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Ongoing Festivals, Trips, Adventures, and Special Interests


Middletown Thrall Library Fall 2008 Scholar-Led Book Discussion Series entitled "The Empire State: Featuring New York Authors or Stories" begins September 23, 2008.  FREE.  The schedule, books, and scholars are:

SCHEDULE
Book:  Wait Till Next Year: A Memoir by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Date: Tuesday,  September 23, 2008 7-9pm
Scholar: Chris Godwin, Professor Emeritus, SUNY Orange Dept. of English and Foreign Languages
A beautiful book by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, an ode to her father, Thomas, and to baseball.

Book: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Date: Tuesday,  October 7, 2008 7-9pm
Scholar: Peggy Abt, Professor Emeritus, SUNY Orange Dept. of English and Foreign Languages
A classic from the moment it first appeared in 1952.  Chronicles the travels and life of its narrator, a young, nameless black man.

Book:  City of Light by Lauren Belfer
Date: Tuesday,  October 21, 2008 7-9pm
Scholar: Mary Makofske, Professor, SUNY Orange Dept. of English and Foreign Languages, retired
A panorama of American life at the beginning of the 20th century in Buffalo, New York.  The characters, both real and imagined, are intriguing. 

Book:  Entombed by Linda Fairstein
Date: WEDNESDAY, November 5, 2008 7-9pm
Scholar: David McTamaney, English Dept. Monroe-Woodbury High School, retired

If you enjoy well written mysteries with dashes of New York City history, local lore, and historical landmarks thrown into the mix you will have fun reading this novel. All of our programs are FREE and light refreshments are served.  Copies of each title will be available to be checked out by library cardholders about three weeks before each program.  More detailed information about each book will be published at a later date, but please contact the program coordinator at (845) 341-5479 or email thrall16@warwick.net  if you would like more information about this series now or other programs or if special accommodations are needed.


September 2008
Benefit: Putnam Family & Community Services, Inc.
Contact_for_more_information: Putnam Family & Community Services
Email: mjhartnett@pfcsinc.org
Telephone: 8452252700
Website: www.PFCSinc.org
Location: Putnam Family & Community Services, Inc. 1808 Route Six Carmel, NY 10512 
Info: Take Part in National Recovery Month with Putnam Family & Community Services
Suffering from drug or alcohol addiction cam come at an expense. Don’t allow your hurtful actions to drive the ones who love you most…away. Know that there is hope, and if you know someone battling addiction, listen to what they’re saying. Find your real voice again and celebrate recovery during National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month this September. For drug and alcohol information and treatment for you or someone you know, call Putnam Family & Community Services at 845-225-2700, x102.


The Dutchess County Arts Council is seeking applications from qualified craftspeople and artisans for the Arts Council's Annual Fine Art & Craft Market to be held Saturday & Sunday, November 22nd & 23rd, at the Poughkeepsie Tennis Club, South Hamilton Street in Poughkeepsie. Only handcrafted goods in all media will be considered for this show. This sale is sponsored and coordinated by the Dutchess County Arts Council. Proceeds support Arts Council programs, artists, and arts organizations throughout the region. Applications are available at www.artsmidhudson.org  or by contacting the Arts Council at 845-454-3222 or info@artsmidhudson.org. Application fee is $15 but is waived for Dutchess County Arts Council members. Slides and digital submissions will be accepted. See guidelines for details. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, April 30, 2008. The Arts Council first produced the show as Dutchess Crafts in 1992 as a way to promote both the Arts Council and regional artists. Over the next several years the show took on several formats including several years at the Vassar College Alumnae House before moving to the Poughkeepsie Tennis Club. This year, The Fine Art & Craft Market will feature 32 carefully selected craft artists whose works offer variety, artistry and value in an intimate, relaxed atmosphere and include photography and oil painting; baskets and hand turned wood; ceramics and hand blown glass, fiber and jewelry. This intimate venue creates stress-free shopping with a chance to talk to the artists who create the work.


Adult Video Gaming at the Milton Library
Video gaming is no longer just for kids and teenagers.  The Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library on Main Street in Milton has purchased a Nintendo WII.  Adults and retirees are invited to stop in and join Derek on Friday mornings from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM to challenge him in a game of virtual tennis, golf or bowling.  For those with a musical bent, how about some guitar plucking with some of the famous rock bands from the 70’s and 80’s on the new Guitar Hero game. Game playing is easy, fun and challenging.  To register, please contact the library at 795-2200 or email us at miltonlibrary@hvc.rr.com.


18th Annual RiverFest Call for Artists and Craftspeople
Delaware Valley Arts Alliance is calling for fine artists & craftspeople for the 18th Annual Riverfest, Narrowsburg’s art, music, and environmental festival on the Delaware River. All work must be original in design and produced by the exhibiting artist. Objects made from commercial kits or molds or items that are imported or for resale are not accepted. Spaces are 10’ x 10’ and fees are $50 for DVAA members and $60 for non-members. Exhibitors are selected by a jury. Applications are available at www.ArtsAlllianceSite.org/programs/riverfest.html or by calling (845) 252-7576. Send completed applications to DVAA, Riverfest, P.O. Box 170, 37 Main Street, Narrowsburg, NY 12764. Applications must be received by Friday, May 16. If you have not previously or recently exhibited at RiverFest, submit four clear images of your work and/or your booth on slides, a CD-R, or detailed photographs by May 16, and include a self-addressed stamped envelope for their return. The 2008 RiverFest takes place Sunday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Narrowsburg’s Main Street, rain or shine. The quintessential summer event, RiverFest has been drawing thousands of art and nature enthusiasts to the banks of the Delaware River for 18 years.


