Those of you who attend the Woodland Community Association's annual summer meeting will remember Miriam Rose. She has played her music to end our meeting for the past several years. She is an amazingly talented little girl. This is a video of her latest recital. For those of you who don't know, she has been playing violin since she was three and just recently had her 9th birthday. It is incredible how her talent just continues to grow!! Enjoy the video.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Weather For Weekenders - 02/17/12
We had some snow showers yesterday but they didn't amount to much when all was said and done. I would say that less than an inch fell up here in the valley. Today's warm temperatures (mid-40s) melted almost everything that was on the ground. So all is clear for those of you who are traveling up for the weekend.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Woodland Trout Fund
Every year around this time Woodland Valley's own troutmeister, Mike O'Neil, sends out a letter and asks for contributions to the Woodland Trout Fund. This fund provides the money each year to stock the WV stream with lovely brown trout. The year is especially important because of the damage to the stream done by Hurricane Irene. Here is Mike's letter. If you feel inclined to donate the information is on the bottom of the message.
Woodland Trout 2012
The Brook in its Healing
I turned 70 years old this January. And while I boast publicly that 70 is the new 50, my secret heart assures me that in reality I’m slowly slouching toward decrepitude. When I wade the Woodland Brook, my legs know the truth. I can’t skip from rock to rock as I once did when I was young. My grandchildren and their young friends put me in mind of myself back then, for they do it without a care.
I was first introduced to Woodland Brook at age 9. It had suffered a terrible storm the year before, and its landscape was as flat as a pancake. There seemed to be little life left in the old girl. But there was. Leadwing coachmen were there after the rains and the exoskeletons of Isonychia Bicolor dotted the rocks in profusion.
My family was not discouraged. We had come to the valley from the Pacific Northwest in search of trout, and by God we found them. The pull of ancient memory brought spawning browns and rainbows up from the Ashokan and the Brook Trout in Woodland’s cold headwaters continued their stubborn residence.
Over the years I have come to know the brook’s bends and curves, her changing ripples and pocketed pools—her disruptions, and then again, on certain days and nights—her perfection. I think you may understand my abiding connection to her best, by knowing that, each in their own time, we strew my father’s and mother’s ashes into the stream. Eventually I plan to have mine tossed in there too.
Once again nature has seen fit to show us who’s boss. I need not tell you how roughly she treated us last September. The streambed was reinvented again and the darling brook is as flat as a pancake.
However, particular streamside agents of mine report that so far this winter the brook has not been upset by overwhelming snow and ice. Can it mean that the some of the trout that underwent the terrible drubbing in September’s overwhelming catastrophe still live? The Troutmeister hopes so. And YOU can help put more trout into the Brook.
I ask you to help re-trout Woodland Brook with the lovely, fat and sassy browns from our friends at the Beaverkill Trout Hatchery by sending a check made out to THE WOODLAND TROUT FUND to: Mike O’Neil, 101 Rambling Road, Vernon, CT 06066.
MANY THANKS
Mike O’Neil—Troutmeister
Woodland Trout 2012
The Brook in its Healing
I turned 70 years old this January. And while I boast publicly that 70 is the new 50, my secret heart assures me that in reality I’m slowly slouching toward decrepitude. When I wade the Woodland Brook, my legs know the truth. I can’t skip from rock to rock as I once did when I was young. My grandchildren and their young friends put me in mind of myself back then, for they do it without a care.
I was first introduced to Woodland Brook at age 9. It had suffered a terrible storm the year before, and its landscape was as flat as a pancake. There seemed to be little life left in the old girl. But there was. Leadwing coachmen were there after the rains and the exoskeletons of Isonychia Bicolor dotted the rocks in profusion.
My family was not discouraged. We had come to the valley from the Pacific Northwest in search of trout, and by God we found them. The pull of ancient memory brought spawning browns and rainbows up from the Ashokan and the Brook Trout in Woodland’s cold headwaters continued their stubborn residence.
Over the years I have come to know the brook’s bends and curves, her changing ripples and pocketed pools—her disruptions, and then again, on certain days and nights—her perfection. I think you may understand my abiding connection to her best, by knowing that, each in their own time, we strew my father’s and mother’s ashes into the stream. Eventually I plan to have mine tossed in there too.
Once again nature has seen fit to show us who’s boss. I need not tell you how roughly she treated us last September. The streambed was reinvented again and the darling brook is as flat as a pancake.
However, particular streamside agents of mine report that so far this winter the brook has not been upset by overwhelming snow and ice. Can it mean that the some of the trout that underwent the terrible drubbing in September’s overwhelming catastrophe still live? The Troutmeister hopes so. And YOU can help put more trout into the Brook.
