Time is running out!

Today is the deadline for the first contest in the Poughkeepsie Journal's year-long Hudson River photo competition, held in conjunction with the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial celebrations and the planned opening of the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge pedestrian walkway project.

The contest began on October 5 and ends on Sept. 30, 2009. A winner and runner up will be selected monthly, with one grand prize winner chosen from the monthly winners when the contest wraps up in the fall of 2009. For more information on the contest, and to see the photos already entered in the contest, visit www.HudsonHappenings.com. There are some impressive entries so far.

You can also find a link there to my Quad Updates blog, which has information about the ways our region (and elsewhere in the world) is commemorating this event!

Auction features Hudson Valley artists

UPDATE: Save the Date! The Fine Art Auction at Locust Grove has been rescheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2009.

Four studies that had been made for the historic Poughkeepsie Post Office mural are among the works that will be sold during Locust Grove’s first-ever Invitational Fine Art Auction. Originally cheduled for early next month (see update), the auction will also include work by contemporary painters, graphic artists, sculptors and photographers of the Hudson Valley. Visit www.LGNY.org or call 845-454-4500 ext. 17 for more information.

“As we move toward the Quadricentennial celebration in 2009, there is no better way to celebrate our valley than through the vision of its artists,” Locust Grove Executive Director Kenneth F. Snodgrass said in a press release. During 2009, the region will mark the 400th anniversary of European exploration of the Hudson River and Lake Champlain.

“Locust Grove and fine art are a natural pairing,” Snodgrass said. Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie was the 19th century country estate of Samuel Morse, who founded the American Academy of Design and was a celebrated artist before gaining even more fame for patenting the telegraph and inventing Morse code. The Young family, subsequent owners and founders of the museum, collected art in Europe as well as from the Hudson River School and this collection can be seen in the mansion today.

Locust Grove will team with gallery owner James Cox, a regional art expert and the force behind the annual fine art auction at the Woodstock Artists Association and Museum (WAAM), to present the auction, online catalog, pre-sale exhibition and preview gala. A portion of every auction sale will benefit Locust Grove, supporting free public access to its gardens and hiking trails, educational programs for school children and preservation of the 40-room Italianate mansion.

The mural studies that will be sold were created by Charles Rosen, who was chosen to participate in a New Deal program administered by the US Treasury Department. Rosen died in 1950, and the studies were only recently discovered by his estate. There is an interesting article here on the Poughkeepsie Journal Web site about the Poughkeepsie Post Office and its historic mural. And if you're interested in learning more about the upcoming Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial, be sure to drop by Hudson Happenings -- the Web site created by the Poughkeepsie Journal to share info about the Quad and the planned opening of the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge linear park project, Walkway over the Hudson.

Tea thoughts

A nice cup of tea, preferably in good company, is one of those things that just makes life better. We in the Hudson Valley are lucky in that we have a wonderful tea purveyor, Harney & Sons, in northeast Dutchess County. You can buy their teas at lots of shops across the country, including Barnes & Noble, but nothing beats going to their tea shop and tasting room in Millerton and sampling their teas onsite.

I was in Millerton recently to explore the Harlem Valley Rail Trail by bike, so, of course, we stopped by Harney & Sons. I noticed they were selling something new -- the book Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, written by Michael Harney. I haven't read the book yet, but some more exploration on my part turned up a new blog written by Michael all about the tea world. It's quite interesting and I'm sharing a link. Thoughts on Tea

Foodie news

Patrick Decker, who is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and now lives in Ulster County, is one of Rachel Ray's on-air chefs. (Patrick was featured earlier this year in a Hudson Valley Connoisseur magazine article about local folks who knit as a hobby.)

Here's a great new video clip with Rachel preparing a recipe for "Fancy French Cheese Puff Fake-Outs" created by Patrick. Look for him in the video!

I could definitely see using this recipe for get-togethers with friends, and around the holidays. I'd probably use the delicious grated cheese I've found at Leonardo's, an upscale Italian food market in Rhinebeck.

High School Musical 3 premier party!

