This beautiful clown fish photo was sent to me by WCA member Tommy Healy. He just finished a fabulous dive vacation at the Wakatobi resort in Indonesia. Beautiful photo Tommy!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Under The Sea
This beautiful clown fish photo was sent to me by WCA member Tommy Healy. He just finished a fabulous dive vacation at the Wakatobi resort in Indonesia. Beautiful photo Tommy!
Friday, May 29, 2009
WCA Summer Fun Schedule
By now all of the members of the Woodland Community Association have probably received my annual letter with the summer fun schedule. But for those of you who didn't, I wanted to post it on the blog. The one additional piece of information I have to share is that for the potluck at Menla the folks at the center will be providing the dessert. So if you are coming, please bring an appetizer, main course or side dish. See you all soon for some summer fun!
- Carol
June 14th (Sunday) 3:00 pm - Joint Potluck with the great folks at the Menla Center - Delos Inn. WCA will provide the dinner. The Menla Center will provide the dessert.
July 11th (Saturday) 4:00 pm - Annual WCA Summer Meeting - Roxmor
July 17th, 18th, or 19th (ONLY ONE NIGHT either Friday, Saturday OR Sunday) - Night Sky Viewing on the Larkin Farm Property with Alexander Mallon and his awesome telescope - Twilight until ? (this event will be dependent on a clear sky so the exact date will be announced as the time gets closer)
August 1st (Saturday) - 1:00 pm til whenever - Rain or Shine - Annual Dershowitz Summer Party - All WCA members are invited. Please bring a non-meat dish or drink to share.
August 22nd (Saturday) - 1:00 pm - Phoenicia Library - Carol Seitz photographer (me) presents "Getting the Most From Your Digital Photos" - I will give a class on how to enhance your photos with Photoshop Elements to make your pictures look even better. (Elements is the inexpensive version of Photoshop CS3)
Description of Events
Potluck at Menla Center - Sunday June 14th 3:00 pm - Last year's dinner was such a success that the Menla Mountain Retreat and Conference Center has again graciously agreed to co-host (with the WCA) a potluck dinner gathering on their property. We bring the dinner and they provide the dessert. The date is set for Sunday June 14th at 3:00pm. It will be a another opportunity for us to get to know the folks at the center better and strengthen our friendships. Bring a dish to share. Please call or email me by June 10th. if you plan to attend so we can get an idea of how many will be joining us. I am looking forward to seeing you all there.
Annual Summer Meeting - Saturday - July 11th 4:00 pm- This is usually our only official meeting of the year so please try and attend!
Night Sky Viewing with Alexander Mallon - July 17th, 18th or 19th (ONLY ONE NIGHT - weather depending) - Alexander has one of the largest telescopes in the Hudson Valley (larger than most universities) and he has agreed to set it up and share his knowledge of the stars with the WCA. The event will take place on the old Larkin Farm property near the end of Woodland Valley Road. It will run from twilight until late evening. We have reserved 3 different dates for the event but we will only be picking one. Alexander will make the choice based on the weather as the date approaches. Everyone who attends should park on Woodland Valley Road and walk into the property. We will post signs for those of you who have never been on that land. You MUST bring a flashlight to find your way out after dark!!!!
Annual Dershowitz Party - Saturday August 1st - The Dershowitz family graciously hosts this fun-filled party every year and invites all of the WCA. Bring your bathing suit, a tennis racket (if you play) and a non-meat dish or drink to share. It is always a great time!!!
Getting the Most From Your Digital Photos - Saturday August 22nd - 1:00 pm - I will be giving a class at the library on how to get the most from your digital photos after you come home and download them into your computer. There are a lot of small tips and tricks that you can use to make your photos better. I will be working in Photoshop Elements which is the inexpensive, home version of the program. Come check it out and learn how to make the most of your photography!
- Carol
June 14th (Sunday) 3:00 pm - Joint Potluck with the great folks at the Menla Center - Delos Inn. WCA will provide the dinner. The Menla Center will provide the dessert.
