Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2010

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December 2010

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Contents

P.O. Box 178Red Hook, NY 12571845-546-3051

a publication of

Jim Gibbons: [email protected]

Heather Gibbons: Creative [email protected]

Contents ©2010-2011 Rising Tide Communications, LLC No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher

Contributors:Brian PJ Cronin, Kristen Cronin, Jen Kiaba, Owen O’Connor, Laura Pensiero, Laurie Rich, Joel Weisbrod

Special Thanks: Melissa Stafford of Carrie Haddad Photographs

Mercantilehudson valley

On the Cover: Glacier 4, Archival Digital Print Edition of 5, by Karen Cunningham, at Carrie Haddad Photographs, 318 Warren Street, Hudson, in Snow White a group exhibit featuring work by ten photographers focused on the subject of winter scenes and fantasies. For more information, visit www.carriehaddadgallery.com, or call the gallery at 518.828.7655.

contents

Photography Made Easy: Winter Landscapes by Joel Weisbrod 5

Seasonal Palette Calendar begins 7

‘Tis Better to Give by Laurie Rich 15

Business Profile: Body Be Well by Jen Kiaba 17

Live on Stage! Calendar begins 18

Sounds of the Season Calendar 21

Take the Kids Calendar begins 22

For the Land’s Sake by Brian PJ Cronin 24

Readings, Signings & Screenings Calendar begins 26

Spots for Your Sleds & Skates 29

Ruminations: baa. ram. ewe. by Owen O’Connor 31

Bright Green Valley Calendar 33

Historic Sights Calendar begins 36

Miscellaneous Calendar 39

Biscuit-Topped Chicken and Root Vegetable Stew by Laura Pensiero 43


Share Hudson Valley Flavors for the Holidays

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Enjoy Holiday EntertainingHudson Valley Mediterranean style.

gigihudsonvalley.com

More than 120 seasonal recipes that celebrate the food of the Hudson Valley

and the people who grow and produce it.

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hen I went outside this morning, I quickly turned around and ran back inside for gloves and a hat. Yes, the cold weather is here and that can only mean that snow is around the corner. For most, snow is simply an annoying part of living in this climate, but for photographers, snow presents a unique series of opportunities and challenges. Use the tips and suggestions below to help capture the beauty and grandeur of our Hudson Valley winters.

Take Advantage of “Shorter Days”At this time of year, not only is it colder, but the days are quite a bit

shorter. This gives us the ability to take advantage of the warm, yellowy, morning sun without getting up at 4 a.m., and the heavy red light at sunset without waiting until 8 p.m. It is cold and bleak enough during these winter days without shooting at noon when the sun is highest in the sky and more blue than any other time of day.

Look for the “Color”Okay, the ground is covered in glistening white snow so where is

the color? Ice is a great reflector and refractor of sunlight. Big blocks of ice (on the shore of the Hudson, for example) take on the color of their surroundings, reflecting light at sunset, or the light from evergreens. Find the blue sky in a block of ice to offset the white of the surrounding snow to add some color to your photos. Not enough color? Try shooting or converting to black & white for some dramatic winter scenes.

Look for Shapes and TexturesIf you look around, there are myriad shapes and textures during the

winter. Find a stream and shoot the edges of the ice next to the flow of water. If the water is falling (even a few inches), look for ice forming all around the falling water especially at the top edge. While you won’t find the colors of spring, many branches and plants do turn different shades of red and brown during the winter months. Snow provides a huge clean backdrop against which you can usually find shadows of every shape and size. Get out before the animals track through all the fields and see what you can find. One commonly overlooked subject is the dripping icicle. Big, small, short, long, and all different shapes make these unique every time. Move around and capture the sun as it filters through the water melting and dripping along the edges of these mini-stalactites.

Photograph the Winter BirdsSome birds fly south for the winter but many birds stay and live in

the same northern climate all year. Many species of woodpecker, cardinals, nuthatches, and many more do not migrate. Put out some suet or other bird food and your yard will be filled with birds coming and going from dawn until dusk. The red of the male cardinals or the red heads of many local woodpeckers looks great against a snowy background. Photographing birds in the winter requires patience, warm clothing, a high shutter speed to capture moving birds without blur, and lots of practice.

Set Your White BalanceMost digital cameras allow you to change the white balance which

tells the camera how to create the correct colors for different lighting. As a general rule, I tell my students to choose the “Automatic” setting for white balance since the camera will likely do a better job than you unless you have a light meter. Taking photos in the snow is the one exception to this rule. Try to choose the white balance that best describes the day’s light. Perfectly clear and sunny? Choose the setting for Sunny. Totally cloudy? Choose the cloudy or shade setting. On partial days, choose the setting that you feel represents most of the light falling on the snow.

In conclusion, do not let your camera hibernate until spring. Go outside and take advantage of the clear air, bright sun, and beautiful carpets of snow – and shoot some photos! Have any questions? Send your questions to me at the email address below.

About the Author: Joel Weisbrod is a published author of a book on digital photography and the owner of jwArtWorks Photography in Rhinebeck. In addition to portrait, commercial, event, and other photography, Joel teaches private one-on-one photography classes and can be reached by email at [email protected].

P H O T O G R A P H Y M A D E E A S Y

Winter LandscapesW ...do not let your camera hibernate until spring.

Go outside and take advantage of the clear air, bright sun, and beautiful carpets of snow – and shoot some photos!

by Joel Weisbrod photo by Joel Weisbrod

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Albert Shahinian Fine Art Gallery @ Prudential/SERLS6384 Mill Street (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck, NY 12572Through December 31: “Fall Landscape Salon & Sale,” major group showing of regional landscapes and genre paintings by Margaret Crenson, Gary Fifer, Arnold Levine, Eline Barclay, Christie Scheele, Larry Zingale, Leslie Bender & Connie Fiedler.Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Information: 845.876.7578; [email protected]

Albert Shahinian Fine Art Upstairs Galleries22 East Market Street, Suite 301, Rhinebeck, NY 12572Through December 31: “David Eddy & Christie Scheele: New and Recent Work.” Hours: Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and by appointment or chance. Open to 8 p.m. the 3rd Saturday of each month for Rhinebeck ArtsWalk.Information: 845.876.7578; [email protected]

Barrett Art Center55 Noxon St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601Gallery One & Two, through January 8: “Annual BAC Holiday Members’ Show,” featuring paintings, watercolors, prints, drawings, photographs, sculpture and mixed media works by BAC member artists.Upstairs Gallery, through January 8: “Unwrapped,” a small works exhibition featuring works by the Long Reach Artists group, including such artists as Staats Fasoldt, Claudia Gorman, Robert Hastings, Elisa Pritzker, Marlene Wiedenbaum and others.Gallery Three, through January 8: Ceramics, Glass & Crafts Sale featuring work by the artists of Barrett Clay Works and other regional artists -- ceramic and glass bowls, plates, vases, mugs, jewelry and other crafts and small objects -- available for purchase.Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. & Fri.; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat.; or by appt.; closed for holiday recess 12/24-1/3.Information: 845.471.2550; http://www.barrettartcenter.org

The Beacon Institute Gallery199 Main St., Beacon, NY, 12508Through March 6, 2011: “Russell Cusick, Hudson River Reflections.” Hudson Valley photographer and mixed medium artist Russell Cusick presents a collection of photo-acrylic panoramas from Bear Mountain Bridge to Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.; 2nd Saturdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.Information: 845.838.1600; http://www.bire.org

Hudson River view looking north from the Village of Cold Spring-on-Hudson, 2010, photography and acrylic on canvas by Russell Cusick, on exhibit at the Beacon Institute Gallery in Beacon.P A L E T T ESeasonal

Pond’s Edge, Giverney, by Claudia Gorman toned silver gelatin photo hand colored with oils at Barrett Art Center through January 8.

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Betsy Jacaruso Studio & GalleryThe Chocolate Factory, 54 Elizabeth St., Red Hook, NY 12571Through February 27: “10th Anniversary Show, Luminous Landscape” paintings by Betsy Jacaruso. Also showing: Cross River Artists Group.Hours: Thurs. & Fri., noon-4 p.m.; Sat., noon-5 p.m. & Sun., noon-4 p.m.Information: 845.758.9244; http://www.betsyjacarusostudio.com

The Culinary Institute of AmericaConrad N. Hilton Library, The Culinary Institute of America, 1946 Campus Dr., Route 9, Hyde Park, NY 12538Through May: “In the Style of...American Pottery in the British Studio Tradition,” an exhibit of dinnerware and decorative ceramic platters by a dozen leading American potters working in the tradition of Bernard Leach, known as “the Father of British studio pottery.” Information: 845.471.6608; http://www.ciachef.edu

Dia:BeaconRiggio Galleries, 3 Beekman Street, Beacon, NY 12508Permanent Collection: Dia:Beacon is a museum for the Dia Art Foundation’s renowned collection of art from the 1960’s to the present. In addition to the permanent collection, Dia Art Foundation is currently exhibiting:Through January 9: Zoe Leonard: “You see I am here after all.” New York based artist Zoe Leonard presents an installation of several hundred postcards of Niagara Falls.Through June 26: “Koo Jeong A: Constellation Congress,” a new iteration of the work A Reality Upgrade & End Alone (2003-09), an outdoor sculpture installed in the grass field behind the museum. Through February 13, 2012: “Franz Erhard Walther: Work as Action.” featuring a selection of Handlungsstücke (Action Pieces) from the early 1960s, including the complete presentation of 1. Werksatz (First Work Set), 1963–69, from Dia’s collection. Acquired in 1978, 1. Werksatz comprises fifty-eight fabric elements, or “instruments,” meant to be activated by visitors to the museum, drawing attention to the body as material form. Ongoing: “Drawing Series...” Sol LeWitt. Dia’s presentation of wall drawings b Sol LeWitt from the late 1960s through the mid-1970s was selected by the artist himself.Ongoing: “24 Farben – fur Blinky (24 Colors – for Blinky), 1977,” Imi Knoebel’s cycle of 21 shaped paintings. Ongoing: “Beacon Point,” George Trakas’ project for Beacon Point. Tickets: $10; $7 seniors and students; under 12 freeHours: Thurs.-Mon., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.Information: 845.440.0100; www.diaart.org

Dream in Plastic177 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508Through January 8: “Dream in Coffee,” new works by artist Paul Heath “Dumb Won.” His colorful, graffiti-inspired comic-book style of painting pokes ironic fun at himself, his highly esoteric, tragicomic, coffee-fueled lifestyle, and the world. Hours: Call for hours.Information: 845.632.3383; http://www.dreaminplastic.com

Electric Windows510 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508Ongoing: Art installation on the exterior of a 19th century factory building. The installation - large painted canvases created on site “live” during the July 31 opening event - was created by 27 street artists. This year, two additional installation sites were added: the Viera Building on the corner of Main & North Streets; and Roundhouse on East Main. Information: http://www.electricwindowsbeacon.com

fovea143 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508Through January 8: “One Block: A New Orleans Neighbourhood Rebuilds,” photographs by Dave Anderson.Hours: Fri.-Sun., noon-6 p.m.Information: 845.765.2199; [email protected]; http://www.foveaexhibitions.org

HammertownPine Plains & Rhinebeck: 3201 Route 199, Pine Plains, NY 12567 & Montgomery Row, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Through January: “The Pedestal Series,” a selection of work by Maine photographer Lynn Karlin capturing the flavor and form of the harvest in her photos featuring heirloom vegetables, furled fiddlehead ferns, luscious tomatoes and more.Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Pine Plains; 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., RhinebeckInformation: 518.398.7075; 845.876.1450; http://www.lynnkarlinphoto.com; http://hammertown.com

Hudson Beach Glass162 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508Through January 2: “Art & Architecture for the Birds,” a group exhibition of artists’ interpretations of bird houses and art for and about birds. In the upstairs gallery, Randolph School Emperor Penguins’ artwork on display. Birdhouses made by students, ages 8-10, will be auctioned off to raise money for the Audubon Sancutary at Constitution Marsh in Cold Spring. Hours: daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.Information: 845.440.0068; http://www.hudsonbeachglass.com

