Message from the Mayor: Holiday activities
Posted on: December 13, 2016 - 11:21pm
Fellow Residents;
The full nose-dive into the holiday season. A hopeless amount going on, so I will save the interesting historical stories, end-of-the-year recaps and all that for a quieter period. I do want to mention that the Village Crawl two Fridays ago, the most successful one to date, raised over $2,000 for our own food pantry - real holiday cheer for those who most need it. Another deserving entity that could use your monetary affection and attention is "Hastings Helps the Hungry", (Box 53, HoH, NY 10706), which is run entirely by volunteers and funded by donors like you. Cut a check at this time of the year – they feed a shelter full of people a full meal once a month for around $400 and are running short on funds. This decades-old Hastings tradition deserves your help.
So, on with it, and pay attention to Saturday. A lot going on:
Wednesday, Dec 14, 6:00-9:00PM
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Open House at three stores (Art Transcending Time, Giordano Beauty, Maisonette). A chance to visit, pick up a gift, enjoy a glass of wine, cheese and desert.
Thursday, Dec 15. 6:00-8:00PM
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Drop and Shop - Drop your children off at the Community Center, and while you shop local stores open later that evening and maybe squeeze in a quick bite, they watch "Finding Dory" with their friends ($5.00). Cheapest childcare with a good objective.
Our stores, in general, are either rendered profitable or not for the year based on your interest during the holidays. Before you hit Amazon or Central Avenue or Ridge Hill, first consider this list (here) and figure out if at least a few of those gifts could be purchased in town. Our downtown is livening up as new restaurants and stores open. Let's try to keep it that way. Parking is free at this time of the year, eliminating that excuse.
Saturday, Dec 17
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Winter Celebration. 10:00-11:30
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The Rec Department hosts a Winter Celebration that will include a live performance by Ice Queen Elsa, sing-along, dancing, photos, hot chocolate and cookies. If you haven't been in the Community Center, it is tricked out to the holiday max. Your younger ones are going to love this.
Vine Lop 10:00AM
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Amidst the busy holiday season, nothing provides a better tonic to help you soothe the soul than whacking away at the English Ivy that has infested areas around the Saw Mill. Join fellow vine loppers (apparently a real word) at 10AM at the intersection of Stanley and Farragut Avenue intersection (just before it exits onto the Saw Mill Parkway). You'll get out some aggression and beat back this pernicious invasive. Contact haven.colgate@gmail.com for more info.
Book Signing 2PM-6PM
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The Community Center is where you will find a massive book-signing with most of the Hastings published authors gathered to sell you their books and sign them for you. The list of authors is too exhaustive to include here, but they're your neighbors and friends and what's cooler than a signed book. Drop by.
Giftique
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The library seasonal fundraiser - baked goods and fetchingly priced odds and ends always merit a visit to find a stocking stuffer or neat gift and, incidentally, help fund the Library's many programs. Drop by either Saturday 9-5PM or Sunday at 1 to 5PM.
Fitness Gallery Art Opening
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An opening reception for thought-provoking Israeli artist, Smadar Taub, “What Do You See”. Opening Reception will take place on Saturday, December 17, 2016 From 5:00 - 8:00PM
The Mill's "Ugly Sweater Party" from 9PM to 2AM
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DJ, prize for ugliest sweater. Expected libations.
Sunday, December 18th
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The latest Square Peg exhibit closes in a party from 2 to 5PM. Last chance to see the collaborative exhibit by Michael Creighton and Ben Diep, a sophisticated and visually elegant show. 385 Warburton, downstairs.
Barges on the Hudson
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Quick follow-up on the Barge issue. he Public written comment period came to an end last week. The Village's joint brief, developed with surrounding affected communities, can be found (here). It's 40 pages covers pretty much every reasonable objection to the absurd idea of parking oil barges up and down the Hudson, including eight right in front of Hastings. We’ll keep you up to date on this extremely pressing issue.
Restaurants and Store opening
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Boro6 has opened and not a free table to be found since. Bread and Brine (in the former bar of The Prime, on Main) opens in the next few days and if the rest of their menu is like the killer chowder served at the Crawl, they'll be in great shape. And Juniper opens in its new digs around New Years. And they'll do just fine because Alex. The new Urban Dollhouse store has opened and you should definitely stick your head in there too.
Toys for Tots
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The local Toys for Tots has a box in the Community Center, Police Department, 18-20 Maple Avenue and Hastings Chiropractic. They collect new, unwrapped toys and then wrap and pass them onto kids in need. Toys appropriate for teens are especially appreciated. This traditional drive, sponsored by the Marines, is run by local residents.
Studio Collective Art Show
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We have the Studio Collective Art show at the Municipal Building underway through January 18th. You can walk in at any point Monday through Saturday, 9AM - 4PM. The pieces of this exhibit grace the walls of the first floor and are worth your time. Ed Young, as usual, astonishes - but that's unfair because I am picking him out and they're all worth looking at.
Festivals, Menorah, Crèche
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In the end, this is a season of observance. We have different moments to observe the holiday:
Menorah Lighting
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We enjoy a brief and understated moment on December 29th at 7PM at the VFW plaza in downtown where latkes are served, songs are sung, and Chabad hosts the lighting of the (6th) menorah candle. Rabbi Benny always radiates welcome.
We enjoy a brief and understated moment on December 29th at 7PM at the VFW plaza in downtown where latkes are served, songs are sung, and Chabad hosts the lighting of the (6th) menorah candle. Rabbi Benny always radiates welcome.
Festivus Pole Festivities
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On the secular celebration front, there will be libations (starting at 6PM on Saturday, December 23rd) at the Southside Club as the Freethinkers of Hastings celebrate the adopted Festivus holiday, and then a walk to Festivus Pole at the VFW around 7:30PM for the traditional airing of grievances.
St. Matthews has erected a new crèche in VFW plaza as well.
In this season of the sacred and secular, may you find warmth and comfort with loved ones, spiritual strength in the season, and the happiness that comes with generosity and community.
Sincerely,
Peter Swiderski
Mayor