Friday, December 30, 2011

Ulster County To Apply For Business Grants

Shandaken town officials passed along this information to me from the Rural Ulster Preservation Company (RUPCO). Any business owners that are interested should act IMMEDIATELY since the deadline is 1/6/12. Read on for details:


Ulster County will apply for grants to help business owners hurt by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee

Interested business owners must submit letter of interest on or before 1/6/2012.

Ulster County will submit applications for grant funding of $500,000 to assist county business owners who experienced financial losses from the major storms that hit the region this summer.

To strenghten the application, the county needs letters of interest from business owners who would use the funding if it were available. The deadline is looming so an immediate response is really important. If your business needs help, go to www.rupco.org and read the program details then print out and complete the letter of interest. If you know any other business owner in Ulster County who might need the help, please pass this along to them. We need to alert as many people as possible as quickly as possible!

Thanks for your help on this!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Price Reduced on Creekside Home

WCA member and real estate agent Lynn Davidson asked me to re-post this listing on the blog. It is the home of another WCA member here in Woodland Valley that is on the market. The price has been reduced to $349,000. If you are interested please contact Lynn at:

Lynn Davidson
Main: (845) 679-0006
Westwood Metes & Bounds
lynnd@westwoodrealty.com

















DRAMATIC SETTING IN WOODLAND VALLEY ON THE CREEK WITH MOUNTAIN AND VALLEY VIEWS. FISH FROM YOUR FRONT YARD IN WORLD FAMOUS TROUT STREAM. VERY PRIVATE LOCATION, BUT NOT SECLUDED WITH SOUTHERN EXPOSURE. ABOUT 2.5 MILES FROM PHOENICIA. BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED WITH OAK FLOORS AND CYPRUS PANELING. OPEN FLOOR PLAN IS GREAT FOR ENTERTAINING WITH SLIDERS LEADING TO SCREENED-IN PORCH AND DECK. APPROX. 400' ON THE CREEK INCLUDES A BUILDABLE LOT. 10 MINUTES TO BELLEAYRE.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Benefit Party For Sloop Clearwater

WCA member Alma Rodriguez sent me this announcement about a house party she is holding on Friday, January 6th. Read on for details....

Three Kings Day House Party to benefit Hudson River Sloop Clearwater in Phoenicia on Friday, January 6, 2012

You are invited to join the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater community for a Three Kings Day house party on Friday, January 6, 2012 starting at 5:30 pm – midnight. The party will be held at the home of Alma Rodriguez at 30 Esopus Avenue, Phoenicia, NY 12464. Live music! Suggested donation $15 to Clearwater, but any donation is welcome, big or small. This is a community potluck and musical celebration so food, beverage and musical contributions are most welcome.

Call if you have any special needs or wish to volunteer: 845-750-2098 or email: alma@hvc.rr.com.

About Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 tax-exempt nonprofit, member-supported corporation, whose mission is to preserve and protect the Hudson River, its tributaries and related bodies of water. Hudson River Sloop Clearwater conducts innovative environmental programs, advocacy and celebrations in order to inspire and energize the next generation of environmental leaders.

About Clearwater’s Green Cities Initiative Under the Directorship of Victor Pierre Melendez, the Green Cities Initiative works with under-served communities in waterfront cities to incorporate principles of sustainability. These programs serve to help to integrate watershed protection, green infrastructure practices, environmental justice, and climate justice into all phases of municipal and community planning. Alma Rodriguez serves as Board Chair of Clearwater’s Green Cities Initiative. All funding from this celebration will go towards this worthy project.

Directions to 30 Esopus Avenue, Phoenicia NY 12464 from Kingston Take the Rt. 28 West exit off the traffic circle and continue for about 20 miles. You will pass the main Phoenicia “Eagle” entrance on the right. Continue for another ½ mile and turn left onto Woodland Valley Road. After 150 feet make your first right onto Esopus Avenue. Continue 2 blocks to the white house with a white picket fence on the right. The house is on the corner of Esopus Avenue and West Street. You may park anywhere you don’t block a driveway.

Contact: Alma Rodriguez, 845-750-2098, email: alma@hvc.rr.com

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas To All

I wanted to take this opportunity to wish all those who celebrate Christmas in the valley a very merry one indeed! I know that I just posted a bunch of photos of Maya Wolf but after I put them up James sent me this one and I thought it would be perfect for today! Who doesn't love a baby dressed up for the season! Have a great holiday!!

Community Dinner

There will be a community dinner today at the Sportsmen's Alamo Cantina in Phoenicia. Dinner will be served from 1-4pm. All are welcome. I have been told that it is a "pay what you can" admission. All proceeds go to the local food pantry.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Just Rain

Despite predictions to the contrary, the storm we had over the last several days reached us as nothing but rain. Most of the precipitation ended this morning but the day was overcast and damp. The good part is that at least for now, there is still no snow on the ground. Sorry to disappoint those of you who where "dreaming of a white Christmas".

Reminder - Ho Ho Holy Night Tonight!!























