Eugene Ruffolo Performs in Phoenicia

Wow folks, looks there is going to be a lot of great music around this weekend! Woodland Valley's own Eugene Ruffolo is going to perform right here in Phoenicia on Friday. I just got this message from him. Come fight off the after holiday blues!!

GREAT MUSIC NEWS!!!

Special Show with Two Acts!!!
Phoenicia Phirst Phriday--Jan. 2
Eugene Ruffolo with Margaret Fiellin
and special guests
Beaucoup Blue
direct from a New Year's Eve gig at the Caffé Lena
Doors open at 7:00 pm, music at 7:30
A $3 donation is requested
Coffee, teas, and desserts are available
Proceeds benefit the John Herald Fund

The event is held at the Arts Upstairs Gallery
60 Main Street, Phoenicia

For info call 845-688-9453

http://www.eugeneruffolo.com/home-flash.html
http://www.beaucoupblue.com/

The Rick Altman Trio In Concert

This was sent to me by WCA member Rick Altman. Try to catch the show if you can!

The Rick Altman Trio

Mike Ralff, Jody Sumber,
Rick Altman

with special guest appearance by Miriam Rose on the violin

An evening of jazz standards and originals with bass, drums and vibes
muddy cup coffee House
Sunday, January 4th, 2009
7:00 -9:00 PM
65 Partition St. Saugerties,NY
845 246-5775

www.muddycup.com/saugerties

Joyous Kwansaa

Sorry this is going up a little later than I had planned but with the holidays everything just started to get away from me. Anyway, I wanted to wish all those in Woodland Valley who celebrate Kwanzaa a happy holiday! Kwanzaa runs from December 26 through January 1 and is an African American and Pan-African holiday. It is a celebration of family, community and culture based on the principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. It is celebrated by millions of people worldwide. Happy Kwanzaa to all!

Last Night of Hanukkah

To celebrate the last night of Hanukkah here is another great drawing from junior WCA member Miriam Rose. Thanks to Miriam for capturing the spirit of the holiday and letting me post it to our blog. Shalom to all!!

Melting Away

We have gotten a lot of rain and warmer temps here in the valley for the last few days. The 18 inches of snow that fell last weekend has been significantly reduced. Woodland Valley Road is clear but a lot of the steeper driveways (including mine) have been icy and impossible to navigate. Today with the temps were in the high 30's and I finally made it to the top. The forecast for tomorrow is calling for the temperature to rise into the 50's. I think that might melt the remainder of the snow. Wow, this weather is crazy!

Merry Christmas to All

I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone in the valley celebrating Christmas a happy and joyous holiday. Merry Christmas to all and may peace prevail on earth!

Summer Santa in Woodland Valley

Paul Misko sent this image that he found. He thought that it looked liked what Santa might do if he came to visit WV during the summmer. I think he might be right.

Sunday's Storm

Tommy Healy sent me these photos from the storm on Sunday. They really capture the feeling of how much snow we got over the weekend. Thanks for sending them Tommy!

Snow Ended - For Now

Well, the storm has finally ended tonight. We got about 7 inches more in this last go round. I know it was really 2 separate systems but it felt like one big, long storm. As I told you in a previous post, we got about 9 inches on Friday and then about another 2 inches fell as flurries from Friday night into Saturday morning. We got another 7 today bringing the grand total to about 18 inches over the past 3 days. Of course, I am measuring this in my backyard at the top of the valley. The totals may be different depending on where you are but I don't think it really varied too much this time. Whatever way you slice it, we got a LOT of the powdery white stuff!! Welcome to winter in the Catskills!

Happy Hanukkah - Blessed Solstice

Tonight is the start of Hanukkah. I would like to extend warm holiday greetings to all the Jewish members of our community on this first day of the festival of lights. May you be blessed with everything warm and bright.

And for those in the community who celebrate the solstice, may your lives be filled with happiness and joy as you celebrate the return of the light.

NYState Thruway Webcams

I discovered completely by accident that the NYS Thruway has live webcams so that you can monitor traffic. Here is the link to the site http://www.nysthruway.gov/webcams/. You can click on the different cams to see what traffic conditions are at specific points all throughout the day. Of course this is not to say that they will be in the exact same condition by the time you reach that point but I thought this might be helpful to those folks that travel up and down from the city.

Made from Woodland Valley Wood

Here are a couple of Christmas gifts made by Paul Misko with Woodland Valley wood. The first box, (the one with the lid) is made from curly black maple, black cherry, sugar maple, curly apple wood, and hemlock. Nice work Paul!

Storm Total

The heavy snow has pretty much stopped falling and by my trusty snow ruler we got a total of 9 inches from this storm, not too bad (I think I am getting jaded). It is of the light and fluffy variety so moving it around hasn't been that hard, so that's good too. I haven't been out on WV road since this morning so I don't know if the road is slippery or not but the plows have been past numerous times pushing the snow around and sanding so I would imagine it is passable. Drive carefully anyway!

PS - The weather service is forecasting more snow for Sunday. Right now they are predicting an additional 7 inches or more. We'll see. As usual I will keep you posted.

