Holiday Greetings from the Holz Farm

New Snow

We got about 8 inches of fresh snow overnight. It's light and fluffy at this point and easy to shovel. I just took this photo with my point and shoot camera at the base of my driveway so that you all can see that everything is covered again. Time to start digging out!

Best Wishes from Carol Seitz and Harry Jameson

Tracks

At this time of year it always fascinates me to see the tracks of all the different animals in my yard. Sometimes it almost looks like they are throwing a party while I am out or sleeping. I came across these wonderful, clear tracks and just had to take a photo. Can you guess what animal made them?

Bougainvillea

Here is another beautiful photo by one of our Florida snowbirds. This bougainvillea (yes, I did have to look up how to spell that one) is growing with the orchids around their pool. Best wishes to everyone in Florida from WV. Right now, those of us still here in the valley are starting to look a little pasty. Think of us while you are working on your tan!

Rain and Warmer (Relatively Speaking) Temps

We had more rain last night. The rain and warm temperatures continue to melt the snow left over from the last couple of big storms. The forecast for today is partly cloudy with highs around 44 degrees (a heat wave by Phoenicia winter standards). So the snow will probably continue to melt during the day.

All Clear

Just wanted to let anyone who is coming up from the city tonight know that all we got was rain yesterday and the roads and driveways (assuming you had it plowed from the last big storm) are clear. It was fairly warm today (high 30's) and some of the snow pack melted down a little further. So you can relax and enjoy the ride up.

Recycling Old Computers

There is a new non-profit organization in Phoenicia called Reboot4U. What they do is take in any old computers you may have and provide them free, at low cost or in exchange for doing local volunteer work to people who otherwise could not afford them. They work with the library, the Boy Scouts, Head Start, senior residences and residents to distribute the computers they receive locally. They will also teach folks basic computer skills. They take in old machines, erase the hard drive and reformat it. Then they prepare it for it's new owner by installing new software and security systems and get it ready to go online. This new project has the added benefit of helping our planet by keeping old machines out of the landfills. Reboot4U is now serving Shandaken and Olive. So if you have gotten a new computer for the holidays consider donating the old one to this organization for recycling. You can contact them online at REBOOT4U.ORG@gmail.com or through their new website www.reboot4u.org.

Another Wintery Mix

The last storm we had on Sunday ended up melting a lot of the snow pack down and clearing almost all driveways and roads. The remaining layer of snow that is left is rock solid ice at this point though. Right now (6:45 am) it is sleeting out. We are expecting the ever popular "wintery mix" today but they say that 1-3 inches of snow could accumulate later. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Ho! Ho! Ho! - Merry Christmas!

May You Have the Spirit of Christmas
Which is Peace
The Gladness of Christmas
Which is Hope
The Heart of Christmas
Which is Love

Merry Christmas to All and May Peace Prevail on Earth!

Christmas at Six

Somewhere is the Christmas list I crayoned out to Santa,
Somewhere are the ashes from the evening’s lovely fire,
Somewhere are my parents, who swept me off to bed,
To dream of the saint who would soon shoot down our chimney.
All of that is here, as I number sixty-six.
Somewhere.

Mike O'Neil
December 24, 2007

Holiday Wishes from Your Neighbors

Happy Holidays from Michael Ottavi and Ricarda O'Conner

Santa's Helper - Jean Druffner

WV resident Jean Druffner served popcorn and good cheer at the holiday party in the Empire State Railway Museum. The rain kept some folks at home but everyone who attended had a lot of fun at the party and riding on the train singing Christmas Carols.

Lots of Rain and Fog

It has been raining hard pretty much all day today making everything a wet, sloppy mess! Ugh! The fog rolled in later in the day just to add to the fun. If this stuff freezes overnight my driveway will be like a skating rink in the morning. Get out of the way if you see me headed downhill!!

Tommy Healy WV Resident/Trainman

In the above photo, Tommy Healy, trainman for the Catsill Mountain Railroad and Woodland Valley Resident, welcomes holiday riders. Tom is a long term member of the board of directors of the CMRR and is one of the driving forces behind the railroad. Tom and a number of other railroad volunteers also restore track and vintage railroad cars. The photo below of the coach at the Mt. Pleasant station was restored as well as decorated by the group with Tom's help. He also took the photo. Talk about multi-talented!!
(PS to Tommy - Great set of marker lights!!!)

Just Some Flurries

We have had a bit of flurries almost everyday this week but it hasn't amounted to much. There is still about 8 to 10 inches of compressed snow left from the last couple of storms which at this point is the consistency of concrete.

Holiday Events Rescheduled

The Shandaken Theatrical Society, The Empire State Railway and the Catskill Mountain Railroad will try again to bring you a day of fun this Sunday, December 23rd. The festivities (postponed from last weekend) begin at the STS at 12:00 for "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and then move to the Empire State Railway Museum for refreshments and a ride aboard the CMRR train featuring Santa Claus! The train rides are scheduled for 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00. The event is free for all but donations are accepted. See you at the museum!

Send Your Holiday Messages

I would like to post holiday messages from any of the WCA community that has the time to write them. Just send an email with a message to me at wvview@gmail.com or cs@carolseitz.com and I will cut and paste it into the blog. It would be great if it had a photo too. So take a digital picture of yourself, or you and your friends or loved ones (that includes pets too) and email it to me. Don't miss this chance to spread good cheer for the holidays!

