The Salem
[email protected]
www.salemcourthouse.org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Salem, NY
Permit NO. 30
THE
CELEBRATES THE FARM
TO TABLE EXPERIENCE
Or Current Resident
518-854-7053
P.O. Box 140
Salem, NY 12865
P.O. Box 140 • Salem, NY 12865
518-854-7053
www.salemcourthouse.org
THE COURTHOUSE
COMMUNITY CENTER
IS OPEN:
[email protected]
Monday-Friday
9 am-2 pm
2015
Visitors
are always
welcomed!
5 pm saturday
July 25
OUR 14th
CELEBRATION
OF ALL THE
2015 COURTHOUSE EVENTS
GOOD SALEM
HAS TO OFFER!
June 6 Saturday 7:30 pm TALENT SHOW at Fort Salem Theater
June 14 Sunday, 3 pm SPRING CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT III
June 26 Friday from 5 pm CIVIL WAR EXHIBIT Opening reception
July 3 Friday 7:30 pm PROVIDENCE BRIGADE BRASS BAND CONCERT at the Courthouse
July 4 Saturday 1 pm 77TH REGIMENT BALLADEERS CONCERT at the Courthouse
July 4th SATURDAY PARADE & CIVIL WAR ACTIVITIES (see enclosed sheet)
July 6 LUNCH, LEARN & PLAY commences
July 17 Friday 7 pm WASHINGTON COUNTY BAND CONCERT at the Courthouse
July 25 Saturday 5 pm AL FRESCO DINNER
* New!
E vent
August 14 Friday 5 pm POTTERY EXHIBIT Opening reception
September 10, 17 & 24 Thursdays at 7:30 pm SILENT FILM FESTIVAL
September 12 Saturday 3 pm SALEM COURTHOUSE BEER & BRATS PARTY
September 26 Saturday 9 am–3 pm WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
CIVIL WAR HISTORY FAIR at the Courthouse and the Salem Central School
*
SUMMER 2015
Join us for our farm-totable dinner & dance
the night away!
MARK YOUR
CALENDAR
What began as a thank-you dinner for volunteers
at the Historic Salem Courthouse has, 13 years
later, turned into one of the highlights of the area’s
summertime events scene.
A celebration of local food, Salem’s 300-year-plus
agricultural heritage, and above all, community, the
Al Fresco dinner lures friends and foodies from all
over the country. The meal showcases the skill of
area farmers and producers of cheese, bread, meats,
produce, condiments and flowers. It’s also the Historic
Salem Courthouse’s biggest annual fundraiser.
As its name suggests, the dinner is served outdoors
on the Courthouse grounds, under the protection
of bright white tents. This year’s menu features firegrilled tequila and lime marinated chicken, thinly
sliced Al Fresco sirloin with a coffee and peppercorn
marinade, and assorted local vegetables. As always,
a vegetarian dish will be offered as well.
proceeds go to the Lunch, Learn and Play program,
a summer day camp that’s free of charge for local
children. At the auction you’ll find items ranging
from gift certificates at local shops to high-end garden
furniture from Telescope, original artwork and crafts
to antiques and collectibles.
Al Fresco tickets are $60 per person, and may be
purchased at the Courthouse, by phone using Visa
or MasterCard. Please call early to guarantee a
place at the feast!
Corporate sponsorships are available at four levels:
Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. All levels
include dinner tickets, ad space in the Al Fresco
program, and other perks. Call Donna Farringer
at 518 854-7053 for details.
Live entertainment will feature local musicians,
including performances by Debi Craig playing her
harp during the cocktail hour and the Roadhouse
Rhythm and Blues Band providing great music to
dance to after dinner. The internationally acclaimed
Mettowee River Players will delight guests with their
imaginatively costumed players parading around the
tables during their annual procession.
Al Fresco is made possible each year thanks to
the generosity of Salem area farmers and food
producers, local sponsors, and more than 200
dedicated volunteers, ages 8 to 80, including 50
students from area schools who help serve the
three-course dinner. Special thanks go to chefs
Seth Pitts and Dan DiBlasi, who will provide
restaurant-quality dishes to attendees.
