- Carol
Saturday, October 31, 2009
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
- Carol
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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!!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Shandaken Food Pantry
Recently Elizabeth Holland Kern contacted me regarding putting something up on this blog regarding The Shandaken Food Pantry. Here is her message. I think it is important in these hard economic times to support efforts like this in our community. Below are details on how to donate to them or get food if you are in need.
"The Shandaken Food Pantry recently changed its schedule from every Thursday to only the last Thursday of the month, from 10am-12pm. I called Jane Todd, who runs the pantry, and she said its hours were cut due to diminishing funds and contributions. The pantry depends on $2000 per year from the Town Budget, several small fund-raising activities, cash contributions, and food donations. The number of people who visit the Pantry has grown from 7 or 8 people a week in Fall 2008 to 27 or 28 people a week in Fall 2009. Many of those people have families. Jane said “the need is outrageous; it's awful.” She hopes this will be a temporary cutback in services.
If you are in need, you qualify to use the Food Pantry. Jane said they ask about income, but don't require proof. Even people who have an income above poverty level at times qualify for short-term help because of illness in the family that may prevent someone from working.
If you wish to donate money, send a check made out to Shandaken Food Pantry to:
Shandaken Food Pantry
c/o Town Clerk
PO Box 67
Allaben, NY 12480
You can easily drop of a donation of food, etc., at the Methodist Church Hall in Phoenicia. On a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday when the Thrift Shop is open, just go upstairs and leave your donation by the door at the back of the room. Jane suggested that in addition to food, you could donate items that are not covered by Food Stamps: toilet paper, paper towels, detergent, and personal hygene articles such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap.
The Food Pantry is located in Phoenicia and it serves all residents of Shandaken.
- Elizabeth Holland Kern
Thanks Elizabeth for making us aware of this need!
"The Shandaken Food Pantry recently changed its schedule from every Thursday to only the last Thursday of the month, from 10am-12pm. I called Jane Todd, who runs the pantry, and she said its hours were cut due to diminishing funds and contributions. The pantry depends on $2000 per year from the Town Budget, several small fund-raising activities, cash contributions, and food donations. The number of people who visit the Pantry has grown from 7 or 8 people a week in Fall 2008 to 27 or 28 people a week in Fall 2009. Many of those people have families. Jane said “the need is outrageous; it's awful.” She hopes this will be a temporary cutback in services.
If you are in need, you qualify to use the Food Pantry. Jane said they ask about income, but don't require proof. Even people who have an income above poverty level at times qualify for short-term help because of illness in the family that may prevent someone from working.
If you wish to donate money, send a check made out to Shandaken Food Pantry to:
Shandaken Food Pantry
c/o Town Clerk
PO Box 67
Allaben, NY 12480
You can easily drop of a donation of food, etc., at the Methodist Church Hall in Phoenicia. On a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday when the Thrift Shop is open, just go upstairs and leave your donation by the door at the back of the room. Jane suggested that in addition to food, you could donate items that are not covered by Food Stamps: toilet paper, paper towels, detergent, and personal hygene articles such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap.
The Food Pantry is located in Phoenicia and it serves all residents of Shandaken.
- Elizabeth Holland Kern
Thanks Elizabeth for making us aware of this need!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Woodland Valley View turns 2!!!
The Woodland Valley View turns 2 years old!! Thanks to everyone in the valley who has participated in making this blog a great success!! It has exceeded my expectations in every way. I couldn't keep this site without the members of the community that help to provide content. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who sends me history, poetry, current events, photos and all the other things that make this site worth reading. This really is a community effort. Let's keep the fun going and the lines of communication open. Via la Woodland Valley View!!!!!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Fun With New Digital Camera
WCA member Dennis Havel has been having a lot of fun with his brand new digital SLR. Since discovering the amazing capabilities of his new equipment he has been documenting the many wonderful animals and other things right in his own backyard. He sent me these photos today to contribute to the blog. Thanks for sharing your new photography work with us Dennis!!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
John Misko Passes
John Misko, Age 93, died September 25, 2009. Born in Passaic NJ and residing in Clifton NJ before retiring. John was a Hose Department Supervisor for Uniroyal in Passaic for 30 years. John was a member of the United Reformed Church, Clifton. He first started fishing in the Phoenicia area and was an avid fly fisherman since his youth and an avid hiker until the early 1990's. John was involved with the Boy Scout Troop 3 for over 40 years and received the Silver Beaver Award for outstanding service. He was a WWII U.S. Navy Veteran having served aboard the Destroyer U.S.S. Charles S. Sperry and obtained rank of Torpedoman Secon Class and received five battle stars. He spent half of his honeymoon in the 1950's in Ray's Cabins. He then purchased a home in the 1960's in Woodland Valley to enjoy with his wife and 3 boys. He also enjoyed many outings with his Boy Scout Troop camping up at the cabin. He was fortunately able to spend time with his grandchildren in the cabin as well. Predeceased by his beloved wife Lorraine Pohler (2004). John is survived by three sons, John Paul Misko and his wife Ann Marie, H. Misko and his wife Kathy, Paul Misko and six grandchildren: Aeriol, Johnny, Pamela, Skylynn, JP Jr. and Loriann. They love him very much and will miss him dearly.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Mike's Favorite Meatloaf
Since we are moving into the cold weather rather quickly this year this recipe sounds like it will both fill the stomach and warm the house. Thanks for sending it to us Bo!!