James W. Palmer GalleryCollege Center, Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604January 20-February 10: “Teen Visions 2011,” exhibition of student work from The Art Institute of Mill Street Loft. Artist Reception: Thursday, January 20, 5-7 p.m. with musical

photo by Dave Anderson

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performances by area high school students from Stringendo and original poetry by Alumnae of Mill Street Loft Girls’ Empowerment Programs at 6 p.m. in the College Center North Atrium.Hours: daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.Information: 845.471.7477; http://www.millstreetloft.org

Marion Royael Gallery460 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508Through January 2: “Daytrip,” featuring work by James Gwynne, Brian Edwards, David Coalburn and April Aguayo.January 8-February 5: “Modern Show,” works from the 20th century. A chilly month-long departure into the past.Hours: noon-7 p.m., Thurs.-Sun. & by appt. Information: 541.301.0032; http://www.marionroyaelgallery.com

Mill Street Loft Gallery 4545 Pershing Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601Through January 20: “Small Works Holiday Art Show,” featuring the varied talents of artists who have been involved with Mill Street Loft’s programs. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; and by appt. on weekends.Information: 845.471.7477; http://www.millstreetloft.org

Montgomery Row Second Level6423 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572Through January 28: “Small Ink,” solo exhibition of abstract expressionist paintings by Rhinebeck artist Jeff Romano.Artist Conversation: Saturday, December 18, 5-7 p.m.Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.Information: 845.876.0543; http://www.montgomeryrow.com

Rhinebeck Savings Bank of Beacon1476 Route 9D, Wappingers Falls, NYThrough January 4: “Clear Sailing to the New Year,” paintings by Ed Vermehren. Ed’s optimistic spirit is embodied in his art -- scenes from the Hudson Valley.Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.mInformation: http://www.beaconarts.org; http://EdVermehren.com

RiverWinds Gallery 172 Main St., Beacon 12508Through December 31: “Buone Feste,” a unique holiday shopping experience. Our artists offer one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone on your list, a handmade gift -- from an American artist -- that says you care. We have brought in new artists for the holiday season – Kevin Cook, Andrew Rouse, and more plus many of our current artists have brought in new work. Shop for the holidays in style. New this year, Riverwinds’ first book Artistic Appetizers: Art & Food -- creative endeavors that enhance life! The art ranges from stoneware to oils, from photos to colored pencil drawings. The appetizers range from easy to assemble to masterworks.Hours: Daily, noon-6 p.m. in December. Information: 845.838.2880; http://riverwindsgallery.com

RiverWinds Gallery @ Wells Fargo Advisors6423 Montgomery St., Suite 10, 2nd Floor, Rhinebeck, NY 12572Through January 24: “Trees: A Group Art Exhibit,” featuring an incredible collection of woods and tree images by a group of accomplished painters and photographers. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and by appt.Information: 845.838.2880; http://riverwindsgallery.com

Russell Cusick Gallery474 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508Ongoing: Process photo acrylics on wood panels of various shapes and sizes. Cusick combines photograhy with painting and takes his inspiration from the mighty Hudson River and New York City. Many sizes and price ranges to choose from.Hours: Wed. & Thurs., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Information: 845.765.0060

Beacon Sloop Club, painting by Ed Vermehren at Rhinebeck Savings Bank in Beacon.

First Snow by Andrew Rouse.




Taste Budd’s CafeWest Market Street, Red Hook, NY 12571Through December: The artwork of Andres San Millan featuring “To The Bird,” a sculpture mounted outside the cafe constructed of Hudson River driftwood, created as an homage to all animal life in general, and to the wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico during the BP oil spill, in particular. Also, inside the cafe, “Folds,” mounted artworks exploring the intricacy and expressive capabiity of folding paper and cloth. Hours: Open daily, Sunday-Saturday.Information: 845.876.6470; [email protected]; http://www.figureartscape.com

Tivoli Artists Co-op60 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583Through December 24: “24th Annual Holiday Show” features holiday themed paintings, photography, sculptures, and hand made crafts such as jewelry and apparel by local artists.January 7-30: Invitational: Tivoli Artists Co-op Invites Artists from Greene County Council on the Arts. The artists will show landscapes from both sides of the Hudson, as well as a variety of other work.Opening Reception: Saturday, January 8, 6-8 p.m.Hours: Fri., 5-9 p.m.; Sat., 1-9 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m.Information: 845.757.2667; http://www.tivoliartistsco-op.com

Twisted Soul Restaurant & Gallery47 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601Through January 20: “Charting the Journey Between There and Here,” recent map paintings expressing the calamity and mishaps of facing a midlife crisis by Tilly Strauss. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., until 10 p.m.Information: 845.454.2770; http://www.twistedsoulconcepts.com

Columbia.

Carrie Haddad Gallery622 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534Through January 23: Exhibition of works by Mark Beard (as Bruce Sargeant & Hippolyte Alexandre Michallon) & Still Life Group Show in the back Gallery with Carolou Kristofik, Dale Payson, Craig Johns, Margaret Crenson, Anne Getsinger, Eileen Murphy, Judith Wyer, Juan Garcia Nunez, Nick Patten, and Lionel Gilbert. Opening Reception: Saturday, December 18, 5-8 p.m.Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed Wednesday)Information: 518.828.1915; http://www.carriehaddadgallery.com

Poplar Corner - near Sodus, New York, 26” x 39” archival digital print, edition of 10, by John Griebsch, one of the featured photographers in Carrie Haddad Photographs’ Snow White show.



Carrie Haddad Photographs318 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through January 16: “Snow White” a group exhibit featuring work by nine gallery photographers focused on the subject of winter scenes and fantasies. Exhibiting photographers include Valerie Hammond, Ida Weygandt, Michael Sibilia, Kahn & Selesnick, James Bleecker, John Griebsch, Jefferson Hayman, Karen Cunningham and Holly Northrop.Opening Reception: Saturday, December 18, 6-8 p.m.Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed Wednesday).Information: 518.828.7655; http://www.carriehaddadgallery.com

Coachman’s HouseOlana State Historic Site, Route 9G, Hudson, NY 12534Ongoing: “In the Footsteps of Frederic Church: Photos by Larry Lederman.” Larry Lederman is a photographer and writer who has traveled to many of the locations Frederic Church visited. This exhibition displays photographs of a number of sites that Frederic Church painted and seek to evoke his artistic vision and explore his art. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., dailyInformation: 518.828.0135; http://www.olana.org

Columbia County Council on the ArtsCCCA Gallery 209 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534Through January 7: “Holiday Small Works Show” features works by CCCA members, all of which are no larger than 20 x 20 inches, and priced no higher than $250. January 22-March 11: “Threads,” artwork containing some element of fabric, fiber, real or illusion. Juror, Lynne Perrella, is a mixed media artist, designer, workshop instructor.Information: 518.671.6213; http://www.artscolumbia.org

Columbia Greene Community College4400 Route 23, Hudson, NY 12534Kaaterskill Gallery, through December 23: The art of Monica Restaino.Blue Hill Gallery, through December 22: Credit free students of Regine Petrosky.Information: 518.828.4181; http://www.sunycgcc.edu

Davis Orton Gallery114 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534Through December 19: “Photobook! 2010 Exhibition: The Photographer and the Self-Published PhotoBook.” Twenty photobooks featuring photographs by “best of show” artists. Juror: Paula Tognarelli, Executive Director and Curator of the Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester, MA.Hours: Thursday-Sunday, noon-6 p.m.Information: 518.697.0266; http://davisortongallery.com

Hudson Opera House327 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534December 18-23: “Hudson Sister City Pallisa, Uganda and the Wildlife of East Africa,” a photography exhibition with works by photographers Carol Gans and Susan Saltman from Hudson Sister City Pallisa, Uganda. Hours: Daily, noon-5 p.m.; closed holidays.Information: 518.822.1438; http://hudsonoperahouse.org

Joyce Goldstein Gallery16 Main St., Chatham, NY 12037Through January 29: “Candela,” works by Diego Sharon, Magdalena Pedraza, Ruben Guiterrez and Juan Abreu. Hours: Thurs.-Sat., noon-5 p.m., Sunday noon-3 p.m. Information: 518.392.2250; http://www.joycegoldsteingallery.com

Omi International Arts CenterCharles B. Beneson Visitors Center Gallery & Fields Sculpture Park, 1405 County Route 22, Ghent, NY 12075Charles B. Beneson Visitors Center, through January 30: “Faded Flag III,” by Mary Carlson. Inspired by the many flags she saw after the events of 9/11, left to fade over ensuing years of neglect, Mary Carlson has dyed and sewn cotton fabric into the third in a series of faded flags, this last one made especially for the Charles B. Benenson Visitors Center Gallery.Hours: Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.Ongoing, The Fields Sculpture Park, during daylight hours: Approximately 400 acres of farmland of which 100 acres are dotted with internationally recognized contemporary sculpture. The Fields’ mission is to expand the experience of what contemporary art viewed in a natural environment can be.Information: 518.392.4747; http://artomi.org

Spencertown Academy Arts Center790 Route 203, Spencertown, NY 12017 Through December 21, Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: “Handmade Holiday,” annual holiday boutique featuring products and works by regional artisans and artists.Information: 518.392-3693; http://spencertownacademy.org

Workshops & Special EventsLucky 8 Pop-Up Shop201 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508Thurs.-Sun., through December 24, noon-6 p.m.: From now until Christmas, the space at Zora Dora popsicle shop is transformed into a magically rustic and whimsical holiday gift boutique. Olivera and DirndlSkirt and talented local artisan friends in Beacon have been whipping up their versions of sweet and earthy concoctions in home accessories, holiday cards, stationery goods, children’s clothing, fashion accessories and much more. James Westwater’s ubiquitous-to-Beacon art is part of the backdrop on transformed walls showcasing the one-of-a-kind or limited editions of LUCKY 8’s arty arsenal.Information: http://beaconarts.org

Simple Gifts Storefront Decorating ContestMain St., Beacon, NY 12508Through January: The Beacon Arts Community Association (BACA), the Beacon Chamber of Commerce, the Tioronda Garden Club and the City of Beacon are working together with the businesses, artists and community organizations in Beacon, to celebrate this very special time of year. Main Street businesses are collaborating with artists and creating a festive and inviting storefront window. “Simple Gifts,” is this year’s theme based on the traditional Shaker lyric and tune. Storefront decorations will be up for public enjoyment throughout the holiday season. Information: 845.831.4318; http://beaconarts.org

Blow Your Own OrnamentHudson Beach Glass, 162 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508Sat., Dec. 18, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 19, 12:30-5 p.m.: Master glassblower, John Gilvey will work with anyone age 7 and older to create a hand-blown glass ornament. Choose the colors and textures of your ornament and then add your breath to it permanently. It is a great gift for your family, your friends, your coworkers, your boss and yourself. Fee: $30Information: 845.440.0068; http://www.hudsonbeachglass.com



Third Saturday: Art in RhinebeckMontgomery & Market Streets, Village of Rhinebeck, NY 12572Saturday, December 18, noon-9 p.m.: Village-wide celebration of the arts featuring gallery openings, author readings, performance and music.Information: 845.876.5904; http://www.artalongthehudson.com/rhinebeck; http://www.rhinebeckchamber.com

Gallery Talk at Dia:BeaconRiggio Galleries, 3 Beekman St., Beacon, NY 12508Saturday, December 18, 2 p.m.: Larissa Harris on Andy Warhol. Larissa Harris is curator at the Queens Museum of Art. From 2004-2008, she was associate director of the Center for Advanced Visual Studies at MIT where she established new initiatives including a visiting artist series, student residency program, and a residency for Boston-area artists.Tickets: Free with museum admission; reservations recommended.Information: 845.440.0100; http://www.diaart.org

Contemporary Artists on Contemporary Art: A Hudson Valley Artists Dialogue SeriesBEAHIVE, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508Thursday, January 6, 7:30-9 p.m.: This dialogue series feature local emerging and established artists in discussions with fellow artists about their work, their process and their views on issues in contemporary art. Moderated by Stacey Ward Kelly, founder and director of Beacon Art Salon, also the event sponsors. Meets on the first Thursday of the month October - June 2011. This month’s talk: “Legitimacy, Legacy and Impact” a discussion with Jeff Battersby and Tom Holmes on what establishes an artist and how they leave their mark.Tickets: $5 suggested donationInformation: http://www.beaconcitizen.com/group/beaconartsalon

