This week’s weather: Afternoon boomers, low 80s h h h h h h h h h h h h Hudson Valley weekend weekend WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK: {P. 11} BUD BUCKLEY SINGS FOR YOU {P.16} MOM TATTOOS ARE SO 2008 {PLUS} HVSF REVIEW, PERROTTA@SPIEGLETENT, HARRY POTTER AND MORE VOL. 1 | ISSUE 17 | [email protected]YOUR SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS. JULY 22 - 28, 2009 CELEBRATING LOCAL: MUSIC, THEATER, ART, FILM AND MORE POLICE/COURT FACILITY BACK ON THE TABLE MONTGOMERY PLACE IS UP FOR SALE {P.6} {P.2} > more on page 2 > starting on page 9 PRICE: $1. 00 TO SUBSCRIBE Send check to P.O. Box 268, Hyde Park, NY 12538 $42 in county/year $48 out of county/year • {P.6} Hyde Park Republicans caucus July 31 • {P.21} Ausanio wins Dutchess Amateur • {P.24} When caviar was king • {P.3} Woman bites cop; drunk busted twice in one night INSIDE: It appears shamed former real estate agent Lance Lavender, who allegedly stole thousands of dollars from a local rabbi, owes money all over town. Last week, Hudson Valley News featured a story on Rabbi Hanoch Hecht, who reportedly gave Lavender an $8,500 down payment for a property he was attempting to purchase for a new Jewish center. The money Hecht says he gave Lavender was supposed to be protected in an escrow account, but when the real estate transaction fell through and Hecht tried to get his down payment back, he learned Lavender had filed for bankruptcy and was reportedly told to “Get on line with everybody else.” Hecht’s money should have been protected from Lavender’s bankruptcy proceedings, but, it appears, Lavender never placed the money in escrow. Many have speculated Lavender was pocketing money from the escrow account. Since we broke the story last week, we have received a number of phone calls and e-mails from other people who say they are owed thousands of dollars by Lavender who are afraid they will never see their money again if Lavender is granted protection from his creditors. One person who says Lavender owes him money is Rhinecliff resident Richard Kopyscianski. Kopyscianski says in February of last year, Lavender came to him in tears, saying he needed to pay his ex-wife $25,000 or she would take his child from him. Kopyscianski says he lent Lavender the money after he signed a promissory note saying he’d pay Kopyscianski within 90 days. “I felt really bad for him,” Kopyscianski said. “He was a neighbor; I thought he was OK,” he added. Kopyscianski said when he asked for the loan, Lavender assured him he would repay the money once he closed a deal on a local commercial property. He also said Lavender told him he owned properties in New York City and Long Island that he could liquidate if Kopyscianski needed the money sooner. Kopyscianski says Lavender hasn’t repaid him and has stopped returning his phone calls. He says he has also learned Lavender owes thousands of dollars to at least five other local residents. Kopyscianski says Lavender owes one local resident more than $200,000. Other unpaid loans exceed $60,000, he said Kopyscianski also believes the $25,000 he lent Lavender was never given to his ex-wife for child support, as Lavender Former real estate agent Lance Lavender, shown here in a promotional photo for a performance of “Honk” at the Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck. Photo submitted FORMER REAL ESTATE AGENT LABELED ‘SCAMMER’ RABBI REPORTEDLY WASN’T LANCE LAVENDER’S ONLY VICTIM BY CHRISTOPHER LENNON
Transcript
This week’s weather:
Afternoon boomers, low 80s
h
h
hhhhhhhhhh
Hudson Valley weekendweekendWHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK: {P. 11} BUD BUCKLEY SINGS FOR YOU
{P.16} MOM TATTOOS ARE SO 2008
{PLUS} HVSF REVIEW, PERROTTA@SPIEGLETENT, HARRY POTTER AND MORE
YOUR SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS.JULY 22 - 28, 2009
CELEBRATING LOCAL: MUSIC, THEATER, ART, FILM AND MORE
POLICE/COURT FACILITY BACK ON THE TABLE
MONTGOMERY PLACE IS UP FOR SALE
{P.6}
{P.2}
> more on page 2
> starting on page 9
PRICE: $1.00
TO SUBSCRIBE Send check to P.O. Box 268, Hyde Park, NY 12538
$42 in county/year $48 out of county/year
• {P.6} Hyde Park Republicans caucus July 31
• {P.21} Ausanio wins Dutchess Amateur
• {P.24} When caviar was king
• {P.3} Woman bites cop; drunk busted twice in one night
INSIDE:
It appears shamed former real estate agent Lance Lavender, who allegedly stole thousands of dollars from a local rabbi, owes money all over town.
Last week, Hudson Valley News featured a story on Rabbi Hanoch Hecht, who reportedly gave Lavender an $8,500 down payment for a property he was attempting to purchase for a new Jewish center. The money Hecht says he gave Lavender was supposed to be protected in an escrow account, but when the real estate transaction fell through and Hecht tried to get his down payment back, he learned Lavender had fi led for bankruptcy and was reportedly told to “Get on line with everybody else.” Hecht’s money should have been protected from Lavender’s bankruptcy proceedings, but, it appears, Lavender never placed the money in escrow. Many have speculated Lavender was pocketing money from the escrow account.
Since we broke the story last week, we have received a number of phone calls and e-mails from other people who say they are owed thousands of dollars by Lavender who are afraid they will never see their money again if Lavender is granted protection from his creditors.
One person who says Lavender owes him money is Rhinecliff resident Richard Kopyscianski.
Kopyscianski says in February of last year, Lavender came to him in tears, saying he needed to pay his ex-wife $25,000 or she would take his child from him. Kopyscianski says he lent Lavender the money after he signed a promissory note saying he’d pay Kopyscianski within 90 days.
“I felt really bad for him,” Kopyscianski said.“He was a neighbor; I thought he was OK,” he added. Kopyscianski said when he asked for the loan, Lavender
assured him he would repay the money once he closed a deal on a local commercial property. He also said Lavender told him he owned properties in New York City and Long Island that he could liquidate if Kopyscianski needed the money sooner.
Kopyscianski says Lavender hasn’t repaid him and has stopped returning his phone calls. He says he has also learned Lavender owes thousands of dollars to at least fi ve other local
residents. Kopyscianski says Lavender owes one local resident more than $200,000. Other unpaid loans exceed $60,000, he said
Kopyscianski also believes the $25,000 he lent Lavender was never given to his ex-wife for child support, as Lavender
Former real estate agent Lance Lavender, shown here in a promotional photo for a performance of “Honk” at the Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck. Photo submitted
FORMER REAL ESTATE AGENT LABELED ‘SCAMMER’RABBI REPORTEDLY WASN’T LANCE LAVENDER’S ONLY VICTIMBY CHRISTOPHER LENNON
prior proposals and spoke with offi cials in other communities that have recently built police and/or court facilities and has been meeting regularly for about a year.
He said they reduced the square footage of the last proposal and reduced the number of offi ces in an effort to “make the space fi t the program needs.”
“We scaled it down,” Sagendorph said.The proposed facility would be built on
a Cardinal Road property that Hyde Park resident John Golden, also a member of the group, has agreed to donate for the facility. Langan said the facility would be “in a convenient location for the police and the public.”
Langan and Sagendorph said the group has showed its proposal to police offi cials and both town judges, who seemed happy with the plans.
“They’d be pleased with any signifi cant improvement,” Langan said of court offi cials. “They’re working out of a closet.”
Aside from the high price tag, group members attributed the failure of last year’s proposal to “misinformation” that was mailed to residents days before the vote. They said they’d respond swiftly to any misleading attempts to derail the plans.
Board members seemed pleased with the proposal and said they were impressed with the amount of work the group put into crafting the plans.
“We appreciate all the work they’ve done,” said Supervisor Pompey Delafi eld.
Town Attorney George Rodenhausen said the group would have to meet with the town’s bond council and the board would have to vote to put the proposal on the ballot in August if the proposal is going to be put to a vote in November.
“The key thing is to know that the costs are real and accurate,” he said.
Rodenhausen added that this proposal should save time and money since the site was reviewed a year ago, when the last proposal was put to a vote.
“If we’re going to do this, then we have to keep moving,” Delafi eld said.
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LAVENDER SCAMCONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
said when he asked for the money.Last week, Hudson Valley News
learned Lavender was recently jailed on a “purgeable” sentence, ordered to spend 45 days in jail or pay his ex-wife more than $46,000, which he reportedly owed for child support.
“Obviously, he did not use the money to pay for child support,” Kopyscianski said.
Like Hecht, Kopyscianski believes he’s never going to be repaid.
“I’m not expecting to get my money back,” he said. “But I would really like everybody to know what a scammer he is. Be wary of this guy.”
Kopyscianski says he also learned that Lavender was granted bankruptcy protection in 1999, essentially giving him a fresh start. He doesn’t think the court should grant him the same protection again.
“I don’t think the courts should let him get away with this,” Kopyscianski said.
Until recently, Lavender was principal broker and owner of Helen Battistoni Real Estate in Rhinebeck, which has since shut its doors.
ATTENTION READERS
Since Hudson Valley News broke the story of former real estate agent Lance Lavender, who allegedly stole $8,500 from a local rabbi, we have received a number of phone calls and e-mails from people who claim they have also been scammed by Lavender.
Most of these people, though, have made off-the-record comments or have asked to remain anonymous.
It seems, unfortunately, that many people are afraid to come forward and share their stories on the record.
We urge anyone who has been wronged by Lavender to come forward with information and share their stories. As long as the information you share with us is factual, you have nothing to worry about.
If Lavender really is the creep people are saying he is, we want to know about it and we want to publicize it.
If you or anyone you know has been scammed by Lavender or if you have information to that effect, please e-mail [email protected] call reporter Christopher Lennon at 845-516-0037.
BY CHRISTOPHER LENNONAn ad hoc group of concerned citizens
presented its plans for a new police/court facility to the Hyde Park Town Board on Monday. The group believes it has crafted a proposal that is more cost effective than prior proposals to build such a facility.
For some time, according to many offi cials, Hyde Park’s police force and court workers have been forced to work in substandard, cramped facilities. In 2007, a proposal to build a $5.5 million police/court facility was defeated at the hands of voters. Then, in 2008, the court component of the proposed facility was removed and the price tag was reduced to $3.8 million, but voters still said “no” to the proposal.
The group that presented its fi ndings on Monday evening believes a suitable facility to house both the police force and court workers can be built for $2.8 million. They asked the board to review their proposal in hopes it could be put to a vote
this November.Jim Langan, one of two members of the
group to address the board, pointed out that the 2008 proposal was voted down by a mere 100 votes. He said reducing the price tag by $1 million should be enough to convince at least 51 voters to change their minds. (In the interest of full disclosure, it should be noted Langan, a Hyde Park resident, is the executive editor of Hudson Valley News).
“We are absolutely convinced that Hyde Park desperately needs a police/court facility,” Langan said. “We concluded we can bring in a facility that people can be proud of and that they can afford.”
Langan said the group’s proposal, if approved, would cost the average taxpayer about $27 a year, which breaks down to about 50 cents a week.
DeWitt Sagendorph, another member of the group, said the group looked at
Tim Millard (from left), DeWitt Sagendorph, Jim Langan, Bill Irwin, Michael Dalbo and John Golden have been meeting with other concerned citizens to craft a new proposal for a police/court facility. Photo by Christopher Lennon
AD HOC GROUP PRESENTS POLICE/COURT PLANS
I’m not expecting to get my money back.
But I would really like everybody to know what a scammer he is. Be wary
BY HV NEWS STAFFDISPUTE OVER CIGARETTES REPORTEDLY TURNS UGLY
Hyde Park Police arrested a local man on July 14 for allegedly pulling a BB gun on his neighbors.
John S. Dearman, 37, from Hyde Park, was arrested on misdemeanor charges of menacing in the second degree, police said, after he brandished a loaded BB gun pistol that resembled a real fi rearm.
Police say Dearman was upset because his neighbors wouldn’t sell him cigarettes.
He was arraigned in front of Justice John Kennedy and an order or protection was issued. He is scheduled to re-appear in town court on Aug. 11.
LOCAL WOMAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY BITING COP
A Hyde Park woman was recently arrested on multiple charges after allegedly attacking another woman and biting a police offi cer.
Police say 29-year-old Natalie D. S. Plummer attacked the woman and the offi cer at an apartment complex while police were assisting with a property removal.
According to police, Plummer became irate because her husband was on the premises to retrieve some property. She fi rst attacked another female at the location, then attempted to assault one of the offi cers, eventually biting the offi cer, police said.
Police say Plummer was subdued with a Tazer before she and the offi cer were treated by Alamo Ambulance, though neither required transportation to the hospital.
Plummer was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, attempted assault in the third degree, obstructing governmental administration in the second, and resisting arrest.
She was arraigned before Justice David Steinberg and remanded to Dutchess County Jail on $100 cash or bail bond. She is due back in court on July 28.
HYDE PARK POLICE ANNOUNCE RECENT ARRESTS
FISHKILL MAN STOLE MP3 PLAYERS, BABY FORMULA, POLICE SAY
A Fishkill man was arrested for stealing nearly $400 worth of items from a local pharmacy, Hyde Park Police report.
Police said on July 11, they responded to a call from a local pharmacy, which reported a group of subjects had stolen items from the store, then fl ed south on Route 9 in a green vehicle.
Police searched the area and found the vehicle on Route 9G, and Brian P. Selage, 35, admitted to stealing the goods, according to police.
Some of the stolen items included fi ve MP3 players, 13 containers of baby formula and a shopping basket, police said.
Initially, Selage, who was carrying no ID, gave police a fake name, but he was later identifi ed.
Selage was charged with petty larceny and criminal impersonation in the second degree and arraigned before Justice John Kennedy and remanded to Dutchess County Jail on $1,000 cash or $1,000 bail bond. He is scheduled to return to Hyde Park Court on July 28.
DRUNKEN OLIVEBRIDGE MAN ARRESTED TWICE IN ONE NIGHT, POLICE SAY
Police say they arrested an intoxicated man at a local apartment complex on the same night the man was reportedly arrested in Ulster County on DWI charges.
On July 11, Hyde Park Police, responding to a domestic disturbance call, found the angry, intoxicated man, Steven R. Delsanto, 30, of Olivebridge, outside a local apartment, police said.
Delsanto came to the apartment complex after being released in Ulster County, where he was arrested on DWI charges, police said.
An irate Delsanto allegedly began to throw items around the apartment, causing his children to fear for their safety.
He was taken into custody and arraigned in Town of Clinton Court and remanded to Dutchess County Jail on $5,000 cash or $10,000 bail bond.
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Newly installed offi cers of the Millbrook American Legion Parker-Haight Post #260 are Commander John E. Kading, First Vice Commander J. Conrad Gagnon, Adjutant Alec Pandeleon and Sergeant-at-Arms Donald DeSantis. Not pictured are Chaplain Jack Cole and Second Vice Commander Louie Spagnola.
The Millbrook Post is recently reactivated and invites area veterans to share a meal at Copperfi elds Restaurant and join them in service to fellow veterans and their community. Meetings are on the fi rst Tuesday of the month at 17:30 hours.
BY HV NEWS STAFFDutchess County has awarded
more than $190,000 to local not-for-profit agencies for various community programs through the county’s 2009 Community Development Block Grant.
“We are pleased to allocate these funds to support these community organizations who work with us in critical partnership to (provide) a wide variety of health and human services to assist our youth, seniors and families in need across Dutchess County,” said County Executive William Steinhaus in a press release.
Hudson River Housing will receive $44,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding to aid low-income and homeless families. Funding will also go to the River Haven program to provide 24-hour crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, case management and supervised transitional housing for at-risk or homeless children.
The Mid-Hudson Addiction Recovery Center will receive $22,000 to provide residential recovery and intensive case management services for those with chemical dependencies.
The Beacon Community Center will receive $20,000 for its Lion Sun
NON-PROFITS TO RECEIVE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING
Creative Arts Camp Summer Enrichment Program, a summer camp for children.
