Please keep an eye out for Preta!
Friday, August 28, 2020
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Power & Phone Outage in The Valley
There was a sustained power outage in the valley last night for about 5 hours. The lights went on and off about 5 times before going out completely from about 7:30pm to about 12:45am. We lost land line phone service at about 9pm as well. The phone returned with the power. I do not know the cause of the interruption. The power and phone have stayed on without interruption once the service was returned.
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Quiet In The Valley
All is well here in Woodland Valley. The weather has been on the cold side. There are still no leaves on the trees. We have had a LOT of rainy days but today was beautiful. The daffodils, hyacinth and forsythia are all blooming on different properties along the road. And the wild Colt's Foot (see photo) is coming up everywhere. I am hoping the really nice weather is just around the corner.
To keep you updated on the state of the virus in this part of upstate NY, the Ulster County Covid-19 totals stand at 1294 confirmed cases with 24 fatalities. There are 7 confirmed cases in the Town of Shandaken. So cases continue to slowly rise.
Since we are all staying home and social distancing there is not much more to report. I hope wherever you and your family are you are all in good health. Stay safe!
Friday, April 17, 2020
Friday Update
I hope you are all staying home and keeping healthy. As of this writing there are 880 cases of CO-VID 19 and 16 fatalities in Ulster County. The Town of Shandaken has 6 confirmed cases.
Starting today 4/17/20, the NY Governor's executive order requires all citizens to wear face masks, cloth, scarf or bandana to cover their nose and mouth when in public and not able to keep a six foot distance from others. If you need a mask they are available at the Shandaken Town Hall for free. Just call the Town Clerk for information 845-688-5004.
Free mental health services are available through the Family of Woodstock 845-679-2485.
The Town is providing meal and/or grocery deliveries to those in the high risk demographic. For more information call the Town Clerk at 845-688-5004 or email townclerk@shandaken.us or the Town Supervisor at 845-688-7165 or email supervisor@shandaken.us.
Most restaurants in the area are offering take-out service and Phoenicia Supermarket is offering free delivery 845-688-2448.
And for those who are fine with food but just bored out of your mind, the Methodist Church has donated puzzles and books for people to take for free. They are on the porch of the Nest Egg. Take one if you want or leave one if you have something you are finished using.
Stay Safe!!
Starting today 4/17/20, the NY Governor's executive order requires all citizens to wear face masks, cloth, scarf or bandana to cover their nose and mouth when in public and not able to keep a six foot distance from others. If you need a mask they are available at the Shandaken Town Hall for free. Just call the Town Clerk for information 845-688-5004.
Free mental health services are available through the Family of Woodstock 845-679-2485.
The Town is providing meal and/or grocery deliveries to those in the high risk demographic. For more information call the Town Clerk at 845-688-5004 or email townclerk@shandaken.us or the Town Supervisor at 845-688-7165 or email supervisor@shandaken.us.
Most restaurants in the area are offering take-out service and Phoenicia Supermarket is offering free delivery 845-688-2448.
And for those who are fine with food but just bored out of your mind, the Methodist Church has donated puzzles and books for people to take for free. They are on the porch of the Nest Egg. Take one if you want or leave one if you have something you are finished using.
Stay Safe!!
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Some Good News in Woodland Valley
I hope you are all well. Since we are all dealing with the ongoing pandemic and the stresses around work and health related concerns, I thought some good news was in order.
First, congratulations to our esteemed President Bethany Saltman who's book "Strange Situation: A Mother's Journey Into The Science of Attachment" made The Washington Post's 10 books to read in April list. Here is a link to The Washington Post for those of you who subscribe and can read it. Go Bethany!
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/ten-books-to-read-in-april/2020/03/31/b7b0a744-737e-11ea-a9bd-9f8b593300d0_story.html
Secondly, WV resident Bonnie LeFave sent me these photos of a pair of eagles that she recently saw down by the intersection of Pantherkill and Woodland Valley roads. These are such beautiful birds! I think the one on the right is a juvenile (see if you other birders agree). We are so lucky to have these majestic creatures in our midst. Thanks for sending us these photos, Bonnie.
So there you have a little good news in the midst of chaos. Stay safe!
First, congratulations to our esteemed President Bethany Saltman who's book "Strange Situation: A Mother's Journey Into The Science of Attachment" made The Washington Post's 10 books to read in April list. Here is a link to The Washington Post for those of you who subscribe and can read it. Go Bethany!
