Sinterklaas Program 2014

An Old Dutch Tradition in the Hudson Valley

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2014KINGSTON, NEW YORK

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2014RHINEBECK, NEW YORK

SinterklaasHudsonValley.com

Join the Parade and our community celebration of hope for a joyous and peaceful world . ALL WELCOME.

Facebook.com/sinterklaasrhinebeckFacebook.com/sinterklaaskingston

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The Spirit of Sinterklaas

He was Odin.And Good King Wenceslas.

Pere Noel, Father Frost.Then he was St. Nicholas.

He became Sinterklaas.Then Santa Claus.

He’s even been called“Sandy Claws.”

He is Mother Teresa, Ghandi,the Dalai Lama and Schindler.But whatever name we have

called him, he has alwaysbeen the same.

He loves children, is generous,protects and honors the poor,

brings blessings and gifts,protection, food and clothing.He comes at the darkest time

to remind us of the light.He is the good king,

the kind teacher;he “flies” to those in need,the creatures all love him,he comes with good intent.His bag is really full of love

and hope and caring...He is humanity at its best.

5THINGS YOU MUST DO AT SINTERKLAAS!

MAKE YOUR CROWN and Decorate your Branch for the Parade. Crowns & Branches in the Fire House— more info on page 6.

MAKE YOUR WISHKids and parents alike—visit the WISH LADY and the PEACE DOVE. Details on page 6.

GET YOUR STARRead all about it in the blue box.

ENJOY THE DAY! Discover all the magic, music and special performances inside and out. Study the schedule inside.

COME TO THE PAGEANT After the PARADE passes follow along to the PAGEANT and the STAR CEREMONY. Remember to bring your STAR!

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WELCOME!This is the celebration where CHILDREN are

transformed into KINGS and QUEENS and honored as the bringers of the light at the darkest time of year.

The tradition of Sinterklaas comes all the way from the Netherlands, brought by Dutch settlers who arrived in Rhinebeck over 300 years ago. Sinterklaas, the patron of children and sailors, finds a welcoming community in the Mid-Hudson Valley as we re-create the story

through the lens of modern-day America.

Our revived tradition is non-denominational and all inclusive — everyone is invited to participate! The

young, the old, the in-between — absolutely everyone and anyone who wants to be part of a community of hope for a joyous and peaceful world are all welcome.

Inside this book you will find more than a schedule to help you navigate the plethora of events and activities.

You will also find the history, the stories, and the details that will add to the richness of the experience

for you and your family!

Be sure to get your STAR for the Children’s Star Celebration after the parade. Look for them on sale at shops with the Sinterklaas “Stars for Sale Here” sign, and at the “Ask Me” table.Read more on page 13.

WHY YOU NEED A STAR At the end of the parade, everyone will gather for the final ritual of the pageant, the moment you and your STAR have been waiting for. The Master of Cer-emonies will call upon all those present to honor our children, our hope for the future, our joy of today.

He will ask you to bow down on one knee to the children. At that time you will bow down and hold your STAR at the children’s waist level elevating them, for a brief moment, on a sea of stars above every-one in the community. Then you will be asked to stand again and raise your star above your heads – thus placing you, the children and the entire community in its proper place in the firmament—all of us as one and at peace under the stars.

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KINGSTON NOVEMBER 29SINTERKLAAS SEND-OFF CELEBRATION Performances, events & happenings in a variety of locations through-out the city.

THE RONDOUT WATERFRONT

4:15pm

Children’s Maritime Parade Process with Sinterklaas amid a floatilla of boats, star lanterns, windwheels, and the Hummingbird (honored animal). Follow along with your Crowns & Branches to the water’s edge and bid Adeiu as Sinterklaas sets off for Holland. B-way & Garraghan Dr.

Sinterklaas is a Bi-Coastal Celebration: Kingston to Rhinebeck (Spain to Holland!)

12:00-12:45pm

MID-TOWN Parrots for PeaceKingston Library, 55 Franklin St.

1:00—5:30pm

SHUTTLE BUSMakes continuous loops from the Kingston Library, stops at the mid-town municipal lot on Thomas St, to the Rondout. Last bus leaves downtown at 5:30pm

At The Kingston Home Port and Education Center at the Hudson River Maritime Museum 50 Rondout Landing

11:00am-3:00pm (Doors close promptly at 3pm)

Crowns & Branches Workshop12:00-3:45pm

Broadway Photo Booth Make your Crowns and Branches and then get your picture taken with them

11:00am-3:00pm

The Annual Mitten Tree ProjectPlease donate new “warm & fuzzy” child-sized mittens, gloves, winter scarves and hats for children who wish to play outdoors at recess time and during after-school programs. Items delivered to area children week of December 16.

Olivieri’s 63 Broadway

12:00pm Sarah & Liz: A Musical Performance

A.S.K. 97 Broadway

1:00pm Dorcinda Knaus leads the Kingston Maennenchor and Damenchor in Traditional European Christmas Songs. With soloist Kerry Henderson, operatic baritone and founder of Opera Theater of Kingston

2:00pm Ivy Vine Players Puppet Show

3:00pm Dog on Fleas

Trolley Museum, 89 West Strand

1:00pm Karen Pillsworth, Storyteller

2:00pm Parrots for Peace

2:00pm Face Painting with Felicita Chipak

Karmabee 73a Broadway1:00-2:00pm Nan’s Art Playshop, creative fun for kids & grownups

73B Broadway1:00—3:00pm Balloon Sculpting with Amazing Magic Productions

TR Gallo Park2:30-3:30pm The Wayfinder Experience, an arts and education program, they will run team based sword games with play-safe foam weapons through imaginative play and storytelling which incorporates fun, ath-letic games such as capture the flag and improvisational duels.

Open Houses & Workshops Galore1:00—4:00pm

Warming Station and Hot Chocolate, Savona’s Trattoria,11 Broadway

Open House, Vetere Real Estate, 37 Broadway

Open House, On the Hill Antiques, 41 Broadway

Hot Chocolate served up free at the Open House at Olivieri’s Arts, Crafts & Coffee, 63 Broadway

Open House & Cookie Decorating Workshop, Milne’s At Home Antiques, 81 Broadway

The Honored Animal: The Hummingbird Exhibit, Art Reception at The Storefront Gallery, 93 Broadway

Wine tasting highlighting affordable esoteric wines — perfect for Holiday parties or gifts. Kingston Wine Co., 65 Broadway

Ornament Making Workshop, Jay Teske Leather Co., 25 Broadway

Mint, 1 West Strand: And now a little something for your adult listening pleasure!3:00pm Strings and Percussion Trio5:00pm Nancy Tierney and The Boys

Milne’s At Home Antiques 81 Broadway. 5:00-7:00pm Shopping Party at with a very exciting pop up holiday shop featuring fabulous gifts. Wine and appetizers will be served!

Ulster County Tourism and Kingston Heritage Area Visitors Center, 20 Broadway

5:15pm Tree Lighting Mariner’s Harbor, 1 Broadway

5:30—7:00pm Sinterklaas Soiree with Lindsey Webster Band

Even as far away as the tropic climes, the Hummingbirds could just FEEL the Joy that comes to Rhinebeck on Sinterklaas Day and they had to

find out what it is all about!Two Hummingbird scouts from the warmer climes appeared

suddenly at our Star Party to check out the scene—and were they surprised! They were

greeted by so many happy children with Giant Flowers to feed them that after enjoying

the nectar party, they flew right back to the tropics and told the rest of their clan to

come up for Sinterklaas Day. All the children at the Star Party promised that they

would have hundreds of flowers awaiting the Hummingbirds to revive

them after their long journey north to be with us at Sinterklaas.

