Salt/Sand Available Again

The temperatures in the valley have dropped and the snow and rain of the past few days has frozen solid making for a very slippery situation on walkways and driveways. So I thought you would all be happy to know that the salt/sand mixture that has been on hand at town hall in the past is once again available to town residents. The hurricane washed away the land behind the highway garage and the old pile of salt and sand went with it. So I was glad to learn that last week they finished rebuilding that area and created a new pile. The mixture is free for town residents. All you need is a bucket and a shovel to scoop it up and carry it away for use at your homes.

The pile is in the back of town hall between the highway garage and the recycling station. I posted a photo to help you identify the right spot. But it is pretty easy to find. Remember to bring your own shovel and container.

Rain In The Valley

I woke up to heavy rain here in the valley this morning. Right now the rain has tapered off and is turning to flurries. Looks like we are getting that old, hateful "wintery mix".

There is still about 2 inches of very, very wet snow in a lot of places (like my driveway). That should be really fun in the next couple of days as the temperatures drop and it starts to freeze. The rain is getting caught in puddles and will make for a slippery situation when it hardens. I guess it is time to get out the ice cleats.

I don't know when the temperatures are going to drop but anyone coming tonight for the weekend should be careful in their driveway and getting out of the car.

Woodland Valley Road is clear at this point. The town has spread it's usual salt and sand mixture. But do be careful driving tonight as the temperatures drop. Road conditions can change quickly.

Messy Morning

Well, it had to happen sometime. I knew that I could not go for the entire winter without having to post about the weather. This morning I woke up to find about 3 inches of snow had fallen overnight. It is wet and very heavy. It has changed over to a wet wintery mix at this point, sleet mixed with freezing rain. I believe the forecast is for it to go to all rain as the morning progresses. It certainly seems headed in that direction. If you have to get out and shovel remember to go slow. This is that very heavy, heart attack inducing stuff.

I haven't been out on Woodland Valley Road yet today. I would drive slowly if you are in the neighborhood because the roads are likely to be slippery. I will post later on and let you all know how this storm plays out. In the meanwhile, stay safe and dry!

Ricarda O'Conner - New Website

I have been very remiss in announcing the new website of WCA member Ricarda O'Conner. Cardi is both a gifted yoga teacher and a healer extraordinaire. I have experienced both things with her and I can personally attest to her skills. She launched this website in the fall. The site was written by Cardi (who has talents as a writer as well). The design is by Stephanie Blackman (who lives right in Chichester) and all the photographs were done by me (including the opening photo mandalas). Check it out when you have the chance. I am very proud of the site. I think all the elements came together perfectly and Ricarda's words explained many things that are not easily articulated. So take a look when you have a moment.

Ricarda - Yoga/Healing Arts

Meanwhile, Cardi continues to keep an active schedule of yoga classes for those who are looking to get in shape in the new year. In my opinion she is one of the best teachers I have ever practiced with so I recommend taking a class if you enjoy yoga. The classes have recently moved from the 1890 building to Catskill Mountain Pilates in Shandaken. Everyone agrees that the new space is great!

Her basic schedule is below. But it can vary week to week so contact her if you are coming just to make sure there is class. You can get on her mailing list if you want to receive regular updates.

Sunday - Open-level Yoga @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Monday - Stretch Class @ 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Thursday - Open-level Yoga @ 10:00 - 11:30 am

WHERE: Catskill Mountain Pilates, 7 East High Street in Shandaken.

Take Route 28 to intersection of Route 42, turn on Ruthenbeck Road (between the Appletree Motel and the Firehouse) then right on High Street East to # 7. It's the last house on the left---look for the sign. The studio is above the garage.

Link for driving directions and map: http://catskillmtnpilates.com/directions.html

Shandaken Pan Arts Festival

The Shandaken Pan Arts Festival starts this weekend. There will be art, music, word and performance. Several WCA members are participating. Check out the lineup of fun!!

Part of the Ulster County Music and Art Festival, Jan 7 - 17 2012
Most events free!

January 7-17 - yes, all ten days - Open Artists Studio Visits (please call to verify availability at a particular time or date) Jerilynn Babroff - Durga Bernhard - Cabane Studios - Dave Channon - Harper Blanchet - Wendy Drolma - Norm Darvie - Chip Gallagher - Wendy Grossman - Ken Lovelett - Sunday Dawn-Marie - Astrid Nordness - Christie Scheele - Judith Singer - AniqueTaylor - Richard J. Treitner - Kevin Vanhentenryck - Mighty Xee
For images, contact information and driving directions visit: www.ShandakenArt.com

Saturday, January 7, 7-10 PM - Native Tongue Dance Band at The Arts Upstairs, 60 Main St, Phoenicia $5 Donation

Sunday, January 8 Noon to 7 PM - "Sunday at Sunday's" - Open House at Skinflower Cosmic Arts on the Boardwalk in Phoenicia with tattoo artist Sunday Dawne-Marie

Sunday 3PM - 7PM - Bonfire rave party, with conch shell orchestra, spiral dance, songs and story- telling under the tree at Mama’s Boy in Phoenicia

Friday, January 13, 7PM - The Roots of the Woodstock Festival - talk by historian Weston Blelock at Woodland Valley Books, 74 Main St., Phoenicia

Saturday, January 14, 6 - 9PM - Clear the Walls Art Auction (no minimum bids!) at The Arts Upstairs, 60 Main St., Phoenicia
Entertainment including Music by Robert Burke Warren and Story Laurie, Poetry by Sparrow, Violet Snow, Anique Taylor and more.

