Mike O'Neil Tells Fishy Tales

The Jerry Bartlett Angling Collection at The Phoenicia Library will present "On The River" July 23rd, 2016 from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. This is another installment in the ongoing series of fishing discussions celebrating the 20th anniversary of the collection. Woodland Valley's own fishing expert, Mike O'Neil will be among the people telling fish stories. He will talk about his father Paul O'Neil's experiences as fisherman, author and sports writer for Time and Life magazines. Joining him will be Cal Smith, Hank Rope, Roger Menard and Ed Ostapczuk. If you are interested in fishing this promises to be a great discussion!

Library Fair Tomorrow, June 11th!

The Phoenicia Library is having it's annual library fair tomorrow June 11th from 10am to 2pm. There will be music, a bake sale, a plant sale, a silent auction and a book sale. Woodland Valley residents George Holz and Rebecca Ffrench have donated signed copies of their books for the silent auction. And there are LOTS of other great things too. WCA member Ricarda O'Conner has donated a healing session with her amazing gongs. I have done this myself and it is awesome! There are also gift certificates to restaurants, spas and lodging in the area. So come to the library fair tomorrow. At the very least you will see lots of neighbors and friends! See you there!!

Phoenicia Library in HV Magazine

Our awesome Phoenicia Library has been featured in an article about how libraries in the Hudson Valley are thriving. http://www.hvmag.com/Hudson-Valley-Magazine/April-2016/Hudson-Valley-Libraries-Are-Thriving/

If you haven't been to the Phoenicia Library lately I encourage you to stop by and visit. There is a LOT of fun things happening in addition to great books, DVDs, CDs and other things to peruse and borrow. I myself joined the ukulele lesson a couple of weeks ago and had a blast! So check out the Phoenicia Library schedule of events online and see what's up! http://phoenicialibrary.org

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.

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.

Frank Mele To Be Honored

For the many fisherman here in WV here is a press release from Library Director Liz Potter for an upcoming event at the Phoenicia Library. Check it out!

Frank Mele to be Honored at Phoenicia Library

Phoenicia Library, 48 Main Street, Phoenicia, NY  845.688.7811  Program is free.

Saturday, March 19th, 12:30 - 2:30

Bethia Waterman, bethia.waterman@gmail.com    845-254-4116

The Jerry Bartlett Memorial Angling Collection kicks off its 20^th birthday celebration with a “Fishing Fever Forum” panel discussion devoted to legendary fly fisherman Frank Mele on March 19, from 12.30 to 2.30 at the Phoenicia Library. Panelists sharing stories about Frank Mele on March 19 include Frank’s son Andy Mele;  DEC biologist Tony Bonavist; John Hoeko, owner of Fur, Feathers and Steel in Fleishmanns; and author/angler Roger Menard.

An accomplished violinist, author, conservationist and fly fisherman, Frank made his home in Woodstock close to the Catskill streams he loved. Outraged at the fish kills downstream from New York City reservoirs during hot summers, in 1973 he formed Catskill Waters, a coalition of local anglers that worked tirelessly to increase downstream reservoir releases. His efforts resulted in passage of the water release legislation in 1975.

Frank’s novel, Polpetto, was published in 1973 and his last complete work, Small in the Eye of the River, was released in 1985. This little book of short stories examines the philosophical aspects of fly fishing and is already a classic in angling literature.

The Fishing Fever Forums continue with three more panels in coming months.

April 16, 2016 – Art Flick, Author, Fly Tyer and Conservationist
May 14, 2016 – DEC Catskill Fisheries Tales from Active and Retired DEC Folks
July 23, 2016 – On the River with Authors, Guides and Catskill Characters

For more information, see www.phoenicialibrary.org or www.catskillanglingcollection.org. This event is made possible with funds from the Catskill Watershed Corporation in partnership with New York City DEP.  The library, located at 48 Main Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464. is fully accessible. 

