News That Matters » Hudson Highlands

News That Matters- Friday, March 11, 2011 – Things To Do Edition

Jeff Green — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:32:30 +0000

“I determined early on that to make the most meaningful impact, the lead witnesses would be Muslims who believe their community is being radicalized and that Muslim leaders are not sufficiently cooperating with law enforcement.” – NY Congressman Peter King admitting his hearings are carefully staged theater.

“I bet America’s unemployed are cheering all the jobs created by holding hearings about Muslims” – Peter Daou

Good Friday Morning,

The big news this morning is not Charlie Sheen, it’s an 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck off the Japanese coast earlier today which spawned a tsunami measured at some locations at 4 meters high and tsunami alerts have been set across the Pacific basin from Indonesia to Hawaii to Ecuador. You can follow reports from Hawaii on Twitter and a live feed from America’s Paradise is here. The first waves are hitting the Islands at 8:07AM EST this morning. Coastal California is also under a tsunami alert.

The tsunami sweeping across the Pacific has already hit Wake island at 1.3 feet and Midway at 5.1 feet.

Rapes, murders, jewelry store thefts… yeah, that’s Putnam County these days. It’s odd and strange and slightly encouraging that the artificial walls we’ve set up to prevent the outside world from coming in are coming down.

As for our county and town governments, we have the County Legislature passing memorandum calling for the state to increase funding for this or that. We’ve got caretaker County Executive Paul Eldridge blaming ‘unfunded mandates’ for county budgetary issues, issues that could be resolved if the county would just man-up and cut the budget. In other words, whether we like it or not we’re just like everyone else save that our governments are constructed of tax-and-spend Republicans. Go figure.

On our local Tea Party, on Wednesday I wrote:

“And one more thing… we’re talking about smaller government and lower taxes here. How come I’m (still) beating the drum on this? Where are those tea baggers who were so adamantly vocal about all this at the national level? Why have their voices been silent on this and other local taxation and corporate welfare issues? Does this signify what some have been saying all along, that they were just luckless saps, simple tools of the Republican machine in order to win control of Congress? You know where this is going… It doesn’t take a crack gee-whiz lawyer to see the obvious. “

Can you guess the outcome? Yeah. Absolute Silence.

Where’s Nan? [The Nansense Edition]

http://www.planputnam.org/ntm/2011/03/wheres-nan-the-nansense-edition/

Congresswoman Nan Hayworth has unexpectedly coined a phrase, “Nansense” while referring to US engagement with Libya. To wit:

“We have to be cognizant, and while there is no question, of course, of the engagement and the commitment that we currently have and we have to have a sense of priority regarding the expenditure of American blood and friendship,”

And on her website she’s updated her posting and comment policy. It now reads: [emphasis, mine]

Hello to all readers and friends! Our office reserves the right to delete submissions that contain vulgar language or personal attacks. Beyond that, it’s important to note to all readers and potential contributors that this is a forum that is meant to provide a voice in particular to our District constituents, though others are also welcome.

In service of the mission to provide a voice, we do, because we’re responsible for the page, have significant latitude to define what is or is not a valuable contribution to the discussion. Contributors whom we determine to be posting primarily to endeavor to dominate the comment threads, or to promote a particular political position via cant or invective, are hereby given fair warning that their posts are at risk of deletion. We welcome all points of view, but we will apply appropriate discipline to the process, in order to be fair to all who visit. Thanks for giving this due consideration.”

In other words, and assuming you can work your way through all that grammatical Nansense, her website is designed to provide only her point of view and if choose to discuss that you’d best do it elsewhere.

Would someone please tell me why the US Government is backing Mohammar Qadaffi? An odd question, right?

But for a week now pro-democracy forces have been begging the international community to enforce a no-fly zone over that nation to give them a chance to make some progress in deposing this dude and for a week the US has been vacillating. Just yesterday a US government official said that creating a no-fly zone would be “an act of war” and that the US was not prepared to act unilaterally, that we would wait for other nations to act first.

We have Congresswoman Nan Hayworth saying that American lives are not worth the effort of supporting democracy movements. But Hudson New York writes:

The US has an large and longstanding account to settle with Gaddafi, The good people of Libya have given us the opportunity to settle it. We should take it. While there are good reasons to believe that whatever government the rebels set up will not be a close ally of the US, it could certainly be an improvement. There is even a remote chance that it could turn into a model for an Arab Muslim democracy; after all, the people have suffered through 40 years of a Socialist, Islamist regime that, in spite of all the oil, has left them miserable and impoverished.

The United States has a specific problem in the Arab world and our blind support of their dictators and totalitarian governments is well known. Over the past couple of months we have had one opportunity after another to alter that perception and yet we have failed at each and every chance, chances that only come once. And just yesterday, the Saudi government, our best friend and closest totalitarian ally, fired upon, killed and injured unarmed, peaceful pro-democracy demonstrators.

We had a chance to win friends among our enemies and not only have we lost those opportunities but we’ve even gone so far as to make matters worse by allowing Republican representative Peter King (NY3) to hold Congressional hearings that are designed to injure our reputation in the Arab world even more.

What is wrong with us?

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What’s Going On?

This Weekend:
- Saturday, March 12
- Sunday, March 13
Into The Future:

This Weekend:

Saturday, March 12

World day against cyber-censorship

Launched by Reporters Without Borders in 2008, World Day Against Cyber-Censorship is intended to rally everyone in support of a single Internet without restrictions and accessible to all.

The fight for online freedom of expression is more essential than ever. By creating new spaces for exchanging ideas and information, the Internet is a force for freedom. In countries where the traditional media are controlled by the government, the only independent news and information are to be found on the Internet, which has become a forum for discussion and a refuge for those who want to express their views freely.

However, more and more governments have realised this and are reacting by trying to control the Internet. Never have so many countries been affected by some form of online censorship, whether arrests or harassment of netizens, online surveillance, website blocking or the adoption of repressive Internet laws. Netizens are being targeted by government reprisals. Around 117 of them are currently detained for expressing their views freely online, mainly in China, Iran and Vietnam.

World Day Against Cyber-Censorship pays tribute to them and their fight for Internet freedom. Reporters Without Borders will mark the occasion by issuing its latest list of “Enemies of the Internet.”

Putnam Arts Council Second Saturday Series

7:30PM – Putnam Arts Council continues our Second Saturday’s In the Center music series on March 12 at 7:30pm with Mulebone, John Ragusa and Hugh Pool, a blues duo that rocks like a jam band. Notes about them include “original sound that is simultaneously soulful, agile and adventurous”, “virtuoso instrumentals and killer vocals”, and from WBJB-FM, ”some of the best Delta blues you’re likely to hear this side of 1925, …”.

The audience here in our own backyard is growing each month as folks are blown away by the quality and intimacy of this unique venue at the Belle Levine Art Center, 521 Kennicut Hill Rd., Mahopac. Seating is limited, reservations are advised; tix $20./$15 for PAC members. putnamartscouncil.com/845.803.8622

Irish Open Mouth

8PM – Songs, dances and Spike Mulligan’s Pukhtoon. Jim Dale – of Broadway, film, TV and Harry Potter fame – will join our celebration of Irish humor and music in an evening that includes musicians Tim Pitt, Patrick Cummings, Pallas Athene, Neil Hickey, Patrick Delamere, Lora Lee Ecobelli and Jan and Kate Hoekstra. Also on the bill will be Irish step-dancing, a short play, Gerard Furey’s Irish Language and the Double Bass Bagpipes. Mr Dale is expected to entertain with Thomas Meehan’s Yma Dream and Spike Milligan’s Pukhtoon. At the Cultural Center on Lake Carmel, Route 52, Lake Carmel, New York. Tickets: $15.00 General Admission, $10.00 AotL Member Admission.

Sunday, March 13

Daylight Savings Time Begins

2AM – It’s the first event today and one most of you will miss by several hours. Still, once you awaken for the day, run around the house and reset your clocks and check your fire and smoke detectors.

Bridge Raising Part 1: Volunteer Day at Angle Fly Preserve

10AM – Meet at the entrance to Angle Fly Preserve. Join your neighbors and help build a bridge over Angle Fly Brook! We need your help on March 13 and 19 to build a new 40-foot single span fiberglass truss bridge across the Angle Fly Brook. Over 200 bridge parts, footing materials and tools will need to be hand carried to the site along a half mile hiking trail. At the site the bridge footings will be built and the bridge assembled and put in place.

Volunteers are needed to carry parts and materials to the site and help with the construction of the bridge. There are opportunities for all members of the family to participate – no experience is needed. Parts vary in size and weight from very small bridge parts to very large 40-foot fiberglass bridge beams. Cheerleaders are also needed to provide encouragement to the volunteers.

