Hudson Valley Mercantile by Rising Tide Communications

Mercantile ��

live. work. play.

February-March 2011

Mercantile February 2011

All of us could use a little less clutter and a lot more room in our lives. Get it all at Hampshire Self Storage. Call us now and get 50% oﬀ your ﬁrst three months rent! Also get: ��

Call 845-345-8380 To Lock In Your 50% Oﬀ Special and Speak With A Friendly Advisor About Your Needs. Spac kenk il

l Rd

Across from Mercury Grand Hotel and next to the BoneFish Grill

South R

s Va

Poughkeepsie Galleria

�� *Restrictions apply, call for details.

��

�� to Red Hook’s ❁

❁

family fun night

��

“Ahhhhhhh”

(the sound you’ll make after you get clean and organized with Hampshire Self Storage. Get 50% off for three months!*)

Page 2

Page 3

Mercantile February 2011

Contents contents

Get Out of the Cabin! photo essay by Jen Kiaba

Seasonal Palette Calendar begins

Photography Made Easy: Wedding Photography on a Budget by Joel Weisbrod

Ruminations on Cabin Fever by Owen O’Connor

Live on Stage! Calendar begins

Concerts Calendar begins

Take the Kids Calendar begins

Readings, Signings & Screenings Calendar begins

Bright Green Valley Calendar

Not a Gym by Charlotte Michos

Miscellaneous Calendar

Stork in the Road by Brian PJ Cronin

Spring Elections: The Cure for Cabin Fever by David Radovanovic

37 Contributors:

hudson valley

Mercantile a publication of

P.O. Box 178 Red Hook, NY 12571 845-546-3051

Jim Gibbons: Publisher jgibbons@hvrising.com Heather Gibbons: Creative Director calendarhog@hvrising.com Contents ©2011 Rising Tide Communications, LLC No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher

Brian PJ Cronin Kristen Cronin Jen Kiaba Charlotte Michos Owen O’Connor David Radovanovic Joel Weisbrod

On the Cover: Education Denied, by Samantha Grassi from Woodbury High School a featured artist in the “Senior Project Show.” This special exhibition features diverse work created by advanced students enrolled in Mill Street Loft’s Senior Project Course - an intense pre-college preparatory class designed to help students develop their artistic voice while creating their portfolios for college scholarship submission. View all the students’ work through March 19. To learn more visit millstreetloft.org

Mercantile February 2011

Page 4

Come meet with our outstanding design team and start creating your perfect room today!

We Install!

Call 845.876.WOOD www.williamslumber.com

��

Page 5

Mercantile February 2011

our cure for cabin fever?

get out of the cabin! A photo essay by Jennifer Kiaba

The Hudson Valley has no shortage of inspiring vistas -- even in the dead of winter. So get out there, clear your head, fill up your lungs and nourish your soul. Above: The Hopeland Trails in Staatsburg offer a rambling walk through old Astor estate farm trails. Right: With the right footwear, or when the snow has abated, Poet’s Walk off River Road in Red Hook affords beautiful river views.

Three views at Mills Mansion in Staatsburg. L to R: walking trails; River view; the mansion and the sledding hill, a favorite for kids of all ages.

Mercantile February 2011

Page 6

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

POUGHKEEPSIE

K I N G S TO N

NEWBURGH

Route 44 845-454-4330

Route 9W 845-336-6300

Route 300 845-569-0303

www.adamsfarms.com

Mercantile February 2011

PSeasonal ALETTE

Page 7

Karl LaLonde “Ghost Truck” on display in the “RED” show at Riverwinds @ Wells Fargo Advisors in Rhinebeck.

Albert Shahinian Fine Art Gallery @ Prudential/SERLS

The Beacon Institute Gallery

6384 Mill Street (Rte. 9), Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Through February: “Winter Salon & Anniversary Sale,” major group showing of regional landscapes and genre paintings by Margaret Crenson, Gary Fifer, Arnold Levine, Eline Barclay, Christie Scheele, Larry Zingale, Leslie Bender & Connie Fiedler. Winter Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 845.876.7578; info@shahinianﬁneart.com

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

Albert Shahinian Fine Art Upstairs Galleries

Betsy Jacaruso Studio & Gallery

22 East Market Street, Suite 301, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Through February: “Annual Collector’s Showcase,” a mix of contemporary and historical paintings selected especially for the beginning and intermediate art collector with a focus on mid- and latecareer regional artists. Sculpture by Kim Alderman, Norman Ernsting and Madeleine Segall-Marx. Winter Hours: Fri., noon-5 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.; and by appointment or chance. Open to 8 p.m. the 3rd Saturday of each month for Rhinebeck ArtsWalk. Information: 845.876.7578; info@shahinianﬁneart.com

BAU Gallery

161 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Through February 27: “Better by the Dozen,” a BAU Exchange exhibit with Amos Eno Gallery in NYC. The show features work by Eric Banks, Tulu Bayar, Anthony Cuneo, Charleen Kavleski, Lacey Kim, JoseRicardo Presman, Marina Reiter, Sun Young Seo, Ulrike Stadler, Walt Swales, Walter Thompson, Margaret Withers. Hours: Sat. & Sun., noon-6 p.m., or by appointment Information: 845.222.0177; http://baugallery.com

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

The Culinary Institute of America

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

Daniel Aubry Gallery

426 Main Street, Beaon, NY 12508 Through March 6: “Markings,” paintings by Will Teran. Information: 347.982.4210; http://www.danielaubrygallery.com continued on page 9 g

Mercantile February 2011

17 manicured acres Tuscan inspired chefs kitchen Floor to ceiling windows

What’s in the back yard?

THE

TAJ MAHAL TRIO SUNDAY FEBRUARY 27, 7PM AT UPAC

A custom designed pool- coordinated, constructed, installed, hardscaped, softscaped, ﬁlled, and balanced by NeJame. From concept to completion, NeJame does it all. Call us today to discuss your back yard.

800-724-2675 nejamepools.com

BARDAVON

THE FLYING KARAMAZOV BROTHERS SUNDAY MARCH 6, 3PM AT BARDAVON

Page 8

PRESENTS

MET LIVE: IN HD

RON WHITE

LILY TOMLIN

SATURDAY MARCH 19, 1 PM AT BARDAVON

SUNDAY MARCH 20, 8:30PM AT UPAC

SUNDAY MARCH 27, 7PM AT UPAC

LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR

Jane W. Nuhn Charitable Trust

��

Page 9

Mercantile February 2011

continued from page 7 i

Dia:Beacon

Riggio Galleries, 3 Beekman Street, Beacon, NY 12508 Permanent Collection: Dia:Beacon is a museum for the Dia Art Foundation’s renowned collection of art from the 1960’s to the present. In addition to the permanent collection, Dia Art Foundation is currently exhibiting: Through June 26: “Koo Jeong A: Constellation Congress.” At Dia: Beacon, Koo Jeong A will present a new iteration of the work A Reality Upgrade & End Alone (2003-09), an outdoor sculpture that will be installed in the grass ﬁled behind the museum. Through February 13, 2012: “Franz Erhard Walther: Work as Action” features a selection of Handlungsstücke (Action Pieces) from the early 1960s, including the complete presentation of 1. Werksatz (First Work Set), 1963–69, from Dia’s collection. Ongoing: “Drawing Series...” Sol LeWitt. Dia’s presentation of wall drawings b Sol LeWitt from the late 1960s through the mid-1970s was selected by the artist himself. Ongoing: “24 Farben – fur Blinky (24 Colors – for Blinky), 1977,” Imi Knoebel’s cycle of 21 shaped paintings. Ongoing: “Beacon Point,” George Trakas’ project for Beacon Point. Tickets: $10; $7 seniors and students; under 12 free Hours: Thurs.-Mon., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: 845.440.0100; www.diaart.org

Hudson Beach Glass

162 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508 Through March 20: “small” a group show featuring work by Chris Albert, John Allen, Deborah Davidovits, Kirsten Kucer, Gerda Van Leeuwen, Claire Lofrese, Susan Magnus, Jill Reynolds, Greg Slick, Kazumi Tanaka, Susan Walsh, Peter Yamaoka. Curated by Jennifer Mackiewicz. Hours: daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: 845.440.0068; http://www.hudsonbeachglass.com

Hyde Park Free Library

2 Main St., Hyde Park, NY 12538 Through February: Photographer Mary B. Summerlin presents “Kaleidoscope.” Artist Reception: Sunday, February 20, 2-4 p.m. Information: 845.229.7791; http://www.hydeparklibrary.org

Electric Windows

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

fovea

143 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Through May 8: “Nothing Like My Home (The Iraqi Refugee Crisis)” photographs by Lori Grinker. For the past eight years, the Iraqi people have been forced to ﬂee their homes and their country, creating one of the largest exoduses of refugees in the history of the Middle East. This exhibit looks at the personal and private trauma experienced by a few of these people since the war began in their country, as documented for an extended period by the celebrated photojournalist Lori Grinker. Hours: Weekends, noon-6 p.m. Information: http://www.foveaexhibitions.org

Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 Through March 27: As part of a campus-wide celebration of Vassar’s sesquicentennial anniversary, three photographers were commissioned to create new work to highlight diﬀerent aspects of campus life. 150 Years Later: New Photography by Tina Barney, Tim Davis, and Katherine Newbegin focuses on the people, environment, and the culture of Vassar today. Information: 845.437.5237; http://ﬂlac.vassar.edu

Gallery at Mondello

7 West Market St., Village of Red Hook, NY 12571 Through March 29: Cross River Fine Art and Betsy Jacaruso School of Watercolor. Information: 845.758.5555; http//www.mondelloupstateproperties.com

Locust Grove

“Veteran”, oil on canvas by Eva van Rijn

2683 South Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Through February 27: “Points of View,” a solo show of photographs of the Hudson Valley by Franc Palaia. March 3-April 10: “Safari: A Solo Show of Paintings by Eva Van Rijn.” The artist states, “As a painter, I wanted to capture warm African light playing over the sleek muscular forms of impala, alert and ready to ﬂee; ...the magniﬁcence of the old bull elephant, veteran of many battles, and wisdom in his face. As a woman artist my interest was in the lives and relationships between animals. I saw Africa as one of the last places on this earth where wild animals could be themselves... I painted them courting, protecting their young, looking for the best food and water, never forgetting to stay alert for the hidden predator.” Reception: Saturday, March 5, 3-6 p.m. with pre-opening Artist Talk at 2:30 p.m., “The History of Animals in Art.” Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 845.454.4500; http://lgny.org continued on page 11 g

Mercantile February 2011

All The Best Package

Get rid of those mid-winter blues!

info@bodybewell.org web: www.bodybewell.org 7578 N Broadway •Stes 1&3 Red Hook •758-0790 Bring this Ad for this offer!

Just $149.00 Includes: 1 Private Lesson 2 Group Reformer Classes 4 Open Studio Classes of Your Choice

�� Jane H. Ferguson, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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

Roger D. Green, M.D., F.A.A.P. Brett M. Macaluso, D.O., F.A.A.P. Maria T. Brown, C.P.N.P M. Scott Owitz, M.S., F.N.P.C

��

�

��

�� Membership levels Now Include: Junior and Weekday!

Beautiful 18 hole Golf Course, Est. 1931. Full restaurant and bar. Open golf, st Package — February 2011 lessons, leagues, ntile full practice facilities. Corporate, Single, Family and Twilight Memberships also Available. Details at:

www.redhookgolfclub.com 650 Route 199 Red Hook, N.Y. 12571 Email:rhgcofﬁce@frontier.net Ofﬁce: 845-758-3672 Pro Shop:845-758-8652

Join Us For Great Golf!!!!