Attached is a color image of the program 

--

Elizabeth Potter

Director, Phoenicia Library
(845) 688-7811

Free Fly-Tying Class

The Phoenicia Library sent out an announcement of some free fishing fun being offered in early February. So even though opening day is still fairly far off, if you are so inclined, you can get gather with other piscatorial enthusiasts to get prepared for the good times ahead. Here is the library's announcement.

Subject: Free fly-tying class - fun with feathers and fur

The Jerry Bartlett Memorial Angling Collection at the Phoenicia Library are offering their annual fly tying workshop on Saturday, Feb 13th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Phoenicia Library at 48 Main Street in Phoenicia, NY 12464.

The classes open to all aged 14 or above are free; participants must provide their own equipment. There are a number of vises for youngsters to use. Feathers and hooks will be supplied. Experienced tiers are welcome to sit and tie along. People who wish to come observe this art are welcome.

The fly tying classes are led by local licensed guide, Hank Rope, with assistance from members of Trout Unlimited. Fly tying is a fantastic combination of art, science, history, culture and skill and we will teach you how! Registration is required. Call Hank Rope at 845-254 5904 to register.

Since 1995, the Jerry Bartlett Angling Collection at the Phoenicia Library, has offered workshops, presentations and special events celebrating the rich heritage of Catskill trout fishing and the healthy ecosystem on which it depends. In addition to an extensive collection of books about fishing and fly tying, rods, tackle, historical memorabilia and other resources. For more information on library hours, or to receive annual newsletter, see www.phoenicialibrary.org.

Library Open Late On Fridays

I just received a message from Phoenicia Library Director, Liz Potter. The library will now have extended hours on Friday nights. Here is what Liz had to say.

Your friendly local library is now will be open until 8 PM on Friday night for all your library needs. We are hoping to make it a little easier on weekenders and working people to get to their library. We'll see how it goes through December. We are also about to conduct a community wide survey to get a sense of all your wishes and needs related to the library ... so be on the lookout !

Movie Night For Kids

Here is a message from Liz Potter about tonight's movie night for kids.

Just wanted to let you know that this Friday at 6:30 is the Phoenicia Library's first Kids Movie Night. It's free, and there will be snacks available by donation. We'll be showing Paddington, which is a 2015 movie that Rotten Tomatoes says "Paddington brings a beloved children's character into the 21st century without sacrificing his essential charm, delivering a family-friendly adventure as irresistibly cuddly as its star." And gave it a 98% positive rating (highly unusual). Bring your Teddy Bear and fav pillow. BTW films strictly for grownups occur the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month. You can friend me on Facebook if you'd like to keep current on what the group is choosing to show
- Liz Potter

Plants Wanted For Library Sale

PHOENICIA LIBRARY FAIR

and PLANT SALE

Saturday, June 6 

10 - 2 PM

at Mama’s Boy

Attention all Gardeners and Plant Enthusiasts

It’s time to dig, divide and donate all your overgrown, unwanted and, of course, beautiful plants. We are interested in annuals, perennials, herbs, shrubs, and houseplants. 

Donations can be accepted on Thursday, June 4th, and Friday, June 5th at Mama’s Boy. 

Please re-plant a few days in advance and label your plants. Donations of garden items, trowels, shovels, gloves, books and garden accoutrements will also be accepted as long as items are in good condition.

5th Annual Mama's Boy Bake-Off

Don't forget that the 5th annual Mama's Boy's bake-off is today at 1pm. It is a great tradition. All the baked goods are auctioned off for the benefit of the Phoenicia Library. Sounds like a win-win for everybody!

Rebecca Ffrench At The Library This Saturday

Don't forget that WCA member Rebecca Ffrench will be doing a demo, tasting and book signing at the library this Saturday. See you all there!

THE ULTIMATE BLENDER 

COOKBOOK

Demo, Tasting and Signing

Saturday, May 2 at 1 PM

At the Phoenicia Library

48 Main Street, Phoenicia, NY

with

Rebecca Miller Ffrench

That trusty blender on your counter is good for so much more than just smoothies. Did you know that you can whip up better-for-you pancakes and gluten-free cookies, quickly chop a salad or slaw, make your own nut butters and milks, and even cut down on your meat intake with easy burgers made from vegetables and fish?

