'Recession fundraiser' on tap for ARCS

Save the date! AIDS-Related Community Services (ARCS) will serve up its "fundraiser for the recession" -- a no-admission-charged cocktail fundraiser on Thursday, August 13 from 6-10 p.m. at Chill Wine Bar, 173 Main Street in Beacon. Chill will be offering free appetizers during the event and a cash bar.

RSVPs are encouraged and can be made by calling 914-785-8283. Event information and RSVPs can also be accessed via ARCS' Facebook page or at www.arcs.org.

Here is more from the press release:

"Chill Out: ARCS' Summer Friendraiser" focuses on gathering the agency's mid-Hudson Valley supporters, volunteers and new friends while bringing in much-needed funds for the comprehensive HIV/AIDS services that ARCS provides.

"This is our twist on the stately, stuffy cocktail reception that many people are used to," said Jay Dewey, director of ARCS' fundraising and special events. 'Chill Out' is designed to be casual, friendly and summery. This is a fundraiser for the recession. There's no cost to attend. We are not expecting our guests to stay for a whole evening. You can drop in, say hello, have a drink and some delicious food, and get to
know other ARCS supporters before heading off to the rest of your evening. Best of all, you don't have to put on fancy clothes. We encourage shorts and tee shirts if that's your thing."

The event aims to inform more people about the need for HIV/AIDS services, and to let them know how they can help the local fight against the virus. "Not everyone is in a position to donate money right now," Dewey acknowledges. "We understand that. However, there are many ways that Hudson Valley residents can contribute other than a financial
donation." Guests will be encouraged to make a donation at the door, but it is not required. ARCS will also raise funds by holding a 'chance' auction, in which guests purchase raffle tickets but choose between several prizes. Prizes include tickets to Chicago on Broadway, Barnes & Noble gift certificates, massages and selected wines.

"I'm very excited to partner with Chill Wine Bar to make this event happen," Dewey said. "The owners, Jim Svetz and Patrick McKenna, have created an increasingly popular, relaxed and fun place to hang out, and it has the perfect vibe for this Friendraiser." Chill serves wine and tapas from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. nightly and is located at 173 Main Street in downtown Beacon.

Community fundraising events like this are increasingly important to
ARCS, which has lost nearly $1 million in government funding in the past
year. The agency was forced to shutter a number of HIV prevention
programs in the wake of these budget cuts. ARCS serves more than 10,000
Hudson Valley residents in need each year.

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome celebrates 50th year

Intrigued by the vintage aircraft from the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome?

The Aerodrome will celebrate its 50th anniversary this weekend with music, special re-enactments on the ground and demonstrations of pioneer aircraft, including the Aerodrome’s 1909 Bleriot XI which has been flying for 100 years and is the oldest original airplane still flying in the United States.

There will also be a demonstration of Aerodrome founder Cole Palen’s original 1917 Curtiss “Jenny” JN-4D (shown above). More than 10,000 of these airplanes were built, most in a factory in Hammondsport but only two or three in the world are still flying.

The museum and grounds open at 10 a.m. with air shows on both days starting at 2 p.m. The Aerodrome has four hangars of antique airplanes and artifacts from the earliest days of aviation to explore and its two 1929 New Standard D-25 open cockpit biplanes will offer rides non-stop, except during the air shows. Directions are at the Web site.

(Photo by Don Fleming/Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome)

Exhibit through July 31 at Artist's Palate

Here is an exhibit at the Artist's Palate, 307 Main St. in Poughkeepsie, by one of my favorite artists at one of my favorite restaurants, well worth checking out ... runs through July 31.