Mystery Spot In Daily Freeman

Phoenicia's own Mystery Spot was showcased in the Daily Freeman a few days ago. Owner Laura Levine talks about the items in the store from her private collections. Anyone who has ever been in the store knows that she has a lot of cool retro items for sale besides the things she keeps for herself. Check out the Freeman article when you get the chance.

http://www.dailyfreeman.com/lifestyle/20141226/mystery-spot-owner-showcases-eclectic-personal-collection

Merry Christmas 2014

I want to wish everyone who celebrates a Merry Christmas! I hope you all had a wonderful day!

Here is another touching holiday poem from Woodland Valley's own Mike O'Neil. Enjoy!


CHRISTMAS AT SEVENTY-TWO

Somewhere is the Christmas list I crayoned out to Santa,

Somewhere are the ashes from the evening’s lovely fire,

Somewhere are my parents, who swept me off to bed,

To dream of the saint who would soon shoot down our chimney.

All of that is here, as I number seventy-two.

Somewhere.


Mike O'Neil aka Boreegard

Lots Of Rain

For everyone who is wondering what is going on in the valley weather-wise, you can relax. All the precipitation that has fallen in the last two days has been in the form of rain. Last week we woke up every morning for about 5 days to a dusting of snow on the cars. So there was a light covering over everything. There was also still some deeper snow and ice on the ground from the last storm.  But all the rain is melting that away. The forecast is for heavy rain today and then warm through Christmas. So my hope is that everything will be melted by the end of the week. But we shall see. I will of course try and keep you posted.

Boreegard Listens To An Aging Cat

Here is another wonderful bit of poetry from WCA member Mike O'Neil aka Boreegard. 


BOREEGARD LISTENS TO AN AGING CAT


I looked Tony straight in the eye today,
As I plucked one more tick from his hide,
And asked, “Why, old lad, do you insist on,
Rolling on the early wet spring ground?”


“Oh Boss,” he said, “I’m old and I walk
Slowly—as I notice you do too.  I
Cannot race to catch the errant Carolina Wren,
Or that chipmunk packing in the birdfeeder spillings.”


“Isn’t the sun nice, filtering through the greening woods,
And your scratching and smoothing of my back,
Makes me feel purr purr purr,
Can there be a nicer moment in this uncertain world?”



Saturday December 20, 2014

Happy Chanakah - Playing Catch Up Again

I find myself once again behind in my blog posting. First, let me say Happy Chanakah to all the many Jewish families here in Woodland Valley! I hope you have a great holiday! By the way, if someone could advise me of the correct spelling of Chanakah I would be eternally grateful. I have seen it spelled Chanukah, Chanukkah, Hannukah, Hanukkah and more. If anyone could help this shiksa out on this topic it would be greatly appreciated. And even if I can't quite get a grip on the proper holiday spelling my heart is true when I wish you all the best this holiday season!

There is a lot going on in these parts right now so I have posted several other bits of local news below this post. So be sure to scroll down to see everything. Sorry I have been posting in larger chunks these days. But work has been very busy for me and I do the best I can.

So just to completely update you all, the weather in the valley has been a bit warmer in the last few days. Temperatures have gotten near 40 and the snow we had lying around is melting away. But there is still a fair amount of ice around so watch your step if you are coming to the valley and haven't been here in awhile.

So that's it for now. As always, I will try to keep you posted.

Library Almost Home

Here is the latest news from the folks at the Phoenicia Library.

Phoenicia Library is moving into its renovated  location on Main Street.  New and Used Items FOR  SALE at Ava Maria  location Please contact the  library for information. MOVE TIME LINE Computer/Internet “Café” at 9 Ava Maria location:  Volunteers will open the building  for public use of computers and internet.  Days and times will be posted in advance and won’t follow our usual hours. Friday, January 2nd, 2015:  New Year, New Library!  The Phoenicia Library re-opens at 48 Main Street, all our usual library and computer services start again.  Saturday, Jan. 17th 11-3:  Please join us at our Grand Opening Party with refreshments and entertainment. Frequently Asked Questions: What services will be available during the closure? Phoenicia Library will not be operating as a library until January 2nd. However, starting about the 2nd week of December, there will be limited hours at Ava Maria for use of our computers and internet. Hours will be posted in advance at both libraries, and on our webpage. Where do I get my books during the closure? Once we close: if you wish to obtain a book during this time, please have it sent to another library that is convenient to you, such as Olive or Pine Hill libraries, for pickup. When you place a hold online, you may choose a library other than Phoenicia for pick up location. That library will contact you to let you know the hold is there. Otherwise, all books that are coming from other libraries will be available for pickup once we open at Main Street in January. Where do I return my books? You can return them into our drop box at either location, and volunteers will drop them off at another library periodically. Or, you can bring them to another library, especially if time is a concern. What if I need to contact the library while you are closed? Our phones will be down for a short while during the move, but you can call if it is urgent at 688-7811. Please be patient as we attempt to get back to you. You can always call another library if you need help getting a specific item delivered to another library while we are closed. Thank you for all your help since the fire. Thanks to you we are almost home!

