An Old Dutch Tradition in the Hudson Valley · An Old Dutch Tradition in the Hudson Valley SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, ... Father Frost. Then he was St ... Then Santa Claus

An Old Dutch Tradition in the Hudson Valley

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2016KINGSTON, NEW YORK

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016RHINEBECK, NEW YORK

SinterklaasHudsonValley.com

Join the Parade and our community CELEBRATION OF HOPE for a joyous and peaceful world. ALL WELCOME.

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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, Gandhi,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.

6 THINGS 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.

VISIT THE OWLS! Natural: Live Owls in flight!Mechanical: Owls in a Giant CooCoo Clock.Mystical: The Owl Queen of the Night.

ENJOY THE DAY! Discover all the magic, music and special performances inside and out. Browse the schedule in this book!

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 Hudson Valley 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 Ceremonies will call upon all those present to honor our children, our hope for the

future, our joy of today.

He will ask you to honor the children. At that time you will

hold your STAR at the children’s waist level elevating them, for a brief moment, on a sea of stars above everyone in the commu-nity. 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.

BLESSING OF THE OWL

When the coolness of night comesLet go the burdens of the day.

270 degrees of vision in either directionopens understanding of all possibilities.

Open your wings and silently fly in quiet darknessTo where you hear in the depths of the earth

The answer to your longing.

Your shoulders are strong.Let me alight there

And whisper my wisdom for all time.

— Gigi Alvare, September 2016

Wisdom • Mystery • Insight • Intuition • Night • Transition • Silence • Solitude • Watchfulness • Listening • Fearlessness • Foresight • Secrets • Dreams

4 Sinterklaas 2016 • sinterklaashudsonvalley.com

THIS YEAR’S HONORED ANIMAL: OWL

Wisdom • Mystery • Insight • Intuition • Night • Transition • Silence • Solitude • Watchfulness • Listening • Fearlessness • Foresight • Secrets • Dreams

The Owl can see even in the darkest times. With 270

degrees of vision, they can see things from all sides.

This year we look at the Owl from the mystical, the natural and the mechanical sides as we host

LIVE OWLS in flight, the Owl Queen

of the Night and her companion Mouse, and a

Giant Coo Coo Clock.

The NaturalThere are 216 different species of Owls. They live on every continent except Ant-arctica. They live in all kinds of habitats. Snowy Owls live in the snowy tundra, while Burrowing Owls make their homes in prairies and deserts. The largest Owl in the world can be 33 inches long, while the smallest is only five inches!

The senses of Owls are so incredible they seem supernatural. An Owl’s enormous eyes are so sensitive that they can see in the dark. Since their eyes are so big, they cannot roll them in their sockets like humans can. Instead, they have to turn their entire heads. Owls can swivel their heads 270 degrees!

Owl hearing is also so sensitive that they can hear mice in total darkness. The Great Gray Owl can hear and pounce on a mouse that it heard moving around under a foot of snow!

Owls can fly without making a sound. A special soft fringe on the edges of their feathers enables their silent flight.

The MysticalTradition says the Owl appears during times when it is necessary to gain clarity in the darkness. The Owl can see that which others cannot, which is the essence of true wisdom. Where others are deceived, Owl sees and knows what is there.

When an Owl shows up in your life, pay attention to the winds of change. Call on the Owl’s wisdom when you have to assess a situation or are going through confusing times. The Owl, symbol of the Goddess, represents perfect wisdom. Since Owls can see in the dark and fly noiselessly through the skies, they can bring messages through dreams. The Owl is the bird of mystical wis-dom and ancient knOwledge of the powers of the moon. With wide-open, all-seeing eyes, Owl looks upon reality without distortion.

The Owl was a sacred symbol of Athena, goddess of wisdom. Her Owl companion was said to tell her what happened during the night, contributing to her great wisdom.

The Celtic goddess Arianrhod shape shifts into a large Owl, and through the great Owl-eyes, sees even into the darkness of the human subconscious and soul. She is said to move with strength and purpose through the night, her wings of comfort and healing spread wide to give solace to those who need her.

Within the Cherokee nation, the Owl reached the ultimate level of sacredness and purity. The Owl, along with the cougar, were the only creatures that did not fall asleep during the seven days of Creation, and that is the reason why they are nocturnal. They are also sacred because of their human characteristics. The Owl has large round eyes situated at the front of its face, just like a human. She can also close each one individually.

The MechanicalWhy did we make a Giant Coo Coo Clock?

Well, it’s because they are the only bird that stays up all night to keep the time! And they fly silently, so they don’t wake us up. Although it is rare to see an Owl during the daytime, sometimes you are lucky enough to see one --Like TODAY at Sinterklaas!


O W L S AY I N G : A wise old Owl sat on an oak. The more he saw, the less he spoke. The less he spoke, the more he heard. Why aren’t we like that wise old bird?

