Happy New Year!!

We are getting ready to pop the champagne cork and I thought I would take a minute and wish everyone in Woodland Valley a Happy 2014! May the coming year be full of wondrous things for all!

Messy!

After a fairly nice day on Saturday yesterday's storm seemed particularly annoying to me. Although we had a couple of minor snow incidents last week all the previous snow had pretty much melted.

But last night we got one of the dreaded goopy, sloppy, heavy, wet, "wintery mix" kind of storms. Most of what came down was in the form of rain but, unfortunately, we did get an inch or two of snow and sleet mixed in that has covered the ground. 

This made for a very long and slow journey up WV road last night. The highway trucks are on the job though. They came into the valley after I did and started the sanding and salting process. So hopefully at this point the road is not too bad. 

But given the dropping temperatures, I am afraid what is on the ground in our driveways will freeze into a treacherous mess. The valley is much clearer towards town but as you come up into the valley be cautious both on the road and getting out of your car and walking to your houses. Slow and careful should be the mantra of the day. 

Support The Food Pantry

The Shandaken Food Pantry needs your support. Most of us enjoyed abundant food and drink this holiday season but there are many in the community who struggle. So I would urge anyone who can to donate to the food pantry and help your neighbors in need.

Located: Phoenicia United Methodist Church
Open: Thursdays 10am-12pm
Checks or non-perishable foods and personal items will be happily accepted at the Shandaken Town Clerk's office Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. Call the Town Clerk at 688-5004 if you want information or have questions. Checks should be made out to "Shandaken Food Pantry". They can also be sent to: Key Bank 53 Main St, Phoenicia, NY 12464

Let's try to remember those less fortunate this holiday season!!

Town Meetings On YouTube

For those of you who are out of the Catskills right now don't forget that the Shandaken Town Board Meetings are on Videos Live on YouTube.

To provide more convenient & accessible information to our citizens, Shandaken Town Board Meeting Videos will be available online at the Town's Youtube page. Video's will still be available to watch on Time Warner Channel 23 but this will provide this service to those that don't live here full time or don't use Time Warner TV.

here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/user/townofshandaken?feature=watch

"Slide Mountain" By Joe DeSarle

Now that Christmas is over and we are all going back to listening to regular music and not just Christmas Carols, here is a song for you to check out. WCA member Joe DeSarle sent me his newest creation for us all to enjoy. Here is Joe's message. 

"I'm sending another recently produced song and video that might be of interest to some Woodland Valley residents since it pays tribute to Slide Mountain."

- Joe

Sunday With The Rick Altman Trio

New Year's Eve is for amateurs.  Come out to Harmony Music in Woodstock this Sunday night, and catch The Rick Altman Trio for the last time this year...with special guest, guitarist Mike DeMicco.

The Rick Altman Trio

with Mike Ralff & Jody Sumber

and special guest Mike DeMicco

An evening of jazz classics and original compositions

with vibes, bass, and drums

Sunday, December 29, 2013

8 to 11 p.m.

*Donation*

HARMONY

52 Mill Hill Rd. Woodstock, NY (845) 679-3484

more info: www.rickaltman.com

All Melted

With the crazy, warm temperatures we have had in the valley in the last couple of days (in the 60's at times) the snow has pretty much all melted. The temps started to rise a couple of days ago so the piles that were lying around from the two storms we had (about 18 inches in total) are virtually gone.

It has been raining on and off in the valley since yesterday. But just now when I went outside I could feel that it was a lot colder than it had been all day. The thermometer now reads in the low 30's and the forecast is for it to drop down into the 20's tonight. I guess it is back to the winter weather.

Whoops…..ESRM & CMRR Events Sunday

I mistakenly posted that the STS, ESRM and CMRR holiday events were today. Sorry folks, your blog mistress has taken too much cold medicine. They are all tomorrow! I have corrected the last post. But the Mama's Boy caroling is tonight. See you all there!

Free Holiday Fun Sunday!

