Sculptures of Ivan Velilla

WCA member Ivan Velilla has published a beautiful new book of his sculptures. You can check out his book (and purchase it if you like it) on the website below. The website gives you a full preview of the book so you can browse through all the pages, which is great.

Ivan Veilla Sculpture Book

Ivan runs Velsani Antiques with his partner Gustavo Sanin (another WCA member) in the Emerson Hotel and Spa. Check out their antique store if you are looking for a gift or just something special for yourself.

"America's Coolest Small Town" Contest

Dave Pillard made me aware that Phoenicia is up for the title of "America's Coolest Small Town" in Budget Travel Magazine. Let's all pull together and get Phoenicia the honor it deserves!! Here is what Dave had to say about it.

"Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of Phoenicia!!
Budget Travel Magazine is holding a contest to find the coolest small town in America, and Phoenicia is in the running. Go to the link below and vote! And you can vote every five hours. Set your alarm to wake up in the middle of the night so you can vote!!!!!! Vote early!!! Vote often!!!!! This would be great if we could win!
Happy Holidays!"

Dave

Here is the link: http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2010/11/10/AR2010111005252.html

Happy Holidays!

Final Total

The snow has stopped here and the sun has come out at last. We only got maybe another 1/2 inch since my last post. So, I would say the total for this storm in Woodland Valley is somewhere between 7 to 8 inches. Not too bad, considering the pounding NYC has gotten.

I am also happy to report that the snow is the light and fluffy kind making shoveling fairly easy. The temperature is in the low teens, so it is brisk out but the sun is warming things up. I didn't hear of any power outages in our area but I haven't been to town yet today. We never lost power in WV as far as I know. And WV road itself looks plowed and OK to drive. I have heard that 28 is fine too. So that's about it for this storm. I hope wherever you are you are safe and warm!

Storm News

I am sure those of you who are not in the valley have been anxiously awaiting this post. Thankfully, I have pretty good news to report. The weather situation up here is not too bad. After predictions of 1 to 2 feet of snow, we have actually only gotten about 7 inches so far, which really isn't that much for these parts. (Am I jaded that I think 7 inches is not that much snow??) The bulk of the storm seems to be passing to the east. Of course it is still snowing and expected to continue through about noon time.

Although I haven't been out, Woodland Valley road looks pretty good from my window. The plow trucks have been up and down several times during the night clearing and sanding. So I don't think the road situation is bad. Hopefully, you can all just tuck in and don't have to drive. I will update you later on in the day on the final totals from this storm. Drive safely if you must travel today!!

Merry Christmas from the Morehouses

Here are some good wishes from Dakin & Doris Morehouse.

"On this very auspicious day, we just wanted to wish you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS with GOOD HEALTH and HAPPINESS in 2011. We would like to especially dedicate those good wishes to Elisabeth, and Ken Nakamoto of Bethkins and to Charlotte Jacobsen."

With love from
Dakin and Doris Morehouse

Christmas CD by Eugene Ruffolo

I recently received this message from WCA member Eugene Ruffolo. Here is what he had to say:

"Seasons Greetings!!
Just a note to let you know that My Christmas Cd "Even Santa Gets the Blues" is featured in the week's Performing Songwriter Magazine as CD of the week..

Have a look/listen...you can listen here instead of buying--but why in the world would you want to do that???
Merry Christmas !!"
Eugene

http://performingsongwriter.com/

Weather in the Valley

Light snow fell in the valley today but it didn't amount to much. I would say in the end we had less than an inch. It was just enough to give the valley that frosted cookie look. The temps have been cold but so far the heavy snows have held off. There is some accumulation at the tops of the mountains but that is about all. I sure that sooner or later the snow will come but for right now all is clear in the valley.

Community Events - All Welcome

There are a couple of great events happening in the next few days that everyone is invited to attend.

First, there is a Caroling Celebration in Phoenicia at 4:30 on December 23rd (Thursday). The flier for the event says "Join the community choir at 4:30 at the Catholic Church on Main Street, or join us on Main St". I am not sure exactly what that means but I think if you go to town and listen for the singing you will figure it out. The flier also says to bring musical instruments, warm clothes and candles. The caroling will be followed by a bon fire and free refreshments at Mama's boy.

After the caroling at 6:30 there will be Christmas Motets and Cantatas featuring the Ensemble of 8 voices "Syntagma Musicum" accompanied by Barbara Pickard at the Organ. The music is from the 16th and 17th centuries (Charentier, Schutz, Bach, Palestina). The Phoenicia Choir will also participate. I think this performance is in one of the churches but the flier isn't specific. Again, I think if you just go to Phoenicia you can figure it out from there.

The other great thing that is happening is the 2nd annual community dinner at the Sportsman's Alamo Cantina. It is from 1-4pm Christmas Day. It is a free event but donations will be accepted to benefit Helping Hands food pantry. Transportation is available. Please call 845-688-5259 for more information or to schedule transportation to the event. This is a great way to share the holiday with your community!

Holiday Card

Dakota Lane made a "Hudson Valley Holiday Card" that features Woodland Valley's own Julia Rose (from Phoenicia Healing Arts), Jay Braman (in a pink tutu no less) and Tyronne the cat. Check out the video for some local holiday fun.