A total of $20,000 is going to the Martin Luther King Cultural Center for a program that provides job and life skills for teens transitioning into the workforce.
The Northeast Community Council will receive $22,000 for a variety of programs for families, children and teens.
The Dutchess County Association for Senior Citizens will be awarded $19,970 for its Volunteers in Transition program, which matches mentally and physically disabled senior citizens with volunteers.
Literacy Connections will receive $22,200 to provide literacy instruction to adults and children.
Finally, the Child Abuse Prevention Center will be awarded $22,000, which will be used to respond to and investigate child abuse allegations and support victims, families and caregivers.
The Community Development Block Grant program is administered by the Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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MILLBROOK AMERICAN LEGION INSTALLS OFFICERS
Doug and Dana Christensen learned in 2007 that despite the fact that they had paid over $400 a month for healthcare coverage to MEGA Life, the company would not pay for Doug’s necessary chemotherapy to ward off the cancer that had spread from his bones to his lungs. The company claimed that the Christensens had not read the fine print of their policy, and therefore MEGA Life admitted no wrongdoing. Doug died of cancer that year.
Later that same year, Jessica Bath discovered that Blue Cross of Califor-nia had canceled her policy when they found out that her newborn son needed an expensive heart operation. Their rea-soning? Jessica had failed to reveal on her insurance application that she had been treated for the common flu earlier that year. Her son would have died if they had not found coverage through the state-run Medicaid program.
Made popular by the feature film “Erin Brockovich,” the story of Pacific Gas and Electric dumping the hazard-ous chemical hexavalent chromium into the water supply in the town of Hinkley, Calif. is reminiscent of Everest moral-ity. The chemical was causing a massive bloom of cancer in Hinkley residents, in-cluding in children. During the ensuing litigation, it was discovered that PG&E actually knew of their actions and had paid a local doctor to disseminate false information, trying to cover their tracks. The people that died in Hinkley might just as well have been stepped over by Everest climbers, except they had not chosen to put themselves in harm’s way.
Other examples of moral turpitude in corporate America are too many to innu-merate and all of the examples beg the question, how can we, as human beings, turn our backs on those in our society in most desperate need of our help?
In America, we must reject the dubi-ous ethics of Mount Everest and encour-age and embrace the better part of our nature: helping our fellow human beings when they are most in need.
of reaching the top is more important to them than saving a fellow human be-ing from imminent death. In the “death zone” of Everest, climbers suffer from hypoxia, frostbite, edemas and altitude sickness that can quickly disorient them and make it impossible for them to de-scend to safety before the extreme cold and thin atmosphere claim their lives. One in four summit bids on Everest re-sult in death. When rescue operations are sometimes attempted, the lack of support from other climbers on their way to the summit is staggering.
Besides the unwillingness of people to assist their fellow man in these most desperate conditions, what is perhaps even more staggering is that in the law-less high camps of the mountain, theft is rampant. In summit attempts, climb-ers use several camps along the route to the top to stash safety gear, oxygen tanks and sleeping bags, all of which are crucial to survival in Everest’s “death zone.” When a climber returns from the summit it is critical that these sup-plies are waiting for him, otherwise he will freeze to death or suffocate. Yet, an alarmingly high number of climbers report that they return from the summit to find their tents completely stripped of the life-sustaining supplies and they are forced to beg their fellow campmates for whatever extra supplies they have. Theft of oxygen and sleeping bags at 27,000 feet is manslaughter, but it is the rule, not the exception.
These eye-opening accounts of the conditions on Everest are provocative glimpses into the base nature of human beings in an environment devoid of law and societal conventions. Man is capable of great kindness, humanity and empathy for fellow human beings, but we are also capable of unbelievable atrocities.
Parallels do exist between the dog-eat-dog world of Everest and certain well-established conventions in our own society.
In the field of healthcare, insurance companies actually turn a profit by de-nying coverage to patients who are long-term clients who have been paying the companies for years to ensure coverage when the need occurs. Medical person-nel that work for big insurance compa-nies are actually given bonuses when they deny healthcare payments to sick people. Those who are denied coverage often die of otherwise-treatable diseases and conditions.
I recently finished reading “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer, and “High Crime,” by Micheal Kodas, two books about climbing Mount Everest. What began as light summer reading ended up having a marked impact on me.
In their respective works, Krakauer and Kodas illuminate the folly of climb-
TO THE EDITOR:Congratulations, again, on quickly serving the public with an excellent and
well-rounded weekly journal of news and opinion. The Hudson Valley News has already completely obliterated the tiny, meandering footprints of your quaint predecessor!
Most entertaining is “Progressive Perspective,” by the cherub of the left, Mr. Smith.
“More government regulation needed over predatory banks” was the title of a recent column, bringing to mind the words of a great American: “Good grief, Charlie Brown!” Check out the “fair lending laws” and the congressional comedians enforcing them, Mr. Smith, and get an education.
Mr. Smith and Mr. Tyner should be singing a duet, as they were apparently both deeply affected by the melodious but hopelessly dated and discredited tunes of the illustrious trio of Marx, Engels, and Lenin. What your readers are thirsting for, Mr. Smith, is some real “progressive” news, such as an update on the condition of that great Cuban progressive, Fidel. Or could the rumors be true? The despicable right wingers are circulating a tale of an already-deceased Fidel being carefully preserved (with Russian Assistance). Standing at attention, in his best G.I. fatigues, at the arrival gate of Havana Airport, he will greet the fi rst planeload of worshipping tourists from South Chicago. His tour of duty will be at least two fi ve-year plans duration. Any confi rmation from the Progressive Perspective?
What ever became of “progressive” Congressman what’s-his-name? Hinchey? From across the river there is talk he is still studying those doctored tapes of 9/11, looking for evidence with which to indict President Bush and Vice President Cheney. We are longing for the real progressive perspective on these critical issues.
Again, thanks for the entertainment mixed with news.
Karl O. MuggenburgClinton
ers in their pursuit of the top of the world. While the adrenaline rush of achieving this magnificent feat is without question, the far more interesting and horrifying element of the continuing story of Ever-est is the casual moral attitude of the climbers towards human life.
Report after report of those that sum-mit Everest describe climbers liter-ally stepping over dying people in their dogged attempts to reach the peak. Of-ten, these climbers ignore desperate pleas for help from their dying compa-triots, as they demonstrate that the sport
Parallels do exist between the dog-eat-dog world of Everest and certain well-established conventions in our own society.
TIME AND PRICE ARE RIGHT FOR POLICE/COURT FACILITY
Monday night, I was among a group of interested citizens appearing before the Hyde Park Town Board asking for consideration to authorize a November referendum on a $2.8 million bond offer-ing to fi nance the construction of a much-needed police/court facility. This ad hoc group has been meeting on a regular basis for nearly a year. The group is entirely bi-partisan with no political agenda. Our motivation is simple. We believe the current police facility is an embarrassment to the town and a tragedy wait-ing to happen. The same is true of our court situ-ation. You have prison-ers rubbing elbows with citizens doing business at town hall. One of these days, somebody’s going to pull a dog-day afternoon and the town will have the mother of all law suits. It is also disgraceful to have the people sworn to protect us working out of a second-rate building. What does that say about us as a community?
Only a lunatic would deny this is a prob-lem in search of a permanent solution. Our group coalesced around one simple belief. The primary reason earlier attempts to au-thorize a new facility failed had nothing to do with opposition to the idea itself. It had to do with the cost. It didn’t help that a local whack-job disseminated false infor-mation and a deceitful last-minute mailer shortly before the last vote. If we are suc-cessful in getting this on the ballot, we will respond immediately to any campaign of misinformation.
Two of the previous proposals were for $5.3 million and $3.8 million. The most re-cent vote saw the initiative lose by a scant 100 votes. I am absolutely convinced the majority of those opposed recognize the need for a new facility but thought the price was too high and they were right. Dropping the price another million dol-lars should be suffi cient to get 51 voters to change their mind.
So we set about to determine if Hyde Park could build a facility we could be proud of and not break the bank. The an-swer is, “Yes we can.” For $2.8 million or
less, we can build a fi rst-rate police and court facility on land donated by the very generous John Golden. The donat-ed land is not insig-nifi cant either. This is a fi rst-rate piece of commercially zoned real estate worth hundreds of thou-sands of dollars.
Now, let’s dis-cuss the fi nancing of a new facility. The
town would have to issue/sell a 25-year bond with an interest rate of 5.5% to pay for the facility. The good news is interest rates are still at near historical lows due to the sluggish economy. That’s another reason we feel obliged to act now because there’s no assurance rates won’t be appreciably higher down the road. A 25-year bond at current market rates would cost taxpayers approximately $27 a year. That’s about 7 cents a day. All in, the bond issue will cost taxpayers $5,208,076 after 25 years.
We also realize these are diffi cult times and asking the taxpayer for even $27 a year takes on added signifi cance in a year likely to see tax hikes to cover revenue shortfalls.
“Oh boy.” -Walter Cronkite on July 20, 1969 upon hearing
Neil Armstrong say “The eagle has landed.”
There’s never a bad time
to do the right thing and
Hyde Park desperately
needs a proper police/
court facility.
Express Yourself.The Hudson Valley News isn’t interested in a one-way dialogue, nor do we think we’ve cornered the market on opinion and good ideas. That’s where we hope you come in. If you have a reaction to one of our stories or one of our columnists, let us know. Your opinion counts with us. Don’t confine your pontificating to the dinner table or the water cooler, share your thoughts with the rest of us. It’s easy. Write us at [email protected]. We’ll take it from there and you’ll see it here.
My answer to that is twofold. One, if this proposal gets to referendum and passes, there will be absolutely no impact on this year’s budget and hopefully next year will be better all around. Again, what rational person would object to paying seven cents a day for a secure police and court facility? Secondly, there’s never a bad time to do the right thing and Hyde Park desperately needs a proper police/court facility.
So here’s what the committee is ask-ing. We would like an opportunity to put this referendum on the November ballot. That way the citizens of Hyde Park will not be asked to foot the bill for a special vote. We also intend to make ourselves available to anyone with questions or sug-gestions. Nothing is chiseled in stone be-yond the bond issue itself. We have come
up with a very viable and affordable plan, the specifi cs of which are very much up for further discussion. This is a plan for-mulated by average citizens, not some se-lect group of town offi cials. While we have been in touch with Supervisor Pompey Delafi eld and other town board members, we brought the proposal to them. They have been supportive and helpful but it’s the people’s initiative. As citizens of Hyde Park, we feel the time has come to resolve this issue once and for all. In our opinion, putting this affordable proposal on the bal-lot in November makes sense. The citizens of Hyde Park deserve nothing less.
The easiest and most economical way to get your copy of the Hudson Valley News is by subscribing and have it arrive in your mailbox every week. All you need to do is send us a check for $42.00 to Hudson Valley News. P.O. Box 268, Hyde Park, NY 12538.
Out of county subscriptions are $48.00. So send us some of that stimulus money and we’ll see to it you receive the best paper in the Hudson Valley.
• Harry Allingham, said to have been the world’s oldest man at 113, died over the weekend in England. Allingham was one of the last World War I veterans still living. Old Harry attributed his longevity to “cigarettes, whiskey and wild, wild women.” Can’t argue with that, Harry.
• The legendary Watergate complex, made famous in the Nixon scandal of the same name, is on the chopping block. Its current owner has gone belly up and it is being auctioned in a foreclosure proceeding.
• The geniuses in the Defense Department who want to ban our troops from smoking because they’re concerned about “the high cost of health-related problems caused by smoking” have relented in the face of withering criticism. Instead they will allow troops in war zones to take an occasional puff after a tough day of fi ghting for their lives, protecting nanny-state pinheads. Gee, thanks.
• Michael Jackson may not be buried yet but an impromptu shrine to him in Detroit is. Folks at the Motown History Museum (who knew?) buried a vault fi lled with stuffed animals and photos left by MJ fans. It would be nice if Jackson’s money-grubbing family would do the same for their son.
• This just in from the famed Maasstricht University in the Netherlands. Researchers have determined that fetuses have a short-term memory after 30 weeks. (Wouldn’t it sort of have to be short term at that point?) Anyway, researchers made this determination
using one-second buzzes from a “fetal vibroacoustic stimulator.” Uh-huh.
• A Winter Park, Fla. dentist is being sued by relatives of a 90-year-old man who died after two unfortunate visits to Dr. Wesley Meyers. It appears the good doctor dropped an implant screwdriver down patient Charles Gaal’s throat in 2006, requiring surgery to remove it. Incredibly, Gaal went back to Meyers again in 2007, when Meyers dropped a mini-wrench down his throat. Gaal died a few weeks later. Here’s the obvious question. Why would you go back to a guy who dropped a screwdriver down your throat?
• Good news for smoking buffs. A German businessman is launching Smokers International Airline, which will fl y twice daily from Germany to Tokyo. Sounds like a smoker’s paradise … a 10-hour fl ight with a bunch of chain-smoking Japanese businessmen. They might want to have a doctor and a dry cleaner meet the fl ight upon landing.
• For people of a certain age, it was 40 years ago man fi rst set foot on the moon. If you were around then, it was an incredible moment. It’s sad how few young people care or understand the signifi cance of that achievement.
• The man who described that event to millions of Americans, Walter Cronkite, joined a burgeoning list of famous people dying this summer. The 92-year-old Cronkite had a wonderful life and career. And that’s the way it is.
BY JIM LANGANThe oddly furtive Hyde Park Republican
Committee fi nally announced the date and location of its caucus.
It will be held Friday, July 31 at 7 p.m. in Hyde Park Town Hall.
In spite of numerous requests for the date of the legally mandated caucus, it took a bit of detective work to learn the details. This reporter got wind of a town committee meeting and as I am a registered Republican in Hyde Park, took it upon myself to crash the pow-wow.
As I pulled up a chair in a private room at Coppola’s restaurant in Hyde Park, the assembled Republicans greeted me with the warmth usually reserved for bill collectors.
Chairwoman Jean McArthur gamely
HYDE PARK REPUBLICANS WILL CAUCUS JULY 31
welcomed Hudson Valley News and informed me of the date.
I asked members of the committee to send me information on their slate of candidates and any issues they thought important.
In spite of being assured they were coming my way immediately, they haven’t. It’s always surprised me that fi nding a Republican event or the date is like fi nding a downtown rave. It’s all word of mouth and secrecy appears to be the order of the day.
It’s pretty hard to get excited about a ticket if you keep it and the candidates under wraps.
Hudson Valley News will be there on the 31st and hopefully will have more access to Republican plans for the fall.
SUBSCRIPTIONS FINALLY GOOD TO GO
After an almost-surrealistic dance with the U.S. Postal Service, Hudson Valley News has fi nally gotten the OK to begin mailing out subscriptions.
We are tremendously grateful to all of you who have patiently waited for this approval. We clearly had no idea what a Byzantine and lengthy process this would be.
If you haven’t subscribed yet, let’s get going. Send a check for $42 in county or $48 out of county to Hudson Valley News, PO Box 268, Hyde Park, NY 12538.
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BY HV NEWS STAFFHudson Valley News has confi rmed
through a number of sources that Montgomery Place, a historic site in Annandale-on-Hudson, is being sold.
The site is currently owned and operated by Westchester County-based Historic Hudson Valley.
We have learned that the Historic Hudson Valley Board of Directors voted to put the property up for sale and that a local law fi rm has been tapped to oversee the sale.
Last week, Rob Schweitzer, a spokesman for Historic Hudson Valley,
ANYONE WANT TO BUY A HISTORIC SITE?denied that the organization intended on selling the property, but other sources close to the organization say otherwise.
Montgomery Place is a 434-acre historic estate along the Hudson River.
According to the Historic Hudson Valley Web site, the mansion has been closed to the public because of a restoration project.
A sale of this historic property will raise some interesting questions. What will it mean for tourism and for local residents who used the park? Also, since only a portion of the property is protected by property conservation easements, could a development be in our future?
