner. Free admission and parking!
Stissing Mountain Jr./Sr. High School, 2829 Church St. www.PPCSD.org.

Saturday, October 11:

Bird and Bat Festival, afternoon of family activities! Learn about migration, echolocation and more through educational games, crafts and activities. 1-4pm. Free. Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Old Post Rd. www.Staatsburgh.org. Remember last week’s concern about bees? Overlapping concern about bats.

Second Saturday Beacon. Great art, gallery openings, food, antique stores and shopping, historic sites and entertainment. City-wide celebration of the arts, second Sat. monthly. Noon-9pm. Free. Main St., West end, Beacon www.BeaconArts.org.

18th Annual Harvest Party The 18th annual celebration features guest chef Chef Peter X. Kelly of Xaviar’s Restaurant Group. Wine reception followed by 4-course Harvest Menu. Table service provided by students from the Culinary Institute of America.. Demos. Noon-4pm. $135. Call for reservations. Millbrook Winery and Vineyard, 26 Wing Rd.
www.millbrookwine.com.

Free Music at Vassar: Two concerts at 8pm.
Special Guest Recital and Vocal Masterclass, Mary Ann Hart, mezzo-soprano
Skinner Hall of Music, Vassar College 845-437-7294 or music.vassar.edu/concerts
Vassar College Orchestra, Eduardo Navega, conductor Skinner Hall of Music, Vassar College 845-437-7294 or music.vassar.edu/concerts

Winnakee Land Trust’s Tour of Historic Barns. Self-guided tour through northern Dutchess County. Afternoon tour with reception featuring up to 8 historic properties. Winnakee Land Trust’s 3rd Annual Tour of Historic Dutch and English Barns Barns open at 10am and close at 3:30pm. Wine and cheese reception, 4–5:30pm • Eight historic, privately owned barns in Rhinebeck open to guests • A mapped brochure outlines this self-guided route • Docents guide visitors through each site • Sites include: Adriance Barn, Bittersweet Barn, Frost Farm Barn and Ulrich Barn • Delicious boxed lunch available for purchase by reservation only $35, with reservations recommended; children under 10 – free. www.winnakeeland.org.

Pig Roast and Craft Fair. Pig roast barbeque (must be purchased ala carte), self-guided tours through farm demonstration garden, craft fair of local artisans. Free. 11am-4pm. McEnroe Organic Farm Market, 5409 Rt. 22, Millerton. www.mcenroeorganicfarm.com.

Eleanor Roosevelt Birthday Ceremony. National Park Service holds a Rose Ceremony to commemorate Eleanor’s birthday. Birthday Cake and beverages in the Wallace Center follow the ceremony. 3pm. Free. FDR Rose Garden and Henry Wallace Center,, 4079 Rt.9, Hyde Park. www.FDRLibrary.marist.edu.

Waterman Bird Club Field. Please call for time and meeting place. Sat.9am. Free.
Sorry, you will have to hunt through the website to find the phone number.
www.WatermanBirdClub.org.

Sunday, October 12:

The songs of Max Reger - Little known out-of-print gems and masterpieces.
Concert of Max Reger songs sung by Sarah Levine Simon, Peter Ludwig, Christine Howlett, Shirley Perkins, Barbara Hardgrave, and James Ruff. 4pm. Suggested donation: $12. Christ Episcopal Church, 20 Carroll St, corner of Barclay & Academy Streets
Poughkeepsie, www.ChristChurchPok.org.

More FREE music at Vassar. 3pm. The Fourth Donald M. Pearson Memorial Organ Recital. Diane Meredith Belcher, organ. Music of Bach, Schumann, Franck, and Messiaen. Chapel, Vassar College, 845-437-7294 or music.vassar.edu/concerts

Garrin Benfield www.garrin.com will be playing at the Towne Crier in Pawling, 7 p.m. 855-1300.

NY Planning Federation’s Annual Planning and Zoning Conference, October 12-14
Saratoga Hotel & Conference Center, Saratoga Springs. The 70th annual Planning and Zoning Conference will feature more than two dozen informative sessions for planning board and ZBA members, elected officials, planners, code enforcement officers, and attorneys. For more information, contact Lael Locke at llocke@nypf.org or
518-270-9855; or visit http://www.nypf.org.

Monday, October 13: (Columbus Day)

Buckaroo Bindlestiff’s Wild West Jamboree at the Children’s Museum. This high energy, authentic show features fancy lasso tricks, whip cracking, pony racing, juggling, a cow-boy sing-along and much more! The hour-long show encourages audience participation and allows kids to learn to lasso! Travel back to the wild west and enjoy hay bail seating and apple cider in the museum’s own wild west pavilion! See Miss Philly and Gentleman Jack Pennygaff too. Reservations recommended. 10am and 2pm. $7 per person, does not include museum admission. Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum Pavilion, 75 North Water St. Poughkeepsie, www.MHCM.org.

