Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Simon's Cat TV Dinner Simon's Cat TV Dinner

Monday, July 28, 2008

Sprucing Up the Village Sprucing Up the Village



The Cambridge Valley Community Development and Preservation Partnership, Inc. (sometimes called the Freight Yard Project or Community Partnership) is responsible for many of the recent improvements in the Village of Cambridge. If you have not been over to the Freight Yard lately, I suggest you take a look at the work that has been done to the many buildings on the site.

To download the latest newsletter from the Community Partnership click here. You can also find infrmation about the Community Partnership and regional happenings by visiting the Towns and Villages of the Battenkill Valley.

Just a reminder that the Washington County Fair will be happening next month. You may want to block out the week of August 18-24, 2008. If you've never been to this fair, you are missing something special. It's a true old style fair with all sorts of wonderful events from fancy horse show events like Dressage and jumping to Lawn Mower races, oxen competitions and more species of chickens than you knew existed. It is truly a family event with something for everyone.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Somewhere over the clouds Somewhere over the clouds


Flying in an airplane, you see everything from a different perspective. I love to look down at the terrain below, and to try to recognize what comes into view: cities, rivers, mountains, prairies, forests. Recently, flying east from Seattle, there were so many things to see! Mt. St. Helens, Salt Lake City, the Hoover Dam and Lake Powell, the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, and so much more. On one trip, I caught this photo of the sun setting below the clouds.
Photo credit: Hilary McLellan

Friday, July 25, 2008

Poetry Reading Saturday in Salem, NY Poetry Reading Saturday in Salem, NY

Mary Kellogg will be reading from her new book of poetry "My Place On Earth" at 2 p.m. Saturday at Gardenworks, Route 30, Salem, N.Y., (518 854 3250).

When the Cat's Away... When the Cat's Away...

I have two wonderful cats. They take their job as "Defenders of the Realm" very seriously. They guard against outsiders, keep the mice in check and never bother the birds. But sometimes they just can't help being cats.


Photos: Debra Pearlman

BW thinks he is fooling everyone, what with his fluffy cuteness and sweet face, but Macgillacutty knows better...


Photos: Debra Pearlman

You can follow the adventures of BW and Macgillacutty in future postings. BUT...Do you have a pet story to share? The Cambridge Buzz will be happy to post your story with photo. For information on how to join the Pet Parade, send an email to Debra Pearlman.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Life, Death, and Hospice Life, Death, and Hospice


Jon Katz of West Hebron has established a Hospice Journal feature to document his wonderful work with his two amazing dogs Izzy and Lenore, as a hospice volunteer for Washington County Public Health and Hospice. Katz presents a moving, inspiring chronicle of people at the edge of life, celebrating life, and honoring death.

Related to this, I highly recommend the new documentary film, Young at Heart, about the wonderful Young at Heart Chorus of Northampton, MA. The members of this chorus are in their 70s, 80s, and 90s. They really pack a wallup: when I saw this movie, there wasn't a dry eye in the theater when the chorus sang Bob Dylan's song "Forever Young." The film deals with life and death --- and how to make the most of life until the very end.

Forever Young
Bob Dylan
May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

Copyright © 1973 Ram's Horn Music

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Covered Bridges Covered Bridges

Washington County, NY is home to many historic covered bridges. These remnants of by-gone days give the area a sense of the history and inventiveness of our forefathers.


Photos from NY State Covered Bridges

The Eagleville Bridge, located off of Route 313 just north of the Village of Cambridge, NY crosses the Battenkill River. As the river bends beneath the bridge, it creates one of the best swimming holes in the region. On any day during the summer you can find locals cooling off or floating under the bridge.

The bridge in Shushan, built in 1858, is no longer functional as a bridge, but serves as a Museum on weekend during the summer.


Photos from NY State Covered Bridges

Built in 1857 and newly restored, the Buskirk Bridge crosses the Hoosic River between Washington and Rensselaer Counties making it the only historic covered bridge in New York spanning two counties.