The Angle Fly Brook divides the Preserve in half and this bridge will provide access to the western side of the Preserve. Our plan is to create 10 miles of hiking trails on the property. Approximately 4 miles of hiking trails have been built with 6 miles of trails to be completed this summer and fall.

Please wear sturdy boots, work gloves and dress for the weather and ticks. If you have a backpack, please bring it for carrying bulky items. If you can, please bring bridge-building tools such as large socket and crescent wrenches (the bridge requires the following sizes: 1 1/8″, 3/4″, and 9/16″), hammers, and battery drills. Pack a lunch and bring water or another beverage, and snacks. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided.

Gasland

2PM – Garrison: The Academy Award nominated documentary, GASLAND by Josh Fox, will be shown at Desmond-Fish Library Meeting Room, 472 Rt. 9D (entrance on Rt. 403), Garrison at 2 PM. Discussion will follow.

The film documents the controversial process, developed by Haliburton, of hydraulic fracturing – fracking – and how it impacts our water, our environment and our health unless we do something about it – For more information, read this recent article in the New York Times – http://nyti.ms/NYTFracking. This event is sponsored by Philipstown for Democracy. No charge, but contributions to cover expenses are appreciated. Questions – call 917-273-0808

Making Art Together: Still Life Drawing

3PM – Workshop Leader: Don Longabucco. Try a new art form. Make art together. Sketch with friends. This workshop will be led by Lake Carmel artist Don Longabucco. All levels of experience are welcome. Bring something to sketch on and something to sketch with. Workshop will last about 2 hours. A donation of $5 is asked from the public. There is no charge for members of Arts on the Lake. Those who plan to attend should email: rsvp@artsonthelake.org or call 845 228-2685.

Into The Future:

Wednesday, March 16

Public Hearing on a Carmel proposed Blasting Ordinance

7pm – Carmel Town Hall. From Lori Kemp: Well, 4 years later and finally a “Blasting Ordinance.” The problem is that the proposed ordinance does NOTHING to protect residents from the ultra-HAZARDOUS /inherently-DANGEROUS activities of transporting, storing, and using of dynamite and other explosives in the Town of Carmel.

Blasting is defined in law an “ultra-hazardous activity” because it “necessarily involves a risk of serious harm to the person, land or property of others, which cannot be eliminated by the exercise of utmost care.”

The possibility of nearby blasting to affect the structural integrity of your home, cause damage to your wells and septic, alter hydrology by bringing water towards your property or away from your wells, contaminate well water and air in your home is very real. Also very real is the risk of being struck by flyrock debris and inhaling silica dust from drilling, and the noxious gas sometimes released when rock breaks.

The Town’s proposed ordinance, as it now reads, does nothing to protect people and property from the “ultra-hazardous activity” of blasting or the contamination of air and water that might be a result of said blasting…

I urge all to ATTEND this public hearing – DEMAND that the Town provide residents PROTECTION from the inherently dangerous activity of blasting! If you cannot attend, please write the Town Board with your concerns. I have provided a template below for your convenience.

Friday, March 18

Two One-Man Shows

8PM – The Blue Horse Repertory Company presents two exciting one man shows at Arts on the Lake on Route 52 in Lake Carmel. Old Hickory by *Ric Siler (photo) and Cemetery Man by Ken Jenkins.

Fresh from its successful run at The Woodstock Fringe Festival, Old Hickory will be performed by the author Ric Siler and directed by *Wallace Norman. Old Hickory is the funny, murderous tale of boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy hates girl, boy wants to kill girl. Cemetery Man by Ken Jenkins will be performed by *George Kimmel and directed by *Peggity Price.

In Cemetery Man we meet an aging gravedigger who is about to be replaced by a backhoe and who does not accept the change gracefully. As he recounts his experiences, it becomes abundantly clear that digging a proper grave is a human thing, which calls for care and concern if the departed are to go peacefully into eternity.

Lighting and Stage Manager, Jeff Green, Assistant Stage Manager and Sound, Zuli Lozada.

Tickets are $15 and $10 for AtoL members. Tickets may be purchased at: www.artsonthelake.org. or call: 845 228-AOTL (2685) http://www.artsonthelake.org

*Member of Actors Equity Association

Saturday, March 19

Putnam County History Conference

9AM – Morning Session. The morning sessions will be of general interest to history-lovers. Eugene Boesch will talk about what Putnam County was like at the time of its creation in 1812 and about what archeology reveals about society of that time. Sallie Sypher will speak on the many little reasons why our towns seceded from Dutchess County. Pat McMahon Houser will discuss the changes in land use from 1812 to the present and how the reservoirs affected planning, farming, and growth. There will be breaks between each talk and plenty of time for questions and answers. Lunch. Jonathan Kruk and Rich Bala, Hudson River Ramblers, will entertain during lunch, which is scheduled to begin at 12:15. Those wishing to have lunch should telephone the County Historian’s Office (845- 808-1420) or e-mail to historian@putnamcountyny.gov and send a check in the amount of $10 to County Historian , 68 Marvin Ave. , Brewster NY 10509. Even if you do not want lunch, please let us know that you plan to attend. Teachers wishing in-service credit for the conference should register with www.ihare.org. Afternoon Sessions. The afternoon session, which begins at 1:15, is designed primarily for teachers, but all are welcome and will find it interesting. County Historian Karl Rohde will lead a discussion of Bicentennial planning and opportunities for teachers and students. At the Mahopac Library.

Two One-Man Shows

8PM – The Blue Horse Repertory Company presents two exciting one man shows at Arts on the Lake on Route 52 in Lake Carmel. Old Hickory by *Ric Siler (photo) and Cemetery Man by Ken Jenkins.

Fresh from its successful run at The Woodstock Fringe Festival, Old Hickory will be performed by the author Ric Siler and directed by *Wallace Norman. Old Hickory is the funny, murderous tale of boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy hates girl, boy wants to kill girl. Cemetery Man by Ken Jenkins will be performed by *George Kimmel and directed by *Peggity Price.

In Cemetery Man we meet an aging gravedigger who is about to be replaced by a backhoe and who does not accept the change gracefully. As he recounts his experiences, it becomes abundantly clear that digging a proper grave is a human thing, which calls for care and concern if the departed are to go peacefully into eternity.

Lighting and Stage Manager, Jeff Green, Assistant Stage Manager and Sound, Zuli Lozada.

Tickets are $15 and $10 for AtoL members. Tickets may be purchased at: www.artsonthelake.org. or call: 845 228-AOTL (2685) http://www.artsonthelake.org

*Member of Actors Equity Association

Sunday, March 20

“Efficient Government in New York: State and County Solutions”

11:30 AM – Guest Speaker: Paul Francis, Governor Cuomo’s Director for Redesign and Efficiency, former Director of Operations for Governors Paterson and Spitzer. Please join us to mingle with fellow Putnam County Democrats and discuss how our governments can and must be redesigned Sunday, March 20th, 11:30AM at Four Brothers, 654 Route 6, in Mahopac. $25 suggested donation, at the door or sent in advance to 31 Sycamore Rd, Mahopac NY 10541 c/o L. Jones with checks made out to “Putnam County Democratic Committee” Please RSVP at putnamcountydemocrats@gmail.com

Concert Keep Art and Music in Yonkers Schools – Westchester Symphonic Winds

3:30PM – City Council President Chuck Lesnick, Yonkers Public Schools and Sarah Lawrence College present a free concert in support of the arts in education. Featuring: The Westchester Symphonic Winds and our very own Yonkers Public School Teachers! Now, more than ever, it is vital that we make our voices heard and keep art and music in Yonkers’ Schools! Reisinger Concert Hall, Sarah Lawrence College, One Mead Way Bronxville, NY

Monday, March 21

Photo Group – Arts on the Lake

7PM – Photo Group with Chris Casaburi. All photographers are welcome. Formed in 2009, the Photo Group provides an opportunity for local photographers to share knowledge and learn from one another. The group meets monthly to discuss photography, to swap tips & techniques, and to share images and stories in both traditional and digital media. It’s a comfortable, friendly environment where members can also present their work, by showing prints or including digital photos in a projected slideshow. From beginner to professional, we invite all photographers to join. No yearly dues, free. More about Photo Group The Photo Group usually meets the 3rd Monday of every month. Email Chris Casaburi at chris@casaburi.com for more information.

