Here is a wonderful video by young WV resident Azalea Case and her cousin Savannah Swix. They did an excellent job in presenting an overview of the people and places of Phoenicia. They got great footage of the town and did wonderful interviews with local residents and business people. Check it out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQhZt6pwgHQ
Thursday, July 30, 2015
WV History Talk Now Full
Paul Misko had an outstanding response to his history talk announcement. Unfortunately, that means that the talk is now full. Hopefully Paul will do another event in the future. Keep your eye on this blog and/or the WCA emails for future dates.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
WV History Talk By Paul Misko
For all those of you who have been clamoring for another one of Paul Misko's great history talks I have exciting news for you. Paul is going to be holding an event on August 16th at the Botchford house. Here is all the info he sent to me. Sign up ASAP if you intend to go because space is limited. If you haven't been to one of Paul's talks before you are in for a fun and informative experience!!
Woodland Valley History Talk: Sunday, August 16th, 5:00 p.m. Historian Paul Misko will lead a talk on the formation of the community of Woodland, which was centered around the Woodland Tannery in 1850. Col. H.D.H. Snyder, the Woodworth and Beach families, and the Tanning Industry will all be discussed. We will share some food and drink, so please bring a dish to share. Soft Drinks and Dessert will be provided, but bring your own Adult Beverages. This event will be hosted by Hawley Botchford at his Woodland Valley home, and space is limited, so you MUST register with Me at woodvalleybear@gmail.com ...so we don't go over our limit. Confirmation and more details given upon registration. Hope you can join us!
Paul Misko
Monday, July 27, 2015
Dersh Party and WCA Meeting
I have had a busy couple of weeks work-wise so I am solidly behind in my posting. I am trying to catch up a bit this evening. I am going to do a re-cap of the last couple of WCA events I have attended in this entry so I am afraid it will be a little long winded. I have also posted about 5 other things below so, after reading this, be sure to scroll down and check out everything else that is happening (well, at least the things I know about) in the valley.
The Dershowitz party this Saturday was awesome. There were many, many people in attendance, perhaps the most I have ever seen. Word is out that it is the best party in WV each summer and everyone now makes sure to put it on their social calendar early.
The day was overcast but very nice. And as always, the food was terrific. I personally love a pot luck. There are so many great cooks in the valley that it is always a treat to sample the many wonderful dishes.
It was a great day to swim in Nat's fabulous pool. The water was warm and even I got on my bathing suit and took a dip. Nirvana!
Kudos go out to our host, Nat Dershowitz, who works hard to make sure everyone is comfortable, happy and well fed. He does a great job every year and I am sure I speak for everyone when I say how grateful we are for his hospitality. Thanks also to Michele, Peggy, Jeff and all the people who helped to make the event a success.
Sorry I don't have any photos this year. I was going to snap some with my phone but realized when I got there that it was full and I couldn't take anymore until I downloaded it at home. Whoops! Sorry. But trust me everyone looked fabulous and happy.
The other thing that happened a few weeks ago that I never blogged about was the WCA meeting. I have a few photos of that below. It was great. Our President Michele was traveling so Vice President Peggy Neu filled in and ran the meeting. She did a great job.
Mike O'Neil (aka Boreegard) read the minutes of last year's meeting. Jeff Schwartz gave the treasury report. The officers were elected (or more precisely, re-elected - see below) and then Maria Todaro (one of the FoV founders) gave us an overview of this year's Festival of The Voice. She also brought along some young, local talent to entertain us.
Finally, Jim Infante educated us all on the invasive knotweed that is plaguing the Catskills and told us what we can do about it. The meeting ended with some socializing. Our thanks go out to the Roxmor Colony who once again graciously allowed us to use their clubhouse! It was a good day.
2015-2016 Officers
Michele Keesee - President
Peggy Neu - Vice President
Jeff Schwartz - Treasurer
Mike O'Neil - Secretary
The Dershowitz party this Saturday was awesome. There were many, many people in attendance, perhaps the most I have ever seen. Word is out that it is the best party in WV each summer and everyone now makes sure to put it on their social calendar early.
The day was overcast but very nice. And as always, the food was terrific. I personally love a pot luck. There are so many great cooks in the valley that it is always a treat to sample the many wonderful dishes.
It was a great day to swim in Nat's fabulous pool. The water was warm and even I got on my bathing suit and took a dip. Nirvana!
