Beacon Bits--Winter's Thaw

This may go down as the winter that never happened in the Hudson Highlands, especially when compared with last year's, but during the coldest week in January, multiple events in Beacon helped sustain me until my bronchitis cleared and the days started to lengthen into what will most likely be an early spring.  I still revel in the sights and sounds of the talents of the world-renowned Jeremy Denk who played Mozart sonatas on an impeccably tuned piano for the Howland Chamber Circle classical concert series at the Howland Cultural Center (on January 15th and then again on February 12th) and the iconic Pete Seeger who was joined by his friends, the Rivertown Kids, Sara Underhill, David and Jacob Bernz, Guy Davis and drummers Figueroa and Haynes, among others, to continue the legacy of Martin Luther King's call for social and economic justice at the MLK celebration (on January 16th). Pete spoke about the March on Selma and the bombing of King's home and led everyone in singing "Follow the Drinking Gourd" with fellow banjoist Travers. A rousing duo, Emma's Revolution, sang out about "occupy" and contemporary issues of inequality and injustice in our country, which finally answered my burning question of who will follow in Pete's footsteps to "raise their voice."

Sitting in the audience for the two disparate events in the same venue, I mused how this felt like the epitome of freedom of choice and diversity. And to think it's happening in one small river town community and in one 135 year old historic building continues to fascinate me. And I didn't even mention that the visual art complimenting this auditory smorgasbord was a photojournalist Ronnie Farley's exhibit of cowgirls, which opened January 7th and ran through January 29th. Ms. Farley, a Beaconite, traveled the west in the 1990's and chronicled the rodeo women, cow hands and sheep herders who happened to be female, with informative text and black and white silver gelatin prints from her travels. The juxtaposition of these portraits of women who coraled the audience and were serenaded by Jeremy and rallied to act by Pete and friends was another testament to the local talent and genius in our midst.

From the east side of Main Street, we are connected to the museum-quality photography gallery, Fovea, on the west side of Main Street, where Ms.Farley is a member. Fovea rocked Second Saturday events in January with a 2-1/2 hour panel presentation about the exhibit, "Gays in the Military". Vince Cianni, the photographer, was joined by four of the gay men he interviewed for his project documenting the effects of "Don's Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT). The servicemen--one still active, two discharged under DADT and one who was allowed to retire-- were joined by a local psychiatrist who edits a journal about gay and lesbian issues for the American Psychiatric Association. The level of authentic and honest sharing by the would-be victims of DADT clearly underscored that their resilience and use of available social support allowed them to be survivors who continue to thrive as they reach out to others who were diminshed by DADT. The photos, along with extensive personal narrative transcriptions and audio recordings taken from the interviews were at the gallery through the first week in February but thereafter will reside in archival storage at Duke University. (Fovea's current show documents the Occcupy Movement: another testimony to its cutting edge vision and mission.)

Topping off that memorable week in January was a visit to the Beacon Sloop Club for its Friday night lecture series featuring Jessica DuLong, author of My River Chronicles: Rediscovering America on the Hudson, a memoir of a dot.com entrepreneur turned marine engineer whose hands-on learning occurred on the John J. Harvey fireboat while cruising up and down the Hudson River. Her new book will document the rescue of citizens during the frenzy of 9/11 by a variety of boats, ships and vessels from lower Manhattan.

Some food for thought: Beaconites have the privilege of residing in a community-oriented town at a time when culture, intellect, emotion, and process intersect with the ordinary lives of some extraordinary individuals who share their visions and otherwise take risks to put themselves "out there". Participation in the varied opportunities does not seem optional; you can choose to take an active role as a witness or be inspired to find where your own talents lead you. But the time is now; spring is on its way.