Montgomery Place. Photo by Daniel Case. Courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org.
two streams that run through the park.Children and their parents put on wad-
ers (those rubber overalls fl y fi shermen wear to keep their feet and legs dry) and jumped waist-deep into the stream, where they used a net to grab the critters that call it home. Skip Hoover of Cornell Coopera-
tive Extension helped the youngsters look at their fi ndings under a microscope.
Running the ac-tivity was Carolyn Klocker, environ-mental educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension, who said it was a great way to get children to learn about the local environment while getting muddy
and having fun.Youngsters were also instructed on mak-
ing toad habitats and played games that taught them about the water cycle. Also, a family picnic was held at the boundary line that divides the park’s watersheds.
The Thompson-Mazzarella Park is the perfect place to educate people about wa-tersheds, Notin said, because of the va-riety of habitats it contains and because two streams, the Landsman Kill and the Rhinebeck Kill, connect in the park.
“It’s a great place to talk about water-sheds,” Notin said.
Another organization at the event was SAND, the Stream Alliance of Northern Dutchess, which according to Coordinator Sheila Buff, is a watchdog group that looks after the streams in the Hudson River Wa-tershed. An advisory committee, currently made up of conservation advisory council members from Rhinebeck, Red Hook and Hyde Park, will assist local municipalities and preservation groups in protecting local watersheds.
BY CHRISTOPHER LENNONA number of local families took time on
Sunday to enjoy the beautiful weather at Rhinebeck’s Thompson-Mazzarella Park and learn about the local environment through some fun activities.
Winnakee Land Trust, Cornell Coop-erative Extension of Dutchess County, local conservation advisory councils and other local conserva-tion and preservation groups teamed up to host “Exploring Our Streams,” one of many events held in conjunc-tion with Watershed Awareness Month.
The purpose of the event, according to Raphael Notin, stew-ardship manager with Winnakee, was to bring families together, show them areas of the park most people aren’t aware of, and educate them about local watersheds and their importance.
A watershed, according to Cornell Co-operative Extension, is “all of the land area that drains water to a common stream, riv-er, lake, reservoir or other body of water.”
“We all live in a watershed,” Notin said. “We are all responsible for what happens in it.”
To educate families on watersheds and how they impact the greater environment, a high-tech scavenger hunt was held. Us-ing a hand-held GPS, a list of clues and a map of the park, groups followed their GPS, made their way to different habitats and had to use the clues to fi gure out where they were. Habitats included hardwood swamps, an intermittent woodland pool, springs and streams.
“We want everybody to have fun,” No-tin said, “and hopefully learn a little bit.”
Another event during the day was an exploration of the Rhinebeck Kill, one of
PRESERVATION GROUPS COME TOGETHER FOR DAY OF FUN
Skip Hoover of Cornell Cooperative Extension teaches 8-year-old Jesse Schneyer how to use a microscope. Photos by Christopher Lennon.
Wayne Sweller and his 5-year-old son, Brice, mark their map during the scavenger hunt.
Rocco Morfea, 4, jumped in the Rhinebeck Kill with waders that were just a little too big.
We all live in a watershed. We are all responsible for what
BY CHRISTOPHER LENNONWhen she was 13, Gwenn Gideon of
Rhinebeck organized a show of world dance called Stomp for Sudan that raised enough money to bring a Sudanese woman and her daughter to America. Now, at 16, Gideon is hoping to do more, raising money to feed Ethiopian children and for relief work in Darfur with a performance of “The Diary of Anne Frank.”
The performance will be staged by Act 2 Act, a theater company Gideon started that aims to raise awareness of human-rights issues around the world. The production will be Act 2 Act’s fi rst, and will be entirely student-run with support from adult mentors.
Gideon, the artistic and managing director, is working with other students from around the region, all ages 11 to 17.
The group has been rehearsing diligently and is set to stage the performance from July 31 through Aug. 2.
The production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” is Gideon’s fi rst foray into directing. She has performed in many plays, including “The Sound of Music” and “The Wizard of Oz,” but hasn’t done much behind-the-scenes work. When asked which she preferred, Gideon couldn’t make up her mind.
“It’s hard, but it’s a lot of fun,” she said of directing.
“It’s completely different,” she added, “but I like them both a lot.”
A total of 20 performers will act in the production, though the theatrical adaptation of the widely read book only has 13 parts. The play Gideon is basing her performance on takes place entirely in the annex Anne
PRODUCTION IS NEAR TO YOUNG HUMANITARIAN’S HEART
The cast of “The Diary of Anne Frank” works out the kinks during a rehearsal on Friday. Photo by Christopher Lennon
Frank and her family hid for two years in the 1940s to avoid capture by the Nazis. Gideon, though, added new characters in her version by creating different dream-like sequences outside of the annex, showing the audience what was happening in the outside world.
Gideon said she became interested in human-rights issues at an early age. She said she was reading “The Diary of Anne Frank” around the time she was organizing Stomp for Sudan, and started realizing parallels between the plights of the Sudanese and Jews during World War II. She realized that she was no different than the young women she was reading about.
“I was about the same age as all of them,” she said.
This is why staging “The Diary of Anne Frank” as Act 2 Act’s fi rst performance is so
important to her.“It’s only fi tting that it’s Anne who we’re
paying tribute to with our fi rst show,” she said.
Gideon also has a supportive family with similar ideals. Last year, her younger brother, Roan, organized a soccer tournament in Millbrook to raise money to build a hospital in Ethiopia. Her parents, also actors, recently adopted a young Ethiopian boy, Quin, who is now 2.
To raise money for the upcoming performance, Act 2 Act held a “ginormous rummage sale” and recently held a benefi t concert at Starr Place in Rhinebeck.
The crew of the upcoming performance includes Gideon, Ben Agrawal as technical director and Web master, Lexi Ackerman as assistant director and co-stage manager, Steve Matthews as assistant casting director and co-stage manager, Lindsay Drew as publicity director, Shai Romer as costume designer and makeup artist, Chris Behrens as set designer and technical assistant, Anna Katomski as choreographer, Adam Baker as research director and archivist, Finn Shanahan as graphic designer and set designer, Jonah Rosenberg as photographer and videographer, and Sarah Turpin as costume designer and makeup artist.
The cast includes Marty Timperio, Corinne Olson, Seher Sethi, Maddie Olson, Jesse Lessner, Amanda Bell, Mike Rose, James Rowland, Christine Bell, Steve Matthews, Christine Pennisi, Adam Baker, Becky Blisko, Carly Newman, Katie Torrisi, Laura Hennessy, Victoria Darling, Sophie Jennis, Sophia Tedesco Lessner, and Chelsea Rose.
All performances of “The Diary of Anne Frank” will be in the Rhinebeck High School auditorium. Shows are on July 31 at 8 p.m., Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 2 at 3 p.m. Following the Aug. 1 performance, a silent auction will be held.
Tickets to the show are $10 for adults in advance and $5 for children under 12 in advance. Tickets will be $12 and $8 at the door.
For tickets or information about the show, visit www.act2act.biz, e-mail [email protected] or call Gideon at 845-876-8731.
Carol RomanAssociate Agent/Customer ServiceChadwell Quick Insurance
TRAVEL CAMP OFFERS TASTE OF LOCAL ATTRACTIONSBY HV NEWS STAFF
The Hyde Park Recreation Department is offering a way to explore some of the fun and educational things the region has to offer.
Travel Camp, administered through the recreation department, will be held from July 27 through 31.
Throughout the week, campers will visit such places as Dia:Beacon, the Splashdown water park, the Olana State Historic Site, the Storm King Art Center and the Trevor Zoo at the Millbrook Academy.
The cost of the camp ranges from $175 to $200.
Call 845-229-8086 for more information and to register.
When I talk about Powerhouse Theater, I tend to fi xate quite narrowly on the Mainstage productions and the Martel Musicals – after all, the collaboration between New York Stage and Film and Vassar College attracts some of the best and brightest to our own wee neck o’ the woods, including John Patrick Shanley, Jennifer Westfeldt and Bree Sharp, just to name a very few. The 25th Anniversary Gala brimmed with big names and bright lights, and it becomes too easy to get caught up in the glare.
One of the most powerful aspects of Powerhouse is the
commitment the organization demonstrates to the next generation. While at the gala, I noticed many young faces darting around, shaking hands with the luminaries and enjoying the revelry. But the apprentices who attend each Powerhouse season don’t just come to party and play: They audition to be part of a select group of student artists who are game for a rigorous six-week adventure into the depths of their own creativity.
Last week I had the opportunity to sit down with the faculty and staff of the Powerhouse Apprentice Program –
Apprentices perform “Dances at an Exhibition” at the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center directed by Mark Lindberg (pictured, left). Photo by Nicole DeLawder.
Powerhouse Apprentice Program Performances
“Dances at an Exhibition”Directed and soundpainted by Mark Lindberg
6 p.m. | July 23
“The Taming of the Shrew”By William Shakespeare
Directed by Brian McManamon6 p.m. | July 24-27
“Hello! My Baby”Book and new lyrics by Cheri Steinkellner
New music and arrangements by Jeff RizzoDirected by Christa Kimlicko-Jones
5 p.m. | Aug. 1
Find out more by friending “Powerhouse Theater Apprentice Training Program at Vassar College”
on Facebook or call 845-437-5907. All apprentice performances are free.
{editor’s pick}THIS WEEKARTDoug + Mike Starn’s Big Bambú Open StudioJuly 25 - Aug. 22. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Experience the ongoing construction & deconstruction of the artists’ 2000-bamboo pole ephemeral & never- ending structure. Every 2nd & 4th Sat. of July & August. Free. Starn Studio (former Tallix Foundry), 310 Fishkill Ave., Beacon. 845-765-1071.
DANCEBrian Brooks Moving CompanyJuly 24 & 25: 8 p.m. Brian Brooks Moving Company performs its latest piece, “Rapid Still.” Mount Tremper Arts, 647 South Plank Road, Mount Tremper. 945-688-9893.
EVENT16th Annual Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials & Weekend July 25 - 26: The shops at Fitch’s Market features more than 40 vendors, open all weekend for competitors & spectators; Blue Jean Ball on Saturday night with live music; Collector Car Parade; presentation of Fitch’s Corner Award; Spectator Luncheon, benefi ts the Millbrook Rescue Squad. Free for spectators; fee for Ball & Luncheon. Fitch’s Corner, 632 N. Mabbettsville Rd., Millbrook. 845-677-5479.
The 38thAnnual Putnam County 4-H FairJuly 24 - 26: Free admission & parking. Entertain-ment, plants, animals, exhibits, demonstrations, food, fi shing contest & more. Putnam County Vet-erans Memorial Park, Gypsy Trail Rd., Carmel. 845-278-6738.
Harlem Valley Rail RideJuly 25 & 26: Mileage choices for all skill levels, 22-100 miles. Educational rides & workshops. Frequent rest areas & full SAG support. Shorter rides for families, beginners & those looking for fun. The 55-, 75-, & 100-miles require more effort. Sunday post-ride festival: kids’ events, barbeque, farmers’ market, rides, massage, music & more. Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children 14 & under. Harlem Valley Rail Trail, Mechanic St. off Rt. 343. Millerton. 212-932-BIKE.
HITS-on-the-Hudson VJuly 22 - 26. Olympic-style equestrian show jumping. Go to www.HitsShows.com for complete show schedule. HITS-on-the-Hudson, 454 Wash-ington Ave., Saugerties. 845-246-8833.
Ulster County FairJuly 28 - 31: 10 a.m. One-price admission includes
all entertainment, shows, parking & exhibits. Admission: $15. Ulster County Fairgrounds, Libertyville Rd., New Paltz. 845-255-1380 or www.ulstercountyfair.com.
OUTDOORInterpretive ProgramJuly 25 & 26: “How Did the Rope Get Up There? History & Practice of Gunks Rock Climbing & Ecology & People of the Shawangunks, Yesterday & Today.” Sat. & Sun, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 845-255-0919.
THEATER“Rip Van Winkle”July 25 & Aug. 1: 11 a.m. A comedy for children presented as part of New York State’s Quadricentennial. Performed by children in Kids on Stage Performance. Tickets: $8, general; $6, child at door; $9, general; $7, child in advance. Center for Performing Arts, 661 Rte. 308, Rhinebeck. 845-876-3080.
“Shoe Story”July 23 - 25. By Ben Snyder. Directed by Thomas Kail. An urban fairy tale about love, loss, and the metaphysical signifi cance of a fresh pair of kicks. Tickets: $35. Powerhouse Theater at Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie. For times and tickets, go to http://powerhouse.vassar.edu/season or call 845-437-5599.
“Vera Laughed”July 22 - Aug. 2. Romantic & witty new play by Keith Bunin, staged at Powerhouse Theater. Tickets: $35. Powerhouse Theater at Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie. For times and tickets, go to http://powerhouse.vassar.edu/season or call 845-437-5599.
Wednesday, July 22FAMILY“Turtle Talk”6 p.m. For ages 4-12. West Hurley Public Library.
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival’s sparkling rendition of “Much Ado About Nothing” was so joyous and full of romantic energy that I completely forgot the car accident I’d been in on the way down Route 9 to get to Boscobel earlier the same evening.
If that’s not a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is.
I’m certainly biased, because “Much Ado” is my favorite of Shakespeare’s comedies, for the singular fact that I love to devour the lighting-quick wit of Beatrice and Benedick. As I gingerly took my seat – I fi nd the great white tent very comfortable under normal circumstances, but those chairs aren’t cushy La-Z-Boys when you’re sporting a little whiplash – I readied myself to enjoy an old favorite.
What I wasn’t ready for was Jason O’Connell’s hilarious and nuanced interpretation of the lord from Padua.
Last year, I was mightily impressed with O’Connell’s work in “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” – and again, this season, he delivered the comedic goods. In “Abridged,” O’Connell is generally quite over the top, but it’s appropriate and balances out with the performances of his co-stars. While I had no doubt that he’d be handily delivering Benedick’s wittier lines with ease, I wondered how he’d handle the darker moments.
Oh me of little faith.O’Connell seemed as comfortable, if not more, in the more somber moments,
presenting Benedick not as a cocky one-note smart aleck but as a well-rounded character who fi nds himself confronting love even as he tries to avoid it. He endowed Benedick with a self consciousness that belied his apparent arrogance, rendering him even more endearing.
But alas, a Benedick is only as good as his Beatrice. In this respect, O’Connell was gifted with a passionate performance by Nance Williamson. Dressed smartly as a dandifi ed gent, Williamson’s Beatrice strode across the space with the deportment of a wise soul; in her more manic scenes, however, Williamson made sure to let loose, giving Beatrice a wicked sense of humor to couple with her sense of loyalty. I’d rank the character at the top of my list of favorites: She is a heroine for the ages who is bright, brave and blithe. But, like all great characters, she is not without fault, and Williamson gives Beatrice a biting edge that resounded.
The entire company was at the top of their game this evening, including Katie Hartke and Ryan Quinn as Hero and Claudio, respectively. If Beatrice and Benedick represent my favorite pair of rogues, Hero and Claudio represent the two characters I’d most like to erase from the proceedings. The level of complexity in the characters of Beatrice and Benedick is inversely proportional to the level boringness of Hero and Claudio. HVSF demonstrates, in this case, how good casting can make a critical intervention: Hartke made the most out of the token virgin role, and because Quinn is so darn likeable, he gave me a reason to bother listening to Claudio engage in repeated hissy fi ts.
As before, in “Pericles,” Maia Guest was believable as the conniving misanthrope, this time as Dona Johana, a sex-specifi c re-write on the original villain, Don John. The change added a new layer to the character’s machinations, particularly because even as Guest seemed to ooze venom while planning Hero’s downfall, she managed to underscore the treachery with a latent sadness.
While O’Connell was busy being three-dimensional and sympathetic, Michael Borrelli was more than capable of stepping into the resident buffoon role as Dogberry, the master constable. Borrelli was in his element, affecting a strange Southern drawl as he vehemently let it be known that he had, in fact, been called an ass by one of his prisoners.
Credit for creating a scene of great revelry goes to costume designer Melissa Schlachtmeyer – the players were decked out in steam punk-inspired garb in blacks, whites and grays, with occasional shots of vibrant color in their hair. The celebratory menfolk, returning from battle, costumed themselves for revelry in skirts and corsets, conveying a lovely sense of whimsy and a fi ne counterpoint to the lady Beatrice’s wear.
