Photos from the ESRM/CMRR Holiday Party

Here are some photos from Doris Morehouse of the ESRM/CMRR Christmas party and train ride that happened a couple of weeks ago. Despite the bad weather a good time was had by everyone who came out to ride the rails. As as an extra treat kids young and old got to a visit with Santa! Hmmmmm......I think Mr Claus looks like someone I know......I wonder who it is???

Cold Comfort

It's cold out this morning!! My thermometer reads 4 degrees. This is the kind of weather where the streams are freezing over. Dennis Havel sent me these photos of the Pantherkill stream. At least it is beautiful out there. But I am planning on viewing it from my nice warm house.

Rain then Flurries

We had a lot of rain over the weekend that melted a significant amount of the snow we had lying around from previous storms. Last night it snowed here but we only got about an inch. The forecast for the next few days is for the temps to drop and go into the single digits at night. Brrrrrr!!!!! There is some ice under all the snow now that everything is freezing up again. Be careful walking if you are coming to visit for New Years Eve!

Snow then Rain

We had about 4 inches of snow overnight and into this morning. It is now raining on top of it and is supposed to keep raining throughout the evening. I hope this doesn't freeze otherwise it is going to be an icy mess. I will keep you posted.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas to everyone in Woodland Valley! I hope this holiday season finds you safe, warm and sharing joy with family and friends. May peace prevail in our valley, our town and on our earth!!

Merry Christmas from the Morehouses

Just a last minute animation to wish you a
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas Deer:
http://www.glenn.tapley.us/MC.swf

Have fun with my silly Reindeer
~ ~ ~

~ Peace in 2010 ~
Dakin & Doris Morehouse

Holiday Greetings from Lam & James Wolf

Dear all families and friends,
We wish for you to know we are thinking about you during Christmas and the New Year Celebrations. We hope and pray that Christmas is filled with the most joyful moments and the New Year is spectacular.

Lam & James

Rick Altman/David Oliver Winter Concert

*7th Annual Winter Concert *

Rick Altman and David Oliver
An Evening Of New Music For Vibes and Marimbas
Inspired by Jazz, Folk, Ska, Afro-Cuban
and many other World musics.

Special Guest Violinist, Miriam Rose
Saturday January 16th, 7:30 PM
Pine hill community center
287 Main St. Pine Hill, NY12465
(845) 254-5469
pinehillcommunitycenter.org
FREE

Holiday Greetings

Happy Holidays from Paul Misko leader of the Woodland Valley Hikers!

Digging Out from the Storm?

Dennis Havel sent me these photos from the last storm. He said it was back breaking digging out from the .003 inches that fell in the valley!














And his plow was working overtime!!

Happy Belated Hanukkah!!

My apologies to the Jewish members of our community. I have been so busy in the last few days that I am late writing my Hanukkah greetings. I can write my posts in advance and then schedule them to go up on a certain day if I am going to be busy. Except for the weather and the announcement about the passing of Marian Umhey, all the posts that you saw last week were put up in advance. I thought I would have time to write a Hanukkah message but work was just too busy. So I hope all of you who celebrate the festival of lights had a wonderful, joyous holiday!!! Happy Belated Hanukkah!!

Not Much Snow

For all you folks who are out of the valley and wondering how this last storm effected us I am happy to report that we have gotten only a dusting of snow. Looks like our neighbors down south are taking a turn digging out of a big mess. The storm slid to the east and pretty much missed us completely. Whew!

Marian Umhey Passes

I usually don't report on people who live outside of the valley but a long time, much beloved member of the community has passed and, since she had so many friends here, I wanted to let everyone know. The Phoenicia Times reported that Marian Umhey passed away yesterday morning (December 16th) at Benedictine Hospital. She was 84 years old.

Marian was a former town supervisor (the first and only woman so far), Ulster County legislator, publisher and columnist. She was also a writer and penned the much beloved "Marian's Memos" in the Townsman (and more recently the Phoenicia Times) for as long as anyone can remember.

According to the Phoenicia Times Marian has had several health emergencies lately which forced her discontinue her work as a librarian's assistant at the Phoenicia Elementary School. A job which she dearly loved.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday Dec 19th at 10:00am. The wake will be December 18th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St Phoenicia. If you need more information or want to light a memory candle you can go to the Gormley website at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com.

May she rest in peace!

Eugene Ruffolo CD available on CDbaby

Here is a note from Eugene Ruffolo giving us another option to purchase his Christmas music.

