Brave Girls at Rosendale Theatre October 22 & 24
Rosendale Theatre will present the independent film Brave Girls, directed by Ellie Walton and Yashaswi Desai, on Friday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 24 at 2 p.m. The 71-minute documentary tells the story of three teenaged girls living in a small village in western India who get the chance to go to school and complete their tenth-grade exams.
By tradition, these girls would be married at 18 and move into their husbands’ family homes. While the girls study and devise plans for furthering their education, for work and independent income and for marrying for love, their families are proceeding with their prearranged marriages. Filmed over four years, Brave Girls explores urgent questions about the empowerment of women in the developing world.
A short animated video by local high school student Rhys Ellis will screen before the feature film. The short, The Importance of Educating Girls, is a Capstone project that Ellis made for their eighth-grade graduating thesis at High Meadow School in Stone Ridge. Ellis is a ninth-grader at Kingston High School.
Ellie Walton, one of the Brave Girls directors, and Tanisha Christie, one of its producers, along with Ellis will appear in person at the Friday, October 22 screening. Upstate Women in Film and Television (UPWIFT) will sponsor a pre-screening mixer in the Garden House patio area next to the Theatre. And the post-screening discussion will include Walton and Christie (feature film). Sunday’s matinée will feature both films with no discussion.
Information and ticket pre-purchase (and seating choice) are available at the Rosendale Theatre website at www.rosendaletheatre.org.
COVID policies remain in effect: proof of vaccination for age 12 and over, masking in Theatre unless seated and eating/drinking, distanced seating.
Fatal car/pedestrian accident in New Paltz
The New Paltz Police Department is investigating a fatal car/pedestrian accident. On October 11, 2021, at about 5:16 a.m., the New Paltz Police Department responded to a 911 call of a reported car/pedestrian accident in the area of 61 South Ohioville Road in the Town of New Paltz.
The preliminary investigation indicates the deceased was in the northbound lane of the roadway and was struck by a vehicle traveling northbound on South Ohioville Road. The pedestrian was declared deceased at the scene.
According to police, the vehicle operator remained on scene, called 911 and is fully cooperating with the investigation. There is no indication that alcohol or distraction contributed to the accident. The roadway remained closed while members of the New York State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit processed the scene.
The investigation is continuing and anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact the New Paltz Police Department Detective Division at (845) 255-1357.
The New Paltz Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police, New Paltz Rescue Squad, New Paltz Fire Department and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office.
Store features latest devices, accessories for Spectrum Mobile™
Charter Communications, Inc. has announced the opening of a new Spectrum store in New Paltz. The Spectrum store gives consumers in the New Paltz area an option for adding or managing their Spectrum Internet®, TV, mobile or voice services. The Spectrum store at 23 New Paltz Plaza is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
“Our Spectrum store’s team is here to help our local customers who need support in getting and staying connected,” said Pattie Eliason, senior vice president, Spectrum Stores & Retail. “Our new store in New Paltz is a convenient and safe environment to add or manage services, shop for devices and accessories or make payments.”
Along with ordering and sampling Spectrum services, customers also can complete a variety of transactions at the store, including account payments and upgrading or exchanging equipment.
Visit www.spectrum.com/stores for more information on locations, hours and Spectrum products and services.
Slow Jam at Gardiner Library
The Gardiner Library hosts a Slow Jam on Sunday, October 17 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 friendly local musicians. Musicians gather to play old-time, folksongs, bluegrass, Western and other homespun-type songs. Participants play at a slower pace, so everyone is given the chance to learn the songs. There is no audience and no pressure.
The Slow Jam takes place on the third Sunday of every month and meets outdoors, weather permitting. If moved inside, masks are required.
The Library is located at 133 Farmers’ Turnpike. For additional information, call (845) 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Finishing Line Press to publish local author’s newest book
Finishing Line Press announces the forthcoming publication of Mala Hoffman’s next poetry chapbook, A History of Place. According to the author, the book is an exploration of personal history and an examination of where to place those reflections in present-day life.
In commenting about the work, poet Dennis Doherty, who teaches Literature and Creative Writing at SUNY New Paltz, writes, “Despite place names for each title, we never know exactly where we are in these poems, only the specificity of moment, and so each poem is experienced like a dream. It is a series of compelled placements, or, more accurately, displacements, in a haunting from cultural history, anti-Semitism and family.”
This newest chapbook joins Hoffman’s previous collections that include Half Moon over Midnight (Paper Kite Press), A Year of Wednesdays (Finishing Line Press) and Becoming Bubbe (The Poet’s Haven). Her poetry has also been published in a variety of journals and anthologies.
