LocalPutnam.com » Parks & Recreation

A Heavenly View in Putnam County

Christine Torino — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 18:22:00 +0000

The walk up the mountain to the Mt. Ninham Fire Tower in Kent was peaceful and quite. It wasn’t too steep, but the ground is gravel and uneven so I suggest you wear proper hiking shoes or supportive sneakers. An occasional chipmunk and squirrel scuttled across the road as birds sang their songs undisturbed in the trees. Mt. Nimham also features two Stone Chambers, one in the parking lot, and the other on your right hand side on the walk up the hill. As I approached the clearing in the woods at the top of the mountain, gleaming steel beams caught my attention. The Fire Tower didn’t seem that tall as I began my ascent into the sky. The steel staircase was narrow, as I climbed up the middle of the tower out in the open air. It is only wide enough for one person at a time with a little more room as you turn the corners.

After two rounds up the staircase, I cleared the top of the trees, after the third round, I gasped at the awesome view. My heart began to beat faster as my fear of heights kicked in full gear. Around and around I climbed as my grip on the handrails tighten until a sigh of relieve as I saw the old wooden hatch to the tower’s platform.

Everyone, if physically able, should take the climb up the Fire Tower because you have to see and feel it for yourself. Only a true poet would be able to capture in words the beauty and tranquility of what I saw. I hope my photographs can provide you with a glimpse of the beauty to encourage you to climb the tower yourself.

The Town of Kent’s website proudly describes the tower as follows, “The Fire Tower on top of Kent’s Mount Nimham, itself more than 1200 feet high, stands 90′ above the mountain top making it the tallest existing fire tower in New York State. While Mount Nimham is not the tallest peak in our County (that honor goes to Bull Hill, sometimes known as Mount Taurus, in Phillipstown) the view from the tower is all-encompassing, taking in NYC to the south through to the Berkshires and the Catskills 75 miles away.

The Great fires in the early 1900s destroyed millions of acres of forest in New York, leading to the creation of state fire districts. Fire Towers were erected on mountains in these districts from which spotters could quickly locate potentially dangerous fires sparked by railroad locomotives, careless hunters or residents burning brush.Located in the Taconic Hills about 60 miles north of New York City and in the heart of Putnam County, Mount Nimham Fire Tower was built by the State of New York and the CCC in 1940. The tower is listed with the National Historic Lookout Register. Now that the restoration efforts are complete, the tower once again offers majestic views of the area.

On a clear day you can see south to New York City, west to the Catskills and north to the Taconics and Berkshire foothills. Also visible in this scenic panorama are Poughkeepsie, Beacon, the entire Croton watershed, all of Putnam County and parts of Connecticut. In the distance tothe west, the Shawangunks, Marlboro Hills and Harriman State Park form a virtually unbroken line of impressive heights and preserved recreational open spaces.”

George Baum, Chairman of the Conservation Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Town of Kent, NY posted an article regarding the restoration of the Fire Tower on Mt. Nimham. He describes how it all got started, “We are an appointed volunteer committee to advise the Town Board on conservation issues and to conduct various conservation projects. The tower is now open to the public. DEC gave the Town of Kent CAC stewardship for the tower restoration. After a five year effort, we have replaced the 102 wood steps with steel, reinforced the floor of the cabin at the top, and painted the 90 foot tower. We spent over $30,000 on this effort. Each step bares the name of a donor to the project. The Kent CAC continues to maintain the tower and upgrade the space around the tower. We are also marking some of the alternate trails through the woods to the tower.”

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Weekend Event Guide (Nov 14, 15, 16)

Christine Torino — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 03:24:35 +0000

The weather is getting colder, and we turned back the clocks to set the sun an hour earlier, but there is still plenty to do in Putnam County.On Friday night, step out in style and head over to Ceola Manor to dine and dance the night away while raising money for Putnam Family & Community Services. Or maybe you might like to head over to the Lake Carmel Community Center for Adult Crafts?

There are only a couple of weeks left to buy fresh, local produce and bakery goods from the local farmer’s markets. Are you smarter than a 5th grader? Kids, teens and families can together at Butterfield Library in Cold Spring on Saturday and find out during National Gaming Day. On Saturday, The Cow Parade at Tilly Foster Farm marks the end of the 2008 ‘farm season’ as the animals prepare to return to their home at Pine View Farm.