Boreegard Reconstructs the Old Family Meatloaf
My wife was once the warder and keeper of a medium sized black 3-ring binder full of inexpensive white lined sheets of paper, on which eventually all our early family recipes were written. It was a wonderful hodgepodge of ways to stretch a dollar. You could easily thumb through it and find anything from soup to goulash, to pumpkin pie (both Ed Nuttall’s rum pie and our non-boozy one—oddly, the non-rum one was much nicer), to the mainstay of all American family meals—MEATLOAF.
We had several recipes for meatloaf. My favorite was the one titled MIKE’S FAVORITE MEATLOAF. Go figure.
This venerable compendium eventually collected the stains of use—spatters of butter, drops of gravy, sauces and indiscriminate juices, all long since dried. I always thought of them as honorable proofs of an active kitchen. But the hausfrau of the household was not so sentimental, and noted too that the binding was both cruddy and hanging by a thread. I volunteered to repair it with duct tape, but for some reason that would not do.
Thus began a project to transcribe the holy writ into the mechanical bowels of our computer. Its gut is so deeply mysterious in fact, that we can’t find MIKE’S FAVORITE MEATLOAF, nor any of the rest of them either. Someday we hope to.
But in the meantime, tonight I have put memory to the test, and I give you, as best I can, the reconstructed version of my meatloaf. I vouch that it is very very close to the ancient receipt.
INGREDIENTS
Group A
Half an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
One large egg—beaten.
A medium onion—chopped finely.
One cup of bread crumbs.
1-½ pounds of ground beef.
A handful of dried parsley
1 tsp. dried dill weed.
2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese.
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper
GROUP B
1-cup beef broth brought to a boil.
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce.
1 tsp. gray poupon mustard.
4 oz. of tomato sauce.
2 tbsp. molasses
TO DO
Combine A. and make into a loaf. Place in an appropriate baking pan or Pyrex dish, and place in a 350-degree oven.
Combine B. and use generously as a basting sauce every 10 or 15 minutes.
Bake for one to one and a half hours.
Let sit for ten or so minutes.
Slice and serve with the mashed potatoes you’ll certainly want as an accompaniment, along with the pan drippings as a gravy.
My favorite. Hope you like too.
Bo aka Mike O'Neil
Boreegard Reconstructs the Old Family Meatloaf
My wife was once the warder and keeper of a medium sized black 3-ring binder full of inexpensive white lined sheets of paper, on which eventually all our early family recipes were written. It was a wonderful hodgepodge of ways to stretch a dollar. You could easily thumb through it and find anything from soup to goulash, to pumpkin pie (both Ed Nuttall’s rum pie and our non-boozy one—oddly, the non-rum one was much nicer), to the mainstay of all American family meals—MEATLOAF.
We had several recipes for meatloaf. My favorite was the one titled MIKE’S FAVORITE MEATLOAF. Go figure.
This venerable compendium eventually collected the stains of use—spatters of butter, drops of gravy, sauces and indiscriminate juices, all long since dried. I always thought of them as honorable proofs of an active kitchen. But the hausfrau of the household was not so sentimental, and noted too that the binding was both cruddy and hanging by a thread. I volunteered to repair it with duct tape, but for some reason that would not do.
