Photos from the ESRM/CMRR Holiday Party

Here are some photos from Doris Morehouse of the ESRM/CMRR Christmas party and train ride that happened a couple of weeks ago. Despite the bad weather a good time was had by everyone who came out to ride the rails. As as an extra treat kids young and old got to a visit with Santa! Hmmmmm......I think Mr Claus looks like someone I know......I wonder who it is???

Cold Comfort

It's cold out this morning!! My thermometer reads 4 degrees. This is the kind of weather where the streams are freezing over. Dennis Havel sent me these photos of the Pantherkill stream. At least it is beautiful out there. But I am planning on viewing it from my nice warm house.

Rain then Flurries

We had a lot of rain over the weekend that melted a significant amount of the snow we had lying around from previous storms. Last night it snowed here but we only got about an inch. The forecast for the next few days is for the temps to drop and go into the single digits at night. Brrrrrr!!!!! There is some ice under all the snow now that everything is freezing up again. Be careful walking if you are coming to visit for New Years Eve!

Snow then Rain

We had about 4 inches of snow overnight and into this morning. It is now raining on top of it and is supposed to keep raining throughout the evening. I hope this doesn't freeze otherwise it is going to be an icy mess. I will keep you posted.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas to everyone in Woodland Valley! I hope this holiday season finds you safe, warm and sharing joy with family and friends. May peace prevail in our valley, our town and on our earth!!

Merry Christmas from the Morehouses

Just a last minute animation to wish you a
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas Deer:
http://www.glenn.tapley.us/MC.swf

Have fun with my silly Reindeer
~ ~ ~

~ Peace in 2010 ~
Dakin & Doris Morehouse

Holiday Greetings from Lam & James Wolf

Dear all families and friends,
We wish for you to know we are thinking about you during Christmas and the New Year Celebrations. We hope and pray that Christmas is filled with the most joyful moments and the New Year is spectacular.

Lam & James

Rick Altman/David Oliver Winter Concert

*7th Annual Winter Concert *

Rick Altman and David Oliver
An Evening Of New Music For Vibes and Marimbas
Inspired by Jazz, Folk, Ska, Afro-Cuban
and many other World musics.

Special Guest Violinist, Miriam Rose
Saturday January 16th, 7:30 PM
Pine hill community center
287 Main St. Pine Hill, NY12465
(845) 254-5469
pinehillcommunitycenter.org
FREE

Holiday Greetings

Happy Holidays from Paul Misko leader of the Woodland Valley Hikers!

Digging Out from the Storm?

Dennis Havel sent me these photos from the last storm. He said it was back breaking digging out from the .003 inches that fell in the valley!














And his plow was working overtime!!

Happy Belated Hanukkah!!

My apologies to the Jewish members of our community. I have been so busy in the last few days that I am late writing my Hanukkah greetings. I can write my posts in advance and then schedule them to go up on a certain day if I am going to be busy. Except for the weather and the announcement about the passing of Marian Umhey, all the posts that you saw last week were put up in advance. I thought I would have time to write a Hanukkah message but work was just too busy. So I hope all of you who celebrate the festival of lights had a wonderful, joyous holiday!!! Happy Belated Hanukkah!!

Not Much Snow

For all you folks who are out of the valley and wondering how this last storm effected us I am happy to report that we have gotten only a dusting of snow. Looks like our neighbors down south are taking a turn digging out of a big mess. The storm slid to the east and pretty much missed us completely. Whew!

Marian Umhey Passes

I usually don't report on people who live outside of the valley but a long time, much beloved member of the community has passed and, since she had so many friends here, I wanted to let everyone know. The Phoenicia Times reported that Marian Umhey passed away yesterday morning (December 16th) at Benedictine Hospital. She was 84 years old.

Marian was a former town supervisor (the first and only woman so far), Ulster County legislator, publisher and columnist. She was also a writer and penned the much beloved "Marian's Memos" in the Townsman (and more recently the Phoenicia Times) for as long as anyone can remember.

According to the Phoenicia Times Marian has had several health emergencies lately which forced her discontinue her work as a librarian's assistant at the Phoenicia Elementary School. A job which she dearly loved.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday Dec 19th at 10:00am. The wake will be December 18th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St Phoenicia. If you need more information or want to light a memory candle you can go to the Gormley website at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com.

May she rest in peace!

Eugene Ruffolo CD available on CDbaby

Here is a note from Eugene Ruffolo giving us another option to purchase his Christmas music.

"Just a short note to let you know that my new Christmas Cd "Even Santa gets the Blues" has been getting rave reviews and is now available on Cdbaby.com where it can be purhased in physical form or digitally---

The link below takes you directly to my page
where you can read more, preview tracks, buy the CD and/or digitally download the Cd or individual tracks:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/eugeneruffolo

CD baby accepts credit cards and is very effcient in filling orders.