July 11th (Saturday) 4:00 pm - Annual WCA Summer Meeting - Roxmor
July 17th, 18th, or 19th (ONLY ONE NIGHT either Friday, Saturday OR Sunday) - Night Sky Viewing on the Larkin Farm Property with Alexander Mallon and his awesome telescope - Twilight until ? (this event will be dependent on a clear sky so the exact date will be announced as the time gets closer)
August 1st (Saturday) - 1:00 pm til whenever - Rain or Shine - Annual Dershowitz Summer Party - All WCA members are invited. Please bring a non-meat dish or drink to share.
August 22nd (Saturday) - 1:00 pm - Phoenicia Library - Carol Seitz photographer (me) presents "Getting the Most From Your Digital Photos" - I will give a class on how to enhance your photos with Photoshop Elements to make your pictures look even better. (Elements is the inexpensive version of Photoshop CS3)
Description of Events
Potluck at Menla Center - Sunday June 14th 3:00 pm - Last year's dinner was such a success that the Menla Mountain Retreat and Conference Center has again graciously agreed to co-host (with the WCA) a potluck dinner gathering on their property. We bring the dinner and they provide the dessert. The date is set for Sunday June 14th at 3:00pm. It will be a another opportunity for us to get to know the folks at the center better and strengthen our friendships. Bring a dish to share. Please call or email me by June 10th. if you plan to attend so we can get an idea of how many will be joining us. I am looking forward to seeing you all there.
Annual Summer Meeting - Saturday - July 11th 4:00 pm- This is usually our only official meeting of the year so please try and attend!
Night Sky Viewing with Alexander Mallon - July 17th, 18th or 19th (ONLY ONE NIGHT - weather depending) - Alexander has one of the largest telescopes in the Hudson Valley (larger than most universities) and he has agreed to set it up and share his knowledge of the stars with the WCA. The event will take place on the old Larkin Farm property near the end of Woodland Valley Road. It will run from twilight until late evening. We have reserved 3 different dates for the event but we will only be picking one. Alexander will make the choice based on the weather as the date approaches. Everyone who attends should park on Woodland Valley Road and walk into the property. We will post signs for those of you who have never been on that land. You MUST bring a flashlight to find your way out after dark!!!!
Annual Dershowitz Party - Saturday August 1st - The Dershowitz family graciously hosts this fun-filled party every year and invites all of the WCA. Bring your bathing suit, a tennis racket (if you play) and a non-meat dish or drink to share. It is always a great time!!!
Getting the Most From Your Digital Photos - Saturday August 22nd - 1:00 pm - I will be giving a class at the library on how to get the most from your digital photos after you come home and download them into your computer. There are a lot of small tips and tricks that you can use to make your photos better. I will be working in Photoshop Elements which is the inexpensive, home version of the program. Come check it out and learn how to make the most of your photography!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Didymo in the Esopus
Michael Courtney of the Cornell Cooperative of Ulster County asked me to post this on the blog. Since the health of our waterways is important to us all I thought you would be interested.
DEC CONFIRMS PRESENCE of DIDYMO IN ESOPUS CREEK
Aquatic Algae Discovered in Popular Recreational Waterway
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced that didymo, an invasive species, has been confirmed in the Esopus Creek in Ulster County.
This is the first known presence of this aquatic algae, also called “rock snot,” in the Esopus and the third confirmed location in New York State. The Esopus is a popular recreational waterway for fishing, kayaking and tubing, and is a drinking water source for New York City.
DEC collected samples and confirmed the presence of didymo in the vicinity of several public access sites along a 12-mile stretch of the Esopus from the “Shandaken Portal” (which transfers water to the Esopus from Schoharie Reservoir) to New York City’s Ashokan Reservoir.
Didymo Impact
Unlike many other aquatic invasive plants, didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) grows on the bottom of both flowing and still waters. It is characterized by the development of thick, gooey mat-like growths – which can last for months – even in fast flowing streams. In addition to making footing difficult, didymo can impede fishing by limiting the abundance of bottom dwelling organisms that trout and other species of fish feed on.
There are currently no known methods for controlling or eradicating didymo once it infests a water body.
Didymo mats look like brown or white fiberglass insulation or tissue paper (photo at: www.dec.ny.gov/animals/50272.html). While didymo appears slimy and stringy, it feels rough and fibrous, similar to wet wool and does not fall apart when handled.
