The Rogovoy Report 7.24.23

From around the corner to around the globe...

Jul 23, 2023

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REQUIRED READING

What Really Changes in Older Age

(The Atlantic) - Among the many negative stereotypes that exist about older adults is the idea that they’re not capable of change. in fact, many psychologists used to believe that after young adulthood, people tend to settle into their personality. That’s largely true, but only until a certain point: More recent studies suggest that something unexpected happens to many people as they reach and pass their 60s: Their personality starts changing again.

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Why aren’t we more scared of the climate crisis? (The Guardian)

Climate collapse could happen fast (The Atlantic)

Is it hot enough yet for politicians to take real action? by Bill McKibben (New Yorker)

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Dorrance Dance in '45th & 8th' at Jacob's Pillow (photo Chistopher Duggan)

Dorrance Dance an Engaging Treat for Eyes and Ears at Jacob’s Pillow

(Boston Globe) BECKET, Mass. - The tapping tour de force Michelle Dorrance returned with her company to Jacob’s Pillow Wednesday for a five-day engagement to play the Ted Shawn Theatre as if it were a soundboard in “SOUNDspace,” and present her latest offering, “45th & 8th.” Dorrance’s “SOUNDspace,” celebrating its 10th anniversary with a version she adapted for the Ted Shawn, represents what makes the choreographer special — her distinctive and riveting tap vocabulary, her ability to showcase the musicianship of the dancers, and her seemingly instinctual ability to build choreographic structures that fully engage audiences both aurally and visually.

Woodstock Musician-Artist Simi Stone Raised in ‘Creative Hippie Culture’

(UpstateNY) WOODSTOCK, N.Y. - When it comes to homegrown Woodstock talent, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who can match the range demonstrated by Simantha Molly Lou Sernaker, better known by her stage name, Simi Stone. With a Jamaican father and a mother who was a disciple of Swami Satchidananda, Stone fit right into what she calls “the creative hippie culture” of her hometown. By the age of seven, she was studying classical violin and ballet. By ten, she was writing and recording her own songs. In high school, Stone stretched her creative wings further by exploring improv comedy and acting. Upon graduation, she moved to New York City to study in the theater department at Marymount Manhattan College. She quickly became a fixture on the East Village music scene, then nationally, as a part of the groundbreaking Afro-Punk band, Suffrajett. After garnering rave reviews for two indie albums and multiple national tours with the band, but no major label deal, Simi returned to Woodstock. Once here, she launched an even more impressive solo career, recording with luminaries including Natalie Merchant, The New Pornographer, Gipsy Kings, Simon Felice and Amy Helm. Stone was also a memorable presence as a singer/dancer during David Byrne’s acclaimed 2018 world tour. While all this was going on, Stone began indulging another talent – as a fine artist.

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REVIEW: At Barrington Stage, ‘tiny father’ tackles big themes (Boston Globe)

Bernice Lewis sees Sugar Hill Folk Festival as a way to bring 'whole world of folk' to the Berkshires (Berkshire Eagle)

Albany-bound Aimee Mann finds comfort back on the road (ATU)

Country music star Jason Aldean releases racist, violent music video encouraging vigilantism and lynching by Seth Rogovoy (The Forward)

Yoko Ono leaving NYC, moving to the Catskills (NYT)

Inside The Berkshire’s Quaint Little Cat Lodge

(Cool Hunting) CATAMOUNT MOUNTAIN - Among the ever-expanding roster of idyllic hospitality destinations within reach of New York City, Little Cat Lodge stands apart for its particular blend of enveloping charm and thoughtful contemporary design. Formerly a bed and breakfast known as Swiss Hutte—familiar to most who have passed through this particular corner of the Berkshires, where New York State and Massachusetts meet—Little Cat Lodge encompasses 12 guest rooms, two suites, a cozy cocktail bar, a restaurant from executive chef Jason Bond, a heated outdoor pool, a barrel sauna and more—all at the base of the seasonal ski outpost Catamount Mountain. Under the vision of hotelier/restaurateurs Noah Bernamoff and Matt Kliegman (of Pebble Bar and Jac’s on Bond acclaim), the boutique mountainside getaway has become an enchanting all-season escape for anyone looking to après ski or settled down before exploring the region’s hiking trails.

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Crashes involving pedestrians or bikes steadily rising in Pittsfield (Berkshire Eagle)

Wahconah Park restoration in Pittsfield nabs $3M in federal funds (B Eagle)

North Adams mayor unsupportive of grand plan to redevelop crumbling Western Gateway Heritage State Park (iBerkshires)

Lee Select Board announces kick off to Eagle Mill demolition project (Berkshire Edge)

Five Berkshire farms getting $550k in grant funding (iBerkshires)

Baker's Golf in Lanesborough celebrating 80 years (B Eagle)

NEWS FROM THE HUDSON VALLEY

Spijk Selby lights a coal fire that at its core reaches temperatures exceeding 3,000 degrees

The Gen Z Blacksmith Breathing New Life into an Ancient Art

(ATU) GHENT, N.Y. - Every morning Spijk Selby wakes up and walks a short distance from his family home in the forested hills of Columbia County to a decagonal structure tucked into the trees. There, between sips of coffee, he lights a coal fire that at its core reaches temperatures exceeding 3,000 degrees. With a coal-burning forge, a large iron anvil, and a hammer in hand, Selby practices traditional blacksmithing methods — much as they’ve been practiced for thousands of years — to make knives, daggers, copper dishes, and silver jewelry, though his primary focus is culinary knives.

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GOP lawmakers seek steep Amtrak funding cuts (ATU)

In 19th District, Riley outraises Molinaro in second quarter filings for congressional race (ATU)

Zoning Board greenlights 40-room boutique hotel in Hudson (GoR)

Hudson firefighter residency rules expand (HV360)

$2 million goes to expand food assistance program (HV360)

British endurance swimmer attempting to travel entire length of Hudson River (NYT)

Does the Hudson Valley beat Malibu? Ask Lorraine Toussaint (NYT)

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