On Sunday, The Lake Carmel Cultural Center will hold a concert reading of a full-length folk musical based on Norwegian folktales called “Troll-Loll-La!”.

Below is a snap-shot of what is happening this weekend in Putnam County. to access the Putnam County Calendar and view the full details. All events are subject to change without notice.

Friday Nov 14
10:00am   Explore Tilly Foster Farm - Tilly Foster Farm, 100 Rte 312, Brewster
10:15am   THE LAUGHTER CLUB - Come Join the Fun - Mahopac Public Library, 668 Rte 6, Mahopac
10:30am   Stories & Puppets: Ages 2 to 5 - Brewster Public Library, 79 Main St in Brewster
11:00am   PACE: People with Arthritis Can Exercise - PHC, 670 Stoneleigh Ave, Carmel
12:00pm   GAC Open House - Garrison Art Center, 23 Garrison’s Landing, Garrison,
6:30pm    Putnam Family & Community Services Annual Dinner Dance-Ceola Manor, 489 E. Main St, Jefferson Valley
7:00pm    Lake Carmel Adult Craft Group - Lake Carmel Community Center, 10 Huguenot Rd, Carmel

Saturday Nov 15
8:30am    Cold Spring Farmers Market - 44 Route 9D, Cold Spring
9:00am    Farmers Market in Brewster - 208 East Main St, Brewster
10:00am   National Video and Board Gaming Day - Butterfield Library, 10 Morris Ave, Cold Spring
11:00am   Cow Parade at Tilly Foster Farm - 100 Route 312, Brewster
11:30am   Picture Book Stories: Ages 2 to 5 - Brewster Public Library, 79 Main St, Brewster
12:00pm   GAC Open House - Garrison Art Center, 23 Garrison’s Landing, Garrison
1:00pm   ARTED Exhibit: The Reflectionist - Lake Carmel Cultural Ctr, 640 Rte 52, Kent Lakes
1:00pm   Open Roller Skate - Michael Geary Memorial Rink, RT 6 & Croton Falls Rd, Mahopac
7:00pm   Haunted Mansion/A Murder Mystery Dinner - Anthony’s Lake Club, Christopher Columbus Ave, Danbury

Sunday Nov 16
9:30am   Putnam County Day/Free Admission - Boscobel Restoration, 1601 Rte 9D, Garrison
12:00pm GAC Open House - Garrison Art Ctr, 23 Garrison’s Landing, Garrison
3:00pm   Troll-Loll-La! A Concert Reading - Lake Carmel Cultural Ctr, 640 Rte 52, Kent Lakes

You Can Change the Future

Christine Torino — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:55:41 +0000

The Kent Conservation Advisory Committee (CAC) is looking for people who would like to join their committee and help with arrangements for local speakers, public outreach programs, and outdoor programs. The meetings are short and friendly, and the tasks are not demanding. They need members to continue to operate.

The CAC would like to encourage interested persons to submit at least a letter of interest by Nov. 30. The meetings are normally held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. They do not meet in July and August. The meetings are in the Town Hall at the Kent Town Center, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

If the resume is adequate, they invite the person to their next meeting (non-members are always welcome), then they vote on whether to recommend to the Town Board the person for membership. CAC members are expected to help arrange for speakers (2-4/year), help organize hikes (2-4/year, identify conservation issues and respond to the Board on local conservation issues. Nearly all of the tasks can be done at home. The CAC’s focus is on providing to the public information on alternative energy sources, promoting a greener life style, and the enjoyment and preservation of our natural areas.

The CAC is a volunteer organization that provides recommendations on environmental issues and promotes the enjoyment & protection of local natural areas. Visit the CAC page on: http://www.townofkentny.gov/conservation.htm

Interested persons should send a resume to Kent CAC, Kent Town Hall, 25 Sybil’s Crossing, Kent Lakes, NY 10512

The Kent Conservation Advisory Committee was established as a volunteer organization to advise the Town Supervisor and the Town Board on environmental issues.The Committee is composed of seven appointed members who recommend one of the members to serve as chairman.

The Committee is committed to the identification, conservation, and enjoyment of the Town’s unique natural areas. We sponsor hikes, surveys, and the preservation of these areas. With the approval of New York State DEC, we have restored the fire tower on Mt. Nimham for public use, with the approval of New York City DEP, we have established a trail to Hawk Rock and are conducting preservation activities at the Mead Farm, a colonial homestead. We conduct educational programs in the use of energy efficient technologies, modern advanced waste water treatment systems, and the reduction of waste volume.

