GARNER Arts Festival Fun

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the GARNER Arts Festival. The festival took place for the entirety of last weekend, and exhibits extended throughout the historic warehouse.

The festival housed all kinds of works includingmodern, classic, metal, pottery, and even performance. We were given a map and itinerary of what to see, and musicians played the main stage with food trucks including empanadas and pizza.

It surely helped that the weather was gorgeous. One of my favorite parts was seeing the Mixed Level Rockland Ballet Rehearsal. As we walked through the hall, ballerinas were just behind a window that was almost missed, leaping and turning to prepare for an upcoming performance.

I’d say that there was something for everyone, and if you missed it this year be sure to joing the hordes of families, couples walking hand and hand, and other artsy folks.

 

World Cup Viewing Party

The Village of Spring Valley invites you and your families to join us for an exciting FIFA World Cup Viewing Party on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM at Memorial Park.

Spring Valley is one of the most diverse communities in Rockland County, with over 37 cultures represented, and soccer is a sport that unites us all. This event is a celebration of that shared passion—bringing our community together as one.

This free, family-friendly event will feature:

A giant screen viewing experience with multiple World Cup matches

Youth soccer games and clinics

Music, entertainment, and live energy throughout the day

Bounce houses, games, and activities for families

Food trucks, and local vendors

Access to community resources and organizations

We encourage everyone to bring chairs, and their game-day energy as we come together to celebrate culture, community, and the excitement of the World Cup.

This will be a tabling event, as we anticipate a large turnout and are actively seeking vendors. Please see the attached vendor form for participation details. All payments must be made payable to The Village of Spring Valley and submitted by June 1, 2026.

Vendor Setup will be from 10 am to 12 pm.At Memorial Park, 1 Veterans Drive, Spring Valley , NY 10977.

 

Spotlight on Rockland

My Lord, What a Night

Book by Deborah Brevoort

Penguin Rep Theatre

Running May 15th – June 7th

When world-famous singer Marian Anderson is turned away from a hotel because of her race, she finds an unexpected host in Albert Einstein. What begins as a simple act of hospitality grows into a friendship based on their mutual love of music and commitment to human rights. Featuring a cast of four playing real-life historical figures — each with a unique perspective on how to effect change — this moving play is about courage, justice and our shared humanity.

Go to penguinrep.org or call (845) 786-2873 for more information.

7 Cricketown Road, Stony Point, NY 10980

39 Steps

Written by Patrick Barlow

Directed by Margaret Young

Elmwood Playhouse

Running May 15th- June 6th

Richard Hannay is visiting 1930s London when he meets Annabella Smith, who is on the run from foreign agents, after a disturbance at a music hall. Later that night, Annabella is murdered, and Hannay must then try to break the spy ring and prove his innocence. From an epic train chase to a feisty love interest, Hannay has his work cut out for him as he searches for the truth about the mysterious spy ring called, The 39 Steps. In this adaptation, four actors play over 150 roles delivering laughs and suspense with dazzling quick changes – on stage.

Go to elmwoodhouse.com or call  (845) 353-1313 for more information.

10 Park Street Nyack NY 10960

It’s Turtle Migration Time

Nesting mother turtles are crossing Western Highway to lay their eggs before returning to the reservoir from May through June. Please drive slowly on Western Highway in Blauvelt between Theis Road and O’Sullivan’s Tree Service.  For more info please call 914-772-6164.

Patriotic Home Contest!

The Town of Stony Point encourages you to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday!

Residents of Stony Point are invited to decorate their homes in patriotic spirit as the country celebrates 250 years of American independence.

Show off your red, white, and blue pride and help make our community shine!

Decorating period is from May 23rd to July 4th. Judging will take place from June 15th – June 30th. Winners will be announced July 8th at the Stony Point Town Carnival.

Be sure to register online at stonypointny.gov. Displays must be visible from the street.

Contest categories include:

-Best Overall Patriotic Display

-Most Creative Display

-Best Use of Lights

-Best America 250 Theme

-Youth/ Family Choice Award

Winners will receive a commemorative America 250 Trophy, the Town of Stony Point Prize Pack, (coin, shirt, and more), and more!

Hosted by the Town of Stony Point.

