Ilana Papele’s The List

A Mid-Summer’s Evening at Powerhouse Theatre. Thursday, July 31, 2008, 6:00 p.m. Drinks, Tapas & Theater at the Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film with an 8:00 p.m. FINKS performance. A new play in the Powerhouse Theater written by Joe Gilford, directed by Charlie Stratton and it was wonderful. An intimate chronicle based on true events from the lives of the author’s parents and the effect the House Committee on Un-American Activities had upon their lives. $65 with limited reserved seating. Call 845 437-7021
The play runs to August and I was lucky enough to see it last weekend. It is amazingly well done, well scripted and thought provoking. Not to be missed if this is an era that you find interesting.

Also, Powerhouse Theater Stephen Belber’s Fault Lines, directed by David Schwimmer (you know, from Friends) on August 2 – 3, as well as the offerings for its second Readings Festival (August 1 – 3). The readings are free, but reservations are strongly suggested. http://powerhouse.vassar.edu (845) 437-5599, (845) 437-7235

CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, Rt. 308 Rhinebeck -WEST SIDE STORY, Directed and Choreographed by Laurie SepeMarder. Through Sunday August 17Th.
Performance Times - Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8:00PM Sunday Matinees 3:00PM.
For Tickets - Box Office (845) 876 - 3080.

Friday, August 1st at 10 pm
Breaking Dawn, the final book in the #1 bestselling Twilight Saga, will take your breath away. Join us for our events beginning at 10pm on August 1st.

Beginning August 1st
Gas prices are soaring and Merritt is here to help!
To thank our customers near and far for keeping us in business for over twenty years, Merritt is trying to keep your tank (at least partially) full!

To help support the spirit of independent businesses everywhere, Merritt Books will be giving away two $50 gift certificates to local independent gas stations in both Millbrook and Red Hook. To be entered in the drawing, all you have to do is support your local bookstore! With every purchase, online or in one of our two locations, you will be entered into the drawing for free gas.

Writing & Selling Your Novel! A Writing Workshop with KL Going
August 2nd, 9:30 am - Noon
Join the Merritt Bookstore as we welcome KL Going, award winning author of Fat Kid Rules the World, The Liberation of Gabriel King, Saint Iggy, The Garden of Eve, and Writing and Selling the YA Novel!
Merritt Bookstore, Millbrook. 16 and up, $50 for the workshop alone or $45 for workshop and purchase of Writing and Selling the YA Novel. An additional $30 fee will be charged for a 15 minute one-on-one writing critique with KL Going (optional).
Pre-registration is required. Please call the Merritt Bookstore in Millbrook (845-677-5857) with any questions. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Space is limited.

The Garden Conservancy’s Open Day at the (Duncan) Brine Garden, Pawling, NY, on Saturday, August 2, from 2-6 pm. For images, directions and more on the Open Day, go to http://gardenlarge.com/brine-garden/the-garden-conservancy.

SUMMER BBQ SUPPER BENEFIT Saturday, August 2, 2008 starting at 6pm
$20, $5 for children under 13. Spencer / Shimkin *circa 1799* barn 105 Simons Road
Ancramdale NY. http://www.circa1799.com/ Family friendly activities - bring the kids!
Chef Danyell, at the grill. Cash wine and beer bar. Cajun music with the legendary Jesse Lége. Still not sure what they are fundraising for, but I do love old barns and this one looks very interesting. Squeezebox too.

The Last Rites perform at Mulligans off 376, August 2.

Per Kirsten Gillibrand, over 400,000 New York seniors and disabled veterans have not received their checks because they have not filed the proper paperwork, ie – tax Return. households have until October 15th in order to file for a stimulus check. Individual seniors and disabled veterans will receive a tax rebate between $300 and $600 per individual (up to $1,200 per married couple), plus an additional $300 per child. http://www.gillibrand.house.gov/ or call the IRS toll-free at 1-866-234-2942.

www.idealbite.com/tiplibrary and Pocket Guides for ideas on what to not buy to help the planet and your own health. Pesticides, fish, plastics, yuck.

Washington Art Association Presents An unexpected surprise event!
Artist Peter Bogardus, currently showing his photograves in the Milton Gallery (third gallery), is offering a lecture on the process, which has produced these wonderful and unusual works. He has taken the photos using a large scale format camera. Then, the images are transferred to a copper plate for printing on handmade Japanese paper. Saturday August 9th, 1:00 pm. Donations accepted
Please join us for this unique opportunity! For more information please call 860.868.2878 Washington Art Association, 4 Bryan Plaza, Washington Depot, CT.

Great lineup at Upstate films, popcorn and a/c. The Wackness, Tell No One and Brideshead Revisited. www.upstatefilms.org 876-2515

At Oblong Books, Friday, August 1, 2008 8:00 p.m. Oblong Millerton, 26 Main Street,Millerton,NY 12546. Peter Steiner will read from his novels L’Assassin and Le Crime.
Saturday, August 2, 2008 7:30 p.m. ECO DOG! ECO DOG! Oblong Rhinebeck,6422 Montgomery St. (Rt. 9),Rhinebeck,NY 12572. Catskill authors Corbett Marshall and Jim Deskevich will discuss their new book, Eco Dog: Healthy Living for Your pet.

Shakespeare’s Frankenstein at Wings Castle. 7:30. www.annandaletroupe.org

Summer Sale at The Craftsmen in Millbrook. 25% off everything. Closed Fair week as they are showing sheep. Wed - Sat, 11-5, 845-677-5605. Sale starts Friday, August 1st.

August 2, 10 AM, Pickling. Learn a barrelful about the history and basic principles of pickling. Briana’s talk and demonstrations will cover the vinegar and lacto-fermentation methods of preserving vegetables – above and beyond the ubiquitous cucumber! The Phantom Gardener, 6837 Rt 9, Rhinebeck, 876-8606. $10

August 2, 10-2, Butterfly Festival, Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center. Rt 9D, 79 Farmstead Ln, Wappingers Falls. Come see and touch live butterflies, play insect games. Enjoy the flowering butterfly garden, storytelling and crafts. Free. 845-831-8780 x 300. http://www.dec.ny.gov/.

Summerscapes at Bard. Lots of Prokofiev for the next three weeks. www.bard.edu, 845-758-7900.
Of Thee I Sing won the Pulitzer Prize in 1932, the first musical to do so. It was the most musically sophisticated of the Gershwin shows up to that point, and used recitative to move the plot along, advancing the storyline in a way not tried even in Show Boat, and in a way that would not be seen again until the heyday of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Opening night is August 1 at 8:00 pm with subsequent performances on August 6 and 7 at 8:00 pm, August 2, 9, and 10 at 3:00 pm, August 3 at 7:00 pm, August 6 at 2:00 pm, and August 8 at 5:00 pm.
July 31 (Thursday)
5:30 – 7:30 pm Dinner (Spiegeltent)
7:00 pm Remember the Night (Ottaway)
8:00 pm Harnasie/King Roger (Sosnoff)
8:30 pm Red Bastard (Spiegeltent)
10:00 pm SpiegelClub (Spiegeltent)

August 1 (Friday)
5:30 – 7:30 pm Dinner (Spiegeltent)
8:00 pm Of Thee I Sing (Theater Two)
8:30 pm New Albion One (Spiegeltent)
10:00 pm SpiegelClub (Spiegeltent)

August 2 (Saturday)
1:00 pm Opera Talk (Theater Two)
3:00 pm Of Thee I Sing (Theater Two)
3:30 pm New Albion Two (Spiegeltent)
5:30 – 7:30 pm Dinner (Spiegeltent)
8:00 pm Harnasie/King Roger (Sosnoff) – bus service from NYC
8:30 pm New Albion Three (Spiegeltent)
10:00 pm SpiegelClub (Spiegeltent)

August 3 (Sunday)
3:00 pm Harnasie/King Roger (Sosnoff)
5:30 – 7:30 pm Dinner (Spiegeltent)
7:00 pm Of Thee I Sing (Theater Two)
7:00 pm Rules of the Game (Ottaway)
8:30 pm New Albion Four (Spiegeltent)
10:00 pm SpiegelClub (Spiegeltent)

The Like Breath on Glass: Whistler, Inness, and the Art of Painting Softly is supposed to be fabulous. Through October 19. www.clark.edu. Free films on Saturdays too.

Mending Night has transformed into Sewing Night, with machines. August 6. Please email me if you are interested.

Ever find yourself wanting to read White House Press transcripts? Easy enough on the White House website. www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/07/20080715-1.html is one, but there is an incredible amount of information on the site.

Can anyone recommend a piano teacher?

Two fixed rabbits need a home. Certainly, they are adorable. Email me if interested.

Leonardo’s in Rhinebeck to transition Colletti’s into more of a café/sweet shop (Italian, of course) with tables and chairs. So, they are holding a gigantic 50% off sale this Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20 at Colletti’s. Deruta and Vietri pottery, all of Guzzinni kitchenware, all clocks and jewelry, all Italian soaps, lotions, perfumes, candles, Christmas ornaments … 10am - 6pm both days.

Two openings and exhibits at the Barrett House. Contemporary Latin American Artists from the Hudson Valley and Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation Art Exhibition, featuring artwork created by breast cancer survivors. Opening reception on Saturday, July 19, 4-6pm. 55 Noxon Street, Poughkeepsie. Exhibits run July 19 - August 16.

Eric Hill plays at Charlottes Restaurant in Millbrook Saturday, July 19.

July 19, 10-4, The Amenia Hidden Gardens tour. $20.00 per person will open the gates to seven lovely gardens and will benefit Amenia’s townscape committee, the Community Garden Club. Maps, directions and tickets are available at the Amenia Free Library. Tickets may also be purchased at any of the seven gardens on July 19th from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Ms. Diana King, program chairperson, will answer your queries at 845-373-9097. $20 adults, children free. Proceeds benefit Community Garden Club and fund town-wide plantings in Amenia and enhance its natural beauty. Directions to the gardens are downloadable from www.ameniany.gov or contact Vicki Doyle: 845-373-9550 or ameniadoyle@hotmail.com. You may remember two years ago, Amenia gave out dozens of spring bulbs to residents. It was a fantastic idea and has looked great for two springs now.

July 19, 10 AM, Extending the Season. Enjoy home-grown organic vegetables, all year round. Briana introduces vegetable varieties that favor cooler conditions, so you can extend your growing season into winter. You’ll also learn about crop storage methods for home and garden. The Phantom Gardener, 6837 Rt 9, Rhinebeck, 876-8606. $10

July 26, The Garden Conservancy Open Day - Millbrook, Pawling & Salt Point
http://www.gardenconservancy.org/opendays/events.pl?ID=67&SortBy=&State=New%20York. Click on FAQ for admission & details

July 26, Seed Saving Basics- Learn about the life cycles of many of your favorite heirloom vegetables and flowers. This hands-on workshop will show gardeners how to collect, clean, and store seeds for the next season. Workshop includes 30 Mile Lunch prepared by Holistic Health Counselor Carrie Schapker. $20 per person. $16 for Seed Library Members. Location TBA. Please register no less than 2 weeks in advance (whoops). ken@seedlibrary.org, www.SeedLibrary.org.

