When summer heat hits, there’s no better place than the Hudson Valley for some really cool places. You can catch refreshing breezes from our rivers, lakes, and streams whether you’re in them, on them, or next to them. Just dip your toe in to see how many different ways you can enjoy our waters!

Nothing is more fun than a day spent white water rafting. Silver Canoe in Port Jervis will outfit you for a splashy day on the Delaware River, one of the most scenic waterways in the northeast. Grab some friends to float for miles and swim in the gentle current. On a much larger scale, get your sea legs aboard the USS Slater, the only restored WWII Destroyer Escort afloat in America. Experience what it was like to be a sailor in the Navy; how they worked and how they lived. You’ll hear the sounds of a living ship aboard a piece of American history.

Dock your own boat in Haverstraw at Civiles Venice on the Hudson for contemporary Italian cuisine with a waterfront view. Everything tastes delicious outdoors, and dining on the patio gives you sweeping views of the river and the different water craft bobbing by. A quick ride will take you to Rye where you can cool off on the beach, lake, or in the pool at Playland Amusement Park. The park is a National Historic Landmark with a quarter-mile boardwalk offering expansive views of Long Island Sound. Rent a pedal boat, or just relax at the Pier Restaurant with a frosty drink.

“Water, Water, Everywhere” is a special exhibit at the Beacon Institute for Rivers & Estuaries. Six Hudson River artists explore the ever present influence of water in our lives. Throughout the year the center also hosts programs on interesting aspects such as the river villages that line the Hudson, and the bridges that cross its waters.

Another icon is the towering beacon that guides ships through the river. On July 10th, a 10-minute boat ride starts the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Tour. Climb the stairs to the lantern room and exit onto the gallery for spectacular views of the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River. Guides tell what it’s like to live in a lighthouse as they show the unique features of this working home. You’ll also see the lighthouse from the shore in Athens on July 18th, the beginning of Rip Van Winkle’s Wacky Raft Race. Enter your own crazy craft, or just enjoy the day and cheer the competition. The finish line is in Catskill where awards, food, vendors, and live entertainment celebrate the winners!

One of the region’s most charming villages also welcomes you on July 18th. The Cold Spring River Festival is held at the riverfront park with dozens of vendors selling art, antiques, and crafts. Stroll up Main Street to explore the wonderful restaurants and stores of this quaint river town. Another reason to go down to the river every Wednesday night in July and August is to see the Rockin’ on the River Concert Series in Troy. These free concerts offer an eclectic selection of music and a chance to spend a fun time with friends and family.

Adventurers everywhere who want to see the Hudson River in a whole new light should sign up for the great Hudson River Paddle. Enjoy the eight-day, 100-mile kayaking and camping trip from Albany to Peekskill starting July 29th – Just another cool way to see the region’s rivers, lakes, beaches, and waterfronts. Refresh yourself during hot summer days with a trip to the Hudson Valley. Come on in, the water’s fine.

Hudson Valley Tourism, Inc. is the 10-county region designated by I LOVE NEW YORK to promote tourism for the area. Counties include Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Ulster and Westchester. Regional information can be obtained from any of the county tourism offices, the Hudson Valley Tourism website, www.travelhudsonvalley.com, or by calling 845-615-3860.

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A group of the finest competitive eaters in the country will gather at Fishkill’s Splashdown Beach Water Park on Saturday, June 26 to battle it out at an official Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. At stake is the chance to compete in the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, NY.

Juliet Lee, an eating champion out of Maryland who is currently ranked #11 in the world by Major League Eating, headlines the event. Ms. Lee qualified for Coney Island in 2009 after eating 30.5 Nathan’s hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Among those looking to stop Lee will be Micah “Wing Kong” Collins from Philadelphia who is ranked #13 in the world.

“June 26th is the last day for anyone to qualify for Nathan’s Famous 2010. As a result, it’s quite daring of Juliet to wait this long to qualify,” said Richard Shea, president of Major League Eating. “Her competitors claim she is arrogant while her fans claim she is confident. As a promoter I simply look forward to drama.”

The road to Coney Island is winding through many great American cities, with champions of each qualifier earning a spot to compete in the ESPN-televised contest that’s held at the original Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island at noon July Fourth.  The reigning and three-time champion is Joey Chestnut of San Jose, CA.  In 2009, Chestnut consumed 68 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and Buns in 10 minutes to set a new world record.

“Nathan’s Famous is excited to embark on another exciting nationwide campaign and to deliver the world what’s sure to be another memorable July Fourth,” said Wayne Norbitz, President and COO of Nathan’s Famous, Inc.  “For the past three years, the great Chestnut-Kobayashi rivalry has thrilled eating fans in Coney Island and beyond.  I anticipate 2010 to be bigger than ever before.”