Without a doubt, this is a fi ne production, and an ideal one for the elegant river backdrop. And one viewing was certainly not enough – but this time, I’m going to let someone else drive.
HVweekend theater review|
“I love nothing in the world so much as you”BY DANA GAVIN | [email protected]
“Much Ado About Nothing”By William ShakespeareDirected by John Christian PlummerThree plays are on rotation through Sept. 6Boscobel, 1601 Rte. 9D, Garrison.845-265-9575hvshakespeare.org
“Rip Van Winkle”July 25 & Aug. 1: Descendants of notable Hudson Valley writer Washington Irving, Julia Roellke, left, and her sister Emma Roellke, right, will perform in Irving’s classic tale, “Rip Van Winkle” at The Center For Performing Arts at Rhinebeck along with Axel Kipp, center, whose descendants shared ownership of the historic Half Moon ship.
BY NICOLE DELAWDER | [email protected] you know of Bud Buckley, there are likely two reasons – you either know him as
a former Hyde Park Elementary School music teacher, or you know him as an evolving musician now making his home in Sarasota, Fla. Either way, there is no doubt that this man has brought with him some musical talent.
Teaming up with classic guitar goddess Helen Avakian, Grammy-award nominated producer Scott Petito, Deni Boney (a Lilith Fair songstress on violin, viola and electic violin), Beth Reineke and Terry Champlin, Buckley has tapped into the fountain of Hudson Valley elite musicians. Avakian is a regular on the classic music scene, including a weekend stop at the Rinaldi fl ea market in Poughkeepsie on Aug. 2. Petito, who engineered, mixed and mastered “It’s About Time” at his NRS Studios in Woodstock, and whose recording credits include The Band, James and Livingston Taylor, Mark Knopfl er, Keith Richards, Bela Fleck and Stevie Wonder.
With line-up in tow, Buckley had me convinced this was going to be a good album just from the liner notes. But, like all great musicians, Buckley has taken these musicians’ talents and formed them around his own. His style is smooth and lyrically-based, with a soft pedaling of guitar strings.
Buckley learned how to bend his guitar around his style from Avakian in the mid 1990s. After teaching a group of resilient fourth graders who convinced him to take up playing guitar again (which he resolved to do after retirement), he happened to discover Avakian, who was performing Hyde Park Elementary School. After a little help from the classical guitarist, Buckley started hitting the open mic scene around the Hudson Valley and into Florida.
“It’s About Time” is the perfect mix of strumming softness and lyrical attitude. Combining an approach that’s similar to Paul Simon and James Taylor, each track is intrinsically simple – yet as you listen further, each element of the composition becomes clearer, showing the complexity of the arrangements brought by his supporting cast of musicians.
Highlights include the bluesy-twinge of “The Silence There,” where the evidence of a young Dylan with a new-school freshness of John Mayer, mixed with a lightness that is approachable and a little bit vulnerable.
The sweet ballad of “Can’t Leave My Mind” is a lullaby of love, dedicated to his wife Cathy, who has traveled with Buckley through his transformation from teacher to musician, from New York to Florida. Other notable tracks include “Underground” and “Keeping Secrets” - the latter noted for the teasing of guitar-picking through the fi rst opening notes. “Tattoo” is the perfect warm weather jazz lounge tribute that sweeps across soundwaves effortlessly.
Throughout the album, Buckley has hints of the rusty growl of Springsteen, the storytelling abilities of a recent Staatsburg-sighting, Eric Clapton, and a freshness that brings “It’s About Time” full circle. Combining classic elements, with a sense of sweetness and vulnerability, Bud Buckley has made an album that will surely last through time.
HVcd reviewbud buckley: “its about time”
Thursday, July 23EVENTDCAC 27th Anniversary Golf Tournament1 p.m. Includes greens fees for 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch, on-course beverages, cocktail hour & awards dinner & auction. Culminates with awards dinner & live auction. Proceeds benefi t Dutchess County Arts Council. Shot gun start 1 p.m. Cocktails, dinner & live auction tickets: $50. Full package: $175. Dutchess Golf & Country Club, Rte. 9, Poughkeepsie. 845-454-3222.
LECTURE“The Great Whales of The Sea Of Cortez”7-8 p.m. A photo-rich lecture by educator & naturalist Michael Fishbach, who spent decades researching whales & championing their protection. An ice cream social follows. Free. Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Rte. 44), Millbrook.
MUSICJazz9 p.m. The Rhinecliff, 4 Grinnell St., Rhinecliff. 845-876-0590.
OUTDOORToddlers on the Trail – Stream Walk10 a.m.-noon. Ages 2-6 are welcome, accompanied by an adult. Children need to be able to walk or be in a carrier; jogging strollers cannot be used. Reservations are required & there is a 15 parent limit for this program. Contact hike leader, Dana, by email at [email protected]. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 845-255-0919.
Friday, July 24ART“Picturing America”5–6:30 p.m. Opening reception. The “Picturing America” collection is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities conducted in cooperation with the American Library Association. Through August 4. Free. Morton Memorial Library, 82 Kelly St, Rhinecliff. 845-876-2903.
Registration required. 845-679-6405 or online at www.westhurleylibrary.org.
FILM“Grandpa Do You Know Who I Am?”5:30-7 p.m. Screening of the HBO documentary & a discussion of the current Alzheimer’s Project & Exhibit. Mill Street Loft Gallery, 45 Pershing Avenue, Poughkeepsie. 845-471-7477.
MUSICMusic on the Lawn7 p.m. Local musician Paul Carroll presents a percussion extravaganza on shaded Deyo House lawn. Pieces by Xenakis, Norgard & Elliott Carter. Bring blankets & picnic dinner. Suggested donation: $5. Historic Huguenot Street, New Paltz. 845-255-1660 or 1889.
“Music in the Parks”7 p.m. The Big Band Sound performs a free outdoor concert. Vanderbilt National Historic Site, 4097 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park. 845-229-8086.
NIGHTLIFEItalian movie night: “Malena”7:30 p.m. Leonardo’s Italian Market, 51 East Market St., Rhinebeck. 845-876-3980.
Open Mic 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Oasis, 58 Main St., New Paltz. 845-255-2400.
Open Mic Night7 p.m. Towne Crier Café, 130 Rte. 22, Pawling. 845-855-1300.
OUTDOORBob Babb Wednesday Walk – Split Rock & Van Leuven Cabin. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Meet at the West Trapps Trailhead for an easy, 3-mile hike. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 845-255-0919.
Group Hike6:30 p.m. Gather on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month to hike the Mount Beacon and/or Hudson Highlands mountain. RSVP to confi rm hike location. Free. Mountain Tops Outfi tters, 144 Main St., Beacon. 845-831-1997.
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Bud Buckley’s only area concert8 p.m. | Saturday, Aug. 8Hyde Park Free Library Living Room $10 admission, $5 seniors/studentsReserve seats at the library 229-7791
Visual ArtsWriter is seeking comic book artist to illustrate a 12-part work set in the late-Victorian era. Send jpeg samples of work to [email protected].
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Artist Assistant NeededPhotographer Sarah Small is looking for a part-time assistant to start in the fall. If you or anyone you know is interested (and please spread the word), send the following items to [email protected]:• a description of why you would be a good administrative and studio assistant. • a few low-resolution photos you have taken.• a few low-res pictures of yourself that represent your personality.• a description of where you’re from, your background etc...• three references with numbers and emails (at least one personal and one professional)• tell me something people don’t know about you or an object or the world
E-MAIL US WITH CALLS TO ARTISTS, AUDITIONS AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ARTS: [email protected]
“A Taste of Our Bounty” 2nd Annual Rondout Valley Growers AssociationSelf guided tour along the valley; Meet RVGA farmers on their generationally-farmed land, sample & take home produce & learn about local food specialties & agriculture practices. For advance tickets & details go to www.rondoutvalleygrowers.org.
“What Lies Beneath: Archaeology Day”9 a.m.-4 p.m. Two “hands-on” dig workshops on site. Morning session, adults only. Families are welcome to the afternoon session. Space is limited. Reservations suggested. Historic Huguenot Street, New Paltz. 845-255-1660 or 1889.
FAMILY“21st Century Dragons & Damsels: Up Close & Personal”10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Larry Federman, Audubon New York, leads this program. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. This is an indoor/outdoor program & includes an easy walk. Reservations are required. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 845-255-0919.
“Children’s Life & Games” 11 a.m. Children are invited to learn about the everyday life of boys & girls in the 18th century on the museum’s back lawn. Free. Clermont State Historic Site, One Clermont Ave., Germantown. 518-537-4240.
Family Clay Day & Exhibit10 a.m.-1 p.m. Explore the many exciting possibilities of working with clay. Materials provided. Free, donations welcome. Barrett Clay Works, 485 Main St., Poughkeepsie.
MUSICAlana Amram & The Rough Gems 8 p.m. Presented by The Blue Horse Repertory Company. Lake Carmel Cultural Center, 640 Rte. 52, Kent Lakes. Admission: $10; $9, members. 845-228-2685.
“An Evening with Mike Seeger”8 p.m. Maverick Concerts, 120 Maverick Road, Woodstock. 845-679-8217.
Joyce Lyons & Her Quartet of New York Jazz Star6:30 p.m. Tickets: $30 at the door; $27 in advance; $17, students; children 5 - 18 are free. Music Mountain, 225 Music Mountain Rd., Falls Village, Conn. Tickets 860-824-7126.
EVENTRed Hook Red Hot Summer Nights6–9 p.m. A celebration of summer & community spirit with live music, family entertainment, extended shopping & dining hours, shopping discounts & promotions. Last Friday of the month. Free. Village Center, Corner of Rtes. 9 & 199, Red Hook. 845-758-0824.
MUSICJohn Hammond8 p.m. The Grammy award winning blues legend inaugurates the Howland Contemporary Masters Concert Series with a return engagement to the Grand Hall. Tickets: $25. Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon. 914-474-7758.
Saturday, July 25ART 2nd Anniversary & Summer Invitational Exhibition6-9 p.m. Opening reception. In the Project Room: “Photograph/Photographic - Arlene Becker & Robert Lipgar Photographic Images.” Exhibitions run though Aug. 23. G.A.S. Visual Art & Performance Space, 196 Main St., Poughkeepsie. 845-486-4592.
Christina Rosenberger on Robert Ryman Gallery Talk1 p.m. Focused on the work of the artists in Dia’s collection, these one-hour presentations are given by curators, art historians, & writers in the museum’s galleries. For reservations, call or email. Free with museum admission. Dia: Beacon, Riggio Galleries, 3 Beekman St., Beacon. 845-440-0100, ext. 44.
Dutchess/Columbia County Day at Storm King10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free admission for residents of Dutchess & Columbia Counties; 3-4:30 p.m., Family tour with Wally McGuire. 6-6:45 p.m., “Versatile Clarinet” with Rachel Grasso. Storm King Art Center, Old Pleasant Hill Rd., Mountainville. 845-534-3115.
“Travel”6-8 p.m. Opening reception. An exhibit of paintings, drawings, & three-dimensional media. Through Aug. 16. Gallery hours: Fri. 5-9 p.m.; Sat., 1-9 p.m. & Sun., 1-5 p.m. Free. Tivoli Artist’s Co-op, 60 Broadway, Tivoli. 845-757-2667.
BENEFIT“Chicken-n-Rib” BarbequeNoon-4 p.m. Cost: $10. Proceeds from this event will support Thanksgiving & Christmas Outreach programs. St. James Episcopal Church, 4526 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park. 845-229-2820.
It’s time to shake your groove thing at three upcoming shows at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (200 Hurd Rd., Bethel). Call 1-866-781-2922 for more information.
TOM JONES 8 p.m. | Monday, July 27Pavilion StageTickets: $85, $50, $38 Reserved
O.A.R.with special guest Matt Nathanson7 p.m. | Wednesday, Aug. 12
HEROES OF WOODSTOCK Levon Helm Band, Jefferson Starship, Ten Years After, Canned Heat, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Mountain, Tom Constanten and Country Joe McDonald5 p.m. | Saturday, Aug. 15Pavilion StageTickets:$69, $40 Reserved; $19.69 Lawn
BY NICOLE DELAWDER | [email protected] must admit – after all of these years being surrounded by all these great events of
the Hudson Valley, I had yet to be at a Bard Summerscape. I know, I know.So, last Thursday I took route to Bard’s Speigeltent to check out another staple that I
haven’t gotten to see yet – a performance by local songstress Sarah Perrotta.Walking into Speigeltent was a treat in itself, regardless of music; but thankfully, the
music complimented the whimsical arena of carnival light. Perrotta swept up the night with sultry ballads reminiscent of a younger Joni Mitchell, fused with a modern Tori Amos-Cat Power lovechild. Her voice popped and bent with each note, spreading an air of softness while still commanding the power of her words.
Tapping into most of the album, “The Well,” the dream-like state of Speigeltent propped Perrotta up magically, each consistently complementing the other throughout the set.
I highly recommend catching Perrotta at Skytop in Kingston on Sept. 5 – you’ll be swept away.
DJ Dance9 p.m. The Rhinecliff, 4 Grinnell St., Rhinecliff. 845-876-0590.
Joe Louis Walker & The Bosstalkers9 p.m. Towne Crier Café, 130 Rte. 22, Pawling. 845-855-1300.
Shorty King’s Clubhouse 7 p.m. Peg Leg Bates Club at The Mountain Valley Resort, 121 Rocky Mountain Rd., Kerhonkson. 845-389-0534.
OUTDOORSingles & Sociables Hike- Gertrude’s Nose9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Meet at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center for a strenuous, 9-mile hike led by John Upton. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 845-255-0919.
OPERA“Die Fledermaus”8 p.m. Presented by Belleayre Festival Opera. Belleayre Music Festival, Belleayre Mountain Ski Center, 181 Galli Curci Rd., Highmount. 800-942-6904.
PERFORMANCESpoken Word Café7:30 p.m. Share favorite poems. Light refreshments. Last Sat. monthly. Tickets: $5.Unitarian Fellowship, 67 S. Randolph Ave., Poughkeepsie. 845-229-0170.
Sunday, July 26BENEFITFamily BarbequeNoon-3 p.m. Donated by Bridge Creek Catering to support the Unison Arts Center. Vegetarian options available. Rain or shine. Advanced reservations by 4 p.m., Friday, July 24: $20, adult; $10, child, including seconds. After July 24: $22, adult; $12, child. Majestic Memorial Park, Gardiner. 845-255-1559.
EVENTD & H Canal Sunday Market9 a.m.-4 p.m. Antiques & collectibles from local artisans. D & H Canal, Rte. 213, High Falls. 845-687-9311.
Sacred Chanting 10-11:30 a.m. The second & fourth Sunday of each month Admission: $10, Unison members; $12, non-members. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay. Unison Arts & Learning Center, 68 Mountain Rest Rd., New Paltz. 845-255-1559.
FAMILY“Riversongs”3-3:45 p.m. Travel through time with Bindlestick Bill on a musical journey that covers 10,000 years of the Hudson River’s history. Storm King Art Center, Old Pleasant Hill Rd., Mountainville. 845-534-3115.
$17, students; children 5 – 18 are free. Music Mountain, 225 Music Mountain Rd., Falls Village, Conn. Tickets 860-824-7126.
NIGHTLIFEPeter Karp & The Road Show Band7:30 p.m. Towne Crier Café, 130 Rte. 22, Pawling. 845-855-1300.
OUTDOORSingles & Sociables Hike- Mine Hole9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Meet at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center for a strenuous, 8-mile hike with rock scrambling led by Annette Weber. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 845-255-0919.
PERFORMANCE5th Annual Sundays in July Free Music & Poetry Series1-5 p.m. Every Sun. in July. Bertoni Gallery Sculpture Garden, 1392 Kings Highway, Sugar Loaf. 845-469-0993.
