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.  <Click Here> 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

Everyone loves a mystery and C & M will present a fun, original dinner theater mystery, staged by a talented troupe of performers. Audiences love the interactive component of our shows. Guests have the opportunity to play detective by questioning the suspects and to examine clues. Lively music combined with the challenge of solving the mystery combine to make your evening an event that your guests will remember and talk about for years. Some of your guests may even become part of the show as they join in the sing-a-longs or are cast as one of the characters.

For ticket sales please call 845-278-7068 or visit the Putnam Humane Society at www.puthumane.org

There will be a cash bar, silent auction and a 50/50 raffle.  Only a limited number of tickets will be sold and the show always sells out.  Order today.

Don’t miss another event in Putnam County… Sign up today… it’s Free.

To know what else is going on in Putnam County? <click here> for access the events calendar.

Special Note: January 2,2009 - March 31, 2009

The Chuang Yen Monastery will not be open to visitors.  The winter weather is always cold and often icy, so the roads become too treacherous to drive on. Visitors have often had accidents, although fortunately, no one has been seriously hurt. The Monastery wishes to avoid any future potential accidents or injuries that may occur, so we have made this decision.

They wish visitors would not come to CYM when the weather makes the roads too dangerous. If any accident occurs they cannot take responsibility for it.

However, they will be opened for Chinese New Year Eve and New Year, Jan 25th & 26th, inclusive. Beginning April 1st, they will resume their normal schedule, 9:00am to 5:00pm, all week.

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In addition, the museum presents various changing exhibits, drawing on its extensive collection of antique farm and household implements, quilts, clothing and assorted Americana reflecting 19th century material culture. The museum is located on Main Street, Brewster in one of Putnam County’s largest landmarked buildings, the 1896 Old Town Hall, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Southeast Museum’s website is a wealth of information. All the information in this article was obtained from their website, such as the history of the American Circus noted below.  Visit the museum conveniently located on Main Street in the heart of Brewster in one of Putnam County’s largest landmark buildings, the 1896 Old Town Hall, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  The museum right down the street from the Metro North Train Station and next door to the Brewster Library.  You can also visit their website for more history and information at http://www.southeastmuseum.org

The Early American Circus: Traveling Menageries
During the 19th century, farmers in and around Southeast began to invest in a new and unique business venture. This area would later become known as the cradle of the American circus. In, 1793, Englishman John Bill Rickets introduced Americans to the circus at his arena in Philadelphia where trick riding was featured along with clown acts in the same show.
In the 1830’s, farmers in Southeast began showing menageries, collections of exotic beasts from far away lands. They soon combined the menagerie show with the acrobatic entertainment of trick riding and these early circus entrepreneurs began taking their show on the road. This early practice of touring unusual animals proved profitable in the rural areas of the Hudson Valley. In fact, circus entrepreneurs took these wagon “mud” shows up and down the east coast. By the 1850’s American circuses were a big business and they began to travel abroad, bringing back to American even more unique items and animals.
Hachaliah Bailey, from nearby Somers, Westchester County, brought the first elephant “Old Bet” to the United States in 1796. Bailey exhibited “Old Bet,” until her death in 1816. Somers is home to the Elephant Hotel, built by Hachaliah Bailey in 1820-1825. The building served as a meeting place for menagerie owners.
  
The Circus in Southeast and Brewster
The circus had a large impact on the Town of Southeast as it provided employment for many local businesses,  blacksmiths, feed and grain stores, wagon makers and painters. Many showman and circus people came from Southeast. Nathan and Seth B. Howes began their show business careers at early ages, in Southeast.
In 1811, Nathan formed a small circus company made up largely of his friends and family, including 11 year-old Seth. Seth B. Howes would later become one of the foremost circus businessmen in the area.From 1850-1853, Seth B. Howes managed a circus project for P. T. Barnum. He later toured Europe and England, performing before heads of state. Seth B. Howes retired in 1870. With the wealth he accumulated, Howes remodeled the family home Stonehenge, located at the foot of Brewster Hill Road. In 1893,with concerns about the large earthern dam being constructed behind the family house, Seth B. Howes moved to Turk Hill Road. There, he built a castle-like home, Morningthorpe, that is based on the Howes’ ancestral home in England. A golden elephant once stood guarding the entrance to this majestic house.

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We all react to art - its symbols, emotion and beauty. Sometimes, the art speaks to us, and sometimes it seems mysterious.

The Reflectionist exhibitions create a dialogue between the artists and the viewers in order to explore a basic question about art, such as “What is the artist thinking?” The artists address the question, and viewers are invited to analyze and comment on the art and the writings. The resulting dialogues are published on this web site. This approach enables both the artist and the viewer to reflect on the artistic process and their responses to a work of art, and to share their insights.

The Reflectionist artists range from beginners to professional with many members having a history together of more than ten years. The group is part of Arts on the Lake in Kent Lakes, NY, and is inspired by Alexander Shundi’s teaching, and Susan Ferri’s workshops. The Reflectionists have formed a supportive artistic community that shares information, techniques, encouragement, friendship and fun.

Text and photos from the Lake Carmel Cultural Center website.

Title: ARTED Exhibit Opening Reception: Reflections
Location: 640 Route 52, Kent Lakes, NY 10512
Link: Click here
Description: Saturday, November 15 – 1-4 pm. Additional Gallery Hours: Saturday, November 22 – 1-4 pm. Sunday, November 23 – 1-4 pm.

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

This is Montana, she loves to have her belly rubbed and gives lots of kisses.  Watch Montans’s video to learn more about her.  If you or someone you know is looking to bring the love of a pet into their home, stop by the Putnam Humane Society in Carmel first.

Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith reminds all Putnam County residents to be especially careful during the evening hours of October 31st, as many of our young people throughout the County will be out and about celebrating Halloween or Harvest Fest. Parents are urged to follow some important SAFETY TIPS.

St. Mary’s in Cold Spring is holding a “Haunted Church” Fest on Halloween from 5:30pm to 8:30pm <click here> to access our events calendar with full details.

For residents 21 years or older, many of the local bars and pubs will be hosting Halloween parties with various prizes.  There is too many to list here but, you can be sure that no matter where you go tomorrow night, you’ll be sure to run into some fun loving people wearing costumes.

Attention Putnam County Seniors, the Office of the Aging is holding a “Harvest Jamboree” at the Metals Workers Hall in Brewster <click here> to access our events calendar with full details - it’s fun, it’s free, and if you need transporation, please call their office at (845) 225-1034, ext. 100.

Also, tomorrow is the last day to see the Collaborative Concept Art Exhibition at Saunders Farm in Garrison.

On Sunday, take a hike with historian, hunter, author and weekly sportsman columnist for the Putnam Courier, Lynne Greenwood.  Lynn will conduct a History Hike at the Dill Preserve on Route 6 in Carmel, Sunday, November 2nd beginning at 1 pm. This Preserve was recently given to county residents by the Dill family. Trails wind through wooded landscape belying its former life as a racetrack and residences. Lynn Greenwood grew up in this area and will share his stories and remembrances. <click here> to access our events calendar with full details.

Friday, Oct 31
10:00 am  Explore Tilly Foster Farm - Tilly Foster Farm, 100 Route 312, Brewster, NY 10509
10:00 am  Collaborative Concept Art Exhibition - Saunders Farm, 853 Old Albany Post Rd, Garrison
10:15 am  THE LAUGHTER CLUB - Come Join the Fun - Mahopac Public Library, 668 Route 6, Mahopac
10:30 am  Stories & Puppets: Ages 2 to 5 - Brewster Public Library, 79 Main Street in Brewster
11:00 am  PACE: People with Arthritis Can Exercise - Putnam Hospital Center, 670 Stoneleigh Ave, Carmel
12:00 pm  PC Senior Annual Harvest Jamboree -Metal Workers Union Hall, 38 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster
12:00 pm  GAC Open House - Garrison Art Center, 23 Garrison’s Landing, Garrison
  5:30 pm  St. Mary’s “Haunted Church” Halloween Festivities - St Mary’s Church, 1 Chestnut St, Cold Spring
  7:00 pm  “The Haunting On The Hill”….Haunted Village & Hayride - Thunder Ridge Ski Area, Rte 22, Patterson

Saturday Nov 1
  8:30 am  Cold Spring Farmers Market - 44 Route 9D, Cold Spring, NY
  9:00 am  Farmers Market in Brewster - 208 East Main Street, Brewster, NY
11:00 am  Explore Tilly Foster Farm - Tilly Foster Farm, 100 Route 312, Brewster
12:00 pm  GAC Open House - Garrison Art Center, 23 Garrison’s Landing, Garrison
  1:00 pm  Putnam Arts Council’s 46th Annual Fine Arts Exhibition - Tilly Foster Farm, 100 Route 312, Brewster
  1:00 pm  Open Roller Skate - Michael Geary Memorial Rink, RT 6 & Croton Falls Rd, Mahopac
  2:00 pm  Fall Festival Weekends “Lights on Haunted Village” - Thunder Ridge Ski Area, Route 22, Patterson
  7:00 pm  “The Haunting On The Hill”..Haunted Village & Hayride - Thunder Ridge Ski Area, Route 22, Patterson

Sunday Nov 2
  8:00 am  Patterson Flea Market - 3167 Route 22, Patterson
10:00 am  Collaborative Concept Art Exhibition - Saunders Farm, 853 Old Albany Post Rd, Garrison
11:00 am  Explore Tilly Foster Farm - Tilly Foster Farm, 100 Route 312, Brewster
12:00 pm  GAC Open House - Garrison Art Center, 23 Garrison’s Landing, Garrison

  1:00 pm  History Hike at the Dill Preserve - Rt 6 Opposite the rear entrance/exit from Guideposts, Carmel, NY

  7:00 pm  St. Mary’s “Remembrance Day” Service & Reception - St Mary’s Church, 1 Chestnut St, Cold Spring

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Costume Tip:
Face Paint is safer than a mask - and it’s more fun!
If your child does wear a mask, make sure it has adequate holes for proper respiration and peripheral vision.

Trick or Treaters should:
Wear some sort of reflective clothing.
Carry a bright orange bag.
Carry a flashlight or glow stick.
Walk on the sidewalk or on the left side of the road facing traffic.
Young children should always be accompanied by an adult:
Either a parent or older child should stay within close range and never let the children go down a street by themselves. Walk with the children to each house and wait in the driveway or by the door until the children return.

Older children should always travel in pairs or groups - they should:
Never venture down dark, empty streets.
Let parents know their route.
Always walk together to the front door of each house.
Never run across yards or streets.

Avoid dark, unlighted houses:
Never go to the door of a house that seems unoccupied or has no outside lights on.
Children should save all candy until they get home:
Parents should closely inspect all candy and throw away all unwrapped or opened candy or suspicious looking goodies.
If your child becomes ill, call your doctor or emergency room IMMEDIATELY!
Try to determine what the child has eaten and where it came from. Save all wrappers.

Avoid fire hazards:
Remember - your jack-o-lantern and any other electrical decorations can be a fire hazard. Keep them out of the reach of small children and away from flammable materials.

Never leave your house unattended:
An empty house on Halloween is an invitation to trouble. If you have to leave your house, make sure all the doors are locked.