Hope you'll check it out..
Thanks and Happy Holidays!!"

Eugene

Weather Update - 12/15/09

We had a lot of rain here on Sunday night and as a result the snow and ice have melted down quite a bit. My own driveway is significantly less icy than it was over the weekend. Today's forecast calls for the temperatures to rise into the 40's for a while before getting a lot colder again over the next few days. Let's hope the warm air melts a lot more of the left over ground cover. I'll keep you posted.

Memories of a Woodland Camper

This post was sent to me by Bill Horne who was a camper at Woodland Valley's Camp Woodland from 1950 to 1960.

The Catskill Watershed

The designation of much of the Catskill region as the watershed for the New York City water supply system has proved to be an advantage in fending off the environmental damage that development of the Marcellus Shale would bring. Little did the folks who suffered the loss of their land and homes to allow the building of this reservoir system realize that their sacrifice would one day help preserve and protect the region that they loved.

The Catskill System began with the Ashokan Reservoir and Catskill Aqueduct which were completed in 1915. The 1950s brought a large expansion of the reservoir system with the Rondout Reservoir in 1950, Neversink Reservoir in 1954, Pepacton Reservoir (at Downsville) in 1955 and Cannonsville Reservoir in 1964.

While necessary for the New York City water supply, the displacement of long time Catskill residents was very painful. One of them, Orson Slack, at the age of 83 ran a little carpentry shop in the village of Arena on the headwaters of the Delaware River soon to be flooded to make way for the Pepacton Reservoir. Seated outside his shop on lawn chairs he had made he told campers from Camp Woodland “I’ve been east; I’ve been west; I’ve been south. I’ve worked at almost everything. We was brought up on work.” Orson’s grandfather, born in 1785, had been one of the first settlers in the Catskill area. His grandfather was one of eight men who had walked 50 miles of wilderness over the mountains from Kingston , carrying bags of grain on their backs, to begin clearing land, sow the first crops and prepare the way for their families.

Orson Slack was a frequent visitor to Camp Woodland in the Woodland Valley before he died. His history was related the 1952 Camp Woodland year book:

- Bill Horne

Dennis Havel - Smokin'

Here are 2 really beautiful photos of smoke done by Dennis Havel with this new digital SLR. Great job Dennis!!

2009 - 2010 Shandaken Ski Program

COME AND VISIT YOUR MOUNTAIN
SUN. DEC. 13, 2009

The Town of Shandaken and Belleayre Ski Center are pleased to announce the 2009-20010 Ski Program - All residents of Shandaken are encouraged to participate!

The 2009-2010 ski program will kick-off on Sunday December 13, 2009 with a special one-day price for Shandaken residents only!!
$10
Plus $5 for your swipe card

Happy Holiday!!

You must attend the kick-off Sunday December 13 in the Lower Lodge in order to sign-up for three special $25 ski dates, December 25, 28 & 29

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!!!
Sign-up early - All participants must be signed up by January 1, 2010 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. Sign/show up before January 1, 2010 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, 2010 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.

Also, those who are not signed up by January 1, 2010 will not be eligible to ski on Wild Wednesdays.

Remember: a group lesson is included with each ticket.

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

2010 Sunday Ski Dates
January - 3,10,17,24,31
February - 7,14,21,28
March - 7,14,21,28

Surprise! Wild Wednesday!
Like to ski during the week? Well you're in for a surprise! We will be skiing on Wednesdays starting January 6th, 2010 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.

Remember, you must be signed-up BEFORE January 1, 2010 to take advantage of these specials.

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

Benefit Concert - December 12th

This is a fabulous concert for a great cause with a special guest appearance by Woodland Valley's own Miriam Rose.

Leslie Ritter & Scott Petito Holiday Benefit Concert
with Special Guests......
Jonathan & Grasshopper
from Mercury Rev
Kelleigh McKenzie
and a special appearance by
Miriam Rose

Sunday December 13th
2:00 pm
Mountain View Studio
Mountain View Ave, Woodstock, NY
Call 518-943-0085 for information
for Directions go to: www.mtnviewstudio.com

Admission to this show is a non perishable food or cash donation which will benefit

The Good Neighbor Food Pantry
and Meals on Wheels

Serving the Woodstock area in cooperation with the Woodstock Interfaith Council.

for more information go to www.LeslieandScott.com

Snow to Ice

Remind me......did last winter ever really end? Right now it just feels like we are continuing the bad weather of last year with almost no summer break. OK, I will stop complaining now and get to the current weather.

