The City Winds Trio will perform a holiday concert for children and adults at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Roeliff Jansen Community Library.   The program will include popular selections from The Nutcracker, as well as Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza music.

The concert is free of charge. A portion of the proceeds from voluntary contributions will support the BackPack program at the Taconic Hills Schools.

The City Winds Trio is a distinguished classical music ensemble that performs concerts up and down the East Coast. They create a unique sound because of the unusual combination of instruments. The members include Crispian Fordham, flute; Meredyth Coleman, oboe; and Yuki Higashi, bassoon.

Hands-on participation

In addition to hearing some great holiday music, all children who attend will have an opportunity to play one of the instruments, try their hand at conducting and participate in a game and drawing project.

In a press release announcing the event, Howard Van Lenten, president of the Board of Trustees, said that “we are delighted to have such an accomplished ensemble perform at the Library as part of our Adventures in Music series.

“As is the case with all of our events, said Van Lenten, “admission is free of charge, but we are asking those who can do so to make a voluntary contribution of $10, a portion of which will benefit the BackPack Program at the Taconic Hills Schools.”

Van Lenten said that “the program’s mission is to alleviate child hunger right here in the Roe Jan area by discretely distributing backpacks containing nutritious and easy-to-prepare food to designated children for those times when other resources are not available, such as weekends.”

“I hope that the community will come out in force,” said Van Lenten, “not only to enjoy a holiday musical treat, but to help those who need us most, especially at this time of year.”

The Roeliff Jansen Community Library, which is chartered to serve Ancram, Copake and Hillsdale, is located at 9091 Rt. 22 in Copake, NY. For information on hours and events, call 518-325-4101, or visit the library’s website at www.roejanlibrary.org

at our 2^nd Annual Benefit in Support of the Copake Iron Works Furnace Cover Project

Saturday, March 17^th, 3:30 pm

Copake Grange, Copake NY

Lecture, Slide Presentation and “Embroidered Garden” Book Signing

Hors d’oeurves and wine reception will follow!

Tickets may be purchased here.

Or by calling 518-966-2734

The Hillsdale United Methodist Church presents duo-pianist Ellana Belli and Delana Thomson.  The pair will perform a Russian Fantasy featuring:

Fantasie in A Minor, op. posth.

Fantasie, op. 104

Suite No. 1 “Fantasie-tableaux”, op. 5

The Friends of Taconic State Park

You’re invited to take part in a winter hike to the incredible Bash Bish Falls on Sunday, February 19^th.

1:00 to 3:00 pm

Meet at the new Park Office at entrance on Route 344 in Copake Falls.

All welcome – children, furry friends, more the merrier!

at The Learning Center at Hawthorne Valley Farm

Saturday, February 18: 12:00 to 4:00 PM

$45 per person

Perhaps the most popular and most demanding cheese to make in the world.  Come join Peter Kindel, the Hawthorne Valley Farm cheese maker, to learn how to make cheddar from start to finish.   From milk to curd, you’ll learn the steps to producing your own beautiful, homemade batch of cheese, followed by a discussion and tasting of some of the best cheddars available.  Class size is limited, so please book in advance.  Email email hidden; JavaScript is required or call 518-672-7500, x232.

Home Cheese Making Class, “Making Gouda”

at The Learning Center at Hawthorne Valley Farm

Saturday, March 10: 12:00 – 3:00 PM

$40 per person

Ever wonder why gouda is so silky and sweet?  Come join Peter Kindel, the Hawthorne Valley Farm cheese maker, to learn how to make the dutch classic.  We will go over all of the ins and outs of washed curd cheeses, as well as the technical aspects of brining cheese.  Followed by a tasting of some washed curd cheeses. Class size is limited, so please book in advance.  Email email hidden; JavaScript is required or call 518-672-7500, x232.

Home Cheese Making Class, “Camembert”

at The Learning Center at Hawthorne Valley Farm

Saturday, April 28, during “NOFA Raw milk Symposium”

$40 per person

Come join us for the holy grail of the cheese world, the perfect camembert.  Come join Peter Kindel, the Hawthorne Valley Farm cheese maker, we will make, salt and taste this French classic.  We will talk about animals, raw milk, history, and the politics and philosophy of what has to be one of the most interesting foods around.   Class size is limited, so please book in advance.  Email email hidden; JavaScript is required or call 518-672-7500, x232.

Home Cheese Making Class, “Making Feta”

at The Learning Center at Hawthorne Valley Farm

Saturday, May 19, 2012: 12:00 – 3:00 PM

$40 per person

This ancient cheese is easy to make, but hard to make well.  Come join Peter Kindel, the Hawthorne Valley Farm cheese maker, to learn how to make Feta.  From milk to curd to brine you’ll learn the steps to producing your own beautiful, homemade batch of cheese, followed by a comparative tasting of different feta cheeses. Class size is limited, so please book in advance.  Email email hidden; JavaScript is required or call 518-672-7500, x232.