STS, ESRM and CMRR team up to provide some great, FREE holiday fun in Phoenicia on Sunday. The festivities start early with a Christmas play at the Shandaken Theatrical Society at 11am. Then there will be a Christmas party at the Empire State Railway Museum in Phoenicia from 1-4. And free train rides on the Catskill Mountain Railroad in Mount Tremper at 12, 1, 2 and possibly 3 (if there is enough people).  I hear that the big man himself (Santa) and his lovely wife (Mrs Claus) will also be in attendance. So come out and join your neighbors for some great family entertainment!

Christmas Caroling Saturday Evening

There will be Christmas caroling tomorrow, December 21st at 5:30 in the evening in front of Mama's Boy in Phoenicia.There will also be free cider for all.

A holiday concert will follow the event at the Wesleyan Church in Phoenicia. That event is also free. Sounds like a great time to me!!

Another 6 Inches

Sorry I didn't post last night folks, even the blogmistress gets tired sometimes. Anyway, the totals are in for this last storm and we got about another 6 inches. As you may imagine there is a lot of snow around at this point. It should be very interesting how much of this melts in the next few days because temperatures are forecasted to go into the 40's and 50's over the weekend. Hopefully, the ground will be able to absorb all this wetness or it will runoff into the streams. It gets treacherous when the snow melts, forms puddles than refreezes. But it is a long enough stretch that it should work out fine. I guess we shall see. 

Be careful if you are coming for the weekend though. Take your time when driving up your driveway or walking to your house.There may be icy spots around. 

And It Just Keeps On Coming

It is snowing again in the Catskills. The snow started this morning and is still going on as we speak. There is about 4 or more inches on the ground. The temperatures are low enough that it should be light and fluffy but that is hard to tell (I haven't been out in it). The proof will be in the shoveling. Hopefully, it will not be too bad. But the last storm started out light and fluffy and ended up icy, wet and heavy so you can never tell. Judging by the radar we still have a while to go before it stops. Stay warm and dry until then. I will report final totals later when I have them. 

More Travels With Intrepid Sally And Peter

Just to break up the endless monotony of talking about snow here are some more excellent photos from the traveling Oberbecks. These are from Dakla. Thanks for sending them guys. I love to look at cool photos from interesting places. And it is nice to know that somewhere it is warm and sunny.

Here is what Pete and Sally had to say about their photos.

Dakla, Western Sahara

"Our last stop on the continent of Africa before we sailed for the Cape Verde Island took us to the town of Dakla on a peninsula in the far south of Western Sahara.  Not particularly exiting, but we did visit an oyster farm that had some of the best oysters we have ever eaten.  They were salty and had a mild steely taste and, of course, came right out of the ocean. Pictures 4 5 and 6."

Intrepid Peter and Sally

This Round Of Snow Is Done

Good Morning everyone, I am happy to tell you that the snow has stopped. The final total for this storm is somewhere around 11 inches. Because of drifting, I get different measurements in different places but that was the reading I got most of the time.

The temperatures have risen into the high 20's so the snow has gotten significantly heavier than it was last night. It has been much harder to shovel. But I am making headway.

From what I can see of WV Road (I still haven't left my property) it looks like the town has salted and sanded and kept the road passable. But driving slowly and cautiously is still recommended. And remember, in a lot of places there is a layer of ice at the bottom of all this snow from previous storms. So watch your step!!!

I recommend wearing ice traction cleats in this weather. Last year, Marietta at Morne Imports had some that you slip-on over your boots. I don't know if she has them again but it is worth asking. They are a godsend in this weather. I keep one pair at my back door and one pair in the car. Just a suggestion. But, if nothing else, wear shoes with decent treads. This is not the weather for your 5 inch Jimmy Choo's so just let go of the idea of fashionable footwear for winter here in the valley.

So that's all for this storm folks. I hope wherever you are you are safe and warm!

Still Snowing

Just got back in from outside where I was doing a brief round of snow shoveling. I thought I would report one last time to all of you who are wondering what is going on weather-wise in the valley.

We have about 8 inches of snow on the ground at this point. The snow is falling very fast and the wind has picked up slightly but is not too crazy.

