New Paltz High School students shine in art awards competition
Several New Paltz High School art students received honors from the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers and were named as 2020 Regional Scholastic Art Award Medalists. In addition, two students were nominated for the prestigious American Visions Award. Ten New Paltz High School artists took home coveted Gold and Silver medals in the regional competition, which was comprised of students from Dutchess, Ulster and Sullivan counties.
Among the winners are: Grade 12 students Pilar Duvivier, with two Gold, one Silver; Gia Hermes, one Gold, two Silver; and Shelby Maguire, two Gold, two Silver. For Grade 11, recipients include Emma Bakker, three Gold, one Silver; Eliza Behrke, one Gold, one Silver; Madison Harp, one Silver; Garrett Toman, one Gold; and Lake Willett, one Silver. Grade 10 students who earned awards include Dylan Keessen, one Gold, one Silver; and Dexter Thompson, one Gold.
Any student who won a Gold medal was moved on to the national level of the competition, where they have the opportunity to win money and national recognition. Thee winners will be invited to an awards ceremony to be held at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
For the American Voices & Visions nominees, five works of writing and five works of art from each region were selected by local judges and will be celebrated in local exhibitions and ceremonies. Gia Hermes and Garrett Toman won regional nominations and will be entered into the next phase, where a panel of jurors in New York City will select one writer and one artist from each region to receive the American Voices Medal or an American Visions Medal, which is the highest regional honor. Winners of the awards also attend a ceremony at Carnegie Hall and are celebrated during national events and at the National Exhibition in New York City.
New Paltz High School Art teacher Laurene Pountain encouraged students to submit works for this prestigious competition, with 25 young artists answering the call, submitting more than 102 works of art. Pountain, a district teacher for 20 years, says that New Paltz High School has participated in the program for many years, and has seen several students go to the national competitions.
Pountain says this is the second time any of her students have been nominated for the American Visions medals, and she is excited to find out the results. She proudly displays past winners from her classes under a special “Congratulations!” page on her website.
Mark your calendars for the New Paltz Regatta on June 14
The New Paltz Regatta will be held this year on Sunday, June 14. Gather your crew and bring your fun-spirited competitive side for a day of fun-filled tradition with live music and festivities.
The registration fee for the boat race is $25. You can register your boat online now or on the day of the Regatta at Village Hall before noon. Everyone on the boat over 18 years of age must show a valid ID. For more information, to register your boat, to become a sponsor or to make a donation, visit www.newpaltzregatta.com.
Balloon test rescheduled for March 14
The Town of New Paltz Planning Board has rescheduled a balloon test to this Saturday, March 14 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., related to the property proposed for a new 150-foot wireless telecommunications facility located on approximately 44.6 acres at 60 Jansen Road.
The Planning Board has scheduled Sunday, March 15 and each consecutive weekend date (Saturdays and Sundays only) thereafter in the case of inclement weather for the balloon test. The purpose of the balloon test is to have the balloon represent and identify the approximate height of the proposed tower, as it will appear from certain public viewsheds previously presented to the Planning Board.
During the balloon test, the applicant will take photographs from the viewshed locations identified by the Planning Board, which will be available for public inspection.
Gardiner Library offers AARP tax preparation help
The Gardiner Library and the AARP tax aide will provide free tax services to low and moderate income taxpayers starting Monday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program continues each Monday through April 13. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 917-757-0968 weekdays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. or email anytime sweir12525@gmail.com, providing your name and phone number, to schedule an appointment. Leave a message at other times and the call will be returned. AARP tax aide volunteers will review what is needed to file, locations, what appointments are available and what the client’s paperwork responsibilities are.
Generally, the program can handle simple returns involving wages, cash businesses, dividends, distributions, social security, pension and routine itemizations. Once you arrive, a greeter will ask you to fill out needed information and after review, a tax aide will prepare your return. Your return will then be quality checked by another aide to ensure accuracy. The tax aides will electronically transmit your return and provide you with a copy for your files.
Services take place in the community room. The library is located at 133 Farmer’s Turnpike. For additional information, call 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Centering Prayer workshop
Fr. Salvatore Cordaro will be offering a workshop on Centering Prayer on Wednesday, March 18, 7 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Church, located at 34 South Chestnut Street in New Paltz.