The snow finished falling in the late morning yesterday and changed to rain. The temperatures rose throughout the day and then plunged last night into the 20's freezing the whole wintery mix up solidly. When I went out earlier today there was a layer of ice over the top of the snow making things very slippery. The temperatures are rising again but they don't seem to be going as high as yesterday. So things are melting a little again today but will probably freeze up again later. Basically, what I am trying to tell you is that the whole thing is a big frozen mess. So if you are coming for the weekend be sure to get in touch with your plow person and have them clear your driveway.

- Carol

PS - Again please remember that this report is coming to you from the top of Woodland Valley. Things may be a little better down the road and closer to town.

White Christmas?

Mother Nature has gone out of her way to see that we have some snow around for Christmas. We have gotten about a foot of anow overnight into this morning. It is changing back and forth between snow and hail at this point. I think it is supposed to end early this afternoon. Those of you who are coming for the weekend should call your plow guy (or woman, as the case may be) and get them to clear your driveway.

And to the Florida residents (you know who you are) who wished for a white Christmas in their holiday letter, I just wanted to let you know that I think this is all your fault! LOL!!

Free Christmas Show and Train Ride

There is lots and lots of fun to be had this weekend in Phoenicia. Dakin Morehouse sent me this information about the STS Christmas Show, the party at the Empire State Railway Museum and the train ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad. Santa himself will even be there. This event is a gift to the community from all three of the organizations involved and it is entirely free! So come one come all for some festive Holiday cheer!

Santa Rides the Rails Again!

- On the Catskill Mt. RR Christmas Trains -
and so can all you kiddies – for Free!
That’s on Sunday, December 13, right after the 12:00,
Shandaken Theatrical Society’s Annual Christmas Show
on Church St. in Phoenicia
~ ~ ~
Then it’s across the creek to the historic
Phoenicia RR Station
for cookies & cider,
Model RR trains and good cheer –
and a Train Ride with St. Nick Himself!
(Trains will run as they fill up between 1:00pm and 4:00pm)
~ ~ ~
While this annual event is free, donations are always welcome - and helpful to the Empire State Railway Museum
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Many thanks to all the contributors including the ESRM, Catskill Mt Railroad, the Shandaken Theatrical Society and participating Phoenicia shops and restaurants.

The Schwartz's Thanksgiving Cruise

This Thanksgiving WCA members Jeff and Aileen Schwartz took an eight night cruise to the Bahamas. Here are a few photos from their trip. Looks like they had a great time!

Weather Report - Snow!

I haven't posted much weather yet this season because there hasn't been anything significant to report. But today it snowed on and off for most of the day. It seems to be stopping at this point. I just went outside with my handy, high tech (NOT), weather ruler and stuck it into the snow on my porch. Looks like we got about 5 inches (that is where I am at the end of the valley) there is probably less in town. It is the wet, heavy kind so I am not sure how long it will stay around. I keep all of you up to date.

Weekend Fun Reminder - Dec 5th & 6th

Remember this weekend is the The Shandaken Gift & Artist Studio Tour. There are many stores and artists participating in this event. WCA member and artist Wendy Grossman is opening her studio right here in Woodland Valley. Stop by for a visit! For information and a map go to http://www.ShandakenArt.com/.

And please try and shop locally this holiday season. There are many great shops in town to buy presents for everyone on your gift list including Tenderland Home, The Mystery Spot, 60 Main, The Nest Egg, Morne Imports and many more. By buying your presents here you are keeping the money in the community and supporting the people and businesses that make this town great.

So hopefully I will see you out and about getting your gifts this weekend!!

More Simpson Family History

On November 29th I posted some vintage postcards from the collection of Stephen Bernstein and asked if anyone could give me some more history on the pictures. Jay Simpson wrote me this note.

"I saw the pictures of the Simpson House, Simpson Store and Simpson Rapids in your blog. I can provide the following additional information:

The house was the Simpson Family homestead being built by James A Simpson and his wife Julia Longyear. He was a tanner who ran the Phoenix Tannery from 1843 to 1870. The tannery was located just across the stream from the homestead. The house was sold to the Guglielmetti family in 1946 and they ran a boarding house there until Route 28 was realigned in the mid 1960s and it was demolished during the reconstruction. The house was located about a half mile west of Al's Diner on Route 28 on the North side. You can still see the "wide spot" where it was.

The Simpson Store was begun by A. J. Simpson in 1878 and was in the family until it was sold in 1988 to Sue Taylor who operates the Sweet Sue restaurant. Interestingly, this building was at one time owned by Madison J. C. Woodworth of Woodland Valley. Many of the old pictures in and around Phoenicia were actually published and sold as post cards by A. J. Simpson.

I have attached several pictures that may be of further interest.

The last two are of the Simpson House, the top one shows the building shown in the Simpson Rapids photo from the front as it faced Route 28. The woman on the left is my grandmother, Clara Simpson."

