Amy Krzanik reports from Hillsdale. On Sunday, September 8, Richard Collens opened his home for the third of four benefit concerts he's hosting this summer, this most recent one in honor of Columbia County Habitat for Humanity. His high-ceilinged, sun-filled living room served as the perfect spot for “jazz the way it's meant to be heard" performed by the Armen Donelian Trio. The well-established threesome was joined for the first time in public by saxophonist Marc Mommaas, creating a truly special event for the rapt crowd. Original compositions by Donelian and Mommaas were interspersed with works by others, including Armenian composers. Habitat for Humanity is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to the elimination of poverty and substandard housing worldwide. The next benefit for the group is the September 21 ReCycle, ReCreate, ReImagine art show and auction. (Pictured left to right: Host Richard Collens, Board Member Gina Armstrong, former Board President Diana Coughlin, and current Board President Janis Smythe.)
Berkshire Bach Society Board Member Greg Arend and Executive Director Paula Hatch; The band: saxophonist Marc Mommaas, drummer George Schuller, bassist David Clark, and bandleader and pianist Armen Donelian.
Jeff Monkash, MD, Louis Clinton, MD, James Warren, and Carolyn Lafleur, MD; Habitat volunteer and past Board President Diana Coughlin and architect Dennis Wedlick.
James Farrell, Bart Shoenfeld, MD, Janet Carey, Jody Schoenfeld, and Jamie Stiller.
Sue Chiafulla and Jessica Willis; Habitat "Volunteer of the Year" Ron Tanner and Maureen Gara, PA.
Richard Collen, Sam the dog, and Annette Van Ommeren; Robin and Casey Caldwell.
Sally Michailides and Ed Fournier; Mary Lou Kersten and Chris Kersten, Janis Smythe, and Timi Bates.
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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