Holiday Train

The holiday events sponsored by the Shandaken Theatrical Society in conjunction with the Empire State Railway and the Catskill Mountain Railroad were cancelled and rescheduled for next Sunday December 23rd. Because of the last minute weather related decision to postpone the events, and so as not to disappoint the folks that had braved the storm, the ESRM and the CMRR welcomed people and provided train rides to those that did show up. Many of the volunteers for both organizations are WCA members. Here are a few photos taken at the event.





Here Comes Santa (longtime friend of Dakin Morehouse) and his helper, trainman Tommy Healy













Santa boards the train















Santa and Mrs. Claus (a close friend of Doris Morehouse)









Woodland Valley residents and CMRR volunteers Tommy Healy and Harry Jameson join Santa and Mrs. Claus

You Can Still Sign Up To Ski

Even if you couldn't get to Bellearye today to sign up for the Shandaken recreation ski program, if you want to get the discounted price for the 3 days after Christmas, you can fill out the form for the program you got in the mail and put it in Tina Rice's mailbox at 948 Woodland Valley Road. If you have any problems or questions you can call Tina at 688-2106.

What a Mess!

We had about 8 inches of a wintery mix today. It was a big mess. First it snowed, then it hailed, then it rained, then it hailed again and then things got better and it sleeted for a while, now it's snowing again. Oh what fun!! The roads are very slippery - beware!!

Calm Before the Storm

The valley was peaceful and beautiful today. Although we had 9 inches of snow it was cleaned up in no time. The calm before the storm. The roads were clear and everyone was digging out from the last storm and getting ready for the next one. The snow is supposed to begin tonight. Let's see how deep it gets!! I've got my snow ruler ready.

Lots of Snow

We got a lot of snow today here in the valley. By my snow ruler (there really is no such thing, I just have a regular ruler I shove into the snow, but I thought it sounded more official) I have 9 inches in my back yard. The Thruway was dicey on the way back from the city this afternoon. The worst part was 28 right after you go through the tolls. I don't know why but there was several broken down trucks and the snow wasn't well plowed in that spot. It got better going west though. Shandaken was actually the clearest spot on 28 west of the Thruway. That was about 4:30 pm. We are expecting another storm Saturday night into Sunday. It is a nor'easter and expected to be even worse than this storm. I'll keep you posted.

An Orchid Grows in Florida

This photo was sent to me by one of our WV snow birds in Florida (who for obvious security reasons shall remain nameless). It is growing by their pool. It is nice for me to think that something is growing somewhere.......not here though. Here in WV we are learning the true meaning of the phrase "dead of winter". Although that has it's own beauty.

Happy Hanukkah

Tomorrow, December 12th, is the last night of Hanukkah. I wish to extend holiday greetings to all the Jewish members of the Woodland Valley Community. Happy Hanukkah!

Slippery Roads - Drive with Care!!

Monday December 10, 2007 - 10:00 am
Drive with extreme caution if you are coming in or out of the valley this morning. There is a layer of ice over everything and the roads are VERY slippery!

Buy Local for the Holidays

Just a small reminder that if you are looking for holiday presents this season you might want to think of getting them from a local store. Buying local supports our neighbors with shops in town and in the end keeps our money in our community. Phoenicia has a lot of great places to buy presents, Tenderland Home, Gateway to Tibet, Morne Imports, The Nest Egg and don't forget (my personal favorite right here on WV Road) Bethkin Antiques. All the folks that run these stores are an important part of our community and your support helps them make a living and stay open. So......when your looking for that perfect holiday gift remember to look in your own backyard!

Great Deal For Residents at Belleayre

COME AND VISIT YOUR MOUNTAIN
SUN. DEC. 16,2007

The Town of Shandaken and Belleayre Ski Center are pleased to announce the 2007-2008 Ski Program - All residents of Shandaken are encouraged to participate

The 2007-2008 ski program will kick-off on Sunday December 16, 2007 with a special one-day price for Shandaken residents only!!
$10
MANY NEW FEATURES ADDED TO THE PROGRAM THIS YEAR, SO SIGN-UP EARLY TO GET ALL THE GOODIES!!!

You must attend the kick-off (Sunday December 16 - 8:30 to 11:00 in the Lower Lodge) in order to sign-up for three special $21 ski dates, December 26, 27 & 28

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!!!
Sign-up early and show up on either Dec. 16 or Jan. 6 and you will receive your own swipe card, loaded with 13 Sundays @ $16 per ticket for each Shandaken residents. Also included will be 13 Sunday swipes @ $21 for your guests to ski with you. No more standing in line and waiting. Sign/show up on either of these two dates 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 on either of these two dates 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.
Remember: a group lesson is included with each ticket

2008 Sunday Ski Dates
January.6, 13,20,27
February.3, 10,17,24
March.2, 9,16,23,30

As a special reward for those that attend at least 7 Sundays under the program, Belleayre is offering an additional $10 lift ticket at the end of the season which is tentatively scheduled for April 6, 2008.

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
$9 full-day skis, boots, poles
$20 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.

New Dusting of Snow

A bit of snow fell on the valley today. It didn't amount to much. It was just enough to make everything look frosted.

