Hudson Valley Mercantile Holiday 2014 by Rising Tide Communications

hudson valley

Mercantile live. work. play.

��

��issue

The

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

Page 2

December

at the Bardavon & UPAC

Holiday events

for the whole family!

December 5__________Celebration of Lights Parade Main Street, Poughkeepsie December 5__________FILM: The Muppet Movie @ Bardavon December 5-7 ________Ulster Ballet: A Christmas Carol @ UPAC December 13-14 ______New Paltz Ballet: The Nutcracker

@ Bardavon December 20_________HVP: Handel’s Messiah @ UPAC

t Tickets make great gifts!

December 21_________Jim Brickman: On A Winter’s Night @ Bardavon

Go to www.bardavon.org and give the gift of live entertainment. Coming in 2015! Robert Cray Band, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Chef Robert Irvine Live, Jeff Beck

& more!

��

BARDAVON �� UPAC ��

Sponsors include: Vassar Brothers Medical Center/Health Quest, Rhinebeck Bank, The Poughkeepsie Journal, WPDH, WDST, WKZE, Q 92, WBPM, WMHT, The City of Poughkeepsie PBA, Central Hudson, Mid Hudson valley Federal Credit Union, Herzog’s & Kingston Plaza, Marshall & Sterling and Northern Dutchess Hospital

Columbia-Greene Media

��

Parade & tree lighting Sunday, november 30 3:30-6 pm Rhinebeck bank parking lot activities and treats starting @ 3:30 pm horse drawn carriage rides Live music @ 4:30 pm Children’s parade of lights @ 5 pm tree lighting @ 5:30 pm ��

��

Page 3

Christmas Tree Lighting Event SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 5�7 ��

Tree Lighting , 5 �� * at Main St. & Maple Ave.

Activities, food & drink at Palatine Park Activity Bldg immediately following tree lighting Enjoy Caroling, Story Telling, Crafts, Food & Drink Plus, Visit with Santa! * streets will close from 4:45-5:15 �� for tree lighting

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

Page 4

Rocking Thanksgiving Eve Party New Years Party Packages Package 1 • Hotel, Dinner & New Year’s Eve Toast

New Dinner Menu & Daily Specials!

Package 2 • Dinner & New Year’s Eve Toast Call for Details

Winter Hours:

Open Thursday - Sunday

The Stewart House

VALLEY HO ON DS

at the Athens Hotel • 2 North Water Street, Athens, New York 12015 www.stewarthouse.com • www.shakespeare-on-the-hudson.com • 518.444.8317

BUI

L D º FUR

Page 5

Columbia-Greene Media

contents PUBLISHER, GENERAL MANAGER Mark Vinciguerra

Holiday Lights & Festive Sights Calendar begins

God Bless Us, Every One: Three Diﬀerent Adaptations of A Christmas Carol Return for the Season by Brian PJ Cronin

Seasonal Palette Calendar begins

Handcrafted Holidays Calendar begins

Exit: Stage Right by Jen Kiaba

Bright Green Valley Calendar

Sounds of the Season Calendar begins

Take the Kids Calendar begins

DIRECTOR, CREATIVE SERVICES Phil Finkle

Readings, Signings & Screenings Calendar begins

AD DESIGN/COMPOSITION Steve LaRowe | Erica Izer

Decked Out Halls Calendar begoms

Live! On Stage Calendar begins

Miscellaneous Calendar

FOUNDER, DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Jim Gibbons CO-FOUNDER, EDITOR & DESIGNER Heather Gibbons EXECUTIVE EDITOR Theresa Hyland BUSINESS MANAGER Tammi Ullrich

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Ashley Drewes Bob Belby Meghan Espel Tara Buﬀa SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

Mercantile hudson valley

a publication of

one Hudson city centre Suite 202 hudson, ny 12534 518.828.1616 registerstar.com hvmercantile.com

Nancy Whelan DISTRICT MANAGER

Courtney Wrigley CONTRIBUTORS Brian PJ Cronin Jen Kiaba

Cover photo: Horse drawn wagon ride at 2013 Athens Victorian Stroll. Photo by Carlos Bido. Learn more about this year’s event inside.

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

Page 6

The Hudson Valley’s Original

Family Owned and Operated Since 1917

“Worlds Smallest Art Superstore”

24 Hour Phone:

Lowest Prices

845-758-5800

Alternate Daytime Number: 845-876-4222

Largest Inventory

· Full Service Auto Repair · 24 Hour Towing Bring in this ad for 10% off

TRIEBEL’S GARAGE, INC. 7317 South Broadway · Red Hook · NY

Visit Us at www.Catskillart.com

SAUGERTIES

OUTFITTERS Jesse DiCesare, owner

CROSSROADS FORD YOUR HOMETOWN FORD DEALER

Gift Cert ificates Available! GUNS – AMMO – RELOADING BUY, SELL & TRADE • FFL DEALER STORE HOURS: 470 Old Rt. 32 North, Saugerties Mon, Tue, Wed – 4:30-8pm Fri, Sat – 9am-6pm

845-247-9660

Serving you for over 30 years

518-756-4000 • 2351 Rt. 9W • Ravena, NY Our full inventory online: www.crossroadsny.com

��

• CERAMIC TILE • CARPET • WOOD & VINYL FLOORING • S T O N E - FA B R I C AT I O N • GRANITE BLUE STONE • MARBLE • CUT STONE • FLAG STONE • FIELD STONE • W E AT H E R E D G E • THIN VENEER STONE • LANDSCAPE STONE

��

• R E TA I N I N G WA L L • CRUSHED STONE

24 TWIN MAPLES PLAZA • SAUGERTIES, NY 12477

845.246.0200

Hours: Monday through Friday 8 ~ 5 • Saturday 8 ~ 3

��

�

Page 7

Columbia-Greene Media

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

Page 8

Page 9

Columbia-Greene Media

Barbara’s Country Treasures Phone: (518) 731-4477

Fax: (518) 731-4478

“Happy Holidays from The Heart Land Team"

We can get you where you want to be....HOME.

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

Page 10

Holiday lights The Annual Celebration of Lights in Poughkeepsie takes place on Friday, December 5, in the City of Poughkeepsie. Photo submitted.

18th Annual Capital Holiday Lights in the Park

Washington Park, between Washington Ave. & Madison Ave, Albany, NY 12203 Through January 3, Sun.-Thurs., 6-9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 6-10 p.m.: Enjoy the all-new, drive through spectacular with more than 125 displays and scenes. At the end of your drive, the Washington Park Lake House comes alive. Join your favorite reindeer and friends as they bring fun and mystery to the holiday season. Santa will be there through December 23 to hear holiday wishes. Presented by Price Chopper. Tickets: $15/car Information: http://albanycapitalholidaylights.com

Santa Visits Walkway Over the Hudson

61 Parker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Friday, November 28, 1 p.m.: Bring the kids for a very special meet and greet with Santa. Tickets: Free Information: http://walkway.org/community-events/item/santa-visits

Tannersville Spirits of the Holidays

Village Hall & Village Square, Tannersville, NY 12485 Saturday, November 29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Annual holiday craft fair at the Village Hall and tree lighting at 5 p.m. in the Village Square. Visits from Santa, Frosty, and Sparky the Fire Dog. Information: 518.858.9094

Sinterklaas Send-Oﬀ Celebration in Kingston

Rondout, Kingston, NY 12401 Saturday, November 29, 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.: Mirroring the original Dutch legend in which Sinterklaas leaves Spain by boat for Holland,

the Hudson Valley re-creation provides a day of fun-filled activities in Kingston ending with a parade to escort Sinterklaas to his boat for the week-long ride across the Hudson River to Rhinebeck. Enjoy open houses, musical performances, workshops creating beautiful crowns and branches, a march down Broadway, a parade of stars, and puppets galore. Kingston sends off Sinterklaas and his white horse on a tugboat across the river to his destination there. After his send off, there will a Sinterklaas Soiree, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and plenty of specials at all of the local restaurants. Check website for full schedule. Information: http://www.sinterklaashudsonvalley.com

29th Annual Town Decorating Day & Parade of Lights

Town Park, Pine Plains, NY 12567 Saturday, November 29, 3 p.m.: Decorations are collected for the town’s namesake pine trees. Hot chocolate and holiday music accompany young and old as they decorate the hamlet’s evergreens. Bring the kids to meet Santa & Mrs. Claus in the park before the Parade of lit ﬂoats and vehicles at 5 p.m. From Stissing Mountain Jr./Sr. High School, down Route 199 to Main Street ending at Pine Plains Firehouse. Rain date 11/30. Information: http://www.PinePlains-ny.gov

Village of Rhinebeck Tree Lighting and Parade

Rhinebeck Bank Parking Lot, Village of Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Sunday, November 30, 3:30-6 p.m.: Annual tradition of lighting the Village of Rhinebeck tree. Several organizations and vendors will be on hand and there will be carriage rides, provided by the Gentle Giants 4H, throughout the Village. Children’s Parade of Lights at 5 p.m. with tree lighting immediately following. Information: 845.876.5904; http://www.rhinebeckchamber.com

Page 11

Columbia-Greene Media

& Festive sights The Village of Athens will come alive with visions of holidays past and more than a glimpse of its thriving contemporary arts scene on December 13. Photo submitted.

21st Celebration of Lights Tree Lighting, Parade and Fireworks

City of Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Friday, December 5, 6:30 p.m.: The parade kicks off the festivities on Main Street and Garden Street and proceeds to the evening’s first Christmas tree lighting on Main, near Market Street. The Celebration of Lights Parade is led by Mayor John Tkazyik and members of the Common Council and will be joined by the Amerscott Highland Pipers, Poughkeepsie Exempt Fireman’s Association Color Guard, Adams Fairacre Farms with Layton Percheron horse drawn hayride, Art in Motion Dance Academy, Hudson Valley Girl & Boy Scouts, several Hudson Valley Philharmonic brass ensembles and others. Finally Santa Claus will arrive on a City of Poughkeepsie Fire Engine. The parade will proceed down Main Street to Clover Street where the parade will conclude at Dongan Square Park for the second Christmas tree lighting. Then at 7:15 p.m., Poughkeepsie River District Business Association and Legion Fireworks will present the area’s only winter fireworks display. Walkway over the Hudson’s December Member Moonwalk will be held during the Celebration of Lights event on Friday from 6-8:30 p.m. from the Poughkeepsie approach only. Admission is $5 per person, free to Walkway Members and Children under the age of 16 who are accompanied by an adult. Hot cider & chocolate will be available for purchase. Coinciding with the parade and fireworks, and throughout the evening, the River District establishments will offer entertainment, and food and beverage specials. Following the parade and fireworks, the Bardavon will present a screening of the family film classic The Muppet Movie (1979) at 8 p.m., preceded at 7:30 p.m. with a concert on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. All seats $6. Information: 845.473.2072; http://bardavon.org

Parade of Lights with Santa & Millbrook Tree Lighting Village of Millbrook, Millbrook, NY 12545 Friday, December 5, 6 p.m.: Tree lighting ceremony at the Tribute Garden Park entrance on Franklin Avenue. Then Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on the Millbrook ﬁre truck, leading a parade of lighted ﬂoats and vehicles traveling to the bandshell where hot food and beverages will be available. Live nativity scene, ice skating rink and carolers. Information: http://www.village.millbrook.ny.us

Pawling Tree Lighting/Decemberfest

Charles Colman Blvd., Pawling, NY 12564 Friday, December 5, 6 p.m.: Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive with their reindeer to light the Christmas tree. Enjoy choral music, hot chocolate and cookies, and the festive charm of an old fashioned village Christmas. Information: http://www.pawling.org

Sinterklaas

Village of Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Saturday, December 6, all day and evening.: The day features performances at venues throughout the village: dance, music and theatrics, tightrope walking, even ﬁre juggling! Strolling musicians, dancing Grumpuses and a variety of colorful characters wander the streets of the village to delight children with stories and treats. Astride his white steed, Sinterklaas leads the Children’s starlight Parade at 6:30 p.m., which culminates in the center of town with the Sinterklass pagent, honoring the children and ending with a stirring wish for peace. Check website for full schedule. Information: http://www.sinterklaashudsonvalley.com continued on page 12 g

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014 continued from page 11 i

Yuletide Fair

Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School, 330 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY 12075 Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: The school assembly hall will be transformed into a winter wonderland with dozens of original gingerbread creations on display. Children and adults are invited to enter this year’s Gingerbread Contest. Friends, families, and neighbors will have an opportunity to bid on their favorite entries at the Gingerbread Auction. Dozens of artisan vendors will ﬁll the school’s classrooms with beautiful handcrafted items. Get your tickets early for this year’s Magical Puppet Tree performance. Tickets for each show are just $4. Enjoy activities for children, visit the Community Craft Room for handcrafted items and the Hand to Hand Room for gently worn wool clothing and wooden toys, and stop for a tasty treat in the holiday café. Information: http://hawthornevalleyschool.org

Annual Family Day & Holiday Scavenger Hunt

Caﬀe Aurora, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Saturday, December 6, 11 a..m.: The Poughkeepsie River District Business Association will present the 4th Annual Family Day & Holiday Scavenger Hunt. Participation is free, and scavenger hunt registration will be held at Caﬀe Aurora, where registrants will pick up their item card and area map for a Holiday Scavenger Hunt within Poughkeepsie’s River District and Little Italy. Prizes will then be awarded randomly from all those who complete their cards, with drawings held at 4 p.m. at The Derby. The day’s entertainment begins at noon and will include games & prizes, plus Santa Claus and more. Tickets: Free Information: http://www.pokriverdistrict.org

17th Annual Christmas in Durham

MJQ Irish Cultural Center, 2267 Route 145, East Durham, NY 12422 Saturday, December 6, 3-5 p..m.: Family fun including activities for kids, a visit from Santa, refreshments and ﬁreworks. Tree lighting at 4:45 p.m. followed by a gathering at the Shamrock House. Information: 518.755.7488

Winter Walk

City of Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, December 6, 5-8 p.m.: Once again, Hudson’s mile-long Warren Street will be transformed into a festive boulevard with twinkling lights, brightly decorated shops, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, live reindeer, horse-drawn wagons, carolers, and a legion of characters and performers.At 5 p.m., the bells of the First Presbyterian Church will ring in the Santa Parade and usher Mr. & Mrs. Claus from the Hudson Opera House to City Hall (520 Warren Street). At City Hall, free books will be distributed to children all evening.The holiday festivities continue throughout the evening, with activities and performances both inside shops and on the street. From jazz to classical, African drums to banjo, music will be everywhere. Plus, face painting, stilt walkers, animal balloons by Tots the Clown, and Roger the Jester. At 8:15 p.m., ﬁreworks launched from Promenade Hill at the foot of Warren Street will light up the winter sky marking the conclusion of the festivities, but many businesses—especially restaurants–stay open long after the event. Information: 518.822.1438; http://www.hudsonoperahouse.org

A Child’s Christmas

Clermont State Historic Site, Clermont Ave., (oﬀ Route 9G) Germantown, NY 12526 Sat. & Sun., Dec. 6 & 7, 10 a.m.-noon: Drop in for stories read under the Christmas tree & treats for children ages 3-10. Tickets: $4/person Information: 518.537.6622; http://friendsofclermont.org

Page 12

Festival of Lights

Tymor Park, 249 Duncan Rd., Town of Union Vale, NY 12540 December 6-January 4, 4-10 p.m.: Annual elaborate light dispaly with nearly 150,000 LED lights. The town will ‘ﬂip the switch’ on Saturday, December 6, at 6:30 p.m. The site collects non-perishable food donations and unwrapped toys to be dispersed to food banks and toy drives throughout the area. Dinner with Santa from 3:30-6:15 p.m., reservations required. Information: 845.724.5691; http://www.unionvaleny.us