Ms December - Cardi O'Conner

Woodland Valley's own Cardi O'Conner (pictured here with her cat Violet) has won the coveted Phoenicia Post Office "Customer of the Month" award for December. She is shamelessly lobbying to become "Customer of the Year" for 2008. Of course there are 11 other "Customers of the Month" vying for that same honor. Voting takes place between December 26th and December 31st. Everyone who is a postal customer is eligible to vote. So drop by the Post Office and make your voices heard in this critical election. (Ok, maybe it's not critical, but it's a lot of fun!!) And be careful, if you don't vote for Cardi she will send Violet to find you and torture you with her laser eyes.

The Art of Miriam Rose

Here is a piece titled "Chinese Princess" by junior WCA member and young artist Miriam Rose (age 5). I would like to encourage the parents of all our junior WCA members to submit their drawings, paintings, writing or any other form of artwork to the blog so I can post them.

Storm Coming

For all those who plan to come to the valley for the weekend be advised that the National Weather Service is forecasting 7 to 14 inches to fall starting sometime tomorrow morning. I will keep you posted on the actual totals but may want to postpone any traveling until Saturday.

A Couple of Inches

The valley got about 2 inches of snow last night. Right now it is raining, turning everything into a heavy, wet, mess. Hopefully it won't all freeze overnight. Woodland Valley Road is slippery already. On my way back from a trip to town this morning there was a car off the road. Someone was already there pulling him out but my advice is to drive slowly and carefully.

Santa Tries to Relieve Stress

Doris Morehouse sent me these photos. She caught Santa in his inversion table trying to relieve some holiday stress. We all hope that Santa gets a little rest during this busy holiday season!

Well Problems?

Jean Druffner up on Grandview Acres is having well problems. She has had her water tested twice in the last few months and coliform bacteria were found even after chlorination. She was wondering if anyone else in the valley is experiencing the same problem or if it just an isolated case. If you have had well problems recently please email me here at wvview@gmail.com and I will pass your message on to her.

- Carol Seitz

ZBA Meeting Next Wednesday Dec 17th

The Poncic water harvesting proposal will be on the agenda again at the next ZBA meeting. The board will continue to discuss whether water harvesting for non-potable purposes is related to water bottling. Here is the time and place of the meeting:

Zoning Board of Appeals
Wednesday December 17th, 2008
7:30 p.m.
Shandaken Town Hall

This is still not the a public hearing so the audience will not be allowed to comment but it would be good to let the board know that Woodland Valley cares deeply about this issue. So if you are up here and available that night please come and bear witness.

- Carol Seitz

No Ice Storm

How many times is the weather man/woman allowed to be wrong and still keep his/her job? It seems that I am wondering that a lot lately here in Woodland Valley. The ice storm that was predicted for the past couple of days didn't happen. Everything that has fallen so far has fallen as rain. We did get quite a lot of rain though so WV road is very wet but not icy. Of course this could change if the temperature drops during the day. So it would still be wise to take it easy coming up into the valley.

Craft Fair in Woodstock

I am participating in a small craft fair in Woodstock tomorrow Saturday, December 13th. Come by and pick up some gifts for the holidays.
- Carol Seitz

Local Artist Holiday Craft Fair

Saturday, December 13th
12-3 pm
At the Woodstock Mothership

Unique Gifts
Hand Made Items

Jewelry
Waldorf Inspired Dolls & Cradles
Photography
Mandalas
Paintings
Tribal Belts
Furniture
Gems & Minerals
And More…


The Mothership is located at 6 Hillcrest Ave-
off Tannery Brook Rd in Woodstock

2008 Shandaken Ski Program

COME AND VISIT YOUR MOUNTAIN
SUN. DEC. 14, 2008

The Town of Shandaken and Belleayre Ski Center are pleased to announce the 2008-2009 Ski Program - All residents of Shandaken are encouraged to participate!

The 2008-2009 ski program will kick-off on Sunday December 14, 2008 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 14 in the Lower Lodge (Tina Rice will be there all day) in order to sign-up for three special $25 ski dates, December 26, 29 & 30

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!!!
Sign-up early - All participants must be signed up by January 1, 2009 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. No more standing in line and waiting. Sign/show up before January 1, 2009 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, 2009 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.

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

2008 Sunday Ski Dates
January - 4,11,18,25
February - 1,8,15,22
March - 8,15,22,29

Surprise! Wild Wednesday!
Like to ski during the week? Well you're in for a surprise! We will be skiing on Wednesdays starting January 7th, 2009 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.

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

Phoenicia Library Scrabble Night

This is to remind you that the first Thursday of every month is SCRABBLE night at the Phoenicia Library. The fun starts at 7 pm. Feel free to show up a little late, and don't worry if you don't have a board - they have all the boards and dictionaries they need. But they don't have all the players they need, so please join them if you can, and bring a friend as well. Mark it on your calendars now!

Brigitte Engler in NYC Group Show

Here is a message from WCA member David Hershkovits.

