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

Water Harvesting News

Dear WCA members,

I hope wherever this message finds you the weather has been as nice as it has been here in Woodland Valley. This Columbus Day weekend has been sunny and warm and the leaves are gorgeous. We truly live in a fantastic place!

Unfortunately, I have to break into our enjoyment of the season to tell you that the water harvesting matter has come up again. Mr. Poncic has written to the Shandaken Planning Board to ask them to refer his application to the Zoning Board of Appeals for an interpretation on whether water harvesting is a related use to water bottling. Be aware that the ZBA is not making a desicion on the merits (or lack there of), of this project. Their job is simply to interpret the town zoning code.

There is a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting this Wednesday at 7:30 in the Shandaken Town Hall. We anticipate that this issue will come up. I would encourage anyone who is in the valley and can attend to do so. This is the beginning of the next stage of this process. This is a time for observation, for making certain that the boards know that we are carefully monitoring their actions. The time for making our voices heard will come soon. We will continue to keep you informed as this process moves forward. Please remember to check back to this blog for updates.

Best,
Carol Seitz

Last Week's Hike

Last Tuesday several of the members of the WV hikers (including myself) took advantage of one of the "Lark in the Park" hikes. It was a rare opportunity to do the Dutcher Trail (also known as the "steps" or "ladies" trail) over the private property of the Winnisook Club. The morning started out very cold but the group was enthusiastic. Peter Manning from the Catskill Center organized everyone and gave us a brief overview of the club and then Barbara Redfield, a year-round resident and descendant of some of the earliest club members, shared some fascinating club history. After that we were off on our climb. We stopped briefly for some photos and to take in the different views, but we made good time to the summit. It was very interesting to see the John Burroughs plaque that was installed at the summit in the 1920s on what is known as "Burroughs Ledge". Over the years the trees had risen to block all the views from the top of Slide but in recent months the rangers have been working to open those vistas back up. For me personally it was the first time that I hiked Slide and got a view at the end. After stopping for lunch and a history discussion (with photos provided by the WV hikers leader, Paul Misko), we descended by an alternate route, the Curtis-Ormsby trail. That trail is a little longer than the more heavily used "jeep" trail up to Slide but I think it is a lot more beautiful. All in all, the views from the top were awesome, the trails gorgeous and the company delightful! It was a great day!!

Many thanks to Peter Manning at the Catskill Center for organizing the hike, Barbara Redfield for sharing some great history, and the Winnisook Club for allowing us access to this wonderful gem of a trail!!

Blogmistress Note: The last 2 photos are courtesy of Paul Misko. Thanks Paul!

Weekend Fun Reminder - Columbus Day Weekend

There is a veritable cornucopia of fun available for this weekend. The "Lark in the Park" events are happening today through Monday. I counted 21 different events you can choose from on their website. There is a presentation on River Otters at the Cornell Cooperative, a hike with the WV hikers, a concert by Rick Altman and David Oliver in the ESRM and the Phoenicia Library Book and Yard Sale. I have blogged about all of these things in the last week so for more information just scroll down to the older posts. The weekend is supposed to be sunny and beautiful so get out there and enjoy our Catskills at one of these many events!!

Columbus Day Weekend Concert

Rick Altman and David Oliver

An Afternoon Of New Music For Vibes and Marimbas
Inspired by Jazz, Folk, Ska, Afro-Cuban
and many other World musics.
Saturday, October 11th, 1:00-3:30 PM
Empire state railway museum
Lower High St., Phoenicia NY
845 688-7501

Cardi O'Conner Yoga Classes Resume

Here is a message from WCA member Cardi O'Conner

Greetings,
My yoga classes will resume on Monday, October 13th!!!

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES REMAINS THE SAME:

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

CLASSES BEGIN ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 13TH, RUN THROUGH THE FALL (AN EIGHT-WEEK SESSION) AND FINISH FOR THE SEASON ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5TH.

I am excited to bring you this news, and I look forward to seeing you back on the mat!

$15.00 per class
Class cards available at discounted prices.

Best Wishes,
Ricarda

Library Book and Yard Sale This Weekend

In order to get rid of the huge overflow of donated books the library has been receiving they will be having a book sale next Saturday Oct 11 (9 - 4) and Sunday Oct 12 (11 - 4) on Route 28, on the lot by the feed store (just west of Woodland Valley Road). To help attract more people and raise a little more money, they will also be having a yard sale together with the book sale.

So stop by and pick up a book or two, for as little as 25 cents in some cases. And please tell all your friends about this book sale/yard sale!