The official 2010 Nathan’s Famous hot dog-eating circuit has stops scheduled in 15 cities including Las Vegas, NV, San Jose, CA, Foxboro, MA, Hartford, CT, Atlanta, GA, Atlantic City, NJ, Phoenix, AZ, Norfolk, VA, Charlotte, NC, Thackerville, OK, San Diego, CA and Queens, NY.  Two qualifiers featuring men and women from the armed services will also be held at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia and Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

As part of its 2010 July 4th celebration, Nathan’s Famous intends to provide 100,000 hot dogs to U.S. troops stationed overseas.  According to archives, the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest has occurred each July 4th in Coney Island, NY since 1916, the year Nathan Handwerker opened the legendary restaurant.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHAT:    Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest Qualifier
WHERE:  Splashdown Beach, 16 Old Route 9 West, Fishkill, NY 12524
WHEN:   Saturday, June 26, 2010
TIME:   1:00pm.

Regular Water Park admission includes all attractions and the contest.

About Nathan’s Famous:  Nathan’s products are currently distributed in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, Cayman Islands and four foreign countries through its restaurant system, foodservice sales programs and retail licensing activities. The Nathan’s restaurant system consists of 251 units, 246 franchised or licensed units and five company-owned units (including one seasonal unit). For information visit www.nathansfamous.com

About Major League Eating: Major League Eating, the governing body of all stomach-centric sport, sanctions the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Circuit and ensures the contests are judged professionally and that safety standards are in place at each event. For information, visit www.ifoce.com

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The Three Divas, from left: Lisa, Ann, and Anna

When Anna Gibbs and Ann Bell met for the first time, they knew they were going to end up working together. Introduced by mutual friend Lisa Ann, the three Hudson Valley residents had lots in common – including a vision for women’s empowerment.

When Lisa Ann, a world renowned psychic medium, healer and holistic life coach read some research about how the person who you kiss at New Year’s is the person who sets the tone for your year, she came up with her own plan. After posting something as a joke on Facebook declaring that 2010 was going to be the “Year of the Diva,” Lisa Ann decided that she would challenge Facebook users to kiss themselves in the mirror on New Year’s and post a photo on the page to win a free meeting with her. Women were inspired by the idea and began sending her emails asking if she would consider starting a “diva” class to let women come together and gain strength from one another.

“I might have said that it was going to be the “year of the diva,” but I didn’t mean diva in the conventional sense,” Lisa Ann says. “The letters stand for Determined, Intelligent, Victorious, and Accomplished.”

Lisa Ann held a small seminar on her own and, when it went over well, she spoke with Ann and Anna about the prospect of starting up a company that would focus on providing educational and inspirational workshops for women across the country.  Shortly thereafter, the Three Divas and “Discover the DIVA in You!” was born. Their mission was to focus on providing women with support, encouragement and empowerment so that they could experience growth throughout the mind, body & spirit.

Woman enjoying an activity at "Discover the DIVA in You!"

The “mind” segment is lead by Anna, a business and productivity coach. As someone with over 20 years of professional experience, Anna understood that the key to success depends on your ability to visualize it. She felt that she would do well in showing women what they can achieve if they put their minds to it.

“We’re all close friends, but very different people at the same time,” she says about herself and her coworkers. “We thought that it might be a positive experience for women to hear about our separate backgrounds and stories so they feel comfortable to share their own with us as well. I think that today, with this economy and society and the recent natural disasters, finding the coping skills to deal with negativity and not let it change you is important. I talk about that a lot in my segment. ”

Ann, a licensed massage therapist and life strategies coach, takes care of the “body” portion. Her career as a Massage Therapist has given her a unique perspective on women and their needs, and she shares the importance of being comfortable with one’s sexuality with the group during the workshop.

“We set a very safe environment for women in the workshops,” says Ann. “We share our own personal stories so that everyone can open up and help realize that you can strike a balance between work life, personal life, and your own sexuality. We also do some meditation, which many of the women there have never done before. It’s a very comfortable atmosphere.”

Lisa Ann’s background as a holistic life coach and psychic medium made her the perfect candidate to discuss spirituality. She says that the transformation of the people who walk in to when they leave is incredible.

“It’s an amazing thing to see,” she says. “These woman walk in and you see them just kind of closed off, standing aside from the crowd, not really sure what to do. When we start sharing and getting them involved, though, you see this light in their eyes that wasn’t there before. You can tell that they’re inspired.”

The Three Divas running their workshop

What about the trio inspires audience members? Aside from the energy that Lisa Ann, Anna, and Ann bring to the workshop as a group, women who attend the “Discover the DIVA in You” workshop claim that the focus on whom you are as a person as opposed to what’s wrong in your life is an empowering statement in itself. The workshop starts with the three women dancing in and toting a boa, setting the stage for a celebration of self instead of criticism and negativity. There is music, meditation, games, goodie bags, talking, sharing, and laughing.

“Our groups go from crying to laughing in a matter of seconds,” says Lisa Ann. “This just goes to show how powerful it is for some people.”