Kudos go out to our host, Nat Dershowitz, who works hard to make sure everyone is comfortable, happy and well fed. He does a great job every year and I am sure I speak for everyone when I say how grateful we are for his hospitality. Thanks also to Michele, Peggy, Jeff and all the people who helped to make the event a success.
Sorry I don't have any photos this year. I was going to snap some with my phone but realized when I got there that it was full and I couldn't take anymore until I downloaded it at home. Whoops! Sorry. But trust me everyone looked fabulous and happy.
The other thing that happened a few weeks ago that I never blogged about was the WCA meeting. I have a few photos of that below. It was great. Our President Michele was traveling so Vice President Peggy Neu filled in and ran the meeting. She did a great job.
Mike O'Neil (aka Boreegard) read the minutes of last year's meeting. Jeff Schwartz gave the treasury report. The officers were elected (or more precisely, re-elected - see below) and then Maria Todaro (one of the FoV founders) gave us an overview of this year's Festival of The Voice. She also brought along some young, local talent to entertain us.
Finally, Jim Infante educated us all on the invasive knotweed that is plaguing the Catskills and told us what we can do about it. The meeting ended with some socializing. Our thanks go out to the Roxmor Colony who once again graciously allowed us to use their clubhouse! It was a good day.
2015-2016 Officers
Michele Keesee - President
Peggy Neu - Vice President
Jeff Schwartz - Treasurer
Mike O'Neil - Secretary
Miriam Rose Silver-Altman In Concert
We invite you to join us for a very special concert...
* Music of Remembrance and Hope *
Music performed or written by those in the concentration camps and resistance during World War II
as well as music of renewal and faith
With Miriam Rose Silver-Altman, Jerusha Kellerhouse, Jonina Kellerhouse, Elana Kellerhouse
and a special guest
All donations will benefit tzedakah at the Woodstock Jewish Congregation,
and the Polyphony Foundation,
creating common ground in Arab and Jewish communities in Israel
where young people study and perform classical music
Woodstock Jewish Congregation
1682 Glasco Turnpike Woodstock, NY 1249 (845) 679-2218
Sunday, August 2nd, 2015
at 2:30 p.m.
Boreegard Talks Trout
Woodland Valley's own Mike O'Neil (aka Boreegard) is giving a talk at the Woodchuck Lodge on August 1st. Here is the information he sent to me.
CONSIDER THIS YOUR PERSONAL INVITATION TO A MAJOR EVENT IN THE ANNALS OF FISH STORIES FROM DEEP IN THE HEART OF THE NORTHERN CATSKILLS.
Wild Saturday: Fishing in the Catskills
August 1, 2015 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Mike O’Neil, a serious fisherman and writer, will draw on John Burroughs’s experiences of fishing in Woodland Valley and his time at Roxmore Inn to share insights on fishing for native trout (brook trout). FREE. Tours of historic John Burroughs' Woodchuck Lodge offered from 11 to 1 and 2-3. 1633 Burroughs Memorial Rd., Roxbury
http://www.woodchucklodge.org
CONSIDER THIS YOUR PERSONAL INVITATION TO A MAJOR EVENT IN THE ANNALS OF FISH STORIES FROM DEEP IN THE HEART OF THE NORTHERN CATSKILLS.
Wild Saturday: Fishing in the Catskills
August 1, 2015 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Mike O’Neil, a serious fisherman and writer, will draw on John Burroughs’s experiences of fishing in Woodland Valley and his time at Roxmore Inn to share insights on fishing for native trout (brook trout). FREE. Tours of historic John Burroughs' Woodchuck Lodge offered from 11 to 1 and 2-3. 1633 Burroughs Memorial Rd., Roxbury
http://www.woodchucklodge.org
Five More Things To Do In Phoenicia
There was another article about Phabulous Phoenicia in the Times Herald-Record the other day. It was all about the fun things to do when visiting here. Check it out.
http://www.recordonline.com/article/20150724/ENTERTAINMENTLIFE/150729756
http://www.recordonline.com/article/20150724/ENTERTAINMENTLIFE/150729756
Rent In One Of Shandaken's Parks
Planning a Party? BBQ, Family Reunion? Need a venue? Why not rent one of Shandaken's fabulous parks?.. Weddings, Kids parties.. $50 a day! $100 for non resident. All applications are made through Town Clerk's Office. Glenbrook, Parish Field or Big Indian Park.. plan your event now and reserve! Application>http://www.shandaken.us/…/2…/06/NEWPark-Application-Form.pdf
Friday, July 24, 2015
Rick Altman At Harmony
Look for the fabulous Rick Altman this Sunday at Harmony in Woodstock. Here are the details.
