Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Volunteer Needed

Once again this year we need a WCA member or members (we can split up the chores) to volunteer to get snacks for the July 11th annual meeting. You do not have to pay for the food we will reimburse you from the WCA funds. You just need to go and buy it, maybe cut up a few things (cheese, fruit and/or veggies). I have soda, seltzer and juice from the Menla potluck so you won't need to get the drinks. Brave Emma has the paper products (cups, plates etc.). We just need someone to get the pretzels, chips, cheese and crackers, maybe make a crudite or fresh fruit salad and get or make a cake. Anyone up for the task? Email me here at wvview@gmail.com or my personal email address (if you have it).

Thanks,
Carol Seitz - Your Blog Mistress

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Gow Job
















The following is from WCA member Cardi O'Conner.

"Look sharp when you are tooling around Woodland Valley or Phoenicia: there is a sweet new “modified” in town. Specifically, it is a 1926 Model T roadster, also known as a “gow job”. Designed by Mike Ottavi, the roadster emulates the T-modifieds built before WWII to race on the Southern California Dry Lakes (as well as the So-Cal streets).

Mike’s modified was custom built by E.J. Kowalski of Reading, Pennsylvania. it has correct period styling and details---which basically means the original 1926 body was stripped way down. Fenders, running boards, splash apron and the rear passenger compartment were all removed. The rear of the frame was shortened and stepped, making a shorter wheel base and also lowering the car. The little roadster is simple, noisy and tough. It is also a rocket.

The origin of the name “gow job” is up for grabs, but some say early hot-rodders would shout to their rivals, “Fords are for gow, Chevys are for plow!”. Mike’s modified has a powerful V8 under the hood, so if you ask for a ride, please be aware: When Mike punches it, guaranteed your stomach will do flips. It’s as thrilling as an amusement park ride."

- Cardi



That's the brake light






















On Plank Road

- All photos taken by Cardi O'Conner

Friday, June 26, 2009

Ice Harvesting at Simpson Memorial Ski Slope

These photos were sent to me by Jay Simpson. They show the ice harvesting that occurred on one of two ponds located on the land that later became the Simpson Memorial Ski Slope and is now Romer Mt. Park. This valley has so much great history. We are lucky to have people who have kept detailed records and photos so we can all learn about it. Thanks for sending these Jay!




Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Astrological Study with Alexander Mallon

Here is a message from WCA member Alexander Mallon.

Astrological Study with Alexander Mallon

Phoenicia location ... near Woodstock, NY
845-688-9751

Starting Thursday June 25, 2009

* 7pm Thursday eve's ..
* Five Session 'tracks'...Class to be on-going in '5 session sign-ups'
* Each class roughly 2 hrs in length
* In depth student participation and personal chart review
* Astrological and astronomical interweaving .... with telescope time!!
* Some beginner material through Intermediate and Advanced-Level study....
.... Best of All .....
* Only $15 per class!!...keeping costs low to enable student participation!!

....some of the topics to be covered....

-Principles of Astrological Practice
-Planetary concepts and mythos
-Forecasting techniques
-Asteroids
-Fixed Stars in chartwork
-Chart interpretations (... plenty of this!!)
-Houses and house systems
-Horary Astrology
-New Planetary bodies discovered

- and as always ... much much more!!!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Astronomy Club

Here is a message from WCA members Lauren Altman and Miriam Rose.

Greetings,
The first meeting of the Catskill Astronomy Club (working title) will be Monday June 29, 4pm at the Phoenicia Library. All ages are welcome, please bring your ideas and enthusiasm. We may alternate meeting sites with the Olive Library if that is desirable to folks.

Hope to see all of you starry-eyed Terrans there.

Miriam & Lauren

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Father's Day Poetry by Mike O'Neil

Even though I posted this poem last year I thought it was good enough to put up again. Happy Father's Day to all!

FATHER’S DAY

Hey nonnie nonnie,
There’s fish in the bay,
It’s Father’s Day,
It’s Father’s Day!

And for the while,
They’ll be scraping and bowing,
Oh hidey-ho,
They’ll be kowtowing.

But comes the morrow,
When Daddy Day’s done,
There’s no more cake,
And no more fun.

Oh, no more fondle,
No more fawn,
It’s “Get out there,
And mow the lawn!”

- Boreegard aka Mike O'Neil

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Deserving Dad

This just in from WCA member Paul Misko.