Attention WALKERS!!!
The Poughkeepsie Area Walking Group welcomes adult men and women (18+) of all fitness levels. Dogs are welcome to join in on the walks as long as they are leashed at all times. Younger children are very welcome to attend if they are in a stroller or carrier. No matter what your fitness level is you can walk, so if you're ready to get in shape this is a good place to start! Walking helps support a healthy lifestyle while toning lower body muscles, burning fat, promoting cardiovascular fitness and allowing more mental clarity. Research shows that if you have a workout buddy you are more likely to stay committed to the workout! Here's your opportunity to meet local likeminded people who also want to get fit! http://walkers.meetup.com/278/  


Attention Sewing Enthusiasts!
The Hudson Valley Neighborhood Group  Of  the American Sewing Guild Meets: 2nd Saturday of every month Time: 10am to 1pm  Place: 6 South Ave.  Wappingers Falls.  Odd Fellows Bldg. Leader:  Donna Fredericks   845-226-1055 sewfred@frontiernet.net Guests are welcome to join our meetings.  Come and meet people with interests in sewing and needle arts.   We share talents and knowledge of our sewing skill.  


Attention Skiers: The Hudson Valley Ski Club meets at 7:30pm on the on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at the BEST WESTERN RT-9, Poughkeepsie.  Our not-for-profit club is open to anyone age 21 or over and offers free beginner and intermediate instruction, discount lift tickets, low-cost Eastern, Western and European Trips. We also sponsor many non-ski activities. Downhill, Cross Country, Snowboarding—all levels welcome!!  For further information, call (845) 473-2481, or visit our web site www.hudsonvalleyskiclub.org.  Also, Free Admission Ski Tickets raffle every meeting in the ski season.


Play Chess?
The Middletown Chess Club meets every Wednesday night at 8PM at the Wallkill Community Center off Rt. 211 and Wes Warren Drive. Casual and tournament players wanted. Call Howard Jacobus at 845-469-4979 for more details.


Mount Gulian Historic Site 845/831.8172 www.mountgulian.org


Unison Arts & Learning Center
The Unison Arts and Learning Center, on Mountain Rest Road in New Paltz, has  a wide variety of exciting and fun programs for young and old alike, for members and non-members.  To have a schedule mailed to you, or to find out how to become a member, please call 845-255-1559.


Happenings at St Francis Hospital, Poughkeepsie NY
Contact number for all programs:  (845) 483-5777
CONTINUING PROGRAMS

Program:  Free Asthma Education and Support Program
Date/Time:  Friday evenings 7:00 – 8:30
Location:  Saint Francis Hospital Atrium conference rooms A & B
Description:  Educational program sponsored by the Dutchess County Asthma Coalition for parents and caregivers of children with asthma.  Led by a Certified Respiratory Therapist, the program focuses on medication usage, use of respiratory equipment and other areas of support.  Free supplies and equipment are provided by the American Lung Association.  Call to register, no childcare provided. 

Program:  Free Smoking Cessation Support Group
Date/Time:  Tuesday evenings 6:00 – 8:00
Location:  Saint Francis Hospital Atrium, Suite 203
Description:  Group support for people at every level of their quests to quit smoking.  The group is run by facilitators trained in the American Cancer Society Fresh Start program and free nicotine replacement therapy is available (with Doctor’s written approval while supplies last) courtesy of  Smoke Free Dutchess.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE EVERY WEEKDAY 

Program:  Free Colon Cancer Screening for eligible men and women
Description:  Colon cancer is one of the most curable cancers if you catch it in its earliest stages.  If you're over 50 and haven't been screened, call to see if you're eligible for a free screening.   

Program:  Health Watch (Emergency Response System)
Description:  Offers an opportunity for independent living and personal security for some who otherwise might have to leave their homes.  Call for information.   

Program:  Free Health Information
Description:  Do you need information about a disease or health issue, medications, support groups, etc.?  Call us or stop by The Center for Health Information, Atrium at Saint Francis Hospital, Suite 203.


Gallery Talks at Dia:Beacon is a series of presentations that take place the last Saturday of every month at 1 pm and are free with admission to the museum. Focused on the work of the artists in Dia's collection, the one-hour presentations are given by curators, art historians, and writers, and take place in museum's galleries. Reservations are suggested. Please call Dia:Beacon at 845-440-0100 ext 44.

Current hours at Dia:Beacon are 11 am to 6 pm, Thursday through Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). Admission to the museum is $10 general, $7 for students and seniors, and free for Dia members and children under 12. The museum is easily reachable via Metro-North Railroad (the MTA's Hudson Line station in Beacon is within walking distance of the museum). On Saturdays, the 10:51 am train from Grand Central arrives in Beacon at 12:17. Full schedules are available on the MTA’s website at http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/. The museum is also reachable by major roadways. Driving directions are available on Dia's website at http://www.diaart.org/dia/visitor/index.html.

This series is made possible through the generosity of The Dyson Foundation, The Karan-Weiss Foundation, Jane W. Nuhn Charitable Trust, and the New York State Council on the Arts.