Little Chapel on the River

Bearded Dragon Gets Personal Reading of "Little Chapel"

2009-10-14T09:50:00.005-04:00

How many times will I get to read a copy of "Little Chapel on the River" to a Bearded Dragon on camera for The Wall Street Journal?

Just one. Which is why I'm posting this video about composting here. Bearded Dragon cameo is midway through. Meantime, Walter -- my frugal neighbor from the book -- makes an appearance too!

Welcome Home Team Guinan!!!

2009-09-20T19:57:00.008-04:00

Welcome Home Team Guinan! ... Here are photos of this year's two fearless riders: Ed Preusser and Christine Ashburn. They braved cold and rain and what was universally agreed to be the HARDEST hill in the history of Braking the Cycle.

With them on the ride was Team Guinan Captain, Kelly Guinan Preusser, who couldn't saddle up this year because she and Ed are expecting a Baby Preusser in coming months. Her mom Mary Jane Guinan was there helping and cheering as well.

In total, all the riders raised more than $273,000. Really fantastic in a tough economy so THANK YOU to all who generously donated. It means more than ever this year. You are champs! And John Guinan would have been so proud.

Eight Years Later...

2009-09-11T08:21:00.001-04:00

"...the disaster itself had a ripple effect. The pain and the horror and the tragedy of it spread out through the world like the ripples on a pond when a pebble's been thrown in. But the healing travels back the other way, like the same ripples coming back towards the center after they've reached the shore." -- from the book "Where Was God on September 11th" by scientist John Horgan and Rev. Frank Geer, Garrison NY.

FREE Guinan's-Inspired Trivet for Donations to Team Guinan

2009-09-04T09:05:00.007-04:00

Local "tile guy," pro photographer and graphic designer Russ Cusick has graciously offered to give away free one of these Guinan's-inspired trivets to anyone making a final week $50 or larger donation to Team Guinan -- led by Kelly Guinan -- for Braking the Cycle.

Russ designed the trivets and they were sold at the store during its final weeks of operation.

After you've made your donation, simply forward your donation confirmation email to Russ at rvc845@yahoo.com along with your mailing address and your trivet will be on the way.

AND MOST IMPORTANT -- Here's the link to donate. Time is short. They ride next week. Please be generous and thank you to Russ for his generosity.

If you need any more inspiration to donate, check out the short video tribute Russ put together of Team Guinan and John below.

Only 2 WEEKS LEFT to Support Team Guinan

2009-09-01T08:54:00.004-04:00

Time, and the cold weather, is catching up with Team Guinan. The latter isn't so bad -- the former is harder because they still need your donations to ride.

It's the Boston to New York leg, and if you've never ridden a bike from Boston to New York, think about how long it feels in a car. Now imagine it on a bike. (That's Kelly Guinan in 2007 pictured.)

They really need your financial support to ride because any money they don't raise, they are responsible for paying themselves. And $3500 per person is not small change.

So, please give a little, give a lot. Just give!

PLEASE DONATE ONLINE HERE.

Happy 40th to Two Parishioners...

2009-08-15T17:40:00.006-04:00

Happy Birthday to Ed Preusser and Christine Ashburn! Everyone should look so stylish at 40...

Garrison Art Center Fine Arts & Crafts Fair Opens Saturday

2009-08-12T07:47:00.005-04:00

Price: Admission $8/adult Kids 12 & under free
Start Time: Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 10:00am
End Time: Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 5:00pm
Location: Garrison Art Center
Street: Garrison's Landing
City/Town: Garrison, NY
Phone: 845.424.3960
Email: info@garrisonartcenter.org

On August 15th & 16th, 2009, the Garrison Art Center 40th Annual Fine Arts & Crafts Fair (FACF) will host this annual gathering for collectors of fine art and craft. Organized by the Garrison Art Center, a not-for-profit community cultural organization, the event is a longstanding community event and the Art Center's largest annual fundraiser.

Some 90 regionally and nationally known artists with traditional and alternative crafts are expected. There will be free rides upon the sloop Woody Guthrie, regional food artisans and wineries, Acoustic Music Series live performances, a new Gourmet Food Court.

More about the event on Facebook.

