NOT TO BE MISSED! Free Art Show & Performances NOT TO BE MISSED! Free Art Show & Performances

At 7:30pm on Thursday, January 3rd and again on Friday the 4th 2008, The Hubbard Hall Dance Collective is presenting a show of multi-disciplinary artworks by The FieldWork Group, at the newly renovated Beacon Feed Studios. This studio is located behind Hubbard Hall, 25 East Main Street here in Cambridge, NY. (If you park in the rear parking lot you will see the studio across the lawn.) There is no admission charge and refreshments will be served.

This is an opportunity to see works of seven area artists, and experience Hubbard Hall’s new studio building that houses a sprung floor dance studio (which becomes a black box mini theater for presenting studio work), an art studio with exhibition space and a “new media” room.



The Fieldwork Group artists come from a cross section of disciplines and are actively engaged in their creative processes. The group meets weekly to experiment with new ideas, explore less familiar disciplines, offer feedback on emerging projects, and inspire and support each other in completing and presenting finished works.

The show this Thursday, and repeated again on Friday, highlights works of visual and performance art. Included in the evening's presentations are dance works by Kerri Countryman and Gail and Katy Schonbeck, a short documentary video on the Battenkill Chorale upcoming concert tour in Russia, by John Oakley, photographs by John Carlson and Roger Wyatt, and drawings by Gabi Moore.

During the course of the week we will be highlighting these artists here on the Cambridge Buzz.

The FieldWork Group Show- Schonbeck & Schonbeck The FieldWork Group Show- Schonbeck & Schonbeck

We would love you to attend an art and performance evening at the Beacon Feed Studios behind Hubbard Hall on Thursday or Friday at 7:30, January 3rd and 4th 2008!

Here is more information about the artists you will meet there and what you will be seeing.


From "Walls" (Photo by: John Oakley 2007)

Gail Schonbeck

Gail Schonbeck has been writing poetry off and on since her public school years. Participating with the FieldWork Group has been most inspirational and supportive for her.

Gail took dance classes in her elementary and junior high years. In 2001 she joined a Bennington, Vermont dance improv group presently called the Shape Shifters. They dance every week and occasionally perform in the area.

As a musician, Gail has collaborated and performed with her daughter Katy in Katy’s dance works. You will see their first dance improv duet together, based on Gail’s short poem “Walls”.

Gail lives in Hoosick Falls.


(Photo by: John Carlson 2006)

Katy Schonbeck

Katy Schonbeck makes solo and collaborative works. She and her mom, Gail, have been playing together for 44+ years in one-way or another! The FieldWork Group has given them an opportunity to explore yet another mode of creative communication. Katy holds a BA in Mathematics and Dance from Bennington College and a Masters in Education from MCLA. She teaches math at Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington, VT, and dance at Hubbard Hall.

Katy talks about the inspiration for her work and about the pieces you will be seeing at the show on January 3 and 4th:

“I am fascinated by the use of complex (dynamic) systems as models for understanding and managing change within organizations, particularly educational and political organizations. Complexity and Dynamic Systems have been topics of intense mathematical research for over 30 years. Complexity Theory has captured the interest of thinkers in many fields outside of mathematics as well. Evolutionary biologists, improvisational dancers and musicians, physicists, animal behaviorists, civil engineers, urban planners, social scientists from around the world are adapting dynamic models to help understand current issues in their respective fields.

Over the course of the past several years, this work has become as much an exploration of personal change as of institutional change. In particular, I am interested in the experiences of grief and loss that often accompany, precipitate, or are a result of significant change.


From "emergence" (Photo by: John Carlson 2007)

The performance piece, emergence, is a reflection on such questions as: “How do I understand deeply, personal experiences like my father’s death within a larger social context?”, “How am I part of a collective consciousness, social grieving, and communal loss?”, “How can my emotional experience of significant change (and for many in our society, death is the ultimate change) inform my intellectual explorations of change?”

The visual art pieces excerpted from Weighted Words explore self reflective qualities of personal choice and political policy, the recursive relationship between social ethical systems and individual morality, the human desire (instinct?) to seek pattern and meaning in the midst of chaos.”