Although we receive some financial support from the Town, our special projects are supported by private donations. Donations, made out to PLAN KENT, may be sent to Sal Tripi, 64 Gleneida Ave, Carmel, NY 10512.Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Town Center and are open to the public. We welcome nonmember assistance in our programs.

The Chairman, George Baum, may be reached at alchemist3@comcast.net

Collaborative Concepts at Saunders Farm

Christine Torino — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:55:16 +0000

Want to do something different? How about taking a nice walk across 100 acres of farmland at Saunders Farm in Garrison for the 2008 Collaborative Concepts? This year’s event features artwork from over 40 local, national and international artists. All the sculpture installations are temporary, and many works are for sale. You can bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the great outdoors of the Hudson Valley. You will see Black Angus cattle grazing peacefully in the nearby pastures as you walk around. It took us over two hours of casually strolling to admire all of the sculptures. (If you have lunch or bring beverages with you, please be considerate and take your trash with you.)

I highly recommend that all art lovers and students go to the farm and view the various artwork. My favorite pieces were the elephant, the ladder to the sky, the chimes in the trees, and the Cocoon. The artists who created the Cocoon, Larissa Killough, was on site inspecting her work after the big storm. The piece was so unusual and so perfect for the spot I asked her if she designed the piece specific for the site. “I was originally going to build a pod that hung down from a tree but when I saw my site, and the spectacular Hudson River view, I knew I had to modify the design so I built a cocoon around the tree.” I asked her if I could sit inside, and she happily replied, “I would love for you to sit in it.” So I did. I felt as if I was part of the tree as I gazed out at the Hudson River below.

If you decide to view the Collaborative Concepts, keep in mind this is a active farm. There is poop everywhere from the cattle and horses. The grass is tall in some areas so I would suggest you wear pants (be aware that there could be ticks, but we didn’t encounter any.)
As I mentioned, this is a working farm and Sandy Saunders seems to be a very nice, trustworthy man, so remember to close all gates behind you so the animals don’t escape as they could be injured on the road.
Also, another amazing part of the day is that the horses graze around you and are not afraid to come up to you for a rub on the nose. The exhibition is free and can be viewed from 10 am to dusk, Sept. 1 until Oct. 31. At the entrance to the exhibition, visitors can pick up a map with the location of each sculpture off the table as you walk towards the hill.

Collaborative Concepts is a not-for-profit arts organization based on the idea that professional artists working together can achieve artful accomplishments and provide the community with exceptional cultural experiences. Since its founding in 1999, Collaborative Concepts has curated more than 40 exhibitions in galleries and outdoor settings in the Hudson Valley.

For more information call: 1.845.528.1797

DIRECTIONS to Saunders Farm, 853 Old Albany Post Road, Garrison, NY

By Car:
From north or south on Route 9 turn east on Travis Corners Road, opposite Garrison Golf Club, take to end, Turn left on Old Albany Post Road, approx. 1/2 mile on the left to parking. You will see a small white sign that reads “ART”. If the gate is closed, you can open it but please close it behind you in case Mr. Saunders has it closed to keep the animals inside.

By Train:
MetroNorth RR, Garrison Station.
Call 265-taxi

Want to know what else is going on in Putnam County? for the calendar of events.

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Laurel Ledges Preserve Guided Walk

Christine Torino — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:23:22 +0000

On Sunday, October 12, 2008 beginning at 11:00am explore the Putnam County Land Trust’s Laurel Ledges Natural Area between Couch Road and Route 164 in Patterson with Dod Chahroudi, Preserve Steward.

Dod will lead us on a walk to explore the recently constructed trails and bridges on this beautiful preserve. From its heights, it is possible to view the Great Swamp and Pine Island to the North, Cranberry cently constructed trails and bridges on this beautiful preserve.Mountain to the East and Turtle Pond and Cornwall Hill Road to the South. Rock formations, stands of mountain laurels and beautiful views await.

There is no fee for this program and no reservations are required. For more information, call Beth Herr, PCLT Program Coordinator at 845 228 5635.

Directions: From Route 164 turn onto Cornwall Hill Road. Go 8/10 of a mile and turn right onto Couch Road. Continue for 4/10 of a mile to parking area. Preserve is on the right.