When the Shamrock Still Shone By the River...

2009-08-11T19:58:00.005-04:00

...Nights like tonight, when a cold beer's sweat and good conversation in a tight space could cut straight through this humidity, make me wish again it still did.

(photo taken circa 2004. all rights reserved.)

"Summer Scoops" @ Lincoln Center -- August 18th

2009-08-09T20:29:00.005-04:00

Hi everyone -- I'm borrowing the blog for something personal, but in keeping with the spirit of community and collaboration and partnerships. On Tuesday, Aug. 18th at 7 p.m., I'll be moderating a panel about collaboration at Lincoln Center in New York City featuring a group of extraordinary artists. Among them: rock musicians Stew and his creative partner Heidi Rodewald who co-wrote the Tony-award winning musical Passing Strange (video clip above) and the incredible choreographer Bill T. Jones whose musical Fela! is headed to Broadway this fall.

The event is part of The Wall Street Journal's "Summer Scoops" series at Lincoln Center, and I'm pretty damn humbled to be a part of the evening. It would be awesome (and reassuring!) to see some Hudson Valley faces in the audience so if you are interested, tickets are still available online here or by calling 212.721.6500. And please email to let me know if you are coming so I can look for you...

Hope everyone is having a great summer.

--Wendy

Pete Seeger Musical Tribute to Benefit Clearwater

2009-07-31T14:19:00.005-04:00

When: Saturday, August 15th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Where: Chapel of our Lady Restoration-Opposite Metro North in Cold Spring (Free Parking on Weekends)
Why: To support Hudson River Sloop Clearwater
Cost: Tickets are $60-seating is limited.
for further information, contact Clearwater at (845) 454-7673

Jim Guinan & The Single Rose

2009-07-19T18:25:00.009-04:00

Christine Guinan D'Onofrio, Jim's youngest daughter, recently shared these two compelling photos she took.

The first she shot last year when her father had returned to the Hudson Highlands for his son John's funeral. While there, Jim went down to #7 Garrison's Landing to see his old home again. The image speaks for itself.

The second is a single flower that Christine found blooming unexpectedly on an old family rose bush at her home in Florida after she arrived there from her father's funeral in April of this year. There had not been blooms on the bush for a couple of years. Christine says she took this single flower as a sign from her Mom, Peg, that Jim had arrived to his wife safe and sound in heaven.

Irish Night Musicians Move to the Stadium

2009-07-06T10:04:00.003-04:00

Many of the musicians who played at "Irish Night" at Guinan's will now be playing at "The Stadium" on Route 9 in Garrison, near Graymoor.

Guitarist Jack McAndrew writes that the crew will be playing outdoors during the summer weather permitting. (Given Mother Nature's track record this June, don't hold your breath.)

They will play on the same schedule as established at Guinan's, i.e, the Thursday of the full moon or the first Thursday following a Full Moon. For example, if the full moon is on a Saturday, they will have their seisiun on the following Thursday.

Upcoming:
July 9
Aug. 6
Sept. 10

TEAM GUINAN RIDES 2009 ....

2009-06-29T17:41:00.006-04:00

Team Guinan will ride again this year for Braking the Cycle with a smaller, devoted crew who needs your support and donations more than ever.

Riders include: Kelly Guinan Preusser, Ed Preusser, Christine Ashburn and Dean Bradshaw. Kelly's Mom, Mary Jane, is likely to be part of the crew. They ride/crew in honor of the late John Guinan, a long-time rider who has been dubbed honorary Rider #1 for Braking the Cycle, and his late brother-in-lawn, Tom Caruso.

The ride goes from Boston to New York this time -- a tough terrain. They leave on September 11th and ride into New York City on September 13th. Those of us former riders who can't make the ride this year hope everyone who supported us individually will send donations to Team Guinan.

CLICK HERE to donate online to Team Guinan.

More updates on the team and their training progress to come here on the blog.

New Book of Poems Reflects on Guinan's

2009-06-24T12:23:00.008-04:00

One former patron of Guinan's has just self-published a book of his poetry titled: "Writing in My Head: Guinan's, God and Other Things." There are several poems dedicated to the former pub and country store as well as members of the family.

