A selection of meetings and events in and around the City of Hudson by Ellen Thurston.  All phone numbers are in area code 518 unless otherwise indicated.  All addresses are in Hudson unless otherwise indicated.

MEETINGS

Next Tuesday, February 16

Columbia County Board of Supervisors .1 Committee Meeting – 2 pm – 401 State Street

Columbia County Health & Medical Services Committee Meeting – 2 pm – 401 State Street

Hudson Common Council Finance Committee Meeting – 5:30 pm – City Hall

Hudson Common Council Formal Meeting – 7 pm – City Hall

Next Wednesday, February 17

Columbia County Board of Supervisors Human Services Committee Meeting – 5 pm – 401 State Street

ELLEN’S WEEKEND PICKS

Thursday-Sunday, February 11-14

Films at TSL:

Mustang – Five free-spirited teenage sisters accused of illicit behavior, are essentially imprisoned by their parents and subjected to endless lessons in housekeeping in preparation for marriage.  As the older sisters are married off, the younger ones bond together to avoid the same fate – The directorial debut of Deniz Gamze Erguven – In Turkish with English subtitles

Eisenstein in Guanajuato Directed by Peter Greenaway – The film explores the mind of Soviet filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein, “a creative genius facing the desires and fears of love, sex, and death through ten passionate days that helped shape the rest of the career of one of the greatest masters of cinema.” – In English and Spanish with English subtitles

Aferimi – Set in early 19th-century Romania, a policeman is hired by a nobleman to find a Gypsy slave who has run away from his estate after having an affair with his wife.  In Romanian with English subtitles

Troublemakers: The Story of Land Art – Set in the desolate spaces of the American southwest, the film unearths the history of land art during the tumultuous late 1960s and early 1970s.  The film is ultimately a story of renegades and firebrands all willing to risk their future careers on radical change and experimentation—a marked contrast to the hyper-speculative contemporary art world of today.  Featuring rare interviews with a veritable Who’s Who of American Art of the twentieth century.

Heart of a Dog – Artist Laurie Anderson’s “…wry, wondrous, and unforgettable cinematic journey through love, death, and language…”

Animation and Oscar Shorts: Live Action – Most of the short films nominated for Academy Awards in 2016, plus a few “Highly Commended” titles.

Information and schedule at www.timeandspace.org or 822-8448 – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Thursday, February 11 – Friday, February 26

WGXC 90.7 FM Fifth Anniversary “High Five” On-air Pledge Drive – Columbia and Greene Counties’ community radio station celebrates its fifth anniversary with a benefit exhibition and art auction,  a Broadcast Party, and an Anniversary Extravaganza, all taking place at + Space Gallery, 369 Main Street in Catskill, over the course of two weeks.  Grateful listeners wanting to know more about these events, or wishing to help keep the station up and running, can pledge by calling the Hudson station at 697-7400 any time during the pledge drive – WGXC 90.7 FM, Second Floor, 704 Columbia Street

Friday, February 12

Free Friday Tasting – Wine Monger Imports will bring wines from Austria’s masters of Blaufrankisch for us to sample—two bottlings from two top Burgenland producers – Small bites, stellar wine, and some tasty learning!  – Information at hudsonwinemerchants.com or 828-6411 – 5 to 7 pm – Hudson Wine Merchants, 341 ½ Warren Street

Heathers, The Musical – Upstage Productions produces and presents its first adult themed show under the banner of Upstage After Dark– Based on the classic 1989 film – Westerberg High is ruled by the shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing elite: Heather, Heather, and Heather, the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio.  But misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark and sexy stranger J.D., who plans to put the Heathers in their place—six feet under – Directed by Alyssa O’Keeffe and Ashley France – Information at  828-4800 or helsinkihudson.com – Please note: At the request of Upstage Productions, the show will begin promptly at 7:30 pm and there will be no dinner and/or table service after 6:30 pm – Those wishing to have dinner must plan on arriving prior to 6:30 pm – Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia Street