Keep in mind all the activities going on tonight night in Phoenicia!! See you there!!

3:00 - Meet Santa at Ulster Savings Bank
4:00 - Free Holiday Concert with Uncle Rock and Friends at Shandaken Theatrical Society
5:00 - Sing Around the Fire at Mama's Boy - Free Hot Cider & Cookies - Visit with Santa
6:00 - Christmas Caroling Along Main Street
7:30 - Handel's Messiah - 1 hour version - Phoenicia Community Choir - Wesleyan Church, 24 Main St - soloists Amy Wallace, Maria Todaro, Kerry Henderson, Louis Otey, and friends.

Sponsored by Ulster Savings Bank and Sharp

Stores will be open late for last minute shopping!!!

Holiday Poetry From Boreegard

The Ancient Yuletide

As Grandpa was wont to say,
Within earshot of the family,
“Life is not all skittles and beer.”
My New England family first arrived to be greeted
By Massasoit. And it is well
not to forget their eventual afflictions,
Their vicissitudes, their breast-beating jeremiads,
For surely their woes make our modern
moments of despair seem happier by comparison.

Winter is icummen in, Lhude sing goddamm, goddamm,
And unhappy were the trials of our Rehobeth antecedents,
As Metacomet’s mistreated savages,
Savaged them those many winters ago.
They drank from the cup of common calamity,
As Indian hatchets split skulls and disemboweled
indiscriminately. No Christmas for the captives,
Forced to tread through an unforgiving icy landscape,
To a desperate, unknowable Puritan fate.

So drag the Yule log into place,
Tune the caroling zither,
And let the wassailing begin.
Grandpa was right about the skittles and beer,
But, my darling dears, the presents have been wrapped,
The Christmas cookies have been sugared and baked,
Santa’s on his way,
The Christ child is born once again,
And the shining city on the hill beckons yet.

Boreegard
December, 2009

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Happy Hanukkah!!

This year Hanukkah will be celebrated from December 20-28. I want to wish everyone in Woodland Valley (and anywhere else for that matter) who celebrates a happy holiday. May your Hanukkah be as warm and bright as the light on the Menorah!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

On A Perfect Day

Dennis Havel sent me the photo below a few weeks back. He told me that he took it on the last perfect day of fall. It is a gorgeous shot and I apologize to Dennis for not posting it sooner. I do the best I can with this blog but sometimes things just get away from me.

But I thought as fall officially turns to winter this week, it seems like the perfect time to post this picture anyway. I can't speak for the winter ahead but the fall has been lovely (the snowstorm in October notwithstanding). We have had a lot of really beautiful days with mostly moderate temperatures. I realize that I am saying this just a day before we are about to get some sort of precipitation so I might be tempting fate a little. But up until now (although we have had some temperatures in the teens at night last week) the weather has been pretty good and fairly mild for this time of year. Most of the days have been sunny and bright. And right now there is no snow on the ground. But I guess we still have to wait and see what winter will bring before I get too excited. I have my fingers crossed that our luck will hold. As always I will keep you posted.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Shandaken Ski Program at Belleayre

I got the information below from the Town of Shandaken website. Don't forget to sign up BEFORE December 27 to take advantage of this great deal for residents!!!

The Town of Shandaken is once again offering special discounts at our very own Belleayre Mountain in Highmount for all Town residents and landowners.

Click the link below to download the application forms. The forms must be returned to the Town (NOT BELLEAYRE) prior to Decmber 27, 2011.

Included in this year’s pass is:
*26 – $20 Tickets (good Sun-Fri.)
*13 Guest Tickets ($25) for your friends and family
*FREE ski/snowboard/telemark lessons with every Ticket
Check the app for the details and we hope to see you at Belleayre where the smiles meet the snow (we hope not literally!)

2011-12 Shandaken Ski Program Registration Form

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Phoenicia Library Holiday Party

There will be a fun-filled holiday party at the library today for all of the patrons. It sounds like it will be great fun for all! Here are the details:

Phoenicia Library Holiday Party
Saturday December 17th
10am - 1pm
Cookies, Cider and Snacks
Seasonal Stories with Miss Ginger
Crafts: tree-trimming crafts, gingerbread houses, cookie decorating and ornament making.
Special Holiday Book Sale, with gift wrap included.
**Secret Special Guest**

Phoenicia Library
9 Ava Maria Dr
Phoenicia, NY
12464
845-688-7811

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Music at the ESRM

Here is another opportunity to hear some great music this weekend. WCA member Dakin Morehouse asked me to pass this information on to all of you. The ongoing music series in the Empire State Railway Museum has been terrific. I have caught several of the shows and the performances just keep getting better and better. This series is truly one worth checking out. Read below for the details of this Saturday's gig.