The first two workshops, held in Middletown and Kingston, pulled in vivacious groups of women from their 20s all the way up until their 80s. The feedback so far has been good.

“You speak amazingly and are all so genuine and REAL!” emailed one happy attendee. “I feel very special and loved. THANK YOU!” says another.

With all the fun and success the three divas have been getting, the future of their company is looking bright. There will be at least two more workshops held in the Hudson Valley by the end of the year, and the women have plans to publish a diva handbook this fall. They are also hoping to extend their workshops to the rest of the nation, as well as creating diva-in-training seminars for teens and young adults.

“We want everybody to become diva-fied!” says Anna. “We want everybody to have this strength and happiness that we have, and we’re not afraid to take this nationwide.”

“I think women need this right now,” Ann continues. “They’re coming to the forefront of society and history and finding their own power, and things like this add balance and a sense of camaraderie to it all.”

“It’s going to be a process for the three divas,” adds Lisa Ann. “We might not have all the answers, but we’re having a hell of a lot of fun figuring it out.”

For more information about the Three Divas or to attend their next workshop, visit their website at www.discoverthediva.com.

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Enjoy gluten-free versions of your favorite foods in the Hudson Valley

It’s not easy being gluten free. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, causes some people serious health problems. Whether you have celiac disease, gluten allergies, or are staying away from it for health reasons, you know that gluten free food and treats are hard to come by.

With the recent buzz about the benefits of a gluten free diet, many people who don’t have gluten sensitivities are opting to shun nutrition’s latest bad boy in favor of a lighter, healthier diet. Marketers estimate that 15% to 25% of consumers want gluten free foods though doctors estimate just 1% have celiac disease says Cynthia Kupper, executive director of the non-profit Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (gluten.net).

This is actually a positive thing for people who have gluten allergies, because to respond to the increase in consumer demand businesses are creating more gluten free products. Not to be outdone by big businesses, local business owners and restaurateurs have also created gluten free options for people who need them. We’ve hunted down six of the best finds in the Hudson Valley for people with gluten intolerance, ranging from a hot dogs in Poughkeepsie to a pasta joint in New Paltz. Bon appetit!

Aroma Thyme Bistro
Local health foodies rejoiced when chef Marcus Guiliamo and his wife Jamie opened Aroma Thyme Bistro in Ellenville on New Years Eve in 2003. Guiliano’s goal with the restaurant was to turn natural, whole food into something beautiful and flavorful, and most visitors would say that he has succeeded. Aroma Thyme Bistro offers an innovative menu of focused, natural cuisine that reflects balance and well-being by focusing on pure ingredients and limiting manipulation. To achieve this objective, Guiliano shuns the use of butter and heavy dairy products, white flour products and refined sugar that mask food’s natural flavors. This is good news for those with gluten sensitivities, as many of Aroma Thyme’s menu items are naturally gluten free (and still delicious!). Their website claims that over 90% of all of their menu items work for a gluten free diet, and a visit to the comfortably intimate restaurant proves that you can be gluten free and still have a mouthwatering meal. Aroma Thyme’s stir fry dishes sizzle with gluten free soy sauce, steaks, fish, and veggie dishes are all served with gluten-free marinades, and desserts like brownies, chocolate torte, and pecan pie are all perfectly safe for even the most gluten-sensitive individual.
165 Canal Street
Ellenville, NY
845.647.3000

Soul Dog
Founded by Jenny and Adam Teague in September 2004, downtown Poughkeepsie’s Soul Dog is quickly becoming a favorite for those that step through its doors. With their laid-back vibe, dedicated service, and engaging variety of menu items, Soul Dog attempts to “Redefining the Hot Dog experience” and succeeds. Fresh traditional toppings are available for their variety of tasty beef, chicken, and veggie dogs, and homemade hand-cut french fries and freshly made chilis, soups, and desserts that change daily round out the menu for a tasty variety. Soul Dog offers exotic fixings like Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce and savory Soul Sauce for the hot dog adventurer, but it is also a safe haven for people with special dietary needs. They offer an extensive menu of gluten free options like french fries, mac and cheese, sauces, beer, and gluten free buns are available for hot dogs to make things even easier for you. Don’t forget about their gluten free cupcakes and other baked goods, too!
107 Main Street
Poughkeepsie, NY
845.454.3254

The Groovy Baker
Looking for gluten-free goodies for your wedding or special event? If so, The Groovy Baker is just what you’re looking for! Chef Lisa, a pastry chef and graduate of the New York Art Institute’s pastry and baking program, crafts custom handmade (and allergy-free) desserts every day for people with every kind of allergy and preference, from vegetarians to vegans to people with gluten allergies. There’s no stockpile of pastries in boxes with expiration dates at The Groovy Baker; everything is custom baked after your order is placed. Chef Lisa incorporates customer preferences, allergies and sensitivities as well as philosophies about “how food should be” to create something that you’ll like. Though everything she makes is entirely custom, you can also choose from a menu of previously created confections, from dark chocolate with fudge frosting dusted with 23k gold dust to cherry lime Rickey cupcakes (a shot of white rum makes them extra zesty!)
845.878.9703

