There is an issue before the town that seems to be of great concern to a lot of residents in the valley. Talk has it that a resolution may be proposed at the May 2nd Town Board meeting to rezone a section of Route 28 in Mount Tremper to commercial. The new zone would begin before Al Higley's farm stand and continuing east on both sides of the road to include the entire field that surrounds Roger and Alyce's Farmstand (Roger & Alyce do not own the land, which is currently up for sale). If you have input on the issue you can attend the meeting or contact the Town Board members.
Shandaken Town Board Meeting
Monday Night May 2 - 7:00 P.M
emails:
Doris Bartlett
councilmanbartlett@shandaken.us
Tim Malloy:
councilmanmalloy@shandaken.us
Vinnie Bernstein:
councilmanbernstein@shandaken.us
Jack Jordan
kjordan2007@wildblue.net
Rob Stanley
shandakensupervisor@yahoo.com
Town Hall Address:
PO Box 134, Allaben, NY 12480
Emails and letters need to arrive before May 1st
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
On the Side of the Road
Many of you have probably noticed the small yellow flowers that are abundant on the side of Woodland Valley Road right now. They are Coltsfoot. The flowers are one of the first things to bloom in the spring and I always look forward to seeing them. Below is some information that I copied from Wikipedia about the plant.
Tussilago farfara, commonly known as Coltsfoot, is a plant in the family Asteraceae. Coltsfoot is a perennial herbaceous plant that spreads by seeds and rhizomes. Tussilago is often found in colonies of dozens of plants. The flowers, which superficially resemble dandelions, appear in early spring before dandelions appear. The leaves, which resemble a colt's foot in cross section, do not appear usually until after the seeds are set. Thus, the flowers appear on stems with no apparent leaves, and the later appearing leaves then wither and die during the season without seeming to set flowers. The plant is typically between 10 - 30 cm in height.
Coltsfoot is native to several locations in Europe and Asia. It is also a common plant in North America and South America where it has been introduced, most likely by settlers as a medicinal item. The plant is often found in waste and disturbed places and along roadsides and paths. In some areas it is considered an invasive species.
It has been used medicinally as a cough suppressant. The name "tussilago" itself means "cough suppressant." The plant has been used historically to treat lung ailments such as asthma as well as various coughs by way of smoking. Crushed flowers supposedly cured skin conditions, and the plant has been consumed as a food product.
The discovery of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the plant has resulted in liver health concerns.
- Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tussilago_farfara
I
Tussilago farfara, commonly known as Coltsfoot, is a plant in the family Asteraceae. Coltsfoot is a perennial herbaceous plant that spreads by seeds and rhizomes. Tussilago is often found in colonies of dozens of plants. The flowers, which superficially resemble dandelions, appear in early spring before dandelions appear. The leaves, which resemble a colt's foot in cross section, do not appear usually until after the seeds are set. Thus, the flowers appear on stems with no apparent leaves, and the later appearing leaves then wither and die during the season without seeming to set flowers. The plant is typically between 10 - 30 cm in height.
Coltsfoot is native to several locations in Europe and Asia. It is also a common plant in North America and South America where it has been introduced, most likely by settlers as a medicinal item. The plant is often found in waste and disturbed places and along roadsides and paths. In some areas it is considered an invasive species.
It has been used medicinally as a cough suppressant. The name "tussilago" itself means "cough suppressant." The plant has been used historically to treat lung ailments such as asthma as well as various coughs by way of smoking. Crushed flowers supposedly cured skin conditions, and the plant has been consumed as a food product.
The discovery of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the plant has resulted in liver health concerns.
- Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tussilago_farfara
I
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Maya Wolf Arrives
WCA members James and Lam Wolf welcomed their new little daughter, Maya, into the world on April 23. As you can see by the photos below she is gorgeous!!! Mother and daughter (Dad too) are doing fine. Welcome to the world Maya!!!
PS - Please note how beautiful momma Lam looks with no makeup on and after giving birth!! Even on my best day I never looked that good!! You go girl!!