O U R W I S E O N E S S AY : We have some wise ones in our community. They share their wisdom with you:

Care & help those different from yourself — -reach out to the “others” with a helping & loving hand to lift up everyone.

—Barbara Kraft

Volunteerism is the lifeblood of a community. I encourage young people to contribute to their communities. Their skills, talent and dedication to a cause will make a difference. They will be enriched with new friendships and new learning experiences and be rewarded with the gratification of serving their fellowman. There is no greater reward.

—Sally Mazzarella

Be kind to all. —Louis Turpin

From her grandmother to her mother in her autograph book: If the string is in a knot,Patience will untie it.Patience will do many things.Did you ever try it?

—Nancy Kelly, Town Historian

And from the eldest, 95 years old! Our purpose should be to enjoy life, to make it better, and to reward those who are helping to improve things. And that includes all of you.

— Robert J. Johnson, father of our own Owl Queen of

the Night, Cait Johnson.

We send a Hoot to Christina Baal for her knowledge and talent in preparing this page for your enjoyment. And to all the Wise Elders in our Community.

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!

HOT MEALS!Fun food all over town.

Visit Our Local Restaurateurs And the Churches are serving :

Third Evangelical Lutheran Church11:30-4:30pm

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

Reformed Church 4:30–8:00pm

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

For Your Convenience • Baby Changing Station at

Waddle and Swaddle (new location: Montgomery Row, next to Paper Trail)

• Find Porta Potties in the Municipal Parking lot.

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


All Afternoon Face Painting Iconic Hair! 7 W Market St

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BEGIN your Sinterklaas Day . . .10:00am BEAR BEAUTY CONTEST at Samuel’sDress your favorite bear up in anything you wish, meet other bears, and maybe win a prize. All children and adults are invited to submit entries! Many categories! Many honors!

THE THIRD EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH MUSIC & THEATER 31 Livingston St. 2:00 Caprice Rouge Balkan & Klezmer2:30 Bard College Georgian Choir3:00 Svitanya3:30 Grumpus Magic by Andy Weintraub4:00 Raspberry Hill Fiddlers

STORYTELLING IN MUSIC & DANCE at REFORMED CHURCH SANCTUARYcorner of South St. & Route 91:30 Winter Song Fest: Students of the

graduate Vocal Arts program of the Bard College Conservatory of Music

2:00 Storycrafters2:30 HOOTenany with consummate

musician and storyteller Reggie Harris along with Betty & the Baby Boomers

3:00 Zuleikha Internationally acclaimed storydancer accompanied by Fode Sissoko on Kora

3:30 Vassar Devils, a cappella

BEEKMAN ARMS6387 Mill St (Rt 9) ALL DAY LONG, hosting jesters, puppets & stories — fit for our Kings & Queens! BE SURE TO GET YOUR OWL MASK WHEN YOU ARRIVE.

Noon Opening Ceremony Words Before All Else with Jeanne Fleming, Creator of Sinterklass with the Owlettes, Pocket Lady, Owl Queen of the Night, Polar Bear, First Owl, and the COO COO Clock Model

HOOTENANY with Reggie Harris and Betty and the Baby Boomers

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

The Beekman Arms PUPPET THEATER 1:30 Leela Puppet Theater

A Boisterous Rajasthani Marionette Circus

2:00 Roger the Jester, Mad Cap Fun!2:30 Ivy Vine Players, Grian MacGregor 3:00 Tom Hanford Puppets:

Wassail, Wassail! Songs and Stories of the Season

3:30 Storycrafters4:00 Hungry March Band4:30 Leela Puppet Theater

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

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1:00-3:00 MUSIC with Maggie Smoky Rock BBQ 6367 Mill St (Rt 9)

•6FIRE HOUSE 76 E Market St10:00am–4:00pm

CROWNS & 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

RHINEBECK FESTIVAL DAY: DECEMBER 3


STORYTIME OBLONG BOOKS1:00 Mother Bruce Join author Ryan T. Higgins and his newest “Bruce’ story

3:00 The Doll People’s Christmas Join authors Ann M. Martin & Laura Godwin for their latest in their bestselling Doll People series!

Afternoon FLIGHTS of FANCY with the BINDLESTIFF FAMILY CIRKUS

at UPSTATE FILMS 6415 Montgomery St perfect for ages 3 and up

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH 6436 Montgomery St 1:00pm Kairos, A Consort of Singers2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm

INTO THE LIGHT: A Holiday Spectacular Presented by The Vanaver Caravan & The Arm of the Sea Theater. A Holiday story of a Young Girl’s Journey throughout the World searching for the Light. Features Giant Puppets and international music and dance!