"Just a short note to let you know that my new Christmas Cd "Even Santa gets the Blues" has been getting rave reviews and is now available on Cdbaby.com where it can be purhased in physical form or digitally---

The link below takes you directly to my page
where you can read more, preview tracks, buy the CD and/or digitally download the Cd or individual tracks:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/eugeneruffolo

CD baby accepts credit cards and is very effcient in filling orders.

Hope you'll check it out..
Thanks and Happy Holidays!!"

Eugene

Weather Update - 12/15/09

We had a lot of rain here on Sunday night and as a result the snow and ice have melted down quite a bit. My own driveway is significantly less icy than it was over the weekend. Today's forecast calls for the temperatures to rise into the 40's for a while before getting a lot colder again over the next few days. Let's hope the warm air melts a lot more of the left over ground cover. I'll keep you posted.

Memories of a Woodland Camper

This post was sent to me by Bill Horne who was a camper at Woodland Valley's Camp Woodland from 1950 to 1960.

The Catskill Watershed

The designation of much of the Catskill region as the watershed for the New York City water supply system has proved to be an advantage in fending off the environmental damage that development of the Marcellus Shale would bring. Little did the folks who suffered the loss of their land and homes to allow the building of this reservoir system realize that their sacrifice would one day help preserve and protect the region that they loved.

The Catskill System began with the Ashokan Reservoir and Catskill Aqueduct which were completed in 1915. The 1950s brought a large expansion of the reservoir system with the Rondout Reservoir in 1950, Neversink Reservoir in 1954, Pepacton Reservoir (at Downsville) in 1955 and Cannonsville Reservoir in 1964.

While necessary for the New York City water supply, the displacement of long time Catskill residents was very painful. One of them, Orson Slack, at the age of 83 ran a little carpentry shop in the village of Arena on the headwaters of the Delaware River soon to be flooded to make way for the Pepacton Reservoir. Seated outside his shop on lawn chairs he had made he told campers from Camp Woodland “I’ve been east; I’ve been west; I’ve been south. I’ve worked at almost everything. We was brought up on work.” Orson’s grandfather, born in 1785, had been one of the first settlers in the Catskill area. His grandfather was one of eight men who had walked 50 miles of wilderness over the mountains from Kingston , carrying bags of grain on their backs, to begin clearing land, sow the first crops and prepare the way for their families.

Orson Slack was a frequent visitor to Camp Woodland in the Woodland Valley before he died. His history was related the 1952 Camp Woodland year book:

- Bill Horne

Dennis Havel - Smokin'

Here are 2 really beautiful photos of smoke done by Dennis Havel with this new digital SLR. Great job Dennis!!

2009 - 2010 Shandaken Ski Program

COME AND VISIT YOUR MOUNTAIN
SUN. DEC. 13, 2009

The Town of Shandaken and Belleayre Ski Center are pleased to announce the 2009-20010 Ski Program - All residents of Shandaken are encouraged to participate!

The 2009-2010 ski program will kick-off on Sunday December 13, 2009 with a special one-day price for Shandaken residents only!!
$10
Plus $5 for your swipe card

Happy Holiday!!

You must attend the kick-off Sunday December 13 in the Lower Lodge in order to sign-up for three special $25 ski dates, December 25, 28 & 29

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!!!
Sign-up early - All participants must be signed up by January 1, 2010 to receive your own swipe card, loaded with 13 Sundays @ $20 per ticket for each Shandaken residents. Also included will be 13 Sunday swipes @ $25 for your guests to ski with you. Sign/show up before January 1, 2010 and you will have your own swipe card to use at ANY counter where tickets are sold and get this deal. Another great feature…you can pay by credit card if you wish. Anyone who has not signed-up or shown up by January 1, 2010 will still be able to participate, but will have to be at the Lower Lodge on Sunday mornings between 8:30-10:00 to receive their tickets and will only be eligible to bring one guest for the season.

Also, those who are not signed up by January 1, 2010 will not be eligible to ski on Wild Wednesdays.

Remember: a group lesson is included with each ticket.

Sign up at the Lower Lodge to have your picture taken!

2010 Sunday Ski Dates
January - 3,10,17,24,31
February - 7,14,21,28
March - 7,14,21,28

Surprise! Wild Wednesday!
Like to ski during the week? Well you're in for a surprise! We will be skiing on Wednesdays starting January 6th, 2010 for the group rate of $25.00.

Equip Yourself
You are encouraged to provide your own equipment, but if you need to rent, here are some great deals, just mention you are with Shandaken Recreation.