The Associated Press reports that Disney's "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" topped the box office and brought in $42 million for its opening last weekend, a record for a song-and-dance film.

My daughter and her 8 BFFs were in line Friday evening to see HSM3 as part of her 10th birthday party. She'd been wanting to combine birthday celebration & this movie premier ever since she learned last winter that the movie would open near her birth date.

We started with dinner for everyone at Uncle Chippie's Gourmet Burgers in Red Hook (near the Lyceum movie theater on Route 9.) The restaurant serves freshly prepared, quality, casual food for kids and adults (they use local beef -- be sure to try the slider) and has a great fun atmosphere! Uncle Chippie let us bring in our HSM-themed cake from Hannaford to complete the meal. My daughter's friends gave her several presents with HSM themes, like this popular board game in the photo.
Then off to the movie at the Lyceum – thank goodness I bought the tickets earlier that week because there was quite a crowd (even tho the HSM3 movie was showing about every hour.) Popcorn for everyone (the theater has real butter now, just like at Upstate Films in Rhinebeck!) Then the film – these girls were so entranced by the entire movie. It was a sweet, family friendly film. I think even all the adults with us liked it.

Thumbs up – to Uncle Chippie's, Hannaford, the Lyceum & HSM3 for making this a super birthday party!

Did anyone else have a HSM3 party over the weekend – or see the film???

Voices of the valley

Poets Will Nixon of Woodstock and Matthew J. Spireng of Lomontville (an old friend and former co-worker of mine) will read from their work inspired by the region at 4 p.m., Saturday at the Olive Free Library on 4033 Route 28A in West Shokan. Their books will be available at the reading to buy (and have signed), with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to the Olive Free Library.

Here is more info:

Will Nixon, who grew up in the Connecticut suburbs and lived in Hoboken and Manhattan, moved to a Catskills log cabin and now lives in Woodstock. He is a widely published award-winning poet, journalist and essayist. His books of poems are My Late Mother as a Ruffed Grouse (2008), the award-winning The Fish Are Laughing (2001), and When I Had It Made (2001).

Matthew J. Spireng still lives in the house in Lomontville in which he was raised as a child. He is a widely published award-winning poet and journalist. His books of poems are Young Farmer (2007), Out of Body (2006) winner of the Bluestem Poetry Award from Emporia State University, Encounters (2005), Just This (2003) and the award-winning Inspiration Point (2002).

Local, local, local!

Several opportunities for foodies and especially, locavores, to enjoy themselves in the mid-Hudson Valley ... Tonight, from 6-11 p.m., is Specialty Craft Beer night at Terrapin in Rhinebeck. You can try Capt. Lawrence Smoked Porter, a New York artisanal beer poured from a wooden pin keg by Terrapin beverage director Chris Carbone. How cool is that?

And then tomorrow night, New World Home Cooking Co. in Saugerties and Ric Orlando present Local Food and Local Wine- A "50 Mile Meal"-- their first special dinner for the fall, featuring "wines and center of the plate items that have been produced within 50 miles of New World." You can see the menu (which sounds delicious!) by clicking on the photo above to make it larger. $55 per person, 15% discount for designated drivers. Reserve by calling 845-246-0900.

What a weekend!

Sooooo many choices ...

Here are some suggestions for fun things to do this weekend. (I'm not sure I am going to be able to get to all of these events, but I'll do my best!)

Art Studio Tours in the Rhinebeck-Red Hook area on Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 18-19) -- meet well-known and up-and-coming artists, view works-in-progress and purchase or commission art during this self-guided tour of more than two dozen artist studios. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. More info and maps at www.artsnortherndutchess.org

On Saturday, Michael Gallo Farrell's exhibit, "An Organic Octave Overture," opens at Mill Street Loft, 45 Pershing Avenue in Poughkeepsie. Michael is the associate director of the Art Institute of Mill Street Loft (and also happens to be married to one of my co-workers, Poughkeepsie Journal assistant local editor Barbara Gallo Farrell.) The exhibit runs through Nov. 20 and "is a now-and-then show embracing the themes of the natural world, the Hudson Valley and real organic music" through a combination of traditional and digital photography. The opening reception takes place from 5-9 p.m. with ethnic food, spirits and live music.