Flying Cat Music Presents
Christmas Long Ago and Far Away
with Bells and Motley Olden Music
at the Empire State Railway Museum
Saturday, December 17, at 7:30 p.m.
Door opens at 7:00

70 Lower High Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464
off of Route 28, just east of the village
$12 or $10 w/RSVP to flyingcatmusic@gmail.com
For information call 845-688-9453

Bell and Motley's website: http://bellsandmotley.com/

Flying Cat Music goes WAY traditional for the Yuletide holidays this year when they present Bells and Motley performing “Christmas Long Ago and Far Away” on Saturday, December 17, at the Empire State Railway Museum in Phoenicia. The show begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. with the door opening at 7:00. Admission is $12 at the door or $10 with RSVP to flyingcatmusic@gmail.com or by calling 845-688-9453.

Bells and Motley consists of Sondra and John Bromka, and they take Roots music to the extreme. Not only do they perform music dating back to Medieval period, not only do they then play that music on authentic traditional instruments, but they even build authentic period instruments themselves! The Bromkas have been at it for over twenty-five years. You might even call it their passion. Well, actually that’s not quite complete enough. They describe it this way. “Our passion in all endeavors is to combine early music with beguiling aspects of history, literature, fine arts, and personal artistry.”

Bells and Motley’s expertise extends far beyond Yuletide music. They reconstructed instruments for the four-hundredth anniversary of opera, for example; and they offer numerous and diverse musical programs. Still, this special evening spent celebrating “Christmas Long Ago and Far Away” will be broad in scope, covering Medieval, Renaissance, and traditional European Yuletide music. That music will be played on the hurdy gurdy, French and Northumbrian bagpipes, Celtic harp, Swedish nykleharpa, Irish penny whistle, and more.

An opportunity like this does not come around often. Long live Roots music and Happy Holidays to all!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Concert for Laos Orphanage























I received this message from WCA member Lauren Silver last week about an event featuring another member of the talented Silver-Altman family! Read on:

You are invited to join us and bring your friends, for a beautiful and heart-opening show with greatly talented local youth to benefit the 600 orphans in the Deak Kum Pa Orphanage in Laos. Please buy your tickets in advance at Oriole9 or Catskill Art&Office Supply in Woodstock or Kingston. (your $15 donation will buy food for one orphan for 2 weeks)

Miriam will be performing both with some excellent young singers, and a solo piece for this special event. Lots of other music, dance, and spoken word as well, all for a great cause. We'd love to see you there...

- Lauren
________________

One Voice For Laos/Teens For Change presents…
The Laos Project
A multimedia show by multitalented local youth
Proceeds Benefit the 600 children at the Deak Kum Pa Orphanage in Luang Prabang, Laos

Friday, Dec.16 7:30 PM
Kleinert James Art Center,
34 Tinker Street, Woodstock
tickets on sale at Oriole9
and Catskill Art & Office Supply in Woodstock and Kingston

Rick Altman Trio in Woodstock

For those of you who will be closer to home this weekend there will be some fabulous jazz by WCA member Rick Altman in Woodstock. Check it out!!!

The Rick Altman Trio
with Mike Ralff & Jody Sumber
An evening of jazz classics and original compositions
with vibes, bass, and drums
Sunday, November 20, 2011
8 to 11 p.m.
*donation*

HARMONY MUSIC
52 Mill Hill Rd. Woodstock, NY (845) 679-3484
more info: www.rickaltman.com

Eugene Ruffolo at the Rockwood Music Hall

For those of you who will be in the city this weekend Eugene Ruffolo will be doing a show downtown. It sounds like it will be a great time. Check it out if you can!!

EUGENE RUFFOLO AT ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL
Sunday, December 18 at 5:00pm
Location: 196 ALLEN STREET

Monday, December 12, 2011

Maya Wolf at 7 Months

Here are some recent photos of little Maya Wolf (daughter of WCA members James and Lam Wolf). What a cutie pie!!!!







Sunday, December 11, 2011

Shop Locally for the Holidays!

Although we have made a lot of progress, our area is still recovering from the damage left by Hurricane Irene. One thing that each and every one of us can do during this holiday season to help our community is to shop locally. There are a lot of great stores in our town, please patronize them if you need a gift for that special someone. For those on your list who already have everything, you might consider a gift certificate to a local restaurant. There are also many craft fairs and open artist studios to buy one of a kind presents. Please, please be mindful of where you spend your dollars this year. Between the hurricane and the challenging economy the local businesses need all the support they can get!!

Santa Comes to Town Today

Don't forget that Santa is coming to town this afternoon (starting at about 12pm) at the Empire State Railway Museum located on Lower High Street in Phoenicia. If you go to the museum, Santa will give you a ticket to ride the Catskill Mountain Railroad train for free out of Mt Tremper. Train rides are at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00pm. I caught up with Santa and Mrs. Claus last weekend and they told me that it was going to be a great day with fun for all!! It certainly is a beautiful (albeit cold) day for a train ride! So go on down to town for some free, festive holiday fun!!



Friday, December 9, 2011

New Video Work

Got the email below from WCA member Max Nova. His production company is doing some cool new things. Check it out!