Hot Summer ~ Cool Jazz
* Harmony Woodstock *
**********************************************************************************************
The Rick Altman Trio
with
Jody Sumber, drums
bass player, to be determined
An evening of jazz classics and original compositions
with vibes, bass, and drums
Sunday, July 26, 2015
8:00 to 11 p.m.
*Donation*
Harmony
52 Mill Hill Rd. Woodstock, NY (845) 679-7760
more info: www.rickaltman.com
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Tag Sale To Benefit SAVE
Be sure to check out the Shandaken Animal Volunteer Effort's annual Tag Sale. It is being held today at the Migliorelli Farm Stand in Mt Tremper from 10am to 5pm. All the proceeds go to the Shandaken shelter. These people do wonderful work with the dogs so get out there and buy something if you can. You can also stop by and donate if you really don't need anything else for your home (that's what I do). So go check it out and support a worthy cause!!!
Matt Harlan At The ESRM
Matt Harlan
in Concert
for
Flying Cat Music
Flying Cat Music
Saturday, July 18
7:30 p.m. (sharp), doors at 7:00
Empire State Railway Museum
70 Lower High Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464
Admission price $12 or $10 with
For information email as above
or call 845-688-9453
Link to artist's website
http://mattharlan.com/
http://mattharlan.com/
On Saturday, July 18, Flying Cat Music brings award winning singer-songwriter Matt Harlan to Phoenicia to perform at the Empire State Railway Museum located at 70 Lower High Street. The doors open at 7:00 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 prompt. Admission is $12 or $10 with RSVP to flyingcatmusic@gmail.com or by calling 845-688-9453.
Winning Singer-Songwriter of the year in 2013 at the 11th Annual Texas Music Awards and taking home the prize for Americana Song of the Year in the Billboard International Song Contest in 2008 are just two of the many honors already bestowed on Houston based musician Matt Harlan in his relatively short career. His July concert for Flying Cat Music marks Matt's return from a European tour where his Texas tinged Folk Roots sound has earned him a loyal following. Each of the three CDs that Matt Harlan has released to date hit the #1 spot on the Euro Americana Chart, an impressive accomplishment considering that Americana music is in many ways more popular in Europe than it is here at home.
Shandaken Studio Art Tour
This is to remind everyone that the Shandaken Studio Art Tour is this weekend. Go out and check out the fabulous art and artists that live in our area. For a full list of the studios on the tour and a map go to http://shandakenart.com. There is so much talent in our community go out and see for yourself!!
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Dog Found Last Week In Highmount
Monday, July 13, 2015
More About The Naming Of WV
I just received an email from one of Woodland Valley's historians, Paul Misko. He had this to add to the last item I posted.
I just read Carl Tannenbaum's blurb about Longstreth's comments about the naming of Woodland Valley. I really enjoy Longstreth's book on his Catskill hikes, in fact I was just reviewing his Woodland Valley hike on WIOX f.m. a few weeks ago, as his details are invaluable to any Catskill historian. What Longstreth likely did not know, was that both "Snyder Hollow", and "Woodland Valley" pay homage to Col. H.D.H. Snyder, as the name of Snyder's tannery was the "Woodland Tannery".
I just read Carl Tannenbaum's blurb about Longstreth's comments about the naming of Woodland Valley. I really enjoy Longstreth's book on his Catskill hikes, in fact I was just reviewing his Woodland Valley hike on WIOX f.m. a few weeks ago, as his details are invaluable to any Catskill historian. What Longstreth likely did not know, was that both "Snyder Hollow", and "Woodland Valley" pay homage to Col. H.D.H. Snyder, as the name of Snyder's tannery was the "Woodland Tannery".
Friday, July 10, 2015
Excerpt from "The Catskills"
Here is some interesting WV history sent to me by WCA member Carl Tannenbaum. Here is what Carl had to say:
Here is an excerpt from a book entitled The Catskills by T. Morris Longstreth. It was written in 1915. I was acquainted with him at Haverford College (our mutual alma mater) a few years before his death in 1975 at the age of 89. He wrote many books and magazine articles on a wide variety of subjects, but this is a delightful essay on his roaming through the Catskills. You can see the whole book at http://catskillarchive.com/tc/
Woodland Valley was once and better named Snyder's Hollow. Some lily-livered namester with more sentimentality than sense did ill to deprive the late Snyder of his due. If he first settled in it, he was a discerning man and deserves the credit. If an impersonal name had to be found for the smiling curves and beckoning aisles of the valley, the first ass that brayed might have better taken Hee Haw Hollow to christen it with than the school-girlish and indistinguishable title of Woodland, where every other valley is woodland too.