Centering Prayer is a form of spiritual meditation that disposes us to enter contemplative prayer and to say “yes” to the presence of God within us. Fr. Salvatore will speak on the spirituality and the technique of this way to pray and then there will be an opportunity to pray in that way.
Hudson Valley Music Collective presents Songwriter Circles at Gardiner Library
The Songwriter Circles by the Hudson Valley Music Collective will take place at the Gardiner Library on Wednesday, March 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. There is a $10 suggested donation.
Led by local musician, composer and teacher Michael Hollis, musicians will be given the chance to share with each other the successes and pitfalls of composing. Each circle will end with a short set performed by a different guest artist of the night. Bring your instruments.
The series will be offered in the library community room, 133 Farmer’s Turnpike. For further information, call 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
St. Patrick’s Day corned beef dinner on March 15 at the Lloyd United Methodist Church
The Lloyd United Methodist Church will hold a St. Patrick’s Day corned beef dinner this Sunday, March 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. The traditional corned beef, cabbage, carrots and potatoes will be served.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for children 5-10 years old and free for children under five. The church is located at 476 New Paltz Road in Highland.
Take-out dinners will also be available. For reservations and more information, call Pastor Gail at (845)255-8058.
Author readings at Inquiring Minds Bookstore in New Paltz
Inquiring Minds Bookstore in New Paltz will host two local authors as they share their new novels of family sagas this Sunday, March 15 at 4 p.m. at Inquiring Minds in New Paltz.
Marina Antropow Cramer’s Anna Eva Mimi Adam is a story of three generations of women who suffer the consequences of a single violent act. Roselee Blooston’s book Trial by Family tells a story of need, greed, love and money — part family saga, part legal drama. The authors will be available to sign their books after the event. All books purchased at the event will be discounted 15%.
Inquiring Minds Bookstore is located at 6 Church Street in New Paltz.
Mini golf In the stacks: Harry Potter and the Masters of Mini Golf at Elting Library
Tee up at Elting Library this Saturday, March 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Players of all ages are invited to enjoy nine holes of Harry Potter-themed mini golf in the stacks at Elting Library.
A ticket for one round of golf is $5 and an unlimited all-day pass costs $10. Refreshments will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the library Youth Advisory Group, who built the sets.
Golf clubs will be provided by Lakeside Licks.
Battle of the Books 2020 informational meeting at Gardiner Library
The Gardiner Library will host the Battle of the Books 2020 informational meeting this Sunday March 15 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Learn about the library contest sweeping the nation that allows students in grade 7 and up to compete against other public libraries in a Jeopardy-style match. Community service hours for team members. A moderator asks 17 questions per round concerning eight pre-selected books. This year’s chosen books are: The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman, Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper, Scythe by Neal Shusterman, The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang, Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham, Carry On by Rainbow Rowell, One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus and Just Mercy (Young Reader Edition) by Bryan Stevenson.
The meeting will take place in the library community room, 133 Farmer’s Turnpike. For further information, call 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Gardiner Day Committee to host corned beef and cabbage dinner fundraiser
The Gardiner Day Committee is hosting a corned beef and cabbage dinner fundraiser this Saturday, March 14 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Gardiner Fire Department, located at 2349 Route 44/55. Wear your green clothing for a night of food and fun.
For tickets and more information, check out the event on the Gardiner Day New York facebook page (“Gardiner Day New York”).
Tickets are available at Ulster Savings Bank in Gardiner, Walden Savings Bank in Gardiner, Majestic’s Hardware, Eventbrite or call Jewell at (845) 797-3629 or Desi at (845) 750-5085.
Yoga Nidra with Wendy Blair at Gardiner Library
The Gardiner Library hosts a Yoga Nidra class with Wendy Blair this Sunday, March 15 from noon to 1:00 p.m. Yoga Nidra is a form of guided meditation that uses a combination of intention-setting, guided body scan, breath work and imagery as gateways to reducing mental, emotional and physical tensions.
The suggested donation is $10 for the library All classes take place in the library community room. For further information, call 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Teen Advisory Board meeting at Gardiner Library
The Gardiner Library invites teens between the ages of 13 and 18 to join the Teen Advisory Board at the Gardiner Library. The next meeting takes place this Sunday, March 15 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Attendees receive community service hours.