Thus began a project to transcribe the holy writ into the mechanical bowels of our computer. Its gut is so deeply mysterious in fact, that we can’t find MIKE’S FAVORITE MEATLOAF, nor any of the rest of them either. Someday we hope to.
But in the meantime, tonight I have put memory to the test, and I give you, as best I can, the reconstructed version of my meatloaf. I vouch that it is very very close to the ancient receipt.
INGREDIENTS
Group A
Half an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
One large egg—beaten.
A medium onion—chopped finely.
One cup of bread crumbs.
1-½ pounds of ground beef.
A handful of dried parsley
1 tsp. dried dill weed.
2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese.
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper
GROUP B
1-cup beef broth brought to a boil.
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce.
1 tsp. gray poupon mustard.
4 oz. of tomato sauce.
2 tbsp. molasses
TO DO
Combine A. and make into a loaf. Place in an appropriate baking pan or Pyrex dish, and place in a 350-degree oven.
Combine B. and use generously as a basting sauce every 10 or 15 minutes.
Bake for one to one and a half hours.
Let sit for ten or so minutes.
Slice and serve with the mashed potatoes you’ll certainly want as an accompaniment, along with the pan drippings as a gravy.
My favorite. Hope you like too.
Bo aka Mike O'Neil
Friday, October 16, 2009
A Bit of Early Snow
I didn't think that I would have to be posting about the weather again so early in the fall season but it snowed lightly on and off all day yesterday. This morning I woke up to about a quarter of an inch in patches across my property and in the trees. There was none down in town when I was there but higher in the valley it lingered until mid-morning before it all melted. The roads are all perfectly clear. It is overcast now but not snowing. The temperatures have been in the 30's and 40's but are supposed to rise and go back into the 50's by Tuesday next week. As far as I am concerned this is WAY too early for it to be snowing. I hope this is not the first sign of a hard winter to come!!!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Meet the Candidates - October 17th
So, since all of the WCA members are planning to vote in the upcoming November elections, Saturday is your chance to come out and have your questions answered by the candidates. The Mid-Hudson League of Women Voters will be moderating a "Meet The Candidates" event at 1:30pm in the Shandaken Town Hall on Rt 28 in Allaben. The moderator will be Cindy Bell of the League. The audience will write questions on index cards and are instructed not to include statements, personal remarks or issues. The moderator will select the questions, clarify for better understanding and edit to avoid inappropriate or repeat issues. It is important in this small town that we all take the time to find out the views of the people we are electing. See you Saturday at the town hall!!!
Meet the Candidates
Sponsored by the Phoenicia Times
Moderated by the League of Women Voters
Saturday October 17th, 1:30pm
Town Hall
Meet the Candidates
Sponsored by the Phoenicia Times
Moderated by the League of Women Voters
Saturday October 17th, 1:30pm
Town Hall
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Lutenist Carver Blanchard At ESRM
WCA member and ESRM President Dakin Morehouse sent me this message to announce the benefit concert this coming Saturday at the Railway Museum. Check it out. I think it will be great!!
- LUTENIST -
CARVER BLANCHARD
~ ~ ~
In Concert at the Phoenicia RR Station
October 17 at 7:30
In the 400 year old Renaissance Lute playing tradition
Carver adapts 19th century music ranging from the
Rousing to the Sentimental in his repertoire
At this benefit for the Empire State Railway Museum.
Saturday, October 17 at 7:30 - $5.00 donation
70 Lower High Street, Phoenicia, NY
Carver was Lutenist for the Smithsonian Institute, teaches at Wesleyan University and is director of the Fernwood Center for Performing Arts in Elka Park, NY
Directions to the Phoenicia RR Station .. (Empire State Railway Museum)
Driving West on Rt 28 - Take the First Right (1/4 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.
Women's Cycling Article About Boo Bicycles
Woodland Community Association members James and Lam Wolf got even more good press this week in Women's Cycling magazine. Their Boo Bicycles were featured in an article that came out yesterday. To read the full article follow the link below. Congratulations to James and Lam for all the positive buzz that their product is generating!!
Women's Cycling Magazine - Boo Bicycles
Women's Cycling Magazine - Boo Bicycles
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The WV Hikers - Hike to Wittenberg
This just in from Paul Misko about the hike he led last Sunday.