PS - Please note how beautiful momma Lam looks with no makeup on and after giving birth!! Even on my best day I never looked that good!! You go girl!!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Library Needs Volunteers This Saturday
The Phoenicia Library needs your help this Saturday at 9 am to clear the burned wreckage from the building into a dumpster. Work boots, dust mask and work gloves are highly recommended. If you are able to help, please email Bernie Handzel at email address below, and let him know.
bernardhandzel@yahoo.com
bernardhandzel@yahoo.com
Monday, April 25, 2011
Apron Sale to Fund School Cooking Program
There will be handmade aprons for sale as a fundraiser for the Phoenicia school's "Cooking with Robin" (Robin is WCA member Robin Chess) program. It will be held on Saturday April 30st and Sunday May 1st at Mama's Boy (lawn and gazebo) on Main Street, Phoenicia. Go and buy an apron and support our local schools!!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter Card
Here is another great bit of Woodland Valley history from Paul Misko!
Happy Easter greetings with an Easter post card which was made expressly for "Woodland", and which was sent in 1910 to a Helen Hughes in Phoenicia. This card was likely bought at the Roxmor Shop, which was near the entrance to Roxmor many years ago.
Paul
Paradox Or Pair-O-Ducks
Paul Misko sent me this post a couple of days ago. Read on:
While you're on the stream theme, look at what I saw in the upper part of Woodland stream recently. A pair of ducks. They are Common Mergansers, which are an uncommon sight up here, at least to me. According to Peterson's Guide, they have spike-like bills, saw-edged mandibles, and dive for fish. They winter in Mexico. Guess they are waiting for the new shipment of trout on stocking day.
Paul
Friday, April 22, 2011
Rick Altman Trio on Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday, come enjoy jazz in Woodstock. The Rick Altman Trio is back at the Harmony Cafe in Woodstock, with special guest Mike DeMicco. Sunday April 24th from 8-11 pm. Check for info on upcoming shows at www.rickaltman.com Hope to see you there!
1000th Post
This post marks a milestone for the blog. It is the 1000th post that I have made since I started in the fall of 2007. Visitors to this site have steadily increased every month since the beginning. Right now it is averaging around 5000 hits a month! Unbelievable! But that number counts people who find the site by accident through different search engines. Still, even if you remove those folks, it is a lot more than I ever anticipated.
I want to thank everyone in the Woodland Valley community who send me things to post. I could not and would not do it without you. Putting the content up is time consuming enough, writing it all myself would be impossible. So thank you to all those who have contributed to making this a success!! Please continue to send any valley news to me here at wvview@gmail.com. Let's keep this good thing going!!!
I want to thank everyone in the Woodland Valley community who send me things to post. I could not and would not do it without you. Putting the content up is time consuming enough, writing it all myself would be impossible. So thank you to all those who have contributed to making this a success!! Please continue to send any valley news to me here at wvview@gmail.com. Let's keep this good thing going!!!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Stream Conservation Efforts
I got this email from the Cornell Cooperative Extension regarding upcoming volunteer streamside planting, restoration and clean-up efforts. Since most of us here in the valley also spend time in and around the Esopus I thought some of you might be interested in lending a hand. Here is the information:
Ashokan Stream Steward Volunteer Dates
RSVP now and mark your calendar for these fun volunteer events!
Get some fresh air and exercise by beautiful creeks! Meet other fun people while helping to conserve our local streams. Join us for the Stream Clean-up and streamside planting projects planned.
Streamside planting projects are supported by the Catskill Streams Buffer Initiative (CSBI), which supports landowners with expertise, site planning, and materials to restore vegetation along streams. Landowners provide in-kind support and agree to maintain the vegetation.
Streamside Restoration Planting Dates:
Volunteers needed to plant trees and shrubs for the Catskill Streams Buffer Initiative on the following dates:
Saturday, April 30 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday, June 4 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday, June 11 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday, September 24 9:00 am – 12:30pm
Volunteers meet at our office at 6375 Route 28, Phoenicia across from former Margo’s Restaurant.
We will carpool to planting sites from the office. Bring water, boots/sturdy footwear, sun protection & bug repellent.