Dear Friends,

Another hectic holiday season is upon us, hope everybody's holding up well!

Just wanted to share the latest installment of Reflections, the series of artist profiles that Matt Black and I have been creating for Nowness for the past six months. Following previous profiles of Scott Campbell, Jose Parla, Rostarr, Banks Violette, and KAWS, today's short film focuses on the work and inspirations of acclaimed artist / photographer Taryn Simon:

NOWNESS: REFLECTIONS - TARYN SIMON


Please keep your eyes peeled for the new Shellac website, specially redesigned for mobile devices and browsers alike – COMING SOON!

Happy Holidays,
Max

http://shellacnyc.com/

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Snow Big Deal

It has stopped snowing and I am happy to tell you that the reports of a major snow event have been greatly exaggerated. Whooooo Hooooo! I for one am very, very happy!! Total accumulation is probably only about an inch and change. I think the switch from rain to snow happened later than expected. I haven't heard of any power or phone outages in our area but it is pretty early and I can't say I have talked to too many people. Anyway, I do know for sure that the town plow has been up and down the road. And you all can rest easy because everything is relatively calm in the valley for now.

Monday, December 5, 2011

ESRM - Free Community Christmas Party


Photo Ⓒ Dan Howard

I was speaking with WCA member and ESRM President Dakin Morehouse and he asked me to remind you all that the Empire State Railway Museum Christmas Party will be this Sunday December 11th. The party will take place from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. The museum is in the Phoenicia Railroad Station located on Lower High Street.

Here is what Dakin had to say:

"Well, Irene won't keep Santa and Mrs. Claus from visiting the Empire State Railway Museum this Sunday, the 11th of December.

The model trains will be running and munchies will be out for all you kiddies (of any age) around 12 noon until 4 with Catskill Mt. RR's Christmas Special Train operating out of the Mt. Tremper Station (thanks to Irene) at 1, 2, 3 and 4:00.

But Santa will be handing out free tickets to the young 'uns (and their guests) at the party back in the Historic Phoenicia Station on Lower High St. (Woodland Valley Road turns into High St. which then becomes Lower High St. at Bridge St.)
So come on down the valley and join us in celebrating the spirit of the Season - RR style.

Santa will also be riding the equally festive Christmas Train in Kingston departing from Westbrook Lane in the Kingston Plaza at 1, 2, 3, and 4:00 every Saturday and Sunday up until Christmas Eve (when he will be very busy).

And also at the Historic Phoenicia RR Station on the following Saturday (Dec. 17) "Bells and Motley" will be performing their Christmas Presentation with Renaissance and Elizabethan music and instruments. Sondra and John Bromka will be closing out our 'Flying Cat Performances' for the year and are NOT one you'll want to miss.

Yo Ho Ho

- Dakin

So to recap the important stuff:

Party is FREE to All (Donation Welcome)
Model Train, Exhibits, Visit with Santa, Christmas Treats!!
Free Train Rides on the Catskill Mountain Railroad out of Mount Tremper on Rt 28 with a Special Santa Ticket available at the Museum!!
Train times 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm.
Live Christmas Music Onboard!

Since this party is for the whole community here are the directions from places beyond the valley!

- Traveling on Rt 28 west from Kingston, take the first right after the Phoenicia Diner (look for small brown sign on the right saying "Railway Museum"). That will be Lower High Street. Look for the station entrance on your right.

- Traveling on Rt 28 east from the eagle entrance to Phoenicia, make your next left at the Bridge Street entrance to Phoenicia. Follow the road down to Lower High Street. Make a right. Proceed down High Street museum entrance will be on your left.

___________________________


Here is some more information about the Kingston Holiday Train from the CMRR.


THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN RAILROAD’S HOLIDAY TRAIN

ALL ABOARD the Catskill Mountain Railroad’s 2011 Winter Holiday Train! With their twenty-eighth year of operating trains in Ulster County coming to a close, the Catskill Mountain Railroad (CMRR) is proud to announce the continuation of Holiday Train service in Kingston , New York. The CMRR, having reestablished passenger service in Kingston for the first time since 1954, has been busy working on the railroad in 2011 to provide you with a more enjoyable ride.

Holiday Train service with Santa Claus on board will be on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00pm to 4:00pm hourly starting December 3rd through December 18th. Come ride with us as Santa spreads cheer to all the good little children of Kingston ! Be sure to bring your camera! The Holiday Train will also run Monday 12/26/11, and on January 1st and 2nd. Take a special train ride to celebrate the holidays and usher in the New Year. There will be no train service on December 24th , 25th and 31st, . Tickets will be available at the CMRR station, located in the Kingston Plaza ball field parking lot near the Hannaford Supermarket - Adult fares are $6.00, Children (ages 2-11) ride for $4.00, and children under 2 years-old ride free with a paid adult fare.

Get into the holiday spirit and enjoy a one-hour excursion through the historic City of Kingston ! The Holiday Train will depart from Westbrook Lane for a three-mile round trip; heading West across Fair Street, Washington Avenue, to the old C9 Bridge, and then back again. Trains consist of open-air seating as well as limited space inside our refurbished caboose. Please dress appropriately and make sure to bundle up!