SINTER UNDERGROUND Methodist Church Parish Hall 83 E Market St1:30 PM Vassar Devils2:00 PM Molly Jeanne, singer/songwriter

2:30 PM Improv Students from Mary Ward & Co, acting & improv studio

3:30 PM Half Moon Theater Junior Chorus

3:45 PM Orchestra Now, Bard College. Discover the new virtuosic talenst in your own backyard.

4:30 PM Community Music Space’s Ole’Factory Brass Band

TOWN HALL 76 E Market St MAGIC, MUSIC & DANCE Hosted by the unforgetable Mrs. Beekman (our own Cindy Kubick)

1:00pm Dog on Fleas1:30pm Giglio Italian Band2:00pm Mid-Hudson Mexican

Folkloric Group2:30pm Hungry March Band3:00pm D’AMBY Dance3:30pm Rhinebeck Dance Center4:00pm Hudson River Ramblers with

Jonathan Kruk and Rich Bala4:30pm Solas An Lae, Irish Dance

LIBERTY LOUNGE 6417 Montgomery St TOY THEATER3BIGTINY PUPPET SHOWS downstairs in the magical, underground

12:30-5:00 Continual performances • Chinese Theater Works• Shadow Plays & Stories, Ron Sopyla• Holiday Punch & Judy

Liz Joyce & A Couple of Puppets

3:00pm Jonathan Kruk Storyteller

In the Bar at LIBERTY2:00 T McCann Band, Irish Music3:00 Caprice Rouge,

Eastern European Music

1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm

PARIS, THE HIP HOP JUGGLERInteractive stunts, witty comedy, and world class jugglingt.

New This Year! THE OWLERY Featuring LIVE OWLSUNITED METHODIST CHURCH

83 E Market St (across from Town Hall)1:30 PM Live Owls all afternoon from

Talons!2:00 PM Kairos, A Consort of Singers

2:30 PM Talons!3:00 PM Prana, Overtone SIngers3:30 PM Talons4:00 PM Gospel & Folk with

Reggie Harris along with Betty & the Baby Boomers

4:30 PM Talons!

ALAKAZAMTHE HUMAN KNOT

HOME SPUN MERRY-GO-ROUND

In the FOSTER’S PARKING LOTpresented by the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus:

ALL AROUND TOWN

Plus…THE POLAR BEARwith his Trainer & Musical Sidekick Sing a song & watch the bear transform.

THE POCKET LADYSinterklaas’ 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 Parliment of Owls. Hear stories of creatures large & small.OUR OWN GRUMPUSES Dancing all around town.

THE CHINELOS Traditional dancers in spectacular costumes from the state of Morelos, Mexico.

6420 Montgomery St. Readings & Book Signings

1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm

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

Roaming the streets for your entertainment…• Batala New York• Bond Street Stilt Band• Faeries of the Forrest• Half Moon Theater Junior Chorus

• Hungry March Band• King’s County Pipe Band

• Pokingbrook Morris Dancrs

• Giglio Italian Band

• Pocahontas 1859 Hand Pump Fire Truck

• Roger the Jester• Svitanya• The Velo Rouge

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Visit the COO COO CLOCK!

12:00-5:00pm All the children are invited to

walk through the giant Coo Coo Clock to see and hear its workings. The Coo Coo Clock was created especially for Sinterklaas by artist

Paul O’Connor.

THE OWLLEY WAY (in the Courtyard on E. Market St.)•16

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THE OWL QUEEN

OF THE NIGHT with her Mouse Receive Wisdom

Words.

CENTER STREET

EAST MARKET STREET

WEST MARKET STREET

MONTGOM

ERY STREET /ROUTE 9

SOUTH STREET

GARDEN

OAK STREET

STREET

Beekman Arms

PUPPET Theater

Ask Me Ladies

Upstate FilmsCIRKUS

Liberty Lounge

Toy Theater

Library

Parade Assembles Here

Dapson Funeral Home

Reformed Church

SanctuaryMUSIC!

Samuel’sBeauty

Bear Contentst

CROWNS &

BRANCHESin the

Fire House

TOWN HALLMusic &

Dance

Methodist

ChurchMUSIC &

OWLS

SinterUnder- ground

Third Evangelical

Lutheran Church

MUSIC!

Church of the Messiah

Into The Light

Oblong Books

More

Parking at the

Highway Depart.

TheOWLLEY

WAYin the

Courtyard

See the GIANT

Coo Coo Clock

KEY TO THE MAP

1. “Ask Me” Ladies (get information)2. Beekman Arms 3. Church of the Messiah4. Church Of Messiah Parish Hall5. Dapson Chesney Funeral Home6. Fire House (Crowns & Branches)7. Foster’s Lot8. Iconic Hair9. Liberty Lounge & Public House10. Lutheran Church11. Methodist Church12. Methodist Parish Hall/

SinterUnderground13. Montgomery Row14. Municipal Lot: Site of the Parade Grand

Finale & Pagaent15. Oblong Books16. Owlley Way in the Courtyard17. Parade Route •••••18. Photo Booth by CVS19. Reformed Church Sanctuary20. Rhinebeck Town Hall21. Samuel’s Bear Beauty Contest22. Smoky BBQ Music23. Starr Library24. Upstate Films: Bindlestiff Family Cirkus

MILL STREET /ROUTE 9

PARADE

Grand FinalePAGAENT

in the Municipal Lot

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

Find more

Parking Information

onthe website

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).