Opening the Eye of Writing, Free Two Week Workshop on Saturday, July 19 & 26, 10am – 12pm with Valerie Linet, published poet, clinical social worker and former OSP intern. Prose and poetry writing exercises as well as body awareness, guided imagery, and walking meditation techniques. At the Reuner Cancer Support House. To register, please call the Oncology Support Program at 845-339-2071 ext. 100 or email dblaha@benedictine.org. Space is limited.

Tonight, Friday, July 18, the Wappinger Creek Watershed Intermunicipal Council and the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies are co-hosting a free CreekWalk, 5-6:30pm, and Movie Night, 7-9pm, at the Cary Institute. Join the Cary Institute educators, from 5-6:30pm, for a walk along the Wappinger Creek while also sampling for macroinvertebrates and discussing water quality issues. Then from 7-9pm, in homage to the days of the double feature we will be hosting a double feature of the short animated film Dr.Seuss’s The Lorax, followed by the main feature, a documentary of Chris Swain’s swim of the Hudson River, Swim for the River. The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is located at 2801 Sharon Turnpike, Millbrook, NY. Since time is limited between events, if you plan on attending both, please pack a dinner to enjoy on the Cary Institute grounds. Families welcome! RSVP’s are appreciated. Contact Carolyn Klocker 845-677-8223 or cak97@cornell.edu.
Wappinger Creek Week will conclude on July 19th with a Nature Walkaround Thompson’s Pond in Pine Plains from 3-5pm. Gretchen Stevens of Hudsonia will be on hand to tell us more about the uniqueness of Thompson’s Pond and point out the diverse plants and animals that make their home there. Gretchen is the Director of Hudsonia’s Biodiversity Resources Center and has 27 years experience in remote sensing, habitat assessments, habitat mapping, rare plant surveys, and other field biology in the Northeast and elsewhere in the U.S. Meet at the Nature Conservancy’s trail head at 3pm. The trail begins from Lake Road in Pine Plains, NY. Once you have turned onto Lake Road from Route 82, go 1.6 miles until you reach the trailhead.
There is additional parking another 0.4 miles down Lake Road at the Stissing Mountain trailhead. Please RSVP at 845-677-8223. For more information about the Nature Conservancy and Thompson’s Pond go to:
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newyork/preserves/art12217.html. Free!

Vassar, July 18 – 21, the apprentices will perform William Shakespeare’s The Two Gentleman of Verona, adapted and directed by Anthony Luciano. The free performances begin at 6:30 pm at the Outdoor Amphitheater, and in case of inclement weather the performance will be given at the Mug (basement of Main Building). The protagonists Valentine and Proteus are the two gentlemen of Verona and best friends, who fall in love with the same woman, Silvia, the daughter of the Duke of Milan, when they travel to that city. However Julia (also of Verona) is in love with Proteus and travels there disguised as a young man to find him. Free!
Vassar Soundpainting: Late Night at the Lehman Loeb (July 24, 31). As part of the weekly “Late Night at the Lehman Loeb” series, the apprentices will present innovative “soundpainting” performances in the Main Galleries of the college’s Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center. These spontaneous and original performances will be inspired by the museum’s current exhibition, Facebook: Images of People in Photographs from the Permanent Collection, as well as other artworks in the collection.“Soundpainting” is a live composing sign language created in the 1970s by Walter Thompson for musicians, dancers, actors, poets, and visual artists. In this innovative, spontaneous type of performance, Mark Lindberg, the composer/conductor will utilize more than 750 gestures to indicate the type of improvisation desired of the performers. All the “Late Night at the Lehman Loeb” programs will begin at 6:00 pm and are free and open to the public.
Summerscape! Here is the schedule for the next two weekends and it looks just spectacular! If you have never gone, the Spiegeltent is the best place to be in Dutchess County.
Ben Neill and Bill Jones present a set of new music and interactive video for Neill’s newly designed electro-acoustic mutantrumpet. The composer/performer crosses the boundaries between experimental music, popular culture and jazz. Video artist Jones has created new interactive material for Neill’s set of future-dub jazz, inspired by sci-fi and noir film combining video and music in one hybrid form of expression, seamlessly integrated in real time by Neill’s performance on his one-of-a-kind mutantrumpet.
July 17 at 8:30 pm, $25

Trapèze. Music by Sergey Prokofiev, Choreography by Christopher Williams.
Christopher Williams, known for his wild and theatrical imagination, hyper-flexible athleticism, and inventive use of staging, reimagines the historic American premiere of Prokofiev’s lost ballet about the denizens of a circus. Cocreated in 1924–25 with Russian choreographer Boris Romanov, the expressionistic tale involves a ballerina, acrobats, tightrope walkers, sailors, clowns, and Chinese tumblers. Romanov originally envisioned a set made of interwoven ropes against which the dancers could leap and bounce. Unfortunately, artistic disagreements between the choreographer and the composer overshadowed the work. For the Spiegeltent, Christopher Williams Dance presents a new vision of this forgotten treasure, which premiered in 1925 in the tiny town of Gotha, Germany.
July 18 and 19 at 8:30 pm, $25, July 19 and 20 at 3:30 pm, $15 ($5 children)

Radio Archaeology
On July 20, Sunday 8:30 pm the Blue Ribbon Boys will open for Howard Fishman
On July 27, Sunday 8:30 pm Roswell Rudd/ Lafayette Harris Duo
In the spirit of her radio program on WKZE in Red Hook, New York, Bard alumna Raissa St. Pierre presents two shows of excitingly eclectic music. The July 20 double bill features guitarist Howard Fishman, who mines gems from the American songbook and makes them unmistakably his own, and the Blue Ribbon Boys, a string swing band from the Berkshires. Perennially avant trombonist Roswell Rudd teams up on July 27 with pianist Lafayette Harris. Listen for a mix of jazz, French rock and roll, gospel, Italian twist, ’60s soul, and African and Latin dance music between live music sets. For more info on Radio Archaeology, visit www.wkze.com.
July 20 and 27 at 8:30 pm, $25
And there is more serious stuff too, at the Fischer Center.

July 18 (Friday)
5:30 – 7:30 pm Dinner (Spiegeltent)
8:00 pm Uncle Ványa (Theater Two)
8:30 pm Trapeze (Spiegeltent)
10:00 pm SpiegelClub (Spiegeltent)

July 19 (Saturday)
2:00 pm Uncle Ványa (Theater Two)
3:30 pm Trapeze (Spiegeltent)
5:30 – 7:30 pm Dinner (Spiegeltent)
8:00 pm Uncle Ványa (Theater Two)
8:30 pm Trapeze (Spiegeltent)
10:00 pm SpiegelClub (Spiegeltent)

July 20 (Sunday)
3:00 pm Uncle Ványa (Theater Two)
3:30 pm Trapeze (Spiegeltent)
5:30 – 7:30 pm Dinner (Spiegeltent)
7:00 pm They Won’t Forget (Ottaway)
8:30 pm Radio Archaeology (Spiegeltent)
10:00 pm SpiegelClub (Spiegeltent)

Saturday July 19, 2008; 2:00 P.M.
BENEFIT EVENT FOR THE HOYT HOUSE
Please join us for an afternoon to benefit the Hoyt House and the efforts of the Calvert Vaux Preservation Alliance to stabilize and restore this Vaux creation. The event will include an outdoor chamber music performance, silent auction, tree planting ceremony, distinguished speakers, exhibitions, food and drink. Come and enjoy the Hoyt House’s beautiful natural setting, just a stone’s throw away from the majestic Hudson River.
The Calvert Vaux Preservation Alliance * P.O. Box 1106 * Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
www.calvertvaux.org, info@calvertvaux.org.

July 18th and 19th
Ancramdale Opera House
Chekhov Stories
Chekhov in 1888. On July 17th and 18th, we present a staged reading of two stories by Anton Chekhov, “The Man in a Case,” and “Gooseberries.” Chekhov wrote these linked stories of rural life at his villa near Yalta in the summer of 1898; they seem particularly appropriate for a July evening in Ancram.
The works will be read by our resident Chekhov ensemble - James Occhino, Jan Hanvik, Alison Granucci, Joan Arnold and Jim Paul - performing in a lively treatment of these delightful and moving masterpieces.
Friday, July 18th, 8pm
Saturday, July 19th, 8pm
Regular seating: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
www.ancramoperahouse.com.

The Rosendale Street Festival, on Main Street, Rosendale, NY, this weekend. 2 days, five stages, and 74 bands, food, crafts and many, many people.

AND

Vinegars! Last weekend was a vinegar extravaganza at the Monastery on Barmore Road. It was wonderful. You can buy Brother Victor’s vinegars at Red Devon and I highly recommend the Apricot and the Apple Cider. If you want to make your own vinegars, he also sells the mother.

One-year old Australian Cattle Dog, Eli, high energy, needing a backyard to run around in, probably needs some training and a master who can spend the time with him. He currently resides at the Arlington Animal Hospital, but Kim’s friend believes that there is a chance that the dog’s days may be numbered if a new home is not found soon. Please contact Arlington Animal Hospital (Rte. 44, past Adams in Poughkeepsie) or more information from Kim Mooers: wyldeflower@optonline.net. Someone once gave me excellent dog advice. A tired dog is a god dog. Other great advice, in slogan form, is if your dog is overweight, you are not getting enough exercise.

And a neutered female white cat. Very beautiful, very sweet, but needs to be indoor or house pet. Email me if you would like to be connected with the owner.

If you have a ‘Play ‘n Pac’ portable baby bed/playpen, someone would like to borrow or buy it. Same with a kids 18” bike with training wheels.

Did you know you can travel across the country without leaving a Republican Congressional district? www.whereisthered.com

West Side Story at the Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck. 845-876-3080. Opens tonight and goes to August 17.

James Sheldon of www.LittleTownViews.com will be speaking on property taxes, development and reassessment issues at the Gallatin Town Hall on Route 7 on Sunday, July 27, at 9:30 am.

The Garden Conservancy’s Open Day in Pawling, Millbrook and Salt Point. http://www.gardenconservancy.org/opendays/events.pl?ID=67&SortBy=&State=. at the (Duncan) Brine Garden, Pawling, NY, on Saturday, August 2, from 2-6 pm. For images, directions and more on the Open Day, go to
http://gardenlarge.com/brine-garden/the-garden-conservancy.