ESRM Christmas Party

Don't forget that the Christmas festivities in Phoenicia this Saturday, December 20th include a party at the Empire State Railway Museum. The celebration at the museum is from 1:00pm to 3:00pm and features many fun things to do. There will be model trains, live music, mini-train rides, cider, popcorn and Santa himself. So go visit the museum on Saturday for some holiday fun!

More Great Press

Once again a travel magazine has pronounced the Catskills a great place to visit (we already know that!). Below is the latest in the string of articles voting us among the best places to travel in 2015. Looks like we made number 3 on this list. Travel and leisure has a big circulation so get set for even more tourists (you didn't think it was possible did you?) in the coming months. But all kidding aside, these kind of articles help support the wonderful businesses and restaurants in our area so I think this is great!

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/best-places-to-travel-in-2015/3

Celebrate Christmas Next Saturday In Phoenicia

PHOENICIA CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION DAY!!! December, Saturday 20th - Stores open until 9pm! Pick your favorite event or come to all, anyway peruse the charming shops and discover the new restaurants in Phoenicia!( open late!) 

11 a.m. - STS Playhouse's annual Christmas Show (Free) with skits, songs and lots o? fun for all. 

1 p.m. - Empire State Railroad Museum Party; starts with Santa's arrival at 1, with model trains, mint-train rides, live music, and munchies 

5:30 p.m. - Bonfire with free cookies and hot cider at Mama's Boy, with caroling! Bring your candles and sing along! 

6:30 p.m. - "gaudete," A free Concert at the Wesleyan Church with members of the Phoenicia and Woodstock Choirs. 

8:00 p.m. - SantaLand Diaries at STS Playhouse. David Sedaris' Account of stints as a Santa elf (not suitable for young audiences) . Admission reduced to $15.

Done For Now

This last winter storm seems to be over for the most part. We didn't get more than a couple inches here in the valley. Unfortunately, it was wet and slushy snow and now with the dropping temperatures it is frozen solid. So for the most part any snow you see has ice underneath. Temps tonight are in the teens but are forecasted to warm early next week. All in all I think we dodged a bullet. The prediction was for a lot more snow then we actually got in the end. The worst accumulations seem to have been to the north and west of us. So that's it for now. All is well in Woodland Valley.

Silent Auction For Phoenicia Primary School

Auction chair, Marcey Brownstein, emailed me with the following message regarding the upcoming silent auction to benefit the Phoenicia Primary School. Here is what Marcey had to say.

On behalf of the Phoenicia Primary PTA, I would like to invite you to our silent auction being held during our holiday crafts fair Friday, December 12 at 3:45 p.m. Bidding will end promptly at 5:15 p.m. Snow date is December 19. There are going to be an amazing array of over 75 items to bid on. We would love to see you there. If you can't make it and wish to  bid by proxy, please email Marcey at Foodandwineinchelsea@gmail.com for a full list and with your proxy bid.

Just A Little More

We got a bit of rain here this morning followed by some more snow in the late afternoon/early evening. Nothing too bad, maybe another inch at the top of the valley by the campground. Phoenicia itself got a little more than we did up here, maybe 2 inches tops. But the wet, heavy snow from yesterday has frozen underneath everything making for slippery conditions on driveways and walkways.

The roads weren't too bad when I came home tonight at about 7:30pm. The town trucks have continued to sand and salt to make Woodland Valley Road safer. But I didn't even attempt to drive up my driveway to the house. It is always treacherous when a little slushy snow freezes underneath everything.

I think we are expecting more snow overnight into tomorrow. Hopefully, that will turn out to be pretty minimal as well. That's all for tonight. I will try and do another update tomorrow evening.

Weather So Far

Despite the dire predictions of 12-18 inches for this storm the accumulations have been far less at this point. We seem to be riding right on the rain/snow line. I woke up this morning to freezing rain. It changed to snow later in the morning but then spent the rest of the day going back and forth between the two. What is on the ground right now is basically 2 - 3 inches of very, very heavy slushy snow. I went outside to move it and it was very laborious.

There is quite a bit of snow sticking in the trees. While I was out I heard a lot of cracking sounds from the branches breaking under the weight of the heavy, wet snow. The boughs that are not breaking are hanging very low in places. Hopefully, we won't get much wind or I am afraid we will see a lot of branches coming down.

I just checked the radar and it seems like we will have a bit of a break as the first part of this storm moves through. But they are forecasting snow on and off through Thursday so I will try and keep you posted. That's all from here so far. Wherever you are stay warm and safe!

Benefit For Flying Cat

Potluck Dinner & Benefit Concert

for Flying Cat Music

Sunday, December 14

Dinner at 6:00 p.m.