CSBI is sponsored locally by Ulster County Soil and Water Conservation District, Cornell Cooperative Extension and New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
Stream Clean-Up & Free BBQ
Saturday, May 21, 9:30 am—12:30 pm (BBQ after cleanup)
We will clean up trash at Esopus Creek Access Areas Along Route 28.
Co-Sponsored by Trout Unlimited, Catskill Mountain Chapter
Volunteers meet at our office at 6375 Route 28, Phoenicia across from former Margo’s Restaurant.
We will carpool to planting sites from the office. Bags, rubber gloves and trash pickup provided.
Please RSVP to Gretchen Rae at:
Call (845) 688-3047 or email: gretchen.rae@ashokanstreams.org
Ashokan Stream Steward Volunteer Dates
RSVP now and mark your calendar for these fun volunteer events!
Get some fresh air and exercise by beautiful creeks! Meet other fun people while helping to conserve our local streams. Join us for the Stream Clean-up and streamside planting projects planned.
Streamside planting projects are supported by the Catskill Streams Buffer Initiative (CSBI), which supports landowners with expertise, site planning, and materials to restore vegetation along streams. Landowners provide in-kind support and agree to maintain the vegetation.
Streamside Restoration Planting Dates:
Volunteers needed to plant trees and shrubs for the Catskill Streams Buffer Initiative on the following dates:
Saturday, April 30 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday, June 4 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday, June 11 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday, September 24 9:00 am – 12:30pm
Volunteers meet at our office at 6375 Route 28, Phoenicia across from former Margo’s Restaurant.
We will carpool to planting sites from the office. Bring water, boots/sturdy footwear, sun protection & bug repellent.
CSBI is sponsored locally by Ulster County Soil and Water Conservation District, Cornell Cooperative Extension and New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
Stream Clean-Up & Free BBQ
Saturday, May 21, 9:30 am—12:30 pm (BBQ after cleanup)
We will clean up trash at Esopus Creek Access Areas Along Route 28.
Co-Sponsored by Trout Unlimited, Catskill Mountain Chapter
Volunteers meet at our office at 6375 Route 28, Phoenicia across from former Margo’s Restaurant.
We will carpool to planting sites from the office. Bags, rubber gloves and trash pickup provided.
Please RSVP to Gretchen Rae at:
Call (845) 688-3047 or email: gretchen.rae@ashokanstreams.org
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Logo Contest Finalists
Here are the entries I received for the Woodland Valley logo contest. I have tried to post them in order of their submission. Some of the logos had a theme with several different variations. I grouped those together as one entry. I thought that if people liked that general idea and it won we could take a second vote on which one of the group was best.
There are a few things you should keep in mind about the entries. First, the sizing of the logos is a little wonky. Sometimes Blogspot does things that I am unable to compensate for, in this case, it is some strange sizing. Next, the last 2 hand drawn entries are intended as rough sketches that could be refined in Illustrator or Photoshop. And lastly, entry number 8 is a watercolor with a lot of beautiful detail that is lost when converted to this small size. I just wanted to mention that fact because I think it is the only one where that seems to be happening.
So that being said, now it is time for all WCA members to vote. Just email me the number on the top left hand corner of your chosen design. Send the email to wvview@gmail.com. You must be a WCA member to vote!
Just to remind you all, we ultimately plan on printing the winning entry on stickers we can proudly display on our cars.
The deadline for the voting is May 7th. So get your votes in now.
There are a few things you should keep in mind about the entries. First, the sizing of the logos is a little wonky. Sometimes Blogspot does things that I am unable to compensate for, in this case, it is some strange sizing. Next, the last 2 hand drawn entries are intended as rough sketches that could be refined in Illustrator or Photoshop. And lastly, entry number 8 is a watercolor with a lot of beautiful detail that is lost when converted to this small size. I just wanted to mention that fact because I think it is the only one where that seems to be happening.
So that being said, now it is time for all WCA members to vote. Just email me the number on the top left hand corner of your chosen design. Send the email to wvview@gmail.com. You must be a WCA member to vote!
Just to remind you all, we ultimately plan on printing the winning entry on stickers we can proudly display on our cars.
