Happy Birthday Aileen Schwartz!!

I wanted to do a quick shout out to my neighbor and fellow WCA member Aileen Schwartz on her birthday! I think I can safely speak for everyone in the valley when I say that we hope you have a lovely day celebrating with friends and family!

Scenic Byway Public Hearing Feb 13th

For those of you who are interested in participating in the Rt 28 scenic byway designation discussion going on in town I have copied the information below from the town's website. Everyone with comments and/or questions should plan to attend this meeting. You can download a copy of the DRAFT CMP by going directly to the Town of Shandaken website at http://www.shandaken.us/. Here are the details about the meeting:

The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development along with the Central Catskills Collaborative have completed a DRAFT Corridor Management Plan (CMP) to assist them in the application for designation of Rte. 28 as a Scenic Byway. The Town of Shandaken, as a collaborative member Town, had been asked to hold a public hearing and pass a resolution supporting the designation of Rte. 28 as a Scenic Byway at our December 5th, 2011 meeting.

Due to comments at the public hearing and as follow-up to some questions, another public hearing has been scheduled for Monday February 13th at 6 pm, in the Town Hall.

If you have any questions or comments please attend the February 13th Public Hearing at 6pm, or submit your comments to the Shandaken Supervisor’s office (PO Box 134, Shandaken NY 12480) or to shandakensupervisor@yahoo.com

Weather for Weekenders - Foggy and Soggy

As I wrote the headline to this post I realized that Foggy and Soggy would make great names for a pair of muppets. Anyway, I think that accurately describes the situation in the valley right now.

We had heavy rains overnight but they seem to be ending. All I could think of as I lay in bed last night was that I was glad that it wasn't snow. It would have been a LOT. But because of the relatively warm temperatures (In the low 40's) we were spared that challenge.

I just checked the radar and it looks like the rain is moving to our north and east. So I think we might be done with it for now. A lot of the snow that was lying around has melted. The overnight forecast is for the temperatures to drop into the high 20's. If the wet ground freezes it might get slippery. So if you are coming up from the city be careful as you get out of the car and walk to your house.

That's all for now folks!

WCA Member Events This Sunday

There are 3 different events this weekend involving WCA members. Ricarda O'Conner is doing a workshop at the Sage Center for the Healing Arts. The Phoenicia Festival of the Voice is launching this years festival. And Rick Altman is playing jazz at the Harmony Cafe. All of the events are in Woodstock. See below for details:
_______________________________

MEDITATION, INTENTION and THE ZERO POINT FIELD WORKSHOP - with Ricarda O'Conner

This month I will again be presenting my workshop, MEDITATION, INTENTION and THE ZERO POINT FIELD at the Sage Center for the Healing Arts in Woodstock.

Date: Saturday, January 28th from 2:00 - 4:00 pm

This two-hour workshop is designed to tune-up your conscious awareness, help you tap into your most vital joyful power, and boost your ability to transform every area of your life.

Here is a more complete description of the workshop:

MEDITATION, INTENTION AND THE ZERO POINT FIELD: Tuning Up Your Frequencies

In their search for what powers the universe, quantum physicists have discovered what they call the Zero Point Field---a state of timelessness and possibility where anything can change or happen. A state of Grace. Some of these scientists have proven that human consciousness interacts constantly with the Zero Point Field, and that mindful intention really does influence what happens to us, to our loved ones, and to the world around us. We all have the ability to create transformation. The question is, how can we access that ability with ease and accuracy? In Meditation, Intention and The Zero Point Field, Ricarda takes you on a lively exploration of consciousness and intention: how to set it, release it, and hold space for it to manifest. You’ll learn how to drop down and tune in, helping you focus your unique frequencies and increasing your potential to create positive change. The workshop is two hours long. A background in meditation or prayer is helpful but not necessary. Anyone can benefit. Everyone is welcome. Bring water and an open mind. That’s really all you need.
________________________________

PHOENICIA FESTIVAL OF THE VOICE
FESTIVAL LAUNCH AND GALA CONCERT
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29TH, 3PM
St Gregory's Church, Woodstock

St Gregory's welcomes back The Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice in an exciting concert to launch and raise funds for this summer's third annual festival, August 2,3,4 & 5.

