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Barnabas McHenry, Chair Greenway Council, Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Sara Griffen, Acting Chair Greenway Conservancy, Acting Co-Chair National Heritage Area
Mark Castiglione, Acting Executive Director Greenway, Acting Director National Heritage Area
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Harlem Valley Rail Trail Expansion
The grand opening of the newest extension of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail was held on November 24th. The 1.5 mile section of trail was implemented in part with a $15,000 Greenway Conservancy Grant. The trail starts in Wassaic in Dutchess County, and when completed will make its way 46 miles, all the way to northern Columbia County in the village of Chatham. Read more...
Ramble Daypack Winner
We are pleased to announce that Charlotte Adamis is the recipient of a free daypack, donated by our 2013 Hudson River Valley Ramble sponsor, REI. All Ramble participants who filled out and returned comments cards or online comments were eligible. This year's Ramble attendance topped 126,000 participants, with more than 200 events throughout the Hudson Valley. Thank you to all of our Ramble leaders and participants! We are looking forward to the 2014 Ramble! If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please click here.
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(Photograph by Lois Slusser Johnson) Jonathan P. Harding, David Reel, Barney McHenry, and Jim Johnson with Weir Medallion
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West Point Museum Receives Weir Medallion
On November 14, Hudson River Valley Greenway Council Chair Barnabas McHenry presented the West Point Museum with medallion of Professor Robert Walter and Mrs. Susan Bayard Weir, in honor of the Military Historian of the Hudson River Valley, Colonel (Ret.) Jim Johnson. Robert Weir served as the Professor of Drawing at the United States Military Academy (USMA) from 1834 to 1876 and was one of the original members of the Hudson River School of painters. Jonathan P. Harding, Curator of the Century Association Archives Foundation, discovered the medallion, and donated it to West Point. Director David Reel accepted the Weir medallion on behalf of the West Point Museum.
New Paltz Awarded Greenway Grant for Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Plan
The Town of New Paltz was awarded an $8,500 Greenway Conservancy Grant for a bicycle and pedestrian tail plan that connects downtown New Paltz, near the Wallkill River, to the Shawangunk Ridge. The proposed trail will connect to other Greenway trails in the area, and would help to create a safe, pedestrian and bicycle route to popular destinations. Read more...
Next Greenway Board Meeting
The next meeting of the Joint Boards of the Hudson River Valley Greenway will take place on January 29, 2014 at the Henry A Wallace Center at the FDR Library and Home in Hyde Park.
Museum Association of New York: Award of Merit Nominations Sought
The Awards of Merit program acknowledges outstanding programs and individuals who have made the state's museum community richer and more relevant. Sponsored by the Museum Association of New York, this award highlights innovative efforts of staff and volunteers and they provide encouragement for the development of new and remarkable projects. If you would like to to nominate a project, please visit the Award of Merit page.
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 Upcoming Grant Opportunities | |
Greenway Communities Grants
Applications are due December 11, 2013 for consideration at the January 29, 2014 Board Meeting. Applications are due February 14, 2014 for the March 19th, 2014 Board Meeting.
Urban Forestry Grant offered by NYS DEC
Communities can apply for tree planting, maintenance grants or invasive pest studies in cases involving an infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer or the Asian Long Horned Beetle. Deadline: December 5
National Endowment for the Humanities Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections Grants
Helps cultural institutions meet the complex challenge of preserving large and diverse holdings of humanities materials for future generations by supporting preventive conservation measures that mitigate deterioration and prolong the useful life of collections. Deadline: December 12
American Hiking Society's National Trails Fund
Eligible not-for-profit organizations may apply for grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to improve hiking access or hiker safety. Deadline: December 13
Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program
The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association provides 1:1 matching funds to eligible coastal states and local governments to protect important coastal and estuarine areas. Deadline: December 15.