The deadline for the voting is May 7th. So get your votes in now.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Local Trout Unlimited Meeting
Since quite a lot of WCA members are also Trout Unlimited members I am posting this local meeting announcement.
ASHOKAN-PEPACTON WATERSHED CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED
Who: Trout Unlimited: Ashokan-Pepacton Watershed Chapter
What: John Cronin – Real Time Monitoring of Rivers and Streams
When: Wednesday, April 27 -- presentation at 8:00 pm
Where: Boiceville Inn, Route 28, Boiceville NY
How: Free to the Public. No registration necessary. For more information, see www.apwctu.org
Details:
On Wednesday, April 27th, the Ashokan-Pepacton Watershed Chapter of Trout Unlimited is delighted to welcome John Cronin, the international renowned Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries, for an exciting look at the Beacon Institute’s real time monitoring on the Hudson, its innovative vision for the global use of such monitoring, and a critical inquiry into how advanced levels of information about rivers and streams can ultimately inform and influence watershed management practices.
Honored as a "Hero of the Planet" by Time magazine, John Cronin served as Hudson Riverkeeper for 17 years, co-authored the book The Riverkeepers with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and wrote and co-produced the film, The Last Rivermen, which was named an outstanding documentary by the Motion Picture Academy Foundation. He began his work on the Hudson River in 1973, at the prodding of folksinger Pete Seeger. Since then, he has worked tirelessly as an advocate for streams and the natural and human communities that depend upon them. He has worked as a commercial fisherman and served as a state and congressional legislative aide. He is also a co-founder and senior fellow at Pace University's Pace Academy for Applied Environmental Studies.
The Chapter’s monthly meeting begins at 6:30 pm with informal fly tying (bring your own equipment) and social networking, followed at 7:30 pm by a short business meeting. The presentation begins at 8 pm. The entire evening is open to the public at no charge. For more information, please visit www.apwctu.org
ASHOKAN-PEPACTON WATERSHED CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED
Who: Trout Unlimited: Ashokan-Pepacton Watershed Chapter
What: John Cronin – Real Time Monitoring of Rivers and Streams
When: Wednesday, April 27 -- presentation at 8:00 pm
Where: Boiceville Inn, Route 28, Boiceville NY
How: Free to the Public. No registration necessary. For more information, see www.apwctu.org
Details:
On Wednesday, April 27th, the Ashokan-Pepacton Watershed Chapter of Trout Unlimited is delighted to welcome John Cronin, the international renowned Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries, for an exciting look at the Beacon Institute’s real time monitoring on the Hudson, its innovative vision for the global use of such monitoring, and a critical inquiry into how advanced levels of information about rivers and streams can ultimately inform and influence watershed management practices.
Honored as a "Hero of the Planet" by Time magazine, John Cronin served as Hudson Riverkeeper for 17 years, co-authored the book The Riverkeepers with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and wrote and co-produced the film, The Last Rivermen, which was named an outstanding documentary by the Motion Picture Academy Foundation. He began his work on the Hudson River in 1973, at the prodding of folksinger Pete Seeger. Since then, he has worked tirelessly as an advocate for streams and the natural and human communities that depend upon them. He has worked as a commercial fisherman and served as a state and congressional legislative aide. He is also a co-founder and senior fellow at Pace University's Pace Academy for Applied Environmental Studies.
The Chapter’s monthly meeting begins at 6:30 pm with informal fly tying (bring your own equipment) and social networking, followed at 7:30 pm by a short business meeting. The presentation begins at 8 pm. The entire evening is open to the public at no charge. For more information, please visit www.apwctu.org
Saturday, April 16, 2011
All Hail!!
Is it spring??????? I think someone forgot to tell the person at the controls on the universal weather play station!! Just a little while ago we were having snow and hail in the valley. What is up with that?? It has changed over to rain now but the temps are in the 30's......brrrrrr!! I didn't think I would still be reporting the weather at this point in the season. But alas, I find myself typing these words. Anyway, tonight it is supposed to rain like crazy. There is a flood watch in effect. So if you have to travel be careful and remember NEVER cross a flooded roadway!!!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Getting Local News
Since the closing of the local newspapers here in town, getting local news has been an issue. It is a small town, so if you stay local most of the time you will hear the more important things by word of mouth so fast it will make your head spin. But if you spend a lot of time out of the area getting news is more of a challenge.