We have kept our promise and have made countless flowers

that will greet them on their arrival.

And we have another surprise for them. In their honor, we have made a Giant Hummingbird for the Parade!

We’ve learned the Hummingbirds have come with a mission! As the

Guardians of Friendship they have arranged for those children carrying

Hummingbirds to meet up with the children carrying flowers! So, when the

children carrying a nourishing flower encounter a Hummingbird, they should make

sure that the flower and the hummingbird meet and at the same time they, too,

will meet a new friend.

In Native American tradition it is believed that the song

of the Hummingbird awakens the medicine flowers—

and that portends a time of healing—when the

entire community comes together as one.

Flowers love Hummingbird because nectar

sucking brings about the reproduction of their families.

Plants flower and live because of Hummingbird.

Hummingbird can fly in any direction—up, down, backward and

forward. Hummingbird can also hover in one spot and appear to be motionless. Because of

their magical qualities, Hummingbird feathers have been used for millennium in the making

of love charms. It is said that Hummingbird conjures love as no other medicine does, and that

Hummingbird feathers open the heart. Without an open and loving heart, you can never taste

the nectar and pure bliss of life. To Hummingbird, life is a wonderland of delight - darting

from one beautiful flower to another, tasting the essences and radiating the colors.

Hummingbird holds the Bow of Beauty, which is delicately inlaid with gold and silver

flowers, pearls, and precious jewels. Hummingbird disdains ugliness or harshness, and

quickly flies away from discord or disharmony. They know instinctively where beauty abides

and, near or far, they journey to it. Beauty is its target, and its mission is to spread joy.

BLESSING OF THE HUMMINGBIRD

I am the hummingbird You are the flower

This is the moment , That is my power.

Power of beauty I arrive ,Startling strength

I’m here! Alive!

Wing beat, heartbeat, in seconds astound-

Forward, backward, upside down!The motion of my wings

a sound.A sound that penetrates the core

Of sky, earth, water and your Essence.

I am the sun in disguise,You are the moon

With beautiful eyes.

Flash of color ,Speed of light,Warrior spirit,

Solo flight.

We are together, We are alone,

Joy is the nectarThat you own: Give it freely ,

Now it abounds -Like fields of flowers all around .

Listen - to - my - sound...

—Gigi Alvaré November 13, 2014

THIS YEAR’S HONORED ANIMAL: HUMMINGBIRDJoy! • Lightness of Being • Playfulness • Bringing Folks Together • Resiliency • Sweetness • Joy!

Everyone is asking — Why would such fragile creatures as Hummingbirds come to Rhinebeck in the cold, cold Winter? There are no flowers in bloom to sustain their lives and the weight of a snowflake could send them into a tailspin. Well, the answer is simple! The Hummingbird flies toward JOY!



Find Your Way! On the next page you will see a handy map of all the Sinterklaas venues in the Village. Match the numbers from the schedule to the numbers on the map to find your way! Example:•1 =

RHINEBECK FESTIVAL DAY: DECEMBER 611:00am BEAR BEAUTY CONTEST at Samuel’sDress your favorite bear up in anything you wish and bring it to SAMUEL’S to meet other bears and maybe win a prize. All children and adults are invited to submit entries! Many categories! Many honors! Plus photos with Miss New York Teen Contestant Raquel Ringgold and her sparkling tiara.

THE BEEKMAN ARMSAll day long, hosting jesters, puppets & stories — fit for our Kings & Queens!

12:00pmOPENING CEREMONY: WORDS BEFORE ALL ELSE by Victorio “Roland” Moussa, Native American Blessing, Drumming and Song. Hear the Iroquois Story of the Hummingbird.

—followed immediately by—

STORYTELLING by famed storyteller Jonathan Kruk. Hear the legend of St. Nicholas and Dutch New York, Hanukkah Stories, and a Hummingbird Tale.

—followed immediately by—

A special performance of

ST. GEORGE and the DRAGONBEEKMAN ARMS PUPPET THEATER 1:30pm Leela Puppet Theater

A Boisterous Rajasthani Marionette Circus

2:00pm Ivy Vine Players, Grian MacGregor

2:30pm Tom Hanford Puppets: Wassail, Wassail! Songs and Stories of the Season

3:00pm Roger the Jester, Mad Cap Fun!

3:30pm Storycrafters tell the story of the Snow Queen

4:00pm Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra

4:30pm Leela Puppet Theater

Visit the ILLUMINATED BOOK Created by Nadine Robbins, Grace Gunning, and Molly Ahearn with help from James Gurney, Richard Prouse, and Andy Neal.

THE THIRD EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH MUSIC & THEATER Livingston St. 1:30pm Betty and the Baby Boomers

2:00pm Bard College Georgian Choir

2:30pm St. George & the Dragon 3:00pm Community Music Space

Young Performers

3:30pm Improv students from Mary Ward & Co, Acting and Improv Studio

4:00pm Raspberry Hill Fiddlers

MUSIC at REFORM CHURCH SANCTUARYSouth St. (across from The Beekman Arms

1:00pm Mamalama with their overflowing magic chest of exotic instruments

1:30pm Mexico Beyond Mariachi

2:00pm Woodstock Renaissance

2:30pm R’ozsa: Gypsy & Street Music from Old Europe

3:00pm Winter Song Fest: Students of the graduate Vocal Arts Program of the Bard College Conservatory of Music

3:30pm Mexico Beyond Mariachi

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FIRE HOUSE 10:00am–4:00pmCROWNS & BRANCHES WORKSHOP Children are at the heart of the Sinterklaas story: they are KINGS & QUEENS of the Day and we honor them in the parade and the pageant. Make sure they get a chance to make their crowns and adorn their branches for the evening events!

• CHILDREN: Before you leave the workshop be SURE to visit the

WISH LADY. Make your wish for your family, your community and the world. Tie them in your branch.

• ADULTS be sure to place YOUR wishes in the Peace Dove!

• Parents: PURCHASE YOUR STARS so you can participate in the Children’s Star Celebration following the Parade.

• Grab a flag for the Parade

HOT MEALS!Fun food all over town.

Our Local Restaurateurs have gone out of their way to

provide warm and tasty snacks, drinks, and meals for everyone for

Sinterklaas Day .

And the Churches are serving up 3 lunches…

Third Evangelical Lutheran Church12:00-4:30pm

Church of the Messiah Parish Hall 11:00am–5:00pm

Cordes Hall at the Reformed Church 11:30am–2:00pm

and a dinner:Brogan Center Spaghetti Dinner

Provided by the Good Shepherd Catholic Church

and the Reformed Church 4:30—8:00pm

You are sure to find something just right for you.

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Ask Me Ladies!

Have questions? Want to buy Official Sinterklaas Stars, Hummingbirds, Flowers, tote bags, and more? The Ask Me Ladies can help. Find their booth in front of the Beekman Arms. Or look for the ladies on the street.

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Beekm

an Arms

For Your Convenience • Baby Changing Station at Waddle

and Swaddle• Find Porta Potties in the

Municipal Parking lot.


