The event, which will present several exciting new financing strategies for [...]]]> Because of the inclement weather and resulting problems with power outages and fallen trees, the special forum on sustainable energy that Hudson River Sloop Clearwater is co-sponsoring, “Keeping PACE with Energy Options for Municipalities,” scheduled for tomorrow, will be held instead on Saturday, March 13.

The event, which will present several exciting new financing strategies for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, is still set to take place at SUNY New Paltz in the Lecture Center, Room 100. The time of the event remains 9 AM to 1 PM.

People who have not yet registered should at www.surveymonkey.com/s/K97DXYP; and those who have registered need to confirm or cancel at www.surveymonkey.com/s/6DLMD5V . For full flyer and agenda of the upcoming forum, please go to: http://midhudson.ny.lwvnet.org/files/Keeping_PACE_with_Energy_Options_flyer.pdf.

Saturday, Feb. 27, 9 AM – 1 PM

SUNY/New Paltz Lecture Center: LC 102

(SNOW DATE:  Sat., March 13)

(Click here for directions) 

You are cordially invited to attend a special forum about several exciting new financing strategies for energy [...]]]> KEEPING PACE WITH ENERGY OPTIONS: A Briefing on New Energy Efficiency and Alternative Energy Initiatives
and Funding Strategies for Municipalities

Saturday, Feb. 27, 9 AM – 1 PM

SUNY/New Paltz Lecture Center: LC 102

(SNOW DATE:  Sat., March 13)

(Click here for directions) 

You are cordially invited to attend a special forum about several exciting new financing strategies for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, which will build momentum and create markets for green jobs. 

• PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) programs, just authorized by NY State, enable property owners to upgrade buildings using low-cost loans without any significant out-of-pocket upfront costs.  Efficiency upgrade projects can be designed to yield positive cash flow benefits from day one.
• Power Purchase Agreements allowing owners of large buildings to contract for solar installations and pay for installation costs out of energy dollars saved.
• NYSERDA’s many programs for local governments, businesses, and schools; including Green Job/Green NY.
• The Ten Percent Challenge, a framework to hasten the implementation of energy efficiency and renewables and draw attention to the Hudson Valley as a clean energy corridor. 
• Vendor show with sustainable energy-related exhibits and other green businesses, which will showcase products and services with a sustainable lifestyle theme.     

Featured Speakers Include: 

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Representative of the 101st Assembly District and Chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Energy;

Karen E. Villeneuve, Director of NYSERDA’s Residential Efficiency and Affordability Program;

Jackson Morris, Senior Policy Advisor, Pace Energy and Climate Center (PECC), representing PECC and the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) in advancing clean energy policies in the State Capitol; 

David Gabrielson, Councilman, Town of Bedford’s case study of a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) initiative; 

Patrice Courtney Strong, Outreach and educational services provider for New York State Energy Research & Development Authority and coordinator of Mid-Hudson Energy $mart Communities; 

Michael O’Hara, Director of Operations, Sustainable Hudson Valley, organizing the Ten Percent Challenge. 

Sponsors and Collaborators:   Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp., Hudson River Estuary Training Program, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Hudson Valley Regional Council, Hudson Valley Smart Growth Alliance, League of Women Voters of Mid-Hudson Region, Mid-Hudson Energy $mart Communities/NYSERDA , SUNY New Paltz Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach (CRREO), and Sustainable Hudson Valley.  

Endorsing Organizations (Partial List):  Ashokan Center, Building Performance Contractors Association/NY State, Dutchess County Association of Supervisors and Mayors, Historic Hudson River Towns, Hudson Valley Climate Change Network, Independent Dutchess Energy Alliance (IDEA), The Nature Conservancy, New Paltz GreenWorks, Pace Energy and Climate Center, S3 Consulting, Ulster County Association of Town Supervisors and Mayors, US Green Building Council-NY Upstate Chapter. 

Registration:  Please go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/K97DXYP to register.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to facilitate morning check in.  Event is free, however tax-deductable donations are welcome; checks should be made payable to League of Women Voters Education Fund. 

Parking: Please use Lot 2 for Lecture Center, located on the western edge of the campus off of Fairview Ave.   From intersection of Rt. 299/32 and Rt. 208, turn south on Rt. 208, then turn left (east) onto Hasbrouck Ave., turn right onto Tricor Ave., turn left onto Mohonk Ave. and finally right onto Fairview Ave. Alternately, park at Sojourner Truth Library lot.  See: http://www.newpaltz.edu/map%20for%20campus%20map. 

Carpooling: Please carpool; you can arrange a ride through http://rideshare.us/index.php.  Look-up code: EnergyFeb27 — or indicate your interest in carpooling when you register.  Bus Lines:  Trailways and Ulster County Area Transit are within walking distance to the campus. 

For full flyer and agenda, please go to: http://midhudson.ny.lwvnet.org/files/Keeping_PACE_with_Energy_Options_flyer.pdf

For additional information, please contact Dare Thompson, League of Women Voters of Mid-Hudson Region at 845-236-3074 or darethompson@gmail.com . 