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/ten-books-to-read-in-april/2020/03/31/b7b0a744-737e-11ea-a9bd-9f8b593300d0_story.html
Secondly, WV resident Bonnie LeFave sent me these photos of a pair of eagles that she recently saw down by the intersection of Pantherkill and Woodland Valley roads. These are such beautiful birds! I think the one on the right is a juvenile (see if you other birders agree). We are so lucky to have these majestic creatures in our midst. Thanks for sending us these photos, Bonnie.
So there you have a little good news in the midst of chaos. Stay safe!
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Updated Information - 3rd Case in Shandaken
There is a 3rd case confirmed here in Shandaken and 462 cases in Ulster County. Town Supervisor Rob Stanley put out an update on the Town website today. It has a lot of good information about getting food safely if you are at risk. Here is the link.
Also, the Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan has been holding online town hall briefings. His next one is Thursday, April 9th at 2pm. You can tune into it from the Ulster County CO-VID 19 information page. Here is that link.
Please remember to take care of your own mental health in this crisis and take news breaks when it all feels like it is too much. We are lucky to live in a beautiful place, take a few deep breaths and enjoy the beauty just outside your window.
Stay healthy and safe!
Friday, April 3, 2020
Updates From NY State
You can sign up for updates delivered directly into your email box from the State of NY. This daily summary focuses on the things that are happening in NY that have a direct effect on us. It is a great way to get up to the minute relevant information.
Here is the link:
https://now.ny.gov/page/s/coronavirus-updates?fbclid=IwAR2xSG9OaomXyhl9F1H41k3S3NJcEzOWRKC0x6sFTY-pg-wSp8MuFSeba8o
Right now the Town of Shandaken still has had only 2 cases of the virus. Stay healthy everyone!
Here is the link:
https://now.ny.gov/page/s/coronavirus-updates?fbclid=IwAR2xSG9OaomXyhl9F1H41k3S3NJcEzOWRKC0x6sFTY-pg-wSp8MuFSeba8o
Right now the Town of Shandaken still has had only 2 cases of the virus. Stay healthy everyone!
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Another Case
The Ulster County website has reported that there is a 2nd case in the Town of Shandaken. Please everyone stay healthy and safe and maintain your social distancing practices.
Saturday, March 28, 2020
County Stats and Town News
Ulster County has put together a web page where you can follow the number of Covid-19 cases on a town by town basis. As of right now, Shandaken still has only one. There is all sorts of other information on this site like the county Covid-19 hotline number and information about mobile testing sites. Here is the link.
https://covid19.ulstercountyny.gov
Town Clerk Joyce Grant is still writing marriage licenses in the town. If you need one you can call her at 845-688-5004. She will then arrange to meet you outside of Town Hall with the paper work and get it done, sort of like curb service. Joyce has never stood in the way of love and she won't start now.
Town Supervisor Rob Stanley weighed in on whether AirBnBs in Shandaken should remain open or not. To see what he has to say go to the Daily Freeman link below and read Rob's thoughts on the issue.
https://www.dailyfreeman.com/news/local-news/shandaken-supervisor-urges-restrictions-on-short-term-rentals-amid-pandemic/article_50c4b4ce-704c-11ea-ad54-17ce1fa79cca.html
Finally, if you are on Facebook be sure to follow the Town of Shandaken Facebook page for up to the minute updates for the town. That page is used to get information out in this and all other emergency situations.
https://covid19.ulstercountyny.gov
Town Clerk Joyce Grant is still writing marriage licenses in the town. If you need one you can call her at 845-688-5004. She will then arrange to meet you outside of Town Hall with the paper work and get it done, sort of like curb service. Joyce has never stood in the way of love and she won't start now.
Town Supervisor Rob Stanley weighed in on whether AirBnBs in Shandaken should remain open or not. To see what he has to say go to the Daily Freeman link below and read Rob's thoughts on the issue.
https://www.dailyfreeman.com/news/local-news/shandaken-supervisor-urges-restrictions-on-short-term-rentals-amid-pandemic/article_50c4b4ce-704c-11ea-ad54-17ce1fa79cca.html
Finally, if you are on Facebook be sure to follow the Town of Shandaken Facebook page for up to the minute updates for the town. That page is used to get information out in this and all other emergency situations.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Town Offices
The Town of Shandaken offices are closed for in-person service but still available by email or phone. They have staggered the workforce a bit to create a safe environment for workers but they are still there. You can find all the phone numbers and email addresses for the town offices on their website. Just click on the link for the exact office you need.
https://www.shandaken.us/town-offices/
The recycling center at Town Hall is also open for it's usual hours - Monday, Thursday & Saturday 7:30am to 12:30pm.
https://www.shandaken.us/town-offices/
The recycling center at Town Hall is also open for it's usual hours - Monday, Thursday & Saturday 7:30am to 12:30pm.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
NY County Statistics on COVID-19
To see the exact numbers of the COVID-19 cases in New York the NYS Health Department has set up a web page (see link below). The number in Ulster County as of this minute is 35. Keep checking the site for ongoing updates.