Previously, didymo had been confirmed in the Batten Kill in Washington County near the Vermont border and in the East and West branches of the Delaware River.
“The presence of didymo in another popular New York waterway highlights the crucial need for people to be diligent in preventing the spread of invasive species,” Commissioner Grannis said. “Invasives can have a devastating impact not only on the environment but also the economy. I urge all outdoor enthusiasts to help out by adopting the ‘Check, Clean and Dry’ method for limiting the accidental transport of didymo and other invasive species from infected waterways to other water bodies.”
Anglers, kayakers, canoeists, tubers, boaters and others engaging in water-based recreation can unknowingly spread didymo. The microscopic algae can cling – unseen – to waders, boots, boats, clothing, lures, hooks, fishing line and other equipment and remain viable for several weeks under even in seemingly dry conditions. Absorbent items, such as felt-soled waders and wet suits, require thorough treatment as outlined below.
Water recreationists are urged to use the “Check, Clean and Dry” method to limit the spread of invasive species.
Check -- Before leaving a river, stream or pond, remove all obvious traces of algae and look for hidden clumps and leave them at the affected site. If any is found later, it should be disposed of in trash receptacles, not washed down drains.
Clean – Treatment varies. The solution needs to completely penetrate thick, absorbent items such as felt-soled waders and wading boots.
For non-absorbent items, try these methods:
-- Detergent or salt: Soak or spray all surfaces for at least one minute in a 5% solution (by volume) of dishwashing detergent or salt (7 ounces of detergent or salt added to a gallon of water).
-- Bleach: Soak or spray all surfaces for at least one minute in a 2% solution (by volume) of household bleach (3 ounces of bleach per gallon of water).
-- Hot water: Soak for at least one minute in very hot water (140 degrees F – hotter than most tap water) or for at least 20 minutes in water kept at 115 degrees F (uncomfortable to touch).
For absorbent items, longer soaking times are required. Use these methods:
-- Hot water: Soak for at least 40 minutes in water kept above 115 degrees F.
-- Hot water plus detergent: Soak for 30 minutes in hot water kept above 115 degrees F, containing 5% dishwashing detergent.
Dry – If cleaning is not practical, after the item is completely dry to the touch, wait an additional 48 hours before contact or use in any new waterway. Check thick, absorbent items closely to assure that they are dry throughout. Equipment and gear can also be placed in a freezer until all moisture is frozen solid.
NOTE: If cleaning, drying or freezing is not practical, restrict equipment use to a single water body. DEC encourages anglers to consider alternatives to felt-soled waders such as rubber studded boots.
ALSO, it is especially important that any gear used out of state be treated before use in New York waters.
DEC CONFIRMS PRESENCE of DIDYMO IN ESOPUS CREEK
Aquatic Algae Discovered in Popular Recreational Waterway
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced that didymo, an invasive species, has been confirmed in the Esopus Creek in Ulster County.
This is the first known presence of this aquatic algae, also called “rock snot,” in the Esopus and the third confirmed location in New York State. The Esopus is a popular recreational waterway for fishing, kayaking and tubing, and is a drinking water source for New York City.
DEC collected samples and confirmed the presence of didymo in the vicinity of several public access sites along a 12-mile stretch of the Esopus from the “Shandaken Portal” (which transfers water to the Esopus from Schoharie Reservoir) to New York City’s Ashokan Reservoir.
Didymo Impact
Unlike many other aquatic invasive plants, didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) grows on the bottom of both flowing and still waters. It is characterized by the development of thick, gooey mat-like growths – which can last for months – even in fast flowing streams. In addition to making footing difficult, didymo can impede fishing by limiting the abundance of bottom dwelling organisms that trout and other species of fish feed on.
There are currently no known methods for controlling or eradicating didymo once it infests a water body.
Didymo mats look like brown or white fiberglass insulation or tissue paper (photo at: www.dec.ny.gov/animals/50272.html). While didymo appears slimy and stringy, it feels rough and fibrous, similar to wet wool and does not fall apart when handled.
Previously, didymo had been confirmed in the Batten Kill in Washington County near the Vermont border and in the East and West branches of the Delaware River.
