You heard correctly, Bastille Day Celebration, and it is going to be a hot event that benefits the Language Learning Institute Scholarship Fund.

They’re going to be dancing in the street on pedestrian Jay Street to the sounds of Star 101.3 live broadcasts. If you need to sit one out you can check out the crafts, or jump into the activities & games that will be held for adults and kids. Local merchants will be running specials all day and there will be guest vendors as well.

Profits from the event go to the Language Learning Institute Scholarship Fund. These scholarships will enable people of languages other than English to take language courses which will empower them to pursue their own “American Dream” using their talents to contribute to our society. The scholarship will also go to help children of all economic status to study language at an early age.

Dance, shop, and have fun at 4th Annual Bastille Day Celebration in Schenectady.

Location: Jay Street, Schenectady NY
Date: July 11, 2009
Time: 1:00pm to 9:00pm
Event website: http://www.languagelearninginstitute.com/index.php?page=bastille-day-2009
Telephone: (515) 346-7096

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A day of fun for you & pampering for your four-legged friend: baths ($20-$40, depending on size), nail clipping ($10), as well as the Canine Good Citizen Test ($10). Come see the many vendors — merchandise & food will be for sale!

ASPCA Special Investigator Annemarie Lucas will be signing autographed pictures! If you would like more information, go to www.newrochellehumanesociety.org.

Start Date: July 19, 2009, 12:00 am
Time: 10am to 3:30pm

Locations:
70 Portman Road
New Rochelle, NY 10801
Phone: 914-632-2925
Email: events@newrochellehumanesociety.org
Website: http://www.newrochellehumanesociety.org

A personal note:

I have a very special place in my heart for the New Rochelle Humane Society. About 4 years ago my family adopted a wonderful little friend who was in the care of New Rochelle Humane Society.

He seemed to have had a bad time in his previous home, was afraid of males, ran and hid every time someone popped open a soda or beer can, and was afraid to go into certain rooms in our house. If someone dropped something or broke a plate or a glass he would hide and shiver as if he were going to be punished for the accident.

When we first went to see him at New Rochelle Humane Society we just fell in love with the little guy. They had done a tremendous job with him, especially in the tender loving care department, healed an injured hip, and they were even spending time schooling him each day. All he needed was a good home.

When we adopted him they told us exactly what to do to get him over his fears and anxieties, gave us insights and superb advice on how to care for him. Just like they said, it all worked out. The mental wounds healed after a short time and Bobby “D” became a wonderful addition to our family. Cuddly, warm, loving, but just protective enough to let you know he cares.

New Rochelle Humane Society has a marvelous program that is much more than just a safe haven for abused and homeless pets. There is tremendous and very honest concern and love for the pets that reside there, for the old and the young, the injured, the rejected, and the abused. They create new lives for both the pets and their new families. I know, my family and I have benefited from it.

Please mark your calendar and bring your canine buddy to join the fun at the New Rochelle Humane Society Dog Wash. If you can’t make it please go to their website and make a generous donation that will help sustain the fine work they do.

The Sojourner

The Fishkill Supply Depot is very real history and dates back to the founding of our nation and our War of Independence. It is under siege and being threatened. Little explored and surrounded by encroaching development, the historical value of the Fishkill Supply Depot may never be realized, unless you act.

Here is part of the article from the Fishkill Historical Focus website. Read about the depot and then go over to the FHF website and lend a hand saving this historical treasure.
http://www.fishkill-historical-focus.org/

New York’s Valley Forge Under Siege

Military nerve center was one of three major encampments of the Continental Army, along with Morristown and Valley Forge

The Fishkill Supply Depot and Encampment was larger and operated longer than the better known Valley Forge. Central to the outcome of key battles like Saratoga, the encampment played an important role in the founding of the United States, and its significance in American history cannot be overemphasized.