Have a toy train set-up under your Christmas tree? Well why not bring the kids out to experience the real thing. Get ready for the holidays with a visit from Santa Claus and a train ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad’s decorated Winter Holiday Train.

For more information e-mail info@catskillmtrailroad.com or visit our website at www.catskillmtrailroad.com

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Ho Ho Holy Night!!

There is a festive evening of holiday events planned for December 23rd in Phoenicia. Here is the schedule of events. I can't wait for this!! It sounds like great fun!!

3:00 - Meet Santa at Ulster Savings Bank
4:00 - Free Holiday Concert with Uncle Rock and Friends at Shandaken Theatrical Society
5:00 - Sing Around the Fire at Mama's Boy - Free Hot Cider & Cookies - Visit with Santa
6:00 - Christmas Caroling Along Main Street
7:30 - Handel's Messiah - 1 hour version - Phoenicia Community Choir - Wesleyan Church, 24 Main St - soloists Amy Wallace, Maria Todaro, Kerry Henderson, Louis Otey, and friends.

Sponsored by Ulster Savings Bank and Sharp

Stores will be open late for last minute shopping!!!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Nutcracker

I got this email from Rebecca Ffrench this morning. It seems that her girls are performing in The Nutcracker this holiday season. Attending would be a great way to support your neighbors and have some holiday fun too! See below for details:

Hello all!

I'm emailing to let you know the Catskill Ballet Theatre is performing
The Nutcracker in Kingston's UPAC Theater (on Broadway) on December 9, 10, and 11. The Friday and Saturday performances are at 8pm and the Sunday performance is at 2pm. Tickets may be purchased at ticketmaster.com (link below) or from the UPAC box office.

http://www.ticketmaster.com/Ulster-Performing-Arts-Center-tickets-Kingston/venue/129


Tickets are $27 (+5.60 service fee for Ticketmaster) for adults and $20 for children (+4.90 TM fee).

Camilla and Anna will be performing as party scene children, mice, and candy canes.

It’s a really fun event. We hope you can come and really appreciate your support.

- Rebecca Ffrench

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Recent Town News

For anyone who would like to know how their tax money is being spent you can click on the link below which will take you to the Shandaken website. Once there you can download the comparison between last years budget (2010) and this years budget (2011). It is a good way to see where our money is being spent.

http://www.shandaken.us/news/1311/


Those of you who would like input on the school tax portion of the property taxes might want to attend the next town board meeting. At that meeting, Onteora School Superintendent, Phyllis McGill, along with Onteora board members, will meet to discuss the planning of next year's budget. They are looking for community input.

The upcoming town board meeting is scheduled for this Monday, December 5th, 7:00 pm, Shandaken Town Hall

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Turkey Trot - A Great Success!!

This morning's running of the first annual Phoenicia Turkey Trot (fun run/walk/wobble) was a triumph! It was a beautiful day and the community turned out in force. They had 327 participants register and 293 finish the race! About $3900 was raised for the library. I am happy to say that Woodland Valley was well represented! (see photos below) I participated myself and took a few snapshots with my phone along the way to show you all. Mark your calendars for next year. I think this is the start of an awesome annual event!!

Clarification Note: While this year the race benefited the library, in future years it may benefit something else. The event was organized by Heather Roberts and Patty Rudge, both of whom are very interested in helping all of us be healthy thru activity, and in creating fun community events. I had thought that this would be a library event every year but Max Resnick wrote to me to give me more insight on the process. Thanks Max!












Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

Even in a year as difficult as this last one, there are always things for which we can be grateful. The beautiful animals that roam freely through the forest around us are among them. Below are some great images of Tom Turkey strutting his stuff. He is a magnificent animal indeed! I am grateful that such a beautiful creature lives right here in our valley and once in a while puts on a beautiful show!

I am also grateful to Dennis Havel for taking these wonderful photos and sharing them with everyone on the blog. He has sent a lot of fantastic images over the past year and I want take this opportunity to thank him for sharing his talent with his neighbors!

Whether you are spending your holiday in Woodland Valley or going to visit loved ones in the big, wide world, I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!



Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Phoenicia Library Turkey Trot























First Annual Phoenicia Turkey Trot, Saturday, November 26th, 9am benefitting Phoenicia LIbrary Rebuilding Project

Registration is $10 for individuals or $20 per family. Groups are encouraged to run as well. Free Turkey Trot Tee shirts will be provided to the first 100 registrants (there are already over 60 registered). Also, all registrants will be automatically entered to win a new bicycle, courtesy Overlook Mountain Bikes in Woodstock, NY.

Registration and sign in begins at 8:00am - 8:45am at the Parish Hall, Main Street, Phoenicia (across the street from St Francis de Sales Church).