From "Weighted Words" (Photo by: Katy Schonbeck 2007)

Cambridge Life 12/28/07 Cambridge Life 12/28/07

Holy Spokes!! Local bike race takes off.

Waiting for the gun (Photo by: Dave Krause)

Race registration opened on Dec. 21st at 12p and by 308p there were already 410 riders registered for the 2008 THE TOUR OF THE BATTENKILL CYCLING RACE

Women pro riders vie for position on one of the challenging hills (Photo by: Dave Krause)

Farm Team Cycling of Cambridge, NY and The Towns & Villages of the Battenkill Valley are proud to announce the 4th Annual Tour of the Battenkill cycling race. Already the largest Pro/Am race on the East Coast, the 2008 edition is expected to draw nearly 1500 racers from throughout the US and Canada. Formerly known as the 'Battenkill-Roubaix' after the famous Paris-Roubaix bike race, the race is a unique event on the North American continent.

The Peloton (Photo by: Dave Krause)

Starting and finishing in the scenic Village of Salem, NY most racers will compete on a single, 55-mile loop. The race travels over local roads, crosses historic covered bridges and passes through some of the most picturesque villages in New York. Along the route, racers will be tested with now-famous dirt roads such as Juniper Swamp Road.

Where the men separate from the boys (Photo by: Dave Krause)

There will be 15 separate races for amateurs to professionals, youth to senior. Online registration will opened on Friday, December 21 at 12 noon at www.bikereg.com. Most races are expected to fill to their respective limits very quickly. There is no mail-in registration.

But we’re not just a bike race….NO! Several events are being planned around the race, including a pancake breakfast, guest-speakers at local venues preceding the race, and a bike-art competition and auction sponsored by the Towns & Villages of the Battenkill Valley. Proceeds from the event will benefit Farm Team Cycling - a regional cycling club for youth, and the Public.

For sponsorship & volunteer information, please contact Race Promoter Dieter Drake at promoter@battenkillroubaix.com.

Photographer's Log Photographer's Log

THE HOUSE ON THE HILL

Several times a year I stop to take pictures of this red house on one of the hill in the Valley. Every time I pass it I am instantly brought into a Currier and Ives atmosphere. So strong and imposing, sitting alone on it’s beautiful hill, it seems to be keeping knowing watch over it’s realm.
Framed against ever-changing skies it has always been a sight to behold in every season, but this photo is my favorite. For me it radiates the atmosphere of the holidays in the Northern United States. It seems to be waiting for it’s family to come light the windows golden bright and to kindle the fireplace logs into welcoming, homey warmth, inviting it’s family to come be enwrapped within all of the security, surety and soothing ease it can provide. It is a house alive with all things family, waiting to protectively enfold every inhabitant within its walls. My imagination perceives this house as forever exhibiting its ability and willingness to offer itself to families for generations to come.
I admire and appreciate the Red House on The Hill. So, I offer this representation of its peaceful loveliness in a Seasonal greeting from The Cambridge Valley and her environs, and from myself, to all of you who visit this blog this Christmas season. God bless you and yours and bring the joy and peace of Jesus Christ into your homes and hearts in your celebration of Christmas. May the New Year bring good health, happiness, prosperity, and wisdom to All. -June Mohan
Photos: (Copyright Mohan 2006) To contact the artist, please send email to: junemohan@hotmail.com.

NOT TO BE MISSED - OPEN HOUSE NOT TO BE MISSED - OPEN HOUSE

It’s the final count down to the arrival of Santa and he left some things here for you to pick up!!

The Rice Mansion Inn is hosting one last Open House Tonight Thursday from 5-8p & Saturday, December 22 from 11a-4p

You can choose from lovely decorative and useful plates, hand forged stainless steel cheese knives (perfect to pair with a selection of local cheeses), beautiful fine art reproduction from White Creek Images; Original art work by George Van Hook, Stephen Alcorn, Adriano Manocchia, Jane Nichols Bates, Paul Gower; Beautiful, unique Rice Seed Box lids painted by Hutch; River Rock Jewelry By Suzanne, locally made soaps, Shushan Sity Sap Shack Pure Maple Syrup, cute felted hand bags, beautiful teapots and cups….and of course

BellaVino Wine Making Supplies and the VINO2 wine glasses.