Music at 7:30 (doors at 7:00)

Empire State Railway Museum

70 Lower High Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464

Suggested donation of $10 or more

RSVP recommended to flyingcatmusic@gmail.com

For information email as above

or call 845-688-9453

Links for all artist at:
http://flyingcatmusic.com/2014-show-dates-and-artists/

Flying Cat Music ends its 2014 concert year on Sunday, December 14, with a gala celebration and benefit concert to help defray costs of the ongoing Railway Station Concert Series held at the Empire State Railway Museum in Phoenicia. For those fond of festive socializing, the concert will be preceded by a potluck dinner at 6:00 p.m. Admission to the concert portion of the evening begins at 7:00 p.m. with a suggested donation of $10 or more. Music will begin at 7:30. Reservations for this concert at the ESRM may be made by writing flyingcatmusic@gmail.com. For more information please email or call 845-688-9453.

Weather For Weekenders 12/5/14

If you are headed this way and want to know what is happening in the valley weather-wise I am here to give you an update. The rain we had this week melted all the snow that was on the ground from last week's storm. But it is frosty up here. The temps got into the teens last night and the forecast for today is saying that another storm is expected starting this afternoon into tomorrow.

The dreaded "wintery mix" phrase, is being thrown around in advance of this weather event. And it sounds like driving through the early evening overnight into tomorrow may be challenging. So do check your local weather outlets before you head north for the weekend. And as always, drive carefully!

Holiday Sale In Phoenicia

Once again I would like to remind all of you that when shopping for holiday gifts think local!!! There are many, many great shops in our area and keeping your money in the community benefits your friends and neighbors directly. And if the person on your shopping list already has everything you can get them a gift certificate for one of the many awesome local restaurants, spas or other services (massages, manicures and pedicures etc) offered in our area. Again, your dollars will go directly to helping the local economy if you shop in town rather than head to the big box stores.

To kick things off there is a craft sale this weekend in Phoenicia. It is Saturday Dec 6th and Sunday Dec 7th from 10am - 5pm at Parish Hall on Main Street in Phoenicia. So go and check it out. I am sure there will be a lot of great stuff on sale!

Hunters From Seasons Past

Since hunting season is upon us WV resident historian Rolf Reiss sent me some great old photos of hunters from the past. Here is what Rolf had to say:

"Since it still the season I thought I would share a few images from the early 1900's of successful local hunts.

The first one shows several gents in front of the Central Hotel in Phoenicia including Al Wispell ( the proprietor and stout fellow leaning on the butt of his shotgun) along with several men who unfortunately I have yet to identify. The Central Hotel eventually became Ricciardella's Restaurant and is now awaiting a new purpose. We can only speculate as to whom exactly fired the fatal shot, participated in the hunt or was simply present in town with a rifle or shotgun when the photo was taken.

The second photo taken at the same location seems to include a different cast of characters ( some apparently in their "Sunday go to meeting clothes" ) and a different victim along with a live pet fox on a chain and two adorable imps in the lower left corner sneaking in to the picture.

The last hunt photo was shot in the Woodland Valley Park Association beyond the state campsite.Thanks to our long time resident and avid local historian Linda McDonald who was able to identify the hunter and his son as Fred and Phillip Roberts. Fred was the Association's caretaker for many years. The sign on the tree reads " Automobiles slow down to 8 miles per hour". That was in the days when the old Woodland Valley / Slide Mt. turnpike was still open to cars and connected us to Winnisook Lake, Claryville and beyond."

Best wishes,

Rolf

Traveling On The Thruway

A lot of people have to travel this evening to get home from their extended Thanksgiving weekend. So I thought I would take this opportunity to remind everyone that their are travel cams at all the exits along the NYS Thruway. Whether you are coming from or going to the Catskills at this point, these can be helpful to assist in assessing the traffic situation before you leave. So bookmark this link and check it out before you travel. Although we are 30 minutes from the Kingston toll booths and things can change fast this could possibly give you some idea of what to expect. Check it out.

http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/map/index.html?layer=cameras

Thanksgiving Weather

Since Thanksgiving and the days before it are busy work days for me, I haven't had a chance to post. So I am doing a bit of catch up today. I posted two other things besides this note so be sure to scroll down if you want to catch up too. I wanted to finish my posting for the day with an update on the weather in the valley. Since I was not here for the storm on Wednesday I couldn't give you all an update. But now that I am back in the valley here is my weather report.

I would say that we got about 7-8 inches from this storm, but it has compacted a bit by now. The snow has stuck around this time because the temperatures have stayed low. By my thermometer it was in the teens last night. There are some very icy patches on walkways and driveways so do watch your step. The roads are clear and so there is no problem getting to town and back. All in all, I don't think it was a bad storm. It is just on the early side for this much accumulation. But I guess I have to face the fact that winter is settling in for a long stay. Ugh! Why does summer seem like it goes so quickly and winter just seems to start early and last forever? Oh well, at least it is still beautiful here in the valley no matter the season!