Paper Cutting from PatternsWing & Clover, 22 East Market St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572Saturday, January 8, 3-5 p.m.: From folk roots to cutting edge, learn the basics of cut paper art. Use a fresh pattern to explore techniques and create a finished frame-worthy paper cutting. Tools and materials provided. Instructor: Jenny Lee Fowler -- artist and educator, who fashions silhouette portraits in the tradition of the early American itinerant silhouette masters.Fee: $40. For ages 12-adult.Information: 845.876.1035; http://wingandclover.com

Doodle Party!Dream in Plastic, 177 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508Saturday, January 8, 5-9 p.m.: YOU are the artist whose work will be displayed on the store’s wall for the month of January! Spend some time drawing, painting, sketching & sticker-bombing their gallery wall. Bring your favorite art tools (no spray paint) and some friends. Information: 845.632.3383; http://www.dreaminplastic.com

Second Saturday BeaconMain St., Beacon, NY 12508Saturday, January 8, noon-9 p.m.: Tour Main Street to discover your favorite window decoration, warm yourself with a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy all the creativity that Beacon has to offer. Support Beacon’s Main Street and find out how simple it is to Shop Local.Information: http://beaconarts.org

Third Saturday: Art in RhinebeckMontgomery & Market Streets, Village of Rhinebeck, NY 12572Saturday, January 15, noon-9 p.m.: Village-wide celebration of the arts featuring gallery openings, author readings, performance and music.Information: 845.876.5904; http://www.artalongthehudson.com/rhinebeck; http://www.rhinebeckchamber.com

Two of the winning windows of the Beacon Holiday Store Decorating Contest: L, 2nd place, Beacon Bath & Bubble; R, 3rd place, Manor House Realty, photographs by Linda Hubbard.



This holiday season, with the economy in the shape it’s in, I find myself thinking more deeply than usual about the spirit of the season – of giving rather than receiving. The shiny, pretty things are singing their siren song—even more loudly since merchants have to work harder to sell their goods in a down year. But that doesn’t mean I have to listen.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m still doing my fair share of conspicuous consumption. But, I also want to give more of myself, buy less for me and mine, and take away as little as possible.

And I bet that many of you do, too.So how does one do that, and at this late date? I’m sure that there are

hundreds, maybe thousands of ways, but I’ll share some that I’ve chosen. Maybe one or two will resonate with you and you’ll do them, too.

• Make a charitable donation in someone’s name, and let him or her know. There are so many worthy organizations and causes, one of them is sure to be tailor made for each person on your gift list. Consider using the website Charity Navigator (.org). It can help you evaluate charities that you are contemplating donating to, and has a helpful holiday giving guide.

• Offer to do a service for a friend or family member who could use the help, like snow blowing their walkway for the season, or babysitting their kids so they can get a few nights out without breaking the bank. Put it down on paper and give it as an IGU (I’ll give you).

• If you have them, use frequent flyer miles to help someone go somewhere they couldn’t otherwise afford to go—like home for the holidays.

• Volunteer. To quote Dutchess Outreach’s website, “give the gift of you and make a difference in your community.” It doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment. For instance, you (or you and your family) could sign up to serve meals at a soup kitchen. They are always short handed. Two local organizations that are always looking for volunteers are the Lunch Box run by Dutchess Outreach (www.dutchessoutreach.org) in Poughkeepsie, and The Queens Galley in Kingston (www.queensgalley.org).

• Go through your closets and bring gently used coats, hats, scarves, gloves and winter clothing that you no longer wear to the Salvation Army, Goodwill, Dutchess Outreach, or a winter clothing drive. There are so many families in need this winter.

• Bake from scratch for your friends and loved ones (you know what Pillsbury says: “Nothin’ says lovin’ like something from the oven!”). Or, make and jar applesauce, chutney, or flavored vinegars.

What all of these ideas have in common is that each requires thoughtfulness and some of your time—two things that can mean a lot more to the recipient than any bauble you can buy in a store. And you will get something in return – smiles, thanks and the warm feeling you’ll have from doing good. It’s true what they say: It is better to give than to receive.

Happy holidays!Oh! A postscript: If none of my suggestions appeal to you, try

Googling “giving of yourself for the holidays” (Use the advanced search function and type in “Giving of yourself ” under the “this exact word or phrase” line.). You’ll come up with 73,300 results to browse.

And maybe, while you’re going over them, some will turn into your New Year’s resolutions as well!

GIVE

by Laurie Rich

Laurie Rich lives in Rhinebeck and is the Director of the Spectrum Services Founda-tion, the non-profit fundraising arm of the Center for Spectrum Services, a private, not-for-profit program designed especially for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Kingston.

e

What all of these ideas have in common is that each requires thoughtfulness and some of your time—two things that can mean a lot more to the recipient than any bauble you can buy in a store.

‘tis better to


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s a life-long dancer, Body Be Well owner Chelsea Streifeneder knows the importance of being in-tune with one’s body. Raised in the Hudson Valley, she began dancing at a very young age and received her B.A. from Bard College in both dance and writing. Through the rigors that her training placed on her body, she found herself developing back and hip pain. During time spent in Prague studying dance she was introduced to Pilates and found it to be a life-changing experience that helped heal her body.

After graduating from Bard, Streifeneder moved out to Los Angeles where she completed the Pilates Teacher Training Program through the Pilates Sports Center. Now certified as both Pilates Teacher and Master Trainer, Streifeneder’s Pilates studio Body Be Well and its associated Women’s Gym are bringing the Pilates Method and its varied benefits to the Hudson Valley. Located in Red Hook just north of the center of the Village, Body Be Well offers Pilates courses designed for all levels, as well as Yoga and ZUMBA classes.

Streifeneder admits that there are times when beginners can be intimated by the seemingly complex machines that are a part of Pilates training. Lining the wall of her serene studio are apparatuses that are not always recognizable in the cache of gym equipment. While encouraging those new to Pilates to begin their exploration with Mat Classes designed to introduce the movements and breath control associated with Pilates practice, Streifeneder also helps foster interest in advancing towards working with the various machines that are integral to Pilates.

The Pilates Method was developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s and is an approach to health and fitness that integrates both the mind and body, as well as the spirit. His guiding philosophy was that in order to achieve optimal health, the body must be exercised in its entirety. By combining the breathing and meditation training of yoga with the balancing and weight-bearing elements of Tai Chi, the Pilates’ method was born.

With specifically designed equipment and floor exercises, Pilates focuses on strengthening the core as well as improving posture, alignment and stamina. By focusing on exercises centered on balance, control, breath and fluid movements, practitioners develop both an increased strength and flexibility, as well as more attuned coordination and spatial

awareness. Using the equipment designed by Joseph Pilates encourages uniform development of the muscles in the body; therefore muscle bulk is not created in the body because weaker muscles are built up instead of movement solely relying on those muscles that are already strong. By focusing on the abdominal, back and gluteal muscles first, the body becomes aligned and muscles elongated.

Streifeneder suggests Pilates for people with a wide-range of fitness backgrounds who are looking for a new exercise method. Those who have sustained injuries, especially to the back or joints, can also find potential relief from Pilates by building muscles to help support the injured areas. Pre and post-natal women can also benefit from the training; and women from across the spectrum can enjoy Body Be Well’s gym designed specifically with women in mind.

Those interested in trying Pilates can enjoy a 30-minute free trial class during the Body Be Well’s upcoming Open House on January 15th 2011. From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m, Body Be Well will be hosting various Yoga, ZUMBA and Pilates classes. There will also be a free day pass available for the women’s gym, as well as complimentary chair massages to ease away some of the holiday-shopping stress. The event will be catered by Gigi Hudson Valley, and the first 50 attendees will also receive a gift bag as a “thank you” for attending.

For more information call Streifeneder at (845) 758-0790. or email [email protected]. More information on the Body Be Well Studio, class schedule and associated Gym can be found at www.bodybewell.org.

Jen Kiaba is a freelance writer and portrait photographer based in Rhinebeck, NY. Her work can be found at www.jenkiabaphotography.com.

by Jen Kiaba

The Pilates Method...is an approach to health and fitness that integrates both the mind and body, as well as the spirit.

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Solas An Lae: A Midwinter Night’s DreamRichard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Sosnoff Theater, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504Friday, December 17, 8 p.m.: In the dark of winter, Solas An Lae Dance Company lights up the stage with their all-new production, A Midwinter Night’s Dream. Joined by a full cast of dancers from the Solas An Lae School of Irish Dance, this cutting-edge dance company brings the heart-stopping rhythms and inimitable grace of Irish dance to the timeless story of dreams and imagination. A delight for the entire family. Tickets: Call for information. Information: 845.758.7900; http://fishercenter.bard.edu

A Christmas CarolThe Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572Fri. & Sat., Dec. 17 & 18, 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 19, 3 p.m.: An all-new rendition of The CENTER’s perennial favorite, Charles Dickens’ classic tale featuring Scrooge, the Cratchits, Tiny Tim, some unusual ghosts and your favorite holiday carols! Tickets: $20; $18 seniors and children.Information: 845.876.3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org

Five Children and ItCocoon Theatre, 6384 Mill St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572Fri. & Sat., Dec. 17 & 18, 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 19, 3 p.m.: An original adaptation of the book by E. Nesbit, performed by Cocoon’s Production Program. A wild adventure story about the granting of wishes – complete with a band of possessive Gypsies, a tribe of scalping Indians, and one incredible Sand-Fairy! Tickets: $15Information: 845.876.6470; http://cocoontheatre.org

The GiftCunneen Hackett Arts Center, 12 Vassar St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604Dec. 17-19; Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m.: Introducing a new and completely unique holiday program. Song, spoken word, and dance centered around an original script inspired by O Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi”. Tickets: call for informationInformation: http://www.cunneen-hackett.org

Modern Dance ConcertCocoon Theatre, 6384 Mill St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572Fri. & Sat., Dec. 17 & 18, 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 19, 3 p.m.: Two modern dance world premiers choreographed by world renowned choreographer, dancer and teacher, Bill Evans, and long-time member of the Bill Evans Dance Company, Don Halquist. Also featured will be modern repertoire and new solos and duets by Mr. Evans, along with a new dance choreographed and performed by Cocoon. The evening will include a tap piece by Mr. Evans. In 2004, Bill Evans (along with Savion Glover and Brenda Buffalino) was voted one of the top three tap dancers in the US by Dance Magazine. Tickets: $25Information: 845.876.6470; http://cocoontheatre.org

Becoming Frederick DouglassWTD Theater @ Space 360, 360 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534Fri. & Sat., Dec. 17 & 18, 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 19, 2 p.m.: Frederick Douglass was born a slave on a plantation in Maryland in 1818. He became a leader in the abolitionist movement, author, orator, social reformer, statesman, and a visionary for generations of Americans, black and white, male and female, native American and immigrant, ever since. At the end of his life Frederick Douglass said that the discussion was not over, that his transformation from slave to man that was his life, was not finished, that it mustn’t end with him. This production is a continuation of that discussion, the becoming of Frederick Douglass, the becoming of America. Tickets: $15-$25Information: 518.755.1716; http://www.wtdtheater.org

A Christmas CarolWTD Theater @ Space 360, 360 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534Tues.-Thurs., Dec. 21-23, 8 p.m.: Now truly a staple for the Holiday Season in Columbia County, this evening will put you and your family in the holiday spirit! Tickets: $15-$20 Information: 518.755.1716; http://www.wtdtheater.org

L I V E O N S T A G E!photo courtesy Solas An Lae. A Midwinter Night’s Dream.