Want to know what’s going on in Putnam County?

Horse and Carriage Day at Boscobel

Christine Torino — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:00:41 +0000

On Sunday, October 12, 2008 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm step back in time at Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison, NY and see first-hand the kinds of horse-drawn transportation that abounded in the early part of the nineteenth century. Members of the Mid-Hudson Driving Association will be present to show off their horses and vehicles. There will be a narrated parade of the horse drawn vehicles beginning at 1:00 p.m., to be followed by competitive events highlighting the skill of both horse and driver. There will also be horse-drawn wagon rides around the property from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. especially for families to enjoy.

Regular grounds admission fees apply.
Adult: $8
Children (12 and under): $5

For more information call: 845-265-3638 of visit their website at www.boscobel.org

Want to know what’s going on in Putnam County? to access the events calendar.

Mt Nimham Music Festival

Christine Torino — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:54:13 +0000

On Sunday, September 28th the Kent Conservation Advisory Committee invites you to join them in their annual celebration of the restoration of the Mt. Nimham Fire Tower. The event will feature the Nimham Drummers, various bands, musicians, a storyteller, and refreshments. The Event is FREE, but donations are welcomed and appreciated. All funds go to help with the Fire Tower’s maintenance.

Park at NYDEC Mt. Nimham Headquarters Lot on Gipsy Trail Road. Do not drive to the tower.
Shuttle available from 12:30 PM.
Program starts at 2:00 PM
People needing assistance will be shuttled directly to the tower

According to the Town of Kent’s website, “The Firetower on top of Kent’s Mount Nimham, itself more than 1200 feet high, stands 90′ above the mountain top making it the tallest existing fire tower in New York State. While Mount Nimham is not the tallest peak in our County (that honor goes to Bull Hill, sometimes known as Mount Taurus, in Phillipstown) the view from the tower is all-encompassing, taking in NYC to the south through to the Berkshires and the Catskills 75 miles away. The Great fires in the early 1900s destroyed millions of acres of forest in New York, leading to the creation of state fire districts. Fire Towers were erected on mountains in these districts from which spotters could quickly locate potentially dangerous fires sparked by railroad locomotives, careless hunters or residents burning brush.

Located in the Taconic Hills about 60 miles north of New York City and in the heart of Putnam County, Mount Nimham Fire Tower was built by the State of New York and the CCC in 1940. The tower is listed with the National Historic Lookout Register. Now that the restoration efforts are complete, the tower once again offers majestic views of the area.

On a clear day you can see south to New York City, west to the Catskills and north to the Taconics and Berkshire foothills. Also visible in this scenic panorama are Poughkeepsie, Beacon, the entire Croton watershed, all of Putnam County and parts of Connecticut. In the distance to the west, the Shawangunks, Marlboro Hills and Harriman State Park form a virtually unbroken line of impressive heights and preserved recreational open spaces.”

2nd Annual Tour de Dutchess Bicycle Fest

Christine Torino — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:14:24 +0000

Our neighbors in nearby Dutchess County need our support by joining them in the 2nd Annual Tour de Dutchess Bicycle Fest on September 21, 2008. The bike fest comprises fun choices of various bike routes through scenic woods and back country settings of historic Dutchess County, culminating with good food and a live band. All proceeds benefit the National Tourette Syndrome Association. Event organizer, Dr. Robert Lieb, is excited to organize such an event and take the challenge of putting his efforts toward finding a cure. But he needs our help.

Tourette Syndrome is an inherited neurobiological disorder afflicting more than 200,000 people worldwide and millions more who exhibit associated behaviors. Symptoms can include uncontrollable physical body tics such as eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, head motions, vocal tics, and coexisting disorders of the brain like OCD and ADHD.

Choose from 13, 27 and 50 mile routes. All routes travel through scenic and historic Dutchess County.

Where: Event starts and finishes at Lakeside Park, 2 Lakeside Drive, Pawling, NY 12564. Call Dr. Robert Lieb(845) 855-1131

Registration includes: Ample parking, Clearly marked, color coded routes, Easy to follow cue sheets, Route sweeps, Medical support, T-shirt, Picnic lunch, Rock-n-Roll/Blues band (Cross Purpose), Bike Safety/Mechanics courtesy of Pawling Cycle & Sport (845) 855-9866

Times: Check in and same day registration 7:30 - 9:00am. Food and water stations open 8:00 - 2:00pm

Ride Start Times:

50 miles, 8:00 - 9:00am
27 miles, 8:30 - 10:00am
13 miles, 9:30 - 11:00am

Donations: Pre-registration $20.00, same day $25.00
Restrictions: Helmets mandatory, No children under 12 No bike trailers or child seats
Rain or Shine: Dress appropriately for weather!