4:00pm ROBERT SABUDA POP-UP BOOK Demonstration & Book Signing at OBLONG BOOKS Experience the magic of the pop-up book with master pop-up book engineer and artist. He will talk about his new book The Dragon and The Knight: A Pop-Up Misadventure, the 20th Anniversary edition of his classic book The Christmas Alphabet!

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•13Shows at1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm

ONE-RING SINTERCIRKUS Starring Ringmistress Philomena and Mr. Pennygaff.

Afternoon FLIGHTS of FANCY with the BINDLESTIFF FAMILY CIRKUS

at UPSTATE FILMS perfect for ages 3 and up

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ALL AFTERNOON OUTSIDE

•2CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH1:00pm Hudson Valley Brass

from the Bard College Conservatory of Music

INTO THE LIGHT A HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR Shows at: 2:00pm, 3:00pm & 4:00pm

Presented by The Vanaver Caravan & The Arm of the Sea TheaterA Holiday story of a Young Girl’s Journey throughout the World searching for the Light. Features Giant Puppets and music and dances from Holland, Sweden, Israel, Mexico, Ireland and more!

TOWN HALL MAGIC, MUSIC & DANCE Hosted by the unforgetable Mrs. Beekman (our own Cindy Kubick)

12:30pm Grumpus MAGIC by Andy Weintraub

1:00pm Dog On Fleas: intelligent, gutsy music for kids & adults

2:00pm Hungry March Band

2:30pm Rhinebeck School of Dance

3:00pm D’AMBY Dance

3:30pm Mid-Hudson Mexican Folkloric Group

4:00pm Natyanikethan—Indian Dance

4:30pm Solas An Lae—Irish Dance

LIBERTY LOUNGE 4 BIG TINY PUPPET SHOWS downstairs in the magical, secret underground venue, presenting

TOY THEATERContinual performances all afternoon. Come be transported…

• Classic Punch & Judy with Amy Trompetter

• “Santa Klaus Hot Gekhalisht” from Great Small Works

• “The Perils of Mr. Punch” from Modern Times Theater

• “Hao Bang Ha, Horse!” from Chinese Theater Works

IN THE BAR AT LIBERTY2:30-4:30pmCaprice Rouge & Raya Brass Band

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JUST ARRIVED FROM THE ARCTIC!! THE POLAR BEARwith his Trainer & Musical Sidekick Sing a song and watch the bear transform.

HUMMINGBIRD ENCOUNTERS With this year’s Honored Animal

THE POCKET LADY Sinterklaas’ Symbol of Generosity Find her with her “Pocket Lady Pal” just about anywhere around town. Go inside her beautiful cape and see what secret surprise she has in store just for you!

MOTHER HOLLY Become a member of the Hummingbird clan. Hear stories of creatures large & small.THE CHINELOS Traditional dancers in spectacular costumes from the state of Morelos, Mexico.

RAYA BRASS BAND & THE KUKERI Fiery Brass inspires these traditional Balkan creatures to scare away winter’s evil spirits!

In the Foster’s Parking Lot:

MICHAEL ROSMANWIRE WALKING & FEATS OF COMEDY! HOME SPUN MERRY-GO-ROUND

PLUS…• ‘Twas The Night before

ChristmaS with Carl Welden• Pokingbrook Morris Dancers• Bond Street Stilt Band• Roger the Jester• Our Own Grumpuses!• Rainbow Singers• The Hungry March Band• Daytop Singers• The Mortal Beasts &

Dieties Stilters

Get a Keepsake of the day fromSINTERKLAAS PHOTOBOOTH in front of CVS. Have your children’s picture taken while sporting their crowns and branches!

Shows at: 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm

JENNYSATURN BIG HULA HOOP SHOW

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Livingston Street

West

East Market Street

Oak Street

Chestnut Street

Mill Street

Center Street

South Street

Key to the Map1. BeekmanArms2. ChurchoftheMessiah3. ChurchOfMessiahParishHall4. DapsonChesneyFuneralHome5. FireHouse(Crowns&Branches)6. ReformChurch7. Foster’sLot8. LutheranChurch9. MunicipalLot:Siteof

ParadeGrandFinale10. Samuel’s&CVS11. StarrLibrary12. RhinebeckTownHall13. UpstateFilms&Liberty14. WinterSun&SummerMoom15. “AskMe”Ladies(get

information)16. ChamberHolidayTree17. TheCourtyard18. ParadeRoute•••••19. OblongBooks20. BroganCenter

Garden Street

Market Street

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308

Red Hook

Page

ant & Star Ceremony

P

arade Assembles Here

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Crow

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Branches W

orkshop

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5:00pmLiving Nativity Reformed Church

5:30pmHAVDALAH Candle LightingIn the Dapson-Chestney Parking Lot. Walk two blocks west from the traffic light. Led by the Northern Dutchess Hebrew School, J.A.N.D. and Temple Emanuel.

6:00pm

Parade begins on West Market St. and proceeds through the Village & continues to the Municipal Lot for the Star Pageant. See the map below for the route.

6:30 pmPAGEANT & the Children’s STAR CEREMONY in the Municipal Parking Lot immediately following the Parade. ALL are requested to walk along at the end of the Parade to be a part of the Children’s Star Celebration featuring • Fire Juggling • The Blessing of the Hummingbird • On the Lam Band • The Peace Dove.

7:30pmWASSAIL WITH RAYA BRASS BAND Meet in front of Liberty. Join a raccous tour of the town’s watering holes with song and dance!

7:30-9:00pm HOEDOWN in Town Hall with John Kirk, Trish Miller & Quickstep. Great for Families! 8:00–11:00pmSINTERKLAAS DANCE at LIBERTY For Adults. With the Dixieland sound of the

ON THE LAM BAND An explosion of sound and dance from

Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra

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All Invited!

Fall in Line &

Follow the Parade

to the Pageant!

Bring your Stars!

map

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to K

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LIBERTY

CHILDREN’S STARLIGHT PARADE

…AND INTO THE NIGHTCHILDREN’S STARLIGHT PARADE & GRAND FINAL PAGEANT

Bring your Crowns & Branches, STARS & Flags!

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Mulberry Street

Parking at the Rhinebeck High School, 45 North Park Rd.

Parking Two lots at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds: one at Mulberry & Platt Street Lot and another Mulberry Street & Fair Cross Way (at Mulberry Street entrance to Fairgrounds).

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Find more

Parking Information

on

the website



CHILDREN’S STARLIGHT PARADEWho’s Who in the Parade

• HEAR, HEAR! Uncle DeWitt’s Bell heralds the way.

• SINTERKLAAS with his white horse.

• THE HOLDERS OF THE LIGHT 2014 The Stickle Family—Leah, Matt, Gage and Maxwell

• THE SEVEN SISTERS. Stars from the cosmos that look down on us from afar and allow us to look up and dream. And their Seven Little Sisters.

• THE HONORED ANIMAL THE HUMMINGBIRD. JOY! Find the story on page 3.

• THE GRUMPUSES are his wild sidekicks who carry out Sinterklaas’ judgment on the children—either switches for the bad or candies for the good. But, our Grumpuses are people you know in the community who are candy men, there for joyous revels and to delight the children.

• THE SNOW KING & QUEEN from the celestial realm.