Christmas with Tom & Trixie: Is That All There Is?Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534Thursday, December 23, 8-9:30 p.m.: A holiday cabaret spectacular with Hudson Valley drag sensation Trixie Starr and Tom Judson.Tickets: $20, portion of door to benefit HOH.Information: http://tomandtrixie.com

Kiss 2010 GoodbyeWTD Theater @ Space 360, 360 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534Sunday, December 26, 8 p.m.: Take a last look at 2010, share your stories, see them come to life in entirely unexpected ways - and let it all go with a good laugh. An evening of improvisational theater, fun, and (who knows) even unexpected profundity with Walking the Dog Theater’s Off Leash! Improv Theater Ensemble. Tickets: $12-$20 Information: 518.755.1716; http://www.wtdtheater.org

Modern Dance Master Classes with Bill Evans and Don HalquistCocoon Theatre, 6384 Mill St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572Sun., Jan. 2, 3-5 p.m.; Mon., Jan. 3, 5-7 p.m.: Bill Evans Technique, for any teen or adult dancer, this energetic class shares the unique Laban-based technique created by Mr. Evans. It includes a standing warm up, floor phrases and traveling combinations, as well as improvisational exploration. Tuition: $20Sun., Jan. 2, 5-7 p.m.; Tues., Jan. 4, 5-7 p.m.: Exploring the Articulate Body -- A Bartenieff-based Somatics Lab. Taught by Bill Evans and Don Halquist, this class is ideal for anyone involved in dance, yoga, the performing arts, exercise and athletics, and interested in exploring the inner workings of the human body in motion. Tuition: $20Information: 845.876.6470; http://cocoontheatre.org

Bye Bye BirdieThe Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572January 14-30, Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.: Come swing your hips to this Tony award-winning musical satire with book by Michael Stewart, lyrics by Lee Adams and music by Charles Strouse, centering around a 1950’s rock and roll superstar (Conrad Birdie) who is drafted into the army. As a farewell performance publicity stunt begins to unravel, we are left wondering, “What’s the matter with kids today?!” a CENTERStage Production Directed by AnnChris Warren with choreography by Risa Petrone. Tickets: $24; $22 seniors and children.Information: 845.876.3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org

Cocoon Theatre Open HouseCocoon Theatre, 6384 Mill St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572Saturday, January 15, noon: Free event for all ages. Scenes from past shows will be shared. Go early and bring a dish to share. Find out about new programs, register for Spring classes, and enjoy an eclectic lunch.Information: 845.876.6470; http://cocoontheatre.org

Shakespeare’s ClownsThe Bardavon Opera House, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Friday, January 21, 7 p.m.: Teaching Artist Sean Patrick Fagan and nearly 100 fifth graders from Poughkeepsie’s Columbus Middle School (fresh from a two week clown residency) delight audiences with iambic pentameter presented in the style of the contemporary circus. Tickets: $5 all seatsInformation: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

An Evening with Chip CoffeyCunneen Hackett Arts Center, 12 Vassar St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604Saturday, January 22, 7 p.m.: Kearns Artist Services, in association with Through the Veil Productions, presents Chip Coffey, internationally acclaimed psychic, medium and star of A&E’s hit shows: “Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal” and “Paranormal State”. The evening includes a Q & A session with a brief intermission followed by readings for randomly selected audience members. Not every attendee will receive a reading, but attendees at gallery readings find the experience to be fulfilling and uplifting.Tickets: $50; $80 VIP tickets includes preferred seating, “meet and greet” with Chip, and photo.Information: http://www.kearnsartistservices.com; http://www.brownpapertickets.com; http://www.cunneen-hackett.org

Aethelred the UnreadyMartel Theater, Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film, Vassar College, 124 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604Sat., Jan. 22, 8 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 23, 3 p.m.: An Opera composed by Richard Wilson, Professor of Music, in celebration of Vassar’s 150th Anniversary. Directed by Drew Minter. Tickets: Available starting Jan. 3, email for info.Information: [email protected]; http://150.vassar.edu

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Bring in The Light on The Darkest Night: A Celebration of the ArtsThe Chocolate Factory, 54 Elizabeth St., Red Hook, NY 12571Friday, December 17, 6-10 p.m.: An evening of art and music at The Imagination Station and Community Music Space. 6-8 p.m., Imagination Station art show & Community Music Space performances. 8-10 p.m., Community Song Fest (bring your instruments!) hosted by Steven Pague. Information: 845.444.0608; http://www.communitymusicspace.com

Mid-Hudson Community Orchestra ConcertDutchess Community College, James and Betty Hall Theatre, 53 Pendell Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Friday, December 17, 7:30 p.m.: Holiday favorites and contemporary and popular works performed by the Mid-Hudson Community Orchestra ensemble. Information: 845.431.8000; http://sunydutchess.edu

Winter Solstice Open MicHowland Cultural Center, Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508Friday, December 17, 8 p.m.: Join host Paul Lukowiak as he welcomes some of the most entertaining performers in the Hudson Valley. Holiday refreshments and plenty of good cheer with songs of the season. Signup for performers starting at 7:30 p.m. Information: 845.831.4988; http://www.howlandculturalcenter.org

Community Sing of Handel’s MessiahSt. James Church, Routes 66 & 203, Chatham, NY 12037Saturday, December 18, 7:30 p.m.: Choral enthusiasts, friends and neighbors, and area students join with Columbia Festival Orchestra instrumental ensemble to sing the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah. Conducted by Gwen Gould. Solos sung by entire sections.Information: 518.828.7513; http://www.columbiafestivalorchestra.org

Hudson Valley Folk Guild: Mike & Emmy ClarkeUnitarian Fellowship, South Randolph Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601Saturday, December 18, 7:30 p.m.: The Poughkeepsie Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild continues its coffeehouse series with featured performers Mike and Emmy Clarke, a husband and wife team known for their original songs which touch on many facets of normal living. Open mic kicks off the evening. Tickets: $5; $4 members and seniors.Information: 845.229.0170; [email protected]

German Christmas Service and ConcertFirst Evangelical Lutheran Church, 325 Mill St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Sunday, December 19, 2 p.m.: German Christmas Service, or Weihnachtsgottesdienst, and concert featuring the Men and Ladies Singers and Kinderchor of Germania of Poughkeepsie. Info: 845.452.6050; http://www.firstevangelicallutheranpok.org

Hudson Valley Philharmonic: Serkin’s SerenadeBardavon Opera House, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Sunday, December 19, 3 p.m.: The 51st anniversary season of the HVP continues with internationally acclaimed pianist Peter Serkin performing one of the greatest works for piano and orchestra, Bartok’s Concerto, piano no. 3. The concert also features Glazunov’s The Seasons: Winter and Brahms Serenade no. 1, op.11, D major. Ticket holders are invited to a pre-concert talk one hour prior to the performance. Tickets: $24-$44; $20 student rush tickets Information: 845.473.2072; 800.745.3000; http://www.bardavon.org

Winter Stillness (In Flight)The Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572Sunday, December 26, 3 p.m.: Classical guitarist David Temple celebrates the season with music both of joyfulness and of peace. This seasonal favorite will feature music of Latin America, Spain, France and elsewhere along with new compositions and the release of his “Winter Stillness [In Flight]” CD. Tickets: $20; $18 seniors & childrenInformation: 845.876.3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org

Gregg AllmanUPAC, 601 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401Saturday, January 8, 8 p.m.: Gregg Allman, the lead singer/songwriter/ organist/founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, returns to the Hudson Valley with friends for one night only. Known for songs such as Midnight Rider and Whipping Post, Gregg’s distinctive singing and songwriting has earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as a listing among the “100 Greatest Singers of All Times” by Rolling Stone Magazine. Tickets: $48-$65Information: 845.473.2072; 800.745.3000; http://www.bardavon.org

Sharon Jones & The Dap-KingsBardavon Opera House, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Sunday, January 23, 7 p.m.: Steeped within the gilded and gritty sounds of gospel, soul and funk, this nine-piece Brooklyn collective has continued to electrify fans, disc jockeys, critics, record collectors, and bloggers the world-over with their authentic, heart-felt sound. Opening will be The Daptones. Tickets: $47Information: 845.473.2072; 800.745.3000; http://www.bardavon.org

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Art in the BarnOlana State Historic Site, Wagon House Education Center/Farm Complex, 5720 Route 9G, Hudson, NY 12534Saturdays, noon-4 p.m.: Go on a family tour of the house to be inspired, then come down to the farm to be an artist. Music, story-telling, dance, movement and open art studio time for our youngest artists. New projects every Saturday. For ages 3-5. Fee: Free, $5 vehicle use fee applies.Information: 518.828.1872 x 109; http://olana.org

Biodiversity Captured in Photographs ContestColumbia and Greene Counties, NYJanuary-March: The Landscape of Olana, Cornell Cooperative Extensions of Columbia and Greene Counties, along with Columbia-Greene Community College, are sponsoring the 2010 Biodiversity: Captured in Photographs Contest. Open to both youth (grades 6 - 12) and adults from Columbia & Greene Counties. Deadline for entries: March 1. Awards reception: April 13, at Columbia Greene Community College; winning and other selected photographs will be on display at the college from April 9-30. Olana is one of the recommended sites you can visit to seek out native flora and fauna for pictorial compositions!Information: Contest rules and entry form available by contacting Theresa Mayhew: [email protected]

Family Movie NightTivoli Free Library, 86 Broadway, Village of Tivoli, NY 12583Friday, December 17, 6:30 p.m.: Due to licensing restrictions they can’t publicize the title of this story about Christmas set in the 1940s where a boy tries to convince his parents that the perfect gift is a Red Ryder BB gun.Information: 845.757.3771; http://www.tivolilibrary.org

Kevin McCurdy’s Holiday Spirit FestivalBowdoin Park, 38 Sheafe Rd., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590Fri.-Sun., Dec. 17-23 & 26; Fri. 6-9 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 5-9 p.m.; 12/22 & 12/23, 6-9 p.m.: Designed to take you back to those days of yesteryear, with holiday tunnels and twinkling light displays, while adding a new twist. There’s a Polar Express Village and train display, Enchanted Forest of Lights, Winter Wonderland, and Santa Around the World! Amazing special effects and magical scenes “wow” guests as they

walk through and participate in these interactive holiday experiences. A blend of creativity and good old fashioned fun, together with leading edge technology, make the Holiday Spirit Festival a truly magical family holiday experience for all ages. Tickets: $10; $6 ages 2-10Information: 845.298.4600; http://holidayspiritfestival.com

A Christmas CarolThe Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572Saturday, December 18, 11 a.m.: Warm your hearts with Dickens’ classic. Watch Mean Ol’ Scrooge as he discovers Christmas is not humbug! The Puppet People’s spectacular show features beautiful marionettes, holiday music and guaranteed smiles! Tickets: $8; $6 childrenInformation: 845.876.3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org

Campfire CookingStonykill Environmental Education Center, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappinger Falls, NY 12590Saturday, December 18, 2 p.m.: Learn a variety of ways to prepare nourishing meals while away from the comforts of civilization. We’ll learn how to build a cooking fire and sample some simple yet delicious fare: “doughboys” and fire-roasted veggies. Meet in front of the barn. Please bring your own plate and eating utensils.Information: 845.831.8780; http://www.dec.ny.gov/education

Starlab Planetarium: Winter SolsticeMid Hudson Children’s Museum, 75 North Water Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Saturday, December 18, 6 p.m.: Enter the inflatable planetarium and view the night sky during the winter solstice. Learm how to find the North Star, Big Dipper and more! Museum stays open late - until 8 p.m. Fee: $4 per personInformation: 845.471.0589; http://mhcm.org

The Boy and the Moon: Reading, Book Signing & Craft ActivitiesHammertown Barn, 3201 Route 199, Pine Plains, NY 12567Sunday, December 19, 2-3:30 p.m.: Hudson Valley artist and Ancram resident Jim Carroll’s “The Boy And The Moon” is a magical tale, sure to be a bedtime favorite with parents and kids from 4-6! In his first

take the kids

A series of images taken aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) shows the moon during a full lunar eclipse on March 3, 2007. Source: commons.wikimedia.org. A total lunar eclipse will take place on December 20/21, 2010, and will be visible after midnight Eastern Standard Time on December 21, in North and South America. It will be the first total lunar eclipse in nearly 3 years, and is also called the Christmas lunar eclipse.


childrens picture book, Jim has created amazing artwork to celebrate the magic and wonder of the natural world. A hands on craft activity will follow the reading. Reservations requested as space is limited.Information: 518-398-7075; http://www.hammertown.com