- Jay

Thanks for sending us this information Jay!!

Eugene Ruffolo Releases Christmas CD!

WCA member Eugene Ruffolo sent me this message. He has a very cool new Christmas CD! Check it out and remember you can support local artists and give great gifts at the same time this holiday season.
- Carol

"I am excited to announce the release of my new Christmas Cd "Even Santa Gets The Blues"-recorded in Germany last summer on audiophile label Stockfisch Records. http://www.stockfisch-records.de/stckff/sf_stockfisch_e.html

The Cd is an interesting (at least to me) collection of Holiday classics, unknown gems, and a few of my own originals, and features Ian Melrose on guitar-Margaret Fiellin on vocals-and a host of other wonderful players.

I'm working hard to get it set up and available on Cdbaby (www.cdbaby.com) and will let you know when its up and available for digital and hard copy purchases..

In the meantime--if you simply can't wait..or feel strongly that I should get ALL of the money, it can be purchased directly by sending a check for $20.00 to:

Cane Morte Music
c/o Eugene Ruffolo
92 Horatio Street #3G
N.Y. N.Y.
10014

if you are anxious to start celebrating- email me (RUFFOLINO@aol.com) with an adress- and I'll send it out even before the money arrives--because It's Christmas and I trust you...

It's a bit pricey in these hostile times--but this is a very high quality SACD audiophile recording , and was produced in Europe where the Euro proudly reigns!

Lastly--and against my better judgement--I'm offering this clip if you'd like a sneak preview.I know I'm a bit pastey--look like a Christian artist--and suck at lip synchng--AND am unacceptably corny--but hey--it's Christmas!!
(kinda makes you wanna take a peak-doesn't it?)"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36Ciqc6DtFc

- Eugene

Looking for Babysitter

WCA member Josh Sheldon sent me this message.

"We're looking for an occasional babysitter (or Mother's helper) for our three year old son, Eli at our house in Phoenicia. This would be primarily on weekends during the day but occasionally weekend evenings and weekdays.

Our son Eli is very sweet, easy going and a heck of a lot of fun (ok, it's his dad talking here).

We're looking for someone with childcare experience, who is kind & patient, preferably from immediate area and has references. Own transportation preferred but if local I can provide car service.

If interested tell us about yourself and your babysitting experience, let us know your rates, if you have transportation (if you don't have transportation tell me how far from Phoenicia you live) and list your references (with phone # and email if they have one)."

- Josh

Contact Josh at joshuasheldon@verizon.net or phone: 917-597-7888

More Vintage Postcards

Here are some more vintage postcards from the collection of WCA member Stephen Bernstein. The Simpson family was very prominent in Phoenicia and developed many businesses in the area including Romer Mountain Park Ski Slope right here in Woodland Valley. The first photo is titled "The Simpson House", the second "A.J. Simpson's Store" and the third "Simpson Rapids". If anyone can give me more history on these great old buildings and places I would be happy to post it.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the valley!!! Here are a few photos from my job today. Can anyone guess where I was??

Gift & Artist Studio Tour - Dec 5 & 6

Coming December 5 & 6 - The Shandaken Gift & Artist Studio Tour.

The holidays are fast approaching and Shandaken is having a Gift and Artist Studio Tour. I would like to encourage everyone in Woodland Valley to shop locally this holiday season. Especially in these hard economic times, it is important that we support the artists and businesses that make this community so interesting and rich. Woodland Valley's own Wendy Grossman will be part of the festivities so there is even a studio to visit right here in the neighborhood. You can find a map of everyone on the tour if you follow the link below. So get out on December 5th and 6th and check out the great things that this town has to offer! I am sure you will find gifts for everyone on your shopping list.

Go to www.ShandakenArt.com for more information.

Brochure with tour map will be available at participating shops.

BettySoo Tonight at the ESRM

WCA member and President of the ESRM Dakin Morehouse sent this announcement regarding the concert in the Museum this evening. Check it out!

Flying Cat Music Presents
Austin-Based Recording Artist BettySoo in Concert
Phoenicia Railway Station
Sunday, November 22
7:30 PM (sharp)
At the Empire State Railway Museum
on Lower High Street off of Route 28, Phoenicia, NY
Door opens at 7:00
(There will be no opening act. Please be punctual.)
$12 requested donation or $10 with RSVP to flyingcatmusic@gmail.com
This is an intimate space. Seating is limited.

Flying Cat Music is pleased to present Austin-based singer/songwriter and recording artist BettySoo at the Empire State Railway Museum in Phoenicia on Sunday, November 22, at 7:30 pm. A winner of the 2008 Kerrville New Folk, Big Top Chautauqua, and Wildflower Festival songwriting contests; she comes to Phoenicia on the heels of a three-week tour of Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands.