Another highlight of the event is the silent auction,
held in the Courthouse’s activities barn. All auction
TICKETS GO ON SALE
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Interested in helping out at Al Fresco?
We’d love you to join in the fun! Volunteers are needed
for tent and table set-up, food prep, wait staff and
clean-up crew. Kids are especially welcome, and will be
rewarded by a fantastic meal.
☛ Monday, June 1 at 9 am
For information, please call 854-7053.
If you’d like to donate an item for the silent
auction, please call Carolyn Akland at 692-2387.
THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT
The temperature may be rising, but attention is already turning to cooler fall evenings and the
traditional fright-fest offered each October. Yes, the rumors are true! Rik Sassa from Pawlet, VT
and his wacky & ghoulish production crew are already hard at work planning Fear This 2015. One
never knows what Rik’s twisted mind will create to get the heart pounding and the hair on the back
of your neck standing straight up. This much-anticipated Halloween tradition is scheduled for three
Fridays and Saturdays in October starting at 6:30 pm: October 16 & 17, 23 & 24 and 30 & 31.
Mark your calendar, and be there if you dare!
1
A SNOWBIRD SURVEYS THE SCENE
The colorful and creative abstract
work of Joan Duff-Bohrer is currently
on display in the Great Hall of the
Courthouse. A Snowbird Surveys the
Scene opened with a well-attended
reception on Friday, May 8. We
are grateful that Joan returned from
Dunedin, Florida early this year to
take up her secondary residence in Salem and display her artwork with us.
Duff-Bohrer has been described
as “an abstract painter with discernable references to the natural
WHAT’S COOKING in the KITCHEN?
world”. She works through the layering of drawn images with
unusual shapes; their destruction and reconstruction. The layers then merge into large, strong color compositions. She states
on her website that her subject matter includes emotional states,
contradictory forces and transience in all levels of life. Joan was
present at the opening to describe her works, which include suggestions of human relationships intended by the artist.
How fortunate is the Courthouse to have the amazing Battenkill
Kitchen facility as part of the complex. So many initiatives now
center on the services it’s able to provide. Daily lunch preparation
for Lunch, Learn & Play keeps the BK busy during July and August.
That overlaps with the creation of dinner fare for Al Fresco during the
weeks before the July 25 event. The Courthouse Community Garden
provides the many vegetables and herbs processed in the kitchen for
Al Fresco. The kitchen continues to encourage new food producers
to use this well-equipped facility licensed by NYState as a commercial
It is interesting to note that Joan Duff-Bohrer dedicates time
each summer to teaching and encouraging the young artists in
the Lunch, Learn and Play program. The children are certain
to be awed by her creations on display in the Great Hall of the
Courthouse. The exhibit will run until
June 19, so there is still time to stop by.
On Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 pm, lucky guests will be treated to a delightful showcase of talent at the Fort Salem
Theater. The 12th annual Courthouse event is being produced by Lynne and Jay Kerr and Donna Farringer. The
production team has been diligently working since January to gather an amazing array of talented individuals.
This year, the local television personality, Jerry Gretzinger, will once again serve as Master of Ceremonies bringing
his own magic to the showcase. The family-friendly show will feature accomplished singers, dancers, musicians
and many extra surprises. In addition to the show, there will be a 50/50 raffle and locally baked goodies sold
during the intermission. Tickets are a true bargain at $10 for adults and $5 for students under 18. Tickets will
be sold at the door the evening of the event, but those wishing to guarantee a seat, should purchase tickets in
advance at the Courthouse.
ORDER IN THE COURT!
Removing the stage will in no way limit the scope of the events
to be offered in the courtroom as time goes on. An esteemed
member of the Bennington College Theater Department
was invited to evaluate the space. He was impressed and said
the space would only be limited by the imagination of the
production team wishing to use it. Rather than limit what
can be offered, it’s hoped to expand the number and type of
productions.
2
Two special events in May featured the talents of Salem’s young
generation. Both events benefited “Lunch, Learn & Play, our
summer program for kids in Kindergarten through Grade 6.