If there's anything YOU would like to donate to the yard sale, please drop it off on Nicole Holmquist's front porch at 8 Lane St., Phoenicia if it's before Saturday morning, or on Saturday morning before 9 at the yard sale itself. Please, though, no clothing, unless it's really special, and no junk; I've been told that the hardest part of a group yard sale is figuring out what to do with the stuff that's left over.
And, if there's anyone who's willing to help out for a couple of hours on either day to staff the yard sale or the book sale, the library would really appreciate your help.

The library also has some really fun and interesting events comimg up. Here is a brief list.

Activities at the Phoenicia Library this Fall:

Meet the Letter Friends, a proven reading readiness and support program for children aged 3 to 5, meets every Saturday during the school year at 11 am.. This program introduces children to the alphabet one letter each week, presenting them in a continuous story that keeps children interested to see what happens next. Classes started September 20, but children are welcome to join at any point in the program. .

Scrabble Nights is a new monthly program for adults on the first Thursday of every month at 7 pm.. Scrabble Boards will be provided by the library for players who don’t have their own. All ranges of players are welcomed, from beginner to expert, and tips for those who want to become better players will be available. Snacks will be provided.

Another monthly program is Origami for kids from grades 3–8, led by Library Director (and master origamist) Regina Johnson on every third Thursday at 3.45 pm, starting October 16. Kids are invited to learn how to make Halloween animals, holiday ornaments and other cool things from nothing more than a single folded sheet of paper.

WV Hikers - New Hiking Opportunities

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

Attention Woodland Valley Hikers!
Join us on Sunday, October 12th, for a hike up Slide mountain to enjoy some great views and interesting history. Meet us at the Slide Mountain trailhead no later than 10:00 a.m. Bring lunch, plenty of drink, good hiking shoes, rainjacket, sweater, flashlight, and lighter. Camera and walking stick recommended. The hike is about 6 miles, and 5 1/2 hours. No dogs please. Cloudy and/ or cold windy weather postpones to Monday the 13th. Please let me know if you are going with us, and leave contact info so you can learn of changed plans if need be.
It takes just over 1/2 hour to drive to trailhead from Woodland Valley. Take Rt. 28 West to Big Indian, then turn left onto CR 47, toward Frost Valley. Go just over 9 miles to trailhead on left. On your way, you will go through very sharp right turn, then pass Winnisook lake on left, then soon after look for Slide Mtn. trail head sign on left.
Hope to see you there!
Paul Misko

Message from the Blogmistress:
And tomorrow, although it is not a Woodland Valley Hikers activity, there is a unique hike up to Slide Mountain that several of the WVH members will be attending. It is a rare opportunity to do the "step" or ladies trail up to Slide Mountain. This hike is almost entirely over private property so the chances to experience it are few and far between. Here is the info for that.

Tuesday, October 7th - Slide Mountain Ascent: 9AM
Join Barbara Redfield of the Winnisook Club and Peter Manning of the Catskill Center for a discussion on the historic "Dutcher Trail", followed by an ascent to the Catskill Mountains’ highest peak. The day begins at Winnisook Club Lodge with an introduction by Barbara Redfield, a year-round resident and descendant of some of the earliest club members. Barbara will give us an overview of the construction of the Dutcher Trail (also known as "The Ladies Trail" and "The Step Trail"), which is almost exclusively on Winnisook Club property. Peter will then lead a hike up the trail to the summit of Slide Mountain for lunch. After lunch, the hike will descend via the Curtis-Ormsby Trail back to the Winnisook Club. 7-miles roundtrip (6 hours); Difficult; No dogs please; Group size limited to 15, so please pre-register by 10/6 to Peter Manning at 845-586-2611 or pqm7364@hotmail.com. Rain Date (if heavy rain) is October 9th.

Directions: The Winnisook Club is located on Ulster County Route 47, approximately 8-10 miles from the junction of Rte 47 and State Route 28 in Big Indian. The club is a mile after the hairpin turn (Giant’s Ledge Parking Area) at the top of the hill next to the lake). Please park in area in front of an open equipment shed with moss on roof. Street sign: Winnisook Club Road Private. Walk up hill to main lodge.
From the south, take State Route 55 to Curry (west of Grahamsville) and turn north in Curry onto Sullivan County Route 19 to Claryville; turn left at Claryville following sign for Big Indian and crossing Neversink River. Travel 15-20 miles, past Frost Valley YMCA and past Slide Mountain Parking Area (on right). Winnisook land is less than one mile past Slide Mountain Parking Area, at the height of land next to the lake. Please park in area in front of an open equipment shed with moss on roof. Street sign: Winnisook Club Road Private. Walk up hill to main lodge.