I have heard the town trucks go up and down the road more than once but haven't been out all day (except right around the house to shovel) so I can't report on road conditions. Although the highway department does a great job, with the snow falling this quickly it will be hard to keep the roads clear for long. I think it is safe to say that if at all possible it would be best to stay inside and wait the storm out in the cozy comfort of your own home.

The forecasters say that the snow will continue through the night so I will post again in the morning with the final totals.

That's all for now. Good night.

Snow Totals So Far

It has been snowing since early morning. The temperatures have been in the teens so the snow is the very fine, light and fluffy kind. Given that fact, shoveling was relatively easy. The accumulation thus far is only about 3 to 4 inches. But the weather forecasters are saying that the heaviest snow fall will be overnight tonight. The Hudson Valley Weather forecaster on Facebook is predicting from 10 to 14 inches by the end of this storm. So far the winds have been extremely quiet. And there has been no interruption in phone or power. Let's hope that continues. I will continue to provide you all with updates when I can. In the meantime, stay warm and safe.

Getting Ready For Some Serious Snow

The national weather service is calling for  6 to 12 inches of snow in the next 48 hours with possible larger accumulations in the higher elevations. The warning goes from 8am Saturday to 1pm Sunday. I will try and keep you updated as the storm progresses. Hopefully, we will not lose power. If I do not post for a couple of days in a row you can assume the power has gone out. But, as always, I will try and keep you posted.

A Bit More Snow

Yesterday it snow on and off for a lot of the day. The total accumulation was only about and inch or so, thank goodness. It stopped around 5pm and the roads were pretty good when I got home last night at around 9pm. I think the Shandaken Highway Department does an excellent job of keeping us all as safe as possible.

Even though the snow is not deep there is still some ice under it from the storm a couple of days ago. So take your time and walk carefully when you are going from your car to your house. The roads are fine but driveways, walks and decks may be slippery.

The College-Youth Symphony of SUNY New Paltz

The lovely and talented 10 yr old Miriam Rose will be performing this Sunday with The College-Youth Symphony of SUNY New Paltz. I have been to several of these concerts before and they are really great. So if you want to hear some talented young people perform (WV's own Miriam Rose among them) try and catch this Sunday's performance!

Miriam Rose

invites you to the Winter Concert

of

The College-Youth Symphony

of SUNY New Paltz

Carole Cowan, conductor

Vic Izzo, conductor Wind Ensemble

***********

Works by Verdi, Britten, Mussorsky, Reed and Anderson

Sunday, December 15, 2013

7:00 P.M.

Julien J. Studley Theatre

Tickets: $8, $6, $3  Available at the door

Icy Conditions

We had a bit of snow yesterday followed by some freezing rain on top of it. But we were lucky and most of yesterday's storm slipped to the south of us.

On the ground right now there is about a quarter inch of wet, icy snow. Slippery, but it could have been a lot worse.

I got the sloppy mess off my car fairly easily but decided not to venture out to test the roads. They are calling for more snow tomorrow but we shall see. But right now the conditions are soggy and icy so drive very, very carefully if you are coming into the valley.

Tibet House Auction

Our wonderful Menla/Tibet House neighbors are having a benefit auction on December 16th at Christie's in NYC. There will be a lot of great items for sale. This is your chance to bid on exotic travel, exclusive experiences and fabulous gifts for family and friends (maybe you will even find a thing or two for yourself). Here is a link to the full auction catalog: http://www.tibethouse.us/pdf/th_2013_catalog.pdf It sounds like it will be a great evening! For more information go to the Tibet House website at: http://www.tibethouse.us

Flying Cat Music Series Show Postponed

Tomorrow night's concert in the ESRM with The Boxcar Lillies is cancelled due to weather concerns. Here is the message I received from Flying Cat.

Our Flying Cat Music concert this Sunday December 8th with The Boxcar Lilies has been cancelled due to pending bad.weather. Band members have scheduled commitments early on Monday and anticipated road conditions Sunday night into Monday make travel during that time period inadvisable. We will reschedule The Boxcar Lilies during our 2014 concert year. Please share this updated information with anyone you know who might have been considering coming to the show Sunday.