Every Day Events Grant
The National Environmental Education Foundation program has announced the Every Day Event Grants, awarding up to $2,000 to each winner to hold a minimum of three events. The events are educational, recreational and/or volunteer-based. Deadline: December 18
2014 Battlefield Planning Grants
The National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) have announced the 2014 Battlefield Planning Grants, and invites non-profit groups, academic institutions, and local, regional, state, and tribal governments to submit applications. Deadline: January 2
2014 Larry J. Hackman Research Residency Program
The Archives Partnership Trust and the New York State Archives announce the availability of awards for applicants to pursue research using the New York State Archives. Program is
intended to support product-related research in such areas as history,law, public policy, geography, and culture by covering research expenses. Deadline: January 15
National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts has announced it is currently seeking applications for the OUR TOWN grant programs. This community enhancing grant is looking for projects that would help contribute toward the livability of communities and help transform them into lively, beautiful, and sustainable communities. Deadline: January 13, 2014
2013 Get Ready!, Get Set! And Go! Grants
Get Ready! Grants provide a way to learn about the planning process and help your organization begin creating a plan. A Get Ready! Grant provides your organization with a consultant experienced in museum planning. Deadline is February 1, 2014 and July 1, 2014.
Environmental Justice Collaboration Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreements
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (CPS) Cooperative Agreement Program which provides funding for eligible applicants for projects that address local environmental and public health issues within an affected community. Deadline: February 18, 2014
Storm Mitigation Loan Program
The NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation has over $400 Million in grants and loans for storm mitigation projects that protect community wastewater and drinking water systems from future storms and climate changes. Deadline: April 1, 2014
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation Historic Roadside Marker Program (Ongoing)
Grants are given for historic markers to commemorate historic people, places or things within the time frame of 1740-1900.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (Ongoing)
HUD is seeking competitive applications for individual FY 2013 program nofas that will further the achievement of HUD's strategic plan goals and policy priorities. HUD's strategic mission: to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality, affordable homes for all.
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Regional Events
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Calendar of Events: December 2013
Saturdays
John Jay Homestead Farm Market
This market will offer fruit, produce, including heirloom varieties, and flowers, grown by local farmers, using certified organic, organic, biodynamic and conventional methods.
Troy Farmer's Market
Winter Season is in full swing at the Troy Farmer's Market. New hours are 9 am to 2pm each Saturday. Over 70 vendors each week bring fresh and local products from local farmers, chefs, and artisans to offer the Capital Region's freshest and finest.
Sundays
V endors provide a diverse and unique selection of farm fresh products including fruits and vegetables, meats, jams, honey and local dairy. A full schedule of special events highlight the bounty of the seasons with chef demonstrations, tastings, recipes, childrens' activities, free live music and more.
Senate House Museum Lecture Series
The Senate House and Senate House Museum present a ecture series which continues throughout the fall and winter every third Friday of the month at 5:30pm. For more information, please call 845-338-2786.
Sundays in December:
Holiday Whodunit at Staatsburg
On Sundays in December from 1pm-4pm come to the Staatsburgh Historic Site at Mills Mansion for a Holiday Whodunit-an interactive "history mystery" for families and children. Prizes for children who are entered. Free for children with site admission ($8/adults, $6/students & seniors, Children 12 and under are free).
December 6
More Scenes from the Rural Life
Join the author of "More Scenes from the Rural Life", and New York Times columnist, Verlyn Klinkenborg, discuss his new book, as well as broad issues about our agricultural system and the disconnect from our food sources at the Cary Institute at 7pm.
Senate House State Historic House: Christmas Festival of Lights
Come to the Senate House in Historic Kingston, New York from 5pm- 8pm for their Christmas Festival of Lights Celebration. Please call 845-338-2786 for more information.
Staatsburgh State Historic Site: A Gilded Age Christmas
Much like Ebenezer, you can visit a Christmas past. Come to see lavish holiday decorations and enjoy special programs. For more information, please call 845-889-8851
Walkway Over the Hudson: Festival of Lights
Join the Walkway for its Annual Festival of lights. 4PM- 6PM
December 7
Snowmobile Safety Course
Free safety course for youth ages 10 & older, sponsored by the Grafton Trail Blazers and Grafton Lakes State Park. Pre-register by sending your name and child(ren)'s names, ages, and phone number to [email protected] or by calling (518) 279-1155. Parents are encouraged to attend for the day. Lunch is provided at no charge courtesy of Grafton Trail Blazers. Event held at Grafton VFW on South Road.