Hi friends -- Brigitte has some pieces in a group show opening on Thursday. Should be fun. We'd love to see you there.
- David

THE BEAST IN ME

December 11 - January 11, 2009
Opening Reception: Thursday, December 11, 6-9 pm

BOWMAN / BLOOM GALLERY
95 East 7th Street
New York, NY 10009
Basement (between 1st Avenue and Avenue A)
Lisa Bowman bowmanstudio@aol.com 203.952.9025
Laura Bloom Lmbloom131@aol.com 917.860.9869

Gallery Hours: Friday-Sunday 2-6 pm and by appointment

Sally Webster, Brigitte Engler, David Sandlin, Tom Burckhardt,
Mary Schepisi, Valerie Hammond, Nick Darmstaedter, Kembra Pfahler, Claudia Parducci, John Tottenham, Anne Hanavan, Gomez Bueno,
Lisa Bowman, Robert Hawkins, Ricardo Tarrega,Melora Griffis, Toxic, Walter Robinson, Charles Lahti, Kenny Thomas, David Pushkin,
Rich Colicchio, Mette Madsen, Richard Hell, Peter Alexander

aaron roses’s eye by sally webster

CMRR Holiday Train in Kingston

The Catskill Mountain Railroad has launched a Winter Holiday train ride in Kingston. The ribbon cutting and inaugural trip took place this past Saturday. Chairman of the CMRR (and WCA member) Harry Jameson, Chairman of the Ulster County Legislature, Dave Donaldson, President of the CMRR Earl Pardini, and Santa Claus (who looks strangely like another WCA member), among others, were all on hand to preside over the opening ceremonies. Trains will run over the next few weeks from the platform adjacent to the Kingston Plaza (near the Hannaford) on Aaron Court just off Westbrook Lane. Here is the schedule:

Fridays Hourly from 3pm - 7pm
Saturdays and Sundays Hourly from 1pm - 7 pm
December 12th through December 28th

Adults $6.00
Children 4 - 11 $4.00
Children 3 and under ride free

So if you find yourself holiday shopping in Kingston you might want to go for a ride!

December Deer de Bo

Here is another wonderful poem from WCA member Mike O'Neil aka Boreegard.

December Deer

We decorate in full measure around here for Christmas,
By WE I mean my wife. I carry, lift, and heft, and
Am occasionally asked if the wreath is straight or if the,
Ribbon is red enough. But she is the Wassail general, and I am,
A mere buck private in the readying for the 25th.

I am ordered to anchor eight ersatz deer,
Three metal ones in the back, held down by heavy rocks,
Three wooden white ones in front, anchored by wire and spikes,
So that the winter winds will not carry them off,
And two others of indiscriminate natural material.

This morning a fine, well meated yearling buck,
Came nonchalantly a-grazing on Ma’s remaining ferns,
And later as I drove up the high driveway,
There were three more deer in healthy winter coats,
Why, I wonder, should I do ersatz, when Nature provides the real?

Because, just because,
The ephemeral answer comes,
She Who Must Be Obeyed has commanded it,
A reminiscence of Christmas past requires it,
And a dollop of sweet love insists upon it.


Boreegard
December, 2008

A Slight Dusting

The valley got a wee bit of snow last night but it didn't amount to anything more than a dusting. The winds are supposed to start howling later on this evening. There is a high wind advisory in effect from 1:00 pm this afternoon until 4:00 am Monday morning. The temperatures are forcasted to drop to a low of 10˚ overnight. Brrrrrrr..........

Winter Sublet Available in WV

Here is a message from WCA member Cara Cruickshank.

$1000 / 2br - COMFY COZY COTTAGE: 2.5 hours from NYC! (Woodland Valley)

SPECIAL COLD WEATHER RATES!!!! COME AND STAY AT THIS COZY GETAWAY. HOLIDAY SHOP IN THE BEAUTIFUL TOWNS OF SAUGERTIES, WOODSTOCK, AND KINGSTON. COME HOME TO A GLASS OF WINE ON THE DECK AND COOK DINNER IN OUR TRADITIONAL KITCHEN. AVAILABLE DECEMBER 15 - APRIL 1.

This property is the perfect setting to start that novel,compose that song, paint those watercolor miniatures, or just renew your resources after a long day of skiing and hiking.

Within earshot of the Esopus Creek, among the rolling hills of Woodland Valley, and only a 3 minute drive from the quaint village of Phoenicia, tranquility dominates the views seen from the plentiful windows of this charming cottage in the beautiful Catskill Mountains.

This 1 bedroom / 1 loft, and 2 bath cottage has a spacious open floor plan which includes a traditional kitchen with a large dining bar and a sprawling deck surrounded by 7 wooded acres complete with a meadow and large pond. Take in the beautiful mountain scenery from the full length windows. Walk out of the sliding doors in the living room and enjoy a warm drink under a starry sky, or a morning coffee as the sun rises. Snuggle up on the couch with a book and a fire in the wood stove.

In addition, there is a spacious living room, a charming skylit loft, and a master bedroom with a lovely silhouetted mountain view from your bed as you wake. Privately set on a quiet road, this comfortably furnished cottage
captures the essence of Hudson valley living. 15 minutes away from skiing at Belleayre Mountain or strolling through Woodstock, and within a 30-minute drive to Hunter Mountain, Saugerties, Rhinebeck, and Uptown Kingston. Local activities include sledding, skating snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, wineries, boutiques, acclaimed restaurants, and a variety of music and cultural venues.