Monday, July 27FILM“Tale of Despereaux”6 p.m. Family movie nights. Registration required. West Hurley Public Library 42 Clover St.,West Hurley. 845-679-64054.
Tuesday, July 28MUSICLocal Musicians Showcase 9 p.m. The Rhinecliff, 4 Grinnell St., Rhinecliff. 845-876-0590.
“Summer Sing: Beloved Opera Choruses”7:30 p.m. Taconic Opera open sing conducted by Dan Montez. Admission $10; includes refreshments & use of scores. Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Ave., White Plains. 914-944-8109.
COMING SOONARTBarrett Artist SalonJuly 30. 8 p.m. Features artists & writers working in a variety of styles on the last Thurs. of the month through August. Free. Barrett Art Center, 55 Noxon St., Poughkeepsie. 845-471-2550.
THEATER“City Seuss”July 31- Aug. 2. An original play adapted from Dr. Seuss’ classic “The Sneetches,” “The Zax” & “What Was I Scared Of?” Placed in back street alleys, a young gang of hoodlums learns hard lessons amid the hard streets. Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. Tickets: $10. Cocoon Theatre , 6384 Mill St., Rhinebeck. 845-876-6470.
OPERA“Les Huguenots”July 31 – Aug. 9: Bard SummerScape produces the challenging opera, Giacomo Meyerbeer’s 1836 masterpiece. Bard College, Fisher Center, Sosnoff Theater, River Rd., Annandale-on-Hudson. FisherCenter.bard.edu or 845-758-7900.
The Dutchess County Arts Council is pleased to announce the opening of “Art in the Loft: Summer 2009,” an exhibition and sale of fi ne art at the Millbrook Vineyards and Winery. This is the second in a series of three exhibits by talented local artists. The exhibit will runs now through September 6 at Millbrook Winery, 26 Wing Rd., Millbrook. In addition to the Art in the Loft exhibits, and in the “spirit” of friendly competition, all participating artists have submitted work they would like to see featured on a wine label. Visitors to the winery can vote for their favorite piece in person or online at www.artsmidhudson.org. The winning wine label art will be announced in November. “Art in the Loft: Summer 2009” features paintings by Andrea Alvin, Angela Manno and Barbara Masterson. The three artists are highly accomplished and have exhibited widely.
Andrea Alvin is a realistic still life painter who playfully and sensually captures nostalgic cultural and historical icons - mostly familiar candies and cakes such as Necco wafers or Oreo cookies. Each painting is intensely personal to the viewer, yet broadly reminiscent of an era that binds us together. Advertising, product photography and illustration all infl uence her choice of subject matter. We also feel connected to Alvin’s work by the invisible human presence in her still-life paintings - a bite out of a cookie, a torn wrapper, a glass of milk waiting to be drunk. Alvin’s bold compositions are studies in color and form that uniquely combine abstraction and representation in a painterly style not expected in realism. The work is beautifully executed and layered with complexity.
Barbara Masterson is a contemporary plein-air artist whose passions for life and art are seen in her colorful canvases. Masterson is inspired by dramatic lighting of the landscape and the peaceful mountain farm which she lives. Painting on location heightens the emotional charge and the sensual depth in her work. In 2004, Masterson painted in Tuscany and produced a successful series of landscape paintings.Masterson continues to explore different techniques to enhance the expressive power of her paintings. Painting outside with acrylics in a grisaille under painting, she then uses oil paint over the grisaille to capture the true effect of color in sunlight and shade. By limiting her palette, she intensifi es the mood of her work and challenges the viewers to look at colors perceived versus what is seen.
Angela Manno has been a professional artist for the past 25 years and is known for her virtuosity in a vast range of art forms: East and West, ancient and contemporary. Manno is an accomplished plein-air landscape painter. She has added fresco painting to her repertoire in recent years, with the completion of a seven-foot fresco at the Palazzo Torlonia in Ceri, Italy, and a number of mural projects in the United States. Most recently, Manno has begun painting in oils as well as encaustic, an ancient wax-based medium that ties in to her many years experience with batik, which also utilizes molten wax.
For more information about “Art in the Loft: Spring 2009” and the participating artists, contact the Dutchess County Arts Council at 845-454-3222 or visit www.artsmidhudson.org. For more information about Millbrook Winery, its hours of operation and special events, visit their website at www.millbrook wine.com or call 845-677-8383.
arts news from the dutchess county arts council}
Art in the Loft: Summer 2009BY BENJAMIN KREVOLINDUTCHESS COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Crossroads Pub 5 West Market Street, Hyde Park 229-7407
producing director Ed Cheetham, education director Tom Pacio, Mark Lindberg, Brian McManamon and Tomi Tsunoda – who took a moment out of their hectic schedule to share their perspective on what their charges take away from this unique learning experience.
“It’s defi nitely grown from the very beginning,” said Cheetham, who fi rst came to Powerhouse as a member of the staff under then executive producer Beth Fargis-Lancaster. “When I was here in 1988, there where about 25 (students).”
This year, there are nearly 50.“Most of them were older: Mostly college, some were out of college,” he explained.
“That was where they were drawing their population from. But then, over the years, as it expanded with the whole program itself, the pool was made larger. So now the apprentice pool can push out to what it is now, which is a lot.”
And part of the diversity of the group also includes a variety of ages and geographies.
“The youngest apprentice right now is a rising senior in high school, then through college and after. And that’s been the way it’s been for the last 10, 12 years, even more than that,” said Cheetham. “They come from all over the country, from all parts of the world: Paris, Singapore, Brazil.”
Cheetham has a unique vantage point, having been both administrator and directing apprentice himself in 1991. “Beth Fargis-Lancaster convinced me to do the apprenticeship,” he admitted.
Now, Cheetham is the point person for recruiting new students. I asked him how, if at all, the crop of potential students he was encountering both on the road and via DVD auditions differed as the years go by.
“I don’t know; I feel like kids are smarter,” he said. “They always feel smarter to me. I sometimes think, ‘Was I like that at 18?’” Cheetham laughed with a measure of affection.
“And I think that with the apprentices we’ve gotten here over the last several years, their commitment is greater – to what they’re doing and to what we’re doing. And how they want to make this part of their life. There’s a certain energy that they’re bringing,
and I think that has to do with the people their working with. There’s a consistent core group of people here, as far as the faculty and Tom – that’s helped create a word-of-mouth thing.”
Cheetham noted that the experience is often far more than what the apprentices anticipate. “What we’re offering and what they are receiving is something that they are surprised by. Like, ‘Oh wow, these people are for real. They are serious about educating these students.’ The students pick that up.”
One of the most interesting aspects to me is that the program seems to effortlessly blend several disciplines together in a way that serves not to distract but to heighten. In talking with these educators, I was reminded of my own dance experience, and how isolated I felt, always being around other dancers but never feeling a sense of community with actors, directors, visual artists and so forth. Except for opera singers, but that’s another story.
The apprentices here are able to interact not only with their peers, but with award-winning and up-and-coming writers, directors and actors who avail themselves amiably.
Cheetham addressed that unique aspect: “There’s always been that kind of mix – actors, directors, writers – to refl ect the work that was going on professionally. There’s a certain intimacy here, and access – you can have those conversations in classrooms, out of classroom, in the dorms. There’s a sense of community that gets developed because of the work and how it’s structured: We subdivide the large group into smaller groups (to work on projects). It creates these different ensembles within the bigger ensemble.”
The simple fact that everyone’s living together on a college campus impacts the networking experience. “A lot of people are in the dorm with the apprentice company,” said Cheetham. “The directing apprentice doing lines with an actor, a playwriting apprentice going off with the writer of the play.”
McManamon echoed the sentiment. “It’s about the proximity. Last night, one of my students was in the dorm with John Gallagher Jr. – he’s up here work-shopping a new musical – and Michael Mayer. One is coming to it fresh and the other has won a Tony award. But they’re all together in the dorm playing Wii.”
Tsunoda noted another powerful factor that’s embedded in the structure of the apprentice program. “The culture of a collaborative community is present in the
professional company. That same culture exists among the faculty and I think, by consequence, it gets created among the students as well. The fact that this program creates for them an opportunity to put into practice what they’re learning in the classrooms – they are acting in shows directed by professional artists, they are student-directing those shows, they are directing their own work—on all fronts, and in every aspect of the program, there is this collaboration, this community, happening on all levels. There are so many opportunities for them to develop relationships through working together.”
“That collaboration is directly addressed as part of the curriculum,” explained Pacio, “whether it is talking about the director/ writer partnership or how directors
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> more on next page
Pictured: Ed Cheetham, Brian McManamon, Mark Lindberg, Tomi Tsunoda, Tom Pacio and Dana Gavin. Photo by Nicole DeLawder.
communicate with actors.”This emphasis on cooperation begins the moment they walk on campus. “The very
fi rst project they work on is a ‘spontaneous production,’” said Pacio. “The writers get a writing assignment to write a play. The next morning they meet the directors who will direct their play and by 6:30 that evening there’s a performance.”
The energy needed to complete such a task might seem foreign to you and me, but McManamon said it’s one of the unifying points. “One of the fi rst things I noticed the students commenting on was that they were in a place where everyone was as passionate about the work as they are,” he said. “Many of them come from places where they may be the most passionate person in their community. It’s very empowering when you realize that there are people also who have that passion.”
Tsunoda expressed her admiration for what that energy can produce. “Every year I’m shocked and awed by what those apprentices are able to do. Somehow every year I never expect it, because it seems inhuman. And somehow, they step up to it. The work is demanding and complex and passionate, and there’s not an option (to fail).”
But Tsunoda was also clear about what she thinks is the ultimate goal of the program, and it’s not about getting kids jobs in movies. “It’s about drawing out their voices. It’s about how they will respond to the world.”
MOVING FIGURESMark Lindberg wasn’t quiet during our interview, but he certainly had a lot on his
mind – he graciously excused himself early because he was leading a soundpainting performance in the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center’s main gallery at 6 p.m. that afternoon. Soundpainting was developed by New York composer Walter Thompson as a kind of sign language with more than 700 gestures as a way of silently communicating with other artists during a live performance. I was disappointed that I’d never heard of it let alone learned it, especially after witnessing Lindberg and his apprentice ensemble take to the fl oor.
First, I have a deep fondness for site-specifi c work: Movement is, by its nature, ephemeral, and knowing that something has been blocked and staged to one space alone reinforces the idea that each performance exists only for those in attendance. “Dances at an Exhibition” makes practical use of the current works hanging in the Lehman Loeb – the performers make their way around the space as patrons, observing the paintings and prints, accessing them as they interact with each other. Lindberg stood among the audience “conducting” the action seemingly off-the-cuff – I couldn’t tell what movement had been established and what was spontaneous. The performers were as puppets to the
puppeteer – changing the meaning of the movement with simple facial adjustments. The movements were essentially pedestrian, though several of them performed a “melting” action that was as artful as any more studied balletic gesture. At one point, two men seemed to brawl, throwing and landing punches, but they stood at least fi ve feet apart.
You have one more chance to witness this singularly fascinating performance on Thursday, July 23. Don’t miss it – the group has a dynamic chemistry, and it’s fun to just watch Lindburg conducting – the sign language itself is as beautiful as the movements.
> continued from previous page
Actors in states of contemplation. Photo by Nicole DeLawder.
It’s summer (fi nally) and the readin’ is easy. It’s time for a few quick doses of frivolity instead of a steady diet of Worthy Fiction. Time for a few quick riffs on subject matter we all know and share: family, love and dogs.
Generational “issues” are given a playful twist in Jancee Dunn’s “Why is My Mother Getting a Tattoo? And Other Questions I Wish I Never Had To Ask” (Villard Trade Paperback Original, $14). If you’ve ever had a parent, or been one, you’ll relate to the tales Dunn tells in this hilarious and heartfelt compendium.
An example – retired parents constantly send newspaper clippings to their middle-aged offspring: Irrelevant ones, funny ones, alarming ones, inspirational ones – then follow up with a phone call
(usually on speakerphone, from the car) to make sure the clippings have been read: “When they don’t have a book
on tape handy, I become their book on tape.”Read along as Dunn describes elderly parents selling the family home, throwing stuff
out (or not), as her husband morphs from easy going to rigid – that dread term, “set in his ways.” Smile as she remembers her mother’s original rules: “Sit up straight. Take that gum out of your mouth. Stop fi ddling with your hair. A little eye shadow never hurt anyone.”
And then there’s the pièce de résistance, when the old lady decides to get that tattoo. Do we ever really grow up? the author muses. And if we do, will we turn into our parents?
You have to be young, I think, to relate to “Love Is a Four-Letter Word – True Stories of Breakups, Bad Relationships, and Broken Hearts,” edited by Michael
Taeckens (Plume, $16). This book, delivered to the plastic bin in my driveway by the UPS man, got rained on, and, as a result, was wrinkly and stiff until it served its time in the sun. Who could resist this hardy survivor? In his introduction, Neal Pollock sets the tone: “The human heart has been continually broken since the fi rst one began beating.”
You’ll fi nd some favorite writers here, along with a lot of new ones. At the center of the book, there’s a color-insert of a few stories told in cartoon-graphic essays. You’ll fi nd stories of seduction, crushed egos, indiscretions and the dark side of love. No happy endings here: These tales progress from “I think I love you” to “I hope you die.” And they’re all true. No wonder the epigraph for the book is Oscar Wilde’s assertion that “The heart was made to be broken.”
After all that sturm und drang I needed some cheer, and found it in a delightful new book – one that the whole family will enjoy: “First Dogs – American Presidents and Their Best Friends” (updated edition, featuring “Bo”), by Roy Rowan & Brooke Janis (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, photos throughout, $9.95).
Algonquin published the fi rst edition of this book in 1997. It became a bestseller with the addition of Clinton’s dog, Buddy. Now, it’s back to celebrate the Obamas’ Portuguese water dog … and, along the way, all the canine buddies, from George Washington’s foxhounds; FDR’s Scottie, Fala; and many, many more. For instance, Warren G. Harding’s Airedale, Laddie Boy, had his own hand-carved chair to sit in during Cabinet meetings. And who can forget Lyndon Johnson picking up his beagles, Him and Her, by the ears? George and Barbara Bush adored Millie (she got her own book, too) but did you know that Millie once appeared on the cover of Washingtonian Magazine after being voted D.C.’s “Ugliest Dog?”
My favorite picture in the book: T.R., at a Colorado hunting cabin, enjoying some quiet time with his dog, Skip, on his lap. T.R. also had a St. Bernard named Rollo. And let us not forget President Ford’s golden retriever, Liberty, who presented the president and his family with a litter of eight. Surely, Calvin Coolidge was right when he said, “Any man who does not like dogs does not deserve to be in the White House.”
Staying in the mood, I read a most delightful new novel by Jill Ciment – “Heroic Measures” (Pantheon Books, $23), the story of an elderly couple in Manhattan and their dachshund, Dorothy. When the story opens, the couple is selling their fi fth-fl oor walkup in the Village as a tanker truck is stuck in the Midtown Tunnel, causing fears of a terrorist attack, and Dorothy has become paralyzed and must have surgery. Will she walk again?
You will love these neat old folks whose cell phone has two years’ worth of messages on it (neither of them knows how to retrieve them). Ruth is a retired teacher; Alex is an artist, whose project is illuminating the 750-page fi le that the FBI kept on him and Ruth during the heyday of the Cold War. Listen to the voices of these three – Alex, Ruth, Dorothy – as they navigate the most diffi cult weekend of their lives. I loved this novel. Please don’t miss it.
Ann La Farge left her longtime book publishing job to do freelance editing and writing. She divides her time between New York City and Millbrook, and can be reached at [email protected].
{signings and sightings}
Saturday, July 257:30 p.m. A reading with Katherine Russell Rich, author of “Dreaming in Hindi,” and Jill Ciment, author of “Heroic Measures.” Oblong Books & Music, 6422 Montgomery St., Suite 6, Rhinebeck. 845-876-0500.
Sunday, July 263 p.m. A book discussion with Linda Abrams, co-author of “Collecting Under the Radar: Tomorrow’s Antiques.” Oblong Books & Music, 26 Main St., Millerton. 518-789-3797.