Library Moves Back Home

The Phoenicia Library is finally finished. I recently received this email from the library staff regarding the plans for moving from the temporary space on Ava Maria Drive to it's home on Main Street. Here is what they had to say.


3 + Years Later, We Are Going Back to Main Street!!

Phoenicia Library Will Be CLOSED
Starting December 4th

To Pack, Move, and Set-Up our New Library

MOVE TIME LINE

Wednesday, Dec. 3rd: LAST DAY at Ava Maria Library for library and computer use. No check-outs after this day until we reopen in January. See below for your options to get a hold.

Starting Around Dec. 11th: Computer/Internet “Café” at 9 Ava Maria location: Volunteers will open the building for public use of computers and internet. Days and times will be posted in advance and won’t follow our usual hours.

Friday, January 2nd, 2015: New Year, New Library! The Phoenicia Library re-opens at 48 Main Street, all our usual library and computer services start again.

Saturday, Jan. 17th 11-3: Please join us at our Grand Opening Party with refreshments and entertainment.


Frequently Asked Questions:

What will you be doing when the library is closed?

There is much to be done to make our new, beautiful building at Main Street into a library. The staff will be working full time to pack, unpack, and train. Thank you for bearing with us and know that we are working to get your library up and running as soon as possible.

What services will be available during the closure?
Phoenicia Library will not be operating as a library until January 2nd.
However, starting about the 2nd week of December, there will be limited hours at Ava Maria for use of our computers and internet. Hours will be posted in advance at both libraries, and on our webpage.

Where do I get my books during the closure?
Once we close: if you wish to obtain a book during this time, please have it sent to another library that is convenient to you, such as Olive or Pine Hill libraries, for pickup. When you place a hold online, you may choose a library other than Phoenicia for pick up location. That library will contact you to let you know the hold is there. Otherwise, all books that are coming from other libraries will be available for pickup once we open at Main Street in January.

Where do I return my books?
You can return them into our drop box at either location, and volunteers will drop them off at another library periodically. Or, you can bring them to another library, especially if time is a concern.

What if I need to contact the library while you are closed?
Our phones will be down for a short while during the move, but you can call if it is urgent at 688-7811. Please be patient as we attempt to get back to you. You can always call another library if you need help getting a specific item delivered to another library while we are closed.


Thank you for all your help since the fire. Thanks to you we are almost home!

Rick Altman Trio at Harmony

Great Jazz in Woodstock 

The Rick Altman Trio

with

Lew Scott, bass & Jody Sumber, drums

with special guest, guitarist Mike DeMicco

An evening of jazz classics and original compositions

with vibes, bass, and drums

Sunday, November 30, 2014

8:00 to 11 p.m.

*Donation*

Harmony

52 Mill Hill Rd. Woodstock, NY  (845) 679-7760

more info: www.rickaltman.com

2015 Town Budget

The 2015 Shandaken town budget is available for all residents to view online at the link below. It has comparisons to last years budget to put everything in perspective. Since we all finance this budget it is good to take a look and see where your tax dollars are being spent.

http://www.shandaken.us/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/2015-14-Town-of-Shandaken-FINAL-Budget-Comparison-11-6-14.pdf

Boreegard Sports The Colors In Style

WCA member and acting secretary, Mike O'Neil (aka Boreegard), supported the team of his alma mater, Princeton, by wearing the colors (orange and black) to a recent game against Yale. Of course Bo wore them in his own style (see photos below). The Princeton Tigers lost the game but reportedly a good time was had by all!

Below is the message Bo sent to me with the photos. BTW, "She who must be obeyed" is Bo's lovely wife, Jeanne. He sent me this last weekend and I am a bit late posting but, despite the delay, Bo still cuts a dashing figure that I thought you might all enjoy see the photos to prove it!!


"Below, a message from She Who Must Be Obeyed.  The game was yesterday at a frigid Yale Bowl, and the Bullpups whupped the Tigers pretty good (44 to 30), but I got a chance to show the colors, much to the astonishment of the assembled. 

In case you thought those were polkadots on my sports jacket, here's a closer look.  A tiger, gripping a stein of beer behind the eightball.  In this case, it's the square root of 64 ('64 being my class)."
- Bo

Turkey Trot Reminder

This is just to remind everyone that the 4th annual Turkey Trot is coming up on Saturday, November 29th. Registration and check-in are from 8:00am to 9:45am at Parish Field in Phoenicia. The race starts at 10am. You can get registration forms at Mama's Boy Market or Tenderland Home. You can also go to www.phoeniciaturkeytrot.com for general information. This year's race will be to benefit the STS Playhouse in Phoenicia. So get out there and run off some of those extra calories you will be consuming over  Thanksgiving. You will get some exercise and help a good cause too!! Sounds like a great time to me!!!