Page 10

Page 11

Mercantile February 2011

continued from page 9 i

Marion Royael Gallery

460 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Through March 5:”The Riddle Homology, (2)” new and selected works from Steven Paul and Barbara Riddle. March 12-April 3: “Galleria Royael II,” 30 local artists exhibiting with artists represented by Marion Royael. Hours: noon-7 p.m., Thurs.-Sun. & by appt. Information: 541.301.0032; http://www.marionroyaelgallery.com

accomplished landscape painter, Cook’s style is strongly inﬂuenced by Hudson River School artists of the nineteenth century. He was recently named a Painting Fellow by New York Foundation for the Arts, and has subsequently been invited to serve on NYFA’s Artist’s Advisory Committee. In 2009, Kevin’s work was exhibited at the American consulate in Hong Kong as part of the Artists in Embassies program. Kevin is a Guest Educator at the Samuel Dorsky Museum in New Paltz. Hours: Wed. - Mon., noon - 6 p.m.; Second Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Information: 845.838.2880; http://riverwindsgallery.com

RiverWinds Gallery @ Wells Fargo Advisors

6423 Montgomery St., Suite 10, 2nd Floor, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Through April 28: “RED: 14 Artists’ Interpretation.” Painters and photographers each chose images containing the color - sometimes hot and intense, sometimes subtle or whimsical. Artists include: Lori Adams, photography; Nicholas Boutenoeﬀ, oils; Jean Demotses, oil; Michael Garland, oils; Mary Ann Glass, photography; Linda T. Hubbard, photography; Karl LaLonde, photography & acrylics; Frederic Lere, acrylic; Alexis Lynch, watercolors; Sally Lyons, oils; Rita Pignato, photography; Ed Vermehren, acrylic; Tony Volpe, photography; Mary Evelyn Whitehill, watercolors. Opening Reception: Third Saturday Rhinebeck, February 19, 5-7 p.m. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and by appt. Information: 845.838.2880; http://riverwindsgallery.com

Tivoli Artists Co-op

60 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583 Through February 27: Annual “Erotica” group show. Included in the exhibit will be photographs, paintings, collage, mixed media, and sculpture. The work exhibited will be of a sensual and playfully suggestive nature, but not pornographic. March 4-27: “Color!” A group Spring preview show. Reception: Saturday, March 5, 6-8 p.m. Hours: Fri., 5-9 p.m.; Sat., 1-9 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m. Information: 845.757.2667; http://www.tivoliartistsco-op.com

Twisted Soul Restaurant & Gallery “Denied Education” by Samantha Grassi from Woodbury High School.

Mill Street Loft Gallery 45

45 Pershing Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 February 17-March 19: “Senior Project Show.” This special exhibition will feature the incredible and diverse work created by advanced students enrolled in Mill Street Loft’s Senior Project Course - an intense pre-college preparatory class designed to help students develop their artistic voice while creating their portfolios for college scholarship submission. Featured artists in this year’s show include; Lydia Hall from Red Hook High School, Samantha Grassi from Woodbury High School, Brian Jones from Spackenkill High School, Henry Nuhn from FDR High School and Jonathan Rosenberg of Rhinebeck High School. Each student pursued a theme of their choice for 12 consecutive weeks ranging from “Dreams” to “The Persecution of Women.” This mixed media show will feature a variety of works from each student. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; and by appt. on weekends. Information: 845.471.7477; http://www.millstreetloft.org

RiverWinds Gallery

172 Main St., Beacon 12508 Through March 6: “A New Beginning,” oil paintings by Kevin Cook. Cook’s paintings invite you to witness the beautiful Hudson Valley, painted in the old style, but yet with a freshness and unique style. An

47 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Through March 17: “The Past is Present,” solo show by Art Institute alumni, Victoria Statsenko. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., until 10 p.m. Information: 845.454.2770; http://www.twistedsoulconcepts.com

Columbia. Carrie Haddad Gallery

622 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through March 6: “Figures and Abstractions” featuring the work of three long-time favorites of the gallery: Arthur Hammer, Leslie Bender, and Jenny Nelson. March 10-April 17: “Harry Orlyk and Marion Vinot,” the work of two artists with highly individual styles. Harry Orlyk’s work is continually on display at the gallery, while this will be the ﬁrst exhibit of Vinot’s work in over a dozen years. There will also be a salon style display of various gallery purchases including Jim Dine and Donald Sultan, which will be on display and for sale in the back room. In this exhibit, Harry Orlyk’s plein air oil paintings are a selection of winter images continued on page 12 g

Mercantile February 2011

Page 12

continued from page 11 i

Barry Bartlett, “Angels and Animals” (detail), 2010, 27 x 18 x 18 Inches, porcelain. Bartlett’s work is on exhibit at John Davis Gallery in Hudson for the month of March.

from 2010-2011. Snow scenes are a favorite for Orlyk, and the array of colors he uses in these paintings brings to mind the number of names the Inuits have for snow. French-born Marion Vinot currently resides in the Hudson Valley, but has lived and worked in Mexico City, Austin, Texas, New York City, and St. Bartholomew, in the French West Indies. Vinot has gained recognition as an accomplished ceramicist, chef, and painter. Her paintings are, primarily, portraits of women – women strolling, engaged in sports, cooking, napping, or simply pondering life’s possibilities. These portraits are executed in a romantic yet earthy style that brings to mind the paintings of the French Nabi. Reception: Saturday, March 12, 6-8 p.m. Hours: Thurs.-Mon., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 518.828.1915; http://www.carriehaddadgallery.com

Carrie Haddad Photographs

318 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through February 27: “Nature of Pattern,” photographs by Lisa Frank. March 3-April 10: “Imagined Architecture,” David Trautrimas & Jim Kazanjian. Also on exhibit, “The Uninhabited Landscape” by Richard Edelman. Opening Reception: Saturday, March 5, 6-8 p.m. Hours: Thurs.-Mon., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 518.828.7655; http://www.carriehaddadgallery.com

Columbia County Council on the Arts

CCCA Gallery 209 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through March 11: “Threads,” artwork containing some element of fabric, ﬁber, real or illusion. Juried mixed media show with sixteen featured artists. Information: 518.671.6213; http://www.artscolumbia.org

Columbia Greene Community College

4400 Route 23, Hudson, NY 12534 Kaaterskill Gallery, through February 27: The art of Cumi Villagran. Blue Hill Gallery, through February 27: Work by the students of the Washington Irving Senior Center Watercolor Workshop. Information: 518.828.4181; http://www.sunycgcc.edu

Hudson Opera House

327 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534 February 19-March 26: “CCCA 15th Annual Juried Art Show 2011.” Mixed media show featuring 27 artists including: Dea Archbold, Jane Bloodgood-Abrams, Bob Crimi, Linda B. Horn and many others. Juror: Felicity Hogan, Program Oﬃcer for the New York Foundation of the Arts Learning/Consults and Education Director at Cuchifritos Art Gallery in New York City. Hours: Daily, noon-5 p.m.; closed holidays. Opening Reception: Saturday, February 19, 5-7 p.m. Information: 518.822.1438; http://hudsonoperahouse.org

John Davis Gallery

362 ½ Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 February 27: Paintings by Larry Brown. March 3-27: Sculpture by Barry Bartlett. Barry Bartlett has been exhibited throughout the U.S., most recently in solo shows at the Gary Tatintsian Gallery in NYC; Anna Kustera Gallery, NY and a series of group show -Maryland Art Place, MD, Baltimore Clayworks, MD. Bartlett has been using hobby moulds as the primary building blocks in his work for the past three years, with surprising eﬀects. “The moulds are like a curse,” Bartlett jokes. Beer steins, forest creatures, holiday themes, and religious iconography are the visual vocabulary out of which Bartlett

Page 13

Mercantile February 2011

constructs his ceramic sculptures’ visual poetry. Reception: Saturday, March 5, 6-8 p.m. Hours: Thurs.-Mon., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 518.828.5907; http://johndavisgallery.com

Omi International Arts Center

Charles B. Beneson Visitors Center Gallery & Fields Sculpture Park, 1405 County Route 22, Ghent, NY 12075 Ongoing, The Fields Sculpture Park, during daylight hours: Approximately 400 acres of farmland of which 100 acres are dotted with internationally recognized contemporary sculpture. The Fields’ mission is to expand the experience of what contemporary art viewed in a natural environment can be. Information: 518.392.4747; http://artomi.org

Workshops & Special Events Gallery Talk at Dia:Beacon

Riggio Galleries, 3 Beekman St., Beacon, NY 12508 Saturday, February 26, 2 p.m.: Gary Carrion-Murayari on Walter De Maria. Gary Carrion-Murayari was recently appointed Associate Curator at the New Museum, New York. Prior to that, Carrion-Murayari worked for seven years at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Tickets: Free with museum admission; reservations recommended. Information: 845.440.0100; http://www.diaart.org

Barrett Art Center Critique Group for 2D Artists

55 Noxon Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Tuesday, March 1, time tba: In honor of Tom Barrett’s wish to provide a community meeting place for artists, BAC is pleased to oﬀer painters, printmakers, mixed media and other 2D artists an opportunity to get together monthly to interact with other artists, discuss personal progress in their work and share perspective, inspiration and constructive criticism. First Tuesday of each month. (No instructor) Ellen Metzger O’Shea will be the initial facilitator for meetings. Advance reservations a must! Minimum of 5 people must enroll for meeting to run. Fee: $5 Information: 845.471.2550; http://www.barrettartcenter.org

Contemporary Artists on Contemporary Art: A Hudson Valley Artists Dialogue Series

BEAHIVE, 291 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Thursday, March 3, 7:30-9 p.m.: This dialogue series feature local emerging and established artists in discussions with fellow artists about their work, their process and their views on issues in contemporary art. Moderated by Stacey Ward Kelly, founder and director of Beacon Art Salon, also the event sponsors. Meets on the ﬁrst Thursday of the month through June 2011. This month’s talk: “Aesthetic & Meaning in Contemporary Art” with Peter Iannarelli & Angelika Rinnhofer explores the question, “Does art need to be contextualized in order to be experienced/understood/valued?” Tickets: $5 suggested donation Information: http://www.beaconcitizen.com/group/beaconartsalon

Recycle, ReCreate, ReImagine

Charles Benenson Visitor Center @Omi International Arts Center, 1405 County Route 22, Ghent, NY Saturday, March 5, 5-8 p.m.: Art show and auction to beneﬁt Columbia County Habitat for Humanity. Tickets: $15 Information: 518.828.0892

Japanese Brush Painting Techniques with Maj Kalfus

Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534 Sundays, 2-4 p.m.; March 6, 13, 20, 27 & April 3: A ﬁve-week course of art instruction with artist and instructor Maj Kalfus. Learn about the ancient art of brush painting and practice some of the techniques. No experience necessary. Supplies: a small newsprint pad, sumi brush, black ink. Brushes can be purchased in class for $2.50 each. Fee: $100 for ﬁve sessions Information: 518.822.1438; http://hudsonoperahouse.org

Film Fundraising Weekend with Legendary Art Collectors Herb and Dorothy Vogel

Dia:Beacon, Lower Level Galleries, 3 Beekman St., Beacon, NY 12508 Saturday, March 12, noon: Screening of the documentary “Herb and Dorothy” a multiaward-winning ﬁlm about Herb and Dorothy Vogel -- a postal worker and a librarian who with very modest means managed to build one of the most important contemporary art collections in history. Followed by a discussion on The Art of Collecting Art featuring Herb and Dorothy Vogel, the ﬁlmmakers, artist Charles Clough, and Jack Cowart, Executive Director of the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation. Reception and refreshments follow. Tickets: donation levels ranging from $10 to $80. All proceeds go to the restoration of The Beacon Theatre performance hall and movie house on historic Main Street in Beacon. Information: http://thebeacontheatre.org/freezeframe.htm

Second Saturday Beacon

Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Saturday, March 12, noon-9 p.m.: Tour Main Street and discover artistic treasures, enjoy a delicious meal and experience all the creativity that Beacon has to oﬀer. Support Beacon’s Main Street and ﬁnd out how simple it is to Shop Local. Information: http://beaconarts.org

Third Saturday: Art in Rhinebeck

Montgomery & Market Streets, Village of Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Saturday, March 19, noon-9 p.m.: Village-wide celebration of the arts featuring gallery openings, author readings, performance and music. Information: 845.876.5904; http://www.artalongthehudson.com/ rhinebeck; http://www.rhinebeckchamber.com

Mercantile February 2011

Page 14

PHOTOGRAPHY MADE EASY

Wedding PHOTOGRAPHY on a budget

by Joel Weisbrod

ast month we explored the best way to choose your wedding photographer. What if you can’t ﬁnd the right photographer that also ﬁts your budget? This happens more than you think and leaves many brides and grooms despondent and worried about recording this special moment in their lives. So, what do you do? Here are some suggestions to help you capture the spirit of your wedding within a limited budget.

