WCA member Marcey Brownstein does catering for all kinds of events both here in the Hudson Valley and in New York City. Check out her website at http://www.marceybrownstein.com/
She also owns a cafe at 557 W23rd St. in Manhattan. The cafe website is http://brownsteinsny.com/. For those of us in the valley who are photographers (you can't seem to swing a cat without hitting a photographer in the valley) she also caters photo shoots. I am going to put this site on the blog in the member website area for easy future reference.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Member Websites
Recently, I realized that many of the WCA members are in their own businesses and have interesting websites. So I decided, that as a way to network and get to know each other better, I would put a new permanent feature on the right hand side of the blog entitled "WCA Member Websites". I linked to a few sites that were sent to me earlier but if anyone else has a site that they would like me to include that would be great. Just email me at wvview@gmail.com and I will put it up.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Rick Altman and David Oliver at the Olive Library
Rick Altman and David Oliver perform
An Afternoon Of New Music For Vibes and Marimbas
Inspired by Jazz, Folk, Ska, Afro-Cuban
and many other World musics
Sunday, April 6th, 2:00 PM at
The OLIVE FREE LIBRARY
4033 Rt.28A West Shokan
(845) 657-2482
suggested donation $5.00
A Little Bit of Spring
Yesterday their were some small signs of spring. The weather was beautiful in the afternoon (sunny and in the high 40's, low 50's) and for the first time I can say "spring was in the air". All winter long the air is fresh but frozen, you can't smell anything. While I was outside yesterday I noticed you could smell the earth, trees and plants. I always think that this is truly the first sign of spring. It may not last long though because the forecast for today and tomorrow is for rain and possibly a bit of snow. My daffodils are starting to peek their little heads out so I hope it won't be too bad and we can get on to the business of serious spring.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The Botchfords Take A Hike
Now don't go getting all nervous that it has snowed again in the valley and I didn't tell you. These photos were taken back a few weeks after that last big storm we had. I just got them a few days ago and wanted to put them up to the blog even though most of the snow is gone around here. The photos are of our neighbors Hawley and Joyce Botchford taking a hike around the valley. Thanks for sending us these Hawley!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Happy Easter!
A woman opened her refrigerator and saw a bunny sitting on the shelf.
She asked, "What are you doing there?"
The bunny said, "This is a Westinghouse isn't it? "
The woman replied, "Yes, it is."
The bunny said...........
"I was westing."
Okay, so it's not actually an Easter story .... but there was a bunny in it!
Happy Easter to All!!
- Bunny joke courtesy of Dakin Morehouse
She asked, "What are you doing there?"
The bunny said, "This is a Westinghouse isn't it? "
The woman replied, "Yes, it is."
The bunny said...........
"I was westing."
Okay, so it's not actually an Easter story .... but there was a bunny in it!
Happy Easter to All!!
- Bunny joke courtesy of Dakin Morehouse
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Jim Frain in Member Show at the Kleinart/James
Here is a message from WCA member Jim Frain -
"Howdy folks! Three of my paintings (they are on jimfrain.com titled: Silver Hollow, Silver Hollow Fall and Summer Twilight) will be in the members show for the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild at the newly opened Kleinert/James Art Center right off the main square in Woodstock NY at 34 Tinker Street. If my type of painting is not your cup of tea, someone else's may be and in any case Woodstock is a funky and charming little town. Could I ask you to tell any friends who take a perverse pleasure in the arts. The opening is on Saturday April 12 from 5-7 pm and it runs thru May 4 but it would be fun to see you at the opening!"
Best
- Jim
"Howdy folks! Three of my paintings (they are on jimfrain.com titled: Silver Hollow, Silver Hollow Fall and Summer Twilight) will be in the members show for the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild at the newly opened Kleinert/James Art Center right off the main square in Woodstock NY at 34 Tinker Street. If my type of painting is not your cup of tea, someone else's may be and in any case Woodstock is a funky and charming little town. Could I ask you to tell any friends who take a perverse pleasure in the arts. The opening is on Saturday April 12 from 5-7 pm and it runs thru May 4 but it would be fun to see you at the opening!"