• THE POLAR BEAR! Sing to him and watch him dance.

• THE STAR CHILD who brings us the Sinterklaas Star each year.

• ALL THE KINGS’ HORSES the Hobby Horse Brigade.

• GRANDMOTHER EARTH on whom we all live. She’s the mother of us all, the Guiding Spirit of the Parade reminding us to take care of her.

• THE 4 SEASONS—the moods of Grandmother Earth. We especially honor Winter this time of year.

• THE ABBOTS BROMLEY HORN DANCE The most ancient Dance ever recorded. There are 12 characters representing a deer hunt. The pattern of the dance mimics the way in which a deer walks though

the woods—in a figure 8 pattern—to the accompaniment of a haunting slip jig.

• THE CAROUSEL A child’s Toy Box writ large!

• THE BLUE DOG Some things have no explanation!

• ST. GEORGE AND THE DRAGON A cosmic play of Good and Evil.

HONORED ANIMALS FROM THE PAST: FOX • HORSE.• THE CROW • GOOSE • BEAR • TURTLE

THE CHINESE LION. For good luck.

• THE PENGUINS. Visitors from the arctic.

• WILD WOMEN—If you have Wild Men (The Grumpuses) you have to have Wild Women and thanks to Abby Saxon we do have a fantastic gaggle!

• 1911 BAKER ELECTRIC CAR— Back to the future!

• MUSIC OF ALL TRADITIONS: Klezmer, Bagpipe, Dixieland, Irish, Didgeridoo, Balkan, Ukrainian, Mexican & Indonesian.

• THE TURTLE. On whose back the Earth was formed.

• CREATURES FROM THE FARM The sheep, the cows, the llamas, the rams. They join their wild brothers.

• CHINELOS. Whirling reminders of Mexico and its Holiday Traditions.

• THE POCKET LADY Our symbol of generosity

• THE FLOCK OF DOVES Guardians of the Peace Dove.

• THE PEACE DOVE Our wish for the world. The night ends with a wish for Peace in the world so that we will all live in

community with each other, enjoying and celebrating our differences, hoping for Joy for

All in this, our precious World.

BE SURE TO JOIN THE PARADE AFTER IT PASSES BY! BRING YOUR STARS!


A LITTLE SINTERkLAAS HISTORyThe Tradition of Sinterklaas Day

Many people ask: what is this celebration that happens early in December? Why have a special interest and pride in this time of year?

The answer: we are honoring the Hudson Valley’s Dutch heritage by recreating customs that the settlers from Holland brought to the Hudson Valley. The Dutch people who came to Rhinebeck over 300 years ago brought a celebration with them that was already a deeply rooted part of their traditions.

The ritual was simple enough. Each year on December 6 (that’s the Dutch tradition, ours in the first Saturday in December), a town resident dressed up as Sinterklaas (that is, elegantly garbed in a bishop’s tall hat, red cape, shiny ring, and jeweled staff). Mounted on a white steed, this Sinterklaas would ride through town knocking on doors late at night. He would be accompanied by his long-time sidekick, the Grumpus. Also known as Black Peter, the Grumpus — a wild looking half-man, half-beast character — rattled chains and threatened to steal away the naughtiest children in his big black bag. And for those “less bad” he had switches for exacting lesser punishments! And for the good children — Sinterklaas and the Grumpus would deliver a bag of goodies.

Over the years, as towns developed and houses grew closer together, Sinterklaas’ ride turned into a Parade that still happens in Holland to this day, and is the most popular of all Dutch holidays.

Who was Sinterklaas? At the start, Sinterklaas was a real person name Nicholas, born in the 4th century in Myra, Asia Minor. As a grown man he became a bishop. Little else is known about him—except that he loved children.

A story is told about Sinterklaas to illustrate this point: Three little

boys dined at an inn and, after eating their fill, informed the innkeeper that they could not pay their bill. To exact payment, the innkeeper chopped them up into little bits and cooked them in a stew.

Nicholas heard about the awful deed and came to the inn to find pieces of the boys boiling away in the pot. He told the innkeeper that if he, Nicholas, could find one little piece of each boy that was good, he would perform a miracle and bring all three back to life. Now, what child does not have at least one little piece of good in him? And, so Sinterklaas returned the boys to life and took them into his care.

There is also the story of the three sisters: Once upon a time there were three beautiful daughters of a poor peasant. The first was very blonde, the second had raven hair, and the third auburn. When they grew up they fell in love with three pleasant young men. But the sisters could not get married because they had no dowry. That made them very sad. One night, as Sinterklaas was out riding, he looked through a window and saw the three lovely, but sad sisters. When he heard why they could not marry the young men they loved he went back to his palace and gave the Grumpus three little bags. Each contained a hundred golden ducats. He asked the Grumpus to drop the little bags into the girls’ shoes, and an hour later they were rich. They married the three nice young men and lived happily ever after!

To this day, children leave a carrot in their shoes hoping to attract Sinterklaas’ attention and reward. Since then Sinterklaas, known as St. Nicholas, has become known as the patron saint of unwed maidens.

How this kindly 4th-century bishop made his way from Asia Minor through Italy, Spain and all of Northern Europe where he is still honored today is hard to say, but by the 11th century he had become the patron saint not only of children and unwed maidens, but of sailors and the City of Amsterdam as well.

His association with Amsterdam goes back to the time of the Spanish Inquisition, which had spread to

Holland in the Middle Ages. Rumor had it that a Nicholas was Bishop of the Cathedral in Amsterdam. When the Spaniards came from Spain to trade with the Dutch, they also smuggled in adults and children whose lives were threatened by the Inquisition against Jews in Spain. Nicholas took in all the children no matter their faith.

Today in HollandThere is not a single family in Holland that does not in some way or another honor the old “Bishop” and his servant the

Grumpus with a party, a small get-together or by going to somebody’s else’s house to celebrate. There may be many presents, or just a few—tables laden with traditional candles and cookie—or just a pot of hot chocolate. The house may be teeming with children, or have perhaps just a few grown-ups around the dining room table—but the Sinterklaas spirit is everywhere. Every December Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam by boat. He comes from in Spain. We reenact this journey, in our bi-coastal celebration, with Kingston playing the role of Spain and Rhinebeck the role of Holland. Our Sinterklaas makes his way in a Children’s Maritime Parade in the Rondout of Kingston, boards the Tugboat Cornell, sailing off to reappear a week later in Rhinebeck. In Holland he is traditionally greeted by a group of Grumpuses and a million people come out to see his arrival and triumphant parade through the streets of the city. The rest of the country watches on TV. It is far and away the most wonderful and exciting festivity in the land!


DUTCH TREATS!! Did you know that “cookie” is a Dutch word? And that the first chocolate in America came from Holland?Not only did children in New Amsterdam (NYC) love the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas, they also quickly came to love another tradition the Dutch brought to the New World: cookies!! The Dutch word was “koekje,” and meant “little cake.” The Dutch brought the “koekjes” to America in the 17th century and the word became “cookie.” Much like Sinterklaas became Santa Claus. The first cookies were created by accident. Cooks used a small amount of cake batter to test their oven temperature before baking a large cake. Almost immediately the Dutch knew they had discovered something very, very good. Before long, special cookies were being made for the Dutch’s favorite holiday—Sinterklaas. These cookies are called Speculaas. Find recipes at sinterkaalsrhinebeck.com

CHOCOLATE LETTERSAt many Dutch Sinterklaas Eve parties, the very last surprise in Sinterklaas’ special burlap sack, are chocolate initials, the first let-ter of each person’s name.There will be one for each per-son—the first given to the young-est child, then on up to the oldest person present. These letters are popular throughout the Sinterklaas season. The tasty treats may be found in shoes, left by Sinterklaas

as he makes his rounds checking on children. These let-ters make special little Sinterklaas remembrances to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. The letters, in brightly colored boxes, are sold from around October 15th through December 6th only. Unsold letters aren’t marked down, rather, they are returned to the manufacturers to be melted down for other chocolate treats.