The Shop at the Mansion will officially open in February, but we have acquired a few things to peak your interest and assist you in your gift giving frenzy!!

Where Can I Find That? Business Hours Where Can I Find That? Business Hours

Dear Where Can I Find That,

I am looking for a good quality hand cultivator for a gift. Is there a local business that puts together gift baskets of local products and sends them? Elizabeth Call

Hi Elizabeth,

Thanks for inquiring at the WCIFT.

My first stop would be Gardenworks in Salem for both the gift basket and the hand cultivator. Meg and her team are experts at just about everything and they do lovely gift baskets. Give them a budget and some suggestions on the items you would like and they will take care of the rest.

Other options for a hand cultivator are Tripps in Shushan just across from Yushaks. I would also try Alexander’s True Value and Salem Farm and Garden – the item is seasonal so you may have to ask for it. The Village Store Coop also had some beautiful garden tools this past summer so Abbey may still have one hiding.

You can most of these retail locations on the Towns and Villages of the Battenkill Valley Website www.visitbattenkillvalley.com
SHOP LOCAL! And Happy Holidays!!


Dear Where Can I Find That?

I own and run Over The Moon Beads and Gifts in Cambridge NY. I am responding to the letter written about store hours after 5pm and on Sundays. I tried the after 5 pm hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays for many months at a time and I only got the occasional customer. Unfortunately I was not able to continue those hours because of the drain on my overhead (heat, electric and time). I really tried! I do always let my customers know that if they are coming after 5pm, to just call me and I will gladly wait.

We are open on Sundays from 10 am - 2 pm. In January we will be offering 5 different classes for the beginner on Saturdays and Sundays. It will be posted on our website in January www.overthemoonbeads.com or stop by the store for information.

We're more than just a bead store! If you need unique, creative, and reasonably priced gifts, a piece of jewelry, a bookmark, incense, cards & 2008 calendar by a local artist or just a bobble-head turtle than we're the store for you!

Have a Happy Holiday!

Heather

Dear Heather,

Kudos to you for trying the extended hours. One of the beauties of living in a small community is that most shop owners will go the extra mile to meet our shopping needs. As Heather suggests, call ahead and ask if the shop can be accommodate your shopping needs. This might not work for every shop, but we know the Over the Moon Beads and Gifts certainly will work with you.

Views From The Hil 9 Views From The Hil 9

Cartoonist Hilary Allison adores your comments and can also be reached at mailto:hilaryallison@activist.cc.

Questions for Cambridge Buzz Readers Questions for Cambridge Buzz Readers

The Cambridge Buzz has been writing about life, happenings, and the people of Cambridge, NY for almost two years. I am happy to share your email with our readers and suggest you surf around our archive postings to learn more about our town. Welcome to the neighborhood Ziemba family.

Dear Cambridge Buzz,

I apologize if this inquiry may not be appropriate for this forum, but we are a family of six relocating to the Saratoga Springs area. One of the towns we're considering for our new home is Cambridge. I would welcome thoughts about the community, school and real estate market.

Thank you for your insight.

Regards,

Thad Ziemba

Thad Ziemba, CPCU
Financial Analyst
State Farm Insurance Companies
Financial Planning, Reporting & Analysis Unit

If you have any thoughts, post a comment to this blog or you can email Thad at thad.ziemba.cal@statefarm.com

Cambridge Life 12/18/07 Cambridge Life 12/18/07

One week until Christmas arrives and it will be white.

This past weekend's snow certainly reminds us that we live in the north country. All over town I hear folks talking about the cold, the snow, the shoveling....we've had it easy the past few winters. This is what it's all about. As the song says, "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow." Of course, that's easy for me to say, I have a plow angel. For the past several snow storms my secret plow angel has swiped my driveway clear. He does not ask for money, he does not leave his name, he miraculously appears with the snows and makes my day a little easier. I don't know if anyone else has a plow angel, but this year I'm leaving cookie and coffee out for him. Thank You Neighbor!