Chile Allam's View of the Valley

A word about C.C. (Chile) Allam—Chile was an editor at New York’s Daily News. He lived in our valley for many years and died at the Kingston Hospital in the early ‘90’s. The cabin he writes about here is a small one in Roxmor that is still standing (knock wood). He eventually moved down to the old white school house, where Bill and Susan Thompson now live. This feisty and beautiful piece of writing is my favorite winter sketch of our valley.

Mike O’Neil
Dec. 2, 2007

All Outdoors
With Hi Wright

(While Hi Wright is undergoing minor repairs, his column is conducted by friends. This one is written by a man who lives in two worlds—a metropolitan newspaper office and a Catskill mountain trout stream).

By C. C. Allam

MOST OF YOU WHO READ THIS COLUMN PROBABLY LIVE IN YEAR-ROUND HOUSES, HOUSES THAT ARE WELL EQUIPPED TO MEET THE RIGORS OF A MOUNTAIN WINTER. By and large, your winter probably brings little more actual discomfort than does the winter of a New York City dweller. Certainly, on that basis, there is no reason why you should have your head examined because you choose to live and work in a land where the snows are frequent and deep and the cold often is prolonged and biting. But…
Suppose you chose to live two and a half days a week in a house intended to be only a summer dwelling, without water in the winter and at the top of a climbing, unplowed road usually impassable to a car when there is more than six or seven inches of snow? Case for Bellevue? Well, that is what I often ask myself.
I have this camp in the Woodland Valley of Ulster County, near Slide, highest peak in the Catskills, and I go there from my job in New York two and a half days every week, summer and winter. I’m not asking for sympathy, but, let’s face it, from the end of October until the end of March, there is a lot of plain, physical discomfort. So why do I do it? I dunno, and yet I would be absolutely lost if some week I could not make it.
Forget the drive up the Thruway to Kingston, the 25 westward miles on Route 28 and the final three miles up the Woodland Valley road. They can be murder in a heavy snow in the middle of the night when I drive up. But forget that and concentrate on my arrival at the foot of the private road going up into the colony in which my camp is situated. There are a couple of feet of old snow and a good hard new one is swirling all around me and the wind is cold enough to freeze your blood. So I park just off the road knowing that in the morning the gallant Shandaken township plowboys will bury the car so snugly that I’ll have to shovel out.

I LOCK THE CAR AND START UP THE ROAD, WHICH COILS A THIRD OF A MILE UP A SHOULDER OF PANTHER MOUNTAIN. I’ve done it hundreds of times, but the old snow and the new combine to obliterate the track so that every now and then I have to hunt around to get back on course. I am puffing when I get to the top of the first long rise. There I get a level stretch for a breather and I think how different it looked last August when I wore only a thin shirt, shorts, socks and shoes. Then comes the second steep climb, and I’m home. That third of a mile that I can do in five or six minutes in summer may have taken me 40 minutes, and I’m puffing again while I get out my key.
Once inside, with the lights on, I look at the thermometer. Since I can have no heat there while I am away in the city, the INSIDE temperature may be as low as 10 above. I turn on the kerosene space heater and start building a fire in the fireplace. If I was prudent the week before, there will be a basketful of small, starting wood beside the fireplace and a pile of larger wood on the porch table. But sometimes I am in too much of a hurry to be prudent, so now I may have to wallow out into the snow to the woodpile.
I pick up the Big Ben I keep on the mantle, but my fingers are too numb to turn the winding key. I take a pair of pliers out of the drawer and wind it with that. The clock gives a few hearty ticks and then stops; it is so cold that the oil is congealed, so for about 15 minutes I have to shake it frequently, letting it sit on top of the space heater between shakes, and finally it ticks away without a break. More than once I have had to turn the radio knobs with pliers too. I never before realized how necessary fingers are.
Meanwhile the inside temperature goes up quite nicely until it hits the upper 30’s, and I feel elated. Then there is some kind of slowdown which I suppose a heating engineer could explain but which baffles me. From that point on the thermometer seems only to creep.
But I still have on my thermo boots and heavy hunting coat, and as soon as it gets up to 40 I sit down in my chair before the fire and read until it reaches the middle 50’s, the point at which I think it is warm enough to get ready for bed. I reached the house at 1 a.m.; by this time it is almost 4.

I FILL THE HOT WATER BAG FROM THE TEAKETTLE THAT HAS BEEN ON TOP OF THE SPACE HEATER (SURE THERE IS AN ELECTRIC RANGE, BUT WHY USE THE JUICE?). I shove the hot water bottle into the down sleeping bag on top of my bed, I climb into pajamas in front of the fire, lower the kerosene heater, put up the fire screen open the bedroom windows, slide into the bag and zip it up. My face is cold in a pleasant sort of way, but the rest of me is snug. But, brother, when you sleep in a bag, you don’t want to top off your evening with a couple of bottles of beers!
Of course the next two days and nights are more comfortable because the space heater never goes out. But there is constant carrying—groceries, wood, kerosene and water from a spring not too far away. For a week or two after the inside water system has been turned off, I feel sort of lost, but then I get into the winter stride and find I can do very well for a day with a tenth part of the water you would use for your morning shower.
There would have to be rewards for all this or I really should have my head examined. One of them is the complete freedom and satisfaction I feel the minute I get through the front door. Another is the real comfort of my old outdoor clothes. One of the biggest is the couple of hours I spend over breakfast about noon in front of the window that looks on my busy bird-feeder. Another is sitting there looking through the bare poles of the winter forest at Mt. Wittenberg, landmark of my part of the valley.

