The Artist's Date per Julie Cameron

CLARK ART INSTITUTE PRESENTS REFLECTIONS GALLERY TALK On Tuesday, February 18 at 11 am, the Clark Art Institute presents Reflections, a monthly gallery experience during which visitors are invited to look contemplatively as they engage with works of art from the Clark’s collection. Participants meet in the Museum Pavilion. With a gentle tone that encourages investigation and audience participation, the group explores one or two artworks with the help of a Clark educator, working together to explore its meaning, find understanding, and raise questions. Distinct from a conventional gallery tour, Reflections provides an opportunity for close looking and introspection. Free. Advance registration required; capacity is limited. For more information and to register, visit clarkart.edu/events. Admission to the Clark is free January through March 2025. The next Reflections gallery talk takes place on Tuesday, March 18 at 11 am, beginning in the Museum Pavilion.

NAMI is here for you

Family Support Group We are Here for You Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 6-7:30PM All are welcome to this free group that will meet in person and via zoom – a hybrid meeting! Please register below to let us know you are attending and to receive an email with the Zoom login credentials. We look forward to seeing you in person at the Kinderhook Memorial Library, 18 Hudson St, Kinderhook, NY 12106 Please register for login credentials to join our hybrid support group We can help, this journey is not easy. Diagnosing mental illness isn’t a straightforward science. We can’t test for it the same way we can test blood sugar levels for diabetes. Each condition has its own set of unique symptoms, though symptoms often overlap. Register for our Family Support Group to learn more. You will be able to share your concerns with people with lived experience - You are not alone. We discuss: Major Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Manic Depression, Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder, Panic Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Co-occurring Brain Disorders and Addictive Disorders, Consider taking a semester off from college - we have a lot to talk about! Click here to register

Tempest in a Teapot

A notice issued by Citizens Against Non-Accountable Absentee Neighbors announced a call to arms by residents for a "bold community discussion" at Canaan Town Hall on Monday, January 13th at 7 pm, the regular monthly meeting of the Canaan Town Board. The rationale? "Canaan is for neighbors, not tourists! Take back Canaan from the ‘weekenders’ and absentee Owners!” The anonymous group went on: “Weekend homeowners and short-term investors don’t live here—but they disrupt the quiet way of life we cherish. This is our chance to draw the line and demand accountability.” Other concerns about proposed Local Law No. 4 is its taking away property rights, the use of inspectors to enter a home without a warrant, and ADA compliance. Discussion at last month's board meeting focused on the classic scenario, namely, a boisterous party like a teen left home alone partying with friends, too many and probably inebriated. Canaan is part of the Berkshires, a major tourist attraction. We ❤️New York and need to welcome visitors and their money spent locally. Increased sales tax revenues have permitted neighboring New Lebanon to move forward with a major sidewalk project without any impact on local property taxes. We have reached out to the Columbia County Tourism Board and the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce for information on the impact of tourism and their take, if any, on the proposed law in Canaan.

SIDDEWALKS FOR NEW LEBANON

Don Adams from Creighton Manning and New Lebanon Town Supervisor led the first public hearing. BUILD IT AND THEY WILL WALK Peter Flierl Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling and Don Adams from Creighton Manning led the first of two public hearings on proposed sidewalks on the north and south side of Route 20 & 22 in the Town of New Lebanon. Manning has over 35 years’ experience in roadside engineering and brought illustrations of other projects and how this would work in New Lebanon. The Public Hearing included a packed house with over 50 people present, plus others tuning in online. New York State has awarded 80% of the proposed $2.5 million project for a Walkable Downtown, which means the Town of New Lebanon would need to spend approximately $500,000. If approved in a special election set for January 21, construction would likely start in 2027. The town currently has a fund balance of approximately $600,000 and the project would likely not have any impact on local property taxes, in part due to increased sales tax revenues. Supervisor Houghtling reported that 25 of 28 property owners who are abutters to the proposed project approve it going forward. While a low priority in the town comprehensive plan according to Craig Skerkis, the project would narrow appearance and perhaps slow traffic. There will remain 3 lanes for cars, including a center turn lane. There would be two crosswalks, one at New Lebanon Library and a second linking Midtown Mall and Valley Plaza. The north side would extend from existing sidewalk at the New Lebanon Junior/Senior High School to New Lebanon Library. The south side would go from Midtown Mall to New Lebanon Library. Key building material is stone dust which is already being used in the town park and is approved for those with disabilities. Don Adams showed pictures of similar walks from around the state. It is cheapest, fits for a rural feel, and is easier to maintain. He highly recommended not trying to put grass or other planting. ="320" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="2238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fLFc5nc0YLL5b9fOzTltyy4-I3lssxlxScwG4ziwBTBAEUSgYnMeCUT53N6TZeSZlLt5d_D_lxoXno57F-h7qa3_pziiUOLmAtTrtp_Tsfu1iTElr4Bka-2Ih8zpXOYNl4r1W0NLcwxpY5SH4iJrEE7Z6I6YtfLHsA0IbC1se-ywBawmwUw8eA/s320/PXL_20241230_231659939.jpg"/>

FREE Spiritual Creativity

Broccoli Soup is offering free one-on-one introduction to spiritual creativity using The Artist's Way by Julie Cameron as a guide. We were first introduced to The Artist's Way when presented it by GYVTA Gaining Your Voice Through the Arts for volunteer service. If you are a creative, we all are, we would welcome you for your introduction. We are looking for a sponsor to provide space for a 12-week program starting in early 2025.

You can contact Broccoli Soup at broccolisoupllc@gmail.com with ART in the Subject line.

Walk on the New Sidewalks

New Lebanon is highly likely to approve construction of sidewalks and pedestrian crossings in the upcoming special election. It has added a second aspiration to my 4th quarter century, i.e., walking them in 2027 and beyond. First is to see Luna, my 5-year-old granddaughter become a teenager and young woman. 

With 17,289 days today, New Year's 2025, all things are possible.