"Last year I built a new bird house and designed it with a picture window which would face my porch. A solid wood panel remains in place at first so the newlywed birds don't hesitate to move in. After the nest is built and the eggs are laid, I can simply slide out the solid board and gain a clear view of the nest. Here is a shot of the five chicks inside, and one of Dad outside wondering how he's going to feed all those hungry mouths. He's also keeps busy chasing away the bluejays that try to steal the chicks. He certainly deserves a nice Father's Day Gift, instead of a "cheep" one."

- Paul


Thursday, June 18, 2009

Shrimp Creole A La Boreegard

Boreegard (aka Mike O'Neil) made this wonderful shrimp creole for the potluck on Sunday. I asked him to share the recipe with us. Here it is. Try it for yourself.

"A word on what's Cajun and what's Creole. While both the Cajun and Creole cuisines of Louisiana share similarities, Paul Prudhomme is quick to point out their differences. Cajun cooking is country cooking that can trace its venerable roots back to Southern France; from there it traveled to Nova Scotia, and from thence its Acadian migration to Louisiana (see Longfellow's Evangeline for a poetic take on this last leg of the trip). Creole cooking has elements of French cuisine, but has a more cosmopolitan background and includes Spanish, Italian, American Indian, African and other influences too. Chef Prudhomme stated simply, "It's city cooking." In this case the city is New Orleans."
- Boreegard

Ingredients

· ½ pound hot Italian sausage.
· 1 pound raw shrimp.
· Three tbsp. olive oil and a tad of butter.
· 1 cup coarsely chopped onion.
· 1 cup chopped celery.
· 1 bell pepper, chopped.
· 4 cloves garlic, minced and chopped.
· 1 cup chicken stock
· 2 cups ripe roma plum tomatoes, diced.
· 1 bay leaf
· ½ tsp. dried thyme
· ½ tsp. dried basil (or 2 tbsp. fresh)
· salt and ground black pepper to taste.
· 1 tsp. sugar.
· 8 oz. tomato sauce.
· Corn kernels from two ears of corn.


To Do

1. In a frying pan. Cook sausage, and remove. Cut into ¼ inch slices.

2. Shell and de-vein shrimp. I generally don't de-vein if they're small shrimp.

3. Melt oil/butter in the frying pan and sauté onion, celery, sweet pepper, and garlic until limp.

4. Add bay leaf, stock, thyme, basil, salt, pepper, cayenne, LA hot sauce, tomatoes, quartered sausage and simmer, covered, on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes.

5. Add tomato sauce and corn, and simmer slowly for 20 to 30 minutes (until mixture has thickened the way you like it).

6. Turn the heat up for a minute and then add the raw shrimp. Turn heat off, and cover pan. Depending on the size of the shrimp, they will be finished cooking in anywhere from five to ten minutes or so. Test them. So many people insist on overcooking shrimp (a sin of the worst sort). This technique should keep you from that transgression.

Serve with rice. Serves four with a little leftover.
You can also refrigerate it, and serve it cold on a hot summer’s day..
This is a good one, if I do say so myself, mon ami.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Big Fun at the WCA/Menla Potluck

The potluck on Sunday bringing together the members of the Woodland Community Association and the staff of the Menla Mountain Retreat was a big success. It turned out to be a gorgeous day and between both groups we had about 50 people in attendance. The food was scrumptious and the company was even better! Let me extend our thanks to all the folks at Menla for their hospitality! Here are some photos of the event taken by WCA member Cardi O'Connor. Thanks for documenting the fun Cardi!
- Carol









Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Beautiful Home for Sale in WV

Real estate agent and WCA member sent me this information on a house she is represnting in Woodland Valley.

"That glorious brand new Log Home contempo on The Woodland Valley Stream has been reduced by $200,000! It is now priced to sell quickly at $495,000. Gourmet kitchen with walk-in pantry opens to Dining Room and Great Room with Cathedral ceiling. Great Room opens thru sliders to streamside patio. Master Bedroom Suite with it's own fridge and deluxe jacuzzi also opens to Patio on the stream. Spiral Staircase leads to Balcony with 2 Bedrooms, Full Bath and a Reading Alcove. Great location for streamside entertainment. Low yard maintance. Call Lynn Davidson Lic R.E. Sales Person at WESTWOOD METES & BOUNDS REALTY, Ltd. for a Viewing: Office # 845 679-0006 X110 or Home Office # 845 688-7020."
- Lynn

Click Here to View Listing


Click Here for Virtual Tour

Monday, June 15, 2009

Affordable Catskill Getaway

Here is a message from WCA member Cara Cruickshank

Catskill Woodland Cottage
A relaxing, affordable getaway
Picnic in the meadow, take a stroll through the woods and pick wild berries, have a paddle in the canoe on the large pond, roast marshmallows by the campfire, grill a delicious summer dinner on the spacious back deck...

