Catching Up On My Posting

I don't usually put a lot of different posts up at one time but I have been so busy lately that I have gotten behind. So I have put up four different event announcements prior to this post to try and catch up. Please scroll down the page and check out all the upcoming events. Folks in Woodland Valley have been busy little beavers doing all sorts of fun, interesting and creative things and you can share in the fun too!!

Meet, Greet and Eat Fundraiser

The Onteora MS/HS is throwing their annual Meet, Greet and Eat fundraiser on April 29th from 5:30 - 7:30 in the school cafeteria. It will be a great chance to see your neighbors and get some great chow. If you are going to be around it sounds like it will be a lot of fun. See you there!

Rick Altman Performs With Special Guests

Spring brings The Rick Altman Trio with special guest, guitarist Mike DeMicco at Harmony in Woodstock on Sunday, March 31st 
AND
Rick Altman & David Oliver vibraphone/marimba duo, with violinist Miriam Rose opening the show at The Pine Hill Community Center on Saturday, April 6th.

See below for details.

_________________________ 

The Rick Altman Trio

with Mike Ralff & Jody Sumber

and special guest, guitarist Mike DeMicco

An evening of jazz classics and original compositions

with vibes, bass, and drums

Sunday, March 31, 2013

8 to 11 p.m.

*donation*

HARMONY

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

more info: www.rickaltman.com

also

Rick Altman & David Oliver in Concert 

with special guest violin prodigy Miriam Rose

An evening of new music for vibes and marimbas inspired by jazz, folk, ska, afro-Cuban and many other world musics.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2013  

7PM

Admission: $5.00

The Pine Hill Community Center 

Main St, Pine Hill, NY

www.pinehillcommunitycenter.org

845-254-5469

Math Tutoring At The Phoenicia Library

Here is a message from the folks at the Phoenicia Library regarding the free math tutoring available for folks of all ages. It is a great place to go if you would like some help.

From Kindergarten to Calculus:
Did you know the library has free Math Tutoring with Phyllis Rosato (wonderful, fun retired OCS math teacher) every Monday 3-5? Spread the word. No question/problem too small. All ages.

http://www.phoenicialibrary.org/

Melinda Stickney-Gibson In Group Show

Melinda Stickney-Gibson will be showing her work in a group show at the LittleJohn Contemporary Gallery in Manhattan. The details are below. Check it out if you are in the city and have the chance.

Valerie Hammond
Kim Keever
Ruth Marten
Jacquelyn McBain
Jennifer Wynn Reeves
Melinda Stickney-Gibson

April 11 - May 11, 2013

Opening Reception:
Thursday, April 11th
6-8 pm

LittleJohn Contemporary
547 West 27th Streeet
New York, NY 10001
203-451-5050 mobile

www.littlejohncontemporary.com

Phoenicia Library Fundraiser A Success

The recent "Raise the Roof" fundraiser for the Phoenicia Library was a great success. Here is a lovely thank you message put up on Facebook by the Phoenicia Librarians.

"Thank you to the Friends of Phoenicia Library who worked so hard to *Raise the Roof* at our craft and book fundraiser. We raised over $2000 for our Re-Build! Our deepest thanks to all the craftspeople who worked so hard, our queen book donor, our volunteers, Jimmy Buff of WDST, and most of all, YOU who came out to support the library."
- The Phoenicia Library Staff

Also, for those of you who have been following the lawsuit involving the library. The case was decide in favor of the library this week. Those of you who want to read more about it can follow the link below.

http://dailyfreeman.com/articles/2013/03/28/news/doc51538b0ec43bd287586856.txt

Boreegard Considers A New Position

WCA member Mike O'Neil sent me this very funny poetic musing on a possible late in life career path for himself. If I were among those sporting a red beany he would have my vote!!

HIS EMINENCE—BOREEGARD 1

I was too late for this one,
But the next time they elect a Pope,
I’m throwing my miter
Into the collegial ring!

Holy smoke, who could NOT want,
To stand on Peter’s Roman balcony,
Waving to the adoring multitudes as they shout
BOREEGARD, BOREEGARD! PAPA, PAPA!

And consider the other outstanding perks.
First, they insist on housing you in a palace,
And force feed you on the world’s finest grub—
Then they give you a bulletproof car (later for you Batman).

The ecclesiastical labor contract for Popes,
Clearly states that the pontiff has the inside track
On infallibility—and is by definition,
Always right—no matter what.

On top of all that, there are those gorgeous clothes—
Vestments, robes, ruby slippers, a staggering variety of headgear,
And that huge, kissable hunk of gold on one’s finger.