Saturday, February 13

19th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count – Become a citizen scientist for the day, collecting important data for a nationwide survey of birds coordinated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.  Last year, almost 19 million birds were counted worldwide by over 147,000 groups of volunteers.  Binoculars and bird guides will be provided, but bring your own if you have them – Dress in weather-appropriate layers as groups may be standing in place for periods of time as birds are counted.  Snacks and warm drinks will be provided – Sponsored by Columbia Land Conservancy – Information at www.clctrust.org or 392-5252 – 9 to 11 am – Ooms Conservation Area at Sutherland Pond – Meet at the Main parking area, 480 Rock City Road, Chatham

Hudson Winter Farmers’ Market – The winter market is open and continues each Saturday through the month of April – You’ll find Valentine Day gift ideas alongside local staples including bread, cookies, cheese, fair trade coffee and nuts, and more – 10 am to 1 pm – Parish Hall, Christ Church Episcopal, Union & East Court Streets

Champagne Tasting to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day – Selections from Charles de Cazenove, founded in 1811 – Information at 828-0934 or www.fairview-wines.com – 12 noon to 5 pm – Fairview Wines & Spirits, Fairview Plaza, 160 Fairview Avenue, Greenport

Snowshoeing:  B.Y.O. Snowshoes – A guided snowshoe walk led by environmental educator Fran Martino – Perfect for beginners and families – If there is a lack of snow, this will become a walk without snowshoes – Snow date is February 14 – Information at www.olana.org or 828-1872 – 1 to 3 pm – Wagon House Education Center, Olana State Historic Site, Route 9G, Greenport

Ellsworth Kelly Tribute – Artist Ellsworth Kelly, who passed away in late December, made his home and worked in Spencertown and was a benevolent supporter of many regional arts organizations, schools and community groups, including the Crandell Theatre.  In tribute, the Theatre is offering a free screening of Ellsworth Kelly: Fragments.  The hour-long documentary elucidates the true complexity of the artist’s work.  In following Kelly as he revisits the Paris of his twenties, the film uncovers early influences which became themes that he would return to, reiterate, refine, and re-work for decades to come.  The screening is followed by a reception at Cady Hall, across the street from the theatre on the second floor at 13 Main Street.  This was Kelly’s first working studio when he arrived in Columbia County in 1970.  The reception is hosted by Jack Shear. – Information at 392-3331 or crandelltheatre.org – 2 pm – Crandell Theatre, 48 Main Street, Chatham

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March, a one-person performance based on the memoir written by Lynda Blackmon Lowery’s experiences as one of the youngest participants in the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in support of voting rights.  Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King when he spoke at her church, Lowery was arrested nine times before her fifteenth birthday.  Fifty years later, she has used her experiences to emphasize the importance of activism – She recently told commentator Arun Rath on National Public Radio, “I would like for young people to know that each day of your life is a journey into history.” – With the help of film actress Ally Sheedy, the book has been adapted for the stage as a one-person performance directed by Ms. Sheedy and performed by Damaris Obi, a graduate of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts in New York City.  The Hudson High School Choir, under the direction of Andrea Mastrianni, will perform songs from the civil rights era prior to the performance. – Both the author and the director will attend the performance and will speak to the audience after the performance, answering questions and sharing their experiences.  The production is presented by the Loire Valley Theatre Festival, Miranda Barry, Producer, and the Hudson Area Library – Copies of Lowery’s book will be available for purchase and signing. – There will be a suggested donation at the door for adults; free admission for children under 12 – A portion of proceeds from ticket and book sales will benefit the Library – Information at 828-1792 or by e-mail to [email protected] – 3 pm – MC Smith Intermediate School auditorium, 102 Harry Howard Avenue

Unreserved Estate Auction – An eclectic mix of 18th- and 19th-century furniture, artwork, stoneware, primitives, etc. – 759 lots in all – Online catalogue and information on live internet or absentee bidding at copakeauction.com – Information at 329-1142 – Preview dates: Thursday from 11 am to 5 pm, Friday from 11 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 12 noon to 2:45 pm – Auction at 3 pm – Copake Auction, 266 Route 7A, Copake