“The presence of didymo in another popular New York waterway highlights the crucial need for people to be diligent in preventing the spread of invasive species,” Commissioner Grannis said. “Invasives can have a devastating impact not only on the environment but also the economy. I urge all outdoor enthusiasts to help out by adopting the ‘Check, Clean and Dry’ method for limiting the accidental transport of didymo and other invasive species from infected waterways to other water bodies.”
Anglers, kayakers, canoeists, tubers, boaters and others engaging in water-based recreation can unknowingly spread didymo. The microscopic algae can cling – unseen – to waders, boots, boats, clothing, lures, hooks, fishing line and other equipment and remain viable for several weeks under even in seemingly dry conditions. Absorbent items, such as felt-soled waders and wet suits, require thorough treatment as outlined below.
Water recreationists are urged to use the “Check, Clean and Dry” method to limit the spread of invasive species.
Check -- Before leaving a river, stream or pond, remove all obvious traces of algae and look for hidden clumps and leave them at the affected site. If any is found later, it should be disposed of in trash receptacles, not washed down drains.
Clean – Treatment varies. The solution needs to completely penetrate thick, absorbent items such as felt-soled waders and wading boots.
For non-absorbent items, try these methods:
-- Detergent or salt: Soak or spray all surfaces for at least one minute in a 5% solution (by volume) of dishwashing detergent or salt (7 ounces of detergent or salt added to a gallon of water).
-- Bleach: Soak or spray all surfaces for at least one minute in a 2% solution (by volume) of household bleach (3 ounces of bleach per gallon of water).
-- Hot water: Soak for at least one minute in very hot water (140 degrees F – hotter than most tap water) or for at least 20 minutes in water kept at 115 degrees F (uncomfortable to touch).
For absorbent items, longer soaking times are required. Use these methods:
-- Hot water: Soak for at least 40 minutes in water kept above 115 degrees F.
-- Hot water plus detergent: Soak for 30 minutes in hot water kept above 115 degrees F, containing 5% dishwashing detergent.
Dry – If cleaning is not practical, after the item is completely dry to the touch, wait an additional 48 hours before contact or use in any new waterway. Check thick, absorbent items closely to assure that they are dry throughout. Equipment and gear can also be placed in a freezer until all moisture is frozen solid.
NOTE: If cleaning, drying or freezing is not practical, restrict equipment use to a single water body. DEC encourages anglers to consider alternatives to felt-soled waders such as rubber studded boots.
ALSO, it is especially important that any gear used out of state be treated before use in New York waters.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Upcoming Music Event
Rick Altman & David Oliver
special guest violinist Miriam Rose
An Evening Of New Music For Vibes and Marimbas
Inspired by Jazz, Folk, Ska, Afro-Cuban
and many other World musics.
Sunday June 7th, 7-9:00 PM
the Muddy Cup/Inquiring Mind
coffehouse & bookstore
65 Partition St, Saugerties, NY 845 246-5775
www.myspace.com/muddycupsaugerties
FREE
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Want A Bucket?
"Want a bucket of fish to take to the stream?" That is the refrain I heard quite a lot yesterday. It came from the Woodland Trout Fund folks who were out stocking. I always feel that the season of sun and fun has finally started when I spy them motoring down Woodland Valley Road with their aquatic cargo. Many people turned out to help carry the trout down to their new home in the Woodland Valley Creek. Everyone seemed to have a great time. Kudos to the Mike O'Neil and his crew especially the refreshment folks who followed along and kept everyone hydrated.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Pot Luck at the Menla Center
The full Woodland Community Association summer fun schedule will be released shortly but there is one thing I want to tell you about now so you can all mark your calendars. On Sunday June 14th at 3:00 pm the Menla Center has graciously agreed to co-host another potluck dinner with the WCA. Last year we had a great time getting to know the folks at the center and I am sure this year's event will be just as fun. So save the date!!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Holistic Community Clinic
This just in from WCA member Julia Rose.
The next free holistic community clinic will be held on Wednesday, June 3 from 4-8pm at the Phoenicia Healing Arts Center.
This time we will have:
acupuncture, energy psychology, flower essences, homeopathy, reflexology, reiki, and shiatsu.
