This week's calendar (1/4-10/2021)

Jan 4

Written By HVNY

The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck will present their first live stream performance of The Covid Confessions this weekend live from their Rhinebeck theater to home audiences. Details below. Image from The Center’s “Hindsight & Hope: A M… — The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck will present their first live stream performance of *The Covid Confessions* this weekend live from their Rhinebeck theater to home audiences. Details below. Image from The Center’s “Hindsight & Hope: A Musical Revue.”

Poughkeepsie Waterfront Market
Every Monday • 3-6:30pm • Water Street, Poughkeepsie • Selection of fresh, locally-sourced early season produce, eggs, poultry, apples, cider, honey, baked goods, goat cheese and milk, prepared foods, vegetable plant starts, handmade soaps, and more. Free onsite parking. SNAP and WIC accepted • More info: LINK

State of the District
Monday, January 4, 2021 • 7pm • Rep. Antonio Delgado will deliver his State of the District Address for NY-19 live on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RepAntonioDelgado

Ulster County COVID-19 Updates
Tuesdays + Thursdays • 3pm • Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan is scheduled to hold his bi-weekly Town Halls on his Facebook page on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm: https://www.facebook.com/UlsterCountyExecutive

Dutchess County COVID-19 Town Hall
Wednesday, January 6, 2021 • 3pm • Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro will host a Facebook Live Town Hall event: https://www.facebook.com/DutchessCoGov/

Affordability Town Hall
Friday, January 8, 2021 • 7pm • Organized by the Village of New Paltz Deputy Mayor KT Tobin, liaison to the Affordable Housing Board & Trustee Alex Wojcik, liaison to the Landlord-Tenant Relations Counci. • This community conversation is a chance for New Paltzians to get together (virtually) to ask questions, express concerns, and share ideas and experiences regarding affordability -- housing affordability, cost of living, etc. -- in our community during these unprecedented times • Submit questions, concerns, experiences regarding issues of affordability in advance: tinyurl.com/AffordabilityNP • FB Event Link

The Covid Confessions
January 8-10, 2021 • Live event streamed from The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck • Full-length play featuring monologues reflecting on the impact of the coronavirus performed in real-time at The CENTER and livestreamed to home audiences. Note: The Center notes this production may not be appropriate for young audiences. • Tickets $30 for a household pass • LINK

COMING UP:
Kingston Winter Farmers’ Market
Every other Saturday: January 16, 30; February 13, 27; March 13, 27; April 10, 24, 2021 • Senate Garage, 4 North Front Street • 10am - 2pm *10-10:30am is reserved for 65+ and immunocompromised • https://kingstonfarmersmarket.org

REFRESH: This link is updated with new events, change of dates + cancellations. The link’s always the same: hvny.info/calendar/this-week

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Murder and Mayhem in Ulster County by A.J. Schenkman and Elizabeth Werlau

$25.00

In 1870, the New York Herald proclaimed that Ulster County was New York's Ulcer County due to its lawlessness and crime. The columnist supported his claim by citing that in only six months, it has been the scene of no less than four cold blooded and brutal murders, six suicides and four elopements. Hannah Markle--the bane of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union--ran a Kingston saloon where murder and violence were served alongside the whiskey. John Babbitt confessed on his deathbed to murdering Emma Brooks, and Willie Brown--reputed member of the Eastman Gang--accidentally shot his best friend. The infamous Big Bad Bill, the Gardiner Desperado, lashed out more than once and killed in a drunken rage. Discover the mayhem and murder that these and others wreaked on one of New York State's original counties.

About the author

A.J. Schenkman is a historian, educator, and author. He specializes in uncovering the “hidden” human stories of American history, particularly within the Hudson Valley. His storytelling approach to history, which he calls “History Made Seamless,” uses personal narratives over dry dates and battles. His body of work includes Wicked Ulster County and Murder and Mayhem in Ulster County, as well as broader historical investigations such as Patriots and Spies in Revolutionary New York and his 2025 release, Hispanic Americans in the Civil War. In addition to his adult non-fiction books, he has also authored a children’s book, Franklin’s Trees, which explores FDR’s passion for conservation.

Ships directly from the publisher. Shipping’s included in all prices on the HVNY Marketplace

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Pre-order: A History Lover's Guide to the Hudson Valley

$25.00

Publication Date: November 3, 2026

The Hudson Valley is more than just scenic vistas — it is the birthplace of American history. Go beyond the traditional guidebook to counties nestled along the east and west banks of the majestic Hudson River. From Native American settlements and Dutch colonial roots to the rise of the English, history unfolds at every turn in the river. Discover Newburgh, where Washington had his longest headquarters of the Revolution. Explore the quaint town of Kingston, home of the state’s first capital. Learn how the pivotal Battle of Saratoga turned the tide of the American Revolution. Admire the artistic heritage of Frederic Church’s Olana, the vast Gilded Age estates, and the nation’s first presidential library in Hyde Park. Join local historian A.J. Schenkman as he traces the forgotten histories and vibrant heritage of one of America’s most historic regions.

About the author

A.J. Schenkman is a historian, educator, and author. He specializes in uncovering the “hidden” human stories of American history, particularly within the Hudson Valley. His storytelling approach to history, which he calls “History Made Seamless,” uses personal narratives over dry dates and battles. His body of work includes Wicked Ulster County and Murder and Mayhem in Ulster County, as well as broader historical investigations such as Patriots and Spies in Revolutionary New York and his 2025 release, Hispanic Americans in the Civil War. In addition to his adult non-fiction books, he has also authored a children’s book, Franklin’s Trees, which explores FDR’s passion for conservation.