The Finks at Vassar’s Powerhouse Theatre. A sweeping tale of love and friendship, set against the trials and tragedy of the blacklist of the 1950s, is the basis of Joe Gilford’s Finks, directed by Charlie Stratton, that will receive its world premiere at Vassar and New York Stage and Film’s Powerhouse Theater with a cast led by Josh Radnor (star of CBS’s How I Met Your Mother) and Tony Award-nominated Jennifer Westfeldt (Wonderful Town, Kissing Jessica Stein), July 23 – August 3 . $35
Tickets may be purchased either online at http://powerhouse.vassar.edu, by calling the Powerhouse box office on campus at (845) 437-7235 or (845) 437-5599, or in person at the box office.

Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials is on July 25, 25 & 27. Schedule is on the website.
The Fitch’s Market has the largest selection of shops ever – more than 40 vendors will be offering their special products over the weekend. For early birds there will be several shops open on Friday from 1 – 6:00pm. Shopping for all will be on Saturday from noon – 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Market Bar will offer wine and beer. Returning this year will be the popular Madder Hatters, Punch and Pomegranate Seeds along with many new shops full of fashions, accessories, jewelry and gifts for horse and home.
Get your reservations in for the Spectator Luncheon on Sunday, which benefits the Millbrook Rescue Squad, voted Best in Duchess County in 2007. You will see the all volunteer members on grounds throughout the weekend, ready to help anyone who takes a fall or has an accident. Celebrity Guest Chef Cruz Goler of Lupa Osteria Romana, NYC, has created the gourmet menu which will be prepared by The Farmer’s Wife and feature local produce from Hudson Valley farms. Collector Car Parade with 15 vintage automobiles. Ladies, in hats, if convenient. To purchase go to www.fitchscorner.com and scroll to the social tab. Great Pims cups.
Competitors, Sponsors and Friends are invited to “A Knight to Remember” the theme for this year’s Blue Jean Ball. During cocktails, the Fitch’s Market will be open and there will be a performance by Paragon Jousting. Dinner will be followed by a concert by the Eric Hill Band and then knights and ladies will dance the night away to the DJ music of Joe Cool. To purchase tickets go to www.fitchscorner.com and scroll to the social tab.
There will be three performances of Jousting. On foot and on horseback, these knights will perform in the manner of the Middle Ages and in full tournament costume. The performances will be at noon, 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm on Saturday and are free to all.
www.fitchscorner.com

Vassar Soundpainting: Late Night at the Lehman Loeb (July 24, 31). As part of the weekly “Late Night at the Lehman Loeb” series, the apprentices will present innovative “soundpainting” performances in the Main Galleries of the college’s Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center. These spontaneous and original performances will be inspired by the museum’s current exhibition, Facebook: Images of People in Photographs from the Permanent Collection, as well as other artworks in the collection.“Soundpainting” is a live composing sign language created in the 1970s by Walter Thompson for musicians, dancers, actors, poets, and visual artists. In this innovative, spontaneous type of performance, Mark Lindberg, the composer/conductor will utilize more than 750 gestures to indicate the type of improvisation desired of the performers. All the “Late Night at the Lehman Loeb” programs will begin at 6:00 pm and are free and open to the public.
Bard! Spiegeltent! www.bard.edu or 845-758-7900 for the box office.
Wau Wau Sisters
“Irreverent, sacrilegious, lascivious!”— New York Times
Tanya Gagné and Adrienne Truscott, the eye-popping Wau Wau Sisters, return to charm and scandalize Spiegeltent audiences with their sassy, witty burlesque routines. Combining sexy allure and drop-dead comic timing, these ladies are equal parts seduction and slapstick. Not for everyone, but I found them amusing.
July 24 and 25 at 8:30 pm, $25
Paved Paradise
Conceived and performed by John Kelly
A poignant homage to folk-rock diva Joni Mitchell, lovingly performed by one of New York’s most talented multimedia artists. Award-winning John Kelly masterfully inhabits Joni’s persona and sings with an uncanny likeness to the smoky soprano herself. Too exquisite to be camp, too improbable to be anything else. (My note here – he is supposed to be fabulous and I think the early show is sold out).
July 26 at 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm, $25.
July 25 (Friday)
5:30 – 7:30 pm Dinner (Spiegeltent)
8:00 pm Harnasie/King Roger (Sosnoff)
8:30 pm Wau Wau Sisters (Spiegeltent)
10:00 pm SpiegelClub (Spiegeltent)
July 26 (Saturday)
5:00 pm Theodora Goes Wild (Ottaway)
5:30 – 7:30 pm Dinner (Spiegeltent)
8:30 pm Paved Paradise (Spiegeltent)
10:00 pm SpiegelClub (Spiegeltent)
July 27 (Sunday)
1:00 pm Opera Talk (Sosnoff)
3:00 pm Harnasie/King Roger (Sosnoff)
5:30 – 7:30 pm Dinner (Spiegeltent)
7:00 pm Midnight (Ottaway)
8:30 pm Radio Archaeology (Spiegeltent)
10:00 pm SpiegelClub (Spiegeltent)

The Millay Sisters, as a cabaret, at the Ancramdale Opera House. Regular seating: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. If you go, don’t forget Bottle Tree Grocery is close by.
www.ancramoperahouse.com.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008
All the world’s a stage, so get the kids enthused about none other than Shakespeare during the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival’s Family Night. The workshops for the Twelfth Night and Cymbeline are designed to expose youths and families to the literary genius through fun and interesting theatre games and improvisation. The workshops, geared toward children ages 8 to 15, will help kids understand the play they are about to witness. At Boscobel Restoration, 1601 Rte 9D Garrison, NY 10524. (845) 265-7858
www.hvshakespeare.org, 5 pm. Local families will be able to purchase tickets at a 43% discounted rate, $20 per ticket.

Wednesday, July 30 at 2:00 p.m.
Join us and enjoy the literary abilities of local residents, who call themselves “The Yarnspinners”, as they share their personal stories with us. Stories are funny, silly, serious, thoughtful, sentimental; as unique as each individual author. The Yarnspinners use their love of literature to pass on their heritage, culture, personal histories, observations and experiences. At the Millbrook Library.

Fundraising walk for Camp Lightheart, a free sleep away camp for children ages 8-15 who have a parent diagnosed with breast cancer. Saturday July 26- 9am - 2pm at Dietz Stadium in Kingston. Camp Lightheart will take place August 26 to August 29 at the Omega Institute Rhinebeck Campus. Walk starts at 10am. It is too late to register, but never too late to donate.
www.breastcanceroptions.org. If you have a child who would be interested in attending camp please call 845/339-4673. BREAST CANCER OPTIONS offers free education, support and advocacy services in the Hudson Valley and beyond.

Seany B’s has music again! Brutal Response plays tonight, around 9pm start. Phil Butta and The Last Rites play Saturday.

I am still in California, enjoying the landscape, but not the zero on air quality. Thank you so much for the vineyard recommendations. And I discovered BBQ Oysters.

With a small rest with the garden planted, and giving up early for getting it all weeded, I can commit to a mending night. Buttons need to be reattached, seams reconnected, things like that. If you are game for such an activity, or know much about sewing that you would like to share, please let me know.

If you have opinions on open space preservation, this is a great time to contact your legislator, as well as town council members, or all of them, and share your concerns, ideas and thoughts. Certainly, the county executive wants to know as well. www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/Legislature/CLlegislators.htm.

Sport sword classes at the Phoenix Center, in Arlington, by Vassar. Classes started July 10, when a free intro lesson is offered. Call for details and rsvp, 845-486-4525.

The Longreach Arts Gallery and Studio (GAS) Exhibition in Poughkeepsie will have a closing reception on Sunday July 13th 3:00-5:00pm. What a great idea!

Grieg blueberries are ripe, abundant, and delicious. $2.55/lb open 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

If you need a handmade gift for a special granddaughter, or an adult friend, Stickles in the heart of Rhinebeck is carrying some adorable hand-made clothes for children, and tote bags and other things for adults, all made by Leah Stickle herself! You can see her work at www.gomonkeydesign.com or www.gomonkeydesign.etsy.com

2nd Annual Grace Church Golf Tournament on July 14 (Monday) at the Millbrook Golf and Tennis Center. Lunch, golf, dinner. Guest speaker at the dinner is acclaimed political reporter Michael Kramer. Golf and lunch and dinner: $150, dinner only: $100. Call about sponsoring. RSVP to revdougfisher@msn.com or call 677-3064. Honestly, what else can you possibly have going on for Monday?

Saturday, July 12, 10:00am-12:00 pm. Pond and Stream Romp at Sharon Audubon Center. Small fee. Join teacher/naturalist Lynn Meehan (I wonder of this is the same Lynn Meehan who was my fifth grade teacher?) to explore the different underwater worlds of a pond and a stream at Audubon Sharon. You will look for the different plants and animals that live in the each place and discover which insect carries an air tank with it and which animal builds a house out of pebbles!
Each Saturday in July from 1-2:00 pm,
Audubon Sharon’s Resident Animals MEET AND GREET!
The Sharon Audubon has re-vamped its Adopt-an-Animal program and to jump start this program we invite you to come meet our resident animals. FREE! www.sharon.audubon.org Route 4, Sharon, CT 06069 / (860) 364-0520

Two fixed rabbits need a home. I am certain they are adorable. Email me if interested.

Dutchess County Open day for the Garden Conservatory. Two gardens in Amenia! www.gardenconservancy.org/opendays/events.pl?ID=66&SortBy=&State=.

July 13, 11- 4, 5th New Paltz Regional Garden Tour. Area residents and visitors alike can admire and gain inspiration from the ingenuity, creativity and loving efforts of the talented gardeners in our community. Each year the Garden Tour committee seeks a range of beautiful private gardens to highlight, from elegant, formal gardens to informal, meandering plots. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the Tour. Contact the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce at 845-255-0243 for more info.

July 16 Saving Seeds and Their Stories: Seeds, Books, and Backyard Gardens. Evening talk at Esopus Library. Free. ken@seedlibrary.org, www.SeedLibrary.org.

Nero at Vassar’s Powerhouse theatre. A black comic tale of the bad-body Emperor who fiddles as all faith in his country burns. Imagine that! July 11- 13 performances. Online ticket sales and information: http://powerhouse.vassar.edu. Box office: (845) 437-5599, (845) 437-7235.

Old Style Life Skills Series Workshop: keeping a family cow. Saturday, July 12, 2008, 10:00 - 1:00 at the Local Farm barn in Cornwall, CT. $35/person or $50/family of up to 4 members. Learn about finding, feeding, fencing, breeding, and caring for a cow. Try your hand at milking. Make butter, soft cheese, ice cream, and yoghurt. Bring a dish to share for a potluck lunch replete with all the goodies we make. Go home with recipes, resource lists, a copy of Grohman’s Keeping a Family Cow and MOOre. PLEASE pre-register with Debra@Motherhouse.us or 860 672-0229.