The Elementary Talent Show on Friday, May 15 in the courtroom of the Courthous featured children in grades 3-6. A dessert
auction followed the show with the proceeds benefiting Lunch,
Learn & Play. Salem’s own Rebecca Rogers presented a showcase
of her singing talents on Saturday, May 16. Rebecca performed
12 stunning German art songs or German Lieder which were
part of her sophomore repertoire at college. Rebecca’s concert
was followed by a dessert auction, as well, benefiting LL&P.
We are grateful to Rebecca for her continued support of the
summer program and for generously sharing her beautiful voice
with the community.
Our annual summer enrichment program for children in grades
K through 6 will commence on Monday, July 6. There is no
tuition fee for this six-week program. If you are interested in
enrolling a child, please contact the Courthouse at 518-8547053. Enrollment will take place during the month of June.
The Historic Salem Courthouse Preservation Association (better
known as the Courthouse Community Center) is a member-driven
organization. In simple terms, that means that we need membership
dues to keep our building open to the public for our many programs,
to sponsor community-wide events, and to provide a central place for
our children, youth and all citizens. When you sign on to become a
member each year, you are making it possible to have a thrift shop,
a community garden, a place to learn – a real community center.
The Shoppe celebrates a long history of generous giving. Since
their 2014 anniversary, over $28,000 has been donated to various
programs bringing their eleven-year total to $123,000. The
largest contribution supports the Lunch, Learn & Play summer
enrichment program for any area child grades K–6. Shoppe
workers are also proud of the grant program for teachers in the
Salem Central School. This successful program provides funds
for field trips, equipment, supplies and special opportunities
for the students. In addition, the Shoppe provides financial
assistance to the food pantry, heating fund, the Courthouse
and other community needs.
Thank you for responding to your renewal letter each year with
another commitment to be part of this amazing organization offering
enrichment programs and learning opportunities. Membership dues
are the fuel that drives us forward!
Join Up! Become an
The Membership Committee has initiated a new system by having
a membership drive occurring in March of each year. Old plan:
Members were on a rotating plan based on the month they first
joined and renewed at that time each year. New plan: All membership
renewals will occur in March each year. This does not prevent new
members from joining at any time! When space permits, we try to
include a membership form in this newsletter. However, forms are
always available at the Courthouse.
* Note to members who renewed in September-December, 2014
and in January, 2015: your next renewal will not be due until
March of 2016.
HSCPA Member!
Historic Salem Courthouse Preservation Association, Inc.
Date_______/______/2015
❐ $20 Individual ❐ $35 Family ❐ $50 Organization ❐ $60 Bailiff ❐ $100 Juror ❐ $250 Lawyer
❐ $500 Judge
$__________________ Enclosed ❐ Check payable to HSCPA, Inc.
Please charge to ❐ Visa ❐ Mastercard Acct. #________________________________________ Exp. Date___
Name: ______________________________________________________________________
oric sale
st
Additional
Family Members:__________________________________________________________________
court house
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________ State______ Zip_____________________
Phone: (____) ______ - _____________ Email: ____________________________________
HSCPA, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit
❐ VOLUNTEER!
m
Sincere thanks are extended to Rob Sellar, Tom Kerr, Tom
Tanaka, Bob Akland, Herb Perkins and Joe Childs for their
time and effort!
SPECIAL BENEFITS HELD
FOR LUNCH, LEARN & PLAY
The amazing new BK team includes Tom Kerr, Majken Sellar,
Dottie Schneider, Brenda Levey, JoAnn Rose and Todd DeGarmo.
This dynamic, creative group is busy putting together a fall roster
of “Battenkill Monday” cooking classes featuring area chefs. Series
offered earlier this year were full to capacity and enjoyed by all. Follow
the BK news on the Courthouse website: www.salemcourthouse.org.
The Shoppe Off Broadway workers report
a great start to the year. In June, they will
celebrate their 11 years of generous support
for community youth programs and needs.
To honor their anniversaries, the Shoppe
thanks donors and customers with a special
raffle. The 2015 raffle winner receives two Al Fresco dinner
tickets. No charge to participate–enter each time you visit.