Solstice Celebration at Sprout CreekSprout Creek Farm, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601Tuesday, December 21, 5-7 p.m.: This time of celebrating the resting of nature and the eventual hope of spring is particularly fitting this year. Join the folks at Sprout Creek and their animals in a circle around the fire, pray with them in gratitude for all blessings, and sing a song of welcome to the new sun. RSVP requested. Cookies and hot chocolate in the cafe afterwards.Information: 845.485.8438; http://www.sproutcreekfarm.org

Santa’s WorkshopMid Hudson Children’s Museum, 75 North Water Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Wednesday, December 22, 4-6 p.m.: Let your child become Santa’s helper and decorate their own toy or a toy to be given as a very special gift for someone! Cookies and hot cocoa will be served!Fee: $10 per child; $5 per adult.Information: 845.471.0589; http://mhcm.org

A Christmas CarolMid Hudson Children’s Museum, 75 North Water Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Tuesday, December 28, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.: Charles Dickens’ classic tale comes to life through the magic and wonder of elaborate puppets, scenery and music. This spectacular holiday show features a heart warming story and even a puppet parade! Reservations required.Fee: $5 per person; discounted museum admission, $5Information: 845.471.0589; http://mhcm.org

Youth Holiday WorkshopCopake Park Building, Copake, NY 12516Tues.-Thurs., Dec. 28-30, 3-6 p.m.: Columbia Arts Team offers a Youth Holiday Theater Workshop Young people ages 8 to 12 learn performing and playwriting skills as they create and rehearse their own

musical in a three-day workshop free of charge. On the last day, they perform their piece at the Spectacular for family and friends. Information: http://www.columbiaartsteam.org

Light Up The Winter WorkshopMid Hudson Children’s Museum, 75 North Water Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Wednesday, December 29, 11 a.m.: Learn to create simple and beautiful holiday crafts from around the world. Fee: $4 per childInformation: 845.471.0589; http://mhcm.org

Bird Facts and FunStonykill Environmental Education Center, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappinger Falls, NY 12590Thursday, December 30, 2 p.m.: How do your abilities compare with the amazing abilities of birds? Measure your “wing span” to see how you compare, size-wise, with different species of birds. Try eating with a variety of “bird beaks” to discover how different birds are specialized to eat certain foods. Have fun while discovering the hazards of migration and other challenges birds face.Information: 845.831.8780; http://www.dec.ny.gov/education

Holiday Party: New Year’s Eve at Noon!Mid Hudson Children’s Museum, 75 North Water Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Friday, December 31, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Bring the entire family to this exclusive party where kids rule! Arts and crafts, noise makers, party punch and edible new year’s hats. A bubble wrap countdown will “pop” in the New Year for all. Reservations required. Snow date: 1/1/11Fee: $15 per personInformation: 845.471.0589; http://mhcm.org

New Year’s Eve: MillbrookVillage of Millbrook, Upper Franklin Ave., Millbrook, NY 12545Friday, December 31, 4-8:15 p.m.: The Rotary Club of Millbrook sponsors a family evening of swashbuckling fun! This year’s theme is Pirates and features the Buccaneer Bindlestiff’s Swashbuckling Cirkus. Also featuring a variety of live music: jazz music by the Larry Ham Duo, classical music by the Handman String Quartet, traditional Mexical music by Mariachi Loco de NY, ragtime and Broadway tunes by Peter Muir and Friends, spirituals by the Six of Us, Plus, animated films, Mr. Twisty, and roving characters. Refreshments for sale.Information: 845.677.8167; http://www.millbrookrotary.org

Family Tour at OlanaOlana State Historic Site, 5720 Route 9G, Hudson, NY 12534Sundays, January 9 & 23, 11:30 a.m.: Explore the house, its paintings and treasures from a child’s perspective. Tours are geared for families with 6-12 year olds, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required by 4 p.m. the preceding Friday. Fee: $9 adults; $8 students/seniors; free, kids under 12, membersInformation: 518.828.0135; http://olana.org

WinterfestClarence Fahnestock State Park, 1498 Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512Sunday, January 9, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Be part of the National Winter Trails Day. Activities include snowshoeing, naturewalks, crafts and a live animal presentation. Food and beverages are available.Donation: $2 adults; $1 kidsInformation: 845.265.3773; http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/events

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t’s a raw late November morning, the kind where the wind whips through your clothes and seeps into your bones. We’re walking through an open field in Wappingers Falls, toward what looks like a small hangar; about 100 feet long by 14 feet high with translucent sides that billow in the wind like the sails of tall ships.

Stepping inside is like stepping back in time six weeks. It’s about 20 degrees warmer and the air is heavy with the sweet, loamy smells of growth. The ground is shot with brilliant greens and reds all the way to the back of the structure. There’s a crop plan hanging on a clipboard by the door, but Tim Heuer doesn’t need to look at it anymore as his fingers dance through the air.

“Swiss chard, carrots in the middle, turnips on the end, then spinach, two different varieties, then arugula, then lettuce for salad. Two different kinds of mustard greens, that’s giant red mustard and the wispy stuff is ruby streaked mustard, then komatsuna, then purple mizuna, then regular early mizuna. In the middle of that is tatsoi and red Russian kale and the second to last bed is all spinach.” His fingers have guided us back around to the last bed, which looks like it contains greater variety than most supermarkets’ entire produce sections. “The last bed is a hodgepodge.”

Tim works for Common Ground Farm, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project in southern Dutchess County, where I’m finishing up a two year term serving on the board. We’re standing in the farm’s new high tunnel, an unheated greenhouse that captures energy from the sun in order to extend the growing season. Anything growing outside the walls of the high tunnel right now is stunted, withered and spent. Inside, things are still growing fast. Maybe too fast. “I’ve actually been trying to slow things down in here the past few weeks,” Tim says. The temperature can be manipulated via louvered aluminum vents on either end; the sides of the tunnel can also roll up a few feet and be tied off to the metal framework to let in low lying breezes.

The CSA season is over now but thanks to the high tunnel, Tim is still growing, still taking fresh local produce to the Beacon Farmers Market every Sunday. He figures he can keep things going until mid-January, then come back to the high tunnel in early April and start tomatoes for next season’s CSA shares. “I could actually turn it right around in January and start growing again, but that would mean I don’t get a break all year,” he says, carefully navigating through the jam packed rows of greens underfoot.

In 2011, for its first full season in use, the tunnel will help to supplement the shares of Common Ground Farm’s members and offer extended shares next fall and winter. But visitors to the farm, which consists of nine acres leased from the Stonykill Environmental Education Center, can be forgiven for not knowing about the tunnel. That’s because the tunnel isn’t on the farm.

Last winter, the United States Department of Agriculture announced a program to award grants to farms seeking to build high tunnels as part of a

three year program to determine their effectiveness in conserving water, reducing the use of pesticides, maintaining vital soil nutrients, increasing crop yields and extending the growing season. Representatives from the Cornell Cooperative Extension urged Tim to apply for the grant, which would pay for half of the costs of the tunnel. The problem was that there was nowhere to put it. The nine acre plot the farm leases from Stonykill was completely full.

In stepped Alex Reese, a friend of the farm who owns land just up the road from Stonykill. Alex

offered a three year lease on an acre of his land for a dollar, and donated the rest of the cost of the tunnel himself. Now that the tunnel is up, Alex and his wife Allison often stop by to give Tim a hand.

If Alex hadn’t offered the land, Tim would not have been able to even apply for the grant, much less build the tunnel. When a farmer doesn’t own their own land, it severely limits them in what they can grow, how they can grow it, and how they can expand. It also makes it very difficult to take advantage of opportunities, like the high tunnel grant, which come their way, as well as plan more than a few years down the road.

These problems are nothing new for Benjamin Shute, who runs Hearty Roots Community Farm. Hearty Roots, which is located in Upper

Land’s Sakefor the

by Brian PJ Cronin, photographs by Kristen Cronin

When a farmer doesn’t own their own land, it severely limits them in what they can grow, how they can grow it, and how they can expand.

Common Ground Farm’s Tim Heuer in the high tunnel.

Swoss chard growsing in the high tunnel -- in November!

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Red Hook, has grown into a robust model CSA, growing more than 600 shares for people in the Hudson Valley and New York City while still selling to local restaurants and farmers markets and growing a thousand pounds of produce a week for food pantries in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn. On a 25 acre plot of land, Benjamin and his staff are feeding thousands of people every year.

It wasn’t always this way. It began in 2002 with an acre of land leased on a handshake from an elderly couple running a dairy farm in the area. From that acre, Hearty Roots expanded slowly but surely, learning along the way, until they got to where they are now. But when the couple passed away two years ago, their multi-generational farm was sold and another piece of prime Hudson Valley farm land was lost. Hearty Roots couldn’t even consider putting in an offer on the land; at a price tag in the millions it was way beyond their reach.

Right now, Hearty Roots is leasing 25 acres of the 500 acre Greig Farm. They’ve been able to hold steady at their current scale, but they keep running into the same problems as all farmers who don’t own their land. They haven’t been able to invest in long term infrastructure upgrades like underground irrigation lines and bigger walk-in coolers, because those upgrades would be left behind if they ever had to leave. It takes years to truly know a piece of land, to know where it floods when it rains and where it dries out in a drought, to know which parts are best suited for which crops, to know where the sun breaks over the hills in the summer and where the wind blasts through in the fall. Years of hard won knowledge of the landscape will be lost if they have to move.

All the while they make sure they are growing in a sustainable manner using organic practices, in order to preserve the fertility of the land. Of the 25 acres they lease, only 17 or so acres are being sown. The rest are lying fallow, recovering nutrients and waiting their turn in the rotation plan, even if Hearty Roots won’t still be on the land when it’s recovered. Tim made a similar decision this past summer at Stonykill. After a year and a half of farming the Common Ground Farm plot, he concluded that the land had

been planted too aggressively in the past. Next year, more fallow land will be worked into the rotation, even though it means he’ll be growing less food and the farm’s budget will have to shrink accordingly.

It’s a hard choice to make, considering that the demand for local, sustainably raised food continues to grow. Benjamin laughs when I ask him how much land he thinks it would take to meet the demand he sees every day. “I don’t think we’d ever be able to meet the demand,” he says. Still, there’s no doubt that he could be feeding a lot more residents with permanent access to more farm land. He works with groups like Scenic Hudson, the Dutchess Land Conservancy and the Winnakee Land Trust, as well as the town of Red Hook, to preserve the area’s historic farmland. But preservation is only half the battle; the preserved land then has to be made affordable to small scale farmers who will grow in a sustainable manner. And that’s the nut that no one in the Hudson Valley has been able to crack yet, at least not in a manner that can be replicated throughout the Valley and beyond.

There is much work to be done, but it’s incredibly encouraging and humbling to know that there are people like Benjamin and his staff, like Alex and Allison, like Tim. People who are serving as stewards of the land, maximizing not only its agricultural potential, but also its benefit to our local communities and local economies while making sure the land will remain healthy and fertile for generations to come. It makes one optimistic about the possibility of more Hudson Valley residents doing what they can to preserve our local foodshed for the next generation and make sure it’s entrusted to the right people. Underneath all of the laws, tax codes, and vagaries of the real estate market, at the center of it all is people. And people need to eat.

Underneath all of the laws, tax codes, and vagaries of the real estate market, at the center of it all is people. And people need to eat.

Brian PJ and Kristen Cronin live in Beacon with their four cats and a baby on the way. Check out their blog A Rotisserie Chicken and 12 Padded Envelopes at www.hvmercantile.com, and view more of their photos at www.flickr.com/teammoonshine.

thinning...