Rental includes: Cooking Utensils, Dishwasher, Washing Machine, Tumble Dryer,
TV, DVD Player, Heating, Kitchen, Claw Foot Tub, Wi-Fi, Fax, Printer, Phone, Garbage Removal.

Slide Show Link
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32925651@N02/show/

Description Page Link
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32925651@N02/

For more information or to set up a viewing, email: storydanz@yahoo.com

All Clear In The Valley

Still no snow here in the valley. The storms that we have had over the last few days only brought rain. Yesterday's temperatures were in the 40's but the weather has gotten colder overnight. So who knows what the coming days will bring, but right now all is clear.

Free Christmas Events - December 14th

Shandaken Theatrical Society Presents
Christmas in Phoenicia
December 14, 2008
12:00pm

Train Rides with Santa leaving from the Empire State Railway Museum
1-5pm

The annual STS Christmas Show will be held on Sunday, Dec 14th at 12:00pm, in conjunction with the Catskill Mountain Railroad and the Empire State Railway Museum’s Santa Claus Train Rides. Admission is free and audience singing is encouraged. After the show, audience members can learn about the theater, visit with Santa (bring your own camera), and enjoy holiday refreshments baked by STS volunteers. Then head on over to the Old Phoenicia Train Station on Lower High Street for their free train rides with Santa Claus, live music, holiday cheer. Trains will run continuously between 1:00 and 5:00pm. While you are waiting for your train or when you get back, enjoy an old fashioned Christmas Party at the railway museum. The party is set to include fresh popcorn, cookies, and cider, several operating model electric trains, and live steam model trains. Please support this great day in Phoenicia with your presence.

Look for WCA members Lauren and Miriam Rose on stage at STS. Then join Dakin Morehouse, Tom Healy and Harry Jameson (also WCA members) over on the train.

See you there!

Butternut Trees

Here is a message from WCA member Paul Misko.

Rolf's great posting about Snyder Hollow mentioned the woman who had butternuts spread out to dry. The butternut tree was once more common in our valley, but now are quite rare here. The leaves and wood are similar to that of the black walnut tree, and it is even referred to as "blonde walnut". Most of them were harvested for its wood by one of the many mills in the valley many years ago. The wood is mostly used for furniture, and the nuts are edible, sweet, and sticky when harvested.
Records are kept of the largest trees of each species in both nationwide, and statewide categories, with the record breakers being referred to as "champion" trees. I've been trying to find the largest trees of each species in Woodland Valley and I think I have located a few record breakers. Here is a picture of a giant butternut tree I found while mapping bark roads one day. It comes close to the record for New York state. Where is it?.....All I'll say it that its in the upper end of our valley. If you find a bigger butternut, or a champion of another species, let us know.
Paul Misko

Some Snow, Mostly Rain

This last storm we had yesterday started out as snow and then changed to rain during the afternoon. It continued to rain late into the evening and gradually began to warm. This morning the temperature is in the high 30's. The little bit of snow that is left seems to be melting quickly. The highway department has done a good job of keeping WV road clear and so there should be no problems getting in and out of the valley.

Winter Faire at Santa's Workshop

The Listen To Me Youth Theater Announces Winter Faire at Santa's Workshop

The Colony Cafe, Woodstock, NY

Sunday, December 14, 2008
12pm-4pm

Free Admission for All Ages.
Activity Tickets ($1 each) may be purchased at the door.
(Activities cost 2-3 tickets each)

- Witness the elves (performed by local children) at work, as they present special shows for you throughout the day.
- Stop by our Merry Music Station for a listen to festive live folk music performed by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, and others!
- Tour our craft stations and watch demos in Tin Smithing with the Ashokan Center, Beeswax Candle Rolling with Candlestock, and more!
- Visit with the Toy Shop Elves and make special gifts and quality crafts to bring home, such as: Star Wands, Cookie Cottages, Birch Candle Holders, and Pomanders.
- Drop by the Edible Tree to dance with elves and nibble magical delights.
- Enjoy a roaring fire in our indoor fire place while sipping hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows.
- Pay a call to the Storytelling Cave and listen to Grandma Avis tell enchanting winter tales.
- Stroll through our silent auction for a selection of unique Christmas gifts and rare items.
- Visit "Rudolph's Cafe" to satisfy that "lunchtime" craving or Blitzen's Bake shop for the "sweet tooth".
- Catch a glimpse of the Ice Queen and play festive games!
- And, of course,stop by Santa's sleigh for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

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

Happy Thanksgiving - May the Fork Be With You!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here in Woodland Valley and beyond! Here is a little ditty written by our own Boreegard for the holiday.

Gravy

These days they sell it in cans and bottles in the super markets uggh,
For people who are just too lazy or too dumb to make gravy from scratch.
Full of brown dyes, chemicals, salts, sugar and God only knows what else,
The great unwashed buy it, warm it in a sauce pan or microwave, and
Slather it on thickly. Uggh.