A Translation of Aeschylus’ Trilogy of Plays by Ted Hughes
directed by gregory thompsonellen cairns, set and costume designer
Flying Effects provided by ZFX, Inc.
Tickets and information Box Office 845-758-7900
fishercenter.bard.eduAnnandale-on-Hudson, NY
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The OresteiaAgamemnon, Choephori, and The Eumenides
The three plays that narrate the fall of the House of Atreus tell a timeless tale of betrayal, murder, and vengeance. This Oresteia
is a contemporary version of antiquity’s greatest trilogy.
giacomo meyerbeer’s
Les HuguenotsThis grandest of grand operas, based on the events of the Saint
Bartholomew’s Day Massacre of 1572, is a profound repudiation of religious intolerance that will resonate with today’s audiences. It is majestic opera at
its purest, spectacularly staged with a large cast and chorus.
libretto by eugene scribe and emile deschamps
Sung in French with English supertitles
american symphony orchestra, conducted by leon botstein, music director
directed by thaddeus strassbergereugenio recuenco, set designer
Special support for this program is provided by Emily H. Fisher and John Alexander with additional funding from the Thaw Charitable Trust. image detail: The
JULY 22-28CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22): It’s time for you to act rather than talk; remind family and friends that you’ve given the matter serious thought (you have, haven’t you?) and then make your move.
LEO (JULY 23- AUG. 22): Your loyal nature is put to the test this week – are you sure the person who’s trying your patience is worth your energy? If so, establish some serious boundaries today.
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22): You’re intent on carving out your own path no matter what; are you challenging your courage to follow your heart, or are you being headstrong and obstinant because you just want your way?
LIBRA (SEPT. 23- OCT. 22): This week, you start noticing certain patterns in your life that repeat themselves over and over with the same seemingly-inevitable result. If you’re not satisfi ed with this, analyze the sequence, identify where you need to make a different move – you’ll get different results.
SCORPIO (OCT. 23- NOV. 21): You’re been a patient listener lately, gathering ideas and opinions from those you trust and respect. This week, set aside your passivity, make a decision and accept the consequences – you’re ready for it.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21): When you set your mind to something, you dive in head fi rst – that enthusiasm is great, but don’t burn yourself out this week or you’ll have nothing left by Monday morning.
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19): Embrace the sense of freedom you’ve been feeling lately – no, you aren’t being a space cadet, you’re just enjoying a bit of cosmic peace. Journal, if you can, about your feelings, so that maybe in times of stress you’ll be able to recall this calm place.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB 18): You’re in a state of evolution right now – not like “growing a tail” evolution, but rather a “growing out of old habits” sort of evolution. This is positive, even if a bit scary, but fear not – you’ll be better for it.
PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20): Situations in your life are becoming clear to you these days, and you might not like what you see. At all. Clarity is a gift, but it can come with pain when we see what we’ve tried to be blind to. Don’t waste this opportunity, no matter how challenging.
ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): Your world is in a bit of turmoil this week – in the midst of the crisis, take time to reconnect with your family. Blood’s thicker than water, and family can cushion the blow.
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20): Avoid getting too worked up over upheavals at work: It’s understandable in this climate, but keep your cool and everything will smooth over quickly.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Don’t let anyone rain on your parade this week. You’ve got a knack for fi nding the silver lining – keep that attitude at the forefront of your mind.
For entertainment purposes only.
My excitement pulling into the Hyde Park Drive-in this past Wednesday would have been evident to a perfect stranger – I was on my way to the fi rst drive-in screening of “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.” Though I am not fanatical enough to have been one of those midnight Potter fans (who fi lled 3,003 locations across the United States), I am not ashamed to admit that I was a midnight Potter fan for the last four Harry Potter book releases.
I’ve grown up with Harry Potter, so you can understand why this movie had a lot to live up to. While it is impossible to incorporate everything from the book, the movie did manage to tackle all the major events, topics ranging from puberty to discrimination. To my great relief, the movie lived up to my anticipation, so much so that I almost walked into a car trying to navigate my way to the restroom for the speediest break of my life.
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” is the sixth movie based J.K. Rowling’s hugely successful series. It brings back all the familiar faces that have made these movies iconic for a generation. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson lead a cast that also includes Michael Gambon (Professor Dumbledore), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Maggie Smith (Professor McGonagall), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) and Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange). While “Half-Blood Prince” is not as dark as the last two Potter movies – this one scores a PG rating – it is a great undertaking for director David Yates, who seems to be committed to making two things very clear: the dark wizards are gaining power and the past is very important.
Therefore, a great deal of this fi lm focuses on past events and the story of Harry’s enemy, Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). We learn things about Lord Voldemort as a youth –where he came from, what he was like – information that helps Harry gain greater insight into what he is up against. All the while, Harry and his friends are trying to work through all the things that any normal teenager is dealing with, as well as tremendous turbulence in their own magical world. There is a great emphasis on teenage relationships in this fi lm, as these characters are beginning to have feelings of jealousy and longing, while as they learn how to deal with all the trials that everyday adult life spits out at them.
All in all, I’d love to go see this fi lm again and pick up on anything I might have missed the fi rst night while trying to swat at mosquitos. I’d recommend piling in the car with a couple good friends of the family. You may fi nd that on top of being entertaining, it is a good tool to teach tolerance and how to face the tribulations of growing up.
Just remember to bring the bug spray. If at the end, like me, you fi nd you have developed the Harry Potter itch, pick up a
book or two (there are seven), and you may fi nd that the world you have come to love so well only gets better.
CELEBRATE LOCAL.MUSIC, THEATER, ART, FILM AND MOREE-MAIL US YOUR EVENTS & PHOTOS: [email protected]
‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’Five thumbs up!Director: David YatesStarring:Daniel Radcliffe Emma Watson Rupert GrintRuntime: 129 minutesRated PG for scary images, some violence, language and mild sensuality.
Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley. Photo courtesy of MovieWeb.
When it comes to songwriting and entertaining the lovely ladies out there, I can think of no better man to put you in the right frame of mind than Marvin Gaye and his soulful sounds. When the hippies were fi ghting for free love, this man was fi ghting for sweet love. So take up his fi ght for quality over quantity: Let’s get it on as we discover the best wines for that important evening with that special someone.
Personal preference naturally comes into play when it comes to choosing a sparkling wine. They come in all levels of sweetness and personalities, but there are certain aspects they can all share when it comes to that special night. You don’t want anything too sharp, so if you’re looking for vintage bubbly, go with something that’s had a few years on it (about fi ve or so since disgorgement). This will help you fi nd a soft, fi ne mousse that caresses rather than attacks your palate and indeed excites it for further caressing. You also want to avoid anything where the sweetness overwhelms the acidity, as your mouth should be left watering, not sticky and gummy.
And fl ûtes are the best stemware for sparkling wine, because they focus the effervescence and offer the most control.
When it comes to bubbles and romance, there are probably more who will succeed than fail (poor wine-making is generally revealed the morning after, as long as you’re not getting crocked), but here’s a few of my favorites:
Though mentioned before in previous columns, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out again those Austrian bubbles that have made me swoon. A nose of apricot and peach and a delicate interplay of fl oral nuances make Steininger’s Riesling Sekt (about $26) beg another mouthful. Bio-Dynamic Winery Michlit’s Frizzante Rosé Pinot Noir is another gem to be found for under $20. This wine was conceived specifi cally for a wedding of the wine-makers, and if its romantic origins aren’t enough to convince you of its ample capabilities, one sip surely will. There’s enough Pinot character to satisfy the skeptics, with intensely fruity aromatics and a creamy texture coming into harmony and just a touch of sweetness in the celebration of indulgence.
From the birthplace of deep kisses and the wines that inspired them, we come to Champagne. At the top of my list is Mumm de Cramant. It’s about $75 or more, so it’s certainly for a special occasion with the right person, but the quality is apparent and worth it. Soft, creamy and slightly chalky with just the right amount of sourdough and perfectly balanced with the alcohol – it’s like hiring a detective to discover the chemistry between you and your partner.
You’ll have a hard time fi nding inexpensive wines from Champagne, but there is value for money (relative to the area) should you look to the smaller grower houses. Gaston Chiquet’s 1995 Blanc de Blanc was an eye-opening experience in this respect – drinking like an apple pie without the weight of fat and sugar and bubbles fl oating in a slow dance on their way to your mind and heart. My only regret, and therefore, warning, is the wine was more memorable than the night.
So next time you get that feeling, pop the cork on some sexual healing.
“Phil D. Glass” works in the local wine industry in the Hudson Valley. He has traveled to the vineyards of Austria, Germany, and France and tasted wines from all over the world. Email him at [email protected].
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• We don’t know why people feel the need to get all kinds of naked in their quest to attain celebrity-hood. Clothes tend to serve a purpose, even if they’re Ed Hardy (we’re looking at you, Jon Gosselin). A cast member of the VH1 reality series … no, stop right here. This is hardly reality – or rather, we certainly hope it’s not the reality of anyone we know and love. Some goof on “Daisy of Love,” which is a “Laverne and Shirley”-like spin-off of “Rock of Love,” felt the need to take off his clothes and pose with all of his appendages on display. Miguel “Tool Box” Angel, age 29, is a stripper from Texas who “dances” under the classy moniker “Rico Valentino.” His bid to drive Miss Daisy could be undermined with this week’s shocking revelation of said photos. Are we to believe she’s not aware of his assets, or … lack thereof? Daisy, take a shower and run for the hills.
• Lindsay Lohan is more than a hard-partying, door-key-losing lass who’s squandered away what considerable charm and talent she once possessed. She’s a symbol, according to Stella McCartney, of an animal-hating defi ler of the worst sort. McCartney’s on a mission to keep Lohan out of leather for the sake of all mankind. Thanks, Stella, but we haven’t mistaken LiLo for a role model since she was working it twin-style. No, no, not a recent performance at the Medusa Lounge – back when she was adorable with the luminous Natasha Richardson in “The Parent Trap.” Those were the halcyon days, when we could imagine the gorgeous young lady she’d grow up to be. Fate, you fi ckle thing!
• Speaking of babes in scum-land, Pa Gosselin fl oated an idea to the paparazzi about designing a line of kiddie-wear for Ed Hardy. Yeah, like tattoo-inspired, train-wreck-advertising Ed Hardy. Gosselin, who is so gunning for “Father of the Year Aught Nine,” was strutting his stuff in France with his new fi ancé. Hardly done with Wife #1, Jon’s obviously not taking any time to, you know, “fi nd himself” or “become an adult” or “stop acting like a sad 30-year-old frat boy.” Keep it up, Jon – you promise to be a trash-fount for years to come.
• Say it ain’t so, Paula! A week after her dramatic turn in “Brüno,” the songbird-cum-music industry expert is putting her little manicured foot down. Abdul is trying to shake off the mantle of American Idol Weepy Incoherent Judge Extraordinaire, leaving the venerated karaoke competition for greener pastures, because no one seems willing to pony up the big bucks for her like they’ve done for Ryan Seacrest. Not that we’re surprised: After all, Seacrest brings that certain something … that reality show je ne sais quoi … what, with his reading cue cards and teleprompters, and engaging in banal banter with contestants and Simon Cowell. Shoot – scrap Abdul and Seacrest and nab “So You Think You Can Dance”’s Cat Deely, AI! She’s the host-est with the most-est, who manages to stay effervescent and in possession of brain cells at the same time. It’s magic!
• We’re sorry to say that Kim Kardashian has gone and opened her mouth again. Yes, the appropriate warning alarms were sounded, but, as you can see, it did no good. Kim would like the world to know that she did see the movie “Blood Diamond” (you went for Leo DiCap, didn’t you, Kim?), and even though that fl ick was a super downer, it’s just not the whole truth! Apparently, Kim just learned on a recent trip to Africa (totally coincidentally sponsored by DeBeers) that the diamond trade is actually 100% seriously awesome for real. No, that’s not a direct quote, because most of it came out in burbles, spit-bubbles and baby coos via her Web site. Kim’s got the 411: Diamonds are both a girl’s best friend and an African’s best friend, because that whole killing thing is so not true – diamonds make schools, don’tcha know? Kim provides details about how big the tires are on mining trucks, which is super exciting in a Bob-the-Builder sort of way, but she’s adorably short on information to back up her happy-go-lucky claims. It’s great to for these faux celebs to branch out, but we hope Kardash-fans do their homework before buying into the (c)rock this gal’s selling.
• We don’t know why people feel the need to gattain celebrity-hood. Clothes tend to serve a purplooking at you, Jon Gosselin). A cast member of thhere. This is hardly reality – or rather, we certainlyknow and love. Some goof on “Daisy of Love,” wspin off of “Rock of Love ” felt the need to take o
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On Saturday, July 18, Buck Lewis celebrated the opening of his new photography exhibit at Hammertown (Montgomery Row, Rhinebeck) with a wine and cheese reception. The exhibition runs through August.
Pictured, clockwise from top: Buck Lewis’ collection of cameras; Lewis talks about photography with patrons; Figgy DiBenedetto and Shannon Trevathan; Azesha Ramcharan and Clinton Barker and Buck Lewis and Kelly Thompson. Photos by Dana Gavin.
We’ll be all over local sports. Don’t hesitate to contact us with your school’s schedule or recommend a particular athlete for attention. Send your information and photos to [email protected].
Sports
SPORTS STUFFBY JAY KENNEDY
• If you could feel badly for a guy who just won The British Open, Stewart Cink was your guy on Sunday. After lying in the weeds all week, Cink emerged from the pack to defeat 59-year-old Tom Watson. He was the unintentional skunk at the picnic. While it was a defl ating fi nale for most people, it was still a great story. ABC ought to buy Watson a new house for what he did for their ratings after Tiger missed the cut.
• Did you see Don Zimmer at Old-Timers Day? Looks like Zim has been hitting the buffet table pretty hard down in Tampa.
• Meanwhile, the Yankees are quietly keeping place with my fi rst-place Red Sox. This is shaping up as a very interesting pennant race. With both teams playing .600 baseball, it’s fairly certain they’ll both at least make the playoffs.
• Great to hear that Army will be playing Notre Dame one more time at the new Yankee Stadium in 2010. Speaking of Army football, it was 45 years ago this fall when Army beat Navy and Roger Staubach in one of the great upsets in college football.
• The Phillies are beginning to pull away from the pack in the National League East race. The Mets continue to lose players to injuries and don’t look capable of catching anyone.
• Out west, the Dodgers are making it look easy and are eight games up on the rest of the division. It appears even the insufferable Manny Rameriz can’t disrupt the chemistry of Joe Torre’s squad.
• How about the 16-year-old Italian kid who fi nished four back at the British Open? Matteo Manassero says he plans to turn pro in three years after he fi nishes secondary school.
• The old Jaybird and two friends played a fast 18 at Casperkill over the weekend. We were joined by a young Air Force pilot from Memphis. He’s an Air Force Academy grad and had fl own into Stewart earlier in a C-150. He was a lovely guy and made you proud to be an American. There was one ugly moment on the course when my pal, John, attempted to order up a couple of cold ones from the call box on the eighth tee. Someone neglected to tell old Johnnie boy there was a wasp nest in the box and he took a nice bee sting on the lips. He still beat me.
• How much did you love seeing Willie Mays on Air Force One. I’ll bet Willie never thought he’d be an honored guest on a black president’s plane when he was playing in the old Negro League in the segregated South. I had the pleasure of playing golf with Willie once and there isn’t a person more worthy of the honor. By the way, Willie told me he never had a cigarette or a drink in his life. He was one of the few from that era who didn’t.
• Only a week or so until NFL camps open up. The Jaybird is thinking about taking a drive up to Albany to watch the Giants work out. What’s not to love about watching a bunch of behemoths sweating in the noon sun?
BY HV NEWS STAFFThe Friends of Mills Mansion will
host its annual shotgun scramble golf tournament at a historic local golf course in October, and is offering discounts to those who register early.
Early bird registrations for the tournament are being accepted until Aug. 1.