There are several ways you can keep up though. Of course, you can read this blog for news of Woodland Valley. But because I do this on a volunteer basis, and have limited time, I don't cover much more than the valley and down into Phoenicia.
Another volunteer effort has popped up that is definitely worth following which is http://www.phoenicia-catskills.com/. I am not sure who is writing it but it seems to have a lot of good information.
Another place I would recommend is The Watershed Post. They cover a bigger area but also write about things that are happening locally.
And, as always, The Woodstock Times and The Kingston Daily Freeman still cover this area. The Woodstock Times has made and effort to try and fill the hole left in our lives by the closing of The Phoenicia Times. Nothing can truly replace that publication but at least they are keeping us up to date on the bigger stories. There are other newspapers online but these are the ones that you can read for free.
For those of you on Facebook, you can like "Phoenicia" to get some information that way.
So that's it on how to keep up with the local "goings on". And as always, remember that if you are a member of the Woodland Community Association you can send me things (no politics though) to post on this blog.
There are several ways you can keep up though. Of course, you can read this blog for news of Woodland Valley. But because I do this on a volunteer basis, and have limited time, I don't cover much more than the valley and down into Phoenicia.
Another volunteer effort has popped up that is definitely worth following which is http://www.phoenicia-catskills.com/. I am not sure who is writing it but it seems to have a lot of good information.
Another place I would recommend is The Watershed Post. They cover a bigger area but also write about things that are happening locally.
And, as always, The Woodstock Times and The Kingston Daily Freeman still cover this area. The Woodstock Times has made and effort to try and fill the hole left in our lives by the closing of The Phoenicia Times. Nothing can truly replace that publication but at least they are keeping us up to date on the bigger stories. There are other newspapers online but these are the ones that you can read for free.
For those of you on Facebook, you can like "Phoenicia" to get some information that way.
So that's it on how to keep up with the local "goings on". And as always, remember that if you are a member of the Woodland Community Association you can send me things (no politics though) to post on this blog.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
DEC Issues Permit To Shandaken
The DEC issued a permit today that would allow dredging of the Stony Clove Creek along Rt 214. The overflow from this waterway caused the flooding of Phoenicia twice last fall. The work is scheduled to begin in May. If you want to read more about it you can click through on this link to The Times Herald Record online.
DEC Grants Permit for Dredging in Phoenicia
Hopefully this dredging will help protect the hamlet of Phoenicia in the future.
DEC Grants Permit for Dredging in Phoenicia
Hopefully this dredging will help protect the hamlet of Phoenicia in the future.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Out of Hibernation
Dennis Havel sent me this great photo of a chipmunk looking for a "cuppa" in his yard. I saw this and wondered if chipmunks hibernate. So I searched the web and came up with this answer on answers.com "While chipmunks in general are not true hibernators, they tend to remain in their underground chambers during the winter months. In its northern range the chipmunk goes underground about the end of October but sleeps deeply only during the coldest period." Very interesting! But I am glad they are waking up. I think this might mean that spring is finally here!!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Art of Living Course - April 14th - 17th
WCA member MJ Reiss is giving another Art of Living Course. Here are the detials she asked me to pass along:
Health, Happiness & Energy
Only a breath away!
Learn the Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing-meditation technique offered only through the Art of Living course!
What does Sudarshan Kriya do?