LIVINGSTON STREET

Information &

Sinterklaas Swag!

Extra Cool Acts Here

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Parking for SInterklaas

behind the

Starr Library!

Photo Booth

TALONS!Live Owls

Here

Have Questions? Need help? Look for theAsk Me Ladies! Smoky BBQ

Music

Foster’s Lot

Open Air Fun!

BalloonsIconic Hair

Montgomery Row

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5:00pm Living 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 Owl On the Lam Band • The Peace Dove.

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

7:30-9:00pm HOEDOWN in Town Hall Quickstep with John Kirk, Trish Miller & Ed Lowman. Great for Families!

8:00–11:00pmSINTERKLAAS DANCE at LIBERTY For Adults. With the Dixieland sound of the

On The Lam BandAn explosion of sound

Forefathers of Funk

CHILDREN’S STARLIGHT PARADEEVERYONE

Follow the Parade

to the Pageant

Bring your Stars!


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

Bring your Crowns & Branches, STARS & Flags!


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 2016 Hewitt Family — Jesse, Bridget, Claire, Thomas, Allison, Jack and Peter

• THE SEVEN SISTERS Stars from the cosmos that look down on us from afar and allow us to look up and

dream.

• THE HONORED ANIMAL THE OWL. WISDOM! Find the story on page 3.

• THE GRUMPUSES are Sinterklaas’ wild sidekicks who carry out his 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 STAR CHILD who brings us the Sinterklaas Star each year.

• THE CRESCENT MOON• THE OWL QUEEN OF THE NIGHT

and her Mouse

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

• 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.

• 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.

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

• THE PARLIAMENT OF OWLS.• THE CHINESE LION. For good luck.

• A SWARM OF BEES. Community.

• THE PENGUINS. Visitors from the arctic.

• THE TWIN SERPENTS: LUX AND LUMEN

• 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!

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

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

• THE POCKET LADY Our symbol of generosity

• 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.

FOLLOW THEIR LEAD! Rhinebeck Rotary Club & Interact Club: Partners, Marshals & Puppeteers!

Thank you for your support!

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


A LITTLE SINTERkLAAS HISTORyThe Tradition of Sinterklaas DayMany 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 named 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 rewards.

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 cookies—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 Spain where he lives throughout the year.. 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 sinterklaasrhinebeck.com

CHOCOLATE LETTERSAt many Dutch Sinterklaas Eve parties, the last surprise to be found in Sinterklaas’ special burlap sack, are chocolate initials—the first letter

of each person’s name.There will be one for each person—the first given to the

youngest 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 letters 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 symbol 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 century, 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.

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 (like Odin’s flying horse!). The Father Christmas image stuck, but he acquired an English name—Santa Claus—a direct derivation from Sinterklaas.

And to bring things full circle Rhinebeck is now home to Leopold Quarles von Ufford, who for 40 years was the Dutch Ambassador and played Sinterklass around the world.

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 neighborhood, and even though he does not REALLY cart children away in his black bag or punish them with the birch rod that he carries, 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 making in a bustling and beautiful workshop!

In Rhinebeck, the birch rod—the indispensable instrument of medieval education—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 glorious 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. Beyond the Beyond$5000 +Medical Aesthetics of the

Hudson ValleyRobert Duffy

Infinity & Beyond $2,500+Benson Frost FoundationKirchhoff ConstructionRhinebeck RotaryThomas Thompson Trust

The Universe $1000-$2499

Albert Shahinian GalleryBeekman ArmsDouglas Baz PhotographyENTA-Education Network

for Teachers & ArtistsJeanne Fleming and

WonderworksHudson Valley Federal

Credit UnionThe Klock Foundation M. Suzy Morris Costume

DesignMid-Hudson Valley Federal

Credit UnionOmega InstituteRichard Prouse Stage

SceneryRenee and Craig SnyderSunflower Natural Foods

Marketthegallery@rhinebeckThinkingPartnersIlliana Van MeeterenWalmartWilliams Lumber & Home

CentersWinter Sun &

Summer Moon

The Super Nova $500 – $999

Rhinebeck Farmer’s MarketAccess International

PropertiesCarolyn Marks BlackwoodCale CommunicationsCharny & AssociatesEnjoy RhinebeckFeeney EnterprisesJTD ProductionsSarah Drew and Dal

LaMagnaPaper TrailTricia and Foster ReedRhinebeck BankRhinebeck Village PlaceFlorence and A. Robert

