Briefly noted in Kingston (9/8/21)

Reher Center wins federal grant, hosts fundraiser for K-12 programming

The Reher Center for Immigrant History and Culture has announced that it has been awarded a two-year grant totaling $40,512 from the Inspire! Grants for Small Museums program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services “to develop, pilot and refine second- and eighth-grade school programs with the help of a Teachers’ Advisory Committee.”

Additionally, the Center is hosting a fundraiser film premiere and buffet on Monday, September 13 at 5 p.m. at Ole Savannah restaurant in support of its ongoing K-12 and family programs. The Making of Stitched Together is a 13-minute documentary directed by Paula Ann Mitchell. It documents a year-long collaborative project among classes at Kingston Catholic, Rhinebeck High School and Ulster BOCES led by the Reher Center in school year 2020/21. Students researched, wrote fictional diary entries and sewed garments reflecting the individuality of nine girls and women who worked at Kingston’s F. Jacobson and Sons Shirt Factory in 1918. The resulting exhibition is on display in the Reher Center courtyard and front windows through the fall.

Tickets to the premiere and buffet cost $55. Those wishing to watch the film at home can also donate any amount. They will receive the film link via e-mail on September 13.

The Reher Center, located at 101 Broadway in Kingston, opened its doors to the public for the first time in July 2018 and hosted its first youth program that same month. Since then, it has served more than 2,000 area students through a variety of on-site programs, in-class projects and field trips. Located in a historic immigrant family bakery building in the Rondout area of Kingston, the Reher Center celebrates and educates the community about the lives, hard work and contributions of immigrants from all over the world who came, and continue to come, to Kingston seeking new opportunity. The site is the only museum in the Hudson Valley dedicated to the immigrant stories of the Hudson Valley, past and present.

For information regarding Reher Center programs and fundraiser buffet tickets, visit www.rehercenter.org.

Ulster County Italian Festival back at Rondout waterfront October 10

The Ulster County Italian American Foundation’s 14^th annual Italian Festival will return to T. R. Gallo Park at the foot of Broadway in Kingston on October 10 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Last year’s festival was scaled back and moved to the Town of Ulster due to the COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings. “We did our best last year with a mini-festival at Tech City, but we’re working hard to make this year’s festival a real family and community celebration,” said Les Lombardi, president of the Foundation.

The opening ceremony begins at 11 a.m. on the main stage, followed by a full day of entertainment, children’s activities, food and craft vendors, a spaghetti-eating contest and street performers. During the festivities, the Ulster County Italian American Foundation will honor the 2021 Signore and Signora of the Year, yet to be announced.

Musical acts scheduled to perform include vocalists Angela Bruno, Andrew Hoben and Vanessa Racci, as well as Vince Chiarelli and his band and world-famous accordion player Cory Pesaturo. The Michael Dell Orchestra will close out the day with a dance party.

The 300-member Ulster County Italian American Foundation, established in 2015, aims to promote, preserve and celebrate Italian heritage and culture in Ulster County.

Shuttle buses to the festival will be available at Kingston Point (handicapped accessible), Kingston Plaza and the Cornell Street municipal parking lot. Admission to the festival is free. For vendor and sponsor information as well as schedule updates, visit www.uciaf.org. All proceeds from the festival will go to UCIAF’s annual education awards and community grants programs.

Rob Garcia Quartet 9/17 at TR Gallo Waterfront Park

Renowned Brooklyn drummer Rob Garcia will bring his jazz quartet to Kingston on Friday, September 17, 7 p.m., at the T.R. Gallo Waterfront Park. Admission is free.

“The Hudson Valley is a special place for me, and I’m very much looking forward to performing there with my group and contributing to its rich musical legacy,” Garcia said. “Each member of my group has a very unique, distinct and masterful way of playing their instrument. Together we create something very special. I can’t wait to perform in Kingston for an audience that I know will expect only the best!”

In addition to Garcia on drums, the Rob Garcia 4 features Noah Preminger on tenor saxophone, Leo Genovese on piano and Kim Cass on bass. 

For additional information, visit robgarciamusic.com.