Tuesday, March 22

New York State Park Advocacy Day

Join Parks & Trails New York and the Alliance for NYS Parks for the 5th Annual Park Advocacy Day and help send a message of support for New York’s 213 parks and historic sites. As a park advocate, you will have the opportunity to join with park supporters from throughout the state to meet with policymakers and stress the importance of keeping New York’s state parks open, protected and well-maintained. Your efforts will have a lasting impact on legislators’ as they make important decisions about parks.

Participating in Park Advocacy Day is meaningful, fun, and most of all, easy! As a Park Advocacy Day participant, you will be assigned to a team with fellow state parks supporters who will join you in meetings with policymakers throughout the day.

There is no cost to participate, but registration is required. Online registration is quick and easy – click here to register.

For more information on Park Advocacy Day, please contact Mark Luciano at Parks & Trails New York at 518-434-1583 or email mluciano@ptny.org.

Saturday, March 26

Community Forum on Water Quality and Conservation

10 AM – 3PM – On Sat., Mar. 26, HHLT will host Follow the Water, a community forum on water quality and conservation, at the Highlands Country Club, Rte. 9W, in Garrison, NY. The free event, scheduled from 10:00am to 3:00pm, will feature two moderated hour and a half long panel discussions. Children’s watershed education programming will be provided in a separate room during the panel discussions by members of HHLLT’s education team. Participants will receive lunch and the opportunity to browse informational exhibit tables during breaks before and after the panels.

The morning panel, Water Policy & the Regulatory Framework, will present an overview of existing regulations on watersheds, wetlands/watercourses and wastewater management from the state, county and local levels, and introduce newer wastewater management technologies like subsurface drip dispersal.

During the afternoon session, Practical Ideas for Home & Business, the focus will be on steps home and business owners can take to conserve water and increase water quality in their communities. Topics will include non-point source pollution and its prevention, use of rain barrels and rain gardens, and installation and maintenance of technologies like composting toilets. There will be time for questions and comments from the audience during both sessions.

The forum is open to the general public and free of charge, but registration is strongly recommended as space is limited. Walk-ins will be accepted on the day of the event on a space available basis. Call or email HHLT at 845/424-3358 or info@hhlt.org for more information or to make a reservation.

Imagining the “Highlands of the Hudson” in 19th-Century America

5PM – Lecture with Stephen P. Rice, Professor of American Studies, Ramapo College. Throughout the century there were three main ways that people imagined this dramatic stretch of the Hudson River: as a magical realm of legend, as a natural scene of beauty aided in part by the hand of man, and as a historical setting of national importance. Prof. Rice examines these depictions in the verbal and visual arts, ranging from poems and works of fiction to paintings and popular illustrations.

This lecture is free and open to the public; and is sponsored by the New York Council for the Humanities, Speakers in the Humanities program. To RSVP, please call 845-265-4010 or email, kshier@pchs-fsm.org.

Sunday, March 27

Vernal Pool Exploration and Book Signing

1PM – Come explore vernal pools and learn about the species that rely on them for survival such as frogs, fairy shrimp, salamanders and newts! A hands-on, outdoor activity for children and families and people of all ages, led by outdoor educator, naturalist and author Laurel Dodge. Wear mud boots! Copies of Laurel’s newly published book Nature Study for the Whole Family will be available for purchase and signing. Nature Study for the Whole Family promotes a return to nature study as a first-choice activity for family fun and learning and emphasizes how nature study can bring families closer, create special family memories, and encourage personal growth. Registration is suggested as space is limited. A donation of $5 per person or $10 per family is greatly appreciated with proceeds going towards the future stewardship of Land Trust nature preserves. Call 343-0840, x12 to register or RSVP via our Facebook page. Location: Laurel Hill Preserve, Town of Minisink.

Wednedsay, March 30

Reading of “Rabbit Hole” to benefit Gilda’s Club

7:00PM – 9:00PM – We hope you will join us for a very special reading of David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Rabbit Hole” Benefiting GILDA’S CLUB of Westchester. Gilda’s Club…offering support forpeople whose lives have been touched by cancer…all types of cancer. Rabbit Hole takes us through a dark tunnel but it reminds us, with graceful simplicity,that there is light at the end of it. Produced and Directed by Elizabeth D’Ottavio. CAST: Ben Berner, Dee Dee Burke, Elizabeth D’Ottavio, Margie Ferris, Michael Fox, Kaili Lewis. Suggested donation $20 (Any and all donations welcome) To reserve a seat, please email Liz: efd364@optonline.net or call 914.419.6000

Sunday, April 3

Michelle LeBlanc

2PM – 3:30PM – 1950′s Jazz: Bop, Cool, R&B Our quartet returns to perform at the Shrub Oak Library just in time to celebrate the coming of spring. Michelle jazz combo features the legendary Bill Crow on bass, the talented arranger Tom Kohl on piano and the world touring sax player, Ed Xiques. Our show will include a special encore featuring tunes from our new CD “I Remember You.” This free concert take place in the special events room of this lovely library. Ample and convenient parking is available, so invite all your jazz lovin’ friends. John C Hart Memorial Library, 1130 E Main St, Shrub Oak, NY (914) 245-5262 www.yorktownlibrary.org

Saturday, April 9

Putnam County Land Trust 42nd Annual Dinner

5:30PM – Join in the celebration as Putnam County Land Trust marks 42 years of preserving open space and protecting sensitive habitats in Putnam County- right in your big backyard. Enjoy live music by Bruce Eisenstein, a sumptuously wonderful buffet dinner, their famous silent auction of eclectic items and an exciting Live Auction led by Ivan and Laura Cohen. Displays of Land Trust properties along with recognitions and awards will be part of the evening.

The proceeds from the event will benefit the preserves and programs of Putnam County Land Trust. Speaking about the upcoming dinner, Land Trust President Judy Terlizzi said, “PCLT needs the community’s continued support to preserve open space and sensitive habitats in Putnam County.” In addition to attending the dinner, the Land Trust is looking for supporters to donate goods or services for the auction or advertise in the dinner journal.

The event will be held at the Starr Ridge Banquet and Conference Center at 38 Starr Ridge Road in Brewster on Saturday, April 9th, 2011 at 5:30pm. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Take advantage of special dinner pricing of $60 per person if paid by March 30th. To make a reservation, inquire about advertising space or donate goods or services for the auction, call 845/228-4520 or 845/279-3122, or visit the PCLT website at www.pclt.net.

Friday April 22 – Earth Day

An Earth Day Celebration to Benefit Clearwater

We’re excited to announce Clearwater Generations: An Earth Day Celebration to Benefit Clearwater, which will be held at the Tarrytown Music Hall in Tarrytown, NY, on April 22 at 8pm.

The show will feature Pete Seeger & Tao Seeger, Peter Yarrow & Bethany Yarrow, Bernice Johnson Reagon & Toshi Reagon, and David Amram and Family. Performances by Clearwater friends and special guests including Janis Ian, Tom Paxton, Tom Chapin, Livingston Taylor, Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, Guy Davis, Rufus Cappadocia and the Power of Song, will round out this special celebration.

Clearwater’s environmental mission is about inspiring and educating the next generation, and we have applied this theme to music. Honoring tradition while looking toward the future has always been a major part of the Clearwater Festival. The Generations concert is all about classic Clearwater artists performing with and inspiring their children and grandchildren in order to carry on their legacy through song.

Tickets for the Clearwater Generations: An Earth Day Celebration concert range from $48 to $98. A limited amount of $250 tickets include premium seating, a post concert reception with the artists, as well as special Clearwater gifts. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Hudson River Sloop Clearwater

Saturday, May 14

Carmina Burana

8PM at Brewster High School. The Putnam Chorale performs CARMINA BURANA – One Performance Only – with full orchestra and accompanied by the Brewster High School Chamber Singers and the Seven Star Dancers, on MAY 14, 2011 8 pm at the Brewster High School Performing Arts Center, 50 Foggintown Road, Brewster, NY. Get more information at our web site (www.putnamchorale.org) or by calling 845-279-7265.

A collection of historic medieval songs and poems was discovered in the year 1803 at an abandoned monastery in Bavaria. This collection was found to be satirical works that had been performed by traveling goliards, disaffected clergy and clerical students, who used the works to lighten the burden of everyday life and to poke fun at the authorities of the day. In a way, the Saturday Night Live of its time!

The works make fun of church excesses and follies and mock the changing morals of the times. There are love songs and songs for drinking and gambling that celebrate Epicurus, the ancient Greek Philosopher and advocate of the blissful life. The stories are provocative and often disrespectful, but offer a common man perspective and a chance at some frivolity.

