Sally Overbeck's Lasagna

It looks like another storm is headed for the northeast. Since we may spend another couple of days snow bound, I thought it would be great to share recipe for a dish that would help warm the house as well as fill the stomach. Thanks Sally for sharing!!

SALLY’S TO DIE FOR LASAGNA

(makes enough for 6-8 people)

o 1 ½ lbs of hot Italian sausage, cooked and ground
o 1 big can of tomato paste
o one 28 oz can of diced tomatoes
o 2 to 3 cloves of fresh minced garlic
o 2 T. of anise or fennel seed
o 1/3 cup fresh basil
o one 24 oz. container of small curd cottage cheese
o 2 to 3 eggs
o ½ cup of parmesan cheese
o black pepper
o ½ cup fresh parsley
o 1 lb. of mozzarella cheese, sliced thin or shredded
o enough lasagna pasta to make three layers

Cook the sausage, drain and rinse with water (rinsing is optional, but it cuts down on the fat and doesn't seem to affect the flavor).

Add the fennel or anise seed, any other hot seasoning that you want, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes. simmer for 30 minutes or more.

Add the minced garlic and fresh basil when you're through simmering.

At the same time you can be cooking the pasta, and making the cottage cheese mixture.

Start by stirring the eggs into the cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, parsley and enough pepper to that you can see it when mixed.

Butter a 9x13 inch glass or aluminum pan (I usually make a recipe and a half and use a 10"x 15" pan). Pans of 3 inch depth are preferred. Spread a layer of pasta, then a layer of cottage cheese, then meat sauce, then mozzarella. Layer the pasta in the opposite direction for the second layer and continue. For the last layer, put the mozzarella under the meat sauce because the cheese tends to burn if you leave it on top.

You can cook it right away at 350 degrees for one hour (or longer for larger ones or ones that have been in the fridge). Let sit for 10 or 15 minutes outside of the oven before cutting and serving.

- Sally Oberbeck

Valentine Cardmaking at Phoenicia Library

It’s time for the Phoenicia Library's annual Valentine’s Day cardmaking sessions. The library supplies cardstock, fancy papers, stickers, cutouts, glitter, glue, ribbons, lace – a table full of colorful potential waiting for your creative input. You supply the labor, together with your friends, neighbors, and of course, kids. You get to keep one of the cards you make, and any others are sold for the benefit of the library there and and several other locations in town, for a suggested donation of $1. There are supervised session every Monday and Thursday afternoon (3:30-5) and Saturday (1-2:30), or you can just show up anytime the library is open. This is a fun event for families that also serves as an important fundraiser for the library. So come out and fight the dreary winter blues by supporting your local library!!

Rick Altman Trio This Weekend

The Rick Altman Trio
with Mike Ralff & Jody Sumber

Featuring jazz classics and original compositions
with vibes, bass & drums
Special guest violinist Miriam Rose

*two shows*
Saturday, January 29th, 7:30 PM
The Pine Hill Community Center
287 Main St. Pine Hill
(845)254-5469 pinehillcommunitycenter.org

and

Sunday January 30, noon-3pm
High Falls Café
Rt. 213 & Mohonk Rd. High Falls NY
(845) 687-2699 www.highfallscafe.com

Not Much Here

Looks like Woodland Valley was spared from this last storm. Light flurries are falling this morning but we only got an inch (at the most) overnight. I know the city got pounded but the system that dumped so much snow on them stayed to the south and east of us. Yipeee! Sorry for everyone in the city.......we know how it feels to have to constantly dig yourselves out!!

So Far.......Nothing

I know the folks down in the city have been getting more than their fair share of snow in the last few days but it seems like the local area is getting spared. We here in the valley haven't gotten any more snow after the 2 inches we woke up to yesterday morning. There is snow in the forecast for tonight. We also still have a lot laying around from prior storms, but most of this storm seems to be sliding to the south and east of us. I will probably post again tomorrow morning and give you an update. Remember to check the time and date of these posts so you can have an accurate sense of what is happening here weather-wise.

Light Snow

After a couple days of extreme cold here in the valley we have been getting some light snow. So far only about 2 inches have fallen and the snow seems to be stopping. I see blue sky and a bit of sun peeking from behind the clouds. The forecast is for more bad weather starting tomorrow. I hope it doesn't turn out to be too bad. But we will just have to wait and see.

Dogs for Adoption at Shandaken Shelter

There are several great dogs up for adoption at the Shandaken Dog Shelter. Here are some photos and brief descriptions. If you are interested or know someone who is interested please call ahead to the shelter. These dogs are all nice but bark a lot when the dog runs are approached by someone they don't know. You will get a better idea of the animal's true personality if you let Nancy or one of the other volunteers bring the dog out to greet you. So, if you are able, consider opening your heart and home to a new friend! I am sure you won't regret it!!