Hike to Wittenberg:
"After the weather forecasts were evaluated, a wise decision was made to change the hike from Saturday to Sunday, which also gave the trail a day to dry out. Sunday provided more sun and less wind, but it was still quite chilly at times. Climbing a mountain is warm work, so the cool weather was welcomed on the way up. We started up the trail near the campsite, which quickly gets steep, and continues that way for quite a while. This rocky trail is difficult even on this dry day, and we still had plenty of muddy patches to skate around. We eventually came to the Terrace Mtn. junction, where we guzzled cups of hot tea and coffee and devoured fresh donuts, while historians Paul and Jay shared facts about the tanning industry, and the Simpson family. It was a real honor having a real live Simpson with us. With bellies and ears full, we began the last leg of the hike, which took us up the old carriage road. The way soon became much steeper, but with teamwork we overcame every obstacle that the mountain threw in our path. Though we could not see the summit, we could hear the wind whipping through the balsams. The occasional ray of sun felt warm and friendly. Finally near the top, hike leader Paul veered off to the side, down and around, until all were sure he was lost, then we suddenly popped out at "Bear Cave". Despite its name, it really isn't a cave, and there is no record of anyone seeing a bear in it. Typical Catskill nomenclature. This is a favorite hangout for porcupines, and some couples have even spent their honeymoon in it. After lunch, Paul brought out several old photos of folks at the cave, some from the 1890's! We then packed up, climbed up to the summit, took another long drought of view, and then began our descent. See any wildlife? Of course! We just missed a possible glimpse of a bear, then quite nearly came close to seeing a mountain lion, and I think someone almost stepped on a weasel. The hike was grand, and later received rave reviews."
- Paul Misko
Monday, October 12, 2009
Absentee Ballot Reminder
Greetings WCA Members,
The date for registering for the November 3rd election has passed. But, for those of you who are already registered, I would like to remind you once again to apply for an absentee ballot if you are going to be out of town on that day. Applications are available at www.voteulster.com or by calling the Board of Elections at (845) 334-5470.
I received an email form the Ulster County Board of Elections saying that they would start mailing absentee ballots beginning on October 15th. Applications for absentee ballots must be postmarked by October 27th. Individuals my apply in person at the Board of Elections through Monday, November 2nd. You can also call the Board of Elections if you have any questions. Once again, that number is (845) 334-5470.
The Board of Elections will also be open extended hours to pick up absentee ballot applications on the following dates:
Tuesday, October 20th (open 9 am - 7 pm)
Thursday, October 22nd (open 9 am - 7 pm)
Saturday, October 24th (open 9 am - 12 pm)
Tuesday, October 27th (open 9 am - 7 pm)
Thursday, October 29th (open 9 am - 7 pm)
Saturday, October 31st (open 9 am - 12 pm)
Please make your voices heard and vote locally!!!!
Best,
Carol Seitz
The date for registering for the November 3rd election has passed. But, for those of you who are already registered, I would like to remind you once again to apply for an absentee ballot if you are going to be out of town on that day. Applications are available at www.voteulster.com or by calling the Board of Elections at (845) 334-5470.
I received an email form the Ulster County Board of Elections saying that they would start mailing absentee ballots beginning on October 15th. Applications for absentee ballots must be postmarked by October 27th. Individuals my apply in person at the Board of Elections through Monday, November 2nd. You can also call the Board of Elections if you have any questions. Once again, that number is (845) 334-5470.
The Board of Elections will also be open extended hours to pick up absentee ballot applications on the following dates:
Tuesday, October 20th (open 9 am - 7 pm)
Thursday, October 22nd (open 9 am - 7 pm)
Saturday, October 24th (open 9 am - 12 pm)
Tuesday, October 27th (open 9 am - 7 pm)
Thursday, October 29th (open 9 am - 7 pm)
Saturday, October 31st (open 9 am - 12 pm)
Please make your voices heard and vote locally!!!!
Best,
Carol Seitz
Good Press for Boo Bicycles
James and Lam Wolf got some excellent press for their BooBicycles at the Interbike show. Check out what Tech News has to say about them.
Tech News
Saturday, October 10, 2009
The James Bond Maritini
The following was sent to us by Mike O'Neil.
"For those of you interested in cocktails, especially the martini--as am I, the following may be of interest. Roger and Mary Sullivan and I, old friends, were having dinner at Ricciardella's in Phoenicia NY the other night when the subject of James Bond came up. We pondered over the exact recipe of his famous martini which he insisted be shaken, not stirred (an apostasy for most martini drinkers schooled in the proper way). Neither of us, it turned out, could remember 007's exact recipe, which he eventually called the "Vesper." Here it is. I'm going to make one tomorrow.