More News Regarding The Farmstand Decision

There is an article in the Daily Freeman on the NY Supreme Court/Hanover Farmstand decision that is very interesting. Here is the link.

http://www.dailyfreeman.com/general-news/20131206/shandaken-farm-stand-out-of-compliance-and-must-close-court-rules

Lawsuit Judgement

For those following town news, a judgement has been made in the Hanover Farm/Higley lawsuit. Here is a link to it if you would like to see the outcome.

http://www.shandaken.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Hanover-Farms-Decision-Order-dated-11-27-13.pdf

Library Gets Closer To Fundraising Goal

There is an article in today's Daily Freeman about the latest grant to help the Phoenicia Library rebuild (see link below).

http://www.dailyfreeman.com/general-news/20131204/phoenicia-library-closes-in-on-fundraising-goal-with-20000-state-grant

This holiday season, for the people on your list who have everything, please consider making a donation in their name to the library. It is a fantastic resource and a gem in the midst of our community. You can give a great gift that will keep giving back. There is a link to their Paypal donation page on the library website. Even a small donation will make a difference.

http://phoenicialibrary.org

The Woodland Brook - Poetry from Boreegard

WOODLAND BROOK

I am obsessed by Woodland Brook

There’s early spring, when the water runs
Fast and blue and the shadblow blooms pure white
All along the valley corridor.
My father directs me to use a quill Gordon.
Iron Fraudator hatches while the last
Thin snow falls.

Grandpa was right.
Life is not all skittles and beer.
Even on a bright Memorial Day,
You can find evidence of Winter’s
Harsh directive.

The stench of rotting flesh hits us
Like a wall, as we crash through
Sinewy brush, lugging heavy buckets
Of stocking trout.

The doe’s body was hidden in deep water,
Until this sudden dry spell.
Lately she has become the uncontested property,
Of recalcitrant valley dogs and buzzflies.

In summer the brook dwindles to a crystalline trickle,
Under a demanding sun, grasshoppers bask
In the hot dust and fiddle beneath the black-eyed suzies.

Cautious trout maintain themselves in the shade
Of willows and smooth children’s jumping rocks.
They wait for nighttime when they will fill with
Brash courage and feed in a frenzy on top.

Take your rod and visit them then.
To Hell with the cocktail hour.

Cold wet autumn, when the slate drakes hatch
Leaving their skinhusks behind like gossamer souvenirs of their
First life.
As May flies, they flutter off through the rain
To begin their brief climactic last-life.

Boreegard
May 15, 2012

Today In Phoenicia

There is a great event in the St Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Phoenicia today featuring Woodland Valley's own Jean Druffner. Stop by if you can.

Beyond Presents.... Celebrating Presence of Love in the World:

Join the community of St. Francis de Sales Church in Phoenicia to welcome the light in this season of darkness. With the help of storytellers Gioia Timpanelli, Jean Druffner, and Father Raphael Iannone, AND the music of Festival of the Voice Co-directors Maria Todaro and Louis Otey, we will embrace the winter solstice and open our hearts to the power of love and goodness in our midst.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 at 3:00

At St. Francis de Sales Church

104 Main Street. Phoenicia

Donations at the door to benefit the church

Weather Update

Sorry I haven't posted any weather for a bit. I know I kind of left you all hanging in the middle of a storm there but sometimes a girl just has to work. Anyway. the nor'easter was snow at first (only about an inch or two), changing to rain (a lot) then topped off with more snow (less than an inch).

The snow has stuck around. And temperatures dropped into the teens overnight so there is an icy crust on everything at this point. It only warmed into the 20's today so nothing more melted. Right now everything is clear and there is not much wind.

So all is well in the valley but if you come up there might be a bit of ice around in driveways and on porches so watch your step!

More Photos From Honduras

I posted the photos of Tommy Healy's shark dive in Honduras a few days back. He also sent me some other awesome photos that I wanted to post as well. So here is part two of Tommy's Honduran diving excursion. These photos were from several different emails describing his adventures so they are a mixed bag of subjects. But they are all great photos! Thanks for letting us see them Tommy!