Saturday, June 18

Clearwater Revival

Croton Point Park – Pete Seeger star Drive-By Truckers star Martin Sexton star Indigo Girls, Arlo Guthrie star Josh Ritter star Jorma Kaukonen star Peter Yarrow, John Sebastian star Janis Ian star The Low Anthem, Red Horse (Lucy Kaplansky, John Gorka & Eliza Gilkyson) star The Klezmatics, Toubab Krewe star Justin Townes Earle star Chris, Smither star Joanne Shenandoah, Tom Chapin star Bernice Johnson Reagon star Dan Zanes & Elizabeth Mitchell, James McMurtry | Jay Ungar & Molly Mason | Jeffrey Broussard & The Creole Cowboys, Tao Seeger Band | Toshi Reagon & Big Lovely | Mike & Ruthy | Sarah Lee & Johnny, Bethany & Rufus’ Roots Quartet | Clayfoot Strutters | Zlatne Uste | Joe Purdy, The Nields | The Kennedys | Jen Chapin | K.J. Denhert | Zon del Barrio, Vanaver Caravan| Buskin & Batteau | Dave Douglas & Brass Ecstasy, Brooklyn Qawwali Party | Joe D’urso | Joel Plaskett, Arm-of-the-Sea Theater star The Power of Song star The Rivertown Kids, Mustard’s Retreat star Magpie star Roger the Jester star Dog on Fleas, Walkabout Clearwater Chorus star Paul Richmond star The Storycrafters, Rick Nestler star Donna Nestler star Travis Jeffrey star Margo Thunderbird, Marva Clark star Linda Richards star Eshu Bumpus star Dan Einbender, Dirty Stay Out Skifflers star Geoff Kaufman star Sarah Underhill star Peninnah Schram, Kay Olan/Ionataiewas star Mel & Vinnie star Karen Pillsworth star Gregorio Pedroza , Allan Aunapu star Jan Christensen star The New York Packet star Matt Turk star Hope Machine

July 21 – 24

Gathering of the Vibes

Seaside Park, Bridgeport, CT – Gathering of the Vibes, the Northeast’s acclaimed music festival destination, will “bring the magic” once again with a 4-day extravaganza of eclectic music, arts and community, July 21-24, 2011 at Connecticut’s magnificent Seaside Park. The rumor mill is swirling with artist announcements around the corner. Gathering of the Vibes promises its most spectacular and diverse lineup to date, delivering over 40 hours of music on multiple stages. Powerhouse Vibes alumni include: The Allman Brothers, Crosby Stills & Nash, Furthur with Phil Lesh & Bob Weir, James Brown, The Black Crowes, and Damian Marley and Nas, alongside breakout acts like Umphrey’s McGee, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Jackie Greene, and tri-state favorites The McLovins. The Vibes also warmly embraces new, virtually unknown artists, who may submit music for consideration through sonic bids.

News That Matters – December 31, 2010 – The 2010 Final Edition

Jeff Green — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:19:18 +0000

Good Friday Morning,

A year that will live in infamy ends in a few hours and good riddance to it. 2010 was tough on everyone and about 364 days too long. Here’s a Mark Fiore animated cartoon that sums up the year better than I ever could. 2010, The Year That Wasn’t.

Today is also your last chance of the year to say “Thanks!” for the 140 issues
of News That Matters you read this year and I encourage you to do so.

It only takes a couple of mouse clicks (like this one here)
and a few strokes on the keyboard
and you can put a little sheen on a dreadful year.

Congratulations go out to Paul Eldridge the likely choice for County Executive. The Legislature has made it clear they don’t want him to do anything but I’m willing to bet that once he gets settled in things will happen and he will do what the Legislature fears – he may actually move the county forward.

As I wrote the other day, the other requirement is that he not run for public office but I’m also willing to bet that there will be a Draft Eldridge faction within the party which will only muck up Sheriff Smith and Maryellen Odell’s already running campaigns for that office.

We say good-bye to Bob Bondi who has been in the County Executive’s seat for a generation. He retires to his 350 acre farm in Pulteney, New York where a 3-bedroom house on 3.5 acres goes for $149,000, a 4-bedroom split-level ranch on a quarter acre goes for $139,900 and a 2-bedroom house on 6 acres goes for $149,000 with a property tax bill of… $2600. Ya gotta love it.

We say hello to Steve Katz who will be representing the 99th AD and to Nan Hayworth who, with her millions, will be heading to Congress this weekend to take the seat once held by John Hall. We also say hello to Neil DiCarlo and Carl Albano who will be joining the Putnam County Legislature replacing Tony Fusco and Maryellen Odell.

We say good-bye to the CAPS-LOCK key on computer keyboards. You’ll finally have no choice but to hold down the shift key to type upper-case letters. You know, like in the olden days. No longer will your friends be able to easily SEND YOU EMAILS THAT ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO READ AND THAT YOU SHOULD SEND TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW OTHERWISE A KITTEN WILL DIE.

If they would only get rid of the LOL key we’d really be on to something.

We say goodbye to a lieutenant colonel (who refuses to use his name) who said in a letter to World Net Daily that he is leaving the Army National Guard because of something else we’re saying goodbye to, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

There’s a lot more we’re saying “good-bye” to as the calendar turns another page and as far as I’m concerned, good riddance to it all. Will 2011 be any better? Who knows?

News Shorts:

Energy Independence? HAHAHhahahah. Check this out.

Bank of America told this couple that their house would go into foreclosure on Christmas Eve which came as something of an anti-Christmas Miracle to them considering they had never missed a single mortgage payment. Read More about that here.

With 96 percent of the top 500 American corporations turning profits this year and stock prices soaring to the highest levels since the recession began, you’d think you’d start to see a dent in that near double-digit unemployment rate. But that’s not so, partially because companies are boosting their bottom lines by moving toward outsourcing. Read More about that here.

Years from now, Wall Street will look back on 2010 as a banner year, the year the industry fully turned the corner after the meltdown and the Street regained its old swagger. Just two years ago, the country’s biggest banks stood on the brink of complete collapse; several storied institutions—Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, Bear Stearns—either disappeared or were taken over. But in the years that followed, the surviving big banks and investment houses emerged stronger, while the rest of the American economy sank into a recession from which it has yet to fully emerge. Read More

The thought of putting solar panels on your roof may seem daunting. But you don’t have to try to go off the grid to save money on your utilities while helping protect the environment. A much simpler and more affordable change is to invest in a solar water heater. Read more.

The Worst Clichés of Politics From ‘Tax-and-Spend’ to ‘Maverick’: According to my rough calculations, our political tongue — the language of campaigns, elections and, yes, governing — is sustained by an army of maybe 10,000 professional babblers. They are the Quoted (White House officials, members of Congress and big-time candidates), the Quote Creators (speechwriters and press-release purveyors) and the Quote Users (reporters, columnists and TV correspondents). And taken as a group — with some notable exceptions — they display all the originality of second-graders telling knock-knock jokes. Think I am exaggerating? Read the article here.

What’s Going On?

Friday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve
- The Folkadelics 3rd Annual NYE Party
- Michelle LeBlanc
Saturday, January 1 – New Year’s Day
Sunday, January 2
- Monthly AMVETS Breakfast
Into The Future

Friday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve

The Folkadelics 3rd Annual NYE Party

7PM at Kenny’s Castaways. 157 Bleeker Street (Btw Sullivan and Thompson). Join Putnam Valley’s Gavin Cummings. Come ring in the New Year with the Folkadelicks. For the third year in a row The Folkadelics will be hosting NYE in NYC! This years line up is especially fantastic featuring NEVERGREEN (Rochester, NY), the CHARLIE RIVER BAND (Boston, MA), and STEF LEAL performing music from her new EP!!

Expect new Material and some special guest appearances!

ALSO!! Stick around for a 3AM LATE night Jam with everyone back on stage!!! Who knows what will happen!!!

Michelle LeBlanc

Spend New Year’s Eve with Putnam Valley’s Michelle LeBlanc at the Hudson House River Inn, 2 Main Street in Cold Spring. Call 845 265 9355 for more information.

Saturday, January 1 – New Year’s Day

Day of Mindfulness

9 AM – 4PM – at the Chuang Yen Monastery on Route 301 in the Free State of Western Kent. With hearts established in mindfulness, we are truly present. Be Truly Present at our Day of Mindfulness. Inter Faith Ceremony, sitting, walking meditation, chanting and much more… Suggested $15/a day to Chuang Yen Monastery includes a delicious and lovingly prepared vegetarian lunch.

Featured Event – 2nd Annual New Year’s Day Hike

Noon – 2PM at Fahnestock State Park. Join us for the second annual New Year’s Day Hike into Fahnestock State Park. We’ll take an easy stroll on the first day of the year, probably not more than 2 miles or so. Dog and child friendly. Write for more information and the meet-up location which will be scouted out this morning.