The James Bond Martini Recipe - from Casino Royale
Casino Royale was written by Ian Fleming as the first ever James Bond book in 1953. Ian was a commander who worked with naval intelligence in the war - he really did lead a life of high stake gambling in exotic locations. He wrote this book from his homestead "Goldeneye" in Jamaica.
When Bond first meets some French agents, he orders for them. The guy gets a "fine a l'eau" - a classic cocktail of Cognac and water. The girl gets a "Bacardi" rum. It doesn't say that James gets anything for himself. The first drink we see James drink is a straight whisky 'on the rocks' (quotes theirs) in his room.
Next, in the casino, we get the first ever description of his classic drink. Here's the verbatim text from the book:
"Bond insisted on ordering Leither's Haig-and-Haig 'on the rocks' and then he looked carefully at the barman.
'A dry martini,' he said. 'One. In a deep champagne goblet.'
'Oui, monsieur.'
'Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's gin, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. [this is not vermouth - see below] Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?'
'Certainly, monsieur.' The barman seemed pleasant with the idea.
'Gosh that's certainly a drink,' said Leiter.
Bond laughed. 'When I'm ... er ... concentrating.' he explained, 'I never have more than one drink before dinner. But I do like that one to be large and very strong and very cold and very well-made. I hate small portions of anything, particularly when they taste bad. This drink's my own invention. I'm going to patent it when I can think of a good name.'
He watched carefully as the deep glass became frosted with the pale golden drink, slightly aerated by the bruising of the shaker. He reached for it and took a long sip.
'Excellent,' he said to the barman, 'but if you can get a vodka made with grain instead of potatoes, you will find it still better.'
A short while later when he's sharing a carafe of vodka, nestled in a bowl of crushed ice, with the female agent, he learns her name is Vesper. He says:
'Can I borrow it?' He explained about the special martini he had invented and his search for a name for it. 'The Vesper,' he said. 'It sounds perfect and it's very appropriate to the violet hour when my cocktail will now be drunk all over the world. Can I have it?'
Note: Lillet Kina is a wine-based drink that has quinine in it. Kina refers to the Kina Kina (quinquina) tree where quinine comes from. In fact back in the James Bond days it was VERY bitter and the entire drink would have been quite bitter. They changed the formula in the mid-80s to have less quinine, and now it comes in "Lillet Blanc" and "Lillet Rouge". They're made in Podensac, in France. Technically they are "French aperitif wines". They are a blend of wine grapes, oranges, orange peels and quinine.
Vermouth, on the other hand, is a fortified wine - i.e. wine kicked up with heavy alcohol. They then add in herbs and spices. The main types of vermouth are dry vermouth, sweet red vermouth, and white vermouth."
Mike O’Neil
Woodland Valley
"For those of you interested in cocktails, especially the martini--as am I, the following may be of interest. Roger and Mary Sullivan and I, old friends, were having dinner at Ricciardella's in Phoenicia NY the other night when the subject of James Bond came up. We pondered over the exact recipe of his famous martini which he insisted be shaken, not stirred (an apostasy for most martini drinkers schooled in the proper way). Neither of us, it turned out, could remember 007's exact recipe, which he eventually called the "Vesper." Here it is. I'm going to make one tomorrow.
The James Bond Martini Recipe - from Casino Royale
Casino Royale was written by Ian Fleming as the first ever James Bond book in 1953. Ian was a commander who worked with naval intelligence in the war - he really did lead a life of high stake gambling in exotic locations. He wrote this book from his homestead "Goldeneye" in Jamaica.
When Bond first meets some French agents, he orders for them. The guy gets a "fine a l'eau" - a classic cocktail of Cognac and water. The girl gets a "Bacardi" rum. It doesn't say that James gets anything for himself. The first drink we see James drink is a straight whisky 'on the rocks' (quotes theirs) in his room.
Next, in the casino, we get the first ever description of his classic drink. Here's the verbatim text from the book:
"Bond insisted on ordering Leither's Haig-and-Haig 'on the rocks' and then he looked carefully at the barman.
'A dry martini,' he said. 'One. In a deep champagne goblet.'
'Oui, monsieur.'
'Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's gin, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. [this is not vermouth - see below] Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?'
'Certainly, monsieur.' The barman seemed pleasant with the idea.