Maureen’s Jazz Cellar

All That Drag! – May 27th

Wedndesday, May 27, 2026

Featuring Alex Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Show begins at 8:00 p.m.

Cover charge is $20

*This show is 18+

Dead Night with All Things Garcia – May  28th

Thursday, May 28 2026

Featuring Noah Flint, Josh Kates, John Cassano, Mike Katzman & Kenny Brooks

Doors open at 7:00 pm.

Show begins at 8:00 p.m.

Cover charge is $15

Slide Attack Feturing Howard Levy –  May  29tth

Friday, May 29, 2026

Featuring Alan Goidel, Jim West, Michael Goetz & Chuck Zeuren

Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Show begins at 8:00 p.m.

Cover charge is $25

Tribute to Louis Armstrong and David Otswald – May 30th

Saturday, May 30, 2026

Featuring Andrew Stephens, Davide Sgarra & Alonso De La Fuente, Jr.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Show begins at 8:00 p.m.

Cover charge is $25.

Late Night Piano Bar with the Budman – May 30th

Saturday, May 30, 2026

Doors open and sign ups at 7:00 p.m.

Show begins at 8:00 p.m.

Cover Charge is $25

On the Big Screen

The Mandalorian and Grogu –  Space Opera/ Action

The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu.

Backrooms – Horror

A strange doorway appears in the basement of a furniture showroom.

The Bread Winner – Comedy

a family comedy that follows the misadventures of Nate Wilcox, whose wife Katie (Mandy Moore) lands a once-in-a-lifetime deal on Shark Tank that takes her on a prolonged business trip – and now the lifelong breadwinner has to fend for his family as a first-time stay-at-home dad.

Pitfall –  Horror

After a young man gets separated from his friends while in the woods, he falls into a 10-foot deep pit of spikes, impaling him through the leg, and leaving him trapped. He quickly learns that his fall was not an accident.

Turner – Suspense

Leo Woodall stars as a gifted young piano tuner whose heightened sense of hearing draws the attention of criminals, who see his talents as useful for opening safes as well as for tuning Steinways.

Town Meetings

Orangetown – June 9th 2026   @ 7:00 p.m.

Town Board Regular Meeting

More information at orangetown.com

26 Orangeburg Road

Orangeburg, NY 10962

Ramapo – May 27th, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m.

Town Board Regular Meeting

More information at ramapo.org

237 Route 59,

Suffern, NY 1090

Stony Point – May 26th, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m.

Town Board Regular Meeting

More information at townofstonypoint.org

19 Club House Lane

Stony Point, NY 10980

Clarkstown – June 9th, 2026 @ 6:30 p.m.

Town Board Regular Meeting

More information at clarkstown.org

10 Maple Ave.

New City, NY 10956

Haverstraw – May 26th , 2026 @ 7:00 p.m.

Town Board Regular Meeting

More information at townofhaverstraw.org

1 Rosman Road

Garnerville, NY 10923

Streaming Favs

Deli Boys – Comedy

on Hulu/Disney +

When their convenience-store-magnate father dies, a pair of pampered Pakistani-American brothers lose everything and are forced to reckon with their Baba’s secret life of crime as they attempt to take up his mantle in the underworld.

Spider-Noir – Action

on Prime Video

An aging and down on his luck private investigator in 1930s New York is forced to grapple with his past life as the city’s one and only superhero.

Rick and Morty – Comedy

on Prime Video

The fractured domestic lives of a nihilistic mad scientist and his anxious grandson are further complicated by their inter-dimensional misadventures.

The Boroughs  – Drama/  Mystery

on Netflix

In a seemingly picturesque retirement community, a group of unlikely heroes must band together to stop an otherworldly threat from stealing the one thing they don’t have – time.

Upcoming Events at Big Red Books

Big Red Books is a general interest bookstore. We aim to be at the center of the Nyack community in an enriching social and artistic environment, engaging in the lives of our local patrons and organizations by sharing our appreciation for books, art, learning and personal growth. Big Red Books provides a supportive space for local authors and artists to celebrate and promote their work. We host author readings, gallery openings, live music, poetry nights, book clubs, writing workshops, children’s story time, school visits and book fairs. Find a full list of events at bigredbooks.net. 120 Main Street Nyack, NY 10960

Open Mic with Featured Poet Kevin Goodan

Wednesday May 27th, 2026 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Kevin Goodan was born in Montana and raised on the Flathead Indian Reservation where his stepfather and brothers are tribal members. He is author of Spot Weather Forecast, Anaphora, Let the

Voices, and Upper Level Disturbances. He lives in the Upper Valley Region of New

Hampshire, and operates a logging and milling enterprise.