Putnam County Executive Swearing in Ceremony

Noon. At the Putnam County Courthouse. Master of Ceremonies, Eric Gross, pledge of allegiance led by Adam Levy. Join the county Legislature and a whole slew of local politicians as Paul Eldridge (that’s just a bet) is sworn in as the next county executive. Also being sworn in are, Greg Ball, (his second, as he’ll be sworn in at the Primevera restaurant at 12:01AM) Sandy Galef, Steve Katz, James Rooney, Denis Sant, Carl Albano, Tony Hay and Anthony DiCarlo.

Kent CAC New Year’s Day Hike

1PM – Frederick Dill Preserve – Start the New Year with a walk through the Fred Dill Wildlife Sanctuary admiring our trees with wood craftsman and Kent resident Ralph Szur. Learn the different uses, growth habits, and identifiers of Oaks, Maples, Ash and Dogwoods. The group will assemble on New Year’s Day at the Sanctuary’s parking area on the south side of Fair Street between Carmel High School and De Colores Drive at 1:00 PM. The hike will take approximately two hours. Be sure to dress warmly. Check the Kent CAC website for more information.

Sunday, January 2

Monthly AMVETS Breakfast

9AM – Adults $10, kids $5 or free. Eggs, omelets, french toast, er, freedom toast, that is. Pancakes, grits and all the standard fare. At the VFW Post, 4 Fairfield Drive in the Putnam Lake section of Patterson.

Into The Future

Tuesday, January 4

Discover the Actor Inside

7:30-9:30PM – An 8-week class with Lora Lee Ecobelli. By using theatre games, improvisation, and scenes students will learn basic theatre skills in a supportive, creative and fun environment. In addition, there is development of the actor’s voice and movement, concentration and working collaboratively. Scene study will be explored using classic works by playwrights such as Shakespeare, Miller, O’Neill, Chekov, Williams, Albee and others. Students will track a character’s journey through a scene and learn to further articulate the essential elements of characterization. Rehearsal with a scene partner outside of class is required. Classes often culminate in a scene night open to the public. Contact Arts on the Lake for more information.
Photo credit: Chris Casaburi

Saturday, January 8

Steve Kirkman and Backdoor Benny Harris

7:30PM – Steve Kirkman and Backdoor Benny Harris perform at the Putnam Arts Center on Kennicut Hill Road in Mahopac. In 2011 the Putnam Arts Council is pleased to announce a new and exciting performing arts series scheduled monthly at its newly renovated gallery space at the Belle Levine Art Center in Mahopac.

The goal of the program is to develop audiences for emerging to established performing artists and to offer the community access to interesting and diverse forms of music offered throughout the year.

A variety of performances will be offered the second weekend of each month with some on Saturday evenings and some on Sunday afternoons. Sunday programs will be sponsored by a grant from Entergy and will offer free admission.

Our opening weekend of music, January 8 & 9, features two concerts; the first on Saturday at 7:30, celebrates steel guitars played by area performers Backdoor Benny Harris and Steve Kirkman. Mr. Harris draws from a diverse repertoire of traditional acoustic blues, as well as his own original work as does Steve Kirkman, host of Towne Crier’s open mic Wednesday’s. Kirkman is a Hudson Valley transplant from NC via Nashville, Memphis and NYC. Tickets are $20. and reservations are advised.

On Sunday, January 9th at 4pm, we will host Brett Randell, a home grown Mahopac singer and songwriter/poet continuing his “Austin to Amsterdam; Austin to Boston” tour. This free concert is made possible by a grant from Entergy. Locally, Brett has performed at The Towne Crier and Brooklyn Coffeehouse to enthusiastic crowds.

Visit putnamartscouncil.com for more details about this and all the programs, classes and other opportunities available at Arts on the Hill, 521 Kennicut Hill Rd., Mahopac.

Special Thanks to Monty Delaney and friends, and PAC Board Member Marc Pekowsky for their efforts in planning for both In the Center Saturday’s and Second Sunday’s.

Sunday, January 9

Fredonia For the 845

3:00PM – Two Carmel High School graduates, Buddy Griffith and Nina LoConte, currently music education students at SUNY Fredonia, return to perform at Arts on the Lake on Sunday, January 9, at 3 p.m. Joining Griffith and LaConte onstage will be Ryan Boshart from Hyde Park, Jeff Stote from Avon, CT, and Chris Piro from Pelham. The five performers will present a program of classical music entitled “Fredonia for the 845.” Tickets are $8. Click here for more information.

Wednesday, January 12

Free Flu Shots

2:30PM – 6:30PM No cost flu shots for residents of Putnam County at the Putnam County Health Department at 1 Geneva Road in Brewster. (You know, where the DMV is.) No appointment is necessary though you will have top fill out a consent form which you can get here.

Today is your last chance of the year to say “Thanks!” for the 140 issues
of News That Matters you read this year and I encourage you to do so.

It only takes a couple of mouse clicks (like this one here)
and a few strokes on the keyboard
and you can put a little sheen on a dreadful year.

Hinchey Urges EPA to Set High Standards in Hudson River PCB Cleanup Effort

Staff — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 23:12:00 +0000

From the press office of Congressman Maurice Hinchey

Washington, DC – Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today urged U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson to ensure that high standards are used in Phase 2 of the EPA’s ongoing efforts to remove toxic polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in the Hudson River Superfund Site. Hinchey helped lead the effort to ensure that clean up of the Hudson River Superfund site would be paid for by General Electric (GE). From 1947 to 1977, GE dumped as much as 1.3 million pounds of PCBs into the river.

“PCBs cause cancer in humans, badly damage the environment and need to be removed from the Hudson River,” said Hinchey. “That’s why I’ve asked Administrator Jackson to set high performance standards for Phase 2 of the EPA’s cleanup process. That means using environmental dredging to remove the contaminated sediments from the river whenever possible, and relying on capping, which encases contaminated portions of the riverbed in plastic, only when absolutely necessary. Doing this cleanup in the most effective manner possible is vital to restoring the ecology of the river, protecting public health, and allowing residents of the Hudson Valley to once again fully enjoy fishing and other recreational uses in this incredible American Heritage River.”

In his letter to Jackson, Hinchey stressed the need for standards that are equal to or better than those used in the first phase of the cleanup effort. For decades, as a member of the State Assembly and U.S. Congress, Hinchey has helped lead the effort to require GE to remove the up to 1.3 million pounds of toxic PCBs it dumped into the Hudson during a 30-year period. In Phase 1, General Electric conducted dredging, with EPA oversight, and the company targeted 265,000 cubic yards (cy) of PCB-contaminated sediment. Dredging was conducted 133 days between May 15 and October 26, 2009. Backfilling and capping in some areas continued through November 2009, until the Champlain Canal closed for the season.

EPA classifies PCBs as probable human carcinogens, and these chemicals are also linked to other serious non-cancer adverse health effects including reduced ability to fight infections, low birth weights, and learning problems. PCBs, once released into the environment, accumulate in animals and work their way up the food chain to humans, a term called bio-accumulation. In 1976, because of the concern over the bio-accumulation of PCBs in fish and other aquatic organisms and their consumption by people, the State of New York banned fishing in the Upper Hudson River and commercial fishing of striped bass, as well as several other species in the Lower Hudson. In 1984, a 200-mile stretch of the Hudson River from Hudson Falls to the Battery in New York City was classified as a Superfund site.

Hinchey’s letter to Jackson follows.

December 9, 2010

Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator

US Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20460

By Fax: (202) 501-1519

Dear Administrator Jackson:

I am writing regarding the EPA’s ongoing efforts to remedy PCB contamination in the Hudson River Superfund Site. As someone who has advocated for this critical environmental remediation for more than three decades, I appreciate your agency’s ongoing commitment to clean up and restore one of America’s most significant and historic rivers. I remain deeply committed to the success of this vital effort, and I offer any assistance I can provide to ensure that it is done in the most comprehensive and effective manner possible.

Following the first phase of the cleanup that was completed in October, 2010, I understand that the EPA is currently considering and finalizing its performance standards for the second phase of this tremendously important project. As your agency establishes the performance standards and guidelines for the second phase of this critical project, I urge you to ensure that the cleanup requirements set forth by EPA meet or exceed the original performance standards set for the first phase of the project.