Book Signing – Al Roker and Deborah Roberts will be signing their recent book, Been There,  Done That: Family Wisdom for Modern Times.  “A collaboration on the most personal and important ‘story’ of their lives, Been There, Done That is a funny heartfelt, and empowering collection of life lessons, hard-won wisdom, and instructive family anecdotes from Al and Deborah’s lives, from their parents and grandparents, and from dear friends, famous and not.” Books available for purchase and signing – Information at [email protected] or 392-3005 – 5 pm – Chatham Bookstore, 27 Main Street, Chatham

An Afternoon with Mozart – Copake soprano Rose Hunsberger and pianist Noah Palmer will perform as part of the Adventures in Music series.  The program features Ms. Hunsberger in several Mozart pieces including Exultate, Jubilate.  Mr. Palmer will also play solo piano works by Debussy.  Both artists have distinguished careers in the region and beyond. – Information at 325-5020 or www.roejanlibrary.org – 5 pm – Roeliff Jansen Community Library, 9091 Route 22,one mile south of the intersection of Routes 22 and 23, Hillsdale

Exhibition Opening – One Hundred Tikis: New Paintings by Dan Taulapapa McMullin – On view through March 13 – See also artist’s talk and book reading below on Sunday – Information at 828-5825 or rosegalleryfinart.com – 5 to 7 pm – Rose Gallery Fine Art, 238A Warren Street

38th Annual Wild Game Supper – The Churchtown Fire Company holds its annual fundraising dinner which includes numerous hot dishes of locally harvested wild game, refreshments, homemade desserts, raffles, and games of chance.  The event helps supports the Fire Company’s  mission of providing fire protection and rescue services to the community – Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling 851-9766 or 851-7270 – Doors open at 3:30 pm; hors d’oeuvres served at 4 pm; dinner served at 5:30 pm – Churchtown Firehouse, 2219 County Route 27, Churchtown

Paella: from Pan to Plate – Enjoy the shared experience of preparing a traditional paella dinner fresh from the pan to you plate –Sarah Jay, a leading importer of paella pans and an aficionado of all things paella, will demonstrate the preparation of truly authentic chicken and sausage paella and vegetarian paella – There will be opportunities to assist in the preparation.  When the paella is ready, participants will gather around the table for dinner and savor the unique tastes from this shared experience.  The paella will be washed down with homemade sangria and wine selections from Hudson Wine Merchants.  Seats are limited – At the end of the evening, one guest will receive a Valentine’s gift of a paella pan and other essentials to start their own paella dinner traditions with family and friends. – Advance reservations are required. – Information and reservations at 828-0033 or [email protected] – 6 to 9 pm – Valley Variety, 705 Warren Street

Candlelight Concert – “An evening of energetic jazz by candlelight” – Featuring the jazz duo of Nadje Noordhuis and James Shipp – Brooklyn-based trumpeter and composer Noordhuis is an alumnus of Omi’s music residency program.  She is joined by vibraphonist, percussionist, and composer Shipp – The duo regularly plays intimate venues throughout New York City and is currently in production for its debut album – A reception follows the performance – Information at 392-4747 – RSVP to [email protected] to guarantee seating. – 6:30 pm – Visitors Center, Omi International Arts Center, 1405 Route 22, Ghent

Exhibition Opening – Dance Photographs by Jake Stockman – A behind-the-scenes look at the Parsons Dance Company during its 2015 summer residency at PS21 in Chatham – The exhibition also includes photos that document the spaces at PS21, including the barn dance studio and the performance tent – Stockman is PS21’s first Photography Intern, working with local photographer David Lee as his mentor – On view through February 28 – Information at 392-6121 or ps21chatham.org – Opening Party, with music by the B-Side Trio, is from 6:30 to 8:30 pm – Joyce Goldstein Gallery, 16 Main Street, Chatham