The custom of edible letters goes back to medieval times when, at birth, children were given a runic letter, made of bread—as a sym-

bol of good fortune. Schools in the Middle Ages used bread and chocolate letters to teach the alphabet. When the letter was learned and could be written well, a pupil could eat it up! Letters became associated with Sinterklaas in the 19th cen-tury, when a sheet was used to cover St. Nicholas’ presents. A bread dough letter, placed on top of the sheet, identified which gift was for which child.

During the 1800s, advances in cocoa bean processing led to the production of chocolate letters.

The Netherlands is the only place with a St. Nicholas chocolate “initial letter” tradition—and now, in Rhinebeck, New York, too!!!

ALL AROUND TOWN This year in honor of this American tradition and Hudson Valley’s Henry Livings-ton, we have asked Carl Welden, voice actor and performance artist from Rosendale to deliver a recitation of “T’was the Night Before Christmas” throughout the Town all afternoon. Be sure to catch a performance!

Chocolate Letters in Rhinebeck. Look in the window of Samuel’s (42 East Market Street ) for the Letters. You can buy them for your friends and family.

St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, and Santa Claus in the Hudson Valley

When the early Dutch settlers came to America, they brought with them their venerated old bishop, St. Nicholas, and their favorite holiday, Sinterklaas. Indeed, after landing in the New World, the Dutch explorers, led by Henry Hudson,

built their first church on the island of Manhattan in 1642, dedicating it to Sinterklaas. When the British took control of New Amsterdam in 1664, they adopted the Dutch recognition of Sinterklaas and merged it with their own observance of the Winter Solstice, Father Christmas—the merry, roly-poly, Falstaffian figure in high boots. Eventually, these two old gentlemen, both commemorated in December, merged into one.

Over the next few generations, Sinterklaas found his way into American literature. In 1809, the writer Washington Irving (who lived in the lower part of the Hudson Valley) created a jolly Sinterklaas for his popular Knickerbocker Tales.

Then in 1822, a Dutchess County man, Henry Livingston, Jr. wrote a lighthearted poem –“A Visit from St. Nicholas” (until recently wrongly attributed to Clement Moore) which featured a jolly old elf, his descent down a chimney on Christmas Eve, and a sleigh drawn by eight tiny reindeer (Odin’s flying horse!). The Father Christmas image stuck, but he acquired an English name—Santa Claus—a direct derivation from Sinterklaas.

America, a country of invention and opportunity, a land where everyone could write their own life’s story, added the latest chapter to a tale that had begun in ancient times with Odin, a mythical figure embodying the archetype of The Good King, who rode

through the night in the land of the reindeer on his flying white horse doing good deeds for children.

MAkING THE CELEBRATION OUR OWN

Today we create our own version of the

SINTERKLAAS myth and enact it in our own way,

for our own time.We focus on the Good

King, the Noble Soul, the one who brings light out

of darkness, befriends the children and all the creatures, and inspires

our souls.We continue the tradition

of making Sinterklaas a touchstone—one through

which we can come together in community,

putting aside what divides, to focus on what brings us together—our humanity, our love for children, our hopes for

the future.

Transforming the StoryGood children, bad children; naughty or nice; coal or presents. Judgments and contrasts abound.

Right alongside the Sinterklaas legend there is a more ancient story of the Bel Snickle, the Grumpus, the Rupelz, Shab, the Krampucz. A sort of scary character—who comes out of the woods and who stands in marked contrast with the kindly Sinterklaas, the Good King. A leftover from a harsher time. And even though he is played by someone from the neighbor-hood, and even though he does not RE-ALLY cart children away in his black bag or punish them with the birch rod that he car-ries, he is still there—a reminder that if you are not good, well…punishment will follow.

In Rhinebeck, we turn that tradition upside down by turning a negative symbol into an empowering one.

CROWNS AND BRANCHESWhat is the meaning of the Crowns and Branches that are made by and carried by the Children in the Parade?

Since St. Nicholas loved children so much, it makes sense that on his Name Day, that children—who at all other times of the year are the least powerful people in the society—are turned into the most powerful for just this one day. Children are crowned Kings and Queens with Crowns and Sceptors (Branches) of their own mak-ing in a bustling and beautiful workshop!

In Rhinebeck, the birch rod—the indis-pensable instrument of medieval educa-tion—is transformed by imagination and art into a symbol of empowerment and love. It becomes the Branch—the Royal Scepter—a symbol of creative power in the hands of today’s children.

And so, on this day in Rhinebeck children are raised up from being those least powerful to the most powerful! The rods are turned to Royal Scepters and the Children are crowned royalty for one glori-ous day!

Having seen the Wish Lady, each child will leave the workshop with something to carry in the Parade and to take home.

STARS MAKE THE DIFFERENCEWhat are the STARS that every family will carry in the Parade? What is their purpose? The Stars are what make Rhinebeck’s celebration unique from all other Sinterklaas celebrations. These STARS make families, friends and relations the active myth makers of our community and its future, for these are no ordinary stars!

From the moment you take possession of your STAR, you assume a key role in

a community ritual. On Sinterklaas Day hundreds of your neighbors, friends, and family will join in an illuminated pageant through the heart of Rhinebeck.

You will carry your STAR in your own way—perhaps close to your chest and cradled with care, or held aloft dangling freely in the winter breeze. A gathering constellation will light the path for the many children who, adorned with their Crowns and Branches of their own creation are the honored Kings and Queens of the Day.

You and your star play an important role in the pageant.

After the evening’s festivities are over, you take your STAR home with you to grace your hearth throughout the dark winter with the vivid memory—like a burning ember—of when we all came together to celebrate our children, our community, our lives and each other.

And then, as custodian of your communal STAR, you can bring it back next year, adding to an ever-expanding universe of stars, helping to build our special Sinterklaas tradition.

THE HAVDALAHRight before the Parade begins a special ceremony takes place at the foot of the hill on West Market Street. Led by Rabbi Yael Romer and the children and folks from the Jewish Alliance of Northern Dutchess and Temple Emmanuel, this beautiful Jewish Ceremony marks the end of the Jewish Sabbath and opens up the secular time of The Sinterklaas

Parade. The Havdalah Ceremony is a weaving together of all those in the community in a web of interdependence, symbolized by intertwined candles.

Be sure to get your STAR for the Children’s Star Celebration after the Parade. Look for them on sale at shops in town, and at the “Ask Me” table.