Wednesday, October 15:

Treatment of Invasive Plant Infestations: Assessments of Three Species in the Adirondack Park. NYS Biodiversity Research Institute Fall 2008 Biology and Conservation Lecture Series, 12:00pm NYS Museum, Albany. The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant program manages invasive plant species just taking a hold in the Park, to benefit natural communities. Ray Curran, independent consulting ecologist with the Adirondack Nature Conservancy, discusses current research on the effectiveness of several techniques to control Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica), Common Reed Grass (Phragmites australis), and Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus). 518-474-5817 or www.nysm.nysed.gov/bri/program/bri_lectures_fall08.html.

Thursday, October 16:

Last of the Free outdoor film series as well as a Berlin-inspired cabaret to accompany “Impassioned Images: German Expressionist Prints” exhibition at the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, Vassar College, with its weekly “Late Night at the Lehman Loeb” program. Again, the FREE museum’s hours every Thursday until 9:00 pm, for the public to tour the galleries, attend special performances, and enjoy refreshments. All films will begin at 7:30 pm on the Chapel Lawn. In case of inclement weather, screenings will be held indoors, in Taylor Hall, room 203. Das Testament de Dr. Mabuse, 1933, directed by Fritz Lang. Driven to madness after being attacked by a group of criminal conspirators, Detective Hofmeister is placed in the institution of Professor Baum with fellow patient and criminal mastermind, Dr. Mabuse. A slew of psychoanalysts and detectives discover the connections between Mabuse’s writings and criminal activities outside of the institution. Car chases, factory fires, and shootouts ensue, but the plot concludes with an unexpected twist of character.

The Dutchess County Arts Council is the 2008 Best of the Hudson Valley non-profit beneficiary and will receive the proceeds from tickets sales that come through the Arts Council. If you were thinking of attending, please purchase tickets through us! Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel. This annual event is a Hudson Valley Magazine production. More than 100 of the best restaurants, spas, stores, products, and businesses will be there. Contact Dana to get your tickets 845.454.3222 or email dlovell@artsmidhudson.org. Tickets are $40 each. We will send you an admission pass upon receipt of sale.

Friday, October 17:

Some Delights of the Hudson Valley: An Anthology of Hudson Valley Humor by Danny Shanahan will be launched at a fundraiser for the Dutchess County Arts Council on Friday, October 17th at Olin Hall on Bard Campus in Annandale-on-Hudson at 6:30pm. This funny new book is comprised of short fiction, essays, poems, cartoons, art, and photography by local stars like Leon Botstein, Mary Gaitskill, Robert Kelly, Graham Parker, Michael Crawford, Liza Donnelly and many more. Readings by book contributors and musical performances will fill the evening along with a cartoonist’s panel, food, wine, book signing, and drawing including tickets to the Emmy award-winning, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Tickets are $35/person (includes one book, $50/couple (includes one book). Please call the Dutchess County Arts Council at 845-454-3222 or visit us online at www.artsmidhudson.org for tickets.

Saturday, October 18, 2008
9 am - 12 pm
Maintaining Fruit Trees in the Landscape, Emphasizing Apples
A follow-up to the fruit tree establishment class, renovating and managing mature apple trees is a primary focus of this class. All aspects of fruit tree care are also covered. Topics include spraying, pruning, critter protection, and nutrient management—everything you need to know to manage a successful harvest of luscious tree-ripened fruit.
$47 Non-Members, $42 Members. WI GAR 295 Section A: Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Bard College, Annandale, NY. Olin Humanities Bldg. Room 102. In order to sign up for this or any of the NYBG classes at Bard you can register online at www.nybg.org/bard, email nybg at conted@nybg.org, mail NYBG at Continuing Education, The New York Botanical Garden, 200th Street and Kazimiroff Blvd, Bronx, NY, 10528-5126. Or fax at 718-817-8666 or call at 800-322-6924.

Wednesday, October 22:

Conserving Barrens Buck Moth in Pine Barrens Habitats. NYS Biodiversity Research Institute Fall 2008 Biology and Conservation Lecture Series Wednesday, October 22, 12:00pm NYS Museum, Albany Dr. Dylan Parry, associate professor at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, discusses how prescribed burning in the Albany
Pine Bush Preserve has enhanced habitat for the Barrens Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia). He examines the role of natural enemies in population declines, citing an introduced insect parasitoid that has decimated species closely related to the Barrens Buck Moth. 518-474-5817 or www.nysm.nysed.gov/bri/program/bri_lectures_fall08.html.

Native Plant Training Workshop, 8:30 am - 5:00pm. At the Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies Millbrook. Participants will learn techniques and methods for reintroducing native plants to areas that have been managed for the control of invasive plants and will also learn how to preserve existing native plant habitats.
Who should attend: Land managers including local, state and national parks, land stewards, land trusts and preserves, large land owners such as corporations, religious institutions, historic mansions, colleges and residential schools, DEC foresters, landscape architects, horticulturists, growers, nurseries, soil and water conservation district employees, highway workers, NYS Turf and Landscape , EMC, CAC, and Master Gardeners. Presented in cooperation with NYSDEC Estuary Training Program of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve, Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies, and PRISM. Meredith Taylor 845-889-4745 ext. 109 mjtaylor@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

Oh there is so much more to write and only so many hours to the week…

A Spring without Bees: How Colony Collapse Disorder Has Endangered Our Food Supply at Cary IES last weekend was one of the most important lectures I have ever attended. Copies at Merritt Books. On the same scale as Cod, Omnivore’s Dilemma and Animal Vegetable, Miracle. And the most important tidbit I gathered in the lecture was this: The USDA predicts all fruits and vegetables, bar corn and soybeans, will be imported into the US, ie - no longer grown here, by 2015. Website isis a bit raw, but worth looking through. http://planbeecentral.wordpress.com.