Events take place in the library community room. For further information, call 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Learn about the history of dolls at Elting Library on March 15
Local doll collector Carol M. Reiter will present “A Brief History of the Doll: From Religious Icon to Cherished Toy,” this Sunday, March 15, 4 p.m., in the Steinberg Room of the Elting Memorial Library, located at 93 Main Street in New Paltz.
Reiter will bring highlights of her collection, including dolls from different continents (Africa, Asia and North America) and cultures. The oldest doll that will be on display is a China head from 1840. Also being displayed will be Nell Patience Madison — a wooden Queen Anne doll reproduction by doll artist Sandra Wright Justiss, based on a 1700s original. Reiter’s collection includes dolls made of tree bark, other kinds of wood, porcelain and fabric.
This free presentation, open to the public, will last about an hour and includes a question-and-answer session.
The Ladies Auxiliary of Highland Hose Company No. 1 to hold a Penny Social
The Ladies Auxiliary of Highland Hose Company No. 1 will hold a Penny Social on Saturday, March 28 at the Highland Fire District headquartwes, located at 25 Milton Avenue in Highland.
The doors will open at 5 p.m. and calling starts at 6:30 p.m. There will be raffle tables and a 50/50 raffle. Refreshments will be served.
Next Year’s Words will feature poets Molly McGlennen, Jo Pitkin and Sarah Wyman
Next Year’s Words, a New Paltz reading forum, will feature three poets on March 18, 7:30 p.m., at the Jewish Congregation of New Paltz Community Center, located at 30 North Chestnut Street in New Paltz.
The three featured poets include: Molly McGlennen, Jo Pitkin and Sarah Wyman. The event will be curated by Susan Chute.
There will be an open mic and refreshments will be served. The suggested donation is $4.
For additional information, email:readandlisten@npnextyearswords.org or npnextyearswords@gmail.com.
The event will be presented by Wallkill Valley Writers and is supported by the SUNY New Paltz Department of English.
New Paltz Garden Club to meet on March 16
The New Paltz Garden Club invites all interested gardeners to its first 2020 meeting on Monday, March 16, 6 p.m., in the social hall of the New Paltz Reformed Church on Huguenot Street. A plant giveaway and potluck dinner, hosted by the members, will be enjoyed. Later programs of the year will be discussed.
Previously posted and now corrected, the talk “Garden Timeline” by Andrew Sinno of Wallkill Farms and Clinton Clausen, heard gardener of Mohonk Mountain House, is scheduled for Monday, April 20 at 7 p.m. All are welcomed. For additional information, call Kathy Rivera, vice president at 646-361-5190.
Gardiner Library presents Slow Jam
The Gardiner Library will offer Slow Jam this Sunday March 15 from 3:30 to 5:15 p.m. All musicians and acoustic instruments are welcome. The Slow Jam allows those new to playing an acoustic instrument to practice with some local musicians. Participants play at a slower pace, so everyone is given the chance to learn the songs. There’s no audience and no pressure.
Events take place in the library community room. For further information, call 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Go Green Expo in Gardiner
A Go Green Expo will take place on Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Gardiner Firehouse, located at 100 Main Street.
Learn more about going solar, heat pumps, quality insulation, EV cars, composting, plant-based diets and sustainable businesses in the area. There will be green vendors, artists and educators to share how to reduce our carbon imprint. There will also be snacks, raffle prizes, kids’ activities and St. Patty’s Day fun.
This event is sponsored by Climate Smart Gardiner and is family friendly and free.
Coping with the loss of a spouse
Beginning Experience of the Hudson Valley invites men and women of all ages who have suffered the loss of a spouse due to death, divorce or separation to a five-week program called “Coping with Life Alone.”
Participants will meet on the following Sundays: March 22, March 29, April 5, May 3 and May 17 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s parish center, located at 34 South Chestnut Street in New Paltz.
Registration is required, so contact Karen at (845) 255-8089 or kngavin@gmail.com, Margaret at (845) 383-1746 or Jim at (845) 569-9452. For more information, visit www.beginningexperiencehv.org.
Join the family! 