BUT LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THE OTHER NIGHT TO GIVE YOU A REAL CLUE TO THE FASCINATION. It was the second night of the year’s first snow—only a baby snow of about four inches, but there was a full moon turning it whiter than snow ever was before. About 11:30 I went out for a walk through the colony. The sky was full of big scurrying clouds, as though through a hole in the ice. I took a flashlight with me but never used it. I could even read name-boards at the various camps without it.
The roofs were brilliant squares and rectangles of snow supported by sidewalls that were only masses of inky black. Finally I got down to that flat stretch where I get a breather when I’m climbing up to the house, and there, though it was the second day of the hunting season, I surprise eight to ten deer. After they smelled me and high-tailed, I looked toward Wittenberg. I am sure I never will forget that night and that sight.
Before me was a snow-covered field and beyond that was the Craig barn with its roof sloping upward away from me, shining under the moon with the pure radiance of the first Christmas. My delighted eyes followed the roof to the peak and on upward to where the long snow-sprinkled mass of Terrace Mountain crouched under the cold tower of Wittenberg.
I often have regretted that there is not a full moon every week, but standing there surrounded by the moonlit mountains I realized that men could not endure the beauty of the full moon more than once a month.
What do you think? Should I have my head examined?

Records to CDs ??

I am one of the avid readers of "The Blog" and just love to learn more.

I have a lot of old records that I just love to listen to, but have been wondering if it is possible to have them put on to CD's. I don't know much about "burners, etc..." and looking for some help here, if anyone does this kind of work or can teach me I would love to hear from them.

Rannie Arp
56 Grandview Acres

email: ranarp@juno.com - phone 688-5441

Free Christmas Train Ride

The Empire State Railway Museum and The Catskill Mountain Railroad once again join together to bring us FREE Christmas train rides. There will be refreshments and music and a very special visit by Santa Claus!! This is a lot of fun for kids of all ages so put it on your calendar! And be sure to say hi to the many WV residents who volunteer for both of these organizations.

December 16th
Trains leave at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 pm.
Board the train at the Empire State Railway Museum on Lower High St. for the ride to Mt. Pleasant and back.
Free to all.

Weather Update - Current Storm

Sunday 12/2 3:00 pm. We have had about an inch of snow through the day today. The temperatures are cold. It's about 16 degrees right now up at the top of the valley.

Sunday 12/2 9:OO pm. There is a small layer of sleet over everything but still no major precipitation. The temperature has risen to about 18 degrees....wow, a WV heat wave! Keeping an eye out.

Sunday 12/2 Midnight - It is 25 degrees and raining up in the valley. How is that possible? Your guess is as good as mine. The rain, by my house at least, is hitting the ground and freezing. BE VERY CAREFUL IF YOU ARE DRIVING!!

Monday 12/3 8:45 am. - 32 degrees and raining lightly. There is a thin layer of ice on everything......so I repeat, drive carefully.

Monday 12/3 10:30 am - 34 degrees and intermittently sunny. Not much in the way of accumulation. Everything is sort of a goopy (is that a word?) glazed mess.

Monday 12/3 3:32 pm - Light flurries. The sun melted most of what was on the ground. Temps dropping again....25 degrees. Only the tiniest of snow and ice on everyone's driveways.

Monday 12/3 8:00 pm - Light flurries continue 20 degrees. Not even an inch on the ground.

Tuesday 12/4 10:30 am - We got more snow overnight. Weirdly enough though there seems to be more in town than here at the top of the valley. I got an inch or so at my house and in town it is more like 3 inches. So if you are coming up expect a bit more snow in your driveway if you are closer to town. Right now it is 16 degrees and still snowing. No power outages to report in the valley.

Wednesday 12/5 8:45 am - The storm has seemingly passed. We ended up with anywhere between 1 to 4 inches depending where you live in the valley. Driveways might be slippery so beware.

I am going to end this post here. I will start a new one if we get more winter weather. Safe travels to people who are coming to the valley.

PS - Always keep in mind that these weather reports are coming from the top of the valley. If you live closer to town it is several degrees warmer and usually a bit less snowy.

Winter Festival Week

Just so all you WV skiers can get this on your calendar early, I wanted to remind you that Bellayre has a winter festival week with a GREAT deal on lift tickets on the weekdays during the festival.

Winter Festival Week
Jan. 26 - Feb. 1
Belleayre Mountain
$10 Lift Tickets
Mon - Fri., January 28- February 1

It's a great deal for families who want to teach the little ones to ski. For that price sometimes I just go and ski for a few hours! There is another deal with discount skiing on Sundays for Shandaken residents. I am waiting for details about that and will post that information as soon as I get it.

Here is a link to Bellearye's website for more information.
http://www.belleayre.com/

Rick Altman and Dave Oliver in Concert

Rick Altman and Dave Oliver are giving 2 concerts in our area. They will be evenings of new music for vibes and marimbas inspired by jazz, folk, ska, afro-cuban and other world musics.