Rosen Family Foundation

Ruge’s SubaruTatiana SerafinStewart’s ShopsAl Boutin and Lindy Wright

The Galaxy $250 – $499

Brian and Kimberly OrcuttHeinz SauerA.L Sitckle Variety StoreAroi Thai RestaurantAssemblymember Kevin

A. CahillAtelier Renee Fine FramingRaina Kattelson and Bob

ButscherWally and Carla CarboneDr. Tom’s TonicsMike and Cecily FrazierGrand Cru Beer and

Cheese MarketJen and Ali HammoudHaven SpaHudson Valley CeremoniesHummingbird JewelersSandra KeipuraKingston’s Opera House

Office BuildingLeClerc’s Martial ArtsRobby LongMay LumMaya Kaimal Fine Indian

Foods, LLCMicky Haggerty AttorneyNo SugarOblong Books and MusicOlde Rhinebeck Inn c. 1745Oliver Kita ChocolatesPaula Redmond Real

EstateRhinebeck ArchitectureRhinebeck Department

StoreKiki SteeleThe Terranova FamilyJulie and Louis TurpinUlster TourismLeopold Quarrels Van

UffordVicki L. Haak, CFPVillage Center Complex Waddle and SwaddleLinda and Andy WeintraubWendy Bush Lyons, Esq.Al and Aida WilderWilliam Gottlieb Real

Estate

The Milky Way $125 – $249

Sally and Mike MazzarellaJohn, Suellen and

Sam PomichterAndrea Loukin and Michael

KayeBailey Pottery EquipmentBetsy Jacaruso StudioNancy and David BoehmBogush & Grady, CPAS LLPBoitson’s RestaurantBuns BurgersHeather CassanoCentral Hudson Gas &

Electric CorporationClear YogaColor PageSusan B. Cummings-FindelDarryl’s BoutiqueDr. Victor ZelekEdward J. HaasAnne Moehle FerrarafiberflameRonnie Citron Fink and

Ted FinkFraleigh & Rakow

InsuranceHammertown RhinebeckHerzog’sJill Welch and Paul HigginsIconic HairIvy Ridge Asset

Management LLCJeff Ackerly

Berkshire HathawayScott and Laurel KempDacie KershawKingston PlazaRamon LascanoLiberty Public HouseThe Lynch FamilyGretchen & Mark LytleKatherine MalagaEvan and Diane MeltzerMerriweather’sKate Karikassis &

David MigdalMontgomery RowRoger and Cheryl NortonOn the Hill AntiquesPeter Amendola and Jerry

PagliariPhyllis PalmerSusan RagusaRhinebeck Animal HospitalRhinebeck BagelsRhinebeck Convenience

StoresRhinebeck MotelRhinebeck Phone RepairRondout Savings BankRyan & Ryan Insurance

Brokers, IncMaggie Salamone and MegSavona’s TrattoriaSue SieSmoky Rock BBQStaley Real EstateCricket Lengyel &

Andrew Stewart

The Storefront GalleryThe CourtyardThe Rondout InnThomas F. Cingel, DDSTwin Ponds FlowersVan Norstrand & Hoolihan,

CPA’s, PCZimmer Brothers Jewelers

Star Clusters $75 – $124

Jill Lundquist and Doug Baz

Terence Boylan

Milne Antiques and Interiors

Thomas OstrofskyThe Pelosi FamilyThe Manor Road

Halloween Dance CrewGail and Rich BennekAriadne CivinPeter DoleseSarah Hill and Guillermo

FesserGeorgia and Jeff Louise KalinFelicia Keesing and FamilyElaine Collandrea and Erik

KiviatThe Palmer-Nathan Family The Quackenbush FamilyDebbie and Hector

RodriguezChristine Archambault and

Mary Alice ScullyJay WeissAmy Novatt and Ron

Whitmont

Be A Star $20 – $74

The Buehler FamilyDennis and Valerie ConnersDod and Dorothy CraneLinda and Ed FaberLarry and Jane GarrickSusan and Steven

GausepohlHudson Valley PotteryCynthia and Michael KellerBrin MageeThe Mahoney Family Ann McGrath and

Steve MostoNola!The Phelan FamilyJeanette ProvenzanoDon SchneiderLaura Shulkind Donna SiegmannEd and Cathy SullivanLaureen and

John SwanwickEmma TaylorJane TaylorAllyson UrieJonathan WechslerDebra Wollens

It took a Village, a Town, a Valley, and 2,500 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 17, 2015)

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 support!

VILLAGE & TOWN The Village Board, Mayor Heath Tortarella for all you do! Howie Traudt and Scott Cruikshank for true advice and extraordinary help. Sgt. Pete Dunn for his conscientious, caring and good work! And the Rhinebeck Fire Department for inviting us into your home! The Town Board, Elizabeth Spinizia, Supervisor, and the Town Recreation Committee for the Hoedown. The Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce

PARTNERS The Rhinebeck Rotary and Interact Club for Puppeteers and Parade Marshals. Thank you, Rotarians! We can’t do it without you!