SOLD OUT – Folk Tales & Myths: Travels Through Hungary and Beyond –Iva Bittova, violin and vocals; Helena Baille, violin; and The Bard String Quartet – Iva Bittova, the Moravian violinist, vocalist, singer, actor and dancer, joins violinist Helena Baillie in music by Janacek and Bartok, including his Slovak songs in a special arrangement for voice and string quartet – NPR’s “All Things Considered” says:  “Iva Bittova is an extraordinary artist.  Raw and refined, passionate and contained, she has the soul of a gypsy, the voice of a troubadour, and the mind of a genius.” – Presented by Classics on Hudson – Admission includes a post-performance champagne reception with the artists – Information at 822-1438 or hudsonoperahouse.org – 7 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

Volume Reading Series – A relatively new reading series featuring prose, poetry, and a short DJ set, takes place every second Saturday at The Spotty Dog – This month’s program showcases four local emerging artists, including two of Volume’s own  –  Branda C. Maholtz is an artist and writer who holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Syracuse University (2003).  Her work has been published in Chronogram and various online literary journals. –Shannekia MacIntosh is a writer, curator, and DJ, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, who now lives in Hudson.  She recently founded the art and writing zine, Zero Cool (zer0cool.net) .  Her work has been published in Dossier and NYLON magazine, and others. – Hallie Goodman’s writing has appeared in many publications including the magazines Paper, Self,Redbook, The Knot, and Chronogram, and on popular blogs for Glamour.com, MSN.com, and YahooShine.com , among others.  She is a NY Foundation for the Arts MARK fellow, and is currently an MFA candidate in Creative Nonfiction at Vermont College of Fine Arts – Dani Grammerstorf  French has an MFA in Creative Fiction from The New School and has been published in Playgirl andBroken Pencil.  She is the co-founder of the long-running Guerrilla Lit Reading Series in NYC.  She lives in Hudson. – The readings will be followed by a DJ set by Dan Bunny – This series is hosted by Hallie Goodman and Dani Grammerstorf French – Information at 671-6006 or by e-mail to [email protected] – 7 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Intentional Jazz Ensemble – A strong six-piece jazz group known for its rich sound and synchronized harmonies from a formidable three-part horn section and a stellar rhythm section of piano, bass, and drums.  Brings a fresh return to the rich tradition of jazz from the Blue Note era exemplified by the likes of Art Blakey, Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, and others.  Led by Rob Fisch, the group brings together some of the finest jazz musicians from northeastern New York, western Massachusetts and southern Vermont – Information at 392-3693 – Tickets at spencertownacademy.org or pay at the door – 7:30 pm – Spencertown Academy Arts Center, 790 Route 203, Spencertown

The Half Moon Third Anniversary Celebration – Featuring Miho Hatori, Patrick Higgins, Arto Lindsay, and a Special Guest – Must be 21+ – Information at thehalfmoonhudson.com or 828-1562 – 8 pm – The Half Moon, 48 South Front Street

Sunday, February 14

Oops!  You forgot that St. Valentine’s Day is this Sunday?  No worry.  Vasilow’s is standing by with hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries (milk, dark or mixed).  Reserve now by calling 828-2717 or fax at 828-3118, or e-mail [email protected] .  Information at 828-2717 – Vasilow’s Confectionery, 741 Columbia Street

We Heart Valentine’s Day! – From heart-shaped cookies to heart-shaped candies packed in heart-shaped boxes, Verdigris is ready!  Order a heart-shaped cake in advance – Orders or information at 828-3139 or [email protected] – Verdigris Tea & Chocolate Bar, 135 Warren Street (at Second Street)

Celebrate St. Valentine’s Day with Cheese and Chocolate Pairings – On Valentine’s Day—Sunday, February 14: Taste nine different cheeses from around the world and three different chocolates from Theo Chocolates of Seattle, WA.  The class ends with a glass of champagne  – Registration and information at 392-8811 – 12 noon to 2 pm – Bimi’s Cheese Shop, 13 Main Street, Chatham

Fall in Love with Local Wines – On Saturday and Sunday, Hudson-Chatham Winery is offering 2-for-1 wine tastings for you and your Valentine – Information at hudsonchathamwinery.com – 12 noon to 5 pm – Hudson-Chatham Winery, 1900 Route 66, Ghent

See also Fairview Wines & Spirits Champagne Tasting under Saturday above.