This valley is a wander-way of sheer delight. You can loaf along it in the sunshine and watch the trout, or you can visit the little colony and talk with its founder, or explore into its stream enlivened recesses. At its head the Wittenberg is its dark guardian, and Cross and Pleasant stand. From the last a ridge runs out a protecting arm along the entire valley, while on its western side great Panther sends out buttress after buttress to shelter it f rom storms. Into it flows the Panther Kill, another cherubic, laughing brook, wilful as an Indian child. The vistas up these valley arms are altogether lovely. I have yet to find a fellow tramp who has not left part of his heart up Woodland Valley.
Here is an excerpt from a book entitled The Catskills by T. Morris Longstreth. It was written in 1915. I was acquainted with him at Haverford College (our mutual alma mater) a few years before his death in 1975 at the age of 89. He wrote many books and magazine articles on a wide variety of subjects, but this is a delightful essay on his roaming through the Catskills. You can see the whole book at http://catskillarchive.com/tc/
here is his take on Woodland Valley:
This valley is a wander-way of sheer delight. You can loaf along it in the sunshine and watch the trout, or you can visit the little colony and talk with its founder, or explore into its stream enlivened recesses. At its head the Wittenberg is its dark guardian, and Cross and Pleasant stand. From the last a ridge runs out a protecting arm along the entire valley, while on its western side great Panther sends out buttress after buttress to shelter it f rom storms. Into it flows the Panther Kill, another cherubic, laughing brook, wilful as an Indian child. The vistas up these valley arms are altogether lovely. I have yet to find a fellow tramp who has not left part of his heart up Woodland Valley.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Lane Street to Woodland Campground
Well, I finally have some time to blog this week. It has been a crazy time work-wise so I haven't had a chance to tell you all about the 12 mile hike that I did on Sunday. The group went out from Lane St (just outside of Phoenicia) along the newly blazed section of the Long Path and ended the day with a barbecue in the Woodland Valley Campground rest area. We went up and over Romer Mt and Mt Pleasant then along the ridge on Cross Mt. and onto Terrance Mt before dropping down into Woodland Valley.
It was a 12 mile, mostly moderate hike, with some harder uphill sections. But it was a lovely day and the trail is GORGEOUS. It is very long, but I think it is one of the nicest that I have ever been on in the Catskills.
The people who worked to build the trail should be very proud! It was extremely well thought out and expertly cut with switchbacks and stairs making the uphill climb from Lane St much easier. And unlike many of the trails in this area, it was not just rocks, but a fair amount of level ground too which is far less tiring on your feet. The only negative thing about it in my opinion is that it is under marked in certain areas. In a couple of stretches I had to work very hard to find the next blue circle blaze. But other than that it was excellent.
The views were amazing. There was several big payoff vistas that we enjoyed along the way. There were views of the Ashokan reservoir and several panoramas of the local mountains. And even if you didn't want to do the entire 12 mile length you could hike in from the Woodland Valley side and get to a decent view in a few hours. I definitely want to do that some time again this summer.
It was a great group and I had fun hiking with fellow Woodland Valley residents Michael Janensch and Philip Ficks who are big fun (and very nice for watching out over me along the way). And I would like to shout out Tim Luby from The Storehouse (camping supplies on the Boardwalk in Phoenicia - storehouseny.com) and Jeff Vincent from Catskill Mountain Wild (guided mountain nature tours - catskillmountainwild.com). They were the leaders of the trip and did a great job in making sure everyone was having fun and staying safe. And also Pete and Rose DiScafani of The Catskill Rose (great local restaurant - catskillrose.com) in Mt Tremper. They made an AWESOME barbecue for us to have at the end of our trip! Many thanks to all. It was a fabulous day!!!
It was a 12 mile, mostly moderate hike, with some harder uphill sections. But it was a lovely day and the trail is GORGEOUS. It is very long, but I think it is one of the nicest that I have ever been on in the Catskills.
