Chronogram January 2007 by Chronogram

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CONTENTS

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NEWS AND POLITICS 22 LIBERALTARIANS With the breakdown of the traditional GOP-libertarian alliance, Brink Lindsey envisions a new progressive movement of liberals and libertarians.

26 BEINHART’S BODY POLITIC Larry Beinhart questions the rationale of sending more troops into Iraq and asks the question: If we “cut and run,” will the chaos that follows be worse than the chaos that already exists?

COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK 29 BEING ANDY WARHOL

35 WIENER TAKES ALL Ann Braybrooks gets the frank truth about all-natural hot dogs, gluten intolerance, and celiac disease at Soul Dog in Poughkeepsie.

WEDDINGS & CELEBRATIONS 78 DREAM A LITTLE THEME Welcome to the world of theme weddings, where brides can be princesses, grooms can be princes—and both can be Star Trek cast members. Shannon Gallagher explores.

81 UNCONVENTIONAL HONEYMOONS Rebecca Wild Nelson offers some ideas for couples looking for something more on their honeymooons than two weeks at an all-inclusive resort.

WHOLE LIVING GUIDE 94 NAVIGATING YOUR WAY Surviving cancer is more than figuring out how to cope with fear, treatments, and finances. Lorrie Klosterman talks to survivors about their journeys to develop personal awareness, purpose, creativity, spiritual richness, and connection.

98 SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING Julia Taylor reports on a weekly radio show for spiritually-inclined progressives.

42 Monty at the Elk, an image from Laurie Giardino’s photographic memoir, Totowa Book of the Dead.

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LAURIE GIARDINO

In addition to acting in several groundbreaking Italian Neo-Realist films, Allen Midgette is Andy Warhol’s reluctant impersonator. By Sharon Nichols

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CONTENTS

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ARTS & CULTURE

PLANET WAVES HOROSCOPES

42 PORTFOLIO

126 THE SPIRAL DOOR

Laurie Giardino’s photographic memoir, Totowa Book of the Dead.

Eric Francis Coppolino looks to the Heavens to learn what 2007 has in store.

44 LUCID DREAMING Beth E. Wilson shows why McWillie Chambers’s sketches are much more than “identity politics.”

46 GALLERY DIRECTORY What's hanging in galleries and museums throughout the region.

50 MUSIC Peter Aaron surveys children’s music in the Hudson Valley. Plus local scenester DJ Wavy Davy's Nightlife Highlights and reviews of CDs by Wet Paint Healing Rain. Reviewed by Sharon Nichols. ReadNex Poetry Squad Social Issue. Reviewed by DJ Wavy Davy. Michael Merenda Quiver. Reviewed by Michael Jurkovic.

54 BOOKS Nina Shengold profiles James Lasdun, author of The Horned Man and Seven Lies.

56 BOOK REVIEWS Pauline Uchmanowicz reviews Tales from the Town of Widows by James Cañón. Anne Pyburn reviews Ask the Parrot by Richard Stark. Susan Krawitz reviews Maude March on the Run by Audrey Couloumbis.

62 POETRY Poems by Mary Buckhout, Lisa M. Buckton, Mary Flanagan, John Grey, Mary Crockett Hill, Billy Internicola, Alexandra N. King, Cecele Krause, Rebecca Wild Nelson, William Rodden, John Scilipote, and Larry Winters.

64 FOOD & DRINK Editor Brian K. Mahoney drinks his way across the region, selflessly researching exemplary watering holes for the benefit of Chronogram readers.

132 PARTING SHOT

115 DAILY CALENDAR Comprehensive listings of local events. (Daily updates of calendar listings are posted at Chronogram.com.) PREVIEWS 113 “For the People,” an exhibition of American mural drawings of the 1930s and ’40s, is on view at Vassar College. Beth E. Wilson offers a glimpse. 114 Neo-blues leader Robert Cray and his band bring some smokin’ soul to Albany. Jeremy Schwartz has the lowdown. 116 Jay Blotcher looks at a new production of the Tony Award winning drama Copenhagen, which comes to New Paltz’s Unison center. 117 Rebecca Wild Nelson previews an exhibit of the late sculptor Anthony Gennarelli’s hand-wrought works. 118 Sparrow highlights Mark Doerrier’s documentary In the Land of Goshen, which screens at our January Cafe Chronogram salon. 119 Robert Burke Warren writes on revered Canadian songsmith Fred Eaglesmith, who plays the Rosendale Cafe this month. 125 Uzbek jazz piano virtuoso Vlad Girshevich makes his East Coast debut at the Windham Chamber Music Festival. Sharon Nichols previews.

BUSINESS SERVICES 66 TASTINGS A directory of what’s cooking and where to get it. 100 WHOLE LIVING DIRECTORY 89 BUSINESS DIRECTORY

For the positive lifestyle.

A compendium of advertiser services.

JENNIFER MAY

Tona Wilson found inspiration in the writings of Brecht for her painting Whitewash.

THE FORECAST

A VIEW FROM THE STAGE AT STRAY BAR IN HUDSON.

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EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Brian K. Mahoney bmahoney@chronogram.com ART DIRECTOR David Perry dperry@chronogram.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Peter Aaron paaron@chronogram.com NEWS & POLITICS EDITOR Lorna Tychostup tycho56@aol.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Jim Andrews jandrews@chronogram.com BOOKS EDITOR Nina Shengold books@chronogram.com WHOLE LIVING EDITOR Lorrie Klosterman wholeliving@chronogram.com POETRY EDITOR Phillip Levine poetry@chronogram.com COPY EDITOR Andrea Birnbaum INTERN Rebecca Wild Nelson PROOFREADERS Christopher Hewitt, Laura McLaughlin CONTRIBUTORS Emil Alzamora, Larry Beinhart, Jay Blotcher, Ann Braybrooks, Merry Buckhout, Lisa M. Buckton, Amber S. Clark, Eric Francis Coppolino, DJ Wavy Davy, Mary Flanagan, Shannon Gallagher, Betty Greenwald, John Grey, Hillary Harvey, Mary Crockett Hill, Annie Internicola, Billy Internicola, Mike Jurkovic, Alexandra N. King, Lorrie Klosterman, Cecele KrauseSusan Krawitz, Brink Lindsey, Jennifer May, John Morstad, Sharon Nichols, Anne Pyburn, Fionn Reilly, William Rodden, Jeremy Schwartz, John Scilipote, Andy Singer, Matthew Smith, Sparrow, Barbara Strnadova, Julia Taylor, Tom Tomorrow, Pauline Uchmanowicz, Robert Burke Warren, Beth E. Wilson, Tona Wilson, Larry Winters

SUBMISSIONS CALENDAR To submit calendar listings, visit www.chronogram.com/calendar, click on "Add My Event" and fill out the form. E-mail: events@chronogram.com / Fax: (845) 334-8610 Mail: 314 Wall Street, Kingston, NY 12401 Deadline: January 15

POETRY Submissions of up to three poems at a time can be sent to poetry@chronogram.com or our street address. See above.

FICTION/NONFICTION Fiction: Submissions can be sent to fiction@chronogram.com. Nonfiction: Succinct queries about stories of regional interest can be sent to bmahoney@chronogram.com. 10 CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

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PUBLISHING FOUNDERS Jason Stern & Amara Projansky PUBLISHER Jason Stern jstern@chronogram.com ADVERTISING SALES Tania Amrod tamrod@chronogram.com, x121 Jamaine Bell jbell@chronogram.com, x112 Ralph Jenkins rjenkins@chronogram.com, x105 MARKETING & PUBLICITY DIRECTOR Elissa Jane Mastel emastel@chronogram.com ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE MANAGER Lisa Mitchel-Shapiro lshapiro@chronogram.com, x101 COMPTROLLER Matthew Watzka mwatzka@chronogram.com, x113 PRODUCTION PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Yulia Zarubina-Brill yzarubina@chronogram.com, x108 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Kiersten Miench kmiench@chronogram.com, x116 PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Jason Cring jcring@chronogram.com Julie Novak jnovak@chronogram.com, x102 Teal Hutton thutton@chronogram.com, x106 BUSINESS CONSULTANT Ajax Greene OFFICES 314 Wall St. Kingston, NY 12401 845.334.8600 fax 334.8610 SUBSCRIBE $36 for 12 issues www.chronogram.com/subscribe MISSION Chronogram is a regional magazine dedicated to stimulating and supporting the creative and cultural life of the Hudson Valley.

All contents ÂŠ Luminary Publishing 2007 12 CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

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FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS

In her career, Julia Taylor has hopscotched back and forth between print and public radio. But one thing is for certain: She loves talking to people and telling their stories. She’s worked in public radio stations from the Hudson Valley to Washington, DC. She’s written for publications as varied as a business journal in Central Pennsylvania to a nonprofit magazine in New York City. A lover of travel, film, music, and food, she leans toward everything “indie.” On page 98, Julia profiles “Spiritually Speaking,” broadcast on Vassar College’s WVKR, 91.3FM. Jeremy Schwartz is a freelance writer living in Poughkeepsie. In recent years, he has been a staff writer for the Taconic Press and Weekly Beat, covering subjects as varied as the Dutchess County Legislature, the trial of notorious conman Frank Zarro, and the purchase of alternative energy by municipalities. His film reviews and music features have appeared in Pulse and Weekend. Jeremy’s work has also appeared in the Kingston Times, the Poughkeepsie Journal, and Hudson Valley Parent. His musical favorites range from Killing Joke to Gene Krupa. Jeremy’s preview of Robert Cray’s upcoming Albany concert appears on page 114. This issue marks the end of Rebecca Wild Nelson’s Chronogram internship. A SUNY New Paltz student, Rebecca focuses on creative writing and women’s studies and plans to help start a Students for a Democratic Society chapter on campus in the spring, in an effort to revive the activist spirit of New Paltz. Rebecca travels when she isn’t in school, including a near month long stint doing relief work in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Rebecca’s pointers for unconventional honeymoons appears on page 81. Her poem “Ways to Lose Weight” appears on page 63. Thirteen years ago Yulia Zarubina moved with her family to Ithaca from her native Kazakhstan. (Yes, she thinks Borat is funny). Yulia graduated from SUNY New Paltz with BFA in graphic design and began her tenure with Luminary Publishing in early 2002 as a freelance designer. The January issue is Yulia’s last as production director, a position she has held for the past four years, transforming a one-person department into a multi-publication juggernaut. Yulia will be relocating to Wilmington, North Carolina, with her husband, Tim, where they will live 11 miles from the beach and wait to welcome their first child.

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ON THE COVER

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Ch2007gram DAVID PERRY

Victorian Conservatories

Straight Eave Wood/Glass

Warmer in Winter...cooler in summer Come Visit Our Showroom

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| ADOBE INDESIGN | 2006

David Perry, Chronogram’s art director, has a penchant for designing elaborate calendars. But for this month’s cover, he decided to create something he calls “simple, elegant, and likely to end up under a magnet on the refrigerator.” At the bottom of the image, the word reborn appears next to www.chronogram.com. January 1 saw the relaunch of our website, Chronogram.com. The superior, radically different design includes streaming audio and video media. Visitors are able to watch short videos related to articles and other items of interest. For example, our November issue featured a piece on the Poilch Tallix foundry in Newburgh; site viewers are now able to watch a three-minute video tour given by CEO Dick Polich. Visitors can also listen to audio clips, such as “Crutch” by Michael Merenda, whose new CD, Quiver, is reviewed on page 53. Not only is the new site easier on the eyes, it’s much more navigable, with categories like Food and Drink, Arts and Culture, News and Politics, and Whole Living arrayed across the menu bar in a more scannable, at-your-fingertips style. The calendar and directory listings formats have been reworked into more userfriendly designs. The new calendar allows visitors to select a date and click on the different listing categories (i.e., Music, Theater, Kids, Events) within that date, making it fast and simple to access up-to-the-minute information. And both the business directory and calendar feature functions offering maps and driving directions. Interactivity with our readers has always been a key component of our philosophy. On the new site, users will be able to post comments on different articles, creating a discussion forum for the Chronogram community. In addition to our popular 8-Day Week newsletter, visitors can subscribe to specialized newsletters that relate to specific topics such as film or music, as well as to a daily newsletter that lets them know what’s new to the site that day. And on the blog front, we’ve assembled a strong cast of informed writers to journal on their areas of expertise and to offer entertaining and provocative insights on subjects such as food, shopping, and sustainability. We invite you to visit the reborn Chronogram.com and explore its new features, and feel free to post your comments.

CHRONOGRAM SEEN

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY PROTEST PERFORMANCE: JOHN MORSTAD.

PHOTOS: SUSTAINABILE FOOD SALON: BETTY GREENWALD; CAFE CHRONOGRAM: JENNIFER MAY;

The events we sponsor, the people who make a difference, the Chronogram community. Here's some of what we saw in December: SUSTAINABLE FOOD SALON / CAFE CHRONOGRAM / EEO STUBBLEFIELD PROTEST PERFORMANCE

Clockwise from top left: Elissa Mastel, Chronogramâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director of marketing and publicity, and the audience at the Sustainable Food Salon; Sprout Creek Farm cheese; Stone Ridge Orchard apples and cider. Marcellus Hall performing at Cafe Chronogram; Molly Eagan and Susan Piperato; Roni Shapiro, Brad Will, owner of Art on Wall; Pin Xu Will, Andy Glick; Teal Hutton reading at Cafe Chronogram. Eeo Stubblefield organized a performance in Woodstock on December 10, International Human Rights Day, to protest the detentions at Guantanamo Bay prison camp. Julie Novak emceeing the proceedings at Cafe Chronogram.

CHRONOGRAM SPONSORS IN JANUARY: CAFE CHRONOGRAM (1/6) WITH DAVID PERRY, IN THE LAND OF GOSHEN, KEVIN PAULSEN, & DJ KUKICHA. CHRONOGRAM WEB LAUNCH PARTY (1/12) WITH DJ ANTHONY MOLINA, READNEX POETRY SQUAD, & DJ LADYVERSE.

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LETTERS On the Defensive To the Editor: The article “Beinhart’s Body Politic,” [“Celebration and Prognostication,” 12/06] fails to recognize the gravity of the decisions the General Counsel of this Department must advise on and their importance to our national security. William J. Haynes II is the Chief Legal Officer of an organization with over 11,000 attorneys and a range of practice that encompasses virtually every legal discipline. Mr. Haynes takes his vast responsibilities very seriously. He has served during a period of unprecedented, complex legal issues. Many of these issues have no clear “right” or “wrong” answers and evoke strong arguments on competing sides. Contrary to some reporting, Mr. Haynes did not devise military interrogation policies for suspected terrorists. Interrogation techniques were requested by military commanders in the field and forwarded through command channels. His role was to review those requests for interrogation techniques and provide legal and policy advice to the Secretary of Defense. In the face of unparalleled threats to the United States, he provided thoughtful legal and policy recommendations to ensure detainees are treated appropriately and humanely, while discharging his duties to defend this nation from further attacks on innocent civilians. Bryan G. Whitman Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS In the “Chronogram Gift Guide” supplement in our December issue, we wrote about a number of local independent artist’s supply stores that featured gifts above and beyond mere art supplies. In our enthusiasm, we failed to mention two other extrordinary art supply outlets: Beacon Art Supply and Spotty Dog in Hudson. Our apologies.

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Esteemed Reader Isn’t it wonderful, isn’t it marvelous? My wondrous activity is chopping wood and carrying water. —Zen Master Pang Esteemed Reader of Our Magazine: As a teenager I worked at a health food store. The pay was so meager that even my employee discount didn’t count for much toward the expensive organic items in the store. I was required to ride my bike to ShopRite for groceries. My need for more money impelled me to suggest a profit-sharing policy to my boss, the store’s owner. “With a commission I will be incented to sell the store’s products more effectively,” I reasoned. “I will educate myself about the industry and items and become a valuable asset to your business.” He looked at me askance and handed me a blunted flat-head screwdriver. “Clean up raisins,” he said. And walked away. Once I recovered from the shock of having my smart, forward-thinking suggestion ignored, I tried to figure out what he was talking about. After all, what good is a screwdriver for cleaning up raisins? Not finding any scattered raisins by the bulk food bins, I timidly approached the brusque boss in his tiny back office for an explanation. “Raisins on the floor,” he said, without looking up from his paperwork. “Scrape them up.” Returning to the shop, I looked at the floor and discovered that there were, in fact, black spots on the floor. To be more precise, the entire expanse of floor was covered with impacted raisins, much like the chewing gum covering subway platforms. I took a deep breath, dropped to my knees, and started scraping up bits of dirty raisin crud with the screwdriver. After about a half hour of rather manic raisin-scraping, my back ached and my fingers hurt. I was alternately cursing my boss and the sloppy customers, inventing new means of containing raisins in the bulk bins, and conspiring a way out of this heinous task. My boss walked out of his office, clearly not planning to talk to me. “Hey, Ken,” I called. “What about a chemical rather than mechanical solution to this problem? Have you considered solvent?” He came over and looked at the little patch of floor I had cleared of raisins. Taking the screwdriver, he knelt beside me. “Like this,” he said, and deftly scraped up a raisin. “Don’t scratch the floor.” Looking back at my work, I saw with some shame that I had etched little marks in the floor where the raisins had been. The boss walked away, disappearing behind the frozen foods case. I set back to work. After some hours of activity the internal arguments and complaints began to settle down. I found that in order to maintain a reasonable pace of work, I needed to relax my body, bringing awareness to the muscles in my back so they didn’t tense unnecessarily. I found that in order to prevent my hand getting tired, I needed to use only the necessary force to grip the screwdriver—though the automatic tendency was to grip so tight my knuckles turned white. I began to try to perfect the task of raisin removal. I found that if I could keep my attention focused on the tip of the screwdriver as the raisin gunk curled above it, I could remove a raisin in one graceful motion. The removal of each raisin became an almost joyful event. At the end of the day my boss looked surprised when I handed him the screwdriver, smiling. Whether he knew it or not, I was grateful for the ordeal. Strangely, though the spots remained, he never again gave me the task of removing raisins. The understanding gleaned from this experience has stayed with me over the years. When I am confronted with tasks that seem overly menial or tedious, I am reminded to arouse my attention and treat the event as something important. These opportunities arise every day—licking envelopes, doing dishes, changing a dirty diaper, or, more interpersonally, listening to the complaints and criticism of a disgruntled customer, friend, or relative—the list is endless. There are limitless opportunities to use life to learn. At a metalevel, it could be said that all of these small events are opportunities to “learn how to learn.” My boss at the health food store was a small tyrant, and one to whom I am grateful. And indeed, any person or event that causes us to learn by stretching beyond our zone of comfort into a new experience is a gift. When a gift is offered, do we say, “No, I don’t want that gift; give me a better one!”? No, we accept it graciously and make of it the best use we can. —Jason Stern YOUR COMMENTS, PLEASE. POST COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE AT WWW.CHRONOGRAM.COM

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YOEL MEYERS

Editor’s Note It was not my idea to overhaul Chronogram.com. Not by a long shot. Partly because I am risk-averse and change-phobic—editors are upholders of tradition after all, and what is tradition if not an unchanging set of rules? I was happy with the existing configuration of our website, a static mirror of this magazine’s content—articles, photos, calendar listings, and advertiser directories—rendered in ones and zeros and arranged in the cramped style I associated with the general design aesthetic of the Web. It served a couple of useful purposes, however, allowing all those outside our region and those who missed picking up a paper version of the magazine access to it. The Website was also a digital archive dating back to 1996 (the Internet Stone Age), and, verily, much of our Web traffic historically has been from readers viewing back issues of the magazine.We even picked up a few thousand far-flung Web-only readers along the way. While it was my subconscious intention to let the innovations of the Web pass us by, as had the Internet boom of the late ‘90s (a point upon which I feel thoroughly vindicated), it was not to be. Earlier this year, this magazine’s publisher, Jason Stern, got a bee in his bonnet about Chronogram.com and articulated the idea that our website, six years into the new millennium, might begin to utilize some of this century’s technology—video, audio, blogs, podcasting, RSS feeds, tagged databases, Web-only articles, and the like. (Jason, you must understand, is an adventurous and visionary sort. If you ask him to jump, he won’t inquire as to, “How high?” but rather, “Into what uncharted territory?”) And so, it has come to pass that Chronogram.com has been completely reenvisioned, reconfigured, and redesigned. With the assistance of Evolving Media Network, a Kingston-based Web-development firm, we’ve created what we not so humbly believe to be the most comprehensive online cultural resource in the Hudson Valley, as well as an interactive forum for the Chronogram community.We’ve done this is in a number of ways. First, we scrapped the idea that each month’s Web content was like so many magazines—stacked one on top of another and not relating to each other in any meaningful way. While we will still upload each magazine’s content to the Web on the first of the month, each article will link to other articles, calendar listings, video, blogs, and audio in its category. For instance, a profile of painter James Dustin on our revamped site contains links to listings of upcoming shows, links to other artist’s profiles, links to articles by the same writer, and a Chronogram-exclusive video tour of Dustin’s studio, led by the artist. Second, we’ve created a user-profile system

that allows registered users to track their favorite features and organize the site around their personal preferences. Once registered, readers are also able to post comments on any content, enabling the Chronogram community to engage in multi-tiered discussions with writers, editors, and other readers. Third, we’ve created a new site aesthetic, bringing it more into line with the look of the print version. Of course, there’s more, all exclusive to Chronogram.com: A dozen bloggers, writing on everything from parenthood to the local theater scene to holistic health; daily updated calendar listings presented in an easy-to-use format and maps associated with each listing so you’ll know how to get to the event once you decide what to do; streaming audio from reviewed music and featured musicians; short videos of profiled artists; films from local filmmakers; and more. To celebrate the unveiling of the new Chronogram.com, we are throwing a Web-launch party on Friday, January 12 at the Shirt Factory (across from the main post office) in Kingston.The Shirt Factory, is, as you might have guessed, a vacant industrial building formerly used in the manufacture of apparel. For our party, the ex-factory will be transformed into a multimedia performance and dance space. Entertainment will be provided by ReadNex Poetry Squad, a hip hop/spoken-word collective. DJs LadyVerse and Anthony Molina (of Mercury Rev) will be spinning rock, hip hop, and house grooves into the night for our ecstatic dancing pleasure. Refreshments of various stripes will be available. Tickets are $12 at the door, but we are offering a Web-only promotion for discounted admission. If you become a registered user at Chronogram.com—it’s free and it doesn’t take long—your name will be added to our VIP list and you’ll receive $5 admission. Web-Launch Party: Friday, January, 12, 9pm. Shirt Factory, 33 Cornell St., Kingston. Visit Chronogram.com for more information, or call (845) 334-8600 x123. This is the most exciting development this publication has undergone since we changed to our larger-print format in 1999. Please visit and take advantage of our new website—we built it for you. —Brian K. Mahoney

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING

Since surimi’s introduction into the US market in the late 1970s, the Food and Drug Administration has required that surimi, a fish paste made to imitate shellfish—crab, lobster, scallops, et al.—and sold as processed-fish products like “Sea Legs” and “Crab and Lobster Delights,” be labeled “imitation crab.” After 12 years of intense lobbying by the seafood industry, the FDA changed its regulatory course on November 20, agreeing to drop the “imitation” label from surimi. Imitation crab—made from white fish, which are minced into a paste with egg whites and other additives and starches before being molded and colored to look like shellfish—will now be labeled “crabflavored seafood made with surimi, a fish protein.” The new label only applies to food sold in grocery stores, not prepared food sold in restaurants—where no labels whatsoever are required. FDA regulations require that a food be labeled “imitation” if it is “a substitute for and resembles another food but is inferior to the food imitated.” After examining seafood industry research—two recent surveys of 5,000 people who indicated they knew that surimi doesn’t contain real crab—the FDA decided that the 11-word statement passed the test because it “accurately describes the product” and approved the request to drop “imitation.” Surimi processors are planning an advertising blitz to introduce the new label. Source: Wall Street Journal According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend $454 billion during the holiday season—the fevered holiday spree some refer to as “Hallow-Thanks-Mas”—a five-percent increase over 2005. Americans will finance more than a quarter of that spending with credit cards, accruing an additional $135 billion in consumer debt. Source: Dissident Voice

On December 18, the British government gave the green light to a consortium of private energy firms to develop the world’s biggest offshore wind farm. The massive project, known as the London Array, consisting of 341 turbines and covering 90 square miles, will be located 13 miles off the southeast coast of the island. A smaller wind farm, totaling only 100 turbines, was also approved for siting off the coast of Kent. Both projects are expected to be online by 2010, and would produce enough electricity for a million homes, or one percent of all the energy needs in the UK. A law expected to pass in Parliament next year would pledge Britain to cut its carbon emissions by 60 percent by 2050 and vow to get 10 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2010 and 20 percent by 2020. Source: BBC News Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas, announced on December 18 that he would no longer block the confirmation of Janet Neff, a 61-year-old Michigan state judge, to the federal bench because she had attended a same-sex commitment ceremony for the daughter of her neighbors of 26 years. Brownback, a possible contender for the Republican nomination for president in 2008 and a standard bearer for the conservative Christian wing of the party, also said he would no longer seek a proposed solution he floated on December 8—that he would remove his block on Neff if she agreed to recuse herself from all cases dealing with samesex marriage. Legal scholars criticized Brownback for his proposal, saying it raised constitutional questions about the separation of powers for a senator to require a judge to commit herself to behavior on the bench in exchange for a vote. While tempered by the firestorm of criticism set off by his

blockage of the nominee, Brownback, however, was still unsure that Neff could rule without bias involving same-sex unions. “I’d like to know more factually about what took place,” Brownback said, referring to the ceremony attended by Neff. Source: Associated Press During the month of December, the town of Paramus was visited by 200,000 cars a day. The northern New Jersey town, home to four large malls and intersected by three main arteries, Rt. 4, Rt. 17, and the Garden State Parkway, is one of the most concentrated shopping districts in the country, with 2,700 stores packed into 10 square miles. A town of 27,000 residents, Paramus has more parking spots than people. The town’s $5 billion in retails sales per year is equal to the gross domestic product of Nicaragua. 30 million people visit Paramus each year. Source: New York Times On November 28, Demetrius “Van” Crocker, a 41-year-old Tennessee farmer was sentenced to 30 years in prison for conspiring to make homemade “dirty bombs” that he planned to explode outside federal and state courthouses, and the US Capitol. Crocker plotted with an undercover agent posing as a rogue security employee for an Arkansas arsenal to purchase Sarin nerve gas. During his trial, prosecutors played tapes of Crocker spouting racial hatred and his desire to strike a blow against the government. David Kustoff, the US Attorney who prosecuted the case, said Crocker’s trial was “one of the preeminent anti-terrorism cases of 2006 nationwide,” and described Crocker as the Timothy McVeigh of West Tennessee. Source: Memphis Flyer

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NEWS & POLITICS World, Nation, & Region

LIBERALTARIANS Ayn Rand Meets Howard Dean By Brink Lindsey Illustration by Matthew Smith With the historical ties between libertarians and traditional conservatives fraying due to the GOP’s dogged pursuit of neoconservative policies—rampant federal spending, expansion of government, expansion of power in the executive branch—Brink Lindsey suggests a new progressive alliance between liberals and libertarians. The conservative movement—and, with it, the GOP—is in disarray. Specifically, the movement’s “fusionist” alliance between traditionalists and libertarians appears, at long last, to be falling apart. To understand what’s happening, look at the Democratic gains made in previously Republican strongholds on Election Day. In “Live Free or Die” New Hampshire, both House seats—as well as control of both houses of the state legislature—flipped from the GOP to the Democratic column. Out in the interior West, Jon Tester squeaked past Conrad Burns in the Montana Senate race, while other Democrats picked up a House seat in Colorado (along with the governorship) and two more in Arizona. These parts of the country are all known for their individualism and suspicion of officialdom—in short, for their libertarian sympathies. Libertarian disaffection should come as no surprise. Despite the GOP’s rhetorical commitment to limited government, the actual record of unified Republican rule in Washington has been an unmitigated disaster from a libertarian perspective: runaway federal spending at a clip unmatched since Lyndon Johnson; the creation of a massive new prescription-drug entitlement with hardly any thought as to how to pay for it; expansion of federal control over education through the No Child Left Behind Act; a big run-up in farm subsidies; extremist assertions of executive power under cover of fighting terrorism; and, to top it all off, an atrociously bungled war in Iraq. This woeful record cannot simply be blamed on politicians failing to live up to their conservative principles. Conservatism itself has changed markedly in recent years, forsaking the old fusionist synthesis in favor of a new and altogether unattractive species of populism. The old formulation defined conservatism as the desire to protect traditional values from the intrusion of big government; the new one seeks to promote traditional values through the intrusion of big government. Just look at the causes that have been generating the real energy in the conservative movement of late: building walls to keep out immigrants, amending the Constitution to keep gays from marrying, and 22 NEWS & POLITICS CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

imposing sectarian beliefs on medical researchers and families struggling with end-of-life decisions. As a string of recent books attests, the conservative embrace of a right-wing Leviathan has left libertarian-minded intellectuals feeling left out in the cold. Bruce Bartlett, a Treasury Department official in the Reagan and Bush I administrations, blasted Bush II in Impostor: How GeorgeW. Bush Bankrupted America and Betrayed the Reagan Legacy (and got fired from his conservative think tank for his efforts). Cato Institute scholar Stephen Slivinski followed up with BuckWild, an exposé of GOP fiscal incontinence. In The Elephant in the Room, NewYork Post columnist Ryan Sager bemoaned the rise of big-government conservatism and warned that excessive pandering to evangelicals would rupture the movement. And, most recently, the New Republic’s Andrew Sullivan denounced the right’s fundamentalist turn in The Conservative Soul: HowWe Lost It, How to Get It Back. Libertarian-leaning voters started drifting away from the GOP even before Katrina struck, civil war threatened Iraq, and Mark Foley launched a general stampede. In their recent Cato-published study “The Libertarian Vote,” David Boaz and David Kirby analyzed polling data from Gallup, the American National Election Studies, and the Pew Research Center and concluded that 13 percent of the population, or 28 million voting-age Americans, can be fairly classified as libertarian-leaning. Back in 2000, this group voted overwhelmingly for Bush, supporting him over Al Gore by a 72-20 margin. By 2004, however, John Kerry—whose only discernible libertarian credential was that he wasn’t George W. Bush—got 38 percent of the libertarian vote, while Bush’s support fell to 59 percent. Congressional races showed a similar trend. In 2002, libertarians favored Republican House candidates by a 70-23 spread and Republican Senate candidates by a 74-15 margin.Things tightened up considerably in 2004, though, as the GOP edge fell to 53-44 in House races and 54-43 in Senate contests. To date, Democrats have made inroads with libertarian voters primarily by default.Yes, it’s true that Markos Moulitsas of Daily Kos fame caused something

MATTHEW SMITH

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of a stir by proposing the term “Libertarian Democrat” to describe his favored breed of progressive. And the most prominent examples of his would-be movement—first-term Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana, fellow Montanan Tester, and Virginia Senator-elect Jim Webb—have sounded some libertarian themes by being simultaneously pro-choice and pro-gun rights. At the same time, however, their anti-NAFTA, Wal-Mart-bashing economic populism is anathema to free-market supporters. In short, if Democrats hope to continue appealing to libertarian-leaning voters, they are going to have to up their game. They need to ask themselves: Are we content with being a brief rebound fling for jilted libertarians, or do we want to form a lasting relationship? Let me make a case for the second option. MORIBUND LIBERALISM Since the late ’60s, and especially since the mid ’80s, torrents of words have been spilled urging Democrats to move toward the center of the political spectrum. Most such efforts, however, have advanced one compromise or another between progressivism-as-usual and conservatism-as-usual—a few more items from Menu A here, a few more from Menu B there. But the real problem with our politics today is that the prevailing ideological categories are intellectually exhausted. Conservatism has risen to power only to become squalid and corrupt, a Nixonian mélange of pandering to populist prejudices and distributing patronage to well-off cronies and Red Team constituencies. Liberalism, meanwhile, has never recovered from its fall from grace in the mid ’60s. Ever since, it has lacked the vitality to do more than check conservative excesses—and obstruct legitimate, conservative-led progress. As a governing philosophy, liberalism has been moribund: When Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton managed to win the White House, they did so only by successfully avoiding the liberal stigma. Today’s ideological turmoil, however, has created an opening for ideological renewal—specifically, liberalism’s renewal as a vital governing philosophy. A refashioned liberalism that incorporated key libertarian concerns and insights could make truly progressive politics possible once again—not progressive in the sense of hewing to a particular set of preexisting left-wing commitments, but rather in the sense of attuning itself to the objective dynamics of US social development. In other words, politics that join together under one banner the causes of both cultural and economic progress. Conservative fusionism, the defining ideology of the American right for a half century, was premised on the idea that libertarian policies and traditional values are complementary goods. That idea still retains at least an intermittent plausibility—for example, in the case for school choice as providing a refuge for socially conservative families. But an honest survey of the past half-century shows a much better match between libertarian means and progressive ends. Most obviously, many of the great libertarian breakthroughs of the era—the fall of Jim Crow, the end of censorship, the legalization of abortion, the liberalization of divorce laws, the increased protection of the rights of the accused, the reopening of immigration—were championed by the political left. Furthermore, it has become increasingly clear that capitalism’s relentless dynamism and wealth-creation—the institutional safeguarding of which lies at the heart of libertarian concerns—have been pushing US society in a decidedly progressive direction. The civil rights movement was made possible by the mechanization of agriculture, which pushed blacks off the farm and out of the South with immense consequences. Likewise, feminism was encouraged by the mechanization of housework. Greater sexual openness, as well as heightened interest in the natural environment, are among the luxury goods that mass affluence has purchased. So, too, are secularization and the general decline in reverence for authority, as rising education levels (prompted by the

economy’s growing demand for knowledge workers) have promoted increasing independence of mind. Yet progressives remain stubbornly resistant to embracing capitalism, their great natural ally. In particular, they are unable to make their peace with the more competitive, more entrepreneurial, more globalized US economy that emerged out of the stagflationary mess of the 1970s. Knee-jerk antipathy to markets and the creative destruction they bring continues to be widespread, and bitter denunciations of the unfairness of the system, mixed with nostalgia for the good old days of the Big Government/Big Labor/Big Business triumvirate, too often substitute for clear thinking about realistic policy options. Hence today’s reactionary politics. Here, in the first decade of the 21st century, the rival ideologies of left and right are both pining for the ’50s. The only difference is that liberals want to work there, while conservatives want to go home there. CORE VALUES OF INDIVIDUAL AUTONOMY Can a new, progressive fusionism break out of the current rut? Liberals and libertarians already share considerable common ground, if they could just see past their differences to recognize it. Both generally support a more open immigration policy. Both reject the religious right’s homophobia and blastocystophilia. Both are open to rethinking the country’s draconian drug policies. Both seek to protect the United States from terrorism without gratuitous encroachments on civil liberties or extensions of executive power. And underlying all these policy positions is a shared philosophical commitment to individual autonomy as a core political value. The central challenge in cementing a new fusionist alliance—and, make no mistake, it is a daunting one—is to elaborate a vision of economic policy, and policy reform, that both liberals and libertarians can support. Here, again, both sides seek to promote individual autonomy; but their conceptions differ as to the chief threats to that autonomy. Libertarians worry primarily about constraints imposed by government, while liberals worry most about constraints imposed by birth and the play of economic forces. The basic outlines of a viable compromise are clear enough. On the one hand, restrictions on competition and burdens on private initiative would be lifted to encourage vigorous economic growth and development. At the same time, some of the resulting wealth-creation would be used to improve safety-net policies that help those at the bottom and ameliorate the hardships inflicted by economic change.Translating such abstractions into workable policy doubtlessly would be contentious. But the most difficult thing here is not working out details—it is agreeing to try. And, as part of that, agreeing on how to make the attempt: namely, by treating economic policy issues as technical, empirical questions about what does and doesn’t work, rather than as tests of ideological commitment. Allow me to hazard a few more specific suggestions about what a liberallibertarian entente on economics might look like. Let’s start with the comparatively easy stuff: farm subsidies and other corporate welfare. Progressive organizations like Oxfam and the Environmental Working Group have already joined with free-market groups in pushing for ag-policy reform. And it’s no wonder, since the current subsidy programs act as a regressive tax on lowincome families here at home while depressing prices for exporters in poor countries abroad—and, to top it off, the lion’s share of the loot goes to big agribusiness, not family farmers. Meanwhile, the president of Cato and the executive director of the Sierra Club have come out together in favor of a zero-subsidy energy policy. A nascent fusionism on these issues already exists; it merely needs encouragement and emphasis. Tax reform also offers the possibility of win-win bargains. The basic idea

Liberals and libertarians already share considerable common ground. Both generally support more open immigration, reject the religious right’s homophobia, and are open to rethinking the country’s draconian drug policies and seek to protect civil liberties.

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is simple: Shift taxes away from things we want more of and onto things we want less of. Specifically, cut taxes on savings and investment, cut payroll taxes on labor, and make up the shortfall with increased taxation of consumption. Go ahead, tax the rich, but don’t do it when they’re being productive. Tax them instead when they’re splurging—by capping the deductibility of home-mortgage interest and tax incentives for purchasing health insurance. And tax everybody’s energy consumption. All taxes impose costs on the economy, but at least energy taxes carry the silver lining of encouraging conservation—plus, because such taxes exert downward pressure on world oil prices, foreign oil monopolies would wind up getting stuck with part of the bill. Here again, fusionism is already in the air. Gore has proposed a straight-up swap of payroll taxes for carbon taxes, while Harvard economist (and former chairman of George W. Bush’s Council of Economic Advisers) Greg Mankiw has been pushing for an increase in the gasoline tax. Entitlement reform is probably the most difficult problem facing would-be fusionists. Here, libertarians’ core commitments to personal responsibility and economy in government run headlong into progressives’ core commitments to social insurance and an adequate safety net. Yet a fusionist synthesis is possible nevertheless, for the simple reason that some kind of compromise is ultimately unavoidable. With millions already dependent on the current programs, and with baby boomers beginning to retire in just a couple of years, libertarians’ dreams of dramatically shrinking federal spending are flatly unrealizable for many years to come. But liberals must face some hard facts as well. Spending on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security is now projected to increase from about 9 percent of GDP today to approximately 15 percent by 2030. Already, spending on the elderly consumes more than a third of the federal budget, and the fun is just getting started. If a fiscal crisis is to be averted, if economic growth is to be sustained, and if there is to be any money left to fund domestic programs for people under 65, the federal safety net is going to have to be recast. One possible path toward constructive compromise lies in taking the concept of social insurance seriously. Insurance, to be worthy of the name, involves the pooling of funds to protect against risky contingencies; “social” insurance fulfills the same basic function but makes the government the insurer. Unemployment insurance is a species of legitimate social insurance; wage insurance, much talked about, would also qualify. But Social Security and Medicare as currently administered are not social insurance in any meaningful sense, because reaching retirement age and having health care expenses in old age are not risky, insurable events. On the contrary, in our affluent society, they are near certainties. We can have true social insurance while maintaining fiscal soundness and economic vibrancy: We can fund the Earned Income Tax Credit and other programs for the poor; we can fund unemployment insurance and other programs for people dislocated by capitalism’s creative destruction; we can fund public pensions for the indigent elderly; we can fund public health care for the poor and those faced with catastrophic expenses. What we cannot do is continue to fund universal entitlement programs that slosh money from one section of the middle class (people of working age) to another (the elderly)—not when most Americans are fully capable of saving for their own retirement needs. Instead, we need to move from the current pay-asyou-go approach to a system in which private savings would provide primary funding for the costs of old age. These are only suggestions, meant to start conversations and debates. If a new kind of fusionism is to have any chance for success, it must aim beyond the specifics of particular, present-day controversies. It must be based on a real intellectual movement, with intellectual coherence. A movement that, at the philosophical level, seeks some kind of reconciliation between Hayek and Rawls. If such an exploration could be launched, liberal and libertarian thinkers would begin talking with one another and engaging one another regularly. Over time, they would come to see themselves as joined in a common endeavor. And, in the shared identity that would emerge, there would be plenty of room for continuing disagreements, even sharp ones, just as there is in any robust political movement. Can liberals and libertarians really learn to work together? I don’t know, but their alternative is most probably to languish separately. Brink Lindsey is vice president for research at the Cato Institute. He is the author of The Age of Abundance: How Prosperity Transformed America’s Politics and Culture, which will be published this spring.This article originally appeared in the New Republic.