Beacon Bits -- Leftovers

Last fall, I viewed a local artist's watercolor rendering of a deteriorating factory building with a backhoe and tractor alongside the boardwalk leading south from Madame Brett Park on Fishkill Creek. At the time, I was struck by the imagery and its metaphor about Beacon: that it's in a state of renewal, where old meets new, and transitions are ongoing. It also feels like Beacon has become a new home for individuals who are also experiencing transformation or expansion. As such, it is a dynamic city. The synergy of the outer and inner renewal is palpable. From the Roundhouse to the Beacon Theatre to the storefronts near the throwback 1950's diner, Yankee Clipper (an iconic imagine in Nobody's Fool - a 1994 movie featuring a unique Beacon family's interpersonal struggles) that are being retrofitted to the historical design that fits the east and west section of Main Street for a better blend of the old Mattewan and Fishkill Landing Villages where they meet "in the middle."

It's also a time of political change with Mayor Steve Gold's term ending and Randy Casale's term beginning. With change comes opportunity for improvement, new directions as well as continuity from the past. Apparently, Mayor Casale is asking for residents in Beacon to further contribute time and talent to the common cause of further developing Beacon into all that it can become. Will the momentum of the last four years continue or come to a screeching halt?

So what are some of the "leftovers" that require a decision about whether ideas, projects and plans should be kept or tossed? What will come of the MTA TOD that had been rejected by the City Council last year and then upstaged by increased parking by the train station on an "emergency basis" after Hurricane Irene disrupted travel for commuters from across the river? What will influence small business to move forward and reclaim empty stores on Main Street during a difficulty economic recession -- more Asian-oriented restaurants or some cuisine with ethnic diversification (Indian, Caribbean, Latino, continental)? Or consumer-oriented services like a general store (like Rhinebeck's A.L.Stickle) with practical, as well as whimsical, five & dime-Woolworth-type offerings inclusive of office and art supplies that preclude a 15-30 minute drive up to Route 9 or across the bridge? Or a good anchor store (albeit a 'chain' like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Ikea, Pearl Paint, Planet Fitness) that would bring Putnam-Dutchess-Orange county residents to town, which would bring new foot traffic to Main Street and showcase the independent store owner's offerings? What will become of the attempt to restore the Mt. Beacon Incline Railway, which intends to offer handicap accessibility to the top of the mountain for the view and historical museum?

Some food for thought:  Progress begins with thoughtful evaluation, brainstorming for creativity and innovation, and strategic planning. The times, are they changing, or not; it's partly dependent on what's already on the plate and partly influenced by what's brought to the table. Neurophysiologists describe a phenomena when a threshold is crossed, i.e. when a just noticeable difference (jnd) occurs. This 'jnd' allows the system to experience all the stimulation that has come before the last flurry of stimuli that tips the threshold. Perhaps we stand at the liminal threshold as the new year unfolds and as we look back at what remains unfinished.

Beacon Bits -- Year's End

Resolutions are always made to be broken. So I'm not planning to write about my resolve for the coming year. I will take into consideration what I have learned about the effectiveness of goal setting rather than succumbing to the tradition of the New Year. To truly change behavior, one needs to be mindful of one's interest and motivation to do so, and then be painfully aware of the patience required to develop new habits. Breaking down the goals into measurable and attainable 'baby steps' is imperative. So is rewarding oneself sooner rather than later; delayed gratification is never effective. Modest expectations and recognizing one's progress, however slow, will be reinforcing. The "tortoise effect" is real. I believe this is somewhat true for two issues that have been important to Hudson River Valley residents who have voiced opposition to fracking in the Marcellus Shale and who are against the re-licensing of Indian Point. Within the past year, activists have gathered, emailed, protested, raised funds and awareness and reached a critical mass that has gained steady momentum over time.

I'm pleased to report that as 2011 comes to a close, some minor victories have been won:   

(1) Entergy lost an appeal with the NRC "A federal commission dismissed an appeal from the owner of Indian Point Energy Facility on Thursday, declining to hear arguments on a previous ruling requiring the company to beef up its plan to deal with major accidents" suggesting that emergency procedures related to its proximity to the Ramapo fault need to be addressed before re-licensing for 2015 can proceed; and (2) "The action of the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC), to postpone its vote on natural gas drilling and hydrofracturing (“fracking”), demonstrates both the critical importance of this watershed and the political power of the natural gas industry." Both of these 'victories' have been the result of forces that want to contain reckless energy development and curtail corporate assumptions that their rights and values are more important than quality of life in the near and distant future for all residents. These are initial successes, however small, that speak to the need for continued lobbying and activism on both fronts.