Located 3 min. from the village of Phoenicia on 7 acres, this idyllic setting offers a get-away-from-it-all feel, while still only 15 min. from the charming shops of Woodstock.

Woodland Valley Cottage is fully furnished, full of windows and skylights, has wood floors, 1 bedroom, 1 loft, 2 full bathrooms, fully stocked kitchen, washer/dryer, dishwasher, WiFi, and phone. Relaxing and private,this location will bring out the artist and romantic in you!

Can accommodate 1-12 people. No smoking. Weekend rates begin at $450.
Available for longer-term rentals Nov.-March.

Click Here to View Slide Show

Email or call 845-688-2068 for bookings.

CONTACT US

Cara Cruickshank
storydanz@yahoo.com
(845) 688-2068

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Happy Pepper

This photo and message comes to us from WCA member Ann Marie Misko.

"I just came across this picture again. This was a pepper we bought at the Boiceville Market. It's what we called a happy pepper until we ate it. It was really adorable and interesting. The kids thought it was the best."
- Ann Marie

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Woodland Camp - Garden Volunteer Day

Here is another message about the 2nd Catskill Woodland Camp Community Garden from WCA member Cara Cruikshank.

Community Garden Volunteer Day
will be today
Thursday, June 11 from 3:30pm-7:00pm.

Come join us at the
Phoenicia Park on Main Street
Bring your tools, starters, seedlings, and anything else you would like to contribute.

See you there!

For more info. contact Cara Cruickshank: (845) 688-2068, storydanz@yahoo.com

WISH LIST

Here is a list of what we need for the Catskill Woodland Camp Organic Community Garden. Please contribute if you can!

Fencing or Fish Netting
Lumber for Fence Posts
Potato Rake
Seedlings and Starters
50-Day Sunflower Seeds
Marigolds
Pepper Flakes
Stirrup Hoe
Wheelbarrow
Bird Feeders
Bags of Lyme
Misc. Gardening Tools
Garden Hoses
Sprinkler
Steel Rake
Edger
Organic Compost/Mulch
Hay
Watering Cans
Hand Shovels
Gardening Gloves
Buckets
50 Gallon Water Drum
Tiller

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Miriam Rose Appearing in Kingston

Junior WCA member Miriam Rose is appearing in the "Hudson Valley's Got Talent" show at UPAC (Ulster Performing Arts Center) this Sunday June 14th. Doors open at 5:00 pm the show is from 6-8pm, $10.00 for children, $15.00 for adults. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster or the UPAC box office. UPAC is located at 601 Broadway in Kingston. They will be showcasing talent of all ages from throughout the Hudson Valley.

For more information you can go to:
http://www.ccemusicanddance.org/

To see a wonderful video of Miriam Rose performing on YouTube go to:
Miriam Rose on YouTube

More Great Photos of the Woodland School

I recently received this message from Jay Simpson.

"I was reading your blog and noted the many references to the Woodland School. In our family papers, I found the attached items which may be of interest to you. Here are two photos, one of the buildings and a dam under construction at the school both labeled Spinks School, apparently after the headmaster at the time."
- Jay


Monday, June 8, 2009

Menla Potluck Reminder

I just wanted to remind you all that the WCA/Menla potluck is this coming Sunday June 14th at 3:00 pm at the beautiful Delos Inn on the Menla Center property. They (the good folks at Menla) will be providing the dessert and we will bring the rest. I am going to get the soda, juice and paper products with WCA funds so there is no need to bring any of those things, but please bring a dish to share. Let me know as early as possible this week if you will be attending so I can let the Center know how many of us to expect. You can email me here at wvview@gmail.com or through my personal email address. Looking forward to a great event!!
- Carol

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Community Garden in Phoenicia

This just in from WCA member Cara Cruickshank.

Catskill Woodland Camp Announces
A New Organic Community Garden
in Phoenicia

Phoenicia, NY - June 4, 2009 - The new, independent summer day camp on Main Street in Phoenicia just initiated the town's first community garden.