Best
- Jim
Icy Beauty
Here is a photo and message from WCA member Paul Misko -
"Just sending a photo I took after ice storm, which was tweeked slightly toward Easter colors, along with Easter Greetings to all."
-Paul Misko
If anyone else has a Easter greeting they would like me to post just email it to me.
Friday, March 21, 2008
So This Is Spring?
Happy Spring to you all! Yesterday was the first day of Spring and the Vernal Equinox (equal amounts of both day and night) but the weather this week has been crazy!! Wednesday it rained cats and dogs (where does that expression come from?). Then the winds started blowing everything around, and then last night it snowed!! Not much accumulation, just about an inch all the way up here in the valley, but enough already!! Hopefully, it will be gone as quickly as it came. The wind will supposedly continue today but other than that I think the weather will be quite nice. The forecast for the weekend is for great weather, relatively speaking (in my vision of great weather I am sipping gin & tonics by the pool but I suppose we have to take what we can get at this point). They are calling for sunny skies and temps in the 40s. I am ready for some serious Spring!!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Library Renovations
As you all know, the Phoenicia library is closed for renovations. Several people have asked me when it will reopen so I emailed Regina last week. She said that they had told her 3 weeks and she has her fingers crossed that it will be done by then. But as we all know you can never really tell with construction. She is going to email me when they are back in business and I will post it to the blog. We all miss the library terribly so I hope it won't be too much longer.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!
To celebrate St. Patrick's Day here are some new limericks by Mike O'Neil -
THE HARSH GRIP OF WINTER
The harsh grip of winter is dreary,
It oppresses Miss Hobson in Erie,
She yearns for the beach,
But it’s just out of reach,
Should’ve saved up vacation—quite clearly.
TO STRIKE OR NOT TO STRIKE
William Shakespeare missed out on the bling,
Had no GUILD upon which to cling,
Just an inky old pen,
And a fierce writing yen,
For Bill, the play was the thing.
A FINE KETTLE OF FISH
There’s bluefish, salmon, and trout,
Mahi mahi, tench, pickerel, pout,
With your rod and line hook em’,
And in the pan cook ‘em,
They’ll cure the ague and the gout.
CALORIC CONSEQUENCES
There was a new bride from New Haven,
Milk chocolates and sweets were her cravin’,
And try as she might her,
Trousseau got tighter,
That expanding young girl from New Haven.
OH IMPONDERABLE PIGSKIN
A football might wobble or bounce,
It’s the victim of pummel and pounce,
At the end of the day,
Did it fly straight or stray?
Is it luck or the spiral that counts?
THE NOSE KNOWS
I would sing thee an ode to the nose,
Without which we'd be dead, I suppose,
We need to breathe air,
To remain fresh and fair,
And where else would our glasses repose?
BEAUTIFUL BIVALVES
The medal for unbridled bravery,
Goes to he who first ate and found savory,
A slimy raw oyster,
(There is nothing moister),
And the nice thing—it doesn’t need gravery.
STOP THE PRESSES—NOT
A hopeful reporter named Nate,
Had just joined the fourth estate.
His spelling was horrible,
His verb choice deplorable,
But his gerunds were really first rate.
THE LIMERICK FORM
In order to be a sure hit,
It must feature a quick turn of wit,
Contain five lines, not one,
Project impudent fun,
And be metrically perfect when writ.
ELEGANT STICK
Me shillelagh and me,
We’re both from South Cork,
The land of O’Neil,
And Finbar, O’Rourke.
It’s an elegant stick,
Sure it cannot be beat,
It helps me to keep,
Meself on me feet.
And if I’m beset,
By man, wolf, or bear,
It’s a bonny braw club,
And I brandish it fair.
But I’m a calm man,
And tranquil enough,
Let’s keep it that way,
I don’t need to get rough.
Let’s sit for a while,
Let’s sing the old songs,
Take a sip of potcheen,
And right the old wrongs.
J. Michael O’Neil
THE HARSH GRIP OF WINTER
The harsh grip of winter is dreary,
It oppresses Miss Hobson in Erie,
She yearns for the beach,
But it’s just out of reach,
Should’ve saved up vacation—quite clearly.