Artist Dan Taulapapa McMullin presents a talk, a video screening of One Hundred Tikis, and a reading from his book of poems, Coconut Milk– Information at rosegalleryfineart.com or 828-5825  – 5 to 7 pm – Rose Gallery Fine Art, 238A Warren Street

Next Tuesday, February 16

The Old Lady of Clermont – A lecture by Kjirsten Gustavson on Margaret Beekman Livingston who was a key figure in the history of Livingston.  The mother of several prominent statesmen and shapers of the American Revolution, she has an interesting story of her own.  She was 18 years old when she married her Livingston husband, joining two prominent Colonial families and their fortunes.  Widowed at the age of 52, she led her family through the American Revolution and oversaw the two estates she inherited from both families.  Even when her home was burned by the English Army, Margaret remained undaunted and rebuilt before the war was over.  Gustavson has been the Curator of Education at Clermont for ten years.  More of her research can be found at www.ClermonstStateHistoricSite.blogspot.com – Presented by Columbia County Historical Society Volunteers group – Information at www.cchsny.org or 758-9265 – 3:30 pm – McNary Center, St. Paul’s Church, 6 Silvester Street, Kinderhook

The Columbia County Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby will hold its February meeting in Hudson – Energized by its successful Open House in January and other promising results of the Paris talks in December, the group will step up its educational efforts to spread the word on solutions to the climate problem and show people what they can do to help.  Their proposed solution, favored by most economists and by many conservatives, is to put a steadily increasing price on carbon to motivate a shift away from fossil fuels, and to protect the economy by returning all the revenues to American households to shield the poor and working class from higher energy prices.  The meeting is open to the public.  All are welcome.  Information at citizensclimatelobby.org or 672-7901– 6 pm – Second Floor, 209 Warren Street

Helsinki Open Mic – Try out new material on the big Helsinki stage – Hosted by Cameron Melville andRyder Cooley – Information at 828-4800 or helsinkihudson.com – Sign-up begins at 6:30 pm – Performance from 7 to 10 pm – Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia Street

MISCELLANEOUS

Spur-of-the-Moment Winter Hikes & Snow Shoeing –These events will take place when there’s enough snow, clear roads, and good weather for being outdoors.  Columbia Land Conservancy has set up an e-mail alert system to schedule the spur-of-the-moment treks.  You will receive a message saying, “Come join us for snowshoeing.”  Merely reply to RSVP and join the group at the designated site.  A limited number of snowshoes are available for lending, and beginners are welcome.  For information, and to register for the e-mail list, contact [email protected] or 392-5252, ext. 214.

 “The Hudson Café” – After a guest DJ appearance on community radio station WGXC 90.7 FM, Maria Manhattan moves into a regular gig on the airwaves with an upbeat music show featuring the American songbook as interpreted by contemporary artists as well as the jazz greats in a diverse range of genres.  The show airs on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at 11 am. This may be just the lift you need in the middle of the week.  Tune into 90.7FM or on the worldwide web at wgxc.org.  If you miss the show, look for it in the station archives at www.wgxc.org – Information at 697-7400 or www.wgxc.org

For more information on Columbia County events, visit www.columbiacountytourism.org

To receive this weekly list of Hudson events delivered directly to your in-box, send your request to [email protected].

Town of Gallatin residents who have registered on the site may list events directly on the Gallatin Townhub calendar. See How to Post. If you would like to share events for listing on the site contact [email protected].

All content herein copyright 2016