Christmas by the River

Mansion St. and Reed St., Coxsackie, NY 12051 Sunday, December 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: This year marks the 19th annual event and has something for everyone. For the kids there is Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Polar Express readings, face painting and more. Music will be heard throughout the day both inside the buildings of Coxsackie and out on its historic Reed street with a Choir of Elves. Beautiful crafts and unique gifts for the holiday season from nearly 45 crafters and vendors. Refreshments available. Info: 518.731.8413 http://www.facebook.com/Christmasbytheriver

The Dreidel House

Chabad Dutchess & The Rhinebeck Jewish Center, 150 College Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 & 102 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Sunday, December 7, noon: Organized by the Rhinebeck Jewish Center, actvities include making your own doughnuts, Chanukah crafts, candlemaking workshop, olive oil workshop and more. Plus, meet Judah Macabee and visit the Chanukah store. Small fees for crafts ($3-$5). Information: 845.876.7666; http://www.rhinebeckjewishcenter.com

NYS Holiday Tree Lighting

Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12242 Sunday, December 7, 1-6 p.m.: The Empire State Plaza becomes a winter playground for the whole family including live music, ice skating, visits with Santa, a holiday marketplace, ﬁreworks and more! The oﬃcial tree lighting takes place at 5 p.m. The Plaza also hosts The Great Train Extravaganza (Convention Center 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $7, under 12 free) and the NYS Taste of Winter Holiday Expo (NYS Museum 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., $5) on the same day. Information: http://www.winter.empirestateplaza.org/event-display/81

Olde Dutch Christmas Open House

Elmendorph Inn, Corner Broadway & Cherry St., Red Hook, NY 12571 Sunday, December 7, 1-4 p.m.: Holiday music and singing, mulled cider and cookies, fresh-baked bread from the Bee Hive Oven. Free and open to all. Information: http://historicredhook.org

Winterfest Village of Red Hook

Memorial Park, Red Hook, NY 12571 Sunday, December 7, 4-5:30 p.m.: To be held in conjunction with the Olde Dutch Christmas, Winterfest features carolers, holiday-themed costumed characters, and a tree lighting. Information: http://redhooknyvillage.org

Holiday Whodunit

Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Old Post Rd., Staatsburg, NY 12580 Sundays, Dec. 7, 14, 21, & 28, 1-4 p.m.: Children become detectives to solve a history mystery. Costumed interpreters throughout the house

Page 13

Columbia-Greene Media

provide clues to help kids ﬁnd the solution. Event will be oﬀered on Sundays in December: 7, 14, 21, 28. Info: http://nysparks.com/historic-sites/25/details.aspx

WinterWalk & Winter Parade

Chatham, NY 12037 Saturday, December 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Activities, food, and shopping. Snow date: Sat., December 20. Information: http://chathambusinessalliance.org

Main Street, Valatie, NY 12184 Saturday, December 13, 3-9 p.m.: Santa and Mrs. Claus will ring in festivities throughout the village. Enjoy a winter parade with performers, food vendors, artisans, live music, dancers and entertainment. Hay rides stop at venues in the village. Santa will be stationed at the Valatie Community Theatre to listen to kids’ wish lists. Marionettes, jugglers, musicians, and roaming carolers throughout the village. Information: http://www.veravalatie.com/Winter_Walk.html

Athens Victorian Stroll

Germantown Christmas Tree Lighting Event

Winterfest in Chatham Village

Athens Cultural Center, 24 Second St., Athens, NY 12015 Saturday, December 13, starting at 1 p.m.: Athens Victorian Stroll 2014 Features ACC Members Small Works Holiday Show & Sale, the premiere of Scrooge, music and dance performances, and much more! The Village of Athens will come alive with visions of holidays past and more than a glimpse of its thriving contemporary arts scene. There will be performances galore interspersed with nods to its Victorian past. Roving carolers dressed in Victorian garb, a resplendent Victorian Santa and horse drawn trolleys will harken back to the village’s 19th century roots. Contemporary performances are planned throughout the day at the Athens Cultural Center, Athens Municipal Building, First Reformed Church and the Rivertown Senior Center. Storefront windows painted with seasonal scenes by local children and teens from Robert Lahm’s drawing and painting workshops will add to the magic of Athen’s Victorian Stroll. Check website for complete schedule. Information: 518.945.2136; www.athensculturalcenter.org

Jingle Jangle: A Winter Celebration

Olana Wagon House Education Ctr, 5720 Rte 9G, Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, December 13, 1-5 p.m.: The Farm Complex will be bustling with a range of 19th century activities with a 21st century twist so you can come and spend the afternoon, or stop in amidst your other errands. Discover a sleigh for posing for family holiday pictures (you bring your own camera), or ﬁnd a sculptor carving ice; hear bell ringers and holiday carolers; celebrate the season with a landscape-based craft for adults and children (and great if handmade appeals for your gift giving!). Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Hiking and skating if the weather allows. The afternoon will end with a tree lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Pre-registration required but walk-ins are welcome. Tickets: $25/carload; $10/person (advance); $30|$15 door Information: 518.828.1872x 109; http://www.olana .org

City of Beacon & BeaconArts Holiday Tree Lighting

Main St. & Route 9D, Polhill Park (next to Beacon Visitor’s Center), Beacon, NY 12508 Saturday, December 13, 3-9 p.m.: Annual lighting of the bicycle tree made from recycled bicycle parts! Coincides with Beacon’s monthly Second Saturday arts celebration. The Wee Play Community Project will organize simple crafts for younger kids. Prior to Santa’s arrival, the Beacon Music Factory and the Center for Creative Education will celebrate with music and dance. Santa arrives by pedi-cab provided by People’s Bicycle around 4 p.m. Galleries and shops along Main Street will be open until 9 p.m.Information: http://www.beaconarts.org

Winterfest Village of Tivoli

1 Tivoli Commons, Tivoli, NY 12583 Saturday, December 13, 3-5 p.m.: Music and entertainment, with crafts and activities for kids. Plus, a visit with Santa before the tree lighting ceremony. Information: 845.757.2021; http://www.tivoliny.org

Main St. & Maple Ave. & Palatine Park, Germantown, NY 12526 Saturday, December 13, 5-7 p.m.: Tree lighting at 5 p.m. followed by merriment and activities at the Palatine Park activity building on Palatine Park Road. Enjoy caroling, story telling, crafts, food & drink, plus visit with Santa! Note: streets will close from 4:15-5:15 p.m. for the tree lighting. Information: http://www.germantownny.org

Skiing and Riding Santa Day

19 Resort Dr., Windham, NY 12496 Sunday, December 14, starting at 8 a.m.: All skiing and riding Santas are invited to spend the day at the resort. A free lift ticket and two additional midweek, non-holiday vouchers will be given to those dressed in head-to-toe Santa costumes for the day. Pre-registration requried (registration opens 11/30). A minimum $20 is requested and will be given to local charities. All Santas will meet in the morning for an initial group ski and ride. Information: http://www.windhammountain.com

Illumin8: Beacon Hebrew Alliance & BeaconArts Bicycle Menorah

Main St. & Route 9D, Polhill Park (next to Beacon Visitor’s Center), Beacon, NY 12508 Tues., Dec. 16-Tues., Dec. 23, 5:30 p.m.: BeaconArts and Benavente are collaborating with the Beacon Hebrew Alliance on a bicycle menorah. On each of the eight nights of Hannukah, the diﬀerent candles of the menorah - or in this case the wheels - will be illuminated to honor a diﬀerent segment of the Beacon, NY community. Information: http://beaconhebrewalliance.org

Menorah Lighting

Rhinebeck Savings Bank Parking Lot, E. Market St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Friday, December 19, 4 p.m.: Organized by the Rhinebeck Jewish Center. Public menorah lighting with doughnuts, hot drinks and music. Information: 845.876.7666; http://www.rhinebeckjewishcenter.com

Kwanzaa Festival: Umoja Community Celebration

Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, December 20, 3-5 p.m.: Hudson Opera House and Operation Unite team up to present a Kwanzaa Festival and Umoja Community Celebration, beginning with crafts for children, a candlelighting ceremony, and the sharing of the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa, by community members. The electrifying West African drummer Mangue Sylla joins the celebration as a special guest artist. Performances also include participants from Hip Hop Dance with Anthony Molina, and Kuumba Dance & Drum. After the celebration, participants will be invited to stay for a light “Karamu” supper by Hazel’s Kitchen, followed by the giving of Zawadi (gifts for children). Free and open to the public. Information: http://hudsonoperahouse.org

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

Page 14

If Ebeneezer Scrooge, the old miserly humbug can be transformed into a worthwhile human being, then there’s hope for all humanity. ~ Jonathan Kruk

God bless Us, every one Three different adaptations of “A Christmas Carol” return for the season by Brian PJ Cronin

Closing scene from Ulster Ballet’s production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Ulster Performing Arts Center in Kingston. Photo submitted.

Kruk and his accompanist Save the Bible, there Jim Keyes have been performing is no book more integral The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and inseparable from our every autumn at the Old Dutch understanding and cultural Church in Sleepy Hollow. About interpretation of Christmas than four years ago, they decided to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas branch out. Carol. When the book was first “Jim said to me, ‘Look at this published in 1843, Christmas beautiful old church, we’re doing was a somewhat somber and quiet so well with The Legend of Sleepy affair, influenced by Puritans Hollow, what about doing another who warned against adapting ghost story for the Christmas such pagan symbols as trees season?’” explains Kruk. In into the Christmas celebration. olden times, ghost stories were But the tide was slowly turning; synonymous with Christmas, and Nostalgic Victorians in England many a night during the twelve were beginning to unearth and days of Christmas were spent sing once again the old carols, telling tales such as Sir Gawain and the first ever Christmas cards Jonathan Kruk tells the tale of ‘A Christmas Carol’ at several Hudson Valley venues in December. and The Green Knight. But A were being sent. A Christmas Photo submitted. Christmas Carol turned out to be Carol capitalized on this slowly building movement to make Christmas a joyous holiday once again, and the perfect fit for the space. “The setting of the church is ideal for the ghost story as the church Dickens’ spooky, secular tale that emphasizes the joys of togetherness and is lit by candlelight, and the ancient shimmery windows of course, and caring for one’s fellow man, became an instant classic. But one of Dickens’ chief inspirations for A Christmas Carol the magnificent pipe organ that Jim uses to create all the different motifs came from the writings of Washington Irving, who wrote fondly of for the ghosts,” says Kruk. “And the church is intimate. We only sell 150 the old British Christmas traditions alongside his tales of headless tickets, so that enhances the effect. It’s as if I was telling it in your living horsemen and ne’er-do-wells who wander off into the Catskills for room for the holidays, instead of watching the Mr. Magoo version on a nap. Two centuries later, storyteller Jonathan Kruk is connecting the television.” these two authors once again.

Page 15

Columbia-Greene Media

David Anderson’s stripped down adaptation of Dickens’ tale is an annual Walking the Dog Theater tradition in the City of Hudson. Photos submitted.

Kruk has now performed the story hundreds of times throughout the region; In addition to the usual run of shows in Sleepy Hollow he’ll be performing at Olana just outside the city of Hudson on December 12. “It can be exhausting,” admits Kruk. “I do three shows a night at the Old Dutch Church. But I get buoyed by the audience, the redemptive quality of the story, the church organ. And of course, Vitamin B12.” David Anderson, of Hudson’s Walking The Dog Theater, knows a thing or two about endurance as well. He’ll once again be performing his own one-man version of A Christmas Carol in Hudson this season. Like Kruk, Anderson has performed the show numerous times in numerous places, but always finds something new in it each time. “I’ve done over 100 performances of it by this point,” he explained. “So it’s not about knowing the story anymore, it’s about deepening the experience. What does it take to be so present with an audience and invite this story to speak so that we are all taken on this journey of this character together?” Anderson’s adaptation has gone through many changes throughout the years. He originally came to A Christmas Carol by stepping into another one-man production of the show just days before opening when the original actor bailed. Anderson’s friend Ted Pugh came to see the show, was impressed with his performance, and suggested that the two of them create their own adaptation of the piece for Walking The Dog Theater. Eventually they developed an upbeat, boisterous affair with original music and based on the live performances of the piece that Dickens himself used to do. “Originally I did it as Charles Dickens,” said Anderson. “He performed this version of it himself, he’d enter the room and everyone would know who he was, he would be Charles Dickens telling his story. So I would play Charles Dickens telling the story.” But after a few years, Pugh and Anderson began to feel that they weren’t quite getting at what the story was really about. “So we took it all away” explained Anderson. “We took the music away, took the props away, took the costume away, and said ‘What if we just let the story come alive between the actor and the audience?’ I play all the characters, but I’m really in the room with the audience, and we’re going through the story together. Suddenly it came alive in a completely new way. That’s how I’ve been doing it every year. Every year we take a different route into exploring it further into deepening the journey.” The Ulster County Ballet’s original version of A Christmas Carol went through its own journey to become the modern Hudson Valley

classic we know today. Twenty years ago, the dancers in the company came to choreographer Sara Miot with a humble request: Was there any way that the company could mount a Christmas related production that wasn’t The Nutcracker? Tchaikovsky’s beloved masterpiece has become so ubiquitous for contemporary dancers that they were, quite frankly, a little bit sick of it. There were no other Christmas ballet dances in the canon so Miot had to create one. The idea of adapting A Christmas Carol for ballet came up, but Miot wasn’t convinced until she thought about the story while listening to the work of the 20th Century British composer Vaughan Williams, whom Miot had grown up listening to. Suddenly, certain pieces of Williams’ work seemed to be a natural fit for different parts of Dickens’ tale. But the biggest challenge was yet to come. “With The Nutcracker or Sleeping Beauty, the music is written for the story so a lot of the story telling work is already done for you,” explained co-Artistic Director Scarlett Fiero. Miot had to comb through all of William’s work and select pieces that created a narrative throughline. They started small, staging just a few scenes from the first third of the story, to see how the audience would react. Every single costume was borrowed from another theater in the area. The initial reaction was positive enough that they added a bit more of the story the next year, and then more the following year. It took a total of ten years to finally finish staging the entire story – and by now, they finally have their own costumes. Be they spooky, intimate or lavish; all three productions of A Christmas Carol agree on what it is that has made the work endure since it was first published over 170 years ago. “This isn’t just something to look at that’s pretty,” said Fiero. “It sends a strong message that you have to be accountable for your actions and that you have to ask yourself what is really meaningful in life. The story still gives hope in a very dismal time, that we are capable of change.” “If Ebeneezer Scrooge, the old miserly humbug can be transformed into a worthwhile human being, then there’s hope for all humanity,” said Kruk. “It’s like a resurrection, isn’t it?” mused Anderson. “If we go into the dark of the story, hopefully what is dark and needing transformation in us becomes awake to that, so when we come out of it, we come out of it illuminating the darkness a little bit more. Otherwise, why would we all want to revisit this story every year?” Brian PJ Cronin is a freelance writer in Beacon, NY. You can find him online at brianpjcronin.com and on Twitter as @brianpjcronin.

