The Hudson River, flowing for 315 miles from its source in the Adirondack Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean at New York City, has played an important role in our history. Even before Dutch and Germans settled its shores, the river was a major trade route for early Native Americans. Later, during Colonial times, it provided a means to transport products such as fur, wheat and timber. The Hudson River also played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War.

Within the last two weeks, two very reliable witnesses - Jane Bernick and Grace Knowlton - have reported seeing black felines, at least the size of large dogs, on the Lamont hill. They conjecture that these might perhaps be a pair of young black panthers, escaped from or abandoned by someone nearby who was raising them. On March 15 Lisa Larkin saw one panther beside the Palisades Parkway between exit 3 and exit 4.

It is the Dept of Highways understanding that there is $150,000 in the 2009 budget for sidewalks in the Town of Orangetown. The Town Board determines how the sidewalk money is to be allocated. Last week there were 3 Highway Dept men assessing both the north (the wooded area) and south side (in front of the Ottley’s and the Papay’s) of Oak Tree Road between the Post Office and RT 9W.

There are many who have expressed safety concerns about this stretch of Oak Tree Road and are in favor of a sidewalk being built, NOW IS THE TIME to let Thom Kleiner and the Council members know that a sidewalk is necessary for the safety of children, pedestrians and commuters along this hazardous stretch of Oak Tree Road between RT 9W and the Post Office.

Festive Launch for the Third Edition of Palisades Famous Cookbook
On November 1, the Palisades Community Center kicked off the new Pots & Pans in Palisades cookbook with a tasting party. Amidst twinkling lights and with a glass of wine in hand, a hundred fifty partygoers sampled recipes from the cookbook contributed by dozens of Palisadians. We thank Alice Gerard and Mary Tiegreen for recreating a third edition of this cookbook, the first in forty years, and donating all profits from the sale of the cookbook to the Palisades Community Center Restoration Campaign. So far, almost 250 cookbooks have been sold.

Good news! On October 22, 2008, Orange & Rockland was scheduled to go another round with the Town Planning Board regarding their proposal to build an electrical substation on Oak Tree Road in Tappan. However, a few days before the meeting was to happen, O & R requested that it be postponed until January 28, 2009, so that the company could review their architectural and engineering options for the substation site. Tom Brizzolara, Director of Public Affairs for Orange & Rockland Utilities, then called “SaveTappan” committee organizer Don Sullivan and told him that O & R had “heard us” and would respond to community concerns.

On November 4th, 2008, our backyard expanded to include over half of American voters, and much of the globe, but – indulge me – I was unprepared for my reaction.

The election results for Palisades tell us something about ourselves, some or all of which perhaps we already knew. First of all, turnout was robust. 81% of registered voters for all of 10964 voted; 85% in District 12 at the Presbyterian Church, and 75% in District 50 at the Firehouse in Sparkill.

It is with great sadness that we report to you the latest development with one of our Palisades landmarks, the Gas Station on Rte 9W. Since the 1930s, the station was a prominent stop for travelers north and south. It hosted local fruit and vegetable stands and displayed local artwork. The food stand served countless bikers, travelers and residents. It was a location shoot for dozens of films and when it was the "Oasis" food stand, the cook, Khaled Elkady (now the owner of Tappan’s Village Grille), even threw a local party complete with a belly dancer.

In Palisades District #12, there was 72% voter turnout for 810 registered voters. This district votes at the Palisades Presbyterian Church. President Obama received 397 votes, and McCain received 188. In the N.Y. Senate race, Julian received 301 votes to Morahan's 233 votes.

At 4:00 a.m., on Sunday, Nov 23, a wild car chase involving police cars from Haverstraw and Northvale, NJ and an alleged drunk driver ended with the arrest of a Nyack resident who had parked his car on Washington Spring Rd. in the dark, presumably to evade arrest.

On Thursday, October 16, about 25 of Palisades’ senior citizens met in the Community Room of the Palisades Presbyterian Church to consider some legal issues that affect them more as they grow older.

19 Closter Road
Palisades, NY 10964
(845)359-0136, Fax (845)359-6124
pal@rcls.org
www.rcls.org/pal

The wonderful farmers markets in Nyack and Piermont are bursting with autumnal abundance, and this is an excellent thing. Many specialty items sold at these markets are available year-round. Here are two of my favorites:

As the fall begins, Palisades Presbyterian Church returns to our regular schedule.

Weekly service and gatherings schedule:
Sundays: 10am Worship and Sunday School
Tuesdays: 10am Tai Chi
Wednesdays: 12:15pm Bible Study
Thursdays: 10am-12 noon Play Group
8pm Choir Rehearsal
Fridays: 10am Chair Tai

Great Music in a Great Space

GraceMusic began in 1969 with a Messiah Sing that has now become a holiday tradition. Throughout its 38-year history, GraceMusic has presented an impressive list of performers featuring Rockland-based and internationally recognized musicians. Musical variety is central in the selection of concerts, ranging from familiar favorites to new styles, sounds and performers. Past concerts featured Anonymous 4, the “downtown” string quartet Ethel, cellists David Geber and Julia Lichten, British organist David Briggs, the Princeton Singers and the percussion ensemble Talujon.

This autumn marks the 10th anniversary of the Children’s Shakespeare Theatre of Palisades, the renowned theatre group revived, nurtured and inspired by Diana Green, its Creative Director. On the face of it, this is an improbable achievement for an acting company comprised entirely of child actors performing Shakespeare after school in a hamlet church. Diana’s son Dakota, a founding CST cast member, said the milestone reflects not only his mother’s dedication, but also the community’s willingness to support the theatre. It is a testament to CST and to her, he says, that kids continue to be interested, adding that if CST has not actually changed kids’ lives, it certainly has influenced them. (Caroline Iosso, another founding cast member, writes eloquently of her acting experience in CST on the 10964 website.)

Palis-Agers

All Palis-Agers (Palisades residents 75 years old or older) are invited to a meeting to discuss Elder Law at 1:30pm on Thursday, October 16. The meeting will be held at the Annex to the Palisades Presbyterian Church, 117 Washington Spring Road, which is handicapped- accessible. Palisades attorney David Englander will be present to answer questions. Please call Alice Gerard at 359-4338, for further information. Refreshments will be served.

The residents of Tappan and nearby towns have become increasingly alarmed at Orange & Rockland’s plan, discovered only last Spring. Here are some of our most important concerns regarding this issue.

October 22 PLANNING BOARD MEETING CANCELLED - READ ON FOR IMPORTANT NEWS!!

Prior Court Family hosts BBC reporters during their 15-state trip.

reprinted from The Journal News