Some food for thought: It would be great if there were some 'Public Service Announcements' about energy conservation to highlight the need for ongoing behavior change related to our interaction with the precious environment we live in. (Maybe this could be a theme for Beacon's Electric Windows 2012.) If we want to deter development of deleterious energy sources, we have to look at our side of the equation as well. If we require less power, we are responsible stewards of our limited natural resources. So here are the "top 10" small steps to take for daily care and concern for the use of our natural resources to keep 2012 green.

1. Turn off the computer, TV and lights when not in use. Avoid outdoor lighting unless absolutely essential for safety or visibility.

2. Stack the dishwasher to capacity; use the energy efficient cycle and run early in the AM when rates are lowest because use is down.

3. Turn off the faucet while flossing in between brushing.

4. Recycle, recycle, recycle.

5. Learn to compost.

6. Respond to email requests to sign a petition or write a letter or make a phone call to officials in support of conservation issues.

7. Plan for your next vehicle to be hybrid.

8. Join Scenic Hudson, our region's steadfast advocate for land conservation and sustainable development.

9. Follow the Rivertown Kids and learn some of their lyrics and environmental tunes

(e.g., Solartopia, It Really Isn't Garbage).

10. Pick up litter that you see when walking down Main Street in Beacon.

Make 2012 a green leap of faith with modest behavioral change that with slow and steady action that is guaranteed to truly make a difference. After all, the hare thought he could slack off and still win the race, but the tortoise stands alone as the iconic example of how slow and steady always wins the race.

Beacon Bits -- Simple Gifts

This year, more than ever, I'm convinced that the 12 days of Christmas should come before December 25; there are just too many things to do before the official festivities begin. There are guided candlelit tours of the local mansions and estates (Boscobel, Mt. Guilian, Locust Grove, Vanderbuilt); holiday concerts (Bardavon, Howland Cultural Center, The Beacon Theatre) and local shopping along the river towns from Cold Spring to Beacon, and north to Rhinebeck and Hudson. All of this plus the usual food and gift shopping, trimming of the tree, baking, wrapping, caroling and visiting family and friends. It's all about the choices we make since it is impossible to do it all. I'm reminded of the wise saying about life -- that it's more about the journey and less about the destination -- and I am trying to heed the advice.

This year's journey included an acute reminder about enjoying simple gifts of the season: the gifts of music and creativity. What a joy to go to the Beacon Sloop Club last Friday for their annual holiday sing-a-long with our local musical talent including Pete Seeger and the Rivertown Kids. Walking into the warmth and coziness of this space with an intergenerational and multicultural 100+ crowd of choristers was like stepping into a staging of a holiday TV special in the 1960's with the Smothers Brothers or Mitch Miller. No need for HDTV or 3-D glasses, just real people getting others to raise their voices in harmonious song.

Following on the heels of the revelry of the sing-in came the "ravelry" of a knit-in with a festive holiday gathering of 14 knitters who frequent an onoing group that's continued for years after the Cold Spring specialty yarn shop, known as Knittingsmith, closed its doors. Other than wonderful food prepared uniquely by each attendee, there was a grab bag of knitted gifts such as snowmen, lace baskets, mittens and snowflakes, all handmade and crafted with love for this annual tradition. Amid the 'oohs' and 'ahs' as each ornament was unwrapped was much appreciation for the generous gift of time and creative spirit within each row of knit and purl.

As if that weren't enough creativity for one weekend, the day came to a close at Hudson Beach Glass where you can blow your own holiday ornament (with help and technical assistance from one of the master glass artists/owners). It's such a popular event that you can start to sign up now for next year's month-long schedule of appointments.