Step 1: Taking the Wedding Photos

While everyone seems to have a digital camera that takes great photos, there really is a dramatic difference between consumer cameras and professional photography equipment. No matter how small your budget is, this is one place you should not cut corners. I am sure Uncle Ned takes great photos but unless he is a professional photographer, he is likely to miss a lot of important shots. This is the most important part of the overall job of photographing weddings because it happens only once. You can always choose different photos, recreate, add, or replace an album, and edit photos differently, but you can only shoot the wedding photos on the wedding day. This is where you should use your budget to hire a professional.

Step 2: Proofs and Digital Files

One way to save money is to save money for the photographer. Ask for digital proofs (Usually PDF files) rather than prints. If the photographer has to order prints, he has to pay for them and then so do you. Creating digital proofs is free except for the time involved and usually a lot less expensive than prints. As for digital files, make sure your agreement includes a CD or DVD of all unedited digital files from the wedding without copyright restriction. Of course, an additional CD or DVD with the edited photographs is a plus since usually these are color balanced and ready for printing. This gives you the ability to do whatever you may want later when your budget situation improves. It is worth negotiating these particular issues and

...there really is a difference between consumer cameras and professional photography equipment. No matter how small your budget is, this is one place you should not cut corners. getting the agreement in writing as this will likely be the second most important thing you do.

Step 3: Prints & Albums

Depending on your budget, and as long as you have successfully negotiated Step 2 above, this is a good place to scrimp and save. You may want to delay any printing or album creation completely, or until your budget situation improves. Ask the photographer for recommendations on printing, slip-in albums, professional albums, DVD slide shows, etc. before making any decisions. When you do decide to print, try to avoid the local pharmacy as these bulk printers rarely use the best papers or inks and do a fair job at best. I am sure the photographer will assist you in printing or in choosing a suitable lab that can create professional prints, canvas wall displays, or albums.

Step 4: Make a Decision

Now you have the information you need to make your decision. Do not wait too long as photographers schedule events every day and you want to be sure you get your ﬁrst choice before they book another event on your special day. Have any questions or want me to shoot your wedding? Contact me at the email address below.

 Joel Weisbrod is a published author of a book on digital photography and the owner of jwArtWorks Photography in Rhinebeck. In addition to portrait, commercial, event, and other photography, Joel teaches private one-on-one photography classes and can be reached by email at mercantile@jwArtWorks.com.

Page 15

Mercantile February 2011

Cabin Fever On

by Owen O’Connor

W hile many people might be suﬀering from Cabin Fever at this time of the year, I have a particular strain of the disease. The symptoms for me are a feverish desire to actually be inside a warm, cozy cabin. My disposition is such that I could be pretty happy bunkered permanently in a reclining chair, book on lap, tea at hand, with a woodstove within radiating distance. As our duties on the farm call us outside on a regular basis, I am not feeling cooped up at all. In contrast, I am looking for an opportunity to snuggle back into my coop. I am not one to complain about the weather. Sun, wind, rain, snow, hot, cold . . . I like the variety and extremes of the Northeast’s seasonality. But since raising livestock the past few years, the extremes of weather have brought me a new sense of unease. It’s a shame, really, because I would like to just appreciate a powerful thunderstorm without wondering whether a sheep is going to get hit by lightning. An ice storm has become a reason to worry about temporary fences sagging, and a gusty rain a cause for fret over whether the chickens are staying dry. I had imagined that farming commercially would put me more in tune with the weather and seasons. Certainly I am more aware of atmospheric activity, but there is a dread accompanying it that I did not anticipate, a feeling that each act of weather presents a new and unforeseen problem for me. I am not one to complain about the weather...I like the variety and extremes of the Northeast’s seasonality. But since raising livestock the past few years, the extremes of weather have brought me a new sense of unease. If you’ve read my column before, you may have caught the article a few months ago about winter grazing. Well, in case it wasn’t obvious, this has been a terrible winter for extending the grazing season. Our sheep valiantly grazed past the Christmas-time snow, and into January. But when January gave us a foot of snow and then an inch of ice and then another foot of snow on top of it, it was time to give up on any hopes of further grazing. The sheep have been on hay ever since. Our main home base for the animals

The “back 40” of our landlord’s farm.

As our duties on the farm call us outside on a regular basis, I am not feeling cooped up at all. In contrast, I am looking for an opportunity to snuggle back into my coop. is what you might call the “back 40” of our landlord’s farm. It’s the furthest area from the road, and dramatically hilly. From where you can reach with a car when the snow is at its worst, there is a half a mile and more than a 100 ft rise in elevation to where the sheep are. I’ve never been that interested in snow shoeing, but after slipping down these slopes of ice enough times, I developed a keen interest. Ever since, I’ve used the snow shoes religiously to tromp to where we have our hay stacked and tarped in the ﬁeld near our sheep. Certainly it’s our fault for not anticipating an extreme winter like this one has been. I’m told that an “average” year only comes two years out of 10, so it makes sense to expect the unexpected. I certainly didn’t expect that I’d be transporting hay around with a sled because the truck can’t navigate through the icy snow; or that there would be no respite period where we could pull net fences out of the snow, move things that needed to be moved, and just regroup a bit. As I’m snowshoeing out of the pasture through the freezing rain, I daydream a little bit about how I’d like to do things diﬀerently next winter. For now, I’m eager for any excuse that keeps me locked up inside. More snow doesn’t mean that I don’t get to have plenty of time outside, it just means that I get a more intense cardio workout while I’m out there.

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

Mercantile February 2011

ALARMED * GATED * FRIENDLY 3 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU 3680 Rt. 9G , Rhinebeck 845-876-7727 (across from Rhinebeck Ford) 90 Healy Blvd, Hudson 518-828-5213 (next to Shop Rite) 390 Flatbush Ave, Kingston 845-338-4050 (next to Hess Station)

www.affordable-selfstorage.com

Page 16

From Red Hook (Rt. 199E) to Fishkill (778 Rt. 9)

“We’ll put a shine on your car and a smile on your face.” Visit us on the web www.foamandwash.com

Page 17

Mercantile February 2011

L I V E O N S TA G E ! The Flying Karamazov Brothers take the Bardavon stage on Sunday, March 6.

The Lion in Winter

County Players Falls Theater, 2681 W. Main St., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Fri. & Sat., Feb. 18 & 19, 8 p.m.: James Goldman’s historical play is set in the castle of King Henry II of England, located in Chinon, in the English-ruled region of France. Explores themes of dysfunctional family and political maneuvering, as well as aging, death, inheritance, and posterity. Tickets: $15 Information: 845.298.1491; http://www.countyplayers.org

Post-Valentine’s Oﬀ Leash! Improv Night

Space 360 on Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534 Friday, February 18, 8 p.m.: Celebrate a belated Valentine’s with the Off Leash! Improv Ensemble. Bring your true or dreamed-of love stories, your poems about falling in love, your anecdotes about falling out of it... The Off Leash! Ensemble will take your offerings and bring them to life with their spontaneous imagination. Tickets: $12-$20 Information: http://wtdtheater.org

The Natalya Piece: A Workshop Presentation

Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Sosnoﬀ Theater, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Thurs.-Sat., Feb. 24-25, 7 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 27, 2 p.m.:Devised by the Continuum Company’s Artistic Director, Jim Calder, The Natalya Piece combines two primary elements. The ﬁrst is the story of the reallife relationship between Anna Politkovskaya and Natalya Estemirova, a Russian journalist and a Chechen Human Rights worker, both murdered after reporting on abuses in Chechnya. This narrative is then framed, expanded, and jarred by a furies-like Chorus whose

response to these women’s experiences is infused with historical and neurological research regarding the nature of compassion and Western reactions to stories of horror and genocide. The play strives to rip apart our sentimental notions of empathy as a key step towards human transformation and political activism. Tickets: Free; reservations required. Information: 845.758.7900; http://ﬁshercenter.bard.edu

Vassar Repertory Dance Theatre 29th Annual Gala

Bardavon, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Sat., Feb. 26, 8 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 27, 3 p.m.: Vassar Repertory Dance Theatre performs ballet, jazz and modern repertoire in its 29th annual Gala at the Bardavon. Works include Larry Keigwin’s Caﬀeinated and Between the Lines by Miriam Mahdaviani, commissioned to celebrate Vassar’s sesquicentennial. Tickets: $11; $9 seniors, students Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

CATS

The Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Through February 27; Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.: Winner of 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “CATS” is a must see! This second-longest running show in Broadway history gained phenomenal international acclaim and features the now classic song, “Memory”. A ﬁrst-run in this area. A CENTERstage Production directed and choreographed by Laurie Sepe-Marder. Tickets: $24; $22 seniors & children Information: 845.876.3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org continued on page 18 g

Mercantile February 2011 continued from page 17 i

The Bindlestiﬀ Family Cirkus Presents: An Estrogen-Powered Evening’s Entertainment

Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Friday, February 25, 9 p.m.: Join Ringmistress Philomena as she turns the ring over to two of her favorite artists: Sweet Soubrette and Mistress B. Sweet Soubrette features the songwriting, vocals and ukulele of Ellia Bisker. “Mistress B’s Latex Lounge” is a set formed of a quirky mélange of circus, burlesque, and cabaret ﬁlled with comedy, music, audience participation, and rubber, rubber, rubber. Both performers have faithful followings in NYC’s music and club scene. Ages 21 and up only. Tickets: $15 advance; $20 door Information: 518.828.4800; http://www.helsinkihudson.com

The Not Too Far From Home Comedy Tour

Holiday Bowl Sports Bar, 1677 Route 9, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Saturday, February 26, 9 p.m.: Starring Aaron David Ward, from TV’s The Glenn Slingerland Situation and Boston Comedy Festival and Deric Harrington, Chicago and Tampa Improv comedy clubs, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Jokes, and The Comedy Thesaurus -- and up-and-coming comedian Marc Adamek. Tickets: $10 advance; $12 door Information: 845.462.5975; http://www.hoebowlfamilyfun.blogspot.com