As always, treatments are free, but donations are much appreciated.
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED - call 688-2323.
Also, Phoenicia Phirst Phriday is hosting our organization, Healthcare is a Human Right, at their next event on Friday, June 5. Proceeds will help to fund our clinics. Please join us there for a good time and a good cause!
Please pass this email on to any and all.
Julia Rose, L.Ac
Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Tui Na Massage
845-688-2323
The next free holistic community clinic will be held on Wednesday, June 3 from 4-8pm at the Phoenicia Healing Arts Center.
This time we will have:
acupuncture, energy psychology, flower essences, homeopathy, reflexology, reiki, and shiatsu.
As always, treatments are free, but donations are much appreciated.
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED - call 688-2323.
Also, Phoenicia Phirst Phriday is hosting our organization, Healthcare is a Human Right, at their next event on Friday, June 5. Proceeds will help to fund our clinics. Please join us there for a good time and a good cause!
Please pass this email on to any and all.
Julia Rose, L.Ac
Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Tui Na Massage
845-688-2323
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Knotweed Pull
This just in from Michael Courtney of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County. Since the lower part of the Woodland Valley Stream is plagued with knotweed I thought many of you would be interested.
Got Knotweed?
It’s big! It’s green! It’s overgrown! People with Japanese knotweed in their backyard or on a stream bank know how invasive this plant can be and how hard it is to get rid of. The volunteer stream stewards with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County are taking on this problematic plant by inviting residents to “Knotweed- Pull Day.” The event features a hands-on class on how to control Japanese knotweed at a knotweed demonstration site on the corner of Corner of Bridge St. and High St. in Phoenicia on Saturday, May 30th, from 9:30am to 12:30pm. The stewards are inviting you to bring in a pulled-up and bagged knotweed plant (get the entire root!) and you’ll receive a free native winterberry (holly) bush to plant (while supplies last). The class will cover cutting and digging, drying the cuttings, cases for herbicide application, and restoring native plants. Participants should come prepared to learn by doing. Bring workgloves, loppers and good shoes.
Why is knotweed a problem? Left unchecked, knotweed can take over large areas, crowding out native plants. Lose the native plants, and you also lose habitat for insects or birds that rely on native plants for reproduction or food. Knotweed also can increase erosion It grows bamboo-like stems which die off each year, wedging “holes” into streamside soils making them less stable.
“The stream stewards are especially reaching out to residents with knotweed in the upper parts of the hollows which are still relatively knotweed-free,” said Michael Courtney, Community Educator for Cooperative Extension’s Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program. “Since knotweed spreads downstream mainly by broken off pieces of the plant, eradicating the furthest upstream locations of knotweed will keep pristine downstream sections knotweed-free.” In areas like the Esopus where knotweed is already widespread, the strategy is mainly to contain colonies from spreading further and cut them back as best as you can.
The stream stewards strongly emphasize that before you decide to start cutting knotweed, have a plan for safely containing the cuttings! You need to bag and landfill it or dry it in a contained area and then burn it. Small pieces of root as small as a half inch can start a whole new colony! Call the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program for assistance if you need help with creating containers.
The knotweed control class is free and open to anyone. To RSVP or for more information contact Michael Courtney at (845) 688-3047 or mcc55@cornell.edu.
Calendar listing:
Got Knotweed? Knotweed Pull Day
Saturday, May 30, 9:30am 12:30pm
Phoenicia: Corner of Bridge St. and High St.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County will lead a hands-on class for residents on how to control invasive Japanese knotweed plants. Bring in a pulled-up and bagged knotweed plant (get all of the root!) and receive a free native winterberry (holly) bush to plant (while supplies last). FREE EVENT. RSVP to Michael Courtney at (845) 688-3047 or mcc55@cornell.edu. Bring work gloves, sturdy shoes, loppers and/or cutters
Michael Courtney
Extension Educator
Ashokan Basin Stream Management Plan
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County
10 Westbrook Lane
Kingston, NY 12401
email: mcc55@cornell.edu
Phone: 845.340.3990
Fax: 845.340.3993
CCE-Shandaken Office (no mail please)
6375 Rte 28 Phoenicia, NY
Phone: 845.688.3047
"If you're going to live by the river, make friends with the crocodile"
-Indian Proverb
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
More Poetry from Mike O'Neil
HOW SO BEAUTIFUL
How could we ever have been so beautiful?