Yet today in Fishkill, New York, the National Register Fishkill Supply Depot and Encampment is under threat of development. A large part of the historic site was covered by the Dutchess Mall in the early 1970s, followed by the Hess Gasoline Station in the 1990s. Two remaining open space parcels, one in the vicinity of the Hess Gas Station and the other known as the Oasis Ministries parcel, are currently for sale with development envisioned.

Reflection, reverence and restraint are the responses such sacred ground calls forth. Rigorous historic preservation and a well-supported plan to share this legacy with future generations are long overdue. The opportunity has now arrived.

4th Annual Friends of the Greenville Library Craft Fair-

Over 50 vendors will fill the library lawn offering everything from painted glass, leather goods, handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind pottery, woodcrafts and unique nostalgic gifts. Free admission. Rain or shine. 10am-3pm

County: Greene
Greenville Library Routes 32 & 81
Greenville, NY 12083
Dates: 2009-06-14 to 2009-06-14
Web Address: www.mentgroup.com/events

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From the Stockade District to the Historic Waterfront and from colonial to industrial eras, Kingston has it all. And what a great reason for this proud city to whoop it up. They are celebrating their 400th birthday this year!

In celebration of 400 years of Hudson River History, the Hudson River Maritime Museum is presenting a special event on June 10 at 5 p.m. at the museum, which is located at 50 Rondout Landing on the waterfront. The event features heritage ships the Half Moon, Clearwater and the Onrust. Other historic boats will be on hand such as the fireboat John J. Harvey, the tug Gov. Cleveland, the Launch 5 and the Riverkeeper. Mayor James Sottile will conduct a “ships welcome” and there will be music by the Kingston High School Jazz Ensemble as well as the Sea Shanty Singers. At 8 p.m., Jay Ungar and Molly Mason will perform with special guests Nanne Kalma and Ankie van der Meer as well as the Barefoot Boys. The music and dance will be broadcast live on WAMC radio. For more information, call (845) 338-0071.

Happy 400th Kingston!

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They have a great selection of used books that you can browse as well as a large selection of videos on hand. Video titles range from the classic films to newer titles along with many instructional videos.

This is a great way to get books and videos at reasonable prices while helping to sustain a community service, the Howland Public Library.

A bit on Beacon:
Beacon is one of those towns (actually a city) that you just can’t help rooting for. As is the case with many of our river cities and towns, it has seen its share of ups and downs over the years but the good folks of Beacon just keep bouncing back.

It’s a beautiful city, wedged between the broad Hudson River on the west and majestic Mount Beacon on the east, with Main Street connecting the two. Main street is jumping with specialty shops and fine and fun food eateries. There’s art, history, and some of the friendliest folks along the river waiting for you in Beacon.

Plan a stop in Beacon and while there stop in at Beacon Reads.

Check here for Beacon listings.

Bring your own food, drink, to share
Liberty View Farm
340 Crescent Avenue
Highland, NY 12528
Click for directions

For more information contact:
Colleen Geraghty at 845-256-9233
or Billiam at 845-883-7004

Some people would say that it is axiomatic that the more things change, the more they stay the same. With some things, however, we would have to respectfully disagree. As you may know, United Spinal Association has had a long history of assisting veterans, both with and without disabilities, in securing their civil rights, government benefits and health care. Founded more than 60 years ago by a group of World War II veterans who had sustained spinal cord injuries on the battlefields of Europe and in the Pacific, United Spinal Association has been continuously fighting for the rights of veterans and their families at the federal, state and local levels. Building on its tradition of zealously representing veterans’ individual and group interests, United Spinal Association recently announced the launch of VetsFirst, a comprehensive, full-service veterans advocacy program.

The VetsFirst program is the embodiment of United Spinal Association’s commitment to ensuring that all veterans – past, present, and future – receive the health care and rehabilitation that they deserve, and that they are physically, emotionally and economically restored to the greatest extent possible for disabilities that were incurred as the result of their military service. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has authorized United Spinal Association to serve as a national veterans service organization.