TO STRIKE OR NOT TO STRIKE
William Shakespeare missed out on the bling,
Had no GUILD upon which to cling,
Just an inky old pen,
And a fierce writing yen,
For Bill, the play was the thing.
A FINE KETTLE OF FISH
There’s bluefish, salmon, and trout,
Mahi mahi, tench, pickerel, pout,
With your rod and line hook em’,
And in the pan cook ‘em,
They’ll cure the ague and the gout.
CALORIC CONSEQUENCES
There was a new bride from New Haven,
Milk chocolates and sweets were her cravin’,
And try as she might her,
Trousseau got tighter,
That expanding young girl from New Haven.
OH IMPONDERABLE PIGSKIN
A football might wobble or bounce,
It’s the victim of pummel and pounce,
At the end of the day,
Did it fly straight or stray?
Is it luck or the spiral that counts?
THE NOSE KNOWS
I would sing thee an ode to the nose,
Without which we'd be dead, I suppose,
We need to breathe air,
To remain fresh and fair,
And where else would our glasses repose?
BEAUTIFUL BIVALVES
The medal for unbridled bravery,
Goes to he who first ate and found savory,
A slimy raw oyster,
(There is nothing moister),
And the nice thing—it doesn’t need gravery.
STOP THE PRESSES—NOT
A hopeful reporter named Nate,
Had just joined the fourth estate.
His spelling was horrible,
His verb choice deplorable,
But his gerunds were really first rate.
THE LIMERICK FORM
In order to be a sure hit,
It must feature a quick turn of wit,
Contain five lines, not one,
Project impudent fun,
And be metrically perfect when writ.
ELEGANT STICK
Me shillelagh and me,
We’re both from South Cork,
The land of O’Neil,
And Finbar, O’Rourke.
It’s an elegant stick,
Sure it cannot be beat,
It helps me to keep,
Meself on me feet.
And if I’m beset,
By man, wolf, or bear,
It’s a bonny braw club,
And I brandish it fair.
But I’m a calm man,
And tranquil enough,
Let’s keep it that way,
I don’t need to get rough.
Let’s sit for a while,
Let’s sing the old songs,
Take a sip of potcheen,
And right the old wrongs.
J. Michael O’Neil
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Shockingly, The Weatherman is Wrong Again!
Wouldn't it be great to work as a weatherman. You can be wrong a lot and still get a paycheck, quite a good gig! It ended up raining most of the night instead of snowing. It didn't change over to snow until very late. There is less than an inch of very wet sloppy stuff on the ground. Nothing to get alarmed about. I guess we got off easy this time. The first day of spring is next week!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Snow Tonight?
I just saw that there is a new snow advisory posted for tonight for Phoenicia. It says that it will rain early and then the rain will change to snow at about 10pm. They are predicting we could get 4 to 8 inches. I just wanted to make everyone aware of the updated forecast in case you are planning on driving up tonight. Be careful, be safe.
Will this winter ever end?
Will this winter ever end?
Rick Altman and Friends at the Reservoir Inn
An evening of jazz standards and originals with bass, drums and vibes.
Saturday March 15, 2008
9:00 pm til Midnight
Reservoir Inn
157 Basin Road, West Hurley
(845)331-9806
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Catskill Center Seeks Executive Director
Here is a message from WCA member Jim Enfante -
Dear members of the Woodland Community Association:
As you are probably aware, Tom Alworth, the Executive Director of our Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, has announced his forthcoming resignation to assume the position of Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources at the New York State Office of State Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). The Board of the Center accepts his resignation with deep regret; he and his leadership of the Center will be sorely missed. We all wish him the best in his new and exciting position. At the request of The Board, Deborah DeWan has kindly agreed to serve as Interim Executive Director of The Center to provide continuity to its operation, and a Committee has been formed to search for a permanent Executive Director.
We write to you to seek your advice and counsel regarding this search. The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, as you know, is a nonprofit organization with the challenging dual mission of fostering vibrant communities and healthy eco-systems in the Catskill Region. The Executive Director is its Chief Executive Officer, reporting directly to the Board, and is in charge of its management and operations. We attach, for your information, a detailed description of this position. More information about The Center and its programs is available on its web site at http://www.catskillcenter.org.