Hudson Valley Holiday Card

More Music From Rick Altman

I recently got a message from Lauren Silver Altman regarding more great music video's from her husband Rick. Here is the message and links she sent to me.

I put 3 of the Rick's Trio songs on youtube - finally! Here they are:

"Invitation" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_cCMldu6A

"Softly As In A Morning Sunrise" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NanxvDLyqxA&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

"Oleo" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhXU3Jectvw&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Enjoy the music!!!!

Library Open House

The Phoenicia Library will have a Holiday Open House this Saturday, December 18th, beginning at 11 am. There will be a live performance by Uncle Rock plus crafts, treats and music. The Facebook announcement I received also said "maybe some stories and maybe a special guest!". Wow, I wonder what that means? I guess we will just have to go and find out!!

Shop Locally for the Holidays

Just a reminder that when you are shopping for the holidays this season think local! We have a lot of great shops on Main St, Phoenicia. You can get gifts at Tenderland Home, 60 Main, The Nest Egg, Morne Imports, The Mystery Spot and The Nest Egg. Or you can give a gift certificate to one of the local eateries such as Sweet Sue's, Brios, Momma's Boy or Ricadella's. Especially in these challenging economic times, it is important to keep your dollars in the neighborhood. So shop local for all your holiday needs!!

Santa Rides The Rails

The Empire State Railway Museum and the Catskill Mountain Railroad had their combined Christmas celebration this past Sunday. Despite the terrible weather many folks came out to celebrate the holidays and ride the train. I saw several WCA members working at the gathering. Santa (who looks strangely familiar) was on hand to meet the youngsters and spread cheer throughout the day. Everyone had a great time!!

No Problem This Time

The rain has come and gone this time with no problems. Yesterday started out with a wintery mix that left a slushy mess covering the ground. It changed to all rain pretty quickly and by the end of the day all the slush was melted. Although Woodland Valley road was slippery in the morning, the highway department got right on it and spread sand and salt on the road making driving safer by mid-morning. Rt. 28 was clear all day. The creeks never rose that high so nothing that I know of flooded this time. So all is well weather-wise in Woodland Valley.

Rick Altman on the "Whatever" Show

The "Whatever" show on local access cable recently featured Rick Altman on vibraphone with his partner David Oliver on Marimba. For those of you who missed the original broadcast of the performance here is a link so you can check it out: The Whatever show featuring Rick Altman and David Oliver.

Here is what the "Whatever" website had to say about the performers:
"Rick Altman and David Oliver perform an eclectic blend of original compositions for marimbas and vibraphone. The music is inspired by many sources including improvised new music, jazz, folk, and ethnic world musics. David's compositions are heavily influenced by ska, reggae, Indian, Turkish, Latin, and classical music. Rick's compositions borrow more from the traditional jazz and new age modal jazz as well as samba and salsa.

Along with their compositional skills these artists are extremely gifted performers. Both musicians have decades of experience performing many styles of music. David calls the result "a wonderful percussive musical experience and an acoustical adventure to be enjoyed by all. Most of this music has only rarely been performed on these instruments, and that adds to the excitement".

If you don't have good speakers on your computer I suggest using headphones. It will be worth the listen :)"

Enjoy!!!

Ski Program for Residents

Every year the Town of Shandaken has a winter recreation program at Belleayre Mountain. This program allows Shandaken residents to ski for $25.00 on Sundays. You must sign up between Dec 4th - 11th. If you are a skier be sure to take advantage of this fabulous opportunity! Here is a link to the page on the town website with the form you will need to join the program: Shandaken Ski Program. I copied the details below from that page. See you on the slopes!!

Open to All Onteora Residents
The Town Recreation Program for the 2010-2011 riding & skiing season will work as follows:

Lift ticket & Lesson: $25.00 per person. (The town will not be responsible for picking up the $5.00 portion of the ticket).

Kick-off for this season will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2010 in the Lower, Discovery Lodge. Sign up will be from 8am to 3pm. Participants will have from December 4 to December 11, 2010 to sign up for the program. If you are not signed up by then you will not be eligible for the program until next season. (If you mail in your application, then it must be post dated for December 11, 2010 – NO exceptions. The $5.00 charge per swipe card must be included. You must provide us with a document with proof of residency and a valid picture ID i.e. Driver’s license.

Each resident that signs up for the program will receive a swipe card, loaded with 13 Sundays @ $25.00 per ticket. Also included will be 13 Sunday swipes at $25.00 for your guests to ski with you (1 per each Sunday). Previously, Wild Wednesdays were offered to all residents. This season each Wednesday, Non Holiday or Holiday period is a $20.00 ticket day therefore Wild Wednesdays will not be offered. There will no longer be 3 bonus days during Christmas week. Christmas day is a $25.00 day.

Swipe cards will be good at any ticket location! There is a mandatory $5.00 fee for swipe cards. Please bring payment when you sign up for the program in the form of check (made out to the NYSDEC), cash or credit card.
Equip Yourself

You are encouraged to provide your own ski equipment, but If you need to rent, we will offer you some great deals (Just mention that you are with the Onteora Recreation Ski Program) at the Belleayre Mountain Ski Shop or Jimmy’s Belleayre Ski Shop.