Rebecca Miller Ffrench is here to show you that blending not only saves you time and effort in the kitchen, but it is also an incredible way to pack more nutrition into every meal, with black beans in brownies (no one will be able to taste it!), pasta sauce loaded with roasted vegetables, and creamy, velvety soups that are fiber rich and dairy free.

With sales of high-performance blenders up more than 50 percent in the past year alone, it is time to harness all that blending power and put it to work for you and your family. Save money, eat healthier, and get dinner on the table in a jiffy with The Ultimate Blender Cookbook.

Rebecca Ffrench Book Event

Woodland Valley's own Rebecca Ffrench will be appearing at the Phoenicia Library on Saturday May 2nd for a demo, tasting and book signing. Besides being an AWESOME writer and cook Rebecca is an all around nice person. So go and meet her and find out just how much your blender can do!

THE ULTIMATE BLENDER 

COOKBOOK

Demo, Tasting and Signing

Saturday, May 2 at 1 PM

At the Phoenicia Library

48 Main Street, Phoenicia, NY

with

Rebecca Miller Ffrench

That trusty blender on your counter is good for so much more than just smoothies. Did you know that you can whip up better-for-you pancakes and gluten-free cookies, quickly chop a salad or slaw, make your own nut butters and milks, and even cut down on your meat intake with easy burgers made from vegetables and fish?

Rebecca Miller Ffrench is here to show you that blending not only saves you time and effort in the kitchen, but it is also an incredible way to pack more nutrition into every meal, with black beans in brownies (no one will be able to taste it!), pasta sauce loaded with roasted vegetables, and creamy, velvety soups that are fiber rich and dairy free.

With sales of high-performance blenders up more than 50 percent in the past year alone, it is time to harness all that blending power and put it to work for you and your family. Save money, eat healthier, and get dinner on the table in a jiffy with The Ultimate Blender Cookbook.

Passenger Pigeons & John Burroughs Day

There are so many cool things happening at the Phoenicia Library it is hard to keep up. Here is the schedule for Saturday, April 18th.

Passenger Pigeon & John Burroughs Day Saturday, April 18^th with Exhibit, Talks, Story Telling, Refreshment and Visit by Live Homing Pigeons

10:30 – 1 pm           

An exhibit on the life and tragic extinction of the passenger pigeon will be on display at the Phoenicia Library in Phoenicia NY from April 15^th through the end of April.  Sponsored by John Burroughs’ Woodchuck Lodge, the ten-panel exhibit is a lament for a bird that once darkened the skies over our region, but which was hunted to extinction within the lifetime of the Roxbury-born naturalist (1837-1921). The last captive passenger pigeon died September 1, 1914.

On Saturday, April 18^th, the library will host “John Burroughs and a Feathered Frenzy,” a day of discovery about our Catskills natural heritage.  The schedule will include:

10:30 AM  "From Billions to None: What Happened to the Passenger Pigeon?" with Diane Galusha, author.  This year is the 100th anniversary of the passing of the last passenger pigeon, a species that once dominated our skies.  Diane will tell us about these beautiful birds as well as the naturalist John Burroughs who appreciated these birds as an integral part of our Catskills naturescape.

11:15 AM  “ Words of John Burroughs” with Brett Barry, Producer/Narrator of John Burroughs: Afloat and Afoot ~ an audio celebration of John Burroughs, famous Catskill native and naturalist.

12 PM  Live Homing Pigeons with Mickey Gramowski with

Live Story Telling:  Carrier Pigeons in World War I, with professional story teller Jean Druffner, best for ages 8 and up

The exhibit, developed and designed by the Chicago Museum of Science and its Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, includes a locally produced panel about Burroughs and his sightings of and comments on this amazing bird.