As to the rest of the holiday, I've been making my lists and checking them twice. Seems I need more butter and sugar for holiday treats. This last week before Christmas can be really stressful with so many things I need to finish. I always marvel at the people who have holidays "all under control." I mean, how do they do it...shopping, baking, decorating, cleaning, gift wrapping?

I'll be traveling to see my sister. Each year we choose a gourmet dinner to prepare. We both love to cook, trying to top each other with recipes. This year, I'm making the dessert....red velvet cake. How will you spend your day?

Happy Holidays Cambridge, NY and all the other Cambridges too.

Share your thoughts about life in Cambridge. Send your email to debra@pearlproductionsllc.com. If you want to send a photo, be sure it is in .jpg format and no wider than 5.5 inches.

Photographer's Log Photographer's Log

Telephone Lines
One of my favorite rides in the area is up and over the Beadle Hill Road, which is my usual route towards the Capital Region. The vistas from that first rise just past the Whiteside Church are magnificent, and the place were I made this photgraph.

I love the juxtaposition of the telephone poles, which symbolize communication, with the empty, wind blown and snow encrusted landscape. That, along with the clouds reflecting the strung wires (reminding me of a simpler time when Native Americans used smoke as the wireless technology of choice when communicating with distant hunting parties or tribes), give this image an austere complexity that moves me.
-John Carlson

(Photo copyright John Carlson 2006)Email me at:
jdcarlson2001@yahoo.com.

Cambridge Cooks: Vegetable Pilaf Cambridge Cooks: Vegetable Pilaf

Photos: Debra Pearlman

Too much meat in your diet? Looking for a new side dish? Try my friend Anne's

Cracked Wheat Vegetable Pilaf

WHAT YOU NEED:
1 c wheat bulgur (kasha)
1 c vegetable stock (boiling)
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1/4 c diced green or red pepper, or carrot
3 green onions, thinly sliced
2 c (approx. 8 oz) shredded Cheddar or Jack cheese
1 c whole kernel corn (thaw if frozen)
1 egg, lightly beaten (vegans or veggies who don't eat eggs can substitute)
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 tsp dry basil
1/2 tsp each oregano leaves and garlic salt
1/4 tsp pepper

WHAT YOU DO:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

2. In a large bowl combine bulgur and stock. Stirring occasionally, let stand for about 1 hour or until liquid is absorbed.

3. Stir in parsley, bell pepper, onions, cheese, corn, and egg.

4. Combine tomato sauce, basil, oregano, garlic salt, and pepper and stir gently into bulgur mixture.

5. Spoon into a shallow, greased 1.5 quart casserole dish.

6. Cover and bake 25-30 minutes, until heated through.

Serves 6

This is a filling dish and can be served as a main course for a comforting vegetarian meal.

Where Can I Find That? #3 Where Can I Find That? #3

Dear Where Can I Find That,

Is there a local restaurant that has Vegan dishes on the menu?
Signed - Restaurant Challenged

Dear Restaurant Challenged,

Eating out as a vegan is difficult in a community with just a few restaurants. Not too long ago we had friends visiting from Pennsylvania. The couple is a vegetarian and vegan. To ensure they had options and not just side dished, I called the restaurant ahead of time and they had two selections for our vegan friend and the regular menu plus other options for the vegetarian. My suggestion, call ahead and ask if they can accommodate special diets. Both the Cambridge Hotel and JT Bakers have vegan options of their menu. Having eaten at 111 and West Village Market, I’m confident that with a little heads-up Kathy and Paula will ensure your culinary dreams are fulfilled.

Dear Where Can I Find That,

I need help with my iMac computer. Are there any Mac specialists in the area?
Signed, I love my apples

Dear Apples,

Washington County has some of the most delicious apples. I’m always torn between picking my own at Hicks or just buying a bushel at Perry’s or Borden’s – my favs are Ginger Golds and Macs…..I know not that kind of Apple!!