The postcard image above is of the "steps trail". It is from the collection of Rolf Reiss.

Kids In The Kaatskills - Halloween Event

This was sent to us by WCA member Cara Cruickshank who runs "Kids in the Kaatskills".

The Halloween Journey
 
Phoenicia, NY - October 25, 2008 - The 6th Annual Halloween Journey, a candle-lit walk through the woods celebrating Catskill history and folklore through interactive theater.  A non-scary, magical Halloween alternative, appropriate for ages 2 through adult. 6pm-10pm with guided tours leaving every 20 minutes.  Located at the former Black Bear Hollow Cafe, 2.3 miles on Rte 28, West of Phoenicia on the Esopus Creek. Evening also includes live folk music, bonfire, hot apple cider, home made chili and baked goods.
 
For more information or to order tickets in advance, contact Cara Cruickshank:  (845) 688-2068, storydanz@yahoo.com.
 
An Alternative Halloween
 
For parents who don't like Halloween's emphasis on sugar and fear, Kids in the Kaatskill's Halloween Journey offers an alternative that brings children a sense of magic and enchantment.  A celebration of Celtic traditions of the season, as well as the Catskill region, children of all ages and adults are guided on a quest to find light in the dark woods.  Along the way, they meet characters such as Rip Van Winkle, Johnny Appleseed, the Maple Tree Nymph, and John Burroughs, as well as fairies, animal spirits, and other forest creatures, who share tales and treasures.  Before and after the Journey, travellers will enjoy hot apple cider and fireside folk music.  Located at the former Black Bear Hollow Cafe (2.3 miles on Route 28, West of Phoenicia on the Esopus Creek) on Saturday, October 25 from 6pm-10pm, with tours leaving every 20 minutes.  Wear a costume and bring a trick-or-treat bag and good walking shoes.  Admission is $6 for kids, $8 for adults and may be purchased in advance.  For more info. or to purchase tickets, contact Cara Cruickshank: (845) 688-2068, storydanz@yahoo.com.

About Kids in the Kaatskills

Kids in the Kaatskills is a Not-for-Profit Organization based in Margaretville, NY that coordinates events for children of the Catskill region.
Kids in the Kaatskills
Cara Cruickshank
Event Coordinator
(845) 688-2068
storydanz@yahoo.com 

Photo provided by "Kids in the Kaatskills"
 

Community Event - River Otter Presentation

Since many of the WV residents have attended programs at the Cornell Cooperative Extension before I thought you might be interested in this Ashokan Basin Stream Management Community Event. Here is a message sent to us by Laura Weyeneth
Watershed Educator for the ABSMP.

Have you ever spotted a river otter?
Would you like to?

Cornell Cooperative Extension - Ulster County is hosting a family friendly program on river otters Saturday, October 11.

Benjamin Stafford, Student Conservation Association Wildlife Educator for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, will speak about river otters in the Catskills.

Please join CCE at their Phoenicia Office at 5578 Route 28 in the Phoenicia Plaza on Saturday, October 11 at 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM to learn about river otter reproduction, behavior, tracks, and signs. The event is free for all.

RSVP Laura Weyeneth at 845-340-3990 or law249@cornell.edu.

Still Pickin' At The Station

This is from WCA member Dakin Morehouse who is still hosting the Panther Mountain Pickin' Circle at the Empire State Railway Museum every Thursday night.

"Tonight is the magic night when we all gather at the old Phoenicia Railroad Station form 7 to 11 for some good ol' pickin' an singing fun. All levels, non-judgmental, acuostic, drug etc free fun for folks who love to pick and/or sing. Looking forward to pickin' with y'all tonight."

- Dakin

Directions to the Phoenicia RR Station (Empire Railway Museum)

Driving West on Rt 28 - Take the First Right (.3 mile) after the Phoenicia Diner (on your left). This is Lower High St and the Phoenicia RR Station is the first building on your right.

From Main St. in Phoenicia - Turn South (toward the river) on Bridge St. Cross the bridge AND the RR track turning immediately left onto Lower High St. The Phoenicia RR Station is the 3rd building on your left.

Melinda Stickney-Gibson - Chicago Show

WCA Member Melinda Stickney-Gibson is having a show of her new paintings in the Thomas Masters Gallery in Chicago. If anyone is planning a trip there soon here are the details.

Melinda Stickney-Gibson
New Paintings
Thomas Masters Gallery
245 West North Avenue, Chicago
www.thomasmastersgallery.com
Opening Reception
October 3, 2008 6-8
exhibition continues through
October 30, 2008

The painting pictured above is titled "Blue Loud" oil on canvas 70"x70"