To pre-register, visit www.runreg.com (search Phoenicia Turkey Trot) or contact Heather (845) 688-7064 or Patti (845) 254-4126 or via email at catskillmtnpt@hvc.rr.com Registration forms are also available in Phoenicia at the Phoenicia Library and the Phoenicia Supermarket, Ave Maria Drive; Tender Land Home, Mama’s Boy Market and the Nest Egg, Main Street.

Go Turkeys.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Climate Change Warnings For Our Area

There was a very interesting article in the Huffington Post last week about the future effects of climate change in NY. I think this is a very important read because it talks specifically about what we can expect in this area going forward. It also has recommendations for steps we can take to prepare. Check it out:

Huffington Post - Scientists Warn New York Must Prepare For Climate Change Now

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Fawn Hill Road Repairs Continue

The Fawn Hill Road repairs continued this week. The town seems to be making headway on stabilizing and protecting the embankment. I took some photos and have posted them below so you can see how the work is progressing.





Updated Satellite Images of Woodland Valley

Dennis Havel sent me the following message earlier this week.

"You might want to alert blog readers that Google Earth has updated satellite images of the area within the last 2 weeks. The Northern half of Panther Mountain and Woodland Valley is now high resolution images including street views of Phoenicia. Very cool!

The South half of Panther and Woodland Valley are still the old blurry images."

- Dennis

For those of you who don't know, Google earth is a very cool, totally free way to view your neighborhood (and for some even your house) from space. Over the past couple of years the imagery of Woodland Valley has gotten increasingly hi-res. They are not all done and it is not as detailed as you can view in the city (with street views available) but it is still pretty cool. If you have never tried it I would totally recommend checking it out!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Deer Season Opened Today

Regular deer hunting season opened today here in the southern zone of NY State. Which is why you might have noticed a lot more trucks parked at the side of Woodland Valley Road. The regular season is open from November 19 to December 11th. For all other hunting season information you can go to the NY DEC website below:

NY DEC - Hunting Season

Remember, if you are going into the woods during hunting season to wear your bright orange clothing. You also might want to tie a bright orange bandana around your dog if he/she frequents the forest at this time of year. If you don't have any bright orange to wear you can get some in Phoenicia at Morne Imports. Let's keep everyone safe!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Phoenicia Rotary/Sharp Relief Fund

For those of you who have made contributions to the local reliefs efforts by the Rotary here is some updated information about the distribution of the funds. Looks like they are doing a great job of getting assistance to those in need.

The Rotary/SHARP Storm Relief Status: as of 8 November 2011
Total Contributions - $49,034.00
Total Grants Issued - 129
69 Completed $ Grants - $30,838.00
60 Prepaid $99.00 Supermarket Certificates - $5940.00
Administrative Costs - $12.00 (cost of checks)
Remaining Funds - $12,242.00

Free Community Thankgiving Celebration

Free Community Thanksgiving this Saturday, November 19th, 2pm at Parish Hall, Phoenicia

St Francis de Sales and Phoenicia Rotary will once again host the community dinner complete with turkey and all the trimmings, thanks to fabulous Chef, Jerry Bender.

There is no cost for the dinner. If anyone knows of a shut-in unable to attend please call Cheryl 688-5132 to arrange for a home delivery. And, we will happily accept dessert donations.

Reminder - Library Meeting Tonight

This is a reminder that the library meeting is tonight in Town Hall. Here is the announcement from the library.

Thursday, November 17, 7pm, Shandaken Town Hall
Phoenicia Library Rebuild Update

Though you may not see real progress yet, the Phoenicia Library is moving closer toward rebuilding 48 Main St. We hope to be back in the building by next year at this time. The library’s building committee has been consulting with the architects of North Engineers, Kingston, exploring the best possible scenarios for rebuilding, including; refining the “flow” and use of the space, a first floor lavatory and other ADA considerations, improvements in the areas of energy efficiency, and creating more space that is usable by the community for meetings, programs and so forth. In addition to the incredibly generous donations and fundraising efforts sponsored by the community, the library recently applied for and was awarded a Construction Grant from New York State, and will rely on our insurance claim as we endeavor to fund the rebuild project.
On Thursday November 17th at 7 PM, we will hold a community meeting at Shandaken Town Hall to present our progress to date. Please attend and provide us your valuable input. We are so thankful for all of the incredible support!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Brief Power and Phone Outage

There was a brief power outage last night in the valley. The lights and phone went out about 10:00 pm and stayed out until somewhere between 1:00 and 1:30. There has been a fair amount of wind over the last couple of days and I suspect that was the root cause of the outage.

The power wasn't off long enough to cause any major problems. The temperatures are in the 50's here and so nothing will freeze even if the power remains off. But right now everything is back on and hopefully it will stay that way.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Recycling Old Computers & Electronics






















I don't know about you but I have been looking for a place to take my old TVs to be recycled. Melinda Stickney-Gibson sent me this a few days ago. I don't know too much about it but I think I am going to try it out.

Here are the details from the poster:

Easily Recycle Old Computers & Electronics Free for Businesses and Households! Vehicles Unloaded for You!