As I conveyed to the EPA on many occasions prior to the 2002 Record of Decision, I believe that after waiting many decades for the cleanup of the Hudson River, the federal government must insist on the removal of PCB contamination rather than capping it in place. While I understand that capping is necessary in certain specific areas where dredging is not feasible, the EPA should not allow capping where additional dredging passes could effectively remove contaminated sediments. Capping where dredging is possible leaves in place contaminated sediments that require long-term monitoring and which are also prone to leakage and failure in the future.

I thank you for your vigilance and leadership in ensuring that the Hudson River Superfund Site is cleaned up effectively in order to restore the health of the Hudson River and protect those who live throughout our region.

Sincerely,

Maurice D. Hinchey

News That Matters – Friday, December 3, 2010 – Things To Do Edition

Jeff Green — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:24:42 +0000

‘It’s hard for me to see the future at this moment but I think Jeff Green would do a fine job as County Executive in my place and I encourage you to support him.’

Good Friday Morning,

The weather report for the weekend is as typical of winter around these parts as one can get. Highs around 40 with lows in the mid-to-low 20s and mostly sunny. Trust me when I say that this is the time to take a hike in the woods. The leaves are down so you can see some distance through the trees, the rise and fall of the land, the rocky outcroppings that underlay our landscape, old foundations, ponds… the usually hidden base fabric of the Highlands.

A note of warning though: it’s still hunting season thus you either wear blaze orange and carry a police whistle or venture to discover our State Parks such as Wonder Lake in Kent/Patterson, Fahnestock in Kent/Philipstown and Putnam Valley, or Hudson Highlands State Park that runs the length of Philipstown from north to south. There’s also Donald Trump State Park at the very foot of Putnam Valley. These crisp, clear days allow good walking without too much sweat.

Wear layers. Tell someone where you’re going. Bring your camera and have some outdoors fun.

The End Of An Era

For those who have been in Iceland studying the interior of a volcano whose name no one can pronounce, it was reported in various sources yesterday that Senator Vincent Leibell is no longer a State Senator (as of today) and will not be taking office as County Executive come January 1st. That job will be held by whomever the County Legislature appoints. I’ll bet the “Democrats For Leibell” are a little red-faced this morning and if Greg Ball and Anthony Scannapieco are gloating right now, well, they kinda deserve it. What I want to know is if the Senator knew about this during the campaign. If so, there’s a real problem on top of everything else.

Anyway, I’ve volunteered for the position and though I did come in a solid third in that race I’m pretty sure they’ve got their eyes elsewhere. Off the top of my head I would hazard a guess between MEO or Sam Oliverio or Frank DelCampo, though Sam does have other full time obligations. And I’ll bet Bob Bondi, who is ‘consulting with his family’ is hoping for an extension and possibly even his sidekick, John Tully, is hoping for the appointment. My personal preference would be Dan Birmingham but I’m guessing that’s not in the offing. If they’d just give the job to Paul Camarda they could save everyone a lot time.

Vinnie is going down. Bill Hustis is going down. Bondi went down but now may be back. Charlie Williams went down. Everyone is going down but there are no happy endings. It sure is strange around here.

There’s been slight chatter about taking down road signs and “un”naming things that have the Senator’s name on them but I would use caution here: Like him or not, his political power and largesse has made much happen here that would not have happened without him and those signs are credits to his name and should remain as such. It would be foolish to erase that history as we do owe the guy the credit he deserves for the good things and the millions of pork dollars he’s brought to the county.

Petitioning Carmel

A group has begun an online petition directed at the Camarda Carmel Town Board to deny zoning changes that would permit developments such as Union Place. You can find that petition online here. The copy reads:

“We the undersigned residents of the Town of Carmel oppose any/and all zoning changes or variances requested by the applicant, related to “The Smart Growth Village” in the Town of Carmel, Putnam County, New York, referred to as “Union Place”; located on 300 acres of undeveloped land and which is comprised of a mix of uses including rental (180 units), market rate & senior housing (300 units), corporate, professional and retail space (total 1,043,600 sq ft nonresidential floor space). The project is a marked departure from the Carmel Comprehensive Plan, is zoning code non-compliant and presents a project that will eliminate the last piece of Mahopac’s historic and cultural past, named Mahopac Farm, and irrevocably change the face and landscape of the gateway to our community. “

Unemployment Benefits

Please don’t see this as partisan as it’s only a fact: If you’ve been downsized, laid off or otherwise not working and you and/or your family have been living on unemployment, thanks to Republicans in Congress your life is about to suck even worse than it does now.

Holding unemployment benefits hostage until Democrats agree to give multi-millionaires tax cuts, Republicans refuse to budge on the matter using you as pawns in their game. If you were un- or under-employed on election day and you voted for Nan Hayworth I’ll bet you’re feeling a bit like a Log Cabin Republican today. No, don’t bother writing them – they never write back.

Julian Assange

The wonderboy at Wikileaks is being sought out over an alleged rape charge in Sweden that we all thought had been killed the last time he released a bunch of information, that time about the war in Iraq and how we were doing such a fine job of dealing with the enemy and losing control of that country city by city, town by town.

In his latest foray he has caused a world-wide diplomatic embarrassment epidemic and those in power cannot abide by being told they just held a press conference with their fly’s open.

While the prospect of a car accident, small airplane crash or a fatal mugging are on the lips of embarrassed diplomats and heads of state everywhere, even US members of congress have called for his head – and his death. What amuses me most is that in one quick stroke he’s done more for freedom of information and transparent government than the ‘baggers have done in the last 18 months of their incessant campaign for… open and transparent government.

This guy should be winning awards and support from anyone who believes the workings of government should be open to all. After all, as I reported the other day, it’s become apparent that – for a change – the US comes out looking pretty good.

So what if we think Russia has become a mafia state? It’s true! and anyone will tell you so. So what if every Arab nation has encouraged the US to launch a military attack against Iran? And we learned that Iran was smuggling weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon – in Red Crescent ambulances. It’s true, no? So why the embarrassment?

If you’d like to see the full range of diplomatic cables released for yourself, and you should, visit this website which is active right now. This may change as the US Government has tried to suppress this information and does so on a daily basis. The harassment has gotten so out of hand that Senator Joe Lieberman, no friend of freedom, has introduced legislation that would make it illegal to release the name of any US intelligence source. The legislation being so broad that any journalist who reported on US diplomatic activities would come under the law thus shutting the door on truth.

Here’s an example: In a cable dated February 2009, from the Kuwaiti Interior Minister on how to deal with prisoners released from Guantanamo Bay:
Jaber told the Ambassador:  "You know better than I that we
cannot deal with these people (i.e. the GTMO detainees).  I
can't detain them.  If I take their passports, they will sue
to get them back (Note:  as happened with Al-Ajmi.  End
note.)  I can talk to you into next week about building a
rehabilitation center, but it won't happen.  We are not Saudi
Arabia; we cannot isolate these people in desert camps or
somewhere on an island.  We cannot compel them to stay.  If
they are rotten, they are rotten and the best thing to do is
get rid of them.  You picked them up in Afghanistan; you
should drop them off in Afghanistan, in the middle of the war
zone."
But Wikileaks has been cautious in that it has regularly redacted people’s (read: sources) names from the cables it’s been releasing this time around so the law makes no sense other than to pressure others.

Lastly, the rape charge. It’s clear – and it’s been clear – that Anna Ardin, the woman at the center of all this, has admitted that she’s been making the whole thing up, even to the point of deleting Tweet messages praising Julian just before she charged him. Why, then, one might ask, are European governments all in a rush to persecute Mr. Assange? That’s a silly question! Because they’re all standing around with their pants around their ankles looking as stunned as Senator Larry Craig caught in a gay porn video.

Christma-Hanu-Rama-Ka-Dona-Kwanzaa

A little holiday music from Roy Zimmerman: See the video here and yes, it’s more than safe for work.

What’s Going On?

Friday, December 3
Saturday, December 4
Sunday, December 5
Into The Future

Friday, December 3

Follow the Waters: Educational Workshop

10:00 AM – 3:30 PM You are invited to an educational workshop about laws and regulations related to water resources, designed to provide an introduction to the legal framework surrounding water in NY State. This workshop will provide an overview of selected Federal, state and local laws affecting water resources management. This information will be presented in the context of several case studies about local watersheds illustrating challenging water resources management and protection issues in the mid-Hudson region. It is designed for an audience of interested decision-makers and citizens who do not have formal legal training. The results of this workshop, including feedback from participants, will be used to guide future development of related educational programs and online resources. We will trace the flow of water through local watersheds to examine which laws and regulations apply at various points along the way. This project was made possible through financial support from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund. Space is limited. RSVP to Simon Gruber, sgruber100@verizon.net. There is no charge for this workshop. Location: New Windsor, New York

Sea2Sea Summit Winter Edition

6PM Bates Dining Room – Sarah Lawrence College – Performances, Open Mic at 7PM at the Black Squirrel. Saturday, December 4, workshops and performances beginning at 9:30AM and running all day. See http://sea2seasummit.wordpress.com/ for more information.

