Dale Stewart reports from Livingston. The calendar may not agree, but the official start of summer in our region was marked on Sunday, May 27, with the Columbia Land Conservancy's annual Country Barbecue. Nearly 1000 revelers flocked to David Rockefeller’s Clum and Patchen Farm, which was dotted with about 20 giant tents sheltering a range of festive activities. Children roamed the hay mazes, had their faces painted, and were mesmerized by the I-wish-my-dog-could-do-that border collie duck-herding demonstration provided by Wild Goose Chase. Adults were drawn to the silent auction, which quietly warmed up the bidding for the dizzying live auction that followed. Everyone, no matter what age, enjoyed local food and drink, as well as music by The Cathy Grier Blues Band, fronted by the singer known as Subway Girl, and performances by the always entertaining Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, whose founding member Keith Nelson (above) gave the party two thumbs up.
Ann & Isaac Sublett with Anuj Shah and Heather MacDonald; Amanda Boyd, Jayne Zinke,Doug Grout, Thomas Grout, Sarah Stern Crowell, and CLC's Director of Outreach and Resource Development Tom Crowell.
Brett Cobb, Mike Cohen, Claverack Town Supervisor Robin Andrews, and Chris Lastovicka; The Hudson Cannonball Factory's Chris and Sarah Gilbert.
Charles Jenkins and architect Jim Dixon cradle their twin daughters Katy and Marie; Courtney McDonald with Pilates instructor Megan Kane.
David Barrret and NY State legislator Didi Barrett; attorneys and former White House Fellows Michael Hatchett and Cynthia McCaffrey flank their eldest daughter Sarah and Elizabeth Kanaga.
The Cathy Grier Blues Band played three full sets throughout the event.
Architect Kathleen Triem, Host Committee Vice Chair Amy Barr, and architect and Architecture Omi Director Peter Franck; Olana Landscape Curator Mark Prezorski, Doug Wingo, Tim Legg, and Owen Davidson.
Martin L. Schnieder with CLC honoree and PS21 founder Judy Grunberg; fellow CLC honoree Michael Polemis and with his wife Barbara.
CLC Public Lands Steward Prescott Haley with Katie Kalemda and her furry friend from the Blue Star Farms petting zoo; Local 111 owners Linda Gatter and Max Dannis.
Jan Hopkins and the Japal family— Barbara, Sofia, Sebastien, Christopher, and Isabella—upstage Leo Hageman; sisters Diana and Cheryl Gilbert.
Partners in play Stephanie Monsue and Keith Nelson of the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus enlist the aid of some volunteers for their juggling act.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