FofV Founders Maria Todaro, Louis Otey and Kerry Henderson will offer a delightful program including highlights from opera, the world of song and Broadway favorites. This is also your opportunity to find out firsthand about festival events before any official announcements are made.

Light refreshments with the performers will be offered following the concert.

Suggested donation at door: $10

Information: 845 586-3588
________________________________

The Rick Altman Trio
with Mike Ralff & Jody Sumber
and special guest, guitarist Mike DeMicco

An evening of jazz classics and original compositions
with vibes, bass and drums

Sunday, January 29th, 2012
8 to 11 pm
"donation"
HARMONY
52 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock, NY
(845) 679-3484
More Info: www.rickaltman.com

Happy Birthday Betsy Northup!!

WCA member Dennis Havel and his dog Dusty (see photo below) would like to give a big shout out to his daughter Betsy on her birthday. Dusty especially loves Betsy lately because she sent him his new favorite toy "Mr Bill" (also pictured below). Dusty is rarely without Mr Bill these days. Dennis informs me that the toy has a recording inside that goes "Oh Nooooooo!" when squeezed. Dusty just looks at Mr. Bill with befuddlement when it goes off. Anyway, I digress. Happy Birthday Betsy from your Dad, Dusty and everyone else here in Woodland Valley. Have a great day!!!

Rain Gone

Those of you who are not here in the valley can relax. The storm that started the day out as freezing rain yesterday morning quickly turned to all rain as the temperatures rose through the day. It rained heavy at times but to my knowledge the roads never got icy. That is very good news indeed.

The temperature is around 40 degrees this morning and hopefully will continue to rise into the afternoon. That is melting a lot of the snow and ice that has been lying around from the last 2 storms. Hopefully the day will continue to get warmer and the ground will absorb the water and prevent it from re-icing when the temps drop again. As usual we will have to wait and see. But for now, all is sunny and relatively warm in the valley.

Scenic Byway Meeting Postponed

The public hearing on the question of scenic by-way designation for Rt 28 that was originally scheduled for this evening has been postponed. I will let you know the new date as soon as it is available.

Nowness Profiles Damien Hirst

WCA member Max Nova sent me this message about the work he has been doing lately with his boutique post production company. Very interesting stuff. Read on:

The latest and greatest edition of Reflections NY went live on Nowness today, focusing on the quintessential art world bad boy Damien Hirst. Perfectly timed with the debut of his complete spot paintings show at all eleven Gagosian Galleries worldwide (the first of its kind), we're honored to be in the company of The New York Times and Charlie Rose as one of only 3 interviews Damien granted in support of the show!

NOWNESS: REFLECTIONS - DAMIEN HIRST

While we're on debuts, the new Shellac website (which quietly premiered on select browsers around the world in the last two weeks) has finally gone live! Well, almost – the innovative mobile & tablet versions are still just a few days away – but in the meantime please c'mon by and say hi!

SHELLAC

More big news coming soon!

Warm Regards,
Max

Total For This Storm

The snow has ended this morning and the accumulation doesn't seem to be as bad as expected. I think we got about 3 more inches in the morning hours today. But it had stopped by lunchtime.

The temperatures are in the mid-20's and there is no wind. No power or phone outages have been reported. There is still all that ice underneath the snow so be careful walking!!

Unexpected Snow

The forecast for tonight said that we could expect a "snow shower". I took that to mean just a bit more than flurries but we have gotten more accumulation than originally expected. I would say that we have about 3 inches on the ground at this end of the valley and it is still snowing lightly. I just looked at the radar map and it looks like we might be getting a bit more later on this evening. I guess it all depends on how this storm tracks. I will add additional accumulation information on to this post in the morning so you will know the final total.

I am not sure how the roads are in Shandaken so drive carefully. When you reach your home use extra caution when walking from your car to your house. The new snow makes it hard to see the ice underneath that was left from the rain we had earlier in the week.