Belleayre Mtn. Ski Shop
(@ the ski center)
254-5600
$12 full-day skis, boots, poles
$21 full-day snowboard, boots

Jimmy’s Belleayre Ski Shop
(@the base of the mtn.)
254-5338
$10 full-day, skis, boots, poles
$15 full-day snowboard, boots

Full-Season Rentals may be available, call the shop of your choice for info.

Remember, you must be signed-up BEFORE January 1, 2010 to take advantage of these specials.

For more information call Tina Rice at (845) 688-2106

Benefit Concert - December 12th

This is a fabulous concert for a great cause with a special guest appearance by Woodland Valley's own Miriam Rose.

Leslie Ritter & Scott Petito Holiday Benefit Concert
with Special Guests......
Jonathan & Grasshopper
from Mercury Rev
Kelleigh McKenzie
and a special appearance by
Miriam Rose

Sunday December 13th
2:00 pm
Mountain View Studio
Mountain View Ave, Woodstock, NY
Call 518-943-0085 for information
for Directions go to: www.mtnviewstudio.com

Admission to this show is a non perishable food or cash donation which will benefit

The Good Neighbor Food Pantry
and Meals on Wheels

Serving the Woodstock area in cooperation with the Woodstock Interfaith Council.

for more information go to www.LeslieandScott.com

Snow to Ice

Remind me......did last winter ever really end? Right now it just feels like we are continuing the bad weather of last year with almost no summer break. OK, I will stop complaining now and get to the current weather.

The snow finished falling in the late morning yesterday and changed to rain. The temperatures rose throughout the day and then plunged last night into the 20's freezing the whole wintery mix up solidly. When I went out earlier today there was a layer of ice over the top of the snow making things very slippery. The temperatures are rising again but they don't seem to be going as high as yesterday. So things are melting a little again today but will probably freeze up again later. Basically, what I am trying to tell you is that the whole thing is a big frozen mess. So if you are coming for the weekend be sure to get in touch with your plow person and have them clear your driveway.

- Carol

PS - Again please remember that this report is coming to you from the top of Woodland Valley. Things may be a little better down the road and closer to town.

White Christmas?

Mother Nature has gone out of her way to see that we have some snow around for Christmas. We have gotten about a foot of anow overnight into this morning. It is changing back and forth between snow and hail at this point. I think it is supposed to end early this afternoon. Those of you who are coming for the weekend should call your plow guy (or woman, as the case may be) and get them to clear your driveway.

And to the Florida residents (you know who you are) who wished for a white Christmas in their holiday letter, I just wanted to let you know that I think this is all your fault! LOL!!

Free Christmas Show and Train Ride

There is lots and lots of fun to be had this weekend in Phoenicia. Dakin Morehouse sent me this information about the STS Christmas Show, the party at the Empire State Railway Museum and the train ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad. Santa himself will even be there. This event is a gift to the community from all three of the organizations involved and it is entirely free! So come one come all for some festive Holiday cheer!

Santa Rides the Rails Again!

- On the Catskill Mt. RR Christmas Trains -
and so can all you kiddies – for Free!
That’s on Sunday, December 13, right after the 12:00,
Shandaken Theatrical Society’s Annual Christmas Show
on Church St. in Phoenicia
~ ~ ~
Then it’s across the creek to the historic
Phoenicia RR Station
for cookies & cider,
Model RR trains and good cheer –
and a Train Ride with St. Nick Himself!
(Trains will run as they fill up between 1:00pm and 4:00pm)
~ ~ ~
While this annual event is free, donations are always welcome - and helpful to the Empire State Railway Museum
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Many thanks to all the contributors including the ESRM, Catskill Mt Railroad, the Shandaken Theatrical Society and participating Phoenicia shops and restaurants.

The Schwartz's Thanksgiving Cruise

This Thanksgiving WCA members Jeff and Aileen Schwartz took an eight night cruise to the Bahamas. Here are a few photos from their trip. Looks like they had a great time!

Weather Report - Snow!

I haven't posted much weather yet this season because there hasn't been anything significant to report. But today it snowed on and off for most of the day. It seems to be stopping at this point. I just went outside with my handy, high tech (NOT), weather ruler and stuck it into the snow on my porch. Looks like we got about 5 inches (that is where I am at the end of the valley) there is probably less in town. It is the wet, heavy kind so I am not sure how long it will stay around. I keep all of you up to date.