December 7-8
Clermont State Historic Site: A Child's Christmas
Drop in for stories read under the Christmas tree and treats for children, ages 3-10. From 10am- 12pm, come experience a stocking-foot tour of decorations, then stop to read a story with the family's nursemaid at the foot of the Christmas tree in the oak-paneled library. Tickets are $3 per person. No reservations necessary.
Meet Santa For Breakfast at the Bear Mountain Inn
Come and meet Santa for Breakfast. Hot and cold buffet choice available.$26.95 for adults, $16.95 ages 2-12, and Free for ages under 2. *Reservations required.
Saint Nicholas Day Program
The Historical Society of Rockland County are opening their 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House to welcome children of all ages to celebrate St. Nicholas. Enjoy refreshments and St. Nicholas treats for children. Prepaid reservations are required: 1-800-838-3006.
December 8
Washington's Headquaters State Historic Site: Warm Up At The Washingtons'
Visit the Hasbrouck House, fragrantly decorated for yuletide, with live music for the holidays, hot cider and cookies. Costumed Historic Interpreters will be in every room to answer your questions.
A Colonial Musicale at the Jay Heritage Center
Enjoy historic works by European and American composers performed on English Guitar, Spanish Guitar, Theorbo and Lute.
Reading Ancient Lives: Translating Hieroglyphs
Ms. Joyce Haynes, consulting Egyptologist, will present a lecture in conjunction with the GE Presents: The Mystery of the Albany Mummies exhibition at the Albany Institute of History & Art.Haynes will share her fascinating investigation into the hieroglyphs and illustrated panels on the coffin, mummy board, and lid of the featured mummy, Ankhefenmut.
December 11
Webinar: Navigating the American Trails Website
The American Trails website is a comprehensive online resource for advancing trails, greenways, and blueways. They are holding a free webinar to help show how to navigate their website and the resources available, Registration is required to procure a call-in number.
December 13
Environmentally Sound Landscapes Workshop
The Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College in conjunction with the Westerchester County Planning Department are holding a half-day program on Designing Environmentally Sound Landscapes. Regestration Required, $15 per person. Call Kay Eisenmann at the Westchester County Department of Planning by December 9th at 914-995-4424 to register.
Staatsburgh State Historic State: A Gilded Age Christmas
Much like Ebenezer, you can visit a Christmas past! Come to see lavish holiday decorations and enjoy special programs.
December 14
See Clermont dressed up for Christmas. A great day for families. Visitors will be able to enjoy the mansion's spectacular rooms lavishly decorated for the holidays from 11am - 4pm. Live historic music performed by Salmagundi will brighten the air.Free admission.
Clermont Annual Holiday Party
The Friends of Clermont will host their popular Annual Holiday Party. Guests will be able to wander through the festively lit mansion while they sample light fare and drinks. Admission is free for members, and $10 (suggested donation) for the general public. Reservations are encouraged. Please call 518-537-6622 or email [email protected] for reservations or more information.
The New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site will host a Christmas Event on Saturday, December 14th, as well as tours throughout the day at 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 2PM, & 3PM.
From 4-8 pm, tour by candlelight the elegant 1754 Ellison mansion decorated for the seaon in 18th century fashion. The house will have costumed staff in each room.
Capture the magic of the season and create your own winter wonderland in a jar! Appropriate for ages 5 and up with parent. Materials fee is $3 per snow globe. Call (518) 872-1237 to register.
Festive libations will be served from 5 to 7pm for a special winter fundraiser event. Period 1840's hors d'oeuvres will be served and music selections played. Tickets are $25 per person and advanced reservations are recommended please call Sheri DeJan at 518-943-7465 extension 4.