Oh, what a heavenly gig.  

Boreegard
March 15, 2013

No New Snow

Despite all the dire predications, we didn't see more than a few brief flurries in the past couple of days. I was prepared for another round of shoveling but we got lucky this time and the storm slid around us. Yipeee!! I think they are saying that there is another chance of flurries on Thursday but I am hoping that they pass us by too. I am ready for some Spring weather, enough of this snow already!!

James Wolf/Aluboo On Kickstarter

As some of you might know, WCA member James Wolf has been building custom made bamboo bikes for about 5 years now. Since a custom built bike is not in everyone's budget, he recently developed an aluminum/bamboo model that can be produced on a larger scale. He is doing a Kickstarter campaign to get the funding needed to go forward with this project. Here is the message I received from James a few days ago with the link to his Kickstarter page so you can check it out. Good luck to James and everyone who is trying to make this happen at Aluboo!

Buy a bike and please spread the word!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dhaugen/aluminum-and-bamboo-bicycle

Thank you and best regards,

James

Max Nova Edits New Music Video

Below is a message from WCA member Max Nova about one of his newest projects, editing a music video for Mumford & Sons. Nice work Max! Love their music! Check it out if you have the chance.  Here is what Max had to say.

"Fresh on the heels (toes?) of our stunning shoot with Brigette Neidermair for CR Fashion Book, we spin 180º to present "Whispers in the Dark," the new music video for Mumford & Sons.  

Directed by Jim Canty, produced by Max Knies for Greencard and edited by Max Nova for Shellac, this is the latest single from their sophomore LP "Babel," which won the Grammy for Album of the Year last month and has sold 2 million copies to date.

After quietly debuting last night the video has gotten around pretty quickly – apologies in advance if you've seen it once or twice (or four times, wink wink) already!

MUMFORD & SONS - YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Bonus points if you can identify Winston's stylists in the lower left storyline!"

Enjoy,

Max

118 Mercer St #1 NY NY 10012

T + 1 212.680.0154 • C + 1 917.355.6459

WWW.SHELLACNYC.COM

Music Circle At Romer Mt Ski Lodge

There has been an acoustic "pickin' circle" going on at Romer Mountain Park (at the beginning of Woodland Valley Road) for many years now. It happens every Thursday night and begins at 7pm. Here is the latest email from circle masters and WCA members Harry Jameson and Dakin Morehouse. Those of you who are musically inclined might want to check it out.

Dear Pickers,

           Are you looking for something musical to do this week? Come and join the Panther Mountain Picking Circle. The Circle will be gathering this Thursday March 21st at 7pm at the Romer Mountain Park Lodge. Hope to see you there.

Regards,

Harry and Dakin

  _____  

 /    @   \             ,,,

|  ========== # ~

 \__@_ /             ‘’’

  

Directions to Romer Mt Park .. (in the red ski lodge)

   From the RR Station = Just head West on the same road (Lower High St) for 1.1 miles and the red Lodge will be on your Left at Romer Park (former ski slope).   

   Driving West on Rt 28 = Take the First Left turn a half mile past the Shandaken Eagle (3rd entrance to Phoenicia ) onto Woodland Valley Road .

Cross the bridge and RR and take a Right at the 'T' for 100 yards.  The lodge will be on your Left.

    From Main St. in Phoenicia = go West to Rt 28 and turn Right at the eagle for about a half mile to turn Left onto Woodland Valley Road. 

Cross the bridge and RR and take a Right at the 'T' for 100 yards.  The lodge will be on your Left.

Update on Winter Storm Ukko

Since when did they start giving winter storms a name? I went to a weather site and saw that this storm was called "Ukko". While that is a nice name, I think I prefer my winter storms by date, as in "the blizzard of '47" or "the ice storm of '66". That is how my parents talked about storms and I don't see why it had to change. I don't even know who votes on changing things like that. I didn't vote for it. Why didn't anyone ask me? Hurricanes have names, winter storms have dates, that is the way it has always been and that is the way it should stay. I think I want to protest, start a Facebbook page against "agencies who vote to change things without asking"........anyway........I'm just saying......it's annoying.

Well, now that I have ranted a bit, here is the update on the aforementioned winter storm Ukko's effects in the valley.

It snowed, sleeted or rained most of the day today but there wasn't a lot more accumulation, 2 more inches at the most. All the snow is the extra wet and heavy kind. It has been very hard to shovel and move around and the roads have been slippery. But tonight Woodland Valley road was not too bad. The town road crews have been doing a great job of keeping everything clear and safe for travel. And all the snow seems to be melting fast.