Suruchi Indian Restaurant
At Suruchi (Sanskrit for ‘good taste’), fresh and authentic Indian cuisine is served in a calming  atmosphere. Their goal is to provide food that is nourishing & enjoyable for customers’ body and spirit. All dishes are made from scratch from carefully chosen fresh ingredients with special attention to cooking methods.With healthy ingredients like filtered water, sea salt, extra-virgin organic coconut oil, homemade yogurt and cheese, and other organic and free-range options, Suruchi is a health food paradise for the Indian food fan. Most dishes are naturally gluten free, but the chef will accommodate dietary needs as thoroughly as possible.
5 Church Street
New Paltz, NY
845.255.2772

Rock Da Pasta
New Paltz’s Rock Da Pasta is a “Revolutionary Experience” where delicious (and stylish) food pays tribute to talented musicians and their extraordinary music. The fusion of their jamming atmosphere and innovative menu, presented by Chef Ocote, will inspire you to “Rock out while they get the pasta out!” (Their cute and edgy tagline.)  They offer catering for all occasions with a myriad of available cuisines, and all of their dishes are prepared to order. Since substitutions are allowed, customers can live like rock stars and have everything their way. They offer up a tasty and healthy menu of organic foods, and 85% of their menu can be made vegan or vegetarian with gluten free pasta available upon request. They also carry gluten free bread, beer, pizza, and desserts. Some favorite dishes include the Peter Frampi Scampi with sundried tomatoes and angel hair pasta and Stairway to Heaven with tomatoes, peppers, artichoke hearts, fennel, and pineapple in a light alfredo sauce.
62 Main St.
New Paltz, NY
845.255.1144

Cheeseburger in Paradise
We all need an occasional dose of paradise, and that’s where Middletown’s Cheeseburger in Paradise comes in. It may be a small chain, but this tropical oasis right here in the Hudson Valley has a fun background and an even better menu. Owned by none other than Jimmy Buffett, this local burger joint prides itself on using only fresh chicken, seafood and 100% ground choice chuck beef  that is never frozen to make their variety of burgers, sandwiches, and dishes. Their cheeseburgers may have made them famous, but they also include menu specialties that are inspired by the spices of the Caribbean. Go overboard for their mini cheeseburgers, Calypso Chicken Salad, Jerk Chicken Wraps, and a full fledged gluten free menu that includes bunless burgers, salads, soups, drinks, beer, and even the “Copa Banana,” a light and fresh dessert with fresh bananas, stawberries, toasted coconut, whipped cream, and banana pudding layered in a tall martini glass.
340 Route 211 East
Middletown, NY
845.343.9252

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Judges working on their decision at the HV Wine Label Competition

On Wednesday, I attended the judging of the first ever “The Face of Hudson Valley Wine” wine label competition at the Roger Smith Hotel. Hudson Valley Wine Magazine did a wonderful job creating and executing this competition.  There were about 100 wine labels entered in the various categories.

The judges were: Gorden Kaye, Editor and Publisher of Graphic Design USA; Robert LaValva, Director and Founder of the New Amsterdam Market in NYC; Mark LaRocca, President of LaRocca Branding & Advertising; and Melissa Ifkovits, Wine Sales Consultant for Southern Distributors.

Wineries entered their labels in 7 categories:

• Best Use of Illustration
• Best Limitd Edition
• Best Use of Photography
• Most Recognizeable as a Hudson Valley Wine
• Most Unique Name
• Most Memorable

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I just wanted to post an update on what’s been going on here at HV Echo. After almost two months of publishing daily weekday articles (has it been that long already??) I’ve decided that I’d like to see more community involvement and contribution. Aside from the personal difficulty of publishing two articles a day, my initial vision for HV Echo was to have it be a place where local experts and writers could share their expertise, thoughts, and local experiences with the community. I think allowing for more contributors will let HV Echo reach that goal.

On that note, I’d like to invite any local experts, writers, and Valley aficionados to send your blog posts, articles, and expert information to us at tips@hvecho.com. We’d love to receive anything from tips, how-to pieces, Q&As, photos, and reviews. The only restrictions are that it has to be tasteful, well-written, and Hudson Valley-centric. (We also like to support local business, so please no reviews of Panera or TGI Fridays!)  =) We will of course give you and your business (if you have one) a plug, and link back to your personal blog or website as well.