With permission, here is an excerpt:

"The Communion of Saints"

It's Irish Night at Guinan's
first Thursday after the full moon
and the place is packed.

And there is a harp
And a bodhran
And a few accordions
And a whistle
And a few guitars
And a few fiddles
And some singers
And a lot of beer.

There are some writers
And plumbers
And a Governor
(with a State Police guard).
And restauranteurs
And real estate agents
And professors
And whoever else walks in.

And there is much talk and gaiety
until there is a hush when
Jim is ready to sing
"I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen"
And we all listen.
Kelly's behind the bar
Jim's in the kitchen
And we all take turns
putting money on
the deli register.

Trust abounds, laughter is king,
joy reigns, and we are friends
with people we don't even know.

And then it ends
And we all go home.
We are a funny people.

Copyright 2006 John F. McMullen (Originally published in "Cashing A Check.")

"Little Chapel" Chosen as Summer Read by Town of Waco, Texas

2009-06-24T12:02:00.006-04:00

This is kind of cool and unexpected. The story of Guinan's will fall into the hands of readers in Waco, Texas later this summer. Little Chapel on the River was picked as a summer read for the community's One Book, One Waco program.

The book was selected for exploring "themes of family and friendship as well as the importance of building a strong community." Last summer's pick was "Marley: A Dog Like No Other." Clearly they hadn't heard of Lou-Lou yet.

Dar Williams to Play for ecoartspace and Habitat for Artists

2009-06-13T11:35:00.004-04:00

Date: Saturday, June 27th, 2009
Location: McKenna Theater SUNY New Paltz campus
Street: 1 Hawk Drive
Town: New Paltz, NY
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $25 At the door: $30
Phone: 8452573844
Email: amy@ecoartspace.org

Cold Spring, N.Y.-based singer/songwriter Dar Williams and special guest Nick Panasevich will perform at the McKenna Theater/SUNY New Paltz to benefit the work of ecoartspace and Habitat for Artists, a collective of artists based in the Hudson Valley including:

Chris Albert, Richard Bruce, Sharon L. Butler, E. Odin Cathcart, Ryan Cronin, Simon Draper, Kathy Feighery, Marnie Hillsley, Matthew Kinney, Grace Knowlton, Michael Natiello, Sara Mussen, Steven Rossi, Todd Sargood, Matthew Slaats, Lynn Stein, Dar Williams, Grey Zeien, Donald Kimmel and Flying Swine live Theater.

Memories of High Holy Day 2006

2009-06-05T11:00:00.003-04:00

This nice photo comes from Jim Donnery. Pictured: John Guinan and Mike R. Mihalik on St. Patrick's Day, 2006.

A Final Toast...Thank You Jim Guinan

2009-04-15T08:01:00.004-04:00

Hank Beukema to Jim Guinan...

2009-04-14T03:20:00.000-04:00

From Hank Beukema in memory of Jim Guinan.

Russ Cusick to Jim Guinan...

2009-04-12T15:25:00.004-04:00

From Russ Cusick in honor of Jim Guinan:

"Sadly, As many of you are aware, the incomparable Jim Guinan died on April 1st. I had some "Guinan's" photos from 1/29/08 (two days before the closing of "Guinan's,") with which I've put together a youtube video (above.) The camera crew shown in a couple of the photos is from Fox Business News....they were on location, shooting a story on Mr. Guinan and the "Guinan's" legacy in which the Author of "Little Chapel on the River," Wendy Bounds, John Guinan, and Jim Guinan were all interviewed."

Donations in Memory of Jim Guinan

2009-04-09T12:04:00.002-04:00

From the Guinan family:

"Jim was involved with many organizations and if you would like to make a donation, in lieu of flowers, please consider one of the following: the James & Peg Guinan Family Community Award fund at the Garrison Union Free School - established in 2006 to honor the GUFS student who most strongly exhibits leadership by giving back to their community during the school year (for more information please contact Sue Huetter @ 845-424-3689); The Garrison Volunteer Fire Department; the Garrison Volunteer Ambulance Corp. or the American Diabetes Association in his memory. "

Signing a Guest Book for Jim Guinan

2009-04-04T11:49:00.003-04:00

There is a short, sweet obituary for Jim Guinan on the Web site of Loyless Funeral Home in Florida. The site has a online guest book where you can leave a note about Jim.