I think the storm is about over now but I am not sure. As usual, I will keep you all posted. But for right now, that's all folks!

New Snow

Sorry for the break in the weather coverage in the past week. Your blogmistress (me) has been out of the valley and on the road (yes, it may come as a surprise to some, but I leave the valley sometimes). I got back just in time to have to deal with the latest winter storm in a long series of winter storms. Most of them haven't left too much accumulation but, at this point, it is getting tiresome having to scrap and shovel.

Anyway, the snow started for real around 6pm last night. I came home slightly after that and driving was difficult. It was coming down very hard and visibility was poor. I had to drive very slowly down Rt 28 and Woodland Valley Road. 

It snowed all through the night but it was the heavy wet kind and it is misty rain this morning. So all the snow that fell has already compressed a lot. My snow ruler said that I had about 4 inches in my driveway. 

There have been no power or phone outages to report. The town plows have been up and down the road several times during the night and are passing again as I type. So, although I haven't been out to verify, I imagine the roads are OK. 

Spring is this week so maybe the higher temperatures will return and this will all melt quickly. At least that is what I am hoping. I guess we will just have to wait and see what mother nature has in store.

PS - Just after I finished writing this post the rain turned back to snow. It looks like we are going to get some more accumulation. Check back at the end of the day and I will give you an update.

Yoga In Shandaken

WCA member Ricarda O'Conner continues to teach an awesome yoga class right here in Shandaken. Here is a message from Cardi featuring her current class schedule.

Yoga in SHANDAKEN:

Friday, March 15th:  Open-level Yoga 
@ 4:00 - 5:30 pm   

Sunday, March 17th:  Open-level Yoga 
@ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Monday, March 18th: Stretch Class 
@ 5:30 -7:00 pm

WHERE: Catskill Mountain Pilates, 7 East High Street in Shandaken.

Take Route 28 to intersection of Route 42, turn RIGHT on Ruthenbeck Road (between the Appletree Motel and the Firehouse) then right on High Street East to # 7. It's the last house on the left---look for my yoga sign. The studio is above the garage.

Link for driving directions and map:         http://catskillmtnpilates.com/pages/directions.html

Hope to see you on the mat!

Best Wishes,

Ricarda

www.ricardaoconner.com

Raise the Roof

Event:  Raise the Roof:  craft and book sale to benefit Phoenicia Library

Need some mystery and romance in your life? Curious to see what arts and crafts Shandaken residents are making in their homes in the mountains?  The Phoenicia Library is hosting a book and craft sale at Phoenicia Fish and Game, 5419 Route 28, Mt. Tremper, NY.  The sale features more than 2,000 books, most priced between 25 cents and $1; some rare, signed or collector's editions are individually priced. All craft items are “Made in Shandaken,” showcasing local creativity, talent, and flair.

Raise the Roof will benefit the Phoenicia Library, which plans to rebuild our Main Street structure after the devastating fire two years ago. Plans and a model showing the design of the proposed new building will be on display for all to see.  Admission is free on Saturday, March 16 from 10 AM to 4 PM and on Sunday, March 17, from 11 AM to 3 PM.  Admission to a book sale preview on Friday, March 15, from 7-9 PM is $5.

All proceeds will go to support this great community cause.

For more information call 845-688-7811 or http://phoenicialibrary.org

Almost All Melted

The snow that fell in this last storm has almost completely succumbed to today's warm temperatures. It was in the 50's when I checked this afternoon with the sun shining brightly most of the day. There are still some of the deeper piles of ice and snow laying around that are left over from the accumulated buildup over the winter but nothing unmanageable. The weather prognosticators are predicting continuing warm temperatures for the next couple of days before it drops down around the freezing mark again. So we should see some additional melt-off. The gorgeous weather today felt like spring is just around the corner!! But that may just be wishful thinking on my part.

Still Snowing

Even though it is still snowing in the valley I wanted to post something so that the folks that are thinking of heading this way over the weekend can know what to expect. It started snowing yesterday afternoon but didn't start to stick until the early evening. I got about 3-4 inches overnight at my house but it could be more or less at your property depending on where in the valley you live. The nearer to town you are, the more wet the snow has been. And it all seems to be compressing rather quickly as the day progresses so that 3-4 inches is going down rapidly.

Temperatures have been ranging from the upper 20's to the low 30's. We seem to be just over the line so all the precipitation is falling as snow but it is the wet and heavy kind. Take your time shoveling!