July 13 - Come to the Table: the first of a series of for-women-only workshops. Learn to safely use power tools while creating two styles of picnic tables. 10:00-4:00 at Perry Hill Farm in Amenia, NY. For more info, call Vicki at 845.877.3803 or visit: http://www.perryhillfarm.com/programsandevents/motherhouseworkshops.html.

Rosendale Café, Thu Jul 17. 8:00pm $10.00, Jesse Lege and Joel Savoy, two Louisiana greats, doing some dance music along with other band members. Why? Joel is up from Louisiana to play at the Grey Fox Festival (Joel, of the Savoy Family Band, is Wilson’s brother, of the Pine Leaf Boys, Ann’s son, of Magnolia Sisters, and an extraordinary fiddler–he used to play with the Red Stick Ramblers – got it?). And you get Jesse, too. Who is supposed to be terrific.

The Barrett School of Art offers a variety of art classes and workshops for all levels, from the beginner to the serious artist; weekdays, evenings and weekends, taught by talented and experienced instructors from the Hudson Valley. This July/August ’08, you can study DRAWING, PAINTING, CERAMICS PHOTOGRAPHY and PRINTMAKING at Barrett Art Center and Barrett Clay Works in Poughkeepsie. Workshops for those who don’t have the time for an art class. Some take just a few hours of your time.
Classes again in Millbrook, at the Thorne Building. In Millbrook you can take an Oil Landscape Painting class with Seth Nadel, Explore Pastels with Gene Cadore, Figure Drawing with Randy McIver, and teens (13-17 years old) can take a Digital Photography Class with Lori Adams.
Contact Barrett Art Center for a catalog (845-471-2550) or log onto www.barrettartcenter.org for more information.

Friday, July 11th at Cozzy’s Cafe in Pine Plains starting at 7PM, there’s no cover, Eric Hill will be joined by Rick Andracchio on guitar, Kevin Cortese on percussion, and Justin Hill on bass. It’s a great little restaurant (I’ve heard good things about the food) that’s kid friendly, with a fully equipped bar for the grownups and truly friendly staff. Details on Calendar page of www.erichill.net.

Ken Faranda has a few gigs this weekend. Friday July 11th 7:30-10:30pm at the Carriage House in Millbrook NY, with Acoustic Minstrels. Saturday July 12th 8:00 PM till closing at La Puerta Azul Millbrook NY, with The Triple Threat Band. Joe Bouchard, Bobby Macdougall, Kenny Faranda. The less than Average Height Band ROCKS again!
Sunday July 13 8:00 PM till closing at the Ciboney Café in Poughkeepsie NY. Kenny Faranda and The Poughkeepsie Blues Jam.

Phil Butta has a solo gig at the Dubliner in Poughkeepsie (what was the Derby). Saturday, July 12, 2- 6pm.

At la Puerta Azul, Friday July 11, Shorty King’s Club House 8-11pm

July 12 opening reception for Staats Fasoldt and Ed Berkise at the Doghouse Gallery, the little gem on Glasco Tpk. near the Woodstock day school. 4-6pm; Tom Wright’s delicacies will be available as well as advice from Peg.
The title of the show is “in the Dog House again” reflecting the artists previous exhibits at Gallery rather than any behavioral difficulties or conditions of forced incarceration.
Ed Berkise is the ultimate New Yorker from New Jersey, a high energy Business man with a long standing love of painting. He has had many shows of his work which is both is imaginative, and playful. His themes reflect the city life of his imagination, cocktail parties and business meetings channeled directly from the twilight zone. This year he has changed tracks a bit and is exhibiting farm related themes. The subjects are urbane roosters, and sophisticated cows, that may be thinking “to be on the farm or not to be…”
Staats Fasoldt is an instructor at the Woodstock School of Art where he has taught watercolor painting for 25 years. A popular artist who paints in a direct simple manner. Staats is known for his insightful teaching methods and many of the works in this show were done in his classes, recording his students at work. Join Ed and Staats for an afternoon of pre-modern pictorial rumination. The Doghouse Gallery, 429 Phillips Rd, Saugerties NY. 845-246-0402 (one mile east on Glasco from Rt 212).

Behind the Silver Screen Hollywood Horse Trainer Rex Peterson Clinic at Windrock Farm in Dutchess County July 15-17, 2008. Rex Peterson has trained many horses for film including Hidalgo, Horse Whisperer, Black Beauty, Appaloosa and many more. Rex has an amazing talent working with horses with patience and consistency, developing a strong bond with each horse. Do you have a specific challenge: loading, unruly behavior, or starting a young horse? Or do you just want to have fun learning more about a more positive partnership with your horse? If your goal is to learn how to work with your horse in a more consistent way with better control, less fear and clearer understanding, then this clinic is for you. Contact Cari Swanson on 914.456.3155 or email cari@cariswanson.com to book a session to work with Rex. For more information on Rex go to his web site www.rexpetersonhorsetraining.com or www.cariswanson.com.

It is a small haul to get there and restricted to singles and looks terrific. Sunday, July 13, 2008. If you’re single and haven’t been to X2O yet, tonight is your night! Single Gourmet – Metro NY is hosting a refined 4-course dinner at Peter Kelly’s Yonkers waterfront restaurant. Arrive early and enjoy the spectacular view while you mingle. Once you sit down for dinner, you’ll be completely focused on the food! Reservations required. X2O. 71 Water Grant St, Yonkers (914) 600-4267, www.SingleGourmet-MetroNY.com, 5 pm, drinks; 6 pm, dinner. $102 includes four-courses, glass of wine, tax, and gratuity. May I suggest carpooling?
The Garden Conservancy and the Jacob Burns Film Center present A MAN NAMED PEARL. Wednesday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. Pleasantville, New York. Calling all garden lovers! The improbable true story of Pearl Fryar, a sharecropper’s son whose simple desire to earn “Yard of the Month” in present-day small-town South Carolina unleashed a solitary, self-taught creation of one of the most spectacular topiary gardens anywhere. A Man Named Pearl is a beautiful and elegiac film that’s more than meets the eye: it’s about obsession, art, work, race, and the good things that come of things beautiful. 2006. 78 min. G. Introduction by Bill Noble, director, Garden Conservancy’s Preservation Projects and Q&A with Pearl Fryar, subject of the film. Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd, Pleasantville, NY 10570. $6 (members), $10 (nonmembers).

Oblong Books: Friday, July 11, 7:30pm in Rhinebeck
Sheila Weller, Girls Like Us. An evening with Sheila Weller, author of the New York Times Bestseller, Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon - and the Journey of a Generation. Girls Like Us is an epic treatment of midcentury women who dared to break tradition and become what none had been before them — confessors in song, rock superstars, and adventurers of heart and soul.
Saturday, July 12, 7:30pm in Rhinebeck, NOVEL NIGHT with Joanna Hershon - The German Bride and Jennifer Laura Epstein - The Painter from Shanghai. Two writers read from their acclaimed novels.
6422 Montgomery St. (aka Rt. 9), Rhinebeck, NY, 845-876-0500
26 Main Street, Millerton, NY, 518-789-3797 www.OblongBooks.com.

Wineries. I will be in Sonoma, close to Napa and then hanging around San Jose for a few days. If there are wineries you highly recommend taking a tour of, please let me know. Thanks!

Help the few farms that are here in Dutchess County and checkout local artist Tilly Strauss. http://www.dutchesstourism.com/agri-index.asp. Also, www.dutchesstourism.com/farm.asp to find a pick your own. As the bumper sticker wisely says, no farms, no food. Of course, farmer’s markets are terrific too. Millbrook’s is Saturday 9 – 1, Rhinebeck is Sunday, 10 -2.

As Red Devon has recently opened, we were not able to find them through directory assistance. So, www.reddevonrestaurant.com or 845-868-3175. Remember, BYOB.

FDA Recall hits home! Nestle Pure Life Purified Water. This announces a product recall for the one-gallon Nestle Pure Life Purified Drinking Water sold ONLY in Shop-Rite stores in the five Northeast states of Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. This affects ONLY the one-gallon size. Some of us haven’t bought Nestle products since the early 80’s, and some of us don’t buy bottled water that is transported across the globe. Problem is a cleaner in the water. Better than the arsenic in other bottled waters recently. www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/nestle06_08.html.

www.ruralintelligence.com provides food for thought.

Vassar College Exhibition of daughter Annabel Clarke’s photos to document Lynn Redgrave’s battle with breast cancer, June 27 – July 31 at the Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film. Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, (845) 264-2005, http://milesofhopebcf.org, Powerhouse Theater, (845) 437-5907. “These are not portraits. They are not glamorous. They are pictures of me going through [the illness],” Redgrave explained and I think that takes a tremendous amount of courage.

I have heard Cymbeline, performed by HV Shakespeare at Boscobel, is very entertaining. www.hvshakespeare.org, 845-265-9575.

At Upstate Films, Then She Found Me, Seduced and Abandoned, Mongol. 876-2515. www.upstatefilms.org.

Friday, June 27:

Madeleine Peyroux at the Bardavon. 473-2072. www.bardavon.org. If you have never heard her before and would like to know why I think she is so fabulous, www.madeleinepeyroux.com. The Bardavon has lots of seats left. In fact, if you order tickets, could you please tell them you heard about the concert through my list? Maybe then they’ll email me info and I won’t have to retype everything. Hope to see you there!

Saturday, June 28:
Morning Bird Walk, 8:00 am at the Miles Wildlife Sanctuary. Nominal fee. Join birder and Audubon Sharon’s Land Manager, Mike Dudek, for a morning bird walk in search of various warblers, thrushes and waterbirds on the Miles Wildlife Sanctuary property. Bring binoculars and/or a spotting scope if you have them! Registration is not required. www.sharon.audubon.org, Route 4, Sharon, CT 06069 (860) 364-0520.
Mother – Daughter Retreat, 10 -3, in Cornwall, CT. $35. Bring your own inner tube or join us renting a raft to splash down the beautiful Housatonic River to Housatonic Meadows State Park (which is really fun). Make campfire kebabs and decorate your hands with henna.Please pre-register with Debra@Motherhouse.us or 860 672-0229.