ZBA Seeking A Board Member

Town of Shandaken Zoning Board of Appeals seeking a Board Member. This position is a volunteer, non-compensatory membership with a term of five (5) years and requires residency within the Town of Shandaken. Resume & letter of intent may be sumitted to Shandaken Building – Zoning Dept., via email at shandakenbldg@gmail.com or sent to PO Box 134 Shandaken NY 12480 or dropped off at Town Hall, 7209 Rt. 28 Shandaken NY 12480. Call 845-688-5008 for more info.

Joyce Grant
Town Clerk - Tax Collector - RMO
PO Box 67 - Shandaken NY 12480
845-688-5004
Fax: 845 688-2041
http://www.shandaken.us

Flirting With Winter

Although I have been avoiding it, I guess it is time that I start blogging regularly about the weather in the valley. The last 4 or 5 days have been a mix of temperatures and precipitation. We saw about 2-3 inches (less as you got down closer to town) of snow overnight last Thursday. It stayed cold for several days with intermittent light flurries over the weekend. After that, the temperatures warmed up and we had a lot of rain yesterday. Overnight the temperatures started to inch downward again and the forecast says that it will get down into the teens tonight……..brrrr. We might get a few warmer (into the 50's) days over the weekend but my winter coat is out of the closet and I fear it might be out to stay.

Rabies And Distemper Clinic This Saturday

There will be a low cost rabies and distemper clinic in the Shandaken Town Hall this Saturday, November 15th from 10am to Noon.

They will vaccinate both dogs and cats. Rabies vaccines are $10.00 each and distemper vaccines are $15.00 each. CASH ONLY!

You can also get your dog licensed at the same time. No appointment is necessary. PLEASE KEEP DOGS ON LEAD AND CATS IN CRATES. Bring any recent vaccine records. For more info call the Town Clerk at 688-5004.

Regular Hunting Season Begins Saturday

Don't forget that the regular hunting season begins this Saturday, November 15th 2014. And remember, if you are going out in the woods to hike, wear bright orange to enhance your visibility. And it is a good idea to tie something orange (maybe a nice bandana) on your dog too.

If you need further information about the hunting licenses, regulations, lands open to the public or anything else you can go to:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/hunting.html

There is also a great PDF graphic of the different phases of the season and zoning:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/huntingseasons14.pdf

Happy Ending To This Dog Tale

Back at the end of September I posted about a sweet Saint Bernard that was found in Shandaken and taken in by SAVE (Shandaken Animal Volunteer Effort). She was a young dog but had been in the woods quite a while and was in really bad shape. She was malnourished, dehydrated, and had severe case of scabies. She had given birth to puppies but they were not with her. They named her Angel.

Here is a link to my original post. She is heartbreaking to look at in those photos.
http://woodlandvalleyview.blogspot.com/search?q=Angel

Through the efforts of SAVE and others that donated to her vet care she made a wonderful recovery and was recently placed in her forever home. Wonderfully, she found a family with 2 other Saint Bernards! One is also young (between 1 and 2) so she has someone to play with right at home. The other is an older dog who likes her too. So they are just one big happy family.

Here is a photo of her with her new chums. Angel is the dog sitting up on the right hand side of the photo. Doesn't she look great! I love a happy ending!

PS - If you are thinking of getting a dog or cat remember that there are so many wonderful pets in need in our local shelters. So adopt instead of buying!

Edible Art - It's A Piece Of Cake

I went on to Facebook this Halloween and saw the first two photos below. What a fabulous cake! I was amazed at the intricate detail and fantastic artistry of the whole scene. And I come to find out it was made by a talented young resident of Woodland Valley, Camilla Ffrench! Unbelievable, since Camilla is only 12 years old!! Her mom, Rebecca, sent me some other photos of imaginative confections she has made in the past. I think they are all super terrific. Camilla could have a bright future as a chef/cake maker if she chooses to pursue it. Gorgeous work Camilla!!

Vote Today!!!

Please make your voices heard today and get out and vote. This midterm election is an important one. So it is vital that everyone casts their vote.

The voting place for Woodland Valley is the Phoenicia Fire House on Rt 214. The polls are open from 6am to 9pm. Below are some useful links to find more voter information and see a sample ballot.

I like to look at the sample ballot beforehand so I don't' have to stand in the voting booth and try and read the amendment questions while everyone is waiting for me to finish. It makes it much easier and less stressful. So please take a few minutes and look at the ballot so you are prepared when you visit the polls later.

I am also posting the Ulster County Board of Elections website link. It is a great place to get local election results quickly. 

See you all at the polls!