I hope you’ve all had a good week and have some fun things planned for the weekend…there’s always a lot going on! I’d suggest checking out the Strawberry Festival in Beacon on Saturday. It’s going on from 12 – 5pm and features live music, vendors, arts and crafts, and a variety of strawberry taste treats including shortcake, smoothies and chocolate-dipped berries. The event helps raise funds for the upkeep of The Woody Guthrie sloop, and for the Beacon Sloop Club’s sailing and educational programs. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Cheers,
Laura

Laura Facchin laura@hvecho.com HV Echo | Twitter | Facebook

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Spring is here in all its muddy glory. Early spring is always a wet season in the Hudson Valley, and with the wet conditions we’ve had over the past couple of days it’s important to remember to wait for the soil to dry out a bit more before digging in it. Working in the yard when the soil is saturated can cause soil compaction problems. This is one of the spring rules I mention to many of my hands on customers when asked, “What can I do in my yard to help sustain a cleaner, healthier outdoor environment?”

In the Hudson Valley, the calendar may say spring at the end of March each year but it’s that first sunny, warm Saturday when all eyes focus on the yard. That’s the day we strap on the overalls, organize the tool shed, set the kids up with their peas and spinach seeds and wander into the garden. This year, let’s try some new and exciting methods of working in the yard and at the same time be taking a more ecologically friendly approach.

In our region, spring is the best time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials because the plants have one growing season to acclimate to their new home. It’s important to put the proper plant in the right location. A plant that has adapted to shady, moist soils will be much more susceptible to pests and diseases if placed in dry soil and in full sun. In most cases, it’s best to move a plant that is clearly in the wrong spot then try to keep the plant healthy by using pesticides, fertilizers and water.

Plants that are native to our region are the best choice. Native species have proven themselves over time. Non-native and exotic species of plants require more care and are far more susceptible to insect and disease infestation. Native plants on the other hand, having evolved in the very environment in which we may plant them, are often able to fight both disease and insects naturally. What this means to the environmentally friendly gardener is less dependence on synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, and fungicides, all of which can have negative short and long term impacts on the environment and our health.

Try to create a diversified habitat in the landscape. This is where the kids can be an important part of the decision making on to what to plant. For a hedge, we will have more success with different plants than a wall of one type of tree or shrub. A bed filled with shrubs, perennials and bulbs is much healthier for the environment than a rose garden.

Native plants that produce nectar, pollen and fruit are a good source of food for natural predators that feed on harmful pests. For instance, aphids that attack honeysuckle are gobbled up by ladybugs, which in turn are eaten by the birds. Various plants that attract beneficial insects belong to the carrot (dill & parsley), mint (lemon balm & thyme), cabbage (radishes, mustard & broccoli) and the daisy family. All of these plants would look great in the home landscape. Don’t forget to plant a few conifers where wildlife can take shelter in the winter.

With the exception of those plants that thrive in poor soil, most plants can benefit from the addition of compost. Compost makes an ideal soil amendment and adds body and enriches the soil in the landscape.

One of Pete's custom native designs

Fertilizing when planting trees and shrubs is generally not recommended. Fertilizers should only be used when soil tests show nutrient deficiencies, for plants grown in containers, and to pep up a plant that has suffered considerable stress. Use organic, natural, slow release fertilizers when needed.

Use a mulch that consists of wood chips, leaf mold, and a ground root and bark material. This mix will build and support nutrients in the soil, suppresses weeds and their germination, keep the soil cooler by moderating soil temperature, conserve moisture, and protect the plant from mechanical injury by machinery. Avoid mulch volcanoes around trees. Too much mulch or mulch too deep can also cause problems. Two to three inches of this mulch is my recommendation.

It’s also important to water properly. New plants must not be allowed to dry out before they are fully established. Once well established, most trees, shrubs and perennials do just fine with natural rainfall. In fact, a plant that is well suited to its growing conditions should not need to be watered unless there is an extended drought. Water deeply and try to avoid wetting the foliage so as not to encourage fungal diseases. Water is probably the most important element in caring for new plants. Since a newly transplanted tree or shrub has not extended its roots into the existing soil, adequate moisture needs to reach the root ball. Soil type and the amount of rainfall govern the amount of watering necessary. On most well drained soils, one inch of water per week throughout the summer and fall is required to establish and maintain growth. In sandy soils, two inches of water per week is needed.

Now is the time to get down on your knees and get your nails dirty. Don’t forget to keep the kids hydrated and keep the sunblock handy on those sunny days. Have fun!

Pete Muroski is a nurseryman, environmentalist and native landscape contractor founded Native Landscapes, Inc. in 1987 in rural Dutchess County, New York. Pete has guided his business toward the goal of working together with nature. His common sense garden practices are naturalistic in approach and sustain cleaner air, soil and water.

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The sign that greets Stony Kill visitors (photo by Ed Spaeth via Facebook)

After threats of closure trickling down from New York state’s financial crisis, it has been announced by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation that Stony Kill will remain open for the year. The farm and environmental facility is a 1,000 acre working farm owned and operated by the DEC as an environmental education center.

Until last week, Stony Kill was slated to close on May 31. The closure would have meant the cessation of maintenance on hiking trails and cancellation of all on-site programs in addition to closing all of the buildings. Most of all, the closing would have opened an opportunity for the Verplank family, who deeded the property to the state in 1942 as a working farm, to take the property back on the grounds of breach of contract. This could have cost the state government millions of dollars to reclaim the property.