Mystery Book Club

Wednesday June 3rd, 2026 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Join us at the shop for a discussion of Five Found Dead by Sulari Gentill . Mystery author Mary Anna Evans will moderate the discussion.

To participate in our meeting, you must purchase the novel at Big Red Books, and you will receive a 15% discount.

Everyone is welcome, whether you’ve finished the book or not.

Feel free to bring a snack or beverage.

Story Time with Maxine Bernstein

Friday June 5th, 2026 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Local children’s author Maxine Bernstein will read her book Dexter Saves the Day.

Fantasy Book Club

Sunday June 7th, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Join us at the shop for a discussion moderated by Marissa Krasny of Strange Animals by Jarod K. Anderson.

To participate in our meeting, you must purchase the novel at Big Red Books, and you will receive a 15% discount.

Everyone is welcome, whether you’ve finished the book or not.

Feel free to bring a snack or beverage.

RSVP at bigredbooksny@gmail.com to let us know you’ll be there.

Memoir vs Fiction: A Conversation About Genre

Wednesday June 10th from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

When writers draw from personal or lived experience, some choose memoir and others fiction. How does that choice shape their narrative? How does it affect the deeper narrative truth they are sharing? What difference does it make to the reader?

Join authors Daria Sommers and Jocelyn Jane Cox as they talk about their work and explore these questions.

Upcoming Events at Sparkle Bookstore

The Sparkle Bookstore, a new independent bookshop at 642 Main St., Sparkill, NY, 10976, hosts events throughout the year. They are a family-owned and operated independent bookstore dedicated to being a welcoming, inclusive space, with a sparkle of community flair. Sparkle Bookstore bring readers the best and most beloved of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, along with their own celebration of diverse books and stories centering wellness. Come on over and explore!

Saturday June 6, 2026 at 1:00 PM

Fantasy Book Club: The Library of Amorlin

Join authors Tee O’Fallon, Christina Treviño, and Emma Aiseman as they host this fantasy-themed, hands-on creative event for kids (ages 7+) and adults! Come dressed to paint and transform an ordinary wooden egg into a magical, bejeweled dragon egg. Eggs will take about 1 hour to create and dry — plan to spend some time exploring The Sparkle and neighboring shops in charming Sparkill, New York.

$10 per person, includes all supplies. You receive a coupon for $5 off purchases of $25 or more with your registration! Preregistration appreciated, but not required.

Create Your Own Dragon Egg!

Saturday June 6, 2026 at 1:00 PM

Join authors Tee O’Fallon, Christina Treviño, and Emma Aiseman as they host this fantasy-themed, hands-on creative event for kids (ages 7+) and adults! Come dressed to paint and transform an ordinary wooden egg into a magical, bejeweled dragon egg. Eggs will take about 1 hour to create and dry — plan to spend some time exploring The Sparkle and neighboring shops in charming Sparkill, New York.

$10 per person, includes all supplies. You receive a coupon for $5 off purchases of $25 or more with your registration! Preregistration appreciated, but not required.

One Game, One World: Wild World Cup Stories and the Making of a Graphic Novel

Sunday June 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Discover how soccer unites cultures across the globe through unforgettable World Cup moments, from a stolen trophy found by a dog to matches played during the Christmas Truce, where the game briefly transcended war and brought enemies together.

Chris will lead a trivia game drawn directly from his new book, Lionel Messi’s World Cup Triumph, bringing these stories to life.

We will also explore how Chris transformed these real events into a dynamic graphic novel.

When Chris Barish is not reading about sports or history, he’s writing about sports history. Much like the first person who ever put together the chocolate and the marshmallow, he realized that it was possible to combine his two favorite things to make an even cooler thing.

In addition to authoring graphic novels, Chris has also written award-winning campaigns for sports superstars like Aaron Judge, Joel Embiid, and Derrick Henry.