Celebrate the bounty of the Hudson Valley at Octoberfest 2008 -- from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday at Terrapin Catering at Dinsmore Golf Course, Route 9 in Staatsburg (just south of the village of Rhinebeck). The event, presented by Terrapin restaurant and catering and Fleishers Grassfed & Organic Meats, includes beer, wine and food samples from local producers. Additional food vendors will be selling "innovative pub grub and a slant on Octoberfest favorites like kielbasa and more." Live polka music from Brauhause Musikanten. Admission is $19.95 for advance tickets available at WDST.com and $25 at the door; $12 for designated driver/20 and under; kids 12 and under free (all minors must be accompanied by an adult).

This weekend is also the always-wonderful NY Sheep & Wool Festival at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Route 9, Rhinebeck. This is the place for you, if you like crafting or eating (there are going to be fab chef demos this year!) Those into the fabric arts might also want to cross the Hudson River and swing by the Quilters Cornucopia taking place Saturday and Sunday in Stone Ridge. Quilts, quilted wearables, quilt-related vendors, demonstrations, and more. Exhibit of artist-made dolls. $6 admission. SUNY Ulster Senate Gym, Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge.

Whew. Have fun!

Gentle art of silhouette

This sounds like an amazing idea for a holiday card, gift or decor.

Artist Deborah O’Connor is dedicated to preserving the 19th century art form of silhouettes, and she will be at Boscobel House & Gardens in Garrison on Saturday, October 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a day of cutting shadow portraits of all family members, including pets!

“The silhouettes are perfect for those who like to make their own greeting cards,” Donna Blaney, Boscobel’s event coordinator, said in a press release. “They can add a truly old-fashioned feel to holiday cards made online...simply scan the silhouette at home and upload to your favorite card-making website.”

Here is more information:

Each silhouette created by Ms. O’Connor is a small work of art, created freehand using paper and scissors as the only tools. There is no drawing or tracing done first, making it a vanishing art form as far from today’s digital world as you can get. The resulting heirloom-quality portraits are stunning and perfect for framing, gift giving, and more. Matting and framing will be available on site. Prices start at approximately $40.

Call 845-265-3638 x115 to make an appointment for your silhouette sitting. Visit www.Boscobel.org for more information. Boscobel is located on scenic Route 9D in Garrison, New York. From April through October, hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the last tour at 4:15 p.m. The museum and distinctive gift shop are open every day except Tuesdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Strutting their stuff, for good

Want to help raise money for a good cause? Love fashion? Or just curious about what our local Realtors look like when they are all gussied up and strutting on a runway?

The Ulster County Board of Realtors fashion show takes place from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16 at Hillside Manor in Kingston and will benefit the Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund at Benedictine Hospital. The Fund helps support local cancer patients and their families with gas and grocery cards, and medical supplies.

The fashion show will feature local Realtors on the runway modeling formal wear. Guests may enjoy appetizers and a cash bar while visiting vendors selling handbags, jewelry, cosmetics and glass creations. Tickets for the event are $30 and may be purchased from the UCBR office at 845-338-5299.

“It was important to us to keep the money we raise in Ulster County,” Broker Associate Jeanine Stoddard of Colucci Shand Realty in Gardiner, who chaired the event, said in a release. “We had a full house at last year’s event and we hope do the same this year.”

The organization represents more than 1,400 real estate professionals. In addition to helping in the fight against cancer, UCBR’s Community Services Committee has raised money for a number of local charitable organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Ulster County Department of Social Services’ Child Protective Services, Clinton Avenue United Methodist Church’s Caring Hands meal program and People’s Place. The Committee’s next event will be a wine dinner in November to benefit Habitat for Humanity.