Shandaken website page with polling places and link to sample ballot:

http://www.shandaken.us/news/election-day-info/

Direct link to sample ballot:

http://vic.ntsdata.com/ulsterboe/dispballotstyle.aspx?strkey=5N0KJSG1

Ulster County Board of Elections:

http://ulstercountyny.gov/elections/

"Hey Doreen" Music Video

The Brooklyn indie-pop band Lucius has made a new music video in our area. Essentially it is two older gals on a murderous rampage. The Phoenicia Diner is featured prominently. Watch out all you local guys, these two mean business……LOL!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzo7SNVB_rI&feature=youtu.be

First Hard Frost

It looks like winter is on it's way into Woodland Valley. The temperatures have gone down into the 20's overnight and are staying chilly during the day. It is always the impatiens on my porch that tell me when the first hard frost has happened. One day the plants are fine, the next day they are totally dead. That happened this week. Although this is one of the latest dates for a hard frost that I can remember, the cold weather seems to be moving in quickly. So it is time for stacking the woodpile and gearing up for the frosty weather to come. Let's hope this winter will be a mild one.

Happy Halloween 2014!!

The Phoenicia Halloween Parade last Sunday was lots of homespun fun. The weather didn't cooperate but people had a good time anyway. There were a lot of terrific costumes. I took a few photos so those of you who couldn't attend could join in the spirit of the day. Happy Halloween!!

SAVE Bake Sale & Pet Portraits

This weekend is a great opportunity to have your photo taken with your pet while donating to a great cause. The Shandaken Animal Volunteer Effort is having a bake sale and offering portrait sessions in an effort to raise money for the shelter. For only $10.00 you can have a photo taken with your dog, cat, hamster or parrot. The photos are by Vince Bilotta and the price includes the digital file. The green screen lets you choose the background. All proceeds go directly to the care and feeding of the dogs at the town shelter. All pets must be leashed. Here are the specifics. Woof!

Saturday, November 1st
Shandaken Town Hall
7209 State Route 28
Shandaken, NY 12480

David Ilku Performs in NYC

For those of you who will be in the city this week WCA member David Ilku will continue to perform with his comedy group Unitard in House of Tards. The details are below. I have caught Unitard in the past and they are hilarious. Check it out if you are in the neighborhood.

UNITARD in House of Tards 

Tuesdays Oct 28 & Nov 4th 8pm at the Stonewall Inn

Holy Huffpo! Stop the streaming, start the screaming, the Unitards are backy, whacky and full of cracky! The funky trio, Mike Albo, Nora Burns and David Ilku, may be a few years older, uglier and meaner, but they’re still hot enough to parade around on stage half dressed skewering trends and tots half their age, and who are you to tell them they’re not? You haven’t even seen the show! From pop-up shops to Ted talks, fashion, fags and Facebook, Instagram to Immigrants, Celebrities to Scruff, apps, Uber and over, we, I mean they, are still kickin’ it Access-a-ride style.

Directed by Paul Dobie

What: UNITARD: House of Tards

When: Tuesdays Oct 21 & 28, Nov 4th 8pm

Where: Stonewall Inn 53 Christopher St

Tickets: $15 in advance/$20 at the door + 2 drink minimum

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/895605

Library Plans For December Re-opening

Looks like the Phoenicia Library is planning to re-open in December. Here is the update they sent out recently.

The News You’ve Been Waiting For …

Phoenicia Library Move to Begin in December

Dear Patrons, 

We're busy here at the library, as we prepare for the move back to our 48 Main Street building. Harmony Builders' amazing crew is almost done their part in making a beautiful and energy efficient building. Ben Mack Furniture has built, as a donation to the community, a wonderful custom circulation desk for the staff.

All we await is the delivery of the shelving. Unfortunately, there have been significant delays on the part of the shelving company. We’ve been told the shelves will not arrive until the third week of November. This will put us around the beginning of December for our move over to Main Street. Until that time, we will be open as usual at our Ava Maria location. 

Once we move, the library staff will be taking time to set up and train in the new space. We'll fill you in the details as we get closer, but what it means is that Phoenicia Library will be closed entirely for 2-3 weeks to allow the staff enough time to make the library a library. Patrons will not be able to check out books or pick up holds at the library. Details are below in the FAQ section and we apologize sincerely for the disruption.

Thank you for all your support as we take this time to make this a great library for years to come. More details, such as our specific closing date, our re-opening date and our Grand Opening Party to follow as we are closer to the time.

Sincerely, Your Friends at Phoenicia Library



Frequently Asked Questions

When will you move? When will you re-open?

If the shelving company delivers our bookcases on time, we anticipate closing and moving around the first week of December. We hope to re-open on or prior to January 1. These dates will become more definite once the shelving has finally been delivered.

Why do you have to close for so long?

Since we’ve been in the temporary space, out collections have been split. Some is on display, and some is in storage. We will be bringing all of these materials back together in our expanded space. In addition, the building is not only new to the community, but new to our staff. Part of our closure will be used to train staff on the new space and new technology.

What services will be available during the closure?

Phoenicia Library will not be operating except as a drop-off point for returns at our drop box.