WHEN Businesses*
Fri. November 18th, 2011, 12PM–4 PM
Households
Sat. November 19th, 2011, 9AM–1PM
WHERE
400 Stockade Drive, Kingston
off Schwenk Drive, across from Kingston Plaza

Items Accepted
Computers, servers, monitors, printers, keyboards, VCRs, batteries, cell phones, terminals, cables, wires, power supplies, fax machines, radios, modems, CRT monitors corded and cordless telephones, TVs, CPUs, copiers, scanners; cassette, CD and DVD players; typewriters, stereo equipment & more.

*Businesses, School Districts & Government Agencies – Registration Required, email support@themacworks.com, or call the Chamber at 845-338-5100. Households - Just show up on Saturday 11/19/2011, from 9AM–1PM.

The Mac Works and Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce sponsor this popular electronics take-back event for businesses and households. Thank you to our partners: WeRecycle!, Ryan & Ryan Insurance, Wells Fargo Advisors, Deegan Development Group, and the Ulster County Development Corp. A special thank you to Sustainable Hudson Valley for their instrumental role in helping this event launch.

www.werecycle.com
www.sustainhv.org
www.ulsterny.com

Occupy Cozumel Videos

Here are some underwater videos from Tommy Healy. They are really cool. As Tommy says in the comments, if you want to know what diving feels like just watch the turtle in the first video as he glides effortlessly through the water. Very cool!



Thursday, November 10, 2011

Occupy Cozumel
















That is Woodland Valley's own Tommy Healy "swimmin' with the fishes" (you have to say that with an accent like Marlon Brando in the Godfather) in the picture above. Actually Tommy told me they are sardines (my cats are so jealous!). Here is what Tommy had to say about the photo:

"Here is a photo of me taken at 60 feet on a reef called Palancar Gardens. I'm in one of the mini canyons with 1000's of small bait fish."

I hope Tommy keeps an eye out for the big fish that might find him as well as the sardines a tasty treat!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Election Results

Here are the initial, unofficial results from the Shandaken vote. I believe that the absentee ballots still have to be counted but it is unlikely that they will change any of these results.

Supervisor - Robert Stanley
Town Board - Vincent Bernstein
Town Board - Alfred Higley Jr.
Town Clerk - Joyce Grant
Highway Supervisor - Eric Hofmeister
Assessor - Heidi Clark
Assessor - Carol Seitz

Proposition 414 to raise the library budget by $11,000 a year looks like it has passed despite the fact that several people told me that they didn't vote on the question because they either didn't know it was on the back of the ballot or forgot to turn it over.

If you would like to see the exact numbers so far here is the link to the Ulster County Board of Elections. Just click on Shandaken when you get to that page.

http://election.ulstercountyny.gov/local.html

Turn The Ballot Over!!!

TO ALL SHANDAKEN VOTERS - The library referendum is on the BACK side of the ballot!! Please remember to flip your ballot over to voice your opinion on increasing the library budget. This is a very important issue and apparently people are missing it because they did not know or didn't remember to flip the ballot. PLEASE TURN YOUR BALLOT OVER to weigh in on this decision!!!

Vote Today!!!

Don't forget to go to the polls today to cast your vote for town government officials. In a small town like ours every election is important!! The positions that are up for your consideration are: Town Supervisor, 2 Town Board Members, Town Clerk, Highway Supervisor and 2 Assessors.

If you want to look up your polling place or see a sample ballot you can go to the Ulster County Board of Elections website below. They have added new features recently and that is one of them. So go to the site, look toward the bottom of the page. The second item down with a large yellow splash and a red NEW sticker on the left says "look up your polling site and view a sample ballot". Just click on that link and it will ask you for your address and date of birth. If you enter it you can see the ballot.

http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/elections/

Recently, the Woodstock Times did in-depth articles about the different candidates running in this election. Here are the articles about the choices for the different positions:

Supervisor: http://www.woodstockx.com/2011/10/17/shandaken-supervisor-candidates/
Town Board: http://www.woodstockx.com/2011/10/22/rivals-square-off-for-shandaken-board/
Town Clerk & Highway Supervisor: http://www.woodstockx.com/2011/10/29/shandakens-other-candidates/

There is also a referendum on the ballot about raising the library budget. The Watershed Post did an interview with Bernie Handzel, chair of the Proposition 414 Referendum Committee, who makes the case for the library on the proposal. If you would all like to read it you can go to:

http://www.watershedpost.com/2011/funding-phoenicia-library-case-voting-yes-prop-414

As always Woodland Valley residents vote in the Phoenicia Firehouse.

So today's the day, get out and vote!!!!!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Remember To Mail Your Absentee Ballot

I got an email earlier asking me to remind everyone to mail their absentee ballots. Apparently, there are many absentee ballots that have been issued that have not been returned to the Board OF Elections.