Honest gravy is so simple, as was what I made with this evenings
Thanksgiving turkey. Take note you.
For each cup of gravy, ye shall use ¼ cup of pan drippings,
Heated in a roasting pan on the oven. Mix with two tablespoons of common
Flour and one cup of broth or hot water. Stir slowly, as you would caress
Your lover. Season, as you would. It will be ready, when you know it is ready.


Boreegard
Thanksgiving Day
November 22, 2007

No Snow in the Valley

It looks like the storm is moving out and we are none the worse for it. There is a thin coating of ice on my porch as well as the road up here at the top of the valley but my guess is that will be gone by mid-day. Do take your time coming up the road though, just in case. The storm dumped a lot of rain on us but thank goodness it never really changed to snow so roads and driveways in the valley are all clear. Drive safely wherever you are planning to spend the holiday!

So Far, Nothing But Rain

For those of you who are headed to the valley for the long holiday weekend I wanted to let you know that, despite the winter storm warning that was calling for snow on weather.com, we've had mostly rain here in the valley. Any snow that was mixed in didn't last very long and there is no accumulation on the ground. I don't think that the storm is quite over yet so I will keep you posted, but right now the roads are wet but clear.

WV History - A Walk In Synder Hollow

Here is a message and some great history from Rolf Reiss.

I recently came across a copy of Harper's Weekly from 1902 that contained an interesting little article about Snyder Hollow (Woodland Valley's former name). Unfortunatly, the authors name is not included. It begins
 
"September had arrived and the Catskill farmers were cutting their corn and buckwheat, digging their potatoes, and getting in their late millet.
My first long walk in the Catskills was up a half-wild glen that wound back among the mountains from one of the larger valleys for a distance of five or six miles. Snyder Hollow as it was called was hemmed narrowly in by wooden ridges, and sometimes the trees crept down and took full possession of all save the tiny ribbon of the highway. Most of the houses were of weather-worn gray and had never been painted."
The author stopped by a bridge to admire the stream and "noticed a little red house perched high on a slope above the road ( this is the house shown in the photo enclosed ) where some tomatoes were spread to ripen on the piazza which served as shelter for the family tubs. A woman in a calico sun-bonnet was the only person I saw about the place" He then observed the woman "picking a peck or so of scattered butternuts which she spread to dry on a thin slab of stone laid over the top of a barrel (see photo). Meanwhile the hens had gathered around her, hopeful of a feed, and she shooed them away with her apron.
The outlook over the woodland glen, with its flanking of green ridges and the silvery stream twinkling into view here and there was very beautiful, and I fancied she was admiring the scenery. But when I ventured the opinion that she must enjoy having a home in such a situation, she said she was so used to the scenery roundabout that she never thought whether it was pretty or not, and she would rather live in a village. She was watching the road for her son. He had been working in Massachusetts, but he was coming home to stay now. "It's a terrible place for malaria, Massachusetts is", she informed me, and he couldn't stand it there".

I  just love this article and it's depiction of  life here in the valley over a hundred years ago. Will post more of it shortly.

- Rolf
 

ZBA Meeting Report

Here is a recap of last Wednesday night's Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. The Poncic matter was discussed among the board members. One member said that he talked to Chairman of the Ulster County Planning Board, and a lawyer for the Association of Towns and both agreed that there must be a public hearing on the issue. No public hearing was set. Instead a vote was called. Here is how the individual members voted.

Issue: Is the harvesting of water for non-potable purposes (the filling of swimming pools etc.) a similar use to water bottling?

Keith Johnson (Chairman) - Yes
Rolf Reiss - No
Steve Settine - Yes
Tom Hickey - Absent
Gary Guglielmetti - Abstain

With one member absent and one member abstaining, the board lacked a quorum (a majority of the board, which in this case is 3 members) to decide the issue. This means that the issue was tabled until the next ZBA meeting on December 17th at 7:30 pm where it will be discussed again.

If you are going to be in the valley that evening it would be great if you could join us to watch the proceedings. This is still not a public hearing and we cannot comment, but it is useful to have as many community members as possible to observe.

Carol Seitz

Nueva Nova

Just when all the news lately has been scary and depressing a bright shining star has entered the world. Max and Linda Nova of Fawn Hill Road are pleased to announce the birth of their first son.

Cassius Orion Nova
born Nov 18th at 12:51 pm
8 lbs 11 oz
21 inches

Both mother and baby are doing fine. Welcome to the world Cash!! Your new neighbors can't wait to meet you!

Photo by the proud papa!

Happy 7th Birthday to Griff & Julia!

Griff & Julia O'Neil, grandchildren of WCA member Mike O'Neil, turned 7 years old yesterday! Whooo Hoooo! Mike (aka Boreegard) wrote this little ditty in honor of them. Happy Birthday kids!!

Griff and Julia’s Lucky Seven

On the 18th of November,
Some seven years ago,
Griff and Julia joined us,
That’s how their stories go.

Now seven’s a lucky number,
So the fortune tellers say,
And for our plucky Texas mites,
Let it be in every way.

Love and Happy Birthday from PaPa
November 18, 2008

Youth Theatre - Looking for a Few Good Elves

Here is a message from WCA member Cara Cruickshank:

To celebrate this holiday season, The Listen To Me Youth Theater is planning a Theatrical Performance and Winter Craft-Making Fair at Santa's Workshop!

