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Putnam Valley Sunset Series is One Giant Family Picnic in the Park
by Edward Paul Greiff
Each concert in the Putnam Valley Parks & Recreation Sunset Series creates a different mood and seems to attract a different audience. But one thing is certain - every time a new musical group sets up in the park and they are about to start their performance, the band leader pauses and pays homage to the majestic beauty of the park and surrounding mountains. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 was no exception. It was 7:30pm and the temperature was a very comfortable 70 degrees with a gentle breeze blowing, you could see the full moon rising in the east as the sun was setting in the west, and as if suddenly hit by a lightening bolt Doug Ferony smiled and said, "Of course, that's why they call it the Sunset Series," and he quickly gave the down beat count "one, two, three, four" to his orchestra and they were off and running.
On the bill that evening was professional singer and entertainer from the "Deuces Wild," Georganne Millard (pictured above) who captured the audience's hearts when she had a young lady sing along with her to the tune "How much is that hound dog in the window, the one with the waggley tail (bark, bark)." There was supposed to be a boy dog also but he was too shy.
And for the seniors like Scholastic publications graphic artist Lloyd Birmingham, pictured above with Town Councilman Dan Ricci, it was a nostalgic evening reminiscing to Frank Sinatra's classic hits, Bobby Darrin's Mack The Knife, and the sounds of Big Band Swing as performed by Doug Ferony and his twelve piece orchestra.
The crowd listened and relaxed as they spread out on their blankets and portable folding chairs. Most had cooler chests filled with food and beverages. Some brought their well-behaved dogs with them. Kids ran and played as they usually do. But most impressive was the camaraderie and spontaneous smiles and conversations between the various groups spread out on the park's great lawn.
For those not bringing their own refreshments, up at the pavilion the new kitchen was being put to the test as Sunset Series staff members prepared hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, popcorn, and other snacks and beverages.
Food for the soul was provided by the Putnam Valley Arts group, who set up under the pavilion, where Jessica Ellard coordinated the exhibition of the various artists. She was assisted by Carolyn Smith, Ed "Red" Todd, and Esther McHenry.
The unsung heroes of the evening are the combination of volunteers and paid staff required to put on the event. As anyone who has ever tried to run such an event knows, nothing happens by itself - the performers receive the applause but the "crew" receive something more subtle - a feeling of knowing that their toils were instrumental in giving the audience a great experience.
Members of the Sunset Series crew began setting up at 1pm and wrapped up the take down operation at midnight, eleven hours later. The show itself started at 6:30pm and ended at 9:30pm.
On that crew are Thea Moeller, Sunset Series Director; Randy Moeller, Cory Moeller, Melissa Moeller, Connie Braun, Jim Carbonaro, Kathy Colona, Lynn Sharp, Jane Sharp, Cody Sharp, Doreen Piacente, Justin Piacente, Janet Piacente, Phyllis Levesque, Barbara Heaslip, Anthony Frugis, Wes Mosely, and Mathew Brady.
It may be a lot of work but it is a labor of love and each performance builds an enjoyable memory that lasts a lifetime. If you have never been to a Sunset Series concert you owe it to yourself to try one. You won't forget it.
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