Little Chapel on the River

It looks like the old Guinan's building may be turned into a gathering spot for the public once again. Local Garrison residents Chris and Sharon Davis are pursuing permits to lease the building and turn it into a commuter retail store and restaurant, according to Chip Allemann , the general manager for two local establishments already owned by the Davis family: The Garrison and Highlands Country Club . Chris Davis runs N.Y.-based investment fund and he and his wife Sharon are active in many facets of Philipstown's environmental and historical preservation. Assuming all goes according to plan, Allemann, who would also help oversee this new venture, says they intend to open operations in the second quarter of 2013 after renovations are completed. There would be a commuter retail store open daily from early in the morning and a bar with light fare also open daily starting around midday. The current Tavern restaurant located at the Highlands Country Club would be moved to the G...

Please join me in supporting Kelly Guinan Preusser and her husband Ed Preusser as they make their way on bicycles from Boston to New York on Sept. 16-18 as part of "Braking the Cycle" in honor of Kelly's late father, John Guinan. Any $$ amount will help them raise their ambitious goal. Time is running short! Here is the link to donate. Many of you have supported this endeavor in the past by donating to me, or to other members of Team Guinan . I cannot ride this year, but hope that everyone who can give, will put their support toward Ed & Kelly's goal. This ride was extremely important to John and to his wife Mary Jane. Thanks to all who have and continue to honor John with their generous gifts.

Candace Coates , the "Highland Harper," will play at Paula's Stone Cottage Wine Bar in June. Candace reports that the building was home to the Bloggett Memorial Library in the 1960's. Since then, she says, it has been a lawyer's office, and two beauty salons before becoming the wine bar. Date: Sunday, June 12, 2011 Time : 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Address : 2 Broad Street/1158 Main St. Fishkill, N.Y. Phone : (845) 896-9563 (896-WINE)

Many belated thanks to the Berkshire Book Club in Boston for reading Little Chapel on the River for their book club. I recently spoke to the club by telephone during their meeting - you all were terrific! Always surprises me that readers still come up with new questions about the book, and BBC did not disappoint. Back row L-R Amy, Danielle, Annie, Nuala, Becky, Tara. Front row - Jennifer, Kelley, kaitlin, Liz. (Lynne and Kris are not pictured).

UPDATE: 1/29/2011 - Spoke to a couple of people directly involved in the renovations who say the pub structure will remain in place, though it will require some renovations, shoring up, etc. That's great news. Hope this plan remains in place. Heard today that the owners of #7 Garrison's Landing may be planning to dismantle what for many was the heart of Guinan's - the green pub in back - when they renovate the building into office space. Don't know if it's true, but if so, this breaks my heart. Surely there are alternatives that could respect the history of this institution, and the people who loved and cared for it, while still making needed structural changes?