On Saturday, April 27th, The Delaware Company in conjunction with several other not-for-profits will be hosting a celebration program marking the 175th Anniversary of John Roebling’s Delaware Aqueduct. The Aqueduct was very important in its time because it reduced canal travel time by an entire day and saved thousands of dollars in shipping costs annually. Thirty years later its engineer John Roebling went on to build the Brooklyn Bridge. Today, the Roebling Delaware Aqueduct is the oldest suspension bridge in the United States. The event will be hosted onsite by the New Inn at Lackawaxen-located at 188 Scenic Drive in Lackawaxen. The day’s events start at 10am with a walking tour of the historic aqueduct followed by some presentations, a buffet lunch, and Canal music performances-with songs dating back to the early 1820s about the lives of people, living, traveling, and working along the canals. Canal music has become a treasured part of our American folk music traditions. Probably the most famous canal music folk song, “Fifteen Miles on the Erie Canal” made popular by folk singer Pete Seegar was re-recorded in 2006 by none other than “The Boss” himself, Bruce Springsteen on his American Land Edition album. This is a very special event and will surely sell out fast so it is best that you reserve your spot by Friday, April 19th. Tickets are $25.00 per person and to reserve tickets contact Laurie Ramie by emailing her at laurie@upperdelawarecouncil.org or by calling 845-252-3022. Checks should be made payable to “DHTHC” and can be mailed or delivered to 211 Bridge Street, P.O. Box 192, Narrowsburg, NY or pay electronically at www.dhthc.org or by PayPal or Venmo.

I went to Bethel Woods Theater last Saturday for a book signing event. The book- “Dancing on the Edge” was authored by Russ Tamblyn, a Hollywood legend, and an accomplished movie and television actor, choreographer, director, and a very brilliant dancer who has lived a magical life in the movie business that probably isn’t possible anymore. The book is chock full of hilarious stories, big name movie stars and his appearing in blockbuster movies such as the original Westside Story, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Tom Thumb, earning an Academy Award nomination for Peyton Place, Father of the Bride, Django Unchained, Twin Peaks and tons more and working with celebrated directors David Lynch and Quentin Tarantino. Russ’s daughter (and Eldred resident) actress, author and director Amber Tamblyn served as the host of the book signing as her dad recounted driving in his sports car with Paul Newman sitting in the trunk and how he came to help Elvis Presley add more snap to his dance moves while he was filming Jailhouse Rock and what it was like knowing Elizabeth Taylor. He writes about what compelled him to give up all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood at the height of his very successful career to find more creativity as a fine artist living in Topanga Canyon.

After the book presentation Mr. Tamblyn graciously signed books for the enthusiastic crowd of well-wishers including this columnist who did a rather miserable job of fangirling. “Dancing on the Edge” is a vivid memoir and a wonderful read about the star-studded career of a very gifted man who has lived an extraordinary life. “Dancing on the Edge” is available on Amazon or wherever you choose to buy your books. I have donated a signed copy to the Sunshine Hall Free Library which should be available soon.