Ships directly from the publisher. Shipping’s included in all prices on the HVNY Marketplace

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“Legends of the Floral Sea” by Evelyn Laferriere

from $26.00

Prince Nyle of Wisteria, newly 17, is set to sail the Floral Sea with Captain Oxford, his father’s lead commander. Nyle’s heart longs for adventure, but it also longs for Adelaide, his childhood best friend. However, like in any classic fairytale, Nyle’s father has forbidden him from marrying a commoner. Unbeknownst to the feuding father-son pair, Captain Oxford is plotting with King Oleander of Chrysanthemum to seize control and rule the Flower Alliance. As Oxford’s plot is revealed, Nyle, Adelaide, and a misfit band of heroes work together to stop Oxford and restore peace. In part two, King Oleander’s son, Henbane, finds a piece of a treasure map that will lead to answers surrounding his mother’s death. Theo, a pacifist from Poppy (the island of war), and Emma, a healer from Amaranth, get caught in the treasure hunt. King Alastair of Poppy seeks the lost treasure for himself. With the democracy of the Flower Alliance once again at risk, Theo and Emma team up with familiar friends to find the treasure.

Paperbacks & hardcovers are printed on demand. Paperbacks are $26, and Hardcovers are $32.

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“In Between the Stars” by Evelyn Laferriere

$17.00

Every summer, Erica Margot and her family head to Maine for a month. This summer is different — not only is it the summer before her senior year, but her twin brother’s best friend, Cameron, is tagging along. And he’s kind of hot. But she doesn’t have time for romance, does she? Can she be a strong, independent woman in STEM but also desperately want a boyfriend? While checking off annual family traditions, Erica Margot tries to grapple with who she is — and how to put it into a college application essay — along with her growing feelings for Cameron. As a straight-A student, she’s constantly afraid of coming across as high-maintenance and arrogant instead of determined, and she’s scared Cameron will think he’s holding her back. Despite her sorta-kinda-high-maintenance-ness, Erica Margot’s family vacation is full of silliness, inside jokes, and an absurd amount of ice cream. And maybe that’s exactly what she needs to figure out what life is all about, and to find her place in between the stars.

Paperbacks are printed on demand.

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"Her Wild Ghosts" by Evelyn Laferriere

from $25.00

One mountain, three victims. Strangers and old friends spend the night on Mount Macabre, but not all of them make it home. The local Sheriff navigates difficult personalities, decodes lies, and unravels secrets on the haunted summit she knows all too well. How long will it take, and how many lives will be ruined in the process?

Paperbacks & hardcovers are printed on demand.

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"Hauntings of the Hudson River Valley: An Investigative Journey"

$24.95

The truth is out there, hidden in remote, tucked-away corners of the Hudson River Valley…Are you ready to uncover it?

In Hauntings of the Hudson River Valley, author Vin Dacquino strives to discover the true story behind three enigmatic folk legends: Sybil Ludington, Chief Daniel Nimham, and George Denny. Each was the central figure in a dramatic series of events; each became enshrined in local lore for their actions; each has had their true story obscured; and each may have left behind a spiritual residue. Follow Dacquino as he interviews local experts, explores areas where hauntings may have occurred--such as Carmel's legendary Smalley's Inn – and digs deep into historical archives to open new windows into the lives and possible afterlives of these three mysterious characters.

Pages: 128
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Imprint: The History Press
Publication Date: 15th November 2007
Format: Paperback

Shipping’s included in all prices on the HVNY Marketplace

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Sybil Unisex t-shirt

$32.00

Hand-drawn illustration of the Hudson Valley’s Revolutionary War siren Sybil Ludington on 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester). Made to order. Price includes shipping.

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HVNY Take Me to the River hat

$32.00

Escape, in your head at least, to the riverside with this 100% chino cotton twill low-profile hat with adjustable strap and antique buckle. Made to order. Shipping’s free.

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Hudson River State Hospital, New York

$24.95

For 141 years, Hudson River State Hospital was home to tens of thousands of individuals suffering from mental illness.

Famous architects Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux drafted the main building in 1869. The facility grew from a 208-acre parcel in 1871 with seven patients to 752 acres with five dozen separate buildings containing nearly 6,000 patients in 1954. The main building was constructed on a Kirkbride plan, a treating philosophy centered around an ornate building of equal proportions staffed by employees who integrated dignity and compassion into health care. Famous architects Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux drafted the main building in 1869. The landscape was penned by Frederick Law Olmsted, perhaps best known for the design of New York City's Central Park. Ships for free directly from Arcadia Publishing.

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New! Hudson River Sailing by Steve Schwartz and Mr. James Malchow

$25.00

The history of New York is inseparable from the history of sailing on the Hudson River. Beginning with Henry Hudson in 1609 the Dutch and English extended their empires into the Hudson Valley and extracted its bounty via sail.

Control of the Hudson River was a lynchpin for American victory in the Revolutionary War and New York City's 19th-century rise to global prominence was powered by the sailing vessels on its waterways. Upriver, sloops and schooners delivered goods from the nation's interior and international whaling businesses operated from Hudson and Poughkeepsie and Kingston and Newburgh became noted shipbuilding centers. Yacht racing and ice yachting emerged as popular sports among wealthy families like the Astors and Roosevelts. Sailing clubs preserved these traditions into the 20th century. Since the 1960s, activists including Pete Seeger have used sailboats to galvanize a movement to revive the river ecosystem. Today, the river is home to new generations of sailors continuing these traditions into a fifth century.

Steve Schwartz has sailed and captained numerous sailing and motor vessels on the Hudson River since the 1970s. He and James Malchow are both captains on the Hudson River ferry sloop Woody Guthrie. Images in this book, collected from local libraries, historical societies, the New York State Archives, Library of Congress, and private collections, capture the people, places, and ships that have made the Hudson River an important sailing center for over four centuries.

Shipping’s included in all prices on the HVNY Marketplace