In the year 1800, more than five billion passenger pigeons crisscrossed the skies of the eastern United States and Canada, perhaps a quarter of the continent’s avifauna. The species occurred only in North America, primarily east of the Rocky Mountains, and bred almost exclusively in the eastern deciduous forest. Passing flocks could darken the skies for three days straight.  The beats of their wings would create drafts that chilled the people over whom they flew.

Naturalist Burroughs recalled being transfixed by the sight of huge flocks descending on his family’s Roxbury farmstead. “In my boyhood the vast armies of the passenger pigeons were one of the most notable spring tokens. Often late in March, or early in April, the naked beechwoods would suddenly become blue with them, and vocal with their soft, childlike calls; all day the sky would be streaked with the long lines or dense masses of the moving armies.”

However, in the face of relentless slaughter for food and recreation, coupled with habitat loss, this seemingly inexhaustible resource was depleted in just a few decades. By 1900 the species was virtually extinct, and on the afternoon of September 1, 1914, Martha, the last of her species, died in the Cincinnati Zoo.

For more information on the passenger pigeon, its life, demise and legacy, visit www.passengerpigeon.org.  For more information on John Burroughs or Woodchuck Lodge, visit www.woodchucklodge.org.

The library is at 48 Main Street, Phoenicia NY.  All programs are free and open to the public.  For more information on the library please visit www.phoenicialibrary.org.

Library Rededication Of The Angling Collection

20th Anniversary Celebration and Rededication of Jerry Bartlett Memorial Angling Collection
Saturday March 28, noon – 2.30 at Phoenicia Library, 48 Main St, Phoenicia NY 12464

On Saturday, March 28, the public is invited to come to the Phoenicia Library for a 20th anniversary celebration and rededication of the Jerry Bartlett Memorial Angling Collection. The event will take place from noon – 2:30 in the Angler’s Parlor on the second floor.

We plan to honor Jerry Bartlett and his contributions to the conservation of the cold-water fishery in the Catskills by sharing reminiscences about him as an angler, teacher and guide. We encourage all who knew him to bring stories and memories about their experiences with Jerry to share. Doris Bartlett and Beth Waterman will talk about the history of this celebrated special collection which now includes more than 600 books, a lend-a-rod program, fly tying classes, historical artifacts, as well as special events and activities about Catskill flyfishing.

The Ashokan Pepacton Chapter of Trout Unlimited, will present two framed shadow boxes of flies tied by Master Catskill Fly Tyers. These flies imitate the insects that fish eat in the Esopus and other Catskill streams and are featured in a digital ‘match the hatch’ display on the web site: www.catskillanglingcollection.org. Volunteers revised, updated and digitized information from Bartlett’s earlier panels which were destroyed in the library fire in 2011, to create the new web-based display.

The event is co-sponsored by the Ashokan Pepacton Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Bartlett Collection at the Phoenicia Library located at 48 Main Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464.

For more information, or to send your recollections of Jerry, contact Beth Waterman, 845-254-4116, bethia.waterman@gmail.com.

Jerry Bartlett Collection Festivities

Here is a message from Beth Waterman regarding the re-dedication of the Jerry Bartlett Angling Collection at the Phoenicia Library. Check out what Beth has to say. 

I hope you will be able to attend the Bartlett Collection festivities at the Phoenicia Library on Saturday, March 28 from noon to 2.30. The event honors the rededication of the Collection and the beginning of our 20th year in existence. There is much to celebrate - the beginning of fishing season, the newly refurbished Angler's Parlor, and the enthusiasm we all share for Catskill flyfishing. 

We plan to honor Jerry Bartlett and his contributions to the conservation of the cold-water fishery in the Catskills by sharing reminiscences about him as an angler, teacher and guide. We encourage all who knew him to bring stories and memories about their experiences with Jerry to share. Doris Bartlett and Beth Waterman will talk about the history of  this celebrated special collection which now includes more than 600 books, a lend-a-rod program, fly tying classes, historical artifacts, as well as special events and activities about Catskill flyfishing.