BettySoo is the daughter of Korean immigrants who settled in the Bronx before moving to Texas when she was a baby. Audiences don’t always know what to expect when they first see BettySoo on stage. As she herself observes, "It's true that most Asian-Americans grow up with a lot of pressure to fit into a certain career path, but" – and she laughs – "this is not that path, in case anyone was wondering." But as a voice from the crowd at a Texas venue exclaimed loudly one night, she's blessed with "a voice like an angel!"

Greg Roberts, writing in Country Line Magazine, captured the BettySoo phenomenon perfectly when he wrote: “It's almost like there are two people here, there is the small, soft spoken, demure person that is offstage, friendly and warm, talking to everyone. Then, in the seven steps it takes to get to the stage, another person appears. When she opens her mouth to sing, out comes this gargantuan voice captivating you with these soul-stripping, emotional songs that are all original compositions. After listening to her CD, I was even more impressed….I think we're looking at a future multi-platinum, Grammy-winning star here and I want to be the first to say, “I told you so”.”

BettySoo’s Web Site

Fishers

Since it has been widely documented that Fishers are ferocious killers that will attack, kill and eat small dogs and cats I thought it was important to make you all more aware of the animals. I got the information below from the NYS DEC site and from Wikipedia. I urge all residents of Woodland Valley not to let their pets out of the house unsupervised since I have personally seen them here and their numbers are reportedly growing throughout the state.
- Carol Seitz

The fisher, also known as the "pekan cat," "fisher cat," or "black cat," is a large, dark, long-haired member of the weasel family. They have short legs, small ears, and a long well-furred tail. Their color varies from dark brown to nearly black. Fisher fur is long and luxuriant. Females are more valuable than males because of their more uniform color. The males often have a "grizzled" appearance due to the many tri-colored hairs along their neck and shoulders. Fitchet is a name derived from the Dutch word visse which means 'nasty'.

Adult males weigh from 7 to 12 pounds and may be 40 inches long, including their 13 to 15 inch tail. Adult females are smaller, weighing from 4 to 5.5 pounds. Extremely large male fisher may approach 20 pounds, but that is very unusual.

Fisher have large feet with five sharp toes. This makes them well adapted for walking on snow, climbing trees, and killing their prey.

Like their cousins, the skunks, both sexes have large scent glands near their anus, possibly used for marking territories.

They avoid open spaces. Fishers are solitary, only associating with other fishers for mating purposes.

Fishers are generalist predators. They will feed on any animal they can catch and will eat carrion. They are also known to supplement their meat diet with insects, nuts, berries, and mushrooms. Their primary prey includes snowshoe hare and porcupine. Since they are solitary hunters their choice of prey is limited to their size. Analysis of stomach contents and scat have found evidence of birds, small mammals and even moose and deer. The latter food sources shows that they are not averse to eating carrion. Fishers have been observed to feed on the carcasses of deer left by hunters.
Fishers are one of the few predators that seek out and kill porcupines. There are some stories in popular literature that fishers can flip a porcupine onto its back and "scoop out its belly like a ripe melon." As early as 1966, this was identified as an exaggerated myth. However, observational studies show that fisher will make repeated biting attacks on the face of a porcupine and kill it after about 25-30 minutes.

In some areas fishers can become pests to farmers because they will get into a pen and kill large numbers of chickens. Fishers have also been known to eat feral cats and dogs and small pets left outdoors. However, a study done in 1979 examined the stomach contents of all fishers trapped in the state of New Hampshire; cat hairs were found in only one of over 1,000 stomachs. Attacks on domestic cats may be documented, but zoologists suggest a bobcat, coyote, or dog is more likely to prey upon domestic cats and chickens.

Distribution and Habitat:

During the past two centuries fisher populations have been extirpated across parts of North America due to what was once a high demand for their furs. Furriers were paying up to $345 per animal in 1922. Their soft brown pelts can still fetch sometimes high prices. Fishers are shy, secretive, and difficult to breed in zoos.

Fisher live in a band of forested habitat extending across North America. They do not occur on any other continent. In the east, they are found from Virginia north to Quebec and the Maritime Provinces of Canada. It is thought that they were once more widespread. Reintroduction programs have been successful in reestablishing them in some of their former range.

In recent years, they have spread from Vermont into southern New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, and have recently been artificially reintroduced into dozens of areas across the United States, including in Montana, Oregon, and Washington. As of 2009, reports indicate the fisher population has returned to areas from which they were previously extirpated, such as Connecticut, the Hudson Valley in New York, and New Jersey.

In New York State, they are found in over 26,000 square miles of habitat in the northern, eastern, and southeastern parts of the state. It is believed that fisher also were native to central and western New York but they are only occasionally seen in that area of the state.