Once we close: if you wish to obtain a book during this time, please have it sent to another library that is convenient to you, such as Olive or Pine Hill libraries, for pickup. When you place a hold online, you may choose a library other than Phoenicia for pick up location. Otherwise, all books that are coming from other libraries will be available for pickup once we open at Main Street.

How can the community help?

We are so grateful for all the offers of volunteer help during the move. We will use library staff and a professional moving company to do the move, and do not anticipate needing community volunteers. However, we do need your help in other ways:

You can help us spread the word! Tell your neighbors, friends, and family that we’re closed, and check our website and FB for updates.

You can be patient during this time of delay and transition. While we are working on a move that is efficient, timely, and smooth, we know that there will be unforeseen issues and problems that occur. Please bear with us and know that we are working to get your library up and running as soon as possible.

We may need help with other projects through the Friends of the Library, so stayed tuned!

What if I need to contact the library while you are closed?

Our phones will be down for a short while during the move, but we anticipate getting them online quickly to receive messages. Please be patient as we attempt to get back to you. You can always call another library if you need help getting a specific item delivered to another library while we are closed. Finally, you can email staff atphoenicialibrary@gmail.com or via our website.

Thank you for all your help since the fire. Thanks to you we are almost home!

Good News - Dog Found!

Heather Roberts just emailed me and said that the dog was found and is safely home with the family. That is great news!! I hate to think of a dog lost in the woods. Especially when the weather is damp and cold. But this lucky dog is safe, dry and with her family now so there is a great ending to this lost dog story. Yipee!

Lost Dog Alert

Heather Roberts lost her dog last night and there is a chance that the pooch could end up in Woodland Valley. Here is Heather's message. Please call her at one of the numbers below if you see the dog or have any information. Let's hope the family is reunited soon!!

We lost our dog , Echo last night . We live at the end of Fox Hollow, so its conceiveable that she may have ended up in Woodland valley or Oliveria valley. - Thank you!- Heather Roberts

LOST DOG! Please call us if you see her - She’s a medium sized black dog with a green collar - Her name is Echo. We are at 688 7064, or 224 7877

Thank you 

Phoenicia Halloween Parade

This year the 14th Annual Phoenicia Halloween Parade will be on Sunday, October 26th at 2:00pm. As usual the parade will begin at the Phoenicia School (line-up begins at 1:30pm) and then makes it's way down Rt 214 onto Main Street. Donuts and cider will be provided by the Phoenicia Rotary in Parish Field after the parade finishes. MacKenzie Willis will be doing some storytelling at the St Francis De Sales church from 2:45pm-3:30pm. I love this small, homey, fun little parade. The costumes are always so imaginative! Hope to see you all there!

Music Circle This Saturday Oct 18th At ESRM

WCA member Dakin Morehouse sent me this message (and a message he received) regarding a special music circle this weekend. Here is what Dakin had to say.

OK pickers - in case you haven't heard ...

You're invited to come to listen or to participate in the Special Jam (see below).

Tomorrow, Saturday 2 to 4+? PM at the Phoenicia RR Station (ESRM on Lower High Street).

Very similar to our Pickin' Circles but with the Heritage Folk Music folks leading a Catskill SongFest theme. 

Hope you can come!

Dakin

In honor of Ulster County Heritage Week, members of the Board and friends of Heritage Folk Music will perform songs of the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson Valley on two occasions.

On Saturday, October 18, from 2-4 p.m., we will be at the Empire State Railway Museum, 70 High Street, Phoenicia.

On Sunday, October 26, from 12 non-2 p.m., we will be at Matthewis Persen House, 74 John Street, Kingston,

These will be very informal sing-alongs/songswaps.  Come join us if you can.  Both events are free and open to the public.

Thanks,

Pat Lamanna

Prescription Drug Disposal Box

To prevent old medications from being flushed down the toilet and entering the watershed there is now a  MedReturn box at the Shandaken Town Hall. it is located just inside the back door, right in front of the assessors office. You can take any unused or out of date meds and drop them into this box. That way they will be safely disposed of and stay out of the reach of children and away from our water supply.

Mini-Railroad Rides

For those looking for something really fun to do with young children there are mini-railroad rides at the Empire State Railway Museum on Lower High Street. Here is a video featuring WCA member Dakin Morehouse as the engineer on the ride. It looks like great fun to me! Check it out this coming weekend!

Another Glowing Write-Up

Here is yet another article about our Phabulous Phoenicia on the Rabbit Hole website. The author has obviously discovered what we have all known for years, Phoenicia is Phun (and gorgeous too)!! Between this article and the one in Vogue it looks like us locals will never get another breakfast in the Phoenicia Diner!

http://elementcollective.com/2014/10/a-day-in-phoenicia-ny/

Local Flood Analysis Meeting

There will be a meeting next week to talk about solutions to the flooding problems in Phoenicia and Mt Tremper. Anyone who has ideas or would like to participate in the discussion should plan on attending. Here is the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management's email on the event with all the details.