They must be postmarked no later than November 7, 2011 or hand delivered to the BOE by 5 pm on Tuesday, November 8th. If you know anyone who has an absentee ballot, please ask them to vote and put it in the mail or deliver it to the BOE at 284 Wall Street on or before 5 pm on Tuesday, November 8th. They cannot drop them at their poll site. If they are going to their poll site then they have to vote in person.

The absentees may well make or break some races in the county. Now is the time to follow up and get the ballots voted and mailed back to the BOE.

Only 57% of Democratic absentees have been returned. Only 62% of the Republican absentees have been returned. Please return them if you have them!!!! Every vote counts!! Please make your voices heard!!!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Phun In Phoenicia Tonight

There are several events in Phoenicia tonight that are worth mentioning. The first is the Shandaken Theatrical Society benefit. Many WCA members are involved with the theatre. It is a wonderful asset to the community! Here is the details on that event.

“Songs From the Silver Screen”
The Red Carpet Leads To Phoenicia

On Saturday, November 5, the STS Playhouse off Main Street in Phoenicia will be host to Songs From the Silver Screen, a gala benefit concert for the 124-year-old theatre.

Renowned jazz cabaret duo Ann Osmond & Dennis Yerry are joined by Grammy nominated writer-performer Robert Burke Warren for a show featuring an eclectic mix of memorable movie music, spanning many decades and styles.

“From Fred Astaire to Judy Garland, Tom Jones to Dionne Warwick, Irving Berlin to Harold Arlen and Burt Bacharach to Simon & Garfunkel; we’ve had such a great time compiling this world-class material,” say Osmond and Yerry. “And it’s a real treat collaborating with Robert Warren. We relish every opportunity to work together.”

Last year, Songs From the Silver Screen was performed for a sell-out crowd in Woodstock. The trio is excited about the opportunity to share it with a larger audience. “For those who did catch the show last year and look forward to the encore performance, we are reprising much of the original program and have added several new “reel” surprises as well,” adds Yerry.

Ann Osmond is a singer and actor with roots in the theatre and Dennis Yerry, an accomplished jazz pianist and composer. Their unique arrangements and rich harmonies have a fresh energy and an air of timeless elegance. Robert Burke Warren, best known locally as Uncle Rock, is a performer whose experience extends from rock and roll clubs to the Victoria Palace Theatre in London's West End.

The concert is a benefit for The STS Raise The Roof Fund. “This has been a very tough year for our community, this benefit will allow us to make much needed repairs to our building” says STS Board President Linda Burkhardt. “Without repairs we could experience severe damage this winter.”

The concert is on November 5 at 8 pm. Reserved seating tickets are $20 and can be purchased at STSPlayhouse.com. Drinks and refreshments will be available and everyone will have a chance to win valuable door prizes. For more info call STS at 845-688-2279.
_______________

And there is another great live music performance at the Empire State Railway Museum. The evening features Spuyten Duyvil a very cool 7 piece band. Come check it out if that is more your style.

Flying Cat Music Presents
Spuyten Duyvil in Concert
at the Empire State Railway Museum
Saturday, November 5, at 7:30 p.m.
Door opens at 7:00

70 Lower High Street, Phoenicia
off of Route 28, just east of the village

$12 or $10 w/RSVP to flyingcatmusic@gmail.com
For information call 845-688-9453

Spuyten Duyvil Website: http://www.spuytenduyvilmusic.com/

There are some political events around tonight but I promised I wouldn't talk politics here on the blog. But they are happening if you are interested in finding out.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Phoenicia Library Rebuild Update

For all of you wondering how the library is doing these days I pulled the information below from the Friends of Phoenicia Library page on Facebook. I plan to attend this meeting and I hope you will too. And remember that the referendum to increase the library budget is on the ballot on Tuesday so make sure that you weigh in on that issue.

Here is what the library staff had to say about the rebuilding efforts:

Though you may not see real progress yet, the Phoenicia Library is moving closer toward rebuilding 48 Main St. We hope to be back in the building by next year at this time. The library’s building committee has been consulting with the architects of North Engineers, Kingston, exploring the best possible scenarios for rebuilding, including; refining the “flow” and use of the space, a first floor lavatory and other ADA considerations, improvements in the areas of energy efficiency, and creating more space that is usable by the community for meetings, programs and so forth. In addition to the incredibly generous donations and fundraising efforts sponsored by the community, the library recently applied for and was awarded a Construction Grant from New York State, and will rely on our insurance claim as we endeavor to fund the rebuild project.

On Thursday November 17th at 7 PM, we will hold a community meeting at Shandaken Town Hall to present our progress to date. Please attend and provide us your valuable input. We are so thankful for all of the incredible support!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Halloween Fun In Phoenicia

Sunday in Phoenicia was very festive indeed! Many residents came out to share the spirit of the holiday. The parade was great (as usual) and the snacks and refreshments in Parish Field were delicious! I took a few photos to share on the blog with folks that couldn't attend. All the photos below were taken in Phoenicia except for the last one. I spied a WCA member at the Woodstock Halloween parade and just had to add it! Great costumes everyone!!