Assemblyman Joel Miller was an advocate of keeping the property open and fought to make sure that the state government understood the ramifications of closing Stony Kill, even if it was just for a short time.

“Keeping Stony Kill open is not just about saving something for the sake of saving it,” Miller says. “It’s an outing for families, it’s a living museum where people can bring their kids and learn about farming and the environment.”

Stony Kill Foundation Board Chairman Dick Lahey said that the state Legislature decided to allocate the $36,000 needed to keep the farm and educational facility open last week. He was notified of the allocation by an official at the DEC.

Lahey credits the last minute change of plans to dedicated politicians who fought tirelessly to keep Stony Kill open. He offered thanks to Assemblyman Joel Miller and state Senator Steve Saland, who were two of the strongest local political advocates.

He also expressed his gratitude and amazement at the support from the local community, who created a Facebook site that spoke out against the DEC’s tentative choice to close Stony Kill.  Supporters ranged from Hudson Valley resident folk singer and activist Pete Seeger to Ella Lewis, a 10-year-old girl from Beacon who raised money at a lemonade stand to donate to Stony Kill.

Shorty before officials learned of the state funding for Stony Kill, the board also received a $30,000 donation from a concerned New York City resident who wanted to prevent the closure of the center. Lahey has contacted the donor about returning the money.

“It was just amazing that somebody came out of the blue at the 11th hour to save Stony Kill for all the area residents who enjoy it so much and the thousands of New York City kids who come up to the farm,” Lahey said “It was surprising.”

Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center, located on Route 9D in the town of Fishkill, is a 1,000 acre working farm owned and operated by the DEC as an environmental education center. Founded in 1973, Stony Kill has provided visitors with nature and hiking trails, community gardens, and environmental information through the Manor House library and various educational programs.

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We live in a world of chaos and speed: a world that cries out for to us go quickly, get it done, and with the least amount of contact possible. Within this world, however, there are places that force us to slow down, to breathe deeply, to touch our inner being, and find strength to stand still and just be. One such place is the Ken Zen Ichi Karate School located on Rte 55 in Lagrange, NY. One could argue that the deep cries that emerge from the students of this school is anything but peaceful but a deeper look inside the value of the school cannot be seen, but must be experienced.

The term “Ken Zen Ichi” means that the mind, body, and spirit of a warrior are one. There is no greater example of this than one of the school’s teachers, Sensei Gloria Baker. Tall and blond with bright blue eyes and a warm, engaging smile, one would never know the amazing focus and skill she holds to teach students the necessary skills to become a warrior. It’s no easy job. At 47 years young, Sensei Baker has been taking karate since she was 26 years old.

“I went to a martial arts demonstration and that is when I knew I found what I was looking for,
she says. “It just clicked for me. The marital art encompasses the physical, mental, and spiritual all in one.”

Sensei Baker achieved her black belt in five years. She is currently a fourth degree black belt. She credits the success in her life to hard work and the consistency that karate has brought to her life.

“The karate experience has made me a better person and much more confident and aware,” she says. “It makes me want to do the right thing and taught me to stand in my personal power, have integrity, and speak my truth even in the face of adversity.”

These lessons about life and individual power and choices are given freely to Sensei Baker’s students throughout her classes.  Techniques taught within the classes are integrated with the development of one’s personal power and the ability to achieve more than he or she ever thought was possible to achieve.

Sensei Baker and one of her students

Students at the Ken Zen Ichi karate soon become masters and then teachers of the art they have studied. Although children, both boys and girls, can begin this study of the art by the age of four, all students are given the opportunity to learn to teach other students as a part of their training.

“It’s important to give back,” says Sensei Baker. “When you give back it comes back to you tenfold. The more you teach, the more you know and learn.”

This philosophy of paying it forward is an important aspect of this karate system. Students of all ages incorporate what they have learned and then move forward by teaching those of lesser ranks how to complete a technique. It is not uncommon for a young girl of nine or ten to be leading the class and demonstrating skill sets. In its simplicity and sincerity, it’s beautiful to see that age or gender makes no difference on this field of play. The heart of the warrior is within.

Sensei Joseph Liggera, 43, is another brave soul at Ken Zen Ichi karate. He teaches alongside Sensei Baker and brings his own sense of devotion and style to this system. A father of five, and owner of Dutchess Quarry Manufacturing, Sensei Liggera focuses on the development of the child’s spirit.

“Part of this program, if that is what we could call it, is to teach children not to give up,” he says. “I like to see the kids work and achieve what I feel is the fullest of their potential.”

Liggera attends to his karate students as he would his own children. He is often serious, but a gentle example of strength and wisdom. Liggera would not hesitate to stop a class and talk to the students about what the deeper meaning of a particular exercise should be. He encourages students to experience the movements and become an active part of their growth intellectually, physically, and emotionally. For Sensei Liggera, the most important reason he continues to teach and participate in this karate program is to empower students and teach them not to be afraid.

