I wasn’t alone in noticing the “Erica Effect,” which drew not only individuals, but whole communities, to love her: She was written up in Psychology Today. Erica is “one of these rare, special individuals who gives to others in a way that is beyond what she could possibly receive in return,” wrote psychologist Dr. Glenn Geher back in 2015.
On February 7, 2019, Erica cast off the final line from her Viking ship and sailed away to her next celestial port. In the hold she carried with her all the love, experiences, gifts and everyday miracles you all have shared with her on her 49-year earthly journey.
Saturday, Feb. 9: The first annual Sojourner Truth Life Walk proceeds from Port Ewen to the Ulster County Courthouse, ending with a live in-person reenactment of Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech at the Old Dutch Church.
Monday, Dec. 31: This will be the fifth annual “stay local, stay safe” event, which draws thousands of people out into the crisp winter air.
Friday-Sunday, Nov. 23-25: It’s the largest market of its kind in the region, featuring 100+ purveyors of local, handmade and vintage wares. The event also features fresh food (including an oyster bar) and beverages, plus plenty of kid-friendly activities.
The Tenth Annual Woodstock Invitational Luthiers Showcase will return to the Bearsville Theater complex and other venues around the town over the weekend of October 26-28, bringing an almost magical communion with wood and wires to the region that breathes music and reveres the finest instruments.
Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 20-21: This Rhinebeck festival features live demonstrations of shearing and spinning, master classes and expert talks, the Northeast Angora Goat Show, kid-friendly activities such as llama parades, sheepdog demos and Mad Science shows, and of course, vendors of wool, tools and supplies for the hobbyist.
Saturday, Oct. 20: You can join in a special feeding of the turkeys’ (and pigs’) favorite treats, decorate a pumpkin for Halloween, shop a vegan marketplace, do yoga outdoors, learn new recipes and try free samples at food demos. Best-selling author Gene Stone (The How Not to Die Cookbook) will be the guest speaker.
Sunday, September 30: Proceeds from the annual Garden Party help support the group’s Community Grants program, which has granted more than $1.2 million since 2000 directly to nonprofits in our region.
Monday, Sept. 17: There’s a growing rumble of popular interest in a movement to pass a “Green Amendment” or Environmental and Social Responsibility Amendment to the US Constitution. It takes varying forms, but in general would establish a constitutional right to a healthy environment, grant the natural environment “personhood” and standing in court and/or require large corporations to recertify at regular intervals that their business practices are environmentally responsible or lose their charters.