By Jeffrey Page
“Let these [senators] learn how to clean their own houses, mow their own lawns, and shop using coupons.” More on how we pay our legislators.

By Bob Gaydos
It’s the end of the year — not the decade — and Obama is suffering from a power outage. So are capital punishment fans. Random thoughts.

By Michael Kaufman
Former Dodgers’ pitcher Billy Loes provides inspiration for my New Year’s resolution.

By Shawn Dell Joyce
“Less than 1 percent of all the consumer goods bought and sold during the holiday season will be in use six months from now,” says Annie Leonard in the film, “The Story of Stuff.” A look at our addiction to stuff and how to fight it.

Shawn Dell Joyce’s pastel painting of the village businesses in downtown Montgomery. Part of a series.

By Carrie Jacobson
It’s been a year of painting, and of pets!

By Rich Gigli
GRIST MILL – Philipsburg Grist Mill is a historic house, water mill and trading site located on US 9 in the village of Sleepy Hollow. The manor dates from 1693 when Frederick Philipse of Yonkers was granted a charter for 52,000 acres along the Hudson River. By the mid-18th century, the Philipse family had one of the largest slave-holdings in the colonial north.

By Jeffrey Page
When the incident reached the internet, Schumer decided he had to apologize. But his regret reeked of phoniness.

By Rich Gigli
WINTER IN THE COUNTRY -The winter farm scene at the Dixon Homestead is reminiscent of works by the two artists, Nathaniel Currier and James Merritt Ives.

Shawn Dell Joyce’s painting of the week is Iron Cafe, a pastel painting of the corner of Clinton Street and River Road in the historic Village of Montgomery. This painting is part of a series to honor Montgomery’s Bicentennial. See more of my work at www.ShawnDellJoyce.com and come take a class with me at www.WallkillRiverSchool.com.