To learn more about the Covered Bridges in Washington County and the rest of New York, visit www.coveredbridgesite.com/ny/

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Cambridge Life 7/22/08 Cambridge Life 7/22/08


Photos by John Carlson and June Mohan

The storms of the last few days have definitely taken a toll on life in Cambridge. We had a huge tree down on West Main Street, but I'm told that the electric company was quick to make the fix and folks were only out of power for approx. 5 hours.....

5 hours without fans or A/C while we have our July heatwave...

Besides the trees, my basil plants were hard hit. I'm now up to my ears in pesto making. Anyone have an unusual pesto recipe...send it my way. I continue to watch the grass grow, literally. With my knee surgery just 3 weeks ago, I still can't get out and mow the lawn. I decided to launch the "great meadow experiment." Truth be told, it looks pretty good to me. The deer are loving the yummy food and my cats look like little tigers stalking through the bush.

So it's lazy, hazy days ahead. Upcoming Events for this week:

THURSDAY, JULY 24th

Brittany Rivers concert 7 pm LARAC sponsored concert
www.thegeorgimuseum.com

SATURDAY & SUNDAY: July 26 & 27
Al Fresco Weekend 2008

Al Fresco Dinner & Sunday Chefs' Brunch Tickets go on sale June 2nd.
Dinner tickets sold out in 9 days last year!

Al Fresco Dinner at 5:30 PM - tickets @ $45

Al Fresco Chefs' Brunch "From Farm to Brunch" at 11 a.m. to 2 pm. - tickets @ $15, $5 for 12 and under, and free under 5.

Entertainment, Artisan's Market, and free farm tours will also be featured on Sunday.

For more information visit www.salemcourthouse.org or call 518.854-7053

Have a great week!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Simon's Cat Simon's Cat

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Music From Salem Concert Music From Salem Concert


Music From Salem

Music From Salem will be in concert today, July 20, 2008 at 3 p.m. You can enjoy the music from "Across Central Europe" when Ulrike-Anima Mathe, Kjell-Arne Jorgensen, Lila Brown, Werner Dickel, Claus Kanngieser and Delores Stevens play the music of Mendelssohn (String Quintet in A Major); Mozart (Eine Kleine Nachtmusik); and Franck (Piano Quintet)

Tickets are available at the Hubbard Hall Box Office. For more information visit the MFS website at www.musicfromsalem.org

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Open House Today, July 19, 2008 Open House Today, July 19, 2008

Are you looking for an unusual gift or piece of artwork for your home? Maybe you have decided to get into home brewing or wine making? Then I suggest you check out the new boutique opening at the Rice Mansion Inn, 16 West Main Street, Cambridge, NY. Christine Hoffer and Maryann Pender are hosting from 2:00 - 6:00 pm, this afternoon.

Hope to see you there --

Poetry Reading Poetry Reading


Mary Kellogg will be at the Granville Public Library at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 23rd, to read from her new book "My Place On Earth," her first collection of poems.
Photo Credit: Jon Katz

Friday, July 18, 2008

Light through Curtains Light through Curtains


On an evening walk, I encountered this wonderful, mysterious light shining through a curtain.
Roger Wyatt
Photo Credit: Roger Wyatt

Thursday, July 17, 2008

NOT TO BE MISSED: Reel Paddle Film Festival NOT TO BE MISSED: Reel Paddle Film Festival

INTERNATIONAL REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL
COMING TO CAMBRIDGE, NY




Friday, July 18, Battenkill Valley Outdoors presents the 3rd annual Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour under the full moon on the spacious, grassy grounds of the Long Lodge, adjacent to the outfitter. The event kicks off with original bluegrass music of the Wood Shed Boys trio, and Spoonful Catering will be on site with Spoonful a go-go offering a full array of sumptuous cuisine, classically prepared using the local and regional bounty of the earth.

The Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour is an international event presenting the world’s best whitewater, sea kayaking and canoeing action and lifestyle films of the year on screens in 75 cities across Canada, United States, and around the world.

Audiences can expect to see hairy whitewater action, sea kayakers explore remote coastlines, international travel films, environmental documentaries and hilarious short films capturing the lighter side of the paddling life.

Local Hosts, Don and Lisa Otey invite you to the Reel Paddling Film Festival presented in
Cambridge by Battenkill Valley Outdoors Friday evening July 18 7-11 pm.