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

Page 16

PA L E T T E Seasonal

du tch ess Barrett Art Center

55 Noxon St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Through December 17: “Members’ Holiday Exhibit and Sale,” featuring small works of ﬁne art: paintings in oil and acrylic, pastel, sculpture, collage, ﬁber, mixed media and more, all created by members of Barrett Art Center. Reception: Sunday, December 14, noon-6 p.m. & Wednesday, December 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Gallery Hours: Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; and by appt. Information: 845.471.2550; http://barrettartcenter.org

Beacon Artist Union (bau)

506 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Main Gallery, through Dec. 7: “bau 119: New Works by Grey Zein and Gary Jacketti.” Gallery 2, through Dec. 7: Variety of work by represented artists. Beacon Room, through Dec. 7: Sculpture by Eric David Laxman, whose work has been inﬂuenced by early modern art and tribal art as well as Greek, Egyptian and Buddhist sculpture. Hours: Sat. & Sun., noon-6 p.m. Information: 845.440.7584; http://baugallery.com

Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries Gallery

199 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Through March 8: Ghosts of the Gulf is an exhibit of strikingly vivid images of marine species collected in the Gulf of Mexico after the 2010 Deep Water Horizons disaster. Through the colorful art and

‘Winter Woods’ photograph by Linda Hubbard at Riverwinds Gallery in Beacon.

biology of Brandon Ballengée, these once-common species seem to rise as apparitions from the depths, haunted icons of contemporary environmental chaos. Reception: Saturday, December 13, enjoy a free public talk and reception with the artist. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.5 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (2nd Sat. until 8 p.m.) Information: 845.765.2721; http://www.bire.org/events

Betsy Jacaruso Studio & Gallery

The Courtyard, 43 East Market St., Suite 2, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Through November 30: “Harvest of Light,” watercolors by Betsy Jacaruso and Cross River Artists. Through January 30: “Small Works Holiday Show,” featuring small paintings for $100, including watercolors by Betsy Jacaruso and the Cross River Artists. Also, “Art for the HeART,” small, mounted paintings for $10 each. December sales from the “Art for the HeART” show beneﬁt Astor’s Home for Children. Gallery Hours: Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and by appt. or chance Information: 845.516.4435; www.betsyjacarusoartist.com

Cooper-Finn Gallery

24 Front St., Millbrook, NY 12545 Through December 31: Exhibition featuring three Hudson Valley artists: Mado Spiegler, painter; Kate Avery, painter; and Carl Grieco, sculptor. Gallery Hours: Thurs.-Sun., noon-5 p.m. Information: 845.605.1150; http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Cooper-Finn-Gallery

Page 17

Columbia-Greene Media

Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center

12 Vassar St. Galleries, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Through January 5: Two exhibitions: “Paintings” by Vannessa Tran and “New Work” by P. Emmett McLaughlin. Gallery Hours: Thurs.-Sun., noon-5 p.m. Information: 845.486.4571; http://www.cunneen-hackett.org

Dia:Beacon

Riggio Galleries, 3 Beekman Street, Beacon, NY 12508 Permanent Collection: In addition to the permanent collection, Dia Art Foundation is currently exhibiting: Ongoing: “24 Farben – fur Blinky (24 Colors – for Blinky), 1977,” Imi Knoebel’s cycle of 21 shaped paintings. Through March 2, 2015: “Carl Andre: Sculpture as Place, 1958-2010,” the ﬁrst North American retrospective of the work of Carl Andre (American, b. 1935) who is credited with redeﬁning the parameters of abstract sculpture. The exhibition will mark the most comprehensive presentation of Andre’s work in the United States since 1970 and will be accompanied by a new exhibition at the Dan Flavin Art Institute, in Bridgehampton, New York, as well as a major publication. Admission: $12; $10 seniors; $8 students; children under 12 free Hours: Thurs.-Mon.,11 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 845.440.0100; http://diaart.org/sites/main/beacon

Equis Art Gallery

7516 North Broadway, Red Hook, NY 12571 Ongoing: The gallery showcases the best in contemporary, nontraditional international equine art. Representing some of the ﬁnest contemporary equine artists in the world, including paintings, sculpture, works in graphite and ﬁne art photography. Hours: Fri. & Sat., noon-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m.; and by appointment Information: 845.758.2667; info@equisart.com

Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

College Center, Main Building, Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 Through December 14: “Imperial Augsburg: Renaissance Prints and Drawings, 1475-1540.” Hours: Tues., Wed., Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m. Information: 845.437.5632; http://ﬂlac.vassar.edu

Matteawan Gallery

464 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Through December 21: “Chemistry,” a group exhibition of photographs by Jill Enﬁeld, Anne Arden McDonald, Amanda Means, S. Gayle Stevens. The work in this exhibition is characterized by the exploration of materials and process, experimentation with abstract imagery, and the use of traditional elements of photography in exciting new ways. All of the artists in this exhibition are established photographers with a mastery of the traditional black and white process who are pushing the boundaries of what is commonly thought of as photography. Hours: Fri. & Sat., noon-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m. Information: 845.440.7901; http://www.matteawan.com

The Moviehouse Studio Gallery

48 Main St., Millerton, NY 12571 Through November: “Reconstructing Memory: The Paintings of Patty Mullins,” featuring ﬁgures, landscapes, pools, interiors, still life and portrait paintings. Hours: Fri.-Sun., noon-5 p.m. Info: http://www.themoviehouse.net; http://www.pattymullins.com

Palmer Gallery

Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 December 1-23: “Looking Machines,” an exhibit of 32 works by longtime Putnam County resident J. Pindyck Miller. A sculptor who works primarily in wood and metal, Miller is showing steel, aluminum and wood sculptures, mixed media wall reliefs, and works on paper in Looking Machines. Reception: Thursday, December 4, 5 p.m.; Gallery Talk, Saturday, December 6, 1 p.m. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: http://arts.vassar.edu

Red Hook CAN/Artist’s Collective Gallery

7516 North Broadway, Red Hook, NY 12571 Through December 29: “Home for the Holidays,” holiday gifting show featuring ﬁne art and crafts, cards and prints...all under $100! Hours: Fri. & Sat., noon-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m. and by appt Information: redhookcan@gmail.com; http://rhcan.com

RiverWinds Gallery

172 Main St., Beacon 12508 Through December 31: “Buone Feste,” annual holiday show. See “Handmade Holidays” calendar for details. Hours: Wed.-Mon., noon-6 p.m.; Second Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Information: 845.838.2880; http://riverwindsgallery.com

Smoky Rock BBQ Upstairs Gallery

6367 Mill St. (Rte 9), Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Through December 31: Work by Hyde Park painter Tatiana Rhinevault. Info: 845.876.5232; http://www.smokyrockbbq.com

Theo Ganz Studio

149 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Through December 7: “Camino,” 40 photographs from Howard Goodman’s 47-day pilgrimmage of the Camino de Santiago with a book release to accompany the exhibition. December 13-January 4: “In-Between,” recent work from abstract painter Hiro Ichikawa. Information: 917.318.2239; http://www.theoganzstudio.com

Tivoli Artists Gallery

60 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583 Through Dec. 21: “Annual Holiday Show,” see Handcrafted Holiday calendar for details. Information: 845.757.2667; http://www.tivoliartistsgallery.com

Columbia ARTspace

71 Palatine Park Rd., No. 7, Germantown, NY 12526 Nov. 29-Dec. 13: “Holiday Gift Fair,” oﬀering a wide selection of handcrafted and original gift ideas. See complete listing in Handmade Holiday Calendar. Reception: Sat., November 29, 5-7 p.m. Hours: Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: http://germantownartspace.com

BCB Art

116 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through December 21: “Multum in Parvo (Much in Little),” an exhibition of bronze sculptures by renowned artist Ed Smith. All of the pieces in the exhibition range from 5 to 6 inches in height, but there’s

continued on page 18 g

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014 continued from page 17 i

nothing little about them. The exhibition will focus on a large group of these intimate, unique, and heroic bronze ﬁgures, as well as Smith’s drawings and prints. Ed Smith is currently a professor of art at Marist College, in Poughkeepsie, New York, and a fellow of The Royal British Sculptors Society. His collected works can be found in The Brooklyn Museum, The Hood Museum, The Albright-Knox Museum, and many other international public and private collections. Hours: Thurs.-Sun., noon-6 p.m. and by appt. Information: 518.828.4539; http://bcbart.com

Caldwell Gallery Hudson

355 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through December 22: “4 by 6,” four works by six artists: Hans Burkhardt, Gregorio Prestopino, Vaclav Vytlacil, Carl Holty, Ed Garman, and John Von Wicht. Hours: Tues.-Thurs., by chance or appt., Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m.; Mon., 10 a.m.1 p.m. Information: 518.828.7087; http://www.caldwellgallery.com

Carrie Haddad Gallery

622 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through December 14: “Landscapes and Bodyscapes,” featuring work by Jane Bloodgood-Abrams, Bruce Sargeant and Dan Rupe. December 17-January 25: “Photograhy,” featuring an all-star cast of established photographers: Birgit Blyth, Elliott Kaufman, Anne Arden McDonald, Newbold Bohemia, Robert Hite, Andrew Buck and Lisa Frank will be exhibited alongside prints by Anna Collette, Michael Sibilia, Kahn & Selesnick, Jeri Eisenberg and Lori Van Houten. Reception: Saturday, December 19, 6-8 p.m. Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Information: 518.828.1915; http://www.carriehaddadgallery.com

Chamber of Commerce Gallery

1 Front St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through January 10: “True North: An Exhibition,” abstract expressionist collage by Lynne Perrella. After spending 30 years as a graphic designer and illustrator specializing in corporate communications, Perrella became immersed in creating visual art journals as a way of exploring new, unfamiliar, untested ideas in her studio. During the process, she not only became a proponent of art journals (which resulted in her ﬁrst book “Artist Journals & Sketchbooks”) but she also established herself as leading voice in the realm of collage. This exhibit is her ﬁrst exploration into all-abstract images, and is part of a lifelong dedication to exploring new ideas. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: http://www.LKPerrella.com

The Chatham Bookstore

27 Main St., Chatham, NY 12037 Through January 12: “Paintings of Chatham and Beyond,” work by Roger Mason. A long-time resident of Chatham, Roger Mason has been painting scenes of village life since the 1980s. This show includes paintings from those early years, depicting some store fronts that no longer exist. Other paintings come from more recent travels in Cuba and Argentina. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. & Sat., 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-3 p.m. Information: 518.392.3005; http://chathambookshore.com/events

Columbia County Council on the Arts Gallery

209 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through January 10: “Small Gems Show” = big bargains, small art: 7” x 7” or less, framed, ready-to-hang and available for a mere $50. These teeny weeny wonders are donated by generous members to

Page 18

beneﬁt CCCA’s community-based projects. Through January 10: “2014 Holiday Small Works Show,” small scale works by member artists in all mediums (max. size 15” x 15”, including frame). All works priced no higher than $250, Hours: Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat., 1-5 p.m. Information: 518.671.6213; http://www.artscolumbia.org

Concepto

741 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through Dec. 7: “Vantage Point,” with work by Carl Ferrero, Yoichiro Yoda, Rachel Phillips, Charlotte Evans, Malin Abrhamsson. Hours: Thurs.-Sun., noon-6 p.m. Information: http://www.conceptohudson.com

Davis Orton Gallery

114 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through December 21: “Photobook 2014: 5th Annual International Juried Exhibition,” a multi-venued exhibition with sites at Davis Orton Gallery and Griﬃn Museum of Photography in Winchester, MA in January. Hours: Fri.-Sun., noon-6 p.m. + by appt. Information: 518.697.0266; http://davisortongallery.com

Hudson Opera House

327 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through December 14: “Harvest,” an exhibition of work by Patricia Larsen. Veils of creams, whites, and grainy-greys, breathing spheres, a ﬁngerprint of red are some of the elements that this artist masters in elegant and dramatic compositions. Hours: Mon.-Sun., noon-5 p.m. Information: 518.822.1438; http://www.hudsonoperahouse.org

Limner Gallery

123 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 December 4-January 3: “Holiday Art Fest,” works from the Limner archive. Reception: Saturday, December 6, 5-7 p.m. Information: 518.828.2343; http://slowart.com

NOBO Gallery

558 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through December: Exhibition featuring the work of Lucinda Abra. Hours: Thurs.-Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Information: 518.671.6777; http://www.nobogallery.com

Omi International Arts Center

Fields Sculpture Park & Architecture Omi, 1405 County Route 22, Ghent, NY 12075 Through January 12, Charles B. Benenson Gallery: “Drawn Home,” exhibition featuring drawings by Joan Linder. Linder uses pen and ink to create labor-intensive, often life-size drawings that transform mundane subjects into conceptually rich images. Year’ round: Outdoor sculpture park on more than 120 acres of rolling farmland, wetlands and wooded areas. The Park presents the work of internationally-recognized contemporary and modern artists, oﬀering the unique possibility to experience a wide range of large-scale works in a singular outdoor environment. Fall Exhibition: New works by Alexandre Arrechea, Jackie Ferrara, Guy Goldstein, Harrison Atelier, Paula Hayes, Catherine Lee, and Joan Linder. Park Hours: Visitors Center, daily, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 2-March; Fields Sculpture Park and Architecture Omi, dawn to dusk 7 days a week Information: 518.392.4747; http://www.omiartscenter.org continued on page 20 g

Page 19

Columbia-Greene Media

RIVER

CHRONICLE "presented by"

www.riverchronicle.com • www.registerstar.com

Serving the Communities of Red Hook, Rhinebeck and Germantown

68 FIREHOUSE LANE · RED HOOK, NY GARY McDONALD PH: (845) 876-1559 FAX: (845) 758-8002 macsfarmgardenworld@yahoo.com

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014 continued from page 18 i

Retrospective

727 & 711 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 @711 Warren St., through January 17: “Everything and Nothing at Once: Still Life Paintings by Dustin Pevey.” @727 Warren St., through January 17: “Free Drama,” an exhibition of new paintings by Tomer Aluf. Hours: Sat. & Sun., noon-6 p.m. Information: 518.828.2288; http://www.retrospectivegallery.com

Thompson Giroux Gallery

57 Main St., Chatham, NY 12037 Through January 4: “En Masse,” featuring small works by more than 40 artists. The show will be Le Salon, after the exhibitions that began in 17th century Paris -- the manner of hanging is designed to show as much work as possible. Each artist has been invited to include from four to eight pieces, providing a mini-show of their mini-works. All pieces are ready to take home immediately, making room for new works to be rotated in, keeping the show fresh and alive. Hours: Thurs.-Mon., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Information: 518.392.3336; http://www.thompsongirouxgallery.com

TK Home & Garden

441 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through December: The fine art photographs of Valerie Shaff, renowned for her portraiture, which reflects her deep appreciation for the authentic beauty of her subjects, animal and human alike. The show features some of her iconic animal prints as well as some of her rarely seen nature shots. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: 518.697.0909; http://www.tkhomeandgarden.com

Gr e e n e Athens Cultural Center

24 Second Street, Athens, NY 12015 Through December 13: “ACC Members Small Works Holiday Show and Sale” featuring works in oil, acrylics, watercolor, ceramics, book arts, photography and more, most of the art work is priced at or below $100. The exhibition will run through the Athens Victorian Stroll which takes place this year on Saturday, December 13th. starting at 1 p.m. Information: http://www.athensculturalcenter.org

GCCA Catkill Gallery

398 Main St., Catskill, NY 12414 Through January 3: “Salon 2014 & Handmade Holidays:,” annual members’ ﬁne art & crafts exhibit and sale. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., noon-5 p.m. Information: 518.943.3400; http://www.greenearts.org

Kaaterskill Fine Arts Gallery

Hunter Village Square, 7950 Main St., Village of Hunter, NY 12442 Through January 5: “Crafting the Holidays,” one-of-a-kind crafts for the holidays, featuring: woodwork by John Franklin; glass by Mary Certoma; jewelry by Liliya Kochergina; and pottery by Susan Bogen. Also ﬁne art, photography, sculpture, childrens’ books and more. Saturday, December 13, noon-3 p.m.: Visit with woodworker John Franklin and see a pen turning demo. Hours: Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Information: 518.263.2060; http://catskillmtn.org