Our VetsFirst program provides direct representation to individual veterans benefits claimants through a national network of VA-accredited veterans service representatives, legal representation in appeals of denied VA claims, legislative advocacy before Congress and state legislatures; and representation of veterans’ interests as a group before executive agencies and the courts. We have also entered into strategic partnerships with other veterans service organizations, such as Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), to enable us to expand our presence throughout the country and assist veterans in their own communities. In fact, United Spinal Association and VVA will be presenting an advanced training seminar for VA-accredited veterans service representatives during United Spinal’s August 2008 Independence Expo in Orlando. FL.

It is important for veterans to understand that although we have special expertise in SCI/D-related disabilities, we provide representation for veterans benefits claimants with all types of disabilities. Veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are facing complex conditions such as traumatic brain injury, poly-traumatic injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. These conditions affect every aspect of their lives; from health to employment, to finances and to family and social relationships. VetsFirst’s full-service approach to caring for veterans focuses on all of these concerns. Our services start with the transition from active-duty service member to veteran, but healing and securing benefits are only the beginning of the story. Veterans service organizations must also assist veterans, their families and survivors in returning to as normal a life as possible once the veteran comes home. Rehabilitation, community reintegration and continuing support are just as important as disability compensation and acute health care.

In sum, VetsFirst is designed to serve as a model for the next generation of veterans service organizations. Building on traditional roles, we are constantly seeking new ways to serve veterans.

Our country has chosen to honor service members whose selfless service to our protection and freedom has cost them dearly by promising to care for them and their families once their uniform is hung for the last time. As the nature of warfare is constantly evolving, so to must we who have dedicated ourselves to this national compact.

For more information on our services, please visit the VetsFirst section of United Spinal Association’s website.

VetsFirst

United Spinal’s VetsFirst program directly serves the needs of our veterans and their families. Our network of National Service Officers provides assistance and representation in claims for benefits and health care services before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal and state agencies, as well as legal representation before the U. S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and other federal courts. Our service officers and attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in benefits for disabled veterans and their families. VetsFirst also promotes the rights of veterans as a group though legislative advocacy and broad-impact litigation in the federal courts. VetsFirst services are available at no cost to all veterans and their dependents and survivors nationwide.

* Benefits counseling services
* Individual representation before the VA and other federal agencies in benefits and health care matters
* Legal representation on appeals of denied benefits claims
* Comprehensive veterans advocacy
* Assistance with military medical evaluation board proceedings

The event attracts approximately 30 vendors and 2,000 garden enthusiasts a year. In keeping with the style of the Garden Sale founders, the vendors offer a wide selection of heritage and contemporary plant material, much of it locally grown.

While you are there be sure to spend some time touring and enjoying the site. It has it all! History, spectacular Hudson River views, a well maintained estate house, and world class garden. Clermont was the Hudson River seat of the politically and socially prominent Livingston family of New York for more than 230 years.

Take a look at Clermont:
View of Mansion
View of Hudson River from Clermont

Poughkeepsie, NY , April 29, 2008: Brook in Waterland in Rhinebeck New York was the setting Saturday, April 26th for the 4th Annual Hudson Valley Wine Competition. This competition highlights the Hudson Valley Regions wines and the growing interest the public has for them. The competition was open to all commercial wineries in the Hudson Valley AVA using New York State fruit, but more exclusively, Hudson Valley fruit.:

Seventy nine wines made in the Hudson Valley were entered in the competition. Overall the wines from the 18 wineries that entered scored higher than in the past three competitions, suggesting to all present, a continuing improvement in winemaking for the area.