Weekend Fun Reminder - Dec 5th & 6th

Remember this weekend is the The Shandaken Gift & Artist Studio Tour. There are many stores and artists participating in this event. WCA member and artist Wendy Grossman is opening her studio right here in Woodland Valley. Stop by for a visit! For information and a map go to http://www.ShandakenArt.com/.

And please try and shop locally this holiday season. There are many great shops in town to buy presents for everyone on your gift list including Tenderland Home, The Mystery Spot, 60 Main, The Nest Egg, Morne Imports and many more. By buying your presents here you are keeping the money in the community and supporting the people and businesses that make this town great.

So hopefully I will see you out and about getting your gifts this weekend!!

More Simpson Family History

On November 29th I posted some vintage postcards from the collection of Stephen Bernstein and asked if anyone could give me some more history on the pictures. Jay Simpson wrote me this note.

"I saw the pictures of the Simpson House, Simpson Store and Simpson Rapids in your blog. I can provide the following additional information:

The house was the Simpson Family homestead being built by James A Simpson and his wife Julia Longyear. He was a tanner who ran the Phoenix Tannery from 1843 to 1870. The tannery was located just across the stream from the homestead. The house was sold to the Guglielmetti family in 1946 and they ran a boarding house there until Route 28 was realigned in the mid 1960s and it was demolished during the reconstruction. The house was located about a half mile west of Al's Diner on Route 28 on the North side. You can still see the "wide spot" where it was.

The Simpson Store was begun by A. J. Simpson in 1878 and was in the family until it was sold in 1988 to Sue Taylor who operates the Sweet Sue restaurant. Interestingly, this building was at one time owned by Madison J. C. Woodworth of Woodland Valley. Many of the old pictures in and around Phoenicia were actually published and sold as post cards by A. J. Simpson.

I have attached several pictures that may be of further interest.

The last two are of the Simpson House, the top one shows the building shown in the Simpson Rapids photo from the front as it faced Route 28. The woman on the left is my grandmother, Clara Simpson."

- Jay

Thanks for sending us this information Jay!!

Eugene Ruffolo Releases Christmas CD!

WCA member Eugene Ruffolo sent me this message. He has a very cool new Christmas CD! Check it out and remember you can support local artists and give great gifts at the same time this holiday season.
- Carol

"I am excited to announce the release of my new Christmas Cd "Even Santa Gets The Blues"-recorded in Germany last summer on audiophile label Stockfisch Records. http://www.stockfisch-records.de/stckff/sf_stockfisch_e.html

The Cd is an interesting (at least to me) collection of Holiday classics, unknown gems, and a few of my own originals, and features Ian Melrose on guitar-Margaret Fiellin on vocals-and a host of other wonderful players.

I'm working hard to get it set up and available on Cdbaby (www.cdbaby.com) and will let you know when its up and available for digital and hard copy purchases..

In the meantime--if you simply can't wait..or feel strongly that I should get ALL of the money, it can be purchased directly by sending a check for $20.00 to:

Cane Morte Music
c/o Eugene Ruffolo
92 Horatio Street #3G
N.Y. N.Y.
10014

if you are anxious to start celebrating- email me (RUFFOLINO@aol.com) with an adress- and I'll send it out even before the money arrives--because It's Christmas and I trust you...

It's a bit pricey in these hostile times--but this is a very high quality SACD audiophile recording , and was produced in Europe where the Euro proudly reigns!

Lastly--and against my better judgement--I'm offering this clip if you'd like a sneak preview.I know I'm a bit pastey--look like a Christian artist--and suck at lip synchng--AND am unacceptably corny--but hey--it's Christmas!!
(kinda makes you wanna take a peak-doesn't it?)"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36Ciqc6DtFc

- Eugene

Looking for Babysitter

WCA member Josh Sheldon sent me this message.

"We're looking for an occasional babysitter (or Mother's helper) for our three year old son, Eli at our house in Phoenicia. This would be primarily on weekends during the day but occasionally weekend evenings and weekdays.

Our son Eli is very sweet, easy going and a heck of a lot of fun (ok, it's his dad talking here).

We're looking for someone with childcare experience, who is kind & patient, preferably from immediate area and has references. Own transportation preferred but if local I can provide car service.

If interested tell us about yourself and your babysitting experience, let us know your rates, if you have transportation (if you don't have transportation tell me how far from Phoenicia you live) and list your references (with phone # and email if they have one)."

- Josh

Contact Josh at joshuasheldon@verizon.net or phone: 917-597-7888