Some food for thought: The traffic and crowded stores can be left behind during the pre-Christmas rush if you choose to participate in the unique offerings around the Hudson Valley. You may need to give up some of the 'have to do' things on the list for the 'will nourish my spirit' choices: an hour of listening to favorite holiday music without it serving as background for doing something else; a few hours of working on finishing a hand-made ornament, scarf, socks or hat for a special someone; experimenting with a new cookie recipe to add to the mix of one's childhood favorites; mindfully selecting each decoration that is placed around the house, day by day, rather than trying to rush and do it all in one fell swoop when tired, hungry or cranky. This frame of mind was affirmed when I became frustrated with putting the tree stand together the other night. Rather than continuing to fight, after a full 30 minutes, to line the pieces up so that the long screws could engage correctly, I just happened to turn the stand on its side and it fell into place. It served as a reminder that we can shift our perspective when we look at something in a new way, by accident or by choice. You may just want to accidentally choose to "unplug the Christmas tree" this year and focus on savoring the simple gifts of the season. It just might turn Christmas upside down for you; I don't think you'll regret it.

Simply the Best Rice Pudding
A Norwegian Tradition

Aunt Fanny's Rice Cream

1/2 cup arborio rice

1/2 cup sugar

1 qt. whole milk

1 tbs. pure vanilla extract

1 cup heavy cream

1 egg yolk

Put milk, rice, sugar and vanilla extract into a large pot (I get the milk to room temperature first and start to heat it before I add rice and sugar); heat on medium flame. You'll need to stay nearby because you'll be stirring often, otherwise the rice sticks to the bottom of the pot and the sugar burns. You'll cook this for about an hour on a medium to low flame; eventually you'll see the rice thicken -- keep stirring frequently at this point. When you get to about 70 min. of cooking (you never bring it to a boil but it could boil if you raised the heat), take pot off the stove and then add the 1 cup heavy cream and 1 egg yolk (i.e. whisk the egg yolk with some of the cream in a small bowl, add the cream to the mixture in the pot first; then slowly add egg yolk mix while stirring constantly so the egg yolk doesn't cook.) Return to heat and cook for another 10 min. - you could test if it's done by raising the heat: if it boils vigorously while stirring furiously, then it's ready. Remove from heat and pour into a bowl. After it cools down for about 10-15 minutes, cover the top with wax paper -- this keeps it from forming a skin -- and then place in refrigerator overnight. (The recipe can easily be doubled; you can top with cinnamon when serving, but the Norwegian way is to put some whipped cream on top and raspberry or red currant syrup; serve in a glass like a parfait. Or you can put fresh berries or lingonberry jam on top. I've even used warmed local maple syrup of good quality.) I never put raisins in this rice cream, but on on Christmas eve when it is served in a Norwegian home, we put a whole almond in the rice pudding -- whoever gets the almond 'wins' a marzipan pig as a prize for good luck for the coming year. It's hard to find the marzipan pig these days unless you go to a specialty import store, but I did find the raspberry syrup (“Marco Polo”) this year at Adams Fairacre Farms.

Beacon Bits -- Into the Light

We're heading into the shortest days and darkest nights before the winter solstice occurs next week (12/22), though it may be hard to tell for sure since strings of holiday lights seem to be sprouting on tree branches and bushes and decorating house trim on a daily basis. I actually saw a house or two in a Beacon neighborhood that reminded me of the famously-lit homes in Bensonhurst-Brooklyn; white, blue and various multicolored lights seem to fend off the darkness like sentinels standing guard at Fort Knox. Everyone seems to be re-enacting the primal fear of the dark as if we are still vulnerable and living in caves and forests rather than the CFL-LED-halogen lit homes in which we currently reside. Perhaps the antidote to the frantic nature of holiday shopping and merriment is to make friends with the dark and allow it to become an enveloping comforter that invites us inward to seek out the warmth of burning logs in the fireplace and flickering candlelight that dances in the night. This feeling is actually created during the season of Advent when one candle is lit each week on the four consecutive Sundays before Christmas. As you see the illumination growing from one to two to three to four candles, you have recapitulated the return of the sun and the lengthening of the days with the recollection of the hope, peace, joy and love symbolized by the successive tapers standing tall in the Advent wreath. It's a natural way to recapture the light, just like the annual appearance in mid-December of the Geminids, a meteor shower that features more than 75 meteors per hour for a spectacular display during the darkest hours before dawn at its peak, reminds us that there is much light in the dark. Each year the "shooting stars" peak on 12/13 and 12/14, but the gibbous moon this year, along with the man-made light pollution, may impede the viewing of this fantastic light show. But a good viewing location in this part of the Hudson Highlands would be on Route 9D across from Storm King Mountain where one could hope to meet some like-minded stargazers in the turnout with a thermos of hot cocoa, bundled with hat and scarf, looking above to the heavens where north-south transects east-west close to the constellation Gemini from midnight through dawn.