'Gosh that's certainly a drink,' said Leiter.
Bond laughed. 'When I'm ... er ... concentrating.' he explained, 'I never have more than one drink before dinner. But I do like that one to be large and very strong and very cold and very well-made. I hate small portions of anything, particularly when they taste bad. This drink's my own invention. I'm going to patent it when I can think of a good name.'
He watched carefully as the deep glass became frosted with the pale golden drink, slightly aerated by the bruising of the shaker. He reached for it and took a long sip.
'Excellent,' he said to the barman, 'but if you can get a vodka made with grain instead of potatoes, you will find it still better.'
A short while later when he's sharing a carafe of vodka, nestled in a bowl of crushed ice, with the female agent, he learns her name is Vesper. He says:
'Can I borrow it?' He explained about the special martini he had invented and his search for a name for it. 'The Vesper,' he said. 'It sounds perfect and it's very appropriate to the violet hour when my cocktail will now be drunk all over the world. Can I have it?'
Note: Lillet Kina is a wine-based drink that has quinine in it. Kina refers to the Kina Kina (quinquina) tree where quinine comes from. In fact back in the James Bond days it was VERY bitter and the entire drink would have been quite bitter. They changed the formula in the mid-80s to have less quinine, and now it comes in "Lillet Blanc" and "Lillet Rouge". They're made in Podensac, in France. Technically they are "French aperitif wines". They are a blend of wine grapes, oranges, orange peels and quinine.
Vermouth, on the other hand, is a fortified wine - i.e. wine kicked up with heavy alcohol. They then add in herbs and spices. The main types of vermouth are dry vermouth, sweet red vermouth, and white vermouth."
Mike O’Neil
Woodland Valley
Friday, October 9, 2009
Hope Machine at the ESRM
Hope Machine in Concert
at the Phoenicia Railway Museum
Sunday, October 11, 7:30 pm
$10 donation requested
RSVP to flyingcatmusic@gmail.com
or $12 at the door
Empire State Railway Museum, Lower High Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464
Contact: 845-688-9453 or flyingcatmusic@gmail.com
Flying Cat Music proudly presents the dynamic Hudson Valley performance and recording artists Hope Machine at the Empire State Railway Museum in Phoenicia on Sunday, October 11, at 7:30 pm. Hope Machine's name derives from a Woody Guthrie lyric, "a human being is, anyway, just a hoping machine," and their concerts meld intense contemporary folk music with traditional roots fire. Although most of the material performed is original, it is interwoven with classic Woody Guthrie revivals as piercing in their delivery now as the day Woody wrote them. The sum effect is a profoundly moving and invariably inspiring experience, leavened by ample measures of sincerity, wit, and audience exuberance.
Fred Gillen Jr. (of Gillen & Turk) and Steve Kirkman, two superb Hudson Valley singer songwriters who also sing and record outside of the group, form the core of Hope Machine. The band has an elastic roster with the ghost of Woody Guthrie sometimes listed as a performing member. On October 11, Hope Machine will feature an all star cast with Fred and Steve joined by Eric Puente on drums and special guest Abbie Gardner, of Red Molly, on lap guitar and dobro. Playing collectively, individually, or in other bands, these creative spirits have released nearly two dozen CD's. To fully appreciate the depth and range of talent that Hope Machine will bring to Phoenicia on October 11, visit the personal web sites of each of these musicians - be prepared to be impressed.
The Empire State Railway Museum is on Lower High Street. On Route 28 about one-quarter mile east of Phoenicia, turn at the brown "Railway Museum" sign. A donation of $10 will be requested from those who RSVP to flyingcatmusic@gmail.com and $12 from those who do not.
The Flying Cat Music Railway Museum Concerts present nationally and regionally acclaimed musicians in an exquisite and intimate acoustic setting.
at the Phoenicia Railway Museum
Sunday, October 11, 7:30 pm
$10 donation requested
RSVP to flyingcatmusic@gmail.com
or $12 at the door
Empire State Railway Museum, Lower High Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464
Contact: 845-688-9453 or flyingcatmusic@gmail.com
Flying Cat Music proudly presents the dynamic Hudson Valley performance and recording artists Hope Machine at the Empire State Railway Museum in Phoenicia on Sunday, October 11, at 7:30 pm. Hope Machine's name derives from a Woody Guthrie lyric, "a human being is, anyway, just a hoping machine," and their concerts meld intense contemporary folk music with traditional roots fire. Although most of the material performed is original, it is interwoven with classic Woody Guthrie revivals as piercing in their delivery now as the day Woody wrote them. The sum effect is a profoundly moving and invariably inspiring experience, leavened by ample measures of sincerity, wit, and audience exuberance.