Playground: The Hallie Flanagan Project

Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film, Martel Theater, Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 Tues.-Thurs., March 1-3, 8 p.m.: In conjunction with Vassar’s 150th anniversary sesquicentennial celebration, the Experimental Theater at Vassar presents an original play by Mattie Brickman. Playground: The Hallie Flanagan Project visits Flanagan at the beginning of her career at Vassar and in Russia, as she navigates life, love, and politics, discovering how the things that shape us also come back to haunt us. Tickets: Free, advance reservations required. Information: 845.437.5599; http://drama.vassar.edu

Nothing Serious

Dutchess Community College, 53 Pendell Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Thurs.-Sat., March 3-5, 8 p.m.; Sun., March 5, 2 p.m.: The DCC Masquers Guild presents a collection of Rich Orloﬀ’s 10 most popular and acclaimed 10-minute comedies, including two dissections of theatre itself (Playwriting 101: The Rooftop Lesson and Oh My God, It’s Another Play). From Antarctica and Disneyland to the Garden of Eden and inside the womb, experience theatrical worlds that are both imaginative and hilarious.Tickets: $5 Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

Astral Weeks: The Celtic Soul of Van Morrison

The Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 March 4-6; Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m., Sun., 3 p.m.: Returning to TheCENTER for three intimate performances, Deirdre Lowry & Patrick Brown present their acclaimed American Irish Dance Company, Solas An Lae in “Astral Weeks: The Celtic Soul of Van Morrison.” A spiritually-inspired stream-of-consciousness work employing a score of Irish folk, blues, jazz, R&B and classical music, set to dance by Lowry and Brown in an artistic multi media interpretation of Morrison’s legendary career and landmark work. Tickets: $18; $16 seniors & children Information: 845.876.3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org

Page 18

The Flying Karamazov Brothers

Bardavon, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Sunday, March 6, 3 p.m.: They are a continuing experiment in comedy, theatre, music and, of course, juggling. FKB blend the worlds of performance art, improvisation, word play, harmony, emotion and above all virtuosity into a unique form of theatre and entertainment. Their arts is accessible and will delight audiences members aged 2 to 92. Tickets: $35; $30 members; $10 kids 12 and under Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

Riverdance

Mid Hudson Civic Center, 14 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Tuesday, March 8, 8 p.m.: Renowned stage show weaving ancient Celtic mythology and Irish history. Tickets: $38-$68 Information: 845.454.5800; http://www.midhudsonciviccenter.com

Circle Mirror Transformation

Cunneen Hackett Arts Center, 12 Vassar St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 March 10-20, Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.: What do a ﬂirty former actress, a 16 year-old girl and a divorced carpenter have in common? Nothing, until they take a summer community acting class revealing secrets that they never intended and transforming in ways they never expected. Presented by Half Moon Theater. Tickets: $25; $22 seniors/students; Sunday matinees, $20/$18 Information: 888.718.4253; http://halfmoontheatre.org; http://www.cunneen-hackett.org

Moderation Dance Concert

Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Theater Two, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Fri.-Sun., March 11-13, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., March 13, 2 p.m.: Concert featuring choreography by Bard students. Tickets: Free Information: 845.758.7900; http://ﬁshercenter.bard.edu

The Drowsy Chaperone

The Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 March 11-27; Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.: This 2006 winner of 5 Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Score, is an homage to American musicals of the Jazz Age. The hilarious show-within a show begins when a die hard musical fan plays his favorite cast album, the 1928 ﬁctional smash musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. As he listens, the glittering Broadway show magically bursts to life in his drab apartment, complete with song, dance and colorfully comedic characters. Tickets: $24; $22 seniors & children Information: 845.876.3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org

Ron White

UPAC, 601 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401 Sunday, March 20, 8:30 p.m.: He is best known as the Texas-born, cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour phenomenon with the famous punchline: “You can’t ﬁx stupid.” His quips have garnered two Grammy Award nominations and his CDs and DVDs have sold more than 10 million. Tickets: $65 & $55 Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

Mercantile February 2011

concerts

Page 19

Conservatory Sunday: Conservatory Orchestra

Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Sosnoff Theater, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Sunday, February 20, 3 p.m.: Conservatory Orchestra. David Alan Miller, guest conductor, with faculty members Ida Kavafian, violin; Peter Wiley, cello; and guest artist Pei-Yao Wang, piano. Works to be performed include Copland Appalachian Suite, Beethoven Triple Concerto, and Sibelius Symphony No. 1. Tickets: by suggested donation: $20 Orchestra; $15 Parterre and First Balcony; minimum donation for orchestra seating is $5. Information: 845.758.7900; http://fishercenter.bard.edu

Winds in the Wilderness Concert: The Oblong Wind Quintet

Church of St. John in the Wilderness, 261 Route 344, Copake Falls, NY 12517 Sunday, February 20, 3 p.m.: Sharon Powers, ﬂute; Ronald Lively, clarinet, Joanne Nelson-Unczur, oboe; Zafer Leo Ponter, bassoon; and John Howland, french horn. Playing the music of Mozart, Klughardt, Ibert, Piazzolla and Joplin. Tickets: $10 suggested donation at the door; kids, free Information: 518.329.1577

Paciﬁca Quartet

Church of the Messiah, 6436 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Sunday, February 20, 4 p.m.: The Rhinebeck Chamber Music Society presents the Paciﬁca Quartet. Recognized for its virtuosity, exuberant performance style, and often daring repertory choices, the Paciﬁca Quartet has carved out a critically lauded musical path. Tickets: $25; $5 student (with I.D.); children under 13, free. Information: 845.876.2870; http://rhinebeckmusic.org

Legendary American blues and roots artist Taj Mahal performs at UPAC on February 27.

Baroque Reworked: St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble

Riggio Galleries, 3 Beekman St., Beacon, NY 12508 Sunday, February 27, 2 p.m.: Rediscover music by Baroque masters revamped, refracted and revived, along with the premiere of a new work by Phil Kline inspired by a composition from the Late Renaissance master Giovanni Gabrieli. Tickets: $35; $10 students; under 12 free. Information: 212.594.6100; http://www.oslmusic.org

Taj Mahal

Ulster Performing Arts Center, 602 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401 Sunday, February 27, 7 p.m.: Composer and multi-instrumentalist Taj Mahal, a two-time Grammy Award winner (and nine time nominee) and one of the most inﬂuential American blues and roots artists of the past half-century has forged a four-decade career by gathering and distilling countless musical traditions from a range of geographical and cultural sources: the Mississippi Delta, the Appalachian backwoods, the African continent, the Hawaiian Islands, Europe, the Caribbean, and so much more. Tickets: $56; $41; $36, members Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

Loretta Lynn

Ulster Performing Arts Center, 602 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401 Friday, March 4, 8 p.m.: Celebrating her 50th Anniversary in Country music, living legend Loretta Lynn makes her Hudson Valley debut at UPAC. Over the years, Loretta has won every conceivable music industry award including multiple Grammys for her 2005 collaboration with Jack White of The White Stripes. She has amassed a whopping 51 Top-Ten Hits, 16 of which went all the way to #1. Tickets: $66; $51; $46 members Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

continued on page 21 g

Mercantile February 2011

WATERTIGHT Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

��

CALL FOR SERVICE

��

Page 20

Page 21

Mercantile February 2011

continued from page 19 i

Living Room Concert Series: Kate Campbell

Hyde Park Free Library, 2 Main St., Hyde Park, NY 12538 Saturday, March 5, 8 p.m.: Acclaimed singer-songwriter Kate Campbell will perform as part of the “Living Room Concert Series” in the Hyde Park Library Annex. Reservations strongly recommended. Information: 845.229.7791; http://www.hydeparklibrary.org

Natalie Merchant & The Bard College Conservatory of Music Orchestra

Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Sosnoff Theater, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Saturday, March 5, 8 p.m.: Merchant will perform songs from her latest recording project, Leave Your Sleep (Nonesuch Records, 2010), as well as selected works from her extensive catalogue. Merchant will also be joined on stage by special guests Uri Sharlin, piano and accordion, and Erik Della, guitar and background vocals. The proceeds from this special concert will benefit students at The Bard College Conservatory of Music as well as students enrolled in the Conservatory Preparatory Division, which offers young people between the ages of 5 and 18 the joy of studying music in the context of a first-class academy. Tickets: $60; $100; $200 benefit ticket option includes priority seating and post-concert reception with the artists. Information: 845.758.7900; http://fishercenter.bard.edu

Benjamin Hochman, Pianist

Howland Cultural Center, Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508 Sunday, March 6, 4 p.m.: Trained in his native Israel and at Curtis Institute and Mannes College of Music, Benjamin Hochman has achieved widespread acclaim for his performances as orchestral soloist, recitalist and chamber musician. He will return to us a soloist after appearing last season with the Daedalus Quartet. His program, entitled Homage to Chopin, features composers Chopin admired and were inﬂuenced by him. Tickets: $30; $10 students Information: 845.831.4988; http://howlandmusic.org

Sara Grey and Kieron Means

United Methodist Church, Rte. 9 & Church St., Hyde Park, NY 12538 Friday, March 11, 8-10 p.m.: The Friends of Fiddlers Green Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild presents Sara Grey and Kieron Means. Tickets: $10; $8 members and seniors. Information: 845.229.0170; http://www.hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org

Andreas Klein, Pianist

Church of the Messiah, 6436 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Sunday, March 13, 4 p.m.: The Rhinebeck Chamber Music Society presents renowned pianist Andreas Klein. Klein’s career as soloist has taken him to the world’s most prestigious venues. Tickets: $25; $5 student (with I.D.); children under 13, free. Information: 845.876.2870; http://rhinebeckmusic.org

Claverack Landing Classical Series

Club Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Sunday, March 13, 4 p.m.: The Columbia Festival Orchestra presents “Bard at the Landing” featuring The Chimeng String Quartet, the members of which are presently undergraduate students at the Bard College Conservatory of Music. They all were born and raised in China, and received their musical training at the high schools attached to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. Tickets: $20 Information: 518.828.7513; http://www.columbiafestivalorchestra.org

Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Competition

Skinner Hall of Music, Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie 12604 Sat., March 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., March 13, 10 a.m. & 3 p.m.: On Saturday ﬁrst round auditions take place; and then on Sunday three ﬁnalists perform in a recital. A reception follows. The prize includes a $3,000 First Prize and a solo performance with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic (HVP). The competition is steep and the winners have very promising careers ahead of them. This string competition gives the public a rare opportunity to hear and see some of the best young violinists, cellists, and violists in the world, before their careers have even begun. Tickets: Free; donations welcome Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

Madera Vox

Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, March 12, 8 p.m.: Oboist Nicole Golay, bassoonist Cornelia McGiver, pianist Sylvia Buccelli, soprano Kelly Ellenwood and percussionist-composer David Gluck combine traditional repertoire with original works. With innovative arrangements of Curt Cobain, Kurt Weill, Libby Larsen, Dana Wilson, and jazz composer Chick Corea, as well as newly commissioned pieces, Madera Vox weaves together an engaging performance, not to be missed! Tickets: $20 adults; $18 members Information: 518.822.1438; http://hudsonoperahouse.org

Bardavon Gala 2011 Starring Diana Ross

Bardavon, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Sunday, March 13, 7 p.m.: She helped shape the Motown sound as lead singer of The Supremes, before leaving the group for a record-breaking solo career. Since the beginning with The Supremes and as a solo artist, Ross has sold more than 100 million records. Billboard magazine named her “Female Entertainer of the Century.” The Guinness Book of World Records declared Diana Ross the most successful female music artist in history with a total of eighteen American #1 singles (twelve as lead singer of The Supremes and six as a soloist). Ross was the ﬁrst female solo artist to score six #1 hits. Tickets: $100-$200 Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

Harlem String Quartet

Howland Cultural Center, Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508 Sunday, March 20, 4 p.m.: Comprised of First-Place Laureates of the Sphinx Competition for young Black and Latino string players, the Quartet has been touring widely to much acclaim, appearing in Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum and coast-to-coast. Their program will consist of Beethoven, Op.59, No.2, Turina’s “La Oracion del Torero” and “Take the A Train” by Strayhorn and Ellington. Tickets: $30; $10 students; $80 for three concert series. Information: 845.831.4988; http://howlandmusic.org

SAVE THE DATE: An Afternoon with Judy Collins

The Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Sunday, April 3, 3 p.m.: The CENTER welcomes celebrated singer Judy Collins for a special fundraiser performance. In an impressive career spanning more than 50 years, Ms. Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretive folksongs and contemporary themes. Judy Collins -- a relentlessly creative spirit-- is a modern day Renaissance woman who is also an accomplished painter, ﬁlmmaker, record label executive, musical mentor, and an in-demand keynote speaker for mental health and suicide prevention programs. Tickets: $150 & $125 Information: 845.876.3080; http://www.judycollins.com

Mercantile February 2011

Page 22

take the kids! take the kids! take the kids! Take the kids to Red Hook’s Spring Fling Family Fun Night and enjoy live music and comedy improv and support Red Hook’s participation in the 10% Challenge. Illustrations by Daniel Baxter.