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Commentary

Beinhart’s Body Politic

TO DIE FOR A MISTAKE Happy New Year. It feels like a year of change and hope. Then I realize, with a sense of real astonishment, that George Bush is still president of the United States. Dick Cheney is still vice president. They have not changed. There will not be a kinder, gentler Dick Cheney. He will remain as ruthless and rapacious as an oil company and he will still smirk from the depths of his soul. George Bush has not heard the alarm clock go off. He has not awakened, as from a dream, newly realistic, humble, and conciliatory. He still tells himself he’s been chosen by God and that we mere mortals won’t get his legacy right until long after he’s dead. Their people still run the executive branch. They will continue to do their best to maintain maximum secrecy, wage a bogus “war on terror,” remove civil rights and constitutional protections, funnel money to the religious right under the guise of faith-based initiatives, subvert environmental regulations, and open federal lands to oil drilling, logging, and mining. They will continue to stack the federal courts with neo-con extremists. They will fight for unlimited presidential power. They will fight to have classes of people who have no rights—not even the rights of criminals or prisoners of war. They will fight against the Geneva Convention. They will fight to be able to torture people and for Americans to have immunity from being charged with war crimes. They will continue to pursue unsound economic policies, favor the ultrarich over even the moderately rich, let alone the middle and working classes. I don’t mean to rain on your New Year’s parade, but the rain seems to be a result of global warming and this administration will continue to fight tooth and nail against anything that will slow it down. Which brings us to the war in Iraq. Iraq is chaos. Murder, rape, kidnapping, extortion, theft, bombings, shootings, and looting are all common, daily occurrences. The government doesn’t function. It can’t deliver basic services like water, sewers, garbage removal, schools, medical care, electricity, telephones, mail, banking. The police and the army don’t function—at least not in their official capacity. Their members, however, make up militias and death squads. The goal of the Bush administration has always been “victory.” The strategy has been “We’ll stand down when the Iraqis stand up!” Clearly, at this point, they’re not standing up. There has been a lot of talk recently about putting pressure on Nouri al-Maliki, the Iraqi prime minister, to do more standing up and cracking down. It would seem, on the face of it, that, if he could, he certainly would have already. Strange as it may seem to Americans, the head of Iraq’s government has more to lose from the collapse of Iraq than we do. I have heard TV pundits say that he’s failing to act because the Americans are doing too much for him. Cut that kid’s allowance, make him go out and get a job and he’ll learn the value of running a country right! They would, if they could, but they can’t. At this point, “We’ll stand up when they stand down” is a formula for perpetual chaos. The Iraq Study Group has released its report. It’s intelligent, thorough, and realistic. If there is a solution to the Iraq problem, the ISG report may well be it. But it’s moot. 26 NEWS & POLITICS CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

PHOTO: DION OGUST

BY LARRY BEINHART

It requires the United States Government to be honest and realistic.To be patient and flexible.To have respect for other countries and for the United Nations. George Bush is incapable of those things. Bush’s basic attitude toward the world is “F**k you.” As revealed by Michael Isikoff and David Corn in Hubris, we went to war in Iraq because George Bush thought Saddam Hussein was saying “F**k the United States.” We don’t need to rely on a psych evaluation to say that Bush will react that way. When asked at a press conference on December 13 if he’d heard any new ideas about Iraq the president said, “I’ve heard some ideas that would lead to defeat and I reject those ideas. Ideas such as leaving before the job is done.” Bush continued: “We will stand firm again in this first war of the 21st century. We will defeat the extremists and the radicals.We will help a young democracy prevail in Iraq.” But how? He is going to come up with his own plan. What will it be? There are currently 130,000 troops in Iraq. John McCain has suggested adding 20,000 more. The Pentagon has been floating the number 50,000, to bring troop levels up to 180,000. We went into Iraq with 160,000. With that number the country spun out of control. Now it’s worse.The “insurgents” are organized, armed, angry, and have had a taste of success. Who would think that McCain’s suggested troop levels—still less than our initial numbers—would do the trick? Or that 20,000 more than that will bring us victory? Before the war General Zinni and General Shinseki estimated we would need at least 300,000 troops. According to a May 9, 2004, op-ed piece in the Washington Post by Stephen Budiansky (“A Proven Formula for How Many Troops We Need”), the standard, based on the occupation of Germany and used by NATO to figure out troop levels for the occupation of Bosnia, is one soldier for every 40 inhabitants. Iraq has 26,000,000 people. That’s 650,000 soldiers. Where are we going to get that other half a million men and women? The answer, is we’re not. We’ll go with McCain’s number or the Pentagon number and the effort will fail. What if we cut and run? Will some chaos follow that is worse than the chaos that already exists? Possibly. If we manage to hang on for another year or two, will we forestall it? It is possible we will. Will that prevent it? The answer is no. A stable, secure Iraq is not going to grow up under the plan we have now. Or with an additional 20,000-50,000 troops for three to nine months. The chaos is there. If there’s more to come, it will come, sooner or later. Long ago, and far away, when John Kerry was young and brave and smart, he went before the United States Senate and he said, “How do you ask a man to be the last man to die in Vietnam? How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?” WILL ADDITIONAL TROOPS STAVE OFF THE CHAOS IN IRAQ? FEEDBACK AT WWW.CHRONOGRAM.COM

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COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK

BEING ANDY WARHOL

An Actor Leads the Glamourless Life

n the 1960s, Andy Warhol said that in the future everyone would be famous for 15 minutes, and artists have been pursuing their tick of the clock with ferocity ever since. In Allen Midgette’s case, the minutes pursued him. It’s not easy hooking up with the actor most widely known as Warhol’s official impersonator—he has no phone or internet access and he doesn’t drive. His studio apartment is a miniscule cube bathed in blinding morning light. A variety of well-tended plants bask in the space, and the room is tidy. Furniture is minimal—in a corner, a tripled-over mattress shrouded in Southwestern linens constitutes a bed. A tiny table with two chairs doubles as dining and lounge. The kitchen is filled more with artwork than appliances. The mat in front of the apartment door across the hall says No Smoking. Midgette lights up a cigarette after inviting me in, beginning the story about his life as a movie star in Italy and his years as a Warhol “Superstar.” I listen intently for four hours as he chain-smokes. He seems conflicted, even disgusted, at the turn of events that constitute his career. Though he considers his Italian films to be his best work, he is haunted by a past that won’t die—that of being Andy Warhol. Warhol was almost as famous for using people as he was for his Campbell’s soup cans—rarely was anyone compensated, monetarily or otherwise. Midgette couldn’t afford an agent or manager to help him, and he used the Warhol persona to get money where he could. “I helped Andy become recognized, but he helped me to remain unrecognized,” scoffs Midgette. He intends to go public with his story soon. New Jersey-born Midgette planned to be a commercial artist but had no formal training. He chose to study acting in New York City instead, though classes only taught him to be more neurotic about acting. His first audition was with Jerome Robbins for the role of Tony in the film West Side Story. (He was ultimately cast as an extra.) Johnny Nicholson, owner of the Café Nicholson, offered him a ticket to Italy, and he decided to take the adventure. Through friends, Midgette met poets and writers in Italy, including 21-yearold Bernardo Bertolucci, assistant to writer/filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini. Bertolucci, making his first film from Pasolini’s script for The Grim Reaper, cast Midgette as a soldier after seeing a photo of him. Midgette later appeared in Bertolucci’s Before the Revolution. One of the few American actors to work in the

By Sharon Nichols photo by Fionn Reilly

Italian Neo-Realist film movement, Midgette explains that, “Italian filmmaking is very exciting. You’re embracing the culture at the same time you’re acting. You become one of them. Everybody’s extremely friendly, and there’s none of the star-system thing. There aren’t any attitudes.” Returning to the US in 1963, he landed a job at Arthur’s Discotheque, a highprofile establishment visited by every star imaginable—The Supremes, Sophia Loren, and, eventually, Warhol, who was anxious to cast Midgette in his films. “Andy told me he’d seen Before the Revolution 35 times,” Midgette says. “[But] I wasn’t interested in working with Andy. I’d gone to a party at his place and I wasn’t interested in people who wear dark sunglasses at night indoors. So, I said I was very busy, which is a complete lie because I’ve never been that busy. Usually when a director asked me to be in a movie, I was excited and trying to please. With Andy, I didn’t feel that way. I questioned him: What is your approach? What are you trying to say?” He made it difficult for Warhol, whose compliments didn’t work on the cynical Midgette. He refused to be frivolous about acting for the sake of becoming popular. “It’s possible to be an actor without losing your humanity,” he says. “There was nothing about Andy that gave me the idea that it was going to be warm and friendly.” Midgette told the artist he would think about it, and eventually called Warhol at his studio, The Factory. There, Warhol, surrounded by his Superstars, encouraged Midgette to take a ride to Philadelphia to visit the mansion of Tabasco heir Henry McIlhenny. Thus began Midgette’s involvement with the famous Factory scene, which brought characters such as Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, and Velvet Underground chanteuse Nico to the forefront of the 1960s art world. “I could tell by the limousine ride that these people were stilted when it came to conversation,” says Midgette. “There’s no chitchat, we’re not talking about theories of theater or filmmaking. It’s all about who’s the big Superstar and who’s going to cut down the rest, burn them to ashes.” Midgette relays long but humorous stories about the two movies made in Philadelphia—one was poolside at a penthouse; another at the Museum of Art, where he climbed onto an ancient Egyptian sphinx while wearing nothing but a loincloth. Midgette was mostly shot down or ignored by the other Superstars. “It always returned to a bitchy statement. It was always about the quick kill, make a retort. One day I just said, 1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK 29

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ABOVE: A YOUTHFUL ALLEN MIDGETTE IN BERNARDO BERTOLUCCI’S BEFORE THE REVOLUTION. PREVIOUS PAGE: THE ACTOR RELAXES AT HOME IN WOODSTOCK.

‘Well, that’s it for me.’ Andy and I always got along very well, but we never formed a bond.” Once, when Warhol was heading to the Cannes Film Festival with his entourage, he offered to pay Midgette’s way to the festival to repay him for his acting. But Midgette didn’t want to be seen as just a “Warhol Superstar” at a festival that had shown some of his prize-winning Italian films. Warhol offered him a painting, but he wasn’t interested. “I didn’t like his art that much, so I said, just give me $500, because I want to go to Haight-Ashbury.” Warhol and Nico later showed up in San Francisco wanting to film Midgette again. Neither Midgette nor his roommates were interested. In 1967, Warhol asked Midgette to impersonate him at a University of Rochester lecture. Reluctantly, Midgette applied hairspray, talcum powder, and whitish makeup for the event. Warhol passed along his leather jacket and sunglasses, and Midgette was accompanied by Paul Morrissey, Warhol’s assistant. “It’s weird to jump into a role where you’re playing somebody in real life,” he says, “Explaining your art and you really don’t know anything about the person. I’d never studied Warhol’s past because I wasn’t even interested in his present.” At the lecture, Midgette sat with his back to the audience, watching the film. “I’d never seen this movie that I was supposed to have made and was now going to talk about,” he recalls. “The movie was called…I forget…it was a very stupid movie. So, the movie ends and I go to the podium for a question-and-answer session. The first question was, ‘Mr. Warhol, are you gay?’ And I said, no. And the whole place was silent.” Midgette laughs and lights up another cigarette, the tiny studio now filled with smoke. “Then somebody said, ‘Why do you wear so much makeup?’ And I said, ‘Oh, I never think about it.’ And it went on kinda like that. One student stood up and said, ‘Mr. Warhol, when I saw that movie I thought it was a piece of shit, but after hearing you talk about it, I think it’s great.’” After the lecture, Midgette was interviewed by a TV crew and coerced into attending a cocktail party where there were to be people who’d met Warhol in the past. No one there knew the difference. Warhol later asked him to go on a college tour as his impersonator and Midgette flew out to various universities. One day, he didn’t put the makeup on. “I didn’t feel like it,” he says. “I thought, What difference does it make? That’s when they suddenly began to sense something in the air.” After the tour, Midgette read in Newsweek and Time that he’d been found out. The scam was over, but his role as Warhol has been called the greatest hoax of the 20th century. Midgette returned to Italy to act in more Bertolucci films, including 1900, in which he plays a vagabond; the film also features early appearances by Robert De Niro and Gerard Depardieu. Back in the US in the early ’70s, he was asked again by Warhol to be in a scene in one of his scriptless films, this time with David Bowie. The young performer prophesied that he would become the first drag rock star, yet Midgette didn’t know who Bowie was and was put off by his arrogance. Coincidentally, Bowie was cast as Warhol years later in the film Basquiat. After Warhol’s death in 1987, films about his life began to surface. So, donning the wellknown fright wig, Midgette resurrected the Warhol character on the streets of New York City. “Everybody freaks,” he says, “Even the street people, half drunk and leaning against the wall. They go, ‘Yeah! Campbell’s Soup!’ There were all kinds of reactions, from people really loving it to people not liking it at all. That’s fine, because that’s the way it was with Andy, trust me. People either liked him or didn’t.” Midgette went to the Limelight nightclub dressed as Warhol one evening donning a Levi’s jacket on the back of which he had painted Warhol’s image. Soon after the appearance, the Wall Street Journal proclaimed, “Andy Warhol is dead, but don’t be surprised if you run into him at a party.” Since Midgette was now an actor playing a painter, he thought he’d fill out the character by 1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK 31

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AN IMITATION OF WARHOL’S PORTRAIT OF MAO TSE TUNG, PAINTED IN ACRYLIC BY MIDGETTE.

producing Warhol imitations, which he showed at galleries through 1988. The paintings sold; one was even mistaken for a real Warhol by the head of the Museum of the City of San Francisco. Invited to an auction of Warhol’s work at Southeby’s, Midgette was mobbed by journalists and asked to leave by security, who were angry that he was dressed as Warhol. He later auditioned for the part of Warhol in Oliver Stone’s film The Doors. “[Stone] said I looked like Andy from the disco era and he was taking notes about my wig. He wanted me to come back as a younger [1960s] Andy. Andy was never ‘younger.’ Some people are younger when they’re older, at moments. They’re youthful, open, innocent. That’s not the way Andy was.” In observing the evolution of Warhol’s look over the years, it almost appears that Warhol had begun to copy Midgette’s fright wig and dark eyebrows. Midgette brings out the jacket he painted for his appearances as Warhol—it’s covered with famous images—soup cans, Lifesavers candy, Marilyn Monroe. He shows me acrylic paintings; many are skilled Warhol spoofs—Marilyns, Maos, flowers, and a particularly vivid painting of Warhol. Most of them bear a warning: “This is not a Warhol.” In contrast to the Warhol knockoffs, he’s also painted landscapes of lighthouses that almost look like photographs. He also shows me leather work that he learned living at a commune; today he produces handmade leather dresses. Midgette grew tired of New York and “all the bullshit,” and moved to Woodstock nearly 20 years ago to be near friends. His last film was Caldo Soffocante (Suffocating Heat) (1991), in which he plays Warhol. At present, he’s painting, but his biggest project is the book he’s currently writing, titled I Was Andy Warhol. “I’m letting people know who I am, not ‘He looks like Andy Warhol.’” In the book, which doesn’t yet have a publisher, he plans to reveal the details of his career and his interactions with Andy, and to clear up misrepresentations from various publications. “I am the inconvenient truth,” he states. “The Andy Warhol Foundation doesn’t like me.” Most of Warhol’s movies are now being prepared for release on DVD through the Whitney Museum; heretofore, they’ve only been shown in art houses. “They’ve been working on them for eight years. Certain movies have been completed, but they’re not being released yet. Perhaps they would like all [the Superstars] to die first.” After the interview, I offer Midgette a ride into town. As we open the door to leave, the cigarette smoke also exits. I point to the No Smoking mat across the hall and laugh. “I know,” he says. “Isn’t that great?” YOUR COMMENTS, PLEASE. POST AT WWW.CHRONOGRAM.COM

1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK 33

34 COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

THE ART OF BUSINESS

WIENER TAKES ALL Soul Dog in Poughkeepsie

ccording to Jenny and Adam Teague, the proprietors of Poughkeepsie’s Soul Dog eatery, everybody loves a hot dog—and everybody should be able to feast on one. No one should be denied the gastronomic pleasure of a good dog, they say, including people with food allergies or dietary restrictions. For those who can chow down on anything, great. The menu at Soul Dog features all-beef, chicken, and veggie hot dogs. The usual white buns are available. The list of toppings is long, from the standard ketchup, mustard, relish, and sauerkraut to the more unusual roasted poblano pepper salsa and chipotle cream. In addition to hot dogs, there are other items: sloppy joe sandwiches (made with ground turkey), two to three different kinds of chili, various soups, and hand-cut fries seasoned with different rubs (including barbecue, Cajun, and Jamaican jerk). A person without any food restrictions can stroll off the city’s Main Street and into a hip and cozy cafe to have a casual meal at a paper-covered table (with crayons provided) with eclectic music (classic Jamaican ska, Natalie Merchant, Sinatra) playing in the background. But so can folks who are allergic to dairy or soy, are gluten-intolerant, or have celiac disease. The latter can order their dog on a gluten-free (GF) bun baked on the premises, as well as a GF beer, brewed in Milwaukee without malted barley or any gluten-containing products. Non-GF beers are available, too—such as Sam Adams, Brooklyn Pennant, and Killian’s— but Lakefront Brewery’s New Grist is a boon for adults with celiac. The proprietors opened Soul Dog out of frustration and need, along with a desire to help others with similar food challenges. The Teagues liked to eat out, but their dietary restrictions prevented them from dining at most restaurants. Jenny and Adam have three children, two of which have celiac disease, an inherited autoimmune disease in which the lining of the small intestine is damaged from eating gluten and other proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and, in some cases, oats. While one out of 133 Americans may be affected by celiac disease, only a small percentage of people living with the illness have

By Ann Braybrooks photos by Amber S. Clark

been diagnosed. The Hudson Valley Celiac Support Group, which held its first meetings at Soul Dog in fall 2005, has grown so large that it now meets at Vassar Hospital at 6:30pm on the third Tuesday of every month. When Jenny and Adam’s youngest child, Desmond, was five weeks old, his face and arms erupted in rashes. Jenny was nursing, and from her previous experience as a mother, she knew that eliminating items from her diet might help Desmond’s skin condition. “I started with the big ones,” she says. “I eliminated dairy and wheat and chocolate. I don’t usually eat a lot of chocolate, but it can be a big offender for the little ones. But we didn’t get the soy part of it. We didn’t get the spelt part. I was eating spelt as a substitute, not fully understanding that spelt has gluten. He was much, much better, incredibly improved, but he still had chronic eczema and asthma.” When Jenny discovered that two of her uncles had been diagnosed with celiac disease, she had all three children tested. Desmond and one sibling tested positive. Around the same time, Desmond had a RAST (radioallergosorbent test). It indicated that he was allergic to dairy, soy, and peanuts, as well as to wheat, oats, and rye, which coincided with the celiac results. While Adam and Jenny have not been tested for celiac, they have discovered that when they eliminate gluten from their own diets, they feel much better. Adam says, “I used to get joint pains. I was misdiagnosed with everything from Lyme disease to gout. Since I’ve been off gluten, my distance running has doubled, since my cardiovascular system is back where it should be. My joint pain is gone. My asthma is almost nonexistent. And I don’t have near as many digestive issues.” People with celiac disease often suffer from gastrointestinal afflictions such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Nonintestinal complications include, but are not limited to, anemia, joint pain, breathlessness, bruising, muscle cramps, dental enamel defects, depression, and fatigue. According to the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health website, “When untreated, the disease can cause 1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK 35

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CUSTOMERS LINE UP FOR LUNCH AT SOUL DOG IN POUGHKEEPSIE. PREVIOUS PAGE: THE EATERY SERVES GOURMET FRANKS AND FRIES WITH ATYPICAL CONDIMENTS.

life-threatening complications. A delayed diagnosis or noncompliance with the diet places you at risk for developing associated conditions such as infertility, miscarriage, osteoporosis, fractures, certain types of intestinal cancer, or other autoimmune disorders.” Regarding Desmond, Jenny says, “There is a chance that the allergens will drop off, and not be a problem for him at some point. But celiac disease is celiac disease. Nobody outgrows that.” Once the children were diagnosed, the Teagues set up a gluten-free household, but dining away from home was difficult. “Try going out anywhere that’s making all of its food from scratch,” says Adam. “Probably 95 percent of restaurants just open a bag labeled SYSCO and heat it up for you. You go out, and you’ve got to ask what’s in the food. The people working there go back to the kitchen and read the box. They don’t really know. No one’s going to call the company. So it’s very frustrating. People don’t really know what’s going on with gluten and how it affects those with celiac. They don’t understand the seriousness of it.” In 2000, the Teagues moved to Poughkeepsie from Brooklyn, where Jenny had run a mailorder bookstore and Adam worked in TV and film. At first, Adam drove his “little Jetta into the ground” commuting to New York for his job at PBS affiliate WNET. The long drive and time away from his family got to him, and he began thinking about making a change. “The one thing we could see doing was to own something, but we couldn’t figure out what that could be,” he says. “Jenny had started a catering company here with a friend of hers, and that was really taking off and growing.” “Everyone likes to eat,” says Jenny. “They like different things. Yet our children have food allergies. And there’s so much bad, premade, expensive, gluten-free food, that when you find out that you can’t have all those things that really send you, you feel at a loss. You feel deprived.” Opening the restaurant would assure that they, and others, could enjoy good-tasting food that wouldn’t negatively affect their health. About 90 percent of the food at Soul Dog is made from scratch: the soups, chilis, fries, sandwiches, desserts, gluten-free breads, and the majority of toppings. The hot dogs and non-GF buns are purchased for the cafe, as are the beverages and condiments (ketchup, mustard, onion sauce, and sauerkraut). According to Jenny, the Teagues decided to feature hot dogs because they’re familiar. “People get emotional about hot dogs,” she explains. “And we could have fun with them.” They also wanted to offer other comfort-food items that they missed, so they decided to make gluten-free onion rings, macaroni and cheese, and Southern-style hush puppies topped with sausage gravy. “Everything we do, we do because we’re in the same boat,” says Adam. “Often, when you go to a place that has gluten-free stuff, it’s provided as a service by someone who is well-meaning but who doesn’t actually have to eat it. There’s a huge difference. If a restaurant is owned by someone who has gluten intolerance or celiac, or is doing it for someone they know, usually the food is better.” Other eateries in the area are catching on. “There are folks in the kitchen who love the challenge,” says Jenny. She mentions friends Megan and Charlie Fells Jr., who opened a restaurant farther up Main Street called the Artist’s Palate. The Fells change the menu at their restaurant every two weeks, and while the chefs do not aim to make their contemporary American fare gluten-free, they will happily try to accommodate diners with dietary restrictions. “Now that we’ve had enough experience, we can handle most people on the spot,” says Fells. “We’ve learned a lot from Adam and Jenny. They’ve given us little cheat sheets that we can post in the kitchen for our other chefs. People know we go the extra mile and that nothing goes in the food that will bother them.” 1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK 37

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38 COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

SOUL DOG’S PROPRIETORS, JENNY AND ADAM TEAGUE.

Since Soul Dog opened in 2004, it has attracted customers from the Hudson Valley and New York City, and now that more travelers are using the Web for research, diners from California, England, and Australia have gone out of their way to visit the restaurant. Some have celiac disease. Others bring friends, relatives, or spouses who have celiac disease. And still others—those without a single dietary restriction—also stop by for the food. The baked-goods side of the business is also taking off, with customers ordering gluten-free bread, dinner rolls, and cornbread. For birthdays and other special occasions, Soul Dog offers both regular and gluten-free layer cakes, sheet cakes, and sandcastle-shaped cakes. Regular and gluten-free pies, such as pumpkin, apple, and pecan, can also be ordered. “If you look at our menu,” says Jenny, “an asterisk indicates what is gluten-free. But if you’re not looking for that, and you don’t need to know, you have no idea that this is going on. It doesn’t matter. We wanted to provide gluten-free options because we knew the value of it firsthand, and therefore we made sure that we had desserts that were gluten-free and that we had buns [for the dogs] that were gluten-free.” Adam says, “We have people saying that if you guys weren’t here, we don’t know what we’d do. [Soul Dog] is already more than we thought it would be—the baking aspect, our place in the neighborhood, the community. People who get this place love this place. People who don’t get it still really like it.” Soul Dog is located at 107 Main Street in Poughkeepsie. (845) 454-3254; www.souldog.biz. YOUR COMMENTS, PLEASE. POST AT WWW.CHRONOGRAM.COM

1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM COMMUNITY NOTEBOOK 39

40 ARTS & CULTURE CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

JANUARY 2007

ARTS & CULTURE CHRONOGRAM

Sippy-Cup Symphony: Dog on Fleas rocks the faithful at the Bearsville Theater. “Juice-Box Jamboree,” p. 50.

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PHOTO OF LAURIE GIARDINO BY HILLARY HARVEY

Portfolio Laurie Giardino

The dead outnumber the living in Totowa, New Jersey, the birthplace of Laurie Giardino. Totowa, population 10,000, has five cemeteries, the largest of which, Laurel Grove, has more than 86,000 internments. Cemeteries were a large part of life for Giardino and her friends in the late ’70s and early ’80s—places to goof off, make out, get high, and escape the monotony of suburbia. They were also places that many of Giardino’s friends and family took up permanent residence in sooner than expected—victims of drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, car accidents, cancer. Totowa Book of the Dead began as an informal project by a high school student who started photographing her immediate surroundings, but it became a document of a doomed era. Spanning the years 1976 to 1984, Totowa Book of the Dead is Giardino’s portrait of a downwardly mobile generation stranded in the economic doldrums of working-class America. First published on her website (www.lauriegiardino.com) in 1998, the photos and accompanying reminiscences of Giardino’s hometown developed a cult following in Totowa, culminating in her first photography exhibit at Clementine Gallery in Manhattan, which will be on view through January 6. Giardino now lives in Tillson and is a photography and technology instructor at Poughkeepsie Day School. Her work came to the attention of the gallery owner through her husband, a Totowa native. Not so incidentally, perhaps, Giardino’s “other claim to fame” is located in Laurel Grove Cemetery—her electrician father’s black marble headstone, which Giardino designed in the shape of a light bulb. Portfolio at www.clementine-gallery.com. —Brian K. Mahoney

LAURIE GIARDINO ON HER WORK An uncanny amount of untimely deaths

The cemeteries of Totowa

I wasn’t necessarily making a photo essay of Totowa at the time I shot the photos. I was doing freelance photography for local newspapers, and I would come home from a job and I didn’t want to waste film and start processing a job right away. So I’d bang off a bunch of pictures of my friends. A lot of these were taken on the tail end of bowling banquets, check-receiving ceremonies—all that crap I used to go on assignment for. The series wasn’t anything until my sister’s death. After my sister’s death in 1994—she was killed in a motorcycle accident when she was 28—I went through my archive of negatives, trying to find photographs of her. As I was going through all the negatives, I was thinking, “Oh, here’s a shot of Kenny, and Kenny died. Oh, here’s a shot of this one, and he’s passed away.” And then I realized that there was an uncanny amount of untimely deaths, and I had pictures of them. That’s when I decided to reprint a lot of the work and write everybody’s stories—how I knew them, and how they died.

There weren’t a lot of parks in town. Totowa’s cemeteries provided a wide degree of ritualized initiations into adulthood. At age 8, you play hide-and-seek amongst the tombstones. At 13, you smoke your first joint behind them. At 16, you sneak kisses. At 26, you put flowers on the graves of friends who didn’t live through high school. At 35, you help your parents buy their plot and sometime, hopefully much later, you pick out your own. You go through all these stages of growing up in the cemetery.

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trees because someone might sue and take your house away. My father had a chainsaw, and our neighbor across the street helped him cut down both trees in front of our house. Then, just for the hell of it, since he was also sick of dealing with leaf maintenance, the neighbor asked my dad to cut down the two trees in front of his house as well. My father and the neighbor were so proud, standing there among the barren wasteland they had created, shirtless and sweaty. The ’70s

Afraid of trees Totowa neighborhoods didn’t have many trees. I think working-class people are afraid of them. Trees make too much mess in the fall and cause cracks in the sidewalk. Someone might slip and break their neck. The biggest threat of the blue-collar existence was directly related to

In 1975, my mother started dating a biker. My parents had a terrible divorce and my mother flipped out a little and started dating this guy who was 15 years younger than her. A typical visit to my mother’s would consist of her boyfriend, a Vietnam vet, taking out his guns for us to play with. Originally, she was an Italian-American housewife, married in 1957,

Clockwise from top left: Schmedly at Pappy’s, 1983; (top) Dad’s House, 1982; (bottom) Mom’s House, 1984; Mike in Braces, 1976; Kim Giving the Peace Sign, 1976; Mike Raking Leaves, 1977; Pinball at Cozy’s, 1983; Next Generation, 1976. Catholic Church, mother of three, the whole thing. And then all of a sudden in the ’70s she let her hair down—no more beehive—got tattooed, and started running with this motorcycle gang. Universal appeal This was a personal project that I would pick up, work on it, and then shelve again until a year later. I never envisioned it going out into the world because it’s so personal and so tragic. I didn’t know if I wanted to talk about the drugs and other’s people’s deaths. I had ethical issues with going public with it, but I’ve since resolved that. I think it has universal appeal and can help people in the long run if they’re made aware of these stories. I hope these pictures communicate a cautionary message to people so they don’t make the same mistakes my generation made.

Ravages of fate

Danny Smith, 1957-1979

I can only theorize that it had something to do with the times. There was a horrific recession and you felt like you were hitting a dead end. You couldn’t work really hard and buy the house that your parents did. Houses were $5,000 apiece in the ’60s. There was no way we could fulfill the American Dream the way our parents did. I’m wondering if that only added to the idea of “Let’s live life in excess”—and that’s what did everybody in.

Danny was a strong swimmer, but the quarry got the better of him. They had to dredge the bottom to find his body. Undeveloped pictures of him were still in my camera—I had shot two rolls at the baseball field behind Washington Park School two days before he died. I was nervous and scared when I developed them later that week. I thought Danny was going to send me a sign. When the red light was on and the first image began to appear in the developing tray, I was afraid he wouldn’t show up in the photograph. I imagined a ghostly white image where his body was supposed to be.

Reefer Road Reefer Road was the only road in Totowa that resembled a country road. On one side was a hill with a cemetery, on the other side was the Passaic River. A winding, country road. We called it Reefer Road because if you lit a joint at the beginning, you could finish it by the time you got to the end. So when kids got in their cars and went for a cruise, they would “go blow a bone down Reefer Road.” That was the terminology.

Fading pictures Even photographs have a life and death. You can make a picture, wash and store it in an archival process, maybe even keep it for a hundred years, but inevitably a negative and a photograph will fade away. Still, I never expected that the people I loved would be the ones to fade away.

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Lucid Dreaming BY BETH E. WILSON

MAKING AND BEING Why is it that we’re so interested in artists’ lives? No one seems to care what an accountant or a sanitation worker does in his or her extracurricular pursuits, whether or not they’re married or divorced, or have kids, or how they decorate their homes. But when we talk about artists—well, everything seems to grow in significance. There’s a theory that even Warhol’s Campbell Soup can paintings were autobiographical, because apparently he had a can nearly every day for lunch. So far as I can tell, this is more interesting in terms of explaining his notorious cheapskate streak than explaining the paintings, but it serves as testament to the deep-seated need we have to explain cultural, creative objects in terms of the life of their creators. Even the esteemed John Richardson saw fit to promote the view that Picasso’s art is at any one time a function of the changes in five private forces—his mistress, his house, his poet, his set of admirers, and his dog (sic!). Such explanations seem to spring out of common assumptions of what art is about—most often these are sprung on some unarticulated notion that before it is anything else, art is (personal) expression, pure and simple. (Of course, the whole concept of expression itself is anything but pure and simple, but let’s not trouble ourselves with all that!) The element that tends to fall away from (or at least trail behind) in such accounts is the degree to which humans are fundamentally social beings: Without the possibility of having others look at or engage with the work, why would anyone bother making art? (Of course I am exempting here those special cases of “outsider” artists who obsessively construct their alternate universes, often over a lifetime, with no expectation—and sometimes even with hostility to—the idea that others will get to see their art. They are the exception that proves the rule, in this case.) Just as it is impossible for there to be a language spoken by only one person, there can be no culture without the presence of at least a few other people to witness it. Once you allow for this social dimension, you open up the possibility for 44 LUCID DREAMING CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

politics of course—creating another role for art, especially when it focuses on the needs and interests of the oppressed (as opposed to the dead-white-Euromale tradition, which proved very effective at shoring up its own power base through art). Using art in this fundamentally political way is perhaps most clearly illustrated in the feminist work that emerged in the late 1960s and early ’70s. By the 1990s, the personal-is-political crowd had evolved into a virtual smorgasbord of multicultural interest groups, each advancing its own agenda in the name of “identity politics.” Far be it from me to question the wisdom of sticking it to the status quo (why else would I be writing for Chronogram?), but there’s something lost in the process of looking at art as nothing but a stage for (alternative) political posturing as well. A show this month of work by McWillie Chambers (what a great name!) at John Davis Gallery in Hudson is what sparked these ruminations. Chambers’s small-tomedium-sized paintings focus on the human figure, executed in a loose, sketchy style, often emphasizing dazzling patches of color and light. The fact that the artist is gay, and that most of his figures are male (often lounging about either all or half naked on the beach) has caused many critics to play the “gay identity card” in response to the work, but that denies or denigrates everything about it that is not reducible to the political—the fact of the matter is, Chambers is a damn good artist, and his paintings richly reward close aesthetic appreciation, transcending the abstract pieties imposed on it when it’s oversimplified as “queer art.” The truth of the matter is that art functions both ways—from the pole of the personal, the individual, it shuttles out to its audience, to the world of the political, and then returns yet again to the private, the place where each viewer engages it, understands it (or not), and in the process helps to re/define its meaning. There is room for personal expression, and there is room for politics here: These two apparent opposites are in fact joined at the hip. Without the social dimension, the idea of the “personal” makes no sense, and without the privacy of personal experience, moving out to take part in the broader social or

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ABOVE: TWO FRIENDS—BEACH DAY, OIL ON CANVAS, 24" X 18", 2002 OPPOSITE: PUZZLERMAN, OIL ON MASONITE, 13 1/2" X 19 1/4", 2005 MAN ON THE BEACH, PASTEL ON PAPER, 9" X 6", 2006

cultural world would be impossible. Chambers’s approach to the figure actually reminds me quite a bit of the work of Leslie Bender, whose show at Albert Shahinian Gallery in Poughkeepsie last month just closed. Bender has a similar sensibility for kaleidoscopic color, for use of the figure (although hers are often, but not exclusively, female), and for a seductively sketchy yet spot-on contour line. I’ll admit that I’ve never spoken to Bender about her sexual orientation, but then, it never seemed to be the major issue at hand in her work, either. Such an aesthetic commonality points to something beyond identity as the key to understanding both artists—they both work in the same region, are acquainted with the same artistic scene, are inheritors of many of the same aesthetic ideas. So why ignore such obvious correspondences, in favor of lumping Chambers in some dubious queer canon, along with Paul Cadmus and Pavel Tchelitchew? This is a question posed by artist Bill Sullivan, who wrote about Chambers for a show he had in New York a few years ago. Sullivan calls out the absurdity of reducing the work to such a reading, asserting that, “if he painted apples would he be in the tradition of Cezanne?…The self-absorbed narcissism of gay culture and its clichés keep us from Chambers’s paintings.” As they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. As important as it is to fight oppression, raise consciousness, and otherwise tear things up, we can’t forget to stay open and responsive, especially when it comes to art—a lesson that McWillie Chambers’s paintings can teach us well. MCWILLIE CHAMBERS: PAINTINGS IS ON VIEW JANUARY 4–28 AT JOHN DAVIS GALLERY, 362 1/2 WARREN STREET, HUDSON. THERE WILL BE A RECEPTION FOR THE ARTIST ON JANUARY 6 FROM 6-8PM. (518) 828-5907; WWW.JOHNDAVISGALLERY.COM.

DOES ART GIVE YOU THE MCWILLIES? POST COMMENTS AT WWW.CHRONOGRAM.COM

1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM LUCID DREAMING 45

gallery directory 46

GALLERY DIRECTORY CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

galleries

20 BOBRICK ROAD

CARRIE HADDAD GALLERY

20 BOBRICK ROAD, POUGHKEEPSIE. 454-4404.

622 WARREN STREET, HUDSON. (518) 828-1915.

“Gracious Home.” In-home art showcase. Through January 30.

“Works by Harry Orlyk, Craig Johns and Tona Wilson.” Landscapes and works on paper. Through January 21.

CCS BARD HESSEL MUSEUM ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY & ART

BARD COLLEGE, ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON. 758-7598.

125 WASHINGTON AVENUE, ALBANY. (518) 463-4478.

“Wrestle.” More than 200 works from the Marieluise Hessel Collection. Through May 27.

“The World and Works of Paul Cushman.” Life and works of potter Paul Cushman. January 20-May 13.

gallery directory

“If These Pots Could Talk: Ceramics From AIHA Collections.” Majolica, English and Dutch Delft, Chinese Export Porcelain, pearl ware, cream ware, and transfer-printed earthenware. January 20-May 13.

CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AT WOODSTOCK 59 TINKER STREET, WOODSTOCK. 679-9957.

“Kiss and Tell.” Group photography exhibit. January 20-March 18. ALBANY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GALLERY

Opening Saturday, January 20, 5-7pm

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ALBANY. (518) 242-2243.

“Natural Selection.” Through April 15. CLARK ART INSTITUTE 225 SOUTH STREET, WILLIAMSTOWN, MA. (413) 458-2303.

ALDRICH CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM 258 MAIN STREET, RIDGEFIELD, CT. (203) 438-4519.

“Claude Lorrain: The Painter as Draftsman.” Drawings from the Birtish Museum. February 4-April 29.

“Bitter Fruit.” Photographs by Paul Fusco. Through February 25. “No Reservations: Native American History and Culture in Contemporary Art.” Through February 25. “David Haislip: Artists at The Aldrich.” Pictures of artists installing work at the museum. Through January 21. “Josh Azzarella: 2006 Emerging Artist Award Exhibition.” Through February 25.

COLUMBIA COUNTY COUNCIL ON THE ARTS 209 WARREN STREET, HUDSON. (518) 671-6213.

“Let’s Face It.” A portrait show. January 13-February 10. Opening Saturday, January 13, 5-7pm

ART SOCIETY OF KINGSTON

DIA: BEACON

97 BROADWAY, KINGSTON. 338-0331.

3 BEEKMAN STREET, BEACON. 440-0100.

“Trio: Commencing: Art for the New Year.” Works by Jose Acosta. January 6-January 27.

“An-My Le: Trap Rock, 2006.” Photography exhibit. Through September 10.

Opening Saturday, January 6, 5-8pm

“Drawing Series.” 14 key works from Sol LeWitt. Through September 10.

ART UPSTAIRS 60 MAIN STREET, PHOENICIA. 688-7922.

EAST FISHKILL COMMUNITY LIBRARY

“Reflections/Perceptions.” Through January 13.

380 ROUTE 376, HOPEWELL JUNCTION. 221-9943.

“Photography by Michael Sibilia.” January 2-January 31. Reception Friday, January 5, 7pm BAU 161 MAIN STREET, BEACON. 440-7584.

“Bau Now: 2007 Members Group Exhibition.” January 13-February 4.

EAST VILLAGE COLLECTIVE

Opening Saturday, January 13, 6-9pm

“offSET.” Photographs by Lacey Terrell. Through February 12.

99 TINKER STREET, WOODSTOCK. 679-2174.

1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM GALLERY DIRECTORY

galleries

EISENHOWER HALL’S 1929 GALLERY

GCCA MOUNTAINTOP GALLERY

U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY, WEST POINT. (914) 734-9540.

398 MAIN STREET, WINDHAM. (518) 943-3400.

“The Color of Loyalty: A Tribute to Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer.” January 7-February 11.

“Holiday in the Mountains.” Annual non-juried member group craft exhibition and sale. Through January 7.

Reception Sunday, January 14, 2-4pm

FLETCHER GALLERY 40 MILL HILL RD., WOODSTOCK. 679-4411.

“Josef Presser (1909-1967).” Oils, works on paper and drawings dating from 1935-1950. Through January 28.

HUDSON OPERA HOUSE 327 WARREN STREET, HUDSON. (518) 822-1438.

“In Our Name: Iraqi Children in War.” Installation by artist Christine Heller. January 27-February 25. Opening Saturday, January 27, 6-8pm

gallery directory

“Intro Abstraction.” New Works by Susan Williams. FRANCES LEHMAN LOEB ART CENTER VASSAR COLLEGE, POUGHKEEPSIE. 437-5632.

“For the People.” American mural drawings of the 1930s and 1940s. January 12-March 11.

HUDSON VALLEY CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART 1701 MAIN STREET, PEEKSKILL. (914) 788-7166.

“Reverence.” Work of 33 internationally renowned artists from 13 countries. Through February 26. GALERIE BMG 12 TANNERY BROOK RD, WOODSTOCK. 679-0027.

“Only the Paranoid Survive.” Works addressing dissatisfaction with dominant controlling influences in our culture. Through January 21.

“Nature Without Glass.” Color pinhole photographs by Mark Stetler. January 5-February 12. Opening Saturday, January 6, 5-7pm HUNTER VILLAGE SQUARE FINE CRAFT AND ART GALLERY MAIN STREET, HUNTER. (518) 263-4291.

GALLERIA ALBA SCULPTURE SHOWROOM 1662 ROUTE 300, NEWBURGH. 566-1276.

“Deck the Halls.” Holiday exhibit of functional art. Through February 28.

“Celebration in Stone.” Sculpture by Anthony Gennarelli. Through March 9. INQUIRING MIND GALLERY 63 PARTITION STREET, SAUGERTIES. 246-5155.

GALLERY AT R&F 84 TEN BROECK AVENUE, KINGSTON. 331-3112.

“Off the Wall.” Many genres and media. Through January 7.

“Give & Take.” A group show for the season of giving. Through January 27. KARPELES MANUSCRIPT LIBRARY MUSEUM 94 BROADWAY, NEWBURGH. 569-4997.

GARRISON ART CENTER 23 GARRISON LANDING, GARRISON-ON-HUDSON. 424-3960.

“The Surf and Turf Gallery.” Art that covers the Earth. Through January 7.

“Scenes from New York City.” The streets and subways of New York, 1930s through 1970s. January 2-January 31.

“Charlie Brown Tree Ornament Show.” Through January 7. KOTLER-MUROFF GALLERY SUNY ULSTER, STONE RIDGE. 687-5113.

GCCA CATSKILL GALLERY 398 MAIN STREET, CATSKILL. (518) 943-3400.

“Salon 2006.” Non-juried group exhibition/sale of small art works in all media. Through January 18. “Paintings by John Albert Reinking.” January 27-March 3. Opening Saturday, January 27, 5-7pm

GALLERY DIRECTORY CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

“Democratic Republic of Congo: The Forgotten War.” Works by five photographers. January 25-February 23. Opening Thursday, January 25, 7pm

LADUE DESIGN 239 ULSTER AVENUE, SAUGERTIES. 246-5552.

“Hudson River School Influenced Artists.” Works by Athena Billias, Patty Ferrara, Carol Slutsky-Tenerowicz, and Michele Moran. January 20-March 11. Opening Saturday, January 20, 5-7pm

MARK GRUBER GALLERY NEW PALTZ PLAZA, NEW PALTZ. 255-1241.

“The Winter Salon Show.” Through January 31.

MILDRED I. WASHINGTON ART GALLERY SUNY DUTCHESS, POUGHKEEPSIE. 431-8000 EXT. 3982.

“Fall 2006 PVAC Student Exhibit.” January 16-February 9. Reception Thursday, January 18, 5-6:30pm

MILLBROOK GALLERY AND ANTIQUES 3297 FRANKLIN AVENUE, MILLBROOK. 677-6699.

“All Our Artists.” Paintings and sculptures. January 2-March 30.

MONTGOMERY ROW SECOND LEVEL 6423 MONTGOMERY STREET, RHINEBECK. 876-6670.

“Waves of Devastation, Waves of Hope.” Post-Tsunami and post Katrina photographs organized by Brian McAdoo. Through January 30. Reception Friday, January 12, 5-7pm

PEARL GALLERY 3572 MAIN STREET, STONE RIDGE. 687-0888.

gallery directory

“Group Show.” Featuring works by eight artists. Through January 14.

POMONA CULTURAL CENTER 584 ROUTE 306, POMONA. 362-8062.

“Paintings and Works on Paper by Sharon Falk.” Through January 29.

STONEGATE GALLERY 4 STONEGATE DRIVE, BALMVILLE.

“Birds, Beasts, and Flowers.” Photography by Matthew Benson. Through January 6.

THE CATSKILLS GALLERY 106 PARTITION STREET, SAUGERTIES. 246-5552.

“City Views.” Glow in the dark city maps displayed in black lighting. Through January 7.

THE MOVIEHOUSE 48 MAIN STREET, MILLERTON. (860) 435-2897.

“The Movie Paintings.” Moments inspired by movies. Through March 1.

VARGA GALLERY 130 TINKER STREET, WOODSTOCK. 679-4005.

“The Ultimate Art Experience.” Through January 31.

YELLOW BIRD GALLERY 19 FRONT STREET, NEWBURGH. 561-7204.

“Sculpture: Archeoart.” Works by Charles Davidson. December 1. “Holiday Exhibition: Small Works for Giving.” Sculpture, paintings, works on paper and photography. Through January 7.

1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM GALLERY DIRECTORY

Music

BY PETER AARON

FROM LEFT: ELIZABETH MITCHELL, JAKSON SPIOTA, ROBERT BURKE WARREN AKA UNCLE ROCK, AND DEAN JONES OF DOG ON FLEAS.