Fred Gillen Jr. (of Gillen & Turk) and Steve Kirkman, two superb Hudson Valley singer songwriters who also sing and record outside of the group, form the core of Hope Machine. The band has an elastic roster with the ghost of Woody Guthrie sometimes listed as a performing member. On October 11, Hope Machine will feature an all star cast with Fred and Steve joined by Eric Puente on drums and special guest Abbie Gardner, of Red Molly, on lap guitar and dobro. Playing collectively, individually, or in other bands, these creative spirits have released nearly two dozen CD's. To fully appreciate the depth and range of talent that Hope Machine will bring to Phoenicia on October 11, visit the personal web sites of each of these musicians - be prepared to be impressed.
The Empire State Railway Museum is on Lower High Street. On Route 28 about one-quarter mile east of Phoenicia, turn at the brown "Railway Museum" sign. A donation of $10 will be requested from those who RSVP to flyingcatmusic@gmail.com and $12 from those who do not.
The Flying Cat Music Railway Museum Concerts present nationally and regionally acclaimed musicians in an exquisite and intimate acoustic setting.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Slide Mountain Hike
Here is a report from Paul Misko on the hike up to the top of Slide Mountain he led last weekend.
Hello Hikers and well-wishers,
Well, the we did it. We climbed Slide Mtn., the highest peak in the Catskills. First we had to ford the mighty West Branch of the Neversink. On the way up we fought gravity, the weather, altitude sickness, and every bear and mountain lion that came our way. We experienced a 15 degree drop in temp as we summited, and wondered if snow was imminent. Got some clear views both east and west. As we descended, we witnessed many unwise, ill-equipped hikers just beginning their hike up; way too late in the day for such a trek. I'm sure we'll find their bones in the spring.
Paul
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Phoenicia Library Calendar of Events
Since many, many of us here in the valley use the library frequently I thought I would post their October calendar of events.
PHOENICIA LIBRARY
OCTOBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
48 Main Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464 845-688-7811 phoenicialibrary@gmail.com
BOOK SALE / YARD SALE THIS WEEKEND
The library will hold a combined book and yard sale Saturday, Oct 10 (10 to 4), weather permitting, on Route 28 just past Woodland Valley Road. We’ll have over 1,000 books, most costing only 25 cents to $1, plus a selection of rare, antique and out-of-prints books at higher prices. Yard sale items include art, household items, furniture, clothing, toys and more. All proceeds will go to the library. Please stop by and pick up some great bargains!
MEET THE LETTER FRIENDS, a fun reading readiness and support program for children aged 3 to 5 that’s been proven to work, meets every Saturday during the school year at 11 am. This program introduces children to a new letter of the alphabet and its most frequently used sound, week by week, as part of a continuous story that keeps kids interested. Classes start October 17, but children are welcome to join at any time.
THE GEEK CLUB returns! This popular after-school program for kids interested in learning more about computers, photoshop, science and math will start on October 23. Jen Holz’s innovative, hands-on teaching style (she’s hoping to find someone to help the kids take a computer apart) makes kids enthusiastic about learning – I’ve seen kids actually run to class in order not to miss anything. The Geek Club will be meeting on Fridays after school and is open to those from about grades 4 through 12.
NEW! STORY HOUR Parents & Children - Join us at the Library for stories and simple crafts on Friday mornings at 11:00. Story Hour began October 2 and will run through November 20. (It will be resumed after the New Year if there has been sufficient interest.) Each week we'll read two or three picture books and then do a craft based on one of the story's themes. The program will be most appropriate for ages 2 to 5, but all are welcome. No need to register or reserve, just show up!
NEW RECOMMENDATION BOOK plus WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Always looking for something new to read? Within the next few days, we will have a binder at the front desk containing recommended book lists from the New York Times, Amazon and other sources. But we also want to hear what YOU think. So when you return a book to the library, please take a moment to jot down in the binder your opinion of the book, even if it’s just a word of two.
Are there any books you think we should add to our collection? Whether it’s one particular book or an author or an entire topics, please let us know! Just write it down in the binder. And if there are any programs that you would like us to offer (art, poetry, Scrabble, whatever), please write that down too.