Morning Update - 9:30 am - We didn't get too much more snow than what had fallen when I posted last night. I would say that we got between 3 and 4 inches up at the end of the valley. Reports are that different parts of the valley got a bit more. It just all depends on where you are along the road.

More snow is expected for tonight. I have been told some reports are calling for 4 to 7 inches more. (I knew we wouldn't escape winter totally!)

The town plow has been up and down several times this morning. But again, be careful on the road and in your driveway. The snow may be covering ice underneath.

Google Earth Improves View of WV

Google Earth has upgraded it's imagery once again to include the end of Woodland Valley. Until sometime in the last month the view of this end of the valley was still very fuzzy if you tried to zoom in close. I checked it a couple of weeks ago and you can now see the houses all the way down into the Woodland Park Association. There is still no street views available at all for Woodland Valley Road but the new satellite photos are pretty amazing.

For those of you who don't have Google Earth you can download it from http://www.google.com/earth/index.html. It is free and can be very helpful when you are trying to locate a destination.

Overnight "Wintery Mix"

We had a storm front come through the valley last night. The weather report said we could get 1-3 inches but that didn't happen. At the most we have about 1/2 of sleet lying around.

The town trucks have been up and down the valley but I just talked to a friend of mine who was out on Woodland Valley Road and he said it was slippery. So beware if you are driving.

We are expecting more precipitation later on but just how that will play out remains to be seen. The temperatures are in the low 30's at this point so hopefully it will just be rain.

There have been no power or phone outages in the valley so far.

As usual I will continue to keep you posted.

Salt/Sand Available Again

The temperatures in the valley have dropped and the snow and rain of the past few days has frozen solid making for a very slippery situation on walkways and driveways. So I thought you would all be happy to know that the salt/sand mixture that has been on hand at town hall in the past is once again available to town residents. The hurricane washed away the land behind the highway garage and the old pile of salt and sand went with it. So I was glad to learn that last week they finished rebuilding that area and created a new pile. The mixture is free for town residents. All you need is a bucket and a shovel to scoop it up and carry it away for use at your homes.

The pile is in the back of town hall between the highway garage and the recycling station. I posted a photo to help you identify the right spot. But it is pretty easy to find. Remember to bring your own shovel and container.

Rain In The Valley

I woke up to heavy rain here in the valley this morning. Right now the rain has tapered off and is turning to flurries. Looks like we are getting that old, hateful "wintery mix".

There is still about 2 inches of very, very wet snow in a lot of places (like my driveway). That should be really fun in the next couple of days as the temperatures drop and it starts to freeze. The rain is getting caught in puddles and will make for a slippery situation when it hardens. I guess it is time to get out the ice cleats.

I don't know when the temperatures are going to drop but anyone coming tonight for the weekend should be careful in their driveway and getting out of the car.

Woodland Valley Road is clear at this point. The town has spread it's usual salt and sand mixture. But do be careful driving tonight as the temperatures drop. Road conditions can change quickly.

Messy Morning

Well, it had to happen sometime. I knew that I could not go for the entire winter without having to post about the weather. This morning I woke up to find about 3 inches of snow had fallen overnight. It is wet and very heavy. It has changed over to a wet wintery mix at this point, sleet mixed with freezing rain. I believe the forecast is for it to go to all rain as the morning progresses. It certainly seems headed in that direction. If you have to get out and shovel remember to go slow. This is that very heavy, heart attack inducing stuff.

I haven't been out on Woodland Valley Road yet today. I would drive slowly if you are in the neighborhood because the roads are likely to be slippery. I will post later on and let you all know how this storm plays out. In the meanwhile, stay safe and dry!

Ricarda O'Conner - New Website

I have been very remiss in announcing the new website of WCA member Ricarda O'Conner. Cardi is both a gifted yoga teacher and a healer extraordinaire. I have experienced both things with her and I can personally attest to her skills. She launched this website in the fall. The site was written by Cardi (who has talents as a writer as well). The design is by Stephanie Blackman (who lives right in Chichester) and all the photographs were done by me (including the opening photo mandalas). Check it out when you have the chance. I am very proud of the site. I think all the elements came together perfectly and Ricarda's words explained many things that are not easily articulated. So take a look when you have a moment.

