DECEMBER

Thursday, December 3, 8:00 p.m.
Humanity Survives: BOOK SIGNING/FILM: Luna’s Life/Sister Rose’s Passion
One of only two Holocaust survivors in her family, Luna Kaufman teaches us the profound meaning of forgiveness and reconciliation as she answers questions about her new book Luna’s Life, and introduces Sister Rose's Passion, a documentary about the life of her friend and colleague, Sister Rose Thering, a Catholic nun who led the fight to eliminate anti-Semitism from textbooks. Puffin discounted copies of Luna’s book will be available for signing; proceeds will benefit the Sister Rose Thering Endowment for Jewish-Christian Studies at Seton Hall.

Free and open to the public.

Saturday, December 5, 8:00 p.m.
WORLD: Vlada Tomova’s Balkan Tales with Klezmatics Matt Darriau
With her innovative group, Balkan Tales, “Bulgarian vocal sorceress” Vlada Tomova weaves traditional songs from Bulgaria, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East into a truly unique contemporary acoustic sound. This special Puffin performance celebrating a new CD includes Kyle Sanna (acoustic guitar), Rima Fand (violin, Luminescent Orchestrii), Yair Evnin (cello), female vocal quartet Lila, and special guest, Klezmatics reed player Matt Darriau (gaida and kaval,).

$10 suggested donation.
Reservations strongly recommended.

Sunday, December 6, 7:00 p.m.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Dr. Judith Weis
Biological Sciences, Rutgers University
Professor Weis will be interviewed about her important new book, Salt Marshes: A Natural and Unnatural History, by Capt. Bill Sheehan, founder of Hackensack Riverkeeper, considered the leading environmental organization working on Hackensack River issues. Salt Marshes explores the biodiversity and importance of wetland habitats, the consequences of human neglect and development, and the methods by which wetlands might recover. It also frames the politics of land use and how outcomes of land use decisions affect the survival of the wetlands in our neighborhood (literally on the other side of Puffin's parking lot).

Q&A, reception, and book signing follows the interview. Puffin-discounted copies available. Co-sponsored by Hackensack Riverkeeper, Puffin Foundation, and Teaneck Creek Conservancy.

$10 suggested donation.
Reservations recommended.

Sunday, December 13, 4:00 p.m.
ART OPENING: The Art of Design
Venezuelan Images of Art and Culture (1965-1983)
This exciting exhibit features Venezuelan posters collected by renowned painter and printmaker Marius Sznajderman when traveling to Venezuela to exhibit his own work and while he directed Galeria Venezuela at the Venezuelan Consulate in New York City from 1974 to 1983. Many of the posters were designed by graphic artists employed by The National Institute of Culture and Fine Arts (INCIBA) and later by the National Council of Culture (CONAC) who were aware of international design trends and were given full freedom of expression. A number of the posters were produced in conjunction with exhibits of the work of some of the best known Venezuelan painters working in a variety of styles. The posters were created by some of Venezuela’s most important artists and designers, including Oswaldo Vigas, Alejandro Otero, Santiago Pol, Jorge Pizzani, Francisco Bellorin, Alirio Palacios, and others, to publicize Venezuela's art exhibits, music, theater, ballet, mime and puppetry performances, as well as to promote labor, culture, education, literacy, ecology and folklore. This exhibit provides a unique overview of the extraordinarily vibrant and creative arts and culture scene of Venezuela during that period.
Marius Sznajderman will give a short talk at the opening reception.

Free and open to the public.
The exhibit runs through January. Regular gallery hours are Mon-Fri, 1-5 p.m. or by appointment.

Wednesday, December 16, 8:00 p.m.
TALK/Q&A: Dr. Alon Pauker on the “Kibbutz Crisis”
Marking the 100th Anniversary of the Kibbutz Movement, Dr. Pauker, visiting from his post as Researcher at Yad Ya'ari - Hashomer Hatzair Institute for Research and Documentation in Israel’s Givat-Haviva presents a talk/slide presentation about “The Widening Gap Between Leadership and Rank and File After the State of Israel’s Founding.”

Free and open to the public.

Saturday, December 19, 8:00 p.m.
JAZZ /BLUES: Warren Battiste Quintet
Katrina-displaced guitarist, was first taught to play the guitar by his father, a banjo player at Preservation Hall and then went on to become a fixture on the New Orleans circuit, performing with a wide array of the most renowned musicians, such as Fats Domino, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Sarah Vaughn among many others. Rescued from his roof by helicopter during Hurricane Katrina, he relocated to New Jersey, where he has rebuilt his career even as he continues to assist in the remaking of his home city. In his Puffin appearance, Warren will be joined by Brian Rose (piano), Kevin McCarthy (bass), Greg Searvance (drums), and guest vocalist Ellen Lafurn for an evening celebrating the music of “The American Songbook” including the songs of Cole Porter and selections from among the many songs popularized by Frank Sinatra.

$10 Suggested Donation.
Reservations recommended.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
THANKS FOR A TERRIFIC 2009.
SEE YOU IN 2010 FOR ANOTHER GREAT YEAR!!
The Puffin Gang