Chris currently lives in New York with his family, in a house filled with sports gear, books, instruments and lots of muddy boots.

Rockland Boulder’s Schedule

Tuesday, May 26th

Home game against New Jersey Jackals

Boulders Against Bullying presented by Montefiore Einstein

Gates Open 9:30am / First Pitch: 10:30am

Wednesday, May 27th

Home game against New Jersey Jackals

Boulders Against Bullying presented by Montefiore Einstein

Gates Open 9:30am / First Pitch: 10:30am

Thursday, May 28th

Home game against New Jersey Jackals

Bingo Night

Daily Special: Thirsty Thursday – $4 Craft Beers, $2 Domestic Beers, $1 Bud/BudLight in the Bridge Bar

Gates Open 6:00pm / First Pitch: 7:00pm

Friday, May 29th

Away Game against the New Jersey Jackals

Saturday, May 30th

Away Game against the New Jersey Jackals

Sunday, May 31st

Away Game against the New Jersey Jackals

Monday, June 1st

Away Game against New Jersey Jackals

Tuesday, June 2nd

Away Game against the Ottawa Titans

Wednesday, June 3rd

Away Game Against the Ottawa Titans

Thursday, June 4th

Away game against the Ottawa Titans

Friday, June 5th

Home Game Against the Down East Bird Dawgs

90’s Night

Teachers & School Workers Appreciation Night

Daily Special: Frosty Friday – featuring a Tap Takeover at the Beer Truck

Gates Open: 6pm / First Pitch: 7pm

Saturday, June 6th

Home Game against the Down East Bird Dawgs

Wizards Night

Scout Sleepover Night

Daily Special: Super Saturday – Pre-Game Live Music & Postgame Fireworks!

Gates Open: 4:30pm / First Pitch: 6:30pm

Sunday, June 7th

Home Game against the Down East Bird Dawgs

Capes & Crowns Day presented by Dave & Busters

Little League Night

Daily Special: Sunday Funday – Pre-Game Live Music from Rob’s School of Music & Postgame Kids Run the Bases, On-Field Player Autographs and On-Field Catch!

Gates Open: 12pm / First Pitch: 1pm

Tuesday, June 9th

Home Game against Quebec Capitales

Boulders Against Bullying presented by Montefiore Einstein

Gates Open: 9:30am / First Pitch: 10:30am

Farmer’s Markets in Rockland

Van Houten Farms

Long-running garden center & nursery with a wide variety of plants, trees & shrubs, plus supplies.

Open Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

68 Sickletown Rd, Orangeburg, NY 10962

“The SOUK” / Piermont Farmer’s Market

Year-round market featuring a variety of prepared foods and products from local vendors.

Open Sundays from 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

25 Flywheel Park, Piermont, NY 10968

Subzi Mandi Farmer’s Market

Casual supermarket offering spices, dry goods, frozen items, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Open every day from 9:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

33 NY-304, Nanuet, NY 10954

Pearl River Farm Market

Vendors gather weekly to sell local goods.

Open Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

58 E Central Ave, Pearl River, NY 10965

Nyack Farmer’s Market

Market featuring fresh produce and other products from local farms, plus cafes.

Open Thursdays from 8:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m.

119 Main St, Nyack, NY 10960

Orchards of Concklin

Orchard known for a variety of apples to pick or buy along with baked treats

Open Tuesday – Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

2 S Mountain Rd, Pomona, NY 10970

Cropsey Community Farm

Sustainable agriculture practices while fostering education and community engagement.

Open Thursday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

220 S Little Tor Rd, New City, NY 10956

Auntie El’s Farm Market

Farmers’ market featuring vegetables, baked goods, and other food items.

Open every day from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

171 NY-17, Sloatsburg, NY 10974

Split pea soup with crispy bacon

By Diane Rossen Worthington

Spring can have surprising weather swings from sunny, warm days to rainy, cold ones. This soup is always appreciated at those unexpected chilly times.

A wonderful weekday main course soup for lunch or dinner, this soup is full of flavor, color and very hearty; a meal in one. Split peas don’t need soaking, so you can make this in about an hour at the end of the day. If you’ve ever wondered what a split pea is, they are field peas that are grown especially for drying.