Sign up now to be an Elf Toymaker, and true Santa's Helper in this magical performance and event! Dance, Sing, Act, Make Toys and Beautiful Crafts, and Help Santa get ready for the big night!

Open to Ages: 4-12

Rehearsals: At the Upstairs Art Gallery in Phoenicia (60 Main Street)
Mon. and Thurs., December 1-11: 4pm-6pm
Sun., December 14: 10am-12pm

Performance: Sun., December 14th (in the afternoon, Woodstock location TBA)

Tuition: $100 (if registered by Nov. 25)
$115 (if registered after Nov. 25)
Costumes are provided.
(Family discounts available.)

To Register, Contact:
Cara Cruickshank
(845) 688-2068
storydanz@yahoo.com

Donate Your Old Computer

I am trying to help the Phoenicia Library install WiFi in their computer center. In these times of increasing financial hardship having wireless internet access at the library would be a great service to many in our community. To install the wireless in a secure way we need to turn an old PC into a WiFi access point. So we are looking for someone who has an old desktop they would be willing to donate to the library. Here are the minimum specifications for what we need to do.

The computer should have:
P(Pentium)3 or higher processor
40G of hard drive space
1G RAM (or have the capacity to upgrade to this level)

Please email me here or call Regina at the Phoenicia Library if you have any equipment that fits this description.
Thanks!!

ZBA Meeting Next Wednesday Nov 19th

The Poncic water harvesting proposal will be on the agenda at the next ZBA meeting. The board will discuss whether water harvesting for non-potable purposes is related to water bottling. Here is the time and place of the meeting:

Zoning Board of Appeals
Wednesday November 19th, 2008
7:30 p.m.
Shandaken Town Hall

This is not the time for public comment but it would be good to let the board know that Woodland Valley is still watching this issue closely. So if you are up here and available that night please come and listen.

Two Weeks of Yoga Remaining

Here is a message from WCA member Ricarda O'Conner.

There are only two weeks left to my Fall yoga session. The last two classes will take place on Friday, 11/28 (the day after Thanksgiving). Those of you with class cards MUST use them up by then. I won't be teaching again until the Spring.

Best Wishes, Ricarda

Monday--- Open-Level Yoga @ 9:30 am till 11:00 am
Tuesday--- Open-Level Yoga @ 9:30 am till 11:00 am
Friday--- Open-Level Yoga @ 9:30 am till 11:00 am
Friday--- Stretch Class @ 5:00 pm till 6:30 pm

NEW LOCATION:

Mount Tremper Arts (in the barn)
647 South Plank Road (not far from the Zen Mountain Monastery)
Mt. Tremper

Library Looking for Office Furniture

If anyone has a desk or any other office furniture in good condition they are looking to get rid of, the library is looking to create an office for Regina, (the fabulous head librarian). Any donations would be much appreciated. Please contact me or the Phoenicia Library if you have anything that fits this description.

Night of the Living Deer

Paul Misko sent this photo to us. Here is what he had to say about it.

"Looks like this deer got into the radio-active waste dump! She just showed up next to me and began shooting laser beams out of her eyes in order to knock apples down from the tree. They fell to the ground fully baked. Isn't nature amazing?"

Hmmmm........sounds like something strange is going on up there in the Woodland Park Association!

Where to Vote - You Decide

There has been a recent New York State Supreme court decision that has a lot of significance to us here in Woodland Valley. Justice Kevin M. Dowd, of the 6th Judicial District in Norwich, granted a petition filed on the behalf of eight voters from Bovina. Local officials were ordered to restore them to the voter rolls in Delaware County. The eight were originally removed because they were second homeowners and not full time residents. The court found that the Delaware County Board of Elections did not apply the correct standards when it removed the voters because their homes in Bovina were not their primary residence. The court then ordered the Board of Elections to allow residents with more than one home to choose for themselves where they vote.

So residents here in the valley, whether full time or second homeowners, know your rights, you can choose for yourselves where to vote!

Election Day Hike Report

Here is a report from Paul Misko, leader of the Woodland Valley Hikers, on the Election Day hike up to Giant Ledge.

Well the Election Day results are in!!! 100 % of those who attended the Woodland Valley Hikers Election Day hike up to Giant Ledge had a terrific time. The four of us met at the trailhead and were surprised at the large amount of snow remaining from the last storm. The hazy sun, along with the effort needed for the uphill grade, soon warmed us up; while the melting snow provided some big puddles to sidestep. Eventually we reached the top and enjoyed our picnic lunches, and the great views. How nice to be away from election predictions and last minute ads. A few chipmunks and birds punctuated our descent, making it decent. It was a great day.

Paul Misko

Local Election Results

So by now you have all heard that Barak Obama will be our next president but I thought you might like to know the outcome of the local races too. Here are the unofficial results.

US House 22nd District - Maurice Hinchey (D)
County Executive - Mike Hein (D)
County Comptroller - Too close to call
State Senate 42nd District - John Bonacic (R)
State Assembly 101st District - Kevin Cahill (D)
Town of Shandaken - Councilwoman - Doris Bartlett (D)

Don't Forget to Vote Tomorrow

Although I don't think there is anyone on the planet that doesn't know tomorrow is election day, I am putting up this little reminder in case there is someone who just came out of the woods and doesn't know. Even though this national election is an important one, there are also people running for local positions that are vital too. So cast your vote and make your voice heard! The polls are open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. Folks from Woodland Valley should go to the M.F. Whitney firehouse to vote. See you there!

