A Sunday, June 11th block party in front of the Philipse Manor Railroad Station, home of The Hudson Valley Writers’ Center, will celebrate the Center’s ten years in that historic building.
It will be from 1 – 4 pm and “Remembering the Past, Writing the Future” is the theme.
While it is mostly for residents of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, it is open to all.
Except for some brief remarks at 1:30 by State Senator Nick Spano, Sleepy Hollow Mayor Phil Zegarelli, and perhaps a few others, the event is mainly an opportunity for people to mingle and have a good time.
The Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow Arts Council has jumped in to collaborate in this effort and will be bringing face-painting and crafts projects, children’s performances at 2:00 and again at 3:00 put on by Chris Reising, top hats, and other giveaways. Balloons, the Canine Unit from the local police, and other “draws” for families will also be in the mix.
Kitchen Kaylie, a band based in Columbia County, will provide lively music. They promise to include some tunes that “absolutely anyone can dance to — kids and adults alike.”
Local residents who are helping in the planning include Kristina Georges, Mary Lou Gladstone, Aubrey and Sylvia Hawes, Margo Stever, and Heidi Torpey. HVWC supporters from other towns are helping as well.
Since we are still in the planning stages we welcome further participants, including sponsors, vendors, and volunteers. Vendors will supply food and beverages, books, and other things to sell, including things that will make great Fathers’ Day gifts.
The Center is also planning a fundraising cocktail party on Friday, June 9 from 7 – 9 ($35 for one, $60 for two) and details about that will be announced shortly.
Our state poet (and former U.S. Poet Laureate), Billy Collins, will share a few poems at either the Friday or Sunday event. He was the first writer to give a reading in the restored train station in 1996.
For those who don’t know, the Writers’ Center acquired the station in the early ’90s when it was a boarded-up eyesore. After an extensive restoration effort funded by public grants and many private contributions, the Center opened to the public in fall 1996. The Center continued to improve the interior during its occupation and won a 2005 Excellence in Preservation Award from the Preservation League of New York State for all these efforts.
The Center is now busy year-round with classes, readings, and other events for people who love reading and writing, whatever their age or ability level.
So please save the date — and if you’d like to help, we’re standing by the phone (332-5953).
Ms. Dare Thompson is the Executive Director of The Hudson Valley Writers’ Center, 300 Riverside Drive Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
www.writerscenter.org