The FDA, www.fda.gov, publishes its recalls and alerts. In fact, I receive the alerts and find them fascinating. How else would you know the bottled water in your cupboard may have come from the former Soviet Union and have arsenic in the ingredients? Just so you all are aware, there are many alerts these days about Melamine contamination. Which is one of the reasons I would prefer we, as a nation, do not have to import all fruits and vegetables.

Arrividerci in Sherman, CT, with the super $32 for dinner is available only Tuesday and Wednesday.

And some bragging here: my dad got an award! Well done! http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008809280335.

Register to vote before October 10. www.dutchesselections.com for absentee ballots or to register to vote. www.factcheck.org and www.politifact.com.
www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1843796,00.html?xid=rss-nation. www.CountryVote.org for dual resident voting rights (ie – second home).
If you have recently registered, do call the Board of Elections and make sure they have you listed. There are some problems with registrations being processed in a timely manner. In fact, read more at www.petitiononline.com/ourvote.

Planned Parenthood is receiving tens of thousands of donations, in the name of Sarah Palin. Here is the NY Times article
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/26/cashing-in-on-a-gop-star/?scp=1&sq=cashing%20in%20on%20a%20g.o.p.%20star&st=cse. If you too would like to donate, http://www.plannedparenthood.org, then click: “donate,” then “honorary gifts” which will open a secure page. You’ll need to fill in the address to let PP know where to send the “in Sarah Palin’s honor” card. You use McCain headquarters: McCain for President, 1235 S. Clark Street, 1st Floor, Arlington, VA 22202. You can donate to the local MidHudson Valley, National or even the political action branch.

Sheep and Wool festival, October 18 and 19. www.sheepandwool.com. At the DC fair ground in Rhinebeck. Saturday is a longer day, but Sunday has the pumpkin chucking contest. http://www.sheepandwool.com//workshops/schedule.asp for the schedule of workshops.

Dutchess Outreach and Guardian Self Storage are having a coat drive starting October 1st and running thru the 31st. All clean and good condition coats from children on up to adults are being accepted at any and all Guardian Self Storage locations throughout the area. Check the yellow pages for a location nearest you and dig in and clear out. With heating costs rising this winter, keep someone in need warm.

Thinking to spring, the Town of Amenia is carrying on it’s superb idea from a few years back of planting bulbs. No longer town sponsored, this stems from The Community Garden Club, who invite residents to participate in its latest town wide planting project. Amenia residents are invited to pick up your free bulbs from Diana King’s porch, 4 - 6 pm, weekdays and weekends, at 49 Old North Road in Amenia (just north and east of
FreshTown Plaza). The bulbs can be planted in memory of loved ones in sunny, high visibility locations in Amenia such roadsides and public places. Any home, business, or front lawn, no matter how large or small, is eligible! Committee members can help to get you planting this fall, even if you have not done this before. Andy Durbridge at andydurb@optonline.net, Janet and Bill Burke at 373-7347 or Vicki Doyle at 373-9550, 677-7600 x 203.

Also in Amenia, KJ’s kitchen has sadly closed, but there is still healthy food for purchase in the market area, as well as a large inventory sale of 40% off. KJ’s items are lovely and diverse, so this is a good time to stock up. Porch sale too. From the Amenia light, go south on 22 and look for the fabulous old grange.

The Barrett School of Art 845-471-2550 or www.barrettartcenter.org to get back into the art groove.

Oct. 3-12: Lillian Hellman’s “The Children’s Hour.” In this 1934 drama, a troubled girl tells a lie with devastating consequences and all involved are changed forever. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. $20 for adults; $18 for children and seniors. For reservations, call the box office at 845-876-3080 or buy online at www.centerforperformingarts.org
We missed the opening reception, but this looks tremendous. The GAS Gallery on Main Street in Poughkeepsie has an exhibit by Michael Sibilia, an environmental photographer. Portraits of America, What Comes Around Goes Around. Through October 12. www.galeryandstudio.org.

Also missed the opening reception for an exhibit at Hotchkiss, Transitions by Steven Romm. Goes to October 18. Light and landscape works and very pretty. 860-435-3663.

Beyond the Woods examines the rugged beauty and isolated culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains through the lens of photographer Spencer Ainsley, on view at the Palmer Gallery from October 2–22 at Vassar College.

The Canterville Ghost in Lenox, Shakespeare and Co. www.shakespeare.org. Goes to November 6 and looks fun. Nights and matinees.

Rapture at Bard this weekend. Staging Frank Gehry’s architecture by Noemie Lafrance. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Six dancers suspended in mid-air, utilizing a lateral custom rigging system. $25. 758-7900. Through October 5. 7pm.