The early bird fee of $90 per player includes the greens fee, a golf cart, tournament memento, prizes, awards,
GOLFERS CAN SAVE MONEY BY REGISTERING EARLY
continental breakfast, complimentary refreshments during play, and a buffet luncheon at Terrapin Caterers. After Aug. 1, registration fees increase to $100 per player.
The tournament, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2, will be held at the historic Dinsmore Golf Course in Staatsburg, the second-oldest golf course in the country.
Proceeds from the tournament will support education programs for area school children and restoration projects at Staatsburgh State Historic Site.
To register or for more information, call 845-889-8851, ext. 337 or e-mail [email protected] and an application will be sent to you. Payment can be made via check, Visa or Mastercard.
SUBMITTED BY A REPUBLICANThere is a possibility of major rule
changes to the game of golf. This may occur sometime after March 20, 2010. This is only a preview, as the complete rulebook is being rewritten now. Here are a few basic changes:
Golfers with handicaps below 10 will have their greens fees increased by 35%, those with handicaps between 11 and 18 will see no increase in greens fees, and those above 18 will get a check from the course each time they play.
The amount put in bets will be $10 for those with handicaps below 10, no additional amount for those with handicaps between 11 and 18, and if your handicap is above 18, you will receive the total amount in the pot even if you do not play.
The term “gimme” will be changed to “entitlement.” Golfers with handicaps below 10 will receive no entitlements, those with handicaps from 11 to 17 will get entitlements for putter-length putts, and if your handicap is above 18, there will be no need to putt; just pick it up. These
entitlements are intended to bring about fairness and, most importantly, equality in scoring.
In addition, a player will be limited to a maximum of one birdie and/or six pars in any given round. Any excess must be given to those fellow players who have not yet scored a birdie or par. Only after all players have received a birdie or par from the player actually making the birdie or par can that player begin to count his par/birdies again.
The current USGA handicap system will be used for the above purposes but the term “net score” will be available only for scoring those players with handicaps 18 and above. This is intended to “redistribute” the success of winning by making sure that in every competition, players with a handicap above 18 will post only “net score” against every other player’s gross score.
These new rules are intended to change the game of golf. Golf must be about fairness. It should have nothing to do with ability.
GOLF, ACCORDING TO THE OBAMA DOCTRINE
BY HV NEWS STAFFAnna Ausanio, an 18-year-old John
Jay High School graduate, won the 2009 Dutchess County Women’s Amateur by three strokes.
Her fi nal round of 78 at the Beekman Country Club gave her a two-day total of 158 and the championship.
Ausanio is headed to Central Connecticut University where she will compete at the division one level.
Coming in second was Joanna Beatty,
AUSANIO WINS 2009 DUTCHESS AMATEUR
a former resident of Clinton Corners now living in Columbia, S.C. She had a two-round total of 161.
In third place was Poughkeepsie resident Christina DeStefano, 20, who had the day’s low round with a sizzling 74. Christina currently plays for Fairfi eld University. Christina was the defending Women’s Amateur champ.
The tournament’s fi rst round was played at The Dutchess Country Club in Poughkeepsie.
IF YOUR GROUP OR ORGANIZATION IS HAVING AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE TO PUBLICIZE, PLEASE SEND YOUR INFORMATION TO: [email protected].
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calendarcommunity
This week
Taking Nature PhotosRed Hook Public Library will host “How to Take Better Nature Photos with Your Digital Camera” with professional photographer Sally Delmerico from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, at the library. The workshop is free and open to the public. It is appropriate for teenagers and older. There are a limited number of participants for this program, so pre-registration is required. All participants must bring their own digital cameras. Call the library at 845-758-3241 to register.
Book SaleThe Tivoli Free Library, 86 Broadway, will host a book sale from July 24-26. A preview sale will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 24. Admission is $5. The sale will continue Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 25 and will conclude with a bag sale from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, July 26. The library is also accepting donations of books. Call 845-757-3771 for information.
Rainy Day Wednesday MoviesThe Clinton Community Library will have Rainy Day Wednesday Movies on July 22 at 1 p.m. and on rainy Wednesdays in the summer. A family friendly movie will be shown at the library if it is raining on Wednesday morning. Please call the library at 845-266-5530 for the movie title. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Clinton Library Poetry ClubThe Clinton Community Library Poetry Club meets on Wednesday, July 22 at 7 p.m. in the library. Please bring an original or a favorite poem to share and discuss or just come to enjoy some poetry. For more information, contact the library at 845-266-5530.
Rotary MeetingOn Wednesday, July 22, Millbrook Rotary’s
BY HV NEWS STAFFA Hyde Park business is getting a
facelift - or should we say a massage, some yoga and a facial.
On Thursday, AnnMarie Shirley came together with local offi cials - Hyde Park Supervisor Pompey Delafi eld, Hyde Park
A TRANSFORMATION IN HYDE PARK
Owner AnnMarie Shirley cuts the ribbon to offically open the new Innerlight Health Spa on Route 9, in Hyde Park. Photo by Nicole DeLawder.
Chamber of Commerce President Liz Rogers, fellow businessmen, family and members of the community to welcome The Innerlight Health Spa, renamed from the original store, The Body Shop.
The new Innerlight Health Spa offers everything to pamper yourself inside
and out. New classes include Zumba and Laughter Yoga. There are also Tea Room Gatherings, Intuitive Guidance and a discussion led by Australian Bente Hansen called Energy Medicine and You! on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 2-5 p.m. Call to reserve your spot - 845-229-9998.
guest speaker will be Ed Mattson, who will talk about Rotary on the international level. Mattson is a member of Rotary Club of Mishawaka, co-chairman of the Rotarian Annual International Project Symposium and Workshop, national membership chairman of the Disaster Relief Rotarian Action Group, and board chairman of the cancer support group helping Rotarians. This talk is open to everyone and will be held at the Millbrook Carriage House restaurant on Alden Place, Millbrook, from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. Lunch is $14. The Millbrook Rotary Club can be found online at www.millbrookrotary.org.
Introduction to Computers for Adults The Clinton Community Library has scheduled a free tutoring session to teach adults how to use computers. This is an introductory level of instruction to help adults acquire the basic skills on how to use a computer. The session is on Friday, July 24 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Clinton Community Library at 1215 Centre Rd. (County Route 18). For more information and to sign up, call the library at 845-266-5530.
Clinton Card ClubThe Clinton Card Club invites all to come and play card games (Cuckoo, Fan Tan, Oh Hell, Scrooge, Pinochle, and others) and have lots of laughs. Spread the word and bring a friend. The club meets Friday, July 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the downstairs of the Clinton Town Hall at 1215 Centre Rd. (County Route 18, north of Schultzville). Bring your own favorite games and refreshments to share. There is no cost but just an opportunity to meet a few new friends and
maybe even some old ones, while having some fun playing games. For more information, call Patty at 845-266-3592.
Upcoming
Citizen of the YearRed Hook Rotary’s Citizen of the Year nomination applications are available at the Red Hook Village Clerk’s offi ce or the Red Hook Town Clerk’s offi ce. They are also available by e-mail at [email protected]. Deadline for all entries is Aug. 20. The Citizen of the Year Dinner Roast is in Oct. 27.
Home Schooling The Clinton Community Library will hold a home-schooling session on Thursday, July 23 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. These sessions meet for a lesson, do a craft, and learn library skills. For more information, contact the library at 845-266-5530.
Battle of Books The Battle of Books meeting will be held on Thursday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Clinton Community Library at 1215 Centre Rd. For more information, contact the library at 845-266-5530.
‘A Force More Powerful’Dutchess Peace Coalition and Poughkeepsie Friends will host a free showing of the fi lm “A Force More Powerful” on Aug. 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Poughkeepsie Friends Meeting, 249 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie. Narrated by Ben Kingsley, and nominated for an Emmy, this fi lm explores how nonviolent power has overcome oppression and authoritarian rule all over the world. Call 845-454-6431 or 845-876-7906 for more information.
Community Day Flea MarketVendors are wanted for the Stanford Community Day Flea Market, sponsored by the Stanford Lions Club, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, Sept. 20) at the Stanford Grange, Route 82, Stanfordville. Spaces are 15 feet by 20 feet and cost $20. Food and drinks will be available. For information, call Ed Hawks at 845-868-7483 or John Danko at 845-868-7645.
A beautiful evening listening to music at the Mills Mansion in Staatsburg.
Four Guys in Disguise had the crowd up and dancing at Mills Mansion. The blues band Night Train will perform at Mills on July 29. Photos by Jim Langan.
> continued from page 22
‘Hudson River Valley Farms’John Novi is hosting a publication party for “Hudson River Valley Farms” by Joanne Michaels on Sunday, Sept. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. A three-course, sit-down champagne brunch will be offered for $39 and will include a free copy of the book, signed by the author (retail price is $29.95). There will be live music and many interesting folks from throughout the region. The proceeds will mostly go to the Rondout Valley Food Pantry. For more information, e-mail [email protected].
Celebrating Dogs at the LibraryThe Tivoli Free Library will celebrate dogs from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 31. The evening of festivities will begin with a hot dog cookout and Creative Crafts for Critters program, where kids can make gifts for their favorite pets. At 7 p.m., Dog on Fleas will rock the library with their tunes for kids of all ages. The evening will end at 8 p.m. with an ice cream social. This program is free and open to the public. For more information or to register, call
Tivoli Free Library at 845-757-3771. The library is located at 86 Broadway in the Village of Tivoli.
Arlington 60th Birthday PartyArlington High School Class of 1967 and friends will host a 60th Birthday Party on Saturday, Sept. 5 at the Arlington American Legion 1302, Overlook Rd., Poughkeepsie, beginning at 7 p.m. A donation of $20 will be collected. Checks should be made out to Bruce Garrett. Send to AHS67 c/o Ray Relyea, PO Box 1, Millbrook. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 845-635-3476.
Rainy Day Wednesday Movies The Clinton Community Library will show a Rainy Day Wednesday Movie on July 29 at 1 p.m. A family friendly movie will be shown at the library if it is raining on Wednesday morning. Please call the library at 845-266-5530 for the title. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
IF YOUR GROUP OR ORGANIZATION IS HAVING AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE TO PUBLICIZE, PLEASE SEND YOUR INFORMATION TO: [email protected].
CALENDAR ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON THE FRIDAY BEFORE PUBLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED.
Committee, in partnership with the Beacon Sloop Club, has organized a festival to celebrate the importance of fresh water in our lives. The Fishkill Creek Festival, “Following the Water Trail from Rain to River,” will take place at Riverfront Park in the City of Beacon on July 25 from noon to 6 p.m., immediately following the River Pool Swim. The festival will include musical performances by Higher Ground, the Howland Wolves, Creek Iverson, Mike Slotnik, and Roland Moussa, a performance by renowned magician Harry Mandell, food vendors, environmental exhibits, free sails on the Sloop Woody Guthrie, kayaking on the Fishkill Creek, kids’ activities and much more. Also, special guest appearances will be made by Pete Seeger, Congressman John Hall, Dutchess County Legislator Allison MacAvery, City of Beacon Mayor Steve Gold, and many more. The festival is part of the fi rst annual Fishkill Creek Week and Dutchess Watershed Awareness Month.
Also on the 25th, the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries will be celebrating Fishkill Creek Week in their Main Street offi ce with a presentation by Jim Heron, the Beacon Institute’s project historian, at 1p.m. Also view the art exhibit “Up River: Man-Made Sites of Interest on the Hudson from the Battery to Troy,” which is on display until October 2009. A portrait of the Hudson’s shores, “Up River” focuses
FESTIVAL IN BEACON TO CELEBRATE THE FISHKILL CREEK
on man-made sites rarely seen by those who travel along the river’s banks. The Up River exhibit is courtesy of The Center for Land Use Interpretation. For more information about this event, contact the Beacon Institute at 845-838-1600.
Fishkill Creek Week also includes a stream clean up and hikes with the Mid-Hudson Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Organized by the Dutchess Watershed Coalition, Dutchess Watershed Awareness Month has offered dozens of free, family-oriented events to improve understanding and awareness of local watershed issues. Activities have included trail walks with the Adirondack Mountain Club, bird walks with the Ralph T. Waterman Bird Club, Adopt-a-Spot stream clean-ups in Poughkeepsie and Beacon, a GPS watershed scavenger hunt in Rhinebeck, an exploration event at the Cary Institute in Millbrook, displays at local farmers’ markets and community libraries, a rain barrel workshop in Poughkeepsie, history events in Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park and Pleasant Valley, an introduction to fl y fi shing with Trout Unlimited in Poughkeepsie, and events at the annual “Picnic in the Park” in Wappingers Falls. Additional information on events can be found at the Web site: dutchesswam.com.
For more information about the Fishkill Creek Festival and the Fishkill Creek Watershed Committee, contact David Eberle at [email protected] or 845-838-9630.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE HUDSON VALLEY NEWS
The easiest and most economical way to get your copy of the Hudson Valley News is by subscribing and have it arrive in your mailbox every week. All you need to do is send us a check for $42.00 to Hudson Valley News. P.O. Box 268, Hyde Park, NY 12538.
Out of county subscriptions are $48.00. So send us some of that stimulus money and we’ll see to it you receive the best paper in the Hudson Valley.
SO SEND YOUR CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO:
Hudson Valley NewsP.O. Box 268, Hyde Park, NY 12538.
ALL LOCAL, ALL THE TIME.
BY THE STOCK JOCKEYLast week saw the stock market
advance more than 7%. That’s the biggest weekly advance since November and it has investors wondering if the worst is over. That’s a very good question because you can make a fairly persuasive case either way. Let’s start with the bullish analysis. The withering declines in the November-to-March period more than refl ected the weakness of the economy. One could argue stocks had baked in everything short of the apocalypse.
Let’s use something as simple as International Paper to illustrate the market. In September, International Paper traded around $30 a share. Enter Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers and a full-scale fi nancial panic ensues. The normally staid International Paper begins plummeting on fears of a worldwide collapse and by March 3, is trading at $3.93 a share. At that point, the stock was discounting the end of Western civilization and use of paper products. Since then, the stock has dusted itself off, the world didn’t end and if you want a share of International Paper today, it will cost you $16.50. That’s more than a 400% return on your investment if you’d been brave enough to buy it in March.
IS THE RALLY FOR REAL?The other view is the bounce in
International Paper and other stocks is the proverbial dead-cat bounce. Sure, they all bounced but they’re still dead. The bears will tell you to take advantage of this technical bounce and get out. They would further suggest taking your winnings and buying gold in anticipation of an Obama-induced spike in infl ation down the road.
Who’s right here? The Stock Jockey says they’re both right. Buying during a panic usually pays off, just as selling during a buying frenzy usually works. If you bought International Paper stock, I’d say sell it because the easy money is already off the table. The economy and the market are tricky at these levels. But I’m not sure the bears have it right, either. The economy is most certainly in the toilet but nobody’s fl ushing anything yet. Sometimes the best action is inaction. Let somebody else carry the ball if you’re not sure. If you’ve made a few bucks in the last few months, cash in a few chips and wait for the next buying opportunity.
The Stock Jockey is a longtime investor smart enough to know he doesn’t know much but unafraid to offer unsolicited advice anyway.
Quaking HillBY THE ORIGINAL GOSSIP GIRL
What a home run that was. The Akin Hall Association’s fundraiser was unbeatable. They raised close to $30,000 and the proceeds go to five recipients from the local high school. Eight homes were open, where cocktails and dinners with different themes were featured. American gothic (whatever that means). Eight courses that represented eight different states (how original is that?!). The Taste of Spain played mainly on the tongue (hot tapas). Marrakesh Express a casbah was the best Moroccan evening with, of course, a belly dancer! A summer feast with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme under a grape arbor. Pacific Overtures requested one to bring their chopsticks. Sloop John B suggested a sandy beach with maine lobsters … yum! Dejeuner sur l’herbe, another sumptuous event. O sole mio, a banquet by a lagoon that offered Harry’s Bar bellinis to tiramisu. I am so hungry just thinking about it. It truly was the highlight of the summer season.