We were of course, for the yearbook tells us so.
That was long ago—the book is old and frayed—
And so am I.
Perhaps anon some sentimental grandchild,
Will pull it from the trash heap as a curiosity,
And wonder at its black and white representations,
After I’ve been rendered into dust.
There is PaPa, he or she might say in wonder,
On page 22, dancing with a beautiful girl,
And on page 69, wrestling with muscles straining,
Who could have believed such a thing?
Boreegard AKA Mike O'Neil
May 10, 2009
How could we ever have been so beautiful?
We were of course, for the yearbook tells us so.
That was long ago—the book is old and frayed—
And so am I.
Perhaps anon some sentimental grandchild,
Will pull it from the trash heap as a curiosity,
And wonder at its black and white representations,
After I’ve been rendered into dust.
There is PaPa, he or she might say in wonder,
On page 22, dancing with a beautiful girl,
And on page 69, wrestling with muscles straining,
Who could have believed such a thing?
Boreegard AKA Mike O'Neil
May 10, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Astronomy Club
This just in from some WCA members looking to form a new club.
Now Forming
Astronomy Club
study the stars, make friends, gaze at the night sky
fun projects, learn about the planets, share your ideas
contact Miriam & Lauren
688-7573
Now Forming
Astronomy Club
study the stars, make friends, gaze at the night sky
fun projects, learn about the planets, share your ideas
contact Miriam & Lauren
688-7573
Saturday, May 16, 2009
50 Main - A Community Store
A few months ago I told you all that the Tibetan store had closed. In it's place is a brand new store called 50 Main. It is a community store and sells items that are locally made. Alan and Lynn Fleigal own the new shop. You will find a wide selection of their Baby Toes clothing line there as well as other locally made products including Jane's ice cream. Alan also features a selection of his comic books for sale. Go in and check it out!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Wren's Nest
Also in town along the boardwalk is The Wren's Nest. A lovely store featuring everything you ever wanted to feed the wonderful wild birds that frequent this area. Woodland Valley resident Nancy Heagle owns and operates this great little place. So while you are in town drop in and check it out.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
New Store in Phoenicia - Threads of Time
A new store has opened in Phoenicia called Threads of Time. It is run by Kim and Doug Houska. They feature unique handcrafted items (like Doug's one of a kind walking sticks), vintage clothing, jewelry, candles and antiques. Kim does all kinds of tailoring work for those of you looking to have something sewn or altered. She also makes upholstery and slip covers. Drop in and check out the place when you have a chance. It is on the boardwalk next to the Mystery Spot.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Monty Python Dinner Theatre
This just in from Cara Cruickshank and the Listen To Me Youth Theatre.
The Best of Monty Python
Dinner Theater Extravaganza
PHOENICIA, NY - MAY 15 &16 at 8pm and May 17 at 1pm & 6pm - Announcing The Listen To Me Youth Theater's Best of Monty Python Dinner Theater Extravaganza!
Arrive an hour before showtime and order dinner from our delicious menu provided by: The Peekamoose Restaurant, Cafe Mezzaluna, and Lucky Chocolates! Located at the Parish Hall, 109 Main Street, Phoenicia.
Starring students from Phoenicia Elementary, Woodstock Elementary, The Sudbury School, Onteora Central School, and Kingston High School. Directed by Cara Cruickshank
Show Tickets: $10 for adults, $7 for kids
Dinner with the Show: Price varies by menu choice
General Seating: Doors open 1 hour before showtime.
To order tickets, contact: (845) 688-2068 or storydanz@yahoo.com
About The Listen To Me Youth Theater
Based in Phoenicia N.Y., The Listen To Me Youth Theater serves children and teens of all ages and backgrounds throughout the Hudson Valley. Our mission is to provide affordable performing arts opportunities for local youth that inspire and invite children and teens to build community, develop their talents and creativity, express themselves as individuals, and be powerful and creative thinkers.