I ask you to help re-trout Woodland Brook with the lovely, fat and sassy browns from our friends at the Beaverkill Trout Hatchery by sending a check made out to THE WOODLAND TROUT FUND to: Mike O’Neil, 101 Rambling Road, Vernon, CT 06066.
MANY THANKS
Mike O’Neil—Troutmeister
Monday, February 13, 2012
Tax Relief for Damaged Properties
There was an article in the Kingston Freeman recently about the county's decision to provide tax relief for some properties that were damaged in Hurricane Irene. If you would like to read the full article here is the link:
Ulster County Executive Michael Hein OKs storm related tax relief (with chart)
What does this all mean? In a nutshell, if a property was more than 50% damaged by Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee the county has voted to allow the property assessments to be adjusted. That will affect the property owners January 2012 county tax bills (those are the ones we just paid). The Onteora School District has voted to do this as well. So the school taxes paid back in September 2011 will be affected also. BUT TAXPAYERS MUST APPLY!!
Why is this unusual? By state law your assessments are determined by what is on your property on what is called "taxable status day". That is March 1st in New York. That means that whatever is on your property on March 1st is assessed for the upcoming school, county and town taxes. Unfortunately, if something catastrophic happens after that date the assessors office cannot legally make the adjustment until the following year UNLESS the state legislature passes a new law. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee the legislature did just that. It passed a law giving permission to the school district, the county and the town to decide if they wanted to amend the assessments for properties that were damaged by 50% or more as of late August 2011. (If you would like to read the legislation go to: Summary of Legislation Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee Assessment Relief Act). The amended values will reflect the damage done to properties by the water. BUT OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED PROPERTIES MUST APPLY TO THE ASSESSORS OFFICE FOR THIS PROGRAM NO LATER THAN MARCH 8TH, 2012!!! SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION MUST BE PROVIDED! (call the assessors office 845-688-5003 for details) You can get the application at the assessors office or online at www.shandaken.us.
So if you have damages that you feel would be qualify for consideration, please be sure to get to the assessors office by March 8th and file the paperwork.
Going forward to the 2012 roll, the assessments will be adjusted on properties that have unrepaired damage which would affect the market value (including those damaged less than 50%). BUT YOU MUST NOTIFY THE ASSESSORS OFFICE AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE YOUR PROPERTY VISITED so that a correction to your assessment can be made for the coming tax year.
As usual, if you would like your property visited for any other reason the assessors office is always available. Just call and make an appointment.
Ulster County Executive Michael Hein OKs storm related tax relief (with chart)
What does this all mean? In a nutshell, if a property was more than 50% damaged by Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee the county has voted to allow the property assessments to be adjusted. That will affect the property owners January 2012 county tax bills (those are the ones we just paid). The Onteora School District has voted to do this as well. So the school taxes paid back in September 2011 will be affected also. BUT TAXPAYERS MUST APPLY!!
Why is this unusual? By state law your assessments are determined by what is on your property on what is called "taxable status day". That is March 1st in New York. That means that whatever is on your property on March 1st is assessed for the upcoming school, county and town taxes. Unfortunately, if something catastrophic happens after that date the assessors office cannot legally make the adjustment until the following year UNLESS the state legislature passes a new law. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee the legislature did just that. It passed a law giving permission to the school district, the county and the town to decide if they wanted to amend the assessments for properties that were damaged by 50% or more as of late August 2011. (If you would like to read the legislation go to: Summary of Legislation Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee Assessment Relief Act). The amended values will reflect the damage done to properties by the water. BUT OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED PROPERTIES MUST APPLY TO THE ASSESSORS OFFICE FOR THIS PROGRAM NO LATER THAN MARCH 8TH, 2012!!! SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION MUST BE PROVIDED! (call the assessors office 845-688-5003 for details) You can get the application at the assessors office or online at www.shandaken.us.
So if you have damages that you feel would be qualify for consideration, please be sure to get to the assessors office by March 8th and file the paperwork.
Going forward to the 2012 roll, the assessments will be adjusted on properties that have unrepaired damage which would affect the market value (including those damaged less than 50%). BUT YOU MUST NOTIFY THE ASSESSORS OFFICE AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE YOUR PROPERTY VISITED so that a correction to your assessment can be made for the coming tax year.