Film: The Princess BrideUPAC, 601 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401Friday, December 17, 7:30 p.m.: Heroes. Giants. Villains. Wizards. True Love. Not your basic, average, everyday, ordinary, run-of-the-mill, ho-hum fairy tale. Rob Reiner directs an all-star cast including Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal, Andre the Giant, Christopher Guest, and Wallace Shawn. Tickets: $5 all seats Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

National Theatre of London Live Simulcast: HamletTime and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534Friday, December 17, 8 p.m.: William Shakespeare’s canonical tragedy, Hamlet, explores the themes of madness, rage, incest, and corruption through the story of the prince of Denmark who must avenge his father’s murder. Tickets: $22; $15, children 13 and underInformation: 518.822.8100; http://www.timeandspace.org

Book Signing with Liza DonnellyThe Book Cove, 22 Charles Colman Blvd., Pawling, NY 12564Saturday, December 18, 11 a.m.: Author Liza Donnelly signs copies of her latest book, “When Do They Serve the Wine? The Folly, Flexibility, and Fun of Being a Woman.” Information: 845.855.9590; http://pawlingbookcove.com

Encore Presentation: The Met Live in HD: Don CarloUPAC, 601 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401Saturday, December 18, 12:30 p.m.: Director Nicholas Hytner makes his Met debut with this new production of Verdi’s profound, beautiful, and most ambitious opera. Tickets: $23; $16 children 12 and underInformation: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

Marianne Schnall Shares Daring to Be OurselvesMerritt Books, 57 Front St., Millbrook, NY 12545Saturday, December 18, 5 p.m.: Marianne Schnall is a widely published writer and interviewer. She is also the executive director of the women’s website and non-profit organization Feminist.com and co-founder of EcoMall.com, a website promoting environmentally-friendly living. Her new book is “Daring to Be Ourselves: Influential Women Share Insights on Courage, Happiness and Finding Your Own Voice.”Information: 845.677.5857; http://www.merrittbooks.com

Met Opera: Don Carlo (Verdi)Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534Sat. & Sun., Dec. 18 & 19, 12:30-6 p.m.: An Italian comic opera about an old bachelor, Don Pasquale who, in a vendetta against his nephew, attempts to marry a young woman and make her his heir, leaving his nephew, Ernesto, without an inheritance. Tickets: $25; $15, children 13 and underInformation: 518.822.8100; http://www.timeandspace.org

readings, signings & screenings

St. John’s pair, still from the film: The Legend of Pale Male: A hawk, a city, a love story. Photo courtesy palemale.com


Film: BhuttoTime and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534Sat., Dec. 18, 8 p.m.; Thurs., Dec. 23, 5:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 26, 1:30 p.m.; Thurs., Dec. 30, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 1, 5:30 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 2, 1:30 p.m.: Bhutto is an epic story about the first woman in history to lead a Muslim nation - Pakistan. Educated at Harvard and Oxford, Benazir’s life changed forever when her father, Pakistan’s first democratically elected president, chose Benazir, instead of his eldest son, to carry his politi cal mantle. After her father was overthrown and executed by his handpicked Army Chief, Benazir swore to avenge him and to restore democracy - or die trying. Benazir lived a life of contradictions. She broke the Islamic glass ceiling, but was wed in a traditional arranged marriage to Karachi playboy Asif Ali Zardari. Her two terms in power saw acts of courage and controversy as she restored democracy, eradicated polio, helped advance the status of women, and fought extremism, all the while battling politically-charged accusations of corruption and cronyism. Tickets: $7; $5 students, membersInformation: 518.822.8100; http://www.timeandspace.org

Film: The Legend of Pale MaleTime and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534Sat. & Sun., Dec. 18 & 19, 6 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 26, 3:30 p.m.: A hawk. A city. A love story. The Legend of Pale Male is more than an extraordinary piece of New York history, it documents the mysterious power possessed by a single red-tailed hawk to open the eyes and hearts of die-hard city dwellers to the wonders of nature. Join filmmaker Frederic Lilien, whom we meet as a young man from Belgium looking to change his life, on an eighteen-year journey through life, death, birth, hope, and redemption. Tickets: $7; $5 students, membersInformation: 518.822.8100; http://www.timeandspace.org

The Met Live in HD: La Fanciulla Del WestThe Bardavon Opera House, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Saturday, January 8, 1 p.m.: Sung in French, Puccini’s fanciful opera about the American Wild West is a love story about Minnie and a disguised outlaw who she falls in love with. Complete with marauding gangs, thieving, wild chases, and a life-or-death poker game, this is a true Wild West opera. Four hours.Tickets: $23; $16 children 12 and underInformation: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

Met Opera: La Fanciulla Del West (Puccini)Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534Sat., Jan. 8, 1 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., Jan. 15 & 16, 1 p.m.: See description above. Tickets: $25; $15, children 13 and underInformation: 518.822.8100; http://www.timeandspace.org

Free Monday Night Film SeriesGermantown Public Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd., Germantown, NY 12526Alternating Mondays, through February 28, 7-9 p.m.: Free films for adults in the Hover Room. Winter Series: Great films of the 1950s. BYO beverage and snack. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. 1/10, On the Waterfront; 1/24, Rear Window; 2/14, Twelve Angry Men (1957); 2/28, Touch of Evil. Information: 518.537.5800; http://www.germantownlibrary.org

Lady’s Night with Author Keryl PesceThe Book Cove, 22 Charles Colman Blvd., Pawling, NY 12564Thursday, January 13, 7 p.m.: Meet Keryl Pesce, author of “Happy Bitch, the girlfriend’s straight up guide to losing the baggae and finding the fun, fabulous you inside...”Information: 845.855.9590; http://pawlingbookcove.com

Here Comes Another Lesson: Stephen O’ConnorHudson Opera House, 327 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534Saturday, January 15, 2 p.m.: Author Stephen O’Connor introduces his latest short story collection, “Here Comes Another Lesson.” His nonfiction books include: Will My Name Be Shouted Out?, a memoir and Orphan Trains, The Story of Charles Loring Brace and the Children He Saved and Failed, narrative history.Information: 518.822.1438; http://hudsonoperahouse.org

National Theatre of London Live Simulcast: Fela!Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534Thurs., Jan. 13, 7 p.m.; Fri., Jan. 21, 8 p.m.: A provocative and wholly unique hybrid of dance, theatre and music, FELA! explores the world of the Nigerian Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Using his pioneering music, a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies, FELA! reveals Kuti’s controversial life as an artist and political activist. Featuring many of Fela Kuti’s most captivating songs and Bill T. Jones’ visionary staging, FELA! comes to us via Broadway where it was a top hit in 2009. Tickets: $22; $15, children 13 and underInformation: 518.822.8100; http://www.timeandspace.org

Reading: Bradford Morrow, The Diviner’s TaleOblong Books, Montgomery Row, Rhinebeck, NY 12572Sunday, January 23, 4 p.m.: Reading and signing with Bradford Morrow, author of The Diviner’s Tale. Morrow is the author of numerous acclaimed works of fiction and poetry, including Ariel’s Crossing and Giovanni’s Gift. He is also the founder of the literary magazine Conjunctions, which he has edited since 1981. He received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2007 and is a professor of literature at Bard College.Information: 845.876.0500; http://www.oblongbooks.com

Benazir Bhutto. Still from the film.

MERCANTILE HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 Page 28�

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CHILDREN’S CLASSESPre-Ballet I 4 yrs Weds. 4:00-4:45 pmPre-Ballet II 4-5yrs Tuesdays 3:45-4:30 pmBallet I 6–8 yrs Tuesdays 4:35-5:35 pm

ADULT CLASSESFlamenco for Adult Beg. Mondays 6:15-7:30 pmTango Argentino Tuesdays 6:30-7:45 pm

TUITION: Winter Session (10 weeks) $150.00 Spring Session (11 weeks) $165.00

(10% discount for families with 2 or more children enrolled)Adult Single Class - $20

Information:Prudence Garcia-Renart

[email protected]

www. kaatsbaan.org

KAATSBAAN’S

��Winter & Spring 2011

JANUARY 11 - MARCH 15

MARCH 29 - JUNE 15


SLEDDING :

Burger HillRoute 9G, RhinebeckPopular sledding spot rises to a 550-foot hilltop with panoramic views of the Hudson River Valley including the Shawangunk Ridge, Catskill and Taconic mountains, Stissing Mountain and the Berkshires. Protected by a Scenic Hudson conservation ease-ment, the park is owned by Winnakee Land Trust and managed by the Burger Hill Committee. Several sledding areas with vary-ing degrees of steepness. Open 9 a.m.-dusk.

Clermont State Historic SiteOne Clermont Ave. off Route 9G, GermantownAnnual sledding party with bonfire and snowman contest held in late January/early February. http://www.friendsofclermont.org

Seigel Kline Kill Conservation AreaRoute 21, GhentNewly cleared public sledding hill on land protected by the Columbia Land Conservancy. http://www.clctrust.org

Staatsburgh State Historic Site/Mills MansionOld Post Road, StaatsburgA favorite and prime sledding area with unobstructed views of the Hudson River and Catskills beyond. Grounds are open daily January-March, dawn-dusk. Sleds with metal runners not al-lowed. http://www.staatsburgh.org.

ICE SKATING:

Indoors:

Kiwanis Ice ArenaCantine Memorial Complex, Washington Avenue, SaugertiesPublic skate sessions of 1.5 hours each, Monday-Sunday, check website for specific times. Learn to skate instructional Sundays, 8-9 a.m.; hockey skills in-structional: Sundays,s 7-8 a.m.; figure skating lessons, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. The rink is enclosed, but not

heated. Admission: $6 adults; $4 students; 5 and under, free; skate rentals, $3.Info: http://kiwanisicearena.com; 845.247.2590

McCann Ice ArenaMid-Hudson Civic Center, 14 Civic Center Plaza, PoughkeepsieMcCann offers skating lessons, a hockey skill development clinic, and even speed skating lessons. There are Learn to Skate and Learn to Play Hockey programs. Holiday skating schedule: Mon., Dec. 27-Fri., Dec. 31, noon-2 p.m.; New Year’s Day, 2-4 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 2, 2-4 p.m.Check website for full schedule. Friday DJ Skate from 7:15-9 p.m., $10, includes admission and skate rental.Admission: $7, $4 (children under 10); Skate Rental: $3Info: http://www.midhudsonciviccenter.com; 845-454-5800

Outdoors:

Hudson Park Outdoor Ice Skating Area3521 Route 9, south of HudsonStop by Restaurant to sign waiver before heading to ice rink. Bring your own skates and equipment. Thursday night Pond Hockey. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. & 6-9 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Mon. & Tues., 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wed.-Fri., 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Free, donations accepted.

Lake Taghkanic State ParkExit off Taconic State Parkway in town of Ancram; or, 1528 Route 82, AncramSkating permitted when conditions are appropriate. Call to check ice thickness. 518.851.3631http://www.nysparks.com/parks/38/details.aspx

Palatine ParkPalatine Park Road, Germantownice skating conditions permitting 518.537.4600; 518.537.6687

Rhinebeck Recreation ParkLocated behind Starr Library, 68 West Market Street, Rhinebeck845.876.3409

spots for your sleds & skatesPhoto Children on sleds in Central Park, photo by Bain News Service. Source: commons.wikimedia.org


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Donald Z. Rosenblum, M.D., F.A.A.P.Joseph Appel, M.D., F.A.A.P.Valerie M. Sprenz, M.D., F.A.A.P.Peter J. O’Connor, M.D., F.A.A.P.Danielle Cigliano, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Jane H. Ferguson, M.D., F.A.A.P.Roger D. Green, M.D., F.A.A.P.Nalini C. Nauth-Othello, M.D., F.A.A.P.Brett M. Macaluso, D.O., F.A.A.P.Maria T. Brown, C.P.N.P

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hen I opened the back of the van, the ram just lay still in disbelief. The past couple of months must have been rough for him. First, the ram was weaned off of his mother. Then, he watched as his lamb buddies, who had not been chosen to become breeding stock, were shipped off the farm. In order to prevent him from breeding ewes at the wrong time or getting beat up by older rams, he was put in with a group of older male goats (or bucks). After a few months with only the tall, smelly bucks as company, a strange man (me) showed up and lifted him into the back of a 1995 Dodge minivan. He had never experienced a ride in a motorized vehicle. Surely he expected that this ride was the culmination of his woes and would come to some sort of terrible end. So when the van hatch opened onto an open pasture with 75 ewes just waiting for a ram to arrive, the ram couldn’t believe that this was the end of his journey. In reality it was just a beginning for him, the beginning of the breeding season and the start of his career as a ram.

