The Town of Gardiner officially dubbed 2006 as the “Year of the Library” and dedicated a land site to the Gardiner Library for its new digs. After numerous fundraising efforts and the receipt of generous private donations from certain unnamed-butwell- appreciated community members, the Library is pleased to announce that it’s one-third of the way to realizing the dream. An initial site plan has been developed, along with the preliminary design of the new 5,000-square-foot structure.
The generosity of the community will be augmented by grants from state and federal programs, and hopefully by a workable mortgage when the project gets to that stage. Library head Peggy Lotvin thanks the many volunteers and contributors who have donated to this cause.
To end the year with some sweet and sentimental sounds, a concert benefi ting the Library fund will be held on Sunday, December 17 at 3 p.m. at the New Paltz High School. Bring your bling and come swing to the Sammy Kaye Orchestra, a traditional Big Band featuring more than 16 musicians and including two vocalists.
Originating in the era of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and the Dorsey Brothers, the Sammy Kaye Orchestra still tours extensively, making annual visits to Pearl Harbor and cruising the Mississippi on an authentic paddlewheel boat. One look at its jam-packed schedule attests to the continuing popularity of this smooth, swinging music. Gardiner’s own Roger Thorpe inherited the band when Sammy Kaye left the scene in the mid-1980s. He will direct the orchestra for this fun holiday event.
Take a trip down Memory Lane, or invent new memories. No mosh pit is planned, but feel free to do some foot-tapping and body-swaying to this Big Band’s big 20th -century groove – and be a part of building a new library facility in Gardiner. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors, and can be purchased in advance at the Gardiner Library. For further information contact (845) 255-5650.