“No one should live in fear,” he says. “Everyone should have the freedom to be alone and not be afraid.”

Sensei Liggera poses for a photo with a colleague

Teachers come in all ages. Sensei Georgie Super, 13,  has been taking karate for eight years and has been a black belt for the last year.

“This karate program has given me so much more than I can give back,” says Super. “I have learned to focus on my studies, my health, and sports. I have learned self-defense, grappling (hand to hand combat), and the use of every day items as a form of protection. I am more confident in everything that I do, even staying by myself at home is easier.”

Sensei Super has been a symbol of strength for all of the students in the program. “Many of us have seen her grow up before our eyes,” says a parent at the school. “Now, look at her!  She is up there teaching children and adults. She is no longer the shy girl we once knew. Her power isn’t just seen in how she uses her body, but how she talks, how her posture makes her appear taller than those around her, and how you can see the fire in her eyes as she moves through her katas.”

This teenage girl attends and teaches two to three days a week at the program and her goal is simple; to share what she has learned and to help others find their inner warrior.

Ken Zen Ichi karate is different from other programs because is focuses totally on the individual. Whereas other programs test in groups, Ken Zen Ichi creates and individualized, specific tests for each student as they move through various levels. Promotion for belts is based upon personal achievement, report card grades, discipline, focus, behavior, application and understanding of technique. Parents are empowered in this program to participate in the promotion of their child and parents have the power to take stripes from their child if their child does not act respectfully at home.  This program is about personal development and achieving greater than one believes he or she could ever achieve. The tests are not easy, but challenging. Families are invited to help drive their loved one to their greatest level of performance. Although the kids work hard during the testing process, the pride of promotion far outweighs the trials through which each student must endure.

Ken Zen Ichi karate is more than a karate system. This program is about watching very special people do very important things. It teaches its students that they are all part of a bigger picture. It teaches students that we have a responsibility to be good to our families and participate in our society. It teaches students that life is not easy and we must work hard to overcome all of those things in our life that will try to hold us back and tell us we are not good enough. It teaches students to silence that voice in their heads that tells them to give up and replaces it with a soul full of confidence and conviction. Most of all, the instructors at Ken Zen Ichi teach students that the only way they can fail is if they give up and that they have found a place where they will be able to stretch their wings and fly.

The heart of a warrior doesn’t come with a belt color; it comes from surrounding yourself with people who will tell you that you are not alone and will walk the hallways of your life even when those hallways seem blocked and empty.

Ken Zen Ichi karate has classes at Crush Fitness on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. All levels are open to new members and free trial classes are available.  Please call Sensei Baker at 860-946-9655 for more information.

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Let your child build teamwork at a summer day camp.

School isn’t even out yet, but you’re already gearing yourself up for that all-too-common summer complaint from your kids: “We’re bored!” You have a wealth of options to keep them out of trouble, of course, but it never seems to be enough. When the movies, arts and crafts, and dreaded summer reading are all exhausted, many local parents turn to summer camps to keep the kids occupied (and to save their own sanity).

Summer day camps are great for getting kids some social time and helping them build new skills while giving parents the day off to run errands and have some alone time. Some day camps even last long enough to let parents go to work during the day, offering a refreshing option next to hiring a full-time babysitter. The Hudson Valley has a number of great summer day programs for kids, but we’ve decided to list our top five choices for the region’s coolest and most unique options. Now, go and enjoy a boredom-free summer!

Dutchess Arts Camp
Dutchess Arts Camp is one of the area’s top summer day camps for the creative kid. Held at three separate campuses (Poughkeepsie, Millbrook, and Red Hook), DAC includes a number of fun and exciting activities that left-brained campers will eat right up. Furthering what students typically get in an art classroom setting, DAC offers skill building with drawing, cartooning, painting, and clay studios with a separate room for glazing and kiln firing. They also have spacious and fully equipped workshop areas for stained glass, sculpture, puppetry, mask making, weaving, papermaking, glass blowing, live action video, pinhole photography, music, drama, set design, the culinary arts, jewelry making, bookmaking, and more.
Why we like it: With a tagline like “building self-esteem while learning through the arts,” how could you go wrong? DAC is a non-competitive and nurturing environment that allows your child’s unique creative potential to shine, allowing him to grow, learn, and even gain greater self-esteem. Many of the staffers are professional artists and teachers who use a hands-on approach to engage campers in the creative process, while they develop new skills and learn new techniques.
More Information: 1 week sessions available from July 5th through August 6th. Full-day sessions are $325/week while half-day sessions are $200/week. Early drop off and late pick up available for $10 additional charge. Ages 4-14 are welcome at DAC. For more information or to register your child please visit www.millstreetloft.org.