• Reduces Stress
• Increases Energy
• Enhances brain function
• Relieves depression & anxiety
"Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Approach to Inner Peace Is Like Fresh Air to Millions"
-- The Washington Post
Course Location: Catskill Mtn Physical Therapy (1890 House)
90 Main St, Phoenicia, NY 12464
Course Dates and Times:
Thursday and Friday from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Saturday 9:30 AM – 4:30 Sunday 2:30 – 6 PM
April 14th - 17th
Contact Information: MJ Reiss (845) 750-5845
Other Information: Register today and get an Early Bird Discount Good till April 10th $50 off
Code # ILI3843 Registration Link/Details:
http://secure.artofliving.org/course_details.aspx?course_id=9706
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Handmade Aprons and Potholders Needed
Seeking contributions of handmade aprons & potholders to be sold to raise funds for ingredients for the Phoenicia school's wondrous "Cooking With Robin" program (Robin is WCA member Robin Chess). Please bring your creations to the school or send in with a student with a note stating your name and relation to the school (example: Jane Doe, grandmother of 2nd grader) no later than Friday April 29th. The sale will be held Sat. April 30th & Sun. May 1st in the Phoenicia's town center. If you have any questions call 688-5981.
Don't miss it!!!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Feature Films Shooting in Hudson Valley
This was sent to me by the Hudson Valley Film Commission. Anyone who is interested should contact them directly.
There are FOUR FEATURE FILMS that will be shooting in the region this May and June and they are all looking to rent locations, housing and hire local cast and crew... See details about two of the films below (more to come)..
There are many short films also shooting in April and May including many MFA films from NYU and Columbia
It's going to be a very busy summer....
--------------------------------
Short Film shooting Monday, April 4 is looking to rent a beat up junker.
If you have just the car, email vladimirdefontenay@hotmail.fr
--------------------------------
Upcoming Kingston, NY music video shoot featuring world renowned band is casting extras, featured actors and some crew. See details at http://tiny.cc/8ife9
--------------------------------
Late May through June
Film starring John Slattery (Madmen) and Jena Malone (SUCKER PUNCH) is looking for
FILM LOCATION:
-A big pretty house, ideally with a private lake or pond — maybe a little bit secluded up a drive with nice grounds set on a few acres or more — manicured would be best.
HOUSING:
-Accommodations for cast and crew — about 20-25 people.. Can be several houses close by or apartments.
Email filmcommission@me.com if you have just the place.
--------------------------------
JUNE feature film needs:
FILM LOCATIONS
-big country house
-poor house
-middle income house
-palatial house
-diner
Accommodations for cast and crew — about 22 people. Can be several houses close by or apartments.
mail filmcommission@me.com if you have just the place
--------------------------------
Hudson Valley Film Commission
PO Box 1406, 86 Mill Hill road
Woodstock, NY 12498
www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
The Hudson Valley Film Commission is a not-for-profit, 501 (C)(3) organization that promotes and creates sustainable economic development by supporting and attracting film, video and media production in the Hudson Valley, Catskills.
There are FOUR FEATURE FILMS that will be shooting in the region this May and June and they are all looking to rent locations, housing and hire local cast and crew... See details about two of the films below (more to come)..
There are many short films also shooting in April and May including many MFA films from NYU and Columbia
It's going to be a very busy summer....
--------------------------------
Short Film shooting Monday, April 4 is looking to rent a beat up junker.
If you have just the car, email vladimirdefontenay@hotmail.fr
--------------------------------
Upcoming Kingston, NY music video shoot featuring world renowned band is casting extras, featured actors and some crew. See details at http://tiny.cc/8ife9
--------------------------------
Late May through June
Film starring John Slattery (Madmen) and Jena Malone (SUCKER PUNCH) is looking for
FILM LOCATION:
-A big pretty house, ideally with a private lake or pond — maybe a little bit secluded up a drive with nice grounds set on a few acres or more — manicured would be best.
HOUSING:
-Accommodations for cast and crew — about 20-25 people.. Can be several houses close by or apartments.
Email filmcommission@me.com if you have just the place.
--------------------------------
JUNE feature film needs:
FILM LOCATIONS
-big country house
-poor house
-middle income house
-palatial house
-diner
Accommodations for cast and crew — about 22 people. Can be several houses close by or apartments.
mail filmcommission@me.com if you have just the place
--------------------------------
Hudson Valley Film Commission
PO Box 1406, 86 Mill Hill road
Woodstock, NY 12498
www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
The Hudson Valley Film Commission is a not-for-profit, 501 (C)(3) organization that promotes and creates sustainable economic development by supporting and attracting film, video and media production in the Hudson Valley, Catskills.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Burial Service for Tommy Alba
Nick Alba asked me to post this information regarding the burial service for his son, Thomas.