Behavior:

Fisher are sexually mature in about one year. However, because the implantation of their embryo is delayed after fertilization, a process called "delayed implantation," they don't have their first litter until they are two years old. They breed immediately after having their litter. Births and breeding peak in March. They have an average of 3 young per litter.

Fisher usually use two types of shelters. Fisher dens used for giving birth to their young typically are found in large trees, high off the ground. They make use of natural cavities frequently found in older trees. They also use cavities in rocky areas. Dens for general cover and protection consist of hollow logs, turned over stumps, brush piles, or ground burrows.

There does not appear to be a single habitat type that can be called "typical fisher habitat." They are found in hardwood, softwood, and mixed stands throughout their range. They do not like large open areas, such as clear-cuts. However, they do hunt for small rodents in fields and meadows.

Star Trails

Dennis Havel has been having great fun with his new digital camera. The photo above is one of several time exposures he did of the stars in the night sky. Here is what he said about it.

"Stars appearing to rotate like a pinwheel around Polaris, the North Star. This effect is due to the Earth's rotation about it's North-South axis. Polaris is the bright object in the center. This was taken Saturday night from my back yard. My house is visible to the left."

Cool shot Dennis! Thanks for sending it!

Cream of Pumpkin Soup du Boreegard

I received this the other day from Woodland Valley's own master chef Mike O'Neil.

"Comes the time in autumn when those of us obsessed with pumpkins want to do something different with the Cucurbita pepo harvest. Pies and puddings, breads and roasted seeds are fine and all that, but I am a soup cook as well. In an attempt to create a soup that does NOT taste like pumpkin pie, I present the following":

Ingredients

2 tbsp. butter
1 onion, chopped
1 potato, peeled and chopped
2 cups cooked, pureed pumpkin
2 ½ cups of chicken stock
¾ tsp. curry powder
1 tsp. soy sauce
½ a jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup light cream or half and half

To Do

In a large heavy pot, melt the butter and sauté the onion until tender.
Add remaining ingredients, except the cream.
Cover and simmer 25 to 30 minutes.
Transfer mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
Add cream and reheat, but do not allow to boil.
Garnish with chives and croutons and serve.

SOUP’S ON!

Boreegard aka Mike O'Neil
November 11, 2009

WV Business Celebrates 10th Year

TASK FORCE INC. is celebrating its 10th year in business under the leadership of WCA member Karen Hugue. TASK FORCE specializes in all facets of home caretaking and maintenance, catering to second homeowners along the Route 28 corridor from Woodstock to Pine Hill.

Services include: exterior and interior house checks, arranging for plumbers, electricians, or any other type of contractor, housekeepers, wood deliveries, pool maintenance, turn on heat/AC prior to your arrival. I also serve as primary or secondary contact for home security systems.

Fees are negotiated on frequency of visits and distance traveled.

For further information contact Karen Hugue 845-688-9816 or email at khugue@hvc.rr.com

Welcome Maya!!

The WCA has a brand new member. Here's a first photo of one-day-old Maya, beautiful daughter of Julia Rose and John Raffaele. She was born on November 12th. Both mom and baby are doing great! Happy Birthday Maya and welcome to Woodland Valley! May your life be blessed with many wonderful things!!

New Members Alma Rodriquez & James Kopp

Alma Rodriquez, James Kopp and their two lovely and talented daughters Paloma and Victoria have joined the WCA!!

Alma & James have a lovely house in the area (called the Winne Lodge) that they are renting. Check out the link below to view it. I have also put the link on the right (permanent) side of the blog so that you can find it if you have any friends who are coming to the area and need a place to stay.

Alma Rodriguez & James Kopp
www.CatskillGetaways.net
info@CatskillGetaways.net

In addition, James owns a business that specializes in grant writing and related services. You can view his website and get a full idea of the services he provides at the link below.

James Kopp
www.jkoppassociates.com
jkopp@hvc.rr.com

I am very excited to welcome Alma, James and their daughters to the association! The WCA has some great community minded new members in the Rodriquez/Kopp family!

Unitard - Nov 12th & 24th in NYC

For those of you who will be down in the city tomorrow Nov 12th or Tuesday Nov 24th Woodland Valley's own David Ilku will be performing with Unitard.

Coming to the rescue in this time of turmoil, like cash for your clunkers or extra-pure heroin, the Unitards (Mike Albo, Nora Burns and David Ilku) will bail you out of your dreary little lives with an evening of humor, wit, song and sarcasm. Following their sold-out evening at Joe’s Pub, Unitard returns with a brand-new twisted take on life in urbania. Spanning the gamut from Vampires to Burlesque, Hudson to Hindus, and Dungeons to DUMBO, their newest show promises to be brilliant, bawdy and hilarious, of course.

