Eco-friendly landscaping practices; a scenic wine and food day trip; how the county’s business community is faring post-COVD; what to do this holiday weekend; why it’s OK to be a quitter; and more
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🎵 PRELUDE: I Shall Be Released
“I Shall Be Released” is a 1967 song written by Bob Dylan. Dylan recorded two primary versions. The first recording was made in collaboration with The Band during the Basement Tapes sessions in 1967, but not released and released until 1991 on The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3.
The Band recorded their version of the song for their debut album Music from Big Pink, released in July 1968. “I Shall Be Released” was also performed near the end of the Band’s 1976 farewell concert, The Last Waltz,
In 1971, Dylan recorded the song a second time with a different arrangement and altered lyrics accompanied by Hudson Valley’s own, Happy Traum.
Hudson Valley fans of both The Band and Bob Dylan have several opportunities to hear their music this weekend. The Warwick Winery, located in Orange County, is running a Dylan Fest from Saturday through Monday. The tribute band, “The The Band Band” presents a Dylan Birthday Bash at Daryl’s House in Pawling on Sunday, May 29.
— ELISA ZUCKERBERG, Founder of HearItThere.com, an online resource for live music events in the Hudson Valley and Fairfield County.
📰 ICYMI: This Week’s Features
Restoring Biodiversity, One Yard at a Time
A look at the environmental impact of traditional landscaping techniques and their eco-friendly alternatives in a county renowned for its lawns and green space
Wine Time
Uncork and unwind with a pleasant drive to scenic City Winery and enjoy fresh air and fine food with a glass of your favorite varietal
Business First
Business Council of Westchester President and CEO Dr. Marsha Gordon discusses the post-pandemic vibrancy and resilience of the county’s business community
What to Do This Weekend (and Beyond): Your Best Bets
Celebrate Memorial Day with a party at the beach or a parade in Chappaqua; enjoy the great outdoors while shopping and dining in Larchmont; learn about early Native American life; celebrate Pride Day
An Ode to Quitting
Here’s your green light to give up
National Shame
Guns have touched my life in profound and deeply personal ways. My take on Oxford High.
[Editor’s Note: From last fall — regrettably made all too relevant once again by the recent tragedies in Buffalo and Uvalde, Texas]
📡 THE FEED: Curated News in Brief
Local School Superintendents Address Texas Shooting Tragedy: Several area school superintendents addressed the mass shooting at a Texas elementary school in messages to their communities. (Examiner)
LGBTQ+ Pride Flag Raising Will Kick Off Westchester Pride Events: Westchester Pride 2022 is set to return in person after a 2-year hiatus due to COVID and is expected to have a record-setting crowd. (Patch)
Westchester Law Enforcement Seize Large Fentanyl Shipments Since 2020: Westchester County law enforcement has targeted large-scale drug suppliers leading to significant drug seizures, which has sharply reduced the rate of overdoses over the past two years. (Examiner)
Lottery Opens For Affordable Rental Apartments In Westchester County: The rents will range from $934 for a studio apartment to $1,361 for a two-bedroom for those who meet household income requirements. (Patch)
Latimer: No Plans to Impose Restrictions as COVID Cases Steadily Rise: There will be no COVID-related restrictions throughout Westchester County despite continued elevated readings of the virus in the community. (Examiner)
23-Year-Old Sentenced For Fatally Shooting Westchester Man: A 23-year-old man will spend more than a decade in prison after admitting to shooting and killing another during an argument in the Hudson Valley, authorities announced. (Daily Voice)
🔢 BY THE NUMBERS
📅 FLASHBACK: 1922
This is a 1922 photo of elephant Old John honoring the memorial of elephant Old Bet in Somers. Old Bet was purchased by local farmer Hachaliah Bailey in 1806. Whatever his motives for buying her originally were, he eventually decided to bring Old Bet around to showcase to neighbors, eventually taking her on the road and charging people 25 cents to see her. They would travel at night to get to the next rented barn so no one could get a free look. Sadly, Old Bet was shot and killed by another farmer in Maine in 1816. After her death, Hachaliah and some of his friends purchased more elephants and other strange animals that drew people into Somers. This strange tradition became the beginning of the American circus. Today, Old Bet has left her legacy in Somers. The elephant is now the iconic mascot of Somers High School. Hachaliah built his elephant monument in 1827 and opened the Elephant Hotel in 1825, both of which still stand today. The hotel is now owned by the town of Somers as the town hall. —MADDIE STONE
(Photo: Somers Historical Society)
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