Saturday December 1st
Pine Hill Community Center
287 Main St.
Pine Hill
845-254-5469
8:00 p.m.
Suggested Donation $5.00

Saturday December 8th
Dutch Arms Chapel
16 John St.
Saugerties
8:00 p.m.
Suggested Donation $5.00

Rick Altman, a vibraphone and marimba player, as well as a composer, calls the Catskill Mountains of New York, home. He spent his early life in Los Angeles, where he studied under world famous vibes player Terry Gibbs. That led to performances and recordings with some of the biggest names in music. It was at that time that Rick began his first jazz group as a leader. In 1979, Rick moved to New York City to seek more creative opportunities. This led to a partnership and recording of “Cityscape” with guitarist/composer Barry Glick. During Rick’s tenure in New York, he led sessions and played at the Village Gate, Fat Tuesday’s, St. Peter’s Church, among other jazz venues, alongside players such as Oscar Peterson, Reggie Workman, Roy Hargrove, and bluesman Albert King, to name a few. In 1991, Rick moved to upstate N.Y. to explore music born of less urban influences. Rick’s interest in the world of jazz has not diminished, but instead has broadened to include these multi-rhythmic, cross-cultural duets for vibes and marimbas.

Keep the Emails and Photos Coming

Just a reminder to everyone who is reading this site (and I am fully aware that I may just be blogging to myself) to keep the emails and photos coming. This is not MY blog, it is OUR blog and I need your help to make it work. So........send me stuff to post. Anyone who wants to post a holiday message, just send it to me and I will put it on the site. Holiday and/or family photos are good too.

Weather in the Valley

I know that when I wasn't living here in the valley full time I was constantly wondering what the weather was like. It was especially helpful in the winter to know if and when it snowed in case I was planning a trip up. To arrive and find the driveway blocked with snow was no fun at all, especially not in the dark. That being said, once in a while I am going to post a weather update so that all of our part time residents and snow birds know if they should be concerned about their house, property and/or driveway. If any of you come up from the city and have a particularly harrowing drive on the Thruway I would appreciate an email or phone call so we can warn others who might be making the drive later in the day.

As of today, although the weather has been intermittently cold (in the teens at night, 30s during the day), there is no snow on the ground in the valley. Let's see how long that lasts!

The Botchfords Ride the Rails

Here is a photo of Hawley and Joyce Botchford riding the Catskill Mountain Railroad not too long ago. The tourist train is closed for the season but will have a free Christmas train soon featuring Santa Claus.















Hawley Botchford joins CMRR volunteer and fellow WV resident Bob McDonald on the train. Bob works countless hours as a conductor on the railroad.

Library Survey

The Phoenicia Library is conducting a survey. They would like everyone who uses the library to participate. They are interested in hearing from all patrons, part timers, full timers, weekenders, home owners and renters. The survey forms are available at the library or by email. If you write to me at wvview@gmail.com or cs@carolseitz.com I will email you the survey and you can fill it out and return it to the library electronically. Since the library is thinking about moving and expanding, right now they are especially interested in where patrons think they could potentially locate. If that issue is important to you, you should fill out the survey ASAP and return it by Monday or Tuesday (Nov 26 - 27). But they will still be accepting surveys for a month or so after that addressing all other comments.

Giving Thanks

Recently, Rannie Arp sent me this story by her son Sigmund. He was born in 1959 and died 6 years ago of cancer. Sigmund was very interested in writing and was taking courses when he became ill. Even though this story is a little longer than I would usually put on the blog, and not really about Thanksgiving per se, I thought it was lovely. A wonderful reminder of all the reasons we who get to live in this magnificent place have to be grateful. And, although Sigmund is no longer with us, we can be grateful to him for helping us to remember. Peace to all in the valley. Happy Thanksgiving.

"Woodland Valley" - by Sigmund H. Arp
Before my parents built their current home, they owned a two-bedroom cabin in the Catskill Mountains. We used it as a weekend and summer home. It was clapboard, rust stain and a stone chimney. In front was a protected porch on which fire wood was stacked in the fall and winter. During late spring and summer, breakfasts were taken on the porch.

The cabin was perched upon a hill in a valley. There was one mountain directly behind us and another across the valley. There was only one road into the valley and it dead-ended by a state campsite. A small stream ran parallel to the road.
In the summer-time the trees on the surrounding mountains looked like deep green plush carpets rolling over humps and bumps. The windows would all be open, and the mixed scent of fresh cut grass and pine trees would waft through on warm breezes. In the evenings, fireflies would fill the night like thousands of concert-goers with their lighters, begging for an encore. I would drift off to sleep under the cacophony of crickets, frogs, and other nightlife buzzing, chirping, and whirring outside my window.

There were two other boys in the area with whom I would explore "our" valley. We would hike the mountains and forest pretending to be pioneers in an undiscovered land. Chipmunks and Blue Jays would announce our presence, no matter how hard we tried to walk like Indians. The only way to decipher time, was the rumbling of our stomachs, at which point we would no longer be concerned with stealth and run and deer jump down the mountain. After wolfing down a hasty lunch we would re-group and bound off to new adventures. We never lacked for a playground regardless of the weather or the season.