Dear Friends and Family,
This is the most difficult e-mail that we have ever had to send, but we must provide this information to all of those who may wish to pay their respects to Thomas and his family by attending his burial service.
Thomas Alba's burial will take place on Saturday, May 21st, at 12 Noon at the Mt. Tremper Rural Cemetery.
Directions:
From Phoenicia: The Mt. Tremper Rural Cemetery is located on Rt. 28, .7 mile south of the intersection of Rt. 28 & Rt. 212, on the left.
From Boiceville, The Cemetery is located 1.3 miles from the Onteora School, just past the Catskill Park Information kiosk, on the right.
Please be advised that the sign and the entrance to the cemetery are not very visible, so please proceed slowly and follow the directions carefully. This setting is a peaceful and appropriate resting place for Thomas. We recently discovered a writing of his that expresses his appreciation for this area. On March 30th, 2009, Thomas sent an e-mail to himself entitled " Catskill Connection", and here are some excerpts:
"I have felt connected to the Catskills in many ways throughout my whole life. To start out I was born and raised in Phoenicia my whole life. Its pretty clear that no one really has a choice where they grow up, and I cant necessarily say it would be my number one choice."
"It’s nice to have fours seasons and such a change between all of them. Each season has distinct qualities that describe it and give people different emotions, mostly from memories of past seasons. People who live in areas with the same climate all year round don’t get to experience this and it seems to create a sense of monotone. I also have somewhat grown to enjoy the Catskill mountain range surrounding me. It’s much different then living in an area such as Colorado or Texas where the sky is huge and everything seems so open. Living here I guess I could say gives me a feeling of security because like most people I feel like nothing will ever get to me up in the mountains. A feeling of secludedness comes along with that as well, being that it is such a rural area and I feel like there is so much I am missing out on."
"There are some things I love about this area that make it unique and give it sentimental value to me. I won’t forget the toothless drunk locals of Phoenicia, or the tribe of crazed homeless people that live behind the Eckerd’s Pharmacy in Woodstock during the warm months of the year. I’m always going to have good memories looking back at hanging out at the Woodland Valley bridge or just taking laps around the block that was our turf since I was ten years old. All in all I can’t decide if I would’ve grown up somewhere else if given the opportunity, because I haven’t lived anywhere else in my life yet. When I hopefully move on within the next year I know I will always remember the people and aspects that make this area original. This is something I would hope everyone who lives here feels at some point because it is taken advantage of a lot and is not always going to be available to us."
Thomas' family would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to all of those who have given us so much compassion and kindness in this most difficult of times.
If you would like to share some thoughts about Thomas you may do so at Legacy.com: http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/dailyfreeman/guestbook.aspx?n=thomas-alba&pid=148828224&cid=full. Your statement will become a permanent online testimony to Thomas' memory.
Sincerely,
Nick, Gael and Nicholas Alba
Note: The photo of Tommy above was taken in 2005
Friday, April 1, 2011
Storm Ending
We seem to be in the final throes of the storm that started yesterday and I am happy to report that it was much less fierce than expected. I was thinking today that maybe the forecast of 6 - 12 inches was the National Weather Service's idea of an April Fools joke. Oh well, whatever it was, it ended well for us. Not only did we get minimal snow fall (less than an inch) but the rain that came down seems to have melted much of the remaining snow left from this long cold season. Yippeeeeee!! Hopefully, we will get some warmer temps in the next few days and spring can begin in earnest.
Out Like A Lion.....But Not Bad
So far the big storm that was predicted for the valley has not been serious. Yesterday it rained and snowed lightly throughout the day but nothing seemed to stick. This morning there is less than an inch of accumulation on the ground. WV road is reportedly clear but I haven't been on it myself. The dire prediction of up to 12 inches has been canceled. The temps are in the mid 30's with no power or phone outages to report. Right now it is not snowing but there is more precipitation on the radar. We will just have to see what that brings but so far so good. I will keep you informed.