The two of us and the other members of the Search Committee would be most grateful for your thoughts and suggestions about this search, for inquiries about this position, and for any nominations and/or applications for it. These should be directed, preferably by E-mail or FAX, to:
Search Committee for the Executive Director
The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development
FAX : (845) 586-3044
E-mail :searchcommittee@catskillcenter.org
PO Box 504 · Route 28
Arkville, NY 12406
Ph. : (845) 586-2611
The closing deadline for the receipt of applications and nominations is May 2, 2008.
Thank you again for your help in this important search.
Sincerely yours,
Mary Hays & Jim Infante
Co-chairs, Search Committee For Executive Director
Position Description
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CATSKILL CENTER FOR CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Prestigious regional organization with skilled program leadership, stable professional staff and exceptional 40-year track record seeks chief executive with outstanding leadership, communications and fundraising skills to take it to the next level. The enthusiastic successful candidate must be prepared to apply entrepreneurial thinking and skilled follow-through to support the organization’s innovative conservation/development approach.
The Catskill Region is a mosaic of many small and picturesque communities striving to provide a high quality of life for their residents and visitors, and home to the New York City watershed, the Catskill Park and Forest Preserve and landscapes of unmatched scenic beauty so close to New York City. Given the involvement of the City of New York, the State of New York, the Federal Government and numerous local jurisdictions strongly committed to their citizens, the Catskills present a national model of the effort to successfully balance the many competing interests.
Leading this 501c (3) with the challenging dual mission of fostering vibrant communities and healthy eco-systems requires directing and integrating staff activities that include: community planning and development; watershed protection and natural resource policy; land conservation; guarding the unique flora and fauna of this critical area; educating constituencies about the rich history and importance of the Catskill region; and fostering the great tradition of the area’s artistic experience and heritage.
To meet these challenges successfully, candidates should possess demonstrated abilities to:
• Provide knowledgeable leadership for the conservation/development mission of the Catskill Center and for its credible articulation to local, regional, State and national constituencies;
• Effectively and efficiently strengthen and manage the financial, human and information technologies resources of The Center in pursuit of its mission, and, with support from every program area, increase the size, number and impact of program activities;
• Represent The Center with key political leaders, local governments, government agencies, civic and business organizations and the press;
• Improve the visibility of The Catskill Center through active outreach to the media, Internet resources, participation in conferences and public events and public speaking;
• With support of the staff, build and broaden the financial base of the organization by attracting the appropriate resources from foundations, regional organizations, government agencies and individual and corporate donors; and strengthen the membership base of the organization;
• Lead and coordinate a team of talented staff and work closely with the Board and individual Directors to maximize their constructive involvement.
The Catskill Center is located in the heart of the Catskill region in the Delaware County hamlet of Arkville, NY. Compensation is competitive, commensurate with experience, and includes a full benefits package. More information about The Center and its programs is available on its web site at http://www.catskillcenter.org.
Inquiries, nominations and applications should be sent, preferably by FAX or E-mail, to:
Mary Hays & Jim Infante, Co-Chairs
Search Committee for the Executive Director
The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development
FAX : (845) 586-3044
searchcommittee@catskillcenter.org
PO Box 504 · Route 28
Arkville, NY 12406
Phone : (845) 586-2611
Again, The closing deadline for the receipt of applications and nominations is May 2, 2008
Dear members of the Woodland Community Association:
As you are probably aware, Tom Alworth, the Executive Director of our Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, has announced his forthcoming resignation to assume the position of Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources at the New York State Office of State Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). The Board of the Center accepts his resignation with deep regret; he and his leadership of the Center will be sorely missed. We all wish him the best in his new and exciting position. At the request of The Board, Deborah DeWan has kindly agreed to serve as Interim Executive Director of The Center to provide continuity to its operation, and a Committee has been formed to search for a permanent Executive Director.
We write to you to seek your advice and counsel regarding this search. The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, as you know, is a nonprofit organization with the challenging dual mission of fostering vibrant communities and healthy eco-systems in the Catskill Region. The Executive Director is its Chief Executive Officer, reporting directly to the Board, and is in charge of its management and operations. We attach, for your information, a detailed description of this position. More information about The Center and its programs is available on its web site at http://www.catskillcenter.org.
The two of us and the other members of the Search Committee would be most grateful for your thoughts and suggestions about this search, for inquiries about this position, and for any nominations and/or applications for it. These should be directed, preferably by E-mail or FAX, to:
Search Committee for the Executive Director
The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development
FAX : (845) 586-3044
E-mail :searchcommittee@catskillcenter.org
PO Box 504 · Route 28
Arkville, NY 12406
Ph. : (845) 586-2611
The closing deadline for the receipt of applications and nominations is May 2, 2008.
Thank you again for your help in this important search.
Sincerely yours,
Mary Hays & Jim Infante
Co-chairs, Search Committee For Executive Director
Position Description
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CATSKILL CENTER FOR CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Prestigious regional organization with skilled program leadership, stable professional staff and exceptional 40-year track record seeks chief executive with outstanding leadership, communications and fundraising skills to take it to the next level. The enthusiastic successful candidate must be prepared to apply entrepreneurial thinking and skilled follow-through to support the organization’s innovative conservation/development approach.
The Catskill Region is a mosaic of many small and picturesque communities striving to provide a high quality of life for their residents and visitors, and home to the New York City watershed, the Catskill Park and Forest Preserve and landscapes of unmatched scenic beauty so close to New York City. Given the involvement of the City of New York, the State of New York, the Federal Government and numerous local jurisdictions strongly committed to their citizens, the Catskills present a national model of the effort to successfully balance the many competing interests.
Leading this 501c (3) with the challenging dual mission of fostering vibrant communities and healthy eco-systems requires directing and integrating staff activities that include: community planning and development; watershed protection and natural resource policy; land conservation; guarding the unique flora and fauna of this critical area; educating constituencies about the rich history and importance of the Catskill region; and fostering the great tradition of the area’s artistic experience and heritage.
To meet these challenges successfully, candidates should possess demonstrated abilities to:
• Provide knowledgeable leadership for the conservation/development mission of the Catskill Center and for its credible articulation to local, regional, State and national constituencies;
• Effectively and efficiently strengthen and manage the financial, human and information technologies resources of The Center in pursuit of its mission, and, with support from every program area, increase the size, number and impact of program activities;
• Represent The Center with key political leaders, local governments, government agencies, civic and business organizations and the press;
• Improve the visibility of The Catskill Center through active outreach to the media, Internet resources, participation in conferences and public events and public speaking;
• With support of the staff, build and broaden the financial base of the organization by attracting the appropriate resources from foundations, regional organizations, government agencies and individual and corporate donors; and strengthen the membership base of the organization;
• Lead and coordinate a team of talented staff and work closely with the Board and individual Directors to maximize their constructive involvement.
The Catskill Center is located in the heart of the Catskill region in the Delaware County hamlet of Arkville, NY. Compensation is competitive, commensurate with experience, and includes a full benefits package. More information about The Center and its programs is available on its web site at http://www.catskillcenter.org.
Inquiries, nominations and applications should be sent, preferably by FAX or E-mail, to:
Mary Hays & Jim Infante, Co-Chairs
Search Committee for the Executive Director
The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development
FAX : (845) 586-3044
searchcommittee@catskillcenter.org
PO Box 504 · Route 28
Arkville, NY 12406
Phone : (845) 586-2611
Again, The closing deadline for the receipt of applications and nominations is May 2, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
What I Did On My Winter Vacation
OK, I have a confession to make. Several weeks ago I took a vacation and went to Costa Rica. I was actually blogging from there for a week which was challenging because other countries have vastly different ideas about high speed internet. But in the end everything I tried to post got to the site. I didn't mention I was gone because I thought it screamed "Hey I am not home....come rob my house!" But now that I am safely back in the valley I thought I would upload a couple of photos. I don't travel with my good cameras so these are just from my trusty point and shoot but I like them anyway. It was a beautiful country with good food and nice people. We had a great time.
-Carol Seitz
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Rain and Wind
Wow! We had a lot of rain! It poured Friday night and almost all day yesterday. About 8:00 pm the rain stopped and the wind got really crazy. It blew hard until the early hours of the morning. There is still some wind today but not as bad as yesterday. Thank goodness it calmed down, several small branches hit my house last night and it was getting a bit scary. Today is sunny but cold.
The creek came up over NWS flood stage twice this week but I don't think there was any flooding locally.
You can go to the Esopus Creek gage http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ny/nwis/uv?dd_cd=01%2C05%2C06&format=gif&period=7&site_no=01362500
or the Woodland Valley gage and check it out.
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ny/nwis/uv/?site_no=0136230002&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060
Scroll to the bottom where it says "gage height, feet".
The creek came up over NWS flood stage twice this week but I don't think there was any flooding locally.
You can go to the Esopus Creek gage http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ny/nwis/uv?dd_cd=01%2C05%2C06&format=gif&period=7&site_no=01362500
or the Woodland Valley gage and check it out.
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ny/nwis/uv/?site_no=0136230002&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060
Scroll to the bottom where it says "gage height, feet".
Friday, March 7, 2008
Paul O'Neil in Woodland Valley
For quite a while now I have been asking Mike O'Neil to write a piece about his dad and how his family came to Woodland Valley. Recently, he sent me this. And, although we missed Washington's birthday by a couple of weeks, it still seemed like a good time to excerpt that particular piece of Paul O'Neil's writing.
"As one of Life Magazine's top writers, Paul O'Neil was allowed a certain leeway when it came to the choice of story assignments. Still, it came as a surprise when in May 1964 Life featured his 10,000 word essay/memoir titled In Praise of Trout—and also me. It was about his trout fishing successes and travails in the Esopus and its tributaries. His article, albeit fleetingly, put the national spotlight on Shandaken and brought some of its citizens a sort of celebrityhood. Out of gratitude for the phenomenal increase in their business, for instance, Dick and Hermann Folkerts refused to accept his money for fishing equipment for the better part of that summer.
Twenty years before, he, his wife Jane and children Mike and Sally, arrived in Woodland Valley for the summer at the invitation of fellow TIME INCer Bob Boyd, in search of mountains and streams and the forested sanctuary they'd left behind in Washington state when he'd been drawn to Manhattan to write for Time/Life. It was a perfect fit. Of Woodland Brook, he eventually inherited the stewardship of the fly-fishing section that his friend Fred Muehleck had championed and developed. As Woodland Brook's "Troutmeister", and through various articles on fishing, he became recognized as a dedicated and savvy fly fisherman and a proponent of undamaged environment. He died in 1988."
- Mike O'Neil aka Boreegard
TIME - THE WEEKLY NEWS MAGAZINE
JULY 6, 1953
VOL. LXII NO. 1.
Extracts from the cover story on George Washington by Writer Paul O'Neil titled HEROES—A Man to Remember:
At 43, he was fair, broad-shouldered and huge for his day (6 ft. 2 in., 200 lbs), with a horseman's muscular thighs, penetrating blue eyes, and an impressive air of command. Mounted on a white charger and arrayed in uniform (he thoughtfully wore the blue and buff of the Fairfax County militia to the meeting of the second Continental Congress in Philadelphia) he was a sight few men ever forgot. Congress was impressed by his common good sense, his ability to bide his time, his capacity for decision.
He is remembered as a remote and austere figure, but George Washington had his little frailties and vanities. His temper was almost always held in check, but dishonesty or cowardice could send him into thunderous bursts of rage. He imported silk stockings and silver buckled shoes from England before the war, and seldom missed an opportunity to have his brown hair (worn clubbed and sometimes supported in a sort of snood) trimmed, combed and powdered by a barber.
He suffered all his life from that peculiarly leveling ailment: bad teeth. He scrubbed them with "spunge" brushes from England, and rinsed them in all manner of lotions, but they decayed, one by one. He was in agony from toothache at the siege of Yorktown, and in the hope of doing some dentistry upon himself, wrote to a friend for a small file which he could thrust between his molars. He was a theatergoer. He loved to dance. He fished, shot ducks, and rode to hounds with reckless competence. He suffered from sunburn, and in later years was not too dignified to inspect his acres with a large umbrella affixed to his saddle horn.