Breed: Tibetan Mastif
Location: S.A.V.E - Shandaken Animal Shelter
Sex: Male
Age: 7
Description: Bling is a most gentle giant. His big paws and furry mane make him seem bigger than he is. Bling is friendly but very,
very shy. Shelter volunteers say it takes a few times before he starts to warm up to you. He is good with most other
dogs (fixed). It may take a few times for Bling to be comfortable with you, but if you want a big dog with a sweet
disposition just waiting to be loved and protected, Bling is your guy. He needs a strong and gentle hand ready to take
the time to show him that people can be trusted. He is very healthy and has all his shots
Contact: Nancy Hudler
Phone: 845-688-5004
Email: nancyhudler@gmail.com











































Breed: Corgi /American Staffordshire mix
Location: S.A.V.E - Shandaken Animal Shelter
Sex: Male
Age: 4
Description:
Boomer has puppy energy and a constant wag to his tail. He is energetic and smart and very protective. His strong and
gentle disposition makes him perfect for a single or couple with no other dogs. He likes most people but needs to get to
know you. He doesn’t like all other dogs. A favorite with our dog walkers and staff, Boomer is a charming little
gentleman.
The Corgi watch dog bark in him can be intimidating at first but he soon shows his self and is quickly on his back for a
belly rub. Boomer is a special dog and ready for adoption today.
Contact: Nancy Hudler
Phone: 845-688-5004
Email: nancyhudler@gmail.com











































Breed: American Staffordshire
Location: S.A.V.E - Shandaken Animal Shelter
Sex: Male
Age: 4
Description: Roscoe is a very strong, playful and smart dog. He has a big, confident personality and loves to play and play and play.
Running around and getting you to chase him is a favorite past time for Roscoe. Catch and fetch and hide and seek
are just a few of the games our volunteers play with Roscoe. He is brindled with the markings of an exotic tiger mix. His
shiny coat is truly one of the most beautiful we have seen. Roscoe needs a strong and confident owner with a yard to
run in and playmates nearby. He needs to learn to trust you but this is done easily and quickly. Just ignore him and he
is your best friend. He understands who is top dog and will make a most loyal companion. Roscoe is ready for adoption
today and ready to be a cherished member of the family. Let one of our volunteers show you his sweet and gentle
nature out of the pen.
Contact: Nancy Hudler
Phone: 845-688-5004
Email: nancyhudler@gmail.com

New Storm Total

I just came in from shoveling my back porch to give all of you the totals for the last storm. We got about 4 light and fluffy inches last night. Shoveling is easy but walking is dangerous. We got just enough snow to cover the sheet of ice left by the last storm so you can't see where the ice is located until you slip on it. If you haven't been up to your home since last weekend BE VERY CAREFUL as you get out of the car and walk to the house!!! The ice is everywhere you are just not going to be able to see it!!

Proceed with caution up Woodland Valley Road once you get past Fawn Hill bridge. There are ice patches on the road that the highway department has been unable to clear. The other danger along the road is that the deer are coming down from the higher elevations. I went out for a walk yesterday and saw 3 different herds of 8-10 animals in an hour. So drive slowly and with caution.

Remember that a pile of sand/salt mix is located behind Town Hall and is free to residents. Just bring something to carry it in. So that's all for this public service announcement.

"The Woods" goes to Sundance

Woodland Valley Community Association member Max Nova wrote me the other day and shared the exciting news that a film he has executive produced is going to the Sundance Film Festival! Very cool!!!! Here is what Max had to say:

Dear Friends,

Some of you may have already heard, but for those of you who haven't, THE WOODS is world premiering at Sundance!!!

The independent feature debut of inimitable director Matthew Lessner, The Woods was exquisitely filmed in Super 16 by Wyatt Garfield, produced by Max Knies & Jett Steiger, and executive produced by Yours Truly.

"We were promised change, but it never came. Our cities crumbled around us. Our streets ran red with Hawaiian Punch. Our country was no longer our own. Under Daniel's guidance and leadership, we agreed to take action into our own hands. We preset our DVRs and ventured out of the city limits united. In the woods, we will be safe. In the woods, we will start anew."

This satirical attack on young, modern, globally conscious citizens tells the story of eight grown-up American children creating utopian society as best they can. With gorgeous Super 16 footage and an eclectic soundtrack featuring Dirty Projectors, Sun Araw, and Lucky Dragons, filmmaker Matthew Lessner playfully subverts counterculture films of the seventies while questioning the shortcomings of his own complacent generation. In a world where new technologies merely distract us from reality, the greatest revolution can only begin by leaving everything behind.

Here's to hoping that our Sundance debut is only the first of many big steps ahead for The Woods!!!

Sincerely,
Max

I am sure that I speak for all the members of the WCA when I wish Max and the other film makers the best of luck at the festival!!!!

What a Mess!

The weather in the valley has been a mix of every kind of precipitation that I can name. The snow started to fall in the middle of the night and by the time I got up this morning we had accumulated about 4 inches. About mid-morning the snow changed to sleet and I would say we got about an inch of that. A little later on it switched to freezing rain then sometime in the early afternoon it turned to all rain. This made the snow that was on the ground unbelievably heavy and hard to shovel (not to mention the fact that you got soaking wet trying to move it). Of course, it had to be done because when this stuff freezes again it is going to be a rock!

The plows have been up and down Woodland Valley Road several times today clearing and sanding but I would recommend not driving if it isn't absolutely necessary. It is slippery now but passable but if the roads start to freeze it will be treacherous!

Right now it is 32 degrees and still raining lightly. The forecast is calling for more rain and snow into tomorrow with the high temperature of 35 and a low of 13. I will keep you posted.