"Go see this!, a satirical triumph with no time to apologize for it's hipness" - The Boston Globe

WHEN: Thurs Nov 12th 9:30pm and Tues Nov 24th 8pm
WHERE: Laurie Beechman Theater/WESTBANK CAFÉ 407 West 42nd Street @ 9th Ave.
Reservations: 212 695-6909
TICKETS: $20
www.brownpapertickets.com

Harvesting Bamboo

WCA member James Wolf sent me these photos. They are shots of him harvesting bamboo in Vietnam for his Boo Bicycles and many other projects. Here is what his email said: "Howdy, here are some fun and beautiful shots at the bamboo plantation today. A hot and very sunny November day as we get into the Hot/Dry season for the next few months here." I think the "Rambo" photos of James are especially funny knowing how kind and gentle he is in person. His new nickname should be "Rambamboo"!

I found this information on bamboo on Wikipedia "Bamboos are the fastest growing woody plants in the world. Their growth rate (up to 60 centimeters (24 in.)/day) is due to a unique rhizome-dependent system, but is highly dependent on local soil and climate conditions. They are of economic and high cultural significance in East Asia and South East Asia where they are used extensively in gardens, as a building material, and as a food source." These facts make bamboo a highly renewable resource. Very interesting! Thanks for sending us these photos James!

Spam Mail Warning

Jeff Schwartz sent me this message about some spam mail that he received in the valley this week. He wanted to warn everyone this was going around. Thanks for giving us the heads up Jeff!

"When we got home tonight we had waiting for us 2 letters that each contained a Cashiers check" for $2950. With an offer to represent a "Mystery Customer Employment firm".

No return address on outside of envelope.
Mailed from Canada (Canadian stamp).
Same firm name on both cover letters.
Address of the firm in Arizona.
Cashier checks drawn on TWO DIFFERENT CREDIT UNIONS.

THIS IS A MYSTERY SHOPPER SCAM.
In the letter they indicate you have to call them for further instructions.

According to posts that I have read they tell you to deposit the check, go shopping and wire a portion of the money back to them.

THEIR CHECK WILL BOUNCE AND HAS CAUSED GREAT HARDSHIP AND FINANCIAL LOSS TO THOSE THAT THOUGHT THEY WERE THE RECIPIENTS OF A GOOD DEAL.

The holiday season is fast approaching and with these hard financial times there may be some see this as a holiday gift for some extra cash.

You may want to post a warning on the blog as they may be targeting this area.

a link describing this scam is Mystery Shopping Scam."

- Jeff Schwartz

Fall Poetry by Boreegard aka Mike O'Neil

OH RARE POMPION

Of puddings, pies, and orange beers,
Since Massasoit lent the seed,
The pompion or pumpkin breed,
Has fed us well and has no peers.

Yes, cuke’s or ‘mater’s flesh is fair,
And good for us, there’s little doubt,
But ne’er can they be hollowed out,
To light the lantern’s ghoulish stare.

Boreegard
November 6, 2009

Velsani Antiques at the Emerson

WCA members and antique dealers Ivan and Gustavo of Velsani Antiques have opened a shop at the Emerson Resort & Spa. Here is a link to the announcement on the Emerson website. Go check out their new shop when you get a chance. I am sure they have plenty of gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list! Good luck Ivan and Gustavo!!

Velsani at the Emerson

Call for Extras on "Stake Land" Film

I got this email today from a woman named Mona Lessnick whose production company is working on the film "Stake Land". The internet says the movie is an "epic vampire road film". She is looking for some background/extras for the film. Her colleague is also looking for some young people to intern for a day or so on the set and help out. They are shooting up in Margaretville and Pine Hill. If you are interested here are the details.

Come and experience a day on Set!

- Tuesday 11/10: 7-10 male Brotherhood gang members (approx. 6-8AM) at Bellayre Ski Resort
- Friday 11/13: 2 male roadhouse guards (approx. 3-5PM) at Hanah Resort in Margaretville
- Monday 11/16: 12 male Brotherhood gang members (approx. 6-10AM) in Pine Hill
- Wednesday 11/18: 8 male/female townfolk (approx. 3-7PM) in Pine Hill
- Wednesday 11/18: 5 male border soldiers (approx. 3-8PM) in Pine Hill
- Wednesday 11/18: 12 male/female bar patrons (approx. 6-10PM) in Pine Hill
- Wednesday 11/18: 2 male roadhouse guards (approx. 6-10PM) in Pine Hill
- Sunday 11/22: 4 male rugged soldier (approx. 12-9PM) in Pine Hill
- Sunday 11/22: 8 male/female townfolks (approx. 12-9PM) in Pine Hill
- Sunday 11/22: many more (30) male/female townfolks (from approx. 5PM-10PM) in Pine Hill

contact Mona (mona@belladonna.bz or 917.687.2690 or 845.586.6110/-6111) for details and confirmations.