Page 20

Say What? Contemporary Art Gallery

6042 Main St., Tannersville, NY 12485 Through December 6: Gallery installation of the macabre, inspired by Edward Gorey, “Some tiny creature, mad with wrath, is coming nearer on the path. Dec. 12-Jan. 1: Student art show. Hours: Wed.-Sun., 1-6 p.m. Information: 518.589.7500; http://www.say-what-ny.com

Albany Albany Institute of History & Art

125 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210 Through January 19, 2015: “2014 Exhibition by Artists of the MohawkHudson Region,” highlights the work of the best visual artists in the region. Established in 1936, this annual, juried exhibition pays tribute to the many talented artists working within a 100-mile radius of the Capital District. As one of the longest running regional art exhibitions in the country it occupies a signiﬁcant role in documenting contemporary art activity in the Upper Hudson Valley. Through March 8, 2015: “Undercover: Revealing Design in Quilts, Coverlets, and Bed Hangings.” Ongoing: “The Hudson River School and the Nineteenth-Century Landscape,” includes paintings by Thomas Cole, Frederic Edwin Church, James and William Hart, Alfred Thompson Bricher, and others. Ongoing: “Robert Hewson Pruyn: An Albanian in Japan, 1862-1865.” Ongoing: “A Gather of Glass: Selections from the Museum’s Collection.” Ongoing: “19th-Century American Sculpture: Erastus Dow Palmer and his Proteges Launt Thompson, Charles Calverley, and Richard Park.” Ongoing: “Traders and Culture: Colonial Albany and the Formation of American Identity.” Tickets: $10; $8 seniors & students: $6 kids 6-12; under 6, free Information: 518.463.4478; http://www.albanyinstitute.org

New York State Museum

222 Madison Ave., Albany, NY 12207 Through March 22, 2015, West Gallery: “Along his own Lines: A Retrospective of New York Realist Eugene Speicher.” Through January 4, 2015, Photography Gallery: “Focus on Nature XIII,” features 91 natural and cultural history illustrations, representing the work of 71 illustrators from 15 diﬀerent countries. Ongoing, New York Metropolis Hall: “Art for the People: Decorated Stoneware from the Weitsman Collection,” featuring 40 uniquely decorated stoneware vessels, including jugs, crocks, pitchers, jars and water coolers. Hours: Tues.-Sun., 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 518.474.5877; http://nysm.nysed.gov

Workshops & Special Events Blow Your Own Ornament

Hudson Beach Glass, 162 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Through December: Make your own holiday ornament at the glassblowing studio. Keep in mind that ornaments must cool slowly overnight and will be available for pick up the next day (or can be shipped). Tickets: $30 Information: 845.440.0068; http://www.hudsonbeachglass.com

Page 21

Columbia-Greene Media

L: Painting by Tomer Aluf at Retrospective in Hudson through January 17; R: ‘Valley Mist’ watercolor by Betsy Jacaruso at Betsy Jacaruso Studio & Gallery’s ‘Small Works Holiday Show’ in Rhinebeck.

Columbia County Photography Club

Hudson Area Library, 400 State St., Hudson, NY 12534 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month, 6-8 p.m.: Photographers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join. Share tips and techniques and support one another in photographic endeavors. Information: 518.828.5887; http://hudsonarealibrary.org; abit@mhcable.com

Holiday Open House & Student Art Show

P.A. Gibbons Studio, 18 Garden St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Sat. & Sun., Nov. 29 & 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Featuring handmade holiday cards, collaged journals, ﬁne art, ornaments and more - all created by Patti Gibbons arnd her students. Information: http://pagibbonsstudio.com

BeaconArts 5th Annual Holiday Member Bash

The Hop, 554 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Wednesday, December 3, 6-9 p.m.: Celebrate the season at Beacon’s newly rebortn The Hop. New and renewing members welcome to raise a glass to the creative community and BeaconArts. Show your member card (or join/renew) and the ﬁrst drink is on them. Information: christinripley@gmail.com

European Marbling on Paper Workshop

Publication Studio, 460 Main St., Catskill, NY 12414 Saturday, December 6, 4-6 p.m. & 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Learn how to make a decorative monoprint on paper using European technique. Fees: $25 + $10 materials fee; limited to 6 students/session Information: christinripley@gmail.com

Second Saturday Beacon

Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Saturday, December 13, noon-9 p.m.: A city-wide celebration of the arts held on the second Saturday of every month when galleries and shops stay open until 9 p.m. This month’s event coincides with the City of Beacon

and BeaconArts’ annual holiday festivities, including the city’s annual tree lighting. Plus, gallery openings, music, and special holiday oﬀerings are just some of the events. Information: http://beaconarts.org

2nd Saturday Stroll

Main Street, Village of Catskill, NY 12414 Saturday, December 13, noon-9 p.m.: Celebrate the season and all that the Village has to oﬀer: open studios, gallery receptions, special sales, live music and performances and more. Information: http://www.facebook.com/Catskill2ndSaturdayStrolls

Gallery Talks at Dia:Beacon

3 Beekman St., Beacon, NY 12508 Saturday, December 13, 2 p.m.: Regine Basha on Sol LeWitt. Tickets: Free with museum admission Information: http://diaart.org/sites/main/beacon

Second Annual Holiday Gathering

Thomas Cole House, Catskill, NY Saturday, December 13, 5 p.m.: The annual Holiday Gathering brings all of the 19th-century charm of the Thomas Cole house, along with warm cocktails and savory nibbles from 5-7 p.m., followed by a dinner at one of several special nearby homes where you will sit around the table with old friends and new acquaintances. Reserve early as seating is extremely limited. Tickets: $25 cocktails; $125 cocktails and dinner Information: 518.943.7465 x 4; http://www.thomascole.org

A Holiday Cheers Celebration

BEAHIVE, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Saturday, December 13, 6-11 p.m.: Hosted by BEAHIVE and Nixie Soparrow, the party will take place directly after the tree lighting. Live music, food and drinks. Tickets: $5 suggested donation to beneﬁt BeaconArts. Information: http://beaconarts.org

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

Page 22

handcrafted

L to R: ‘Duckie and the Great Machine’ whimsical cartoon by Dana Wigdor at Riverwinds Gallery’s annual Buone Fest Holiday Group Show; Handcrafted earrings by Kit Burke Smith at Work:Shop Holiday Pop Up Sale in Beacon; Turned wood bowl and felted beach stones by Platform at Work:Shop.

11th Annual Buone Feste: Holiday Group Show

RiverWinds Gallery, 172 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Through December 31: “Buone Feste: Holiday Group Show,” a feast of holiday gifts, made by Hudson Valley artists: ornaments, jewelry and seasonal cards by various artists. Paintings in a variety of styles & colors; still life’s, Hudson Valley landscapes, contemporary work in a variety of mediums including oil, pastel, colored pencil, acrylic, fabric and gilded. Photographs of the Hudson River Valley plus trees, birds, trucks, and trains. Handcrafted scarves and shawls – from warm chenille to pretty silks; jewelry of all kinds – earrings, necklaces, pendants, pins and bracelets crafted from metal, precious stones, crystals, glass, and silver. For the cook there are cook books, cutting boards, soup bowls, serving bowls, berry bowls and serving platters. Plus, a variety of CD’s by local artists. Hours: Wed.-Mon., noon - 6 p.m.; Second Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Information: 845.838.2880; http://riverwindsgallery.com

Cooper-Finn Gallery Local Craft Show

24 Front St., Millbrook, NY 12545 Through December 31: Special oﬀering of local crafts for sale, including pottery, hand-spun yarns, hand-knitted, woven and felted items, unique wooden boxes, benches and miniature chairs from Eric Garrison, as well as on-of-a-kind wearable art. Gallery Hours: Thurs.-Sun., noon-5 p.m. Information: 845.605.1150; http://www.facebook.com/pages/TheCooper-Finn-Gallery

Dutchess Handmade

Arts Mid-Hudson, 696 Dutchess Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Through December 30: Locally made glass, jewelry, greeting cards, textiles, ceramics, wood products, prints, paintings, home decorating items and more! Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat., noon-5 p.m. Information: 845.454.3222; http://www.artsmidhudson.org

Home for the Holidays

Red Hook CAN/Artist’s Collective Gallery, 7516 North Broadway, Red Hook, NY 12571 Through December 29: “Home for the Holidays,” holiday gifting show featuring ﬁne art and crafts, cards and prints...all under $100! Hours: Fri. & Sat., noon-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m. and by appt Information: redhookcan@gmail.com; http://rhcan.com

Hudson Valley Artisans Guild Showcase and Sale

The Lofts at Beacon Gallery, 18 Front St., Beacon, NY 12508 Through December 28: A new exhibit featuring works by members of the Hudson Valley Artisans Guild including: ﬁne arts by Peggy Farrington and Scott Garrity, pottery by Marguerite Cotter, photography by Joe Turner and Bill Bogle, ﬁne jewelry by Judy Bakely, Carol Foley, and Lorraine LeClair, quilted works by Patricia Healey, woodwork by Peter Hammerling, and Home Décor by Judith Subrize. Information: 845.202.7211; peggyart@optonline.net

Tivoli Artists Gallery Annual Holiday Show

60 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583 Through December 21: Co-op members and guests present affordable fine art and handicrafts for the holidays: paintings, prints, photographs, fiber arts, paper crafts, handmade baskets, pottery, jewelry and other holiday gifts. Hours: Fri., 5-9 p.m.; Sat., 1-9 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m. + by appt. Information: 845.757.2667; http://www.tivoliartistsgallery.com

Basilica Farm & Flea

Basilica Hudson, 110 South Front St., Hudson, NY 12534 Fri.-Sun., Nov. 28-30, hours tba: An annual market bringing a collection of quality products presented by a diverse group of regional makers, farmers, and vintage collectors held Thanksgiving weekend. In collaboration with Hudson River Exhange. Information: http://basilicafarmandﬂea.com

Holiday Gift Fair

ArtSpace, 71 Palatine Park Rd., Germantown, NY 12526 November 29-December 14; Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Original artwork (oil, watercolor, charcoal), photographs by local artists, one-of-a-kind handmade items, jewelry, signed children’s books, unique decorations and so much more! Opening reception, Saturday, November 29, 5-7 p.m. Information: http://germantownartspace.com

Dutchess Community College 43rd Annual Holiday Crafts Fair

Drumlin & Falcon Halls, 54 Pendell Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Sat. & Sun., Nov. 29 & 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: More than 100 artists participate in this annual juried craft fair. Fine art crafts and specialty foods. Tickets: $6; $4 seniors; free, kids under 12. $1 oﬀ coupon available online. Information: 845.431.8400; http://www.sunydutchess.edu

Page 23

Columbia-Greene Media

holidays

L to R: ‘Barn in Winter’ painting by Silvana Tagliaferri at Tivoli Artist Gallery’s Annual Holiday Show; Paper cuttings by Jenny Lee Fowler at Work:Shop Holiday Pop Up Sale in Beacon.

Holiday Open House & Student Art Show

Bard College Art and Craft Fair

Bertlesmann Campus Center at Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Friday, December 5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.: Buy local, artisan-made gifts for the holidays! Everything is homemade by local or student crafters. About 60 vendors participate each year. Information: http://bardcraftfair.blogspot.com

Made by Hand Invitational

The Foundry for Art Design & Culture, 119 Remsen St., Cohoes, NY 12047 Saturday, December 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.: A one day, indoor designer craft market featuring some of the region’s most talented artisans oﬀering ﬁne crafted apparel, jewelry, accessories, housewares, paper goods and more! Admission: $2 Information: asparrow@thefoundrysite.com; http://www.thefoundrysite.com

Unison’s 24th Annual Crafts Fair

New Paltz Middle School, Main St. & Route 299, New Paltz, NY 12561 Sat. & Sun., Dec. 6 & 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Premier winter craft event in New Paltz featuring some of the Hudson Valley’s finest artisans. More than 50 master craftspeople and fine artists will display and sell a wide range of handmade crafts in the areas of ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, leather, fiber, baskets, glass, clocks, furniture, paintings, cards, body products, wreaths, heirloom seeds and much more. A one-of-a-kind chance to get to know and observe the breadth of local talent. There will also be organic baked goods, coffee, teas, delicious snacks and Japanese food to satisfy your palate. Admission: $4 adults; kids 12 and under, free. Information: http:/www.unisonarts.org

WORK:SHOP Holiday Pop Up Sale

Wickham Soild Wood Studio, 578 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Sat., Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Holiday

Pop=up Sale featuring curated handcrafted contemporary objects for the hoe by 12 artisans working in the Hudson Valley and NYC: Beaconknits one-of-a-kind wool hats, Beth Bolga functional pots, Gregory Powell Textiles, Kit Burke-Smith Jewelry, Jenny Lee Fowler ﬁne paper cuttings, Ten Willow glassware, Suguru printed silk scarves, Lauren Sandler contemporary ceramics, Ornamentum a curated salon of artisans from the Hudson Valley, Platform turned wood bowls and felted beach stones, Twenty One Bridge Design, and Wickham Solid Wood Studio. Information: http://workshop.virb.com

St. Nicholas Holiday Fair

Astor Home for Children, 6339 Mill St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Sunday, December 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: The children, staff and volunteers at Astor Services For Children & Families work all year to create the unique hand-made crafts for the St. Nick’s Craft Fair. There will be a variety of childrens’ art, decorations, wreaths and arrangements, knitted items, ornaments, cards and much more!! A wide selection of raffle prizes and themed gift baskets will also be on display at this fun filled day for shoppers. All proceeds benefit the children’s recreational and family-strengthening programs. Snow date: Sunday, December 14. Information: 845.871.1171; http://astorservices.org

Deck the Halls: St. Peter’s Christmas Bazaar

St. Peter’s Church on the Village Green, Spencertown, NY Saturday, December 13, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Enjoy an old fashioned Christmas Bazaar with lots of new twists. Shop for gifts and decorations, including wreaths, greens, beeswax candles, handmade silk scarves, aprons, jewelry and more. Browse through Grandma’s attic looking for the perfect one of a kind gift for your home or a friend. Stock your holiday pantry with a delicious assortment of homemade baked goods and tins full of Christmas cookies. Hot food and refreshments available. Information: http://www.spencertownausterlitz.org

Holiday Craft Fair

Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Featuring the Hudson Valley Etsy Team’s diversiﬁed artists’ locally handmade ceramics, jewelry, knitwear, glass, baby clothes, toys, bath & body, handbags, kids’ wear, tees, notecards, ﬁne art and more. Information: http://www.hudsonvalleyetsy.com

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

Page 24

exit: stage right story and photos by Jen Kiaba

JoAnn Feigenheimer will leave her post as Executive Director of The Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center in February.

The Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center is nearing the end of an era this year as JoAnn Feigenheimer, the long-time executive director, prepares to step down and retire. In her twelve-year tenure with the landmark Poughkeepsie institution, Feigenheimer has worked to increase the reach and breadth of the Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center’s contribution to the arts culture, both in the City of Poughkeepsie and greater Hudson Valley. Though she initially began her work with Cunneen-Hackett as the Interim Director, coming in during a difficult transition in the organization’s history, it soon became clear that she was an ideal fit for the long term. “When I came in my goal was to get them back on their feet and be gone,” said Feigenheimer. “I found lots of things that needed attention, and here I am all these years later.” With 30 years’ experience as an event planner with a focus on nonprofits, Feigenheimer was attuned to the various facets of the organization that needed support to keep it both running and continually growing. Though this meant that some days she would be curating art exhibits, and other days might find her fixing broken toilets, Feigenheimer found that the variety was to her liking. “I can’t do the same thing everyday, all day long, so this has been perfect for me,” she said. The same reason that the position appealed to her for the long term, she said, was one of the reasons why there hadn’t been a lot of longevity in the position before her time. “Some people are just not a good match,” she said. “They’re not willing to fix the toilets, make a presentation to a committee, talk to people about renting a theater, and shovel snow.” In addition to the day-to-day operations of the space, Feigenheimer began a push early on in her tenure to brand Cunneen-Hackett as a multi-

use arts center. The organization consists of two historical buildings on Vassar Street, one of which is home to many local non-proﬁt agencies, such as the McCann Foundation, the Interfaith Council and until its recent move, the Dutchess County Arts Council. The building also has two Victorian Parlors that have been made available for public and private events, the renovations of which Feigenheimer oversaw. Across Vassar Street, the other building houses a 200 seat theater, a 1200 square foot dance studio, a reception gallery, two artist’s lofts and a music teaching studio. “In my time here I am most happy that people have come to understand that space there,” said Feigenheimer. “Artisans and theatre people understand that it’s a unique space to showcase what they do; there’s no other space like that here. Patrons understand it’s a little niche theater to see things they’re not going to see anywhere else.” Originally underwritten in the 1880’s as the Vassar Brothers Institute, the theater space oﬀered free programs to educate the public. “If you were a White Anglo-Saxon Protestant Man, you could buy a seat there,” said Feigenheimer. “The club was by invitation, and they had the great orators of the day, and programs on the latest and greatest in science and literature. It wasn’t until the turn of the century that it became what you and I would think of as theater.” Though it was closed during the major wars, this particular building never had any use other than as a theater space, which sets it apart from many historical theaters across the country. Because of that, Feigenheimer said, the space has a particular ambience to it. “It’s amazing,” she said. Over the years Feigenheimer has helped to curate a range of productions that speak to various facets of the local community. “Several times a year, for six or seven years, we’ve had programming from the Indian Community,” she said. “We’ve either had classical Indian music

Page 25

Columbia-Greene Media

I have been able to meet the most committed, creative, and inspiring people from all walks of life...That has really made me say I like sitting at this desk. There are so many interesting human beings that I get to see, commiserate with and befriend. That would be the thing I will miss the most: that kind of interaction.

Ryan Katzer, Geoﬀrey Tarson, Michael Frohnhoefer and George Conrad in the Half Moon Theater’s 2011 production of “Is He Dead,” staged at the Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center.

or, last year, we had a touring company producing a modern Indian stage sitcom.” Cunneen Hackett has also hosted The Vagina Monologues in Spanish, staged readings of various plays being workshopped, and an annual Christmas Pageant in Russian. “I think that the development of those relationships has been most rewarding and what I’m most pleased about,” said Feigenheimer. Despite the relationship building that has occurred over the years, one of the biggest ongoing struggles has been the broader community’s awareness of Cunneen-Hackett, and what the space can provide. “When I ﬁrst took the position, people outside the building didn’t know they could come in,” said Feigenheimer. “Accessibility, perception of what’s here, who can be here and how can they be here, has been a struggle for us.” With the shifting dynamic and perception of the city of Poughkeepsie, it has also been an ongoing struggle to bring people into the space. “We’re kind of in a no man’s land,” said Feigenheimer. “We’re not next to the river and we’re below the Arterial (the colloquialism for the throughway that dissects Poughkeepsie’s upper and lower Main Streets).” According to Feigenheimer, many people still have lingering concerns about coming downtown. “In the summer we have a performing arts day camp and parents are always blown away when neighbors say ‘you’re bringing your child where?’” Part of the ongoing work of the Cunneen-Hackett and its future executive directors will be to continually strive to make the space a vibrant and dynamic place for the community. “Once people are here, they are wowed and hooked,” Feigenheimer said. “I think we have a good handle on the mix of our community as evidenced by the diversity of programming we have: we have gospel music, we’ll have a gay-oriented burlesque Christmas show, and then a family-oriented holiday concert

Busts of Matthew Vassar Jr. (left) and John Guy Vassar (right) located in the foyer of Cunneen-Hackett’s 9 Vassar Street building.

the day after. There’s something for everyone, not to be cliché; that is purposeful on my part.” Overall, Feigenheimer said, she has been very pleased with her tenure at The Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center. “I have been able to meet the most committed, creative, and inspiring people from all walks of life,” she said. “That has really made me say I like sitting at this desk. There are so many interesting human beings that I get to see, commiserate with and befriend. That would be the thing I will miss the most: that kind of interaction.” Despite those beneﬁts, Feigenheimer said that she ﬁnally felt as though she had exceeded her own personal philosophy of how long a single person should be at the helm of the organization. “I think that eight to ten years should be the max before you need to have another person step in,” she said. With her retirement scheduled for February 28th, Feigenheimer is preparing to welcome her successor and help prepare for the transition. From there, she said, it will take time to adjust to retired life. “It may take me a few months to get used to not being here 50 hours a week,” she said. “After that, well, there are other adventures out there for me. I don’t know what they will be yet, but I’m going out of here still loving my job.” And the advice that she has to the person who will inherit her position? “I’m ready to rock and roll, and they should be too.” For more information on The Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center and to see the upcoming programming available, visit their website at http://www.cunneen-hackett.org, or call (845) 486-4571.



Jen Kiaba is a photographer and writer based in Rhinebeck, NY. Her photography has been published internationally in magazines and on book covers. To see more of her work, visit http://www.jenkiabaphotography.com

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

��

FARM-FRESH PRODUCE • BUTCHER SHOP • FISH MARKET VAST GOURMET GROCERY, CHEESE & COFFEE SELECTION DELECTABLE BAKED GOODS • SWEET SHOP • HOUSEPLANTS GIFT SHOP • FLOWER SHOP • GARDEN CENTER • NURSERY

www.adamsfarms.com POUGHKEEPSIE

K I N G S TO N

NEWBURGH

WA P P I N G E R

Route 44 845-454-4330

Route 9W 845-336-6300

Route 300 845-569-0303

Route 9 845-632-9955

Page 26

Page 27

Columbia-Greene Media

bright green valley Arlington Farmers’ Market

North Atrium, Vassar College Center, Main Bldg., 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 Thursdays, November-May, noon-4 p.m.: Market vendors include: Meredith’s Bread, Earth to Table, Wilklow Orchards, Dashing Star Farm, Champagne Tea, Running Creak Farm, M&M Italian Provisions, Winter Sun Farms and others (closed Dec. 11-Jan. 22). Information: alihall@vassar.edu; http://www.vassar.edu

Hudson Farmers’ Winter Market

Christ Episcopal Church, 431 Union St., Hudson, NY 12534 Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13 & 20, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; closed for month of January; resumes Feb. 7-April 25: Popular returning vendors selling a wide array of local meats, cheeses, eggs, breads, ﬂowers, prepared foods, vegetables, apples, gluten free foods, nuts, fair trade coﬀees and many natural apothecary preparations, soaps and cremes and much more. Information: http://www.hudsonfarmersmarketny.com

Hudson Valley Farmers Market

Greig Farm, 229 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook, NY 12571 Saturdays, year ‘round, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Enjoy the ambiance of a century old dairy barn while perusing local vegetables, fruits, eggs, cheeses, meats, ﬁsh, ﬂowers and more from local Hudson Valley Farms! Help us build a one stop market year round and support your local family farms. Information: http://www.greigfarm.com

Kinderhook Winter Farmers’ Market

Samascott’s Garden Market, 65 Chatham St. (Rte. 9), Kinderhook, NY Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Local vendors provide a broad range of products including pasture-raised meats, dairy, fresh produce, cut ﬂowers, baked goods, fresh pressed and hard cider. Information: http://www.kinderhookfarmersmarket.com

Rhinebeck Winter Farmers’ Market

Rhinebeck Town Hall, 80 E. Market St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 December-April, every other Sunday, starting Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m..: The award-winning market moves indoors for the winter. Shop a diverse and unique selection of farm fresh, seasonal products that showcase the best of the Hudson Valley. For a complete list of vendors and products visit the website. Information: http://www.rhinebeckfarmersmarket.com

Holiday Wreaths: Recycle-Style

complete with all the ingredients for s’mores! Register online. Information: 518.672.7994; http://clctrust.org/events

Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time

Cary Institute Auditorium, 2801 Sharon Tpke (Rte.44), Millbrook, NY 12545 Friday, December 5, 7:30 p.m.: Screening of an Emmy award-winning documentary about the great conservationist Aldo Leopold (18871948). Author of the conservation classic A Sand County Almanac, Leopold is renowned for his work as an educator, philosopher, forester, ecologist, and wilderness advocate. Green Fire illustrates Leopold’s continuing influence by exploring contemporary projects that connect people with the land. From urban children learning about local foods to wildlife biologists working with threatened and endangered species, the film portrays how Leopold’s vision of a community that cares about both people and nature has inspired modern conservation efforts. A Q&A with conservation biologist Curt Meine, the film’s on-screen guide, will follow the film. Tickets: Free and open to the public Information: 845.677.5343; http://www.caryinstitute.org

Common Ground Farm Annual Beneﬁt Auction

Long Dock Park, Scenic Hudson’s River Center, Beacon, NY 12508 Saturday, December 6, 7-10 p.m.: Sampling delicious local foods and bid on exciting Hudson Valley products and services. Live music from Tall Country, silent and live auction. All proceeds beneﬁt Common Ground Farm’s education, farmer training, and environmental programs. Tickets: $25 Information: http://commongroundfarm.org

Artist Talk and Reception: Ghosts of the Gulf

Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries Gallery, 199 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Saturday, December 13, 5-7 p.m.: Ghosts of the Gulf is an exhibit of strikingly vivid images of marine species collected in the Gulf of Mexico after the 2010 Deep Water Horizons disaster. Through the colorful art and biology of Brandon Ballengée, these once-common species seem to rise as apparitions from the depths, haunted icons of contemporary environmental chaos. Enjoy a free public talk and reception with the artist. Information: 845.765.2721; http://www.bire.org/events

Green Drinks Hosted by CLC

Stony Kill Farm, Barn Classroom, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Tuesday, December 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Make a perfect holiday wreath out of magazine pages or fabric swatches. Children welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-register. Tickets: $5/person Information: 845.831.1617; http://commongroundfarm.org

Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Tuesday, December 16, 5:30 p.m.: This monthly event is a great opportunity to meet and network with conservation-minded people in Columba County. Held on the third Tuesday of each month, with a diﬀerent guest speaker every time. Information: 518.672.7994; http://clctrust.org/events

Full Moon Walk and Bonﬁre

Christmas Day Walk

Siegel-Kline Kill Conservation Area, 1452 Garage Place Rd., Ghent, NY 12075 Friday, December 5, 6 p.m.: Columbia Land Conservancy invites all to their traditional Full Moon Walk - with a twist. First, there will be a leisurely walk through the ﬁelds and woodlands of this lovely property, and then all participants will be invited to warm up by a bonﬁre,

Ooms Conservation Area at Sutherland Pond, 480 Rock City Rd., Chatham, NY 12037 Thursday, December 25, 10 a.m.: The rolling ﬁelds and beautiful winter views will be your opportunity to take a break from the holiday rush, or work up an appetite, or simply take in the quiet winter landscape. Information: http://clctrust.org

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

Page 28

soundsof theseason

The annual ‘A Service of Lessons and Carols’ takes place at the Vassar College Chapel on Sunday, December 7. Photo © Vassar College.

Everett Bradley’s Holidelic

Club Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Fri. & Sat., Nov. 28 & 29, 9 p.m.: Part dance party, part funk concert, part comedy show, the holiday-funk spectacular Holidelic features original holiday songs as well as loose, funk-infused adaptations of Tchaikovsky, “Frosty the Snowman,” “Little Drummer Boy” and the like. Tickets: $20 advance; $25 door Information: 518.828.4800; http://helsinkihudson.com

Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra

Doctorow Center for the Arts, 7971 Main St., Village of Hunter, NY Saturday, November 29, 8 p.m.: The Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra returns for their annual Thanksgiving weekend concert this year performing works by Vivaldi, Mozart, Handel and Haydn. Tickets: advance, $25; $20 seniors; $7 students; door, $30|$25|$7 Information: 518.263.2063; http://catskillmtn.org

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Times Union Center, 51 South Pearl St., Albany, NY 12207 Sunday, November 30, 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.: The live debut of “The Christmas Attic: A Rock Holiday Tradition for a New Generation.” Tickets: $33-$74 Information: 800.745.3000; http://www.timesunioncenter-albany.com

The American Boychoir

The Gardiner Theater, 700 Route 22, Pawling, NY 12564 Friday, December 5, 8 p.m.: Founded in 1937, The American Boychoir has long been recognized as one of the ﬁnest musical ensembles in the country. Capitalizing on its trademark blend of musical sophistication, spirited presentation, and ensemble virtuosity, The Boychoir performs regularly with world-class ensembles, and is often featured with such illustrious conductors as James Levine, Charles Dutoit, and Alan

Gilbert. Tickets: $30; free, children 12 and under Information: http://pawlingconcertseries.org

Hudson Valley Choral Society Winter Concert

United Methodist Church, Routes 22 & 23, Hillsdale, NY 12529 Saturday, December 6, 7 p.m.: Program features selections from Handel’s Solomon and Samson oratorios followed by music by John Leavitt, John Rutter, and R. Vaughan Williams to the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe, Carl Sandburg and Shakespeare.Tickets: $12; $8 seniors; free 18 and under Information: 518.325.7102

Jazz Concert: Chris Pasin’s Random Acts of Kindness

Bridge Street Theater, 44 West Bridge St., Catskill, NY 12414 Saturday, December 6, 8 p.m.: New compositions by trumpeter/ composer Chris Pasin inspired by artists such as Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Omette Coleman and Alban Berg will serve as a vehicle for freely interactive improvisation.Tickets: $10 Information: 518.943.3818; http://www.bridgest.org

Mountain Snow & Mistletoe

The Egg, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12220 Saturday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m.: A down-home concert of holiday songs and stories with Christopher Shaw and Bridget Ball that features “The Mountain Snow Orchestra” – ﬁddler John Kirk, guitarist Kevin McKrell, and percussionist Brian Melick. Tickets: $24 Information: 518.473.1061; http://www.theegg.org

Albany Symphony Orchestra: The Magic of Christmas

Palace Performing Arts Center, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany, NY 12207 Sunday, December 7, 3 p.m.: Bring the family (and your holiday cheer) and settle down for the area’s only full-orchestra Christmas extravaganza - The Magic of Christmas - featuring your favorite holiday tunes, exciting

Page 29

Columbia-Greene Media

holiday surprises, and the talents of young performers from around the community. Tickets: $25 & $40, adults; $14 & $20, children Information: 518.465.3334; http://palacealbany.com

Winter Songfest

Richard B. Fisher Center for Performing Arts at Bard College, Sosnoﬀ Theater, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Sunday, December 7, 3 p.m.: A festive holiday celebration with Dawn Upshaw and students of the Bard Conservatory Vocal Arts Program. Tickets: $15, $20, $100 (premium seating + champagne reception) Information: 845.758.7900; http://ﬁshercenter.bard.edu

A Service of Lessons and Carols

Chapel, Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 Sunday, December 7, 7 p.m.: Conducted by Christine Howlett and Drew Minter and featuring Vassar College Choir, Women’s Chorus, Madrigal Singers, and the Cappella Festiva Chamber and Treble Choir. This beloved community event includes seasonal readings, choral anthems, and congregational carols. Information: 845.437.7294; http://music.vassar.edu/concerts