Friday, October 3:

Dar Williams at the Mahaiwe in Great Barrington. www.mahaiwe.org

The Tami Tango Trio: Music and Dances of Argentina at Vassar, at 8:00 pm, Eduardo Tami, director. Music of Piazzolla, Herrero, Rodriguez, and others. Skinner Hall of Music, Vassar College. 845-437-7294 or music.vassar.edu/concerts

Alturas Duo to Perform at Hotchkiss. A unique blend of South American folk music and classical music is on the program for the first of the fall Guest Concert Series at The Hotchkiss School when the Alturas Duo performs in the Esther Eastman Music Center¹s
Katherine M. Elfers Hall at 7 p.m. The music will combine sounds from the viola, charango and guitar, creating fiery performances that move easily between Johann Sebastian Bach and South American folk rhythms as well as new music commissioned by the duo. Free! 860-435-4423.

Saturday, October 4:

Craft Fair in Millbrook at the Firehouse. Not at all like the Burning Man. 677-5196 if you’d like to be a vendor.

Village Wine and Spirits is having a tasting of all German wines ordered direct from Germany. Sweet Riesling, dry Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir and Sparkling Cassis. Yum, Yum. 12pm to 7pm. www.villagewinemillbrook.com

Millbrook Farmer’s Market, 9-1.

St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Pleasant Valley Annual Auction. Currently collecting items large and small for the auction to be held at Stone Ridge Farm (rain or shine) on Traver Rd in Pleasant Valley. If you have stuff that you just don’t know what to do with and would like to donate it for the auction, please call Ellen 845-453-4481. Rumor has it there will be a 65 Mustang in the auction for your restoring pleasure.

Fund raiser in NYC for Barrack Obama with some amazing authors of the last twenty years. Salman Rushdie, Jhumpa Lahiri, Kiran Desai, Suketu Mehta, Manil Suri, Akhil Sharma. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m • VIP Reception with authors @ 5:00pm. Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012 (212) 228-4854. $100 General admission, $250 VIP admission (Ticket prices increase on October 1) All proceeds go directly to the Obama Campaign. http://www.safo2008.com/Events_view.aspx?Eventid=293.

Sunday, October 5:

Rhinebeck Farmer’s Market 10-2.

Brentano String Quartet at the South Mountain in Pittsfield. 3pm. 413-442-2106

Vassar Music Faculty Recital at 3:00 pm, Frank Cassara, percussion. Works with electronic tape by Krieger, Drummond, Wesley-Smith, Jones, Reich, Saariaho. Skinner Hall of Music, Vassar College 845-437-7294 or music.vassar.edu/concerts.

Monday, October 6:

Grant Workshop in Hyde Park at the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential library and home. Registration will begin at 8:15am and adjourn at noon. Kirsten Gillibrand has set this up and invited representatives from Federal and State agencies to provide information on how to seek and apply for grants. Her office will have a presentation on where to find extensive online information on web-based grants information resources. This program is aimed to people who were unable to attend the earlier program. Materials from the first workshop on Grants Resources on the Gillibrand website’s Grants Central Page. These materials can be reviewed at: http://www.gillibrand.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=121&Itemid=34. Ronnybrook Farm Dairy in Ancramdale, Columbia County was awarded $30,861 for purchase and installation of alternative energy systems for their farm. Not a lot, but a good start. Reminder: Please make sure you are registered with: www.grants.gov.

Tuesday, October 7:

Bard Conservatory students in concert. Free. Olin Hall, noon. 845-758-7196 or conservatory@bard.edu.

Wednesday, October 8:

Double-crested Cormorants: Potential Impacts on Biodiversity in the NY
Harbor, NYS Biodiversity Research Institute Fall 2008 Biology and Conservation
Lecture Series, 12:00pm, NYS Museum, Albany. Twenty years ago, approximately 1,000 breeding pairs of Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) were documented on two islands in the New York Harbor; now there are approximately 1,300 pairs nesting on seven islands. Dr. Susan Elbin, Director of Conservation for New York Audubon, presents research on this population, assessing its impact on biodiversity in the harbor. For further information, call 518-474-5817 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov/bri/program/bri_lectures_fall08.html.

Trees & Forests of America: A Visual Presentation and Talk by Tim Palmer at the Cary Institute Auditorium. Free and open to all. Tim Palmer has received multiple awards for his environmental works. He is also the author of Rivers of America.

Two neat educational events at the Millbrook Library.
SPECIAL EDUCATION RIGHTS WORKSHOP from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. The workshop is designed for parents, educators and human service professionals. Topics include: your rights; your school’s responsibilities, how to get my child services; what services are available; the Committee of Special Education (CSE) process; and eligibility for special education services. This workshop is being coordinated and run by the Taconic Resources for Independence. Pre-registration is required – please call 845-452-3913 to register. If a sign language interpreter or large print materials are required, please contact Taconic Resources for Independence at least 5 days prior to the workshop.
IT’S NOT FAIR! with DAWN GALENTE at the Millbrook Library. 6:30 p.m. grades 3 – 5.
What makes a game fair or not fair? Come explore this question by playing a variety of different probability games. You can decide which are fair and which are not. You can also have a chance to fix unfair games, and make your own fair games! Registration required. Call 677-3611, ext. 4.