JUICE-BOX JAMBOREE

CHILDREN'S MUSIC IN THE HUDSON VALLEY The history of children’s recordings is literally as old as the medium itself: In 1877, Thomas Edison kicked it all off by test-mumbling a few lines from “Mary Had a Little Lamb” into his experimental “talking machine.” Somewhere along the way, things went to commercial hell: We ended up with “Veggie Tales” and Barney. (Cue gagging and screams of torture.) So the more conscious members of the recent generation of new parents, weaned on indie rock and alt-culture, were faced with a problem: How could they give their offspring the joys of music without exposing the tykes to the mindnumbing spells of born-again broccoli and annoying, rube-voiced dinosaurs? In 2001, help came in the form of New York’s Dan Zanes. That year, the ex-Del Fuegos front man released Rocket Ship Beach (Festival Five Records), a roots-centric album of originals, standards, familiar kids’ songs, and traditional country and folk tunes, all rendered in a manner that emphasizes the act of enjoying music as a family. The record took off, revitalizing the children’s folk genre. Little ones were delighted—but probably not as much as their folks, who at last had something they could play for their kids without having to leave the room to preserve their own sanity. Bulbs soon began to light up above the heads of many perhaps identity-questioning rockers-turned-parents, young moms and dads who’d figured they had to dump the stage monitors to make way for the baby monitors. Through Zanes, they realized it didn’t need to be that way, they could reconcile the seemingly disparate threads of their new family lives with those of their artistic aspirations by remaking the rules; they could make cool music for kids (and grownups, too!). And their kids could join in, to sing and play on their records. A new scene began to take shape: underground children’s music. Zanes cites Elizabeth Mitchell as his most cherished comrade in the move50 MUSIC CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

PHOTO BY FIONN REILLY

ment. In the ‘90s, Mitchell played in New York sadcore outfit Ida with her husband, Daniel Littleton, while she taught nursery school during the day. Her third and most recent solo album, You Are My Little Bird (Smithsonian Folkways), is a beautifully fragile, folk-based work with enough transgenerational appeal that children lucky enough to receive it may very well have to remind their parents to share. For Mitchell, the transition from indie rock to folk music was an organic one. “In Ida, we were kind of doing that anyway, playing this quiet folksy music in loud punk rock clubs,” she explains. “And I was also doing it in the classroom, too. To get the kids interested in music, I was teaching them songs by Elizabeth Cotten, the Carter Family, Leadbelly.” In addition to reverently upholding Smithsonian Folkways’ long lineage of preserving folk music for children, You Are My Little Bird features some surprising covers, songs by Neil Young, Bob Marley, even the Velvet Underground. Mitchell and Littleton have a daughter, Storey, 5, and have been Woodstock residents since 2004. The Hudson Valley has long been the most obvious Shangri-La for New Yorkdwelling artistic types in search of greener climes for their new families, a trend that has grown exponentially in the years since 9/11. “The arts community here is wonderful, and we just felt really embraced by it,” says Phoenicia’s Uncle Rock, aka frequent Chronogram contributor and former Manhattanite Robert Burke Warren. He and his wife, music journalist Holly George Warren, and their son, Jack, now 8, moved to the region in 2001. Warren, who sings and

plays guitar and bass in his Uncle Rock guise, once worked with both Ru Paul and garage kings The Fleshtones and played the lead in the London production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. In addition to his duties as a father, writer, and musician, Warren works as a teacher’s assistant. As Uncle Rock, he has released two CDs of roots-rocking family fun, Uncle Rock Plays Well with Others (Jackpot Music) being the latest. Warren describes playing for kids as being “way more fun than playing for any adult audience. Kids are already uninhibited; they don’t have to get wasted like most people in clubs do to have fun and get into the music.” He also points to how mass-marketed children’s music illadvisedly shies away from darker topics. “Kids are drawn to the shadows,” he illustrates. “Look at Maurice Sendak, Shel Silverstein, Roald Dahl, the Harry Potter books. Kids are fascinated by that stuff.” A standout track from Plays Well with Others is “Picnic in the Graveyard,” which looks at the Mexican tradition of honoring one’s ancestors on the Day of the Dead. Dog on Fleas makes up the old guard of Hudson Valley children’s music. The quintet of John Hughes (bass, guitar), Chris Cullo (drums), David Levine (fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, autoharp), Debbie Lan (piano), and Dean Jones (guitar, trombone, balafon, percussion) has released four albums during the band’s seven years, most of them recorded in Rosendale at Jones’s No Parking Studio. Jones is an absolute machine, also performing and recording with Big Sky Ensemble, Soñando, Uncle Buckle, and Earmight and providing music for the Arm of the Sea and Hudson River Playback theatrical groups. He also has a three-yearold daughter, Rylie, and another baby on the way. “For Dog on Fleas, I try to write songs that we can play for kids and adults,” Jones explains. “Songs that will make kids think.” When I Get Little (Dog on Fleas Records), the group’s most recent release, continues its winning, non-parent or child-insulting concept of working funny and surreal lyrics about the rewards of sharing and other key topics into the band’s catchy, bluegrass-world music-psychedelic-jug band sound. Listening to ingenious tunes like the title track, it comes as no surprise that Dog on Fleas’ members cite The Beatles as one of the biggest influences on their music—or that parents love having the quintet’s CDs in the car for those long (or short) trips. The Fab Four are the focus of All Together Now, the christening release of Little Monster Records, a new family music label run by Woodstock A&R diva (and Hurley Town Board member) Kate Hyman and her husband, singer-songwriter and producer Kevin Salem. “The Beatles are eternally brilliant. They’ll always be valid,” says Hyman, who has worked in the record industry since 1982. “We really wanted to reintroduce their music to a younger generation with artists that are slightly more current.” The compilation boasts boisterous singalongs from The Bangles, Matthew Sweet, Millbrook’s Marshall Crenshaw, and current New York Doll Steve Conte. Forthcoming releases include Let’s Go Everywhere, a children’s effort of “high-energy tunes for singing and jamming along [to]” by area superstars Medeski, Martin & Wood. Despite their major-label experience, Hyman and Salem cite their four-year-old daughter, Emily, as Little Monster’s true A&R department. “A lot of people trying to make kids’ music think that it’s an easy thing to do. It’s not,” Hyman says. “It has to be something that’s a little bit of a challenge, that doesn’t talk down to kids. Because kids are really smart and they know when you’re doing that.” When writing about such inspired children’s pop as that covered here, it’s tempting to play the cute card and invoke the title of The Who’s 1965 classic “The Kids Are Alright.” But, as is often the case, the name of a song may not always tell the whole story. Consider what All Music.com has to say about Pete Townshend’s immortal mod anthem: “Because of the title, it’s been seen as an endorsement for the validity of youth culture as a whole, although really it seems just as much an admission of the inevitability of leaving that culture to eventually lead an adult life.” If only the tune’s author and so many others of his, er, generation, were able to embrace that break, to see that it doesn’t mean having to choose between dieing or getting old. At the core of this music of the new children’s revolution, beneath all its richly creative, age-spanning family fun, is a lesson of everlasting importance; one that says that even though we all grow up we don’t really have to get old if we don’t want to. It’s a lesson equally valuable to parents and kids—and their kids. The Townshends of tomorrow deserve nothing less. Dog on Fleas and Uncle Rock play at Marbletown Multi-Arts in Stone Ridge on January 20 at 2pm. (845) 687-8890; www.cometomama.org. HEAR MUSIC COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE @ WWW.CHRONOGRAM.COM

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NIGHTLIFE HIGHLIGHTS

Handpicked by local scenemaker DJ WAVY DAVY for your listening pleasure. CHASING DAYBREAK January 5. This Poughkeepsie-based alt-rock band rolls toward “next big thing” status after rocking out for 7,000 fans at Bethel Woods in August. The buzz says that a major label is courting them, so local fans should hurry to The Chance for what may be one of their last shows with a single-digit cover charge. With Admit One, Call It a Night and All Points East. 8pm. $7. (845) 471-1966. www.myspace.com/chasingdaybreakrock.

THE FELICE BROTHERS January 5. Woodstock’s fave sons—Simone, Ian, and James—saddle up and head down Route 212 to New World Home Cooking for what is bound to be a thick evening of Americana and storytelling, courtesy of author Simone (Goodbye Amelia, Monkfish Press, 2004). Previous collaborations like Odd City notwithstanding, the absolute best description of the Bros.’s music can be found on their MySpace page (where else?), which hysterically says the group “sounds like: a barn smells.” 10pm. No cover. “Saugerstock.” (845) 246-0900. www.newworldhomecooking.com.

TORCH: SONGS FOR LOVERS January 6. The Marbletown Artists Association’s annual Cabaret was such a hit this past autumn, it’s taking the show down the road to uptown Kingston’s fab Backsatge Studio Productions (BSP) space. Featured performers include Barbara Dempsey (from Big Joe Fitz’s Disciples of Soul), Wet Paint’s Doug Elliot, Melissa Hewitt, Sarah Perrotta, and Carla Rozman. John Simon, often called “the sixth member of The Band,” accompanies on piano and pulls out a few songs of his own. The MAA, one of the area’s most active arts collectives, promises a sultry evening. Elegant attire is requested. 9pm. $15. Kingston. (845) 338-8700. www.bspinfo.net.

DENISE JORDAN FINLEY AND DANIEL PAGDON January 6. Here’s the scoop du jour in northern Dutchess County: Tin Pan Alley has opened in the hip space on Route 9 that was once the popular Julia and Isabella. And if you follow the calendar at choice music site hvmusic.com, you already know Finley is the hardest-working woman in Hudson Valley nightlife. She and musical partner Pagdon host First Mondays here each month, playing contemporary folk and guitar-based instrumentals as a musical digestif to the highly recommended new menu. 7pm. No cover with dinner. Red Hook. (845) 758-4545. www.denisejordanfinley.com.

THE TRAPPS (ACOUSTIC) January 6. Proprietor Will named his Griffin’s Corners Cafe for the landmark intersection where Gayle’s Luncheonette sat for two decades. Since 2003, the cafe has been a hot spot for live music and good grub, with excellent events slated into 2007. Tonight, The Trapps’ Sean Schenker and Jason Sarubbi bring two sets of acoustic Catskill mountain rock to the peaks of Ulster County. (The full band returns to Oasis in New Paltz on January 26.) 6pm. Call for cover info. Fleischmanns. (845) 254-6300. www.griffinscornerscafe.com.

BRAZILIAN JAZZ & BEYOND January 19. Hudson Valley winters demand a little tropicalia to shake off the snow, and new addition La Puerta Azul restaurant has just the ticket. The bright decor and gourmet Mexican fare provide an excellent backdrop for jazz when three of the Hudson Valley’s top musicians—Matt Finley (horns), Peter Einhorn (guitar), and Don Miller (acoustic bass)—bring their unique brand of contemporary original Brazilian jazz. ¡Bueno! 8 pm. Millbrook. (845) 677-2985. www.cdbaby.com/cd/mattfinley.

BAND BATTLE III February 2. Celebrate Groundhog day with me when I host the third installment of this over-the-top teen band series at Skate Time 209. Instrumental funk-rockers Junior Jones, winner of the second battle in October, vies to hold their crown against the mighty Vyle, Preferably Tapioca, Code of Conduct, A-14, Among the Fallen, and others. Bands play in the skateboard park while surrounded by the rippers who love them. Co-sponsored by TheHVScene.com and Dynamic Drums music store. 7pm. $9. Accord. (845) 626-7971. The Trapps’ Sean Schenker plays Griffin’s Corners Cafe on January 6.

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CD REVIEWS READNEX POETRY SQUAD SOCIAL ISSUE DEBEFORE RECORDS, 2006

Remember the scene in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing when Radio Raheem (Bill Nunn) shows the camera the “LOVE” and “HATE” tattooed on his knuckles? Ig’nant listeners might hear hate in some lyrics on this Middletown crew’s debut CD, but a deeper listen draws out the tough love earned by these lyrical flowsters. Though they call themselves hiphop poets, this is straight-ahead rap music, in the conscious diaspora of Eric B. + Rakim, X-Clan, or The Roots. Each vocalist adds their own flavor and insights, notably lady rapper FreeFlowin’, on the reggae cut “Calles,” and Decora, who spits over guitar-based hard rock on “Youth”; smooth Latin flavor carries the message from Cuttz El Colombiano and Latin Translator on “Amor de Rosas.” These 13 fresh tracks were produced by Graham at Newstreet Studios in Middletown, with new upstate flavor that is totally listenable. On top of the righteous raps, Graham’s range of rhythms is off the map, pairing sweet samples with beats and loops that jump from hip-hop to classical guitar to electro-dance (“Ghetto”). Not jaded or faded, the ReadNex members’ collective styles kick strictly a positive message of healing, unity, forgiveness, and love. ReadNex Poetry Squad will perform at the Chronogram.com Web launch party on January 12. Details at www.chronogram.com. —DJ Wavy Davy

WET PAINT HEALING RAIN WET PAINT PRODUCTIONS, 2006

An artist’s paint waits to create, and the quintet Wet Paint has been laying down sonic strokes with wild abandon since 1995. The band has done it again on this seven-track, seventh CD, recorded live at Woodstock’s Joyous Lake in April 2005. Players vary from gig to gig, and this set features producer Doug “Dug” Elliot on vocals, conga, djembe, and percussion; Steve Gorn on flutes and sax; Mark E. Johnson on tabla and drums; Pete Levin on keys; and the well-known Don Pate on bass. Don’t be fooled by the New-Agey title—if you hunger for the unbridled feel of jazz improv, the tribal rhythms of world music, and the organic disarray of what Elliot calls “aural painting,” this ensemble thwacks upbeat ear whacks for the most fearless of tympanic membranes. Elliot states, however, that the music is neither improv nor rehearsed, but is in fact existing poetry and melodies set to real-time compositions in which players are encouraged to take flight. Speaking of the artist’s brush, Elliot’s soft-hued figures and landscapes grace the cover. One complaint might be the somewhat canned sound, but in this case it doesn’t greatly detract from the experience. Snaps! Click on www.wetpaint.net or pick this one up at Rhino Records in New Paltz or Blue Byrd haberdashery in Uptown Kingston. —Sharon Nichols

MICHAEL MERENDA QUIVER HUMBLE ABODE RECORDS, 2006

I might as well be as up front about this as I can. I like Michael Merenda best when he’s thrashing every musical style into a big, frothy Mulligan mix of this, that, and all things in-between, like he did on his last disc, Day. Election Day That’s not to say that Quiver, a much quieter, decisively acoustic affair earthily infused with Merenda’s old-school folk lyricism and Ruth Ungar’s autumnal harmonies, misses the mark. Keen observations like opener “Crutch,” “In the Flickerin’ Light,” the ancient-sounding ballad “Soldier for the Prince,” and the lusty, ruminative “The Engine and The Emergency Brake” put it on par with Merenda’s best. Producer Jose Ayerve keeps the proceedings sparse, using the formidable playing of Ungar (fiddle, fretless banjo, harmonica) and Ken Maiuri (keyboards, percussion, bass) as shaded textures to Merenda’s many guitars, lending an air of back-porch pickin’ the album. Merenda plans to be on tour in support of Quiver throughout 2007. For more information, and to hear music from his previous discs, Election Day and Trapped in the Valley, check www.michaelmerenda.com. —Mike Jurkovic

YOUR EARS, PLEASE. HEAR THIS MUSIC @ WWW.CHRONOGRAM.COM > READNEX POETRY SQUAD “YOUTH” < > WET PAINT “SILVER MOON” < > MICHAEL MERENDA “CRUTCH” <

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Books

OUTSIDER ARTIST JAMES LASDUN WRITES WITHOUT BORDERS By Nina Shengold photo by Jennifer May

ames Lasdun packs a prodigious literary pedigree. The London-born author has published two acclaimed novels and three collections apiece of short stories and poems. Mary Gaitskill wrote of his first novel, “If you possess a spine, The Horned Man will set it aflame”; Seven Lies was long-listed for the 2006 Man Booker Prize. Lasdun’s story “The Siege” was filmed by Bernardo Bertolucci (as Besieged). He’s won numerous major awards, and he isn’t quite sure what he does for a living. “I don’t think of myself as a professional poet,” Lasdun demurs over coffee at new Woodstock eatery Oriole 9. “Right now, I’m trying to be a professional fiction writer.” Most would say he’s succeeded, but Lasdun seems to carry an unusually pernicious strain of self-doubt. Dark and lean, with intelligent eyes and a faintly mournful aspect, he resembles The Crying Game star Stephen Rea. When he laughs, which he does rather often, his face is transformed by an unfettered grin. The author wears a zippered gray pullover, blue jeans, and boots that would look right at home in the vegetable garden he tends on a hilltop in Shady. Though he emigrated two decades ago, he’s retained a mellifluous English accent—at least to American ears. “My mother thinks I sound American,” he comments with some satisfaction. Lasdun moved to New York in 1986, when editor Ted Solotaroff found teaching jobs for him at Columbia and Princeton. “I thought I’d stay one term, but the minute I arrived in New York City, I realized that I wanted to stay,” he asserts. The ’80s were “an exuberant time in New York. It was the Reagan era, a time of real extremes, and there was a feeling of life all around, in exciting, bizarre, and disturbing ways. I liked that.” He also liked being a foreigner. “I never felt English,” he says. “It became clearer, once I moved here, how alienated I already felt. It was a relief to formalize my outsider status.” His father, 54 BOOKS CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

eminent architect Sir Denys Lasdun, always told his children they weren’t English. The Lasduns were nonpracticing Jews, descended from Russian and Eastern European immigrants, and young James was acutely aware that his family was different. “When I was growing up, England was very homogenous, very Church of England. There was always a pull between belonging and not belonging.”

hemes of expatriation, exclusion, and self-reinvention run throughout Lasdun’s work. The narrators of both his novels are émigrés (The Horned Man’s is English; Seven Lies’ East German) and the poetry collection Landscape with Chainsaw may set a record for use of the word “apostate” in title and verse. The prize-winning poem “Locals” concludes, “there were always locals, and they were never us.” In “Adam,” a chipmunk disdains a human intruder: “He’s not one of us; he’s / definitely not one of us: / unstriped meat-breather pissing ammonia.” Lasdun, who’s buttering bits of croissant as we speak, absentmindedly dips his knife into my butter. Embarrassed, he mutters a hasty apology and puts his jam on my plate. “Poetry is rarely reviewed in America. There’s no serious critique or dialogue,” he says, noting that more people write poems than read them. “The place it occupies in American literary culture right now is not very dramatic. It feels like a vast, stagnant backwater.” Lasdun started writing poetry at Bristol University, under the tutelage of poet Charles Tomlinson. As a teenager, he dreamed of becoming a playwright. He was thrust into the London theater scene when his father designed the new Royal National Theatre. Denys Lasdun’s stark, modernist vision drew both praise and controversy: Sir Laurence Olivier called him “possibly the most brilliant man in England,” while Prince Charles compared the concrete complex near Waterloo Bridge to a nuclear power station. “The National Theatre was the backdrop of my teen years,” Lasdun says. His

mother, a trained artist, worked on the interior design of her husband’s buildings and wrote books on social history. Lasdun’s brother became a sculptor; his sister, a musician. “It was a family with a very high premium on creativity,” he says, dryly. Seven Lies’ Stefan Vogel describes his role in his mother’s aesthetic impostures: “As our artistic gatherings consolidated themselves into regular soirees and I heard my mother introduce me as our ‘literary man,’ our own ‘poet-intellectual,’ often adding, ‘He reads all the time. It’s impossible to drag him away from a book once he’s started; just like I was at his age,’ I felt it as one of those immemorial truths about oneself that are so well-established they are almost too boring to mention. It was as if she had said, He’s rather small for his age, or He’s always had a sweet tooth. The fact that I had never written a poem, and that I never read a book unless I had to for class, was neither here nor there.” In a corrupt Iron Curtain society, Vogel’s complicity leads to more corrosive deceptions. Even emigrating to New York under a new guise—dissident intellectual—can’t expunge his dark past. Lasdun’s evocation of East Germany is pitch-perfect, from the texture of defective wall paint to the ominous chill in a theater about to be raided. It comes as a shock, then, to learn he has never been there. “I don’t like doing research, or novels that require a lot of research,” he avers, though he reads nonfiction and memoirs to get details right. But he felt an affinity for Vogel’s world. “I was sent to boarding school from 8 to 13, as one is in England, and that’s a sort of totalitarian state. It gave me a chance to write about those experiences not as autobiography or memoir, but the psychological dimensions, the bargains you make, or betrayals, in order to survive in that kind of fear-based community.”

he Horned Man also has autobiographical elements, seen through a glass darkly. Lawrence Miller is an expatriate Englishman, living in Alphabet City (the author’s old neighborhood) and commuting by train to a college outside of New York City. In deceptively measured and rational prose, he describes a series of odd occurrences that send him into a spiral of paranoid nightmares. It’s a profoundly unsettling reading experience, a plunge down a mine shaft illumined by Lasdun’s glistening prose. “It was going to be this little short story about a man who teaches creative writing and has writer’s block,” Lasdun explains. “I made one small change, making him a professor of gender studies, and it was like opening some weird box. It got stranger and stranger, and I just went with it. I wrote most of the book in six months.” This outpouring came after 10 years of struggling with novels he couldn’t complete. At one point, Lasdun became so discouraged that he spent eight months as an organic farmhand at Orange County’s Blooming Hill Farm. In time, the mood he likened to Kafka’s “inner leprosy” lifted. He underwent psychoanalysis, became a father, and wrote with renewed vigor. During the 1990s, Lasdun collaborated with director Jonathan Nossiter on two independent films, Sunday and Signs & Wonders. (He wasn’t involved with adapting Besieged, but he did visit the set, where Bertolucci greeted him with, “Here’s the writer, the superego of the film.”) Screenwriting was a bracing change of pace. “In a screenplay, time is money. Every page is a proportion of the budget. It speeds you up. You become very intolerant of anything that drags.” Economy is also a hallmark of the short story, a form at which Lasdun excels. “In a way it’s more like a poem than a novel” he says, “It demands speed, economy, concentration, finding images that express an enormous amount of emotion. It’s an art of omission, where a novel is more about accumulation. But it’s a narrative art: everything counts, every word counts, like a poem. Every detail ought to be kind of luminous, as well as contributing to the whole.” Last May, Lasdun’s story “The Anxious Man” won England’s inaugural National Story Prize, with a purse of 15,000 pounds. He bought a DVD projector to screen Netflix rentals on his farmhouse porch. “Prize money shouldn’t just go in the groceries, though most of it does, in the end,” he says, ruefully. He’s taught off and on for two decades, with increasing ambivalence about MFA writing programs. “All you need is to read books, live your life, and get in the habit of writing.” And earn a living. “When you start out, it’s a straightforward, pure thing: You want to write great books. It’s not part of your ambition to support a family with it, but that reality creeps in and really complicates things.” Lasdun and wife Pia Davis have found a unique way to pay family bills without leaving the family behind. They updated their classic guidebook Walking & Eating in Tuscany & Umbria in 2005. The research trip included the couple’s two children, now 7 and 11, as variously willing participants (“The youngest may have been a bit too young,” Lasdun concedes). In February, the whole family will go to Provence for four months to research a sequel; Lasdun looks forward to “doing something different from sitting in my room all day writing.” He writes every day when he’s home, and keeps a notebook with him “at all times” to jot down stray thoughts and observations. “I try to catch them on the wing—things I see on the street, details of a story that come to me when I’m not pushing it.” He’s filled 45 notebooks since emigrating. “You think it’s going to get easier as you go on, but every book is a new challenge,” he sighs. “I feel consumed by writing. I don’t want to do anything else. I would do nothing but write all the time if I could.” When I remind him that he just enthused about leaving his desk for Provence, James Lasdun breaks into a grin. “I’m conflicted about everything. Isn’t that obvious?” YOUR COMMENTS, PLEASE. POST COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE AT WWW.CHRONOGRAM.COM

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SHORT TAKES Start your New Year of reading with this quintet of diverse new releases by Hudson Valley authors.

57 OCTAVES: BELOW THE MIDDLE C BUZZED BY THE BEE (OR REALLY) HOW I LOST THIS PLACE CHRIS LEO, DRAWINGS BY MARCELLUS HALL FIFTH PLANET PRESS, 2006, $20

A hipster daylighting as a Gray Line tour guide spots his girlfriend’s mother and sweeps her into an improvisational Manhattan tour full of personal metaphor. A heady collaboration between White Pigeons author/musician Leo (of Vague Angels) and Chronogram Cafe performer/illustrator Hall, whose vibrant streetscapes hum with life.

MUSEUM TRIP BARBARA LEHMAN HOUGHTON MIFFLIN, 2006, $15.00

Not a word is spoken in this graphically striking, mind-bending tale of a boy who lags behind his group on a class trip and enters one of the artworks. His journey through an intricate series of labyrinths satisfies on every level. Hudson artist Lehman, a Caldecott honoree for The Red Book, deserves to share her hero’s medal.

DENNING’S POINT: A HUDSON RIVER HISTORY JIM HERON, PROLOGUE BY PETE SEEGER, FOREWORD BY JOHN CRONIN BLACK DOME PRESS, 2006, $17.95

The 64-acre spit on the Hudson’s east bank vividly illustrates the Native American concept of “vertical history.” Beacon Institute for Rivers & Estuaries Project Historian Heron combs through its strata like a fascinated archaeologist, unearthing 19th-century brickworks, Revolutionary War lore, and prehistoric artifacts dating back 6,000 years.

PIMPS, HOS, PLAYA HATAS, AND ALL THE REST OF MY HOLLYWOOD FRIENDS JOHN LEGUIZAMO ECCO, 2006, $25.95

Movie star, comedian, and part-time Ulster County resident Leguizamo tells all—or all he feels like—in this brash and hilarious in-yourface memoir. From his tumultuous childhood as a Colombian immigrant on the mean streets of Queens to razor-sharp dissections of Hollywood stereotypes and celebrity dish, Leguizamo does it his way.

EATING THE HUDSON VALLEY EVELYN KANTER COUNTRYMAN PRESS, 2006, $18.95

Visitors to the Hudson Valley will cherish this user-friendly guide to the culinary delights on both sides of the river, from Yonkers to Cairo. Though locals may miss certain favorite hangouts, Kanter details many regional hot spots, and her comprehensive listings of wineries, farmers’ markets, and other foodie destinations are delectable.

Tales from the Town of Widows & Chronicles from the Land of Men James Cañón

H C, , .

olombia-born-and-raised writer James Cañón spent the past five years working on his lyrically satisfying debut novel, Tales from the Town of Widows & Chronicles from the Land of Men. Cañón sets his story against the backdrop of his native country’s prolonged civil war, focusing on recent atrocities in the annals of its “disappeared” (more than 3,500 people vanished between 1996 and 2000, and the toll continues to mount). The author derived his evocative premise from a Colombian newspaper article about two mountain villages where Communist guerillas had taken away most of the men. Imaginatively chronicling what might happen to the women left behind, Cañón envisions the emergence of an equalitybased society. Wry and episodic, Tales from the Town of Widows opens in November of 1992, when Marxist guerillas come recruiting in tiny Mariquita, a hand-drawn map of which serves as the book’s frontispiece. Ominous signs, such as roosters forgetting to announce the dawn, mark this day when “the men disappeared” (though a handful remain, including a deceitful Catholic priest who is ultimately banished). Resigned to food shortages, no electricity, and virtual widowhood, the women realize they must fend for themselves. Middle-aged Rosalba viuda de Patiño, widow of the former police sergeant, soon seizes control as magistrate, appointing a displaced 67-year-old spinster, Cleotilde Guarnizo, as schoolteacher. With Cleotilde as her counsel, Rosalba sets about creating a functioning, agrarian economy, based on bartering and collectivism—ironically mirroring socialist ideals espoused by the guerillas. The duo’s most ingenious strategy for maintaining order in “New Mariquita, an independent, all-female community with special social, cultural, and economic characteristics, and close bonds with nature,” proves to be a lunar cycle-dominated, female-centered concept of time (pictured in a diagram in the book) that elapses in reverse so that the story’s running dateline concludes roughly where it began. Many of the female characters are based on Cañón’s own relatives, several of whose fictive names suggest skewed allegory. Tales from the Town of Widows shifts points of view like an accordion expanding and collapsing. Interspersed with the central narrative are sterile, first-person accounts (each a page and a half long and signaled by an alternate font) that serve as reports on the men. They are all fighting, displaced, or brutally murdered, including left-wing rebels, right-wing paramilitary soldiers, and men in the ranks of the Colombian national army. Back in Mariquita, the plights of the never-married Morales sisters, Gardenia, Orquidea, Magnolia, and Julia (actually the cross-dressing Julio) unfold. Doña Emilia meanwhile loses her brothel and Francisca viuda de Gómez her short-lived fortune. Readers also learn the thwarted love story of two adolescent males, Pablo and Santiago, and meet the only remaining boy-children, whose given names comment on how political ideologies have historically penetrated the village’s borders: Che, Trotsky, Vietnam, and Hochiminh. Stylistically, the novel evokes the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez (One Hundred Years of Solitude makes a cameo appearance) and of Cristina Garcia, whose multivoiced novel Dreaming in Cuban focuses on three generations of women. Cañón also channels Charlotte Gilman Perkins, author of Herland, a utopian-feminist fantasy about a country peopled solely by women who speak a female-centered language and lead a communal existence. But Cañón, who wrote sporadically as a teenager before moving to New York City in his mid-20s and enrolling in Columbia University’s creative writing program, also projects a unique voice, one that has already landed him the Henfield Prize for Excellence in Fiction. “To me, writing is like a time machine,” he stated in an interview for authortrek.com. “It takes me to wherever I want to go, and I can stay there for as long as I want.” Cañón, with his ability to encapsulate epic political history into poignant, poetic prose, promises to evolve into an enduring literary presence. James Cañón will read from Tales from the Town of Widows & Chronicles from the Land of Men at Oblong Books in Rhinebeck on January 27 at 7:30pm. —Pauline Uchmanowicz

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MUSIC David Perry

FILM Mark Doerrier screens “In the Land of Goshen”

1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM BOOKS 57

Maude March on the Run! Or, Trouble is Her Middle Name Audrey Couloumbis

R H B  Y R, , .

t’s 1870 in Independence, Missouri, and two orphaned sisters are hitting the outlaw trail. It seems there’s been a little misunderstanding with the law concerning a bit of bank robbery, some minor horse thieving, and a touch of murder. Despite the fact that it was actually 12-year-old Sallie who killed a man (she was 11 at the time, and it was an accident), and they sent the bank money back, 16-year-old Maude has been blamed for everything, and branded Mad Maude March, Notorious Outlaw. In this sequel to her acclaimed The Misadventures of Maude March, part-time South Fallsburg resident Couloumbis keeps the dust churning, the bullets zipping, and the wry wit flying. Her narrator is Sallie, a rough-and-ready girl who prefers to pass as a boy and has a Colt .45 where her mouth should be. Outlaw Maude is the more genteel sibling, a kind-hearted teen with a gift for sharpshooting that rivals her talent for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It bothers Sallie that people paint her sister as a desperado. “They think she must enter every door with teeth bared, guns drawn, and coattails flapping in an unnatural gust of wind,” she says scornfully. In truth, Maude wants nothing more than some kind of normal life. She insists on working as a waitress, disguising herself mainly by trying to look more pleasant than the scowling harridan on her wanted posters. The job doesn’t last long. At the start of the book, Maude’s recognized by a patron and thrown in jail. It was bad press and bad luck that did her in, but it’s Sallie and trusted friend Marion Hardly (a man with his own unconventional outlaw persona) who bust her out. They follow a westward path toward their only relative, an uncle who’s gone to bail out a friend in the Colorado Territory. Along the way they encounter a snake-oil salesman with a heart of gold, a writer who wants to pen their Real True Story (especially thrilling for Sallie, an enthusiastic fan of sensational novels called “dimers”), a wagon train of man-seeking women, and not one but two fake Mad Maudes—apparently, pretending to be a crazy female outlaw is frontier cool. They ride and shoot their way west, weathering drought, an angry mob, and two more jailbreaks. The stakes climb higher with every mile, and despite herself, Maude must act in ways that further her legend. Writing serial books offers a writer the option to make the characters merry-go-round ponies or set them free to gallop. Couloumbis, who won the Newbery Honor in 2000 for her first young adult novel, Getting Near to Baby, has chosen to cut these horses loose. Reading the previous Maude isn’t necessary to enjoy this book on its own rip-snorting merits, but it’s essential in order to note the subtle ways the characters grow and change. Maude moves toward mature acceptance of her fate, and Sallie, though still saucy, gains a sober-eyed perspective on life—and dimers. “I didn’t anymore read them as the innocent I once was. I could see through the adventure of them, oftentimes, to the wearing part. I knew the sick feeling that came with the danger. When everything came right in the end, I took particular satisfaction in it.” It’s the arc of a real human being, not a dime novel character. Couloumbis allows these girls to step outside the bounds of their own sensational myth and evolve in ways to which the book’s targeted 8- to-14-year-old audience (and readers of every age) can relate. Sallie would find “particular satisfaction” with this book’s finish. It’s a perfect conclusion to a journey spent in the fine company of a pair of heroines well capable of cooking their own bacon, and saving it, too. But it may not be the end of the story—readers can hope these gals will hammer this trail yet again. —Susan Krawitz CHRONOGRAM IS NOW PUBLISHING SHORT FICTION. SUBMIT YOUR STORY TODAY! GUIDELINES: WWW.CHRONOGRAM.COM/SUBMISSIONS. FICTION@CHRONOGRAM.COM / 314 WALL ST., KINGSTON, NY 12401

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1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM BOOKS 59

Ask the Parrot Richard Stark

M P, , .

Skytop Steakhouse

he first few lines of Ask the Parrot parachute the reader into the middle of a manhunt in the backwoods of New England—and into the life of an incredibly dangerous man. Parker, as Richard Stark (the dark avatar of Columbia County mystery grandmaster Donald E. Westlake) christened his antihero many years ago, is fleeing a violent bank robbery. One of his co-conspirators has already been caught. Parker is running out of chances when he meets Tom Lindahl. Lindahl is a hermit and embittered idealist, with an ulterior motive for hunting a bank robber: He would really, really like to meet one. Actually, he’d like to hire one, more or less. Ever the opportunist, Parker sees Lindahl’s criminal yearnings as a path through the maze of being a wanted man in the 21st century, when criminals face formidable high-tech odds and very few manage to dodge the long arm of the law for long. Stonehearted and stonefaced even by noir thriller standards, Parker assesses Lindahl’s dream of the perfect crime to see what he can take. The devil, as we all know, is in the details. The reaction of ordinary citizens in the midst of a pervasive aura of do-or-die violence mainly reveals that there is no such thing as an ordinary citizen. Nor is Parker any ordinary criminal—not that those exist either. Calculating, always calculating, he convinces Lindahl that their only hope is to join forces with the posses searching for the bank robbers. In the process, a fellow searcher—a comparatively noncriminal soul—goes a bit wild and winds up murdering a complete innocent. This event has one meaning for Parker, another for Lindahl, and yet another for the perp. And that’s just the beginning of a chain of events that will warp an entire community beyond belief. Lindahl is an eccentric who thinks that his “perfect crime” will be the ultimate payback to the greedy creeps who took revenge on him for blowing the whistle on their scam. He’s highly motivated to conceal the true identity of his houseguest, so at first he and Parker make an effective—if uneasy—team, plotting a major heist from the corrupt local racetrack. But Lindahl’s neighbors take more interest in the situation than he’d expected, and they’re revealed to be a mixed lot, some altruistic, others as homicidal as any hard case Parker could ever have hooked up with, albeit not so well-organized. Murphy’s law is running 30 mph over the speed limit, and not even one cold, hard mofo like Parker can completely call the next play, although it’s impressive to watch him try. Greed is a pretty universal human failing, and you might say it takes a thief to do wrong right. An early scene in which Parker explains to Lindahl why he can’t just take the money and run off to Paradise neatly illustrates the difference between the professional criminal mentality and the Joe Citizen who might fantasize about a crime, and in fact might end up committing one through passion or poor judgment. Our prisons are full of the latter, whilst many of the former walk unmolested; Parker counts on that. In a prior novel, Nobody Runs Forever, Stark detailed the bungled bank robbery that led to the manhunt that led Parker to Lindahl, and the chain of events that follows with the inexorable logic of human nature and cold hard fate. Reading Ask the Parrot, I found myself itching to read this backstory—which will probably leave me wanting to know what Parker did in the many books before that. Longtime Stark/Westlake fans, of whom there are many, will not be disappointed. Parker is lean, mean, and addictive. There are mysteries, and then there is The Mystery: Why do people make such a mess of their lives? Parker doesn’t give it much thought, but Donald E. Westlake has built a career (or two) on it. Lucky for us. —Anne Pyburn CHRONOGRAM REVIEWS NEW BOOKS BY HUDSON VALLEY AUTHORS AND PRESSES, AND ON SUBJECTS OF REGIONAL INTEREST. SEND REVIEW COPIES TO: NINA SHENGOLD, BOOKS EDITOR, CHRONOGRAM, 314 WALL ST., KINGSTON, NY 12401

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POETRY

Edited by Phillip Levine. Submissions are accepted year-round. Deadline for our February issue is January 5. Send up to 3 poems or 3 pages (whichever comes first), by regular mail, to: Poetry, 314 Wall St., Kingston, NY 12401, or via e-mail (preferred) to poetry@chronogram.com. Subject: Poetry Submission. Full submission guidelines at www.chronogram.com\submissions.

Reincarnation: here today and back tomorrow —p

Finding Nemo Not

Dream of the Bone Dance (81)

Love at First Sight

Don’t like fish with eyes, reminds me of a lover with none. Pathetic creature’s looking up at me, saying, “Don’t eat me.” A woman’s mouth, gutted of expression would just be all lies. Strangely, it’s the fanciest restaurants that serve up the heads. And the most beautiful women who are gouged of all vision. Fact is, I want my meat generic, my love-life particular. Let what I devour leave its head at home, what feeds me see where I am putting it.

Last night my tooth fell out, the one beside the canine, and you were sitting on the ground outside on the grass knees bent legs tucked underneath a long blue skirt with your brother full of contempt for me.

Keith told me he was going to Wyoming to visit this couple who makes love every night without fail the woman explains that she and her husband love each other and what better way to express it and I say take pictures I don’t even brush my teeth every night and all the women I ever fell in love with have either left or are permanently pissed off or both yet I continue to fall for half the women who walk through the door because this time love might be different

—John Grey

Rocket Attack Sirens scream. A card table hangs for an instant in the air kicked by a retreating player. e screen door slams and the hooch is empty. Twelve men scramble into a would-be grave. Deep in the guts of the bunker their bodies pressed into the sandy floor. Scared men telling jokes. —Larry Winters

Benjamin Franklin I don’t want to hear that there was no key, never any kite, I’m just not interested in those kinds of stories anymore.

—William Rodden

Hospitals Dawn Blank slates are born Crying into the silence Dress them in pink and blue Look in and wonder Which one Gets taken home And Who is handed their chalk? New lives are born In the maternity wing With that baby smell Innocent dependents Dusk Full slates are brought back in Crying into the silence All gray Wonder which one gets taken home And Which remains Smell the disinfectant Old lives depart In this wing Where have they written with their chalk? Experienced dependants

I take it to heart, though, when you mention

—Alexandra N. King (14 years old)

that on his deathbed he was entirely estranged from his son

for Michael Heizer

and that every time the lightning struck him, he bit his lip not to cry.

what if there was nothing save these holes, save for a mutinous ship and the jumping off?

—Billy Internicola

written to Heizer’s sculpture North, East, South, West (Dia: Beacon) —Mary Flanagan

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—John Scilipote

The Ladder: A Translation from German Without Knowing German Underwater, the water is god and its sex becomes what fur can only imagine, cannot hold —the sweetness of a mossy rock makes my heart calcify. My lover is a butcher who wraps me in the color of sausage; and he —also my dentist, also my landlord, also my carpenter and my policeman— I cannot say the words, he—Ecstasy! is lover with wet on his shoulders like a fawn. More than all else, he is animal. He knows the ditch and scramble, the slick bank of the streambed and beyond, a meadow lush with the footprints of his mother. —Mary Crockett Hill

Every Sunday Morning Every Sunday morning my granddaddy, Lee Allen, put away his overalls which smelled of cow manure and chewing tobacco, put on his suit and stood in the pulpit of the Pinetucky Baptist Church. His auburn hair flared into waves on each side of the part; his gold tooth shone and his face glowed as he worked his way into Heaven, quoting, In my Father’s house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you so that where I am there you may be also. At this very point every Sunday, Lee Allen choked up, the women shook and held their Sunday hankies over their mouths, and the men shouted, Amen. —Cecele Krause

Opportunity (for Cathy) When the jaundice appears So will acceptance Approach Light a fire and sit by the hearth Debts are paid Resentments redeemed rewritten Your hand can stop trembling, cleaning, tippling.