The Piano Guys: A Family Christmas

Palace Performing Arts Center, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany, NY 12207 Monday, December 8, 7:30 p.m.: Following the success of The Piano Guys’ ﬁrst two major label releases, “The Piano Guys” and “The Piano Guys 2,” the group released their holiday album, “A Family Christmas” last year. “A Family Christmas” puts The Piano Guys’ signature twist on Christmas classics. Tickets: $40.50 & $45.50; $103 limited Gold Circle Information: 518.465.3334; http://palacealbany.com

Holiday Jazz: Nat Phipps Trio

Kinderhook Memorial Library, 18 Hudson St., Kinderhook, NY 12106 Friday, December 12, 6:30 p.m.: The trio will play selections of holiday music as they bring their swing and melodic styling to the library. The ﬁreplace will be burning bright and refreshments will be served. Information: 518.758.6192; http://www.oklibrary.org

LeAnn Rimes Christmas

Mid-Hudson Civic Center, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Friday, December 12, 8 p.m.: Rimes’ holiday tour celebrates release of her album, “One Christmas, Chapter 1.” Tickets: $39 & $49 Information: 800.745.3000; http://www.midhudsonciviccenter.org

Stringendo Winter Concerts

Rhinebeck High School, 45 North Park Rd., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Saturday, December 13, 5 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.: First program includes Prelude, Mazurka & Chaconne; second, Intermezzo, Trantella & Vivace. Information: 845.264.1206; http://stingendomusic.org

The Romantic Cello in Song and Dance

Arts Center Theater, Columbia-Greene Community College, Route 9G, Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, December 13, 7 p.m.: Featuring Garﬁeld Moore. Tickets: $8 all seats Information: 518.828.4181 x 3342; http://sunycgcc.edu

Bard College Conservatory Orchestra Conducted by Cristian Macelaru

Richard B. Fisher Center for Performing Arts at Bard College, Sosnoﬀ Theater, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Sunday, December 14, 3 p.m.: Program features: Paul Hindemith,

Symphonic Metamorphoses; Frank Martin, Concerto for Seven Wind Instruments; and Serge Rachmaninoﬀ, Symphonic Dances. Tickets: $15, $20, free to Bard community Information: 845.758.7900; http://ﬁshercenter.bard.edu

Breath, Song

Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Sunday, December 14, 4 p.m.: A cross-cultural collaboration between Turkish vocalist Nihan Devecioglu and Jeffrey Lependorf, a certified master of the shakuhachi (ancient Japanese bamboo flute). Through composed works and improvisations they will explore and illuminate the beauty and intimacy of breath becoming song, performed through the combination of voice, electronics, and Japanese bamboo flute, resulting in a haunting and mesmerizing evening of new music. Tickets: $20 Information: 518.822.1438; http://www.hudsonoperahouse.org

Nick Lowe’s Quality Holiday Revue

The Egg, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12220 Friday, December 19, 8 p.m.: Starring none other than...Nick Lowe, the show will feature a few brand-new Christmas Classics from 2013’s “Quality Street” as well as careful selections from his back catalog of hits and near misses. Nick will appear both solo and backed by Los Straightjackets who will bring along some Yuletide treats of their own. Ian McLagan will open the show. Tickets: $35 Information: 518.473.1061; http://www.theegg.org

Hudson Valley Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah

UPAC, 601 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401 Saturday, December 20, 2 p.m.: Handel’s most popular choral work, performed with the full orchestra featuring over 150 musicians and singers. And you can sing along, too, with Capella Festiva - Christine Howlett, Choral Director/ Conductor Tickets: $25-$50 Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

Classics on Hudson: Messiah Sing

First Presbyterian Church, 369 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, December 20, 4 p.m.: Continuing the tradition, Gwen Gould conducts George Frideric Handel’s magniﬁcent oratorio and invites the audience to be the chorus. Supported by a string ensemble and vocal soloists, participants seat themselves in the Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass sections to sing along to the Christmas portion of Handel’s 1741 masterpiece. Scores and refreshments will be provided. Hallelujah! Tickets: $15; free, students 18 and under Information: http://hudsonoperahouse.org

Jim Brickman: On a Winter’s Night

Bardavon Opera House, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Sunday, December 21, 3 p.m.: This year, Jim Brickman will bring together the sounds of the season with On A Winter’s Night. Hailed by the Boston Herald as a “crowd-pleaser,” Jim celebrates this in a one-of-a-kind concert event ﬁlled with lush instrumentals and soaring vocals. Tickets: $30-$55 Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

David Temple: Sambas in a Season of Joy

Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Sat., Dec. 27, 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 28, 3 p.m.: Guitarist and composer David Temple presents a concert combining music both familiar and new, and both rhythmic and contemplative. Tickets: $20 Information: 845.876.3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

Page 30

take the kids

Take the kids to see Rick Adam in his ‘Holiday Extravaganza’ at Dutchcess Community College on December 6th. Publicity photo.

Empire State Plaza Ice Rink

Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12242 Daily Nov. 28-March 8, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.: Amenities include concessions at Phil’s Kitchen, a skate lounge with lockers and music and skate rentals that are available whenever the rink is open. Rentals are FREE on Fridays courtesy of Hannaford Supermarkets. This season at the rink will feature a variety of events including instructional clinics, hockey exhibitions, children’s entertainers, live music and more! Rentals are available whenever the rink is open for $3 for kids under 12; $4 for adults Info: http://winter.empirestateplaza.org/empire-skate-plaza-ice-rink

Word Art

Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Thursdays through January 29, 3-4:30 p.m.: A visual arts and language workshop for kids 6 and up taught by artist and poet Audrey Gilbert. Children will explore the intersection of language and art as they create paintings, poems, collages, performances, prints, games, murals, and sculpture while exploring various media and techniques that incorporate letters and words, seeking answers to the question: what is the relationship between a word and a picture? Free. Information: http://hudsonoperahouse.org

Saturday Children’s Workshops

Omi Arts Center, 1405 County Rte. 22, Ghent, NY 12075 Saturdays, through Dec. 27, 10 a.m.-noon: Studio experiences for children ages 4 1/2 -12. Themes and activities are connected with the artists, artworks and ideas featured in the current exhibition in The Fields Sculpture Park. Fee: $12/child, or $20 for two Information: 518.728.9256; http://www.artomi.org

Matondo: The Essence of Giving Thanks

Solaris, 360 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Fri.-Sun., Nov. 28-30, 5 p.m.: Presented by Diata Diata Internation Folkloric Theatre, Hudson Opera House, and Camphill Hudson with additional support from Perfect 10 Afterschool. Free. Information: http://hudsonoperahouse.org

Gingerbread House Decorating Party

Howland Public Library, Community Room, Beacon, NY 12508 Saturday, November 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: The whole family is invited to create gingerbread houses for the Eighth Annual Beacon Gingerbread Trail which runs Dec. 10-Jan. 11 along Main Street. Bring your own kit or baked gingerbread. A limited number of starter gingerbread house kits available for purchase at $12 each. Bring any tools you have and edible decorating materials to share. Information: 347.400.8084; http://www.beaconpublicspace.org

Magic and Beyond

Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Saturday, November 29, 11 a.m.: A one-man illusion show featuring unique theatrical and visual magic, audience participation and lots of laughs! Tickets: $7 children; $9 adults Information: 845.876.3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org

Math Circle

Tivoli Free Library, 86 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583 Friday, December 5, 4 p.m.: Students from Batd’s Math Department lead this fun, family-oriented program featuring math games, mathrelated crafts and more. Info: 845.757.3771; http://www.tivolilibrary.org

Page 31

Columbia-Greene Media

Film: The Muppet Movie

Bardavon Opera House, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Friday, December 5, 8 p.m.: The Muppet Movie depicts Kermit the Frog as he embarks on a cross-country trip to Hollywood. Along the way, he encounters several of the Muppets — who all share his ambition of ﬁnding success in professional show business — while being pursued by a relentless restaurateur who wants to employ Kermit as a spokesperson for his frog legs business. Screening in conjunction with annual Celebration of Lights family festival. Tickets: $6 Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

Rick Adam “Holiday Extravaganza”

James & Betty Hall Theatre, Dutchess Community College, 53 Pendell Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Saturday, December 6, 11 a.m.: Rick Adam and his entertaining vaudeville act, highlighted by songs and stories of snow, sledding, winter and the holiday season. Free and open to all. Info: http://www.sunydutchess.edu/studentlife/studentactivities/famfest.html

Great Train Extravaganza

Empire State Plaza Concourse Level, Room 130, Albany, NY 12242 Sunday, December 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Public model train show and sale. Sponsored by the Upstate Train Associates and the Hudson Berkshire Division of the National Model Railroad Association. Tickets: $7; kids under 12 free Information: http://www.gtealbany.com

Gingerbread House Workshop

Stony Kill Farm, Barn Classroom, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Sunday, December 7, 1-3 p.m.: Join the folks at Stony Kill for their second annual Gingerbread House Workshop for kids in kindergarten and older and adults. Pre-registration and payment required by email to foundation@stonykill.org. Information: http://www.stonykill.org

Children’s Reading Festival

FDR Presidential Library & Museum, Henry A. Wallace Visitor Center, 4079 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538 Saturday, December 13, 1:30-4 p.m.: Ninth annual festival featuring children’s book authors, including Hudson Valley authors Iza Trapani and Leslie Kimmelman, who will read from and sign copies of their books. Children’s book readings and signings will take place at 1:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3 p.m. Information: 845.486.7745; http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu

Max & Ruby: The Nutcracker Suite

The Egg, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12220 Saturday, December 13, 3 p.m.: Bunny siblings Max & Ruby let their imaginations whisk them away to a magical land where they become characters in the beloved holiday ballet. Tickets: $18; free for adults when accompanied by a child Information: 518.473.1061; http://www.theegg.org

Classic Children’s Symphony: Peter and the Wolf

Vassar College Skinner Hall of Music, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 Saturday, December 13, 4 p.m.: Vassar College’s Mahagonny chamber ensemble is performing Peter and the Wolf, Sergei Prokoﬁev’s classic narrative piece, for their winter concert. Peter and the Wolf has an interesting history of using a symphony to educate. Prokoﬁev was commissioned by the Central Children’s Theatre in Moscow in 1936 to write a symphony for children and the intention of the piece was to

help introduce classical music to children in a fun way that highlights the diﬀerences between instruments. Free and open to the public. Information: 845.437.5370; http://arts.vassar.edu

The Zucchini Brothers Holiday Show

The Egg, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12220 Sunday, December 14, 2 p.m.: An annual tradition featuring the Capital Region’s favorite family rock band performing holiday songs. Tickets: $12; adults admitted free when accompanied by a child Information: 518.473.1061; http://www.theegg.org

It’s a Wonderful Life Movie Event

Palace Performing Arts Center, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany, NY 12207 Friday, December 19, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.: Frank Capra’s sentimental fantasy of a small town businessman (James Stewart), follows him as he tries to do the right thing, thinks he’s failed, tries to commit suicide, but is ultimately saved by a guardian angel who shows him what life would’ve been like without him. Tickets: $5; $3 children Information: 518.465.3334; http://palacealbany.com

The Puppet People’s “A Christmas Carol”

Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Saturday, December 20, 11 a.m.: Warm your hearts with Dickens’ classic. The Puppet People’s spectacular show features beautiful marionettes, holiday music and guaranteed smiles! Treats and a visit from Santa after the show! Tickets: $7 children; $9 adults Information: 845.876.3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Palace Performing Arts Center, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany, NY 12207 Sunday, Dec. 21, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.: The classic animated television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation where Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the other Peanuts grapple with the real meaning of Christmas. This delightful new production features the classic music of Vince Guaraldi, and a host of holiday favorites. Tickets: $20; $10 children Information: 518.465.3334; http://palacealbany.com

Holiday Craft Workshop for Kids: Make a Mouse House

Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Old Post Rd., Staatsburg, NY 12580 Sat., Dec. 27 & Tues., Dec. 30, 2-3:30 p.m.: Mistletoe Mouse has inhabited the mansion at Christmastime for many years. Children enjoy searching for mouse houses in the historic rooms while on tour in the holiday season. For these workshops, kids ages 6-10 can tour the house brieﬂy to see the mouse houses on display, and then use craft materials to build their own mouse house to take home. Reservations required. Repeats Tues., Dec. 30. Tickets: call for information Info: 845.889.8851; http://nysparks.com/historic-sites/25/details.aspx

Annual New Year’s Eve at Noon Celebration

Mid Hudson Children’s Museum Pavilion, 75 North Water St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Wednesday, December 31, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Let your children ‘pop’ in the New Year at 12 o’clock too -- noon that is! Enjoy music, arts and crafts and snacks. Special bubble wrap countdown to “pop!” in the New Year. Reservations required. Fee: $15/person; $10 members Information: 845.471.0589; http://www.mhcm.org

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

Page 32

readings, signings & screenings

Detail of photograph by Francesco Mastalia from his new book, “Organic,” featuring Hudson Valley farmer Miriam Latzer. Mastalia will give a talk about the making of his book and his art at Hawthorne Valley School on December 13.

Hudson Valley Playwrights

Morton Memorial Library, 82 Kelly St., Rhinecliﬀ, NY 12574 Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.: A workshop for writers developing new work. Free, but donations for the library are welcomed. Information: 845.217.0734; http://www.hudsonalleyplaywrights.com

Met Opera Live in HD: Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville)

Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, November 29, 12:55 p.m.: The Met’s production of Rossini’s classic comedy - featuring some of the most instantly recognizable melodies in all of opera. Tickets: $25; $15 students Information: 518.822.8448; http://timeandspace.org

Reading & Book Signing: Carlo DeVito

The Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, November 29, 7 p.m.: Enjoy a reading and book signing with Carlo DeVito, author of “Inventing Scrooge.” Information: 518.671.6006; http://www.thespottydog.com

Author Talk & Signing: Thomas Maier, When Lions Roar: The Churchills and the Kennedys

Henry A. Wallace Center, Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum, Route 9, Hyde Park, NY 12538 Thursday, December 4, 7 p.m.: Hosted by the FDR Presidential Library. Free and open to the public. Information: 845.486.7745; http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu

Legendary Locals of Greene County

Vedder Research Library at Bronck Museum, County Route 42, Coxsackie, NY 12051 Thursday, December 4, 7 p.m.: Authors David and Wanda Dorpfeld book signing. Free and open to the public. Information: http://www.gchistory.org

True Crime in the Hudson Valley: The Murder of Richard Jennings

Tivoli Free Library, 86 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583 Thursday, December 4, 7 p.m.: Calling all mystery and true crime buﬀs! Join author and detective Michael J. Worden as he examines the ﬁrst murder for hire in New York State. In 1818, four men and two women conspired to murder Richard Jennings over land. Learn how the conspirators were eventually caught, leading to two in prison and two facing the hangman. Find out who escaped prosecution and went on to become a man of renown with a memorial in his honor!. Information: 845.757.3771; http://www.tivolilibrary.org

Jack Kelly, Band of Giants

Merritt Bookstore, 57 Front St., Millbrook, NY 12545 Saturday, December 6, 11:30 a.m.: Jack Kelly, the journalist, historian and author of ﬁve acclaimed novels talks about his latest book, “Band of Giants: The Amateur Soldiers Who Won America’s Independence.” Information: 845.677.5857; http://www.merrittbooks.com

Sinterklaas Special Event: Robert Sabuda

Oblong Books, 6422 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Saturday, December 6, 4 p.m.: At this special Sinterklaas event, pop-

Page 33

Columbia-Greene Media

up master Robert Sabuda will talk about his new book The Dragon and The Knight: A Pop-Up Misadventure, the 20th Anniversary edition of his classic book The Christmas Alphabet - demonstarte the art of paper engineering (a.k.a. making pop-ups) and sign books! Information: 845.876.0500; http://www.oblongbooks.com

The Bolshoi Ballet Live in HD: La Bayadere

The Millerton Moviehouse, Main St., Millerton, NY 12546 Sunday, December 7, 12:55 p.m.: The story of impossible love between Nikiya and Solor is set against the backdrop of a lush, mysterious India. Tickets: $20 Information: http://www.themoviehouse.net

Carol DeVito: Inventing Scrooge

Chatham Bookstore, 27 Main St., Chatham, NY 12037 Sunday, December 7, 2-4 p.m.: Carlo DeVito reads from “Inventing Scrooge: The Incredible True Story Behind Charles Dickens’ Legendary ‘A Christmas Carol.’” The author is co-owner of the Hudson-Chatham Winery in Ghent with his wife, Dominique. A conversation with Thomas Chulak from the bookstore and Q & A will follow a brief reading. Free. Refreshments. Information: 518.392.3005; http://chathambookstore.com

Pearl Harbor Day Film: Tora! Tora! Tora!