3 wagging tails

We give 3 wagging tails to this one :-)

My daughter and I (and our dogs) had a chance to check out the Dog Park at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery (near Stewart Airport in Orange County) yesterday. What a great place! We met a friend who lives in the area and our dogs had a lot of fun running around off-leash and making doggie friends.

Here is a description of the place from this Web site. I sure wish there was something like this in northern Dutchess County (where we live). Anyone have info to share about any other good dog runs in the Hudson Valley?

Orange County opened its first dog park during the fall of 2007 at Thomas Bull Memorial Park. This fenced-in off-leash area is approximately 1.5 acres and features separate areas for "Small Dogs" and "All Dogs," water fountains, benches and shade areas. The landscape of the park has contrasts of flat open areas and rolling hills for dogs of all sizes to enjoy. This is a great venue for dogs to socialize and exercise. The dog park is open to the public, 7 days a week from 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

Community Foundation Garden Party

I enjoyed some great food & music, caught up with a lot of old friends (and made a few new ones) this past Sunday at the Community Foundation of Dutchess County Garden Party. The elegant event honored longtime local lawmaker Kip Bleakley O'Neill and attorney Arthur L. Gellert and took place under a large white tent on the grounds of Obercreek, the absolutely beautiful home of Alex Reese and Alison Spear in Hughsonville.

A few photos from the event are here at the Poughkeepsie Journal Web site.

Proceeds from the party go towards the Community Foundation's efforts to promote philanthropy in Dutchess, Ulster and Putnam counties.

River photo contest begins!

Have a passion for photography and the Hudson River? The Poughkeepsie Journal has launched a year-long photo contest to coincide with the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial celebrations and the planned opening of the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge pedestrian walkway project.

The contest is open to residents of Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Columbia and Greene counties. It began earlier this week and ends on Sept. 30, 2009. A winner and runner up will be announced for each month, with one grand prize winner chosen from the monthly winners when the contest wraps up in the fall of 2009. The winners will be announced at the newspaper's Hudson Happenings Web site each month. Full rules are at the Hudson Happenings Web site.

Photo entries must show the Hudson River or an identifiable location along the river. Of course, the photos have to be your own and cannot be digitally altered. Photos must be uploaded using the form on the Hudson Happenings Web site as jpg files (see full rules for sizing), and no photo prints will be accepted. You can enter as many times as you like (though you can only win once).

The contest will be judged by the Poughkeepsie Journal's photographers. (Some of their amazing river shots are archived at the Hudson Happenings Web site.)

Here's more about it:

“During the past 200 years, the river has been a beacon for both artists, who developed the Hudson River School of painting, and photographers, who have passionately camped out along the shore at sunrise and sunset to take a beautiful, one-of-a-kind picture,” said Spencer Ainsley, multimedia director for photography and videography at the Poughkeepsie Journal. (He also is photo director for Hudson Valley Connoisseur magazine.) "We know there are many photographers in the region who are passionate about taking beautiful pictures of Hudson River scenes.

“This is a great opportunity and we encourage anyone with a camera to enter the contest."

Beyond the Woods

I was able to attend the opening of Beyond the Woods yesterday at Vassar College. I wish I could have stayed longer to really study the images. I'll try to get back.

Beyond the Woods is Spencer Ainsley’s collection of 31 black and white documentary photographs depicts the striking independence and self-reliance of inhabitants of the secluded Blue Ridge Mountain region of North Carolina in the late 1980s and early 1990s. If you recognize the name, it might be because he is Hudson Valley Connoisseur magazine’s photo director and director of Multimedia for Photography and Videography at the Poughkeepsie Journal. At left is one of the images in the exhibition: Recluse, 1991 -- Murph, 77, a hermit living near the remote and rugged community of Globe, North Carolina, peers out the front door of his license plate sided shack after flood waters washed it down a hillside. A one-time furniture factory worker, Murph lives alone with no electricity or running water. He chops firewood for a private hunting lodge in exchange for food.


Ainsley shot the series when he worked for the New York Times Regional Newspaper Group in Lenoir, NC. The exhibit runs through October 22 at the James W. Palmer III Gallery, Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie. Gallery hours are Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m; Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.