Some Snow, Then Rain

It snowed lightly yesterday for most of the day but turned to rain about 6pm. There was a couple of inches of snow on the ground at the top of the valley by the time it changed over making for a soupy mess. I had to drive to town last night and although the roads had been sanded by the highway department WV road was treacherous!

At this point, it is still raining and the forecast is for it to continue for most of the day. I haven't been on WV road today so I can't tell you about the conditions. Even though temperatures are in the 30's if you are headed this way please take your time and drive slowly!! Especially since the temperatures are going to drop into the 20's after the rain passes and the ground may get slippery. Drive slowly and safely and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Cold Blast

I haven't had much to say about the weather lately because there wasn't much going on but this week things took a turn toward winter. The temperatures in the valley dropped down into the lower teens several nights this week. We have also had several snow flurries. There is a dusting of snow here and there through the neighborhood but nothing of note. Tomorrow's storm should be interesting. Hopefully, it will all be rain but we shall see. I will continue to observe and report.

PS - Just to remind all of you on Facebook, an excellent source of local weather is the Hudson Valley Weather page (see link below). I think it is the best source of weather around these parts. The guy who runs it is not a meteorologist but just a huge weather junkie. His page has over 40,000 likes because he is right more times that the official weather people. As we go into this winter season I recommend you check it out.

https://www.facebook.com/HVWX1

Marrakesh With Intrepid Peter and Sally

Pete and Sally Oberbeck sent me a greeting and more fabulous photos from their trip to Marrakesh. The city looks awesome and I think I am going to put it on my "must visit" list. Thanks to Pete and Sally for sending us these great photos!!

Here is what they had to say about their trip.

Belated Greetings from Marrakesh

This city at the foot of the Atlas Mountains has been a Berber stronghold since the 11^th century and a place of great charm. It was once known as the “red city” for its rose-tinted buildings.  We walked through the old medina as well as Dejmaa el Fna, the central square, with its snake charmers, shops, henna artists and water men.

Intrepid Peter and Sally

More Poetry From Boreegard

The Once and Future Garden

It says in Moses’ old book,
That God made a big garden,
To the east of Eden.
It had every tree and plant ever
Imagined by HIM whose name we cannot know.

We favor the popular ones—
Johnny Chapman spread Eve’s apples across,
The fruited plain; Norwegians and Swedes plowed the
Prairie sod into amber waves and such.
Can she bake a cherry pie, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?

For all of that, consider what we sapheads ignore or denigrate,
Thinking of them simply as weeds—trash.
Look at the Joe-pye weed growing unbidden in the ditch,
Clinging tenaciously to the lip of the cultivated field,
Next to the giant mullein, poke, milkweed.

The storied Wampanoag Joe Pye cured typhus’
Deadly fevers with his namesake, back when Indian herbals reigned.
How many more weedy secrets remain hidden, pilgrim,
Waiting to be discovered and used for the greater good?


Boreegard
November 17, 2013

Healthcare Law Information

There is going to be a discussion on the basic questions surrounding the new Healthcare Law this weekend at the Phoenicia Library. Here is the information they sent me about it. 

PHOENICIA LIBRARY IS HERE TO HELP YOU WITH THE NEW HEALTH CARE LAW

Some fresh news about new healthcare law (Affordable Care Act aka Obamacare):  The NYS website is apparently now working  https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ and NYers are successfully signing up.  You may be able to do it on your own, or made need help.

On Saturday, Nov. 23 at 11 -1 the library will be hosting a discussion by Scot Hastie on very basic questions about whether it is to your advantage to sign up, and how to do so.  He is not affiliated with the government but, as an insurance agent, has been trained to understand the new options. He can offer basic, unbiased information.   Call 688-7811 to register (required).

The library is planning regular office hours here with Navigators (state people who help people sign up) to answer questions or help with sign up, hopefully sometime in November.  People unable to get to office hours can make individual appointments.

We have good handouts here at the library on healthcare options.  We also have a binder that describes the different levels of plans.  These have links and phone numbers to specific plans so you can check out which doctors accept what plans.  We can help you get that info on computers here at the library.  Please talk to our staff or Liz, the director. 

We are here to help as best we can.

