Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Coffee With A Cop
Another great Phoenicia Library program happening this weekend is "Coffee with a Cop" featuring Shandaken Chief of Police, Chad Storey. The event will be taking place at the library on Saturday, April 2nd from 10am to 11:30am. This is a great time to meet Chad and ask him any questions you might have wanted to ask a police officer. Coffee and snacks will be served.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
The Circus Comes To Town
The Phoenicia Library and the Phoenicia Elementary School are bringing a circus to town! On Sunday, April 3, at 2 PM Arm of the Sea Theater will perform The Rejuvenary River Circus. The school is located on School Lane & Route 214, about a half mile north of Main Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464. This event is free of charge.
This circus is an allegory featuring gorgeous masks and puppet characters, a unique hand-made set and live original music. The story follows Malakai, a messenger and water carrier who travels between Mountain Peaks and The Deep Blue Sea. Along his journeys Malakai encounters a host of creatures including a lyrical sea turtle, a fast-talking crow, a pair of industrious beavers, beds of filter-feeding oysters, and schools of migrating fish. Each animal offers insights into their particular role in a watershed’s ecosystem services. When the old man falls ill his granddaughter Rachel must rise to the challenge and help restore her grandfather, the River, back to health.
Circus runs one hour in length. This event is made possible with funds from the Catskill Watershed Corporation in partnership with New York City DEP. For more information, see phoenicialibrary.org.
This circus is an allegory featuring gorgeous masks and puppet characters, a unique hand-made set and live original music. The story follows Malakai, a messenger and water carrier who travels between Mountain Peaks and The Deep Blue Sea. Along his journeys Malakai encounters a host of creatures including a lyrical sea turtle, a fast-talking crow, a pair of industrious beavers, beds of filter-feeding oysters, and schools of migrating fish. Each animal offers insights into their particular role in a watershed’s ecosystem services. When the old man falls ill his granddaughter Rachel must rise to the challenge and help restore her grandfather, the River, back to health.
Circus runs one hour in length. This event is made possible with funds from the Catskill Watershed Corporation in partnership with New York City DEP. For more information, see phoenicialibrary.org.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Upcoming Paul Misko Talk
Woodland Valley resident and local historian, Paul Misko is going to give a photo talk about John Burroughs and Slide Mountain at the Catskill Interpretive Center on Rt 28 on Saturday April 9th from 1pm to 3pm. The CIC is located at 5098 Rt 28. For more information you can visit the CIC website. Here is a link to the page about the event.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Easter Egg Hunt This Saturday
The MF Whitney Hose Company's 35th Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be this Saturday, March 26th at 11am SHARP in Parish Field, Main Street Phoenicia. Come one, come all (all ages through 12) and have some great family fun! There will be an egg hunt, games, raffle and joy for all. The event is rain or shine. See you on Saturday!
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Something Irish This Way Comes
Here is a little St Patrick's Day poetry from Woodland Valley poet Mike O'Neil aka Boreegard.
Blarney and more Blarney
High up in the Blarney clan’s castle,
Is a stone that when kissed make’s you facile,
Words will roll off your tongue,
All polished and young,
To shield against life’s strain and hassle.
SWAGGERSTICK
In an isolated niche of San Antonio’s Museum of Art,
Is a glass-encased objet de’art. It is described thus:
Swaggerstick/wood/silvertop and mounts/
A. Keene/ Dublin/1780
The docent, Norma Gomez Perez, relates a
Brief history of such devices.
“The shorter type, in Roman times, was carried
By Centurions as a badge of rank.
It was used to direct drills and, on occasion,
To administer punishment.”
But sweet Mother Machree, there’s nothing short
About this imposing thing.
It stands fifty inches high. It was likely fashioned for
An Irish regiment of the British Army,
Way back in the day. And while I imagine
Its heavy silver knob was seldom used as a cudgel,
—being a thing of beauty in itself—the intent
Behind this imperial staff is plain enough for the Irish me to see.