MAkING THE CELEBRATION OUR OWN THANK YOU. Infinity & BeyondFrost Memorial FundKirchoff ConstructionLegislative Member Item

Grant from the Office of Assemblyman Kevin Cahill

Marc JacobsRhinebeck RotaryThe Thomas Thompson

Trust

The Universe $1000 or more

Albert Shahinian GalleryThe Anonymous Fund

of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley

Beekman ArmsDouglas Baz PhotographyEnjoy RhinebeckGreen Hill ProductionsHVFCUJeanne Fleming and

WonderworksMedical Aesthetics of the

Hudson ValleyMHVFCUOmega InstituteRhinebeck Department

StoreRobert DuffyRichard Prouse Stage

SceneryThinkingPartnersWells Fargo AdvisorsWilliams Lumber and

Home CentersWinter Sun &

Summer Moon

The Super Nova $500 – $999

Access International Properties, Inc.

At Home AntiquesBeekman ArmsHummingbird JewelersMaya Kaimal Fine Indian

FoodsPaper TrailRhinebeck BankThe Florence and Robert

A. Rosen Family Foundation

Stewart’s ShopsVillchur Foundation

Carolyn Marks BlackwoodFoster and Tricia ReedBarbara SchreiberTatiana SerafinRenee and Craig SnyderIlliana vonMeeterenAida and Al Wilder

The Galaxy

$250 – $499

Aroi Thai RestaurantGrand Cru Beer and

Cheese MarketThe Rev. Richard McKeon

and the Episcopal Church of the Messiah

FiberflameLiberty Public HouseMilne’s At Home AntiquesOblong BooksRhinebeck ArchitectureRhinebeck Gardens Group,

LLCRhinebeck Village PlaceSpruce Design & DécorThe CourtyardThe Turpin FoundationThe Wild WomenTietjen Law Office

Jonna Paolelle and Dave Kliphon

May LumRebecca Martin-GrenadierAnn PattyHeinz and Klara SauerKiki SteeleCarissa WeinbergAndy and Linda Weintraub

The Milky Way $100 – $249

Allure Salon & SpaBetsy Jacaruso StudioThe Costumed Dance Crew

of Manor RoadCentral HudsonSusan Fowler-GallaherAna Sanjuan ConsultingAtelier Renee Fine FramingBailey Pottery Equipment

Corp.Boitson’s Restaurant

and InnBroadway Photo BoothCharney & AssociatesClear YogaDarryl’sFraleigh & Rakow, Inc.Haggerty Law OfficesHammertown RhinebeckHundred MileIconic Hair SalonIvy Ridge Asset

Management, LLCJay Teske Leather Co.KoskoLaw Office of Edward HaasLaw Officies of

John J. Greco, Esq.Mariner’s HarborMartin J. Rosenblum, AIAMarvin and Marvin, PLLCMigliorelli Farm, LLC

Momiji Sushi and HibachiMontgomery RowNorthern Dutchess RealtyOlde Rhinebeck Inn c. 1745Oliver Kita Fine ChocolatesPatricia M. Curthoys, CPA,

PLLCRhinebeck Animal HospitalRhinebeck BagelsRondout SavingsRyan & Ryan Insurance

BrokersSanta Fe RestaurantShip to Shore RestaurantOn The Hill Antiques @

SkillypotSmoky Rock BBQStaley Real EstateSusan J. Ragusa.comThe FraziersThe Pelosi FamilyThe Pilates CenterThe Store Front GalleryThomas Cingel DDSTopical BiomedicsTwin Ponds NurseryUlster SavingsVan Norstrand & Hoolihan,

CPA’s, PCVicki Haak, CFP Financial

AdvisorWoodstock Chimes

Robert AlbaharyKaren BurkeHeather CassanoKeely & J.T. ComptonGeorgia Dent and

Jeff PerryPeter DoleseKaty Karakassis and David

MigdalIda KershawJamie KibalSusie Linn and

Michael LalickiRamon LascanoLinda LevineRob LongJill Lundquist and

Doug BazAlyssa Mastromonaco and

David KroneMark and Gretchen LytleSally and Michael

MazzarellaRoger and Cheryl NortonPhyllis PalmerCharles ProsserHector and Debbie

RodriguezGiovanna SeldinSue SieLaureen SwanwickAl Boutin and Lindy Wright

Star Clusters $50 – $99

Hoendorf Family CircusJTD Productions

Jim Beretta and Doreen Tiganelli

Pat CadleyChandler FamilyDennis and Valerie

ConnorsEdward Sullivan FamilyGadsby FamilyJay Dorin and Lisa

HenderlingSusan and Steven

GausepohlPomichter FamilyThe Lynch’sNancy and David BoehmJean ChurchillHal and Valery EinhornJudy FeinSarah Hill and

Guillermo FesserEllen HonigEllen HubbertGerry and Liz MontesanoPatricia MurphyPatricia O’ConnorFelicia Keesing and

Richard OstfeldRuby PalmerCaroline RiderDonna SiegmannLaureen SwanwickRob and Emma TourtelotJohn WechslerAlison UrieLinda Woznicki

Be A Star $20 – $49

Robert BottaliDiana BrindStacie FlintJane Mintzer HoffmanPatrick MahoneyJeannette Provenzano

It took a Village, a Town, a Valley, and 1,000 Stars!We all know that Sinterklaas was NEVER just one person— he is only the NAME we give to a certain spirit of generosity, love and sense of community that sustains us at the darkest times and lights us up with wishes for peace and good will toward all. Here are his local embodiments called by their more familiar names...

(list up-to-date as of noon November 19, 2014)

Thank you for lighting up our Universe!

HOW IT ALL HAPPENSSinterklaas is truly an event that takes a community. Actually it takes a really BIG community of friends and neighbors, near and far, who love the magic that happens in the telling of this very special story, in our own voices, filled with

LOVE and reverence for the time of year and for the children of the world.

What’s the nitty gritty of it all? Its a lot of people working many hours,

VOLUNTEERING — some of us all year long — to coordinate, schedule, promote, make, build, assemble, borrow, poster, print, phone, deliver, monitor, cook, feed, clean, create, and . . . well the list could go on.

And the BIGGEST CHALLENGE of all is to raise the funds it takes to produce this big, complicated and growing event. We need your help.

DONATE WHAT YOU CAN. BUY A STAR. BE A FRIEND AND SUPPORTER OF SINTERKLAAS.sinterklaashudsonvalley.com



COUNTY: County Executive Mark Molinaro, Dutchess County Sheriff Butch Anderson and Kirchhoff Construction for extraordinary help!

VILLAGE & TOWN The Village Board, Mayor Heath Tortorella for the conversation! Howie Traudt and Scott Cruickshank for true advice and extraordinary help.

The Town Board, Elizabeth Spinizia, Supervisor and the Town Recreation Committee for the Hoedown

The Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce, especially Colleen Cruikshank.

GOOD CITIZENS The Rhinebeck Rotary, The Thomas Thompson Trust and Robert Duffy.

LIGHT UP ROTARY! Rhinebeck Rotary program giving us extra help this year as our Parade Crew & Puppeteers and Parade Marshals. Thank you, Rotarians! Stay warm!

THE REAL DEAL Jonkheer Leopold Quarles von Ufford for giving us authenticity, connecting us to our heritage, and being a total delight in the present. And to Mr. Briggs behind the scenes.

KEEPERS OF THE FLAME! George and Phebe Banta!

HOLDERS OF THE FLAME 2014 The Stickles! Matt, Leah, Gage and Maxwell.

