Hudson Valley Sojourner

Great brews and innovative pub grup highlight the BeerExpo in Staatsburg, NY.

July 19, 2008 - 3pm - 10pm
Live music will be going to set the mood (and pace) for the sampling of over 60 great beers from Keegan Ales, Ommegang, Captain Lawrence, Brooklyn Brewery, Chatham, Schmaltz, Warwick Valley, Southern Tier, Kelso, Southampton, Blue Point and more. There will be plenty of innovative pub grup on hand to match up with the brews.

You can get details for this event at:
http://www.terrapinrestaurant.com/events

Pot Luck Fundraiser and Picnic
Friday July 4, 2008
6-9 p.m.

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

Get your green thumbs out because it’s time for the annual Hudson Bush Plant Sale & Exchange. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Clermont and will be held Saturday June 7, 2008 from 10:00 to 2:00 at the Clermont State Historical Site.

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

This from the Hudson Valley Wine and Grape Association

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

For those of you who enjoy a nature walk with the littles ones, Mohonk Preserve has something for you.

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.

There is no shortage of great and even dramatic views of the Hudson River. Which is the best? Well, that depends on where in the Hudson Valley you are from or which part of the Hudson River you like best.

I have a few favorite viewing places of my own. The view from Olana is one of my favorites. You can see the Hudson River and a good deal more including the Catskill Mountains off in the distance.

From just behind the Vanderbilt Mansion there is a great view of the river,, Ulster County, and the distant Catskill Mountains.

The riverfront at Newburgh Landing gives you a dramatic view of the Hudson River as it cuts through the Hudson Valley Highlands with Storm King Mountain on the right and Breakneck on the left.

The southern view of the Highlands and river is just as eye pleasing when viewed from riverside in the village of Cold Spring.

Climb up to the lighthouse at Stony Point and enjoy a super view of the Hudson expanding out into Haverstraw Bay. Whatever your pleasure, there are countless spots along the river where you can access a great view.

For those who are capable of multitasking their passions for Hudson River views, there are many places along the Hudson River where one can dine to a river view, tour the river, balloon over the river, or find a restfull inn alongside the river. If you need help getting started take a look at this mapped out “Passion for Hudson River Views”.

The Hudson Valley has been significantly affected by water pollution that presents a real threat to drinking water, public health and the environment. The impact of this water contamination has been felt by too many communities and as the Hudson Valley grows, it’s important that we protect our precious water resources.

Five sites in New York’s 19th Congressional District are listed on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Superfund National Priority List, a designation of the nation’s most severely polluted locations:
• Hopewell Precision site in Hopewell Junction
• Brewster Well Field in the Village of Brewster
• Carroll and Dubies Sewage Disposal in Deer Park
• Nepera Chemical Company site in the Town of Hamptonburgh
• Shenandoah Road Groundwater Contamination Superfund Site in the Town of East Fishkill

Because of the serious challenge of cleaning up water pollution, I’ve asked the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment to come to East Fishkill for a special Field Hearing this Friday. The Field Hearing, “Water Resources Contamination and Environmental Cleanup in the Hudson Valley,” will be held Friday, April 11th at 9:30am in the East Fishkill Town Hall.

The hearing is open to the public.

The hearing will examine how the EPA is currently working with the State of New York, local governments, and private groups. I want the hearing to spur the federal government to redouble its commitment to water clean up in the Hudson Valley.

Sincerely,

Thanks for the boost John. You’re still the one!

Most purists out there have learned from experience to stay away from the recycled motor oil that most movie theaters pawn off as butter for your popcorn. I’m not quite sure what that stuff is made of but it almost always leaves a nasty after-taste in your mouth that lasts for hours.

For those of you who adhere to tradition and seek real butter on your popcorn there is very little choice these days. Therefore, I’ll let you in on one of the Sojourner’s little secrets. You can still get real butter on your popcorn in the Hudson Valley.

Aside from a great array of alternative and classic films, Upstate Films in Rhinebeck still serves popcorn in its classic form. With real butter. Yes, it is an option, but you can get it.

You can check out their film schedule at http://www.upstatefilms.org/. You will have to go there in person to get your popcorn buttered.

Make sure to get there early and take in a bit of Rhinebeck. Upstate Films is located right in the middle of the village so you can walk out of their door and right into a classic Hudson Valley short walk village. It’s a well preserved village with lots of shops and history.

Congressional Hearing In East Fishkill
A field hearing will be held at 9:30 a.m. April 11 in East Fishkill town hall to examine water pollution and cleanup in the Hudson Valley. The Hopewell Precision Superfund Site will be discussed.

By attending this very important hearing you will show EPA and everyone else that YOU WANT THIS FIXED NOW, NOT LATER!