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/county-county-breakdown-positive-cases
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/county-county-breakdown-positive-cases
Monday, March 23, 2020
Ulster County COVID-19 Testing Drive Thru
Ulster County has it's first COVID-19 mobile test site. You MUST meet certain criteria to be tested and HAVE AN APPOINTMENT. Here is the information from Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan. Click on image to make it bigger and easier to read.
Food Needs and Donation Links
The Shandaken Food Panty is providing food delivery to people who are at high risk for the COVID-19 virus. See the information below (click image to make it larger and easier to read) to find out where to call if you need food delivery. If you are well and can pick up your food the food pantry will be open from 10-12 at the Methodist Church in Phoenicia on Thursday. Everyone will be maintaining a safe distance but you can pick up supplies there.
Many local restaurants are offering takeout services. I know the Phoenicia Diner, The Peekamoose and Brio's are among them. The Emerson also has takeout services for breakfast Thursday - Monday. Call them to ask about ordering and payment. The Phoenicia Supermarket is providing free delivery to those at risk.
For those of you who are willing and able to donate to the Food Pantry you can go to the Town of Shandaken donate page on PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=5IPj9eCw5zXYZALMyQjIUBMrWgmIOB9CywsLWjEZNXw2KCOExg1IfGXLKcLWQI96MmvxKm&country.x=US&locale.x=US
There is great need so anything you can give would be much appreciated.
Lastly, although this doesn't have anything to do with food, I wanted you all to know that my internet service here at the end of the valley has been wonky. I tried to post yesterday when service suddenly disconnected and I lost my post. I was also unable to answer emails for a while. So please be patient with me. I am trying my best to get information posted but sometimes the great gods of the internet shut me down.
Many local restaurants are offering takeout services. I know the Phoenicia Diner, The Peekamoose and Brio's are among them. The Emerson also has takeout services for breakfast Thursday - Monday. Call them to ask about ordering and payment. The Phoenicia Supermarket is providing free delivery to those at risk.
For those of you who are willing and able to donate to the Food Pantry you can go to the Town of Shandaken donate page on PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=5IPj9eCw5zXYZALMyQjIUBMrWgmIOB9CywsLWjEZNXw2KCOExg1IfGXLKcLWQI96MmvxKm&country.x=US&locale.x=US
There is great need so anything you can give would be much appreciated.
Lastly, although this doesn't have anything to do with food, I wanted you all to know that my internet service here at the end of the valley has been wonky. I tried to post yesterday when service suddenly disconnected and I lost my post. I was also unable to answer emails for a while. So please be patient with me. I am trying my best to get information posted but sometimes the great gods of the internet shut me down.
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Updates For The Recovery Community
In these unsettling times it is important that we support all the different local communities of people who are trying to stay together. Here is some information for the recovery community that was sent to me by a WCA member.
meeting closings and shifts to zoom, teleconference, skype etc. :
home page of the ulster districts aa , contains lots of good local recovery info, including a meeting finder for the vicinity surrounding us:
Area 48 website- a larger area still, includes the zones called hudson, mohawk, berkshire, we are located in Area 48 District 16. the most comprehensive of the 3 e-addys i've given here. one can navigate that site for a broader base of info.
Friday, March 20, 2020
1st Case in Shandaken
Here is an update from the Town of Shandaken website as of tonight Friday 3/20 at 6pm. There is one new case in the Town of Shandaken.
COVID-19 Update 6pm
Cases of confirmed jumped to 15 in Ulster County
There is 1 confirmed case in Town of Shandaken
“Treat everyone as if they have been infected”
Keep a 10 ft. distance. Practice 'Social Distancing'
* If you are experiencing any symptoms please call Ulster COVID-19 Hotline at 845.443.8888 or in case of dire emergency 911. https://ulstercountyny.gov/coronavirus
Follow Federal, State & County measures.
* It is best to self-quarantine as best you can at this time.
