News from Up North
August 11th, 2013 · No Comments · Posted in News from Up North, rural life
You just never know where culture is going to pop up in our part of Washington County.
A recent article in the local paper mentioned an upcoming concert by a group called Harpeth Rising. It caught my eye because the composition of the group seemed a bit unusual: violin, cello, drums and banjo. Attendance required a reservation, and the precise location of the venue would not be revealed until your reservation was received.
Well, the concert site turned out to be the back yard of a cottage on Hedge’s Lake, just a few miles from our new home here. A tent and stage had been erected for the occasion and the audience consisted of about 30 of us, making this performance quite intimate, to say the least. The property owner, a former Glens Falls radio personality named Dave Covey, explained that he was trying to recreate a time when a big pavilion on the lake was the scene of summer entertainment for the area: bands, dancing, roller skating. The pavilion was torn down to make room for more cottages, he said. Having inherited the estate of a successful plumber from Hoosick, he apparently has the means to make this vision a reality.
Harpeth Rising plays a high-energy brand of folk/bluegrass fusion. Here’s the back story: they all met at in music school at Indiana University where they were classically trained. The banjo player majored in viola. Four years out of college, they’re touring the country and internationally, trying to make a name for themselves. Take a listen: They should be playing on Prairie Home Companion. Garrison Keillor, are you making a note of this?
Meanwhile, from the police files, a 33-year-old Hudson Falls woman was charged with stealing checks from an acquaintance and forging them. Some 42 checks totaling $6,105 were said to be involved.
Congratulations to everyone who participated in the cardboard boat races in Schuylerville this weekend. Rules required “human-powered” boats made of cardboard or “100 percent recycled material” capable of holding at least one crew member and seaworthy enough to race a “short distance” on the Hudson River. Racers could either bring their boats pre-made, or build them on site from materials that would be made available at no charge.
Fifty-five German orchestra students are currently rehearsing with 46 American choral students in preparation for concerts August 15 in Schuylerville and August 16 in Salem. The German students are staying in homes in Salem. Members of the Salem Festival Chorus are scheduled to travel to Luedinghausen, Germany, in 2014.
Mark you calendars for the annual “Pumpkinpalooza” in Hoosick Falls, scheduled for September 21. Featured at the event is the “Punkin’ Chunkin’ ” contest, in which teams or individuals build a catapult or similar contraption that can launch a pumpkin of at least three pounds and hit targets 100 to 250 feet distant. “Distance and trajectory are important,” according to organizers, “but the competition is about accuracy. You have to hit that target.”
The Hudson River Shakespeare Company is holding auditions for the fall production of Titus Andronicus. Those seeking a part should report to the United Methodist Church, 227 Main Street in Hudson Falls, on August 14 at 7 p.m. Anyone 13 year of age and older is welcome. No previous acting experience is required.
The annual campfire program at Saratoga Historical Park is scheduled for Saturday, August 17, beginning at 9 p.m. Visitors are urged to bring a blanket or lawn chair.
The 17th annual fishing tournament for young anglers is scheduled for August 18 on Lake Lauderdale. Children 15 years of age and younger are welcome. Report to the Washington County Park Pavilion. The tournament runs between 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. But please note this is a catch-and-release event with shoreline fishing only. Hot dogs and refreshments will be provided.
Finally, Rensselaer County Dairy Princess Lindsey McMahon recently attended the Tri-County Fair where she handed out ribbons during each cow show. The dairy princess urges readers to consider breakfast “the most important meal of the day” and to “infuse delicious, nutritious dairy products into it.”
She suggests a “big breakfast meal of sour cream pancakes” made with 1 cup sour cream, 7 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon sale, 2 large eggs, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and plenty of butter for frying the pancakes. Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients in separate bowls, then combine. Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto a hot griddle. Garnish the finished pancakes with plenty of maple syrup.
This edition of News from Up North was culled from actual news reports in the Washington County Area and is presented here for the enjoyment and edification of our readers. As always, stay alert and please drive carefully.
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