The grateful volunteers thank the community for the support
provided through amazing donations of gently used clothes and
household items as well as the loyal customers who frequent the
store. To donate items, contact the Shoppe at 518-854-9090
to arrange a drop off.
hi
There has been an amazing transformation taking place in the
courtroom here at the Courthouse. A team of hard-working
volunteers has removed the stage, restoring the courtroom to
its original appearance and making it very functional. Noted
Historic Preservation Architect, John G. Waite, has stated “the
Courthouse contains one of the best preserved late-nineteenth
century courtrooms in the entire state”. A grant was written last
year for a historic marker out front proclaiming his statement
with pride. It’s worth the trip to see the magnificent judge’s
bench alone.
C O M M E R C I A L
NEW MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
SHOPPE NEWS
LIGHTS, ACTION, TALENT SHOWCASE!
kitchen. Anyone interested should
contact the Courthouse office at
518-854-7053.
battenkill
PRESERVATION
association, Inc.
corporation chartered by New York State.
Donations are fully tax-deductible.
P.O. Box 140 Salem, NY 12865-0140
[email protected]
www.salemcourthouse.org
Your yearly membership adds to the
growing base of public support. It helps
pay for this project, and entitles members
over 16 one vote in the annual election
of the association’s board of directors.
Please contact me
when help is needed.
The skills I'd like to offer
are attached.
7
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT
Have you been to the Salem Courthouse recently? If so, did
you like what you saw and did you enjoy your time there?
If not, you’ve missed a lot of special activities and programs
designed and carried out with you in mind. There are many
things to choose from for people of all ages; this is the “mission”
that we have set for our organization and we work very hard
to keep you interested, excited and involved.
As you read the articles in this newsletter, think about
the thought and energy that are being devoted to making the Courthouse a special place. I’m sure there are
things that you would find interesting and enjoyable.
We have come a long ways since we first started as an
organization to save and preserve the building. Now
there are tons of activities to keep you interested and
coming regularly. And, by the way, our efforts to
preserve the building are moving forward with work
to be done on the roof this year.
At a recent meeting, the Courthouse Board recommitted itself to the mission of serving the people in the
community of Salem and the surrounding region. We
also made note of the importance that membership
support has in making it possible for us to carry out
our mission. We are definitely a “member supported
May 2015
organization” where our funding for all that we do
comes from membership funds plus the money we
raise in our various fund-raising activities throughout
the year. And as important as your financial support
is, the support you provide by telling others in your
neighborhood and social network about the great
things happening at the Courthouse is equally important. Take a look again at our website and check
us out on Facebook and help us spread the news of
our programs so everyone, especially your friends, can
benefit from them.
“Life” can be a simple, hum-drum existence. Or it can
include fun and exciting activities that will make it
more enjoyable. We may not have found the “perfect” activity for everyone, but I’m confident that
you would enjoy many of the things going on at the
Courthouse these days. If you haven’t been here for
a while, please select something from our website or
this newsletter and try it. I think you’ll be hooked
and come back again.
Bob Akland
Executive Director: Donna Farringer
Program Coordinator: Ruthanne Hunter
HSCPA OFFICERS &
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Directors:
President:
Kathleen “Kat”
Robert Akland
Christensen
Vice-President:
Todd DeGarmo
Herb Perkins
Tom Kerr
Brenda Levey
Secretary:
Dottie Schneider
Irene Baldwin
Karen Sheldon
Treasurer:
Tim Whalen
Robert Sellar
Directors Emeriti
William Eberle & Katharine Tomasi
See you at the
Courthouse!
Salem Courthouse Chronicle, Summer 2015
Editor: Donna Farringer
Contributors: Carolyn Akland, Donna Farringer, Cathy Firman, Ruthanne Hunter, Julie Moline & Anita Witten
Photos: Donna Farringer
Design/Illustration: Heather Bellanca
6
SALEM AREA VAN ENDEAVOR (SAVE)
NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!
SAVE is a community service providing transportation for Salem area senior citizens and
others without transportation for grocery needs, pharmacy runs and other local events at
no charge. It is also used to transport area youth to volunteer positions and other notfor-profit activities. It is managed by the Courthouse Community Center and relies on 2
generous volunteers to assist as drivers: Ken White of Salem and Trip Sturgis of Shushan.