The Women Across from Me Are Discussing Death It’s not so much the coffin, but the fistful of dirt thrown, offering a hollow knocking—the body is nothing but surface. Mold encumbers its victims similarly, preying on the silent organism, wearing with waiting, and forgotten against the back wall of the refrigerator. We are not all marked with an irreverent bruised-green spot. e body is not content with its flimsy remedies, as moments are memorized by joints, inscribing our daily tremors. We stop turning over our arms, checking for marks, and start making lists. e women across from me in the fruit aisle are discussing death, as I finger an avocado’s bumpy scalp. is is mourning—the open casket, holding the fruit we know to be too ripe. We rehearse our procession, milling uncomfortably past the overly-fondled peaches, the dastardly tomatoes, crouching with their ruptured casing, and cannot even hide from the cilantro with her wallowing limbs. We meander into our positions, but do not touch and go as practiced. Today, we coax the tumid figure with praise, as I imagine the cancer nesting around his organs, teaching his body to press and fold in against itself. —Lisa M. Buckton

Ways to Lose Weight Take the balloons, her father told her in the parking lot of the hospital. She wrapped her fingers around the strings to the balloons, little white strings like hair, a bit browned from where his fingers had been clenching them for so long, and to her surprise, she began to float away. Her father seemed unphased, and stood below her as she grew smaller, smiling. e shock of leaving the ground was more than she had expected, although she had imagined this for years, you never know what it means to take flight until the moment after, she realized. Only then do you realize that your solar plexus has felt like a watermelon all along, but you never knew it. When that watermelon drops, it bleeds all over, seeds, rind and everything, raw and ugly against the spot of parking lot from where you took off. e place in between your hips kind of feels like worms for a second, and everything that’s ever happened below your belly button all of a sudden comes out like a confession in another language that you didn’t know you spoke until now. e funny part is, she couldn’t stop shaking. At first, she figured it was just the shock of take-off; just a little turbulence. She held on tighter, tried to wrap her legs around the angel hair strings, humped and hugged them until the bucking rattled her shoulders. She didn’t understand. She looked up at the balloons for an answer. GET WELL SOON, they told her. Her father was a raisin and the hospital was an oatmeal cookie and she wanted to dip them in milk and eat them. She wanted to dip her finger in her town and lick it, get some of it stuck under her spitty fingernail. e tinny backsides of the grocery store balloons caught the sun and blinded her until she was forced to let go. And though she had tried within, it wasn’t until she left the atmosphere that she stopped shaking and everything stood still. —Rebecca Wild Nelson

Corkscrew the soul and let your mother love you You have the time and she the opportunity —Merry Buckhout 1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM POETRY 63

Food & Drink

Tippling Through Two Lips

A SUBJECTIVE GUIDE TO LOCAL SOUSE HOUSES by Brian K. Mahoney photographs by Jennifer May

While recent transplants from Gotham might bemoan the perceived lack of amenities at local bars—no bottle service, no taxis waiting at the corner, the conspicuous absence of the bridge and tunnel crowd—one thing is certain: There is no shortage of places to get a drink in the Hudson Valley. Even the smallest hamlets, like southern Ulster’s Clintondale, boast a local tavern (Brown’s on Rt. 44/55, or, just down the road in Highland, Billy’s Slurp and Burp), while the village of New Paltz comprises a veritable drinking Mecca, with 20 bars and restaurants serving intoxicating spirits. Bars come in all shapes and sizes, but for this guide I was interested in a particular type of drinking establishment: No bars that were primarily restaurants; no sports bars; no dance clubs; TVs are a turnoff. Bars that transcended the neighborhood establishment and rated the designation: Destination Unto Itself. I was searching for places people would be willing to travel to, places that possessed a certain ineffable quality. Perhaps it was a comprehensive beer list; or the realm of a princely bartender; or the right amount of dark-stained wood and dim lighting to make a room feel just so; or a neighborhood feel to a place that welcomes everyone as a neighbor, the atmosphere humming with contentment. What follows are the details of my report, following weeks of careful research (see Knapp, Caroline: Drinking: A Love Story; Sykes, Tom: What Did I Do Last Night?; Bukowski, Charles: Post Office). No doubt there is more research to be done as this is an incomplete list at best, but the rest I leave up to you to find and enlighten me about. Drinking is a journey—just bring a designated driver. Country Inn 1380 County Rt. 2, Krumville; (845) 657-8956; www.krumville.com This hidden gem is tucked backed alongside a pond seven miles down a winding country road in Krumville. When I sent an e-mail to the cultural cognoscenti of my acquaintance asking “Name some exemplary bars/lounges,” the Country Inn was the first response from a majority, and it’s easy to understand why. In its 31st year of operation (it changed hands in 2002 and switched its menu 64 FOOD & DRINK CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

format from bar food to upscale bistro fare, but don’t let that discourage you), the Country Inn is the gold standard in local watering holes. The Inn has an incredibly eclectic list of over 500 bottled beers from around the world and 10 tap beers that on a recent trip included Chimay Triple, Fuller’s London Porter, and Lindeman’s Framboise. With a pool table, a quirky mix on the jukebox (Joe’s Garage, anyone?), a fireplace, regulars with names like Cupcake, and the antiquated taxidermy of a previous generation, you’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven—if your version of heaven is a renovated rec room stocked with an endless variety of beer. Cash only. ATM onsite NB: The Country Inn will be closed for the month of January. Black Swan 66 Broadway, Tivoli; (845) 757-3777 Gerard Hurley opened the Black Swan in 2001, renovating the downstairs of a house on Tivoli’s main drag to look like a pub in his native Cork. Low ceilings, exposed beams, dark-stained wood, and a Pogues concert poster round out the spare, rural Irish aesthetic. Once a vibrant music venue—John Hammond, Cat Power, as well as countless locals, have played there—new owner Mike Nickerson, former booker for the Rhinecliff Hotel, has had to curtail live music due to the village’s draconian noise ordinance. Seven drafts (two kinds of Irish stout—Guinness and O’Hara’s), no bottles, and nothing special, liquor- or wine-wise. According to Nickerson, though, the Black Swan is the top seller of Jameson’s Irish whiskey in the region. A very neighborhood-y kind of place—on a recent early evening, a man with his toddler-aged son sat on his lap enjoyed a pint and a chat with WKZE morning-show host Stuart Hall, a self-described regular, while the Pump Audio Christmas party was going on the other side of the bar and punk music blared. Avoid Thursday nights, unless you want to fight a pack of Bard students for $2 cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon. NB: The Black Swan will be closed the second week of January, and will reopen after Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday with a limited pub fair menu.

ABOVE: THE BEER BOARD AT THE COUNTRY INN. OPPOSITE: MANAGER BROCK PURDY TENDS TO BUSINESS AT STRAY BAR IN HUDSON.

Bacchus 4 S Chestnut St., New Paltz; (845) 255-8636; www.bacchusnewpaltz.com Opened in 1973, Bacchus has been a New Paltz institution for just about as long, its longevity bested only by the village’s ur-bar and Friday-night SUNY frat-boy hangout, P&G’s. Housed in a 100-year-old former general store, the building was also once home to a Chinese laundry and a porno photo studio. A recent expansion created front and rear patio areas and annexed the building next door, adding nine pool tables, a ping-pong table, a pinball machine and video games, and a foosball table. The bottled beer list is long (300 beers from 60 countries), the 14 taps rotate every few months, and the decor looks much as it did when the place opened, permeating the establishment with a charming, worn-in feel. The dining room is upstairs, but skip that and just grab a bite at the bar if you’re hungry—unless you want a god’s-eye view of the bar below from the balcony dining area. Avoid the pre-mixed margaritas. Live music Wednesday through Saturday. Stray Bar 521 Warren St., Hudson; (518) 828-4151 Located in the former Hudson River Theater space, Stray (Straight + Gay) Bar might just be the answer to Hudson’s lack of a great drinking spot (Red Dot excepted, see below). Opened last March, new owners Peggy Anderson and Jason Wykoff kept the stage (for DJs and live music and on weekends—December saw Joe Medwick and Jim Weider perform), but built a new bar on the other side of the room with reclaimed wide-plank floor joists from another Hudson building, and the back of the bar set against exposed balloon framing. Manager Brock Purdy calls the decor “rustic chic,” but the emphasis is clearly on the chic end of the spectrum—black leather couches framed by elaborate intertwined branches and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Warren Street define a decidely urban space. A space that Purdy hopes can attract a diverse clientele that is truly representative of Hudson. Complete with pool table, half a dozen taps (Pilsner Urquell Wolaver’s Organic IPA, and $3 pints of Saranac(!), among others), and eight wines by the glass.

Pinecrest aka Crest Bar 20 Country Club Lane, Woodstock; (845) 679-3213 This is the rustic lodge—fireplace included—that every urbanite dreams of when weekending in Woodstock. Once the tourists are tucked in, however, it becomes a serious late-night hang for locals and service-industry types. The Crest boasts a pool table, half a dozen taps, and a karaoke night on Thursdays which is reportedly the most competitive in the region. With the not-so-recent demise of the latest iteration of the Joyous Lake and the long-lamented Tinker Street Cafe, the Crest is the best Woodstock has to offer. Snapper Magee’s 59 North Front St., Kingston; (845) 339-3888; www.snappermagees.com At the western end of Kingston’s dive-bar row on North Front Street—Artie’s and Stella’s and the new and decidedly un-divey, hip-hop chic Toniq are down the block—Snapper’s, as it’s known by the locals, is a bit of the Lower East Side visited upon Kingston. The tattooed-and-pierced patrons (and staff) drink alongside the area’s youthful musical and artistic set. Members of Mercury Rev and Coheed and Cambria are said to be regulars when not on tour. The jukebox features the widest selection of punk around—The Misfits, Iggy Pop, and Stiff Little Fingers—and Snapper’s has just about everything but a pool table—pinball, foosball, two dart boards—including a vaguely stale scent that recedes in proportion to your intake. Occasional live music: Pitchfork Militia, January 7. Red Dot 321 Warren St., Hudson; (518) 828-3657 Before there was a scene in Hudson—before there was upscale Mexican food, WiFi coffee bars, and everyone wanted to own a Federal-style building on Warren Street—there was Red Dot. Perry Cooney and Alana Hauptman have run this storefront bistro before Hudson was trendy, and the room is the epitome of kicked-back, shabby chic. MISSED A SPOT? LET US KNOW. POST AT WWW.CHRONOGRAM.COM

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tastings directory BAKERIES The Alternative Baker “The Village Baker of the Rondout.” 100% Scratch Bakery. Stickybuns, Scones, Muffins, Breads, Focaccia, Tartes, Tortes, Seasonal Desserts featuring local produce, plus Sugar-free, Wheat-free, Dairy-free, Vegan, Gluten-free, and Organic Treats! Cakes and Wedding Cakes by Special Order. We ship our Lemon Cakes nationwide, $30 2-pound bundts. Open Thursday-Monday 8am-6pm; Sunday 8am4pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Well Worth The Trip! 35 Broadway, at the historic waterfront district, Kingston. Thursday-Monday 8am-6pm. Sunday 8am-4pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. 35 Broadway, Kingston, NY. (845) 331-5517 or (800) 399-3589. www.lemoncakes.com.

Ladybird Home Catering Fresh, Seasonal, Balanced Meals Delivered to your Home. It’s the newest solution for your “what’s for dinner?” problems. Feast your eyes on Ladybird’s new sensational menus online every week. Affordable Catering, Beautiful Party Platters and Gift Certificates available. Chef/Owner Tanya L. Lopez. (845) 568-7280. ladybirdhomecatering@yahoo.com. www.ladybirdcatering.com.

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Pad Thai Catering Delicious, affordable, and authentic Thai cuisine served with authentic Thai hospitality to your group of six or more. Lunch or dinner served in your home by Chef & Owner Nuch Chaweewan. Please call for prices and information. (845) 687-2334.

CATERING Blue Mountain Bistro Catering Co. On and off-premise catering. Sophisticated Zagatrated food and atmosphere in a rustic country setting, wide plank floors, rough hewn beams and a stunning zinc bar. Chef-owner Erickson’s Mediterranean cuisine has garnered praise from Gourmet and New York Magazines to Hudson Valley Magazine (Best Tapas in the Hudson Valley 2004). 1633 Glasco Turnpike, Woodstock, NY 12498. (845) 679-8519. www.bluemountainbistro.com.

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DAIRY Bobolink Dairy & Bakeyard Bobolink Dairy & Bakeyard features raw milk cheeses made from the milk of our own grass-fed cows. We also make rustic breads on the farm in a single-chamber, wood-fired oven designed by Alan Scott. Also available are free range eggs and pasture raised beef. Set on a 200-acre farm in the hills of Vernon, you can see pastured animals and taste food as it should be! Bobolink LLC, 42 Meadowburn Road, Vernon, NJ. For class schedule, directions, and mail order visit www.cowsoutside.com. (973) 764-4888. Skytop Steakhouse

Claudia’s Kitchen Personalized celebrations and weddings, using fresh local ingredients to create delicious and elegant menus. Homemade artisanal breads, Hudson Valley cheese, fabulous appetizers, meat and vegetarian entrees, out-of-this-world desserts. Claudia works one on one to custom design your menu, your party, your wedding or special event. (845) 868-7338 or (914) 475-9695. www.claudiascatering.com.

Fresh Company At our kitchen in the Hudson Highlands, we gather great local and imported ingredients for events of all sizes and pocketbooks, from grand affairs to drop-off parties. True to our name, we emphasize the freshest, finest ingredients, because great food is the spark that ignites a convivial gathering. Our style is reflected in meals that encourage hospitality and leisure at the table, the elemental enjoyment of eating and drinking well. Garrison, NY. (845) 424-8204. www.FreshCompany.net.

FARMERS MARKET Rhinebeck Farmers Market The Hudson Valley’s best farmers bringing you farmfresh vegetables, fruit, meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, wine, honey, bread, flowers, jam, pickles, herbs and much more. Free live music every week. Tastings and special events all season long. Municipal Parking Lot on East Market St. Sundays 10am-2pm. www.rhinebeckfarmersmarket.com.

HOME MEAL DELIVERY Healthy Gourmet to Go See Vegan Lifestyle in the Whole Living Directory. (845) 339-7171. www.carrottalk.com.

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To become a Sponsor or for more info, please call 845.334.8600 ext. 123 or email emastel@chronogram.com

come celebrate a whole new

01.12.07

9pm@ The Shirt Factory 77 Cornell Street, Kingston

WEB LAUNCH PARTY

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NATURAL FOOD MARKETS Beacon Natural Market Lighting the Way for a Healthier World...Located in the heart of historic Beacon at 348 Main Street. Featuring organic prepared foods deli & juice bar as well as organic and regional produce, meats and cheeses. Newly opened in Aug. ‘05, proprietors L.T. & Kitty Sherpa are dedicated to serving the Hudson Valley with a complete selection of products that are good for you and good for the planet, including an extensive alternative health dept. Nutritionist on staff. 348 Main Street, Beacon, NY. (845) 838-1288.

PASTA La Bella Pasta Fresh pasta made locally. Large variety of ravioli, tortellini, pastas, and sauces at the factory outlet. We manufacture and deliver our excellent selection of pastas to fine restaurants, gourmet shops, and caterers throughout the Hudson Valley. Call for our full product list and samples. Located on Route 28W between Kingston and Woodstock. Open to the public Monday through Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 11am to 3pm. Route 28W. (845) 331-9130. www.labellapasta.com.

Snapper Magee’s Heralded as having “the best jukebox in the Hudson Valley” by the Poughkeepsie Journal, The Kingston Times, and Scenery Magazine. Snapper Magee’s is the Switzerland of pubs, a rock & roll oasis where everyone is welcome. Daily happy hour specials from 4-7 weekdays and noon-2 on weekends. Always open late. 59 N. Front Street, Kingston, NY. (845) 339-3888.

RESTAURANTS Aroma Osteria Aroma Osteria. 114 Old Post Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. (845) 298-6790.

Beso Located on Main St. in the heart of New Paltz is Beso. Spanish for “kiss,” Beso offers casual fine dining by Chef Owners Chad Greer and Tammy Ogletree. Fresh, modern American cuisine, seasonally inspired by local Hudson Valley farmers, using as many organic ingredients, including beef and poultry, as possible. Get cozy in the intimate dining room under skylights and glowing candlelit tables, or sit at the bar for a more casual experience. Housemade pastas include gnocchi and cannelloni, Grilled Swordftish, or Braised Beef Short Ribs. And for dessert, Maple Mascarpone Cheesecake. International wine list. Private parties, children welcome.

Bywater Bistro The newly opened Bywater Bistro (former home of The Cement Company) has a friendly and sophisticated atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. The classic bistro menu has items ranging from $6-$25. The bistro also boasts an extensive wine list, and onsite mixologist for specialty cocktails. In a small town, this restaurant packs a big taste. Open for dinner or drinks. Reservations are recommended for parties of five or more. Dinner Thursday-Monday starting at 5pm, and weekend brunch, both Saturday and Sunday 11am-3pm. 419 Main Street, Rosendale, NY. (845) 658-3210.

Catamount Restaurant Located near Phoenicia and Woodstock, the Catamount Restaurant has been a locals and visitors favorite for years. Experience the pastoral beauty of the surrounding Catskills as you dine creekside in the warm, inviting dining room. Enjoy the locally-inspired menu that features perfectly seasoned steaks and chops, creatively prepared fish and poultry and several vegetarian dishes. And don’t miss the desserts created from the Emerson Bakery. “The Cat” as locals call it, has a full bar including a great selection of local and regional micro-brews and international wines that can be enjoyed next to one of our two large stone fireplaces. Panoramic views are the signature of The Cat, a perfect location for weddings and banquets under the outdoor pavilion. The Catamount is open for dinner Wed. & Thur., 4-9pm; Fri. & Sat. 4-10pm; Sunday 5-9pm; closed Monday and Tuesday. 5368 Route 28, Mt. Tremper, NY 12457. Call (845) 688-2828 for reservations. www.emersonresort.com.

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PUBS

Dinner 5 -10pm, Sunday Brunch from 11:30am - 4pm, Sunday Dinner 4pm - 9pm, Closed Tuesday & Wednesday. 46 Main St., New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-1426. www.beso-restaurant.com.

The Emerson at Woodstock Crave fresh seafood? Need your red meat fix? Have a hankering for slow-cooked pork chops or organic chicken? Looking for lighter fare with right-off-thefarm vegetarian dishes? Experience the Emerson at Woodstock. Enjoy fine wines, micro-brews or specialty drinks from the Emerson’s magnificent bar while you enjoy the atmosphere of the transformed 19th Century farmhouse. Surf the web at the Emerson’s new internet café with free Wi-Fi. The Emerson is now taking reservations for holiday parties and other private occasions. Open for dinner and Sunday brunch. For hours and menu, visit www.emersonresort.com or call (845) 679-7500 for reservations. Open for dinner, Tues.-Sat. 5pm to 10pm, Sunday Brunch 10am to 4pm; Closed Monday. 109 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock, NY. (845) 679-7500. www.emersonresort.com.

The French Corner Chef Jacques Qualin, former NY Times critically acclaimed chef of Le Perigord in NYC, impresses with his innovative style of cuisine which cleverly combines ingredients typical of his native Franche-Comtè, France with the sumptuous ingredients available from the Hudson Valley. All of The French Corner recipes are made on premise by Chef Jacques including the breads, pastries, and desserts. Route

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01.12.07

9pm@ The Shirt Factory 77 Cornell Street, Kingston

WEB LAUNCH PARTY

tastings

To become a Sponsor or for more info, please call 845.334.8600 ext. 123 or email emastel@chronogram.com

come celebrate a whole new

213 West, just off Route 209, Stone Ridge. Dinner-Wednesday through Sunday from 5 pm, Prix Fixe $25 available every evening. Brunch Sundays from 11am. Routes 213 West and 209, Stone Ridge, NY. (845) 687-0810. www.frcorner.com.

Gilded Otter A warm and inviting dining room and pub overlooking beautiful sunsets over the Wallkill River and Shawangunk Cliffs. Mouthwatering dinners prepared by Executive Chef Larry Chu, and handcrafted beers brewed by GABF Gold Medal Winning Brewmaster Darren Currier. Chef driven & brewed locally! 3 Main Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 256-1700.

Hana Sushi Best authentic sushi in the Hudson Valley! Superb Japanese sushi chefs serve the best authentic sushi with extended Dining Area. Sit at the counter or tables and enjoy all your favorites from Chicken Teriyaki and Udon to Yellowtail and Special rolls. Eat-in, Take-out, and private room is available. Tuesday-Friday Lunch 11:30am-2: 30pm. Tuesday-Thursday Dinner 5-9pm. Friday Dinner 5-10pm. Saturday Dinner 4:30-10pm. 7270 South Broadway, Red Hook, NY. (845) 758-4333. www.hana-sushi.com.

Hickory BBQ Smokehouse

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Located on historic Route 28 between Kingston and Woodstock, Hickory offers diners Hudson Valley’s finest barbecue and smokehouse cuisine such as ribs, pulled pork, smoked beef, fish and free-range chicken. Whether enjoying your meal by the fireplace in Hickory’s three-star dining room or sipping a cocktail at the wood bar, Hickory’s staff is trained to make you feel as comfortable as you would at home. Hickory also features several vegetarian options, steaks, homemade desserts, happy hour specials, a complete take-out menu, and catering and special events in our private dining room. You can enjoy live music featuring the area’s hottest bands on Friday and Saturday night. Open daily for lunch and dinner. 743 Route 28 (3.5 miles from NYS Thruway Exit 19.), Kingston, NY. (845) 338-2424. www.hickoryrestaurant.com.

Joyous Café Is it any wonder that Joyous Café is the most exciting new eating experience in Kingston? Whether it’s Breakfast, Lunch, or Sunday Brunch, the wonderfully prepared food and attentive service are outstanding. Open Monday through Friday 8am-4pm. Sunday Brunch 9am-2pm. Serving Dinner evenings of UPAC events. 608 Broadway, in The Heart of Broadway Theater Square, Kingston, NY. (845) 334-9441. www.joyouscafe.com.

Kyoto Sushi Kyoto Sushi. 337 Washington Ave., Kingston, NY 12401. (845) 339-1128.

Luna 61 “Best Vegetarian Restaurant.” Hudson Valley Magazine. “Food is simply delicious, four stars.” Poughkeepsie Journal. “Imagine spicy Thai noodles, delicate spring rolls, and the best banana cream pie you’ve ever eaten. Join the Culinary Revolution.” Dutchess Magazine. Luna 61 is relaxed and funky, candlelit tables, cozy, and romantic. Organic wine and beer. Tuesday - Saturday 5pm-10pm. Sunday brunch 10am-3pm, dinner 5pm-9pm. 55 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583. (845) 758-0061. www.luna61.com.

Machu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant The only authentic Peruvian restaurant in Orange County, NY. Family owned and operated since 1990. Serving the community traditional dishes from the mountains and coast of Peru. Trained in Peru, our chefs make authentic dishes come alive. Wine list available. Serving Lunch and Dinner Sunday through Thursday 1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM TASTINGS DIRECTORY

10am-10pm and Friday & Saturday 10am-11pm. Closed Tuesday. 301 Broadway, Newburgh, NY. (845) 562-6478. www.machupicchurest.com.

Main Course Four-star, award-winning, contemporary American cuisine serving organic, natural, and free-range Hudson Valley products. Wednesday and Thursday nights, food and wine pairing menu available. Voted “Best Caterer in the Hudson Valley.” Open Lunch and Dinner Tuesday-Sunday, and Sunday Brunch. 232 Main Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-2600. www.maincourserestaurant.com.

Mexican Radio Mexican Radio. 537 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534. (518) 828-7770. cpmljs@ecoipm.com.

Monster Taco When you have a hunger that only Mexican food can satisfy, visit Monster Taco. With fresh food, reasonable prices, and a funky atmosphere, there’s no doubt you’ll keep coming back to feed the monster. Open for lunch and dinner. 260 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. (845) 4523375. www.monster-taco.com.

Mexican Radio

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Voted best Mexican restaurant in NYC, Mexican Radio’s 3-year old branch in Hudson features the same award-winning homemade dishes and the world’s greatest margaritas! Everything made fresh daily. Extensive vegetarian/vegan choices. A Great Place for Parties! Open Every Single Day - 11:30am - 11pm. 537 Warren Street, Hudson, NY. (518) 828-7770. www.mexrad.com.

Marion’s Country Kitchen Nestled inside the beautiful compounds of the Woodstock Lodge, near Woodstock’s charming center is a romantic getaway where European hospitality and delicious food is created by Marion Maur (excellent awards by Zagat survey). It is the perfect place for a cocktail at our rustic elegant wood bar. Then be pampered in our cozy & intimate dining room, ensuring you and your guests the enjoyment of Marion Maur’s light and flawless cuisine which consists of European contemporary and updated classics provided by local Hudson Valley farmers. And do not forget to compliment your meal with a selection from our unique, refined and eclectic wine list. Marion’s Country Kitchen is a wonderful location for rehearsal dinners, receptions & family events! 20 Country Club Lane, Woodstock, NY 12498. (845) 679-3213. www.MarionsCountryKitchen.com.

Osaka Japanese Restaurant Want to taste the best Sushi in the Hudson Valley? Osaka Restaurant is the place. Vegetarian dishes available. Given four stars by the Daily Freeman. Visit our second location at 74 Broadway, Tivoli. (845) 757-5055. 18 Garden Street, Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-7338 or (845) 876-7278.

OII Food. Tapas. Wine. Gallery. Catering. The newly opened OII in historic Beacon has wide appeal. Dine on contemporary American fusion cuisine in the elegant yet casual dining room while admiring the work of local artists. Sample a medley of tapas and wine at the bar. Call for your off-premise catering needs. Reservations recommended. Serving Dinner Sunday-Thursday 5-9pm; Friday and Saturday 5-10pm. Closed Mondays. 240 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508. (845) 231-1084. www.oiiny.com.

Plaza Diner Established 1969. One of the finest family restaurants in the area. Extensive selection of entrees and daily specials, plus children’s menu. Everything prepared fresh daily. Private room for parties and conferences up to 50 people. Open 24/7. Exit 18 off NYS Thruway. 27 New Paltz Plaza, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-1030.

Roasted Garlic at the Red Hook Inn Elegant environment, comfortable atmosphere, internationally acclaimed chef/owner, the Red Hook ‘Country’ Inn, located in the heart of historic Red Hook/Rhinebeck NY has it all. This 6 room Federal style colonial, built in 1842, offers guests a walk back in time as they enjoy modern amenities including luxury bedding, linens, jacuzzis, fireplaces and wireless internet. The dining room at the Inn, Roasted Garlic, features a mixture of French, American and Mediterranean menus with a focus on flavor and affordability. Meet Chef Nabil Ayoub and Hostess Patricia Holden as you enjoy charm, exquisite cuisine and warm hospitality. Red Hook, NY.

Sukhothai Restaurant Sukhothai Restaurant located in Beacon, NY, offers a delicious menu full of authentic Thai cuisine. From traditional dishes, such as Pad Thai and Som Tam, to custom dishes created exclusively by our master chef, our menu is sure to please any palate. Take-out is also available. 516-518 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508. (845) 790-5375.

Soul Dog Neko Sushi & Restaurant Voted “Best Sushi” Restaurant by Chronogram readers and rated four stars by Poughkeepsie Journal. Serving lunch and dinner daily. Eat in or Take Out. We offer many selections of Sushi & Sashimi, an extensive variety of special Rolls and kitchen dishes. Live Lobster prepared daily. Parking in rear available. Major credit cards accepted. Sunday-Thursday 12-10pm. Friday and Saturday 12-11pm. 49 Main Street, in the Village of New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-0162.

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Featuring a variety of hot dogs, including preservative-free and vegetarian hot dogs, chili, soup, sides, desserts & many gluten-free items prepared in-house. Redefining the hot dog experience! Open for lunch Mon-Fri 11am-4pm. 107 Main St., Poughkeepsie, NY. (845) 454-3254.

Wasabi Japanese Restaurant Wasabi Japanese Restaurant. Open 7 days a week. 807 Warren Street, Hudson, NY. (518) 822-1888.

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SHOP, DINE & HAVE FUN IN CATSKILL

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THE 2007 CHRONOGRAM

WEDDINGS AND CELEBRATIONS

SUPPLEMENT

HILLARY HARVEY

1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM WEDDINGS AND CELEBRATIONS 77

DREAM A LITTLE THEME

IS A THEME CEREMONY RIGHT FOR YOU? By Shannon Gallagher

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he question has been posed and you’ve decided on forever. And while getting to this exciting place—be it by an extravagant and well-planned proposal or inspired moment of passion—was a huge decision in and of itself, the planning has only just begun. Whether you are getting married, having a commitment ceremony, or renewing your vows, there are any number of decisions to be made as you plan your big day, from when to where, and most intricately, how. Wedding planner Vicki Weed of Déjà Vu Event Creations says that a wedding “celebrates who a couple are. It should express their personalities.” While some couples choose to limit the theme of their celebration to location, décor, and color scheme, other couples may want the celebration to pay homage to some element of their lives together. Theme weddings are a creative opportunity to celebrate your history, style, or shared hobbies and interests. “All weddings have a theme,” insists Judy Lewis, owner and webmistress of wedding resource HudsonValleyWeddings.com. “But is it a small t or a capital T?” If you’re going for the latter, you’re incorporating your theme into every element of the celebration, the food, music, decor, favors, wardrobe and perhaps even your vows. Dangerous for the detail lax and Type As alike, when it comes to theme weddings, the devil is in the details. From the wacky and offbeat to utterly romantic and sweet, there is no theme which is off-limits. Though you may be the first person in your sleepy, little town to have a leather and lace soiree to celebrate your union, as long as you feel it unequivocally represents who you are as a couple, go for it! One couple, who had met at a zoo, used their black-tie wedding to pay playful tribute to a mutual love of penguins. A penguin graced their invitation, sat atop their wedding cake and the groom’s aunt made a series of large white ceramic penguins for centerpieces. The décor was kept tastefully black and white, as was the guests’ attire. As favors, the bride and groom arranged for the New York Times to be delivered to the late-night reception; each guest was given a paper, bag of coffee and a coffee scoop as they left the reception in the wee hours. Ethnic or culturally inspired celebrations have become increasingly popular, says wedding planner Anh Sobo of Hudson Valley Events. She recalls a beautiful Hindu-Indian wedding she did where the bride and groom incorporated traditional Indian wedding customs, with a tangerine and hot pink color scheme. They wore traditional dress, were married in a Hindu ceremony beneath a mandap (wedding canopy), and served traditional Indian food at the reception. “[Couples] seem to just keep coming up with new ideas,” Lewis marvels, recalling a couple who worked as professional clowns. The wedding took place in a pumpkin patch, and the bride and groom, along with many of their guests, dressed as clowns. Foregoing the traditional march down the aisle, the bride drove a small, circus choo choo train to her awaiting Bozo.

recently spent an afternoon in a dressing room at a Manhattan bridal shop with a close friend as she tried on wedding gowns. The second gown was “it.” Then the fourth gown was “it.” By the end of the first hour she had it narrowed down to two completely different gowns. One was an elegant and classy lace sheath, perfect for her September garden wedding. The other was a sexy, modern, strapless satin gown with a big bustle; she had seen it in a magazine weeks earlier and had stuck the picture to the front of her planning book. While the lace sheath made everyone in the room well up with tears, it was the satin confection that made my friend giggle and glow like an excited bride. Several hours were then spent observing the two dresses alternately from every angle, discussing the pros and cons, the assembled friends and family incapable of deciding for her or helping her decide for herself. Then someone thought to ask the question, “Well, which one is more you?” To which my friend answered in distress, “They both are!” (She’s a Gemini.) And therein lies the rub: Which face do you want to put forward on that most important day? Though a fun celebration can be tasteful and an elegant celebration can be fun, when it comes to choosing a theme it is crucial to establish your desired tone before you begin planning. Perhaps you and your partner are fans of the Coen brothers’ cult hit The Big Lebowski. You saw it together on your first date (plus 50 times since), named your dog The Dude, and you’ve been known to recite lines from the movie in tandem. Now you’re getting hitched and you want a laid back, casual celebration with a light tone. Have it in a bowling alley, serve White Russians, and ask your friends to dress like characters from the movie. Or perhaps you and your partner also share an appreciation for the Art

Deco meets gangland style of the 1920s and ’30s. Keep the occasion black tie, with the bride and bridesmaids in drop-waist dresses and the men in black or white tuxedos, a la Fred Astaire. Hold the reception at one of the Hudson Valley’s many historic properties, like Belvedere Mansion in Staatsburg and Montgomery Place in Annandake-on-Hudson. Hire a jazz band, but forego the feather boas and Tommy gun favors unless you really want a more theatrical affair. “[When it comes to theme weddings] there is a fine line between tasteful and [tacky],” Weed highlights. When going with an era-inspired theme, revive the styles of that time to evoke the theme, not props or over-the-top stereotypes. “Planning a theme wedding is like doing a puzzle,” Lewis explains. “You have to envision the whole thing together to make all the pieces work.” The best place to start if you’re thinking of a theme wedding is to consider where and when you want the celebration to take place. Factors such as budget and the geographical location of your family and friends all help (or hinder) determining the location and date of a wedding; these decisions can be more weighted in the planning of a theme wedding, making it crucial that you work with what you got. A Winter Wonderland wedding would certainly seem odd in the dead-heat of July. Likewise, a tropical beach theme may be exorbitantly expensive to pull off somewhere up in the Catskills. Weed recalls a recent client who wanted her early-December wedding to have a snowy winter inn theme. The bride chose Mountainville Manor in Orange County as the venue; with a budget of only a few thousand dollars. it was nothing short of serendipitous that the manor’s owners, Paul and Lindy Krafft, had a serious tradition of decking the halls. By choosing a venue whose décor was so conducive, the bride’s theme could be pulled off well on such a tight budget. Times of year and local traditions are wonderful inspiration for a themed celebration. If you and your partner have a favorite time of year, structure your celebration around the pleasant associations you have with that season. Weed says she plans four to five autumn weddings a year—the Hudson Valley’s foliage makes a spectacular backdrop for elegant and casual affairs alike. Pick a rustic outdoor venue such as Harmony Farm in Goshen or Full Moon Resort in Big Indian. For help finding a unique venue that sets the right tone for your celebration, contact a planner such as Tammy Baldwin, whose Stone Ridge-based company Charmed Places (www.charmedplaces.com) specializes in booking “off the map” Hudson Valley churches, wineries, and private estates. Weed suggests incorporating local traditions into the festivities. Send your guests on an afternoon hayride; cover the hay with rich, orange velvet, serve champagne, and outfit the driver in a tux. Or have an outdoor cocktail hour with open fires and hot, spiced cider. Find a caterer who uses locally grown ingredients, and for favors, send your guests home with a bag of fresh apples from a local farm. By weaving your theme throughout the various planned elements of the celebration, from the ceremony to the reception, you will create a cohesive feel that is recognizable as unique, and not overwhelming. Sobo points out that “just because it goes with the theme doesn’t mean it goes with the wedding.” Though a theme can act as a figurative trail of breadcrumbs (or rice) out of the planning woods, it is important to remain selective. If you are planning an event that celebrates your cultural or religious heritage, like perhaps a traditional Celtic wedding, the mandates of such tradition, though subtle, may be all the theme you need, no shamrocks necessary. Forego the shamrockery normally associated with St. Patrick’s Day-like and instead honor such traditions like tying a cloth horseshoe to the bride’s wrist for luck, handing out bells to the guests to ward off evil spirits, and use traditional Irish wedding vows. And for “couples who want to have traditional, elegant weddings, but still want to show their fun side,” Sobo says it is increasingly popular to throw a themed rehearsal dinner. Have a beach-style clambake, a Southern BBQ, or a New Orleans-style crawfish boil. That way, you can have your cake and eat your theme, too. Most importantly, remember why it is you’re planning this party in the first place: You’re celebrating the union of two people. It should be about you. Poke fun at yourself. Tweak tradition. It’s your party, you can dress-up if you want to.

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UNCONVENTIONAL HONEYMOONS

A COUPLE’S GUIDE TO GETAWAYS FROM THE EVERYDAY By Rebecca Wild Nelson So you’re getting married in the Hudson Valley. Venturing a guess, this probably means that you have questioned the use of the word “marriage” altogether, considering instead words like “union,” “partnership,” or the ever-intimate “team.” You might have planned a cozy ceremony in a monastery, a Quaker meeting house, or with a local mayor making a nationwide political statement. But after your organic reception, potluck talking circle, or macrobiotic food fight, you may feel that those EuroDisney tickets suddenly don’t seem as fitting for your honeymoon as you had expected. Don’t worry. This unconventional honeymoon guide steers clear of Club Med, Six Flags, and the Europe of snowglobe Eiffel Towers and Mona Lisa tote bags, instead offering romantic ideas as unconventional as you and your teammate are. Sitting in a Tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G You may at first be disappointed to know that although the tree forts at the Hostel in the Forest in coastal Georgia are built alongside the upper branches of trees; they do not actually sit in the trees like they would in your Swiss Family Robinson dream. But the Hostel in the Forest tends to break most expectations. Community dinners, open campfires, a pond to canoe on, a labyrinth, a swimming hole complete with a rope swing, endless paths to wander on, a community garden, a meditation center, and a library full of great books are some of the things the Hostel in the Forest offers. The focus at the hostel is not on profit but on self-knowledge, community, environmental consciousness, and education toward nature-based living. Dinners begin with all current members of the hostel holding hands and sharing a few words of thanks or an observation they had during their days. Couples visiting the hostel often stay in a special tree-fort honeymoon suite. Book the suite comfortably in advance, as the hostel caps the number of guests admitted in order to keep its woods both intimate and peaceful. (912) 264-9738; www.foresthostel.com. Volunteer Vacations It has become increasingly uncommon to look at traveling as an opportunity to give back to, as well as to learn about, another place. Volunteer work is an unexpected adventure to choose for a honeymoon, whether you want to offset some of the flagrant consumption you may have done during your wedding or want to avoid the role of a tourist, instead immersing yourself deeply in another culture with your partner. Speak to some people who have worked in New Orleans to get an idea of its volunteer culture. The city, although facing corruption and tragedy, has been filled with forward-thinking politics since Katrina and Rita. The activism, anti-racist action, permaculture gardens and farming, sustainable housing, and energy development point to enormous potential for the creation of revolutionary urban planning. Habitat for Humanity is working on building a musician’s village in which 81 Habitat-built homes will be made for displaced New Orleans musicians. Common Ground, one of the first organizations present in the relief effort, works on social empowerment issues as well as home-gutting and restoration. Volunteering can bring you to a deeper experience of almost any foreign country that you want to travel to, as well. United Planet specializes in volunteer work internationally, and runs shorter programs that run 1–12 weeks, with several choices on every continent. www.habitatnola.org; www.commongroundrelief.org; www.unitedplanet.org.

11 Feet or Bust Most people who visit national parks never venture farther than 10 feet from their cars, so the very suggestion of interaction within the parks beyond the reaches of one’s headlights certainly qualifies as unconventional. Nature is a necessity to the well-being of the body, mind, and spirit, so it probably wouldn’t be too bad for christening a romantic union either. National parks are some of the last places you can interact with nature in its more untouched forms. The proverbial American road trip is making a comeback (did it ever go out of fashion?) with the National Park Pass, which allows one carload of people free access to all national parks in the country for one year after its first use. It’s available online for $50. This country is home to volcanoes, redwoods, ancient ruins, hot springs, sandstone arches, and canyons, but bear in mind they may not be around forever. Redwood National and State Parks have some of the world’s oldest and largest trees; the redwood forests have been described as cathedrals, and more than a few people speak about religious experiences when coming in contact with these 2,000-year-old trees. But they’re disappearing faster than ever. Yosemite National Park and various Redwood State Parks offer camping at various seasons and prices. www.nationalparks.org. Make Like College Students Jone Miller and Steven Schoen chose to focus their honeymoon on two topics they were interested in—psychic phenomenon and spirit photography. The newlyweds found out about an exhibition to attend and resources abroad to learn more about psychic practice from international perspectives. Gabriel Biderman and Nancy Bartlett were less serious for their baseball-themed honeymoon, on which they visited 12 Major League and two Minor League ballparks, and became proud owners of a bat from the Louisville Slugger Museum engraved “Nancy and Gabriel, Baseball Honeymoon, 2006.” What do you want to know more about? Give your honeymoon a theme, whether it’s art history, shoemaking, psychogeography, civil rights movements, shamanism, or tracing your family history in archival libraries and cemeteries; there are endless resources in the world for the things you and your partner are fascinated by. Putting the Us in Exodus International honeymoons too often prevent a genuine experience of a culture, because they become limited to time in hotels, restaurants, and famous landmarks of the country. If you don’t speak the native language, you can easily find yourself isolated within tourist-specific boroughs of foreign cities. In some ways similar to volunteer work, group expeditions focused on bicycling, rock climbing, or trekking the wilderness of a country lend a new access to a foreign place. Exodus, a company focused on forming lasting international relationships, sees particularly adventurous honeymooners participate in their outdoor expeditions in nearly every country on Earth. A 10-day safari hike through Kenya’s Rift Valley is a great choice for adventurous and physically fit newlyweds, while a 30-day grand tour of India makes a more relaxed expedition and includes the Taj Mahal, wildlife watching, and the palaces of Rajasthan. www.exodus.co.uk. 1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM WEDDINGS AND CELEBRATIONS 81

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business directory ACTING Revolutionary new acting technique for Film/Stage/ TV. The book: Transformational Acting...A Step Beyond, Limelight Editions. The technique: Transform into character using current emotions. No recall. No forward imagining. Shurin private coaches many celebrities. The classes: Thursday eves at 7pm, Woodstock. Master classes at the Times Square Sande Shurin Theatre. Thursday eves at 7pm. Woodstock, NY. (917) 545-5713 or (212) 262-6848.

Licensed in New York, New Jersey and California, EcoArch DesignWorks specializes in Planning, Architecture and Interiors for Single family or Multi-family homes, entertainment, retail or office environments. Recent projects in New York include the Oriental Emerson Spa, the Ram Dass Library @ Omega and numerous Private homes and Additions. Unlock the potentials of your site, home or office, to foster greater design harmony, prosperity, spirit, health, and ecological integrity. (845) 247-4620 fax: (845) 247-4620. ecoarchitect@hvc.rr.com. www.JanusWeltonDesignWorks.com.

ANIMATION

ART GALLERIES

8 Hats High

Imari Arts

23-27 West Main Street 3rd Fl., Middletown, NY. Please also see our Illustration directory. (845) 3441888. www.8hatshigh.com.

Hudson’s newest craft shoppe/art gallery is worth a one block walk off Warren. Imari features Hudson Valley painters, sculptors, and craftsmen. You will find one of a kind items ranging from fine art and sculpture to decorator items and wearable art. Open Thur-Sat 11:30am-6pm; Sun 11am-2pm. moconnellhudson@aol.com. www.imariarts.com.

Sande Shurin Acting Classes

ANTIQUES Hudson Valley Showcase

APPLIANCE Earl B. Feiden A full-service appliance store with a long history in the community and pioneers of the home-appliance industry. We provide premium products, premium service and stock name-brand appliances. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is the cornerstone of our business. Visit us when you decide to shop for your next appliance at 661 Broadway, Kingston, New York, (845) 331-2230 or 785 Route 9, Latham, New York, 12110 (518) 785-8555.

ARCHITECTURE DiGuiseppe Architecture Inspired, Sensitive, and Luxurious...these are the words that describe the quintessential design work that is DiGuiseppe. The firm, with Design Studios in Accord, New York City, and Boca Raton, provides personalized Architecture and Interiors for each and every client. Whether the project is a Sensitive Historic Renovation, a Hudson Valley Inspired Home or Luxurious Interiors, each project receives the attention of the firm’s principal, Anthony J. DiGuiseppe, AIA RIBA, an internationally published architect and award-winning furniture designer. Accord (845) 687-8989; New York City (212) 439-9611. diarcht@msn.com. www.diguiseppe.com.

EcoArch DesignWorks — Janus Welton, AIA, BBEC, IFSG, Architect Award winning design, harmonizing Spirit, Health and the Environment, Solar and “Green” design.

Van Brunt Gallery Exhibiting the work of contemporary artists. Featuring abstract painting, sculpture, digital art, photography, and video, the gallery has new shows each month. The innovative gallery Web site has online artist portfolios and videos of the artists discussing their work. 460 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508. (845) 838-2995. www.vanbruntgallery.com.

business directory

Expect the unexpected at the Hudson Valley’s newest antiques and crafts center. The multi-dealer Hudson Valley Showcase in Newburgh, minutes from the acclaimed Riverfront is open 7 days, has ample parking, a café, and offers superb quality at affordable prices. Come check out the unique array of antiques, jewelry, collectables, crafts and more. 280 Broadway (9W), Newburgh, NY. (845) 494-1135. www.hudsonvalleyshowcase.com.

ART SUPPLIES Beacon Art Supply A source for locals and tourists selling art and design-related gifts, specialty papers, kids stuff, note cards, books & journals in addition to art supplies. Papers. Paint. Gifts. Canvas. Crayons &Then Some. Create Something! Open daily 12-6, Thurs until 8 pm, closed Tues. 506 Main Street, Beacon, NY. (845) 440-7904. www.beaconartsupply.com.

Catskill Art & Office Supply Traditional fine art materials, studio furnishings, office products, journals, cards, maps, and gifts. Creative services, too, at all three locations: photo processing, custom printing, rubber stamps, color copies, custom picture framing, and full-color digital output. Pushing the envelope and creative spirit for over 20 years. Woodstock (845) 679-2251; Kingston (845) 331-7780; Poughkeepsie (845) 452-1250.

Manny’s Since 1962, big city selection and small town service have made Manny’s special. We offer a full range of art materials, custom picture framing, bookmaking supplies, and the best selection of handmade and decorative papers north of Manhattan. Manny’s, it’s more than just an art store. 83 Main Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-9902.

R & F Handmade Paints Internationally known manufacturer of Pigment Sticks and Encaustic paint right here in the Hudson Valley. Stop in for a tour of our factory, get paints at discounted prices, sign up for an Encaustic or Pig1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ment Stick workshop, or check out bi-monthly exhibits in the Gallery. Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm. 84 Ten Broeck Ave, Kingston, NY. (845) 331-3112. www.rfpaints.com.