* In order to prevent the spread and protect the welfare of it's citizens, the Town of Shandaken is doing what is can to provide protections for you.
If you or someone you know identifies as being a high risk demographic to contract COVID-19 according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC),
the Town is providing delivery services for your needs if you are at high-risk or self-quarantining.
Please make a list of basic supplies you may need for the next week so we can bring them to your door.
Call Town Clerk 845-688-5004, townclerk@shandaken.us or Town Supervisor 845-688-7165, supervisor@shandaken.us
*Most Local Restaurants are offering safe Take-Out Service
*Phoenicia Supermarket is offering Free Delivery 845-688-2448
Cases of confirmed jumped to 15 in Ulster County
There is 1 confirmed case in Town of Shandaken
“Treat everyone as if they have been infected”
Keep a 10 ft. distance. Practice 'Social Distancing'
* If you are experiencing any symptoms please call Ulster COVID-19 Hotline at 845.443.8888 or in case of dire emergency 911. https://ulstercountyny.gov/coronavirus
Follow Federal, State & County measures.
* It is best to self-quarantine as best you can at this time.
* In order to prevent the spread and protect the welfare of it's citizens, the Town of Shandaken is doing what is can to provide protections for you.
If you or someone you know identifies as being a high risk demographic to contract COVID-19 according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC),
the Town is providing delivery services for your needs if you are at high-risk or self-quarantining.
Please make a list of basic supplies you may need for the next week so we can bring them to your door.
Call Town Clerk 845-688-5004, townclerk@shandaken.us or Town Supervisor 845-688-7165, supervisor@shandaken.us
*Most Local Restaurants are offering safe Take-Out Service
*Phoenicia Supermarket is offering Free Delivery 845-688-2448
Pets and COVID-19
WCA member Allen Vella sent me this from the CDC website. There have been questions about the transmission of the virus through pets so it is good to have the current guidance on those questions.
- Coronaviruses that infect animals can become able to infect people, but this is rare.
- We do not have evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19.
- We do not have evidence to suggest that imported animals or animal products imported pose a risk for spreading the 2019 novel coronavirus in the United States.
Animals and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people and others cause illness in certain types of animals.
- Coronaviruses that infect animals can become able to infect people, but this is rare.
We do not know the exact source of the current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- We do not have evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19.
- We do not have evidence to suggest that imported animals or animal products imported pose a risk for spreading the 2019 novel coronavirus in the United States.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some coronaviruses cause cold-like illnesses in people, while others cause illness in certain types of animals, such as cattle, camels, and bats. Some coronaviruses, such as canine and feline coronaviruses, only infect animals and do not infect humans.
How to stay healthy around animals -
In the United States, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets, livestock, or wildlife, might be a source of COVID-19 infection at this time. However, because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.
- Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste, or supplies.
- Practice good pet hygiene and clean up after pets properly.
- Take pets to the veterinarian regularly and talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s health.
- For more information, visit CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website.
Risk to pets
CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19.
How to protect pets if you are sick
If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed), you should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. This can help ensure both you and your animals stay healthy.
When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. Avoid contact with your pet including, petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them. For more information visit: What to Do if You are Sick.
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Parents Working From Home With Kids
Many parents in the WV community have had to negotiate the demands of working from home and wrangling kids (schooling and other needs) at the same time. Here are some excellent tips from community member Melissa Hatter. Thanks for sharing Melissa!
My top 3 tips from a mom home with 2 boys and a full-time job:)...
1. Create a schedule for everyone in the house, especially the kids; For kids, include regular rituals (such as teeth brushing, getting dressed, making their bed and any other chores), remote learning school sessions as well as outdoor playtime (age-appropriate) to ensure they get physical exercise. For parents, include some downtime, relaxation time should be on the schedule!
2. For those kids that don't have a full remote-learning situation in place, I have found several online sites for both live and on-demand and live lessons their minds engaged. My favs include:
- Outschool: https://outschool.com/#us4eX0kLyE they offer both live and on-demand classes for a variety of age groups and on a variety of subjects. I particularly love the live sessions as it gives a chance for our kids to interact with other children all over the world in real-time. Classes are fee-based but some are as low as $5.