On Saturday, August 8, 2015 there will be a golf tournament at the Ondawa Greens Golf Course to raise necessary funds to keep the
van rolling. This event is being organized by the Salem Rotary Club and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. You can assist with
this effort. Please consider becoming a tournament sponsor for $500. Sponsorship at this level will enable you to hang your banner at
the tournament as well as have 4 golfers play at either tee time. You may also sponsor an individual hole for $50. Perhaps you might
donate a prize for the event. And of course, it would be very helpful to get a team together.
Interested parties may call the CCC at 518-854-7053 for information. If you would rather, you may mail a check made out to SAVE
to the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC) at P.O. Box 717, Salem, NY 12865. Any assistance you are able to provide will
make a great difference to this wonderful initiative.
THE
SONATA
SPRING
PUPPETS TAKE OVER THE
COURTHOUSE!
During the week of spring break, April 6 through April 10,
the Courthouse Community Center held its second annual
Puppet Club for area children. Thanks to a generous grant
from the Shoppe Off Broadway thrift store, there was no
charge to participate in this great event. The program was
conducted by Debi Craig, a retired teacher who has many years
of experience in this field. Children had hands-on experience
with puppeteering, scenery changes and narration. After a week
learning their craft, a performance of The Pied Piper was staged
for family and friends using the puppet theater constructed
for the CCC by Board member and Treasurer, Robert Sellar.
Children participating in the 2015 Puppet Club included
Baylee Bordwell, Edie Breen, Rowan Breen, Cole Horner, Evan
Hunter, Olivia Hunter, Antonio Lee and Judson Wohlleb. The
children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and have already
asked which puppet play they can stage in 2016!
HARD HAT ZONE
Shulman’s group does it
again! In their sixth season
at the Courthouse, they
floated notes from Bach,
Dvorak, Ravel and more in
the air in monthly Sunday concerts in April and May. Musical
director and pianist, Daniel Shulman, delights the audience
with his musicology memories His wife, Kaori Washiyama of
the Betnnington College music faculty, joins him on both violin
and viola. Other distinguished performers enrich the programs
in groups of 3, 4 and 5; among them are Joana Genova, violin,
of the popular Manchester Music Festival; Nathaniel Parke,
cello, of Williams College faculty and principal cellist of the
Berkshire Symphony; Melanie Dexter, violin, of the Vermont
Symphony and the Berkshire Symphony; Josh Rodriguez, violin,
of Skidmore College faculty and a member of the Glens Falls
Symphony; and Jonah Thomas, cello and past participant in the
Courthouse concert series. Thanks to all for gracing our rural
hall with gorgeous music! Enthusiastic music lovers not only
applaud the inspiring sounds but appreciate the lovely historic
setting as well.The distinguished complement of players is hard at
work rehearsing for the upcoming third and final concert in this
year’s spring Sunday series. The concert will take place on June
14 at 3 pm when players combine to interpret a Debussy sonata
for cello and piano, a Mozart quartet, a suite by Moszkowski
and a Haydn trio in E major. Please join us for this exciting
end to a wonderful and rich season and look forward to two
autumn concerts as well.
Before too long, the scaffolding will be erected, hard hats will be donned, and the work
will commence on the next round of restoration here at the Courthouse. Thanks to a $200,000 New York State Environmental Protection
Fund grant with a $200,000 cash match from an anonymous donor, the detail-oriented process is moving forward. The Historic Preservation Architectural firm of John G. Waite Associates, has been overseeing the bidding process which has come to a
successful conclusion. In late April, the contract was awarded to Mid-State Industries (MSI) located in
Schenectady, New York. With over 40 years of construction and historic building restoration experience,
MSI is eager to begin the project. Steve Mayhew, Project Superintendent for MSI has stated “in historic
restoration, one determines the building’s period of greatest significance and performs the actions and
processes necessary to restore, recover and reveal the architectural design and fabric of that particular
period, while protecting its heritage value”. It appears a wise decision has been made, and our Courthouse is in good hands. With the warmer weather, stop by, look up, and check the progress!
3
CCC TO HOST
WASHINGTON COUNTY
BAND CONCERT
On Friday, July 17 at 7
pm, the Courthouse Community Center will host the
Washington County Band
(WCB) in the courtroom.
This event will be the annual
benefit concert in memory
of their long-time band member, Dick Campbell. Active for over
30 years, the band is composed of talented musicians from not
only Washington County, but Warren, Rensselaer, and Saratoga
counties and many parts of Vermont as well.
