Local filmmaker Yonah Sadeh takes his lens to China
Filmmaker Yonah Sadeh on a shoot last year in New York City.
Matt Kashtan
Filmmaker Yonah Sadeh at work. Lisa Volmer
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A blessing for pets — and a lifeline for their health
Natalia Zukerman
May 27, 2026
Lazarus, a Eurasian eagle owl, poses with Dr. Laura, his longtime handler. The rescue raptor — known as the event’s “wow factor” for his striking presence and six-foot wingspan — will appear as the Raptor Ambassador at Rhinebeck’s Blessing of the Animals.
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For many pet owners, animals are family. On Saturday, May 30, that bond will be celebrated in a uniquely practical and heartfelt way when the Blessing of the Animals returns to Third Lutheran Evangelical Church in Rhinebeck alongside a free rabies vaccination clinic hosted by Hudson Valley Animal Rescue & Sanctuary.
The event, scheduled from noon to 4 p.m., is free for Dutchess County residents and open to dogs, cats and domestic ferrets three months and older. While the clinic itself provides an important public health service, organizers say the day has become about much more than vaccinations.
“It’s a very simple afternoon of kindness,” said event curator Rosemary Joyce. “I think of it like a gardener — you go someplace, you learn how to plant seeds and then you take those seeds home and grow them in your own community. Except these are the seeds of kindness.”
The annual blessing is now entering its fourth year, with each event honoring a different theme. This year’s celebration pays tribute to renowned primatologist and animal behaviorist Jane Goodall.
“Most people know her from her work with primates,” Joyce said, “but she also taught us to understand that animals are sentient creatures — they feel like we feel.”
Joyce pointed to recent scientific studies that scanned dogs’ brains using MRI technology.
“When dogs are presented with the scent of the people they love, the part of their brain that lights up is the exact same part of our brain that responds to love,” she said. “So not only do they love us — dogs love the way we love.”
Unlike larger ceremonial blessings often held around the feast of St. Francis, Rhinebeck’s blessing is much more personalized.
“This is not where everyone gathers and gets blessed all at once,” Joyce said. “This is individual and hands-on. You walk up to Pastor Jim Miller, and he talks to you and your animal.”
Past participants have brought everything from dogs and cats to chickens, parrots, reptiles and even an iguana “draped around someone like a scarf,” Joyce recalled.
The event also features more than a dozen rescue and animal welfare groups, each bringing “ambassador animals” for visitors to meet.
Among the most anticipated returning guests is Lazarus, a 9-year-old Eurasian eagle owl with a six-foot wingspan.
“He’s the wow factor,” Joyce said. “I watched a father hustling his two boys to leave last year because they had another appointment. I told him, ‘If you haven’t seen what’s over there, you haven’t seen this event.’ He walked over, looked at Lazarus, and his mouth just dropped open. The little boy came out in him.”
Other participants include rescue horses from the Southlands Foundation, adoptable dogs from Animal Farm Foundation, reptiles from Two by Two Animal Haven, small animals from 4-H and rescued farm animals from Hope Farm Animal Sanctuary, including Rosie, a 200-pound potbellied pig.
Joyce said one of her favorite aspects of the event is watching it create unexpected connections.
“I’m always amazed that people who would never talk to each other on the street are suddenly sitting on the lawn talking like old friends,” she said. “Animals are great catalysts for human connection.”
This year’s rabies clinic, provided by HVARS, adds a critical public service component.
Rabies vaccinations are required by New York state law for all dogs, cats and domestic ferrets by four months of age. Owners who fail to comply can face fines of up to $200.
“A lot of people don’t realize that,” Joyce said. “And they also don’t realize how affordable this clinic makes it.”
Vaccinations are free for Dutchess County residents with proof of residency and $15 per pet for non-residents. Vaccines are valid for three years with proof of prior vaccination, or one year without it.
Microchipping will also be available for $45, and one-year distemper vaccines for $25.
“It’s the size of a grain of rice,” Joyce said of the microchips. “It’s tiny, safe, affordable and permanent. If your pet is lost or stolen, all someone has to do is scan it.”
She noted that the service can be especially important as pet thefts have risen in recent years.
The clinic was made possible through a donation from the Estate of Charles Svatek, whom Joyce described as someone “known for true acts of kindness and a loving desire to make the world better for all living creatures.”
For Joyce, the event reflects a larger message about compassion — for animals and for each other.
“If this event does anything,” she said, “I hope it reminds people that kindness ripples outward.”
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged at hvars.org, though walk-ins will be accepted as space permits. Dogs must be leashed; cats and ferrets must be in carriers. The event will be held rain or shine.
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Silvano Monasterios wows packed Cornwall Town Hall audience
Natalia Zukerman
May 27, 2026
Silvano Monasterios thrilled a sold out audience in Cornwall.