Adventure Sailing School
In this summer day program offered by the Tivoli Sailing Company, campers learn and build sailing skill while getting them excited about one of the area’s most valuable resources: the Hudson River. Licensed captain Jerome Crandall Hollick leads the pack, with science classes led by Patrick Landawe (Keeper of Saugerties Lighthouse). Campers will be taught the basics of sailing as well as river ecology, seamanship, navigation, knot tying, chart reading, and basics of boat maintenance. Snacks and drinks are provided, and the programs offers three overnights: the first overnight will be on Magdalen Island, the second at Ulster Landing Park and the third at Bear Mountain State Park. You can choose to send your child to this camp anywhere from one week to the full ten-week session if they really want to become sailing experts.
Why we like it: The Adventure Sailing School is a rare opportunity for children to really learn about sailing and to build an appreciation for the sport as well as for the river. It’s taught by licensed professionals who are extremely passionate about their field, and it comes across in the campers’ reactions.
More Information: Weekly sessions available from June 28th through September 3rd. Full-day sessions are $300/week, but the fee is reduced to $225 to attend the full 10-week session. All students must be able to swim 100 feet and tread water 90 seconds on their own. Pick up and drop off will be in Tivoli and Saugerties. Students should bring their own Type 3 life vest. Ages 6-16 are welcome at Adventure Sailing School. For more information or to register your child please visit www.tivolisailing.com.

Summer Strings
Summer Strings is a three-week day camp in Poughkeepsie for string players in third through tenth grades. In 2009, Summer Strings hosted 250 students from 64 different schools in the Hudson Valley region. Students divide their time between learning fiddle tunes by ear and playing in string orchestra. Fiddle groups are small (6-11 students) and present their own arrangements in performance. Students participate in “Music Jeopardy” with rhythms and musical terms, workshops in traditional dance, and daily concerts by staff and guest artists. Visiting performers and teachers have included Lissa Schneckenburger, John Kirk and Trish Miller, Abby Newton, David Kaynor, and Bruce Molsky.
Why we like it: The outstanding and dedicated staff, as well as a chance for children to really connect with other string students, makes the Summer Strings program a great choice for kids who love music. (And as an added bonus, it’ll give the kids a reason to practice their instrument all summer long!)
More Information: 1 week sessions available from July 12th through July 30th. Full-day sessions are $250 for one week, $465 for two weeks, and $680 for three weeks. Early drop off and late pick up available for $10 additional charge. Students entering grades through through ten are welcome at Summer Strings. For more information or to register your child please visit www.stringendoweb.org.

Summer Camps at The Rock
If your child is one of those extra-energetic, ants-in-your-pants athletic types, he or she will love the summer day camps at The Rock Sports Park in Chester. Their Summer Camps range in age and skill level from the very young and inexperienced athlete to older kids who want to get an edge on their favorite sports. Choose from Junior Rockies Sports Academy for ages 3-4, All Sport Say Camp for ages 5-12, and Next Level Sports Camps for ages 8-17 for kids who want to kick things up a notch. All camps feature the Ultimate Water Cooldown, where they turn our ball fields into a rain forest where campers experience the ultimate in water sports: Slip and Slide, Rain Tag, Aqua Soccer, Water Dodge Ball, and Rain Delay Baseball.
Why we like it: The camps at The Rock offer teamwork lessons and a great source of exercise for kids who need a place to run around and use up all their extra energy.
More Information: 1 week sessions available from June 28th through September 3rd. Full-day sessions are range in price and age range depending on the program. For more information or to register your child please visit www.therocksportspark.com.

Sprout Creek Farm
A 200-acre working farm in LaGrange, Sprout Creek Farm’s summer programs offer kids an educational (and fun!) farming and social experience.  Each week provides campers with group adventures as well as experience in animal care, gardening, homesteading crafts, and environmentally responsible decision-making. Getting dirty is part of the day at Sprout Creek; campers will gather eggs, help care for the sheep, cows, ducks, chickens, pigs, and goats, bake bread the old-fashioned way, and help tend the garden. They will also have fun singing, learning authentic farm crafts, swimming in the creek, and painting their faces with the clay they find while hiking. The Sprout Creek staff, experienced teachers and farmers who live at the farm, encourage young “farmers” to develop creativity and make a point of teaching children the value and rewards of hard work. When the harvest is ready, the young farmers will prepare a meal for the whole group to eat.
Why we like it: If you’re looking for a good way to teach your kids about sustainable farming, there’s no better place than at Sprout Creek Farm. The staff places a special emphasis on fostering co-operation skills, making real farm experiences available to children, and giving young people the opportunity to learn by doing things themselves. They do a great job of turning kids into into real farmers during the time that they spend at the camp, and help them learn about how they can take play a part in taking care of our fragile planet.
More Information: 1 week sessions available from June 28th through August 13th. Full-day sessions are $310/week, but tuition assistance may be offered for families who cannot afford the tuition. Ages 6-11 are welcome at Sprout Creek. For more information or to register your child please visit www.sproutcreekfarm.com.

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