ATTORNEYS Law Offices of Andrea Lowenthal, PLLC Offices in Hudson and Manhattan, serving individuals and businesses throughout the Hudson Valley and New York City. Estate Planning (wills and trusts) and Elder Law (planning for you or your aging relatives), Domestic Partnerships (for GLBT families), Family Matters, Business Formations and Transactions, and Real Estate. Intelligent and sensitive approach to your personal and business legal matters. Hudson, NY. (518) 671-6200 or (917) 301-6524. Andrea@LowenthalLaw.com.

Schneider, Pfahl & Rahme, LLP Manhattan law firm, with offices in Woodstock, provides legal services to individuals, institutions, professional firms, companies, and family businesses. Specific areas include: Real Estate, Estate Planning, Corporate, New Media and Arts, and Entertainment Law. Each matter is attended to by a senior attorney, who develops a comprehensive legal plan with the client. Woodstock, NY. (845) 679-9868 or (212) 629-7744. www.schneiderpfahl.com. www.nycrealestateattorneys.com.

of print. Our Children’s Store located right next door has an extensive selection of books and products exclusively for the under-14 set. We also carry the complete line of Woodstock Chimes. 25-29 Tinker Street, Woodstock, NY. (845) 679-8000 | fax: (845) 679-3054. thegoldennotebook@hvc.rr.com. www.goldennotebook.com.

Mirabai of Woodstock The Hudson Valley’s oldest spiritual/holistic bookstore, providing a vast array of books, music, and gifts that transform, renew, and elevate the spirit. Exquisite statuary and other art works from Nepal, Tibet, Bali. Expert Tarot reading, astrological charts/ interpretation available. 23 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock, NY. (845) 679-2100. www.mirabai.com.

CARPETS / RUGS Anatolia Tribal Rugs & Weavings Direct importers since 1981. Natural-dyed Afghan carpets; Balouchi tribal kilims; Russian sumaks; antique Caucasian carpets; silk Persian sumaks; Turkish kilims. Hundreds to choose from, 2’x3’ to 9’x12’. Kilim pillows, $20-$55. We encourage customers to try our rugs in their homes, without obligation. MC/Visa/AmEx. Open 6 days a week 12-6pm. Closed Tuesdays. 54G Tinker Street, Woodstock, NY. (845) 679-5311.

BED & BREAKFASTS / INNS

business directory

Storm King Lodge Bed and Breakfast Come and enjoy our cozy lodge, converted from an early 1800’s post-and-beam barn, and guest cottage in a country setting with gardens, pool, and mountain views. The Great Room offers a comfortable place to relax, with a roaring fire on winter evenings; or enjoy those summer nights on the covered veranda. Choose from six comfortable guest rooms with private baths. Comforts include central AC, several fireplaces, spacious lawns, gardens, and the grand swimming pool. Located near Storm King Art Center, West Point, DIA: Beacon, Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, and 1 hour from NYC. Great restaurants nearby. 100 Pleasant Hill Road, Mountainville (Cornwall), NY. (845) 534-9421. www.stormkinglodge.com.

BEVERAGES Leisure Time Spring Water Pure spring water from a natural artesian spring located in the Catskill Mountains. The spring delivers water at 42 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The water is filtered under high pressure through fine white sand. Hot and cold dispensers available. Weekly delivery. (845) 331-0504.

BICYCLE SALES / RENTALS / SERVICE Bicycle Depot Open every day except Tuesday. 15 Main Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255- 3859. www.bicycledepot.com.

BOOKSTORES Barner Books Used books. From kitsch to culture, Thoreau to thrillers, serious and silly. We have the books you read. MondaySaturday 10am-7pm. Sunday 12pm-6pm. 69 Main Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-2635. barnerbk@ulster.net.

The Golden Notebook A feast for book lovers located in the heart of Woodstock, we are proud to be a part of Book Sense: Independent Bookstores for Independent Minds. In addition to our huge database, we can special order any book in or out 90

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Mount Saint Mary College An independent liberal arts college offering more than 30 undergraduate programs; graduate programs in business (MBA), education, and nursing; and noncredit courses. 2,500 women and men. Its beautiful campus overlooks the Hudson River and is conveniently located off I-84 in Newburgh, NY. (845) 569-3222. www.msmc.edu.

CONSIGNMENT SHOPS The Present Perfect Designer consignments of the utmost quality for men, women, and children. Current styles, jewelry accessories, and knickknacks. Featuring beautiful furs and leathers. Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Sunday 12-5pm. 23G Village Plaza, Rhinebeck, NY 12572. (845) 876-2939.

Past ‘n’ Perfect A quaint consignment boutique that offers distinctive clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories, and a unique variety of high quality furs and leathers. Always a generous supply of merchandise from casual to chic; contemporary to vintage; all sizes accepted. Featuring a diverse and illuminating jewelry collection. Conveniently located at 1629 Main Street (Route 44), Pleasant Valley, NY, only 9 miles east of the Mid-Hudson Bridge. (845) 635-3115. www.pastnperfect.com.

CONSTRUCTION CHILDREN’S ART CLASSES The School for Young Artists An Extraordinary Art Experience! The School for Young Artists provides you with the tools, materials, instruction and support to achieve your goals. Our studio is about the joy of learning and the power of making art. Classes and individual sessions for children and adults. Call Kathy Anderson. (845) 679-9541.

CINEMA Upstate Films Showing provocative international cinema, contemporary and classic, and hosting filmmakers since 1972... on two screens in the village of Rhinebeck, NY. 26 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-2515. www.upstatefilms.org.

CLOTHING Pegasus Footwear Offering innovative comfort footwear by all your favorite brands. MERRELL, DANSKO, KEEN, CLARKS, ECCO and UGGS and lots more. Open 7 days a week - or shop online at PegasusShoes.com. 10 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock and New Paltz, NY. (845) 679-2373. www.PegasusShoes.com.

Phoenix Construction Phoenix Construction and Contracting is a company dedicated to superior addition, remodeling, and renovation work through top quality materials installed by trained professionals. Along with a high standard of work, we pride ourselves on superior job site and budget management. Our close-knit network of subcontractors ensures the success of every project through proper delegation of its mechanical and specialist requirements. We deliver customer service coupled with quality assurance. Phoenix Construction professionally handles all details so that you don’t have to worry. (845) 266-5222. www.phoenix-b.com.

COSMETIC AND PLASTIC SURGERY M. T. Abraham, MD, FACS — Facial Plastic, Reconstructive & Laser Surgery, PLLC Dr. Abraham is Double Board Certified and a Clinical Instructor in Facial Plastic Surgery. He is an expert in the latest minimally invasive techniques (Botox, Restylane, Thermage, Thread Lifts, Lifestyle Lifts, IPL Laser Hair & Vein Treatments), and specializes in rhinoplasty. Offices in Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck & NYC with affiliated MediSpas. Poughkeepsie, NY. (845) 454-8025. www.NYfaceMD.com.

CRAFTS Crafts People

COLLEGES Dutchess Community College Dutchess Community College, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, was founded in 1957. The College offers an educational policy of access, quality, opportunity, diversity, and social responsibility. DCC’s main campus in Poughkeepsie is situated on 130 scenic acres with facilities that are aesthetically pleasing and technologically advanced. The College has a satellite campus, Dutchess South, in Wappinger Falls, and learning centers in Carmel, Staatsburg, and Pawling. Poughkeepsie, NY. (845) 431-8020. www.sunydutchess.edu.

Representing over 500 artisans, Crafts People boasts four buildings brimming with fine crafts, the largest selection in the Hudson Valley. All media represented, including: sterling silver & 14K gold jewelry, blown glass, pottery, turned wood, kaleidoscopes, wind chimes, leather, clothing, stained glass, etc. Friday - Monday 10:30am-6pm. 262 Spillway Road, West Hurley, NY. (845) 331-3859. www.craftspeople.us.

Deep Clay Showroom Pottery and Dreamfigures Wood-fired, raku, and stoneware. From everyday mugs and bowls to Tea Ceremony ware. Simple forms, natural colors, islands of calm, created by artist/therapist Michelle Rhodes. Studied pottery

in Bizen and Tea at Urasenke. Open by appointment year-round. (845) 255-8039. www.michellerhodespottery.com.

CUSTOM HOME DESIGNERS Atlantic Custom Homes Atlantic Custom Homes is an independent distributor of Lindal Cedar Homes, the world’s largest manufacturer of quality cedar homes. Lindal is known around the world for their signature post and beam home designs, quality building materials and detailed craftsmanship. We believe that your home should be a realization of your wishes. We take the time to explore them with you, and to develop your design in accordance with those wishes, your budget and your property. (845) 265-2636.

DANCEWEAR First Street Dancewear First Street Dancewear in Saugerties, NY offers quality dancewear for Adults and Children. We have dancewear, knit warm-ups, ballet, jazz, tap shoes, gymnastics wear, skatewear, accessories, and gift items. We also feature a line of women’s active wear clothing suitable for Yoga and Pilates. Saugerties, NY. (845) 247-4517. www.firststreetdancewear.com.

DENTISTRY With over 35 years experience, Tischler Dental is the leading team of dental care experts in the area. Dr. Michael Tischler is currently one of only two Board Certified Implant Dentists in the Hudson Valley Region of NYS and one of only 300 dentists in the world to have achieved this honor. Sedation dentistry, acupuncture with dental treatment, dental implant surgery, cosmetic makeover procedures and gum surgery are just a few of the many unique services Tischler Dental offers. Their practice philosophy is that each modality of dental treatment is performed by the practitioner that is best trained in that area. Working as a team, they deliver ideal dental care. Woodstock, NY.(845) 679-3706. tischlerdental@hvc.rr.com. www.tischlerdental.com.

DISTRIBUTION Chronogram Is Everywhere! Have you ever noticed how wherever you go, Chronogram is there? That’s because our distribution is so damned good. We can distribute your flyer, brochure, business card, or publication to over 700 establishments in Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, Greene, Putnam and Orange counties. Now in Westchester county with new stops in Peekskill. (845) 334-8600. distribution@chronogram.com.

DOG BOARDING Dog Love Personal Hands-On Boarding and Daycare tailored to your dog’s individual needs. Your dog’s happiness is our goal. Indoor 5x10 matted kennels with classical music and windows overlooking our pond. Supervised playgroups in 40 x 40 fenced area. Homemade food and healthy treats.

EDITING Carol Rogovin Experienced editor will edit manuscripts with a focus on optimizing reader understanding. Will also consult on whether graphics could be a persuasive addition to the text. carolrogovin@earthlink.net.

FAUX FINISHES Faux Intentions Cat Quinn, professional decorative artist, setting the standard for excellence in Custom Faux Finishes for your home and business. With infinite possibilities, your walls, floors, ceilings, fireplaces and furniture can be transformed using my faux finishing techniques. A full spectrum of decorative finishes using plasters, glazes and many other mediums, help to fill your home full of your unique personality and spirit. Don’t miss the beauty and exhiliration of transforming the rooms you live and work in every day into spaces that reflect your sense of style. Portfolio showing a phone call away. (845) 532-3067.

FRAMING Catskill Art & Office Supply See also Art Supplies directory. Woodstock (845) 679-2251; Kingston (845) 331-7780; Poughkeepsie (845) 452-1250.

Manny’s See also Art Supplies directory. 83 Main Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-9902.

GARDENING & GARDEN SUPPLIES Mac’s Agway in Red Hook/ New Paltz Agway Specializing in all your lawn and garden needs. We carry topsoil, peat moss, fertilizers and organics, grass seed, shavings, straw, fencing, pet food, bird seed, bird houses, and more. Hours for both locations: Monday-Friday 8am-5:30pm; Saturday 8am-5pm; Sunday 9am-3pm. Mac’s Agway, 68 Firehouse Lane, Red Hook, NY, New Paltz Agway, 145 Route 32N, New Paltz, NY, Red Hook, NY. Mac’s Agway (845) 876-1559; New Paltz Agway (845) 255-0050.

Gifts with a Twist 299 WALL STREET KINGSTON, NEW YORK 12401 845-338-8100

business directory

Tischler Dental

New Paltz. 240 N. Ohioville Road, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-8254. www.dogloveplaygroups.com.

In The Heart of The Stockade District LIGHTING • JEWELRY • ART • GIFTS • FUNKYETHNIC

The Phantom Gardener At Phantom we provide everything you need to create and enjoy an organic, beautiful landscape. Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff will help you choose from an unbeatable selection of herbaceous or woody plants, garden products and books. We offer professional design, installation, and maintenance services. Visit us! Daily 9am-6pm. Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-8606. www.thephantomgardener.com.

GIFTS Earth Lore Walk into a world of natural wonder: amethyst caves and heart-shaped druzies, quartz crystal spheres and sculptures, orbs of obsidian, lapis and jasper. PLUS a gallery of wearable art. 1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Navaho necklaces of turquoise and coral, pendants and bracelets of moldavite, tektite and meteorite; watches crafted from oxidized copper, brass, sterling; an array of Baltic amber in all its hues: honey, lemon, butterscotch, cognac...., fashioned into jewelry that makes a statement. Earthlore also offers unique objects of home decor such as a 100 yr old camel bell from Afghanistan, a Thai rain drum, and fossilized salt lamps from the Himalayas. A great place to find gifts from around the globe. Open Tues. thru Fri. 10am - 6pm. Sat 10am-5pm. 2 Fairway Drive, Pawling, NY. (845) 855-8889.

ton. Kingston, NY. (845) 757-4000. www.webjogger.net. www.webjogger.net.

K9 CONSULTANT K9 Consultant WANTED:DOGS WITH ISSUES: Digging, barking, aggression, chewing, phobias, obsessions, etc. A simple, proven approach to banish your dogs unwanted behavior. Let me help. The K-9 Consultant. (845) 687-7726.

GUITARS

LITERARY

McCoy’s Guitar Shop

Ione

Is your guitar or bass performing up to its fullest potential? Do you have fret buzz? Is your action too high/ too low? Is your instrument just plain old hard to play? Guitars and basses regularly need set ups, much like cars need oil changes and tune ups to keep them running well. Here at McCoys Guitar Shop our aim is to make your instrument play as well, or better than, you ever thought possible. Remember, if your instrument isn’t playing up to par, perhaps neither are you! Come to McCoys Guitar Shop and fall in love with your instrument all over again! McCoys Guitar Shop: Expert repairs, restoration, guitars and basses bought, sold and traded. Give us a call: 845 658-7467. You’ll be glad you did! Rosendale, NY. (845) 658-7467.

Writing workshops and private instruction for writers. (845) 339-5776.

Carol Rogovin See also Editing. carolrogovin@earthlink.net.

Submit to Chronogram Seeking submissions of poems, short stories, essays, and article proposals. Accepting pieces of all sorts. With SASE, send submissions to Chronogram,314 Wall Street, 2nd floor, Kingston, NY 12401. info@chronogram.com.

MAGAZINES Chronogram

ILLUSTRATION business directory

8 Hats High 8 Hats High is a full service animation studio and production house located in Middletown, NY. We specialize in Animation, Illustration, Storyboarding, Television Production, Photography, Post Production, Web design and more. Production: It’s what we do! 23-27 West Main Street 3rd Fl., Middletown, NY. (845) 344-1888. For more information check out www.8hatshigh.com.

MEDIATION & CONFLICT RESOLUTION Pathways Mediation Center

INTERIOR DESIGN DeStefano and Associates Barbara DeStafano has been the owner of DeStefano and Associates, an interior design business, for 18 years. She received certification in Feng Shui from the Metropolitan Institute of Interior Design and has completed advanced work with several Feng Shui Masters. Feng Shui is the perfect marriage to interior design. It brings a spiritual dimension to your space. Barbara can create a kind of beauty that touches your spirit, and brings balance and harmony to a level that transcends the superficial. Barbara is available for consultations, guest speaker engagements, and workshops. (845) 339-4601.

INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS Hudson Valley Internet Local Internet access and commercial Web site hosting. Fast, reliable, easy to use, flexible pricing...Want more? How about: free software, extra e-mail, K56Flex support, personal web space, helpful customer service, and no setup charges. (845) 255-2799. www.hvi.net.

The only complete arts and cultural events resource for the Hudson Valley. Subscribe and get the lowdown first. Whether you live in the Hudson Valley or just visit, you’ll know what’s going on. Send $36 for yearly subscription to: Chronogram, 314 Wall Street, 2nd floor, Kingston, NY 12401. 314 Wall Street, 2nd floor, Kingston, NY 12401. info@chronogram.com.

We are a unique mediation practice for couples going through divorce or for families in conflict. Josh Koplovitz has over 30 years as a Matrimonial and Family Law Attorney and Myra Schwartz has over 30 years as a Guidance Counselor working with families and children. This male/female, counselor and attorney team can effectively address all your legal and family issues. Use our one hour free consultations to meet us or visit us on the web @ www.PathwaysMediationCenter.com. (845) 331-0100.

Rodney Wells, CFP, Member AFM & NYSCDM If you’re separating, divorcing, or have issues with child support, custody, or visitation, choose mediation. On average, mediated agreements are fulfilled twice as often as litigated court decisions and cost half as much. I draw on my experience as a Financial Planner, psychotherapist, and pro se litigant to guide couples in a responsible process of unraveling their entanglements, preserving their assets, and creating a satisfying future. Cornwall, New Paltz, and NYC. Cornwall, NY. (845) 5347668. www.mediated-divorce.com.

MUSIC

Webjogger

Burt’s Electronics

Blazing fast broadband internet access. Featuring symmetrical bandwidth, superior personal attention and technical support, rock-solid security and reliability, and flexible rates. Complementary services include e-mail, Web hosting, accelerated dialup, server collocation and management, and customized networking solutions. Webjogger is a locally grown company with offices in Tivoli and Kings-

Good music deserves quality sound! Avoid the malls and shop where quality and personal service are valued above all else. Bring Burt and his staff your favorite album and let them teach you how to choose the right audio equipment for your listening needs. Monday through Friday 9am-7pm. Saturday 9am-5pm. 549 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY. (845) 331-5011.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

Joshua Pearl’s WHOLE MUSICIAN WORKSHOP Develop and liberate your unique musical potential through customized music lessons, workshops, or artist development programs. For aspiring and developing musicians and bands. Explore your music in a supportive environment. Call (845) 679-7599 and receive a free lesson during November. Studios in Woodstock and Manhattan. www.joshuapearl.com.

WVKR 91.3 FM Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. A listener-supported, noncommercial, student-run alternative music station. Programming is provided by students and community members, and includes jazz, new music, folk, hip hop, polka, new age, international, blues, metal, news, and public affairs programming. WVKR Web casts at www.wvkr.org. (845) 437-7010.

MUSIC LESSONS Bibi Farber - Guitar Lessons Guitar Lessons: Acoustic / electric Pop, rock, blues & folk. Beginners welcome, age 11 and up. I offer very flexible scheduling & discounts for students teaming up. Lessons in Minnewaska area or in your home, if within a 30 minute radius. Songwriting coaching & demo recording also available. Let’s play! (646) 734-8018. www.bibifarber.com.

NURSERIES Loomis Creek Nursery Inc Great Plants for Adventurous Gardeners! TuesdaysSundays, 9am - 5pm. Hudson, NY. (518) 851-9801. www.loomiscreek.com.

PERFORMING ARTS Lehman Loeb Art Center/ Powerhouse Theater Season Vassar College Box 225, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604. (845) 437-5902. befargislanc@pop.vassar.edu.

PET SERVICES & SUPPLIES Pussyfoot Lodge B&B The Pioneer in Professional Pet Care! Full house-pet-plant sitting service, proudly serving three counties for 32 years. Experienced, dependable, thorough, and reasonable house sitting for your pets’ health and happiness. Also offering a cats-only resort with individual rooms. Extensive horticulture and landscaping knowledge in addition to domestic and zoo animal experience. Better Business Bureau Metro NY/Mid-Hudson Region Member. (845) 687-0330.

PHOTOGRAPHY China Jorrin Photography A Hudson Valley based photographer dedicated to documenting weddings in a candid and creative style. While remaining unobtrusive she is able to capture key, quiet and personal moments of the event. Please call for rates and availability. (917) 449-5020. www.chinajorrin.com.

France Menk Photography & Photodesign A fine art approach to your photographic and advertising needs. Internationally exhibited. Major communications/ advertising clients. My work is 100% focused on your needs. (845) 750-5261. www.France-Menk.com.

Michael Gold Artistic headshots of actors, singers, models, musicians, performing artists, writers, and unusual, outlandish, off-the-

wall personalities. Complete studio facilities and lighting. Creative, warm, original, professional. Unconditionally guaranteed. The Corporate Image Studios, 1 Jacobs Lane, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-5255. www.michaelgoldsphotos.com and click on to the “Headshots” page.

PIANO Adam’s Piano Featuring Kawai and other fine brands. 75 pianos on display in our Germantown (just north of Rhinebeck) showroom. Open by appointment only. Inventory, prices, pictures, at adamspiano.com. A second showroom will be opening in New Paltz in November. Superb service, moving, storage, rentals; we buy pianos! (518) 537-2326 or (845) 343-2326. www.adamspiano.com.

Piano Clearing House 8 John Walsh Blvd. Suite 318A, Peekskill, NY. (914) 7888090. www.pianoclearinghouse.com.

Admissions. Sliding-scale tuition. (845) 679-1002. www.hudsonvalleyschool.org.

High Meadow School Pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, committed to a childcentered education that engages the whole child. Intimate, nurturing, with small class size and hands-on learning. A program rich in academic, artistic, physical, and social skills. Fully accredited. Call Suzanne Borris, director. Route 209, Stone Ridge, NY. (845) 687-4855.

Maria’s Garden Montessori School Cultivating independence, confidence, compassion, peace, and a lifelong love of learning. Serving children 3 years through first grade in a one-room country schoolhouse surrounded by gardens, woodlands, and streams. 8:30 am-3: 30 pm, with part time options for preschoolers. Half or full day kindergarten. 62 Plains Rd., New Paltz, NY 12561. (845) 256-1875. info@mariasgardenmontessori.com.

WEB DESIGN Beyond The Box Web Design For websites with a personal touch and a marketing focus, Beyond the Box offers face-to-face design and hosting, with offices in Kingston and Red Hook. We work closely and personably with clients to brainstorm and create memorable sites, on time and on budget. Mention this ad for a free one-hour in-person consultation to discuss a current or future website design, marketing goals, or free, “open source” Linux tools that can add power to your web presence! (845) 750-6204. www.beyondboxweb.com.

Curious Minds Media Inc. Want a website that works for you? We’ve got solutions to fit any budget, and we understand the needs of small businesses. Flash, E-commerce, database applications. CMM has what it takes to get you results. Mention this ad and receive 3 months FREE hosting! Call now tollfree, at (888) 227-1645.www.curiousm.com.

Mountain Laurel Waldorf School

PLUMBING AND BATH Brinkmann Plumbing & Heating Services A third generation plumbing company operated by Timothy Brinkmann and Master Plumber Berno Brinkmann. They handle all your plumbing needs with skilled, prompt, and attentive service. Call for further information or to schedule a free estimate. Fully Insured. (518) 731-1178.

N & S Supply

PRINTING SERVICES New York Press Direct At NY Press Direct we exist for one reason - to delight our customers! What does that mean to you? Worry-free shopping for all your printing and fulfillment needs. Our solutions are leading edge in the industry. Our pricing is among the most competitive in the northeast region. Call John DeSanto or Larry Read for more information. (845) 896-0894.

PUBLISHERS Monkfish Book Publishing Company Monkfish publishes books that combine spiritual and literary merit. Monkfish books range from memoirs to sutras, from fiction to scholarly works of thought. Monkfish also publishes Provenance Editions, an imprint devoted to elegant editions of spiritual classics. Monkfish books are available at your favorite local or online bookstores, or directly from us. Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-4861. www.monkfishpublishing.com.

REMODELING Phoenix Construction See also Construction directory. (845) 266-5222. www.phoenix-b.com.

SCHOOLS Hudson Valley Sudbury School A radically different form of education based on the belief that children are driven by a basic desire to learn and explore. We trust that children, given the freedom, will choose the most appropriate path for their education. Our democratic School Meeting expects children to take responsibility for their lives and their community. Year-round

Music Institute of Sullivan and Ulster Counties The Music Institute of Sullivan and Ulster Counties (MISU) provides an opportunity for people of all ages and levels to experience music in an environment that acknowledges and nurtures the whole person. MISU offers ongoing private instruction in violin and viola, a Suzuki program, adult education, chamber music, and a community chamber orchestra. To register call (845) 647-5087 or visit our website. www.misucatskills.org.

Woodstock Day School Woodstock Day School, a state-chartered, independent school and member of NYSAIS, providing quality education for pre-school through high school students since 1972. Small classes and a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio allow us to give each child the individualized consideration necessary for a positive learning experience. PO Box 1, Woodstock, NY. (845) 246-3744. www.woodstockdayschool.org.

WEB DEVELOPMENT 8 Hats High 23-27 West Main Street 3rd Fl., Middletown, NY. Please also see our Illustration directory. (845) 344-1888.

Curious Minds Media Inc. See also Web Design directory. Toll-free, at (888) 2271645. www.curiousm.com.

WEDDINGS HudsonValleyWeddings.com The Only Resource You Need to Plan a Hudson Valley Wedding. Hundreds of Regional Wedding Service Providers. FREE, Extensive, Online Wedding Guide & Planner . . . and much more. 120 Morey Hill Road, Kingston, NY. (845) 336-4705 | fax: (845) 336-6677. judy@hudsonvalleyweddings.com. www.HudsonValleyWeddings.com.

business directory

205 Old Route 9, Fishkill, NY 12534. (845) 896-6291. cloijas@nssupply.com.

At the Mountain Laurel Waldorf School, not only can all students do their best in academic basics, they can find and achieve a balance in rich programs of drama, speech, Spanish, Russian, painting, music, creative writing, woodwork, and more. Waldorf Education: for the head, heart, and hands. Nursery-8th Grade. Call Judy Jaeckel. 16 South Chestnut Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-0033.

WINE & LIQUOR In Good Taste In Good Taste. 45 Main Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-0110. ingoodtaste@verizon.net.

WRITING SERVICES SCHOOLS FOR CHILDREN Poughkeepsie Day School Bringing joy to learning since 1934. Pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, college preparatory school serving 330 students from throughout the mid-Hudson Valley. We encourage independent, critical, and creative thinking through a challenging, interdisciplinary curriculum. 260 Boardman Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. For more information, call the Admissions Office at (845) 462-7600, ext. 201. or email admissions@poughkeepsieday.org. www.poughkeepsieday.org.

SINGING LESSONS Ann Panagulias - Singing Lessons Concepts of classical, Italianate technique complimented by alignment and deep breathing rhythms of Eastern callisthenics; repertoire grounded in 17th-19th century Art Song extending to vintage and contemporary musical theater; training at Oberlin College and San Francisco Opera; performing professionally on three continents for twenty years. (845) 677-1134. annpandora@aol.com.

CenterToPage: Moving Writers From The Center To The Page Invite your muse to visit every day. Author & workshop leader with 19 years’ experience offers writers truthful, compassionate guidance. Nonfiction & fiction book proposal & manuscript consultations, editing, rewriting. Coaching relationships. Yoga As Muse facilitator training. Workshops: Woodstock, Taos, & elsewhere. Jeff Davis, Director. Accord, NY. (845) 679-9441. www.CenterToPage.com.

WRITING WORKSHOPS Wallkill Valley Writers Creative writing workshops in New Paltz led by Kate Hymes, poet and educator. Aspiring and experienced writers are welcome. WVW provides structured time, a supportive community and a safe place for you to fulfill the dream of writing your stories, real or imagined. Many writers find the community of a workshop benefits their work and keeps them motivated. (845) 255-7090. khamherstwriters@aol.com.

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whole living 

NAVIGATING YOUR WAY GUIDANCE FROM CANCER SURVIVORS “ANY

ACTIVITY, EVEN EVERYDAY TASKS INCLUDING CANCER APPOINTMENTS,

CAN BECOME A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE WHEN DONE WITH LOVE AND AWARENESS.”

—PUJA

THOMSON, AFTER SHOCK

  

   

step-by-step guide to help you navigate your way. That descriptor, from the front of Puja Thomson’s just-released book, is broad enough to suggest it could be appropriate for anyone. And so it is. Thomson, a New Paltz resident who was born and educated in Scotland, says she wrote the book to “offer practical suggestions and guidelines to help you clarify your own process, perspectives, and choices.” We must add the detail, however, that Thomson’s book emerged from a bout with cancer. “Puja wrote the book I wished I had,” says Barbara Sarah, a fellow survivor of breast cancer a dozen years ago. Since her own recovery, Sarah has been assisting other women with cancer in myriad ways, including accompanying them to doctors appointments. In 2003, one of those women was Thomson. Sarah saw Thomson scribbling away in a notebook filled with insights and practical aids, and encouraged her to share them with others. Thomson has woven those notes together, enriched with her work and life experience as a counselor, healing facilitator, educator, minister of the Healing Light Center Church, and founder of Roots &Wings, a multifaceted healing and educational organization. After Shock: From Cancer Diagnosis to Healing is the result. The book’s main sections describe what’s worked for her in crafting a healthy, balanced life. Reach out for help from others. Design a “wellness program” from your own experience, insights, and knowledge instead of using others’ ideas of what’s best for you. Craft your challenges into a hopeful, forward-looking perspective. Adopt a simple way to organize financial records and paperwork. Thomson gracefully helps you accomplish these with aid from firsthand stories of her own and from “fellow travelers” in the journey.

HELP! One of Thomson’s foremost recommendations in dealing with cancer is to reach out for help. “Each person has to go their own way,” says Thomson. “Don’t feel you have to talk if someone wants you to talk, or shut up if someone doesn’t want you to talk. There’s no one right way of doing this.” Chapter after chapter empowers the reader to create an individualized support team and guides that process. “I believe that people in the Hudson Valley who are diagnosed with cancer have the most incredible network of support,” says Sarah, referring to our region’s diversity of hospital-based, community, organizational, and private supports. Sarah has herself been instrumental in growing these services. Thirteen years ago, she started the Oncology Support Program at Benedictine Hospital in Kingston, which has blossomed into a versatile, innovative support network for which she received Governor Pataki’s NY State Department of Health Award for Innovation and Research 94 WHOLE LIVING CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

in Breast Cancer in 2005. The program benefits from the creative input of many, especially women motivated to help others because of their own experiences with cancer. A sampling of its offerings: • Nurturing Neighborhood Program: A volunteer network of cancer survivors who support newly diagnosed cancer patients. • Kids Connection and Teen Connection: Two programs designed for young people who have a family member living with cancer, offering special events, educational materials, group gatherings, and counseling options. • Cancer support groups for women, for men, for families, and some relating to specific types of cancers. • Healing Circle Improvisation: A group of cancer survivors who for ten years have traveled the state and beyond, creating improvisational pieces addressing thoughts and feelings about cancer in the hospital setting, at patients’ homes, and at conferences. • Exercise classes blending gentle stretching, T’ai chi, yoga, and movement using Smart Bells, conducted by an enthusiastic Ujjala Schwartz, a cancer survivor who invites anyone, not just cancer patients, to join her for regular exercise classes at the hospital. Note that help begins before diagnosis, too. For instance, St. Francis Hospital has a group of volunteers like Shelly DeWitt, a retired nurse from Poughkeepsie, who accompany women during the hourlong needle-localization/biopsy procedure. “I’ve had breast cancer myself and know what they are going through,” assures DeWitt. “The procedure sounds very traumatic, and it’s also traumatic because you’re anticipating that you may have cancer. So I can help distract them by talking about their family, where they live, and so on. I can also give them reassurance, help them know what to expect, what the machine is doing, and stay with them when the technician goes in and out of the room. Otherwise, they would be alone.”

CREATIVE AID Fortunately, cancer support isn’t centered just around alleviating the distress of the illness. As Thomson’s book models, the cancer “journey” is more than figuring out how to cope with fear and treatments and finances. It is a chance to develop personal awareness, purpose, creativity, spiritual richness, connection, and other life nourishments that many of us lose sight of. At a recent holiday party of the Oncology Support Program at Benedictine Hospital in Kingston, after-dinner activities included improvisational skits by the Hudson River Playback Theater group, based on stories from the audience. I had apprehensions: Would we witness emotionally wrenching snapshots from struggles with illness? Sarah Urech,

who is a member of the theater troupe as well as director of the Oncology Support Program, was intermediary between actors and the audience of whom she asked questions about life more than about illness. A rather shy audience nevertheless offered half a dozen snippets from their lives that then were translated by the actors into vignettes of movement, spoken word, and song that at times moved us to tears—not tears of sadness but of vibrant life and hope. The experience encapsulated how “support” can weave individuals into the thriving embrace of a life-affirming collective. And who couldn’t use a little music or an art exhibit? Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie has weekly live musical performances by the Botticelli Chamber Players in the two-story, light-filled lobby of the Dyson Center for Cancer Care. “They are close enough to the inpatient area and to the radiation treatment rooms that everybody can hear them,” says Amy Wallace, public relations assistant at Vassar Brothers. “It fills the whole space. Sometimes a singer will join them.” The Hudson Valley nonprofit Miles of Hope, founded in 2003 to provide services for women and families affected by breast cancer, sponsors those events. The Dyson Center is also adorned with artwork that changes monthly. “Patients absolutely love it. Because their treatments often go on for weeks, at four to five times a week, they look forward to seeing who the next artist is. We always have local artists who want to contribute to the community, and we encourage cancer survivors to do a show, even if they aren’t professional artists.” Not only patients but also their families and staff have come to adore these enrichments at the center.

BREAST CANCER OPTIONS Breast cancer impacts millions of people across the nation, and unfortunately, rates are unusually high in our region. The good news is that we’ve got Breast Cancer Options, a grassroots organization that serves the area. It’s exemplary in what can be done, not just to assist those dealing with cancer but in advocating for health care improvements, treatment options, and cancer prevention—something lacking from many other cancer awareness campaigns. The organizations offer: • Companion/Advocates: Cancer survivors trained to accompany patients to medical appointments for both emotional and practical support. • Support groups: Nearly a dozen peer-facilitated groups spread across Columbia,

Dutchess, Greene, Sullivan, and Ulster counties. • Complementary medicine conference: Annual public conference (in spring) hosting experts in complementary medicine to speak and lead workshops on such topics as boosting immune function, recovering from chemotherapy and radiation, lowering risk of environmental contamination, and improving quality of life. • Healthy lifestyle support series: Workshops offering practical ways to make small and easy changes in daily life for optimum health, such as diet, exercise, and stress reduction. • A free “Healthy Lifestyles” calendar brimming with the latest on nutrition, environmental links to cancer, detox methods, and more. • E-mail news: Thrice-weekly e-mail newsletter with the latest on clinical trials, complementary and new treatments, lifestyle choices, and more.

BOUNTY OF RESOURCES Thomson’s book lists many more resources that span whatever degree of information gathering and support you are ready for. There are dozens of books, websites, audiotapes, videos, support groups, retreats, and organizations covering a diversity of topics. Some are about cancer in specific and practical ways; others address empowerment, spirituality, love, personal transformation, and other health-supportive dimensions. A sampling of some unique ones: • The Cancer Survival Toolbox: A free audio program (also available in print) from the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship that teaches patients basic “skills” for collecting information, communicating, making decisions, negotiating, standing up for their rights, financial issues, aiding the caregiver, and more. • Bedside murals: Gorgeous bedside murals of natural settings with accompanying nature sounds, which have been documented in medical studies to promote deep relaxation and healing. • Positive Pause: Online inspirational slide show with music and text for stress relief and meditation. • Silent Unity: Offering prayers at your request, online, or by phone. • The Corporate Angel Network: Arranges free seating on corporate jets for cancer patients traveling to treatments. 1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM WHOLE LIVING 95

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To find services locally, besides those mentioned here, call a hospital directly or call the American Cancer Society (ACS). Paul McGee, spokesperson for our region’s ACS chapters, encourages anyone seeking help to call the 24-hour, 365-days-a-year hotline (in English and Spanish). You’ll find contact numbers for local ACS chapters and activities, but also news about research and treatments. An important focus of the ACS is its Community Resources Database, a compilation of local support services offered by the ACS, government agencies, nonprofits, or other groups. Further, says McGee, “Our mission is to provide not just information, but to reach out to help newly diagnosed people and their families navigate through the cancer journey.” An example is a cancer screening and treatment program passed into New York state law (for which the ACS fought). “If someone knows they need to get screened for breast cancer but doesn’t have insurance or can’t afford it, we can work with local services like the Ulster County Health Living Partnership to link women with a free screening,” adds McGee. “If she is then diagnosed with cancer, treatment will be covered by Medicaid.” Such state-supported programs exist for colon and cervical cancer as well.

IT’S YOUR BODY Thomson reminds you often in her book: It’s your body, and you have the right to choose your own treatment and professional team. But it can be intimidating to stand up to whatever the doctor says. She found herself accepting what she was told at first, and then began to step back and consider her options. Even understanding what’s said can be daunting, so it can be immensely helpful to have someone who’s had cancer go with you to appointments. Thomson concurs with Barbara Sarah, who says that as a patient, “you don’t hear a lot of what’s being said. It’s like a glass window goes up, and you’re watching and listening, but you don’t really get it.” That’s one reason Sarah created Third Opinion, a consultation service to aid cancer patients and families grapple with the details of the illness, including going to appointments. “People with a background in cancer bring a different perspective than family, who often are very emotionally involved,” she says. “And not everybody has someone to go with them.” Thomson and Sarah also advocate for integrative oncology, which “combines conventional medicine with other ways of helping people heal,” Sarah explains. “My mission is to help make that happen for patients and the community as a whole—to see treatment not just as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, but also to include naturopathy, acupuncture, massage, guided imagery, and herbs and supplements where there is evidence-based research for them.” Thomson points out that patients, as they educate themselves about integrative oncology and ask for it, spread much-needed information. Mainstream doctors learn of complementary strategies, and, conversely, holistic practitioners learn the latest conventional treatments.

CREATING YOUR FUTURE There is another need of cancer patients: support after treatment. Sarah explains: “Your treatment may last four months—but then what? How do you find a way of continuing, living with uncertainty, worrying if that pain in your hip is metastatic cancer, for instance? Too much of what happens is that people ‘graduate’ from the medical system, and now what? I believe people need a philosophy to move forward with their lives. It helps to have a purpose, living every day—use the time you have as meaningfully as possible.” Thomson agrees, lamenting that patients are cleared by doctors to get on with their lives without any suggestions for them and families about how to do so after the life-altering experience. She lauds the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship for their guidance, and helps readers with some ideas for creating their own “wellness programs.” But the survivorship phase deserves much more attention, she says. Perhaps that will be for Thomson’s next book.

Resources After Shock: From Cancer Diagnosis to Healing by Puja Thomson. www.aftershockfromcancer.com; (845) 255-2278 American Cancer Society 24-hour hotline (800) 227-2345 Breast Cancer Options (845) 339-HOPE; www.breastcanceroptions.org Cancer Survival Toolbox (301) 650-9127; www.cancersurvivaltoolbox.org Corporate Angel Network (866) 328-1313; www.corpangelnetwork.org Healing Environment International (800) BEDSIDE; www.bedscapes.com Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation (845) 264-2005; www.milesofhopebcf.org National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (301) 650-9127; www.canceradvocacy.org Positive Pause www.positivepause.com Roots & Wings: Guided Imagery and Meditations to Transform Your Life CD or cassette by Puja Thomson, music by Richard Shulman; www.rootsnwings.com Silent Unity Prayers www.unityworldhq.org; (816) 969-2000 Smart Bells exercise with Ujjala Schwartz (845) 334-3082 Third Opinion Barbara Sarah (845) 532-3336 YOUR COMMENTS, PLEASE. POST AT WWW.CHRONOGRAM.COM

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SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING A RADIO SHOW GIVES VOICE TO SPIRITUALLY-INCLINED LIBERALS BY JULIA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHS BY BARBARA STRNADOVA Rena Blumenthal, Dave Belden, and I got to know each other with hands curled around mugs of tea and shoes kicked off, nestled in comfy couches in the Bayit, Vassar College’s Jewish student center. Our conversation drifted from the culture of religion to the politics of religion and back again. It’s that kind of cozy exploration that sets the tone for “Spiritually Speaking,” a radio show about religion and politics that Blumenthal and Belden cohost along with Reverend Jim Bridges on Vassar’s radio station, WVKR. Blumenthal, Belden, and Bridges hadn’t met until they started “Spiritually Speaking” last summer. A colleague from the local chapter of Spiritual Progressives came up with the concept for the radio show. Spiritual Progressives, in which each of the hosts participates, is a nationwide interfaith organization that promotes social change based on a moral agenda other than that of the Christian right. That colleague connected the three to make her idea a reality. Each week the show brings on a different guest, picking and choosing from a variety of religious bents. The hosts chat with the guest for a full hour, trying to get at the guest’s belief system and how it informs his or her life. The show’s target audience is liberals who are having a hard time reconciling political and spiritual ideas. In essence, the hosts are reaching out to people like themselves. Each was raised in organized religion, but then stayed away from religious communities for the first 20-some years of adulthood. And each has since returned to explore spirituality in a serious way—while maintaining liberal political views. Blumenthal grew up in an orthodox Jewish family. At the age of 17, she decided she didn’t believe in God. Over the next two decades she became a psychologist, helping her patients without tapping into spirituality. But when she was 39, Blumenthal started thinking in religious terms again. “What had turned me away from religion was [in fact] alienating me from something that felt essential and starved,” Blumenthal said. To appease her spiritual hunger, Blumenthal went back to school—rabbinical school. She 98 WHOLE LIVING CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

joined Reconstructionist Judaism, a modern movement within the religion. Now, she has developed her faith as a rabbi and counsels Jewish students at Vassar College. Belden grew up in England as a member of the Oxford Group, with its Christian-based spirituality embracing honesty, purity, unselfishness, and love as its core values. He has since come back to a belief system as an agnostic member of the Unitarian Universalist church. He’s a freelance writer, penning corporate literature and religious articles. He thinks many liberals who are spiritual separate their political and religious identities. “I come from the left, and I know many people who are into spirituality. But these two things tended to be very private and individual,” Belden said. “They haven’t had a language for expressing it in the public sphere.” Belden thinks that’s a key difference between the religious left and the religious right. Conservative Christians run more than 2,000 Christian music and talk stations nationwide—many of which run political shows. With “Spiritually Speaking,” Belden and his co-hosts are hoping to provide some of that language for liberals. On Halloween, they invited a Wiccan “witch” named Rowan onto the show, asking her about her spirituality and practice. When she talked about spells, it sounded uncannily like the prayers of other religions. “I surround myself with symbols and things that appeal to all my senses—all those things that get you into the right space,” Rowan said. “I do some symbolic acts. It’s really all about focusing your intention on the change you want to make. I don’t know what happens in the outside world, but it affects you.” “Spiritually Speaking” has hosted a panoply of religious thinkers. Past guests include Rev. Bob Edgar, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, and Randall Balmer, professor of American religion at Barnard College. Some are more secular than others. Bridges invited two members of Planned Parenthood on the show one week to explore the politics and spirituality behind family

ABOVE: REV. JIM BRIDGES, LEFT, AND DAVID BELDEN IN THE STUDIO AT WVKR. PREVIOUS: BELDEN AND BRIDGES ON THE VASSAR CAMPUS.

planning. “They were excellent in talking about the field. The job itself was their own sense of spirituality.” He notes, though, that connections between their job and a fuller, deeper sense of spirituality became obvious as the show continued. “So maybe it was even better for them than it was for the audience.” Bridges is a minister at two Unitarian Universalist congregations, one in Orange County and the other in northern Pennsylvania. It’s a strain on his schedule to work both of those jobs and fit in the radio show. But he thinks it’s worth it. “I’m hoping to reach people who are religious, but haven’t thought about how religion could inform their political action,” he said. “And people who haven’t thought much about either—I’m hoping to deconstruct their hostility toward religion. Don’t assume that if you’re religious you’re hurting things, or are anti-gay or anti-war. That’s just not true.” Throughout history, liberal religious leaders have spearheaded political movements, Bridges points out. Belden and Blumenthal agree. Quaker abolitionists set up the Underground Railroad. Black ministers inspired acts of civil disobedience. Female suffragettes grounded the women’s rights movement through their religious organizations. Now, Spiritual Progressives are seeking to nurture political activism among religious liberals. An interfaith group with roots in liberal Judaism, Spiritual Progressives lays out three tenets of belief. First, that governments and institutions should focus on ethics and peace instead of money and power. Second, that state that groups on the religious right have misused religion, God, and spirit. Third, members antireligious assumptions made by many liberals, saying they will reach out to those liberals and encourage them to think about spirituality. As an agnostic, Belden thinks people sometimes return to belief systems in search of community. That’s why he started attending Unitarian Universalist church. He and his wife wanted to find a community for their son. But then, the spiritual stuff started trickling through. “I think religion is in the business of ‘hope management.’ Is the world a positive place or a random act?” he asked. “We desperately need a realism of hope, love, and faith with a lowercase f—just the faith that we can get through global warming and have a sustainable society. Lots of people are losing that hope.” The hosts of “Spiritually Speaking” wonder how many people are listening to their show. The WVKR signal touches five states: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. “Spiritually Speaking” has a timeslot on Tuesday nights at 4pm, just before “Democracy Now!,” a popular left-leaning interview show on the station. The show got a few calls during an on-air fundraiser in the fall, which Bridges found somewhat encouraging. But Belden hopes that it can go higher-profile and perhaps become syndicated on Christian stations as a token leftist show. Belden would be willing to go on Clear Channel, for example. The hosts feel they are helping to fill a void in talk radio. “We’re not balancing the Christian right, but at least we’re holding up the possibility of something else,” Bridges said.

