Arts and leisure digest

Annual three-day book sale at GWL library begins next Friday Greenwood Lake — The Greenwood Lake Public Library will hold its annual three-day book sale on Friday, Sept. 10, from 3 to 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11 and 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The library will be selling used books, audio books, vintage books, magazines, videos, DVDs, and more. Donations for the book sale will be accepted at the library until 12 noon on Wednesday, Sept. 8. Textbooks, magazines, Reader’s Digest condensed books, or encyclopedias are not accepted. Donated items should be free of mildew and dirt. All donations should be brought to the library during operating hours (Mondays and Fridays — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Donations left outside the library will be discarded. Call 477-8377 for more information. Writers’ center to celebrate publication of book on Sept. 12 Sleepy Hollow — The Hudson Valley Writers’ Center will host a launch event for “River of Words: Portraits of Hudson Valley Writers” on Sunday, Sept. 12, at 4:30 p.m. at the center in Sleepy Hollow. Published by SUNY Press, “River of Words” is written by Nina Shengold with photographs by Jennifer May. Together, they explore the current crop of Hudson Valley writers, offering intimate portraits of 76 contemporary writers who live and work in this storied region. Through profiles and photographs, the book offers an inside perspective on the literary life, the craft of writing and the pull of this distinctive American landscape. For more information and for an updated schedule of readings, workshops and events, visit www.writerscenter.org or call 914-332-5953. The writers’ center is located at the restored historic Philips Manor railroad station, 300 Riverside Drive, in Sleepy Hollow. Curious about your ancestors? Find out more on Sept. 4 Goshen — The Orange County Genealogical Society will present a program called ”Curious About Your Ancestors?” by Toni McKeen, genealogist lecturer, at the 1841 Historic Court House, in Goshen on Saturday, Sept. 4, at 10:30 a.m. McKeen will discuss a variety of research tools to help find ancestors’ burial location, Internet sites and data bases, and what to take to the cemetery for a successful outing. She will provide tips for recording data in an orderly fashion. McKeen will discuss general techniques and will make note of the Washingtonville Cemetery located in the center of Washingtonville. The Nicoll family plot is one which will be noted by McKeen in her presentation, because it is the resting place of Captain Isaac Nicoll who was killed in the Civil War. Also, the Cemetery of the Highlands in Highland Mills will be mentioned by Toni because of its size, importance and its significance in history. For more information, visit: www.ocgsny.org or e-mail to:dorothymorris0@gmail.com. Free introductory acting lessons by David Patrick Wilson on Sept. 7 Goshen - A new, free introductory workshop by veteran actor, writer, director and producer David Patrick Wilson will be held Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 159 West Main St. (Margo George Studios) in Goshen. Wilson, a protégé of Sanford Meisner, has developed a workshop for beginning actors in the Meisner technique. Meisner, one of the premier acting teachers of the past century, was responsible for teaching some of the world’s most renowned actors, including Steve McQueen, Gregory Peck, Robert Duvall, Richard Gere, Jeff Goldblum and Diane Keaton, to name a few. The technique is derived from the teachings of the legendary actor, producer and theoretician Constantine Stanislavsky, who originated the approach in order to train the Moscow Opera during the time of the Czar. In his workshops, Wilson will share with the knowledge he has acquired in his diverse experience. Wilson and Nan Gill are the principals of the recently established independent film production company, Willy-Gilly Productions, Inc. Their first feature film, “Collar” has been selected to be previewed at film festivals throughout the country. To register, call 294-7500 or by e-mail at daivd@willygilly.com. Anyone under 18 years of age who wishes to attend must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are necessary. Annual Garden Tea at Orange County Arboretum Montgomery — The Friends of the Orange County Arboretum will host its seventh annual Garden Tea at the Orange County Arboretum on Sunday, Sept. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. Spend an afternoon sipping tea and nibbling on finger sandwiches surrounded by beautiful gardens. Volunteer hosts will serve guests at themed tables set with fine china and floral centerpieces. An assortment of homemade sweets and savories will be served, accompanied by a variety of hot and iced teas. Horticulturist Peter Patel will discuss his “Ten Favorite Plants and Shrubs for the Home Gardener.” And there will be a silent auction featuring many fantastic items, a 50/50 raffle, and many chances to win door prizes. Tickets for the Garden Tea are $30 per person and advanced reservations and pre-payment are required. All proceeds benefit the Orange County Arboretum. For more information or to make reservations, call Tamara Moson at 615-3828. Bear Mountain announces Oktoberfest schedule Bear Mountain — Bear Mountain will host its annual Oktoberfest, starting Saturday, Sept. 18, and running every weekend through Sunday, Oct. 24, from noon to 6 p.m. (Rain or shine.) The festival will feature authentic German food and beer, live entertainment and craft vendors. The schedule for featured entertainment is as follows: Sept. 18: Spitze Sept. 19: Jimmy Sturr Sept. 25: JT Lustigen Musikanten Sept. 26: Fritz’s Polka Band Oct. 2: Adam Barthalt Oct. 3: Spitzbuam Oct. 9: Alpine Squeeze Oct. 10: Plus Five Orchestra Oct. 11: Diamond Chips Oct. 16: Continentals Oct. 17: dsb (die Schlauberger) Oct. 23: Alex Meixner Band Oct. 24: The Adlers International Orchestra Admission is free. Parking is $8 per vehicle. Visitors can also take a boat ride around Hessian Lake, a stroll in the park and a ride on the merry-go-round. For more information about Oktoberfest, call 786-2701 or visit www.visitbearmountain.com. Jewish Federation to hold reception Newburgh — The Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County will host a Major Gifts Cocktail Reception on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 8 p.m. at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Morris Sobel in Newburgh. The honorees this year will be Drs. Robin Karpfen and Bruce Weiner. The guest speaker will be actress Mayim Bialik, best known for her lead role as Blossom Russo in the early-1990s NBC sitcom Blossom. Catering will be by The Eagles Nest. Dietary laws will be observed. Guests will have an opportunity to make their commitment to the 2011 Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. The minimum gift is $613. For more information, call Joyce Waschitz at 562-7860 or e-mail joyce@jewishorangeny.org. New Windsor Cantonment event is Sept. 25 NEW WINDSOR — The New Windsor Cantonment will host a presentation about the role of these headquarters and the interaction between the army and their often reluctant hosts, giving visitors the background of the American military presence in the Hudson Valley during the Revolutionary War on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 1 to 2 p.m. Once the British captured New York City in 1776, the natural defenses of the Hudson Highlands sheltered the Continental Army for the remainder of the war except for a few weeks in the fall of 1777. Typically, the soldiers stayed in tents during mild weather and constructed log huts for the winter. Many of the homes in the Valley were used by the highest ranking officers as military headquarters. In the sparsely populated Highlands there were few places large or comfortable enough to accommodate the generals and their retinue without being a major burden on the property owner who often continued living in the house. General George Washington made his headquarters south of Newburgh in the home of the widow Hasbrouck. The modest fieldstone home was used for 16 months, the longest occupation of any headquarters maintained by Washington. Call 561-1765 for more information.