Local Flood Analysis in Phoenicia and Mt. Tremper
Hamlet residents invited to public meetings

Phoenicia and Mt. Tremper residents are invited to attend public meetings to find solutions to flooding in their hamlets.

The Town of Shandaken is launching a flood reduction effort focused specifically on Phoenicia and Mt. Tremper. A range of strategies will be tested for their benefits and feasibility. Residents are asked to bring their ideas for reducing flooding to the public meeting. Residents can also help with identifying chronic areas of flooding in the hamlets.

The consulting firm Milone and MacBroom will combine public knowledge with engineering analysis to determine the causes of flooding and evaluate the identified solutions. The results will be presented at future public meetings. The process focuses on beneficial, feasible, and community supported solutions.

Please come out and help make this a success. Your hamlet is counting on you!

Phoenicia LFA Public Meeting
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Parish Hall, Main Street, Phoenicia, NY
6:30pm—8:30pm


Mount Tremper LFA Public Meeting
Monday, October 20, 2014
Emerson Resort and Spa, Route 28, Mount Tremper, NY
6:30pm—8:30pm

Copyright © 2014 Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you attended an AWSMP event.

Our mailing address is:
Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program
6375 Route 28
Phoenicia, NY 12464

City Folk Heading Our Way

Just saw these articles in Vogue magazine that were published a couple of days ago. The first is written by a man and his partner who have fled Manhattan for a better life in this neck of the woods (Woodstock).

http://www.vogue.com/2208057/leaving-new-york-city-country-life-woodstock/

The second is another article in Vogue that is supposedly a guide to Woodstock. Too bad many things on the list aren't in Woodstock at all. The first and third things are in Phoenicia (The Phoenicia Diner and The Graham & Co.). Oh well, so much for journalistic accuracy.

I recommend anyone local who would like to go to The Phoenicia Diner anytime soon go on a weekday. There are already lines out the door on the average weekend but after this article I dare say you will never get near the place on a Saturday or Sunday.

http://www.vogue.com/slideshow/2481771/woodstock-new-york-travel-guide/

Tommy Healy On Another Great Dive Adventure

Here are some photos from Tommy Healy's latest dive in the South Pacific Solomon Island. He promises to send some more boat and land photos next. Enjoy!

Tommy ready to jump off the back of the ship into the "Big" pool.

A grouper with anthias near by

The Bilikiki. Tommy's dive boat for 2 weeks.

Diving Leru cut

Nemo - aka false clown anenomefish.

Lost Goat

The Cooperhood Spa on Rt 28 has lost it's approximately 200 pound female alpine goat.  She is black and gray. The animal ran away after a bear attack almost a week ago. Anyone who sees the goat or has any information about her please call or email Elizabeth at info@copperhood.com or call 688-2460 ext. 0.

Blog Interruption

I am sure that you noticed that the last post about the "Lark In The Park" was my first one since last Friday. Most of the time I try and blog every other day or at least every third day. Earlier this summer I had a computer problem that forced me to take a break. This time it was for a much happier reason.

As many of you already know, Harry Jameson and I were married this past Saturday. We had a small (-ish) group of mostly family and a few very close friends at the wedding. The day was gorgeous and everyone had a great time. I will post a few photos in a day or two after I regroup. But there shouldn't be anymore long interruptions to my postings anytime soon. Thanks for understanding!

- Carol Seitz

Lark In The Park 2014

The 2014 Catskill Lark In The Park will be starting this weekend. For those of you who don't know, the Lark in The Park is a annual celebration of the Catskill Park. This year it goes from October 4th through October 13th with many exciting events planned. To see all the fun-filled offerings for this year visit: http://catskillslark.org They have the schedule organized in many ways so you can find your particular brand of fun easily. Check it out!

Angel Found

This is the first photo of the dog that the people at Town Hall have named Angel right after she was found. She is now being cared for by the SAVE shelter at Town Hall. Currently she is at the vets office being treated for eye problems, malnourishment and severe skin problems. The vet feels that she was in the woods quite a while. She has had puppies (they don't know when) but there was no sign of them when she was found. They think she is a St Bernard (Mix?). She was found on Lost Clove Road in Big Indian. They think she is a fairly young dog.

This is an updated photo of Angel from the nurse at the vet. They say her eyes look better, she is clean and healing nicely. Hopefully, she will be recovered soon. If you would like to make a donation to help pay for Angel's medical bills please go to this link http://www.shandaken.us/services/shandaken-dog-shelter/

Rick Altman Trio At Harmony

WCA member Rick Altman will be playing next Sunday at Harmony. Check him out if you have the chance!

The Rick Altman Trio

with Lew Scott & Jody Sumber  

An evening of jazz classics and original compositions

with vibes, bass, and drums

Sunday, September 28, 2014

8:00 to 11 p.m.

*Donation*

Harmony

52 Mill Hill Rd. Woodstock, NY  (845) 679-7760

more info: www.rickaltman.com