A ONE DAY BENEFIT for Jacques Charlas at the Millbrook School. Artists and friends of Jacques Charlas display their work for sale. All proceeds will be given to Jacques contributions are welcome. 4pm – 7pm. Some of the talent includes: Vincent Vallarino, Michael Gellatly, Laura Hammond Tonkel, Tilly Strauss, Albert Delamour, Fletcher Coddington, Therese Balagna, Bill Hardy, Carol Betsch, Ebbe Strathairn, Charlotte Scherer, Helen Hamada, Kardash Onnig, Karen Kisslinger, Millicent Cox, Noah Post and Susan Ferri. You may be astounded by incredibly talented artists that grace our county. The cause is worthy and the opportunity to purchase the works is not to be missed.

Soul Sacrifice and Ken Faranda at La Puerta Azul. 945-677-AZUL. 8pm start. They’re terrific!

Sunday, June 29:

The Menopause Discussion is planning a weed and garden walk with a workshop on identifying local herbs related to menopause and other woman’s issues. In the workshop you will learn to dry herbs for teas and infusions and make tinctures.
Woman of all ages are invited to join in. 5 ~ 7 p.m. crainkaren@hotmail.com

And coming up:
Please join us for the 2nd Annual Grace Church Golf Tournamenton July 14 (Monday) at the Millbrook Golf and Tennis Center. Lunch, golf, dinner. Guest speaker at the dinner is acclaimed political reporter Michael Kramer. Golf and lunch and dinner: $150, dinner only: $100. Call about sponsoring. RSVP to revdougfisher@msn.com or call 677-3064.

With a dear friend coming to visit for a few days, here are a few updates and ideas for this week…and some for next.

Wow, there were some very interesting and thought provoking answers to the raise in oil prices. Surprisingly, very few overlapped. Does anyone have a copy of Marching to the Drums: Eyewitness Accounts of War from the Charge of the Light Brigade to the Siege of Ladysmith by Ian Knight, that I can borrow? It is the book Robert Newman starts with in The History of Oil.

Can someone lend a bike to a four year old in August? 18″, training wheels and a cute basket would do the trick. For a little girl, but certainly does not have to be pink.

Wethersfield Garden is open for the season. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 12 - 5, free with great views and exquisite plantings. Call 373-8037 to schedule a carriage house tour.

Pirates of Penzance at the Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck from through June 22. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8pm and Sunday matinees are at 3pm. Tickets are $22 and $20 for seniors and children and are available by calling the Center Box Office at 845-876-3080 or going online www.centerforperformingarts.org.

Confused by all that “green” lingo? Help is right here: www.idealbite.com/tiplibrary/archives/terms-of-endearment.

Tuesday, June 17:

Millbrook Village Board Meeting
Village Hall, 7 pm. The County Infirmary is scheduled to come into discussion. Read more at http://www.millbrookmatters.org/article.php?aid=3.

Wednesday, June 18:

Strawberry or Rose Full Moon

Thursday, June 19:

Red Devon opens the restaurant doors this Thursday, June 19. In Bangall and I am really looking forward to eating there. Most everything on the menu is local. FYI, it is BYOB. May as well keep with their mission and bring organic or local. Or both.

Friday, June 20:

Summer Solstice in US. Solstice falls on June 21 in Europe.
Friday, June 20:

Shorty king’s clubhouse brings the best Post-War Jump, Swing, Rockin’ Boogie and Rhythm & Blues to La Puerta Azul at 8:00pm. Fine Food and Drinks, Great Crowd, and the Swingingest, Singingest Jump Band in the land!

In the Artist’s Studio, Millbrook Garden Club celebrates its 94th year with a flower show at Holbrook Arts Center, Millbrook School. For a glorious introduction to summer, what could be more inspiring than a dazzling exhibition of floral creations, plants and garden photographs in a superb art gallery setting?
On Friday, June 20, a small flower show. A Preview Party and Silent Auction will be held Friday evening, June 20, at 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Tickets are available in two levels, $60 for Patrons and $40 for Donors, and include a chance for a door prize. For tickets, please call 845-677-5434. In the Artist’s Studio is open free to the public Friday, June 20 from 1:00 - 3:30 and Saturday, June 21 from 9:30 - 3:30. Flower arrangements, integration with student works, photography and an important exhibit on ecology. Lots of terrific items in the Silent Auction too. Contact Mrs. Istar Mudge 845-677-6828 for more information.

Saturday, June 21:

Longreach Arts opening reception at Gallery and Studio (GAS) in Poughkeepsie, 5-8pm. Through July 13.

Birding Breakfast at the Sharon Audubon. 7am birding, 10am breakfast. Sharon Audubon Center. Free!
This is not your typical bird walk. Teams led by birding experts will be spreading out over the entire 1,147-acre property to take inventory of the birds that are using the Sharon Audubon Center as their summer breeding grounds. Not only will you potentially see parts of the grounds that you have never seen before, you will be treated to a breakfast after birding where you can mingle with other birders and compare notes. Birding will begin promptly at 7:00 and breakfast will be at 10:00. This fun event will provide information about the presence of birds that will help guide management activities for the property.
Registration is required to allow set up appropriate teams make sure there is enough food! Please contact Wendy at (860) 364-0520 x21 or wmiller@audubon.org to register.
To celebrate the summer solstice, the Audubon Sharon Nature Store will be having a 20% off sale on all tee shirts and field guides on Saturday, June 21 from 9am until 5 pm. www.sharon.audubon.org,Route 4, Sharon, CT 06069 / (860) 364-0520

Clearwater Festival at Croton Point Park. www.clearwaterfestival.org
Antique appraisal day at the Millbrook Library from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you can carry it…we can appraise it. The Millbrook Free Library and the Town of Washington/Village of Millbrook Historical Society will be holding our first Antique Appraisal. The public is invited to bring items to the Millbrook Free Library and have our local appraisers examine the article and let you know the value of your treasures. All items must be carried into and out of the Library by their owners; no assistance in moving your items will be available. The charge will be $10.00 for the first item; $5.00 for each additional item. No registration is required; items will be appraised on a first come first served basis.
For more information, please call Laurie Duncan at the Millbrook Free Library – 845-677-3611 ext. 5.

Meditteranean Night Recital at the hopewell reformed church, 143 beekman rd, hopewell jct. 7pm, $18. rsvp required in advance by 6/18/08 as seating is limited. light snack & refreshments. invite your family & friends to share in our dance accomplishments throughout the year. solo & group performances performed from dance class. 50/50 raffle. open dancing for everyone in between performances arabic, turkish, latin, spanish, fusion dances. Traditional Group Dances Welcome, Greek, Arabic Debke, Israeli Folk (Miserlou). Contact Sarah Bell, 914-874-4541, www.dancingwithsarah.com.

Sunday, June 22:

Restorative Workshop with Nancy Causey at the Half Moon Yoga Barn. Restorative yoga is a delicious experience of guided relaxation, breathing instruction, embodied explorations and silence. Using simple yoga postures and the full body support of bolsters and blankets to relax and rejuvenate the body, soul, and spirit. 2:30 ~ 5:00 PM $35 Space is limited. Please be ready to reserve your place with payment.

Wednesday, June 25:

It is on Long Island City, but an old friend who is an incredibly talented artist has an exhibit opening at his studio.

Half way to Christmas, IchiBan in Apple Valley celebrates its fifth anniversary with 30% off on food.

Thursday, June 26:

Millbrook Planning Board Meeting, Village Hall 7:30 pm

Friday, June 27:

Madeleine Peyroux at the Bardavon. 473-2072.

Saturday, June 28:

A ONE DAY BENEFIT for Jacques Charlas at the Millbrook School. Artists and friends of Jacques Charlas display their work for sale. All proceeds will be given to Jacques contributions are welcome. 4pm – 7pm. A list of participating artists will be included next week.

Sunday, June 29:

The Menopause Discussion is planning a weed and garden walk with a workshop on identifying local herbs related to menopause and other woman’s issues. In the workshop you will learn to dry herbs for teas and infusions and make tinctures.
Woman of all ages are invited to join in. 5 ~ 7 p.m. crainkaren@hotmail.com

Maybe one of you financial people can explain the answer about “Why did oil go up so much?” This was the topic at dinner a few nights ago at our house, as it certainly has been throughout the country. And no one seems to know.

Did I mention my brother’s finance is abroad and we have her car in our driveway with a big For Sale sign? 2006 Suzuki Aerio SX, all wheel drive, and she says it gets about 25 on country roads, over 27 on highway.

Check out the NYT article on HV restaurants and you may see places and you recognize or plan to visit. http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/05/30/travel/escapes/30hudson.html?scp=1&sq=%22pine+plains%22&st=nyt.

RubberMaid exchange: I took advantage of the second day of the heatwave to assess what had become an obscene collection of plastic ware. If you feel compelled to do the same, I have an extra top, B, and bottoms 1 and G.

Friday, June 13:

Uncle Vanya Cast and Cocktails in Germantown. 6-8. Uncle Vanya will be performed at Bards Summerscape. www.artsmidhudson.org

Saturday, June 14:

Millbrook is the place to be this Saturday! Farmer’s market from 9 to 1, Historical Society annual tea at 3, Art in Loft at the Millbrook Winery, 5-7 and then The Eric Hill Band returns to Charlotte’s. This is to benefit Muirhead Outreach of Fife, Scotland and the $5 cover charge and CD sales will be donated to this children’s aid organization that Eric supports. Guitarist Rick Andracchio, bassist Justin Hill and drummer Kevin Cortese will join Eric in rocking through a selection of original songs from Hill’s three releases, “Mended Again,” “Head Over Heels,” and “Second Sight,” as well as some new tunes. Guitarist Jim Lynch, Erie, Pa., will make a special guest appearance. The band will be playing in the big room at Charlotte’s which has great acoustics, a dance floor, its own bar and a café menu. There will be dancing! Have dinner at Charlotte’s and then catch the show or come on over at 9 and join the party. Charlotte’s is a family friendly venue so kids are welcome. It is going to be a busy day!

Morning Bird Walk at the Sharon Audubon. 8:00 am, Miles Wildlife Sanctuary. Audubon Members: $3 adults, $1.50 children, Non-members: $5 adults, $3 children
Join birder and Audubon Sharon’s Land Manager, Mike Dudek, for a morning bird walk in search of various warblers, thrushes and waterbirds on the Miles Wildlife Sanctuary property. Bring binoculars and/or a spotting scope if you have them. Miles Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 99 West Cornwall Road in Sharon.
www.sharon.audubon.org, Route 4, Sharon, CT 06069 / (860) 364-0520.

Local artist and photographer Claudia Gorman, and other local artists Jack Neubauer; and David Wiseltier are have a show at the Art in the Loft at the Millbrook Winery, 26 Wing Road, Millbrook. The show is already installed, and runs through June 29th. Feel free to stop in anytime and/or join us for a reception with the artists (good wine and nibbles), 5-7pm. For more information click here: http://millbrookwine.com/pws/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=15.