For latest updates or weather postponement, visit www.sustainhv.org/hvsga or http://midhudson.ny.lwvnet.org/.

Retrofitting Your Home Can Save Money!

The hillsides in the Hudson Valley are covered with snow, but Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, America’s flagship environmental organization, is looking ahead to the spring sailing schedule and bringing new volunteers on board to help with its award-winning educational [...]]]> Applications Now Open for Onboard Volunteers!

The hillsides in the Hudson Valley are covered with snow, but Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, America’s flagship environmental organization, is looking ahead to the spring sailing schedule and bringing new volunteers on board to help with its award-winning educational programs.
     The spring sailing schedule can be found online at http://www.clearwater.org/come-sailing/sail-schedule/. The sloop Clearwater will start the sailing season at the Kearney House Shad Bake in Alpine, NJ on Saturday, May 1, 2010, and then bring its first school groups aboard on Monday, May 3, 2010. The schooner Mystic Whaler, which is contracted out to run Clearwater’s educational programs, will begins its sailing season with a school group in New York City on Monday, April 12, 2010.
     It should be noted that the sloop Clearwater is returning to the Red Hook dock in Brooklyn, NY during the second week of May. Last year, Clearwater began docking regularly in Brooklyn, much to the delight of residents, educators and students there.
     Many weekend dates in May and June are presently open on both the Clearwater and Mystic Whaler schedules. Those interested in chartering either vessel for an educational group or for a private event are now able to view available dates. Contact Catherine Stankowski, Clearwater’s sail coordinator, at (845) 265-8080 x7107 or by email sailcoord@clearwater.org for more information or to book a sail.
     Clearwater also has some openings for onboard volunteers this spring. What better way to welcome in the warmer weather than by spending a week sailing aboard the majestic Hudson River sloop Clearwater or her sister ship, the schooner Mystic Whaler?   Clearwater is welcoming applications now for anyone interested in experiencing life aboard an historic tall ship, who is willing to work hard and above all has a passion for teaching. 
     Each week, Clearwater supplements her professional crew with six new volunteers who help sail the vessel and assist in teaching her prestigious education program. As volunteers, individuals can expect three fantastic meals a day, exciting adventures on the water, the chance to teach hundreds of kids, a slightly uncomfortable bunk and the sweet satisfaction of working together for a wonderful cause. Clearwater relies on the support of volunteers to help prepare the next generation of environmental leaders by inspiring students to learn about and love our Hudson River.
     For more information and volunteer applications visit our volunteer page: http://www.clearwater.org/education/volunteer-crew-on-the-sloop/ .

Hudson River Sloop Clearwater hosted an open house on Saturday, January 23, 2010 in Saugerties, NY at Lynch’s Marina for media professionals and elected officials to see the extent of renovations being made to the historic sloop Clearwater this winter. Both of the [...]]]> Congressman Maurice Hinchey on Hand to See Efforts to Preserve America’s Environmental Flagship

Hudson River Sloop Clearwater hosted an open house on Saturday, January 23, 2010 in Saugerties, NY at Lynch’s Marina for media professionals and elected officials to see the extent of renovations being made to the historic sloop Clearwater this winter. Both of the sloop’s captains, Samantha Heyman and Nicholas Rogers, talked about the aggressive preservation project that includes the opening of the sloop’s bow and replacement of a number of planks and frames.

Sloop Bow Opened Up for Renovations / Winter 2010

     “These repairs will reinforce the structural integrity of the sloop and ensure that it sails for another forty years,” said Jeff Rumpf, executive director of Clearwater.

     About two dozen people braved chilly morning temperatures along the Esopus Creek, where the sloop is presently hauled, and heard remarks from Allan Shope, president of Clearwater’s board of director, and US Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), who has used his position on the House Appropriations Committee to secure $150,000 for the preservation efforts as part of the fiscal year 2010 Interior Appropriations bill.

     “The Clearwater is a unique vessel that serves as a link to the Hudson River’s rich maritime history,” Hinchey said. “I was pleased to secure federal funding to help pay for  structural repairs that were long overdue and will finally be conducted this winter. The Clearwater serves the community as an excellent education resource and is an important part of history.”

Captains Nick Rogers and Samantha Heyman with Cong. Hinchey

     The sloop preservation project is also being funded by a substantial matching grant from the New York State Office of Parks and Historic Preservation.

     It should be noted that Clearwater received a number of bids and offers from boat repair specialists around the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions but chose to keep the job in the Hudson Valley, with Jim Kricker of Rondout Woodworking in Kingston, NY leading the project.

     The last major renovation of the sloop was performed in 1976, and a lot of the original woodwork has been untouched over the years. Seeing the bow opened up, which has made visible the intricate web of framing boards, was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those assembled. The focused, skilled work on the bow will provide high-quality repairs for a section of the sloop that sees an enormous amount of stress while sailing, said Capt. Rogers.

     The sloop Clearwater is listed on the National Register for Historical Places.