There will be reporters there that you can talk with and tell how living in this situation has affected you and your family. This is a rare opportunity to be heard and to help move this very important and long standing issue along.

East Fishkill Town Hall: 330 Route 376, Hopewell Junction
Informtion: http://www.hopewell-junction-citizens-for-clean-water.org/

I found this really great photo of a Hudson Valley sunrise. Actually, I should not have found it. It should have been offered up by my son who took the photo.

Anyway, a thing of beauty is a thing of beauty no matter how it finds you.

You can see it on his blog at:
http://www.userscape.com/blog/index.php/site/comments/sunrise/

Enjoy it.

Yes, I admit that I am a sausage, wurst, and hot dog freak. I say this without remorse and with taste glands salivating.

I grew up in a cultural melting pot dominated by a mix of European immigrants. Just as mixed and varied were the pungent aromas that emanated from the stacks of homemade sausage, and the salami and wurst that hung drying from the walls and rafters of every local butcher shop and deli.

Real delis! Not places where you went for a bologna or a chicken salad sandwich on white bread. Just asking for these would get you thrown out of the store to the accompaniment of generically understand German, Italian, Polish, or Yiddish utterances. Actually they were not utterances. They were quite audible and extremely targeted. These were mom and pop operations where product and pride meant the same thing.

Needless to say I developed quite a liking for Italian sausage, German wurst, Polish kielbasi, and a good frankfurter, with casing please. As much as my expanded waistline complains of this fetish, I have not been able to break myself of this cultural addiction. Calling it “cultural” helps to justify it you see. I just practice moderation these days. Partly because I no longer have the metabolism of a 17 year old and partly because these wondrous delicacies are becoming ever more difficult to find in their native form.

Sure, I can get my hands and mouth on all types of pseudo-stuff. Taste-alike products from the supermarket rack that I call white bread wurst, hardly hot dogs, and so so sausage. But the real goods, the crafted stuff, the stuff that smells and tastes like your memories, those things are getting harder and harder to find.

The only plus in this scarcity is that I can now use it as an excuse to go traipsing through the Hudson Valley on yet another quest, and there is nothing the Sojourner likes better than a good quest for tasty delights. These taste delights still exist. They need only be sniffed out and enjoyed.

If your palate and mine are kindred spirits then you may want to undertake a quest of your own. You can start by checking out some of the places on this list:
http://dir.hudsonvalleysojourner.com/Meat_,038_Poultry/

If you are gearing up for summer and are looking for the consummate list of state parks, beaches, and more, then take a click over to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

They have information on state parks in the Hudson Valley and all over the State of New York.
Check it out at: http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/

Life just got a little easier for home owners in Orange and Sullivan Counties who have dogs.

Sticky Boots, an interesting and one of a kind service is now available to Orange and Sullivan County dog owners. These folks put their boots on, get scooper in hand, and take care of that most nasty of all dog owner chores- waste removal.

I actually did a double take when I first encountered their service. At second glance it started to make sense. Here’s how they put it:

“For as little as $12.00 a week, Sticky Boots will clean your yard of that nasty dog waste. There are many advantages to keeping your yard clean. Dog waste compromises the appearance of your yard,attracts flies and other pests,pollutes ground water,offends neighbors and most significantly, endangers the health of your pets and your family!”

OK, I’m sold. Better them than me!

You can check them out at: http://www.stickyboots.info/

What a great idea for a great cause and in a great location, Stone Ridge NY in Ulster County.

“Empty Bowls raises money for starving families in the Hudson Valley as well as for families all around the world. Proceeds will be given to both the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley and Heifer International.

At Empty Bowls, the public can purchase ceramic bowls that were made by a number of local artists and students. They can then have their bowls filled with a variety of soups and/or ice cream that were donated by local restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and markets. Following their meals, those who purchased bowls will be able to take them home and keep them. Each bowl costs $15, and there is also the option to purchase disposable bowls for $5.

Details: Marbletown Teen Center, Stone Ridge; April 24, 5:30pm-7:30pm; Contact Sam Stewart; sstewar1@binghamton.edu”

While you’re in Stone Ridge, be sure to tour around this classic Hudson Valley community. It is relatively unchanged and looks much like it did in the early 1900’s. The Main Street Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The buildings are mostly houses, dating from the 18th and early 19th centuries.

The earlier structures are stone houses such as the Hasbrouck House at the district’s southern boundary and the 1767 Cornelius Wynkoop Stone House, where George Washington once slept. Later buildings show the Federal and Greek Revival styles, such as the Tack Tavern, the Marbletown Dutch Reformed Church, and the town library (which was once the house of Edward Lounsbery). A few Craftsman and Victorian houses are scattered among the older homes.

This has the makings of a very special day. You’ll get some good food, a keeper locally crafted bowl, at a historic hamlet, and you will leave knowing that you helped make a difference. It just doesn’t get any better than that. Put this one at the top of your Sojourner’s stop list.