The people who worked to build the trail should be very proud! It was extremely well thought out and expertly cut with switchbacks and stairs making the uphill climb from Lane St much easier. And unlike many of the trails in this area, it was not just rocks, but a fair amount of level ground too which is far less tiring on your feet. The only negative thing about it in my opinion is that it is under marked in certain areas. In a couple of stretches I had to work very hard to find the next blue circle blaze. But other than that it was excellent.
The views were amazing. There was several big payoff vistas that we enjoyed along the way. There were views of the Ashokan reservoir and several panoramas of the local mountains. And even if you didn't want to do the entire 12 mile length you could hike in from the Woodland Valley side and get to a decent view in a few hours. I definitely want to do that some time again this summer.
It was a great group and I had fun hiking with fellow Woodland Valley residents Michael Janensch and Philip Ficks who are big fun (and very nice for watching out over me along the way). And I would like to shout out Tim Luby from The Storehouse (camping supplies on the Boardwalk in Phoenicia - storehouseny.com) and Jeff Vincent from Catskill Mountain Wild (guided mountain nature tours - catskillmountainwild.com). They were the leaders of the trip and did a great job in making sure everyone was having fun and staying safe. And also Pete and Rose DiScafani of The Catskill Rose (great local restaurant - catskillrose.com) in Mt Tremper. They made an AWESOME barbecue for us to have at the end of our trip! Many thanks to all. It was a fabulous day!!!
Sunday, July 5, 2015
George Holz in The Telegraph
Check out the article in The Telegraph about Woodland Valley's own George Holz. George has a new book that is releasing in the US shortly. I can't wait to see it. Here is the link.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/photography/11713881/The-bold-and-the-beautiful.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/photography/11713881/The-bold-and-the-beautiful.html
Lloyd Handwerker To Be At Screening
I emailed back and forth with Lloyd Handwerker regarding the upcoming screening of his film "Famous Nathan". He told me that it is showing from the 17th to the 23rd and he will be doing a Q&A each evening.
I don't know about all of you but I love to hear from the filmmakers about their process. Creating a film is a long and arduous process and the creative and production challenges can be huge. So besides the story the film is focused on addressing, I find there can be other equally compelling stories involving just trying to get the work produced. I am sure it will all be very interesting.
Check it out if you can!
I don't know about all of you but I love to hear from the filmmakers about their process. Creating a film is a long and arduous process and the creative and production challenges can be huge. So besides the story the film is focused on addressing, I find there can be other equally compelling stories involving just trying to get the work produced. I am sure it will all be very interesting.
Check it out if you can!
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Famous Nathan - Film
Filmmaker and WCA member Lloyd Handwerker has a new movie coming out about his grandparents Nathan and Ida Handwerker who started the original "Nathan's Famous" in Coney Island. Here is the announcement from the Cinema Village website. Check it out if you are in the city on the dates it is showing.
Cinema Village
22 E12th St
NY, NY
10003
(212) 924-3363
Starts on 7/17/2015
FAMOUS NATHAN - (unrated)
2014 - USA - English - 96 minutes - Loquat Films
Directed by: Lloyd Handwerker
Featuring: Nathan Handwerker, Lloyd Handwerker, Sol Handwerker
A Coney Island-inspired, densely-layered visually dynamic documentary portrait of the life and times of the original "Nathan's Famous", created in 1916 by filmmaker Lloyd Handwerker's grandparents, Nathan and Ida Handwerker.
Thirty years in the making, FAMOUS NATHAN interweaves decades-spanning archival footage, family photos and home movies, an eclectic soundtrack and never-before-heard audio from Nathan (his only interview, ever), as well as compelling, intimate and hilarious interviews with the dedicated band of workers, not at all shy at offering opinions, memories and the occasional tall tale.
For more information go to:
FAMOUS NATHAN - (unrated)
2014 - USA - English - 96 minutes - Loquat Films
Directed by: Lloyd Handwerker
Featuring: Nathan Handwerker, Lloyd Handwerker, Sol Handwerker
A Coney Island-inspired, densely-layered visually dynamic documentary portrait of the life and times of the original "Nathan's Famous", created in 1916 by filmmaker Lloyd Handwerker's grandparents, Nathan and Ida Handwerker.
Thirty years in the making, FAMOUS NATHAN interweaves decades-spanning archival footage, family photos and home movies, an eclectic soundtrack and never-before-heard audio from Nathan (his only interview, ever), as well as compelling, intimate and hilarious interviews with the dedicated band of workers, not at all shy at offering opinions, memories and the occasional tall tale.
For more information go to:
