Voter Registration Reminder

In NY State the deadline to register to vote is 25 days before an election. I would like to remind anyone who is not registered at this time to do it before October 10. I am linking to the Project Vote Smart website that will give you information on how to register in NY. If you prefer, you can get a registration card from your local post office. With all that is going on in our country, state, county and town right now, it is crucial that we all make our voices heard!! Please Vote!!

Vote Smart

WAAM Benefit Party & Auction

This was sent to me by WCA member Sylvia Leonard Wolf. She is on the board of directors at the Woodstock Artists Association and Museum and has made a box for the auction. Come join her for the party. It should be a fun event!

Woodstock Artists Association and Museum

INSIDE & OUTSIDE the BOX
Silent auction and show of one-of-a-kind artist-made boxes.
A Benefit for the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum

Preview Party & Silent Auction
Friday, October 3, 6-9 pm*

RSVP BY WED, OCT 1

$10 admission includes bidding number,
refreshments, live music and other fun.
Silent auction bidding ends at 8 pm.
High Bidders and Artist Awards announced 8-9 pm
Minimum bid start at $100.

Exhibition continues through October 19
(Fri & Sat 12-5 pm and Sun 12-6 pm).
A public reception will happen
Saturday, October 4, 4-6 pm, free.


Artists have been challenged to think "inside and outside the box" by creating one-of-a-kind boxes using collage, paint, found objects, etc. that will capture your imagination! Wall hung boxes and freestanding boxes by some of the area's favorite artists will be featured. The event continues in the tradition of objects d'art or fine art objects like the WAAM's previous chair and mirror auctions.


* This is a revised time for the Party and Silent Auction. Participating artists receive free admission to the preview party.

28 Tinker Street, Woodstock, NY 12498 - tel. 845-679-2940
www.woodstockart.org

WV History - Williams Family

Here is a photo sent to us by Linda McDonald. It was taken on the porch of Ruth Lindsay's house at the end of the valley (in the Woodland Park Association) around 1911 or 1912 (that is Linda's educated guess). Pictured in the photo are Ruth's grandfather, William L. Williams, (top row, left man, center hair part) with his daughter Alma Williams (Ruth's Aunt) and his sister-in-law Julia Burdett on the left and just below him. His wife, Anna Burdett Williams is to the far right, just behind the little girl. Linda's grandfather, James T. MacDonald is on the bottom row (none of his family are pictured) with other friends & neighbors, before the MacDonalds built their home here. Ruth's house was completed about 1910. Notice all the lovely "Silver Birch" flower pot holders. That was a very popular art form in the early 1900's (a take off on John Burroughs interior at Slabsides in West Park). There is lovely work in silver birch, all around the fireplace and between the living room & dining room and stairwell inside the house that still exists today.

Thanks for sending this to us Linda!

Thanks from Gardner Gillespie and Paul Werner

This summer the WCA members voted unanimously to send gifts to both Gardner Gillespie (WCA member and Partner at H&H) and Paul Werner (Junior Partner at H&H) for their work on our lawsuit. Our operatives told us that Gardner and his wife Stevie are BIG coffee fans so we thought that they would enjoy a "Coffee of the Month" subscription from the famous Peet's Coffee in San Francisco. For Paul, since he has 3 small children under 5, we decided on a "Fruit of the Month" subscription from Harry & David. We thought he would enjoy sharing that with his entire family. They both sent us lovely thank you notes. I wanted to share them with the entire Association.

Here is the note from Gardner -

Dear Woodland Community Association,

What a nice surprise to arrive home yesterday after work and find a package from Peet's Coffee, with the first of 12 monthly installments of their fabulous coffee and a special Peet's travel mug! Peet's really is the best, and it was extremely thoughtful of you to send me such a nice present. And, of course, it was totally unnecessary. We share your happiness with the decision of the Third Department. The justness of the result, as well as the quiet for all of us along the Woodland Road, are themselves joys to savor. So, Stevie and I shall savor them along with the wonderful coffee on peaceful mornings and think of Woodland.

Thanks again.
Gardner Gillespie

And the note from Paul -

Please pass along my deepest thanks to the entire association for the lovely fruit. They are absolutely delicious!

Best,
Paul Werner

Lark in the Park 2008

The 5th Annual Lark in the Park celebration will be held October 4-13 in the Catskill Park and surrounding communities. There are numerous outdoor activities during the Lark in the Park event. This year's lineup - featuring challenging hikes, interpretive walks and cycling events, as well as festivals and lectures - is a wonderful way for people to discover the wealth of history, culture, natural resources, and recreational opportunities offered by the Catskill Park and the entire Catskill Mountain Region. And, with only a few exceptions, it's all free. The 2008 celebration is co-sponsored by The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development and the Catskill Mountain Club.

For a list of events go to the Catskill Park website. Be sure to keep checking back to the site as the events are listed on an ongoing basis.

Let's All Meet for Cocktails in Vietnam

As promised, I am posting more about WCA members James Wolf, his wife Jen, and the fun and exciting projects they create from bamboo in Vietnam. He sent me these photos a while ago. They are of a bar and restaurant called Allez Boo in Saigon that they built. I think the place looks wonderful and if I ever find myself hungry or thirsty in that neck of the woods now I know a great place to go!





















































































































The last photo shows James (center) and Jen (right) celebrating the completion of the project. Great job guys!

- Photos by James Wolf and friends

The End of the Bird and Dog Tales (Tails?)

Both of the animal tales that I blogged about over the past couple of weeks have ended happily. The owner of German wire hair pointer found on Pantherkill road saw the sign in the Shandaken Town Hall and came to pick up the dog. His name was Floyd and he had broken his chain to chase a bear up in Westkill. It always amazes me how far animals can travel. His owner was very happy to see him. So, after a small vacation in Woodland Valley he is back home.

And, after a couple of weeks of care by our local wildlife rehabilitator, Joanne Rowley, the Cedar Waxwing that I extracted from the mouth of my cat was released on Wednesday. Joanne came to my house with the bird and together we watched her fly away. She had tried to release her last week but the bird just sat in her hand and wouldn't go. She tried twice on the same day but the bird would not fly away. She said that was the first time that has ever happened to her. It was probably for the best though, the weather after that was rainy and very windy. Although it has been chilly here at night the weather has been gorgeous. I hope she finds a flock and lives a long and happy bird life!

So, this week, in the often brutal natural cycle, there were two happy endings.

Sunday Morning From Fawn Hill Bridge

Here is a great photo sent to us by Mo Winograd. There is nothing like Woodland Valley on a beautiful morning! Thanks for sending it to us Mo!

Reminder of Tonight's Meeting

This is just to remind everyone about tonight's meeting. Streamside property owners should seriously consider attending. Here is a brief overview.

Ashokan Basin Stream Management
Community Meeting for
Ashokan Reservoir Watershed
Thurs., Sept. 18
6:30pm—9pm

Where:
St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church Parish Hall
Plank Rd., (Old Route 28)

Come learn about and give your input on the
“Ashokan Watershed Council.” The proposed Council
would provide a community voice in how to spend a
$2 million fund for stream management projects.
Light refreshments to be served.

For more information scroll down this page and see the Saturday September 13th post on the same meeting entitled "Stream Management Community Event".

WV History - Claude Yerry

In our last history post on the Tannenbaum house Carl Tannenbaum mentioned Claude Yerry who had been their handyman, builder and caretaker. Paul Misko sent me this to post about Claude Yerry. Thanks Paul.

"Here is a picture of a house called "La Casita" (photo above), which was built around 1910, on lot #1 (to the right of Dakin Morehouse) in Roxmor, by the Legette family. It has since burned. Also included is a picture of Claude Yerry (photo below) while he was doing some work on that same house."

- Paul Misko

Camilo Marquez in Mid-Hudson Woodworkers Show

WCA member and retired child psychologist Camilo Marquez has started his new life as a wood worker. Here is his first effort. It is a bedside table in cherry in a Shaker style. He did it at a course he took in Wyndham at Banner Hill Woodworking taught by Kip Christie. (I personally think this is great for a first effort!) It will appear in the Mid Hudson Woodworkers show Sept 27, 10:00 - 5:00 at the Hurley Reformed Church. All are welcome. There will be displays, raffles and demonstrations. Stop by and check it out!

If you want directions you can go to the Mid-Hudson Woodworker Show website.

Blogmistress Message: Please note that the opening page still lists the 2007 date and times but I am sure that the directions would be the same so I linked it anyway.

Exploring WV Geology

We had a excellent time learning about WV geology on Saturday from geologist Dan Davis of the NYCDEP. A great group of residents (about 25) turned out to hear more about what formed our valley. As promised, Dan gave a power point presentation on the basics, and then we went out to the stream to see the rock formations up close. It was very interesting and informative and everyone enjoyed it immensely. Let me extend my thanks first to the folks at Roxmor for lending us their clubhouse. The Roxmorians are always great friends to the WCA. Next, to Dakin Morehouse who is always willing to lend a hand to set up and break down. And last, but definitely not least, to Dan Davis for giving up his personal time to come and give us such a fantastic presentation!!! The talk/walk was first class and we here in WV very much appreciate you taking the time to do this event for us! Three Cheers for Dan!!!

Eugene Ruffolo at the Colony Cafe Tomorrow

Here is a message from WCA member Eugene Ruffolo -

Hi folks
I'm gonna be at the Colony Cafe in Woodstcok NY this coming Sunday as part of a Songwriter series.
There will be many fantatsic performers on the bill...Stop by if you want to hear some great music..
details below....
eugene

This Sunday the Second Sunday Songwriters Series will stage its SECOND ANNUAL 4S SONGFEST, with performances by many of the best singer-songwriters from the Hudson Valley and beyond, including:

Amy Laber
Bouva
Brian Hollander
Carl Bethge
Chris Victor
David Kraii
DB Leonard
Elise Pittelman
Elly Wininger
Eric Squindo
Erin Hobson
Eugene Ruffolo
James Krueger
Jean Bratman
Jeff Entin
John Holt
Kelleigh McKenzie
Kurt Henry
Marc Von Em
Mark Brown
Michael Truckpile
Michael Veitch
Montgomery Delaney
Peggy Atwood
Phil Miller
Rachel Garlin
Robert Burke Warren
Ross Rice
Sean Schenker
Seth Davis
Sharon Klein
Stuart Kabak
Todd Giudice
Todd Mack
Vickie Russell

The concert will take place Sunday, September 14, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm at The Colony Café, 22 Rock City Road in Woodstock, (845) 679-5342. Admission is $8.

Stream Management Community Event

This should interest many of our residents especially stream side property owners.

Ashokan Basin Stream Management
Community Event
Water Quality - Recreation - Ecosystems - Private Property

Working together to benefit the Esopus Creek environment, economy & community through coordinated stewardship of streamside resources

Community Meeting for
Ashokan Reservoir Watershed
Thurs., Sept. 18
6:30pm—9pm

Where:
St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church Parish Hall
Plank Rd., (Old Route 28)

Come learn about and give your input on the
“Ashokan Watershed Council.” The proposed Council
would provide a community voice in how to spend a
$2 million fund for stream management projects.
Light refreshments to be served.

Who Should Attend?
Anyone interested!

For More Information Contact:
Michael Courtney, Extension Educator
email: mcc55@cornell.edu
Kingston office: 10 Westbrook Lane, Kingston, NY 12401
t: 845-340-3990 f: 845-340-3993
Streamside landowners, elected officials, local and part time
residents, outdoor enthusiasts, environmental advocates
and others.

Stray Dog Found on Pantherkill

A stray dog was found on Thursday, Sept 11, on Pantherkill Road. It is a male, German short-hair.

Please contact the Town Animal Control Officer, Nancy Hudler at 688-7284 if this is your dog.

Brigitte Engler in Varga Gallery Show

Here is a message from WCA members David Hershkovits and Brigitte Engler

Hi friends -- There's a cool are opening in Woodstock this weekend. And Brigitte is represented in it. Check it out

NEW EXHIBIT: “EV/LES” – A Retrospective
OPENS: Saturday, September 13, 2008 – reception 6 – 9pm
ON DISPLAY: through Sunday, October 5, 2008
@ VARGA Gallery Woodstock, New York

“EV/LES Retrospective at VARGA Gallery breaks with Tradition”

This Saturday, September 13th rebel curator Christina Varga of the VARGA Gallery hosts an exhibit celebrating classic East Village and Lower East Side artists with an opening reception and party from 6 – 9pm. The festivities will feature live outdoor performances by Phoebe Legere, Studio Stu, Phil Void, Paul McMahon, and others. There will be spoken word by Dorothy Friedman, performance poetry by Alan Fliegel and tributes to fellow artists who have passed on. “EV/LES” runs through Sunday, October 5th at the VARGA Gallery in the historic arts colony of Woodstock, New York.

The EV/LES Retrospective presents an opportunity for art appreciators and collectors to view works not often seen in the Hudson Valley. The artists in this renegade retrospective have come together from around the globe. Notable luminaries include Rick Prol, Mark Kostabi, Scot Borofsky, Tuli Kupferberg, Rodney Alan Greenblat, Stefan Eins, Christy Rupp, David Sandlin, FA-Q, Shalom, Arnold Mesches, Judy Glantzman, Art Guerra, Brian Gormley, Jon Singer, Laura Levine, Maggie Ens, Shalom Gorewitz, Anne
Jepsen, Jim C., Paul McMahon, Kenichi Hiratsuka, Vee and many other artists, noble and ignoble. Many of the artists have exhibited in museums. Some are in history books, others in police blotters.

The exhibit captures the essence of the 80’s East Village/Lower East Side art circuit and brings together more than 60 artists who have gone their separate ways by reuniting their art in a venue with the zeitgeist of an authentic east village group show. The exhibition could not have been pulled together without the curatorial assistance and historical expertise of artist Bronson Eden, who was there in the village when it all went down. This exhibit characterizes the latest chapter at the VARGA Gallery which embraces artists and visionaries from beyond the region to showcase
work that is internationally collectible.

Full list of artists available here:
http://www.vargagallery.com/LowerEastSideshow.htm

VARGA Gallery
130 Tinker Street
Woodstock, NY 12498
845.679.4005

The gallery is located on the outskirts of Woodstock next to the Tinker Street Cinema at 130 Tinker Street. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday
from 12 - 5 or by appointment.

http://www.VARGAgallery.com
http://www.myspace.com/vargagallery

Geology Talk/Walk This Saturday with Dan Davis

Here are the details for this Saturday's geology talk/walk with Dan Davis of the NYCDEP. I think it will be a really interesting event.

A Discussion on the Geology of Woodland Valley with Dan Davis

10:00 - 11:00 Roxmor Clubhouse: Dan will start with a primer on some basic geology terms and concepts and then give a slide show/power point presentation covering the basics of Catskill Geology from the formation of the Devonian bedrock to today's landscape. He will also present some of the basic findings of this summer's stream assessment. This part of the event is suitable for people of all ages and physical ability levels.

11:00 - 12:00: This is open-ended and weather dependent. If the weather is favorable Dan will lead a stream walk from the Fawn Hill Road bridge down to the rock cut pool about 200 meters downstream. We will look at the interaction of the stream with the watershed geology discussed earlier. If it is too rainy, we can call it a day or have a continued discussion directed by the participants. Those who wish to join Dan for this part of the event should remember to wear shoes with good traction. This part of the hike is suitable for those who feel capable of walking in a around the stream beds.

You don't have to do both parts of this event. If, due to physical challenges, you do not want to walk in the stream, you are perfectly welcome to come for the talk and skip the walk.

The above photo is by Dan. It is of a large hillslope failure on Woodland Valley Creek. We will see this and many other things if the weather allows. Come and join us!!!!

Tune In To Miriam Rose on the Radio

Here is a message from Miriam's mom Lauren -

Hi all,
Thought you should know that Miriam will be playing a few songs on an internet radio program, Cabaradio, live from the Pine Hill Community Center, this Saturday night between 6 and 9pm. Just click on the website below, then click the 'click to listen' button. You can try it ahead of time to check it out, they play a wide range of music. Since the show is live, I don't exactly know what time Miriam will be on. Or come down and be in the audience. We would like that best.
Later, Lauren

Catskill Radio

Photo by Lauren

WV Hikers Inaugural Hike

Here are a few photos from the WV Hikers first hike today. The group included Paul Misko (our fearless leader), Rolf Reiss, Camilo Marquez and myself. We hiked up the Winnisook side of Giant Ledge. The weather was GORGEOUS and we had great views at the top. While we were hiking we ran into another WV resident Julia Rose and her friends making the same trip. Everyone had a great time!! Be sure to watch for announcements about upcoming hikes Paul is planning in the next couple of months. Thanks Paul for putting this group together and making our first outing such fun!!!!

Quote for a Rainy Day

Boreegard aka Mike O'Neil sent me this a couple of weeks ago and I think it is a perfect quote for today.

"It doesn't matter how big a ranch ya' own, or how many cows ya' brand, the size of your funeral is still gonna depend on the weather."
- Harry S Truman

Change in Plans for the Woodland Valley Hikers

Hello Woodland Valley Hikers,
Hurricane Hannah has blown our hike to Giant Ledge out of Saturday and into Sunday. With a later start to let the trails dry up, we are now planning to meet at the Giant Ledge trailhead near Winnisook on Sunday, September 7th, at 12:00 noon. Should be clear skys by the time we summit for some great views. Cooler, breezy day in store. Bring lunch, drinks, rainjacket, flashlight, lighter, good hiking shoes. Camera and walking stick recommended. We're planning to be back to parking lot by 5:00 p.m.
Directions: Take Rt. 28 West to Big Indian. Then turn left onto C.R. 47 toward Frost Valley. Take this road about 7 miles and you will see a parking lot on the right. That is where we will meet. Just for a reference, immediately after the lot, the road takes a sharp right turn up a steep hill.

Please try to let me know if you are coming.
Hope to see you there!!!

- Paul Misko

PS - You can email me here at wvview@gmail.com and I will pass the message on to Paul.

Open Mouths to Feed

Last Saturday, much to my distress, my cat came running towards me with a fledgling Cedar Waxwing in her mouth. Thank goodness I was able to get it away from her immediately. I called Joanne Rowley, the wonderful wildlife rehabilitator in Phoenicia. She said that I could release the bird unless it had puncture wounds from the cat's teeth. Unfortunately, she did, so I fed her (about every half hour) until Joanne could see her later in the day and give her antibiotics. It was lucky that she was easily identified because I knew exactly what she needed to eat. I took care of her all day Sunday too until Joanne could take her in Sunday night. See seems to be doing very well. She needs to stay on the antibiotics for about a week until the danger of infection passes. We plan to release her over the weekend. We would have done it Saturday but with the remnants of the hurricane passing through we have decided to wait.
We are lucky to have Joanne right here in our town. She does amazing work with creatures of all kinds. Right now she is also caring for 7 little flying squirrels that someone found in a tree they cut down. They were about a week old when they were brought to her. They are sooooo cute. She has to get up every few hours round the clock to feed them. What commitment!! At present she is caring for about 30 creatures of all kinds. When I go there I fell like I am visiting St. Francis.
I brought 2 nestlings to her last year when the tree with their nest came falling down onto WV road. I thought they were Blue Jays but they turned out to be Flickers. She and her network of rehabilitators raised them and they were released. Again, we (and all the injured and abandoned animals) are lucky to have such a caring person in our midst.














Doesn't she look like she is saying "Huh??"

PS - I want to take this opportunity to tell everyone that cat bites are EXTREMELY serious and almost always cause infection. I myself was 24 hours from being hospitalized with a bite from one of my own cats. When she bit me I cleaned the wound and put topical antibiotics on it for a full week but my leg got severely infected. Finally, I went to the doctor and he gave me a strong antibiotic but I had waited too long. Over the next four days my leg got progressively worse and I had to go to the emergency room and get a second even more powerful antibiotic. They told me at that time that if the infection did not start getting better in 24 hours that I would have to be checked in and given intravenous antibiotics. Thankfully, the second drug worked and it didn't come to that, but I am here to tell you that if you get bit by a cat seek medical attention immediately!

Cabinas in Costa Rica

I recently met WV resident Josh Byers (great-grandson of Lou Hallenbeck) at the home of a neighbor. He lives part of the year here in WV and part of the year in Costa Rica about an hour north of Panama in Playa Zancudo where he operates a small resort called "Coloso Del Mar". For those of you who are looking for a vacation in a quiet out of the way place with plenty of natural beauty you might want to check this out. Here is a link to his website.

Coloso Del Mar