Back when Paddy was proscribed by English law,
From defending himself with anything more imposing
Than a blackthorn walking stick,
Physical symbols such as this commanded respect,
(Or a keen hatred, my love), If you were of the
Hoi polloi over whom it was brandished.
Even as I recollect Margaret Lenane’s cautionary exclamation,
She shared with me years ago,
“Oh the English, and the terrible things they
Did to us!”
I cannot tear my eyes away from it.
Begorrah.
BOREEGARD
Blarney and more Blarney
High up in the Blarney clan’s castle,
Is a stone that when kissed make’s you facile,
Words will roll off your tongue,
All polished and young,
To shield against life’s strain and hassle.
SWAGGERSTICK
In an isolated niche of San Antonio’s Museum of Art,
Is a glass-encased objet de’art. It is described thus:
Swaggerstick/wood/silvertop and mounts/
A. Keene/ Dublin/1780
The docent, Norma Gomez Perez, relates a
Brief history of such devices.
“The shorter type, in Roman times, was carried
By Centurions as a badge of rank.
It was used to direct drills and, on occasion,
To administer punishment.”
But sweet Mother Machree, there’s nothing short
About this imposing thing.
It stands fifty inches high. It was likely fashioned for
An Irish regiment of the British Army,
Way back in the day. And while I imagine
Its heavy silver knob was seldom used as a cudgel,
—being a thing of beauty in itself—the intent
Behind this imperial staff is plain enough for the Irish me to see.
Back when Paddy was proscribed by English law,
From defending himself with anything more imposing
Than a blackthorn walking stick,
Physical symbols such as this commanded respect,
(Or a keen hatred, my love), If you were of the
Hoi polloi over whom it was brandished.
Even as I recollect Margaret Lenane’s cautionary exclamation,
She shared with me years ago,
“Oh the English, and the terrible things they
Did to us!”
I cannot tear my eyes away from it.
Begorrah.
BOREEGARD
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Cell Service For Our Area
Many of us have been frustrated and concerned about the lack of cell service in the area. Our Town Supervisor, Rob Stanley has reached out to the Public Service Commission to try and rectify this situation. He wrote a letter and received the response below. He is now asking anyone who can to write a letter to the PSC at the address provided below. Let's all try and comment to see if we can get some better cell service than the spotty coverage we have now.
Folks,
FYI - Friday I received a response from the Public Service Commission (see excerpt below) regarding a letter I wrote to Governor Cuomo regarding the lack of cellular communication in our area.
It appears that the PSC is looking for comments.
I just sent a copy of this to the Town Clerk to post as I'm hoping we can get a few folks to submit comments to help stress the need for cellular communications in our area.
Write or send your comments and try to get as many people as you can to send comments as well.
The original letter was sent from me as the Chair for the Route 28 Municipal Leaders Group, which is the Board of Directors for the Scenic Byway. So try to get others you may know in the region to submit as well.
Best,
Robert A. Stanley, C.F.M.
Supervisor, Town of Shandaken
Shandaken Town Hall
PO Box 134
Shandaken, NY 12480
Phone: 845.688.7165
Fax: 845.688.7392
Excerpt from the letter to Rob Stanley from the Public Service Commission:
As you note in your letter, attracting investment to the diverse regions of the State is of critical
importance and the State has several programs in place to address this issue. For example, in
2011, Governor Andrew Cuomo established the Regional Economic Development Council
initiative, through which 10 Regional Councils develop long-term strategic plans for the
economic growth oftheir regions.
The Regional Councils are redefining the way New York invests in its economy and creates job by using a community-based and competitive approach for State resources. Additionally, Governor Cuomo has dedicated $500 million - the largest contribution of any State - to building high speed broadband infrastructure in those areas of the State that do not have it. On the topic of health and safety, the State, through the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, is participating in the federal FirstNet project. FirstNet is an independent authority authorized by the United States Congress to design, build and operate a nationwide wireless data network dedicated to public safety communication.