Open Studio for Young Artists

Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534 Thursdays, 3:30-5 p.m.: Come with an idea or let resident artist, Amy Madden, help get your creative juices ﬂowing with drawing, painting, pottery and more! For ages 7 and up. Tickets: Free Information: 518.822.1438; http://hudsonoperahouse.org

Art in the Barn

Uncle Rock

The Center for Performing Arts, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Saturday, February 19, 11 a.m.: Bring the whole family for a rockin’ good time! You won’t want to stop moving after a morning with Uncle Rock, for his ﬁrst show at The CENTER! Tickets: $7 children; $9 adults Information: 845.876.3080; http://www.thecenterforperformingarts.org

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

Eshu Bumpus: Master Storyteller

Presidents’ Day Weekend Tours: Lincoln, Church and the U.S. Civil War

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows

Olana State Historic Site, 5720 Route 9G, Hudson, NY 12534 Fri.-Sun., Feb. 18-20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (last tour starts at 3 p.m.): Just twelve days after the attack and surrender of Fort Sumter that began the War, the exhibition of Church’s new painting of Icebergs opened in New York City. While Church originally intended the painting to be a demonstration of the wonders of God and nature, the exhibition opened with a new title reﬂecting Church’s sympathies toward the Union cause: The North- Church’s Picture of Icebergs. Join us for house tours focusing on the impact of the U.S. Civil War on Church’s life and career. Fee: $9 adults; $8 students/seniors; free, kids under 12, members Information: 518.828.0135; http://olana.org

Theater for the Toddler: PEKKA

Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, February 19, 10 a.m. & noon: PEKKA is a tiny turtle who every night impatiently awaits her bedtime story. But what if Jacyntha, the elder, needed the moon to invent her stories. And what if tonight, the moon had decided not to show up... PEKKA is a story told by a narrator with the help of a cast of small puppets. The show lasts 30 minutes and is intended for children between the ages of 2 and 5. Tickets: $10 adults; $5 children. Information: 518.822.1438; http://hudsonoperahouse.org

Mid Hudson Children’s Museum, 75 North Water Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Monday, February 21, 10 a.m.: Eshu returns to tell his classic African and African-American folk tales. His stories are entertaining, funny, motivating and engaging. Children ages 4 and up. Tickets: $6 per person, show only; $12, show plus museum admission. Information: 845.471.0589; http://mhcm.org

Dutchess Community College, James & Betty Hall Theater, 54 Pendell Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Friday, February 25, 8 p.m.: DCC Friday Night Films series presents the final chapter of the Harry Potter film series begins as Harry, Ron and Hermione leave Hogwarts behind and set out to find and destroy the Horcruxes - the secret to Voldemort’s power and immortality. Rated PG-13. Tickets: Free Information: http://www.sunydutchess.edu

Magic and Beyond

The Center for Performing Arts, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Saturday, February 26, 11 a.m.: A one-man illusion show featuring unique theatrical and visual magic, audience participation and lots of laughs! Sunglasses appear in a flash of fire, a table mysteriously floats around the stage and into the audience, and ordinary Hula Hoops perform extraordinary magic! Tickets: $7 children; $9 adults Information: 845.876.3080; http://www.thecenterforperformingarts.org

Give a Hoot: The Wonderful World of Owls

Stony Kill Barn Classroom, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Saturday, February 26, 1:30-3 p.m.: Bring the kids for an opportunity to observe various owl specimens and dissect an owl pellet. For younsters in grades 2 and up. Tickets: $2.50/child, pre-registration required. Information: 845.831.1617; http://www.stonykill.org

Page 23

Mercantile February 2011

Reading: E. Lockhart, Real Live Boyfriends

Oblong Books, Montgomery Row, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Saturday, February 27, 4 p.m.: Hudson Valley YA Society brings the best and brightest Young Adult authors to the Hudson Valley in a fun party-like “literary salon” atmosphere with refreshments, conversation and giveaways for attendees. E. Lockhart is the author of four books about Ruby Oliver: Real Live Boyfriends, The Boyfriend List, The Boy Book, and The Treasure Map of Boys. Her novel The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks was a National Book Award ﬁnalist and a Michael L. Printz Honor Book and received a Cybils Award for Best Young Adult Novel. Information: 845.876.0500; http://www.oblongbooks.com

Math & Science Matter...Especially for Young Women

Dutchess Community College, Allyn J. Washington Center for Science and Art, 53 Pendell Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Saturday, March 5, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.: This innovative Dutchess Community College program, now in its 15th year introduces girls to opportunities in historically male-dominated fields. The program is open to girls in fifth through eighth grades. The program offers handson workshops in science, technology, engineering and math developed by DCC faculty and designed to engage young women and encourage them to explore career opportunities in those fields. Tickets: $10 registration fee; online registration required. Information: http://www.sunydutchess.edu/msm

Celtic Heels Irish Dance

The Center for Performing Arts, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Saturday, March 5, 11 a.m.: Enjoy Jigs, Reels and Hornpipes choreographed to energetic, hand-clapping, toe-tapping instrumentals. Tickets: $7 children; $9 adults Information: 845.876.3080; http://www.thecenterforperformingarts.org

Open House Maple Celebration

Sharpe Environmental Center, 436 Van Wyck Lake Rd., Fishkill, NY 12524 Saturday, March 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Visit the sugar shack and enjoy a variety of family activities to include hikes, planetarium and live animals from Animal Embassy. Visit our farmer’s market including potters, cheese maker, candle maker, blacksmith, papermaker, honey and syrup vendors and more. Free! Information: 845.897.4320; http://www.freshair.org/programs/sharpe-reservation.aspx

Skyhunters in Flight

The Center for Performing Arts, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Saturday, March 12, 11 a.m.: A fascinating look at the world of raptors! Learn how birds of prey live and survive with a lively indoor falconry presentation by wildlife expert Brian Bradley, followed by an exciting outdoor ﬂight demonstration with hunting dogs (weather permitting). Tickets: $7 children; $9 adults Information: 845.876.3080; http://www.thecenterforperformingarts.org

Family Tour at Olana

Olana State Historic Site, 5720 Route 9G, Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, March 12, 11:30 a.m.: Explore the house, its paintings and treasures from a child’s perspective. Tours are geared for families with 612 year olds, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required by 4pm the preceding Friday. Fee: $9 adults; $8 students and seniors; free, kids under 12, members Information: 518.828.0135; http://olana.org

Sesame Street Live! Elmo’s Green Thumb

Mid Hudson Civic Center, 14 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 March 18-20, Fri., 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.: Sunny isn’t just the weather forecast on Sesame Street - it’s also the name of Elmo’s sunﬂower friend! Join all your favorite friends on an amazing adventure as they help Elmo ﬁnd a new home for Sunny in the all new Sesame Street Live stage show. Tickets: $13-$28 Information: 845.454.5800; http://www.midhudsonciviccenter.com

Alice in Wonderland

The Center for Performing Arts, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Saturday, March 19, 11 a.m.: Through Alice’s imagination, ordinary everyday things become extraordinary in this interactive live theater adaptation. Tickets: $7 children; $9 adults Information: 845.876.3080; http://www.thecenterforperformingarts.org

First Day of Spring Walk

Olana State Historic Site, 5720 Route 9G, Hudson, NY 12534 Sunday, March 20, 9 a.m.: Celebrate the ﬁrst day of spring (and the Vernal Equinox) by getting outside for a little fresh air. Dress for the weather. Pre-registration required by 4pm the Thursday preceding. Information: 518.828.0135; http://olana.org

Family Festivals: Jeﬀ Boyer “Bubble Trouble”

Dutchess Community College, James & Betty Hall Theater, 54 Pendell Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Saturday, March 26, 11 a.m.: This interactive show teaches kids the science inside bubbles. Find out different ways bubbles can be used to make our lives easier, softer and even taste better. Bubbles are beautiful, too. Have you ever seen a pyramid-shaped bubble? How about a cube-shaped bubble? How about bubbles within bubbles? Or bubbles walking a tightrope? As a finale, Jeff will even put a kid inside a bubble! Tickets: Free Information: http://www.sunydutchess.edu

Red Hook’s Spring Fling Family Fun Night

Bertelsmann Campus Center, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Saturday, March 26, 4-10 p.m.: Join your friends and neighbors for a night of family fun featuring live music by The Big Shoe band, Oﬀ the Hook, Mr. Roper and others. Plus, live theater improv with the Mop & Bucket Co. -- the “Capital District’s premiere improv comedy troupe.” Take the 10% Challenge Pledge to reduce the town’s energy use by ten percent over the next year, and to get 10% of your co-workers, citizens, or social network involved. Tickets: $10/family--get 10% oﬀ by taking the 10% Challenge Pledge Information: http://redhookchallenge.org

Mercantile February 2011

Page 24

Mercantile ��

live. work. play.

��

Momiji ��

�� renowned chef/owner � �� Fusion cuisine �� 4 Hibachi tables ��

Hand selected, fresh ingredients Catering, take-out

Anderson Center for Autism is proud to sponsor

“Autism Tomorrow” Friday, March 11, 2011 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Proudly Featuring Hon. Kirsten Gillibrand

Mark Roithmayr

U.S. Senator for New York

President, Autism Speaks

Dr. John Brown

Dr. Caroline Magyar

Hunter College/CUNY

Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities

William Stillman Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome Author

Lunch & Dinner Daily

Examine how autism is affecting lives today Discuss what the future may hold Provide insight into current practice/trends

43 East Market St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 (Courtyard behind Bread Alone) 845-876-5555

Hosted at the Grandview in Poughkeepsie Registration fee: $50 For more information or to register, please call 845.889.9123 or email AutismTomorrow@ACenterforAutism.org.

