Arts and leisure digest

Scholar-in-Residence begins tonight at Monroe Temple of Liberal Judaism Monroe — The Monroe Temple of Liberal Judaism will host a Scholar in Residence Weekend, Friday, March 11 through Sunday, March 13. The schedule is as follows: Friday, March 11, 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service followed by presentation: “The Meaning Of Chosenness In Judaism, Christianity And Islam.” Saturday March 12 10 a.m. - Shabbat Service and Torah Study; D’var Torah by Rabbi Firestone Noon - Catered Luncheon - Middle Eastern theme. No charge. RSVP requested at 783-2626 or mnrotmpl@frontiernet.net Presentation: “The Five Pillars Of Islam: Islam And Its Relationship With Judaism.” 7:30 p.m. - Presentation - Will examine events currently happening in the Middle East from a scholar’s perspective. Open to the Orange County Community. No charge. RSVP requested. Sunday, March 13, 9 a.m. The topic will address the future. With discussion including but not limited to, Islam in America; Muslims, Neighbors With Whom We Will Go Forward; What Does Islam Really Say About Jews and Judaism? Do We Need to Fear Those Who Practice Islam? Is There Really a Clash of Civilizations.” Photo exhibit at West Point features 'Orange County Roots, the Trades, Skills and People’ West Point - The West Point Class of 1929 Gallery will present an opening reception featuring local photographer Kenneth Lipston on Sunday, March 13, from 2- 4 p.m. The collection is called “Orange County Roots, the Trades, Skills and People,” which depicts the people, trades and crafts that have existed in Orange County over the last century and still exist today. This project preserves in images the culture, work ethic and the people that still labor in a manner as they have for many generations, according to Lipston. The West Point class of 1929 Gallery is located on the 5 floor of Eisenhower Hall. The display will run through May 1. Gallery admission is free. For more information go to www.orangecountyroots.com. Fish and chips dinner at firehouse Chester — Once again the Chester Kiwanis Club and Walton Engine and Hose will host a fish and chips fund raiser at the firehouse on the first Friday of Lent, March 11, between 4 and 7 p.m. The dinner will be catered by Tastefully British. The cost is adults, $14, seniors (65) and children 12 and under, $12. Both groups are also holding a raffle for a board of lottery tickets. For more information and to purchase raffle tickets or a ticket for the dinner, call Ed Stoddard at 469-4674. The firehouse is located at 81 Main St., in Chester. Alternative power lecture Middletown - Robert Honders Sr. will tell his story of building his own micro-hydro plant which now produces electricity for four houses in the third of four lectures on alternative power at SUNY Orange on Tuesday, March 15, at 7:15 p.m. The presentation will include slides and video explaining the process and its practicality. Honders will give specifics on engineering costs, payback, and gaining energy independence by being off the grid. He also runs an informational blog: EnergyIndependence-Rob.Blogspot.com. Call 341-4891 for more information. Introduction to Beekeeping class offered Hamtonburgh — The Southeastern Beekeepers Club will offer its Introduction to Beekeeping class on Saturday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Arboretum at Orange County Park, in Hamptonburgh, in the Kosuga Greenhouse. The cost for the class is $25 per person, Registration required by phone or e-mail. To register for the class, or for more information, call John Graham, club president, at 726-4231 or 551-6386, or e-mail Meade63@Hotmail.com. The club meets the third Saturday of each month at the Cornell Cooperative Extension, at 18 Seward Ave., third floor, in Middletown. For more information about the club visit www.sebcbees.com. Film will be part of Sisterhood is Necessary Newburgh — As part of Women’s History Month, there will be a free showing of the documentary film “12 and Delaware” at 7:30 p.m. on March 21 at the Downing Film Center in Newburgh. Following the show there will be a community discussion on equity and reproductive justice. Celebrate Women: Sisterhood is Necessary is an on-going collaboration between Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley and the YWCA Orange County which provides an opportunity to discuss issues facing women today. The film is a documentary set in Fort Pierce, Fla. ,and on each side of “12 and Delaware” soldiers stand locked in a battle: On one side of the street sits an abortion clinic and on the other an anti-choice outfit which is often mistaken for the clinic it seeks to shut down. The film shows what it’s like for women who become pawns in this ideological battle. Seating is limited so call 561-8050, ext. 23 or e-mail shannon@ywca-orangecty.org before March 14 to reserve a seat. Celebrate spring with a fashion show at Burke Catholic High School on March 25 Goshen — What better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than with fashion. Burke Catholic is hosting its Ladies Night Out on Friday, March 25, complete with a fashion show featuring the latest in trends from local merchants and vendors. Some of the merchants who have committed include Christine’s Closet, Glitz and Sossi Formal. Vendors who will attend include Arbonne, Vincenzo Designs by Jeannie (jewelry), Style Counsel and Sulpada Jewlery. More vendors and merchants are getting on board as the date approaches. The cost for the evening is $20 before March 25, $25 at the door. Students are admitted for $10. Hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks are included. Wine will be available for purchase. The fashion show is from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Burke Catholic High School gymnasium, In an effort to give back to the community, a percentage of the ticket sales will be donated to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. For tickets, send checks, made payable to the John S. Burke Catholic Parents Club, to Burke Catholic High School, Attn: Faith Ferguson, 80 Fletcher Street, Goshen, NY 10924. Include your name, phone number and the number of tickets requested. Vendors interested in participating and selling their wares or services may rent a table for $50. Set up begins at 6 p.m. Send payment with your company name, address, phone number and a description of the items for sale to Burke. Contact Faith Ferguson for more information at 845-986-3590. The night is sponsored by both the John S. Burke Catholic Fashion Club and the Parents Club. Call for participants for Pine Bush UFO Festival Pine Bush — Organizers of the Pine Bush UFO Festival are seeking musicians and performers for its April 30 event, sponsored by the Lion’s Club with the help of the community. Organizers said this is a good way for participants to gain a public exposure while performing in a 30 to 60 minute set. They will also be allowed to sell their CDs or promotional items. All applicants are subject to an interview for content and quality of performance. To learn more, e-mail to funkyprez1@yahoo.com or call 744-5731.