The stream that ran through the valley was also a favorite place. Many camp-outs and fishing trips were visited along it. There were two spots suitable for cooling off during the sweltering summer days, and on more than one occasion it was inevitable that we would come home soaked and wet fully clothed. One of our greatest adventures was to follow the stream until we founds its source. It was an all-day affair and after six miles of trekking we eventually found it. A small spring that came trickling and bubbling out of some rocks at the end of the valley by the foot of a mountain. We scooped the crystal clear water in cupped hands and drank. A cooler, cleaner, more refreshing taste could not be found we all agreed. Especially since we had discovered the source. We decided to keep this our secret. There were many secret places in "our" valley, and although the cabin is long gone and we have all grown up, the valley still remains with all its secrets for another generation to discover.

Residents Volunteer

This is a photo of Doris Morehouse and Linda McDonald (both WV Residents) in period costume on the platform of The Empire State Railway Museum. They both donate huge amounts of time volunteering at the museum. If you haven't been there you should check it out. It is located on Lower High Street (does anyone else but me find that street name oxymoronic?) in Phoenicia. There is a free kids holiday train in December featuring Santa Claus. Fun for all and the price is right! I will keep you posted on time and date information when I get it.

Photo by Joyce Botchford

Official Election Results

The election results are finally official.

Peter DiSclafani(D)- Supervisor
Tim Malloy(D)- Town Board
Vincent Bernstein (R)- Town Board
Laurilyn Frasier(R)- Town Clerk
Heidi Clark(D,R) and Rose Rotella(D,C) - Town Assesor
Eric Hofmeister(D) - Highway Supervisor

The town voted NO to the proposition to change the assesor position to one single appointed position rather than two elected positions.

Here is the link to the ulster county board of elections although right now they still have the unofficial results. It is still a good link to have.

http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/election2007/

Congratulations to all the winners!

I found great information on voter registration and absentee ballots on the Vote Smart website located at:

http://www.vote-smart.org/voter_registration_resources.php

Historic Marker

A plaque has been erected by the Shandaken Historical Society at the base of the old Simpson Ski Slope located at the beginning of Woodland Valley Road. The property, now owned by Harry Jameson, was the first ski area in the state of NY. Trains would come from Kingston and stop right on WV road across from the slope to allow passengers to disembark and hit the slopes. Check it out.

The Brook on May 23

At the evening’s last pool,
Two bats swoop in tandem and strafe the water,
As I send my line upstream, searching for trout.
The Grandparents’ Pool, where once we laved
Their old anglers ashes,
First he in his year of death,
Then she in her’s.
I think of reincarnation, and worry,
That the reincarnate might bite,
On my Dark Cahill’s barb.
One last cast, times three,
Then, up through dark childhood woods,
Stumbling home,
Troutless, breathless, content.

- By J. Michael O’Neil - WV Resident

Stargazing Opportunity

I am an avid amateur astronomer, a professional astrologer by trade however ... a rare combo! Maddy (my wife) and I own a 20" diameter reflector telescope, the largest in the Hudson Valley (most universities scopes are way smaller ... to give you an idea). So far I've only shared it with a few..... and I've only done one or two workshops with it at Mirabai Books in Woodstock... (I lectured there recently on Pluto). I'd love to share the heavens with others here in the Valley, and even start a local astronomy club to observe together if any are interested ..... I often observe in the Day Use area and on top of Belleayre Mtn.

If the Valley has any open fields perhaps we can arrange a viewing for locals one clear night!! ...

From - Alexander Mallon
Email: astroskywatcher@yahoo.com
Phone: 845-688-9751

Call for Artists and Musicians

I am planning to hold an exhibit of outdoor art, August 16 & 17, 2008, in collaboration with Arts Upstairs in Phoenicia, on my property at 938 Woodland Valley Road. I'm looking for artists who want to show their work and musicians who want to play on the outdoor stage that will be set up. I envision it as a picnic outing with people bringing a blanket and lunch, strolling around the art displayed, dancing to the music, listening to poetry, and swimming in the pond. I'll provide a port-a-San. I'm thinking that it will be a benefit for Arts Upstairs (maybe collect $5 a car to cover expenses). If you are interested please email me at GSTUT44@aol.com or
phone (914) 479-1066.

From - Gabrielle

Snow in the Valley

We have had the first snow of the season up here in the valley. I came home last night in some fairly heavy snowfall. By morning it had accumulated to about 4 inches on my porch. It was amazingly beautiful because a lot of the leaves are still on the trees. Of course, it being early in the season, most of the snow melted away during the day. I guess this is a sign of things to come.

Holiday Outreach

Greetings Good Neighbors,

I'd say our Ms. President (Carol) is off to a brilliant start. Enabling the community to better help itself, starting with communicating like this, which is just what we needed.

....but speaking of need. My guess is there are some Woodland Valley residents who can't afford Christmas gifts, let alone internet access and computers.

I'm wondering if anyone else feels it might be a nice community initiative to reach out some how to a WV family in need?

Perhaps you actually know one?

I realize there might be issues determining "need",but it seems like the right thing to do.