Thursday, October 9:

Town Meetings. Go! They are interesting. Meet the people in your community. Hear what is going on and how it is addressed. This is your home!

M, 1931.Directed by Fritz Lang When the police round up every criminal in town to capture an elusive child murderer, the underworld leaders decide to take matters into their own hands to catch the killer and place him in their own kangaroo court. Branded with a guilty M on his back, the murderer is recaptured by the police, and again put on trial. At Vassar. This is free, weekly, outdoor film series, as well as a Berlin-inspired cabaret, on Thursday evenings — in conjunction with both the museum’s new exhibition Impassioned Images: German Expressionist Prints, and with its weekly “Late Night at the Lehman Loeb” program, meaning that terrific museum is open to 9pm.

Sunday, October 26, 2008
Yin and restorative yoga workshop with Nancy Causey at the Half Moon Yoga Barn. www.halfmoonyogabarn.com Yin yoga is a quiet practice developed to stretch fascia and connective tissue by holding poses from 3 to 5 minutes. It focuses mainly on the hips, legs, and lower back areas. This workshop will combine yin yoga and restorative yoga to achieve deep opening and relaxation. The workshop will close with Yoga Nidra, 30 minute guided meditation. 2:30 ~ 5:00, $35.

White Elephant Sale. Friday, November 7th and Saturday, November 8th, 2008. Grace Church – Franklin Avenue, Millbrook, New York. 9 am – 4 pm. Quality items at bargain prices. Furniture, household items, lamps, children’s clothing, winter coats, nursery furniture, toys, books, and so much more. Coffee and donuts for the early birds. For more information call 677-3064 or 227-5303.

–
ilana nilsen

www.virtualhudsonvalley.com/events

As I type, I’m having a delicious breakfast of last nights superb eggplant parmigiana from Arrividerci in Sherman, CT. Only about 35 minutes from Millbrook and they are now offering weeknight specials. Salad, entrée, dessert, wine and coffee for two at $32. 4 to 10. And they make probably one of the top three pizzas I’ve ever tasted, with all my favorites, eggplant, artichoke hearts, spinach or broccoli raab and proscuitto. The chef is from Naples, so you can practice your Italian on a quiet night.

Presidential debates tonight. www.dutchesselections.com for absentee ballots or to register to vote. There are a few non partisan sites that help you choose according to what is important to you. www.factcheck.org and www.politifact.com.
www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1843796,00.html?xid=rss-nation. www.CountryVote.org for dual resident voting rights (ie – second home)

9th Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble this weekend. The Ramble offers the opportunity for participants to enjoy guided walking, hiking, kayaking and biking experiences, estuary explorations and historic site tours that highlight the significant historical, cultural and natural resources found throughout the Hudson River Valley. Events are offered for every ability level and most are free. For a complete listing of events, visit www.hudsonrivervalley.com/ramble, where events can be searched by region and theme. Copies of the program guide may also be downloaded and printed from the web site. 800-453-6665, ramble@hvc.rr.com.

One of my favorite autumnal events in the area is the Sheep and Wool festival, October 18 and 19. www.sheepandwool.com. At the DC fair ground in Rhinebeck. Saturday is a longer day, but Sunday has the pumpkin chucking contest. http://www.sheepandwool.com//workshops/schedule.asp for the schedule of workshops.

Garlic festival in Saugerties this weekend. Truly this weekend. www.hvgf.org and it is supposed to be wonderful.

Jobs. If you need one – teaching sewing, working with food or minding a doctor’s office, please let me know.

Big Red Dog Needs Home! 5-6 yr old, gorgeous, big red male dog needs an immediate home! Brought him home from the pound 4 days ago, (30 pounds underweight), has been temperament tested by a professional dog trainer who pronounced him “remarkably tolerant” although may be best for him to be further evaluated. Has been to the vet and pronounced healthy, extremely smart, obedient and friendly. Not sure if he is the right dog with children and he may not be able to live with cats. His prey drive is strong. Please call Maia at 845-658-3322, or email Maia@maiarossini.com

From Ellen Kutner at Simply Organized: Dutchess Outreach together with Guardian Self Storage are having a coat drive starting October 1st and running thru the 31st. All clean and good condition coats from children on up to adults are being accepted at any and all Guardian Self Storage locations throughout the area. Check the yellow pages for a location nearest you and dig in and clear out. With heating costs rising this winter,
let’s join together and help keep someone in need warm.
Also, St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Pleasant Valley is having an auction on October 4th. Currently collecting items large and small for the auction to be held at Stone Ridge Farm ( rain or shine) on Traver Rd in Pleasant Valley. If you have stuff that you just don’t know what to do with and would like to donate it for the auction, please call me to make arrangements. Thank you to all who have donated thus far and been so generous! The proceeds help to keep the lights on at St. Paul’s. Please spread the word as rumor has it there will be a 65 Mustang in the auction for your restoring pleasure.
Call me at 845-453-4481 to make arrangements.

Ruskovilla and Engel woolens on sale 9%-25% off. www.motherhousemarket.com While you are there….. shop around. Motherhouse market is a great resource for backyard farmers and such. Plus you are supporting a non-profit.

