Sculptures of Ivan Velilla

WCA member Ivan Velilla has published a beautiful new book of his sculptures. You can check out his book (and purchase it if you like it) on the website below. The website gives you a full preview of the book so you can browse through all the pages, which is great.

Ivan Veilla Sculpture Book

Ivan runs Velsani Antiques with his partner Gustavo Sanin (another WCA member) in the Emerson Hotel and Spa. Check out their antique store if you are looking for a gift or just something special for yourself.

"America's Coolest Small Town" Contest

Dave Pillard made me aware that Phoenicia is up for the title of "America's Coolest Small Town" in Budget Travel Magazine. Let's all pull together and get Phoenicia the honor it deserves!! Here is what Dave had to say about it.

"Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of Phoenicia!!
Budget Travel Magazine is holding a contest to find the coolest small town in America, and Phoenicia is in the running. Go to the link below and vote! And you can vote every five hours. Set your alarm to wake up in the middle of the night so you can vote!!!!!! Vote early!!! Vote often!!!!! This would be great if we could win!
Happy Holidays!"

Dave

Here is the link: http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2010/11/10/AR2010111005252.html

Happy Holidays!

Final Total

The snow has stopped here and the sun has come out at last. We only got maybe another 1/2 inch since my last post. So, I would say the total for this storm in Woodland Valley is somewhere between 7 to 8 inches. Not too bad, considering the pounding NYC has gotten.

I am also happy to report that the snow is the light and fluffy kind making shoveling fairly easy. The temperature is in the low teens, so it is brisk out but the sun is warming things up. I didn't hear of any power outages in our area but I haven't been to town yet today. We never lost power in WV as far as I know. And WV road itself looks plowed and OK to drive. I have heard that 28 is fine too. So that's about it for this storm. I hope wherever you are you are safe and warm!

Storm News

I am sure those of you who are not in the valley have been anxiously awaiting this post. Thankfully, I have pretty good news to report. The weather situation up here is not too bad. After predictions of 1 to 2 feet of snow, we have actually only gotten about 7 inches so far, which really isn't that much for these parts. (Am I jaded that I think 7 inches is not that much snow??) The bulk of the storm seems to be passing to the east. Of course it is still snowing and expected to continue through about noon time.

Although I haven't been out, Woodland Valley road looks pretty good from my window. The plow trucks have been up and down several times during the night clearing and sanding. So I don't think the road situation is bad. Hopefully, you can all just tuck in and don't have to drive. I will update you later on in the day on the final totals from this storm. Drive safely if you must travel today!!

Merry Christmas from the Morehouses

Here are some good wishes from Dakin & Doris Morehouse.

"On this very auspicious day, we just wanted to wish you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS with GOOD HEALTH and HAPPINESS in 2011. We would like to especially dedicate those good wishes to Elisabeth, and Ken Nakamoto of Bethkins and to Charlotte Jacobsen."

With love from
Dakin and Doris Morehouse

Christmas CD by Eugene Ruffolo

I recently received this message from WCA member Eugene Ruffolo. Here is what he had to say:

"Seasons Greetings!!
Just a note to let you know that My Christmas Cd "Even Santa Gets the Blues" is featured in the week's Performing Songwriter Magazine as CD of the week..

Have a look/listen...you can listen here instead of buying--but why in the world would you want to do that???
Merry Christmas !!"
Eugene

http://performingsongwriter.com/

Weather in the Valley

Light snow fell in the valley today but it didn't amount to much. I would say in the end we had less than an inch. It was just enough to give the valley that frosted cookie look. The temps have been cold but so far the heavy snows have held off. There is some accumulation at the tops of the mountains but that is about all. I sure that sooner or later the snow will come but for right now all is clear in the valley.

Community Events - All Welcome

There are a couple of great events happening in the next few days that everyone is invited to attend.

First, there is a Caroling Celebration in Phoenicia at 4:30 on December 23rd (Thursday). The flier for the event says "Join the community choir at 4:30 at the Catholic Church on Main Street, or join us on Main St". I am not sure exactly what that means but I think if you go to town and listen for the singing you will figure it out. The flier also says to bring musical instruments, warm clothes and candles. The caroling will be followed by a bon fire and free refreshments at Mama's boy.

After the caroling at 6:30 there will be Christmas Motets and Cantatas featuring the Ensemble of 8 voices "Syntagma Musicum" accompanied by Barbara Pickard at the Organ. The music is from the 16th and 17th centuries (Charentier, Schutz, Bach, Palestina). The Phoenicia Choir will also participate. I think this performance is in one of the churches but the flier isn't specific. Again, I think if you just go to Phoenicia you can figure it out from there.

The other great thing that is happening is the 2nd annual community dinner at the Sportsman's Alamo Cantina. It is from 1-4pm Christmas Day. It is a free event but donations will be accepted to benefit Helping Hands food pantry. Transportation is available. Please call 845-688-5259 for more information or to schedule transportation to the event. This is a great way to share the holiday with your community!

Holiday Card

Dakota Lane made a "Hudson Valley Holiday Card" that features Woodland Valley's own Julia Rose (from Phoenicia Healing Arts), Jay Braman (in a pink tutu no less) and Tyronne the cat. Check out the video for some local holiday fun.

Hudson Valley Holiday Card

More Music From Rick Altman

I recently got a message from Lauren Silver Altman regarding more great music video's from her husband Rick. Here is the message and links she sent to me.

I put 3 of the Rick's Trio songs on youtube - finally! Here they are:

"Invitation" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ_cCMldu6A

"Softly As In A Morning Sunrise" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NanxvDLyqxA&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

"Oleo" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhXU3Jectvw&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Enjoy the music!!!!