The Ashokan Pepacton Chapter of Trout Unlimited, will present two framed shadow boxes of flies tied by Master Catskill Fly Tyers.  These flies imitate the insects that fish eat in the Esopus and other Catskill streams and are featured in a digital ‘match the hatch’ display on the web site: www.catskillanglingcollection.org. Volunteers revised, updated and digitized information from Bartlett’s earlier panels which were destroyed in the library fire in 2011, to create the new web-based display.

The event is co-sponsored by the Ashokan Pepacton Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Bartlett Collection at the Phoenicia Library located at 48 Main Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464. For more information, or to send your recollections of Jerry, contact Beth Waterman, 845-254-4116, bethia.waterman@gmail.com.

Free Computer Classes

Free computer classes for Beginner's
- Who have little or no knowledge of computer use!
- Need help using their electronic devices (computer/laptop/tablet/cell phone)
- Need help using email - Photo uploads and more

Bring your own device or use our computer

When: Thursdays, March 19 - April 2 - 6:00 - 7:30pm
Where: The Phoenicia Library - Main Street Phoenicia

You must pre-register by March 14th to join!

To register contact Town Clerk Joyce Grant at (845) 688-5004
or Liz at the Phoenicia Library (845) 688-7811

Library Building Dedication A Huge Success

Last Saturday the Phoenicia Library dedicated their brand new building to the memory of Marilyn Dershowitz. The Dershowitz family donated and tirelessly fundraised money for the library rebuild to honor Marilyn's memory.

For those of you who are new to the community, Marilyn was a long-time Woodland Valley resident who was tragically killed in a bicycle accident in NYC three years ago. She was an avid reader and a huge supporter of the Phoenicia Library. Naming the building after her is a great way to memorialize her.

Many people spoke at the dedication including library director Liz Potter, Board President Bernie Hanzel, Nat Dershowitz and NY State Assemblymen Kevin Cahill. The library was overflowing with people from the community. The ribbon was cut by Marilyn's grandchildren Zara and Mars.

Scrumptious snacks were provided by Amy Jackson and Woodland Valley's own Rebecca Ffrench and Marcey Brownstein.  I probably should have taken a photo of the snack tables to show you all how beautiful they looked but by the time I got to them they were so packed with people I couldn't get enough room. Oh well, take my word for it, the food was awesome!

All in all it was a wonderful day! With the tireless efforts of many in the community the Phoenicia library is bigger and better than ever!

Phoenicia Library Official Grand Opening

The Phoenicia Library grand opening party and building dedication will be this Saturday from 11am - 3pm. The fun starts with refreshments at 11am and the dedication ceremony will be at noon. The fun then continues with events until 3pm (see schedule from the library below). It should be a great day. See you all there!

GRAND OPENING PARTY

SATURDAY JANUARY 17^th 11 am – 3 PM

Dedication of the Marilyn Dershowitz Memorial Building at NOON

Schedule of Events

• Refreshments starting at 11 AM
• Dedication at Noon
• Uncle Rock in Kids Room at 1 PM
• History of the Library Talk Upstairs at 1 PM
• Ukulele Music at 2 PM
• Robert Burke Warren Music at 2:30 PM

We want to thank the community, our 

volunteers and our staff for being incredibly 

supportive through the last 3 years!

Gorgeous New Library Renovation

I went to the library opening yesterday and as it happened I was the first patron through the door. I didn't mean to be. But a few days ago they called and said something that I had ordered about a month ago online finally came into Phoenicia. They also said they would be open on Friday for me to pick it up. I had to go to Kingston that day so I needed to get there, get it and get on with my day. So I was there shortly after they opened the doors. A big smiling group of people was on hand to greet me, so it was very fun.

I highly recommend that everyone visit the new building. It is gorgeous and I think it will be an important hub of activity for the entire community.

Since I was on my way somewhere else I didn't have too much time to take photos but here are some that I took to give you all a sneak peek until you can get there yourself.

Kudos to everyone who worked so hard to make this renovation a reality. You did a really great job!!!