There are a great number of things I love about the Hudson Valley. What I both love and respect is the sense of community that is felt and shared. The pride in who you are and where you call home.

It has nothing to do with size. The boundaries of community spirit are not limited by the geographic size or demographics of a hamlet or city. It’s a culture, and as much a part of Hudson Valley life as our natural wonders.

Nothing better exemplifies this spirit and culture than the work done by our area non-profit and charitable organizations. Take a minute to consider the wondrous things that they do. They are a best neighbor to us all who feed the hungry and house the homeless. They bring us the joys of the fine arts and the performing arts. They care for our children and seniors. They cure our bodies and spirits. They defend our landscape and protect our wildlife. They preserve our history and promote our economy.

What would our culture and our community be like without these organizations? Who would be there to fill the void?

Many of these fine organizations are feeling the crunch. When the economy takes a downturn donation and volunteer numbers turn with it. Programs and services start to disappear or are cut back. And sooner rather than later the community matrix starts to come undone.

You can help. Pick a local organization or two and donate a couple of dollars or a couple of hours a week as a volunteer. Help spread the word. Let people know about organizations that you think are doing good work in the Hudson Valley. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to promote an organization.

Enjoy the Hudson Valley but take the time to think about those things that you enjoy. How did it get there? Why is it still there? Who cared enough to do it? Behind every answer you will find a Hudson Valley not-for-profit.

Musical theatre! Professional productions right here in the Hudson Valley at The Mac-Haydn Theatre, or professional musical theatre-in-the-round.. Nothing beats a well produced musical for feel good fuel and pure entertainment.

They’re my personal favorites. Love those female leads especially if they can dance as well as sing. Which they almost always can in live theater. I guess it’s the diversity. The magic of words to music and music to story. The settings and characters that take you shamelessly into a fantasy land filled with sound and rhythmic motion.

Some of my favorites? Almost any of the classic Rogers and Hammerstein. Romeo & Juliet on the tough streets of New York City’s West Side Story. The Sabine Women brought to the high country with great songs and an even greater dance sequence in 7 Brides for 7 Brothers. Cats, Phantom, A Chorus Line, Damn Yankees, Rent, and so many more. But, back to sojourning. You can enjoy great professional musical theater right here in the Hudson Valley and it has been here since 1969.

Check out the 2008 lineup at the Mac-Haydn Theatre:

• My Fair Lady
• 7 Brides For 7 Brothers (my personal favorite and a tough one to find)
• A Chorus Line
• Hairspray
• Phantom
• Will Rogers Follies
• The Sound of Music

These are professional productions, up close, and in the round.

Check out the Mac-Haydn Theatre at:
http://www.machaydntheatre.org/

How about a club for recreational 4 wheeling? Try this little known treasure- Hudson Valley 4 Wheelers.

HV4W is a membership organization. They hold a number of trail rides each month as well holding off-trail events and club meetings.

Most of the members are Jeep owners but they welcome ownerss of all types of 4 wheelers.

If you are thinking that this is a Sunday run down Old Route 9 then check out the image above and think again. These folks mean 4 wheeling with a capital 4.

Check out the video.

They do suggest that member vehicles be built up for the trail and that they are well maintained. They are not up for environmental mishaps such as leaked fuel and fluids.

If you are into the 4 wheel trail or want to get into it then check this club out.

Hudson Valley 4 Wheelers at: http://www.hv4w.org/

There is something very feel good and very right about helping lost pets get reunited with their owners.

In the Hudson Valley there is a great online pet lost and found service. It’s database driven and searchers and finders can enter information or search through the data. This is a free service to the public .

Check it out at Hudson Valley Pets Lost and Found at: http://lostfoundpets.com/

City trees healthier than in Hudson Valley

Did you know that cottonwood trees grow twice as fast in New York City than they do in the
Hudson Valley? It may seem unlikely, but old coal burning power plants, like Danskammer in Newburgh, pump serious amounts of pollution into our air and water. The result: ground level ozone is  much higher here in the Hudson Valley than in the city. The Poughkeepsie Journal recently ran an editorial calling on Governor Pataki to live up to his promises to limit these emissions.

And now there’s an online petition you can sign to pressure our county legislature to pass a recently introduced clean air resolution. This seems like the least we can do when, according to the  New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation, the coal-burning Danskammer power plant put 122 pounds of mercury
into our air in 2002 (51 pounds more than in 1997), and there are are
only three power plants in the state with higher recorded mercury
emissions.
The Danskammer plant put 2,564,063 tons of carbon dioxide into
our air in 2002 (32,279 more than in 1997), and 12,120 tons of sulfur
dioxide into our air in 2002 (892 more tons than in 1997.)