As our new ram gathered his wits about him and jumped out of the van, the first animal that greeted him was not the ewes that he was headed for, but Joshua, our guard llama. I was watching closely, because we had had trouble in the past with guard animals greeting new additions to the flock. Two years ago, we bought some lambs from a friend’s farm, and as we introduced them to the rest of our flock, our guard donkey marched right up to one of the lambs and took a bite out of him! For that, and other infractions, our guard donkey was eventually relieved of his duties. Though I had more faith in this guard animal’s judgment, I was cautious nonetheless. The llama did in fact try to detain the ram, to block him from the other sheep until a more thorough assessment could be done. The ram, however, was impatient, and in a rushed move towards the llama, signaled to the llama that he should “back off.” He pranced right in to the middle of the pasture and elicited a response that even Justin Bieber would be jealous of. The ewes instantly swarmed the young ram, the flock circulating as each ewe attempted to be the closest to their new guest.

For ewes, the fall is when their bodies are ready for breeding. For many sheep breeds, ewes only start to be “in heat” when the days start shortening in the fall. Some breeds are more likely to breed year round, especially breeds that were developed near the equator, where there is less of dramatic seasonal difference in length of daylight. Once they begin cycling, the ewes come into heat every 17 days or so. During these periods, they are ovulating, and they will stand still for the ram.

Our new ram, on his first day on the job, seemed to have a fairly poor sense of which ewes to pursue. He would focus in on a particular ewe, and trot after her, his lip curled up in a characteristic look of a ram in longing. The ewes that he chose kept moving away from him. Meanwhile, an ignored group of five to ten desperate-seeming ewes trailed right behind the ram, practically begging for his attention.

The start of the breeding season is the kick-off moment for the flock’s year-long project of lamb production. Gestation takes almost five months, so ewes that are bred in December will mostly give birth in May. But for now, birth and lamb-rearing are far away concepts. It will be a long time before this ram proves his worth as a sire of future generations. But right now, our ram isn’t worried about how he might be evaluated down the line. He is just living in the moment, ever glad that he took that strange van ride with me.

baa...ram...ewe.

r u m i n a t i o n s

He pranced right in to the middle of the pasture and elicited a response that even Justin Bieber would be jealous of.

wby Owen O’Connor

Owen O’Connor runs Awesome Farm, ltd with his partner KayCee Wimbish. They raise and sell grass-fed lamb and beef in Red Hook and Claverack, NY. Owen grew up in Clinton Corners, and was working in organic vegetable farms before he and KayCee started their own project.


SINGING

DANCING

ACTING

RhinebeckDance.com

876-3303

Nutrena • Blue Seal • Purina Feeds

Fertilizers • Shavings • Feed • FencingPet Food & Supplies • Lime • Bedding

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68 Firehouse LaneRed Hook, NY 12571

845.876.1559 or 845.758.3601 Fax: 845.758.8002

68 Firehouse Lane


Biodiversity Captured in Photographs ContestColumbia and Greene Counties, NYJanuary-March: The Landscape of Olana, Cornell Cooperative Extensions of Columbia and Greene Counties, along with Columbia-Greene Community College, are sponsoring the 2010 Biodiversity: Captured in Photographs Contest. The contest is open to both youth (grades 6 - 12) and adults from Columbia & Greene Counties. The deadline for entries is March 1, 2010. An awards reception will be held April 13, at Columbia Greene Community College; winning and other selected photographs will be on display at the college from April 9 until April 30, 2010. Olana is one of the recommended sites you can visit to seek out native flora and fauna for pictorial compositions!Information: Contest rules and entry form available by contacting Theresa Mayhew: [email protected]

Beacon Farmers MarketSloop Clubhouse at the Beacon Train Station, Beacon, NY 12508Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Fresh Produce, Meats, Fresh Flowers, Bread, Cheese, Wine, Gifts, Pottery, Baked Goods, Honey, Maple Syrup, Prepared Foods, Live Music.Information: 845.597.5028; www.thebeaconfarmersmarket.com

Spur-of-the-Moment Snowshoe Treks Various Columbia Land Conservancy Conservation AreasThroughout snow season: It’s becoming harder and harder to predict when the frozen white stuff will be in great supply. Let Jenny know you are interested in joining CLC’s snowshoe treks, and she’ll email you after a big snow with the date and time for a trek. Limited number of snowshoes to lend -- beginners are welcome.Information: 518.392.5252; [email protected]; http://clctrust.org

Red Hook Winter MarketElmendorph Inn, 7562 Route 9, Red Hook, NY 12571Saturday, December 18, January 8 & 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Buy local and fresh from area farmers and artisans, including: Hearty Roots, Awesome Farm, Migliorelli Farm, Northwind Farm, Hudson Valley Sheep & Wool, Gigi Market, Tivoli Bakery, Tousey Winery, Hudson Valley Fresh, Wil-Hi Farm.Information: 845.399.4582; [email protected]

Rhinebeck Farmers Market Winter MarketRhinebeck Town Hall, 80 E. Market St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572Alternate Sundays, Dec. 19, Jan. 2, Jan. 16, Jan. 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Enjoy a diverse and unique selection of farm fresh products that showcase the very best of the Hudson Valley. Information: http://www.rhinebeckfarmersmarket.com

Our Town Talks: Beekeeping with Sam Comfort Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd., Germantown, NY 12526 Sunday, January 23, 2 p.m.: Free; Reservations recommended. Information: 518.537.5800; http://www.germantownlibrary.org

Snow is GoodCarey Institute for Ecosystem Studies, Auditorium, 2801 Sharon Tpke. (Route 44), Millbrook, NY 12545Friday, January 28, 7 p.m.: Most people pay attention to climate change in the summer, when faced with heat waves, hurricanes, and severe thunderstorms. In the northeast, climate warming is actually more marked in the winter, and the loss of snow cover can have a ripple effect on tree growth and groundwater recharge. Cary Institute scientist Dr. Peter Groffman will discuss how mild winters threaten soil productivity, plant growth, and freshwater resources. Information: 845.677.7600 x 121; http://www.ecostudies.org/events.html

snowshoeing and skiing ca. 1905, McCord Museum. source: wikimedia.commons.org

bright green valley


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Olana State Historic SiteRoute 9G, Hudson, NY 12534Fri.-Sun., through January 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., last tour at 3 p.m.; closed Christmas Day: “Holiday House Tours,” visit Olana for Christmas with the Churches, a look at how the family spent the Holiday at home. Hear oldest son Frederic Joseph’s letter to Santa Claus, and hear what other family and visitors wrote about the experience. Tickets: $9; $8 students /seniors, free kids under 12.Information: 518.828.0135; www.olana.org

Staatsburgh State Historic SiteOld Post Road, Route 9S, Staatsburg, NY 12580Nov. 26-Dec. 31, 1-4 p.m. (closed 12/25): “A Gilded Age Christmas,” elaborate turn-of-the-century holiday decorations, flower arrangements, Christmas trees festooned with Edwardian-style ornaments, and spectacular Dining Room decorations based on historic themes. Tours every half hour. Tickets: $5; $4, seniors and students; 12 & under free.Friday, Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m.: “Mills Mansion Holiday Reception” featuring libations, lite bites and live music.Sundays, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19 & 26, 1-4 p.m.:: “Holiday Whodunit,” a children’s mystery based on the historical period. The clock turns back 100 years each Christmas, and young detectives roam the mansion, interviewing Mrs. Mills’ guests and servants (docents in period costume) to solve a Gilded Age mystery. Tickets: $5; $4, seniors and students; 12 & under freeInformation: 845.889.8851; www.staatsburgh.org

Val-Kill – Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site4097 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park, NY 12583Thurs.-Mon. through December, 1 & 3 p.m.: Special holiday tours with stories of Eleanor’s Christmases with friends and family during the years she called Val-Kill her home. Accessible by Shuttle bus only. Tours will begin at the Henry A. Wallace Center located at the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt.Information: 845.229.6214; www.nps.gov/elro

Vanderbilt MansionVisitors Center, Route 9, Hyde Park, NY 12583Through December 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Christmas Day: Enjoy tours of the mansion lavishly decorated for a “Gilded Age” holiday season. This year the decorations celebrate the generosity of Frederick and Louise in the Hyde Park community - especially to the children of the town all of whom were presented with gifts each Christmas. A few of these items have found their way into Vanderbilt’s collection and will be on exhibit during this time.Tickets: $8Information: 845.229.7770; www.nps.gov/vama

Van Wyck Homestead Museum504 Route 9, Fishkill, NY 12524Tuesday, December 28, 6:30-9:30 p.m.; Annual Holiday Open House featuring activities based on the various holidays in December and January: Lucia, St. Nicolas, Hannukah, Epiphany, New Year’s and Christmas. Children can make their own holiday crafts, and there will be refreshments and music. Tickets: Free of charge.Information: 845.896.9560

Wilderstein330 Morton Road, Rhinebeck, NY 12572December 18 & 19, 26 & 27, 1-4 p.m.: Florists and designers transform the Wilderstein mansion into a magical holiday spectacular. Tour the mansion at your own pace, with guides in each room to share information and answer questions.Tickets: $10; $9 students and seniors.Information: 845.876.4818; www.wilderstein.org

BoscobelRoute 9D, Garrison, NY 10524Wednesdays & Sundays in December, 1 p.m.: Yuletide Tea. Enjoy a festive afternoon Tea in Boscobel’s Exhibition Gallery, merrily decorated for the season. A choice of teas served in fine china will be accompanied by a selection of dainty sandwiches and extravagant sweets. Prior to the Tea, guests will enjoy a guided tour of Boscobel House. Tickets: $40Through December 31, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Holiday House Tours. Friendly, knowledgeable docent guides direct and entertain visitors with stories of early 19-century yuletide traditions and at-home entertaining during the Federal period. Information: 845-265.3638; http://www.boscobel.org

Clermont State Historic SiteCounty Route 6, off Route 9G, Clermont, NY 12526Saturday, December 18, 11 a,m.-4 p.m.: Christmas at Clermont Open House. Free. Information: 518.537.6622; www.friendsofclermont.org

Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum4079 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538Through December 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.: Tours of Springwood, decorated for the holidays as it was back in Roosevelt’s day. Tickets: $14Information: 845.486.7745; www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu

Locust Grove2683 South Rd. (Rt. 9), Poughkeepsie, NY 12601Saturday, December 18; and December 26-31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., last tour at 3:15 p.m.: View Locust Grove’s historic mansion, decorated in seasonal splendor. This holiday season, step back in time and re-live the romance of Christmas past as we feature the classic Christmas tale ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas. In each room, Christmas trees decorated in seasonal splendor will showcase the passages from this tale. Tour the mansion with our guides available to share information on the showcased museum collections and decorations. Tickets: $10/adult; $6/child under 12.Sunday, December 19, noon-4 p.m.: “A Holiday Hunt for Kids” featuring “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Search the house for three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree. After finding the clues to all twelve days, return to the Museum Pavilion for a holiday storytelling performance by Lorraine Hartin-Gelardi.Tickets: $10/adult; $8/child, includes hunt, storytelling performance, cookies, cider and a holiday keepsake.Information: 845.454.4500 x 17; www.lgny.org

Mount Gulian Historic SiteOff Route 9D, Fishkill (Just North of the Newburgh/Beacon bridge), NY 12508Sunday, December 19, 4-6 p.m.: “Special Candlelight Tour and Vignette” featuring historic holiday decor and living history performance featuring two characters from 1848, James F. Brown, an emancipated slave and diarist, and Mary Anna Verplanck, his employer, who shared a passion for gardening. Part of an ongoing living history program at Mount Guilian.Tickets: $8; $6 seniors; $4 children & members.Wednesday, Dec. 29, noon-2 p.m.: “Children’s Victorian Holiday Tea.” Tea, tea sandwiches, dessert and a children’s craft project. Tickets: $15; $12/child. Information: 845.831.8172; www.mountgulian.org

Historic Sights❄

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Olana table dressed for the holidays from the photograph collection at Olana State Historic Site