The Best of Monty Python
Dinner Theater Extravaganza
PHOENICIA, NY - MAY 15 &16 at 8pm and May 17 at 1pm & 6pm - Announcing The Listen To Me Youth Theater's Best of Monty Python Dinner Theater Extravaganza!
Arrive an hour before showtime and order dinner from our delicious menu provided by: The Peekamoose Restaurant, Cafe Mezzaluna, and Lucky Chocolates! Located at the Parish Hall, 109 Main Street, Phoenicia.
Starring students from Phoenicia Elementary, Woodstock Elementary, The Sudbury School, Onteora Central School, and Kingston High School. Directed by Cara Cruickshank
Show Tickets: $10 for adults, $7 for kids
Dinner with the Show: Price varies by menu choice
General Seating: Doors open 1 hour before showtime.
To order tickets, contact: (845) 688-2068 or storydanz@yahoo.com
About The Listen To Me Youth Theater
Based in Phoenicia N.Y., The Listen To Me Youth Theater serves children and teens of all ages and backgrounds throughout the Hudson Valley. Our mission is to provide affordable performing arts opportunities for local youth that inspire and invite children and teens to build community, develop their talents and creativity, express themselves as individuals, and be powerful and creative thinkers.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Brook Trout Forum - May 17th
I just received this message from WCA member Nat Gillespie and I wanted to get it up to the blog as soon as possible so that the fisherman in the valley could plan on attending.
"I am leading a brook trout forum next Sunday at the Center for Conservation and Development in Arkville. I think that some folks would be interested in learning more about the only native trout to the Catskills that is viewed as the best indicator of excellent water quality and an intact ecosystem."
- Nat
BROOK TROUT IN THE
CATSKILL MOUNTAIN REGION
Come Learn the Latest on the Catskills’ Most Beautiful Native Fish
The Past & Future of Brook Trout in the Catskills
Environmental Threats to Brook Trout
Brook Trout Management
Water Quality Indicators
A PUBLIC FORUM
MAY 17, 2009
2 PM - 4 PM
THE CATSKILL CENTER, RT. 28
ARKVILLE, NY
Panelists:
Nat Gillespie - Fisheries Scientist, Trout Unlimited
Mike Flaherty - Fisheries Manager, NYS DEC Region 3
Ed Van Put - Principal Fish & Wildlife Technician, NYS DEC Region 3, Author of Trout Fishing in the Catskills
Barry Baldigo - Research Scientist, US Geological Survey
This forum is presented by The Catskill Center
Celebrating forty years of education, cultural programming, and sustainable planning for the protection of the Catskill Mountain Region
catskillcenter.org
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Unitard Comedy Hits Joe's Pub May 19th!
Woodland Valley's own David Ilku is performing with Unitard at Joe's Pub in Manhattan. Here are all the details. It looks like great fun. I encourage anyone who will be in the city on that night to attend!
Tues, May 19 9:30 p.m.
Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette Street
TICKETS
$20 advance, $25 at door
Take your mind off the tanking economy with an hour of irreverence and caustic comedy!
UNITARD, the wildly twisted, brilliantly outspoken, hilariously fecund, tested, ready, now comedy group comes to Joe's Pub, Tues, May 19th at 9:30 p.m.
Mike Albo (author of the Underminer), Nora Burns (Nellie Olesons) and David Ilku (Duelling Bankheads) aka Unitard are bringing their latest loose-lipped comedy show to Joe's Pub. Come for cocktails, stay for druggy celeb impressions, fashion psychics, YouTube take-offs, evil social commentary and political dish.
Unitard has played Fez, Marque and Joe's Pub in NYC, Highways and the HBO Showcase, LA, We're Funny That Way Comedy Festival, Toronto, The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, SF Gay and Lesbian Center, and the Boston Center for the Arts. They have also separately been seen and heard on NPR, Logo, Bravo and the silver screen.
"Go see this!, a satirical triumph with no time to apologize for it's hipness"
- The Boston Globe
"Comic gold!"