CAPED WONDERS Keepers of the Flame George and Phebe Banta! Holders of the Flame 2016 The Hewitt Family: Jesse, Bridget and their lineage: The Cruikshanks 2015! The Stickles, 2014

STAMINA! Elena Erber who designed ALL our graphics, including this beautiful book!

ENDURANCE: AFTER 9 YEARS: THE MADWOMEN OF THE SINTERKLAAS COMMITTEE: Endless energy, the extraordinary TEAM: Lila Pague, Pat Sexton, Elena Erber, Lindy Wright, Sarah Bissonnette-Adler, Martha Tobias, Joanna Hess, Tricia Reed, Jill Lundquist, Joanne Gelb, Suzy Morris, Dorna Schroeter, and Nancy Donskoj who kept the fires burning all year long.

HEART & SOUL Doug and Jill--we want you back with us soon.

“WE CAN END THIS RIGHT NOW” LINDY OVER THE TOP HAT! ! The Amazing, multi-talented Great Leader of the Crowns and Branches Workshop and wearer of many hats and so much more: the thoughtful and committed, Joanna Hess.

HABITATION AND A STAGE! Richard Prouse, Barry Cohen and Roberto Rossi!

MAGIC WHEN YOU NEED IT! The fine Sarah Bissonnette-Adler and her MOM Susan!

GIRL WITH A TRUCK! Becky Holt

OUR NEWEST SISTER! Nancy Karimi! Welcome to the club!

SHE NEVER STOPS DANCIN’ The indefatigable Martha Tobias!!

THOSE SAME OLD KIDS ON THE BLOCK! Peter Criswell, Matthew Fass and Terrance McCorry.

THE SWAP TEAM! Lindy Wright, Jill Lundquist, Mel Dean, Nancy Karimi, Debby Franke Ogg, Diana Devlin, Dorna Schroeter and Joanne Gelb.

HOOT! HOOT!….. Bea Lambert for the fantastic and truly magical OWLS! And Lauree Ostrofsky, our Gorgeous Crescent Moon!

ALL THE HELPERS AT THE CROWNS AND BRANCHES WORKSHOP! Joanna Hess, Coordinator, The Incredible Crowns & Branches assistants: Jeniece Schroeter, Maribeth Feinberg, Karen Hinderstein, Becky Holt, Cait Johnson, Kate Kennedy, Colleen Lalonde, Gretchen Lytle, Linda McAteer, Mary Yankjitis, Joanne Mrstik, Faith Palmer, Carole Schaad & Granddaughters, Tina Stanton, Mia Tsang and Gagana Yaskhi

BEAR UP! Thanks to Steven Michael Pague for stepping up to the paws were not put on pause. And his trainers Kate Brehm and Roseanne Fox and Major Ursa! Julia Haines, his accompanist.

TALONS! Thanks to the amazing and skilled Laurie Schumacher of Talons! for the beautiful birds who flew to music in the sacred space. And her go-between, Dorna Schroeter and her able assistant, Matthew Rymkiewicz.

UP IN THE AIR! IT’S A BIRD! Thanks to the Rhinebeck Farmer’s Market for bringing TALONS! and the amazing Flying Owls to our children! BIRDS OF A FEATHER: To those who swoop in at the end and make it work: The Rhinebeck Rotary and Daytop.

OWL=WISDOM Sally Mazzarella, Howie Traudt, Scott Cruikshank, Jordan Matthews, Lila Pague, and Father Richard McKeon, Nancy Kelly, Louis Turpin, Barbara Kraft, and Robert J. Johnson.

THE JOY OF COOKING! Colleen Bloxham, yes!!!!

THE COO COO CLOCK! Special thanks for Paul O’Connor for the creation of our centerpiece—The Clock! And Jordan Matthews for the soundscape!

THE OWLETTES!! Leighann Kowalsky Choreographer and the precious Owlettes themselves: Cooper Foraker, Mia Goodwin, Riley Goodwin, Drew Sweeney-Cuyler, Maura Sweeney-Cuyler, Magnolia Kondrat-Wilson and Grace Leedy (big sister Owlette)

QUEEN FOR A LIFETIME… OUR QUEEN BEE! Lila Pague

OUR OWL QUEEN OF THE NIGHT AND HER COMPANION MOUSE Cait Johnson and Terry O’Keefe. You show us we can all get together and love one another right now.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!! Celebration Spaces: We thank the Rhinebeck Fire Department for their generosity for the Crowns and Branches space! We thank Primrose Hill School and the United Methodist Church for the

SWAP! And the Bantas for our Star Party at the Beekman Arms. Betsy Jacaruso Gallery for the Grumpus Hideout! Connie Bathrick and the Courtyard for the Clock! Liberty Public House for our fabulous After Party! And Ruby Star for the bird’s eye views. Phoebe Melley of Foster’s for opening the heart of our Village (the White Corner!) and forging an ephemeral Town Green for all our performers and folks to gather. Our Vaudeville House and Cirkus Tent: DeDe Leiber and Upstate Films.