Wilson Pratt is your man if he can’t fix it no one can…Pratt Computers just behind Over the Moon Beads and Gifts, Cambridge Insurance and West Village Market. Drop your computer off, have a little snack, check to insure you’re properly insured and then craft a little something sparkley for you or someone on your shopping list!!

Dear WCIFT,

My 14 year old next door neighbor often helps take care of my cats. I want to give her a little something for the holidays, but I have no idea what a 14 year old would want. I'm on a really tight budget, but do you have any suggestions?
Signed, Crazy Catwoman of Cambridge

Dear Crazy Cat Woman,

Pay her double with a gift certificate from a place like the Village Store or Penny Wise. Truly, I don’t like giving gift certificates because it seems so impersonal – but the joy of free money for a teen may get them into a shop they would not normally go into. Additionally, you decide how much you wish to spend.

A note on gift certificates: While I don’t like to give them they are essential to area businesses. Non-retail business owners should consider giving local gift certificates to their customers and employees as thank yous and rewards. A variety of things happen – you spend money locally, purchasers sometimes spend a little more and you might just be introducing the recipient to a new business.

Views From The Hil 8 Views From The Hil 8

Cartoonist Hilary Allison adores your comments and can also be reached at mailto:hilaryallison@activist.cc.

Cambridge Life 12/11/07 Cambridge Life 12/11/07

Snow shimmers as it brightens dusk
(photo:Debra Pearlman)

I love the quiet calm that seems to come with a snowfall, but when it happens during the holidays, I'm especially delighted. I love the way all the lights twinkle against the snow making the early darkness seem special and filled with promise.


The 7th night of Hanukah (Photo: D. Pearlman)

Hanukah came early this year. I enjoy the tradition of lighting the Hanukah candles and in so doing, I honor my mother and the foundations she instilled in me for my Jewish heritage.


Christmas cactus celebrate the season (Photo: D. Pearlman)

The Christmas cactus reminds me that even in winter's darkness, life blooms.

HAPPY WINTER CAMBRIDGE, NY!

Photographer's Log Photographer's Log

Winter on Meeting House Road

A lone sumac on Meetinghouse Road, divested of her leaves, seedpods like candle flames at the ends of branches, ready to warm the birds with food during the freezing, snowy, icy, months to come. All through the winters I watch the sumacs, the stark beauty silhouetted against the myriads of designs in the skies exemplify for me that which is winter. In all of this seeming starkness, harshness of Winter's months there are graces to be found. Glorious lines of vegetation and structures once hidden by the lush green leaves of the growing seasons are now revealed in graphic lines all over the landscape. Looking within and about these lines you see that which will give nourishment to the wild creatures of the area. Seedpods such as the sumac's and the fir tree's cones, nuts and seeds still on branches or laying upon the ground, tree barks, dried grasses, berries and wild grapes still on their leafless vines. All of these, and more, now show starkly upon the landscape to the interested eyes of the hungry.... those hungry for the food and those, like me, hungry for the beauty of the lines and the tales of what they represent.

Winter is not simply a time of nakedness and exposure. Winter is the body of nature unfettered by clothing, draped in silken yardage, unencumbered with the weights of Summer's attire. Winter landscapes break away, running full speed with the freezing winds, which are filled with ice and snow, stopping to posture and pose in unconstrained new shapes, pausing to give succoring attention to it's wild residents, and then once again activating herself with joy in her newfound freedom. She isn't ugly or cruel. Winter is abstract frame set free, unguided for a spell, seemingly relinquished of all her responsibilities of previous seasons, but she still cares for her own in her pre-ordained ways.

I am not a cold weather person and once preferred staying within my cozy, warm home, waiting out the Winter, longing for Spring. However, since I became a working nature photographer I was forced to venture out in all seasons. The beauty, the comfort of winter landscapes in my Valley draw me out now in all kinds of weather, in every season. I find I now look forward to my close inspections of Nature's Winter months. The lure, the promise of exposed creation draws me from my home and delights my hungry eyes for hours, day after day. For me, a leafless sumac posed against the sky tells me the story of Winter; an epic tale of escapade, allure, and province. -June Mohan
Photos: (Copyright Mohan 2007) To contact the artist, please send email to: junemohan@hotmail.com.