Natalia Zukerman
Grammy-nominated pianist, composer and producer Silvano Monasterios performed works from his upcoming “Solo in Paris,” his seventh album, on Sunday, May 23 at Cornwall Town Hall to a packed audience. Presented by Music Mountain in partnership with the Cornwall Town Hall and Cornwall Library, the concert showcased Monasterios’ signature fusion of sophisticated jazz harmonies and vibrant Latin rhythms. Throughout the performance, he moved seamlessly between intricate compositions and spontaneous improvisation. The concert built excitement for Music Mountain’s upcoming summer jazz series, which will bring an array of acclaimed performers to the historic venue. For more information, visit musicmountain.org
Author Courtney Maum to discuss new novel at Norfolk Library
Jennifer Almquist
May 27, 2026
Norfolk Library celebrates the release of Courtney Maum’s latest novel, “Alan Opts Out,” with a book launch party Tuesday, June 2, at 5:30 p.m. The author will speak about her book in conversation with WAMC radio producer Sarah LaDuke.
A graduate of Brown University with a degree in comparative literature, Maum is an acclaimed author of five books, including the romantic comedy “Touch,” a New York Times Editors’ Choice and NPR Best Book of the Year; “Costalegre;” and “I’m Having So Much Fun Without You.” Her memoir, “The Year of the Horses,” was chosen by the TODAY show as top pick for Mental Health Awareness Month. Vanity Fair listed her author’s guidebook “Before and After the Book Deal,” as a best resource for writers, and she has an eponymous Substack newsletter.
“This is a story of an advertising executive whose rogue rejection of capitalism inspires waves of reprioritization throughout his neighborhood,” said Maum of her new novel.
When asked about her inspiration for “Alan Opts Out,” Maum mused, “There is a reminder in the lyrics of the Justin Moore song ‘Time’s Ticking’ to ‘make a memory, not just money,’ that sums up the emotional experience I aimed for with this novel. The suspicion that I was living to work instead of working to live was — like for so many of us — one that became especially pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
She continued, “I found myself enjoying the enforced change of pace where priorities shifted to health, time with loved ones and deep, honest gratitude for what I already had, because I sure as heck didn’t know what tomorrow would deliver. Was the pandemic offering me a chance to opt out of the rat race?” Maum began to wonder what would happen if she did. “I took these sentiments, cranked up the volume on them to explore the existential ‘aha moment’ of somebody who did, in fact, opt out.”
In his advance praise for the book, author Carl Hiaasen writes, “Like all good satire, ‘Alan Opts Out’ is vivid, lacerating, and funny, but also presents uncommon empathy for those it skewers.”
Literary Hub describes the book as “the eat-the-rich farce we need, from one of our funniest writers.”
Maum lives in Norfolk and is married to filmmaker Diego Ongaro. She states simply “I write, and I help writers write,” and describes herself as a “human fighting for my wildness.”
Founder of The Cabins, a collaborative arts retreat, Maum also runs a writer’s workshop in New Mexico combining her 20 years in advertising with her love of craft. Maum is a brand strategist, publishing expert, writing coach and creative consultant. She says she wants to “help people hold on to the joy of art making.”
To register for the event, go to norfolklibrary.org. Those who pre-order from Oblong Books (oblongbooks.com) will also receive a lobster sticker.
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Sheila C. Bellamy
Lakeville Journal
May 27, 2026
AMENIA — Sheila C. Bellamy (née Carmel), age 92, of Sarasota, FL, died on May 9, 2026, at her home, after a brief illness.
Sheila was born on May 28, 1933, the oldest daughter of the late Rose (Brown) and Arthur Carmel. Her beloved sister, Ann, soon followed. Sheila was raised in Brooklyn’s Bensonhurst neighborhood and graduated from New Utrecht High School and Brooklyn College, where she earned an English degree while working in the biology and physiology laboratory. Later, while raising four children and working, she earned a master’s degree in education from SUNY New Paltz and advanced certificates in teaching and special education.
After a short stint in North Carolina as a military spouse, Sheila lived in Amenia, New York for 37 years, where she was a devoted educator. She first taught as a substitute teacher in the local school system and then as a teacher at a youth residential facility in town, but most of her many teaching years were spent in special education at the Wassaic Developmental Center.
During her Amenia years, Sheila was a member and leader of several organizations, including the Beth David Congregation, the Webutuck PTA, and the Girl Scouts, and her personal kindness, support, and humor left a lasting impact on many within our community as well.
Sheila met the love of her life and future husband, Ronald Bellamy, R.N., at work more than 45 years ago. They were married in Amenia on July 8, 1990.
Sheila and Ron lived an idyllic retirement in Sarasota beginning in 1995, during which they traveled the world and had adventures both at home and abroad, while continuing to serve as volunteers. Sheila was chosen by the Sarasota-Manatee Chapter of Hadassah as their 2004 Woman of the Year.