Henry A. Wallace Center, Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum, Route 9, Hyde Park, NY 12538 Sunday, December 7, 2 p.m.: In commemoration of the 73rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor the Pare Lorentz Center at the FDR Presidential Library will host a ﬁlm screening of the 1970 Academy Award winning ﬁlm Tora! Tora! Tora! Free and open to the public. Information: 845.486.7745; http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu

Presentation, Q&A and Book Signing: Stephen Shore, ‘Survey’

Oblong Books, 6422 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Sunday, December 7, 6 p.m.: At the age of 24, Stephen Shore became the first living photographer since Alfred Stieglitz 40 years earlier to have a solo show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He has had numerous one-man shows, including those at the Museum of Modern Art, New York; Kunsthalle Düsseldorf; Hammer Museum, Los Angeles; Jeu de Paume, Paris; and Art Institute of Chicago. Since 1982, he has been director of the photography program at Bard College. His work has had a significant influence on multiple generations of artists and photographers & remains an ongoing and indisputable reference point. This book copublished with Fundación MAPFRE in conjunction with the first-ever retrospective exhibition, includes over 250 images that span Shore’s impressive and productive career. The book elucidates Shore’s contributions, as well as the historiographical interpretations of his work that have influenced photographic culture over the past four decades. Information: 845.876.0500; http://www.oblongbooks.com

NT Live: UK’s National Theater: JOHN

The Millerton Moviehouse, Main St., Millerton, NY 12546 Tues., Dec. 9, 8 p.m. & Sun., Dec. 14 (encore), 1 p.m.: See description below. Tickets: $20; not suitable for children Information: http://www.themoviehouse.net

Author Reading & Signing: Conrad Vispo

Chatham Bookstore, 27 Main St., Chatham, NY 12037 Thursday, December 11, 5-7 p.m.: Conrad Vispo reads from “The

Nature of the Place: A History of Living with the Land in Columbia County, NY.” A conversation with Thomas Chulak from the bookstore and Q & A will follow a brief reading. Free. Refreshments. Information: 518.392.3005; http://chathambookstore.com

History of the Hudson River Valley Book Signing

Columbia County Historical Society, 5 Albany Ave., Kinderhook, NY 12106 Friday, December 12, 6-8 p.m.: Author Vernon Benjamin will be signing his book “The History of the Hudson River Valley” at the Columbia County Museum and Library during Kinderhook’s Candlelight Night. FREE and open to the public. Books will be for sale at the Museum Store. Information: http://www.cchsny.org

Talk & Book Signing: Francesco Mastalia, Organic: Farmers and Chefs of the Hudson Valley

Hawthorne Valley School Hall, 330 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY 12075 Saturday, December 13, 2:30-5:30 p.m.: An afternoon with photographer Francesco Mastalia. He will talk about the genesis of his new book Organic, his journey in creating the body of work, and his experiences interacting with the subjects and learning more about the organic movement from the roots up. A selection of portraits will be on display. His talk will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. Books will be available for purchase ($49.95). Information: http://hawthornevalleyfarm.org/event/organic-farmerschefs-hudson-valley/

NT Live: UK’s National Theater: JOHN

Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, December 13, 8 p.m.: Internationally renowned DV8 Physical Theatre bring their powerful new production to the National Theatre. DV8 Physical Theatre has produced 18 highly acclaimed dance-theatre works and four ﬁlms for television, which have garnered over 50 national and international awards. The company’s new production, JOHN, authentically depicts real-life stories, combining movement and spoken word to create an intense and moving theatrical experience. Lloyd Newson, DV8’s Artistic Director, interviewed more than 50 men asking them frank questions, initially about love and sex. One of those men was John. What emerged was a story that is both extraordinary and touching. Years of crime, drug use, and struggling to survive lead John on a search in which his life converges with others, in an unexpected place, unknown by most. Tickets: $22; not suitable for children Information: 518.822.8448; http://timeandspace.org

Bolshoi Ballet Live in HD: The Nutcracker

Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Sunday, December 21, 12:55 p.m.: On Christmas Eve, Marie’s godfather, Drosselmeyer, gives her a strange toy: a wooden nutcracker carved in the shape of a little man. At midnight, when the celebrations are over, all the toys magically come to life. The nutcracker grows to human size and takes charge of the tin soldiers, ﬂying to the rescue of Marie, who is threatened by the Mouse King and his mouse army. Based on E. T. A. Hoﬀmann’s story, The Nutcracker is one of the greatest classics in the world. With iconic music by Tchaikovsky, and enchanting sets and costumes, this beautiful tale explores the universal themes of love, power and evil.Tickets: $25; students, $15 Information: 518.822.8448; http://timeandspace.org

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

Page 34

decked out halls Above: Clermont State Historic Site decorated for the holidays; Opposite top, Staatsburgh State Historic Site; Oppostie bottom, Wilderstein Dining Room, all photos submitted.

Boscobel: Sparkle!

1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY 10524 Fri. & Sat., Dec. 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 5-9 p.m.: Visit Boscobel’s gardens and grounds which will showcase beautiful lighting displays, setting the stage for charming holiday attractions. Returning this year will be Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus in the enhanced Sparkle Garden, the beautiful Sparkle Queen Stilt Walker, Ice Carving Demonstrations, The Taghanik Chorale and the Manhattanville Sound. New for 2014 will be acoustic guitar soloist Rick Soedler, a light-up magic show with Margaret Steele and illuminated hoop dancing performances with the Sparkle Spinners. At the very heart of Sparkle is the mansion itself: elegantly decorated for receiving visitors, Twilight Tours will be ongoing each evening. Food available for purchase on site. Tickets: Grounds Only (includes all lighting displays and attractions), $15; child, 3-11 years old, $10; under 3, free; family 4 pack (2 adults, 2 kids), $45; Grounds Plus (adds guided Twilight Tour of the mansion), $25|$20|$85 (family four pack) Information: http://www.boscobel.org

Clermont

One Clermont Ave. (oﬀ Route 9G), Germantown, NY 12526 Sat. & Sun., Dec. 6 & 7, 10 a.m.-noon: “A Child’s Christmas,” drop in for stories read under the Christmas tree and treats for children ages 3-10. Tickets: $4 Saturday, December 13, 4-7 p.m.: Friends of Clermont Holiday Party in the Mansion. Tickets: free for members; $10 guests

Sunday, December 14, 3-6 p.m.: Candlelight Tours of Clermont. Tableaux Vivant of Christmas traditions through the ages, glittering decorations, and wassail with traditional holiday goodies served in the historic kitchen. Tickets: $10 Saturday, December 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: “Christmas at Clermont Open House,” a great day for families and free for all! Information: 518.537.6622; http://www.friendsofclermont.org

Lindenwald: Martin Van Buren Homestead

Lindenwald, Route 9H, Kinderhook, NY 12106 Saturday, December 6, noon-4 p.m.: “Annual Winter Celebration.” The historic site will be getting dressed up for the occasion with the help of the Kinderhook Garden Club. This year the Kinderhook Garden Club will base their creations around the theme of President Van Buren’s grandchildren. Van Buren had eleven grandchildren ranging in age from 2 to 21 years old living with him, so politics wasn’t the only game played at Lindenwald in the volatile ante bellum era. With so many grandchildren the mansion was ﬁlled with children’s toys, games and stories. To help recall the fun and vitality that existed at Lindenwald visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy selections from a popular 1847 children’s story The Travels and Extraordinary Adventures of Bob the Squirrel while taking their tour. Guests should plan on checking in for their tour at the park visitor center 15 minutes prior to their tour. Also at the visitor center participants will ﬁnd delicious refreshments provided courtesy of the Friends of Lindenwald. After enjoying the tour, story decorations and charm of the old house visitors will be able to see a display about the

Page 35

Columbia-Greene Media Springwood: Franklin D. Roosevelt Historic Site

4079 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538 November 28-December 31, Mon.-Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Tours of Springwood decorated according to Roosevelt family holiday tradition. Tickets: $14 Saturday, December 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: “Holiday Open House,” the Roosevelt Library and the Home of FDR (Springwood) are open to visitors free of charge. Enjoy holiday decorations, refreshments and special activities - including the annual Children’s Reading Festival beginning at noon in the Henry A. Wallace Visitor Center. Free photos with Santa from 1-3 p.m. Children can make holiday cards for sailors on the USS Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. Information: 845.486.7745; http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu

Staatsburgh State Historic Site: Mills Mansion

Old Post Road, Route 9S, Staatsburg, NY 12580 Fri., Nov. 28-Wed., Dec. 31, noon-4 p.m.: Visit the lavishly decorated mansion to experience Christmas, Gilded Age style! The house will be open for tours Thursday - Sunday Nov. 28- Dec. 28, as well as from Mon., Dec. 29 - Wed., Dec. 31. And on Friday, Dec. 12, from 6-8 p.m., spend a festive evening in the lavishly-decorated mansion, with costumed guides, music, and gift shopping. Tickets: $8; $6, seniors/students; 12 & under free. Sundays, December 7, 14, 21 and 28, 1-4 p.m.: Children become detectives to solve a history mystery. Costumed interpreters throughout the house provide clues to help kids ﬁnd the solution. Tickets: Call for information Information: 845.889.8851; http://nysparks.com/historic-sites/25/details.aspx

Val-Kill

presidential grandchildren. Also on display will be an original edition of Bob the Squirrel as well as other items about mid-nineteenth century children’s literature and child rearing. Admission: Free, but reservations for guided tour are required Information: 518.758.9689; http://www.nps.gov/mava

Locust Grove

2683 South Rd. (Rt. 9), Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Fri.-Sun., Nov. 28-30; Sat. & Sun., throughout Dec., plus Dec. 2631, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: This year, the mansion’s 25 rooms are themed after popular Christmas carols. Tour the mansion with expert guides who will make the holidays come alive as you tour the mansion’s 25 decorated rooms. Tickets: $11/person Sundays, December 7, 14, 21, noon-4 p.m.: “Holiday House Hunt” for kids. Search the house for an eagle, an owl, a horse and more! Enjoy glittering holiday decorations throughout the mansion, and learn more about the historic house while searching for animals hidden in the mansion’s outstanding art collection. After you’ve explored the mansion, enjoy cookies, cider, and carols in the museum pavilion. Arrive by 3 p.m. to complete the hunt. Tickets: $8/person Thursday, December 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: “Holiday Sunset Sensations” wine and food pairing. This dinner features guest chef Ed Kowalski of Crave Restaurant. Tickets: $32, advance; $35 day of (if available) Thursday, December 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: “Holiday Sunset Sensations” wine and food pairing. The grand ﬁnale of the year’s Sunset Sensations dinnes features guest chef Laura Pensiero of Gigi Hudson Valley. Tickets: $32, advance; $35 day of (if available) Information: 845.454.4500 x 17; www.lgny.org

Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Rte 9G, Hyde Park, NY 12538 November 28-December 30, Thurs.-Mon., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving day, Christmas day and New Years day: Eleanor loved Christmas and decorated her stone cottage with enthusiasm every year. Enjoy stories of Eleanor’s Christmases with family and friends during the years she called Val-Kill her home. Tickets: $8; 15 and under free Saturday, December 13, 4-7 p.m.: Holiday Open House with free tours of Val-Kill decorated for the holidays.. A shuttle will run from the Wallace Center at the FDR site. Information: 845.229.9115; http://www.nps.gov/elro

Vanderbilt Mansion

Visitors Center, 4079 Albany Post Rd., (Route 9), Hyde Park, NY 12583 November 28-December 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving day, Christmas day and New Years day: Enjoy tours of the Gilded Age mansion lavishly decorated for the holiday season. Tickets: $8; 15 and under free Sunday, December 7: “Holiday Open House” with free admission and tours of the mansion decorated for the holidays. Information: 845.229.7770; http://www.nps.gov/vama

Wilderstein

330 Morton Road, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Fri.-Sun., Nov. 28-30; Sat. & Sun., Dec. 6 & 7; 13 & 14; 20 & 21; 27 & 28, 1-4 p.m.: Florists and designers transform the Wilderstein mansion into a magical holiday wonderland. Tour the mansion at your own pace, with guides in each room to share information and answer questions. Tickets: $10; $9 students/seniors; under 12, free Information: 845.876.4818; http://www.wilderstein.org

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

Page 36

on stage live!

Ulster Ballet stages their annual production of ‘The Nutcracker’ at UPAC in Kingston on Dec. 5-7. Photo submitted.

Ali Baba and the Four Tea Thieves

Ghent Playhouse, Ghent, NY 12075 Nov. 28-Dec. 14, Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.: The Pantoloons are back, and this time it’s “Open Sesame,” as the Tea Baggers try to steal all the tea in Feng Shui. Will Ali Baba and his friends be able to restrain them? It’s harem pants all around, with crazy songs and schtick, plus the usual who’s a guy and who’s a girl, as the Loons celebrate their 15th anniversary! Tickets: $20; $10 students & children under 12 Information: http://ghentplayhouse.org

Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker”

Palace Performing Arts Center, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany, NY 12207 Saturday, November 29, 3 p.m.: 40 star-studded Russian dancers perform Olympic-worthy leaps and lunges, astonishing lifts and magniﬁcent partnering throughout Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. Performed to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score for more than 20 years in the U.S., the Great Russian Nutcracker tells the traditional story of a young girl meeting her Prince and includes a tribute to world peace and harmony. Tickets: $28-$60 Information: 518.465.3334; http://palacealbany.com

It’s A Wonderful Life

Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 December 5-21, Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.; plus, Sat., Dec. 20, 3 p.m.: Adapted for stage from Frank Capra‘s beloved holiday ﬁlm about a small town man, George Bailey, who forgoes his big dreams to help others. His imminent suicide on Christmas Eve is interrupted by an unconventional angel who shows George the lives he has touched and how diﬀerent his community would be had he never been born.