Some food for thought: So it might be a good idea to 'wish-on-a-star' tonight and then use this upcoming week of the darkest nights to pause, reflect and meditate on the magic of the natural seasonal gifts that aren't purchased in the malls or on Main Street. The gift of silence. The gift of deep breathing. The gift of simplicity. The gift of paying attention. The gift of anticipation. The gift of kindness. The gift of solitude. The gift of trust. The gift of knowing who you are and what you want. The gift of courage to stand alone in the dark.  The gift of your very own inner light to guide you.

Beacon Bits -- Letting Go (is a blessing)

This past Sunday, Indian summer was fully present in the Hudson Highlands, making last month's snowstorm a distant nightmare. Hikers gathered early in the morning at the foot of Mt. Beacon for a pre-Thanksgiving hike to get ready for the extra calories in the coming week. Local roads were getting congested as families made their trek to the various grocery stores and markets, including the new Wappinger location for Adams Fairacre Farms to retrieve the mandatory turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberries, bread for stuffing, winter squashes, pumpkin pie fixings, apple cider, as well as the specific seasonal delights such as, stalks of brussel sprouts, fennel, assorted mushrooms, artisanal cheeses and nuts, seedless grapes and tangerines.  Last minute shoppers made their way down to the waterfront to the Beacon Farmers Market to pick up a forgotten item or two like local maple syrup and honey or additional vegetables for yet another "side" dish.

In many communities, the pre-Thanksgiving farmer's market is the last of the season until the following spring, but not so for our local market. I was both recalling and anticipating the week that the Sunday market retreats into the Beacon Sloop Club with its intimate space and smaller group of vendors around the tree that grows through the roof of the building and the blazing fire in the stone fireplace with its welcoming hearth. I relished the idea of that setting because of the warmth and genuine hospitality I felt there last winter after a difficult transition during my move and relocation in the midst of several snowstorms. As I was taking some photos and daydreaming, I met  a woman I'd known from Common Ground Farm, Dana Devine O'Malley,

who is the new manager of the market. I shared my memories from last year and how I was looking forward to all the sensations of community around the fireplace again this year. To my surprise, she noted it was likely that the market would move this winter; that discussions were being held with Mill Street Loft to host the market at the neighboring Long Dock Beacon Park south of the ferry dock. I explained my surprise and my distaste for the proposition and she insisted I had been the only person sharing such fond memories and cozy images of the sloop club's space and that in fact, many vendors had stated they would not return this winter if it was housed there again! Falling short of becoming argumentative, as most people who have a minority opinion can become, I rallied, trying to be persuasive, and pointed out that an art gallery space, such as Mill Street Loft, seemed to be an odd, even inappropriate space for a farmer's market. I clearly was attached to my first impression of the Beacon Farmer's Market and found it difficult to imagine a new setting as its home this year. I had difficulty letting go.

After taking photos of the Beacon Sloop Club, I walked over towards the potential new home of the market as if I were trying it on for size and attempted to take in this new information without  feeling defeated. I reminded myself that a prominent theme of late November with the last of the dry leaves falling from the trees is to "let go."