The Regional Councils are redefining the way New York invests in its economy and creates job by using a community-based and competitive approach for State resources. Additionally, Governor Cuomo has dedicated $500 million - the largest contribution of any State - to building high speed broadband infrastructure in those areas of the State that do not have it. On the topic of health and safety, the State, through the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, is participating in the federal FirstNet project. FirstNet is an independent authority authorized by the United States Congress to design, build and operate a nationwide wireless data network dedicated to public safety communication.
The Department of Public Service, through its Examination of the State of Telecommunications,
is actively engaged in reviewing its regulatory frameworks to address issues of resiliency,
reliability and availability of communications - cellular and otherwise - in all parts of the State.
A formal proceeding has been initiated and we encourage your participation so that the issues
you raise may be addressed. Comments and information may be submitted to the Department
directly as set forth below.
Internet: www.dps.ny.gov (Case 14-C-0370)
E-mail: secretary@dps.ny.gov
Phone: (800) 335-2120
Mail: Hon. Kathleen Burgess, Secretary, NYS Public Service Commission, 3 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223
Internet: www.dps.ny.gov (Case 14-C-0370)
E-mail: secretary@dps.ny.gov
Phone: (800) 335-2120
Mail: Hon. Kathleen Burgess, Secretary, NYS Public Service Commission, 3 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223
Saturday, March 5, 2016
One Last Postcard
Earlier this week, when I put up the list of Woodland Valley postmasters to the blog, I received this message from Rolf Reiss. For those of you who don't know him, Rolf is one of the people in the valley with a lot of knowledge of the valley's history. Here is his message.
"Thank you for posting the list of Woodland Valley Postmasters and thanks to Jay Simpson for doing the leg work. I am including scans of a postcard sent by Phil Miller who was the brother of Paul (the last of the postmasters) 15 days before the closing of the Woodland office. According to Dakin Morehouse there were three Miller brothers who lived here in Woodland Valley and that the final location of the post office was in Paul Miller's home (currently owned by Dakin and Doris at the base of Roxmor). He also mentioned that Phil was a noted musicologist and orator. Many years ago Laurie Lurrie who was a longtime Woodland resident told me that she liked getting her mail right here in the valley but that doing so always meant having to listen to Paul the postmaster speak for at least half an hour. Sounds like a mixed blessing."
- Rolf
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Long Path Trail Half Marathon
In the beginning of June there will be a half marathon trail race on the Long Path from Phoenicia to the Woodland Valley Campground. Here is the save the date announcement from the Phoenicia Storehouse. Sounds like a lot of fun for all you runners out there.
| June 4th, Save the Date Phoenicia Ridge to Valley Trail Half Marathon Race Join us on a half marathon trail race that celebrates the hamlet of Phoenicia and the coolest new trail in the Catskills. The race will start in downtown Phoenicia and head into the woods 1.2 miles later. From there, the Long Path gently ascends Romer Mountain, putting you on a ridge with rolling terrain and plenty of breathtaking scenery, including sweeping views of the Burroughs and Devils Path ranges. The race will end near the Woodland Valley Campground where we'll have a barbecue. This is a perfect first half marathon for newbies and a nice fast course for more experienced runners. Shuttle service to be provided to get you back to your car from Woodland Valley. More details to come, but you can register here now: http://www.storehouseny.com/#!registration-/mgb6d This event is part of the Long Path Race Series, which aims to build awareness for the Long Path and the work of the Trail Conference and its volunteers and to get more people running and hiking on New York's beautiful trails. |
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
List of Postmasters
Today I received an email from Jay Simpson. He had made inquiries to the USPS regarding the post office that existed in Woodland Valley for years (some of our older folks may remember it). He received this response and thought we would be interested. I know I found it interesting. Thanks so much for sending this, Jay!!
Mr. Simpson,
Here is the Postmaster list you requested for Woodland, New York. Sorry it took a little longer, some of the entries were difficult to verify with National Archives records.
June Brandt
Research Analyst Postal History
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington, DC 20260-0012
202-268-2532
Postmasters by City
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WOODLAND POST OFFICE
ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK
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