HEAVY LIFTER! Elena Erber who designed ALL our graphics, including this beautiful book! AND THEN MORE!!! Venturing to Infinity and then Beyond Scope Creep and Narrative Drift into the trenches. Such patience, creativity and love all in one being! Extraordinary talent!

MADWOMEN OF THE SINTERKLAAS COMMITTEE: endless energy and joyfully playful: Lila Pague, Pat Sexton, Elena Erber, Lindy Wright, Sarah Bissonnette, Joanna Hess, Tricia Reed, Joanne Engle, Jill Lundquist, Johanna Bard, Joanne Gelb, Dorna Schroeter, Susie Linn and Nancy Donskoj who kept the fires burning all year long.

“Magic” Lindy! Pat is Back! Lila—The Girl Abides!

THE GOLDEN GIRLS Diana Devlin, Lindy Wright, Aida Wilder and Joanne Gelb.

MARVELOUS MEN OF THE SINTERKLAAS COMMITTEE Richard Prouse, Barry Cohen and Roberto Rossi!

NEW BLOOD! Sarah Bissonette! Colleen Bloxham! Christine Sause. Amy Smith. Becky Holt. Definitely have the same DNA!

THE SWAP TEAM! Lindy Wright, Jill Lundquist, Susan Silverman, Diana Devlin, Joanne Gelb.

ROCK CANDY Johanna Bard. Steady as she rolls. Comfort Food! Colleen Bloxham.

CUTE & COLORFUL Thanks to Liza Jane Norman

HONORING THE ANIMALS Bea Lambert for the exquisite Hummingbirds!

BUZZZZZ…..The amazing Horse Woman Kathy Dressel for the beautiful Hobby Horses!

A TISKET! A TASKET! Those beautiful baskets thanks to Christine Sause.

WISH UPON A STAR We pin our hopes on them—thanks to Williams Lumber, Paper Trail and Winter Sun for leading the way.

TIMELY VOLUNTEERS to those who swoop in at the end and make it work—the Rhinebeck Rotary and Daytop.

WISDOM Sally Mazzarella, Howie Traudt, Scott Cruikshank, Jordan Matthews, Lila Pague, and Father Richard McKeon.

A SUPER SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to Joanne Engle for the Sinterklaas Costume and Horse Guide

POP UP! Suzanna Hermanns and Helen Seslowsky of Oblong for their excellent contribution to the program!

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME and Diana and Jonathan Cohen of Primrose Hill School gave us a beautiful and welcoming one for our Celebration Space!

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!! Celebration Spaces: We thank Roberto Azevedo and Jeff Ackerly for our Green Room. And the Bantas for our Star Party at the Beekman Arms. Betsy Jacaruso Gallery for the Grumpus Hideout! Liberty Public House for our fabulous After Party! And Allure for the bird’s eye view.

Phoebe Melley of Foster’s for opening the heart of our Village (the White Corner!) forging an ephemeral Town Green for all our performers and folks to gather.

Our Vaudeville House To DeDe Leiber and Upstate Films for looking deep into their theatrical past and finding Vaudeville! Stephanie Monseu Mistress Extraordinaire.

OUR PAPARAZZI Doug Baz for his 26 years of wonderful photographs that make it possible for us to tell the story.

SINTERKLAAS CRAFT FAIR presented by the spirited and joyful Gelb’s, David and Joanne and all the artists, crafts people, bakers and helpers for the Fair! Special thanks to Susan Silverman, Lee Valenti and Robby Long.

TO MARKET! TO MARKET! the Rhinebeck Farmer’s Market and Lillian Sexton for help once we got there.

SPEEDY TURN- AROUND Quality Printing for getting this program printed in short order!

BRAVISIMO! TO ALL THE ARTISTS!THE WISH LADIES You are OUR wish come true.

THE POCKET LADIES Liza Jane Norman who created the magnificent costume and Carla Carbone who gave it life!

THE POLAR BEAR! Our newest BEAST! Created by Jessie Scott, animated by Billy Schultz, trained by Rosanne Fox and Kate Brehm, and accompanied on the accordion Julia Haines (aka Major Ursa).

ALL THOSE WILD GRUMPUSES! Richard Kopyscianski, Dod Crane, Harlan Matthews, Jamyang Lodoe, Steven Young, David Gelb, Steven Pague, Bob Wills, Arun Lahiri, Robby Long,Richard Prouse, and Andy Weintraub, Wally Carbone, Bob Wills and Bruce Lubman. And Grumpus Emeritis: Heinz Sauer, Christian Fekete. And their illustrious choreographer, Martha Tobias, who tamed and trained the wild beasts!

THE WILD WOMEN! And Abby Saxon, the Wildest!

THE ASK ME LADIES Dorna Schroeter, Queen! Diana Devlin, Laureen Swanwick, Jill Lundquist, Joanna Hess, Klara Sauer, Gwen Bardon, Ana SanJuan, Kiki Steele, Mary Burns, Joanne Leffeld, Sarah Olson, Marianne Neifeld, Marie Dynes, Karil Davidson, Kari Feuer, Jen LaBelle, Michael Frazier, Marie Dynes

BEAR BEAUTY Sarah Chaneles and Kathy Varadi for the Bear Beauty Contest. We could not BEAR to lose you! Samuel’s John Traver, and to our dear Ira Gutner, for BEARing with us all these years.

CROWNS AND BRANCHES! Becky Holt, Christine Sause. Sharon Rushton and their courageous crew. And behind the scenes Mary Yankajtis.

THE BOOK The stellar team who made the Illuminated Book: Nadine Robbins, Molly Ahearn, Grace Gunning, Richard Prouse, Andy Neal and James Gurney!

ST. GEORGE AND THE DRAGON Peter Muste and the Royal Crew of Tom Bloxham, Adam Valle, Kirstin Horn, Kate Muste, Willa Pruitt, Azure Leffeld, and Tori Cooper.

It truly takes a whole HOST of folks to come together in a beautiful way to make Sinterklaas happen. It includes everyone those who donated time and money for sure and all those who sat in meetings,

answered millions of questions, made extraordinary suggestions, cut a branch, served up tea, and everyone who comes to the event. Sinterklaas forms a close and sweet community as it gathers steam

throughout the year. We thank all of you who form this creative community!

HERE ArE SOME WHO DESERVE SPECIAL MENTION! WE THANK…

THE ART TEACHERS at Rhinebeck High School, Cynthia Baer and Kathy Giles and the Art Students for their gorgeous and original paintings.

SNOW KING, QUEEN, AND STAR CHILD OUR ROYALTY! Sean Nutley, Siobhan Barry (and sometimes Emily Houpt and Victor Zelek) and Sadie Bloch

FINERY! The true Queen SUZY MORRIS of the Snow King, Snow Queen, Star Child, Little Fox and those crazy Kukeri and all the rest! WE MISS YOU!!! Don’t forget, don’t regret what you did for love!

JUMPERS! Moe Schell and Olivia who jumped right in and made it happen!

A HOLLER TO HOLLY! Mother Holly! Cait Johnson, Ania Aldrich and Terry O’Keefe

STAGING! The immensely talented Richard Prouse whose staging gives to our airy nothing a local habitation and a name. And Barry Cohen who makes sense of it all. Dave Bull and Justin Dupont, Builders.