Mezzo-sopranos Mary Deyerle Hack and Nina Fine, along with pianist Gwen Gould, will appear in concert at the Roeliff Jansen Community Library at 7p.m., Saturday, February 11.  Read the full press release here:  Mezzo Mezzo press release.

The program — entitled “Mezzo-Mezzo” — will include selections from Steven Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Jacques Offenbach.  To learn more visit the Roe Jan Library site here.

“Planning a Garden” – moderated by expert gardeners Tom Carty and Bart Ziegler

The conversation will focus on basic yet essential tips and principals of garden design including: choosing plants that have year-round interest; avoiding plants that require too much maintenance; making sure the plants you select fit in the space available; and the merits of perennial versus annual flowers.

The information will be specific to the Hillsdale climate and soil types, focusing on plants that thrive in the area—and ones that aren’t tasty to our deer and other critters. As a practical, hands-on exercise, the existing town gardens in the center of the hamlet and at the western and southern entrances to the town (at the “Welcome to Hillsdale” signs) will be used to illustrate how to improve gardens using the design principles discussed.

Beginners and experts alike are welcome. 

Tom is a Hillsdale-based garden designer and landscaper who has created many fine gardens in Columbia County. Bart, an avid Hillsdale gardener, writes about his experiences in his online gardening column for The Wall Street Journal, called “Weekend Gardener.”

Want to do something great for your community, feel good about yourself and make new friends? Find out how by attending a delicious breakfast at the Roe Jan Library, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 28.  No reservations are necessary.

Jill Sims-Elster, who is coordinating the Volunteer Outreach Breakfast, says “in just 60 minutes, you’ll learn about the many exciting ways you can volunteer your talents, skills and experience at the new Roeliff Jansen Community Library.”

“No matter what your passion,” she said, “you can put it to good use. For instance, you can help us plan and carry out programs in such areas as gardening, book groups, animals, women’s and men’s issues, sports, music films, or travel to mention just a few.”  For more information click here.

Sponsored by the DVH
2:00 PM
RJ Community Library

Peparations are underway for a mini puppet show, “The Elves and the Shoemaker” by the Brothers Grimm, to be performed at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 21st in the Community Room at the Roeliff Jansen Community Library. The show is appropriate for children ages 3 and up.

In addition, young peoplebetween the ages of 9 and 16 are invitedto help paint scenery and props on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 11to 12.

The show, which features a puppet theater purchased with a grant from The Stewart‘s Holiday Match Campaign 2011, is being staged by Beth Adams, the Library’s Youth Services & Program Coordinator, with help from local volunteers Jane and Ben Weaver.

Ms. Adams said that the Librarywould also be offering a monthly puppetry storytelling program for childrenages 3 – 14 on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 2:00.

For more information,please contact Ms. Adams at 518-325-4101.

The Roeliff JansenCommunity Library, which is chartered to serve Ancram, Copake and Hillsdale, islocated at 9091 Rt. 22 in Hillsdale, approximately one mile south of the trafficlight at the intersection of Rts. 22 and 23. For information on hours, events,call 518-325-4101, or visit the library’s website at www.roejanlibrary.org.

I. Silent Prayer/Pledge of Allegiance

II. Approve Minutes

III. Committee Reports

• Sewer: A. Sena
• Park & Recreation: J. Simms
• Communications: P. Cipkowski
• Highway: S. Tiger/R. Briggs
• Building Dept: A. Sena

IV. Other Business

• Economic Development
• Appointments
• Other
• Pay Bills

Have you ever wanted to learn how to quilt? Or perhaps you’re an experienced quilter with a project you want to start or need to finish? Maybe you used to quilt but need some motivation to get started again?

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert quilter, here’s your chance.

Starting in January, quilting classes will be conducted in the Community Room at the Roeliff Jansen Community Library from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.  The first class will be held on Thursday, January 5th, and the exact format will be determined at that time, based on the needs of the group.

So that each person receives individual attention, class size will be limited to 10 and pre-registration is required.  Those interested may sign up at the library; or by calling Gloria Kadish at 518-672-4036

The class instructor is Catherine Kane, owner of Brookside Quilt Works in Egremont, MA. Catherine is the past president of the Berkshire Quilting Guild and an experienced teacher and quilter. One of her quilts will be displayed in the library at the very end of the year.

There is a $10.00 fee for each session, and a portion of the proceeds will support program development at the Library.

The Roeliff Jansen Community Library, which is chartered to serve Ancram, Copake and Hillsdale, is located at 9091 Rt. 22 in Copake, approximately one mile south of the light at the intersection of Routes 22 and 23. For information on hours and events, call 518-325-4101, or visit the library’s website at www.roejanlibrary.org

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board of Hillsdale will hold its Organizational Meeting on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012, at 3:00 pm at the Hillsdale Town Hall.