OUR ADDRESS: We thank Connie Bathrick and the Courtyard for a home for the Coo Coo Clock.

A CLEAN, WELL LIGHTED SPACE Our greatest gratitude to the United Methodist Church and Pastor Nikki Hutt Edleman for our Celebration Space, Workshop, Sinter Underground and beautiful environs for the Owls and Sweet Music!

NOW WE CAN REST Great SPECIAL thanks to Pat D’Antonio and thegallery@rhinebeck for our wonderful Green Room and Window on the world. Thanks to your hospitality, we settled in! READ ALL ABOUT IT! Suzanna Hermanns of Oblong Books for her excellent contribution to the program!

OUR PAPARAZZI Doug Baz for his 28 years of wonderful photographs that make it possible for us to tell the story.

SINTERKLAAS CRAFT FAIR presented by the spirited and joyful Gelbs, David and Joanne, and all the artists, crafts people, bakers and helpers for the Fair! Special thanks to Lindy Wright and Dorna Schroeter.

THE WISH LADIES Women of Wisdom and Delight.

THE POCKET LADY AND HER PAL Liza Jane Norman who created the magnificent costume and Carla Carbone who gave it life!

ALL THOSE WILD GRUMPUSES! HAPPY BIRTHDAY WALLY! Mike Bloxham, Wally Carbone , Kurt Fisher, Chris Gilbert, Clifford Hart, Jamyang Lodoe, Robby Long, Bruce Lubman, Harlan Matthews, Terrance McCorry, Steven Pague, Mark Perez, Stephen Robin, John Schmitz, Andy Weintraub, Bob Wills, and Steven Young. And Grumpus Emeritus: Dodd Crane, David Gelb, , Richard Prouse, Richard Kopyscianski, Arun Lahiri, Heinz Sauer and Ricky Aldrich. And their illustrious choreographer, Martha Tobias,

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…

who tamed and trained the wild beasts!

THE HOOTIN’ OF THE OWLS! And Super HOOT to the 500 kids in the Chancellor Livingston School who made Owl pictures !

THE WILD WOMEN! Abby Saxon, the Wildest!

THE ASK ME LADIES Dorna Schroeter, Queen! Diana Devlin, Laureen Swanwick, Jill Lundquist, Joanna Hess, Gwen Bardon, Karen Graham, Aida Wilder, Ana SanJuan, Kiki Steele, Mary Burns, Joanne Leffeld, Sarah Olson, Marianne Neifeld, Karil Davidson, Kari Feuer, Jen LaBelle, Cecily Frazier, Marie Dynes, Karil Davidson, Barbara Kahles, Gillian Eames, and Susan Bissonnette.

BEAR BEAUTY for the Bear Beauty Contest. We could not BEAR to lose you! Samuel’s John Traver, keeping up the tradition begun by Sarah Chaneles and Kathy Varadi. In memory of our dear Ira Gutner.

CROWNS AND BRANCHES! Becky Holt, Sharon Rushton and their courageous crew.

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

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! Emily Houpt, Victor Zelek and Louisa Zelek.

ALL DRESSED UP! The utterly talented and relentless Suzy Morris creator of the Snow King, Snow Queen, Star Child, the Owlettes, the Owl Queen of the Night and her Mouse, the NEW gorgeous Sinterklaas Robe, those crazy Kukeri and all the rest! And her co-conspirator Bea Lambert.

HOLY HOLLY! Mother Holly! Rebecca Singer and William Eadie and Cait Johnson, Ania Aldrich, 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. And the Village of Red Hook for the loaner!

HE’LL ALWAYS BE THE DRONE OF DISTINCTION David Gelb. We will let him live! And his Noble Queen Joanne Gelb!

JUST CALL HIM AL Al Boutin…Lindy’s wingman.

TRAVELLERS (TO MFTA) Lindy Wright, Suzy Morris, Joanne and David Gelb

KINGSTON CREW! Susie Linn, Nancy Donskoj, B.C. Gee, Kevin Godbey, Linda Harrington, Deborah Mills Thackerey, Rob Sweeney, Gloria Waslyn, Ann Loeding, A.S.K., Color Page, Feeney’s Shipyard, Hudson River Maritime Museum, Kingston Library, Old Dutch Church, Savonna’s Trattoria, Ulster County Tourism, Walmart, WDST and the City of Kingston.