Page 25

Mercantile February 2011

readings, signings & screenings Still from Plympton’s ﬁlm, Idiots & Angels. Still from the Oscar-nominated animation short, “Let’s Pollute”

2011 Oscar Shorts: Animation

Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Thurs., Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m.; Fri., Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 26, 5:30 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 27, 1:30 p.m.: These wee gems of the cinema are labours of love, not box oﬃce returns. Each program is a separate screening: “Day & Night” Teddy Newton; “The Gruﬀalo” Jakob Schuh and Max Lang; “Let’s Pollute” Geefwee Boedoe; “The Lost Thing” Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann; “Madagascar, carnet de voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary)” Bastien Dubois. Tickets: $7; $5 students Information: 518.822.8100; http://www.timeandspace.org

2011 Oscar Shorts: Live Action

Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Thurs., Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 19, 5:30 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 20, 5:30 p.m.; Fri., Feb. 25, 5:30 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 27, 3:30 p.m.: These wee gems of the cinema are labours of love, not box oﬃce returns. “The Confession” Tanel Toom; “The Crush” Michael Creagh; “God of Love” Luke Matheny; “Na Wewe” Ivan Goldschmidt; “Wish 143” Ian Barnes and Samantha Waite. Tickets: $7; $5 students Information: 518.822.8100; http://www.timeandspace.org

Film: Target

Hyde Park Free Library, 2 Main St., Hyde Park, NY 12538 Friday, February 18, 7:15 p.m.: Starring Gene Hackman and Matt Dillon. Discussion to follow. Information: 845.229.7791; http://www.hydeparklibrary.org

Met Opera: Nixon in China

Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Sat. & Sun., Feb. 19 & 20, 1 p.m.: “All of my operas have dealt on deep psychological levels with our American mythology,” says composer John Adams, who conducts the Met premiere of his most famous opera. “The meeting of Nixon and Mao is a mythological moment in world

history, particularly American history.” Encore presentations. Tickets: $25; $15, children 13 and under Information: 518.822.8100; http://www.timeandspace.org

The Tournées Festival: Contemporary French Film

Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film, Rosenwald Film Theater, Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 Friday, February 25, 6 p.m.: 35 Rhums (35 Shots of Rum) (2008). Films about families and their complications all too often pierce eardrums with shrieks of dysfunction. Amid the din, Claire Denis’s sublime 35 Rhums stands out all the more for its soothing quiet, conveying the easy, frequently nonverbal intimacy between a widowed father and his university-student daughter. Followed by the Closing Reception for the Festival. Information: 845.437.5720; http://arts.vassar.edu

Film: Dead of Winter

Hyde Park Free Library, 2 Main St., Hyde Park, NY 12538 Friday, February 25, 7:15 p.m.: Starring Mary Steenburgen and Roddy MacDowall. Discussion to follow. Information: 845.229.7791; http://www.hydeparklibrary.org

Reading: Jay Wenk, Study War No More

Oblong Books, Montgomery Row, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Friday, February 25, 7:30 p.m.: Reading and booksigning with Jay Wenk, author of Study War No More: A Jewish Kid from Brooklyn Fights the Nazis. Information: 845.876.0500; http://www.oblongbooks.com

The Met Live in HD: Iphigenie En Tauride

UPAC, 601 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401 Saturday, February 26, 1 p.m.: Susan Graham and Plácido Domingo reprise their starring roles in Gluck’s nuanced and elegant interpretation continued on page 27 g

Mercantile February 2011

Page 26

The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck Friday & Saturday, March 4 & 5, 8 PM Sunday, March 6, 3 PM 845.876.3080 • CENTERforperformingarts.org

A full service Heating Oil Company servicing Dutchess & Putnam Counties Automatic Delivery - Budget Plans - 24 Hour Service

“It’s always warm in Stormville!”

845-227-8969 www.stormvilleoil.com

Page 27

Mercantile February 2011

continued from page 25 i

of this primal Greek myth. Tenor Paul Groves also returns to Stephen Wadsworth’s insightful production, ﬁrst seen in 2007. Patrick Summers conducts. Tickets: $23; $16 children 12 and under Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

Met Opera: IPhegenie En Tauride (Gluck)

Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Sat., Feb. 26, Sat., March 5 & Sun., March 6, 1 p.m.: Based on the Greek play by Euripides, this opera, sung in French, tells the story of the daughter Agamemnon supposedly sacriﬁced, and her reunion with her brother, who thought she was dead. A dramatic story ﬁlled with intrigue, prophecy, and the struggle between duty and righteousness. Susan Graham and Plácido Domingo reprise their starring roles in Gluck’s nuanced and elegant interpretation of this primal Greek myth. Tickets: $25; $15, children 13 and under Information: 518.822.8100; http://www.timeandspace.org

Film: God and Monsters

Hyde Park Free Library, 2 Main St., Hyde Park, NY 12538 Sunday, February 27, 2 p.m.: Part of the “Lynn Redgrave Remembered Series”; also starring Ian MacKellan and Brendan Fraser. Academy Award (Best Adapted Screenplay). Discussion to follow. Information: 845.229.7791; http://www.hydeparklibrary.org

EVO: 10 Questions Everyone Should Ask About Evolution

Chatham Synagogue, County Route 28, Chatham, NY 12037 Sunday, February 27, 2 p.m.: Screening of selected questions from “EVO: Ten Questions Everyone Should Ask about Evolution,” followed by a discussion with the filmmaker John Feldman. The film explores how an understanding of biological evolution is essential to our comprehension and appreciation of our environment. Tickets: Free and open to the public. Information: 518.392.6843; http://www.hummingbirdfilms.com

Free Monday Night Film Series: Touch of Evil

Germantown Public Library, Hover Room, 31 Palatine Park Rd., Germantown, NY 12526 Monday, February 28, 7-9 p.m.: The free winter ﬁlms series for adults concludes with a screening of Touch of Evil. Information: 518.537.5800; http://www.germantownlibrary.org

Film: Bonnie and Clyde

Hyde Park Free Library, 2 Main St., Hyde Park, NY 12538 Friday, March 4, 7:15 p.m.: Starring Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway and Gene Hackman. Academ Award (Best Adapted Screenplay). Discussion to follow. Information: 845.229.7791; http://www.hydeparklibrary.org

Film: Last of the Mobile Hot Shots

Hyde Park Free Library, 2 Main St., Hyde Park, NY 12538 Sunday, March 6, 2 p.m.: Part of the “Lynn Redgrave Remembered Series.” Also starring James Coburn. Based on Tennessee Williams “The Seven Descents of Myrtle.” Discussion to follow. Information: 845.229.7791; http://www.hydeparklibrary.org

Anthony Hecht Lectures in the Humanities

Olin Auditorium, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Mon. & Tues., March 7 & 8; Thurs., March 10, 5 p.m.: Renowned historian Garry Wills delivers the third biennial Anthony Hecht Lectures in the Humanities. Wills, who is one of America’s most distinguished historians and public intellectuals, will present three lectures in March. The lecture series, Rome and Rhetoric: Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, includes three lectures, “Caesar, Might Yet” on Monday, March 7; “Brutus, Rhetoric Verbal and Visual” on Tuesday, March 8; and “Antony, The Fox Knows Many Things” on Thursday, March 10. Free and open to the public. A reception beginning at 4:30 p.m. will precede each lecture. Information: http://www.bard.edu

Friday Night Films: Tron Legacy

Dutchess Community College, James & Betty Hall Theater, 54 Pendell Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Friday, March 11, 8 p.m.: Sam Flynn, a rebellious 27-year-old, is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father Kevin Flynn, a man once known as the world’s leading video-game developer. When Sam investigates a strange signal sent from the abandoned Flynn’s Arcade – that could have only come from his father – he ﬁnds himself pulled into a world where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years. Father and son embark on a life-or-death journey across a visually-stunning digital universe. Rated PG-13. Tickets: Free Information: http://www.sunydutchess.edu

Reading: Margaret Roach, And I Shall Have Some Peace There

Oblong Books, 26 Main Street, Millerton, NY 12546 Saturday, March 12, 7:30 p.m.: Margaret Roach was Editorial Director of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia for 15 years. She first made her name in gardening - writing a classic gardening book among other things. She now has a hugely popular gardening blog, A Way to Garden. But despite the financial and professional rewards of her job, Margaret felt unfulfilled. So she moved to her weekend house upstate in an effort to lead a more authentic lifeby connecting with her garden and with nature. Information: 518.789.3797; http://www.oblongbooks.com

National Theatre of London Live Simulcast: Frankenstein

Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Thurs., March 17, 7 p.m.; Fri., March 25, 8 p.m.: Oscar winning director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) returns to theatre “after being distracted for 15 years by the movies,” with his production of Frankenstein, a play by Nick Dear, based on the novel by Mary Shelley. The idea ﬁrst conceived a decade ago by Boyle, is ﬁnally being realized as an ambitious, large-scale visual event. Tickets: $22; $15, children 13 and under Information: 518.822.8100; http://www.timeandspace.org

Mercantile February 2011

Page 28

Winter Happenings March 10-13 & 17-20

March 25-27

Half Moon Theater presents

From Stage to Screen presents

��

�� By Agatha Christie

By Annie Baker What do a ﬂirty former actress, a 16-year-old girl and a divorced carpenter have in common? Nothing, until they take a summer community acting class revealing secrets that they never intended and transforming in ways they never expected! For tickets go online or call 888-718-4253 Group sales & more info call 845-235-9885

www.halfmoontheater.org

The author comes forth with another hit about a group of strangers stranded in a boarding house during a snow storm - one of whom is a murderer. Another famous Agatha Christie switch Finish! Chalk up another superb intrigue for the foremost mystery writer of her time! For information call 845-227-3620

www.fromstagetoscreen.net

��

Ongoing classes in Ballet, Tai Chi, Jazz, Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Journaling And More!!

�� Please consider supporting renovations and general upkeep of the CHAC buildings go to http://www.cunneen-hackett.org/chair.html to learn about our ADOPT-A-CHAIR fundraiser cunneen-hackett arts center is a funded member of DCAC

9 & 12 Vassar Street • Poughkeepsie, NY • 845-486-4571

cunneen-hackett.org

Page 29

Mercantile February 2011

bright green valley Red Hook Winter Market

Winter Ecology Walk

Water on the Table: A Film by Liz Marshall

National Climate Seminar

Elmendorph Inn, 7562 Route 9, Red Hook, NY 12571 Saturdays, Feb. 19, March 5 & 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Buy local and fresh from area farmers and artisans, including: Hearty Roots, Awesome Farm, Migliorelli Farm, Northwind Farm, Hudson Valley Sheep & Wool, Gigi Market, Tivoli Bakery, Tousey Winery, Hudson Valley Fresh, Wil-Hi Farm. Information: 845.399.4582; mckeonandny@yahoo.com

Preston, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Tuesday, February 22, 7 p.m.: Water On The Table is a character-driven, social-issue documentary by Liz Marshall that explores Canada’s relationship to its freshwater, arguably its most precious natural resource. The ﬁlm asks the question: is water a commercial good like running shoes or Coca-Cola? Or, is water a human right like air? Information: 845.758.7073; http://www.bard.edu/cep

Food, Inc.