Mona Lessnick
Belladonna Productions, Inc
118 West 22nd Street/3rd floor
New York, NY 10011
P: 212.807.0108
F: 212.807.6263
skype: m.lessnick

Here is a synopsis of the film.

Stake Land

Synopsis

In a fierce, alternative vision of America’s bleak future, a young boy is about to learn how cruel the world can become. Martin was a normal teenage boy before the country collapsed in an empty pit of economic and political disaster. And from the ashes rose a new breed of terror. A vampire epidemic has swept across what is left of the nation’s abandoned towns and cities, and it’s up to Mister, a death dealing, rogue vampire hunter, to get Martin safely north to Canada, the continent’s New Eden.

With his family slaughtered and his world splattered across the backroads of the nation’s northeast, Martin is taken under the wing of this mysterious stranger, learning the ways of the hunt and the cold reality of survival in a world left to fend for itself. Along their journey Mister and Martin discover firsthand the horrors of small town American extremism and are forced to ponder which is more bloodthirsty— the starving vampires or the corrupted humans who seek to control them.

Armed with a trunk full of wooden stakes and a desperate will to stay alive, Mister and Martin make their way through locked down towns, recruiting fellow travelers along the way— a devout woman of god, an abandoned Marine, and a pregnant musician all on their way north to safety. But a nationwide Brotherhood of violent, end-of-days survivalists is just one obstacle that stands between them and freedom.

Welcome to Stake Land, kid…

Weather Station in Woodland Valley

For all you weather junkies (like me) here in Woodland Valley you will be happy to know that Hawley Botchford has installed a weather station on his house here in the valley. He has linked it in to The Weather Underground site so we can all see the information that he is getting. You can click on the link below and go down the page to the weather stations where you will see one marked "Woodland Valley, Phoenicia, NY". It gives all kinds of great data like, temperature, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation etc. In the future you can just use the Weather Underground link on the right (permanent) side of this blog to reach the same page. Thanks for installing this Hawley you are providing some great information for us all!

Weather Underground Phoenicia, NY

Unofficial Election Results

These are the unofficial election results posted by the Ulster County Board of Elections. I do not think this count includes absentee ballots. I have put a asterisk next to the name of the unofficial winner of each race and their party affiliation in parenthesis.

Here are the results so far:

Town Supervisor
* Robert Stanley (R) - 588
Peter DiSclafani (D) - 519

Town Board
* Jack Jordan (R) - 509
* Doris Bartlett (D) - 503
Patricia Ellison (R) - 389
Barbara Redfield (D) - 384
Randy Ostrander (C) - 300

Highway Superintendent
* Eric Hofmeister (D) - 676
Keith Johnson (R) - 451

Town Justice
* Tom Crucet (R) - 673
* Mike Miranda (D) - 572
Charles Frasier (R) - 442
Amy Brown - (D) 408

Town Assessor - 4 year term
* Peter DiModica (D) - 545
John Horn - (R) 407

Town Assessor - 2 year (unexpired) term
* Carol Seitz - (D) 521
Joanne Kalb - (R) 397

Here is a link to the Elections page for Shandaken:
Ulster County Board of Elections

VOTE!!!

Please remember to vote today. These elections are very important to our town. Not only are we choosing our Town Supervisor, Town Board members, Highway Superintendent, Town Justices and Town Assessors but the people on the Town Board will appoint the members of the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals. So these elections are critical to our local government. Please get out and make your voices heard!!! I will post the election results when I have them.

New House Checking Business in WV

I got this message from WCA member Joyce Burzan.

"My husband and I have started a business which, we hope, will make some of our neighbors, particularly 2nd homeowners, feel more secure because someone is checking on their home and property. We're also available for house sitting on a short term basis, which could include pet sitting for friendly animals.

We moved here from Michigan in 1995 because we have family here and because we love to be outdoors - especially in the forests of the Catskills. It's hard to beat."

- Joyce

Check out their website at: catskillmountainlife.com

More Photos from Dennis Havel

Dennis Havel sent me these photos he has done with his brand new digital SLR. He is especially excited about all the macro possibilities of his lenses. He took the ladybug photo last week during one of Woodland Valley's periodic ladybug infestations. Does anyone out there know why that happens? Send your answer to me here and I will post it.
- Carol

Phoenicia Halloween Parade

I thought you would all enjoy some photos from the 2009 Halloween Parade held this past weekend in Phoenicia on Main Street. As usual, there were some great costumes and a lot of holiday spirit!!