It’s A Wonderful Life is heartwarming, Christmastime entertainment for the entire family. Tickets: $24; $22 seniors & children Information: 845.876.3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org

Ulster Ballet: A Christmas Carol

UPAC, 601 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401 Fri. & Sat., Dec. 5 & 6, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 7, 2 p.m.: Artistic Directors Scarlett Fiero and Quiedo Carbone, together with Woodstock resident and former New York City Ballet dancer-turned choreographer Sara Miot, have produced an exciting, critically acclaimed ballet based on the classic Charles Dickens story. Now in it’s 20th year, featuring a cast of 65 dancers, actors, and stage professionals, this show is just what you’ll need to put you in the mood for the holidays!! Tickets: $22; $18 members & seniors; $15 kids 12 and under Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

A Christmas Carol

Olana, Wagon House Education Ctr, 5720 Rte 9G, Hudson, NY 12534 Friday, December 12, 7-9 p.m.: Jonathan Kruk, a master storyteller, selected “Best in the Hudson Valley” turns Charles Dickens classic into a theatrical one person performance. Kruk gives over 30 characters in “A Christmas Carol” voice and form. Add the musical ambiance provided by Jim Keyes on a portal pipe organ, with bells, harp, violin, and chains, and you’ve got a unique dramatic version of old Scrooge’s story. Running just under one hour, Kruk abridges Dickens 27,000 word opus to a family friendly show. Performing in colorful 1840s garb, Kruk uses only a few props. Pre-register by preceding Wednesday. Tickets: $25; $10 children Information: 518.828.1872x 109; http://www.olana .org

Page 37

Columbia-Greene Media star in his ﬁrst hour long Comedy Central stand up special “John Oliver: Terrifying Times” in 2008. Such was its success that John has now hosted four seasons of his own stand up series for Comedy Central, “John Oliver’s New York Stand Up Show,” featuring a hand-picked selection of his favorite comedians. Tickets: $39.75 Information: 518.465.3334; http://palacealbany.com

The Nutcracker: New Paltz Ballet Theatre

Bardavon Opera House, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Sat., Dec. 13, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 14, 3 p.m.: The New Paltz Ballet Theatre returns for a 17th season to present this classic holiday event featuring principal dancers from the New York City Ballet. Peter and Lisa Naumann, co-directors of the NPBT, have brought many ﬁne regional artists together to create this beautiful production. Dancers, designers, and technicians have all contributed to make this Nutcracker a visual delight. Come along with Marie as she dreams of a ﬁerce battle between giant mice and toy soldiers followed by a magical journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets. This production features two world-renowned principal dancers from the New York City Ballet: Daniel Ulbricht and Erica Pereira. Tickets: $30; $27 student/senior; $25 member Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Palace Performing Arts Center, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany, NY 12207 Monday, December 15, 7 p.m.: Broadway director Neil Goldberg re-imagines the holiday season with over 300 costumes, 20 acts and 30 performers from 12 countries showcasing an endless variety of imaginative, heart-pounding and gravity- defying feats you have to see to believe. Tickets: $28-$58 Information: 518.465.3334; http://palacealbany.com Jonathan Kruk performs his one-man version of Dickens’ ‘A Chrismas Carol’ at Olana on December 12. Photo by Chris Caiata

Scrooge & Son: A Catskills Christmas Carol

Orpheum Performing Arts Center, 6050 Main St., Tannersville, NY 12485 Fri. & Sat., Dec. 12 & 13, 7 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 14, 2 p.m.: A new play penned for the stage by Mr. J. Milton The classic tale of Christmas past, present and to come has moved to the Catskills during the post-Civil War era. Tickets: $10; $5 children Information: http://www.scroogeandson.com

Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company

Kaatsbaan, 120 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583 Saturday, December 13, 7:30 p.m.: “Exuberant, serendipitous, gutsy and soaring,” and, “magicians in motion,” are just some of the expressions used to describe Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company dancers who delight audiences of all ages with movement that celebrates rhythm, energy and musicality. Tickets: $30; $10 children and student rush Information: 845.757.5106 x 2; http://kaatsbaan.org

John Oliver

Palace Performing Arts Center, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany, NY 12207 Saturday, December 13, 8 p.m.: John Oliver, the Emmy and Writer’s Guild Award winning writer and host of HBO’s “Last Week Tonight” comes to the Palace Theatre for an evening of stand up comedy! From 2006 to 2013 John was a correspondent and guest host on the multiaward winning The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Having made the move to America in 2006 to work on The Daily Show, John won the Breakout Award at the Aspen Comedy Festival in 2007 and went on to write and

Degas in New Orleans

Richard B. Fisher Center for Performing Arts at Bard College, Theater Two, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Thurs., Dec. 18 & Fri., Dec. 19, 7 p.m.: A dramatic musical that explores Edgar Degas’ scandalous visit to New Orleans in 1872. Performed by Red Hook High School Performing Arts Club. Tickets: $10; $8 students & seniors Information: 845.758.6822; http://ﬁshercenter.bard.edu

The Nutcracker

The Egg, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12220 Sat., December 20, 1:30 & 5:30 p.m.: Performed by the Albany Berkshire Ballet. Tickets: $38; kids 12 and under, $25 Information: 518.473.1061; http://www.theegg.org

David Parker and The Bang Group, Nut/Cracked

Richard B. Fisher Center for Performing Arts at Bard College, Sosnoff Theater, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Sat., Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 21, 2 p.m.: Nut/Cracked—The Bang Group’s beloved, witty response to The Nutcracker—has delighted audiences for more than a decade. Nut/Cracked takes its inspiration from all corners of the dance canon, from tap riffs to en pointe ballet, by way of bubble wrap, disco, and Chinese take-out noodles. In Nut/Cracked, choreographer David Parker ’81, finds beauty in the ridiculous, waltzing us through many incarnations of Tchaikovsky’s score, including versions by Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller, as well as the traditional orchestral suite. You’ll never watch The Nutcracker in quite the same way again! Suitable for ages 12 and up. Tickets: $25-$45 Information: 845.758.7900; http://fishercenter.bard.edu

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

Page 38

m i s c e l l a n e o u s Athens Presque Ballet: Follies with Bobby

Athens Cultural Center, 24 Second St., Athens, NY 12015 Mondays, 6 p.m. & Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.: A class dedicated to the principal that everyone has inner grace. The goal of the class is to improve balance and ﬂexibility and transform your body awareness. The class uses techniques from ballet, modern dance, jazz, soft shoe, and 4th grade Phys Ed. class. All techniques are consistent with the instructor’s age. Attire is required. Loose ﬁtting clothes, ballet slippers or sneakers, are recommended. Instructor Bobby LuPone is a Julliard trained dancer and actor. Information: 518.945.2136; http://www.athensculturalcenter.org

NYS Health Exchange Navigators

Red Hook Public Library, 7444 South Broadway, Red Hook, NY 12571 Mondays in December, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Health Exchange ‘navigators’ will be available to meet free of charge by appointment to help citizens sign up for the various health plans available at the New York State Health Exchange. Call to set up appointment. Information: 800.453.4666; http://redhooklibrary.org

Sitting Meditation

Won Dharma Center, 361 Rte. 23, Claverack, NY 12513 Ongoing Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m.: This class oﬀers an opportunity to practice sitting meditation to calm and empower your mind and awaken your spirit. The class will provide various meditation instruction in sitting, walking or lying meditation. Resident teachers will guide practitioners in reﬂection and discussion of spiritual practice with time for Q & A sessions. The program is open to the public and beginners are welcome. Free. Information: http://wondharmacenter.org

Wreath Making at Olana

Olana, Wagon House Ed. Ctr., 5720 Rte. 9G, Hudson, NY 12534 Wednesday, December 3, 6-8 p.m.: Mary Hughes, Olana Flower Garden Caretaker, will teach the art of creating wreaths in this hands-on workshop. Exquisite natural materials, will be provided to create your own wreath. Bring your own pair of pruning shears. Space is limited, please pre-register by preceding Thursday. Tickets: $20 Information: 518.828.1872x 109; http://www.olana .org

Psychic Dinner with Johnny Angel

The Enchanted Cafe, 7484 S. Broadway, Red Hook, NY 12571 Friday, December 5, 6-8 p.m.: The restaurant will close to the public to host this private dinner event with limited seating. A delicious dinner will be served, then radio personality/psychic medium Johnny Angel will come out to deliver individual messages from the other side to everyone in attendance. Tickets: $55; $99/couple Information: 845.835.8345; http://www.theenchantedcafe.com

Columbia County Historical Society 29th Annual Gallery of Wreaths and Silent Auction

James Vanderpoel House, 16 Broad St., Kinderhook, NY 12106 Fri., Dec. 5, noon-4 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 7, noon-4 p.m.: Annual Gallery of Wreaths features donated artiﬁcial and fresh wreaths decorated by individuals, artists, groups, businesses and ﬂoral professionals. Plus, holiday gift shop, make-and-take crafts for families, and a needle felting workshop for adults. Info: 518.758.9265; http://www.cchsny.org/gallery-of-wreaths.html

Catskill Teachers’ Association 2nd Annual 5K Run/Walk for a Claus

DXF: Dance Xross Fitness with Emel Mosley

341 West Main St., Catskill, NY 12414 Saturday, December 6, 10:30 a.m.; registration begins at 9 a.m.: Toy donations and proceeds from the race beneﬁt local food pantries: Community Action of Greene County, God’s Storehouse and Matthew 25 Food Pantry. This is a fun run/walk with many raﬄes and prizes up for grabs. Prizes for best individual holiday attire and best holiday group attire. Please bring a toy for a child (ages infant-14). Registration: $20 Information: 518.943.0574; CTArunwalk@yahoo.com

Dharma & Meditation Service

Annual Holiday Tea

Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Thursdays through December 11, 7:15-8:15 p.m.: DXF incorporates dance styles like Hip Hop, African, Motown and Contemporary dance in a fun, uplifting, and empowering ﬁtness program that engages all ages and ability levels. In collaboration with Operation Unite. $8/class Information: http://hudsonoperahouse.org

Won Dharma Center, 361 Rte. 23, Claverack, NY 12513 Ongoing Saturdays, 10-11:30 a.m.: Open to the public and oﬀered every week, this service format consists of sitting meditation, chanting, prayer, dharma talk, and conversation. The topic of each dharma talk diﬀers according to the speaker. Teachings usually address a variety of subjects including meditation techniques, the central tenets of Buddhism, mindful living, and the path to spiritual awakening. Information: http://wondharmacenter.org

Nativity Scenes Display

Mariapolis Luminosa of the Focolare Movement, 200 Cardinal Rd., Hyde Park, NY 12538 December 1-30, Mon.-Fri., 2-5 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 1-5 p.m.: Nativity scenes and creches from all over the world and every continent are displayed. Information: 845.229.0230 x 133

Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, 9 & 12 Vassar St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Saturday, December 6, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.: High Tea in the Victorian parlors. Full traditional tea with live music and an exclusive gift boutique - and more! Admission: $25, RSVP encouraged Information: 845.486.4571; http://cunneen-hackett.org

Boxwood Trees

Olana, Wagon House Education Center, 5720 Route 9G, Hudson, NY 12534 Sunday, December 7, 1-3 p.m.: Mary Hughes, Olana Flower Garden Caretaker, will guide participants to create their own unique table top tree constructed out of fresh boxwood cuttings. All materials are provided with the class, including ribbons, bulbs, decorative fruit and pine cones. Space is limited for this class. Participants must pre-register. Tickets: $30 Information: 518.828.1872x 109; http://www.olana .org

Page 39

Columbia-Greene Media

Atelier Renée Fine Framing

Renée Burgevin owner, CPF The Chocolate Factory 54 Elizabeth Street Red Hook, NY

TUES - SAT 10 - 6 or by appointment

telephone:845-758-1004 fax: 845-758-3893 email: renee@atelierreneefineframing.com

Northern Dutchess Hardwoods & Floor Coverings SPECIALIZING IN

HARDWOOD AR FLOORING H WIDE PLANK,, PREFINISHED SOLID AND ENGINEERED IDE PLANK W ANTIQUE/RECLAIMED FLOORING AN T ANTIQUE ANTI Q FURNITURE/CABINET STOCK RECLAIMED HAND HEWN BEAMS RE C CARPET CAR P - VINYL - LAMINATE - CORK -

ERY

“EV

E F TH EP O

Y” WA

BAMBOO - MARMOLEUM CERAMIC TILE - SPECIALTY FLOORING ERA C

Phone: 845.758.2005 • Fax: 845.758.2007 one: 845.7 Ph 5 Market St. • Red Hook, NY 19 East M a www.ndhardwoods.com • info@ndhardwoods.com www ww.ndhardwood

Hundreds of Accessories in Stock all the time! Sales: Band • Orchestra • Guitars • Percussion Rentals: Band and Orchestral Instruments Repairs: Woodwinds • Brass • Strings • Percussion Lessons: Classical • Rock • Jazz • Improv • Theory Woodwind • Brass • Percussion • Guitar • Bass

SPECIAL SALES on ALL School Band Instruments, Guitars, Amps & Drum Sets

gotomusicworks.com We support Music Education Programs Twin Maples Plaza | Saugerties, NY 12477 | 845-246-3910 Open: Tue-Fri 12-6 PM • Sat 10AM-4PM • Closed: Sun-Mon

Hudson Valley Mercantile December 2014

Page 40

5 AREA NAPA STORES READY TO SERVE YOU

Chatham

Hudson

Nassau

Valatie

New Lebanon

20 Church Street 9 Healy Boulevard 3541 U.S. Rt 20 2880 U.S. 9 501 US RT 20 518-392-4150 518-828-3361 518-766-4886 518-758-9484 Midtown Mall suite 114 518-794-8700 Ask us how to save on every purchase with a NAPA Know How Loyalty Card

Page 41

Columbia-Greene Media

Open for Dinner 7 Nights A Week (Sundays Noon - 8:30pm)

Take Out & Catering Available

Reserve the Quarry for your Holiday Party Mon.-Thurs. 4:00pm -9:30pm Fri. & Sat. 4:00pm-10:00pm • Sun. 12:00pm-8:30pm WE FEATURE:

BRINE BARREL

“The Pickle Store” and more... Quality Coldcuts sliced to order

Complete Your

Holiday Wish List

Hair Care Products Featuring Hair Care Products

SALON

D E L I C AT E S S E N 237 Partition St., Saugerties, NY

“Old World Greats!”

SUBS & SANDWICHES

255

LTD.

Full SerVICE SALON

Mon - Sat: 10am to 5pm Sun: Noon to 4pm

Hours:

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

Hair Cutting • Up-sweeps • Coloring Mani / Pedi • Make-up • Massage • Tanning

Barrel Cured Pickles & Sauerkraut ~ Gourmet Pickles ~ Peppers Mushrooms ~ Olives ~ Tapenades ~ Salads ~ Imported & Local Artisan Products ~ Cheese ~ Charcuterie ~ Party Trays & Subs

Tues - Fri 9am-6pm • Sat. 9am-2pm

255 Mansion Street • Coxsackie, New York

518.731.2559

(845) 247-3016 · www.BrineBarrel.com

www.salon255.com

767-2255

ion

• Fresh Wreaths • Kissing Balls • Evergreen Boughs • Boxwood Table Trees • Holiday Arrangements • Poinsettia Plants 139 Creble Rd. (CR 55) • Selkirk, NY • www.VerstandigsFlorist.com

Top quality with

ati

a comfortable price 1” through 5” slabs

ons

we will slice.

ov lst “Anything Stitchable” Slip C erin g for the Home t om M a d e Cus ho

NS DECORATIONS NS

Looking neat and tight

Shape it up right

D ra

“quality plants * flowers * gifts”

is in our store

FLORIST

Foam Rubber Galore

Custom Made

Workshop

(518) 966-5873 4856 Route 81 • Greenville, NY Mon. - Fri. 9am - 4pm Sat. 9am - 1pm

sewingroomsworkshop.com

R C Lacy Inc.

25 Maple Avenue Catskill, NY 12414 518-943-4300

See Our Entire Inventory Online at www.rclacy.net