10 AM, Tomatoes II: Maintenance- Got your seedlings in the ground? Now let Briana show you the maintenance techniques that will help ensure a bountiful harvest. Topics include trellising, pruning for disease control, weeding, airflow and pest control. Bring your own questions! The Phantom Gardener, 6837 Rt 9, Rhinebeck, 876-8606. $10.

Milbrook/Washington Historical Society Annual Tea at 3pm, Hallmark Farm. Members only please, but it is easy enough to become a member and you can sign up that day. http://mhs.vh.net.

Antique cars in Millbrook.

Antique Motorcycle Club of America National Meet and Antique Machinery Show in Rhinebeck, at the DC Fairgrounds. Also on Sunday. 876-4001, www.dutchessfair.com

Start of Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival. Goes to August 24. www.jacobspillow.org, 413-243-0745.

Norman Rockwell Museum opens the exhibit Raw Nerve, Political Art of Steve Brodner. www.nrm.org or 413-298-4100.

Music Mountain starts their summer series with Chorus Angelicus, Connecticut’s premier child choir, with guest soloists and a fantastic line up of greatest hits since the 1600’s. 6:30pm, www.musicmountain.org.

Bard Hudson Valley Chamber Music Circle, Olin Hall, 8pm. 518-537-6665.

Sunday, June 15:

Music Mountain at 3pm, special benefit for the operating fund. St Petersburg string quartet playing Shostakovich, Debussy and Schumann. 860-824-7126.

Friday, June 20:

Shorty king’s clubhouse brings the best Post-War Jump, Swing, Rockin’ Boogie and Rhythm & Blues to La Puerta Azul at 8:00pm. Fine Food and Drinks, Great Crowd, and the Swingingest, Singingest Jump Band in the land!

Saturday, June 21:

Longreach Arts opening reception at Gallery and Studio (GAS) in Poughkeepsie, 5-8pm. Through July 13.

Clearwater Festival at Croton Point Park. www.clearwaterfestival.org
Antique appraisal day at the Millbrook Library from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you can carry it…we can appraise it. The Millbrook Free Library and the Town of Washington/Village of Millbrook Historical Society will be holding our first Antique Appraisal. The public is invited to bring items to the Millbrook Free Library and have our local appraisers examine the article and let you know the value of your treasures. All items must be carried into and out of the Library by their owners; no assistance in moving your items will be available. The charge will be $10.00 for the first item; $5.00 for each additional item. No registration is required; items will be appraised on a first come first served basis.
For more information, please call Laurie Duncan at the Millbrook Free Library – 845-677-3611 ext. 5.

Meditteranean Night Recital at the hopewell reformed church, 143 beekman rd, hopewell jct. 7pm, $18. rsvp required in advance by 6/18/08 as seating is limited. light snack & refreshments. invite your family & friends to share in our dance accomplishments throughout the year. solo & group performances performed from dance class. 50/50 raffle. open dancing for everyone in between performances arabic, turkish, latin, spanish, fusion dances. Traditional Group Dances Welcome, Greek, Arabic Debke, Israeli Folk (Miserlou). Contact Sarah Bell, 914-874-4541, www.dancingwithsarah.com.

Sunday, June 22:

Restorative Workshop with Nancy Causey at the Half Moon Yoga Barn. Restorative yoga is a delicious experience of guided relaxation, breathing instruction, embodied explorations and silence. Using simple yoga postures and the full body support of bolsters and blankets to relax and rejuvenate the body, soul, and spirit. 2:30 ~ 5:00 PM $35 Space is limited. Please be ready to reserve your place with payment.

Wednesday, June 25:

It is on Long Island City, but an old friend who is an incredibly talented artist has an exhibit opening at his studio. More details next week, but do let me know if you’d like to carpool. www.delahaba.com or between nothingness and paradise.

Half way to Christmas, IchiBan in Apple Valley celebrates its fifth anniversary with 30% off on food.

Friday, June 27:

Madeleine Peyroux at the Bardavon. 473-2072.

Saturday, June 28:

A ONE DAY BENEFIT for Jacques Charlas at the Millbrook School. Artists and friends of Jacques Charlas display their work for sale. All proceeds will be given to Jacques contributions are welcome. 4pm – 7pm. A list of participating artists will be included next week.

Sunday, June 29:

The Menopause Discussion is planning a weed and garden walk with a workshop on identifying local herbs related to menopause and other woman’s issues. In the workshop you will learn to dry herbs for teas and infusions and make tinctures. Woman of all ages are invited to join in. 5 ~ 7 p.m. Karen Crain: crainkaren@hotmail.com

For those wanting to see a great play, The 39 Steps was fabulous. Have fun and preface it with seeing the 1935 Hitchcock.

Thai House in Hyde Park was surprisingly fresh and tasty. Next time you are craving Tom Ka Kai, they are on 9G in Hyde Park.

June 7th is Red Hook Hazardous Waste Days sponsored by Dutchess County Resource Recovery Agency. Call 845-463-6020 to register and clear your home of all of those toxins, paints and hazardous waste that is lurking in the basement and garage.

June 12 is the town board meeting for Washington, not June 5. Sorry.

The Ladies Man is a play at Shakespeare and Co in Lenox, MA. And it looks mischievously funny with the quote “One cannot read a husband’s mind without reading his mail”. www.shakespeare.org 413-637-3353 and goes all summer.

Summer camp at the Sharon Audubon. Spaces available for some of their Summer Programs. Early Childhood Discovery: This is for 3 and 4 year olds, along with a parent or guardian. Coming up soon, June 23-27 from 9-11am. This is a great way to spend time with your little one outdoors learning about the nature around us! For 4 and 5 years olds, there is space in Aquatic Adventures, which is also June 23-27 from 1-4 pm. Also, Animal Boogie, which is June 30-July 3 (no camp on July 4.) For the 9-11 year olds, Serious Science session, July 7-11 from 10am-3pm and also the Bird’s the Word session, July 21-25 from 10-3. They have limited scholarships available for those needing financial assistance. Anyone with children interested in attending these great programs should contact Wendy at (860)364-0520 x21 or wmiller@audubon.org for a registration form or print one off of our website at www.sharon.audubon.org.

Thursday, June 5:

Vassar shows Talk to Her, 2002. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, This is part of the Out of Shape: Stylistic Distortions of the Human Form in Art from the Logan Collection Outdoor Film Series, 7:30 pm and will held on the Chapel Lawn or in Taylor, room 203, if it rains.
Talk to Her tells the interwoven stories of two comatose women and the men that love them. Using a nonlinear narrative, Almodóvar shows how these characters have come to know each other, how each of the women fell comatose, and their respective fates. Thematically focused on the difficultly of communication between the sexes, infidelity, and loneliness, the film’s originality springs from its combination of traditional storytelling and bizarre dreamscapes.

Friday, June 6:

The 13th Annual Locust Grove Garden Party, Reflections on the Hudson. Cocktails, filet mignon, trips to tropical destinations (as part of the Silent Auction) and dancing to New Orleans funk. The Garden Party is the largest annual fund-raiser for Locust Grove, with a goal of $85,000. Individual tickets are $150. Table sponsorships are still available at $3,000, $2,500 and $1,500 levels, and Silent Auction donations are still being sought.
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres begin at 5:30 pm. Catering is by Oliver Kita Fine Catering and music is by Crawdaddy. For information about sponsorships, Garden Party Journal advertising or to purchase tickets, contact Ann Melious, Director of Development, at 845 454-4500, ext. 12; a.melious@lgny.org. www.lgny.org for more info.

Opening reception for the Works of Lenny Beecher at the Millbrook School, 5:30 -7:30. Exhibit on only thru June 16. M-F 8AM – 4PM, Sat 8AM – 1PM, Sunday by appointment, contact bhardy@millbrook.org. The postcard shows a fun and colorful painting.

Bard Music Festival Preview at Wethersfield. 5:30 – 7:30. This is a fundraiser for a great program and it is not inexpensive, but it is tax deductible. Call to see if tickets are still available, 845-758-7414 or email guido@bard.edu.

If you are in Rhinebeck on Friday or Saturday, 4 to 6, swing by Old Mill Wines. They are offering tastings of roses. As they say, ROSÉ IS THE NEW PINK.

Saturday, June 7:

Silver Ribbon Tour. www.dutchesscountyhistoricalsociety.org highlights Millbrook. Advance tix are $35 (member), $40 (non-member) or $50 on the tour day at Tour Center, St. Peter’s Parish Hall, Deep Hollow Road, Lithgow (between Millbrook and Amenia). Or $100 discounted ticket for both all-day tour and A Taste of Millbrook in the evening at Millbrook Vineyard. If you are on the tour, I will be at Woodside. Please say hello!
For more info about the Taste of Millbrook, www.MillbrookEducationalFoundation.org, including auction items like a week at a “casa” in Spain, a house in Mexico with views of Cancun Bay or a weekend on a lovely Vermont lakefront.

Tick Talk! 10:00 am at Sharon Audubon Center with Sue Perlotto & Dr. Douglas Finch of Sharon Hospital and it is FREE. The Northwest Corner of CT, as well as Dutchess County, is covered with ticks, some as small as a pin head waiting to hitch a ride on its next unsuspecting host. During this program, you will get to know the different types of ticks that live in the area and learn how to avoid them while spending time outdoors. Learn what to do if you find a tick on yourself or your child, and gain more information on Lyme Disease. www.sharon.audubon.org. Route 4, Sharon, CT 06069 / (860) 364-0520

Gallery Opening at Millbrook for Michael Davidoff, from 5 – 8. Lots of beautiful landscapes and barns. 677-6699. www.millbrookgalleryandantiques.com.

19 Hudson Bush Annual Plant Sale & Garden Exchange, 10-2 PM. Clermont State Historic Site. More than 30 vendors of heritage and heirloom plants. ($5 per vehicle event fee). www.friendsofclermont.org.

Hudson Valley Chamber Music Circle with the Tokyo String Quartet at Bard, Olin Hall, 8pm. Not a free concert, but probably not very costly either. 518-537-6665.

Three artist show from 4-6PM, in the WAA Gallery in Washington, CT. The Washington Art Association is a not-for-profit organization; dedicated, for the past 56 years, to bringing art to the community! Washington Art Association 4 Bryan Plaza PO Box 173 Washington Depot CT 06794 860-868-2878. Runs to July 6.

Sunday, June 8:

PICTURES AT A REVOLUTION: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood will be at Upstate Films. Harris will introduce a special screening of the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde and sign copies of his book at a reception following the screening. The screening begins at 1:00pm and a reception with the author will follow. This special event is part the Dutchess County Arts Council’s Arts Fund Out of the Box series, a fundraiser for the 2008 Arts Fund. Attendees will be requested to make a contribution to the 2008 Arts Fund at the event. Reservations are required and can be made by calling or sending an email to info@artsmidhudson.org. The book will be available for purchase at Oblong Books in Rhinebeck before the screening and at the reception. A portion of book sales will benefit the 2008 Arts Fund.