Battenkill Valley Outdoors is located 5 miles out of the village of Cambridge on State Route 313 across from Eagleville Bridge Road.

For tickets and information call 518 677-3311 www.battenkillvalleyoutdoors.com

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Chateau in France Chateau in France


Many years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a month in a 13th century castle that operated a ceramics school. I recently received this wonderful photograph of the Chateau de Ratilly, at night --- under a full moon. I want to share it with you. Legend has it that the castle is haunted by the ghost of a Jansenist priest who was killed while seeking refuge in the castle. Perhaps that is his ghost in the picture. Jansenism was a sect within the Catholic Church which arose in the context of the Counter-Reformation in Europe. Legend also has it that the Jansenist priest left behind a treasure...
Photo credit: Chateau de Ratilly

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Views From The Hil 33 Views From The Hil 33


Cards

Hilary Allison will be on vacation for the next few weeks, and in the fall will be starting her college career. We wish her well and hope she will continue to provide the Cambridge Buzz with her insightful cartoons.

In the meantime, cartoonist Hilary Allison adores your comments and can also be reached at hilaryallison@activist.cc.

Thanks Hil!

Monday, July 14, 2008

Saratoga Battlefield: Ranger Guided Ecology Walk Saratoga Battlefield: Ranger Guided Ecology Walk


Ranger Guided Ecology Walk at the Saratoga National Historical Park
Date: 7/15/2008
Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Battlefield
Details:
Come explore the wilder side of Saratoga! Meet a Park Ranger in the Visitor Center parking lot, then caravan into the battlefield and discover some of nature`s secrets through hands-on experiments.
Fees:
free
Contact:
Visitor Center
518-664-9821 ext. 224
Photo Credit: Hilary McLellan

Friday, July 11, 2008

Free Showing behind Hubbard Hall TONIGHT! Free Showing behind Hubbard Hall TONIGHT!

the composer & 3 women

An evening with composer Gerald Busby and a screening of Robert Altman's "3 Women", with Busby's haunting musical score. Hear Busby's lively stories about how he composes; his new Quartet for Piano and Strings; and how he got the Altman commission for "3 Women." A showing of "3 Women" will follow.

This event will take place outside behind Hubbard Hall at 7:00 and is free and open to all!

Also, treat yourself Saturday to a great Music from Salem Concert featuring the world premire of the Busby's Cambridge Commissioned work.

Music from Salem Concert:
Tommorrow, Saturday July 12 8:00

The Well-Known and The Brand-New Saturday July 12, 8 p.m. Beethoven - Scottish Songs; Mozart - Quartet for Piano and Strings in E-flat Major; Busby - 'Viola' for voice, viola, piano; Busby - Quartet for Piano and Strings (WORLD PREMIERE, Cambridge Commission) artists: Mary Nessinger, mezzo-soprano; Judith Eissenberg, violin; Lila Brown, viola: Rhonda Rider, cello; Judith Gordon, piano
Tickets: $20.00 non-member, $17.00 member, $12.00 student
Hubbard Hall 25 E. Main Street • Cambridge, New York 12816 • (518) 677-2495

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Summer Sunsets Summer Sunsets


Sunset is a point of transition within each day: the transition from day to night. I think summer sunsets are especially beautiful, with swirls of pink, orange, and deepening purple against a shimmering blue sky as the sun fades further beyond the horizon. The colors are so beautiful, and yet so ephemeral: magic that only lasts a few moments. In Washington County, surrounded by so many hills and mountains on all sides, the sunsets are especially vivid.
Photo credit: Hilary McLellan

Cambridge Life 7/9/08 Cambridge Life 7/9/08


Photos by John Carlson and June Mohan

I recently had the wonderful experience of undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. I'm doing quite well but am unable to drive, mow the lawn, or take care of some basic chores. So here I am, living alone and not able to walk all that well yet. Am I worried? No, because I have amazing neighbors and friends who have jumped in and make my recuperation so easy. Mary, Dale and Cheyenne drive me around and mow my lawn. John and KT make grocery runs and and take me to physical therapy. I may live alone, but living in a rural community, you are never on your own because neighbors take care of each other.