THE CHURCHES The United Methodist Church, 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: Pastor Nikki Hutt Edleman, Rev. Richard McKeon Jr., Fr. Luis Perez and Pastor William Ryan Starkweather, and Anna Pavord, Liz Irwin and the every gracious and generous 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 gives it life!

BEEKMAN ARMS AND IT’S LEGS Brenda Catalano and Gail Haskins who climbed up on the chairs--and the Bantas for keeping the Hearth burning.

COLLECTION AGENT! Welcome back Johanna Bard!

YUM! All those who donated food for the hundreds of performers and volunteers. Thank you to Colleen Bloxham and Johanna Bard for keeping this army running with good food! Aroi Thai Restaurant, Rhinebeck Bagel, Bread Alone, Bubby’s Burritos, Cinnamon, CJ’s Italian Restorante, Foster’s Coach House Tavern, Gaby’s Café,Grand Cru, Le Petit Bistro, Liberty Public House, Matchbox Café, Maya Kaimal Fine Indian Foods, Osaka Japanese Restaurant, Pete’s Famous Restaurant, Pizzeria Posto, Village Pizza of Rhinebeck, Smoky Rock BBQ, Samuel’s Sweet Shop, Sunflower Natural Foods Market, Terrapin Restaurant, The Rhinecliff, Warren Kitchen & Cutlery.

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

MASKERS! And to Nan Jackson at the Starr Library for the Coloring Workshops and Joanne Gelb for putting it all together. Thanks to all who colored the 500 beautiful owl masks for the children!

RE-SOUNDING PRAISE! Omega Institute’s Ken Kuter and Skip Backus for letting us hear! And JTD Productions for the same in the venues!

THE REAL DEAL Jonkheer Leopold Quarles von Ufford for giving us authenticity and connecting us to our heritage. And to Mr. Briggs. Love you always.

OUR OWN SPECIAL SINTERKLAAS! In Kingston: Henk Dijk who returns from Holland each year to join us! And in Rhinebeck: Scott Cruikshank, 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, Hummingbird, the Bees…and now the OWLS!

PARADE VOLUNTEERS All those who animated puppets! Now you are 300 strong!!

AND ALL THE ARTISTS AND PERFORMERS! 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 Owl. We know it was not easy.

TO MY son Jordan who is alive and well and very funny and becoming a man.

AND ESPECIALLY to our patient, long-standing, and supportive husbands: Al Boutin, Steven Michael Pague, Bernard Greenwald, Peter Muste, David Gelb, Doug Baz, Donald Corrin, Albert Shahinian, Foster Reed and Harlan Matthews who play greater roles than anyone could ever imagine.Sinterklaas is an ever 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.The world is in a sorry state these days in so many ways, sometimes one wonders how to go on..what is the right thing to do? On Halloween night a friend told me that the Dalai Lama was very recently asked “what can we do to make the world a better place?” He lit up and immediately answered “Festivals! They bring people together in joyous celebration.”

May our Sinterklaas festival serve to bring peace and joy to the world!

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


THE SINTERKLAAS COMMITTEES

THANK YOU ALL!

Steering Committee:Lila Pague, Chair

George & Phebe BantaKimba BakerJessica Bard

Sarah Bissonnette-AdlerColleen Bloxham

Ronnie Citron-FinkStephen CookMeg Crawford Diana Devlin

Kathy & Tom DresselPastor Nikki Hutt Edeleman

Joanne EngelElena Erber

Joanne & David GelbSue Hartshorn

Suzanna HermansJoanna HessBecky Holt

Emily HouptCait Johnson

Alex KahnMarybeth Kale

Richard KopysciankiKen Kuter

Dede LeiberPeggy & Bruce Lubman

Doug Baz & Jill LundquistSally Mazzarella

Rev. Richard McKeonSophia Michahelles

Suzy Morris Fr. Luis Perez

Joseph PhelanRichard Prouse

Foster & Tricia ReedAndrea Rhodes

Rabbi Yael RomerAna SanjuanAbby Saxon

Dorna SchroeterHelen Seslowsky

Pat Sexton & Peter MusteDan Shornstein

Rev. William StarkweatherMartha Tobias

Mayor Heath TortarellaLou TrapaniJohn Traver

Julie & Lou TurpinLivia & Bill Vanaver

Linda & Andy WeintraubAida WilderPiper Woods

Lindy Wright & Al BoutinMary Yankajtis

Kingston Sinterklaas CommitteeNancy Donskoj, Co-Chair

Susan Linn, Co-Chair

Karen BerelewitzB.C. Gee

Kevin GodbeyLinda Harrington

Felix OlivieriDeborah Mills Thackrey

Jacque RolandRob SweeneyGloria Waslyn

Jeanne Fleming Hudson Valley Community Productions

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

Documents

An Old Dutch Tradition in the Hudson Valley · An Old Dutch Tradition in the Hudson Valley SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, ... Father Frost. Then he was St ... Then Santa Claus