Bacon is included in the soup and as a garnish on top. The smoky flavor adds an important layer of flavor to the soup. The crumbled bacon garnish adds a savory counterpoint to the creamy, naturally sweet split pea flavor. For a variation, garnish the soup with chopped honey-baked ham or crispy prosciutto. Serve this with a simple vegetable salad and warm, crusty French bread. A glass of a full-bodied pinot noir or zinfandel is a nice beverage accompaniment.

Split Pea Soup with Crispy Bacon

Serves 4

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 stalk celery, sliced

2 small carrots, peeled and sliced

1 cup split peas, green or yellow, rinsed and picked over

4 cups chicken or vegetable stock

2 bacon slices

2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh marjoram or 1/4 teaspoon dried

1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried

Salt and small pinch freshly ground black pepper

To garnish:

1/4-pound bacon, fried until crisp, drained on paper towels, and coarsely chopped

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion for 3 to 5 minutes or until softened. Add celery and carrots; saute for another 3 minutes or until just slightly softened.

2. Add split peas, stock, bacon slices and herbs. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Partially cover and cook for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until the peas are tender. Remove bacon slices.

3. Coarsely puree 2 cups of soup in a food processor fitted with a metal blade or process with a hand blender in the pot just until the desired texture is reached. Return the pureed soup to the soup pot and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Taste for seasoning.

4. To serve: Ladle into heated soup bowls and garnish with the crispy crumbled bacon. Serve immediately.

Domincan Univeristy’s Graduation

The President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA,  Kerry Alys Robinson, delivered a Commencement Address to the Dominican University New York Class of 2026 with six hopes for the graduates in six minutes. The 72nd Annual Commencement Ceremony took place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY.  During the uplifting and hopeful speech, Robinson wished the graduates memory, gratitude, inspiration, empathy, joy, and abundance.

Among her advice to the graduates,  was to let their lives be informed by the example of those who inspire them. She said she recently brought leaders from the Catholic Charities network to meet with Pope Leo. “His words – in a Chicago accent no less – of encouragement, understanding and appreciation for the work we do to care for poor and vulnerable people, to restore human dignity and to provide hope were deeply meaningful to us,” she said. “But it is the example of his life that captures my imagination and makes me want to be a better person. Pope Leo lives with palpable integrity, courage, and consistency, while bearing the weight of the whole world, standing on a global stage he never sought, reminding us of our collective call to peace, mercy, love of God and love of neighbor. Our Pope is the most admired leader in the world right now. It is hard to explain, but we know goodness and authenticity when we see it.  Find your moral heroes, name the virtues they exemplify, and emulate them. “

For more than two decades, Robinson has played a leading role in strengthening the Catholic Church.  She is the founding Executive Director of Leadership Roundtable, which looks to lay executives to help the Church be more transparent and accountable, and now serves as a member of its Board of Trustees.  Robinson consistently stresses the need for Catholics and people of all faiths to help our most vulnerable brothers and sisters.  She is the author of the prize-winning book Imagining Abundance: Fundraising, Philanthropy, and A Spiritual Call to Service.  During the Commencement ceremony, Robinson was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters for her dedication to the Catholic Church and service to those who are in need.

Dominican University President Manuel Martínez, Ph.D., also addressed the graduates telling them that the world is full of possibilities and it needs them – people unwilling to settle for what is easy over what is right. “Define success on your own terms. Don’t let success be defined by how much you make, the number of followers on your social media, or how fast you get promoted. Instead, let success be measured by the lives you touch, the injustices you challenge, how you carry yourself, and the effort and energy you put to achieve your goals,” he said. “Let success be measured in the way you listen to those who don’t have a voice. The way you lead with care and humility. The way you show up — even when there’s no applause.”

Other honorees during Commencement, in addition to Robinson, include:

Margaret R. Kaplen – Kaplen is a nurse, philanthropist, and community leader.  An alumna of Dominican University’s nursing program and President of the Kaplen Foundation, Kaplen has made her supporting nurses and nursing education a central focus of her philanthropic mission.  She was awarded an honorary degree of Humane Letters for her unwavering generosity in advancing the nursing profession and expanding educational opportunities for countless students.