YOGA Acupuncture Massage

Naturopathic Doctor Thai Yoga Massage

Sauna

Dance Classes Stitch Lab Boutique

The Living Seed Yoga & Holistic Health Center Rt. 299 New Paltz

www.thelivingseed.com

255-8212

YOUR COMMENTS, PLEASE. POST COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE AT WWW.CHRONOGRAM.COM

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whole living guide ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUES Active Release Techniques Active Release Techniques (ART) is a patented soft tissue treatment system that heals injured muscles, tendons, fascia (covers muscle), ligaments, and nerves. It is used to treat acute or chronic injuries, sports injuries, repetitive strain injuries and nerve entrapments like carpal tunnel syndrome, and sciatica. ART is also used before and after surgery to reduce scar tissue formation and build up. ART doctors are trained in over 500 hands on protocols and must undergo rigorous written and practical examination to become certified. In order to maintain their certification in ART doctors attend yearly continuing education and re-certification by ART. Dr. David Ness. (845) 255-1200. www.drness.com.

ACUPUNCTURE

whole living directory

Acupuncture Health Care, PC

pleted post-graduate work in the study of classical Chinese herbal medicine. Ms. Ellis trained at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for the treatment of cancer patients with acupuncture. Ms. Ellis also has special training in infertility treatment, facial acupuncture and chronic pain. Her new, expanded location is at the medical offices of Rosendale Family Practice. Evening and weekend hours and sliding scale rates. Phone consultations available. Rosendale Family Practice, 110 Creek Locks Road, Rosendale, NY. (845) 546-5358. www.HudsonValleyAcupuncture.com.

Transpersonal Acupuncture Connecting the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the self. Balancing the body's energetics and breaking blocks that contribute to disease, trauma and lifestyle imbalances. Please Contact Jipala Reicher-Kagan L.Ac. (845) 340-8625. jipala@earthlink.net. www.transpersonalacupuncture.com.

Three Treasures Acupuncture

Peter Dubitsky, L.Ac., Callie Brown, L.Ac., and Leslie Wiltshire, L.Ac. Mr. Dubitsky is a faculty member and the Director of Clinical Training at the Tri-State College of Acupuncture, and a member of the NY State Board for Acupuncture. Ms. Brown and Ms. Wiltshire each have years of acupuncture experience in private practice and in medical offices. We are all highly experienced, national board certified, NYS Licensed acupuncturists. We combine traditional Asian acupuncture techniques with a modern understanding of acupuncture and oriental medicine to provide effective treatments of acute and chronic pain conditions, and other medical disorders. In addition to our general practice we also offer a Low Cost Acupuncture Clinic which is available for all people who meet our low income guidelines. 108 Main Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-7178.

Specializing in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture and teenage acne, Mindy Pickard, MS, LAc, utilizes a whole body approach to beauty by improving your overall health. Ms. Pickard also practices results-oriented acupuncture for many conditions including: allergies, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, chronic pain, GI issues, women's health, arthritis, anxiety, insomnia and conditions of aging. A graduate of Tri-State College of Acupuncture, Ms. Pickard is a NCCAOM Diplomate in Acupuncture and licensed in NY State. She earned an MBA from NYU-Stern School of Business and a BA from Amherst College. Two locations: Stone, Flower, Mountain Health Associates in West Hurley and 79 Yerry Hill Road, Woodstock. (646) 825-1508.

bodhi studio

Judith Muirâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;The Alexander Technique

Offering Massage, Acupuncture, Natropathic medicine, Cranio sacral therapy, Skin Care, Body waxing, earconing, Reflexology and Reiki. See also our Massage directory listing. (518) 828-2233. www.bodhistudio.com.

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE The Alexander Technique is a simple practical skill that when applied to ourselves enhances coordination, promoting mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Improve the quality of your life by learning how to do less to achieve more. Judith Muir, AmSAT. (845) 677-5871.

Dylana Accolla, LAc Treat yourself to a renewed sense of health and well-being with acupuncture, herbal medicine, Chinese bodywork, and nutritional counseling. My emphasis is on empowering patients by teaching them how to practice preventative medicine. Great for gynecological problems, chronic pain, and managing chronic illness. Two locations: Haven Spa, 6464 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck, and Woodstock Women's Health, 1426 Route 28, West Hurley, NY. (914) 388-7789.

Earth Medicine Apothecary & Acupuncture Clinic Heart-to-heart with nature. Specializes in local & organic herbs, native & Asian; tinctures; teas; health products. Acupuncture, wellness consultation, & massage services tailored to individual needs aimed to educate & empower. Workshops in 2007. Founded by Hillary Thing, MS, LAc, professor of Oriental Medicine, acupuncturist, certified herbalist, gardener. Kingston & Accord. (845) 339-5653. www.earthmedicineherbs.com.

APOTHECARY Dr. Tom's Tonicsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;A Modern Apothecary A vision of Dr. Tom J. Francescott, Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Tom's Tonics is inspired by the old apothecaries from years ago filled with cutting edge and professional grade products backed by the expertise and support of a Naturopathic Doctor. Walk into Dr. Tom's Tonics and ask Dr. Tom or Dr. Winnie your health questions. Closed Wednesdays. (845) 876-2900.

Earth Medicine Apothecary & Acupuncture Clinic Heart-to-heart with nature. Please see extended directory listing under Acupuncture. (845) 339-5653. www.earthmedicineherbs.com.

AROMATHERAPY Joan Apter

Hoon J. Park, MD, PC For the past 18 years, Dr. Hoon J. Park has been practicing a natural and gentle approach to pain management for conditions such as arthritis, chronic and acute pain in neck, back, and legs, fibromyalgia, motor vehicle and workrelated injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and more by integrating physical therapy modalities along with acupuncture. Dr. Hoon Park is a board-certified physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain medicine, and electrodiagnostic studies. His experienced, friendly staff offer the most comprehensive and individualized rehabilitative care available. Please call the office to arrange a consultation. New patients and most insurances are accepted. Half mile south of the Galleria Mall. 1772 Route 9, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. (845) 298-6060.

Stephanie Ellis, LAc, Chinese Herbalist Ms. Ellis is a magna cum laude graduate of Columbia University in pre-medical studies and has been practicing acupuncture in Rosendale since 2001. In 2003 she com-

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See also Massage Therapy directory. (845) 679-0512. japter@ulster.net. www.apteraromatherapy.com.

ART THERAPY Deep Clay Art and Therapy Deep Clay Art and Therapy with Michelle Rhodes Licensed Master Social Worker, ATR-BC. A creative and grounding approach for crisis management, transitions, and deep healing. Individual, couple, and group arts based psychotherapy. Effective expressive approach is suited for all ages. Gardiner, NY. (845) 255-8039. deepclay@mac.com. www.deepclay.com.

ASTROLOGICAL CONSULTING Eric Francis: Astrological Consultations by Phone. Special discount on follow-ups for previous clients from the Hudson Valley. Lots to explore

on the Web at www.PlanetWaves.net. (206) 854-3931. eric@ericfrancis.com.

Essential Astrology Free Astrology Consultation. Call with a question and I'll give you a free 15 minute consultation to introduce you to my work and to the helpfulness of the Western and Vedic astrological traditions. Penny Seator, Essential Astrology. (518) 678-3282.

AURAS AND ENERGY The AURACLE A Spirit shop offering aura photos/ readings, Reiki attunements/ certifications, Reiki healing, meditations, gifts, and tools for the mind/ body/ spirit. Specializing in aura/ chakra imaging. Come discover your personal aura colors, and the health and balance of your aura and chakras! Join us in our weekly Sunday chakra balancing group at 11am! Couples and pet readings available. 27 North Chestnut Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-6046.

BODY & SKIN CARE Absolute Laser, LLC Absolute Laser offers commitment to beautiful skin through outstanding care and service. Offering Laser Hair Removal, Microdermabrasion, Vitalize Peel, and Fotofacial RF. The Fotofacial RF is the next generation in high-tech skin enhancement. These gentle, no downtime treatments are used to improve cosmetic appearance of the face, neck, hands, and body. The results are brighter, smoother, more radiant and luminescent skin. This process delivers results that skin care products alone cannot do! Recover and rediscover the youth and vitality of your skin. Call for a complimentary consultation: Janice DiGiovanni. Springbrook Medical Park, Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-7100. www.absolute-laser.com.

BODY-CENTERED THERAPY

By integrating traditional and alternative therapy/healing approaches, including Body-Centered Psychotherapy, IMAGO Couples' Counseling, and Kabbalistic Healing, I offer tools for self healing, to assist individuals and couples to open blocks to their softer heart energy. Ten-session psycho-spiritual group for women in recovery. Offices in Poughkeepsie and New Paltz. New Paltz, NY. (845) 485-5933.

David W. Basch, CPCC Transition Coach Change is inevitable; growth is optional. Get your life, business, or career unstuck and moving forward. You become clearer about who you are and what you really want. We don't fix you because you aren't broken. Transitions occur more naturally and powerfully. Whatever you are up to in your career, business or key areas such as money and relationships, coaching can assist you in creating a fulfilling life, achieving goals and being more focused, present and successful. Contact David for a free session. (845) 626-0444. dwbasch@aol.com. www.dwbcoaching.com.

CHI GONG â&#x20AC;&#x201D; TAI CHI CHUAN Ada Citron, Taoist Counselor and Instructor Receive a clear introduction to the basics of Mantak Chia's Healing Tao System. Learn The Six Healing Sounds which transform stress into vital energy, along with the Inner Smile and Microcosmic Orbit Meditations. More advanced classes available. Ada also studies with Master Li Jun Feng, Sifu Fong Ha and James Shaw, and offers a variety of their standing and gently moving practices. Kingston. (845) 3390589. www.adacitron.com.

Second Generation Yang CHI GUNG: This meditative practice incorporates and integrates both stillness and motion to strengthen the body and mind. Its deep breathing techniques, stretching and massaging of the acupuncture meridians, tendons, ligaments and muscles help to fend off disease and old age. TAI CHI CHUAN, based on the same principles as CHI GUNG, further embodies the expression of our intrinsic energy (CHI) in general physical movement and stillness meditation, as well as the deeply intricate movements found in the self-defense aspect of the Tai Chi form. Both of these practices were founded on the combination of Shaolin Buddhist meditation, Shaolin martial body mechanics and Taoist spiritual alchemy, but the first step in attaining results in these arts depends on setting the body and mind to the true nature of things. There are no short cuts. These esoteric practices have brought health, vitality and youthfulness to myself and my students, some of which are in their 70's and 80's. The only requirements for Chi Gung and Tai Chi Chuan are: determined practice of the principles and the will to persevere. (845) 750-6488.

whole living directory

Irene Humbach, LCSW, PC - Body of Wisdom Counseling & Healing Services

specialize in executive coaching, and coaching small business owners, consultants and private practitioners. 25 years experience. Kingston and New York City offices. Kingston, NY. (845) 336-8318. Toll Free: (800) 577-8318. allie@allieroth.com. www.allieroth.com.

Julie Zweig, MA Verbal Body-Centered Psychotherapy utilizing doctoral level training in psychology and 15+ years of experience as a therapist, as well as the principles of Rosen Method Bodywork, but without touch. New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-3566.

BODYWORK bodhi studio See also Massage Therapy directory. (518) 828-2233.

CAREER & LIFE COACHING Allie Roth - Center for Creativity and Work Career and Life Coaching for those seeking more creativity, fulfillment, balance and meaning in life and work. Offer a holistic approach to career and life transitions. Also

CHI KUNG Ada Citron Explore the basics of Mantak Chia's Healing Tao System with Ada Citron, Taoist counselor and Healing Tao Instructor for over 10 years. Meet the Six Healing Sounds which transform stress into vitality. Learn the Inner Smile and the Microcosmic Orbit meditations. Also learn standing and gently moving practices that relax and rejuvenate. (845) 339-0589. www.adacitron.com.

CHILDBIRTH Catskill Mountain Midwifery Home Birth Services See also Midwifery directory. (845) 687-BABY.

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Homebirth and Gynecology Practice of Judy Joffee, CNM This practice offers a unique and exquisite opportunity for woman care in a powerfully compassionate and sacred manner. I offer complete prenatal care focused toward homebirth. For the nonpregnant woman, individualized gynecological care, counseling, and self-determination await you. Also offering school, work, and general physicals for all ages. Call for consultation. (845) 255-2096.

Kary Broffman, RN, CH

Philmont Family Dentistry Caring, modern dental practice for year-round and secondhome owners in Upper Hudson Valley (Columbia, Greene, Dutchess, Ulster, Albany, Rensselaer, Berkshire). A sophisticated urban practice in a beautiful rural setting, one mile from Taconic Parkway in Philmont. Restorations (crowns, bridges, veneers, implants), cosmetic dentistry (whitening, bonding), root canal, extractions, emergencies. Call for appointment. 1078 Rte. 217, Philmont,. (518) 672-4077. www.philmontfamilydentistry.com.

See also Hypnosis directory. Hyde Park, NY. (845) 876-6753.

EQUINE FACILITATED HEALING

CHIROPRACTIC

Equisessions® with Ada, a life long rider, are therapeutically oriented, equine facilitated encounters based on the Epona Method from The Tao of Equus, by Linda Kohanov. Riding is involved in later sessions. This year Ada will present an all day pre-conference workshop for Region 1 of NARHA, the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, on Chi Kung as a tool for mounted equine facilitated healing work. She will also present, for the second time, her Chi Kung for Horse People at the conference itself. (845) 339-0589. www.adacitron.com.

Dr. David Ness Dr. David Ness is a Certified Active Release Techniques (ART) Provider and Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner specializing in helping athletes and active people quickly relieve their pain and heal their injuries. In addition to providing traditional chiropractic care, Dr. Ness utilizes ART to remove scar tissue and adhesions in order to restore mobility, flexibility, and strength faster than standard treatments will allow. If you have an injury that has not responded to treatment, call Dr. Ness for an appointment today. (845) 255-1200.

Dr. Bruce Schneider Dr. Bruce Schneider. New Paltz, NY 12561. (845) 255-4424.

Nori Connell, RN, DC

FENG SHUI DeStefano and Associates Barbara DeStefano has been the owner of DeStefano and Associates, an interior design business, for 18 years. She received certification in Feng Shui from the Metropolitan Institute of Interior Design and has completed advanced work with several Feng Shui Masters. Feng Shui is the perfect marriage to interior design. It brings a spiritual dimension to your space. Barbara can create a kind of beauty that touches your spirit, and brings balance and harmony to a level that transcends the superficial. Barbara is available for consultations, guest speaker engagements, and workshops. (845) 339-4601.

Janus Welton, AIA, BBEC, IFSG Architect and Feng Shui & Ecological & Building Health Consultant — EcoArch DesignWorks

Colon Hydrotherapy is a safe, gentle, cleansing process. Clean and private office. A healthy functioning colon can decrease internal toxicity and improve digestion; basics for a healthy body. See display ad. New Paltz, NY. (845) 256-1516.

A pioneer of Feng Shui In the U.S. since the 1980's, Janus Incorporates The Wisdom Traditions of Classical Feng Shui and Advanced Compass Techniques as well as Vastu Shastra from India; and grounds these practices into the 21st Century Architecture & Design combined with Ecological and Building Health practices. Not confined to Interiors, Classical Feng Shui begins with good site planning & siting of a building, and follows through the design placement of important Entries, Rooms, and Functions, and recommends the most appropriate Directions, Elements, Colors and Shapes and Timing for the Site, the Clients, and for the Building itself. Both new and existing Residential and Commercial Buildings can be balanced and enhanced with these cutting edge techniques! (845) 247-4620 | fax: (845) 247-4620. ecoarchitect@hvc.rr.com. www.JanusWeltonDesignWorks.com.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

FLOWER ESSENCE THERAPY

Craniosacral Therapy

Cheri Piefke — Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner

COACHING Jeanne Asma, LCSWR See also Psychotherapy directory. (845) 462-1182. www.JeanneAsma.com.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY Connie Schneider, Advanced Level I-ACT Certified Colon Hydrotherapist

A gentle, hands-on method for enhancing the body's own healing capabilities through the craniosacral rhythm. Craniosacral aids in the release of stress-related conditions such as anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, depression, digestive, menstrual, and other problems with organ function, breathing difficulties, and headaches. Increase energy, reduce pain, and improve immune system function. Effective for whiplash, TMJ, sciatica, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, arthritis, low back tension, and chronic pain. Also helpful for children with birth trauma, learning difficulties, chronic ear problems, and hyperactivity. Hudson Valley Therapeutic Massage, Michele Tomasicchio, LMT. (845) 255-4832.

DENTISTRY The Center For Advanced Dentistry — Bruce D. Kurek, DDS, FAGD; Jaime O. Stauss, DMD Setting the standards for excellence in dentistry for more than 25 years, the Center for Advanced Dentistry attracts clients from throughout the northeast and abroad. Their client-centered approach to providing comprehensive dental services for adults and children includes "old school" care and concern combined with the latest technologies. The office is conveniently located 1.5 miles east of the NYS Thruway, exit 18. 494 Route 299, Highland, NY. (845) 691-5600 | fax: (845) 691-8633. www.thecenterforadvance ddentistry.com.

whole living directory

Nori combines 28 years as a registered nurse with 18 years of chiropractic experience to offer patients a knowledgeable approach to removing the interferences in the body that lead to disease. She combines accredited techniques such as Neuro-Emotional technique, kinesiology, and Network Chiropractic to work with the body's innate intelligence and its ability for healing. Dr. Connell also offers workshops on natural health care for the family and is also one of the directors of Alternatives Health Center of Tivoli (845) 757-5555 and Rhinebeck Cooperative Health Center (845) 876-5556.

Ada Citron - Taoist Counselor and Instructor

Flower essences are a unique vibrational healing modality for mind-body health and emotional well-being, that are safe, effective and compatible with other medications or therapies. If you are seeking the missing piece in recovering from crisis, breaking behavioral patterns that no longer serve you, or if you simply desire support for personal growth, an individualized blend of flower essences can be the gentle loving partner that makes the difference. Call (845) 266-0230 for more information or to schedule your personal consultation.

GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY Group Psychotherapy Many people avoid intimacy in romantic relationships or friendships because of the fear of being hurt or rejected. Group psychotherapy is a very effective way to develop insight into one's patterns regarding intimacy and learn and practice new behaviors. Currently, there is an evening group in Uptown Kingston co-led by an experienced male and female therapist which offers a safe environment to develop greater connection in relationships. For further information call Thaddea Compain, LCSW at (845) 247-4059 or Clayton Horsey, LCSW at (845) 679-2282.

Michelle Rhodes LMSW ATR-BC Dreamfigures: Deep Clay art therapy group for women in transition. Experience the grounding, expressive potential

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of this ancient material. Led by clay artist, Licensed Social Worker, Board certified Art Therapist . For full description and bio contact Michelle Rhodes. (845) 255-8039. deepclay@mac.com. www.deepclay.com.

HEALTH CLUBS Millbrook Training Center The Millbrook Training Center, located in picturesque, historical Millbrook, is a personal fitness training center inclusive of a cardio complex, weight training center, yoga studio and three Pilates studios. Our staff of certified professionals offers individualized training and motivational programs to assist people with achieving a healthier lifestyle and reaching their fitness goals.

HEALTH & HEALING FACILITIES Guidance of Spirit, Wisdom of Heart Heart-based Intuitive Healing, Karma Release with Crystals, Space Clearings & Blessings, Long Distance Healings, End-of-Life Transitions, Guided Meditation/visualization. Thursday evenings at 7:30pm. Self healing is a process of self-discovery. Within the space of the heart discover what you need to heal. Kate DeChard M.Ed. The Soul Sanctuary, 6052 B Route 9, NY 12572.

whole living directory

The Sanctuary: A Place for Healing A quaint healing center in a quiet part of downtown New Paltz. Specializing in Craniosacral Therapy, Stress Point Release through Chiropractic, Swedish & Sports Massage, Shiatsu, and Energetic Reiki. New offerings include meditation and nutritional counseling. Call for an appointment. 5 Academy Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-3337 and (845) 853-3325.

HEALTH PUBLICATIONS Hudson Valley Healthy Living A comprehensive directory of MidHudson health services, products, and practitioners, along with articles on health issues of interest. Published biannually (April/October) by Luminary Publishing, Inc., the creators of Chronogram, 50,000 copies are distributed in the region throughout the year. Contents are also available on the Web at www.hvhealthyliving.com. See our website for advertising rates or call the HVHL sales team. (845) 334-8600. www.hvhealthyliving.com.

HERBS Earth Medicine Apothecary & Acupuncture Clinic Heart-to-heart with nature. Please see extended directory listing under Acupuncture. (845) 339-5653. www.earth medicineherbs.com.

Kimberly Woods C. HOM. See extended directory listing under Holistic Health. (845) 688-2976. www.naturalhealthsource.us.

Monarda Herbal Apothecary In honoring the diversity, uniqueness, and strength of nature for nourishment and healing, we offer organic

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and ecologically wildcrafted herbs using tradition as our guide. Certified Organic Alcohol Tinctures, Teas, Salves, Essential Oils, and more. Product Catalog $1. Workshops and Internships. (845) 339-2562. www.monarda.net.

HOLISTIC HEALTH John M. Carroll, Healer John Carroll is an intuitive healer, teacher, and spiritual counselor who integrates mental imagery with the God-given gift of his hands. John has helped individuals suffering from acute and chronic disorders, including back problems and cancer. Remote healings and telephone sessions. Call for consultation. Kingston, NY. (845) 338-8420.

Kimberly Woods C. HOM. With 25 years of experience and extensive training with world renowned master homeopaths and herbalists, she has helped 1000's of individuals suffering from acute and chronic disorders, from physical problems to psychological illnesses. Kimberly is truly gifted at educating the individual in natural approaches to health and well-being. (845) 6882976. www.naturalhealthsource.us.

OASISOUL for the

Marika Blossfeldt, HHC, AADP Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselor, Yoga Instructor

whole living directory

You were meant to lead a happy and fulfilling life. What's holding you back? Create change now. Discover the foods and lifestyle that truly nourish your body and soul. Infuse your life with radiant health! One-on-one counseling, lectures, wellness workshops, whole foods cooking classes, yoga, summer retreats. Beacon, NY. (646) 241-8478. marika@delicious-nutrition.com.

Priscilla A. Bright, MA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Energy Healer/Counselor Specializing in women's stress, emotional issues, and physical illness, including stress-related anxiety, depression, and physical burnout. Women in transition, businesswomen, mothers, all welcome. Experienced counselor. Faculty, Barbara Brennan School of Healing. Convenient offices in Kingston & New Paltz. Initial phone consultation no charge. Kingston, NY. (845) 688-7175.

HOMEOPATHY Kimberly Woods C. HOM. See extended directory listing under Holistic Health. (845) 688-2976. www.naturalhealthsource.us.

HYPNOSIS Achieve Your Goals with Therapeutic Hypnosisâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sharon Slotnick, MS, CHt. Increase self-esteem and motivation; break bad habits; manage stress, stress-related illness and anger; alleviate pain (e.g. childbirth, headaches, chronic pain); overcome fears and despondency; relieve insomnia; improve learning, memory, public speaking and sports performance; enhance creativity. Other issues. Change your outlook. Gain Control. Make healthier choices. Certified Hypnotist, two years training; broad

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base in Psychology. New Paltz/Kingston, NY. (845) 389-2302.

Acupuncture, Natropathic medicine, Cranio sacral therapy, Skin Care, Body waxing, earconing, Reflexology and Reiki. (518) 828-2233. www.bodhistudio.com.

Kary Broffman, RN, CH A registered nurse with a BA in psychology since 1980, Kary is certified in Ericksonian Hypnosis, Hypnobirthing, and Complementary Medical Hypnotism, hypnocoaching with the National Guild. She has also studied interactive imagery for nurses. By weaving her own healing journey and education into her work, she helps to assist others in accessing their inner resources and healing potential. Hyde Park, NY. (845) 876-6753.

One-Session Hypnosis with Frayda Kafka CHT Building on my success with smoking cessation in 1978, I have continued to help clients with weight loss, pain, childbirth, stress, insomnia, habits, phobias, confidence, and almost any behavior you can think of. Known for my easy, light manner and quick results, I have an intuitive knack for saying just the right thing at the right time so that a major shift can be initiated. Groups, home visits, gifts and phone sessions are available. Please call me at (845) 336-4646. Kingston, NY. info@CallTheHypnotist.com. www.CallTheHypnotist.com.

Michele Tomasicchio, LMT, specializes in Integrative Massage - incorporation of various healing modalities: Swedish, Myofascial Deep Tissue, Craniosacral, and stretching to facilitate the body's healing process. A session may include all or just one modality. No fault accepted. Gift certificates available. By appointment only. 243 Main Street, Suite 220, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-4832.

Joan Apter Offering luxurious massage therapy, including Raindrop Technique, with therapeutic essential oils to relieve stress, boost the immune system, and address system imbalances. Natural animal care, individual consultations for a healthy home and personal concerns, spa consultant, classes, and keynotes. Essential Oils, nutritional supplements, personal care, pet care, children's and home cleaning products from Young Living Essential Oils. For more information, contact Joan Apter. (845) 679-0512. japter@ulster.net. www.apteraromatherapy.com.

INTUITIVE HEALING

The Living Seed Yoga & Holistic Center

Guidance of Spirit, Wisdom of Heart

See also Yoga directory. 521 Main Street (Rte. 299, across from Econo Lodge), New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-8212. contact@thelivingseed.com. www.thelivingseed.com.

Heart-based Intuitive Healing, Karma Release with Crystals, Space Clearings & Blessings, Long Distance Healings, End-of-Life Transitions, Guided Meditation/visualization. Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm. Self healing is a process of self-discovery. Within the space of the heart discover what you need to heal. Kate DeChard M.Ed. The Soul Sanctuary, 6052 B Route 9, NY 12572.

JEWISH MYSTICISM/KABBALAH Irene Humbach, LCSW, PC Kabbalistic Healing in person and long distance. See Body-Centered Therapy. (845) 485-5933.

whole living directory

Hudson Valley Therapeutic Massage

LIFECOACHING Shirley Stone, MBA, Certified Empowerment Life Coach Want to convert fear into courage, stress into power, depression into joy, worry into satisfaction? Consider empowerment life coaching. Get clarity on the life you want plus the tools and techniques to make your dreams a reality. Stop being a problem solver and become a vision creator. Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-2194. Shirley@findingth ecourage.com. www.findingthecourage.com.

Shannon Fasce — Certified Holistic Life Coach Medical intuitive-Intuitive consultant- Restoring balance for the Body, Mind,& Spirit. Using techniques such as Energy Medicine, Guided meditation, Chakra Balancing, Bach Flower Remedies & Integrated Energy Therapy.To schedule an appointment call (845)758-8270.

Tammy Friedman New Paltz, NY 12461. (845) 729-3728. tam88774@aol.com.

Susan DeStefano, LMT Healing Massage. Swedish. Deep Tissue. Hot Stone. Shiatsu Craniosacral. Lymph Drainage. Tibetan Reflexology. Reiki. Touch For Health. (845) 255-6482.

Sunflower Healing Massage See also Midwifery directory. (845) 705-5906.

Sublime Bodywork Sabra Goodban. Healing from the inside out. New York Licensed Massage Therapist and Master Teacher in the Shadulliya Sufi Path. Specializing in low back pain, knee problems, anxiety and depression. Experience shiatsu, massage and Raindrop therapy. Zen shiatsu utilizes myofascial release and stretching to allow for an increase in flexibility and range of motion. Raindrop therapy utilizes therapeutic grade essential oils to reduce inflammation created in back pain, scoliosis, lordosis and other spinal problems. Raindrop therapy may also alleviate central nervous system conditions like Lyme's and Parkinson's. Located in the Woodstock area. Sessions available by calling (845) 246-4180.

Woodland Massage A healing practice for body, mind and spirit. Attention artists, activists, farmers, executives, builders, teachers, truckers, healers, helpers, merchants, mothers, and weekend wanderers. Strong, gentle, knowledgeable bodywork, personalized to meet your treatment goals. Flexible schedule and fees. Accord office/home visits. Mark Houghtaling, LMT. Keep in touch. (845) 687-4650.

MEDITATION Zen Mountain Monastery

MASSAGE THERAPY Ada Citron, LMT A licensed practitioner since 1988, Ada currently prefers the modalities of Chi Nei Tsang, Chinese internal organ massage, and Shiatsu, pressure point massage. Classes offered in CNT. House call fees are commensurate with travel time. Kingston. (845) 339-0589. www.adacitron.com.

Affinity Healing Arts — Alice Madhuri Velky LMT, RYT A holistic approach to chronic pain and stress. Deeply effective, intuitive and client-centered bodywork blends wedish/ deep tissue massage, myofascial, aromatherapy and Reiki energy balancing. Workshops: Stress Management; Reiki Certification; Integral Yoga®. Gift certificates available. Call (845) 797-4124 for an appointment or visit home.earthlink.net/ ~affinityhealing_. New Paltz/Poughkeepsie.

bodhi studio Bodhi Studio is a lovely and calm space nestled in the heart of downtown Hudson. We have brought together experienced and caring therapists to give you the care you need at an affordable price, so that taking care of yourself can happen often and easily. Offering Massage,

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Offering year-round retreats geared to all levels of experience: introductions to Zen meditation and practice; programs exploring Zen arts, Buddhist studies, and social action; and intensive meditation retreats. South Plank Road, Mt. Tremper, NY. (845) 688-2228.

MIDWIFERY Catskill Mountain Midwifery — Home Birth Services Give birth as you wish, in an environment in which you feel nurtured and secure; where your emotional well-being, privacy, and personal preferences are respected. Be supported by a tradition that trusts the natural process. Excellent MD consult, hospital backup. (845) 687-BABY.

Homebirth and Gynecology Practice of Judy Joffee, CNM See also Childbirth directory. (845) 255-2096.

Suzanne Berger Certified nurse midwife at the Women's Care Center offering a full range of holistic, alternative and traditional

services. Serving Kingston, Benedictine and Northern Dutchess Hospitals. Kingston, NY. Rhinebeck (845) 8762496. Kingston (845) 338-5575.

Sunflower Healing Massage Kim Beck, RN Certified Nurse, Midwife and Licensed Massage Therapist. In home prenatal and postpartum massage. (845) 705-5906.

NATURAL FOODS Beacon Natural Market Lighting the Way for a Healthier World... Located in the heart of historic Beacon at 348 Main Street. Featuring organic prepared foods deli & juice bar as well as organic and regional produce, meats and cheeses. Newly opened in Aug. '05, proprietors L.T. & Kitty Sherpa are dedicated to serving the Hudson Valley with a complete selection of products that are good for you and good for the planet, including an extensive alternative health dept. Nutritionist on staff. 348 Main Street, Beacon, NY. (845) 838-1288.

Sunflower Natural Food Market

whole living directory

At Sunflower we know the food we eat is our greatest source of health. Sunflower carries certified organic produce, milk, cheeses, and eggs; non-irradiated herbs and spices; clean, pure organic products to support a healthy lifestyle; large selection of homeopathic remedies. Sunflower Natural Foods is a complete natural foods market. Open 9am-9pm daily. 10am-7pm Sundays. Bradley Meadows Shopping Center, Woodstock, NY. (845) 679-5361.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE Dr. Thomas J. Francescott, ND. Free Your Mind - Release Your Body - Energize Your Spirit! Solve health issues, enhance wellness, and gain awareness. Scientifically proven naturopathic solutions for challenging and/or chronic health concerns. I offer naturopathic expertise in a sacred space to help you feel better. Graduate of the prestigious Bastyr University. Rhinebeck Cooperative Health Center, Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-5556. www.drfrancescott.com.

NUTRITION Ilyse Simon RD, CDN Nutrition Therapist Diet is a four letter word. Nutritional therapy for emotional eating to chronic eating disorders, body image issues, insulin resistance and diabetes. Teaching normal eating based on hunger cues. Specializing in teens to adults. Bastyr University of Natural Medicine educated with non-diet approach including whole foods. Many insurances accepted. "Life is not black and white. Living is the full spectrum in between." 318 Wall St, Suite 3A, Kingston, NY. (845) 331-6381. ilysefood@yahoo.com.

Jill Malden, RD, CSW Prominent Nutritionist specializing in eating behavior and eating disorders for 15 years. Warm, nonjudgmental treatment. Understand the effects of nutrition on your mood, anxiety level, cravings, concentration, energy level, and sleep, in addition to body weight. Recover from your eating issues and

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enjoy a full life! 1 Water Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 489-4732.

Vicki Koenig, MS, RD, CDN Creating Wellness for individuals and businesses. Nutrition counseling: combining traditional and integrative solutions to enhance well-being. Health Fairs for Businesses wanting to improve employees' productivity. Providing help with Diabetes, Cardiovascular conditions, Weight loss, Digestive support, Women's health, and Pediatric Nutrition. Many insurances accepted. Offices in New Paltz and Kingston. Call (845) 255-2398 for an appointment. www.Nutrition-wise.com.

Vitamin Navigator Confused about what to eat and what not? Find your own bioindividuality, your diet is as unique as you are, your optimum health can be achieved without serious deprivation. Andrew Wright Randel HHC AADP has 15 years experience with alternative and complementary health care. (914) 466-2928. www.vitaminnavigator.com.

Valerie Crystal, MS, Clinical Nutritionist

whole living directory

"If I don't make time for healthy eating, I'll have to make time for illness." Valerie Crystal, MS, Clinical Nutritionist. Assessments and diagnostic testing for chronic disorders caused by poor eating habits. Learn how, what and when to eat and heal yourself! House calls available. Free Phone consultation. (518) 678-0700.

NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING Delicious Nutrition â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Marika Blossfeldt, Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselor, Yoga Instructor Discover the foods and lifestyle that truly nourish your body and soul. Infuse your life with balance, vitality and joy! Empower yourself through awareness, mindfulness and kindness. Take charge and create change now. I can help you live your life fully. Contact me for a free initial consultation. Oneon-one counseling, group programs, wellness workshops, lectures, whole foods cooking classes, yoga, retreats. (646) 214-8478. marika@deliciousnutrition.com.

ORGANIC PRODUCTS NewAgeProducts.Org Offers handmade Organic Soaps, All Natural & Organic Herbal Juice Supplements and many Organic Bath & Body Products. All high quality and very competitively priced. Your #1 place to get all your organic body care needs. An easy and convenient way to experience the difference of Organic & All Natural Body Care. www.NewAgeProducts.org.

OSTEOPATHY Applied Osteopathy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Joseph Tieri, DO, & Ari Rosen, DO. Drs. Tieri and Rosen are New York State Licensed Osteopathic physicians specializing in Cranial Osteopathy. As specialists in Osteopathic manipulation, we are dedicated to the traditional philosophy and hands-on treatment of our predecessors. We have studied with Robert Fulford, DO, Viola Freyman, DO, James Jealous, DO, and Bonnie Gintis, DO, and

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completed a two-year residency in Osteopathic Manipulation. We treat newborns, children, and adults. 3457 Main St, Stone Ridge, (845) 687-7589. 138 Market Street, Rhinebeck, (845) 876-1700. 257 Main Street, New Paltz, (845) 256-9884. By Appointment. For more information call or visit the website. Rhinebeck (845) 876-1700. www.stoner idgehealingarts.com.

PHYSICIANS Women Care Center Empowerment through information. Located in Rhinebeck and Kingston. Massage and acupuncture available. Gynecology - treating our patients through the most up-to-date medical and surgical technologies available, combined with alternative therapies. Obstetrics - working with you to create the birth experience you desire. Many insurances accepted. Evening hours available. Rhinbeck (845) 876-2496; Kingston (845) 338-5575.

PILATES Beacon Pilates A fully equipped classical studio that tailors each workout to fit the individual's needs and abilities. Our class times and intro packages make it easy to get started. Beacon Pilates is a Power Pilates Participating Studio. For information on becoming a certified Pilates teacher please contact us. 181 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Beacon, NY. (845) 831-0360. www.beaconpilates.com.

The Moving Body (845) 679-7715. www.themovingbody.com. 276 Tinker Street, Woodstock,. (845) 679-7715. www.themovingbody.com.

Pilates of New Paltz / Core Pilates Studio

PSYCHICS Psychically Speaking Psychic Consultations by Gail Petronio, internationally renowned psychic. Over 20 years experience. It is my sincere hope to offer my intuitive abilities and insights as a means to provide awareness of one's life and destiny. Sessions are conducted in person or by telephone. Visit www.psych icallyspeaking.com. Call (845) 626-4895 or (212) 714-8125 or email gail@psychicallyspeaking.com.

PSYCHOLOGISTS Mark S. Balaban, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering individual and group psychotherapy for adults and adolescents. Experienced in working with relationship/intimacy issues, loneliness, depression, anxiety, current family or family of origin issues, eating/body image concerns, grief, stress management, and personal growth. Convenient after-work and evening appointments available. Rosendale, NY. (845) 616-7898. balabanm@newpaltz.edu.

Peter M. del Rosario, PhD Licensed psychologist. Insight-oriented, culturally sensitive psychotherapy for adults and adolescents concerned with: relationship difficulties, codependency, depression, anxiety, sexual/physical trauma, grief and bereavement, eating disorders, dealing with divorce, gay/lesbian issues. Free initial consult. 199 Main Street, New Paltz, NY. (914) 262-8595.

Rachael Diamond, LCSW, CHt See also Psychotherapy directory. (845) 883-9642.

PSYCHOTHERAPY Amy R. Frisch, CSWR Psychotherapist. Individual, family, and group sessions for adolescents and adults. Currently accepting registration for It's a Girl Thing: an expressive arts therapy group for adolescent girls and The Healing Circle: an adult bereavement group offering a safe place to begin the healing process

Change Your Outlook, Heal, and Grow— Sharon Slotnick, MS, CHt. With combination of "talk" therapy for self-knowledge and hypnotherapy to transform negative, self-defeating thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Faster symptom relief. Feel better and make healthier choices. Sliding scale, Certified Hypnotherapist and Counselor. New Paltz, Kingston. See also Hypnosis. New Paltz, NY. (845) 389-2302.

Debra Budnik, CSW-R Traditional insight-oriented psychotherapy for long- or short-term work. Aimed at identifying and changing selfdefeating attitudes and behaviors, underlying anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. Sliding scale, most insurances accepted, including Medicare/Medicaid. NYS-licensed. Experience working with trauma victims, including physical and sexual abuse. Educator on mental health topics. Located in New Paltz, one mile from SUNY. (845) 255-4218.

Dianne Weisselberg MSW, LMSW Individual Therapy, Grief Work and Personal Mythology. Stuck? Overwhelmed? Frustrated? Depressed? THERE IS ANOTHER WAY! Dianne Weisselberg has over 16 years experience in the field of Counseling and over 8 years of training in Depth Psychology. Sliding Scale fees. Office hours in Woodstock and Willow. (845) 688-7570. dweisselberg@hvc.rr.com.

Heart Centered Counseling & Expressive Arts Therapy — Dr. Nancy Rowe, PhD, LMHC Emotional healing for children and adults using talk, imagery, sandplay, expressive arts, and/or movement. Background in transpersonal psychology, play therapy, family therapy, spiritual guidance, authentic movement, and expressive arts therapy. Dr. Nancy Rowe, PhD, LMHC, Kingston, NY. (845) 679-4827. www.wisdomheart.com.

Ione Author and psychotherapist: Qigong, Meditation, Hypnotherapy, and Dreams. Specializing in the creative process. Healing retreats, Local and Worldwide. (845) 339-5776.

Irene Humbach, LCSW, PC — Body of

kabbalistic healing & body work Sharon Rosen, Certified Healer, Reiki Master New! Mentoring & Support for Healers. Groups now forming 255-3337 ext. 1 or 691-5548 www.wisdomtreehealing.com

Wisdom Counseling & Healing Services

whole living directory

These studios offer caring, experienced and certified instruction with fully equipped facilities. Each student receives detailed attention to his/her needs while maintaining the energizing flow of the classical pilates system. Hours are flexible enough to accomodate any schedule. Pilates of New Paltz: (845) 255-0559; Core Pilates in Poughkeepsie: (845) 452-8018. Open 6 days a week.

after the death of a loved one. Most insurances accepted. New Paltz, NY. (914) 706-0229.

See also Body - Centered Therapy directory. (845) 4855933.

Janne Dooley, LCSW \Brigid's Well Psychospiritual therapy, Gestalt, EMDR, with a specialty in childhood trauma, relationship issues, recovery, codependency and inner child work. Brigid's Well also offers life coaching and workshops to integrate healing and help create a richer, more satisfying life. Call for information or free consultation: New Paltz office. (347) 834-5081. Brigidswell@verizon.net.

Judith Blackstone, Ph.D. Offering traditional psychotherapy and EMDR for healing from trauma and changing limiting beliefs, Breathwork for relieving stress and breathing difficulties, and Realization Process, a body-oriented meditation for deepening contact with oneself and others. For individuals and couples. NY State licensed. Offices in Kingston, Willow and NYC. Woodstock, NY. (845) 679-7005. www.realizationcenter.com.