There was but one choice for the first President of the U.S.: George Washington. The office was of necessity less precisely defined than the judicial and legislative branches. It might have degenerated into a puppet presidency. Washington defined it by stepping into it. He held it in great esteem, and imparted to it the dignity of his own character. He refused to shake hands during his eight years in the office—he felt that such a gesture of familiarity was beneath the presidency—and always bowed instead. He dressed richly in velvet, wore hats plumed with ostrich feathers, rode in a six-horse coach with liveried lackeys and outriders, felt himself equal of any king on earth, but always thought of himself as the "Most Obed. Servt." of the U.S. people, who decade after decade, have borne the stamp of his character.
He lived but two years after his second term was ended. In his last moments of consciousness he said, "I die hard." And so he has.
"As one of Life Magazine's top writers, Paul O'Neil was allowed a certain leeway when it came to the choice of story assignments. Still, it came as a surprise when in May 1964 Life featured his 10,000 word essay/memoir titled In Praise of Trout—and also me. It was about his trout fishing successes and travails in the Esopus and its tributaries. His article, albeit fleetingly, put the national spotlight on Shandaken and brought some of its citizens a sort of celebrityhood. Out of gratitude for the phenomenal increase in their business, for instance, Dick and Hermann Folkerts refused to accept his money for fishing equipment for the better part of that summer.
Twenty years before, he, his wife Jane and children Mike and Sally, arrived in Woodland Valley for the summer at the invitation of fellow TIME INCer Bob Boyd, in search of mountains and streams and the forested sanctuary they'd left behind in Washington state when he'd been drawn to Manhattan to write for Time/Life. It was a perfect fit. Of Woodland Brook, he eventually inherited the stewardship of the fly-fishing section that his friend Fred Muehleck had championed and developed. As Woodland Brook's "Troutmeister", and through various articles on fishing, he became recognized as a dedicated and savvy fly fisherman and a proponent of undamaged environment. He died in 1988."
- Mike O'Neil aka Boreegard
TIME - THE WEEKLY NEWS MAGAZINE
JULY 6, 1953
VOL. LXII NO. 1.
Extracts from the cover story on George Washington by Writer Paul O'Neil titled HEROES—A Man to Remember:
At 43, he was fair, broad-shouldered and huge for his day (6 ft. 2 in., 200 lbs), with a horseman's muscular thighs, penetrating blue eyes, and an impressive air of command. Mounted on a white charger and arrayed in uniform (he thoughtfully wore the blue and buff of the Fairfax County militia to the meeting of the second Continental Congress in Philadelphia) he was a sight few men ever forgot. Congress was impressed by his common good sense, his ability to bide his time, his capacity for decision.
He is remembered as a remote and austere figure, but George Washington had his little frailties and vanities. His temper was almost always held in check, but dishonesty or cowardice could send him into thunderous bursts of rage. He imported silk stockings and silver buckled shoes from England before the war, and seldom missed an opportunity to have his brown hair (worn clubbed and sometimes supported in a sort of snood) trimmed, combed and powdered by a barber.
He suffered all his life from that peculiarly leveling ailment: bad teeth. He scrubbed them with "spunge" brushes from England, and rinsed them in all manner of lotions, but they decayed, one by one. He was in agony from toothache at the siege of Yorktown, and in the hope of doing some dentistry upon himself, wrote to a friend for a small file which he could thrust between his molars. He was a theatergoer. He loved to dance. He fished, shot ducks, and rode to hounds with reckless competence. He suffered from sunburn, and in later years was not too dignified to inspect his acres with a large umbrella affixed to his saddle horn.
There was but one choice for the first President of the U.S.: George Washington. The office was of necessity less precisely defined than the judicial and legislative branches. It might have degenerated into a puppet presidency. Washington defined it by stepping into it. He held it in great esteem, and imparted to it the dignity of his own character. He refused to shake hands during his eight years in the office—he felt that such a gesture of familiarity was beneath the presidency—and always bowed instead. He dressed richly in velvet, wore hats plumed with ostrich feathers, rode in a six-horse coach with liveried lackeys and outriders, felt himself equal of any king on earth, but always thought of himself as the "Most Obed. Servt." of the U.S. people, who decade after decade, have borne the stamp of his character.