THE GALVANIZING GALLOPING GORGEOUS GREAT GREAT GELB’S! No need to say more!!! Except we’re Grateful!

THE BLING BRIGADE! Lindy Wright, Suzy Morris, Joanne and David Gelb

KINGSTON CREW! Susie Linn, Nancy Donskoj, Joi Becker, Karen Berelowitz, Sarah Bissonette, Debra Bresnan, BC Gee, Kevin Godby, Linda Harrington, Sarah Olivieri, Robert Sweeney, Gloria Waslyn, Susan Whelan, Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Arts Society of Kingston (ASK), Business Alliance of Kingston, City of Kingston, Hudson River Maritime Museum, Kingston’s Waterfront Business Association, Kingston Library, Old Dutch Church, Trolley Museum, Ulster County Tourism, WDST and

THE CHURCHES The Church of the Messiah, the Reformed Church of Rhinebeck and the Third Evangelical Lutheran Church — folks filled with love and generosity in their hearts: Rev. Richard McKeon Jr., Fr. Luis

Perez and Pastor William Ryan Starkweather, and Anna Pavord, Liz Irwin and Bonnie Reyero.

YASHA KOAH The Jewish Alliance of Northern Dutchess, Rabbi Yael Romer, Kimba Baker and Temple Emanuel for a beautiful and moving Havdalah. And the Dapson/Chestney Funeral Home for hosting this meaningful ceremony.

THE LIVING NATIVITY! The Reformed Church for bringing it back.

BEEKMAN ARMS To everyone at the especially Brenda Catalano, Gail Haskins and George Banta, Jr. for keeping the Hearth burning.

COOKIE QUEEN! The artful Jessica Bard for the Cookie Tree.

FOODIES! Colleen Bloxham, Nancy Southard, Jessica Bard, and Bjanetta Anderson, Hetta and Breezy Hill Orchards.

YUM! All those who donated food for the hundreds of performers and volunteers. Thank you to Johanna Bard and Colleen Bloxham for keeping this army running with good food! Aroi Thai Restaurant, Bread Alone, CJ’s Pizza, Foster’s Coach House, Francesca’s Pizzeria, Gaby’s Café, Gigi Trattoria, Krause’s Chocolate, Le Grand Cru, Le Petit Bistro, Liberty Publik House, Matchbox Cafe, Market Street, Migliorelli Farm Market, Osaka Japanese Restaurant, Pete’s Famous, Puccini Ristorante, Rhinebeck Bagel Shoppe, Sunshine Market, Daytop, Fiddleheads Home Fare, Rhinebeck Village Pizza, Samuel’s, Smoky Rock Barbeque, Stop ‘n Shop, Terrapin Restaurant, The Local, The Rhinecliff, Warren Kitchen & Cutlery, Wonderland Florist

THE STARR LIBRARY for its warm welcome to creatures great and small, human and puppet! Steven Cook and the Board of Trustees.

SOUND OMEGA Institute’s Ken Kuter and Skip Backus for letting us hear!

OUR OWN SPECIAL SINTERKLAAS! In Kingston: Henk Dijk who returned from Holland to join us! And in Rhinebeck: Scott Cruickshank, local hero!

THE PUPPETEERS Alex Kahn and Sophia Michahelles whose vision and dedication to the work is unmatched anywhere, who hosted the workshop and taught so many in the skills of pageant puppetry and who made that magnificent Horse and the Fox, Crow, Bear, Goose, Turtle, and now the Hummingbird…!

PARADE VOLUNTEERS All those who animated puppets! Now you are 300 strong!! And Thomas Workman for the Hummmmmmmmmm.

AS ALWAYS to Ania Aldrich and Gigi Alvare for the original work and setting us on the path. And special thanks to Gigi for channeling the Blessing of the Hummingbird.

TO MY SON Jordan who is alive and well.

AND ESPECIALLY TO OUR PATIENT, LONG-STANDING, AND SUPPORTIVE HUSBANDS: Peter Muste, Al Boutin, Steven Michael Pague, Bernard Greenwald, Michael Lalicki, Doug Baz, Donald Corrin, Albert Shahinian, Foster Reed and Harlan Matthews who play greater roles than anyone could ever imagine.

If there is anyone I’ve forgotten, please forgive me and my even more addled brain.

SINTERKLAAS is an astonishing achievement and shows what a community can do working and dreaming together. Thank you again to the greater Rhinebeck community for the privilege of being allowed to do the work.

And on a more personal note : Some folks just stick with it till it’s all done, and done well—thinking and working beyond themselves to bring joy to their community. For Sinterklaas they are: Lila Pague, Elena Erber, Pat Sexton, Richard Prouse, Jill Lundquist, Johanna Bard, Joanne Engle, Joanna Hess, Joanne and David Gelb, Lindy Wright, Diana Devlin, Dorna Schroeter, Sarah Bissonette, Aida Wilder, Susie Linn, Nancy Donskoj and Tricia Reed. If you see them around, give them a BIG HUG!!

—Jeanne Fleming, Designer and Coordinator, SPEAKING FOR All of Us at Sinterklaas


THE SINTERKLAAS COMMITTEE

THANK YOU ALL!

Lila Pague, Chair

Steering Committee:Kimba Baker

George and Phebe BantaJessica Bard

Johanna BardCarla & Wally Carbone

Ronnie Citron-FinkStephen CookMeg Crawford

Scott CruickshankDiana Devlin

Kathy & Tom DresselJoanne EngelElena Erber

Joanne & David GelbMickey Haggerty

Sue HartshornJoanna HessEmily HouptCait Johnson

Alex KahnKathy Kinsella

Richard KopysciankiDede Leiber

Peggy & Bruce LubmanDoug Baz & Jill Lundquist

Sally MazzarellaRev. Richard McKeonSophia Michahelles

Suzy Morris Ann Patty & George Vengrin

Fr. Luis PerezRichard Prouse

Foster & Tricia ReedRabbi Yael Romer

Ana SanjuanAbby Saxon

Dorna Schroeter Pat Sexton

Sup. Elizabeth SpinziaPastor William Ryan Starkweather

Martha TobiasMayor Heath Torotella

Lou TrapaniHowie Traudt

Julie & Lou TurpinLivia & Bill Vanaver

Linda & Andy WeintraubAida WilderPiper Woods

Lindy & Al WrightMary Yankajtis

Kingston Sinterklaas CommitteeNancy Donskoj, Co-Chair

Susan Linn, Co-Chair

Joi BeckerKaren BerelowitzSarah BissonetteDebra Bresnan

BC Gee, Kevin GodbyLinda Harrington

Ann LoedingSarah Olivieri

Robert SweeneyGloria WaslynSusan Whelan

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill

118 La Bergerie Lane Red Hook, NY 12571

845-758-5519

[email protected]

sinterklaashudsonvalley.com


POSTER GALLERYSinterklaas is announced in a most unusual way —by beautiful

paintings hung in all the trees at

the center of town. Here is a small

sampling of the 150 paintings —

especially the equine images —

made by our high school students,

the Senior Citizens Artists’ Program

at the Reformed Church, the Art

Teachers and many other painters

from around town! Be sure to visit

EVERY one as you enjoy the day.

recycled/recyclable

Sinterklaas Program 2014

Documents

tradition of sinterklaas

childrens star celebration

community of hope

sinterklaas stars

star ceremony

community celebration

parade passes

patron of children