Election Day Hike

Here is a message from Paul Misko, leader of the Woodland Valley Hikers.

Attention Woodland Valley Hikers! Election time making you crazy? Don't just sit home and pull out your hair. Banish your election day blues by taking a hike up Giant Ledge on Tuesday, Nov. 4th. We'll hike from the shorter Winnisook side , and enjoy a day of great views and good exercise. Good weather forecast must prevail for this hike or it will be postponed. Meet at 11:15 a.m. at the Giant Ledge trailhead on C.R. 47. (Take Rt. 28 west to Big Indian, then turn left on Rt. 47 toward Frost Valley, go 7.4 miles to trialhead on right.) Must bring warm clothes, food, drink, flashlight, rainjacket, lighter, good hiking shoes. Camera and walking stick recommended. Hike is about 31/2 miles, and 5 hours total, and is rated difficult. Please contact me if you plan to go, as details may change!

- Paul Misko

Happy Halloween!!

Here are some photos from the Phoenicia Halloween Parade last weekend. It was a beautiful day and there was quite a turn out. As usual, the marchers came down from the Phoenicia school, marched through town, and then gathered in Parish Field for some refreshments and the "Haunted House". I think everyone had a great time. I know I did!

Not So Bad

Sorry it took me so long to get this follow up weather report up. That darn thing called work keeps getting in my way! Anyway, the storm is finishing up and moving out and in the end it wasn't too bad. When I woke up this morning there was about 2 inches of snow covering most things but it was wet and slushy and, at this point, is melting fast. My driveway is now completely clear (although there was never enough snow to make getting to the top difficult). There are still some flurries falling but nothing to worry about. Also, remember I am at the end of the valley so the conditions get better as you go into town. I have heard through other folks that up around Tannersville and Hunter there is a lot more snow but I guess we got lucky here in WV.

First Weather Report of the Season

Well folks, it's that time of year again when I go back to keeping you up to date on the weather in the valley. It has rained quite a bit over the last few days and the creek is up. The forecast for today says we may get another 2 inches of rain before this is all finished. I woke up this morning to find the first snow of the season had fallen in the early hours of the morning. It wasn't much, and it has changed back to rain but, depending on which weather forecast you listen to, it may change back to snow and we could get some accumulation. We'll see, I will report back tonight.

Hike to the Stone House

Here are some photos sent to us by Rolf Reiss. He took these during a recent hike out of the valley up to the stone house on the back side of Mt. Pleasant. The mountain view in the last photo is Wittenberg. Thanks for sending them Rolf looks like you had a great day!

Halloween Journey - Raindate

Here is a message from WCA member Cara Cruikshank

Halloween Journey Rescheduled to Rain Date:
Sunday, October 26
6pm-10pm

Due to the forecast of rain for tomorrow, we will be holding this year's Halloween Journey on Sunday from 6pm-10pm at the former Black Bear Hollow Cafe: 2.3 miles West of Phoenicia on Rte 28. Guided tours through the Journey leave every 20 min. and tickets may be purchased at the door. We have a magical evening in store, so be sure to attend this most mysterious and thrilling event!

See you there!

Cara Cruickshank
(845) 688-2068

WV History - Claude Yerry - Bear Hunting

Here is a message from WCA member (and walking history encyclopedia) Linda McDonald.

"Enclosed is a picture of Claude Yerry (born 1879) and 5 bears. Claude (38 yr old at the time) is the man on the right with the gun. Nov 1917. Next is the newspaper article from the Kingston Daily Freeman from Dec 11, 1917 describing the catch. The other picture is Claude at Roxmor, by a house foundation he had worked on (stone mason extrodinare) You can pick out Claude's work in the valley, since he used small white quartz stones in his construction adding little white touches to fireplaces, walls and columns. The last picture is from Lonnie's book and it is how I remember Claude as a child in the early 1950's."

- Linda McDonald

Thanks for sending this to us Linda!

Woodland Valley View - First Birthday

I am very proud to announce that the Woodland Valley View blog is one year old today! Creating and keeping this blog has been an amazing experience (a lot of work but amazing)! I had envisioned it as a tool to bring our community together and it has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams. When I first created the site I made a commitment to myself that I would keep it for one year and if no one was interested or willing to help by sending things to post, I would abandon the idea. No need for that! Many, many of you out there have supported this project by not only reading it but sending me great content. I could not and would not have done it without all of you! I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has participated in making this site happen. So wherever you find yourselves tonight raise your glasses and drink to our blog, our community and the wonderful place we live called Woodland Valley!!

- Carol Seitz

The James Lyons Editing Awards

Here is a message from WCA member Terry Savage.

All,

The first annual James Lyons Editing Awards were presented recently at the Woodstock Film Festival.