He lived but two years after his second term was ended. In his last moments of consciousness he said, "I die hard." And so he has.
Lots of Rain this Week
We had a big storm this week and it rained, and it rained, then it rained again. The creek came up, but not too badly. It melted some of the snow. My driveway is clearer than it has been in quite a while. But there is still more on the ground.
Another storm is predicted for tomorrow and they have issued a flood watch for that system. On and off they have been saying that it might change to snow. Who knows? Stay tuned and find out.
Another storm is predicted for tomorrow and they have issued a flood watch for that system. On and off they have been saying that it might change to snow. Who knows? Stay tuned and find out.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Family Looking for House in Phoenicia Area
A Manhattan family are looking for a 2nd home to rent in the Phoenicia area for a year starting this spring while our house on Woodland Valley Road is being built . We (we consists of myself, my wife, our nine month old son) are in our 40's, professional, conscientious, and well mannered and can provide great references (we had been previously renting a house on Woodland Valley Road for the past five years but regrettably this house is no longer available). We're looking for a house in nature and we love to cook so a decent kitchen is required, the house can be either furnished or unfurnished. Prefer no real estate agent fees. Call Josh & Marcey 212-465-9466 or email joshfoto@att.net
Seeking Civilian Conservation Corp Information
Diane Galusha, a Margaretville historian who is researching the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Catskills, is seeking information, materials and photos of the CCC's work at Woodland Valley Campground. Boiceville, Tannersville and Margaretville hosted CCC camps during the mid-1930s when the campground was expanded, and it's believed all three contributed manpower to build structures (including the caretaker's cabin), trails, and stream improvement structures. If you have any primary materials (diaries, letters, records etc.) or photos of CCC activity at Woodland Valley, or can refer her to people with such information, please contact Diane at 845-586-4973; or cybercat@catskill.net. A book on the CCC in the Catskills is expected to be published later in 2008.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Eugene Ruffolo Performs in Woodstock
Woodland Valley Resident songwriter Eugene Ruffolo performs in Woodstock on Sunday March 9th
Singer/songwriter Eugene Ruffolo, part-time resident of Woodland Valley, will be performing Sunday March 9th at the Colony Cafe in Woodstock, New York as part of the Second Sunday Songwriter Series. Margaret Fiellin will be joining Eugene on background vocals.
Eugene has worked with artists as diverse as Tony Bennett, Garth Brooks, Livingston Taylor and Run DMC. Working as a studio musician in the Big Apple he's sung, written, played on and produced countless national advertising campaigns. Eugene recently released his fourth CD, "In a Different Light".
The set begins at 7Pm - Admission is $8
Sharing the stage with Eugene (separate sets) will be songwriters Jay Mankita and Kurt Henry
for more info--check out www.eugeneruffolo.com
or www.myspace.com/eugeneruffolo
Monday, March 3, 2008
Gnomes in the Garden?
This photo and message is from Rannie Arp -
"I wanted some pictures from my garden full of snow, and when I looked at it on the computer, using my imagination I see a "gnome and his poodle" in my garden.
What do you think?"
- Rannie
Chet Gaede Passes
I am reposting this photo from last summer. It is a picture of all of the owners (past and present) of Overbrook house in Woodland Valley. The photo features Chet Gaede Sr. (far left) who died on February 1st in the Mountainside Residential Center in Margaretville. He was 86. His family built Overbrook and lived there for many years. Chet spent his childhood in Woodland Valley. The Phoenicia Times said that he thought the fishing in Woodland Valley was not "the best" but darn close to it! His twin brother Henry Gaede died 3 days later in the same facility. May they both rest in peace.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Beautiful, But Enough Already!
We got another 5 or 6 inches in the storm last night. It is hard to tell at this point exactly how much there is because there was still a lot on the ground from the last storm. Nineteen more days until Spring......yeah right!
Another New Feature
In my never ending quest to make this site better and easier to use I have added labels to each of the posts. You can now scroll down the right side of the blog to find the category you are interested in and then see the posts in that category. For instance, if you like Woodland Valley history go to the category "WV History" and the blog will show you all the posts in that category. I hope this helps folks to navigate their way around.