PHOENICIA LIBRARY
OCTOBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
48 Main Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464 845-688-7811 phoenicialibrary@gmail.com
BOOK SALE / YARD SALE THIS WEEKEND
The library will hold a combined book and yard sale Saturday, Oct 10 (10 to 4), weather permitting, on Route 28 just past Woodland Valley Road. We’ll have over 1,000 books, most costing only 25 cents to $1, plus a selection of rare, antique and out-of-prints books at higher prices. Yard sale items include art, household items, furniture, clothing, toys and more. All proceeds will go to the library. Please stop by and pick up some great bargains!
MEET THE LETTER FRIENDS, a fun reading readiness and support program for children aged 3 to 5 that’s been proven to work, meets every Saturday during the school year at 11 am. This program introduces children to a new letter of the alphabet and its most frequently used sound, week by week, as part of a continuous story that keeps kids interested. Classes start October 17, but children are welcome to join at any time.
THE GEEK CLUB returns! This popular after-school program for kids interested in learning more about computers, photoshop, science and math will start on October 23. Jen Holz’s innovative, hands-on teaching style (she’s hoping to find someone to help the kids take a computer apart) makes kids enthusiastic about learning – I’ve seen kids actually run to class in order not to miss anything. The Geek Club will be meeting on Fridays after school and is open to those from about grades 4 through 12.
NEW! STORY HOUR Parents & Children - Join us at the Library for stories and simple crafts on Friday mornings at 11:00. Story Hour began October 2 and will run through November 20. (It will be resumed after the New Year if there has been sufficient interest.) Each week we'll read two or three picture books and then do a craft based on one of the story's themes. The program will be most appropriate for ages 2 to 5, but all are welcome. No need to register or reserve, just show up!
NEW RECOMMENDATION BOOK plus WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Always looking for something new to read? Within the next few days, we will have a binder at the front desk containing recommended book lists from the New York Times, Amazon and other sources. But we also want to hear what YOU think. So when you return a book to the library, please take a moment to jot down in the binder your opinion of the book, even if it’s just a word of two.
Are there any books you think we should add to our collection? Whether it’s one particular book or an author or an entire topics, please let us know! Just write it down in the binder. And if there are any programs that you would like us to offer (art, poetry, Scrabble, whatever), please write that down too.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Halloween Journey 2009
Kids in the Kaatskills Announces
The 7th Annual Halloween Journey
Phoenicia, NY - Sunday October 25, 2009 - The 7th 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. 5pm-9pm with guided tours leaving every 15 minutes. Located 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. Rain date will be October 30.
Tickets available at the door. For more information contact Cara Cruickshank: (845) 688-2068, storydanz@yahoo.com.
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, travelers will enjoy hot apple cider and fireside folk music. Located 2.3 miles on Route 28, West of Phoenicia on the Esopus Creek) on Sunday, October 25 from 5pm-9pm, 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, $10 for adults and are available at the door. For more info., contact Cara Cruickshank: (845) 688-2068
The 7th Annual Halloween Journey
Phoenicia, NY - Sunday October 25, 2009 - The 7th 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. 5pm-9pm with guided tours leaving every 15 minutes. Located 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. Rain date will be October 30.
Tickets available at the door. For more information contact Cara Cruickshank: (845) 688-2068, storydanz@yahoo.com.
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, travelers will enjoy hot apple cider and fireside folk music. Located 2.3 miles on Route 28, West of Phoenicia on the Esopus Creek) on Sunday, October 25 from 5pm-9pm, 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, $10 for adults and are available at the door. For more info., contact Cara Cruickshank: (845) 688-2068
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Vintage Postcard Views of Phoenicia
Here are a couple of vintage postcard photos of Phoenicia. The top photo is labeled "Main Street Phoenicia, Catskills, NY" and the bottom one is titled "Fifth Avenue, Phoenicia NY". They are from the collection of WCA member Stephen Bernstein. Thanks Stephen!!
Voting Registration Correction
Turns out the last day to register in Ulster County for the upcoming November 3rd election is October 9th NOT October 10th as I stated in my prior post. Sorry everyone, but I initially got incorrect information from the web and then a lot of conflicting dates from several different sources. Finally, I just called the Ulster County Board of Elections myself. They said that the date is October 9th. You can still send for an absentee ballot application after that date but that is the last day to change your registration. My apologies!!