The much anticipated 2-DVD set chronicling The Clearwater Concert, an all-star celebration of Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday at Madison Square Garden in New York City last May, is now available for retail purchase online at www.seeger90dvd.myshopify.com. Over 40 renowned musical [...]]]>

The much anticipated 2-DVD set chronicling The Clearwater Concert, an all-star celebration of Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday at Madison Square Garden in New York City last May, is now available for retail purchase online at www.seeger90dvd.myshopify.com. Over 40 renowned musical artists performed at the concert, including Joan Baez, Bruce Springsteen and Dave Matthews, putting their own spin on songs written or inspired by the legendary folk icon and making this once-in-a-lifetime gathering of multi-generational stars truly a remarkable birthday party.
     The Clearwater Concert benefited and helped raised awareness for Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, a non-profit enviromental advocacy and education organization founded by Pete Seeger and others over forty years ago that is dedicated to protecting the Hudson River and creating new environmental leaders. Similarly, all proceeds of this remarkable DVD package will go directly to Clearwater to help further its mission to inspire, educate and activate the next generation toward a green future.
     “This special DVD set is filled with hope and a message, echoed by all of the musicians and audience members present at the concert, that a better world is within our grasp,” said Jeff Rumpf, executive director of Clearwater.
     Brimming with over three hours of music and choice interviews, The Clearwater Concert lets viewers relive the concert experience, or join in the sing-a-longs for the first time—it’s an inspiring, joyful reminder of how music brings together people who want to make a difference.
     Best of all, The Clearwater Concert DVD is packed with incredible musical moments, many of them ensemble renditions of musical treasures inspired by Pete Seeger. Arlo Guthrie, Richie Havens, Kris Kristofferson, John Mellencamp, Emmylou Harris, Ani DiFranco, Bruce Cockburn, Toshi Reagon, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Tom Paxton, Billy Bragg, Taj Mahal, Michael Franti, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Bela Fleck, Tommy Sands, Tony Trischka, Dar Williams, Steve Earle, Bernice Johnson Reagon, Ben Harper, Tom Morello, Oscar the Grouch and more all perform on the DVD. And so does Seeger, who leads the audience in a magisterial rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
     Pete Seeger said: “I never expected to see 18,000 people in Madison Square Garden for a birthday party, much less one of my own. Bless you all and bless all the great musicians on stage! This is one of the greatest singing audiences I ever heard in all my life.”
     The Clearwater Concert DVD set is retailing for $35. It is not yet known when the DVD will be available in stores.
     Since 1969 almost half a million people have experienced the Hudson River first-hand—its living organisms, water chemistry and ecological principles—aboard the sloop Clearwater, the famed “floating classroom” now recognized as America’s environmental flagship. Named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004 for its role in the environmental movement, Clearwater was among the first vessels in the U.S. to conduct science-based environmental education aboard a sailing ship, effectively creating a template by which such programs are conducted around the world today. Clearwater’s environmental education programs now serve more than 15,000 students and their teachers annually, and the organization’s members have helped push for passage of the landmark Clean Water Act and fight for removal of toxic PCB’s from the Hudson.

[...]]]> Legendary jazz saxophonist and composer Sonny Rollins performed a benefit concert before a full house at the Music Hall in Tarrytown on Sunday, December 6, leading his regular working band through nearly two hours of music that had the crowd absolutely thrilled.

     The concert marked the first time Clearwater, over the course of its forty-year history, has ever hosted a musical event dedicated solely to jazz. It was also the first benefit concert Rollins has headlined in his long career.

     Rollins hit the stage of the Music Hall wearing a red silk shirt and his trademark bandstand sunglasses. Joined by bassist Bob Cranshaw, trombonist Clifton Anderson, guitarist Bobby Broom, drummer Kobie Watkins and percussionist Victor See Yuen, Rollins lit into the upbeat title track of his 1998 recording Global Warming, a self-penned composition that emphasizes his environmental concerns. Next up was a reading of Duke Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood,” a ballad that featured a musical dialogue between Cranshaw on electric bass and Rollins. The show was capped with a rousing, twenty-minute long encore, “Tenor Madness” (another Rollins original), in which the saxman delighted the audience with some hearty honking. Rollins’s sidemen were all given moments in the spotlight to showcase their talents, but nearly all of the afternoon’s fiery improvisations emanated from Rollins and his tenor saxophone.

    “Sonny was fabulous,” said Michael Myerson, a Clearwater board member who attended the concert. “I’ve been listening to his music for over 50 years, and even now, at nearly 80 years old, Sonny is still playing at the same high level as I remember as a kid. The phrase ‘living legend’ gets tossed around a lot, but there are actually few of these legends among us, and Sonny Rollins, like Pete Seeger, is one of them. For Sonny to contribute his artistry to the cause of defending and preserving the Hudson River is a tribute to Clearwater’s important work and Sonny’s own humanity.”

     Renowned actors and rivertown residents Debra Winger and Arliss Howard hosted the concert and introduced Rollins. Also speaking at the event were Jeff Rumpf, executive director of Clearwater; Maija Niemistö, onboard educator of Clearwater; and Samantha Heyman, one of the two captains who pilot the sloop Clearwater.