As usual, if you would like your property visited for any other reason the assessors office is always available. Just call and make an appointment.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Flurries Over The Weekend
After forecasts of 2 to 4 inches, we got some snow on Saturday but it was less than an inch in the end. Today we have had flurries on and off but it never amounted to much either. The temperatures dropped into the teens overnight last night and look like they are going to be that way again tonight. So bundle up!! There have been some gusty wind on and off but nothing too bad. All things considered, all is well in the valley.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Weather For Weekenders - 02/10/12
I haven't been posting about the weather lately because there really hasn't been much to say. So far the winter has been on the milder side with not too much snow (I feel as I am tempting the Gods by saying that). The forecast is for snow tomorrow so I guess we will see how long our good luck lasts. But today is cold (low 20s) and clear and there is almost no snow on the ground (although for all you skiers I am sure Belleayre, Hunter and Windham are making some of their own). But for now, all is bright, and calm and everything in the valley is peaceful. So anyone venturing up for the weekend should get here with no problem.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Art Auction for The Festival of the Voice
The fund raising festivities have begun for the 2012 Festival of the Voice. There will be an art auction at the Emerson Resort and Spa on February 19th. Come and support the festival! Here are the details.
Phoenicia Festival of the Voice
Festival News
PRESIDENT'S WEEKEND ART AUCTION
FEBRUARY 19TH, 3PM
Emerson Resort and Spa
Mt Tremper, NY
Admission free
Join us at The Emerson for this not to be missed afternoon of art, music and song!
Contributing artists include Brenda Goodman, Evelyne Pouget, Bernard Handzel, Norman Darvie, Carol Monteleoni, Lynn Gitter, Wendy Drolma and many more!
Complimentary hors d'oeuvre and cash bar.
Silent Auction and Preview Live Auction Items @ 3PM
Live Auction @ 4PM
Celebrity Auctioneers
Performances by Festival founders Maria Todaro, Louis Otey and
Kerry Henderson, accompanied by Douglas Martin.
Special Guest appearance by pianist Justin Kolb
Information: 845 586-3588
You can watch the festival documentary by following these links
2011 Festival of Voice - Part 1
2011 Festival of the Voice - Part 2
About the Festival:
The Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice promotes the human voice as an instrument of healing, peace and artistic expression through presenting world class performances of opera, baroque, world music, musical theater and sacred musical in Phoenicia, New York.
To Contact the Festival:
Phoenicia Festival of the Voice Foundation
PO Box 327
Phoenicia, New York 12464
Tel: 845 688 1344
Monday, February 6, 2012
Dennis Havel in UK Newspaper
A photograph by WCA member Dennis Havel was selected to be "Picture of the Day" in the UK newspaper The Telegraph. Dennis has made many stop action shots with water drops and various other objects. The shot featured today was made as a bullet passed through the droplet. It is an interesting and beautiful image. Congrats Dennis on getting your photo published.
Here is a link to the article if anyone would like to read it for themselves.
The Telegraph - Picture of the Day - February 6th, 2012
PS - Later today another UK paper, Metro, picked up more of Dennis's images.
Metro - Stunning Photos Show Bullet Flying Through A Water Drop
Here is a link to the article if anyone would like to read it for themselves.
The Telegraph - Picture of the Day - February 6th, 2012
PS - Later today another UK paper, Metro, picked up more of Dennis's images.
Metro - Stunning Photos Show Bullet Flying Through A Water Drop
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Wild Pig or Coyote?
Recently there has been talk of someone up here in Woodland Valley catching a photo of a feral pig on an infrared critter cam. The cam was on the porch of a house on Woodland Valley Road. It was taken last summer. There has been much discussion of whether or not this is a pig or a coyote with it's ears back. The photo was very dark and worked on in Photoshop to lighten it so you can see the animal better. There is graininess and digital artifacts that sort of look like hair along it's back so don't get fooled.
There was also several reports last summer of a very, very skinny bear (folks said that it was the size and shape of a dog) going around the valley. The guess was that it was a second year cub that had been abandoned by it's mother. People told me that it was the skinniest bear that they ever saw. I think that might be a possible answer.
I posted it so you can all decide for yourselves. It should give everyone something to debate for a while.
The live cam on this porch also caught photos of a deer, a coyote and a couple of Jehovah's Witnesses. I suspect they baited the cam with a heathen to catch those last two. And funny enough, the Jehovah's Witnesses seemed to have the same expression as all the other animals caught in the cam. The element of surprise is so much fun sometimes!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Keeping Everyone Smiling
WCA member Richard Feuer (pictured above with wife Tammy) has been keeping a secret for the last few years. Although he is a mild mannered dentist during the week, on the weekends he comes to the Catskills for rest, relaxation and to explore his inner writer and comedian. He likes to record his thoughts and observations about life here in this neck of the woods on his personal blog "cabin in the catskills" (see link below). His observations showcase his good-natured, sarcastic sense of humor. I especially liked the "Dentist Kills Wife" post. Check it out if you have the chance.
http://cabininthecatskills.blogspot.com/2012/01/please-dont-ruin-this-for-me.html