Long Dock Beacon - A Scenic Hudson Park







After the shock of this news, I made the decision to attend the evening concert to be held at "The" Beacon Theatre in Beacon. I realized I hadn't blogged yet about another Beacon "attachment" of mine, the renovation of the defunct theater on Main Street, which became one of my pledged commitments, after attending the kick-off fundraiser in September 2010 with Pete Seeger and Tom Chapin, to support 4th Wall Productions ' purchase and plans to revive this historical landmark, which was home to many an entertainer on the Borscht route from New York City to the Catskills. Perhaps it was knowing that Sonja Henie, the Norwegian Olympic ice skater who briefly became a Hollywood start performed at The Beacon that made me so fond of the building. But most likely it was knowing that a caring group of grassroots people (Owners Jim Brady and Christine Vittorini, along with Development Director, Pat Manning) want to rebuild and restore rather than knock down and resdesign a local multipurpose theater that would facilitate performing arts as part of the cultural scene revival in Beacon. So through the year I've been to several fundraisers for The Beacon Theatre including the one year anniversary dance party that truly announced a 'phoenix' is rising with completed major renovations to the lobby that can now be home to comedy shows, film, children's performances and concerts. 

So to much delight, I arrived at the Robert A. McAlpine Grand Foyer  (a major benefactor/contributor and owner of the Roundhouse) to hear Red Molly as part of the Sukothai concert series. I only knew that Red Molly, a three-women band, was described as playing Americana music (bluegrass-gospel) and that they had received excellent reviews for their albums and performances at various festivals. Most of the attendees were "RedHeads" (the group's fan club) but it wasn't long before I felt myself having a conversation and began anticipating future concerts (and a yearning for henna.)

Some food for thought: Change and transition require emotional processing. It's easier to say 'let go' than to follow through and do it. But with the music of Red Molly acting like a balm to help with the unpredictability and uncertainty of adjusting to the daily hassles of life, I remembered how much melodic and uplifting music sung with soul and great lyrics can be an excellent way to cope with the all the 'small stuff' we stress over. The last song of the evening, of their last concert for this year's season, an a cappella version of "May I Suggest", was such an antidote; it was a beautiful reminder that accepting things as they are in the here and now lets you know that this is the 'best part of your life.' Flexibility and adaptability is a hallmark of good mental health. So is a thanksgiving reminder that life is good, full of blessings, changing us as we keep trying to hold on to the past. The trees know how to let go and accept the transition towards the new. We can loosen the leaves of our own expectations, assumptions and precious memories to pave the wave for new experiences and traditions, as a reminder to balance the old and the new.

Menu for Thanksgiving Dinner

Platter of assorted cheese, tangerines, grapes and nuts

Mesclun salad with pear, fennel, red onion, dried cranberries, walnuts and honey balsamic dressing

Raisin Pumpkin Bread

Cream of Butternut Squah Soup

Broiled stuffed Mushrooms with Italian Seasoning

Stuffed Turkey Breast with 3-bread/sausage/mushroom/seasoned stuffing

Sweetened yams with maple syrup, honey and butter

Roasted brussel sprouts with lemon pepper and olive oil

Creamed spinach with a touch of nutmeg

Old Fashioned Mashed Potatoes

Homemade Brown Gravy

Traditional Cranberry Relish with a New Twist of Candied Ginger

Apple Brown Betty

Dulce de Leche Ice Cream

Pumplin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Thansgiving Blessings

Beacon Bits -- Doing Good

Some people are amazing. And many amazing people do so many good things. This past weekend brought me face to face with amazing people doing good things in and around Beacon: the volunteers, organizing committee and donors for the Common Ground Farm annual harvest celebration and fundraiser auction on 11/5 and Jim Heron, who presented his last BIRE authors' talk on 11/6.