Carey Institute for Ecosystem Studies, Auditorium, 2801 Sharon Tpke. (Route 44), Millbrook, NY 12545 Friday, February 25, 7 p.m.: A screening of Food, Inc., a 90-minute documentary about how the food we eat has the ability to transform the world. The Academy Awardnominated film explores the havoc that cheap food inflicts on the environment and human health—and challenges viewers to find a better way. Learn myths behind product marketing, challenges faced by sustainable farms, and weaknesses in food standards. Information: 845.677.7600 x 121; http://www.ecostudies.org/events.html

Rhinebeck Farmers Market Winter Market

Rhinebeck Town Hall, 80 E. Market St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Sundays, February 27 & March 13, 10 a.m.2 p.m.: Enjoy a diverse and unique selection of farm fresh products that showcase the very best of the Hudson Valley. Information: http://www.rhinebeckfarmersmarket.com

Carey Institute for Ecosystem Studies, Auditorium, 2801 Sharon Tpke. (Route 44), Millbrook, NY 12545 Sunday, February 27, 2 p.m.: Join Cary Institute educators for an interpretive stroll along our snow-covered trails. Put on your hat and boots and discover animal tracks, ice bell formations, cold weather insects, and the wonders of winter survival. Information: 845.677.7600 x 121; http://www.ecostudies.org/events.html

Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12545 Select Wednesdays, noon: National Phone-In Conversation Links Educators, Students, and Citizens with Top Climate Scientists, Political Leaders, and Policy Analysts. 3/2. Arctic Meltdown with Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Inuit Leader; 3/16, McDonalds and Climate with Bob Langert, McDonald’s VP of Corporate Social Services. Join the National Climate Seminar by dialing in at noon eastern on the scheduled day. Call-in number: 1-712-432-3100; Conference Code: 253385. Information: 845.758.7649; http://www.bard.edu/cep

Chatham Real Food Market Co-op First Friday Feast

15 Church Street (Route 203), Chatham, NY 12037 Friday, March 4, 7 p.m.: A beneﬁt event for Chatham Chickens, a Chatham Real Food Market Co-op educational initiative. Family style dinner, created by local chefs, will focus on locally produced ingredients and local farms. Short videos about local food systems by Jane Watson of Green Peas TV will be screened. Hosted by The Co-op in association with the Chefs Consortium at the Co-op. Tickets: $50; $35, members Information: 518.392.3353; realfoodcoop@taconic.net

Moby-Duck

Carey Institute for Ecosystem Studies, Auditorium, 2801 Sharon Tpke. (Route 44), Millbrook, NY 12545 Friday, March 11, 7 p.m.: Writer Donovan Hohn’s talk will explore the fate of thousands of rubber ducks that were accidentally spilled into the Paciﬁc Ocean. His global adventures highlight the plight of our

oceans and the pressures that society places on the natural world. Information: 845.677.7600 x 121; http://www.ecostudies.org/events.html

Will Allen of Growing Power a farm in the heart of the city of Milwaukee.

Film Screening, Panel Discussion & Local Farm Lunch

Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Sunday, March 13, noon: Fresh is a captivating ﬁlm about the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. A panel discussion follows, and a local farm lunch takes place at The Beacon Theatre (445 Main Street). All proceeds go to the restoration of The Beacon Theatre performance hall and movie house on historic Main Street in Beacon. Tickets: donation levels from $10-$80 Information: http://thebeacontheatre.org/freezeframe.htm

Close Encounters with Birds of Prey

Hyde Park Drive-In, Route 9, Hyde Park, NY 12538 Saturday, March 19, 11 a.m.-noon: Don’t miss this opportunity to take an up-close look at six live raptors—from a saw-whet owl to a golden eagle—and gain greater knowledge about some of the Northeast’s most spectacular birds of prey, presented by Bill Streeter, director of the Delaware Valley Raptor Center. Rain or shine. Information: 845.473.4440 x 273; aconeski@scenichudson.org

Mercantile February 2011

Feel Ageless All Over The Most Effective Fitness and Wellness Program for Older Adults. Many classes! FREE use of the Bard College gym. Your insurance may cover this program.

NEW Audio CD 845.758.8522

Saturday, April 9 8:00 pm

™

Be Wellness.

More info: 845.758.8522 cmichos@hvc.rr.com • www.agelessandmoving.com

ess_Merc_0111.indd 1

Brutal.

1/17/11 8:24:24 AM

Even if you were covered in thick bark, imagine standing outside all winter. You’d probably develop a few cracks in places. Let us inspect your trees for potential hazards, so we can protect them, your property and your safety.

Robert Everhart ISA Certiﬁed Arborist (NY 1180 A)

Member TCIA

Planting Pruning Removal Tree beautification Emergency tree care and removal Cabling Deep Root Fertilizing Lightning protection

518.822.9154 • 845.489.3572 info@everharttreecare.com • www.everharttreecare.com

_Merc Ad_0111.indd 1

THE RITZ THEATER AND LA BELLA STRINGS IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE BARDAVON PRESENT THE 2010-11 TOM HUMPHREY GUITAR SERIES

LAURENCE JUBER

Feel Better • Have Fun • Exercise Safely

Relaxation Breathing™ Order online or call

Page 30

1/31/11 9:07:39 AM

Former lead guitarist for Paul McCartney’s Wings, Laurence fuses folk, jazz, pop and classical into a multifaceted performance that belies the use of only one instrument.

Tickets: $25/general admission For tickets and information: (845) 784-1199 www.ritztheaternewburgh.org

��

Page 31

Mercantile February 2011

not a gym by Charlotte Michos

hen you join a gym, you join a gym. There are machines and classes and you follow an instructor’s routine. But if you really want your needs and desires met, shouldn’t the instructor be following you? Has anyone recorded (or do they even know) your medical history? Do you feel motivated? How many people pay for a gym membership and rarely use it? Does anyone notice if you are not there? When people register with Ageless and MovingTM, they join a “program.” As a clinical nurse specialist, I direct the program with a health-oriented approach to fitness. The registration process includes identification of medical history, fitness goals and individual needs. The process allows for personal attention and a customized program design. But a focal point is simplicity and fun – being able to simply “do it” and not struggle with every move, as if it were something foreign. People are encouraged to move at their own pace, and stop a movement if it doesn’t feel right. In a non-threatening way, I help people develop their own style of moving. For one fee, there are the following options: • A choice of 76 classes/month: tai chi, qigong, Pilates, “More Than StretchTM”, free weights, low-impact aerobics, and aqua aerobics. Most classes are held three times per week. In addition to my classes, Christine Riedinger, program associate, leads such classes as aqua aerobics and lowimpact aerobics; • Access to the gym facilities (including the swimming pool & sauna); • Monthly wellness sessions on various health topics; • Guest instructors who teach classes such as meditation, self-defense, swim lessons, yoga and more; • Individual fitness guidance, as well as health advice and referrals; • Health literature and community notices; • Nutritional coaching (when enrolled with our Isagenix® system); and • Social times. Drawing upon my experience and credentials in both health and fitness, I offer multiple routines because choice is important. We will stay motivated if we feel good and do the things that we like to do. My flagship routine is called “More Than StretchTM”, which is

As a clinical nurse specialist, I direct the program with a health-oriented approach to fitness. The registration process includes identification of medical history, fitness goals and individual needs. also available on DVD and distributed throughout the U.S., Canada, and England. This popular class combines the best of stretching and strengthening, balance, posture, back maintenance, tai chi, yoga, and Pilates; it also incorporates relaxation techniques into the routine. As summarized by a veteran Ageless and MovingTM member: “This is a great practice that restores health and energy, and also helps with regaining emotional balance.” Many members have participated in the program for 5-15 years, and as a result there is a great support system in place. The socialization and camaraderie is an added bonus. They are obviously “hooked” on a good thing and most importantly, doing well. The culmination of my experience and work with older adults, which began with my Master’s thesis on Aging Adults and Physical Activity, has resulted in a unique approach to physical activity and good health. The philosophy: “My work focuses on preventative health and knowing that a key to life is movement. We should find joy in that movement.”

 Charlotte Michos, MSN, RN, CNS, CLNC® may be reached by calling (845) 758–8522 or by email: cmichos@hvc.rr.com. To learn more, visit www.agelessandmoving.com

Mercantile February 2011

Page 32



SINGING



DANCING 



ACTING



68 Firehouse Lane Red Hook, NY 12571 845.876.1559 or 845.758.3601 Fax: 845.758.8002

Nutrena • Blue Seal • Purina Feeds

Fertilizers • Shavings • Feed • Fencing Pet Food & Supplies • Lime • Bedding Straw • Lawn & Garden Supplies

RhinebeckDance.com

876-3303

Page 33

Mercantile February 2011

m i s c e l l a n e o u s 14th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count

FDR’s back yard, Hyde Park, NY 12538 Fri.-Mon., Feb. 18-21, 10 a.m.-noon: Participate in this nation-wide bird count over President’s Day Weekend: Fri.., Vanderbilt Visitor Center; Sat., Farm Lane Trailhead; Sun., Val-Kill Parking Lot; Mon., Wallace Visitor Center. FDR was an avid bird watcher and you can count some of the same varieties of birds he observed at his Springwood home. Join NPS Education Volunteer Paul Adams in this familyoriented, fun free event. Information: 845.486.1966; http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc

Fundamentals of Organic Veggie Gardening: Part I

The Phantom Gardener, 6837 Route 9, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Sunday, February 20, 10 a.m.-noon: Meet quarterly with Norbert Lazar, The Phantom Gardener, to discuss the timely subjects and activities for each season. Topics covered will include soil preparation to harvesting and everything in between, with ample opportunities for your own questions. Beneﬁt from over three decades of experience with organic gardening, and share your own successes and challenges with one another as the year unfolds. Fee: $25; $60 for series Information: 845.876.8606; http://www.thephantomgardener.com

Bootlegging in Dutchess County!

Glebe House. 635 Main St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Wedmesdau. February 23, noon: Sponsored by the Dutchess County Historical Society, the lecture will be given by local historian Eleanor Charwat. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch; beverages will be served. Information: http://www.dutchesscountyhistoricalsociety.org

Talk: Glass Houses

Clermont State Historic Site, One Clermont Ave., Germantown, NY 12526 Saturday, February 26, 2 p.m.: Arete Warren gives a talk entitled “Glass Houses” about greenhouses and bringing the outdoors inside. Information: 518.537.4240; http://www.friendsofclermont.org

Special Bowl-a-Thon for Ian Adams

Holiday Bowl, 1677 Route 9, Wappinger Falls, NY 12590 Sunday, February 27, 1 p.m.: On November 5th, 15 year old Millbrook resident Ian Adams suffered severe head injuries in a car accident. He is still in a coma with his parents at his bedside. This very special fundraising bowl-a-thon will raise funds to help with his medical bills. Donations of gift certificates for the raffle or monetary donations for the fund are also welcome. Tickets: $80 for a team of 4; or $25 per person. Information: 845.462.5975; http://www.hoebowlfamilyfun.blogspot.com

Playful and Content: Childhood Lecture Series

Clermont State Historic Site, One Clermont Ave., Germantown, NY 12526 Sunday, February 27, 2 p.m.: “To Dress a Babe: The Essentials for the Well-Dressed Child” by Kathryn Weller of the Slate Valley Museum. Tickets: $5; reservations encouraged. Information: 518.537.4240; http://www.friendsofclermont.org

International Women’s Day

Walkway Over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Tuesday, March 8, 3 p.m.: On this International Women’s Day, thousands of women (and men!) worldwide will gather on bridges from San Francisco to Congo to demonstrate that women build bridges of peace and should have an equal role in their nations’ peace processes. We hope you’ll join us at Walkway State Park as we participate in this global campaign led by Women for Women International. Information: 845.889.3880; http://walkwayoverthehudson.com

The Cutting Edge: Pruning Techniques

The Phantom Gardener, 6837 Route 9, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Sunday, March 13, 10 a.m.-noon: Proper pruning is crucial for achieving the optimal health, growth and form for all of your woody plants. Yet, even experienced gardeners are often unsure of just what, where and when to cut – and a mistake can eliminate this year’s ﬂowers from your favorite hydrangea, or leave your prized Stewartia susceptible to diseases and insect pests. Let Phantom owner Norbert Lazar guide you through the basics, and learn how to prune everything from evergreen screens and deciduous ornamentals to fruit trees and ﬂowering shrubs. Dress for being outdoors, and bring your pruning shears and questions. Fee: $15 Information: 845.876.8606; http://www.thephantomgardener.com