Happy Holidays!
Michael & Maureen
1215 WV Rd
email: mlatriano@yahoo - phone 688-1120

ps - photo taken at the 2005 WV Party

New Information Kiosk at WV Bridge

There is a new information kiosk installed by the bridge at the convergence of Woodland Valley stream and the Esopus creek. It tells the dynamic story of epic flooding, disastrous erosion and the heroic efforts to restore and stabilize the streams. NYC DEP and Ulster County Soil and Water District joined together with the Army Corps and other agencies to do the work. Local artist Dave Channon was hired to design the snappy 3 x 4 foot panels. The third panel will be a community bulletin board for all the fishermen, waders & swimmers, kayakers, tubers, bikers, hikers and assorted lunch-munchers that stop by to visit this scenic location.

Of special interest is a new biological approach, planting willow saplings and other root anchoring native plants to protect stream banks from washing away. Get the skinny on how to deal with Knotweed invasions! Homeowners with a desire to help out can visit
www.EsopusCreek.org and get in touch with our local branch of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County. There are get-togethers, stream cleanups, tree planting parties, events, lectures and workshops and all are invited to attend.

From - Dave Channon

Yoga with Ricarda O'Conner

A former professional dancer, Ricarda has been teaching yoga for over twenty years. From a lifetime of study and experience, her knowledge of the human body is extensive, as is her understanding of the mind/body connection---how thoughts and emotions influence our physical health.
Through the practices of hatha yoga, meditation, pranayama (breath work) Reiki and other techniques, Ricarda teaches people of all ages how to focus their energy and intuition, empowering them to create strength, balance and health in their bodies and their lives.

For information Call: (845)688-5006 or Email: ricardao@earthlink.net

RICARDA'S YOGA CLASSES

At The Copperhood Spa, route 28 in Shandaken

Monday: Open Level Yoga @ 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Tuesday: Open Level Yoga @ 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Friday: Open Level Yoga @ 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Friday: Stretch Class @ 5:00 -6:15 p.m.

Private and semiprivate lessons by appointment

Owners of Overbrook

From Melinda Stickney-Gibson -
This is a photo taken in September of Overbrook's only 4 owners -
Chet Gaede, Sr. (his family built the house); Jim Frain, current owner; Melinda Stickney-Gibson (1987-2005); and Chet Gaede Jr. & his wife Sherry Robinson (second owners)

Beautiful Buck - Photo by Rannie Arp

This picture was taken yesterday outside my dining room window, "Does he know bow season is here".... I really hope he survives.

Some Comments on the Blog

From Evelyn Polesny -
Your idea is great — some positive energy will not only be nice, but will help us maybe avoid some of these long negative roads in the future. Connecting before bad things happen is a great step!

From Mike Connor -
It's a great idea that will, hopefully, help draw our community closer.

Hey Kids - Up for a Playdate?

From Evelyn Polesnys -
Greetings from the Polesnys on Grandview! We would love to hear from other families with young children in the Valley who might want to have playdates. It’ll be a LOOONG winter when it’s cold, and we’d love to have playdates when we’re upstate. Our son Leos (lay-osh) is two and a half. He’s glad to play with kids of any age who want to play with him. Please write to us at polesny@verizon.net if you wanna play with us.

The Great Woodland Bear

A Poem
By Dakin and Doris Morehouse, ‘97


There once was a great Woodland Bear
Who had long, thick, messy black hair.
Our deplorable bruin
Left everthing in ruin,
As he took food from hear and from there.

This unrefined beast would rip and would tear
A’ tossing the garbage about everywhere.
But as our patience grew thin
At the old garbage bin,
There was nothing to do but to cry – or to swear.

He was rude and uncouth and he – just didn’t care,
And standing his ground he would loudly declare,
With a snort and a growl
As he went on his prowl,
That He – was The Great Woodland Bear!

When Dakin Was President

From Dakin Morehouse -

Did I ever tell you the story of when I got drafted as WVA president years ago? Late 70’s I believe. It was after Charlie Wapner’s long regime and I said I would accept on one condition – that we would drop the backroom politics and get to know our neighbors through block parties and the like.
I even started “The Valley Echo” newsletter with a sketch of the classic scene of Terrace Mt with the Wittenberg peeking above.
As fate would have it, that summer 3, 32 unit condos were planned to be built up Cross Mt. above Toneska. After many weeks of ‘rallying around the (Woodland Valley) flag’ they said we had the biggest turnout at Town Hall to date – and in the Q&A part we asked if they had done a perk test. “Of course.” And where? One of the several engineers walked up to one of the many visual aids and maps prepared for the presentation and put his finger right on a spot that many of us knew to be the center of the old beaver pond (now below Dershawitz’s).
Well, the packed hall roared with laughter and fortunately the project was dropped.
Wish it was that easy these days …

Linda & Bob McDonald on a recent visit to Mohonk

"Camp Lowfayl"

Linda McDonald shared this information about the history of her house in the valley.

"It was 1913 when grandpa built the cabin. The club "Woodland Valley Park Association" itself was founded in 1906. My grandfather's name was James T. MacDonald of Clifton NJ (notice I married a McDonald)! Before I inherited the house, my parents had inherited it, Janet MacDonald & John Dunnican. They had it from 1951 until 1992. Then when Dad died it became Mom's & mine. 2 years ago Mom signed her shares over to my daughter Jessie, so she is the 4th generation to be part of Camp Lowfayl. (pronounced - Loaf A While)."