The Barrett School of Art has a few special workshops coming up in September. September 27, Rich Russo will teach artists of all disciplines how to Photograph Your Artwork. Plein air Watercolor painting on Sept 28th, Oct 5 and a Moldmaking Ceramics Workshop on Sept 28th. Please call Barrett 845-471-2550 for details or check on line www.barrettartcenter.org. For those of us in Millbrook who have been craving an art center, make it happen by showing your support.

Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation has a slew of fundraising and awareness raising events this weekend. The Community Walk for Breast Cancer September 28,
Chili and Chowder for Hope September 27, Breast Cancer Disco Ball September 27
Songs for Hope September 27 with the OrCA Blues Band, The Krisis Band and more. www.milesofhopebcf.org.

Millbrook’s own Kate Farrell is producing a live webcast this Friday and Sunday night at 8p on www.middlechurch.org. Free concert by Cameron Carpenter “The Maverick Organist…a musical intelligence of Mozartean proportions…the greatest technique in the history of the instrument…” His latest album, Revolutionary, was reviewed in the WSJ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122229484657472905.html#articleTabs%3Darticle. More at www.organexpose.com.

Bard this weekend – Rapture. Staging Frank Gehry’s architecture by Noemie Lafrance. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. six dancers suspended in mid-air, utilizing a lateral custom rigging system. $25. 758-7900. Next week too, October 2 – 5. 7pm.

Tonight, Friday, September 26:

A Spring without Bees: How Colony Collapse Disorder Has Endangered Our Food Supply at 7:00 p.m. – Join IES for a reading of Michael Schacker’s widely acclaimed A Spring without Bees. Melding science and politics, the book investigates why bees are disappearing at alarming rates throughout the United States. David Hackenberg, past president of the American Beekeeping Federation, will give the reading. Hackenberg manages over 3,000 honeybee colonies; in November 2006 he identified what is now called “colony Collapse Disorder” and is credited with sounding the alarm to address the problem. Hackenberg will be accompanied by Michael Schacker’s wife Barbara, who is the director of Plan Bee Central.Co-sponsored with Merritt Books, the event will be held in our auditorium at 2801 Sharon Tpk. in Millbrook, NY. I am so excited to read this book and will be getting my copy tonight.

Blood Drive at the Union Vale Firehouse, Station 1, Verbank, Rt. 82, Friday, Sept. 26th from 2:30 to 8pm.

September 27:

Millbrook Farmer’s Market, 9-1.

I think this is the last day for Wethersfield, 2008. Beautiful even in the rain. 12 - 5.

Union Vale Clean Up Weekend - Sept. 27 & 28. Union Vale residents with valid permit may bring items large and small to be discarded at the Recycling Center, Rt. 55 in Union Vale. Items that contain freon or gasoline/oil must be emptied before discarding. For more info call Town Hall, 724-5600. Includes batteries.

Jesse Lége and Bayou Brew. When Mark pushes out the tables and Jesse pumps his accordion, the Rosendale Cafe turns into a Louisiana dance hall. No boudin on the menu, but great vegetarian fare, wine, and beer. Put on your gater boots and come on over. Rosendale Cafe, 434 Main Street, Rosendale, NY 12472 $10, 8:00PM 845.658.9048

Sunday, September 28:

Rhinebeck Farmer’s Market 10-2.

Celtic Day at Staatsburgh. It’s fun, especially if you like bagpipes. Kilts, sheepdog trials, fencing and of course traditional celtic dancing.

Vassar Rebel Ensemble for Baroque Music. Invention and Innovation: Rarely Performed Music of Telemann and JS Bach. 3pm, free, Skinner.

Guarneri String Quartet, 3pm, South Mountain Concert in Pittsfield. 413-442-2106.

Monday, September 29:

Witnessing Gothic: The Cathedral, at Vassar College. 5pm, Taylor room 203.

Tuesday, September 30:

Bard Conservatory students in concert. Free. Olin Hall, noon. 845-758-7196 or conservatory@bard.edu.

Wednesday, October 1:

Fall Music Fest Paul Winter Concert in Washington, CT, 7:30-9:30 at the Shepaug Auditorium. A Musical Celebration of the Earth. 860-868-0740, www.afterschoolartsprogram.com.

Thursday, October 2: UV Town Meeting.

Friday, October 3:

Dar Williams at the Mahaiwe in Great Barrington. www.mahaiwe.org

Better Site Design Workshop, 9:00am-3:00pm Newburgh Free Library, Newburgh. Topics include better site design principles, the engineer’s role in reviewing better site design and low impact development, and how local laws can support better site design. Speakers include Barbara Kendall, John Nolon, Esq., and Joe Berger, P.E. Town, City and Village staff, elected officials, board members, engineers, planners, builders, watershed organizations, and interested citizens are encouraged to attend. Sponsored by the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program and Cornell University. See attached flyer for more information, or contact Sherri Mackey 845-256-3016 and slmackey@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

Saturday, October 4:

Craft Fair in Millbrook at the Firehouse. Not at all like the Burning Man. 677-5196 if you’d like to be a vendor.