Ricarda - Yoga/Healing Arts

Meanwhile, Cardi continues to keep an active schedule of yoga classes for those who are looking to get in shape in the new year. In my opinion she is one of the best teachers I have ever practiced with so I recommend taking a class if you enjoy yoga. The classes have recently moved from the 1890 building to Catskill Mountain Pilates in Shandaken. Everyone agrees that the new space is great!

Her basic schedule is below. But it can vary week to week so contact her if you are coming just to make sure there is class. You can get on her mailing list if you want to receive regular updates.

Sunday - Open-level Yoga @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Monday - Stretch Class @ 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Thursday - Open-level Yoga @ 10:00 - 11:30 am

WHERE: Catskill Mountain Pilates, 7 East High Street in Shandaken.

Take Route 28 to intersection of Route 42, turn on Ruthenbeck Road (between the Appletree Motel and the Firehouse) then right on High Street East to # 7. It's the last house on the left---look for the sign. The studio is above the garage.

Link for driving directions and map: http://catskillmtnpilates.com/directions.html

Shandaken Pan Arts Festival

The Shandaken Pan Arts Festival starts this weekend. There will be art, music, word and performance. Several WCA members are participating. Check out the lineup of fun!!

Part of the Ulster County Music and Art Festival, Jan 7 - 17 2012
Most events free!

January 7-17 - yes, all ten days - Open Artists Studio Visits (please call to verify availability at a particular time or date) Jerilynn Babroff - Durga Bernhard - Cabane Studios - Dave Channon - Harper Blanchet - Wendy Drolma - Norm Darvie - Chip Gallagher - Wendy Grossman - Ken Lovelett - Sunday Dawn-Marie - Astrid Nordness - Christie Scheele - Judith Singer - AniqueTaylor - Richard J. Treitner - Kevin Vanhentenryck - Mighty Xee
For images, contact information and driving directions visit: www.ShandakenArt.com

Saturday, January 7, 7-10 PM - Native Tongue Dance Band at The Arts Upstairs, 60 Main St, Phoenicia $5 Donation

Sunday, January 8 Noon to 7 PM - "Sunday at Sunday's" - Open House at Skinflower Cosmic Arts on the Boardwalk in Phoenicia with tattoo artist Sunday Dawne-Marie

Sunday 3PM - 7PM - Bonfire rave party, with conch shell orchestra, spiral dance, songs and story- telling under the tree at Mama’s Boy in Phoenicia

Friday, January 13, 7PM - The Roots of the Woodstock Festival - talk by historian Weston Blelock at Woodland Valley Books, 74 Main St., Phoenicia

Saturday, January 14, 6 - 9PM - Clear the Walls Art Auction (no minimum bids!) at The Arts Upstairs, 60 Main St., Phoenicia
Entertainment including Music by Robert Burke Warren and Story Laurie, Poetry by Sparrow, Violet Snow, Anique Taylor and more.

Sunday, January 15, 7PM - Music, Magic, and Magickal Poetry by Goth band Kitty Cannibal, Magician Artie Martello, and poet Richard Treitner at Pine Hill Community Center, Main St., Pine Hill

Tuesday, January 17, 5:30-7:30PM - Music by the Phoenicia Choir with internationally renowned opera singer Maria Todaro at the Wesleyan Church, 22 Main Street, Phoenicia

Our Area In The News

There have been several different newspaper articles of interest sent to me by various people in the valley. The first one is from the Times-Herald Record and it is about Phoenicia and it's comeback after the flood. It features quotes from WCA member Margaret Braun.

Times Herald-Record - Phoenicia Thriving After The Flood

The second article is from Newsday and it is about the city helping towns, specifically Phoenicia, to prepare for floods. You will have to sign in to Newsday to read the whole thing if you are interested.

Newsday - NYC Helps Upstate Towns Prepare For Floods

The last article is a bit more general but interesting in it's reference to the Catskills. It is from the Huffington Post. It is an article on preparing for climate change.

Huffington Post - Scientists Warn New York Must Prepare For Climate Change Now

All of these articles are interesting reading. Thanks to everyone who sent me the links.