Acorn Squash Recipe

From Mike O'Neil aka Boreegard -

Amigo mio or amiga mia, as the case may be--
At this time of year, November in New England, the markets are flooded with squash—praise be to Allah.
Why is it, I wonder, that the ubiquitous acorn squash is cooked one way, 99.9% of the time, and given few alternatives? By this I mean—the general recipe is to cut the little darling in half, scoop out the seedy goop, fill the cavities with nuts and honey (or some such combination) and bake.
That is all well and good, but this wonderful, well-behaved cucurbita (here I speak as a gardener who grows pumpkins and squash), deserves better. Here is one way to do her up right:

A FINE WAY TO TREAT A WINTER SQUASH
(OR STUFF IT)

INGREDIENTS
Two acorn squash, about a pound each.
½ cup finely chopped celery
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
2 tbsp butter
4 tbsp chopped fresh basil (dill or thyme will do, too)
4 tbsp snipped chives
½ cup diced cooked ham
2/3 cup sour cream ( or plain yogurt)

TO DO
Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
Cover the bottom of a baking pan with about a quarter to a half inch of water,
And place the squash halves in the pan, cut side down.
Bake in a preheated 350 F. oven for about 35 minutes, or until squash is cooked to softness.
A short time before the squash has finished baking, sauté the celery and onion in the butter until limp and opaque. (Have you, darling, ever been limp and opaque?)
Turn heat down and add ham, sweet basil, 2 tsp chives, and the sour cream. Stir it together and set aside.
When the squash has finished baking, spoon out the meat carefully, so as not to damage the tender skins and add it to the stuffing. Mix together—keep the squash lumpy or mix it t a smoother consistency to suite your taste.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Carefully fill the shells with the mixture and bake for another 20 minutes.
Garnish with the rest of the chives. It be good.

From the Woodland Valley Bridge

What is a Blog?

A blog is basically an easy to use website. It can be anything we want it to be. My vision for this blog is to be used as a community newsletter. Another way to keep up on all the interesting people, places and things that are in our valley. Posts on a blog are written on an ongoing basis. Unlike a regular website, the last entry is first. You will notice that my welcome message is on the bottom of the page. It's a little different than what you are probably used to but better because you can get the most current news first.

A couple of things about this blog. First, in some blogs people are able to comment on the posts. That feature is turned off here. Although it's great to hear what is on our members minds, to open up this forum to ongoing discussion and/or argument (not that anyone in Woodland Valley would start an argument) would dilute the informational quality of this site.

Secondly, this blog can be edited at any time. Even older posts. No one is perfect so if you see a mistake let me know and I will correct it.

For now, I am going to be postmaster general but you, the members, are going to do the writing and photography. The email address for this site is wvview@gmail.com If you have anything you would like posted just send it and I will try to get it on the site.

Lastly, in a blog brevity is a key. Writings, photos and videos (give me a minute to figure out that one) can be posted but none of it should be too long. I can generally post things by copying the information you send me from your emails so write it well and keep it brief.

Well now that's enough of the serious stuff. Send me things to be posted. Let's have some fun!!

Guidelines

This site is a community newsletter. All posts should contain information about valley people, places, and events. Let's get to know the folks in our community better.

All posts will be by and about WCA members. (Note: I will make an exception and post messages from nonmembers if the item is about Woodland Valley.)

Keep things brief. If posts are too long they will be edited. Only one or two photos or pieces of artwork per post.

All posts must be G rated including any website links. This is a family site. Let's make it so even the kiddies can read it. Anything questionable will be reviewed by the WCA blog committee. The decision of the committee is final.

The WCA supports diversity, tolerance and mutual respect. Nothing of a racist, sexist, intolerant or derogatory nature will be posted.

No politics. Except for informational things like caucus times and dates, voting reminders and election results, nothing else of a political nature will be posted. Since our membership has diverse political views this could only spoil the fun.

This site is maintained on a volunteer basis. We will try our best, but there is no guarantee that everything will get posted. Posts will be made on a first come first serve basis.

No prices given. If some of our members have a store, give classes, provide services we will post the what, where, when of it but we will not give costs.

Everyone's privacy will be respected. No email address will be given without the express permission of the owner of that email account.

All photos must be digital. Don't try and slip me your 4x6 prints at the Boiceville Supermarket. Scanning is a time consuming process and needs to be done by the member who wants to post the photo. Copyright laws will be respected. No photos containing children will be posted without a direct email from their parents giving us permission to put their child's photo on the site.

Sorry if these guidelines sound a bit stern. Now that we have laid out the ground rules I promise we'll have some fun!

Woodland Valley Stream

Welcome to The Woodland Valley View

Greetings Valley Residents!! Since being elected president last summer I have wanted to find better ways to keep our members in touch and our strength as a community growing. Since I have an interest and aptitude in technology, I thought a website for valley news and events would be great. Unfortunately, a traditional website would require too much time and maintenance. Earlier this week it hit me like a bolt of lightening.....a blog is the answer! It is simple, free and, in my opinion, easier to maintain. So here it is, The Woodland Valley View! This will be a great way for our members to keep posted on news and events, especially those who leave for the winter to find warmer weather in Florida or Mexico. So neighbor, I welcome you to The Woodland Valley View. Let's make this a fun and positive part of our community!