Village Wine and Spirits is having a tasting of all German wines ordered direct from Germany. Sweet Riesling, dry Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir and Sparkling Cassis. Yum, Yum. 12pm to 7pm. See the website for updated information. www.villagewinemillbrook.com

Monday, October 6:
Grant Workshop in Hyde Park at the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential library and home. Registration will begin at 8:15am and adjourn at noon. Kirsten Gillibrand has set this up and invited representatives from Federal and State agencies to provide information on how to seek and apply for grants. Her office will have a presentation on where to find extensive online information on web-based grants information resources. This program is aimed to people who were unable to attend the earlier program. Materials from the first workshop on Grants Resources on the Gillibrand website’s Grants Central Page. These materials can be reviewed at: http://www.gillibrand.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=121&Itemid=34. Ronnybrook Farm Dairy in Ancramdale, Columbia County was awarded $30,861 for purchase and installation of alternative energy systems for their farm. Not a lot, but a good start. Reminder: Please make sure you are registered with: www.grants.gov.

–
ilana nilsen

www.virtualhudsonvalley.com/events

Reading for the eighth time Wuthering Heights and the perennial question arises and ruins my concentration: what happens to Mrs. Earnshaw anyway? Hindley and Catherine’s mother? Is it possible I miss her demise or disappearance everytime?

Absentee ballots and voter registration at www.dutchesselections.com. They are located in Poughkeepsie, if you feel better dropping things off in person.
And who to vote for? There are a few non partisan sites that help you choose according to what is important to you. If the great outdoors is important to you, check out http://www.plentymag.com/plenty_matrix.html or the league of Conservation voters.
http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2008/09/exit-strategy-reign-of-error.html
reflects on the eight years of Bush, more or less. Some key events missing, like the 2004 election. http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html to vote if you think Palin is qualified to be vice president, and thus possibly president.

9th Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble A total of 202 events will take place from Saratoga County and the Capital Region to New York City on the weekends of September 20-21 and September 27-28 (and last weekend, but I forgot to include it). The Ramble is sponsored annually by the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, Hudson River Valley Greenway and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The Ramble offers the opportunity for participants to enjoy guided walking, hiking, kayaking and biking experiences, estuary explorations and historic site tours that highlight the significant historical, cultural and natural resources found throughout the Hudson River Valley. Events are offered for every ability level and most are free. For a complete listing of events, visit www.hudsonrivervalley.com/ramble, where events can be searched by region and theme. Copies of the program guide may also be downloaded and printed from the web site. 800-453-6665, ramble@hvc.rr.com.

One of my favorite autumnal events in the area is the Sheep and Wool festival, October 18 and 19. www.sheepandwool.com. At the DC fair ground in Rhinebeck. Saturday is a longer day, but Sunday has the pumpkin chucking contest.

Speaking of pumpkins, if you have a hankering for pumpkin pie that actually comes from a pumpkin you choose, rather than a can you choose, http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/pumpkinpie.php.

Garlic festival in Saugerties this weekend.

At the Millbrook School, Generations, an exhibit of artwork by three generations of McWilliams men. Through September 30. 8-4 m-f, 8-1 Saturday.

Upstate Films (.org) has Burn After Reading, The Linguists, Gonzo, Exiles, A Dream in Doubt. 876-2515.

The Barrett School of Art has a few special workshops coming up in September. This Saturday, find out what to do with all those buttons and dials on your camera during Getting to Know Your Digital Camera (This workshop is in Millbrook, Sept 20, Oct 4). Kim Alderman offers a one day Moon Time Workshop to Explore Relational Rituals with Clay and Drawing (Sept 20). Next Saturday, September 27, Rich Russo will teach artists of all disciplines how to Photograph Your Artwork. We also have an All Day Printmaking Marathon on Tuesday, Sept 23, Plein air Watercolor painting on Sept 28th, Oct 5 and a Moldmaking Ceramics Workshop on Sept 28th. Please call Barrett 845-471-2550 for details or check on line www.barrettartcenter.org. For those of us in Millbrook who have been craving an art center, make it happen and show your support.

September 19:

Opening “From Afar” Photography exhibit at Wachovia, Riverwinds Gallery in Rhinebeck. They’d like an rsvp, 876-1667.

Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20:

“Tower, Beethoven, Strauss.” The American Symphony Orchestra celebrates Joan
Tower, Grammy Award–winning composer and Bard professor, in a performance of her
work, Strike Zones, alongside Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8, and Strauss’s Death and
Transfiguration and Four Last Songs. Tickets: $35, $30, $20. Sosnoff Theater, Richard
B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. 8:00 p.m. Preconcert talk by Richard Wilson,
ASO composer in residence, 6:45 p.m. 845-758-7900 or www.fishercenter.bard.edu.

September 20:

Millbrook Farmer’s Market, 9-1.

Fine Home Source in Mabbettsville. 10am start for the first Millbrook Fine Home Show. An A+ idea from Crisp Architects and Arrowsmith, come see what forty local businesses can do to make your house look good. www.finehomesource.com

Mid-Hudson Sierra Club Tag Sale for next weekend…Multifamily tag sale featuring vintage items, sporting goods, household misc, Sierra Club calendars. 9am-3pm,
New Hackensack Reformed Church, 1589 Rte. 376, Wappingers Falls

The Hyde Park Shade Tree Commission will be hosting the second annual Citizen Pruner Workshop on Saturday, Sept 20, 9-12 at the Staatsburg Fire Hall on the Old Post Road.