Olana State Historic SiteRoute 9G, Hudson, NY 12534Fri.-Sun., through January 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., last tour at 3 p.m.; closed Christmas Day: “Holiday House Tours,” visit Olana for Christmas with the Churches, a look at how the family spent the Holiday at home. Hear oldest son Frederic Joseph’s letter to Santa Claus, and hear what other family and visitors wrote about the experience. Tickets: $9; $8 students /seniors, free kids under 12.Information: 518.828.0135; www.olana.org

Staatsburgh State Historic SiteOld Post Road, Route 9S, Staatsburg, NY 12580Nov. 26-Dec. 31, 1-4 p.m. (closed 12/25): “A Gilded Age Christmas,” elaborate turn-of-the-century holiday decorations, flower arrangements, Christmas trees festooned with Edwardian-style ornaments, and spectacular Dining Room decorations based on historic themes. Tours every half hour. Tickets: $5; $4, seniors and students; 12 & under free.Friday, Dec. 3, 6-8 p.m.: “Mills Mansion Holiday Reception” featuring libations, lite bites and live music.Sundays, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19 & 26, 1-4 p.m.:: “Holiday Whodunit,” a children’s mystery based on the historical period. The clock turns back 100 years each Christmas, and young detectives roam the mansion, interviewing Mrs. Mills’ guests and servants (docents in period costume) to solve a Gilded Age mystery. Tickets: $5; $4, seniors and students; 12 & under freeInformation: 845.889.8851; www.staatsburgh.org

Val-Kill – Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site4097 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park, NY 12583Thurs.-Mon. through December, 1 & 3 p.m.: Special holiday tours with stories of Eleanor’s Christmases with friends and family during the years she called Val-Kill her home. Accessible by Shuttle bus only. Tours will begin at the Henry A. Wallace Center located at the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt.Information: 845.229.6214; www.nps.gov/elro

Vanderbilt MansionVisitors Center, Route 9, Hyde Park, NY 12583Through December 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Christmas Day: Enjoy tours of the mansion lavishly decorated for a “Gilded Age” holiday season. This year the decorations celebrate the generosity of Frederick and Louise in the Hyde Park community - especially to the children of the town all of whom were presented with gifts each Christmas. A few of these items have found their way into Vanderbilt’s collection and will be on exhibit during this time.Tickets: $8Information: 845.229.7770; www.nps.gov/vama

Van Wyck Homestead Museum504 Route 9, Fishkill, NY 12524Tuesday, December 28, 6:30-9:30 p.m.; Annual Holiday Open House featuring activities based on the various holidays in December and January: Lucia, St. Nicolas, Hannukah, Epiphany, New Year’s and Christmas. Children can make their own holiday crafts, and there will be refreshments and music. Tickets: Free of charge.Information: 845.896.9560

Wilderstein330 Morton Road, Rhinebeck, NY 12572December 18 & 19, 26 & 27, 1-4 p.m.: Florists and designers transform the Wilderstein mansion into a magical holiday spectacular. Tour the mansion at your own pace, with guides in each room to share information and answer questions.Tickets: $10; $9 students and seniors.Information: 845.876.4818; www.wilderstein.org

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Vanderbilt Mansion facade lit for the holidays, photo by W.D. Urbin, National Park Service


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Zumba with DrewHudson Opera House, 327 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.: In collaboration with Operation Unite and Kuumba Dance & Drum, HOH offers a Zumba fitness workshop with Drew of Creative Energy. Dance your way to a fitter you using Latin moves and rhythms. Fee: $10 per workshopInformation: 518.828.3612; http://www.hudsonoperahouse.org

Nativity Scene DisplayMariapolis Luminosa of the Focolare Movement, 200 Cardinal Rd., Hyde Park, NY 12538Through December 25, Mon.-Fri. 2-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-noon & 2-4 p.m.: Unique annual indoor display featuring more than 100 Nativity scenes from the world over with new ones each year.Information: 845.229.0230 x 133;[email protected]

The Poughkeepsie Newyorkers Barbershop ChorusSt. Andrews Church, 110 Overlook Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.: All are invited to join the Barbershop Chorus for an evening of singing, fun, and fellowship. The Newyorkers Chorus is a male a cappella group that sings in the uniquely American “Barbershop Style” of close four-part harmony. Guests are welcome.Information: http://www.newyorkerschorus.org

Dessert & Wine TastingHudson-Chatham Winery, 1900 Route 66, Ghent, NY 12075Saturday, December 18, noon-5 p.m.:Explore how a variety of sweet and savory dishes pair with dessert wines. Information: 518.392.WINE; http://www.hudson-chathamwinery.com

Gingerbread WorkshopSpencertown Academy, 790 Route 203, Spencertown, NY 12165Saturday, December 18, 2 p.m.: Enjoy all the fun of this delicious holiday tradition without the hassles. All materials provided, just bring your imagination. Tickets: $25 maximum per family (one adult and up to three children) Information: 518.392.3693; http://www.spencertownacademy.org

Kwanzaa Celebration Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534Saturday, December 18, 3-6 p.m.: HOH and Operation Unite present a festive Kwanzaa Celebration featuring the candle lighting ceremony, crafts, vendors, performances, and a community dinner. For further information contact Operation Unite.Information: 518.828.3612; http://www.hudsonoperahouse.org

Ornament WorkshopThe Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534Sunday, December 19, 2 p.m.: Learn how to make beautiful nondenominational holiday tree ornaments with Andy. Sytrofoam balls and other supplies provided, but feel free to bring your favorite ribbon, sequins, buttons, glitter or glue. Information: 518.671.6006; http://www.thespottydog.com

A Winter Wag!Roeliff Jansen Park, 9140 Route 22, Hillsdale, NYSunday, December 19, 11 a.m.: A chance for the Roe Jan Park’s canine friends to play together and show off their favorite sweaters, doggie coats and boots. Coffee and hot chocolate. Doggie treats and new tennis balls. Information: http://www.roejanpark.org

Winter Solstice Laser InstallationMain & Cross Streets (next to Hudson Beach Glass), Beacon, NY 12508Thursday, December 21, 5:45 p.m.: The Greenwoman welcomes the return of the sun in this spectacular laser and light art installation and ceremony at the Winter Solstice. The lights will return every night between the Solstice and the New Year at dusk. This is a “don’t miss” BACA sponsored event!Information: 845.831.4318; http://www.beaconarts.org

Public Persona WorkshopThe Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572Tuesday, January 11, 7:30-9:30 p.m.: A free workshop designed to help professionals improve their public presentation skills. This program focuses on elements of public presentation, including style, dress, stance, body language, eye contact and vocal technique to enhance a speaker’s message. The workshop is ideal for managers, board members, elected officials, educators and anyone who may be asked to make a formal presentation. Hosted by Lou Trapani, artistic and managing director of The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. Pre-registration required (by 1/5) as space is limited.Information: 845.876.3088; http://www.centerforperformingarts.org

Body Be Well Open House7578 N. Broadway, Suites 1 & 3, Red Hook, NY 12571Saturday, January 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Free trial classes, gift bags and free gym pass, plus catering by Gigi Hudson Valley. Tickets: FreeInformation: 845-758-0790; http://www.bodybewell.org

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lace a 9- or 10-inch Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the celery, carrots, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables have softened, 8 to 10 minutes.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the chicken, and cook until lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the white wine and reduce it slightly, 30 seconds. Stir in all the remaining stew ingredients except the cornstarch. Simmer over low heat, partially covered, until the vegetables are tender, 35 to 40 minutes.

While the stew simmers, prepare the biscuits: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and stir with a fork to blend. Add the oil and buttermilk, and mix until the ingredients are just incorporated. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 375° F. Stir the cornstarch into 1/4 cup water to form a slurry. Stir this

into the simmering stew and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until thickened.Drop tablespoons of the bisquit dough over the top of the stew.

Transfer the pot to the oven, and bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle the cheddar over the biscuits, return the pot to the oven, and bake for an-other 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Serve immediately.

VARIATIONS• Add chopped or sliced rutabaga or parsnips with the celery and car-rots.• Add peas or chopped cooking greens during the last few minutes of cooking.• Substitute pork or beef for the chicken; the stewing time needed to tenderize may increase, so add about 1 cup extra stock or broth.• Use turkey instead of chicken.• Substitute ⅓ cup whole wheat flour for ⅓ cup of the all-purpose flour.• Make individual pot pies in small casseroles.• Indian: Some curry, turmeric, a pinch of garam masala, and a spoon-ful of spicy mango chutney will steer you in this direction.• Mexican: Use bell and chile peppers, beans, corn, and chili powder.• Thai: Use red or green curry paste, cilantro, and coconut milk.

LEFTOVERS: This dish reheats well -- the microwave works best.

NUTRITION: This dish is high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals while moderate in fat.

ECONOMY: $$

I love the one-pot feature of this soul-stirring fall or winter stew, which goes from stovetop to oven straight to the table. Its presentation, with colorful veg-etables peeping between the biscuits, might just be the trick to get picky eaters to try root vegetables. For die-hard potato lovers, a diced medium potato can replace the turnip. But this substitution was not necessary for my dear friend Donna Grover, writer and professor of literature at nearby Bard College, who was astonished by her son Malcolm’s full acceptance of this dish as is!

Biscuit-Topped Chicken andRoot Vegetable Stew

Serves 4 to 6Chicken Stew

2 tablespoons olive oil 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced 2 medium carrots, sliced on the diagonal 1 medium onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced

12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

Salt and freshly ground black pepper ¼ cup dry white wine

1 small sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes 1 medium turnip, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes

4 cups chicken stock or reduced-sodium broth 2 thyme sprigs 1 bay leaf 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch

Biscuits

1 cup sifted all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 cup low-fat buttermilk ⅓ cup grated cheddar cheese

by Laura Pensiero, Chef/Owner Gigi Trattoria & Gigi Market

Used with permission. Excerpted from “Hudson Valley Mediterranean: The Gigi Good Food Cookbook” by Laura Pensiero, Chef/Owner of Gig Trattoria in Rhinebeck and Gigi Market in Red Hook. Published by William Morrow, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Copyright 2009 by Laura Pensiero

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MERCANTILE HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 Page 46attention all children!

frederick smith - the footman

john martin -

the coachman

bridget - the parlor maid

sundays, november 30 - december 31 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

FREE to children ages 12 and under $5 for Adults • $4 Students & Seniors

Staatsburgh State Historic Site

Old Post Rd. Off Rt. 9, Staatsburg. Please call 845.889.8851 for additional information.

This program is generously sponsored by:

Friends ofMILLS MANSION

frederick smith - the footman

john martin -

the coachman

bridget - the parlor maid

HOLIDAY WHODU

NIT?

Staatsburgh State Historic Site needs your help in solving themysterious disappearance of the crank for Mr. Bodenstein’s new and

very expensive Model T car. First-person interpreters will provide clues and answer your questions. Is the thief a footman, a servant’s child,

the coachman, or a parlor maid ? All children will be rewarded for theirdetective work. Children who correctly solve the mystery will be

entered in a drawing for prizes !

gertrude -a servant’s child

Lyceum Cinemas, Ro-Lin Lanes, Inc., Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union,

Roller Magic, Esposito’s Tux Shop, Rising Tide Communications, llc,

&Staatsburgh decorated for the season

www.staatsburgh.org

NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Classic Tuxedo, Marist College, AthleticsMid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union,

The Countess Moira Charitable Foundation, Hudson Valley Mercantile

HOLIDAY

sundays, november 28 – december 26from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

WHODUNIT?2010

Staatsburgh State Historic Site needs your help solving the mysterious

generously sponsored by

Calling all Detectives! Especially children ages 6-12

Join us in 1910, the year of Halley’s Comet, and help Ruth Livingston Mills find her scattered belongings. It’s a holiday scavenger hunt in a Gilded Age mansion! As guests gather on the marble terrace to view the comet, Mrs. Mills decides on a last-minute change of plans: they are all going to the Opera House to see the Nutcracker Ballet. Now Mrs. Mills’ servants must rush to get her ready. Who can help find her opera

glasses, her gloves, her fan and her shawl? It’s another case for the Holiday Whodunit Detectives! All children who correctly solve the case are entered in a drawing for prizes!!


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Documents

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2010