Saturday, June 14:

Local artist and photographer Claudia Gorman, and other local artists Jack Neubauer; and David Wiseltier are have a show at the Art in the Loft at the Millbrook Winery, 26 Wing Road, Millbrook. The show is already installed, and runs through June 29th. Feel free to stop in anytime and/or join us for a reception with the artists (good wine and nibbles), 5-7pm. For more information click here: http://millbrookwine.com/pws/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=15.

10 AM, Tomatoes II: Maintenance- Got your seedlings in the ground? Now let Briana show you the maintenance techniques that will help ensure a bountiful harvest. Topics include trellising, pruning for disease control, weeding, airflow and pest control. Bring your own questions! The Phantom Gardener, 6837 Rt 9, Rhinebeck, 876-8606. $10.

Milbrook/Washington Historical Society Annual Tea at 3pm, Hallmark Farm. Members only please, but it is easy enough to become a member and you can sign up that day. http://mhs.vh.net

Tickets! Bard’s Summerscape is around the corner, as is Vassar’s Powerhouse. This is the time to get those. www.bard.edu and www.vassar.edu and just look for Summerscape or Powerhouse.

Another short list as I am off for a few days. If you have any NYC suggestions for this weekend, please email me. I can pick up email, but can only send brief and cryptic replies. Thank you!

Friday, May 30:

Phil Butta plays at the Carriage House, off Alden Place, in Millbrook. 7:30 – 10:30.

Blade Runner at Upstate. www.upstatefilms.org, 876-2515.

Saturday, May 31:

Millbrook Farmer’s Market, 9 to 1. www.millbrookfarmersmarket.com.

Barrett Art Center presents the 5th Annual Great Millbrook Paint Out Live and Silent Art Auction. Fine art paintings & drawings of Hudson River Valley scenes in oil, pastel, acrylic & watercolor by 50 professional artists. Artists Paint 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Auction Viewing & Reception 4 - 5 p.m., Live & Silent Auction 5:15 - 6:30 p.m. Hors d’Oeuvres & Libations. The Thorne Building 33-23 Franklin Avenue (corner of Franklin and Maple) Downtown Millbrook, For more information contact: Barrett Art Center, 845- 471-255 www.barrettartcenter.org. Also, they will have summer courses in Poughkeepsie and Millbrook.

Garden Conservancy Open Tours, also on Sunday. www.gardenconservancy.org.

The recently opened Mexican restaurant, Le Mariachi Loco, at 2 Delafield Ave. in Poughkeepsie, will be the site for the Rodney Douglas New Day Repertory production of Home by the playwright Samm Art Williams. A light buffet supper will be served between 7pm and 8pm when the play will begin. I have tasted their catering and it was exceptionally good.
The ticket price for delicious food, beverages, and memorable play is $30 per person.
Call New Day Repertory at 845-485-7399 to reserve. Tickets will also be available at the restaurant on a first come basis. Space is limited.
The restaurant is closed for business after 5pm on the day of the production. Parking is available in the restaurant’s lot to the west of the entrance.

Monday, June 2:

Grand opening of the 2008 John Hall for Congress campaign office on 554 Main Street, Beacon. Come meet Congressman Hall, elected officials from NY-19 and the committed staff, volunteers and supporters as we kick-off our campaign to re-elect John Hall to Congress. From 1:30-2:30pm. Please RSVP to rsvp@johnhallforcongress.com.

Friday, June 6

The Annual Locust Grove Garden Party, Reflections on the Hudson
The 13th Annual Locust Grove Garden Party, Reflections on the Hudson, has cocktails, filet mignon, trips to tropical destinations (as part of the Silent Auction) and dancing to New Orleans funk.
The Garden Party is the largest annual fund-raiser for Locust Grove, with a goal of $85,000. Individual tickets are $150. Table sponsorships are still available at $3,000, $2,500 and $1,500 levels, and Silent Auction donations are still being sought.
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres begin at 5:30 pm. Catering is by Oliver Kita Fine Catering and music is by Crawdaddy. For information about sponsorships, Garden Party Journal advertising or to purchase tickets, contact Ann Melious, Director of Development, at 845 454-4500, ext. 12; a.melious@lgny.org. www.lgny.org for more info.

Opening reception for the Works of Lenny Beecher at the Millbrook School, 5:30 -7:30. Exhibit on thru June 16. M-F 8AM – 4PM, Sat 8AM – 1PM, Sunday by appointment, contact bhardy@millbrook.org.

Saturday, June 7:

Silver Ribbon Tour
Taste of Millbrook
Gallery Opening at Millbrook for Michael Davidoff

PICTURES AT A REVOLUTION: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood will be at Upstate Films on June 8, 2008. Harris will introduce a special screening of the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde and sign copies of his book at a reception following the screening. The screening begins at 1:00pm and a reception with the author will follow. This special event is part the Dutchess County Arts Council’s Arts Fund Out of the Box series, a fundraiser for the 2008 Arts Fund. Attendees will be requested to make a contribution to the 2008 Arts Fund at the event. Reservations are required and can be made by calling or sending an email to info@artsmidhudson.org. The book will be available for purchase at Oblong Books in Rhinebeck before the screening and at the reception. A portion of book sales will benefit the 2008 Arts Fund.

Between gardening, chicks, work and house things like the occasional cooking or cleaning, this is the time of year that there is not enough time in the week to write up a decent list of what is available. And proof read it for run on sentences. Ergo, I’m not and taking a week off.

But there are a few things to keep in mind:

Rummage Sale in Verbank tomorrow, Saturday, on the Green.

Trevor Zoo and Innisfree are some of the best places around to take your out of town guests.

Seems everyone is looking for chickens. If you have surplus chicks or hens, or want roosters, please let me know.

My house in the village has a few tenants lined up for the summer, but not every week. Please keep it in mind for those overflow guests and relations! And if you do have a place to post a flier, I am happy to email one to you!

And planning for next Memorial Day? Well, my cousin Eric does something unusual. He drives in the BABE rally. www.baberally.com. The idea kind of like Survivor in a less than $250 car, New York to New Orleans. BABE is Big Apple to Big Easy, of course.

I have been seeing fireflies for about the past two weeks. It seems early. Fireflies, not UFO’s.

Did anyone remember to vote on the school budget? The date was on the back of the Messenger for the MCSD. Clearly, I did not see it until the day after.

If you are looking for work or workers, please send me a brief description and contact info. Also, house sitting and sitters. I cannot coordinate for people, but am happy to share the info you send.

Leclerc Loom, 36 inch, 4 harness, 6 treadle floor loom with loom bench, original owner $950.00; Mountain Loom Company 22 inch, 8 harness tabletop loom with stand, original owner $250; large quantity of assorted fabric; large quantity of assorted machine knitting yarn too. Call 223-1244.

Heard The Visitor at Upstate Films is not to be missed. www.upstatefilms.org. Also, ROMAN DE GARE and ALEXANDRA. Next weekend, on May 30, BLADE RUNNER and UP THE YANGTZE. 876-2515.

Rhinebeck Antiques Fair May 24 and 25. www.dutchessfair.com

Vanderbilt Garden Association Plant Sale, May 24-26. Looks like a great place to find those plants missing from your house or garden. www.vanderbiltgarden.org. And if you have never gone, both the house and the gardens are fascinating.

Starting this weekend The Bottle Tree will be open on Friday nights for a 8 PM seating. Saturday nights for two seatings, one at 6 PM and one at 8:30 PM. It is BYOB. Also, Sundays brunch from 10-2 pm. 518-329-0444, or email thebottletreeg@aol.com for menus, questions and reservations.

Friday, May 23:

5 -8 is the Maple Brook Annual Art Show Reception. Shows goes to June 1. 373-7754, www.maplebrookschool.org.

Saturday, May 24

Tree & Fern ID Walk
9:00 am -12:00, Adults and older children, Sharon Audubon CenterThere are many species of trees and ferns out there, and they can be tricky to identify. Ron will show us some easy methods to identify the more common ferns and trees found in the area, plus throw in some amazing facts about these incredible flora! www.sharon.audubon.org, Route 4, Sharon, CT 06069 / (860) 364-0520

Duomundo; dance buffet. All you can dance, five bucks. T.xiuqes-drums, studio stu-bass/vocals at the muddy cup, 516 broadway, kingston 845-338-3881 www.muddycup.com/kingston.

As Team Millbrook will not be walking the AIDS Walk this year, Jeffrey is. He’s nearly at his goal. http://aidswalknewyork2008.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=262058&u=262058-211146652&e=1633824434

I had a lovely afternoon in Rhinebeck earlier this week, ending with a tea from Samuels for the ride home. It was exceptionally good. Also, they have chocolate. The good stuff. Vosges, which is obscene at $7 a bar until you taste it.

IES Greenhouse is emptying its historic stock. Plants need new homes, as do other things like clay pots. Bigger plants need homes too.

A new farm bill has been passed, H.R. 2419. You can read more about it at www.johnhallforcongress.com and www.gillibrand.house.gov.

Madeleine Peyroux is coming to the Bardavon on June 27. Tickets still available, www.bardavon.org or 473-2072.

If you join the Washington/Millbrook Historical Society, you can come to the annual tea, held at a very special place. http://mhs.vh.net.

Friday, May 16:

The Start of the First Annual Millbrook Book Festival. Lots of panels and lots of authors, Friday and Saturday. www.millbrookbookfestival.org-a.googlepages.com/home Will start on Friday at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies with a panel discussion and lab tours. Will continue Saturday with panel discussions with authors at locations all over Millbrook, story time for children and other activities. www.millbrookbookfestival.org. Restaurants, shops and churchs are participating, as well as dozens of authors and photographers.

Start of Sidewalk days in Rhinebeck, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Get the passport and win a chance for $100 gas card. That equates about 600 miles of travel on my car. Thus I can drive to Rhinebeck and back many times if I win…

The spring concerts conclude at 8 pm in Olin Hall, with the Bard Orchestra, directed by Nathan Madsen, featuring the winner of the Music Program’s annual concerto competition. For information on these events at Bard, call 845-758-7250 or visit www.bard.edu.

The annual Master Gardener Plant Sale will be held May 16 (10-4) and May 17 (9-2) at the Dutchess County Farm & Home Center, 2715 Rt 44, Millbrook. Annuals, tropicals and vegetables (including heirlooms). Volunteers will be on hand to help you with your selections and answer gardening questions. This year we will also have a special guest to help our customers. Steve Brink, ISA certified arborist with Savatree, will be available to answer questions about tree care.

