A Word from the Publishers

A few months ago at one of our periodic editorial meetings several of our contributors suggested we start a new section of AboutTown devoted to sustainable or green living. As soon as we started talking about it, however, it became clear it would be impossible to isolate the subject from all the other sections we had already established or could anticipate establishing—from food to home construction to healthy living and even to the local history articles (our sustainable heritage).

The relevance of sustainability hits home especially hard in the two articles in this issue about the bats and bees. The odd similarity of the bee colony collapse that was first reported about 18 months ago and the demise of Little Brown bat hibernariums reported since last fall have sent shivers up our collective spines. At least for the bees, recent Bard graduate Sam Comfort offers a sensible, insect-friendlier way forward for all of us. Let's hope similar answers are soon forthcoming for New York State's endangered Little Browns.

—Paul

With spring here and summer approaching, sights, sounds, and smells once again delight me. I'm reminded of the cycle of life and of how simple things can be so refreshing. My little grandson just turned a year, his wobbly first steps and enchantment with crawling in the grass, listening to the peepers, looking at photos of a baby fox my son took, and smelling lilacs, all serve to remind me to take a deep breath and appreciate the moment. This area has so many wonderful outdoor places to explore. Top on my list for this season are Olana, Innisfree Gardens and kayaking on the Hudson. Another pastime will be eating at such wonderful outdoor cafés as Gigi's, Starr Place, Aroi, Taste Budd's and Leonardo's. And of course, you'll find me at the Rhinebeck Farmer's Market with its new Thursday hours. With all the chaos happening in the world, I have an even stronger appreciation for the beauty, comfort, and safety of my small Hudson Valley community. So, dear friends and readers, enjoy this glorious season, check out the About Town calendar for lots of exciting events and activities, and let our advertisers know you saw them in About Town.

—Gail

Guest Artist: This issue's guest artist is Melanie Marder Parks. An ex-New Yorker, Ms. Parks has illustrated many cookbook covers and interiors during her 25-year career. You can also see her work in the upcoming Christmas issue of Martha Stewart Living. Visit her website @ www.melaniemarderparks.com.