In addition to her husband Ronald, Sheila is lovingly survived by daughters Barb Klees (and husband Mark Glickman), Margie Gerrard (and husband Ed), and Carrie Klees; son Ed Klees (and wife Susan); stepdaughters Dawn Brinson and Fraun Bellamy-Baker (and husband Ron Baker); stepsons Tony Bellamy (and wife Alison) and Ronald Bellamy Jr; 19 cherished grandchildren; two beloved nieces; and other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her sister Ann and her stepdaughter Tammy Bellamy. A funeral service was held on May 19, 2026.
Sheila was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, friend, educator, and community member. She modeled perseverance and kindness, beauty and intelligence, and love and humor, throughout the twists and turns of life. She generously gave her time, effort, and financial support to many meaningful causes. In her memory, please donate to the charities of your choice, and give love to those who need it.
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Robert Clayton Smith
Lakeville Journal
May 27, 2026
KENT — Robert “Bobby” Clayton Smith. The family is sad to announce Bobby’s passing on Saturday, May 16, 2026, after his courageous battle with cancer came to an end at the home of his cousin, Tonya and Daniel Soule, in Kent, Connecticut. Born on Sept. 2, 1956, in Sharon,he was the son of the late Eleanor Hart Smith and James Smith. Bob’s family resided in Sharon, before purchasing and moving to the Bog Hollow Inn in Wassaic, New York where he was a stellar bartender.
He graduated from Housatonic Valley Regional High School class of 1974 and served in the United States Navy. Bob worked at Tri Wall Container Co. in Wassaic, and later as a self-employed painting contractor.
Bob lived life to the fullest. He inherited his love for hunting and fishing from his dad, Big Jim, who surely taught him everything he knew. With his Dad, he built a camp in Danforth, Maine that while being a time-consuming experience, was enjoyed and cherished by the entire family. He also enjoyed bowling, golf, horseshoes, all card games and was a serious and crafty dart player, affectionately named, “Bull’s Eye Bob.”
Bob enjoyed days on the softball field and played in various leagues. He had an unmistakable presence that made him a familiar face both on the field and around town. He affectionately bragged that he could kick anyone’s “butt,”- especially to his four nephews.
Even during his illness, Bob continued to enjoy gathering and socializing with friends and family. He watched the Yankees and NY Giants, usually with a Bob “opinion included.”He enjoyed watching television shows including the “Price is Right,” “Deal or No Deal,” “Jeopardy,” and the Grit TV network and was a frequent Keno and 13-21 lottery game winner.
Bob is survived by his brother, Bucky Calabro of Poughkeepsie, New York; uncle, Ralph Hart andhis wife, Dixie, of Melbourne, Florida; aunt, Josephine Cullen of Orlando, Florida; brother-in-law, Bruce Osolin of Goshen, Connecticut, and four nephews, Jamie and Jared Smith and Kyle and Andrew Osolin and numerous cousins. He is also survived by his companion of 12 years, Kerry Coelho, who brought adventures, compassion, understanding, friendship, and time together that never wavered. The family wishes to thank Kerry for the selfless love and support she brought to Bob’s life.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Rhonda Osolin and two brothers, Donald Smith and James “Gigi” Smith.
The family and friends extend special thanks to Danny and Toni Soule for all the comforts, support and love they gave Bob in the last year. He was quite happy and content in his surroundings and a place he called “home.”
Calling hours will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Hufcut Funeral Home, 3159 Route 22, Dover Plains, NY. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Valley View Cemetery in Dover Plains, NY.Memorial contributions may be made to the Kent Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 355, Kent, CT 06757 or online at https://www.kentfire.org/. To send the family an online condolence, please visit www.hufcutfuneralhome.com.
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William C. Hower III
Lakeville Journal
May 27, 2026
SALISBURY- — William (Bill) C. Hower III passed away unexpectedly on May 15, 2026, after a brief affliction at the age of 66. He was the beloved husband of Rosanne Foley Hower and father of Amanda and Charlotte Hower.
Bill was born in 1959 to Bill and Gloria Hower (Tino) in Torrington. He graduated from Oliver Wolcott Technical High School in 1977 and continued onto a career in the automotive industry, primarily with his family business, Jim’s Garage in Canaan.
After retiring in 2015, he enjoyed exploring many interests including time spent in Montana, other traveling, co-operating his antique store, enjoying his community and spending lots of time with friends.
Bill was an especially talented skier. The higher the mountain, the happier he was flying down it on fast skis. This past season, he had just broken his own record by skiing 62 days.
At home, Bill was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who shared his love of life and knowledge without limit.
Bill was predeceased by his parents and his sister Frances Scaia. He is survived by his wife Rosanne, daughters Amanda (Long) and Charlotte, grandchildren Josephine and August, sisters Willette Murphy, Ingrid Devita, Monica McGlothlen, and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Sunday, July 12 at Catamount Mountain Resort at 1:00 p.m.
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