The band is currently under the direction of Geoffrey Gee. An
accomplished pianist, composer and sound designer, Geoffrey
has performed in twenty-two countries around the world. His
special guest performer for the July 17 concert will be Patrick
Staples, a very talented 16-year old pianist from Peru, Vermont
who studies with Geoffrey at Long Trail School. With a most
impressive resume of his own, Patrick has participated in many
prestigious competitions and recently performed at the winners
recital at Carnegie Hall in April, 2015.
The WCB has a varied repertoire consisting of marches, show
tunes, ballads and big band medleys. All volunteers, the band
comes together for practice weekly from April through August.
It averages eight concerts at different locations each season and
has become a perennial favorite with many dedicated fans.
A WONDERFUL CULTURAL
OPPORTUNITY FOR AREA
STUDENTS
Thanks to a generous grant from the Shoppe Off Broadway, the
Courthouse Community Center organized a wonderful opportunity for the students of the Salem Central Elementary School.
On Friday, March 27 at 1:30 pm, Opera Saratoga performed
The Three Little Pigs in the school auditorium. This children’s
opera was part of Opera Saratoga’s To Go enrichment program
for students in northeast New York and was performed by
professional singers. The live musical accompaniment for The
Three Little Pigs was actual music from the operas of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The children in K through 6 enjoyed
the message-driven production that encouraged a visit to our
local library and reading books for learning and enjoyment.
4
SALEM ‘S
YEAR OF
COMMEMORATION
This year has been busy as we plan for our commemoration of
the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and our 123rd
Regiment’s return. The exciting result: months of stimulating
exhibits, fun activities, special memorials, and wonderful music
for you to enjoy.
From June 26-July 31, view our collection of Civil War memorabilia in the Great Hall at the Salem Courthouse Community
Center. On the weekend of July 3-5, enjoy the Providence
Brigade Brass Band and 77th Regiment Balladeers at the Community Center; attend the Salem Volunteer Fire Department
parade and fireworks on Archibald Street; view the “Civilian
Clothing Show” at the First United Presbyterian Church; visit
the 123rd Regiment Civil War encampment on Salem Central
School grounds; and enjoy delicious breakfasts and dinners at
the encampment.
Exciting Civil War events continue throughout the summer.
July 18th brings flautist Rebecca Jeffreys and pianist Kent Baker
performing traditional American and modern composers at the
Fort Salem theater. On August 9th in Shushan, The Georgi
on the Battenkill hosts a Fyffes and Drumms of Old Saratoga
performance and Ulysses S. Grant reenactor Steve Trimm.
Fall brings an interacitve Civil War History Fair to Salem. Set
aside Saturday, September 26th for the Washington County
Historical Society’s “When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Again” at the school and Courthouse, enjoy a full day of activities for all ages: Civil War exhibits, children’s games, and varied
historical presentations.
As you plan the next few months, be sure to post the events
and activities sheet we have enclosed as a handy reference. We
hope you can join us in our recognition of Salem’s role in the
Civil War. We look forward to seeing you.
Special thanks go to Al Cormier, Edie Meikle, Steve Snyder,
and Bruce Ferguson for finalizing all of the plans for our commemorative events throughout this special year.
A PEEK IN
THE GARDEN
With the cold harsh winter but a memory,
the Courthouse Community Garden
is starting to blossom once again. The
labor intensive initiative relies on the
generous hands of many to come alive.
Garden Chair, Nancy Hand-Higby has stated that there will be
fewer crops this year, more flowers for Al Fresco and a greater
emphasis on education. The crops should be lush thanks to the
deer fence Woody Hill Farm has granted permission to erect.
Lunch, Learn & Play will be the primary focus of the garden.
The program will have regular garden assistance from LL&P
staff member and gardener, Lily Hughes, who will encourage
greater involvement from her young charges. In addition to
LL&P, fresh produce grown in the CCG will be used to support
the Al Fresco Dinner on July 25…
PEEK continued on next page...
We
Invite
You to
Attend
New E v
SALEM COURTHOUSE
ent!
BEER & BRATS PARTY (The Wurst Party Ever!)