Last night on my way home, Woodland Valley Road was very slippery. But by this morning when I went out again the plows had come and sanded the roads and made everything passable. Rt 28 is wet but OK. But if you are coming tonight slow down and drive carefully. We want everyone to arrive safe and sound.

Bottle Bird Feeder

This message came yesterday with a poem from multi-talented Dakin Morehouse. Here is what Dakin had to say.

The delightfully graphic Feb 26 letter from  Johanna Norgren Jordan, (a childhood friend), inspired me to dig out this little old ditty I wrote a couple years ago about our Woodland backyard neighbors. Look for a similar bird poem in spring.      Dakin

Bottle Bird Feeder

by Dakin Morehouse 

Tufted Titmice on our feeder ring,

Through the soda bottle, sunflower seeds look green.

Contrasting nicely with the Cardinal lady,

Whose bright spouse prefers the ground so shady.

From nearby high branches Chickadees flit

With deadly accuracy to the plastic lip.

Nary an extra wing flap, they stall mid-flight,

Tiny talons gripping, for a fleeting seed bite.

Before hoisting aloft, give it a swing while I’m there,

The high branch and twine protect it from bear.

A myriad of Finches mottled Purple and Gold,

Intercept my playful swing, they are so bold!

Large migrating flocks briefly drop in  for a snack

Enroot for parts north  and on their way back.  

The Sparrows and Grosbeaks visit but seasonally,

Plus a few exotics who drop in occasionally.

Though their tight-rope antics resemble play,

The inverted wok top keeps the squirrels at bay -

And the seed quite dry from the hang holes on top,

Effective recycling, though fancy feeder it’s not. 

Too cramped for Blue Jay and Dove, larger birds that seed.

Must content beneath   with squirrels to feed -

Where feisty little reds, silky blacks and the big gray -

Nocturnal gliders and the fat cheeked ground squirrels play.

Oh yeah, the seed does cost us a few bucks

But for the pleasure we gleam - I say shucks,

Its admittedly quite mundane, in a homely sort of manner.

But our feathered friends provide it  such an elegant banner!

© Dakin Morehouse

AnOther Magazine

WCA member Max Nova sent this to me a while ago but I have been a little behind in my posting. Check it out when you have the chance.

Dear Friends,

Our exclusive interview of Michelle Williams for AnOther Magazine is now online!

Intimate and affecting, our personal portrait of Michelle reveals an aspirational artist whose feet are always in the air while she strives to stay grounded.  On the eve of the release of Oz The Great and Powerful, directed by Sam Raimi, Michelle's Glenda the Good Witch manages to be both magical and relatable, much like Michelle herself.

ANOTHER MAGAZINE - MICHELLE WILLIAMS

Enjoy,

Max

MAX NOVA / SHELLAC

118 Mercer St #1 NY NY 10012

T + 1 212.680.0154 • C + 1 917.355.6459

WWW.SHELLACNYC.COM

Scott Ainslie Tonight At ESRM

Flying Cat Music Presents

Scott Ainslie in Concert

Sunday, March 3, 2013

7:30 p.m. (sharp), Door at 7:00

Empire State Railway Museum

70 Lower High Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464

Admission is $15 or $13 w/RSVP

to flyingcatmusic@gmail.com

For information email as above

or call 845-688-9453

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZurkeS0kWSM

Rick Altman At The Harmony March 10th

On March 10th, Rick Altman and David Oliver will be performing at Harmony Music, Woodstock NY.  

David and Rick perform an eclectic blend of original compositions for marimba and vibraphone.  The music is inspired by many sources including improvised new music, jazz, folk, and ethnic world musics.  David’s compositions are heavily influenced by ska, reggae, Indian, Turkish, Latin, and classical music.  Rick’s compositions borrow more from the traditional jazz and new age modal jazz as well as samba and salsa.

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

Some of the songs are in common 4/4 time, but others use mixed meters of 2/4 and 3/4, all the way to 13/4.  Simply put, this allows the songs to repeat themselves far less often then conventional, western styles.  Several of the pieces may inspire dancing, while others ask the audience to close their eyes, open their ears, and be transported.

Here's a sample of what you can expect to hear:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndxYx0jvkas

The show begins at 8 p.m. with Jim Curtin on bass and vocals, followed by Rick and David at 9 p.m.  Jim is a wonderful solo performer, with a huge, eclectic repetoire including everything from Billie Holiday to Jimi Hendrix.

For more information you can go to www.rickaltman.com or visit Harmony's facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/harmonymusicwoodstockny