- Boston Herald
"You'll wet yourself, a saucy romp who's stars should be on Saturday Night Live"
- Michael Musto, The Village Voice
"The very definition of edge"
- Bay Windows
"A good rip fest, that's even nastier than high school"
- Time Out NY
More info at Neocomedy.com/Unitard or MySpace.com/unitardcomedy
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Happy Birthday Doris & Dakin
After posting Dakin's poetry yesterday I found out that he and Doris are both celebrating birthdays. Doris had her 70th last Thursday April 30th and Dakin's 71st is this Saturday May 9th. They sent me this photo from their joint birthday celebration at the Reservoir Inn. Best wishes to both of them from all of us in the Woodland Community Association!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Spring Poetry
Here is a bit of seasonal peotry from WCA member Dakin Morehouse. Thanks Dakin!!
MAY’S PROMISE
By Dakin Morehouse
~ ~ ~ ~
‘Tis the merry merry month of May
When Mother Nature seems to stretch and say;
“Tis time for you little blossems one and all
To open up and stand real tall.”
For once again, as in all the years
She rousts Jack Frost as warm weather nears,
Coddling and coaxing each sleepy flower
To aromatically blaze forth in pattern and color.
“Tis time for my every living thing
To waken to the dance of spring.
Each seed must sprout from whence its fallen,
For my Bees need necter to trade for pollen.
My fledglings, cubs and kits and fawn
Each join the dance to celebrate the dawn
Of yet another fine summer to grow and play
Beginning with this month of May.”
How ‘mayday’ got it’s ominous call
I can't imagine, for to one and all,
On May Day the wonders just commence
With birthdays memories, love and romance.
So join together one and all!
Hear our Mother Nature's annual call
To celebrate the coming of Spring,
Another year - to dance and sing.
~ ~ ~
MAY’S PROMISE
By Dakin Morehouse
~ ~ ~ ~
‘Tis the merry merry month of May
When Mother Nature seems to stretch and say;
“Tis time for you little blossems one and all
To open up and stand real tall.”
For once again, as in all the years
She rousts Jack Frost as warm weather nears,
Coddling and coaxing each sleepy flower
To aromatically blaze forth in pattern and color.
“Tis time for my every living thing
To waken to the dance of spring.
Each seed must sprout from whence its fallen,
For my Bees need necter to trade for pollen.
My fledglings, cubs and kits and fawn
Each join the dance to celebrate the dawn
Of yet another fine summer to grow and play
Beginning with this month of May.”
How ‘mayday’ got it’s ominous call
I can't imagine, for to one and all,
On May Day the wonders just commence
With birthdays memories, love and romance.
So join together one and all!
Hear our Mother Nature's annual call
To celebrate the coming of Spring,
Another year - to dance and sing.
~ ~ ~
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Beautiful Flowers
There is a beautiful display of tulips blooming right now in front of the Phoenicia sign at the entrance to town on Rt. 28. These flowers were planted by WCA member Ted French. Outstanding job, Ted!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Fire and Ice
Here is another interesting post from WCA member Paul Misko. Thanks Paul!
Decided to take a hike last weekend, one that I've wanted to do for a while. It involved retracing the route taken by John Burroughs, and one which went went way up Woodland creek, then followed a ridge up to the col between Cornell Mtn. and Slide, and thence up to Slide's summit. The forecast was for full sun and temps into the mid 80's. We left about 10 a.m. and headed upstream and within an hour came to the proper ridge to follow. With the easy part out of the way, we now began the steep ascent. The sun and wind were both hot and finally reaching a stand of hemlocks brought welcomed shade. After 2500 ft. elevation began a series of small ledges that had to be out-manuvered , a task made more difficult by the ever increasing amount of snow and ice. The snow did provide a great way to cool off though, if only temporarily, and carrying a snowball made the cooling system portable. Reaching the top of the ridge brought us into full sun, and uncomfortable heat, but the snow and ice returned to the trail as we neared the final steep approach to the summit. Ice, rocks, and mud made up the trail for the next half hour, while the hot sun waited for us on the mountain top. An occasional breeze kept the black flies away. After a late lunch and chat with other hikers, we proceeded down the state trail toward Winnisook. This section too was packed with snow and ice for the first mile until we left the shady balsams behind and did the remainder in hot sun. A day of sunburn, near frostbite, wildflowers and bird songs of early spring. A day for all the senses to come alive.
Pablo