[Ed note: the website is impossible to read thanks to college students thinking they're cool. But, if you press CTRL-A on your keyboard the lettering and words will appear a little easier against the background.]

Greg Brown – Live at the Towne Crier

8:30PM at the Towne Crier in Pawling. It’s $40, $45 at the door assuming you can get in but I have to tell you, had I known Greg was going to be in town I would have sold the dog to get the do-re-mi for the tickets. Rarely does a performer grow so well and age so lightly as has Greg Brown. Formally best known as a frequent guest on “A Prairie Home Companion” as that show remained its sappy, stale self, Mr. Brown forayed off into a folks/blues style of performance that is a rare find. The last time Greg was in the area was in April of 2008 and here’s part of the review I wrote of that show:

At just around 9PM Greg took the stage. Yes, funky hat, red bandanna,
dark glasses, over sized pants, baggy jacket and all and from the moment
his fingers touched the guitar and the vibrations from his vocal chords
hit the electronics in the mic, the rest of the evening was magic. It
was a much better show than I had anticipated and as his set ran for
almost 2 hours, more than fulfilling.

“The blues are just bad people feeling good” – GB

For the next two hours it was story song after story song with a few
older melodies dropped in here and there but you had to pay attention
sometimes to recognize what they were for their recorded forms were
altered to a degree giving the impression that they too were in the
evening’s story song pattern. And the early folkie stuff? Now it’s all
blues. The aged standard “Good Morning Coffee”, his second number, was
interwoven with a story about waking his wife up one morning with a
fresh cup of coffee that kept us all laughing and wondering, is Iris
DeMent really that rapacious in the mornings? Pour warm water over the
beans so they don’t scald? She must be tough.

Sometimes it was hard to tell when his intro to a song ended and the
song itself began and all the while his blues guitar rang true. Brown
claims he doesn’t work from a set playlist, that it doesn’t work for him
and that all the patter was nothing but filler giving him time to decide
what to play next. True fans would have known from the way he tuned what
was coming next even, as I wrote before, if the folk was relegated to
history and the same songs reborn as the blues.

The rest can be found here.

Saturday, December 4

Santa in Peekskill

Noon – On the streets in downtown Peekskill. A Ferris Wheel for rides, a tree lighting and choral music at 4:30, Santa with live music and hot cocoa at 5:30 and the film, “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Paramount at 8PM. See www.downtownpeekskill.com for more details.

Holiday On The Lake

Noon- 8:15PM – Carmel. Christmas stories at noon at the Reed Library, Caroling, face painting and more at Cornerstone park, at 3:30, a Christmas Concert at Drew Methodist at 5:15, parade through the Hamlet at 7PM and tree lighting at Lake Gleneida just after.

Lecture with Art Cohn

5PM Lecture with Art Cohn, the co-founder and Executive Director of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Join Putnam County Historical Society for a lecture with Art Cohn, the co-founder and Executive Director of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum at Basin Harbor Vermont. Cohn’s talk will outline the significant chapters of the region’s history and illustrate what is currently known about the collection of shipwrecks in Lake Champlain and the just emerging story of shipwrecks in the Hudson River.

The Putnam County Historical Society & Foundry School Museum is located at 63 Chestnut Street in Cold Spring. Free for members and donors, and $5 for the general public. Space is limited; reservations are strongly suggested. Please call 845-265-4010 or email.

Brewster Tree Lighting and Holiday Concert

7:30PM – Holiday Concert at the United Methodist Church 83 Main Street, Brewster, NY following the tree lighting at 5PM at the Southeast Museum. Join the Putnam Chorale and a Brass Quintet in a musical celebration of the season. Carol singing for the audience. Child friendly and free. For information call 845 279-7500

Sunday, December 5

AMVETS Breakfast

9AM – Noon. A variety of breakfast foods including pancakes, grits, brownies, eggs , french toast and more. $10 for adults, $5 for kids. VFW Post 9257, 4 Fairfield Dr. Patterson

Sterling Forest Hike

Hike the entire Sterling Ridge Trail from Route 511 to 17A at fast pace, about 9 miles. Visit the fire tower with great panoramic views. Leader: Barry Skura 914-779-0936 Bskura@optonline.net

Frozendale Days

11AM – 6PM Community celebration of winter and the holiday season, with free movie at Rosendale Theatre, live music, food, origami and ornament making, puppets, library lighting, art exhibits, Santa, and much more fun for all ages! Plus the Annual Winter Gift Sale with one-of-a-kind, locally hand-made gifts including pottery, jewelry, art prints, eco-savvy fabric gift bags, knitware, hula hoops, note cards, coloring books, chair massage and gift certificates, and more! Skip the mall and support community and local art and commerce! Downtown Rosendale. Frozendale2010@gmail.com

Memorial Concert for Art Kamell

2PM – 5PM With David Amram, Pete Seeger, Congressman John Hall, Rick Nestler, David Bernz, Chris Ruhe the Howland Wolves and others! At the St. Lukes Episcopal Church gymnasium, Rte 9D, Beacon.

A Memorial concert to benefit the organizations Art Kammel loved: Doctors Without Borders, Pastors for Peace, School of the America’s Watch and the United Farmworkers. We are working on the details, the musicians’ line-up, etc. but the flyer won’t be ready till next week and I wanted you to know NOW about this very special event. So please put Sunday, Dec. 5h, 2-5 pm on your calendar and come out to enjoy great music and memories of one of the most wonderful people it has been my pleasure and privilege to know. Contribution: $20 (though no one will be turned away.) Contact Judy Allen for more information.

Forum and documentary “Gasland”

5PM – Rock Tavern, NY. A forum and documentary about with natural gas drilling process called (“fracking” or “hydrofracking”). This is a controversial topic in New York State. The State Senate has issued a temporary moratorium in New York State and the Assembly has yet to vote.

There is an optional potluck at 5:00pm, with the forum and film to follow.

Speakers at the forum represent both sides of the issue. They include Wes Gillingham, Catskill Mountainkeeper; Paul Hartman, representing Chesapeake Energy Corp.; Nadia Steinzor, Marcellus Shale Regional Organizer; Laurie Stuart, Upper Delaware UU Fellowship; and meeting chair, Michael Edelstein of Orange Environment.

“Gasland” (2010, dir Josh Fox, 107 min, http://www.GaslandTheMovie.com/ )

A prize-winning documentary exploring the health and environmental risks associated with natural gas drilling.

From the movie blurb: When “… a gas company offered Fox $100,000 to lease his family’s Pennsylvania land, he decided to educate himself on the topic of natural gas drilling. What he discovered shocked him into filming a documentary. Flammable tap water, chronically sick citizens, and contaminated air were among the ills found in communities where natural gas fracking has been occurring.”

There is limited space, so RSVPs are recommended. Contact / RSVP: Verne M. Bell at 845 569-8965, or via email address below. Cost: Free. Location: Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, 9 Vance Rd (off Rt. 207) Rock Tavern, NY 12575

Into The Future

Tuesday, December 7

PC Leg Vote on Peekskill Hollow Road

7PM – From PVRC: Well folks, this is really the final vote (approval) by the Put Co Leg on the PHR. The full leg meeting on Tuesday, Dec 7th at 7PM will see the fruition of all our hard work and victory for historic designation and protections for the PHR. The certification (of residents along PHR) of far over the requisite 50% plus road-frontage has been given to the real property department and accepted at the 11/16 physical services committee meeting, along with the thru-truck ban, which has a great chance of passing as it has gotten good support and recognition as a critical part of protecting the PHR and the residents who live along and travel on PHR. There have been several near disasters recounted by Sam Oliverio caused by huge speeding trucks over-the-line that I think brought the real danger of their presence to the other Leg members, and his continued support among others in the Leg has been important.

Please save the date and plan to attend this historic implementation of the Put Co Historic Protection Law we got passed last year re: including PHR under that law; I’m sure other roads will follow if the public works for their roads to be protected as well as PHR. Our future strength will be gauged by attendance and our resolve to continue to watch and work to protect the PHR from idiotic and wasteful attempts to make it into a high-speed “urban minor arterial” in gov-speak gibberish; it is our neighborhood road and we will not accept any other way of characterizing it or as a widened and straightened “escape” route for the Indian Point nuc plant or thru-truck by-pass.