EXERCISE AND MOVEMENT METHOD FOR BREAST CANCER. Sherry Lebed Davis will come to Vassar Brothers Medical Center on May 16-18 to teach the 3 day Lebed Method Certification workshop.
The Lebed Method, Focus on Healing uses therapeutic exercise and movement to help people with breast cancer, lymphedema, all cancers and chronic illness. It is a therapeutic medically based and published exercise and movement program to help with the physical effects of illness.
Anyone interested in becoming certified in this method of healing should contact Mrs. Davis directly: info@lebedmethod.com For more information: www.lebedmethod.com.

Kent River Road Bird Walk

8-11 am, for adults. Meet at Kent Town Hall at 8:00 am
Join expert birder Bob Moeller for this walk which has become a tradition for the Audubon Center. There’s no telling what we may see or hear along this beautiful trail that follows the Housatonic River. Bob will help identify various species of warblers, thrushes, waterbirds and many others by sight and sound. Bring binoculars and/or a spotting scope if you have them!

Sitelines Hudson Valley Art Fair at Tallix in Beacon. www.sitelinesartfair.com

Newburgh Symphony Orchestra has a performance of works by Glazunov, Reger and Shostakovich. 845-913-7157 www.newburghsymphony.org

The Bard Orchestra, conducted by Nathan Madsen, presents a concert on Friday, May 16, at 8:00 p.m. in Olin Hall. The free concert features a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations, with soloist Lydia Spielberg ‘09, cello, winner of the Bard Orchestra’s 2008 Concerto Competition. Also on the program is Copland’s Quiet City and Haydn’s Symphony No. 99. No reservations are necessary; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

SHORTY KING’S CLUBHOUSE Brings the best Post-War Jump, Swing, Rockin’ Boogie and Rhythm & Blues to Cozzy’s, in Pine Plains. 8:00pm. rock out with the Swingingest, Singingest Jump Band in the land! (518) 398-7800

Saturday, May 17:

Raptor Aviary Maintenance Day. The Sharon Audubon Center is now home to 24 different birds including hawks, owls, vultures, an eagle, raven, crow and others. The majority of our resident education birds reside in large outside aviaries and, over time, the cages get dirty, perches get old and rot and growing vines and weeds need to be trimmed. Volunteers are needed to help with the annual spring cleaning of our raptor aviaries, which includes power washing aviary walls, adding new gravel to the aviary floors, providing new perching options for the birds and other maintenance-related tasks. Please join us for this fun and rewarding maintenance day! 9am. For more information, please contact Erin at 860-364-0520 x11.

Two workshops at the Washington Art Association, Peonies in Watercolor, a one day plein-aire workshop with Dorie Petrochko (an unusual opportunity to study the tree peony!) 10am – 4pm
Join artist Dorie Petrochko at the Cricket Hill Gardens in Thomaston, CT for a day of plein air painting tree peonies in watercolor. In China, the tree peony or Mudan is the national flower, and is highly regarded as a symbol of wealth, fortune, goodluck, prosperity and happiness. Tree peonies bloom for only 20 days and therefore this class will be held to take advantage of its peak blooming time. If there is heavy rain on Saturday May 17th, the class will be held on Sunday May 18th.
Framing for Artists
A one day workshop with Nancy Lasar, of West Wind Studio LLC 10am – 4pm
This is Washington, Connecticut. 860.868.2878.

Trade Secrets weekend – shop on the 17th and be inspired on the 18th with the garden tours. www.tradesecretsct.com. At LionRock Farm in Salisbury for the sale on Saturday and tours start 10am Sunday.

7 pm at the Dutchess Day School, Grace Church is hosting an evening of inspirational comedy with Susan Sparks. Susan is an extraordinary speaker who combines laughter, fun, and an incisive wit in a unique approach to successfully negotiating the challenges of life, work and the spiritual path. Join us for an evening of laughter. The event will be held at Dutchess Day School Auditorium, Route 343, Millbrook, NY. The cost is $25 per ticket. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling Grace Church at 677-3064, or will be available at the door. Refreshments available.

Youth Festival at the DC Fairgrounds in DC. www.dutchessfair.com.

FIDDLERS DREAM — Southern Routes, 8pm at Studley Theatre, SUNY New Paltz, NY Sponsored by UNISON ARTS http://unisonarts.org/programs/FiddlersDream.html.

Annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner/Dance at Cappucino’s Restaurant on Route 9G and will feature live music from the Will Smith Trio! During the dinner, we will be recognizing the efforts made by Supervisor Blum Bump during her term to promote good government and protect Red Hook’s open space. Tickets are $65 each and there is an optional sponsorship of $100 towards public recognition of Supervisor Blum Bump. www.redhookdems.com

A new initiative of The Bard College Conservatory of Music for students ages 5–18, the Preparatory Division, offers a recital by seven students at 2:00 p.m. in Blum Hall. The students will perform a selection of works for piano and cello. The program is free and open to the public; no reservations are necessary as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Singer songwriter, Eric Hill invites you to Charlotte’s Restaurant, Route 44 in Millbrook from 9:30 – Midnight— for an evening of song and celebration. $5.00 donation to benefit Muirhead Outreach of Fife.

Sunday, May 18:

Baby Bird Training Workshop at 3:00 pm for those 13 and older.
The Center’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program starts becoming more active in the spring, and, in the summer, Sharon Audubon Center receives many orphaned birds which need to be cared for and fed in preparation for their release. Wildlife Rehabilitation & Outreach Coordinator Erin O’Connell will be holding a training workshop on Sunday, May 18 and again on Sunday, June 1 for those interested in helping out as a baby bird feeding volunteer over the summer months. During this workshop, you will learn techniques, diets, and materials needed to help us care for wild baby birds. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old and only need to attend one workshop. This is a free event. I could have used this information last week when I found a fledgling.

Dutchess County Arts Council’s Arts Fund Out of the Box Event Series continues with its sixth event on Sunday, May 18 from 2-6pm at a beautiful setting along the Hudson River in Staatsburg. This is the sixth event in a series of art-centric events benefiting the 2008 Arts Fund of the Dutchess County Arts Council. Host Alice Seeger invites you to enjoy the sunset over the Hudson while viewing an exhibit of Hudson River images by area artists. The afternoon includes live music by Travis Johns and tapas and drinks. There is no cost of admission for this event, but please keep in mind it is a fundraiser and contributions are much appreciated. Reservations are required. Please RSVP by May 16 to the Arts Council 845 454.3222 or dlovell@artsmidhudson.org. Once you RSVP we will send you directions to the undisclosed location.

Restorative Workshop at the Half Moon Yoga Barn (.com) with Nancy Causey on Exploring the Chakras. This practice will be a journey through the chakras (energy centers located along the front of the spine), exploring the qualities and elements of each energy center. Using restorative asanas and some gentle movement to connect with and open each chakra center and finishing with a guided Yoga Nidra meditation.
2:30 ~ 5:00pm. $35, Space will be limited. Please be ready to reserve your place with payment.

Monday, May 19:

“Our Hudson Valley: Music, Myths and History” 2 -3 at the Fountains in Millbrook. Topic is Folkmusic in the Valley with Rich Bala.

Feminist Curator Lectures at the Woodstock School of Art 7PM with noted Curator Ricky Solinger. “Making Matters Visible: A Curatorial Series.” She will be discussing the life and function of an Art Curator. Solinger has crated three major traveling exhibitions, hosted by over one hundred college and university galleries since 1992, including “Beggars and Choosers: Motherhood is Not a Class Privilege in America,” a photography show; and “Interrupted Life: Incarcerated Mothers in the United States,” a series of 8 linked installations. These exhibitions act as pedagogical interventions – occasions for interrupting the curriculum with new courses, lectures, symposia, and film series. Her new exhibition, “Remaining the Distaff Toolkit” opens in Spring 2008 and will travel for five years. Solinger is also curating “Picturing Policy: The Legacies of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt,” for the opening of the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute on East 65th Street in New York.
There is $5 charge to cover snacks and coffee.
The lectures are open to everyone.
The Woodstock School of Art is on Rt 212, one mile east of the Green.

Tuesday, May 20:

The Institute of Advanced of Advanced Theology (IAT) at Bard College presents a follow-up session to the 2008 conference, “The Golden Rule in the Religions of the World”. Free and open to the public, the discussion begins at 1:00 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the Bertelsmann Campus Center.

Woman’s Discussion Group by Therese Balagna and Karen Crain are organizing a discussion group for the purpose of exchanging ideas, knowledge, and experiences with a focus on nutrition, exercise, meditation, herbs, and acupuncture to honor the woman we are becoming. The first meeting will be Tuesday evening, May 20th, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Yoga Barn. A donation of $5 for the group leaders is requested. Please contact Karen Crain if you are interested: by phone 845.677.3239 or email: crainkaren@hotmail.com.

Hudsonia’s Biodiversity Assessment at the Farm and Home Center in Millbrook with field trips. 9-5, Monday to Wednesday. Contact Andrew for more information 758-0600 or ameyer@bard.edu. If you are a land use decision maker, please consider attending this vital workshop. Town boards, planning boards, CAC et cetera have preferential seatings at the workshop as there is limited space. Hopefully, they fill up the room.

Wednesday May 21:

The Loire Valley is considered one of the most romantic places in the world. Spectacular chateaux such as Chambord, Chenonceau and Azay le Rideau speckle the landscape and provide a stunning backdrop for the region’s elegant wines and cuisine. Chef Joseph Dalu of Le Petit Bistro and Charles Derbyshire of Old Mill Wines are delighted to host a wine dinner featuring the dishes and flavors of the Loire. Classic ingredients such as white asparagus, roast spring lamb, wild mushrooms and goat’s milk cheeses come together in a menu to complement the regional wines: Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé, Bourgueil, and Vouvray. Please join us for this sophisticated, romantic and delicious evening! Six-course Tasting Menu. $100 per person (plus Tax and gratuity), 6:30 pm
(Space is limited. Please reserve early) Le Petit Bistro, 8 East Market Street. 876-7400

The Dutchess County Arts Council announces the 1st Artist Member Juried Exhibition held this year at Cunneen Hackett Arts Center. Opening wine and cheese reception from 5:30-7:30pm. Patricia Phagan, Curator of Prints and Drawings at the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College is the juror of our exhibit. This wonderful exhibit showcases and celebrates the member artists of the Arts Council who better our communities through their vision, creativity, and dedication to the arts. The works will be available for purchase and a portion of the proceeds will support the Arts Council. The exhibit will be up through the end of June. For more information and directions call the Arts Council at 845-454-3222 or visit www.artsmidhudson.org.

Friday, May 23:

5 -8 is the Maple Brook Annual Art Show Reception. Shows goes to June 1. 373-7754, www.maplebrookschool.org.