Entertainment

“Sterling Forest and the First Iron Industry in the State of New York”:
Presenter –  Doc Bayne, local historian and educator at Sterling Forest

Join us for an intriguing presentation about the beginnings of New York State’s iron industry in Sterling Forest and learn how the mining of iron ore transformed the nature of the Revolutionary War.

Doc Bayne, local historian and educator at Friends of Sterling Forest, will bring guests on an amazing historical journey that chronicles the rise and demise of Lakeville, NY, located in Sterling Forest. This small town of about 500 proved to be pivotal to the Revolutionary War effort.

Mr. Bayne will detail how iron ore was discovered in this area in 1736, and how the iron was mined, smelted and finally used during the Revolutionary Was, including a discussion about the furnace that was used to create the Great Chain that was used at West Point to impede British ships from entering the Hudson River. Learn what happened long after the Revolutionary War until the end of the town of Lakeville in 1923.

Donald “Doc” Bayne has been volunteering in state parks for as long as he can remember. He has always been involved and interested in forestry and animals, as well as the history of the area of the Hudson Valley.

Doc started working part-time as a Park Ranger with Sterling Forest State Park in 2000. In 2004 he became a full-time employee and soon after assumed the position of Environmental Educator. He is known as a local historian and he conducts history hikes of the iron era in Sterling Forest.

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“Highlights of Central Park”:
Presenter – Mario Medici

See Central Park through the lens of a camera along with commentary describing each photo. Since the mid-nineteenth century, Central Park with its 843 acres has been the jewel of New York City and has many wonderful sights and experiences. Each year, 40 million people visit Central Park and are treated to a number of wonderful sights. Whether it’s the 80 sculptures that dot the landscape, or the 33 bridges and arches (some dating back to 1863), or the acres of waterbodies, lawns and woodlands, you will be treated to a wonderful viewing and informational experience. This lecture will cover the park’s history and many of its sights and attractions. 

Mario Medici is a retired Information Technology executive with 50 years of business experience, 30 of which were with the airline industry. Having traveled the world extensively, and with a love for amateur photography, Mario focuses his lectures on the sights and attractions of New York and New Jersey with a concentration on their historical, architectural, and artistic aspects. Mario currently lectures at Bergen Community College’s Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR); clients includes schools, community organizations, libraries, and corporations. Mario is also a licensed New York City Sightseeing Guide (License #2032026-DCA).

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The Walkabout Clearwater Chorus

Founded by Pete Seeger, Walkabout Clearwater Chorus is dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and social action through song, education, and other activities.

For more than a quarter century, the chorus has been performing songs about the environment, peace, and justice – keeping the old songs alive and teaching new ones – and always encouraging audiences to sing along.

Walkabout has performed throughout the east coast (including on a PBS Special with
Peter Yarrow) and through our WITS Program (Walkabout in the Schools). Walkabout
has also performed internationally and appears on Pete Seeger’s Grammy Award
winning CD: “Pete Seeger at 89”.