The garden plot was graciously granted by the Phoenicia Town Board and Catholic Parish. Organized by camp directors Cara Cruickshank and Michael Patrick Downes, the garden was tilled with the help of Kurt Boyer of Phoenicia and Carl Steen of Chichester. Jim Chochrane from the Little Beaver Kill Farm in Mt. Tremper installed the first raised bed and donated zinnias, bush beans, arugula, and radishes.

Growing Community, Planting the Future

"The purpose for this garden is to unite hands in growing organic vegetables, flowers, herbs, and spices, while also creating a beautiful space for campers and community members to walk, relax, bird watch, explore, dream, and gather", says Cruickshank. Volunteers and donations are welcome. For more info. or to get involved, contact
Catskill Woodland Camp, www.catskillwoodlandcamp.com, (845) 688-2068, storydanz@yahoo.com.

About Catskill Woodland Camp
Catskill Woodland Camp is an independent summer day camp in Phoenicia, N.Y. celebrating folk-heritage, culture, arts, and outdoor education in the Catskill Mountain region. Serving 3 age groups, the camp offers programs:
Babes in Woodland (Ages 2-4)
Woodland Wildcats (Ages 5-12)
Teen Camp (Ages 13-18)

CWC seeks to provide education, enrichment and leadership opportunities for local youth which focus on tolerance, respect, environmental stewardship, self-empowerment, and team-building. Catskill Woodland Camp supplies children and youth with a strong sense of diversity as they develop tools for building creative futures, while sustaining relationships with peers, family, natural environment, and community-at-large.


Registration for Catskill Woodland Camp is still open. Camp runs July 6-August 14 and is offered on a week-by week basis. For more more info. or to request a brochure contact storydanz@yahoo.com or go to www.catskillwoodlandcamp.com

Friday, June 5, 2009

Update on the Beaverkill Hatchery

For the fisherman among us and those who knew Gary Shaver of the Beaverkill hatchery (who has stocked the Woodland Valley Stream for years), I wanted to post this update that was sent to me a little while ago by Mike O'Neil. I looks like the hatchery is back in business.

"I am happy to report that against long odds, the Shaver family has managed to overcome at least some of their business difficulties, by which I mean that they were finally allowed by New York DEC to retest their trout, and the analysis proved the trout to be parasite free. And though, according to Sherry Shaver, Gary’s daughter, this delay effectively means the Beaverkill Trout Hatchery has lost as much as $200,000 this year, they are back in business."

- Mike

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Melinda Stickney-Gibson - Woodstock














WCA member Melinda Stickney-Gibson is having a new show. Here are the details. See you all at the opening!

Elena Zang Gallery
3671 Rte. 212 - Shady(Woodstock) NY 12409 - elenazang.com
(845) 679-5432
Open daily 11-5

Melinda Stickney-Gibson
new paintings
Opening Reception
Saturday, June 13, 2009
2-5 pm
thru June 29

Weekend Fun Reminder - June 7th

Don't forget that WCA member Rick Altman is doing a performance at the Muddy Cup this weekend. I am posting the details again below. Go on down and check it out. I am sure it will be a great show!

Rick Altman & David Oliver
special guest violinist Miriam Rose

An Evening Of New Music For Vibes and Marimbas
Inspired by Jazz, Folk, Ska, Afro-Cuban
and many other World musics.
Sunday June 7th, 7-9:00 PM
the Muddy Cup/Inquiring Mind
coffehouse & bookstore
65 Partition St, Saugerties, NY 845 246-5775
www.myspace.com/muddycupsaugerties
FREE

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Phoenicia Library Fair

The good folks from the Phoenicia Library asked me to put this up. I love the library fair! Drop by and support a great resource in our community!

Come one, come all, to the annual Phoenicia Library Fair
Saturday, June 6, 10 - 2
In and near 48 Main St., Phoenicia

We've got something for everyone:

PLANTS annuals, perennials, vegetables–just in time to plant

Thousands of Books for sale,
Most 25 c -$1, more for Rare, Signed, etc.

HOMEBAKED GOODIES - cannoli, strawberry shortcake, brownies, cookies

SILENT AUCTION gift certificates, items from local stores and artisans, autographed books, and much more
songs by Uncle Rock
from 10-11, face-painting and other activities from 11 on
Rain Date Sunday, June 7

Monday, June 1, 2009

Photos from the Parade

Here are a few photos from the Memorial Day parade last week sent to me by Hawley Botchford. It was a beautiful day and everyone had a great time!