Where Can I Find That? Where Can I Find That?

Dear Where Can I Find That,

As a commuter, I find a major barrier to shopping locally is the limited hours kept by many local businesses and the lack of Sunday hours. While I understand there are good reasons for the practice,it does limit my local purchases. I will not drive into Cambridge or Greenwich unless I can accomplish several errands at one time. I really appreciate locally run business that are open when I need them, such as Saratoga Apple, the Greenwich Local Market, and Hoosick True Value (open at 8 am on Sunday, and practically a general store!). If businesses could cooperate to stay open late on Thursday evenings year round, it would really make a difference and I would make a practice of shopping then---and perhaps even eat out beforehand. -- DJ

Dear DJ,

You raise an important point. Listen up local merchants and business owners. Residents need you to be more flexible with your hours. If you close shop everyday at 5 pm, how is someone who works out of town going to use your services?


Dear Where can I find that,

Recently I was shopping for my 85 year-old grandmother and just could not decide what she would need at her age and gave up. Any suggestions?

Dear Any Suggestions,

Shopping for your grandmother is hard – trust me I know…mine is extra picky. What has worked for me in the past is a book from Battenkill Books. Our recent purchase for Grandma was by a local author – Jon Katz and a book mark. I had my boys ages 7 & 9 make a one of a kind beaded book mark at Over the Moon Beads and Gifts. The gift was not only thoughtful, but totally unique as there is no other book mark on the planet like the ones my boys made. Grandma was beside herself and I was a hero and it cost less than $25.


Dear Where Can I Find That,

We have just moved to the area and are receiving invitations to holiday gatherings – what can we bring to the party that won’t put me into debt?

Dear New Neighbor,

Welcome to the Battenkill Valley! You have chosen an excellent place to live. My first suggestion would be a bottle of wine – but first you must confirm that the party hosts indulge. Black Dog Wine and Sprits have an excellent selection, knowledgeable staff that can make a suggestion at any price point and varietals. Compliment with a great tag and you’re all set. Another option might be a unique food basket – things people would enjoy but not often buy. The Village Store Co-op in Cambridge and the Greenwich Local Market have an abundance of lovely items to choose from. The Garden Shop and Focus on Flowers can set you up with a lovely gift giving plant like a Christmas cactus, Poinsettia or miniature evergreen tree a nice gift that will keep you in their minds throughout the season.

Have a question or comment for a local business? Send an email to Dear WCIFT

Cambridge Life: 12/6/07 Cambridge Life: 12/6/07

The Tree of Remembrance lights up the village (Photo: John Carlson)

The front lawn of the Rice Mansion Inn was the place to be on Tuesday night. All weekend I watched as Geoff Hoffer and Matt Pender raised the beautiful 25' tree from Bailey's Tree Farm, in anticipation of the tree lighting ceremony. Well...best laid plans, as they say. On Monday night we had ferocous winds and the tree fell over. No worry! Friends from the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department helped right the tree.


Father Paul blessing the tree (Photo: John Carlson)

Father Paul blessed the tree. He called it a Tree of Remembrance, a place to honor those who have touched our lives. Red ribbons are used to decorate the tree. The ribbons are available at the Rice Mansion Inn. Your $1.00 donation goes directly to the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, or Kwanza, you can honor your loved ones, past and present, and help support the men and women of the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department, who risk their lives to keep us safe.

Happy Holidays from the Cambridgebuzz!

Views From The Hil 7 Views From The Hil 7

Cartoonist Hilary Allison adores your comments and can also be reached at mailto:hilaryallison@activist.cc.

NOT TO BE MISSED - HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED - HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENT

NOT TO BE MISSED: Tree Lighting NOT TO BE MISSED: Tree Lighting

Tuesday, Dec. 4th on the lawn of the Rice Mansion Inn, 16 West Main Street we will light the Village tree and celebrate the hard work and dedication of the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department.