A History of Place will be published in January 2022 and is now available for preorder by contacting Finishing Line Press, PO Box 1626, Georgetown KY 40324 or by going to the website at www.finishinglinepress.com and clicking on “Preorder Forthcoming Titles” or “Bookstore.”
Upcoming events at the Rosendale Library
The Rosendale Library will offer a Medicare 101 webinar on Monday, October 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn about enrollment, eligibility, insurance options and more. Register at rosendalelibrary.org.
Rosendale Library will hold a pumpkin-carving contest on Thursday, October 28 at 4 p.m. at the library. Ten pumpkins are available, or bring your own. Register at rosendalelibrary.org.
Rosendale Library is offering a free Afro-Cuban Orisha dance class at the Rosendale Recreation Pavilion (1055 Route 32, Rosendale) on Saturday, October 23 at 1:30 p.m. Masks are required. Wear shoes you can dance in.
My First Book Club at Gardiner Library
The Gardiner Library presents My First Book Club on Sunday, October 17 from 2 to 3 p.m. for ages 7 to 9. Come discuss spooky stories and read a couple in a group setting. Let us know what you are reading while making Halloween slime.
For additional information and registration, contact Carolyn at cthorenz@rcls.org. The Library is located at 133 Farmers’ Turnpike. Call (845) 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibrary.org.
Town of New Paltz seeks volunteers
The Town of New Paltz is looking for volunteers to serve on the Board of Assessment Review, Bike/Ped Committee, Environmental Conservation Board, Ethics Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Police Commission and Public Access Committee. Interested parties may submit a letter of interest and résumé to the supervisor’s office at PO Box 550, New Paltz NY 12561 or e-mail assistant@townofnewpaltz.org.
Fall into Art: Virtual Museum Tour hosted by Gardiner Library
The Gardiner Library hosts Fall into Art: Virtual Museum Tour and Art Class on Tuesday, October 19 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for ages 5 to 12. Come discover how artists have been inspired by the beauty of Long Island. Take a virtual tour of the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center and the studios of Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner. Learn creative ways in which artists capture nature in abstract art.
After, join the museum guide and educator as she demonstrates how you can paint the beauty of autumn to make abstract art. Supplies needed: paint and paintbrush and a surface for your art, such as paper.
Contact Nicole at nlane@rcls to register and receive the Zoom link. The Library is located at 133 Farmers’ Turnpike. For additional information, call (845) 255-1255 or visit www.gardinerlibraryorg.
Next Year’s Words resumes October 20
Next Year’s Words, the New Paltz reading forum that features writers from the SUNY New Paltz community, Hudson Valley and beyond, will begin its eighth season on October 20 featuring these three poets:
Trish Hopkinson is a poet and advocate for the literary arts. You can find her online at SelfishPoet.com.
Mary K. O’Melveny is a retired labor rights lawyer who lives in Washington, DC and Woodstock. Her work has been published in various print and online journals.
James Reitter is an associate professor at Dominican College in New York and lives with his wife in southern Dutchess County. He has been publishing poetry for over three decades and currently runs Masque and Spectacle.
This reading will be presented via Zoom. To attend, register at https://cutt.ly/NYW-Oct-2021. An open mic will follow the features.
For additional information, e-mail readandlisten@npnextyearswords.org.
Fall Festival at Mill Brook Preserve
The Mill Brook Preserve will hold a Fall Festival and fund drive on Sunday, October 24 (rain date October 30) from noon to 4 p.m. at its Sunset Ridge entrance, with parking at Duzine Elementary School. The event will feature a scavenger hunt with prizes, a live raptor program, hourly walks with experts, a Junior Ranger program, art activities, dog portraits, seasonal treats and more.
Clove Road closure, Town of Gardiner
As of Monday, October 18, Clove Road will be closed indefinitely to accommodate the bridge replacement. Signage for detours will be in place and arrangements have been made for emergency services.
Information can be found on the Town of Gardiner’s website or by calling Town Hall at (845) 255-9675. We appreciate your cooperation while we make this long-overdue improvement.
Man arrested for defrauding Gardiner of $14K+
New York State comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Ulster County district attorney David Clegg and the New York State Police announced that Kyle Fletcher, a heavy equipment operator employed by the Town of Gardiner, was arrested for allegedly defrauding the Town of over $14,000 in health care buyout payments to which he was not entitled. “Mr. Fletcher allegedly deceived the Town to pocket over $14,000 in public funds,” DiNapoli said. “Thanks to my office’s partnership with the New York State Police and Ulster County District Attorney Clegg, he is being held responsible for his actions.”
“Public employees must be held to a high standard, and stealing taxpayer money for personal benefit is not acceptable for any reason. I commend our members and the Comptroller’s Office for their work on making certain that this individual is held accountable for his actions,” State Police superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said.