Mary Bernadette “Molly” O’Donnell ’13 – Since graduating from Dominican University  in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, O’Donnell has been a model of leadership and service in the Goshen, New York, community.  She is currently the Commissioner of Jurors for Orange County, New York, and was the former mayor of the village of Goshen.  Her tireless advocacy of small businesses civic engagement, and the arts have earned her numerous honors, including being named a Woman of Distinction by the New York State Assembly.  O’Donnell was the recipient of the 2026 Badami Outstanding Alumna Award.

Dr. Carl Procario-Foley – Procario-Foley serves as the Executive Director of the Center at Mariandale, a retreat and conference center which is a ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Hope. He guides the center in pursing the Sisters’ commitments to care for the earth, support the marginalized, and inform participants of the transformative power of hope.  Under his leadership, Mariandale has begun offering opportunities for students from colleges and universities around the country.  Procario-Foley was presented with the 2026 Veritas Medal.

There were 349 Dominican University graduates in 2026 who earned 30 doctoral degrees, 90 master’s degrees, 228 bachelor’s degrees and 1 associates degree.

Arts Funding Fundraiser with RSO

Al DiMeola – one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time, has graciously offered to headline this house party fundraising event from 2:00 – 4:00 PM on May 31st! Local legendary artist Bill Batson will also be in the house. Here is the back story.

On April 14, 2026 there was a Rockland County meeting of the Legislature, primarily on the Safety And Dignity Act – legislation where many advocates including myself spoke. I also spoke after Elliott Forest of ArtsRock and of WQXR fame, regarding the impacts of the County’s inexplicable funding cuts to arts and nonprofit organizations. When these organizations originally applied for the funding through Tourism grants and or other grants there were not any stipulations attached. Then organizations were informed that if they accepted the funds, which were slashed from previous years funding, the funds would have to be used in one shot to support the 250 Anniversary of the U.S. and or of FIFA World Cup events. Local organizations use these funds year round to support all of their programs.

The arts are an economic driver throughout Rockland County. People go to brunch, lunch and dinners before and after events throughout Rockland County, supporting our local businesses and often going window shopping and on gift buying sprees! I spoke about the chain reaction these cuts in funding have. I play the flute with the RSO and both the RSO and ArtsRock use the Angel in Nyack as a performance space. However, both ArtsRock and The Angel in Nyack- which by the way continues to support Soup Angels (funded by generous donations only) had their funding slashed. Nyack is a known cultural hotbed year round – hosting locals such as Sam Wayman, Frankie D and even non locals such as flutists James Galway and Hubert Laws!  News update: Arts organizations and nonprofits are appealing this and trying to negotiate with the County.

For our Children’s Concert which was held on March 8th in conjunction with ArtsRock, RSO conductor Dr.Nicole Peragine created an interactive childrens piece titled “Once More with Feeling” – connecting feelings and music and then a young woman – Violet Buell from the community, was The  Narrator for a shadow play show of The Emperor Has No Clothes.The children and their parents really enjoyed the afternoon. Our concert this year was at the Angel. Our Children’s Concert next year would be at the Angel. Because of the cuts and terms of use of these funds, our concert may not get scheduled as our concerts typically cost up to about $6,000, including rehearsal space, paid musicians and many other costs associated with putting on a concert. We share the Children’s Concerts cost with ArtsRock which receives some funding from the County and other grants although the RSO does not. Given all of this, we realized that the RSO had to create a fundraiser.

Because of this massive hit to arts organization and standing in solidarity with them, on April 14th, during the legislative session, I invited all of the 17 legislators to attend this fundraiser – in part to help make up for this unexpected deficit of funds to the arts.We hope to raise funds to support our Children’s Concert in conjunction with ArtsRock and to support the RSO Rising Stars Concert which honors the winner(s) of the Rockland County Music Teachers Guild Concerto Competition by having them play their winning piece with the RSO. That concert is at 4:00 PM on June 7th at the Angel. The RSO hopes you might open your purse strings for our fundraiser on May 31st and celebrate Rockland Arts Independence!  Please join us for an afternoon of tasty treats, an open bar, wonderful company and great music. Thank you!

Purchase tickets on eventbrite. If you can’t attend but would like to leave a donation, please visit RocklandSymphony.org.

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