(Prices are not confirmed for Belleayre & Jimmy’s ski shop as of yet). (Seasonal rentals may be available, call for more info).

*If patrons do not sign up between December 4 and December 11, 2010 they will not be eligible for the ski program until the following season. There will no longer be any ticket purchases on Sunday mornings. $5.00 in the form of credit, check or cash must be turned in with your application for the swipe card fee. (Checks must be made out to NYSDEC). Please bring valid picture ID and a bill from home (or mail in a copy with your application) to prove you are a resident in the Onteora District.

Participants must return forms & payment directly to Belleayre Mountain and not to the Town Hall or Rec Departments.

If mailing applications please mail to:

Belleayre Mountain
PO Box 313
Highmount, NY 12441
Attn: Alexandra Sines
or drop applications off to the
Sales Department – 3rd Floor of the Lower Discovery Lodge

Cold!

Well, I guess it's the time of year where I need to start blogging about the weather in the valley, so here goes. It has been cold lately (20's during the day, teens at night) and it is going to get colder tonight. Presently the temperatures are around 16 degrees at this end of the valley. We have had snow flurries for several days in a row but fortunately nothing has accumulated yet. I think they are talking about some snow coming our way in a few days but so far so good. Those of us who stay here and brave the winter months have stacked our wood piles, gotten out our long johns and are bracing for whatever the next few months will bring. But right about now I wish I was in Florida or Mexico!!

WV Resident Camilla French in the Nutcraker

I got the following message from Rebecca French. Her fabulous younger daughter Camilla will be in this production. Here is what Rebecca had to say:

I'm writing to let you know that the Catskill Ballet Theatre is performing The Nutcracker in Kingston's UPAC Theater (601 Broadway) on December 10, 11, and 12.

The Friday and Saturday performances are at 8pm and the Sunday performance is at 2pm.

Tickets may be purchased at ticketmaster.com or from the UPAC box office 845.339.6088 (no service charge).

Tickets are $27 for adults and $20 for students.

Camilla will be performing as a soldier and a candy cane. (Anna will be at the Saturday evening performance.) It’s a really fun family event. We hope you are able to come and appreciate your support. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

All the best,
Rebecca

Getting Back to Normal

Everything around here is getting back to normal. Phoenicia continues to dry out and clean up. Woodland Valley Road needs some repairs but the worst spot (where WV road meets Grandview) is easily avoidable, so driving is fine up this way. I haven't heard of anything more serious in the valley besides folks getting water in their basements and/or garage and some leaky roofs.

I will keep you informed on the continuing road repair plans. It looks like the contractors are set up to put in the vegetative layer at the curve by Fawn Hill bridge. When that is finished the highway department will reinstall the guide rail. I don't know what the plans are for repairing the other spots on the road but, as usual, I will keep you posted.

More News About The Flooding

Sorry I am posting so late tonight when I know all of you are waiting to hear about the aftermath of the flood. The truth is that I had to leave the valley early yesterday morning and I did not return until about an hour ago. I didn't post that for obvious reasons (I thought it would be akin to hanging a "Rob Me" sign on my house), but I digress. I stopped in Phoenicia on my way home and crews were in the midst of cleaning everything up.

Here in the valley, the road took a beating. The water came up and over it in several places. But the good news is that it didn't stay that way for very long. I talked to Eric Hofmeister (the town highway supervisor) and he told me that the recent repairs done in the vicinity of Romer Mt Park (the old ski slope) and Roxmor were both damaged. And the stone wall that ran along Woodland Valley road where it meets Grandview was wiped out. Eric also said that one more hour of rain and we would have lost big chunks of WV road. But thank goodness the water receded in time and that didn't happen. The good news is that the rebuild of the curve by Fawn Hill seems to have held up. We are all very lucky that they fixed that this summer. In my opinion it was just in the nick of time!! I really believe that we would have lost the road in that spot had they not done the work!!

Since I got home so late I didn't get any photos to post but there is an excellent video of town for you to view. Here is the link: Flood Video. The person who did it really did a great job in capturing the height of the water and the seriousness of the situation.

As I said yesterday, if you have a home on the stream I would advise checking in with friends or neighbors to make sure everything is OK.

Phoenicia Floods.......AGAIN!!!

We got some torrential rain last night into early this evening. And, for the second time in 2 months, Phoenicia was underwater for a few hours. I didn't have a chance to go to town myself, so we are all lucky that Dennis Havel went to investigate and sent some photos for the blog. The water on Main St was caused by the same set of circumstances as the last time. The Stony Clove Creek jumps it's banks up on Rt 214 and then runs down the road into Phoenicia. The water has receded at this point but, just like last time, it has left a big mess for everyone to clean up. I haven't had the opportunity to check out Woodland Valley yet so I can't give you a report. But if you are out of the valley and live near the stream (or have other factors that would cause flood conditions on your property) try and have a neighbor or friend check it out. I will give everyone a better update tomorrow. Thanks for sending us these photos Dennis.