Get your fresh veggies, cheeses, baked goods, wines and fruit here! The Pawling farmers’ market is in business for the summer. It is a delightful venue to venture forth to on a Saturday morning. A local band, the Rest Rooster
and Charlotte Kendrick and Dan Rove (is he related to Karl?), performed all morning. Imagine buying produce to live music—you may dance if you wish.
A fabulous cocktail party was hosted by Agneta and Sven Angel—a great couple who arrive on Quaking Hill a few years ago from Sweden.
Aug. 6, 7, 8 is the annual Fire Department’s carnival with a parade on Friday, Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. – crowds galore, amusements, hot dogs – it will all be there. Please join Pawling’s bravest – it is loads of fun and they are all heros!
One is never bored on Quaking Hill. According to Robert Lewis of the Angler’s Den, the local fishing has been incredible. He calls it a great season for bait or fly fishing. There is a regular Thursday night Housatonic excursion and they have been catching big ones with dry flies (they float). For up-to-the-minute fishing reports, call the Den at 845-855-5182 or stop by 11 West Main St. See ya on the river!
‘TAKE A PEEK AT YOUR CREEK’“Take a Peek at Your Creek” is the
theme of Dutchess Watershed Awareness Month. For updated information about the many Watershed Awareness Month events occurring during July, check dutchesswam.com. For more information, contact Carolyn Klocker at 845-677-8223, ext. 135 or [email protected].
CORNERSTONE FRIENDS AND FAMILY
The community is invited to the Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church’s Annual Summer Fun Day on Sunday, July 26 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. It will be held rain or shine and all activities, events, and food are free. The church will provide a picnic of hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, desserts and beverages. During the early afternoon, there will be various games for all ages to play and time to relax and get to know each other. Later in the afternoon, entertainment will be provided by Christian comedian Gordon Douglas.
The purpose of the festival is to provide an atmosphere and environment of good, old-fashioned family fun and activities for the community. The church is located at 1592 Hollow Rd. (County Route 14 at the dead end, by the Taconic State Parkway), Clinton Corners. For more information, directions, or questions, call the church offi ce at 845-266-8057 or visit www.cornerstonebfc.org.
LIONS HEARING SCREENINGThe Dutchess County Lions Hearing
Committee will hold hearing screenings each month for all of Northern and Central-Western Dutchess County residents.
The Lions Hearing Committee, in conjunction with Saint Francis Hospital, will be giving free hearing screenings on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. (or later if necessary) at the Millbrook Health Club (Millbrook Training Center and Spa) on Route 44 in Millbrook. The health club is in the old Cotton Wood Inn between Copperfi eld’s Restaurant and the Dutchess County Farm and Home Center.
The hearing center is in the bottom fl oor on the side of the building. Appointments are necessary. For further information or to set up an appointment, please call Paul Zitzelsberger at 845-889-8297.
PATRIOTIC COMMUNITY CONCERT REPORT
The Upton Lake Christian School held its free Stevenson’s Patriotic Community Concert on the evening of July 4 on the west lawn of the Evangelical Free Church in Clinton Corners. The Stevensons, a talented home-schooled family from Florida, stopped in Clinton Corners in the middle of their “Born to Make a Difference” tour along the East Coast. Diana Stevenson was a budding star in the country-music world, having opened for such legends as Lynn Anderson and Tammy Wynette. She
decided to trade her dreams of stardom for motherhood when she married Aaron Stevenson. Today, Diana is joined in most of the songs by fi ve of her children, Cole, 18, Conner, 16, Devin, 14, Dani-Jo, 11, and Carly, 9. Cole plays the lead guitar, Devin plays an electric drum set, and Conner plays the keyboard, producing their unique style, a blend of country, Christian contemporary, and Southern gospel music. Her 3-year-old son, Dayton, also enjoyed himself, running among the attendees. During the past week, the Stevensons gave several similar concerts at local churches. They began their tour in May and will be back home in Florida by mid-August. They were scheduled in 12 states and played in churches, addiction centers, Christian camps, homeless shelters, nursing homes and assisted living centers, and various outdoor events.
Diana started the concert by solo singing “The Star Spangled Banner.” She then was the emcee, providing introductions to the music and commentaries on their traveling family life. Their repertoire was a variety of songs, ranging from current, popular hits to church songs to ones written by Diana. Some of the songs were “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” (an old Johnny Cash song), “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Fire and Rain” (a James Taylor tune), “You Are My Sunshine,” and “I Hope You Dance.”
In an effort to help children and adults memorize verses from the Bible, Diana put them to music. The children would quickly learn the songs and then know the verses. She sang several to show how easy it was.
Diana also performed a song called “Eighth of November” (by the country group Big and Rich), which is about the men who served in the military in Vietnam during 1965. Diana said everything is a choice and we should make the best choices. She also stated the world is trying to steal our joy and we should try to keep upbeat. At the close of the concert, Phil Walker gave a prayer and thanked all for coming.
The concert was very uplifting and all left in good spirits. Many stayed and talked with the Stevensons and complimented them on the excellent concert. Thanks are given to Mary Hafford for preparing and serving food during the concert. Thanks
also go to Phil Walker for arranging and organizing the concert.
The weather was perfect for the concert. The temperature was around 70 degrees with a bright sun and cool, steady breeze. The sun shone in the eyes of the singers so audience members lent them sun glasses and caps. The next challenge was the wind blowing the music stands and the stands
Maggie and Lory Kudzy of Westport, Conn. spending some quality time with Grandpa Ted Kudzy of Red Hook at the Holy Cow. Photo by Jim Langan.
were occasionally blown over. An audience of 55 people, including
many children, sat on their lawn chairs and blankets. This was a true community activity.
As part of their ministry, the Stevensons make available Christian T-shirts and CDs of their songs. They just recorded their third CD, “Hard to Fathom,” which will be available by late fall. If you missed the concert and wish to learn more about the Stevensons, you can check out their Web site, www.GetTheJoy.com.
A strange and pitiful condition exists at Hyde Park’s waterfront, an embarrassing fenced-off landscape reminiscent of Green Haven State Prison. This history columnist thought that it may be appropriate to discuss one of the more interesting activities that once took place on the waterfront.
1800S HYDE PARK CAVIAR Russian caviar is known and sought after
all over the world today. There was a time in the last quarter of the 1800s, however, when Hyde Park caviar was known to be the best in the United States. It’s diffi cult to imagine, but it’s completely true. The Aug. 3, 1878 issue of Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper devoted an entire page to Hyde Park’s caviar industry.
Caviar is nothing more than pickled fi sh eggs or pickled roe. It has long been a delicacy enjoyed by gourmets. The best caviar is made from the sturgeon roe.
Henry Hudson, the fi rst European to sail on the river, and his crew caught sturgeon in the river using nets called seins. Seins are drag nets that are spread in a circle by several men, then gradually tightened to scoop up many fi sh at the same time. Later, during the colonial era, sturgeon was so plentiful in the river that they were a major source of “meat” for people living along its shores. The fi sh eggs would be used as bait for striped bass, which “were as thick in the river as fl ies around a fi sh wagon.”
By the early 1800s, most of the sturgeon packers lived in Albany, and the meat of the sturgeon fi sh was often referred to as “Albany beef.” Sturgeon fi lets, which sold
for about 10 cents a pound in the markets of New York City and Albany, were packed along the Hyde Park waterfront. For fi ve cents, a housewife in Hyde Park could buy enough sturgeon to feed a family of fi ve. Residents of the Town of Hyde Park would munch on a piece of dried sturgeon as we eat ice cream or candy today.
It wasn’t until a German immigrant, William Meyer, recognized that a valuable business could be developed from the roe of the sturgeon, that Hyde Park caviar became famous. The sturgeon eggs accounted for as much as one-third of the weight of the fi sh, and it seemed a shame to waste them.
FIRST CAVIAR PRODUCER IN THE UNITED STATES
Meyer, or Von Meyer as he was sometimes called, began the fi rst caviar industry in the United States at Hyde Park. By 1876, the Hyde Park caviar industry was well established. The 18-foot-long row boats of the sturgeon fi shermen were fl at bottomed, and when not in use, were moored in the mouth of the Crum Elbow Creek. Since sturgeon are bottom feeders, they were fi shed at the side of the river. This could be done only twice a day at “slack water” or “the draw of the tide,” meaning when the tide was changing. This period lasted for only a half hour while the water was virtually motionless. During the coming and going of the tide, the current was too fast, and would foul the sein nets.
According to the 1878 newspaper article, “a sturgeon net was approximately 500 feet long and was cast in water that was about 20 feet of depth … Twenty-eight cedar buoys were attached at regular intervals along the top. When the buoys lay in a semi-circle, the fi sherman knew his net was empty. When they up ended, he knew he had a strike.”
Sturgeon left the sea in summer, and traveled up the river in schools to spawn. Sometimes, if a fi sherman was lucky, he could catch as many as 80 sturgeon with one haul of his net.
After the net was brought in and the sturgeon came to the surface, the fi sherman lassoed it with an eight-foot rope just back of the fi ns and dragged it aboard. An average adult sturgeon would weigh 50 to 100 pounds but occasionally
an eight-foot-long, 300-pound “spawner” would be brought in. The fi sherman was paid $3 for each fi sh weighing 50 pounds or more.
UNDERGROUND FACTORY AND STORAGE ROOM
William Meyer’s house and factory were located on River Road not far from the railroad station. The building is still there and is used as a private residence. When the fi shermen came in with their catch, Meyer would buy all the sturgeon he could get. The fi sh meat and roe were brought to a vaulted underground room made of stone supported by huge pillars, “not unlike the stereotyped lowest dungeon in the castle moat,” located under his home. The fl oor had been asphalted, and this room was kept at a cool temperature suitable for caviar. It was in this room that all Meyer’s caviar was made and packed for market.
The manufacture of the caviar was a simple, but chilly process. “Meyer would place a lump of roe on a wire sieve and rub it gently backwards and forwards until the ‘pea’ was separated from the fatty matter, or ‘bait.’ The pea, which looked like blackberry jam, was next poured into tin vessels, where salt was added. The salt quickly formed a brine, which was drained off when the vessels were emptied onto sieves that stood on a sloping trough. The process was now completed, and the fresh caviar ready to be packed in 100-pound kegs and sold for 10 cents a pound.”
STURGEON OIL, A SMELLY
BUSINESSAccording to Bea Fredriksen, a former
Hyde Park town historian, “Besides the meat and caviar, a by-product was made from the fi sh. Sturgeon oil could be bought in practically every drug store of the United States during that era. It was considered a cure for many sicknesses of both man and beast. (It was particularly valuable in healing wounded horses.) After the roe was taken from the sturgeon, hundreds of pounds of sturgeon would be piled in three-foot iron cauldrons and the oil gradually simmered out. This, too, occurred in the vaulted room under the Meyer’s house. A pungent odor of cooking fi sh, fi sh oil and spices permeated the atmosphere along the waterfront of Hyde Park during those times. A west wind would drive the odor inland over the village and its surrounding neighborhood.”
STURGEON VANISHFor some unexplained reason, perhaps
from over-fi shing, by 1914 the sturgeon almost disappeared from the Hudson River. No longer could they be found in large enough numbers to make it worthwhile to catch them for marketing, so the caviar industry of Hyde Park came to an end.
Carney Rhinevault is the Hyde Park town historian. Illustrator Tatiana Rhinevault is Hyde Park’s representative for the opening ceremonies of the former railroad bridge in Poughkeepsie on Oct. 3.
Meyer Caviar processing. Illustration by Tatiana Rhinevault.
Last Friday, the kids and I went to see Michael Franti and Spearhead at the Lowell Summer Music Festival in Lowell, Mass. We missed Michael Franti at Mountain Jam this year and Lowell was the closest show of his that we could catch this summer. The concert was held right in the center of Lowell where there is, of all things, a national park. Since the event was run by the National Park Service, the grounds were spotless, security was tight and the event was superbly organized. There were no lines for anything – admission, food or even bathrooms.
And the stage was really something. Right in the middle of this park, alongside the Pawtucket canal, the park architects had the foresight to build a concert stage. Michael Franti even commented on how unusual it was that the park’s originators thought to include a stage in the plans. It was all very well designed and supported and was a great place to see a summer lawn concert. The kids had a terrifi c time, the little groupies that they are. Their mom did too. We met lots of nice people and the performance could not have been better. Michael Franti is an extremely talented and charismatic artist and the band was crisp and tight throughout the show. If you are a fan of Michael Franti, do not miss his live show. It was worth a four-hour drive to see it.
And if you don’t even know who Michael Franti is, check him out on www.michaelfranti.com. You will be more disposed to like his music if you are a peace-loving hippie type, since most of his songs are about social injustice, coexistence and the human cost of war. But anyone who appreciates dance or reggae music will love this band. We might just take another road trip in August to see them again. After that marathon trip to Maine, these little four-hour drives are a breeze.
LOCAL RESIDENT PLACES THIRD IN CAR SHOW
Back in the late-1980s, Gary Koch began his search for a Mustang GT. He knew just what he wanted and he was patient enough to wait until the exact car came along at the right price. After two years of searching, he found his car. True, he had to compromise and get an automatic when he really wanted a stick, but it was the right color, right body style, had a T-top roof and was in very good shape.
“At the time, I had no intention of keeping it for very long,” Gary explained. “I was going to keep it for two years and then sell it.”
Nineteen years later, Gary still has the car. It is a 1982 Mustang GT, candy-apple red with all original body and engine. A buddy of Gary’s noticed the Hudson Valley Mustang Association was having a car show on July 11 and suggested that Gary enter the car. Gary thought this was a silly idea since his car was not ever intended to be a show car. But, Gary’s son, Derek, age
Derek, Gary and Miranda Koch with the car that took third place in the Hudson Valley Mustang Association show on July 11. Photo by Heidi Johnson
9, insisted, so Gary relented and sent in his entry form.
The day before the show, Derek helped his dad wash the car and polish it up for the show. Then on Saturday, they spent the day at the show, which was held at a waterfront park in Kingston.
“It was a gorgeous, breezy day and we had a wonderful time, just the two of us,” Gary said.
Much to his surprise, Gary’s car won third prize in the 1972-1992 class. It made for a great ending to a glorious day.
Congratulations to Team Koch on this achievement. It is nice you were able to be recognized for taking such good care of your beloved automobile all these years.
NEW STANFORD RECREATION SIGNI ran into Sue Blouse last week coming
out of a Stanford Rec meeting. When asked what was new on the Rec Commission, Sue replied, “Oh, we do have some exciting news!” She went on to explain that the money that was left over from the Rec Rations full-service snack bar (run by kids, but managed by Sue) had been sitting in a bank account for years. After contacting the kids that were involved in Rec Rations back then, Sue and the kids decided that
a good use of the excess funds would be to purchase a sign that would display recreation events. The sign will be located at the bottom of the Town Hall hill, next to the town sign.
“The new sign will let people know what is going on at the rec,” said Sue. This would also include, of course, Frankenstein’s Fortress, soccer and all other recreation events.
Sue made a point to mention the help of DePreter DeSigns, which will be building and installing the sign. “We couldn’t have done it without them,” said Sue.
So, watch for this new sign to appear in town. Thanks to all who conceived the idea and made it possible.
TACONIC LITTLE LEAGUELeague President Mike Denatale would
like to remind everyone that the deadline for fall ball is almost upon us. The number of teams needs to be determined by early August in order to purchase uniforms, so it is important to have a headcount before
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then. Fall baseball and softball are open to players ages 6 to 17 and anyone can join, even if they did not play in the spring.
The fall season starts in early September and runs through the end of October. Games are typically on Saturday afternoons and teams generally practice only once a week. Cost is $35. If you are interested in playing fall ball, visit www.taconiclittleleague.com soon and print out the registration form. Or, call Mike at 845-266-0030.
Also, congratulations to the 9-10 Taconic All Stars team, which beat Red Hook for a chance to move up in the All Star series. Their next game is against Hyde Park and I will report the results of this game next week as it is after press time.
Thank you all for sharing your news this week. Do keep me posted on any other upcoming or newsworthy events. My contact info is: 845-392-4348, [email protected]. See you next week.
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