Sunday, January 15, 7PM - Music, Magic, and Magickal Poetry by Goth band Kitty Cannibal, Magician Artie Martello, and poet Richard Treitner at Pine Hill Community Center, Main St., Pine Hill

Tuesday, January 17, 5:30-7:30PM - Music by the Phoenicia Choir with internationally renowned opera singer Maria Todaro at the Wesleyan Church, 22 Main Street, Phoenicia

Our Area In The News

There have been several different newspaper articles of interest sent to me by various people in the valley. The first one is from the Times-Herald Record and it is about Phoenicia and it's comeback after the flood. It features quotes from WCA member Margaret Braun.

Times Herald-Record - Phoenicia Thriving After The Flood

The second article is from Newsday and it is about the city helping towns, specifically Phoenicia, to prepare for floods. You will have to sign in to Newsday to read the whole thing if you are interested.

Newsday - NYC Helps Upstate Towns Prepare For Floods

The last article is a bit more general but interesting in it's reference to the Catskills. It is from the Huffington Post. It is an article on preparing for climate change.

Huffington Post - Scientists Warn New York Must Prepare For Climate Change Now

All of these articles are interesting reading. Thanks to everyone who sent me the links.

Brrrrrrrrr.....Cold Comes To The Valley

I haven't posted too much about the weather in the valley lately because it has been fairly nice. New Years Day was unusually warm (relatively speaking) and sunny. I went for a nice long walk and saw many of the neighbors out and about enjoying the sun. But last night we got a dusting of snow and tonight the temps have plunged into the single digits. I just checked the weather forecast for tomorrow and it said that we could expect some snow showers in the evening. Hopefully, it won't be too bad. As always I will keep you posted.

A Letter of Deep Gratitude

I received this letter a little while ago from Marc Rubin. I will let his words speak for themselves.

A Letter of Deep Gratitude January 2, 2012

While celebrating New Years Eve with friends at Ivan & Gustavo’s in Woodland Valley, our beloved dog Kasha, panicked by fireworks, bolted off into the darkness. We searched for a good many hours that night with help from our friends at the party... but to no avail. We were feeling heartsick and feared that Kasha may be hurt and possibly even forever lost. Early the next morning, with little sleep, I began the search again, while Ina went home to make flyers. As I roamed the mountains, a feeling of futility overwhelmed me. The mountains are large and I did not know which way she went. What's more, I was just one person rambling about. I called Marilyn to see if she could get the word out. Soon friends from the night before began showing up and joining the search, then more friends that had gotten word of our plight started arriving. Soon there was a small army of friends, strangers and dog lovers - all in vigorous search of Kasha. I was awed by the generosity and kindness that the Woodland Valley- Phoenicia community was showing to us foreigners from Lanesville. It eased my anxiety and left room for hope.

Our army of searchers spotted her a couple of times that afternoon in the local area but kasha responded by running in dire disorientation. The search through woodland valley continued till dark. As night came we were again distraught by our failure to find Kasha, but now word was out, flyers were up and the entire community was aware of our dilemma. Around 7pm while preparing for another night of look-out, I received the call we had been waiting for: Kasha had been found and was safe in the comfort of the Longhi family home on Grandview Rd. Ernie had seen her in his yard and cleverly lured Kasha into the house with sizzling pork chops. After 21 hours in the wild she couldn’t resist, could she? We found her unhurt but very, very, very tired.

Words cannot do justice to the gratitude and warmth I feel towards this community for caring so deeply. I am awed by all the people who gave so generously of their time. Ina, I and Kasha offer our sincerest thanks and love to all. Kasha is now safe, a little shell shocked, but happy to be home thanks to all of you.

With gratitude and love,
Marc, Ina and Kasha

Dog Found!!!

I am happy to report that Kasha, the missing dog, was found this evening on Grandview Acres by Ernie Longhi. She was reunited shortly thereafter with Marc Rubin, her owner. So there is peace and happiness in the valley once again. Yippeeee!!! Looks like we have had a good start to the new year after all.

Lost Dog!!

I got this message a short while ago from Marilyn Manning. Please be on the lookout for this little dog and contact the numbers below if you have a sighting!!

URGENT! Lost Dog! Marc Rubin's dog, Kasha was spooked by fireworks last night and took off and hasn't been found. The area was at the end of Woodland Valley, near the campground. Call 688-2147, or 688-9741 if you have any information. Thank you!

PS - This just in from Marilyn Manning - 5:10 pm

Kasha was seen this afternoon across the stream from where she bolted, on the land of ??? (the people who have then tennis court just as you turn onto Herdmann Road), on the left side of the road. Marc and others have been out there for hours with no new sighting. May have to call off the physical search tonight. Marc will leave his car there, food, her bed, etc.....Pray that this doesn't turn into another "Clemie" ! We'll be out again tomorrow if she doesn't show up tonight.

PPS - The location where the dog went missing seems to conflict in these emails (the first says up at the campground, the second says by Herdman Road). I have a message in to Marilyn Manning asking her to let me know which one is correct. I will let you know when I receive an answer.

PPPS - Just heard from Marilyn the "campground" that they were referring to is the Romer Mountain Ski Slope at the beginning of WV Road by the intersection of Herdman. That is where the dog was originally lost not at the end of the valley.