- Amazing Educational Resources: a huge list of online resources for learners of all ages: http://www.amazingeducationalresources.com/?fbclid=IwAR0zooy61m17BxMa_i_U7JWEQxOxr0zntqMeSdhGTBRbGfqXvyH8SUBk19Y
- Adventure Academy (good for 8-13 year olds): https://www.adventureacademy.com/reactivation/
- And here are some videos that my kids have enjoyed:
- Hand/Foot Challenge
3. Use the together time to teach some life skills--today we had our kids wash our car:).---win/win! We've also done cooking where they have learned how to measure out ingredients and how to use some kitchen instruments.
Hope that helps!
Ulster County COVID-19 Information Page
For the latest updates, here is a link to the latest Ulster County COVID-19 information page.
https://ulstercountyny.gov/coronavirus
https://ulstercountyny.gov/coronavirus
Ulster County Project Resilience
Here is some good information from Ulster County about resources to help those who are struggling because of this crisis.
ULSTER COUNTY COMMUNITY FUND AND FOOD HELP
PROJECT RESILIENCE:https://ulstercountyny.gov/news/executive/county-executive-ryan-announces-project-resilience-community-fund-and-local-foodCounty Executive Ryan Announces "Project Resilience" Community Fund and Local Food Distribution Effort to Support Residents Impacted by COVID-19
County Executive Ryan has secured over $2 million in funding in 24 hours
County Executive Ryan will utilize UCAT and partner with non-profits and municipalities to deliver meals
New initiative will help residents in need and provide support to small businesses
Project Resilience — to help direct this surge of support and goodwill towards those in need throughout the county. The effort will include: a community fund, in partnership with the United Way; an online portal for anyone in need to ask for help; a robust food distribution network; and a partnership program for businesses and community groups to provide food and other critical services.
For assitance, doantion and info : https://ulstercountyny.gov/projectresilience
ULSTER COUNTY COMMUNITY FUND AND FOOD HELP
PROJECT RESILIENCE:https://ulstercountyny.gov/news/executive/county-executive-ryan-announces-project-resilience-community-fund-and-local-foodCounty Executive Ryan Announces "Project Resilience" Community Fund and Local Food Distribution Effort to Support Residents Impacted by COVID-19
County Executive Ryan has secured over $2 million in funding in 24 hours
County Executive Ryan will utilize UCAT and partner with non-profits and municipalities to deliver meals
New initiative will help residents in need and provide support to small businesses
Project Resilience — to help direct this surge of support and goodwill towards those in need throughout the county. The effort will include: a community fund, in partnership with the United Way; an online portal for anyone in need to ask for help; a robust food distribution network; and a partnership program for businesses and community groups to provide food and other critical services.
For assitance, doantion and info : https://ulstercountyny.gov/projectresilience
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Woodland Valley COVID-19 Updates
Hello WV friends, in light of the current pandemic I am activating the blog for community information. Right now there are no cases of the virus in Woodland Valley or Shandaken. I will be posting as needed with updates.
The Town of Shandaken is organizing food deliveries free of charge for those at risk because their health is too compromised to go to the store safely. Here is a message from their website with the contact numbers for anyone who would like to take part in that service. Stay healthy everyone!
The Town of Shandaken is organizing food deliveries free of charge for those at risk because their health is too compromised to go to the store safely. Here is a message from their website with the contact numbers for anyone who would like to take part in that service. Stay healthy everyone!
At Risk or Want to Help?
Shandaken Residents: IF you are at risk & shouldn’t leave your house. We will have volunteers leave food or supplies on your doorstep. Please contact Joyce Grant – Town Clerk 845-688-5004 townclerk@shandaken.us or Robert A. Stanley Supervisor 845-688-7165 supervisor@shandaken.us
Shandaken Residents: IF you are at risk & shouldn’t leave your house. We will have volunteers leave food or supplies on your doorstep. Please contact Joyce Grant – Town Clerk 845-688-5004 townclerk@shandaken.us or Robert A. Stanley Supervisor 845-688-7165 supervisor@shandaken.us
Shandaken Needs Volunteers to deliver food & supplies to home bound residents. If you can help Please contact Joyce Grant – Town Clerk 845-688-5004 townclerk@shandaken.us or Robert A. Stanley Supervisor 845-688-7165 supervisor@shandaken.us
Monday, February 17, 2020
Lost Dog 2-17-20
Wallis Flood Poncic has lost her dog, Cody, in Woodland Valley. Wallis lives mid-valley on WV Road just after the Fawn Hill bridge. If anyone sees Cody please call Wallis as soon as possible at 516-993-5554 or 845-254-5424 or 845-688-5245. She is frantically searching and would welcome any information. Thanks!