Great Estates Conference: Inspiring Individuals -A Legacy of Leadership in the Hudson River Valley

Henry A. Wallace Center, FDR Presidential Library, Route 9, Hyde Park, NY 12538 Saturday, March 19, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Speakers during the morning sessions will discuss the life and times of Margaret Beekman Livingston, Frederic Church, and Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and their roles as inspiring Hudson River Valley personalities. Continental breakfast and a morning coﬀee break will be served. Lunch will be provided by Gigi Hudson Valley and will feature local food. Following lunch, participants can choose to attend “behind the scenes” tours at participating historic sites, including the historic Payne Estate, home to Marist College’s Raymond A. Rich Institute for Leadership Development. Attendees may also take a special tour of Locust Grove’s third ﬂoor, or the servant areas at Staatsburgh or the Vanderbilt Mansion. Tickets: $60; $10 additional for the Payne Estate tour. Reservations required. Information: 845.889.8851; http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu

Celebrity Waiter’s Brunch Fundraiser

The Grandview, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Sunday, March 20, call for time: Annual Fundraiser for the MidHudson Children’s Museum featuring local celebrity waiters. This year’s waiters include K104’s Woodman, Mikey Teutul from TLC’s American Choppers, NYS Senator Greg Ball, NYS Assemblyman Marcus Molinaro and many others will wait on tables and participate in a “Best Legs Contest”! Tickets: $85 Information: 845.471.0589 x 14; sara@mhcm.org; http://www.mhcm.org

Mercantile February 2011

Page 34

HUDSON VALLEY BOUNTY

��

“Hudson Valley Mediterranean” best describes the Gigi Hudson Valley menus. We proudly present delectable fare prepared with seasonal incredients that highlight the bounty of the farms, gardens and food artisans of the Hudson Valley.

The New Gigi Cookbook �� More than 120 seasonal recipes that celebrate the food of the Hudson Valley and the people who grow and produce it. ��

available locally, nationwide, and online www.gigihudsonvalley.com

��

�� Zagat� ��

��

Full Service Events Catering for All Occasions Gigi Hudson Valley provides complete catering, excellent food with top-notch service at your home or the location of your choice. Menus can be customized to your preference and desired price range.Hors D’Oeuvres --Entrees --Side Dishes, Pies, Baked Goods, Custom Cakes and Elegant Desserts *Pick-up can be organized at Gigi Trattoria or Gigi Market;

www.gigihudsonvalley.com

Drop-off available for orders over $100

Page 35

Mercantile February 2011

stork in the road

by Brian PJ Cronin, photo by Kristen Cronin

“Why would you ever want to have kids? Like, what happens to your brain to make you decide that having kids is something you should do?” That’s an actual question I was asked recently. By someone who works with kids. I imagine if I worked with kids 40 hours a week, going home to more of them might seem like pure madness. And I certainly have nothing against those who choose not to have children; in fact I admire couples who decide, for whatever personal reasons (economical, environmental, sanity, etc.), that they are not going to give into societal pressure and start popping out kids for the hell of it. Still, when asked like that, it tends to take one aback. And a question that blunt deserves more than a pat answer. So I told him a true story: Late August, this past summer. We were having an idyllic dinner at our dining room table (an unusual occurrence in and of itself; most of our dinners are spent in the living room watching either PBS NewsHour or the Mets injuring themselves horriﬁcally). The food was a mix of items from our garden, the Beacon Farmers Market and our local CSA, all vibrant and painfully fresh. The drinks were strong and refreshing. The evening light fell softly through the windows, and our cats purred at our feet. The moment hummed with the sort of quiet contentment that ad executives build commercials around, when you sit back in your chair and think “Whatever I had to go through in my life to get to this moment, it was worth it.” But I wasn’t thinking that. Instead, a peculiar feeling was creeping over me: I couldn’t shake the sensation that something was missing. Speciﬁcally, someone was missing. There was supposed to be someone else with us at that table, someone we were supposed to be sharing that moment with. I couldn’t help staring at the empty chair next to Kristen and wondering why the most important person in our lives wasn’t sitting in it.

I have four months to learn how to throw a curveball, tie a clove hitch, and hotwire a ‘57 Chevy. This wasn’t an abstract or fleeting feeling. It actually felt like there was a physical void in the room, centered on that empty chair. It then began to dawn on me that perhaps neither Kristen nor I were living up to our full potentials as human beings. Sure, we were doing alright in our careers. We volunteered for many organizations. We were teaching ourselves to grow our own food. And we had given four needy cats a good home and (as of press time) kept them from killing each other. But two people and a herd of cats do not make a family. And I realized at that moment that a family is what we were always meant to be. The irony in all of this is that by having a child, we’re guaranteeing that we won’t have another one of those quiet summer dinners until he’s old enough to be shipped off to summer camp. Those of you into pronouns will have figured out from that last sentence what we learned at our most recent doctor’s appointment: the ultrasound revealed that we are expecting a boy. Just like that, the baby stops being an “it” and becomes a “he.” I have four months to learn how to throw a curveball, tie a clove hitch, and hotwire a ‘57 Chevy. But if I can’t figure out how to do any of those things, at least I can guarantee my future son that there will always be a place for him at our table.

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

Mercantile February 2011

Page 36

Page 37

Mercantile February 2011

spring elections

the Cure for Cabin Fever

by David Radovanovic With a smile across his face, my son says, “Look Dad, look!” as he points out the kitchen window. I stare in disbelief as yet more snow begins to fall. It means another school snow day for him, though for me it’s the sixth morning this season shoveling the driveway. The entirety of the scene is a bit daunting. Gazing beyond the snowy flakes I see huge icicles hanging from my neighbors house, they look like stalactites. Several of them are well over six feet long, and grow closer to the ground with every evening freeze. We’re not even half way through winter’s coldest part and the storm sequels repeat endlessly. When you live in upstate New York, clips of Jack Nicholson in The Shining come to mind about the same time every February. As if to say, “I’m back!” Old Man Winter sets his sights on my little Village of Saugerties. Cabin fever has taken hold. The only way I’ll survive until warmer weather is with vivid recollections of my spring garden, and of course the much anticipated Village election in March. Old Farmers’ Almanac, the oldest continuously published periodical in North America, is predicting that a warm spring will follow this year’s frigid winter. I long for a warm March when crocuses break the ground and Village elections take place across the state of New York. Both signify hope that “winter’s cold, spring erases.” Typical turnout at local elections is low. Some years as little as 50 votes are counted in a community of 2500 registered voters. Not surprisingly, in the years that my name appears on the ballot, election inspectors are busy with upwards of 50% casting their vote. Seeing new faces standing in long lines through the doors of Village Hall to the polls is always a very promising sign. I imagine that all of us “upstaters” look at sunlight breaking through winter clouds as an epiphany of sorts. It reminds us that we need to rise from our warm comfort zone and take on a new challenge. After my first year of living through a Saugerties winter, I had my own revelation. Looking around my community, I knew I wanted to change the status quo. It is my community, after all, and I wanted to make my new home a better place to live. Forcing the courage to stand up at board meetings and community groups, I made my voice heard. Though politics in a small village can be tightly knit. In the Village of Saugerties alliances have existed for centuries. They may be based on ancestry, membership in an organization, church fellowship or businesses interests. The American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis and the Lions Club are a few of the many community groups that have an influence on local elections. Patronage is also a serious consideration and is the essential glue that holds all of it together. Loyalty is bought through favors, special treatment and jobs.

Those in charge of hiring can wield power at the ballot box, and can be the most difficult obstacle to breach. Peculiar as it may seem, New York State villages typically hold their local elections on the third Tuesday of every March. In order to have your name on the ballot you must collect enough signatures on a Designating Petition for nomination and submit them to the Village clerk for approval. Rules are detailed and vary based on whether you’re running as an Independent or as a candidate for a recognized political party. In my first two attempts for Village trustee, I ran as an Independent, and last year I ran as a Democrat. In the latter case the required procedure was to form a Village Democratic Party (http://bit.ly/saugerdems) since one did not exist, and then hold a caucus in order to be nominated. New York State village election law is unique and has its own rules which are specified in the Election Law, Article 15. When YOU choose to run [as I know you will] for office, you’ll need to carry a copy of Election Law with you at all times. Don’t take for granted that the Village clerk, or for that matter, the Board of Elections, will know every legal detail or be willing to share their knowledge. The reality is that you need to be familiar with New York election law and be willing to be tenacious and sometimes even forceful when you feel that you are not being listened to. Remember that government officials have attorneys at their disposal, and usually a well-rehearsed repertoire that may be used to try to dissuade you from challenging the incumbency. This is not to say all election officials are the same, nor do they have ill-intentions. It’s just natural order and we are all just human beings. Like a hibernating bear sheltered from the cold for the last few months, your reserves may be nearly exhausted, but you have undoubtedly built up a lot of nervous energy. Get online and remind your friends that Village elections are on Tuesday, March 15. Attend local Village Board meetings and stand-up, introduce yourself to all your neighbors. Let them know the importance of voting in the upcoming election. While there may not even be any challengers this year, the incumbents need to know that you are watching them closely. This is no time for complacency, especially with a struggling economy. Remind them that you will hold them accountable. Hold your head high and tell them in a matter of fact way, that you’re considering running in next year’s primary.

 David Radovanovic is the Creative Director of What’s the Big Idea. Learn more at www.whatsthebigidea.com.

Mercantile February 2011

Page 38

Make Your Water The Best It Can Be. Softer towels

Great drinking water

Soft skin

Clean shower doors

��

Spot-free dishes

Culligan® Solutions for your home. For about the cost of a store-bought bottle of water, you can enjoy all the benefits of Culligan water throughout your entire home. From soft, conditioned water to the highest quality drinking water, a Culligan Water System will make your life easier and your tap water the best it can be. Culligan Softened Water �� Culligan Drinking Water ��

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE GREAT OFFERS 9.95 per month!

Culligan Conditioner or AquaClear Drinking Water System

300 Rebate

toward any Culligan High Efficiency Water Conditioner or Softener

800.448.4420 | HeyCulliganMan.net Hudson, NY: ��

Call your local Culligan Man today or visit us online at HeyCulliganMan.net From your participating Culligan dealer. $9.95 for the ﬁrst 3 months then standard rates apply. Plus installation. Participation may vary. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Page 39

5th Annual

s t a r r i n g

Mercantile February 2011

Celebrity Waiters Brunch A beneﬁt for the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum

Rob Affuso, Drummer- Skid Row; Founder- Soulsystem Greg Ball- NYS Senator Frank Castella Jr.- Owner Harmon and Castella Printing Jim Coughlan- DC Comptroller John Ferrara-Owner, Bad Ass Coffee Ed Kowalski- Owner, Lolas and Crave Restaurants Dave MacFarland- President, Riverside Bank Pat Manning- Hudson Valley Fiber Farm/Hudson Valley Fresh Mike Mazucca- TD Bank Marcus Molinaro- NYS Assemblyman Michael Polito,- Photographer Michael Teutul- TLC’s American Choppers, Artist Woodman- Woodman in the Morning on K104.7

Sunday, March 20, 2011 Noon - 3 p.m. The Grandview, Poughkeepsie tickets: $85 ea. more info: www.mhcm.org reserve by 3/14: 845.471.0589 x 14 sara@mhcm.org Five Star Brunch and Dessert Complimentary Cocktails Illusionist, Ryan Dutcher Hosted by, Bill Beale

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID C R ST .N ET 1 2 5 5 0