From the Woodstock Times:

Film critic Amy Taubin helped present the James Lyons Award for Best Editing of a Feature Documentary. "In part because he lived with AIDS for 20 years [James] brought a heightened sense of the fragility of life to his work, along with an exquisitely honed aesthetic and a belief that art is grounded in human relations and therefore has a moral dimension," she said, before presenting the award to Keiko Deguchi and Jeremiah Zagar, editors of In a Dream.

The winners were:

for narrative feature
Were the World Mine
directed by Tom Gustafson
Edited by
Jennifer Lilly

for documentary feature
In A Dream
Directed by
Jeremiah Zagar
Edited by
Keiko Deguchi,
Jeremiah Zagar

from the press release:

The JAMES LYONS EDITING AWARD is being renamed in honor of the accomplished editor who had a home near Woodstock and who participated on festival panels and juries. "Editor and WFF advisory board member Sabine Hoffman established the WFF editing awards in 2005."

"I met Jim for the first time at the screening of Far From Heaven in Woodstock," recalls Hoffman. "We connected more over the years through mutual friends and got to work together on the jury for the festival. I was deeply moved when Jim insisted coming to our first editors panel discussion, (though he hadn’t been feeling well that day) and once again shared his thoughts, advice, experience and humor in the most generous (and funny) way. His many interests and extensive knowledge made him an amazing speaker and sparker. Jim's spirit, work and energy are a great inspiration. His presence continues."

Terrence Savage, Mr. Lyons partner, said: “Eight years ago James Lyons and I bought an old farm in the Catskills. What started as a summer getaway soon became home, and when the Woodstock Film Festival began, just down the road, Jim became a strong supporter-- sitting on juries and panel discussions, hosting his filmmaking friends, and seeing everything at the festival that he could. He was proud and happy when Far From Heaven, the last film in his twelve-year collaboration with Todd Haynes, had its American premiere at Woodstock. Jim liked nothing better than to see one of his assistants develop as an editor so when he died last year, his family and I felt that establishing an award for excellence in film editing would be an appropriate way to commemorate his life and work -- and we knew that the Woodstock Film Festival, with its tradition of support for young filmmakers, would be the ideal home for such an award”.

On a separate note - Jim's memorial service at the IFC was video-taped and is now available on DVD. If you would like a copy please let me know (and send me your mailing address.)

Jim loved Woodland Valley. He could relax and forget his cares. The hammock in the back meadow was his favorite spot. We had so many great times in six years we spent up there. Every day seemed to bring some new adventure.

Terry

Even the Most Imperfect Love Apples

Back from a hot family visit in Texas,
The cool October New England air,
Requires an inspection of the hallowed
Northern home ground, even after a mere week’s absence.

I fill the empty bird feeders,
And soon the crow caws,
The titmouse lands, and the
Cardinal pip pips from his tightly held branch.

In the wilting summer garden,
Elements of sweet basil still stand,
Guarding the diminishing supply of
Tomatoes against the voracious foraging deer.

I pick even the most imperfect Love Apples,
Roma, Early Girl, Big Boy, Celebrity,
Spotted, cracked, embarrassed by worm riddled bottoms,
Victims of too much rain, they cling to withered vines.

In the autumn kitchen I lave them in warm water,
Dry them and treat them as gifts from GOD,
Which surely they are.
For nothing has such sweetness and inner red intensity.

_______________

Boreegard (aka Mike O'Neal)
October 13, 2008

Fall Foliage Train Rides

Here is a message and some photos from Tom Healy. He is one of several WCA members that are volunteers at the Catskill Mountain Railroad and the Empire State Railway Museum. Thanks Tom!

Hey all,
The fall foliage is really good this year. Just some shots from this last weekend below. Next 2 weeks should be good also. So if you are up. Stop by the Railroad...
Best,
Tom Healy

ZBA Meeting - Last Night 10/16

At last night's Zoning Board of Appeals meeting the board voted to postpone any discussion of the Poncic water harvesting matter until the next meeting on November 19th. Due to a variety of circumstances, the board did not receive any information about the case until just prior to last night's meeting. They felt time was needed to read over the material before they could render any decision. So stay tuned for future updates. Many thanks to the WCA members that showed up for the meeting. It is important to let the board know that we care about this process.

WV Hikers Slide Mountain Hike

Looks like the latest WV Hikers adventure was a great success! Paul Misko sent us a recap.

"Here are some photos from the Woodland Valley Hikers walk up Slide Mtn. this past Sunday. We met at 10:00 a.m. at the trailhead parking lot, where we met author Dave White and his group. Dave and his wife Carol have written several books about hiking in the Catskills and Adirondacks, and have produced the most accurate Catskill Trail Guide available. We combined groups so everyone got to hear my history talk, as well as Dave's many interesting comments on trails and peaks. We hiked up via the longer Curtis-Ormsby trail, which provides an easier grade and is much more scenic. Thanks to clear skies, the views from the summit were fantastic, and the leaves were at their peak. The pictures show the balsam lined trail near the top, the combined group, and a leisurely lunch featuring Camilo's toasted sandwich, which made our limp sandwiches pale in comparison. Even though the cold weather is coming, there may still be a hike or two this year. Think about joining us and sharing a good time on the trails."
Paul Misko