Regrister today. For only $20.00 per rider you can have a good time a help make a difference.

http://www.tourdedutchess.com/registration_form

Veterans Memorial Park

Christine Torino — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:47:57 +0000

Putnam County: Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park in Carmel is a great place to go and bring the whole family (well, except for the dog). The children’s playground was designed for kids of all physcial abilities and has enough equipment to keep them amused while you sit back and relax on the well-manicured lawn. During the summer, the beach is open to swimmers of all ages while a life guard is on duty. There are plenty of picnic tables and barbeque grills, and the Park allows group gatherings with a permit - a great place to plan a family reunion, anniversary, or birthday party. The park also has basketball and beach volleyball courts, clean bathrooms and hiking trails for all levels of fitness. Maps and additional information is available at the park office.

If you’d like to rest and relax, or take an invigorating hike, visit Putnam County’s Veterans Memorial Park.

Also, stop and pay tribute to our Veterans at the Memorial, which was created with honor and love, and is both elegant and beautiful.

[Click here] to see calendar of events for things to do in Putnam County

Location:

199 Gipsy Trail Road, Carmel, NY 10512

Park Hours:

10:00 am - 7:30 pm (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
10:00 am - 3:30 pm (Fall, Winter and Spring)

Park Office:

Open during park hours (see above). The friendly Park Rangers will help you obtain your park permit, provide information on the parks, and provide maps for all Putnam County Parks and Conservation Areas.

Phone: 845-225-3650
Fax: 845-225-2715

Park Fees: (Purchase Annual Passes at the Park Office - bring your driver’s license to show proof of Putnam Residency)

$5.00 Day Pass
$15.00 Annual Pass (valid 1/1 to 12/31 for year on permit sticker)
$12.00 Senior Citizen / Additional Pass
$9.00 Additional Senior Citizen Pass
$50.00 Lower Pavilion Rental (parking extra)
$50.00 Vendor Permit
$100.00 Group Use

Things to do:

Hiking
Swimming (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Fishing (children 16 and under)
Ice Skating, Cross Country Skiing
Volleyball, Basketball, Horseshoes
Picnic

Park Rules and Regulations:

The Park is for the sole use of Putnam County Residents and their Guests.
No Pets
No alcoholic Beverages
No Swimming without lifeguard on duty
No Vehicles on the lawns
No Organized Groups without prior permission
Children under 16 years of age need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
No Smoking in beach area and within 30 feet of any building.
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Engineering Designs for Everyday

Christine Torino — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:13:56 +0000

Tractors, turn-of-the-century farm implements, antique water pumps characterizing this display as old equipment hardly paints them correct picture. Imagine a 25 foot tall 1890s water well rig. Then picture the muscle needed to drive this mechanical equipment hundreds of feet into the ground in search of water for your well. The Putnam County Antique Machinery Association (PCAMA) shares its appreciation and understanding of historical farming and other equipment at its show at the Tilly Foster Farm Museum, Route 312, Brewster, NY the weekend of September 6th and 7th, from 11am to 4pm.

In addition to the water well, the show features a wood shingle mill, antique cars and tractors, and an assortment of farming equipment. Learn how these devises were once used on traditional homes and farms. Visitors can view the rare and endangered Early American sheep and cattle that make their home at Tilly Foster Farm. The Jacob Sheep and Randall Lineback cattle on display are from the Whipple collection and demonstrate the efforts of Preserve Putnam County and the Tilly Foster Advisory Board to bring back animals to the farm and create a living farm museum for Putnam County residents and visitors to enjoy.
Admission and parking are free. Great for the whole family.

Want to know what else is going on in Putnam County? for the calendar of events.

For information on the antique equipment show, call Jeff Hyatt at (845) 878-7596 or for information and updates on additional programming, visit www.preserveputnam.org

For your convenience, click on this link <Upcoming Events at Tilly Foster Farm> to open up a pdf file of all 2008 events at Tilly Foster Farm.