Brrrrrrrrr.....Cold Comes To The Valley

I haven't posted too much about the weather in the valley lately because it has been fairly nice. New Years Day was unusually warm (relatively speaking) and sunny. I went for a nice long walk and saw many of the neighbors out and about enjoying the sun. But last night we got a dusting of snow and tonight the temps have plunged into the single digits. I just checked the weather forecast for tomorrow and it said that we could expect some snow showers in the evening. Hopefully, it won't be too bad. As always I will keep you posted.

A Letter of Deep Gratitude

I received this letter a little while ago from Marc Rubin. I will let his words speak for themselves.

A Letter of Deep Gratitude January 2, 2012

While celebrating New Years Eve with friends at Ivan & Gustavo’s in Woodland Valley, our beloved dog Kasha, panicked by fireworks, bolted off into the darkness. We searched for a good many hours that night with help from our friends at the party... but to no avail. We were feeling heartsick and feared that Kasha may be hurt and possibly even forever lost. Early the next morning, with little sleep, I began the search again, while Ina went home to make flyers. As I roamed the mountains, a feeling of futility overwhelmed me. The mountains are large and I did not know which way she went. What's more, I was just one person rambling about. I called Marilyn to see if she could get the word out. Soon friends from the night before began showing up and joining the search, then more friends that had gotten word of our plight started arriving. Soon there was a small army of friends, strangers and dog lovers - all in vigorous search of Kasha. I was awed by the generosity and kindness that the Woodland Valley- Phoenicia community was showing to us foreigners from Lanesville. It eased my anxiety and left room for hope.

Our army of searchers spotted her a couple of times that afternoon in the local area but kasha responded by running in dire disorientation. The search through woodland valley continued till dark. As night came we were again distraught by our failure to find Kasha, but now word was out, flyers were up and the entire community was aware of our dilemma. Around 7pm while preparing for another night of look-out, I received the call we had been waiting for: Kasha had been found and was safe in the comfort of the Longhi family home on Grandview Rd. Ernie had seen her in his yard and cleverly lured Kasha into the house with sizzling pork chops. After 21 hours in the wild she couldn’t resist, could she? We found her unhurt but very, very, very tired.

Words cannot do justice to the gratitude and warmth I feel towards this community for caring so deeply. I am awed by all the people who gave so generously of their time. Ina, I and Kasha offer our sincerest thanks and love to all. Kasha is now safe, a little shell shocked, but happy to be home thanks to all of you.

With gratitude and love,
Marc, Ina and Kasha

Dog Found!!!

I am happy to report that Kasha, the missing dog, was found this evening on Grandview Acres by Ernie Longhi. She was reunited shortly thereafter with Marc Rubin, her owner. So there is peace and happiness in the valley once again. Yippeeee!!! Looks like we have had a good start to the new year after all.

Lost Dog!!

I got this message a short while ago from Marilyn Manning. Please be on the lookout for this little dog and contact the numbers below if you have a sighting!!

URGENT! Lost Dog! Marc Rubin's dog, Kasha was spooked by fireworks last night and took off and hasn't been found. The area was at the end of Woodland Valley, near the campground. Call 688-2147, or 688-9741 if you have any information. Thank you!

PS - This just in from Marilyn Manning - 5:10 pm

Kasha was seen this afternoon across the stream from where she bolted, on the land of ??? (the people who have then tennis court just as you turn onto Herdmann Road), on the left side of the road. Marc and others have been out there for hours with no new sighting. May have to call off the physical search tonight. Marc will leave his car there, food, her bed, etc.....Pray that this doesn't turn into another "Clemie" ! We'll be out again tomorrow if she doesn't show up tonight.

PPS - The location where the dog went missing seems to conflict in these emails (the first says up at the campground, the second says by Herdman Road). I have a message in to Marilyn Manning asking her to let me know which one is correct. I will let you know when I receive an answer.

PPPS - Just heard from Marilyn the "campground" that they were referring to is the Romer Mountain Ski Slope at the beginning of WV Road by the intersection of Herdman. That is where the dog was originally lost not at the end of the valley.