In mid-2017, Fletcher informed the Town that he was eligible to receive health insurance buyouts from his employer because he had other health insurance coverage. Employees are eligible for health insurance buyout payments if they have external insurance coverage and forego the Town of Gardiner’s health insurance policy.
Although Fletcher lost his non-Town-provided health insurance coverage in January 2018, he did not notify the town and obtained $14,071.59 in unlawful buyout payments until his resignation in 2020. Fletcher was employed by the Town of Gardiner from April 2014 until he resigned in May 2020.
Fletcher was arraigned last week before judge Eugene Rizzo of the Town of Lloyd Justice Court.
Saugerties Pro Musica presents second concert of 26th season
Saugerties Pro Musica will present the piano/violin duo of Mihae Lee and Urara Mogi on October 17 at 3 p.m. in a free concert at Saugerties United Methodist Church, located at 67 Washington Avenue in Saugerties.
Before the pandemic, a violinist with a “kaleidoscopic range of expression,” Urara Mogi, and the “simply dazzling” pianist Mihae Lee agreed to substitute for a duo from Europe whose health caused a cancellation. They will perform works by Handel, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Rachmaninoff and Mozart.
All CDC Guidelines will be followed in the live performance at the Church. For more information, visit www.saugertiespromusica.org or call (845) 679-5733.
Resnick Series continues
The Resnick Series on “The New (?) American Anti-Semitism” continues on Wednesday October 20 at 7:30 p.m. featuring Eli Gottlieb a prize-winning novelist, essayist and journalist. He will speak on “Armies of the Night: Antisemitism on the Campus and Beyond.” His novels have been awarded the Rome Prize of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the McKitterick Prize of the British Society of Authors and have been published in 14 languages. His novel Best Boy was a New York Times editor’s choice, and a People magazine pick of the week. It was also recognized by the Library Journal as one of the top ten books of 2015
Gottlieb has worked as a Senior Editor of Elle Magazine and taught American Literature as a Lecturer at the University of Padova, Italy. He currently teaches writing and literature in the MFA Program of Columbia University. Join us by clicking the following link: https://newpaltz.webex.com/newpaltz/j.php?MTID=me5c565328e9ef6f4c52012490897643a.
For more information send an e-mail to soring@newpaltz.edu.
Halloween New Paltz 2021 menu of “Spook-tacular” activities
1. Historic Huguenot Street: “Gertrude Deyo’s Ghost Ball” Friday and Saturday evenings starting October 15 and Halloween night. Three shows running each evening at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. at Deyo Hall at 81 Huguenot Street in New Paltz. Limited seating for safe social distancing. Visit website for tickets and information (http://huguenotstreet.org).
2. Rhinebeck Artist’s Shop of New Paltz, 188 Main Street. Opening reception for “Tiny Terrors,” annual mini-works Halloween art show on October 23 from 3 to 6 p.m. Spooky, creepy, crawly and fun artwork will be on display. Masks required. The display will be up through Thanksgiving.
3. Free outdoor movie night showing the film Coco on October 23 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Hasbrouck Park in New Paltz (rain date: October 24). Free hot chocolate, popcorn and a special treat for youth under 18. Bring lawn chairs, warm jackets and/or blankets. Social distancing required and masks/face coverings encouraged.
4. Second annual Halloween/Harvest window paintings throughout the Village of New Paltz on October 23 after 2 p.m. (rain date: October 24). Check out the window designs painted by local youth in grades 5 to 12, as well as community members. Paintings will remain up beyond Halloween.
5: The Haunt: 27th annual haunted house fundraiser on October 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. and October 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the New Paltz Youth Program at 220 Main Street in New Paltz. $5 suggested donation. Suitable for ages ten and up. Masks required.
6. Grab & Go trick-or-treat stations: Five Grab & Go trick-or-treat stations within the Village of New Paltz October 31 from 3 to 5 p.m. Youth can collect a free small goodie bag with Halloween candies while supplies last. Social distancing is required. Face masks/coverings are encouraged. Station locations include the New Paltz Youth Program, 220 Main Street; One Epic Place, 122 Main Street; Elting Library, 93 Main Street; Farmers’ Market lot, corner of Main and North Chestnut Streets; Reformed Church Educational Building, 92 Huguenot Street.
7. New Paltz’s annual Halloween parade on October 31 at 6 p.m., departing from New Paltz Middle School parking lot at 196 Main Street in New Paltz. Lineup begins at the Middle School at 5:30 p.m. Sponsored by New Paltz Rotary. New Paltz Rotary will not be handing out candy bars and apples, but instead has joined with New Paltz’s PBA to provide the candy for this year’s Grab & Go stations. Social distancing is required. Face masks/coverings are encouraged.
Join the family! 