The winners of the 4th Annual Hudson Valley Wine Competition by class and variety are:

Sparkling:
Brotherhood Winery NV Blanc de Blanc –Silver Medal, Best Sparkling Wine
Clinton Vineyards NV Sparkling Seyval Peach – Bronze Medal
Applewood Winery Stonefence 2006 Hard Cider– Bronze Medal

White Hybrid:
Benmarl Winery 2006 Seyval—Gold Medal, Best in Class and Best White Hybrid
Magnanini Winery 2006 Bianco Amable (Seyval) — Silver Medal
Brotherhood Winery 2006 Seyval Blanc—Bronze Medal
Bashakill Winery 2006 Whitetail (Cayuga) –Gold Medal, Best in Class
Brimstone Hill Vineyards 2007 Cayuga – Silver Medal
Adair Vineyards 2007 Cayuga—Bronze Medal
Whitecliff Vineyards 2007 Awosting White (Seyval/Vignoles)–Silver Medal, Best Hudson Heritage
Benmarl Winery 2007 Traminette – Bronze Medal

White Vinifera:
Millbrook Vineyards 2007 Tokai Fruilano – Gold Medal, Best in Class, Best White Vinifera
Millbrook Vineyards 2006 Chardonnay –Gold Medal
Benmarl Winery 2007 Riesling – Bronze Medal
Brotherhood Winery 2005 Riesling—Bronze Medal

Labrusca (Native) Grape:
Hudson-Chatham Lindenwald White Niagara/Diamond—Silver Medal, Best in Class

Red Hybrid:
Benmarl Winery 2006 Baco Noir—Gold Medal, Best Red Hybrid
Benmarl Winery 2006 Frontenac—Silver Medal
Bashakill Winery 2006 Blue Heron (Chancellor)—Bronze Medal

Red Vinifera:
Millbrook Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Franc –Gold Medal, Best in Class, Best in Show, Best HV Wine
Millbrook Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Franc Block 3—Gold Medal
Applewood Winery 2006 Cabernet Franc – Bronze Medal
Oak Summit Vineyards 2006 Pinot Noir – Silver Medal, Best in Category
Millbrook Vineyards 2005 Pinot Noir—Silver Medal
Bashakill Winery 2006 Copperhead (Pinot Noir)—Bronze Medal
Brotherhood Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon—Silver Medal
Hudson-Chatham 2005 Merlot—Silver Medal, Best in Category
Baldwin 2006 Merlot—Bronze Medal

Grape Sweet Wine:
Bashakill Winery 2007 Osprey (Vignoles)—Silver Medal, Best in Class
Bashakill Winery 2007 Whitetail (Cayuga)—Bronze Medal
Bashakill Winery 2006 Osprey (Vignoles)—Bronze Medal

Fruit Wine:
Brookview Station 2007 Pomona (Apple/Pear) – Gold Medal, Best in Category, Best in Class
Adair Vineyards 2007 Peche –Gold Medal, Best in Category

Dessert Wines:
Clinton Vineyards NV Cassis – Gold Medal, Best in Category, Best in Class, Best Dessert Wine Warwick Valley Winery NV Pear Liquior –Gold Medal, Best in Category
Warwick Valley Winery NV Black Currant—Silver Medal
Palaia Winery NV Mead—Bronze Medal

Port:
Brotherhood Winery NV Ruby Port—Gold Medal, Best in Class
Hudson Chatham Winery Paperbirch Raspberry Port—Silver Medal

For more information on the Hudson Valley Wine & Grape Association visit www.hvwga.com
Video of the competition can be seen here.

Information on the wine competition contact Debbie Gioquindo 914.474.7780

Toddlers on the Trail – Wildflowers and Critter Walk.
Monday, May 19th, 10am-12noon.
Join Debbie Biltonen, a local naturalist, and her toddler son and explore the forest searching for wildflowers and critters. Ages 2-6 are welcome, accompanied by an adult. Children need to be able to walk or be in a carrier; jogging strollers cannot be used. Reservations are not required. Meet at the Coxing Trailhead. Walks average 1.5 miles and move at a toddler’s pace.

Take this opportunity to spend some time with the little ones. Enjoy the forest and savor the looks of amazement and excitement as your toddler discovers the wonders of the woodland.

You can get details at the Mohonk Preserve website.