The family is currently deciding where they may request donations be made in lieu of flowers.

James Guinan: December 27, 1925 to April 1, 2009

2009-04-02T16:32:00.006-04:00

James Guinan died last night at Tampa University Community Hospital following complications from a chest cold. He was 83 years old.

Jim was with his daughters Christine and Margaret, his son-in-law Mike and some of his grandchildren. His friends and family in the Hudson Highlands were fortunate to have seen him here in "God's Country," as he called it, around St. Patrick's Day.

The family is still working out details and timing of the memorial services, and I will update everything here when they are ready, but here is the information they have so far. They thank everyone for their thoughts, good wishes and prayers:

Visitation:

Monday, April 13th and Tuesday April 14th
Clinton Funeral Home

21 Parrott Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516(845) 265-3333

2-4PM and 7-9PM (both days)

Funeral and Mass:
Wednesday, April 15th

Our Lady of Loretto

24 Fair Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516(845) 265-3781

10AM

Interment to follow at the Cold Spring Cemetery

He was the Mayor of Garrison, he was equal friend to loved ones and strangers, and he touched and changed many, many lives, mine included. Thanks to his family of blood, and extended family of choice, he was never alone, even at the end.

Last Call for Tickets to Garrison Yacht Club Spring Dinner

2009-03-26T09:12:00.006-04:00

Garrison Yacht Club will present The Eilen Jewell Band for its 2009 Spring Dinner. Details below:

When: Sunday, April 5
Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Dutchess Manor -- 263 Rte. 9D, Beacon, NY
Cost: $75 per person including full dinner and beverages and music. Checks should be made payable to Garrison Yacht Club and sent to P.O. Box 176, Garrison NY 10524

Tickets are available on first come, first serve basis until Sunday, March 29th. No tickets will be available at the door.

Contact info: fleetcaptain@garrisonyachtclub.com

Sponsors: Polhemus Construction, Nick Roberti's Marine, Samalot Marine and Sea Tow Central Hudson.
Photo by Jennifer Lucey-Brzoza @ eilenjewell.com

A Note About Guinan's, "Profitability," and the Future of # 7 Garrison's Landing

2009-03-25T08:11:00.010-04:00

Two interesting pieces in this week's Putnam County News & Recorder neatly capture the tenor of the ongoing push to have a public gathering space in the old Guinan's building.

One, written by Michael Turton, does a nice job painting the scene of last week's lively Philipstown Planning Board meeting while a second by Joe Lindsley Jr. titled "A Brief History of the 'Little Chapel,'" describes the long, rich tenure of this particular gathering spot along the Hudson. (You need a subscription to view these pieces in full.)

Lindsley cites my book saying that Jim Guinan was determined to keep the place going even though the operation was losing money. It's true that at various points in time in its nearly 50-year history Guinan's struggled -- early on when Jim and his late wife Peg were launching the business, after Peg's death.

However, as my book also notes, according to the family the store also was profitable during its long history, including when it was under the leadership of Jim and Peg's daughter Christine and her husband Mike D'Onofrio; they say the store's business had tripled after their second year. And when Jim and Peg's other daughter Margaret finally shut the doors of Guinan's in 2008 after years of running it with her brother John and later help from her niece Kelly Guinan Preusser, she says the store was profitable.

Some board members of Garrison Station Plaza have suggested that a public enterprise like Guinan's on Garrison's Landing cannot succeed financially. Certainly there will always be struggles as the economy ebbs and flows for just about any business, large or small. Over nearly five decades, the Guinans weathered rough patches that will sound familiar to many entrepreneurs -- the death of a business partner, rising heating fuel prices, vendors who requested stricter payment terms, the loss of business from fuel tanks being removed at the Garrison's Landing boaters' dock. They had good years and bad years. But there was never an absence of foot traffic at the store, which rests at a critical entry and exit point for the hamlet. Demand was there.

Judging by the outpouring of support for a new gathering spot, it appears there are still a lot of people willing to spend their dollars again down at #7 Garrison's Landing in the right venue. Hopefully, they'll have a chance.