Judy Swallow, MA, TEP Integrative body/mind therapist using Rubenfeld synergy and psychodrama in her work with individuals, couples, groups, and families. Inquire for workshops and training, as well as therapy. New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-5613.

Jeanne Asma, LCSWR PSYCHOTHERAPIST AND LIFE COACH Individual, couples and group sessions for adults. Women's issues groups now forming. Specializing in relationship issues, improving self-esteem, binge eating and body image, life transitions including divorce and grief issues, trauma and abuse. Many insurances accepted or sliding scale available. Office located in Poughkeepsie location. (845) 462-1182. www.JeanneAsma.com.

Julie Zweig, MA See also Body-Centered Therapy directory. Offices in Poughkeepsie and New Paltz. NY. (845) 255-3566.

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Kent Babcock, MSW, LMSW Counseling & Psychotherapy Development of solutions through simple self-observation, reflection, and conversation. Short- or long-term work around difficult relationships; life or career transitions; ethical, spiritual, or psychic dilemmas; and creative blocks. Roots in yoga, dreamwork, spiritual psychology, and existential psychotherapy. Sliding scale. Offices in Woodstock and Uptown Kingston. (845) 679-5511 x4. kentagram@gmail.com.

Kathleen Calabrese, PhD Family, Individual Psychotherapy For over 20 years with offices in Kingston and New York. Her empathic, practical approach enables people to understand their past, assess present day choices, and live more authentically and creatively in the future. This winter, take a creative leap into the unconscious by participating in a COLLAGE WORKSHOP. Call or email for details! 17 John St. (845) 688-2645. kathleencalabrese@hvc.rr.com.

Michelle Rhodes LMSW ATR-BC See also Art Therapy and Group Psychotherapy. (845) 255-8039. deepclay@mac.com.

whole living directory

Martin Knowles, LCSW Taking a systemic approach to well-being and relationships for over 20 years, Martin Knowles works with individuals, couples and families in Uptown Kingston. His effective, downto-earth style amplifies and encourages natural talents and resources, bringing out the best in each of us. (845) 338-5450 x301.

Meg F. Schneider, MA, CSW Psychotherapy for adults and adolescents. Counseling and guidance for special parent issues: helping children thru divorce, coping with a new single life and communicating with troubled teens. Long or short term therapy and EMDR â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a methodology that will help strengthen your ability to handle current difficulties by reaching a peace with past events. Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-8808.

Rachael Diamond, LCSW, CHt Holistically-oriented therapist offering counseling, psychotherapy, and hypnotherapy. Specializing in issues pertaining to relationships, personal growth, life transitions, alternative lifestyles, childhood abuse, codependency, addiction, recovery illness, and grief. Some insurances accepted. Office convenient to New Paltz and surrounding areas. Free half hour consultation. New Paltz, NY. (845) 883-9642.

Wellspring Evolutionary coaching using movement and breath to access and clear lifelong patterns and transform relationships. Rodney and Sandra Wells, certified by Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks. (845) 534-7668.

REBIRTHING Susan DeStefano Heart-centered therapy for healing the body, mind, and emotions. Improve

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relationships, release the past, heal the inner child through personal empowerment. (845) 255-6482.

SHIATSU Sublime Bodywork

REIKI Affinity Healing Arts î ż Alice Madhuri Velky LMT, RYT A holistic approach to chronic pain and stress. Deeply effective, intuitive and client-centered bodywork blends swedish/deep tissue massage, myofascial, aromatherapy and Reiki energy balancing. Workshops: Stress Management; Reiki Certification; Integral YogaÂŽ. Gift certificates available. Call (845) 797-4124 for an appointment or visit home.earthlink.net/~affinityhealing_. New Paltz/Poughkeepsie.

Sabra Goodban. Healing from the inside out. New York Licensed Massage Therapist and Master Teacher in the Shadulliya Sufi Path. Specializing in low back pain, knee problems, anxiety and depression. Experience shiatsu, massage and Raindrop therapy. Zen shiatsu utilizes myofascial release and streching to allow for an increase in flexibility and range of motion. Raindrop therapy utilizes therapeutic grade essential oils to reduce inflammation created in back pain, scoliosis, lordosis and other spinal problems. Raindrop therapy may also alleviate central nervous system conditions like Lyme's and Parkinson's. Located in the Woodstock area. Sessions available by calling (845) 246-4180. (845) 246-4180.

The Sanctuary - Reiki Rev. Denise Meyer offers Usui Reiki treatments. Experience the benefits of deep relaxation and energetic releases through this method of healing touch. Reiki energy supports and heals the mind, body, heart and spirit through the delivery of Light Energy into the energy field of the receiver. "Denise's work is way beyond the other Reiki treatments I have had." Vera P. Gift Certificates Available. The Sanctuary, 5 Academy Street, New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-3337 ext. 2.

SCHOOLS & TRAINING Hudson Valley School of Massage Therapy Student clinic supervised by NYS Licensed Instructor. www.HVSMassageTherapy.com.

Institute of Transpersonal Psychology

International Feng Shui Institute Workshops in Woodstock and Manhattan. Starting October 20, 2006 over 6 weekends /year. The IFSI is the only Institute of Professional Feng Shui Training to integrate Classical & Compass Chinese Feng Shui with BTB Tibetan Bhuddist Feng Shui techniques with a focus on Individual Coaching, Consultations, and Design Applications w/ a practicing architect. Brought to you by Director, Eric Shaffert, BTB Feng Shui Coach and author of Feng Shui and Money; Janus Welton, AIA, Architect, Classical & Compass Feng Shui & Ecology in The 21st Century; and Susanna Bastarrica, President, United Nations FSRC; BTB transcendental teacher and Universal Minister. Call for registration by Oct. 20. (845) 247-4620 | fax: (845) 247-4620. ecoarchitect@hvc.rr.com. www.JanusWeltonDesignWorks.com.

Joshua Pearl's WHOLE MUSICIAN WORKSHOP Develop and liberate your unique musical potential through customized music lessons, workshops, or artist development programs. For aspiring and developing musicians and bands. Explore your music in a supportive environment. Call (845) 679-7599 and receive a free lesson during September. Studios in Woodstock and Manhattan. www.joshuapearl.com.

Omega Institute Omega's exceptional workshops, retreats, professional trainings, and conferences at its Rhinebeck, New York campus don't end in the fall, they simply move to warmer climates for the winter. Explore the world, nourish yourself, and learn something new in Costa Rica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, or California. Start packing! (800) 944-1001. www.eomega.org.

SHAMANISM, HEALING & TRAINING Janet StraightArrow - Woman of Medicine, Energy Healer, Medical Intuitive, Shaman Heal and enjoy your entire life. No need for pain, depression, or disease. Holistic Healing System - Be The Medicine works! Develop your innate abilities to be the self healing being you are. Learn to work with your body, mind, emotions, spirit and soul in new and exciting ways. Live your life purpose. Free initial consult. Exciting: classes, sessions, ceremonies, deep healing & training. Phone and in person work. Woodstock and other locations. (845) 679-7175. Janetoasis@aol.com. www.oasisforthesoul.com.

The Spa at Emerson Place Embrace the Asian-inspired design of the Emerson Spa as you relax into an oasis of peace and tranquility that is surrounded by the Hudson Valley's pastoral beauty. Individually-tailored treatments are created by the experienced therapists who are skilled at delivering virtually all the Emerson Spa's 40+ treatments. Spend the day enjoying the Spa's hot tubs, steam showers, sauna, resistance pool, cardio equipment, yoga/meditation room and relaxation area... all included with your Spa visit. For appointments, call (845) 688-1000. For the treatment menu and specials, visit www.emersonresort.com.

SPIRITUAL Healing, Pathwork and Channeling by Flowing Spirit Guidance It is our birthright to experience the abundance of the universe, the deep love of God, and our own divinity! It is also our birthright to share our own unique gifts with the world. We long to do it. So why don't we? Our imperfections get in the way. As we purify, we experience more and more fully, the love and the abundance of God's universe. We can have it in any moment. We can learn to purify our imperfections AND experience heaven on earth. Jaffe Institute Spiritual Healing; Pathwork; and Channeling available. Contact Joel Walzer for sessions. (845) 679-8989. www.flowingspirit.com.

whole living directory

ITP is an accredited graduate psychology school offering clinical and nonclinical certificates, MA and PhD degrees. The curriculum combines mind, body, and spiritual inquiry with scholarly research and self discovery. Graduates have strong clinical skills and can communicate in a variety of complex relational circumstances. (650) 493-4430. itpinfo@itp.edu. www.itp.edu.

SPAS & RESORTS

Ione Egyptian Mysteries, Scarab TeachingsTM, Journeys to Sacred Sites. (845) 339-5776.

SPIRITUAL COUNSELING Spirit Asked me to Tell You Spiritual channeling and guidance. Individuals and groups, will travel for groups. Native American spiritual teachings. I have spent ten years out West learning Native American teachings and rituals. Telephone sessions by appointment. All information in private sessions are confidential. (845) 679-0549.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION Hudson Valley Structural Integration Structural integration is a form of soft tissue manipulation based on the lifelong work of Dr. Ida P. Rolf. It is a process-oriented whole systems approach that seeks to improve one's health and vitality by balancing the body and re-establishing appropriate relationships. Benefits include feeling lighter, more energy, greater freedom of movement, relief from chronic pain, and positive psychological effects. We offer a safe place for exploration and work with sensitivity and compassion. Krisha Showalter and Ryan Flowers are certified practitioners of the KMI method. Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-4654.

TAROT Tarot-on-the-Hudson - Rachel Pollack Exploratory, experiential play with the Tarot as oracle and sacred tool, in a monthly class, with Certified Tarot Grand Master and international Tarot author Rachel Pollack. All levels welcome. Tarot Readings in person or by phone. Also see ad. Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-5797. rachel@rachelpollack.com.

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THERAPY Legga, Inc. at Cedar Ridge Farm Specializing in Equine Assisted Discovery groups and individual sessions, for Children, Adolescents, & Adults. Saugerties, NY. (845) 729-0608.

Toni D. Nixon, Ed.D. - Therapist and Buddhist Practitioner Offering a unique combination of techniques that integrate therapeutic goals and spiritual practice. The basic principles of Buddhism and psychotherapy are concerned with the goal of ending human suffering. Both paths to liberation are through greater self awareness, a broader view of one's world, the realization of the possibility of freedom and finding the means to achieve it. In essence, effective psychotherapy moves toward liberation and Buddhist practice is therapeutic in nature. Eidetic Image therapy is a unique and powerful method that encourages the liberation of the mind and spirit from obstacles that block the way to inner peace. Specializing in life improvement skills, habit cessation, career issues, women's issues, and blocked creativity. By phone, online, and in person. (845) 339-1684. www.eidetictherapy.com.

VEGAN LIFESTYLES Andrew Glick - Vegan Lifestyle Coach

whole living directory

The single most important step an individual can take to help save the planet's precious resources, improve and protect one's health, and to stop the senseless slaughter of over 50 billion animals a year...is to Go Vegan. What could make you feel better about yourself than knowing you are helping the planet, your own health, and the lives of countless animals all at the same time? If the idea is daunting and seems undoable to you, then let your personal Vegan Lifestyle Coach take you through steps A to Z. Whether you're a cattle rancher eating meat three times a day or a lacto-vegetarian wanting to give up dairy, it's a process that can be fun, easy and meaningful. You can do it easily with the proper support, guidance and encouragement from your Vegan Lifestyle Coach. (845) 679-7979. andy@meatfreezone.org. www.meatfreezone.org.

Healthy Gourmet To Go Try our colossal coconut macaroons dipped in dark chocolate or our delectable pan-seared cornmeal crusted homemade seitan cutlets over rosemary smashed potatoes with mushroom gravy. From old-fashioned home cooking with a new healthful twist to live/raw foods and macrobiotics, HGTG has dishes to please every palate. Weekly Meal Delivery right to your door. Organic, vegan, kosher. Baby Registry. Gift Certificates. Catering. (845) 339-7171. www.carrottalk.com.

WORKSHOPS Wallkill Valley Writers Creative writing workshops in New Paltz led by Kate Hymes, poet and educator. Aspiring and experienced writ-

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ers are welcome. Wallkill Valley Writers provides structured time, a supportive community and a safe place for you to fulfill the dream of writing your stories, real or imagined. Many writers find the community of a workshop benefits their work and keeps them motivated. (845) 255-7090. khamherstwriters@aol.com.

YOGA Barbara Boris Woodstock Iyengar Yoga The Iyengar method develops strength, endurance and correct body alignment in addition to flexibility and relaxation. Standing poses are emphasized: building strong legs, increased general vitality and improved circulation, coordination and balance. 12 years teaching yoga, 20 years practicing. Twelve trips to India. Extensive training with the Iyengar family. Mt. View Studio, Woodstock, Satya Yoga, Rhinebeck,. (845) 679-3728. bxboris@yahoo.com. www.barbaraborisyoga.com.

Jai Ma Yoga Center Offering a wide array of Yoga classes, seven days a week, from Gentle/Restorative Yoga to Advanced. Meditation classes free to all enrolled. Chanting Friday evenings. New expanded studio space. Private consultations and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy sessions available. Gina Bassinette, RYT & Ami Hirschstein, RYT, Owners. New Paltz, NY. (845) 256-0465.

The Living Seed Yoga & Holistic Center Open to the community for over 5 years. Inspiring movements of inner freedom and awareness. We offer Yoga classes for all levels of students, gentle/beginner to advanced. Including Pre & Post Natal Yoga, Family & Kids Yoga, as well as a variety of Dance classes, Massage, Acupuncture, Sauna & Organic Yoga Clothing. 521 Main Street (Rte. 299, across from Econo Lodge), New Paltz, NY. (845) 255-8212. contact@thelivingseed.com. www.thelivingseed.com.

Satya Yoga Center Satya Hudson Valley Yoga Center is located in the heart of Rhinebeck village, on the third floor of the Rhinebeck Department Store building. We offer classes for all levels, 7 days a week. There is no need to pre-register: we invite you to just show up. Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-2528. www.satyayogarhinebeck.com.

Yoga on Duck Pond A new approach to yoga based on the premise that we develop habitual patterns of movement that can effectively be changed by bringing unconscious movement into conscious awareness. Only then can we explore new combinations of ways to move. Learn how to experience yoga poses comfortably and beneficially, from the inside out, without strain or struggle. When we slow down, we can sense and feel more clearly and comfortably how we move. Experience a style of yoga that is dynamic, rejuvenating, empowering and transformational. Donna Nisha Cohen, RYT with over 25 years experience. Classes daily. Privates available. (845) 687-4836. www.yogaonduckpond.com.

the forecast

EVENT LISTINGS FOR JANUARY 2007

COURTESY CHARLES AND LISA DAUGHERTY

FORECAST

AMERICAN RHYTHM (DETAIL), JAMES DAUGHERTY, CRAYONS WITH GRAPHITE ON PAPER, 1934

WILL WORK FOR FOOD We’re all familiar with the cultural archetype of the "starving artist." But what do you

the program wanted the artwork to be easily accessible and understandable to the

do with artists when it seems like the whole nation is starving?

broader public.” Compared to the overtly Marxist, intensely political art being made

That was a part of the tremendous challenge facing FDR when he took office in

by Mexican muralists like Diego Rivera during this same period, these American

1933, in the depths of the Great Depression. Contrary to the reflexive belt-tightening

public commissions tended to require that the artist remain a bit more circumspect,

of government today, Roosevelt instead proposed a number of broad-reaching social

raising the interesting specter of a uniquely American version of the Soviet Union’s

welfare programs, including several that offered out-of-work artists opportunities to

notorious enforcement of Socialist Realism.

both contribute to society and put a bit of food in their bellies.

But not to fear—artists in the WPA’s Federal Art Project labored under much

“For the People: American Mural Drawings of the 1930s and 1940s” is an exhibition

less onerous patronage than those in Stalin’s Russia, and often the only demand

organized by curator Patricia Phagan at the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at

on American artists was to make whatever work he or she liked and, for which they

Vassar College. The bulk of the show is based on an extensive series of paintings

received a regular government stipend. While such open-ended funding might

and sketches from Vassar’s collection by artists working in cartoon, political, and

today seem like folly, just look at the results. Artists like Arshile Gorky and Willem

abstract modes, as well as the American Scene school popularized by painters like

de Kooning (both represented in the Vassar show) were given carte blanche to

Thomas Hart Benton during the Depression era.

spend time making art instead of struggling, preparing the way for America’s first

These studies were made as preparatory drawings and proposals for public mural projects, and most were intended for US Government commissions. The Public Works

internationally significant contribution to painting—Abstract Expressionism—once the Depression and World War II had opened up the world stage.

of Art Project (PWAP) sponsored murals for post offices across the country, some

“For the People” opens January 12. A reception will take place February 3 at 4pm;

of which still stand. (Vassar has organized several tours during the run of the show

at 5pm that day, scholar Karol Ann Marling will give a lecture titled “The Splendid

to visit murals in the Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck post offices.)

Muralists of Dutchess and Ulster County, and What They Told Me.” (845) 437-5632;

“Most of the post office murals were done in the illustrative American Scene style,” according to Phagan, “and only a very few were done as abstracts. The directors of

www.fllac.vassar.edu. —Beth E. Wilson

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113

IMAGE PROVIDED

FORECAST

ROBERT CRAY PLAYS THE EGG ON JANUARY

EGG COOKER Robert Cray is the trusty sweater lodged in the back of your closet. You know, the one that’s outlasted several presidential administrations, spouses/lovers, and

and the quartet’s cohesion is evident on the new record. “We mixed up the set list every night, and most of the time we weren’t even thinking about being recorded,” Cray says.

automobiles. Although this sweater may be comfortable as a second skin and warm as the

Once back in the studio, Cray selected the songs based more on performance

living-room hearth, it inevitably gets overlooked next to the newer, flashier denizens

than precision. The only technical embellishment to the recording was a touch of

of the wardrobe.

slapback echo.

That Cray’s soulful, pleading vocals and effortless facility on the Telecaster tend

“The surprises were in the fact that we did something a little different each time

to get taken for granted is largely down to longevity: Cray’s band, has recorded 19

with every song,” the singer-guitarist says. “I’d be listening to the tapes and thinking

albums since its 1980 debut on Mercury, Who’s Been Talking.

‘Wow, this band sounds pretty damn good!’”

Another reason may be that Cray sometimes gets short shrift by blues purists turned off by the slick production on some of his more popular records, such as the 1986 breakthrough Strong Persuader.

The sense of spontaneity that pervades Live from Across the Pond is a result of the band’s resistance to habit. “We avoid set lists and just call out the songs (and solos) on stage,” Cray explains.

But for those who may have lost track of Cray since his days as a young lion, it may be time for a reappraisal. His latest offering, Live from Across the Pond, is the maiden release on his own Nozzle Records, as well as the first live album in the Cray oeuvre. This 14-song set was recorded last summer over seven nights in London at Royal Albert Hall while supporting Eric Clapton. The extended residency released Cray and his band from the pressure of performing under all-or-nothing working conditions. “In the past, we only had one shot to try to be perfect. I’d get so nervous, sometimes

“Sometimes it works great and there will be a great solo or sometimes it leaves too much dead space. You never know how it’s going to turn out.” On stage, the telepathy from years of shared experience manifests itself as a willingness to take chances. The improvisational interplay, particularly between Cray and Pugh is particularly dazzling, often lending songs a labyrinthine, jazzy quality. If you’ve lost touch, the time may be ripe to rediscover Robert Cray and his blues/ soul stew. The Robert Cray Band will perform on January 13 at 8pm at the Egg in Albany.

I’d even lose my voice,” Cray confessed. The current aggregation of Cray’s band, including Jim Pugh on keyboards, Kevin

(518) 473-1845; www.theegg.org. —Jeremy Schwartz

Hayes on drums, and Karl Sevareid on bass, has been together since the mid-1990s,

get it on. 114

13.

FORECAST CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

short, long, baby, hoodie.

buy online.

www.chronogram.com/tshirts

calendar MON 1 ART

Benefit Sale and Open House

Works by McWillie Chambers

6-8pm. Paintings and works on paper of male figures. John Davis Gallery, Hudson. (518) 828-5907.

11am-6pm. Be Gallery, High Falls. 687-0660.

CLASSES BODY / MIND / SPIRIT Body Power

7:30am. Works all major muscle groups and leaves you energized. Ignite Fitness, New Paltz. 255-9355. $8/$6 students & seniors/ members free.

Painting Class for Adults & Teens

1-4pm. Shape, line, color, composition and space explored. Shuster Studio, Hudson. (518) 828-0188.

EVENTS

Cafe Chronogram

MUSIC

New Year’s Day Jazz Brunch

Call for times. Featuring Unicorn. Hickory BBQ Smokehouse, Kingston. 338-2424.

THE OUTDOORS Peach Hill Hike

10am. Easy hike. Meet at Eckerd Parking Lot, Poughkeepsie. 471-9892.

TUE 2

8pm. This edition of Chronogram’s monthly salon features Mark Doerrier’s film “In the Land of Goshen”, musician David Perry, art by Kevin Paulsen, DJ Kukicha, coffee, and wine. Art On Wall, Kingston. 334-8600. $5.

FILM

Jonestown: The Life and Death of People’s Temple

7:30pm. The tragedy of the 1978 Jonestown Kool-Aid-cyanide mass suicide: the utopia is dystopia. Time & Space Limited, Hudson. (518) 822-8448. $7/$5members and students.

MUSIC

Community Music Night

7:30-9:30pm. Showcase of local musicians. Rosendale Cafe, Rosendale. 658-9048.

WED 3

KIDS

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia

1pm. Performing children’s stories. The Egg, Albany. (518) 473-1064.

DANCE

MUSIC

7-9pm. Clintondale Friends Meeting House, Clintondale. 633-8053. $5.

9pm. Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling. 855-1300. $20/$17.50 members.

Irish Set and Ceili Dancing

THU 4 FILM

Vivino Brothers Band

White Knuckle Rodeo & Something Automatic

11pm. Firebird Lounge, Rhinebeck. 876-8686.

8pm. Oriole 9, Woodstock. 679-5763.

THE OUTDOORS

Bimonthly Mid-Week Moderate Hike

Call for meeting place and time. 677-9909.

SPOKEN WORD Poetry Night

7pm. Sponsored by the Hudson River Poets. Newburgh Free Library, Newburgh. 563-3619.

FRI 5

FORECAST

Movie Night

THE OUTDOORS

National Winter Trails Day Snowshoe Hike

Moderate pace. Call for meeting place and time. 297-5126.

Mohonk Preserve Singles Ski or HikeGuyot Hill 10am-2pm. Meet at Spring Farm Trailhead, New Paltz. 255-0919.

SPOKEN WORD

Hopewell Area Garden Club Meeting

ART

10:30am. East Fishkill Community Library, Hopewell Junction. 221-9943.

7pm. East Fishkill Community Library, Hopewell Junction. 221-9943.

WORKSHOPS

CLASSES

Call for times. Easily understand the cocreative process of our universe. Boughton Place, Highland. 691-7578. $30/$20.

9am-12pm. Shape, line, color, composition and space explored. Shuster Studio, Hudson. (518) 828-0188.

West African Drumming Weekend

Photography by Michael Sibilia

Drawing Class for Adults & Teens

FILM

Jonestown: The Life and Death of People’s Temple

7:30pm. The tragedy of the 1978 Jonestown Kool-Aid-cyanide mass suicide: the utopia is dystopia. Time and Space Limited, Hudson. (518) 822-8448. $7/$5members and students.

Our Universe Story

Call for times. Albany Kripalu Yoga Center, Albany. (518) 454-9642.

Tarot-on-the-Hudson

2-4:30pm. Monthly tarot study with Tarot Grand Master Rachel Pollack. Rhinebeck. 876-5797. $25.

SUN 7 DANCE

MUSIC

Deanna Kirk Trio with Peter Einhorn and Malcolm

Call for times. Stella’s Lounge at The Catskill Point, Catskill. (518) 943-3173.

Swing Dance Jam

6:30-9pm. Lesson at 6pm. Arlington Reformed Church, Poughkeepsie. 339-3032.

EVENTS

The McKrells

9pm. Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling. 855-1300. $20/$17.50 members.

The Felice Brothers

10pm. New World Home Cooking, Saugerties. 246-0900.

SAT 6 ART

Nature Without Glass

5-7pm. Color pinhole photographs by Mark Stetler. Galerie BMG, Woodstock. 679-0027.

Trio: Commencing: Art for the New Year

5-8pm. Works by Jose Acosta. Art Society of Kingston, Kingston. 338-0331.

Beacon Farmers’ Market

10am-4pm. Beacon Train Station Parking Lot, Beacon. 597-5028.

Meet Me in Marlboro Holiday Party 6pm. Buttermilk Inn and Spa, Milton. smannese@hotmail.com. $22.

Eyewitness Palestine

7pm. Discussion with Paula Silbey. Inquiring Mind Gallery, Saugerties. panpeace@earthlink.net.

FILM

Jonestown: The Life and Death of People’s Temple

5pm. The tragedy of the 1978 Jonestown Kool-Aid-cyanide mass suicide: the utopia is dystopia. Time & Space Limited, Hudson. (518) 822-8448. $7/$5members and students.

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FRI 12

New Vangaurd Series

3am. Featuring pianist David Arner. Alternative Books, Kingston. 338-5984. $10/$8.

First Sunday Songwriters Circle

2-4pm. Sampler of the region’s finest performing songwriters. Arts Society of Kingston, Kingston. 338-0331. $10/$8

Nicholas Szucs: Violin

3pm. Wesley Hall, Montgomery. 457-9867.

THE OUTDOORS

Mohonk Preserve Singles Ski or HikeRock Rift 9:30am-2:30pm. Meet at Spring Farm Trailhead, New Paltz. 255-0919.

A Winter Stroll

1-3pm. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 255-0919.

MON 8 BODY / MIND / SPIRIT Body Power

7:30am. Works all major muscle groups and leaves you energized. Ignite Fitness, New Paltz. 255-9355. $8/$6 students & seniors/ members free.

SPOKEN WORD Open Mike Night

CLASSES

Drawing Class for Adults & Teens

9am-12pm. Shape, line, color, composition and space explored. Shuster Studio, Hudson. (518) 828-0188.

DANCE

Tango & Swing Night

Call for times. Workshops and dance party. Bearsville Theater, Woodstock. 679-4406. $15.

Cajun/Zydeco Dance

8-11pm. With Jesse Lege & Bayou Brew. White Eagle Hall, Kingston. 255-7061. $12.

EVENTS

Culinary Adventure Weekend

Call for times. Wine tastings and cooking classes. Cedar Hill Farm Culinary Bed and Breakfast, Gardiner. 255-0554. $395/$240.

MUSIC

Open Mike

Call for times. Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling. 855-1300.

THEATER

The Heidi Chronicles

8pm. Presented by the Pawling Theater Company. Pawling High School, Pawling. 855-1965.

7pm. Featuring Rob Reidy and John Holt. Colony Cafe, Woodstock. 679-5342. $4.

TUE 9 BODY / MIND / SPIRIT

Alternatives to Anxiety Treatment Group

FORECAST

Let’s Face It

5-7pm. A portrait show. Columbia County Council on the Arts, Hudson. (518) 671-6213.

Bau Now: 2007 Members Group Exhibition

CLASSES

8pm. 6 Tuesdays of anthroposophy. Sunbridge College, Chestnut Ridge. 4250055. $140.

1-4pm. Shape, line, color, composition and space explored. Shuster Studio, Hudson. (518) 828-0188.

Newburgh Knitters Club

7pm. Newburgh Free Library, Newburgh. 563-3619.

How to Develop a Sustainable Lifestyle 7pm. Newburgh Free Library, Newburgh. 563-3619.

WORKSHOPS

Warmth: Its Significance for the Development of the Child

4-5pm. Importance of warmth and rhythm for the health and well being of the child. Sunbridge College, Chestnut ridge. 425-0055. $15.

WED 10 DANCE

Irish Set and Ceili Dancing

7-9pm. Clintondale Friends Meeting House, Clintondale. 633-8053. $5.

THU 11 FILM

Movie Night

8pm. Oriole 9, Woodstock. 679-5763.

MUSIC

Acoustic Thursday

6-8:30pm. Featuring Elly Wininger. High Falls Cafe, High Falls. www.highfallscafe.com.

Dream Diary

8pm. Communing with music by Matthew Cantello. Art Society of Kingston, Kingston. 338-0331. $5.

SPOKEN WORD

Book Signing with Guy Lawson

7pm. Author of The Brotherhoods. Barnes & Noble, Kingston. 336-0590.

Tsunami: Waves of Devastation, Waves of Hope 7-8:30pm. The causes of the tsunami, the threatened natural environment and the resilience of the human spirit. Starr Library, Rhinebeck. 876-4030.

Poetry Reading

7-9:30pm. Stephen Dodge & Al Desetta followed by open mike. The Bohemian Book Bin, Kingston. 331-6713. $3.

THE CAST OF “COPENHAGEN,” FROM LEFT: CHRISTINE CRAWFIS, SEAN MARRINAN, AND WILLIAM CONNORS

APOCALYPSE AVERTED

6-9pm. Bau, Beacon. 440-7584.

Painting Class for Adults & Teens

Tarot-on-the-Hudson

EVENTS

SPOKEN WORD

116

SAT 13 ART

7pm. 6 weeks exploring holistic treatment alternatives for anxiety. Professional Office, Rhinebeck. 863-6712. $25 per session.

Rudolf Steiner Seminar II

MARLIS MOMBER

MUSIC

2-4:30pm. Monthly Tarot study and play with Rachel Pollack. Rhinebeck. 876-5797. $25.

EVENTS

Media Reform Meeting

Email for times. Meeting of Northeast Citizens for Responsible Media. Rhinebeck. andi@re-media.org.

MUSIC

Arlen Roth Band

Call for times. Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling. 855-1300.

Chamber Music Concert

7:30pm. Piano trio Strata. Church of Messiah, Rhinebeck. 876-2870. $25/$5

Vinyard Avenue Cafe

7:30pm. Music, desserts, and hot and cold beverages. First United Methodist Church, Highland. 691-8451. $5.

The Robert Cray Band

When you find that the future of mankind rests in your hands, what to do with the information? Grow giddy with the all-too-mortal thirst for boundless power, or summon the wisdom of the gods in order to cope with the immense responsibility? Such are the questions posed in "Copenhagen", a play which imagines the specifics of an urgent 1941 meeting between two legendary scientists. Like our present day, this was an era when apocalypse— brought on by atomic bomb and not divine judgment —seemed perilously close at hand. An encore reading of this Tony Award winning play by the ever-ambitious Mohonk Mountain Stage Company (MMSC)—which first performed its version of the work in 2004—is unsettlingly well-timed. Iraq, North Korea, and even India remain likely nuclear tinderboxes on the embattled world stage. Performances of Copenhagen are scheduled for January 26 and 27 at New Paltz’s Unison Center. A work of ferocious intelligence in an era of lowbrow theatrical retreads, "Copenhagen" was written by Michael Frayn and performed on Broadway in 2000 and 2001. Until then, Frayn was best known for his door-slamming farce, "Noises Off." But the playwright astounded fans and confounded critics by crafting this drama of a distinctly non-commercial conceit: The secretive tete-a-tete in Nazi-occupied Copenhagen between atomic physicist Werner Heisenberg of Germany and his mentor, Neils Bohr of Denmark, both Nobel laureates, to discuss quantum mechanics (translation: man’s growing potential to destroy the world). Just a couple of white geniuses sitting around talking. The summit meeting between the two scientists really is the stuff of legend, said MMSC director

8pm. The Egg, Albany. (518) 473-1064.

Robert Miller, simply because no one was there to record what passed between them. The overarching

Vlad Girshevich

puzzlement for present-day scholars: What occurred at that meeting which kept Germany from rushing

8pm. Presented by the Windham Chamber Music Festival. Windham Civic and Performing Arts Center, Windham. (518) 678-9309. $17/$15/$5.

Blue Rays

10pm. Firebird Lounge, Rhinebeck. 876-8686.

THE OUTDOORS

Fahnestock State Park Cross-country Ski/Hike Call for meeting place and time. 452-9086.

Mohonk Preserve Singles Snowshoe or Hike—High Peters Kill 9:30am-3pm. Meet at the West Trapps Trailhead, New Paltz. 255-0919.

Third Annual Winter Wings: Birding for Children

10-11:30am. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 255-0919.

SPOKEN WORD

Woodstock Poetry Society Meeting 2pm. Featuring poets Susan Hoover and Donald Lev. Woodstock Town Hall, Woodstock. www.woodstockpoetry.com.

FORECAST CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

to the world stage with its own atom bomb—when the Nazis clearly had a head start on research? How did we escape an outcome that would have left most of the industrialized world goose-stepping? Both

men

later

sat

down

individually

write

about

their

clandestine

conversation, Miller said. However, their versions of the episode differed vastly. “Everybody agrees that something important happened at the meeting,” Miller said, “but even the two main people couldn’t agree on what it was.” Frayn’s dramatic rendering of the fateful meeting shrewdly follows principles of physics: He repeats certain scenes from different points of view, suggesting that there is no final truth when human frailty is an added factor. MMSC’s production casts the same performers from its 2004 reading. William Connors is Niels Bohr, MMSC co-founder Christine Crawfis is Bohr’s wife, Margrethe, and Sean Marrinan is Werner Heisenberg. A 2002 TV film version, starring Daniel Craig and Stephen Rea, opened up the action with a shared dinner and postprandial walk. But the claustrophobia of one room on stage seems to better suit the intensity of the subject matter. “It’s an interesting piece,” Miller said, “for people who like a challenge.” "Copenhagen" will be performed at Unison in New Paltz on January 26 and 27 at 8pm. Tickets are $11 for Unison members and $15 for nonmembers. (845) 255-1559; www.unisonarts.org. —Jay Blotcher

IMAGE PROVIDED

HORSE’S HEAD, ANTHONY GENNARELLI, WHITE CARRARA ITALIAN MARBLE

FORECAST

CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK One could say artist Anthony Gennarelli took the idea of role modeling to the extreme. Having idolized the marble sculpture of Michaelangelo and DaVinci, not only did he decide to take up the same medium as his predecessors, but to carve with the same tools they had employed. Using only a chisel and hammer, Gennarelli sculpted as few present-day artists do, eschewing modern-day machinery to craft an eclectic oeuvre dreamed of neither by Renaissance sculptors nor the ancients. Gennarelli’s death in 2001 at the age of 86 left his family with a legacy of paintings and sculpture, 45 of which are now on display at the Galleria Alba, a showroom in Newburgh run by his relatives. The small gallery is replete with idol-like figures channeled from the cultures of Africa, Europe, Mexico, ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, India, and first-generation America, among others. Gennarelli manifested this cultural vocabulary of culture using a wide range of material: His goddesses, gods, animals, and nudes were carved out of marble, onyx, limestone, granite, alabaster, and other types of rock. “It’s a gift from God, from the spiritual side,” Gennarelli once said of his work. “I don’t start a piece unless I contemplate and meditate on what I’m going to do.” Gennarelli started his artistic vocation through oil painting and violin. But the he didn’t consider sculpture until he worked at a defense plant during World War II, where he was assigned to a woodworking detail. There, his work in three-dimensional art began to take hold when he started to spend his breaks whittling for his own amusement. He would later study art at The Brooklyn Museum, but didn’t begin formally sculpting until the age of 55. Alba Gennarelli, Anthony’s centenarian mother, still lives in Brooklyn, where she has spent much time talking about her son’s work and her husband’s oil painting—but denies her own title as an artist: “I do watercolor, but I reserve the name ‘artist’ for someone who dedicates their whole life to art, which is what my husband and son did.” Anthony Gennarelli’s work is on view at the Galleria Alba in Newburgh through February 28. (845) 566-1276 or (845) 778-5069. —Rebecca Wild Nelson

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The Heidi Chronicles

8pm. Presented by the Pawling Theater Company. Pawling High School, Pawling. 855-1965.

SUN 14 ART

Blood Drive

2:30-8pm. Ignite Fitness, New Paltz. 2559355.

MUSIC

Community Music Night

7:30-9:30pm. A showcase of local musicians. Rosendale Cafe, Rosendale. 658-9048.

The Color of Loyalty: A Tribute to Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer 2-4pm. Eisenhower Hall’s 1929 Gallery, West Point. (914) 734-9540.

MARK DOERRIER

EVENTS

THEATER

WED 17 BODY / MIND / SPIRIT

Stop Smoking Group Hypnosis

BODY / MIND / SPIRIT Psychic Fair Fundraiser

11am-4pm. Psychic readings, energy fluffs, chi kung, vendors. Walker Valley Schoolhouse, Walker Valley. 744-3960. $10-$25.

EVENTS

Beacon Farmers’ Market

10am-4pm. Beacon Train Station Parking Lot, Beacon. 597-5028.

5:30-7pm. Space360, Hudson. 336-3646. $10/$40/$30.

You’re Getting Very Skinny Group Hypnosis

7:30-9pm. Space360, Hudson. 336-3646. $10/$40/$30.

A Course In Miracles

7:30-9:30pm. Study group with Alice Broner. Unitarian Fellowship, Poughkeepsie. 229-8391.

FILM

Cinema Lux: Forest for the Trees

5pm. Story about Earth First! activist Judi Bari. Time and Space Limited, Hudson. (518) 822-8448. $10/$7 students and members.

DANCE

Irish Set and Ceili Dancing

7-9pm. Clintondale Friends Meeting House, Clintondale. 633-8053. $5.

THU 18

MUSIC

Chip Taylor

Call for times. Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling. 855-1300.

Fall 2006 PVAC Student Exhibit

5-6:30pm. Mildred I. Washington Art Gallery, Poughkeepsie. 431-8000 ext. 3982.

Erik Erikson

3pm. Folk and acoustic guitar music. Newburgh Free Library, Newburgh. 563-3619.

Saugerties Pro Musica

3pm. Gregory D’Agostino International Organ virtuoso. Saugerties United Methodist Church, Saugerties. 246-5021.

Celia Linde

4pm. Classical guitar. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559. $15/ $11 members.

FORECAST

ART

Piano by Jeremy Denk

4pm. Howland Cultural Center, Beacon. 2979243. $25$12.

MON 15 BODY / MIND / SPIRIT Body Power

7:30am. Works all major muscle groups and leaves you energized. Ignite Fitness, New Paltz. 255-9355. $8/$6 students & seniors/ members free.

Stop Smoking Group Hypnosis

HORSES TO WATER

5:30-7pm. Marriott, Kingston. 336-3646. $10/$40/$30.

You’re Getting Very Skinny Group Hypnosis

7:30-9pm. Marriott, Kingston. 336-3646. $10/$40/$30.

Mark Doerrier was at Ground Zero on 9/11. Afterward, he took time off to reconsider his own life. He had been producing and filming shows for Japanese television for 14 years. He asked himself,

CLASSES

What would he make his own film about?

2pm. Open house for prospective students of The Barfield School M.A. program. Sunbridge College, Chestnut Ridge. 425-0055 ext. 18.

and began to investigate. The village had decided to run a temporary aboveground pipeline

Barfield School Open House

From Image to Archtype: Walking the Path of Contemplation

7:30pm. Presented by Arthur Zajonc. Sunbridge College, Chestnut Ridge. 425-0055 ext. 18.

In March 2002, he saw an article in the Times Herald-Record about a water shortage in Goshen from the village of Florida, five miles away. One landowner, however, refused Goshen right-ofway through his property. His name was (appropriately enough) Chester LeBaron. A long legal struggle between LeBaron and Goshen Mayor Marcia Mattheus ensued. Doerrier began visiting Goshen twice a week. After two weeks, he started filming. His first movie, In the Land of Goshen,

FILM

Movie Night

is the result.

5:30-7pm. Marbletown Community Center, Stone Ridge. 336-3646. $10/$40/$50.

KIDS

son to be an engineer; instead, Mark studied art at SUNY Buffalo. Perhaps that’s why the camera

You’re Getting Very Skinny Group Hypnosis

4:30-5:30pm. Ages 7 and up. Pine Hill Community Center, Pine Hill. info@pinehillcommunitycenter.org.

8pm. Oriole 9, Woodstock. 679-5763.

Stop Smoking Group Hypnosis

7:30-9pm. Marbletown Community Center, Stone Ridge. 336-3646. $10/$40/$50.

Having Fun with Opera

A Day at the Barn

drinking water to its citizens—especially as it brings to mind prophecies of numerous water wars in the next century.

Eshu Bumpus: Master Storyteller

7pm. A discussion of The French Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles. Barnes & Noble, Kingston. 336-0590.

Open Mike Night

7pm. Featuring Robin Bernstein and Lori Wilner. Colony Cafe, Woodstock. 679-5342. $4.

TUE 16 BODY / MIND / SPIRIT

Stop Smoking Group Hypnosis

Humanist Book Club

rubble in the World Trade Center, appears in the film on the first Memorial Day after 9/11. (Oliver

FRI 19 CLASSES

Drawing Class for Adults & Teens

EVENTS

Culinary Adventure Weekend

Call for times. Wine tastings and cooking classes. Cedar Hill Farm Culinary Bed and Breakfast, Gardiner. 255-0554. $395/$240.

CLASSES

Lecture on Honeybees and Organic Beekeeping

6-8:30pm. Learn about the lives of honeybees. Sustainable Hudson Valley Resource Center, Rosendale. 255-6113. $25.

Miss Gibbons, who will become his most successful mare. The search for potable water and the search for a winning horse intertwine in In the Land of Goshen.

You’re Getting Very Skinny Group Hypnosis

Call for times. Focus on the teachings and avatar status of Krishna. Sunbridge College, Chestnut Ridge. 425-0055 ext. 18. $300.

Gill, a veterinarian turned horse trainer who owns 30 horses. The movie follows Gill as he trains

7:30pm. One person theatrical presentation created and performed by Burdette Parks. The Egg, Albany. (518) 473-1064.

Benjamin Franklin, Printer Etc.

5:30-7pm. Red Hook Inn, Red Hook. 3363646. $10/$40/$30.

Krishna, Buddha, and Christ

While working on this story, Doerrier discovered that harness racing was invented in Goshen in 1838, growing out of informal races between speedy local farmers. Doerrier met Howard “Doc”

THEATER

9am-12pm. Shape, line, color, composition and space explored. Shuster Studio, Hudson. (518) 828-0188.

7:30-9pm. Red Hook Inn, Red Hook. 3363646. $10/$40/$30.

the pipeline is finally completed, it springs a leak. We follow the crew as they hurriedly drain the

Call for meeting place and time. 677-9909.

SPOKEN WORD

lingers so lovingly on the engineering crises of the Goshen Department of Public Works. (Just as water to repair the blown gasket.) There is something terrifying about a town that cannot supply

9am-2pm. For children ages 7 and up. Winslow Therapeutic Center, Warwick. 986-6686.

11am. Variety of African, African-American and world folktales. Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, Poughkeepsie. 471-0589. $5.

Doerrier’s father owned a small construction company in Babylon, Long Island. He wished his

THE OUTDOORS

Bimonthly Mid-Week Moderate Hike

KIDS

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A STILL IMAGE FROM MARK DOERRIER’S IN THE LAND OF GOSHEN.