Dig out your lederhosen, and join us for a great new event to be held here at the Courthouse
on Saturday, September 12 from 3 to 7 pm. The new Beer and Brats Party has been planned
to coincide with the popular Cheese Tour that takes place annually in Washington County. Organizers, Rob and Majken Sellar, report that an assortment of different area beers (root beer for
children!), brats, German potato salad and sauerkraut will be offered. Music and an assortment
of family games will also be the order of the day. Mark your calendar schatzie, and meet us at the
Courthouse for this great afternoon!
WHEN JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME
Salem is the place to be on Friday and
Saturday, September 25-26. Salem
Central School and the Courthouse
Community Center are hosting a
program to commemorate the 150th
Anniversary of the Civil War and
our own 123 rd Regiment. Salem
students can enjoy a series of war
related activities on Friday. From 10
am to 4 pm on Saturday, we invite
you to join us. Presenters, musicians,
and vendors offer a day which immerses people of all ages in the
“War Between the States” era.
The day begins at 11 am with three choices for you: David
Hubbard presenting “Civil War and Baseball”-the effects of
the war on baseball; “At My General’s Side to the End”- Ben
Kemp describing veteran Sam Willett’s faithful service to
President Grant in his final days; or Michael Russert’s sharing
of unpublished sources related to lives of our own soldiers“With Heavy Hearts and Teary Eyes: the Civil War Odyssey of
the 123rd New York Infantry Regiment.”
When lunch time comes, you can visit Stewart’s Shop on site
for a variety of tasty sandwiches and refreshing drinks; stroll
the grounds and visit Civil War vendors and reenactors as
well as exhibits by town and village historians in the school
and Courthouse.
Our afternoon events begin promptly at 1 pm. In “ Children’s
Games from the 1800’s,” Lori Stokem and Cindy Rogers teach
children hoop rolling and the button game; Diana O’Brien and
Pat Smith, in “Civil War Quilts-More Than Just Fabric,” share
the story behind those rare antique quilts; Phil Jessen describes
pivotal events of our president’s life-“Abraham Lincoln…
Reflections on a Fall Afternoon”.
At 2 pm Barbara Anderson discusses the role of DNA in learning
about our ancestors-“DNA and Genealogy”; David Hubbard
describes “Women as Spies in the Civil War” with an emphasis
on spying methods; Ben Kemp presents the difficulties faced
and camaraderie developed by troops in “The ‘Real’ Life of a
Civil War Soldier”.
Join us upstairs in the courtroom in the Community Center
at 3 pm for a concert by the 77th Regiment Balladeers. Using
fiddles, guitars, harmonicas, tin whistles, and bones, they are
sure to entertain you with their original musical arrangements
reflecting Civil War times.
By attending this unique fall event, you can help us commemorate
Salem’s history. Admission is free; however, we gladly accept any
donation you may wish to make.
PEEK continued from page 4
…as well as the Salem Food Pantry.
Many hands make for lighter work in the garden. Janet Britt will once again grow seedlings in her greenhouse. Salem Central School Ag Teacher, Amy Maxwell, will organize students to assist with the many chores. Valued CCG fixture, Dottie
Schneider, will reach out to the Washington County Alternative Sentencing program for enthusiastic workers. Dottie suffered
a setback in April when she fractured her fibula and required corrective surgery. She assured her co-workers that this “minor
inconvenience” will not daunt her. Be sure to keep a lookout for Dottie in one of her famous garden hats as you drive by
this summer. Volunteers are needed and greatly appreciated – please consider giving some time to this worthy program.
ANTHONY “TONY” JENKINS
The Courthouse Community Center is greatly saddened by the untimely death of one of the Martial
Arts Instructors, Tony Jenkins. Tony suffered a massive heart attack on March 1 and passed away
at Glens Falls Hospital. Tony realized one of his life-long dreams when he became an instructor
working with younger students. He taught Kung Fu as well as important life lessons. He was a
leader by example with his caring, nurturing spirit and is missed by all. He touched many lives
here at the Courthouse where it is hoped that the wonderful qualities he shared with others will
be continued and paid forward. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, June 14 at 1 pm
at the Hudson River Music Hall. Courthouse representatives and friends will attend.
5