This annual event is a mainstay for tea enthusiasts from around the region, offering a glimpse of what tea time was like during the Victorian era. Guests enjoy a festive afternoon with fine tea, homemade cakes, cookies and delectable finger sandwiches. Historian and former NYS deputy commissioner for historic preservation Wint Aldrich will be the featured speaker. Early reservations are recommended, call (845) 876-4818.
December 14 -15
Come meet Santa for Breakfast. Hot and cold buffet choice available.$26.95 for adults, $16.95 ages 2-12, and Free for ages under 2. *Reservations required. Exclusive on tax and service charge.
December 15
Staff will wear period costumes and recreate holiday scenes from different eras. They will include a Livingston beauty in the midst of her toilette preparing for a holiday party, a Regency-era skating party, New Year's Day visiting traditions and more. Roaring fire and marshmallows outside. Tickets for the candle lit evening are $10 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. From 3-6pm, reservations strongly recommended. Call (518) 537-4240 to purchase tickets.
December 19-22
December 21
The New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site will host a Christmas Event on Saturday, December 21st, as well as tours throughout the day at 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 2PM, & 3PM.
For information, please call 845-561-1765 ext. 22
Knox's Headquaters State Historic Site: Christmas with the Ellisons
From 4-8 pm, tour by candlelight the elegant 1754 Ellison mansion decorated for the seaon in 18th century fashion. The house will have costumed staff in each room.
Mistletoe Mouse
Mistletoe Mouse returns this season to the Staatsburg Historic Site. Two hands-on workshops are being offered during the school break, in which kids ages 6 - 12 can make their own Mistletoe Mouse houses out of boxes and various craft materials. The workshop is from 2-3:30pm. Parent or guardian must accompany child; $5 fee per child. Reservations strongly recommended: (845) 889-8851
December 21-22
Meet Santa for Breakfast the Bear Mountain Inn
Come meet Santa for Breakfast. Hot and cold buffet choice available.$26.95 for adults, $16.95 ages 2-12, and Free for ages under 2. *Reservations required. Exclusive on tax and service charge.
December 23-30
John Jay Homestead State Historic Site: Winter Break Mini-Camp
An educational program for children aged five to ten, held during winter school break, with each day focused on a different topic. This is a drop-off program. Reservations are required. 10am-3pm. Admission is $15 per child; $12 for members of the Friends of John Jay Homestead.
December 26-27, 29
December 26-28
Come to the Headquaters and find out what was happening the final winter of the American Revolution. As you tour the Hasbrouck Hous amidst the holiday decorations, you'll discover that the business of war never stopped. Tours 10AM- 3PM
December 26- 29
The New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site will host Christmas Tours at the Ellison mansion at 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 2PM, & 3PM. Tour the elegantly decorated 1754 house in the 18th Century fashion. For information, please call 845-561-1765 ext. 22
December 27
Mistletoe Mouse returns this season to the Staatsburg Historic Site. Two hands-on workshops are being offered during the school break, in which kids ages 6-12 can make their own Mistletoe Mouse houses out of boxes and various craft materials. Reservations strongly recommended: (845) 889-8851
December 28
If wishing makes it snow, we'll take a snowshoe walk on the trails. Try out your new snowshoes or borrow a pair of ours. We will waive the rental fee as a holiday special for this walk. If there's no snow, we'll make it a winter walk. Afterwards, warm up with hot chocolate. Please call (518) 872-0800 to register and confirm conditions.
January 1
Start the year off on the right foot with a hike! Join the Friends of Taconic State Park in a roundtrip hike from the Ironworks to the Falls, via our new Bash Bish Connector. 1 to 3pm, meet at the Ironworks. Hot cocoa and snacks to follow.
January 3
Frist Friday Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Nature Center
It's the first Friday of the year and we hope it's a snowy one! We'll look for animal sign and watch for winter birds. If there is not enough snow, it will be a winter walk. Afterwards, we'll warm up with hot apple cider. Please call ahead to register, reserve snowshoes, and to confirm conditions at (518) 872-0800.
January 4
Storytelling at Thacher Nature Center
Claire Nolan can usually be seen telling stories at the Nature Center camp fire in the summer. Today, she will tell stories to warm your heart in winter. Come and hear "Stories for a New Year - Beginnings and (Mostly) Happy Endings." Stories are appropriate for all ages, so bring the family! Call (518) 872-0800 for more information.
Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site: Salutations of the Season
An evening of merriment for everyone! Special Twelfth Night festivities will highlight the holiday season as it may have been celebrated by the Schuyler family in the 18th century. Come and revel in the holiday traditions of Albany's past with live music, bonfires, traditional fare and wassail toasts! Then cross the river where the celebration continues at Crailo! Admission Fee required
Ongoing Events:
Introducing the Hudson River School Art Trail Contest
Visit the Hudson River School Art Trail sites and win a weekend getaway to the breathtaking Catskill Mountains.
Claude Mirror Project
A new installation by artist Alex McKay at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site lets you see Thomas Cole's favorite view at any time of day, any season of the year, in all kinds of weather, as reflected in a 19th-century optical device called a "Claude Mirror."
Fill Your Hudson River School Art Trail Passport With Rubbings!
Fun for the whole family! Metal plaques are now installed at the first eight stops along the Hudson River School Art Trail, located within a short drive of the Thomas Cole site and Olana.
To have you event included in future editions of the newsletter and on hudsonrivervalley.com, please enter upcoming event information here.
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| Heritage Spotlight | |
The Holiday Season at the Historic Wilderstein Estate
The home of the Suckley family for three generations, Wilderstein was built for Thomas Suckley in 1852. Located on a wooded bluff overlooking the Hudson River, this beautiful estate consists of 40 landscaped acres. Today, rooms contain original Suckley possessions, including portraits of Livingston and Beekman ancestors, furniture, carpets, china, books, and photographs.
In 1890, Robert Suckley hired Calvert Vaux to landscape the grounds, with trails leading to scenic overlooks. This time of year allows for exceptional views of the Hudson River from atop the bluff, and the historic Vaux landscape. The thoughtful landscape includes intricate network of carriage drives, walks, and trails adorned with specimen trees and ornamental shrubs. Wilderstein was Vaux's last private commission. The landscape plan also includes well-chosen prospect points marked by rustic gazebos and sheltered garden seats.
The Holiday Season is a great time to visit the Estate- Florists & Designers transform the Wilderstein mansion into a holiday wonderland. Tours are self-guided, with a docent in each room to share information and answer questions on weekends throughout December.
Holiday Tour Season Hours: During the Month of December, Holiday House tours are every Saturday & Sunday, grounds are open year-round, from 9am to 4pm. Admission $10 adults, $9 students/seniors, children under 12 free. From more information visit the The Wilderstein Website or call 845-876-4818.
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Project Spotlight
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The Stillwater Historic Multi-Use Trail
In 2012, the Town of Stillwater was awarded a $10,000 Greenway Conservancy Grant to complete the proposed Historic Multi-Use Trail Extension Project. This project connects existing Greenway trails including the NYS Bikeway and the Champlain Canalway Trail network.
The Stillwater Historic Multi-Use Trail extends from the Town of Stillwater to the City of Mechanicville, following the historic Champlain Canalway route. In addition to the recreational and transportation uses created by the trail extension, the project also provides historical information and map resources at key destination points along the trail corridor. Trail users can learn the historical context of the area, as well as cultural resources available in the community.
The Greenway is proud to be a partner with communities on trail projects such as this one that enhance recreational opportunities, promote alternative modes of transportation, and increase connections between heritage resources.
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| Green Tip Of The Month | |
Winter Container Gardening: From Houses to Apartments- Easy & Delicious
Imagine home-grown fresh vegetables & herbs throughout the winter- with a little planning, you can. Make sure you have ample sunlight- if not, you can purchase a grow-light in most home appliance stores-as well as pots, soil, seeds & water. Garlic, lettuce, parsley, basil, and especially mint are easy to grow indoors during the winter months. For more information:
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The E-Newsletter is published monthly and emailed to friends of the Hudson River Valley
Questions or comments?
Email us or call (518) 473-3835
Be sure to visit the websites for the Hudson River Valley Greenway and the
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