Swimming With The Fishes

WCA member, Tommy Healy, went on a fabulous diving vacation to Honduras recently. He sent me back these cool pictures/videos. I think he is a great underwater photographer. Here are the photos/videos of his shark dive and a message from Tommy himself about the adventure.

Today was shark dive day. I decided to do these photos in Black and white for best perspective. They took us out by a small boat. (the last shots you can see the bottom of the boat above the diver then follow up and over on the mooring line) The dive site was a point on the reef where currents meet. Sharks like that as they have to continually need to move. The dive down was to 75 feet to a sandy bottom where 5 of us kneeled down and watched the show. These are Caribbean reefs sharks that are non aggressive (otherwise I would not be here and you would not be looking at shark pics) They do come close up to you but do not pose a threat. A bucket that has fish is placed on the bottom and opened. The sharks gobble up the bait then head on there way. While they battle it out on who gets the meal. They some times Lose teeth. (Unlike us these teeth grow back) In if your as lucky as I was, (first time) You may find a tooth on the sand looking around. Fun day, No snow thank goodness.   

Tom
PS - Here are some links to videos of the dive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9Yn96VI4bY&feature=c4-overview&list=UU3ekh3K1ddtP6tGYMXb4zNg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vioMeVcj5s&feature=c4-overview&list=UU3ekh3K1ddtP6tGYMXb4zNg 

Big Winds

The storm that came through yesterday into today produced some strong gusty winds. Last night the wind was so intense it even woke me up! Rt 42 in the western part of Shandaken is closed at this time for a downed tree with some wires but I don't think that there are any trees down across WV road.

With the storm behind us the morning has brought bright blue skies. Looks like it will be another gorgeous day! Enjoy!

Turkey Trot 2013

Third Annual Phoenicia Turkey Trot to benefit Pine Hill Community Center

  

Phoenicia, New York is hosting the Third Annual Phoenicia Turkey Trot, Saturday, November 30^th, 10:00 a.m. The 2.4 mile run/walk will benefit the Pine Hill Community Center, which provides community-building activities nurturing creativity and life-long growth for people of the Central Catskills. Monies will be used for a roof replacement project. 

The race will wind through scenic Phoenicia. A free Tot Trot for kids five and under will precede the main race at 9:30 a.m.  Last year’s event grew to 400 runners/wobblers from the 300 participants in its inaugural year.

The run is open to the entire community, elite and novice runners alike. Kick off this family fun event benefiting this worthy cause, and while you are at it, work off your Thanksgiving feast.

Registration is $10 for individuals or $20 per family. Groups are encouraged to run as well. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest female and male racers; and a special cash prize will be given to the team with the most runners.   Free Turkey Trot tee shirts go to the first 50 registrants.

Registration and sign-in begins at 8:00am - 9:45am 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 www.phoeniciaturkeytrot.com, or contact Heather (845) 688-7064 or Patti (845) 254-4126 or via email at hrobertspt@gmail.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.

And like us on FB-https://www.facebook.com/PhoeniciaTurkeyTrot?ref=hl

Welcome Seiya Dante Raffaele

Parents Julia Rose and John Raffaele and big sister Maya welcomed Seiya Dante Raffaele into this world yesterday 11/16/13 at 9:45 am. Seiya (晴夜 - means sunny night) is named after his grandmother Harumi (晴美 - meaning sunny beautiful) so that he may always be sunny in disposition, just like his grandmother was, even in the darkest hours of her life. Welcome to the world Seiya!!!!

Photos From Abroad

While we are all here freezing in the Catskills (the temps have been dipping down into the teens at night) Peter and Sally Oberbeck have been galavanting through Northern Africa. They took some wonderful photos for us to enjoy. Here is their message and the photos.

Greetings from Casablanca

After a long journey we arrived in Casablanca and took a look at the Grande Mosque Hassan ll that afternoon and again the next morning with an inside tour. It is truly grand!

Not sure how much it cost, but the people paid extra taxes to pay for it.  It took only two+ years to build.

 We also had dinner ar Rick’s Café which turned out to be exceptionally good and was a good replica of the one in the movie ‘Casablanca’.

Intrepid Peter and Sally.