BODY / MIND / SPIRIT

Evenings of Psychodrama

7:30pm. Boughton Place, Highland. 255-7502. $6.

FILM

Absolute Wilson

7:30pm. Tells the story of Robert Wilson. Time and Space Limited, Hudson. (518) 822-8448. $7/$5 students and members.

FORECAST CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

Goshen native Sgt. John McLoughlin, the police officer who was buried for 22 hours under Stone’s recent movie, World Trade Center, was based on his story.) As he walks up to the podium on crutches, his face is a study in anxiety, gratitude, and suffering. He thanks the town of Goshen, and tears fill his eyes. In the Land of Goshen doesn’t offer a simple, inspirational message like Hollywood movies—or even most documentaries. From his years of filming for the Japanese, Doerrier has developed an Eastern aesthetic. His movie is gentle, inconclusive—Hudson Valley Zen. (Also, he is the best cinematographer of statues I’ve ever seen.) Its “message” may come to you three weeks later, while you’re chopping onions. In the Land of Goshen screens January 26 at 2pm at the Yellow Bird Gallery’s Downing Film Center, 19 Front St., Newburgh; (845) 561-3686. Dorrier will also present an excerpt from the film at this month’s Cafe Chronogram salon at Art on Wall, 288 Wall St., Kingston, on January 6 at 8pm. The event also features music by David Perry and art by Kevin Paulsen. www.chronogram.com; www.yourtownusa.org. —Sparrow

IMAGE PROVIDED ��

FRED EAGLESMITH AND THE FLYING SQUIRRELS WILL PLAY THE ROSENDALE CAFE ON FEBRUARY

��

EAGLESMITH LANDING FORECAST

A YouTube search for “Eaglesmith” brings up a baker’s dozen of low-budget videos of the Canadian singer-songwriter Fred Eaglesmith and his band, the Flying Squirrels, performing his rough-hewn folk rock in locales ranging from Ontario to Texas to the Netherlands. Shot mostly by an ardent fan—a “Fredhead” who goes by the handle “Earwaxhunter”—it’s compelling, raw, unexpected stuff. In one of the longer clips, Eaglesmith, a skilled raconteur with the timing of a professional comedian, simply talks effortlessly to the crowd, relating a funny tale in which his 19-year-old son requests permission to have his teenage girlfriend sleep over. In one of the more interesting selections, the troubadour is present only in spirit; a 40-something Fredhead in khakis pounds gleefully on a parked car with a sledgehammer as he sings the Eaglesmith song “Sharecroppin’.” Consider it a taste of what Eaglesmith, a veteran of festivals, clubs, and concert halls, has wrought on the world. A scion of the Guthrie-Seeger-Springsteen family of populist songwriters and rabble-rousers, he has created a canon of song that features a vividly drawn cast of lovable losers and simple strivers pitted against a stark backdrop of the rough life, and his combination of yeoman output and tireless touring has captured a devoted following—particularly in his native country, where his popularity is on par with The Boss himself, but also in the US and Europe. Fans frequently travel thousands of miles and happily brave all manner of harsh weather to be part of a Fred Eaglesmith event, and no doubt quite a few will darken the door of the Rosendale Café when he performs there on February 1 as part of his tour to support his most recent CD, Milly’s Café, his 16th since 1980. Eaglesmith comes by his hardscrabble perspective honestly. He was born “in the springtime of the ’57 Chevy” into a Dutch-immigrant farming family and grew up with rural Ontario soil under his fingernails, earning the money for his first guitar ($12) by doing chores, and actually hopping a freight train out of town at 16 (he soon returned home). In addition to pouring his fervor for social justice and his ken for the blue-collar outlook into his music, Eaglesmith has found outlets close to home for his energy; after three bicycling migrant workers were killed due to nighttime collisions, he launched a successful campaign to provide reflectors for bicycles in Ontario; an accomplished painter, he recently auctioned one of his works on eBay to benefit the Kidney Foundation of Canada. When he says “I think the bottom of the barrel is where the answers are,” you know he’s been there and back. Whether or not his answers are the ones you want to hear is debatable, but in the tent revival/medicine show tradition, a Fred Eaglesmith concert is designed to touch, to provoke, and to leave an audience smiling. Fred Eaglesmith and the Flying Squirrels play the Rosendale Café on February 1 at 8pm. (845) 658-9048; www.rosendalecafe.com. —Robert Burke Warren

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CLASSES

MUSIC

Painting Class for Adults & Teens

Marc Black

Call for times. Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling. 855-1300.

1-4pm. Shape, line, color, composition and space explored. Shuster Studio, Hudson. (518) 828-0188.

THEATER

Benjamin Franklin, Printer Etc.

8pm. One person theatrical presentation created and performed by Burdette Parks. The Egg, Albany. (518) 473-1064.

DANCE

Swing Dance Party

8pm. Lesson at 7:30pm. Reformed Church of the Comforter, Kingston. 236-3939. $8.

The Heidi Chronicles

8pm. Presented by the Pawling Theater Company. Pawling High School, Pawling. 855-1965.

Wait Until Dark

8pm. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. (518) 392-6264. $15/$12 members.

SAT 20 ART

Hudson River School Influenced Artists

5-7pm. Works by Athena Billias, Patty Ferrara, Carol Slutsky-Tenerowicz, and Michele Moran. LaDue Design, Saugerties. 246-5552.

Kiss and Tell

5-7pm. Group photography exhibit. Center for Photography at Woodstock, Woodstock. 679-9957.

Snowbound

Absolute Wilson

7:30pm. Tells the story of Rovert Wilson. Time and Space Limited, Hudson. (518) 822-8448. $7/$5 students and members.

MUSIC

Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra 7pm. Classical, solo, symphonic. Newburgh Free Academy, Newburgh. 625-0625.

The Battlefield Band

9pm. Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling. 855-1300. $30/$27.50 members.

120

The Earth Rocks! Great Garnet and Fantastic Fossils

10am. Museum of the Hudson Highlands, Cornwall-on-Hudson. 534-5506 ext. 204. $5/$3 members.

Cadmium Text Series

2pm. Poetry reading by Joshua Harmon and Jane Heidgerd Garrick. R&F Handmade Paints, Kingston. www.cadmiumtextseries.blogspot.com. $5.

The Tale of Two Hurricanes and an Earthquake

2-3:30pm. A medical emergency specialist tells the story. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 255-0919.

Envisioning a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World

7:30pm. Panel will discuss what it takes to envision a culture of peace and non-violence. Sunbridge College Auditorium, Chestnut Ridge. 425-0055 ext. 24. $3.

THEATER

Benjamin Franklin, Printer Etc.

Wait Until Dark

8pm. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. (518) 392-6264. $15/$12 members.

WORKSHOPS

Intro to Organic Beekeeping: Planning a New Hive for Spring 10am-6pm. Basic requirements and responsibilities. Sustainable Hudson Valley Resource Center, Rosendale. 255-6113. $85.

SUN 21 DANCE

Swing Dance Jam

6:30-9pm. Lesson at 6pm. White Eagle Hall, Kingston. 339-3032. $5.

MUSIC

Jim Bouton and The Art of the Game

2pm. Draws parallels between baseball and chamber music. Call for location, Great Barrington, MA. (800) 843-0778. $30.

Unplugged Acoustic Open Mike

4pm. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559. $6/$5 members.

THE OUTDOORS

Mohonk Preserve Singles Snowshoe or Hike - Walkabout 11 9:30am-3:30pm. Meet at the West Trapps Trailhead, New Paltz. 255-0919.

SPOKEN WORD

An Afternoon of Tapas and Talk

EVENTS

12-3pm. Sabroso, Rhinebeck. 876-2194. $35.

10am-4pm. Beacon Train Station Parking Lot, Beacon. 597-5028.

THEATER

Women’s Networking Group

2pm. One person theatrical presentation created and performed by Burdette Parks. The Egg, Albany. (518) 473-1064.

Beacon Farmers’ Market

12-3pm. Women entrepreneurs will be gathering for conversation and networking. Sabroso, Rhinebeck. 876-2194. $35.

Benjamin Franklin, Printer Etc.

Wait Until Dark

2pm. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. (518) 3926264. $15/$12 members.

10pm. Firebird Lounge, Rhinebeck. 876-8686.

8pm. One person theatrical presentation created and performed by Burdette Parks. The Egg, Albany. (518) 473-1064.

FILM

THE OUTDOORS

The Heidi Chronicles

5pm. Tells the story of Rovert Wilson. Time and Space Limited, Hudson. (518) 822-8448. $7/$5 students and members.

WORKSHOPS

Monday Movie Night

10am-4pm. Organic beekeeping workshop. Sustainable Hudson Valley Resource Center, Rosendale. 255-6113. $85.

In-Itself

Beginner Cross-country Skiing

Call for meeting place and time. 650-7371.

FORECAST

5-7pm. Solo photography exhibit by Lisa M. Robinson. Center for Photography at Woodstock, Woodstock. 679-9957.

FILM

SPOKEN WORD

FORECAST CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

8pm. Presented by the Pawling Theater Company. Pawling High School, Pawling. 855-1965.

Absolute Wilson

6:45pm. Newburgh Free Library, Newburgh. 563-3619.

Understanding and Caring For Your Bees Advanced Class

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FORECAST CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

MON 22 BODY / MIND / SPIRIT Body Power

7:30am. Works all major muscle groups and leaves you energized. Ignite Fitness, New Paltz. 255-9355. $8/$6 students & seniors/members free.

THE OUTDOORS

Fahnestock State Park Cross-country Ski/Hike

Call for time. Meet at Holiday Inn, Fishkill. 454-4428.

SPOKEN WORD Open Mike Night

7pm. Featuring Stephen Dodge and Max Schwartz. Colony Cafe, Woodstock. 679-5342. $4.

WED 24 DANCE

Irish Set and Ceili Dancing

7-9pm. Clintondale Friends Meeting House, Clintondale. 633-8053. $5.

KIDS

Catskill Community Radio

4-5pm. Teen voice radio project. Pine Hill Community Center, Pine Hill. info@pinehillcommunitycenter.org.

SPOKEN WORD

The Darwin Conspiracy

7pm. Book signing and discussion with author John Darnton. Barnes & Noble, Kingston. 336-0590.

WORKSHOPS

Know Your Drinking Tolerance and Risks

1-2pm. Burroughs Hall, Stone Ridge. 687-5192.

THU 25 ART

Teen Visions ‘07

FORECAST

Call for times. Juried show of work from regional high school students. James W. Palmer III ‘90 Gallery, Poughkeepsie. 471-7477.

Democratic Republic of Congo: The Forgotten War

7pm. Works by photographers. Kotler-Muroff Gallery, Stone Ridge. 687-5113.

BODY / MIND / SPIRIT

Head, Heart, Hand & Hunch

7pm. Use your mind, emotions, and spirit to heal to your body. Benedictine Hospital, Kingston. 338-2500 ext. 4453.

CLASSES

Discovering Wisdom: The Solution to Our Problems

7-9pm. With American Buddhist Nun Kelsang Zangmo. Friends Meeting House, New Paltz. 856-9000. $8 per class.

FILM

Movie Night

8pm. Oriole 9, Woodstock. 679-5763.

FRI 26 CLASSES

Drawing Class for Adults & Teens

9am-12pm. Shape, line, color, composition and space explored. Shuster Studio, Hudson. (518) 828-0188.

DANCE

Swing Dance

7:30pm lesson/8:30pm dance. With the The Abby Gardner Five. Poughkeepsie Tennis Club, Poughkeepsie. 454-2571. $12.

MUSIC

The Battlefield Band

Call for times. Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling. 855-1300.

The Bang on a Can All-Stars

8pm. The Egg, Albany. (518) 473-1064.

THEATER

Copenhagen

8pm. Presented by the Mohonk Mountain Stage Company. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559. $15/$11 members.

The Heidi Chronicles

8pm. Presented by the Pawling Theater Company. Pawling High School, Pawling. 855-1965.

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The Little Foxes

8pm. A play about a wealthy family destroyed by greed. Van Cortlandtville School, Mohegan Lake. (914) 528-4145. $15/$10 seniors and students.

Wait Until Dark

8pm. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. (518) 392-6264. $15/$12 members.

WORKSHOPS

Conversations with Your Higher Self Call for times. A biography workshop. Sunbridge College, Chestnut Ridge. 425-0055. $90/$75.

SAT 27 ART

Paintings by John Albert Reinking

5-7pm. GCCA Catskill Gallery, Catskill. (518) 943-3400.

In Our Name: Iraqi Children in War

6-8pm. Installation by artist Christine Heller. Hudson Opera House, Hudson. (518) 822-1438.

CLASSES

Painting Class for Adults & Teens

1-4pm. Shape, line, color, composition and space explored. Shuster Studio, Hudson. (518) 828-0188.

DANCE

Ellen Sinopoli and Troupe

8pm. The Egg, Albany. (518) 473-1064.

Contradance

8-11pm. Featuring Eric Hollman. United Methodist Church, New Paltz. 883-4467. $10/ $5 teens and students/$1 children.

EVENTS

Open House

10am-12pm. Mount Laurel Waldorf School, New Paltz. 255-0033.

MUSIC

FORECAST

Johnny A

Call for times. Towne Crier Cafe, Pawling. 855-1300.

Cabin Fever Concert

7pm. Featuring James Krueger, Kimberly, Dennis Havel and Ernie Mortuzans. Pine Hill Community Center, Pine Hill. info@pinehillcommunitycenter.org. $6/$4.

United States Military Band Jazz Knights

7:30pm. Big band jazz and popular music. Taconic Hills Performing Arts Center, Craryville. (518) 325-0447.

Her Sister

10pm. Firebird Lounge, Rhinebeck. 876-8686.

THE OUTDOORS

Mohonk Preserve Singles Ski or HikeGuyot Hill 10am-3pm. Meet at Spring Farm Trailhead, New Paltz. 255-0919.

SPOKEN WORD Wildlife in Winter

10am. Museum of the Hudson Highlands, Cornwall-on-Hudson. 534-5506 ext. 204. $5/$3 members.

Gallery Talk: Norton Batkin on Bruce Nauman

1-2pm. Dia:Beacon Riggio Galleries, Beacon. 440-0100 ext. 44.

Tale Warmers

6:30pm. A musical evening of storytelling with The Storycrafters. Sunbridge College Auditorium, Chestnut Ridge. 425-0055. $10/$6.

THEATER

Copenhagen

8pm. Presented by the Mohonk Mountain Stage Company. Unison Arts and Learning Center, New Paltz. 255-1559. $15/$11 members.

The Heidi Chronicles

8pm. Presented by the Pawling Theater Company. Pawling High School, Pawling. 855-1965.

The Little Foxes

8pm. A play about a wealthy family destroyed by greed. Van Cortlandtville School, Mohegan Lake. (914) 528-4145. $15/$10 seniors and students.

124

FORECAST CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

IMAGE PROVVIDED

Wait Until Dark

8pm. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. (518) 3926264. $15/$12 members.

WORKSHOPS

Story Language, Story Spirit: A Workshop in Storytelling

The Little Foxes

8pm. A play about a wealthy family destroyed by greed. Van Cortlandtville School, Mohegan Lake. (914) 528-4145. $15/$10 seniors and students.

Wait Until Dark

10am. Discussion, demonstration, exercises, and storytelling practice. Sunbridge College, Chestnut Ridge. 425-0055. $60/$40.

8pm. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. (518) 3926264. $15/$12 members.

SAT 3

SUN 28 BODY / MIND / SPIRIT

ART

American Society of Dowsers

1pm. Hone your dowsing skills and see what else you can use dowsing for besides locating water. Walker Valley Schoolhouse, Walker Valley. 744-3960. $5/members $3.

EVENTS

New to Our Shores: Kingston Immigrant Youth

12pm-3pm/5pm-8pm. Work from teens 15 to 19 years old who have lived in the US less than 5 years. Silent Space Gallery, Kingston. ehunt@kingstoncityschools.org.

Beacon Farmers’ Market

Paintings Dionisio Cortes

10am-4pm. Beacon Train Station Parking Lot, Beacon. 597-5028.

6-8pm. John Davis Gallery, Hudson. (518) 828-5907.

MUSIC

CLASSES

7pm. The Egg, Albany. (518) 473-1064.

1-4pm. Shape, line, color, composition and space explored. Shuster Studio, Hudson. (518) 828-0188.

Painting Class for Adults & Teens

Jacky Terrasson Trio

THEATER

Wait Until Dark

2pm. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. (518) 392-6264. $15/$12 members.

EVENTS

Free Tax Filing

10am-3pm. From the Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition. BOCES, Port Ewen. 340-9170.

WORKSHOPS

Building Bird Nesting Boxes

10am-2pm. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 255-0919.

VLAD GIRSHEVICH MAKES HIS EAST COAST DEBUT AT THE WINDHAM CAHMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL ON JANUARY

13.

VLAD THE PREVAILER Some may think that jazz pianist Vlad Girshevich is attempting to carbon-copy musical peers such as Oscar Peterson, Keith Jarrett, or Thelonious Monk. Others may argue that he's doing consciously or subconsciously mirrors who.

7pm. Gospel, blues, soul, Americana/country and pure pop. The Egg, Albany. (518) 473-1845. $24.

MON 29 BODY / MIND / SPIRIT Body Power

7:30am. Works all major muscle groups and leaves you energized. Ignite Fitness, New Paltz. 255-9355. $8/$6 students & seniors/members free.

SPOKEN WORD Open Mike Night

7pm. Featuring Ted Gill and Robert Milby. Colony Cafe, Woodstock. 679-5342. $4.

TUE 30

"To be compared to those guys is an honor," says Girshevich. "They are my inspirations, especially Keith. I wouldn't like to be compared, though. I'd like to think I've passed that phase,

MUSIC

Regardless of what his predecessors have done, Girshevich possesses a high level of stylistic

7:30-9:30pm. A showcase of local musicians. Rosendale Cafe, Rosendale. 658-9048.

virtuosity that can compete with any bigger name. His technique ranges from the fitful, breakneck finger-Olympics on more adventurous tunes to the warm and introspective, melancholic playing of more delicate ones.

WED 31

The 31-year-old Uzbekistan-born Girshevich is a graduate of the Uspensky School of Music, After two years at the Tashkent Conservatory, the pianist emigrated as a refugee in 1995 and set up residence in Denver, Colorado. While working in Aspen, he was asked to perform at a

7-9pm. Clintondale Friends Meeting House, Clintondale. 633-8053. $5.

SPOKEN WORD

Friends of the Newburgh Library Meeting 7pm. Newburgh Free Library, Newburgh. 563-3619.

party for Aspen's Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz's Jazz Aspen Snowmass, a gig he willingly

THU 1

accepted with his trio once he learned that the legendary Herbie Hancock would be there. Hancock FILM

immediately took notice. a summer program for the Thelonious Monk Institute [of Jazz]." Girshevich is one of the most in-demand musicians in the Southwest. He performs with the well-known Colorado band Alive On Arrival (www.aoaband.com), an eclectic quintet that plays acid jazz, rock, blues, funk, pop, standards, and classic hits on sax, keyboards, bass, and drums. For the past four years, he's played what he calls his regular gig, a five-hour set with a saxophonist. When time permits, he teaches jazz and classical piano to students at his home. After recording two albums in Uzbekistan, he has released five more since moving to the United States and performed with artists such as Michael Waldrop, Tom Ball, and Greg Gisbert. His Solo Piano Live CD was recorded at the 2004 Santa Fe Jazz Festival, where he was one of the featured players, along with Michael Brecker, Gary Burton, Dave Holland, Eliane Elias, and

Music Festival on January 13 at 8pm, at the Windham Civic and Performing Arts Center, Main and Church streets. The festival is being presented in partnership with the Catskill Mountain Foundation, and Girshevich's performance kicks off the 2007 Windham Chamber Music Festival's 10th Anniversary Season. Admission includes a post-concert reception at the Windham Fine Arts

THEATER

Life is Short

7:30pm. 8 short comedies. Taconic Hills Performing Arts Center, Craryville. (518) 325-0447.

8pm. A play about a wealthy family destroyed by greed. Van Cortlandtville School, Mohegan Lake. (914) 528-4145. $15/$10 seniors and students.

8pm. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. (518) 3926264. $15/$12 members.

SUN 4 DANCE

Swing Dance Jam

6:30-9pm. Lesson at 6pm. Arlington Reformed Church, Poughkeepsie. 339-3032. $5.

DCSPCA Supurr-Bowl Spectacular

8pm. Oriole 9, Woodstock. 679-5763.

5:30-10pm. Fundraiser with prizes, games and drawings. Dutchess Golf and Country Club, Poughkeepsie. 454-5345 ext. 100. $50.

MUSIC

Fred Eaglesmith and Band

8pm. Rosendale Cafe, Rosendale. 658-9048. $20.

THE OUTDOORS

Mohonk Preserve Singles Ski or Hike—Rhododendron Bridge

THE OUTDOORS

Bimonthly Mid-Week Moderate Hike

Call for meeting place and time. 677-9909.

10am-3pm. Meet at the West Trapps Trailhead, New Paltz. 255-0919.

SPOKEN WORD

7:30pm. Book signing and discussion with author William Alexander. Museum of the Hudson Highlands, Cornwall-on-Hudson. 534-5506 ext. 204. $7/$4 members.

1-2:30pm. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 255-0919.

The $64 Tomato

Arturo Sandoval. Vlad Girshevich will make his East Coast debut with a solo recital at the Windham Chamber

10am-3pm. Meet at the West Trapps Trailhead, New Paltz. 255-0919.

EVENTS

Movie Night

"Herbie was very nice and later contacted me with an offer [of scholarship] to participate in

Mohonk Preserve Singles Ski or HikeCopes Lookout

Wait Until Dark

DANCE

Irish Set and Ceili Dancing

a top-notch institution in the former Soviet Union where he studied classical music for 11 years.

THE OUTDOORS

The Little Foxes

Community Music Night

although people always compare everything anyway."

The Holmes Brothers

FORECAST

his own personal thing and doing it with depth and command. It's that age-old argument of who

MUSIC

THEATER

FRI 2

The Little Foxes

CLASSES

Drawing Class for Adults & Teens

9am-12pm. Shape, line, color, composition and space explored. Shuster Studio, Hudson. (518) 828-0188.

THEATER

Seeing Winter From a Different Angle

2pm. A play about a wealthy family destroyed by greed. Van Cortlandtville School, Mohegan Lake. (914) 528-4145. $15/$10 seniors and students.

Wait Until Dark

8pm. Ghent Playhouse, Ghent. (518) 392-6264. $15/$12 members.

Life is Short

Gallery, across the street from the center. (518) 678-9309. —Sharon Nichols

7:30pm. 8 short comedies. Taconic Hills Performing Arts Center, Craryville. (518) 325-0447.

1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM FORECAST

125

Planet Waves EMIL ALZAMORA

BY ERIC FRANCIS COPPOLINO

THE SPIRAL DOOR

he beginning of the year is typically a time for divining the future, or making choices and commitments that change our destiny. This is not an entirely social construction; New Year’s holiday somewhat arbitrarily falls near the winter solstice in our society, and that is a traditional enough time for accessing information from other realms. The Sun has reached the extreme southern limit of its annual journey (and turns back toward our hemisphere), a new season begins, and this is another way of saying a new solar cycle of the year commences. Engulfed in darkness, it’s like we’re bathed in the unconscious, and the choices we make can reach deeper into the psyche and have a more profound effect. Then, like after an unworldly dream, we return to normal waking life and perhaps remember what we learned, or perhaps not. When it’s summer, does winter exist? Yet at the time, it seemed dramatic and real. That is how ritual often works, and life. And the commitments we make in a ritual space have an odd way of coming true in some form, if made from the heart. We tend to miss the more common moments, though, which come at us from hour to hour, every day. Imagine you’ve just finished lunch and need to head back to work. You are standing outside the restaurant, deciding which way to walk back. Do you pause to ask which of those two paths is the true road to your destiny? Do you go the way your 126 PLANET WAVES CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

intuition suggests or gently tugs you? The difference could be substantial. A great deal can be contained in small choices. Then there are times when the small decisions align with what you could call cosmic moments: perhaps not so noticeable times when the natural cycles around us coincide with personal junctions of decision or seemingly small awakenings to awareness. The two can add up to something beyond any expectations, as if we’re making choices we’re not even aware of, which are then amplified by a climate that supports and accelerates them. Essentially, this is the astrological message of the next four seasons. Each step we take, we are walking alongside a dimensional doorway. At any moment, the reality of what we are perceiving is subject to question, and in doing so we can clear the way for creating another experience, additional options, or more useful beliefs. Indeed, beliefs themselves will have a way of becoming transparent, flimsy, entirely optional things that they are.

Pluto and the focus on Sagittarius

Since 1995, Sagittarius has been a focal point of both global and personal astrology. This is because Pluto, then considered the outermost planet, left Scorpio and entered Sagittarius, which is the sign of anything bigger than the last thing you considered. In other words, if you live in a city, Sagittarius represents the rest of the country; if you live in a particular coun-

try, Sagittarius represents the world. If you live on a planet, it represents the cosmos. And, oddly, much of what we consider “the cosmos” is pointed in the direction of Sagg: the core of the Milky Way galaxy, a supercluster of galaxies and a gravitational anomaly called the Great Attractor. On the personal level, if you consider yourself an individual, Sagittarius represents either your beliefs, or your soul (sometimes called the “higher self”). When you put Pluto there, you get an obsessive factor. Note the rise of fundamentalist religion in both the West and the Middle East, as well as the rise of the religion of capitalism and banking in Asia. The sign shift of Pluto was palpable. The focus, almost immediately, turned to globalism, the world economy, and what used to be called the New World Order. What was once the purview of conspiracy nuts proved to be more or less an actual agenda, enacted through various “free trade” treaties, the World Trade Organization’s rise to prominence, the World Bank dipping its beak into everyone’s fresh water supply, and a new era of nearly unquestioned capitalist values. This process included Europe beginning to solidify as one country and one economy, the rise of the euro as a dominant world currency, and the birth of a global market through the Internet. And, as predicted by astrologers, fundamentalist religion became an extremely serious problem, one that we have all had to contend with on some level.

This was evident in the first peak of the Pluto in Sagittarius era, which occurred in 2001, just one month after the exact opposition of Pluto in Sagittarius and Saturn in Gemini. Notably, this opposition fell exactly in alignment with the gravitational anomaly—that is, the biggest, heaviest, most prodigious, and perhaps downright weirdest thing known to astronomy, the Great Attractor. So here was the setup for what became September 11, 2001: Saturn, the immovable object, met Pluto, the unstoppable force. The two planets aligned opposite one another for the first time in 35 years (which is always enormous), which further coincided with an alignment with the Great Attractor. For its part, the GA has the dual property (reported long before this event, but now well established) of fostering extreme polarization, at the same time it creates effects that go far beyond what anyone could have predicted or expected. Located at about 14 degrees of Sagittarius, the GA has a similar effect on people whose natal charts have planets that are strongly aspecting the point. By the time 9/11 happened, it was undeniable that we were in the era of Pluto in Sagittarius and that, unfortunately, just about everything that astrologers were ranting on about in the early 1990s proved to be correct. And all the usual rhetoric arrived with the Saturn-Pluto aspect: demonization of the enemy (by all sides), the extreme “you’re with us or against us” attitude (widely exercised and rarely questioned), and that sense of living your life between a rock and a hard place, not to mention getting naked for airport security officials, tasting your own breast milk, and having your Clairol conditioner scrutinized by the National Security Agency.

Now for the Grand Finale

The Saturn-Pluto opposition passed by just as dependably as it showed up. The rhetoric toned down, the paragons of virtue were seen to be soliciting sex from young boys and male prostitutes, and Jack Abramoff and my fellow John Dewey High School alumnus Adam Kidan, the first Neocon I ever met, are sitting in federal prison. I doubt that either were convicted of their worst crimes, but you take what you can get. Saturn has moved on to other adventures, but Pluto has yet to finish its trip through Sagittarius. The grand finale is Pluto making a series of exact conjunctions to the Galactic Core, which is placed in late Sagittarius. The Galactic Core, a relatively new discovery, is a group of phenomena, including a complex radio source, a compact radio source, and a supermassive black hole. It is located 26,000 light-years away from Earth in the direction of Sagittarius, where the Milky Way bulges with an enormous cluster of stars. Some speculate that there is a concentration of dark matter at the core, as well, which may or may not be associated with the black hole. Pluto, the planet of the soul’s evolutionary process, the planet of obsession, the lord of

death and surrender, the unstoppable force, the embodiment of all things Scorpio and all things we don’t understand about Scorpio (and all things we tend not to understand in general), will make its first conjunction to the core since before the American Revolution. Indeed, it is making the first exact conjunction even as you read these words. This is the first event of its kind since the scientific revolution, and many other revolutions. Borrowing from Brian Eno, the last visit of Pluto on the Galactic Core was the dividing line “before and after science.” How big an event is this? Well, it’s big, and we really have nothing to compare it to, but if we contrast the changes since the days of the Boston Tea Party, and magnify them by a few orders of magnitude, we might get a clue. Pluto was just discovered, in 1930. Astrologers are just getting their feet on the ground about Pluto, but events like September 11 give them respect—that, and what we and our clients experience under the influence of Pluto transits. Most astrologers have, unfortunately, given the Galactic Core very little thought at all. If you look, though, you discover it has certain properties. Phillip Sedgwick, the master of Galactic astrology, writes “The Galactic Center radiates brilliant insight to anyone connected with it,” in his book The Soul of the Sky. “This insight craves implementation, [and] reveals how to let go of what is in the way to make a clear path for the next step. As soon as an idea is grasped and brought forward, the path of accessing new information refreshes. At all times, new and newer insights spew forth. This carries the tone of consciousness evolution.” I think we could use some of this, don’t you? “The collective aim refocuses and retargets with higher and clearer insights at each minute in timelessness,” Sedgwick continues. “The more considered, the broader the band of consciousness acceptance, then the more assurance can be taken with the focus of life, personal or collective. All this, by the way, occurs a step at a time. One step leads to the next, and so on. Extreme long-range vision does not accompany these insights. You will not know how far the idea will go, how much it can change the world or your consciousness. This lack of viewing actually protects the ego from going overboard on a Sagittarian agenda—with either extreme overestimation or underestimation.” I think this translates to dependable ideas like living one day at a time, thinking globally and acting locally, and remembering that you are the only thing that can change the world. Not only that, by your existence, changing the world is inevitable. And you may not, in fact, have a clue how far the contribution you makes will actually go. That is a good incentive to do your best. As the dramas of 2007 unfold in their rather grand style, we might want to keep that idea as the first thing on our minds, or perhaps: Do our very best to do our best. We surely have a long way to go, and a world waiting for us to step into our moment.

YOUR COMMENTS, PLEASE. POST COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE AT WWW.CHRONOGRAM.COM

1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM PLANET WAVES 127

Horoscopes January 2007 Eric Francis Coppolino

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20) This may not be the year you make your big career breakthrough. But at the very least, it will be the year you get ready, in terms of figuring out what you want, and then taking the additional step of wanting it with every cell in your body. You will, if you choose, gather your strength, determination, and resolve, and begin to feel the undeniable onrush of the future coming at you. While the planets clearly reveal that you will work for everything you earn, and that feeling good will be the result of discipline and not luck or accident, there is no shortage of adventure or opportunity. Indeed, what the experts are calling 2007 promises to offer an authentic balance of labor and rewards for your labor, of grounded, serious thinking, and of freewheeling exploration. But the key to success is indeed balance of these elements. Part of you will want to do everything at once, while at other times you’ll be keeping your foot over the brake, lest you miss a detail, fail in a commitment, or to guard against the movie going too fast. No, this is not typical of your life, but you are changing, and developing sensitivity for the value of commitments and the delicateness of relationships.

TAURUS (Apr 21-May 21) For a good perspective on how much territory you’ve covered, go back to the fall of 1995 and begin reckoning from there. Remember to check in with the summer of 2001 and maybe the spring of 2002. Look at the story in terms of how you relate to others. Could you have ever imagined a time when you would be so independent, or so determined to create the course of your own life? Taurus is the sign that carries the reputation for being stubborn, but astrology may have gotten this one backwards. That quality would appear to be a defense against another quality of being overly compromising; of allowing others to envision your existence for you, and your tendency to listen when others tell you what you need. In what may have been an excruciatingly slow process, you have declared your independence from tyrants. Now comes the final burst in this process; the breakthrough itself; discovering what it feels like to relate to the world on equal terms, despite anyone’s illusions or perceptions of power, authority, or holiness. To put this in the simplest terms possible, you have learned to stand up to people, and to recognize your inherent equality with them. The great achievement of 2007 will be putting this into action, and not only tasting freedom but feasting at its table.

GEMINI (May 22-Jun 22) How high must you fly, and how deep must you dig, to find the real you? While you may feel like you have to soar to the stratosphere or bore to the magma of the Earth, a more accurate metaphor is floating on the surface of water. www.planetwaves.net 128 PLANET WAVES CHRONOGRAM.COM 1/07

The important thing is not diving down to the reef (which is always an option) as much as feeling the water itself. This you have begun to do, to a surprising degree. Imagine your body, which is water (no matter what element the sign Gemini supposedly belongs to), conducting the vibrations, temperature, and currents of the entire ocean. Your role is as a conductor of that energy, whether in the context of feeling or transmitting. If there is a paradox involved, it’s this: The more subtle your mechanisms of reception, the less effort you must exert, the more consciousness you are able to take in. The less you say, and clearly the more you are able to say it, the more potent the message. The more you are able to reduce vast amounts of data to simple and useful facts or directional pointers, the more gracefully you will ease your way through four seasons that are likely to take you very far and very wide, and far from familiar ideas or places.

CANCER (Jun 23-Jul 23) There will come a moment when you question everything, and that is the moment when you will find your power. It’s coming sooner than you think, and I suggest you be glad of it. Life is a matter of the circumstances in which you partake participating meaningfully with you. Notice what energy comes back to you, and what does not; who or what pays you, and who or what does not; who or what spontaneously offers what you need, and who or what does not even notice. For you, the question “What gives?” is not a rhetorical one; rather, it is a factual one, in two halves. If we start the process with you, it would be productive to notice where you find yourself giving with no decision or effort, and where you find yourself stressing and straining. Part two is who or what is reaching back to you, specifically, with what you want or need? You’re going to find some extraordinary examples of commitment in your life, and some that you will easily be able to do without. In short, you don’t need it all, and it doesn’t all need you. When you find the meeting points, you will know because a sense of ease and flow replaces the tension.

LEO (Jul 24-Aug 23) The only drive I can think of that distinguishes humans from animals is the creative one. In most discussions of the “which would you rather be” genre, I would pick the life of critters over the existence of most people—except for one little thing: art. I associate Leo and creativity. Is it true? You tell me. But we cannot deny that Pluto burning its way through your fifth solar house for the past decade-plus has gone a long way to putting you in contact with your creative core. By that, I mean the soul-engine that guides all of your perceptions and experiences. This is intensifying as we speak, and peaks in the coming seasons. By the end of the transit (early 2008), you may discover that you have indeed dedicated your whole life to living and acting on what you hold to be your deepest ideals. Art is not about painting. Art is about doing what you know is right; it is not

Horoscopes Eric Francis Coppolino about making something, but rather about being someone; it is about acting with faith as your guide rather than a sense of obligation; it is about responding to the moment and not the future. This way of life goes beyond compulsion and beyond seeking pleasure. The ray of light about to beam through your life is brighter and clearer than either of these could ever be.

VIRGO (Aug 24-Sep 23) Many years of focus, faith, and effort have gone into burrowing your spiritual roots deep into existence. With no other reason to feel safe, you have been able to put your heart and soul into honoring the cosmic forces that are so often, and so easily, denied by those who have come to visit this Earth for a short while. Often the outer appearance of a life conceals the depth of contact with underlying reality, even to the person who is doing the living. This is most likely the case with you, particularly because you are so annoyed by pretension, and have no desire to go around proving yourself. Imagine, though, that those deep roots are now being soaked with nourishing water. It may come in the form of a sense of mission, a new relationship, a choice about where in the world you want to be—or all of the above. Imagine that these rugged old roots begin to push up their branches, leaves, and flowers into the light of day. This is a significant change and also a big chance, because what was so long concealed in the dark will become a flourishing part of the world—and experience many more vulnerabilities than before. But it is only through this experience that your life can bear the fruit you have been so patiently awaiting for so long.

LIBRA (Sep 24-Oct 23) You are not the type to get hung up on ideas or to worship concepts. As long as they do their work in the moment, my sense is that you’re willing to let the old ones go and the new ones come along—bravo for that, and now get ready for this to become an experience that shakes the world. If you have ever rated yourself as an underachiever, someone who lives below your talent potential or who moves through life with the nagging sense that you’re capable of much more, you’re at an extremely convenient turning point. I would say stunning, electrifying, and fun—but the astrology speaks more of being swept away by a kind of living dream that you both embrace and welcome to the history of your life, and find yourself with the power to actually put into action. You are, it would seem, about to break through many of your old limits, and I do mean old. Whether you call your life-mission business, technology, music, art, or whirling on the beach; whether you call it love or the love of God, what you are able to do becomes the perfect earthquake that vibrates you and the people near you to life, and may indeed have ripple effects that go light-years farther.

SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22) In my ideal cosmos of astrology, no Scorpio would ever have to work for money. You would, instead, be the master of manifestation; the people in the world who teach us all that there is infinite abundance, and that all we need to do is ask with our hearts and we shall receive, as we need. I trust you have this gift, and that you know perfectly well that you have it. But Scorpio is the sign of commerce and trade, and of all forms of business arrangements that involve using the resources of others. You are, in a sense, bound into relationships that must, by their nature, become enterprises, and through these, everyone thrives. This is why integrity is so important to you; it represents the many threads that hold together these journeys of coexistence and survival. We so often forget that trade and commerce, for all their injustices, are what on many levels hold the world together and encourage people to act on their common sense. What if you could combine these two extraordinary properties, that is, your ability to divinely manifest, and your extraordinary gift for mustering up cooperation and a sense of community? I would say that if any year was the year, this is it. Set the example, Scorpio. Show us how it’s done.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21) Since 1994, the world has been living through a mini Age of Sagittarius. It’s hard to imagine a mini-Sagittarian anything, but on the cosmic scale, 12 years is a blink of the eyes. But beginning now and through 2007, this era we’ve all been experiencing will reveal its true colors—and bold those colors are. The astrology of 2007—Pluto making its way across the Galactic Core—takes place in Sagittarius, and has been witnessed by no living person; very few trees currently alive witnessed the last go-round. For you personally, it would be hard to exaggerate the effects. The energy promises to be unbelievably intense even on your scale, and the changes you go through may indeed shape the lives of many around you. Your core mission, central to any form of growth, is giving up your judgments about yourself. Humans for the most part entirely fail to notice that they hold themselves in contempt nearly all the time. Worse, we fail to notice this is the cause and core of all the violence in the world, if only because it leads us to expect violence as a natural part of life, and as the normal consequence of the retribution we supposedly deserve. Today, you, and all of us, stand at a crossroads: Let go of this way of life, or move with greater speed irrevocably down our current very dark road. Let your life be the living example that there is another way.

CAPRICORN

(Dec 22-Jan 20)

As you have seen, curiosity is not enough. Commitment is not enough. We begin to access useful resources when we can face the unknown without shaking. Part of “the unknown” means embracing nonexistence as an ultimate fact of www.planetwaves.net 1/07 CHRONOGRAM.COM PLANET WAVES 129

Horoscopes Eric Francis Coppolino being on this planet, since few people have any tangible clue what happens anywhere else. And some would say that along the way to getting real is an inevitable encounter with how meaningless our lives are in the greater scheme of things. But I don’t take this view, personally. I propose taking a much more daring route, which is accepting the inevitability that our lives not only have impact, but change the shape of the universe. If we presume that nothing has no effect, then it’s also true that everything has an effect. It matters not whether we can see it, or ever hear about it. The effect is still there. Now comes the choice: What kind of effect do you want to have? If you could shape yourself or the world in some way (and the two are one and the same, from the viewpoint of an individual), what would it be? What assumptions would you have to challenge on the way to getting there? I’ll tell you: all of them.

AQUARIUS (Jan 21-Feb 19) Your relationships may have been confrontational the past couple of years, but at least you got to experience them. I would ask, though, exactly who or what were those confrontations with? Were they with your ideas about your relationship, were they with people, or were they ultimately with yourself? All of the above is a possible answer. And one last query: Were the encounters productive? I suspect that, despite whatever you may have felt at the time, they absolutely were. Now, the time has come to learn the trick of cooperation—and to teach it. You may have never considered yourself a politician, and admittedly politics as we know it is incredibly neurotic, even useless. But at its core, deep within the idea of politics, is the notion that society does not run itself; someone must run it; and that the small cells, the microcosms, the individual circles of friends, associates, and small communities, are the point of origin where all progress begins—and you are a pioneer. As you do this, think of yourself as an inventor. You are working in miniature. You may not change the world in a day, but the world is changing, and you’re being invited to participate boldly.

PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20) More than a decade ago, Pluto began its journey across your 10th solar house, Sagittarius. This is the house of reputation, honor, and achievement. It is where we do our most mature work. The 10th house is not easy; we must take every step, and when we focus our energy there, we may experience a constant feeling of living under intense scrutiny. Sagittarius has a global quality; it can represent the essence of spirit, and is the sign of the Sacred Quest. Pluto, if nothing else, is a planet that has impact, and which can be stopped by nothing. Apropos of the myth of this strange god, Pluto also has an invisible quality. What you have accomplished these years may indeed be invisible even to you. The developments of the next four seasons, as Pluto meets the Galactic Core and as your first ruling planet Jupiter works its way across this region of space, will be anything but invisible. Even you will have to take notice. And while it may go against your nature to gloat over your accomplishments, you owe yourself some gesture of recognition for what you have done, for the strange perils you have endured, and, most of all, for who you have become.

YOUR COMMENTS, PLEASE. POST COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE AT CHRONOGRAM'S REDESIGNED WEBSITE! WWW.CHRONOGRAM.COM

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Photo: Marlis Momber

Parting Shot

Tona Wilson, Whitewash, watercolor and gouache on black paper, 11” x 14”, 2004

So often the best artists are those whose work draws from their counterparts in other disciplines. The inspiration and namesake for New Paltz artist Tona Wilson’s new show at Carrie Haddad Gallery in Hudson (through January 21) come from “Whitewash,” a song by German composers Bertolt Brecht and Hans Eisner. In the song, Brecht’s lyrics address the idea of hiding and covering up political realities. “I had been concerned with how we human beings, as individuals, avoid seeing frightening and uncomfortable truths,” Wilson says. “In particular, the denial of our own mortality, the way we live as though there were something certain, as though death was not part of our reality. This seems quite appropriate at the moment.” It was late in 2004, after completing chemotherapy and radiation treatment for breast cancer (she’s fine now), Wilson began working on a painting based on the Brecht-Weil song “Pirate Jenny” from “Threepenny Opera.” As she got deeper into Brecht’s music, she decided to attempt a series of paintings inspired by the renowned Weimer-era figure. Wilson was born in New York City and grew up mostly in the Hudson Valley. She studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and lived in Buenos Aires from 1982 to 1988. “My work in Buenos Aires was mostly in oils, mostly figurative, and had echoes of my early infatuation with German Expressionist work,” Wilson says. (518) 828-1915; www.carriehaddadgallery.com. —Peter Aaron

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