Another great example is the family across the road. They run a dairy farm and the four boys are busy doing chores all day long. But come the late afternoon, I look across the way to see the boys jump in Mary and Dale's pool and create the sort of energy only little boys can muster. I'll hobble over and sit on the deck, Mary will bring out lemonade and hot dogs. Next thing you know Kyle and Melissa walk over and join the gang... it's an impromptu block party. That's what my Cambridge life is like these days. So the heat isn't so bad, the plants are looking pretty good, and my knee feels better every day.

You can brighten up your Cambridge life this weekend with the July 12th Fireman's Carnival Fireworks Display. Keep checking this blog for more details on the event.

Well, Battenkill tubing is calling my name...got to go and float.

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Photogerapher's Log Photogerapher's Log


Photo: June Mohan (Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved)

FIRE FLOWERS
June W. Mohan

Flower garden in the sky
your fireworks delight the eye.
Chrysanthemum and aster frills,
are mammoth flowers for our thrills.
Such brilliant fleeting blossoms soar
into the blackness with a roar.
Blooms burst forth with mighty sound.
A moment’s life falls to the ground.
No bouquet can these flowers form
who live and die in a such storm.
Luminescent petals fall
leaving darkness over all.
Flower garden in the sky
will bloom again come next July.

I have always loved the names given to fireworks: chrysanthemum, aster, etc. In recent years I’ve taken many fireworks photos which have so resembled flowers (real or imaginative) that I decided to create a “garden” of fireworks flowers. These are some of my favorites and I submit them to you for enjoyment with my summer greetings and a poem I’ve written just for this photo.

Hopefully your July 4th celebrations were safe and enjoyable. We did take time to go up to Lake George for their fireworks show on the 4th, which turned out to be one of the loveliest days and evenings of this summer, so far.

Our art gallery, the 50 East Gallery will open in August. We are seeking ARTISTS to exhibit their work with the Gallery-- specifically those who sculpt, work with glass, landscape and figure artists and filmmakers. The 50 East Gallery will have an exciting mixture of mediums and ideas.

ENTERTAINERS are still eligible to sign up for our entertainment nights and artist receptions.

If you or anyone you know would like to exhibit art or offer entertainment please call 518-686-0366 or, after August 1st, call 518-677-8549, which will be the direct line for the 50 East Gallery in Cambridge, NY.

Sunday, July 06, 2008

The Bridge Theater: 2008 Summer Schedule The Bridge Theater: 2008 Summer Schedule


The Bridge Theater is located in Whitehall, New York, on the Clinton St. Bridge over Lock 12 of the Champlain Canal. Live performances are held at this unique theater from June through August each year. The theater is a member of the Lower Adirondack Region Arts Council.

Call 518-499-2435 for tickets & reservations. Curtain time for all Performances is 7:30 pm.

CABARETS (Friday Nights)
Three's Company: July 11, 18
Family Duo: July 25, August 15
Judi's Encore: August 1, 8
Two's A Pair: August 22, 29

COMEDIES, REVUES & DRAMAS (Saturday Nights)
Richard Rodgers & Pals: July 12, 19, 26
Ireland Forever-2009: August 2, 9
Lenny's Legacy: August 16,23,30

Dinner Theater - To be announced

ADMISSION FEES
Adults $19.00
Seniors (60 yr) & Students (18 yr) $17.00
Season Tickets (8 Shows) $95.00
Children (12yr & under) $10.00
Dinner Theater - To be announced

Join the fun!

Saturday, July 05, 2008

July 4, 2008 Fireworks July 4, 2008 Fireworks



Here are some photographs of the fireworks at Congress Park in Saratoga Springs.
Photo Credits: Roger B. Wyatt.

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Happy Fourth of July Happy Fourth of July

CambridgeBuzz wishes everyone a happy, healthy Fourth of July. Here is the band Chicago singing "Saturday in the Park," a song which captures the sense of community and celebration of this special day. I love this song! Enjoy!

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Views From The Hil 32 Views From The Hil 32


Greenwashing

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