Faculty concert at Vassar, Skinner hall. Piano – Hayden, Chopin and Schubert. Free, 8pm.

Sunday, September 21:

Democratic Brunch at the Links in Union Vale. $30, with a silent auction. Contact Anne McCabe asap to get tickets or donate items or services to the auction. atlapendleton@yahoo.com.

Rhinebeck Farmer’s Market 10-2.

Vassar Faculty recital. 3pm. Harp and horn. Free and great line up.

Oktoberfest in Union Vale, presumably at Tymor. 724-5691.

Community Benefit Newburgh, NY. Enjoy a wonderful fall evening with friends in a beautiful setting. Includes cocktails, delicious food, and both silent and live auctions, which benefit Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley’s important work in the community. If you haven’t heard, the Bush administration is proposing to classify many forms of contraception as abortion and we can easily see how effective are the abstinence only programs.

Forest Ecology Walk; Part of the 9th Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble at 10:00 a.m. – Explore how past land use practices have shaped Dutchess County forests while taking a guided tour with Dr. Charles Canham. This moderate 2-mile walk along Wappinger Creek Trail encompasses habitats ranging from young forests and fallow fields to streams and wetlands. Interested parties should meet at the Gifford House parking lot, located at 2917 Sharon Tpk. in Millbrook, NY. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended.

Tuesday, September 23:
Bard Invisible Children: Rough Cut, a documentary film that exposes the tragic realities of
northern Uganda’s night commuters and child soldiers. Invisible Children, Inc., will be attending. Campus Center, Weis Cinema. 6:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m. 802-522-9401,
http://www.invisiblechildren.com/.

Thursday, September 25:

Child Brides, Stolen Lives at Vassar. Free film with discussion panel including the producer, the president of the Global Foundation for Humanity and Vassar professor of Economics. Free, 5:30 at Spitzer Hall.

Thursday, September 25 through September 28 Bard SummerScape: Dance
Rapture. Celebrating the architecture of Frank Gehry, Rapture is a contemporary aerial work featuring six dancers suspended in mid-air, utilizing a lateral custom rigging system. Commissioned by the Fisher Center and choreographed by Noémie Lafrance,
Rapture invites the audience to the foot of the building to view a dance performance staged on the outside of the fluid structure. Rapture will be preceded by Lafrance’s work
Manor Field, exploring topography and time, set in the adjacent field at sunset.
Admission: $25. Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Fisher Center Lawn. 7
p.m. 845-758-7900 or www.fishercenter.bard.edu.

Friday, September 26:

A Spring without Bees: How Colony Collapse Disorder Has Endangered Our Food Supply at 7:00 p.m. – Join us for a reading of Michael Schacker’s widely acclaimed A Spring without Bees. Melding science and politics, the book investigates why bees are disappearing at alarming rates throughout the United States. David Hackenberg, past president of the American Beekeeping Federation, will give the reading. Co-sponsored with Merritt Books, the event will be held in our auditorium at 2801 Sharon Tpk. in Millbrook, NY. This book is next on my reading list and hopefully has a happier ending than Wuthering Heights.

Addendum

www.CountryVote.org for information about dual resident voting rights upstate.

My mistake - Garlic Festival is next weekend. Sorry! I hear it’s fabulous but can stop traffic around Saugerties. http://www.hvgf.org/ I have had five or six response correcting me - sorry - but not one explaining Wuthering Heights.

September 22, Village of Millbrook Meeting on the Thorne Building and becoming an arts center. And there’s a planning board meeting Thursday, September 25. Presumably, both are at the village hall, 12 noon on Monday, 7 or 7:30 on Thursday. 677-3939 for more info.

Blood Drive at the Union Vale Firehouse, Station 1, Verbank, Rt. 82, Friday, Sept. 26th from 2:30 to 8pm.

Union Vale Clean Up Weekend - Sept. 27 & 28. Union Vale residents with valid permit may bring items large and small to be discarded at the Recycling Center, Rt. 55 in Union Vale. Items that contain freon or gasoline/oil must be emptied before discarding. For more info call Town Hall, 724-5600.

Marlene Weber is offering a beauty event this Saturday that everyone can benefit from. It is called ‘Put Your Best Face Forward’ and has something for everyone’s concerns about aging gracefully and looking our best now. Stop by one of the salons where you can have complimentary consultations and a free make up application as well as a Mimosa and yummy pastries!!!

Cafe les Baux is open again after a brief rest.

Sheep and Wool Festival has an extensive offering of workshops this year, and some are offered on Thursday and Friday as well as Saturday, and Sunday . Here’s the link for the at-a-glance schedule: http://www.sheepandwool.com//workshops/schedule.asp

Next weekend, Miles of Hope Community Walk for Breast Cancer (9/28) James Baird State Park off of the Taconic 9 am registration- all are welcome rain or shine, www.milesofhopebcf.org.

Lastly, this second email sends me way over my gmail limit. If you need a response from me quickly, please email your phone number. Thanks! Good weekend!