By Order of the Town Board.

Julie M. Kane Town Clerk

National effort encourages families to spend the holiday enjoying the outdoors

COPAKE FALLS, NY (12/29/11) – Kick off 2012 right: take a hike at Taconic State Park in Copake Falls on New Year’s Day!

This hike is one of the 16 sponsored hikes in New York as part of America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states. The hike will be hosted with the Friends of Taconic State Park’s volunteers. Hikers should meet at the new Park Office in Copake Falls a little before 1 p.m. If there’s snow on the ground, snowshoes will be provided for free on a first come, first serve basis, or feel free to bring your own. The hike is family and dog friendly, approximately 2 ½ to 3 miles, ending at 3 p.m. After the hike, there will be a small bonfire with free hot cocoa.

First Day Hikes give individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2012 at a state park close to home. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.

In the case of stormy weather or icy trail conditions, please call the Park Office (518) 329-3993.

Taconic State Park is a scenic wonderland for winter enthusiasts. There are 10 miles of snowmobile trails and numerous trails for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Bash Bish Falls, located near the Massachusetts-New York border is a short hike from the Copake Falls area of the park.

Taconic State Park is one of 15 parks and six historic sites administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation – Taconic Region. The park is the oldest state park in the Taconic Region. It is located in Columbia County on Route 344 in the town of Copake Falls, along 11 miles of the Taconic Mountain Range, sharing borders with Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information please visit our website.

KIDS HOLIDAY SHOW COMES TO COPAKE AND HUDSON

Once again, it’s time for the Columbia Arts Team (CAT) KIDS HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR on December 30 at JUMP! indoor playground in Hudson and December 31 at the Copake Community Park Building, Copake. The area’s popular live show for kids and families features a juggler, music acts and a visit from Santa.

The CAT Kids Holiday Spectacular, now in its seventh year, showcases fun entertainment by special guests, including holiday music by the pop!ternatives trio; juggling, and magic, among other surprises. In addition to the professional performers, this year’s show also features young participants from the CAT Youth Theater Workshop, including Stephanie Brodsky and Meagan Conway. Following the show, Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves greet children and offer special gifts.

The Spectacular is performed this year again on two different days in two different locations: the Friday, December 30 performance is a 10am matinee at JUMP!, located in the Columbia Plaza, 350 Fairview Avenue in Hudson, NY; and on Saturday, December 31, the 2pm performance is at the Copake Community Park Building on Mountain View Road in Copake, NY. Refreshments will be available at both shows.

“We really believe in providing performing arts opportunities to young people, as well as live theatrical events parents can enjoy with their children,” enthused Christina Dellea, co-founder of CAT. “This year, we’re thrilled to be partnering with a new area business, JUMP!, in Hudson. We share a commitment to quality children’s entertainment in our community, so it’s great to be able to team up and offer young people and their families an even greater opportunity for fun and exposure to the arts.”

Columbia Arts Team is a registered 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit arts corporation founded by comedienne / director Liv Cummins, singer Dellea, and comedy writer Sandy McKnight, all Columbia County residents.  CAT is dedicated to nurturing original theater, music, and comedy shows showcasing the best local talent, as well as providing young people opportunities to experience the performing arts in a safe, family-friendly environment.

JUMP! indoor playground is a safe, clean place to bring children up to 12 years old to play and exercise. It features several inflatable play structures that give children an opportunity to crawl through obstacles, climb, bounce, and zoom down giant slides. In addition, it features a toddler zone, music, coffee, light snacks, and party rooms.

Admission to the Dec. 30th Spectacular at JUMP! is $10. for kids, which includes ‘stay and play’ all day. To purchase tickets, go to JUMP!, or call 518-828-1982. For the performance on Dec. 31st at Copake Park, general admission is $10, and is FREE for kids under 13. To reserve tickets, go to columbiaartsteam.org or call

Join RJ’s canine friends at the Old Route 22 Dog Run for a wintry get together.  This is your chance to show off your favorite sweater, doggie coats and boots and let your canine friends romp.

Hot chocolate, doggie treats and new tennis balls will be available.

Take this opportunity to share contact information.  Your dog may want a few play pals during the winter.

ROELIFF JANSEN PARK IS LOCATED ON ROUTE 22, ABOUT 1/2 MILE SOUTH OF THE INTERSECTION OF ROUTES 22 AND 23 IN HILLSDALE, NEW YORK

Winter Explorations in Columbia County (co-sponsored by the Columbia Land Conservancy)

Join ecologists Claudia and Conrad Vispo from Hawthorne Valley’s Farmscape Ecology Program for a walk at a natural area somewhere in the County to explore its winter ecology and land use history. Destinations will be determined a week before the walk, depending on weather and trail conditions. For info on destinations and to register for these free walks, please contact email hidden; JavaScript is required or (518) 672-7994.