Please try to attend, bring a friend and tell/email others about the full leg meeting date and time to be a part of this victory. Thanks.

Wednesday, December 8

Public Hearing on Incentive Zoning – Putnam Valley

6PM at Town Hall. From PVRC: The attached revised Incentive Zoning Law will be open to public discussion at Town Hall on Wednesday, December 8 at 6:00 P.M. This law will forever impact the development of the remaining large tracts of land in our town. We urge you to read the attached document and come to this meeting to comment on its content.

Saturday, December 11

Community Free Day at Dia Beacon

11AM – 4PM – On Community Free Days, residents of neighboring counties Columbia, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester are invited to visit Dia:Beacon free of charge. Please bring a driver’s license or other government-issued ID for entry into the museum.

Programs are also open to the general public and are free with museum admission.

12:00pm
Introducing Dia:Beacon
Susan Sayre Batton, Managing Director, Dia:Beacon will discuss the transformation of Dia:Beacon from a Nabisco Box Printing factory to a museum and introduce key aspects of Dia’s renowned collection and distinctive history.

1:00-1:30pm
Guided tours and family tours
Tours will include recently reinstalled galleries dedicated to the work of John Chamberlain, Walter De Maria, Imi Knoebel, Agnes Martin, and Robert Ryman, as well as the special exhibition, Franz Erhard Walther: Work as Action.

2:00-4:00pm
Premiere screening of “New School,” a film on contemporary Hudson Valley artists, followed by a conversation with the filmmaker and featured artists Ty Marshal is a filmmaker who currently serves as the coordinator of Creative Arts Academy at the Community Folk Art Center in Syracuse, New York. Through a series of brief interviews, Marshal has profiled over twenty Hudson Valley-based artists ranging in background from emerging to established.

Axoltol

2PM – A Reading of a new play by James Sheldon by “The Two of Us” production company and directed by Thomas Gruenwald. At the Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts on Route 82 just east of the Taconic Parkway (Ancram, Hudson exit) in Taghkanic. Please RSVP by e-mail or phone (845-677-4446) as admission is free but there is limited seating.

Ax·o·lotl
1)   The Aztec god of lightning and regeneration who led the first humans to earth from the underworld.
2)   A species of Mexican salamander that retains its juvenile features, including gills and fins, into adulthood.
3)   A new play by James Sheldon set on a remote island in the western Pacific where ancient meets modern, loyalty meets temptation, and myth meets illusion.

Holiday Potpourri

7PM – The Holiday Show – Performances by children and adults. Ogden Nash’s Bestiary, Music of the Season In Santa’s Password bad boy Jace wants to get the Christmas he thinks he deserves, so he hacks into Santa’s list of who is naughty and nice and the results surprise him. At Arts on the Lake 640 Route 52 Lake Carmel, NY

Phil Ochs Night

7PM – Phil Ochs, born in El Paso, Texas on December 19, 1940, grew up in a non-political middle class family. He formed his political beliefs while in college and started putting them to music, eventually dropping out and heading for Greenwich Village. In 1966, after years of singing at open mikes and passing the hat, he performed a sold-out solo concert at Carnegie Hall. Most of Phi’s topical songs were very political, some humorous and some very serious. Among the best-known are: “Changes,” “There But For Fortune,” “I Ain’t Marching Anymore,” “Draft Dodger Rag,” “Small Circle of Friends.” and “When I’m Gone.”

Phil performed and traveled around the world. While in Dar Es Salaam, he was mugged and lost the top three notes of his vocal range. This event seemed to send him on a downward spiral. His last years were troubled ones. He suffered from manic depression plus an affinity for the bottle. He committed suicide on April 9, 1976 at the age of 35.

Come hear performers- John Flynn, Joe Jencks, Magpie (Greg Artzner and Terry Leonino), Nancy Tucker, and Pat Wictor as they keep alive the music of Phil Ochs.

Contact Walkabout Clearwater for more information.

Sunday, December 12

Shaupeneak or Black Creek Hike

Esopus. Hike or snowshoe, depending on weather conditions. Specific length of hike and location will vary according to group and weather conditions will range between 2-4 miles. Please e-mail Leader: Mary Trish Cina, Trishmary37@aol.com 845-339-7170 for meeting time and place.

Monday, December 13

Conference on Water Resources and the Regional Economy

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Hudson River Estuary Program, in partnership with the SUNY New Paltz Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach, the Hudson River Watershed Alliance will host a conference on Water Resources and the Regional Economy. Confirmed Speakers are Maurice Hinchey, Region 2 Administrator Judith Enck, and NYSDEC Assistant Commissioner for Water Resources James Tierney. Expected audience: Municipal staff, engineers, planners, environmental groups, and volunteers involved in green infrastructure and low impact development planning projects. For more information and regular updates visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/4920.html, or email hrep@gw.dec.state.ny.us and put “Water Conference” in the subject line. Location: SUNY New Paltz, Student Union Building, Multi-Purpose Room. Fee, $35 includes lunch.

Overview: The conference will seek to create a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities confronting the Hudson Valley as we manage our water resources. It will foster a dialogue among the many partners whose engagement can help us move forward in a positive direction for the benefit of the region, its watershed and its people. We will look for opportunities to both support the economy and conserve the environment, recognizing the many ways that water contributes to human wellbeing. The conference will focus on two key questions:

1. How can our water assets and infrastructure be
part of a strategy for economic prosperity and
quality of life in the Valley?

2. What actions do we need to take to safeguard our
unique water assets so they are sustained and not
depleted?

Friday, December 17

A Christmas Carol – a New Adaptation

7:30PM – Pied Piper Children’s Theater. Staging the holiday classic for the second year in a row at the White Pond Center, the Pied Piper Players will be performing an original adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” in December, 2010. John and Bonnie Ryerson, veterans of stage and screens large and small lead a cast of local actors in this fun, fantastical romp through one of the most revered stories of the season.

John Ryerson delivers a forceful performance as Ebenezer Scrooge, the man forever changed by ghosts of his past, present and future. Seasoned actor Andrew Walters reprises his role as a pitch-perfect Bob Cratchit. Jessica Bulzacchelli, a PPYT veteran youth actor, returns as the Ghost of Christmas Past with her usual exuberance and sense of fun. Peter Alexander lends a sense of mystery and foreboding to both Jacob Marley and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come again this year. Jeff Davis also returns as the bombastic Ghost of Christmas Present, and Bonnie Ryerson rounds out the lead players as the wonderful Belinda Cratchit.

Primarily a youth ensemble company, the Pied Piper Youth Theater will treat audiences to performances by adults in this production, many of whom are parents of the young actors in the troupe.

Repeats Saturday, December 18 at 7:30PM and Sunday, December 19 at 3:00PM. Tickets are $10 adults and $5 children 10 and under. For more information or to set up an interview, please contact Bonnie Ryerson at 845-878-9780 or email Bonnie at bonnie@pipertheater.org www.pipertheater.org

Saturday, December 18

Breakneck Ridge Hike

Difficult. Hosted by Scenic Hudson. The most rigorous rocky routes up Breakneck Ridge. Please contact leader for details: Skip Doyle at info@EsopusPreservation.org. Location: Route 9D, Beacon

Gallery Talk: Larissa Harris on Andy Warhol

2PM: Andy Warhol, Shadows, 1978-79 at Dia:Beacon, Riggio Galleries, Free with admission. Larissa Harris is curator at the Queens Museum of Art, where she is developing programs to take place during and after the museum’s planned expansion, to be completed by 2012. From 2004-2008, she was associate director of the Center for Advanced Visual Studies at MIT where she worked on new projects by Michael Smith, Damon Rich/the Center for Urban Pedagogy (CUP), John Malpede, and John Bell; and established new initiatives including a visiting artist series, student residency program, and a residency for Boston-area artists. She is also half of a partnership called The Steins, which produces occasional, extremely brief exhibitions in basements in the Lower East Side.

Conference on Water Resources & the Regional Economy

Staff — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:20:44 +0000

On December 13, representatives from the environmental, business, municipal and job development communities will be gathering at the SUNY New Paltz Student Union Building, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., to explore issues and challenges on water resource management and to identify opportunities to both support the economy and conserve the environment, recognizing the many ways that water contributes to human wellbeing. Confirmed speakers include Congressman Maurice Hinchey, Mayor of Yonkers, Phillip Amicone, Executive Director of the NYS Economic Development Council, Brian McMahon, Elizabeth Schilling with Smart Growth America, and NYSDEC Assistant Commissioner for Water Resources and Watersheds, James Tierney. For more information or to register, please contact: hrep@gw.dec.state.ny.us or call (845) 256‐3016.