'It takes a village' to put together a well-planned event and that village included local vendors such as Homespun, Tas Kafe, Hudson Beach Glass, Beacon Pilates, Dance Beacon/Ballet Arts, Isamu, Sukothai, and Dia Beacon, The Roundhouse Beacon, Hudson Valley Shakespeare, Manitoga, Boscobel, all of whom generously donated goods, food and services for the benefit of our local CSA. The bidding wars for the silent auction occurred while patrons sipped on cider and spiced red wine and listened to Tiki Daddy play instrumental background music (jazz, Hawaiian, swing) that inspired serious auction bidders to mingle and weave in and out of hay bales and candlelit tables in time to the music to seek out special selections. The live auction, hosted by Mark Roland, was fast paced, but focused on getting the best bids for items as unique as a house and garden blessing by the priest from St. Nicholas Episcopal Church and a hand-powered lawn mower donated by Mark himself. I got involved in the fun by having a volley of bids for a glass bowl with a beautiful blond model who hails from Venezuela but now lives in Wappingers; the bowl went for $370, well over the $200 value, all for a great cause! Since I hadn't gotten to last year's auction because I got a flat tire on the way north, this year's involvement as a farm member volunteering some hours to help serve potables more than made up for last year's loss. And with a winning bid on the private Pilates lesson, I'll be inspired to get ready and be in tip-top shape for next year's event.

The highlight of the weekend, though, (as if the auction weren't enough joy) was being present for Jim Heron's last talk about his historical research, resulting in the published book, Denning's Point, A Hudson River History,  since he is now retiring for the second time after ten years of service to BIRE. Many Beaconites know of his 'discovery' that Alexander Hamilton resided on the peninsula during the Revolutionary War. But those who were present heard about his deeply moving, very personal and spiritually-healing work for the last decade; you see, Jim is an Episcopal priest who worked for a year in the morgue, blessing the remains of bodies found at Ground Zero following 9/11, during his tenure as chaplain in NYC. He retired from his work as a witness to the consequences of terrorism and walked into the caverns of museum archives, archaeological digs, and historical document searches in the Vassar stacks to find liberty, resurrection, and new life blown into the 'old bones' of Dennings Point. He told his truth about a wonderful journey of grace and healing for a wounded healer; his honest reflection was most touching. He says he is now ready for his next project, rising from the ashes and remains left behind; he knows it's time to move on with faith and continue the journey into the future.



East to Dennings Point
(Taken on board the Mystic Whaler, May 2011)

Some food for thought: I started to muse about Jim's resilience, optimism and persistence and wondered about this balm that is found in the Hudson Highlands and its affects on so many of the residents in the area who have been true beacons of hope like Jim. Those we can name, like Pete Seeger, Fanny Reese, Samuel Morse, Madame Brett, General Howland, and those who remain anonymous, like the countless volunteers serving our local communities, schools, conservation projects, social justice initiatives, all for the sake of doing good. Volunteerism and finding passion in life is not only psychologically rewarding, but it is physically invigorating as well. Health effects of volunteering have been documented. Findings suggest that older volunteers, starting at ago 60, benefit more than younger individuals, but all individuals who volunteer service to two or more organizations, or 40-100 hours per year (i.e., 1-2 hours per week), have health benefits such as personal well-being, increased social networks that buffer stress, lower rates of depression and a longer lifespan. Taking time to engage in meaningful ways and taking on a project, like working with a CSA farm or asking 'what can I do to help', like Jim heron did when he first walked into BIRE, can become part of a positive reinforcing cycle that leads down the paths where others have walked, but also where you can blaze new trails of life sustaining work. For those of us heading towards age 60, it's time to reach out in our communities and start to build our very own and new, passionate road for the future.

"One for the Road"

Spiced Red Wine

1 bottle red wine

1 cheesecloth bundle of mulling spices *

(*1 cinnamon stick, 6 whole cloves, 4 black peppercorns, 4 cardamom pods,

1 slice of orange peel, 1/3 vanilla pod, 1 piece crystallized ginger*)

Pour wine into stainless steel pot. Tie spices into cheesecloth with a string. Wet spice bag under running cold water. Place into pot with wine. Bring to simmer. Serve warm.