Sunday, January 30, 2011

Grants in Catskill

Once in a lifetime


Published: Saturday, January 29, 2011 2:08 AM EST
As small businesses everywhere search for assistance with preservation or expansion, the Heart of Catskill Association is once again making funding available for entrepreneurs and existing businesses.

Entrepreneurs who want to open up shop in the village — and not just Main Street — may apply for $10,000 for facade improvements and up to $20,000 for interior restoration through the New York Main Street program that is locally administered by HOCA.

The applicant is required to match the HOCA grant dollar for dollar. Projects must be approved by HOCA and the state Office of Historic Preservation before the grants can be awarded.

Target areas for this round of grants are Main Street from Factory Street to the Catskill post office, Water Street and West Bridge Street up to Broome Street.

Funds are primarily directed toward commercial spaces, but residential rental spaces may qualify under certain conditions. The funds will be available through August.

HOCA worked with the Greene County Economic Development, Tourism and Planning Department to obtain the grant funds.

HOCA boasts a good track record with the grant program, having assisted Oscar’s Sushi, The Open Studio, The Paisley Pig, 18 West Bridge Street and Snap Fitness.

Snap Fitness used the grant to restore a 19th century church on Main Street and then transform it into a fitness center and additional rental space. The rental space is now occupied by Ostrander Physical Therapy whose entrance is on Hill Street.

Applications are available at the Greene County Economic Development Office and the HOCA office, both on Main Street. Applications will be reviewed by staff and approved or rejected by the program’s Oversight Committee.

Once HOCA’s contract with the state expires, there is no guarantee that these grants will be available again. That makes this round of funding a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We urge all small businesses that call Catskill home — and those that desire to in the future — to apply for these grants.



Upstate Bank Stocks - From WSJ

NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--New York's small- and mid-sized businesses want loans, according to upstate-based First Niagara Financial Group Inc. (FNFG) and New York City-based Sterling Bancorp (STL).
Both banks reported strong earnings improvement for their fourth quarters from the prior year and said that customers appear to be more confident, driving double-digit loan growth. Shares of both ticked higher Thursday, with First Niagara up 2.7% to $14.40 and Sterling up 3 cents to $10.20.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Hannaford in Cairo!!!!

Hannaford buys Slater’s Great American


Shoppers leaving the Great American Plaza Friday. The complex has been purchased by the Hannaford supermarket chain. The inset photo shows work being done last year at the Route 23B property that a real estate company hoped to develop for a grocery store. Photo by Claude Haton

Deal catches many by surprise

By Doron Tyler Antrim
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Published: Saturday, January 29, 2011 2:08 AM EST
CAIRO — In a move that seemed to catch planners and officials off guard, supermarket chain Hannaford announced Friday it will  acquire Slater’s Great American Plaza and build a new grocery store on the property.

A company spokesman and Ellsworth “Unk” Slater, the owner of Great American, declined to discuss details of the transaction Friday.

Hannaford plans to demolish the current supermarket and build a 35,000-square-foot store, including a pharmacy.

“We’re excited to bring a Hannaford supermarket and pharmacy to the Cairo area,” said company spokesman Matt Paul in a news release. “Slater’s has served the residents of this community well and has been an excellent partner throughout this process. We’re looking forward to providing our customary great service and everyday low prices and becoming a part of this community.”


A closing date for Great American has not been announced.

Hannaford said it will seek certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program. “We’ll also emphasize recycling cardboard, plastic and other materials in our daily operations — as we do in every Hannaford location — to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact,” Paul said.

The store would employ about 100 workers.

Cairo Town Supervisor John Coyne said he and Town Councilman Doug Ostrander met with Hannaford Thursday about the deal.

The acquisition of Great American comes after Charter Realty & Development Corp. worked for most of last year on a plan to build a supermarket within a mile of the plaza, threatening Slater’s dominance in Cairo.

Paul said Hannaford did look at Charter Realty’s proposal, which called for constructing a 40,000-square-foot grocery store at a cost of $4.5 million.


The deadline has passed for the Cairo Planning Board to approve Charter Realty’s final site plan. But the future of development on the Route 23B parcel remains open-ended.

“I really don’t know how it’s going to play out,” said Planning Board Chairman Dan Benoit. “It hasn’t fallen by the wayside.”

Benoit said he didn’t know if Charter Realty knew of the acquisition.

Charter Realty representative Karen Johnson, who shepherded her company’s proposal through the planning board, did not return a call seeking comment Friday.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

50 years and counting

By Michael Ryan
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Published: Thursday, January 20, 2011 6:08 AM EST
WINDHAM — There was a time, not that long ago, when cows contentedly grazed in the places where skiers and snowboarders nowadays whiz down Windham Mountain.

Those rural, hilly fields have become an internationally known winter and summer destination spot, with the ski slope celebrating its 50th year in operation, this weekend, without disturbing the quaintness and charm of the little town below.

Quite the contrary, in fact. Several special events are taking place on the mountain, January 22 & 23, including fireworks, a Time Capsule presentation, live music and a champagne toast and cake cutting, ushering in the next half-century in style.

“We’re very pleased to be here for all of our customers and to be an important part of the community,” Windham Mountain president and general manager Tim Woods said. “We look forward to being here at least another fifty years and beyond.”


It is hard to imagine the ski slope without its wintry, snow-covered trails that get transformed into world class mountain-biking courses in the spring and summer, attracting Olympic-level athletes and families showing up just for fun.

There are people, though, who can picture Windham Mountain when it was merely pastures and neat stonewalls. “I remember when it was farm land,” says Richard Morse, a town of Windham resident who has lived in the shadow of the peaks all of his 84 years.

“When it was being developed, I remember wondering if it would benefit the town,” Morse says, smiling. “Well, it certainly has and all you have to do is drive through some other towns in the area to see the difference. No, I can’t say I’ve ever been a skier, believe it or not, being so close, but fortunately there are plenty of folks who are.”

Windham and its citizens have uniquely blossomed beneath the night lights of snow-making guns whirring into the wee hours, and learned to love the long lines of traffic that crowd downtown on Saturdays and Sundays from late November to April, with or without Mother Nature’s cooperation.

There’s a bit of magic to it, of course, namely the snow that falls pretty much non-stop for months on Windham Mountain, even under blue skies, thanks to 1500 snowguns located on 267 skiable acres that might otherwise stay brown until Christmas, or worse.

Jim Barrett, a compressor operator in what is affectionately known as “The Shack,” a room filled with huge pumps and pipes near the base lodge, proudly pointed out that the snow-making operation utilizes 65 miles of pipeline and 25 miles of hose.


The pumps can push 6,000 gallons of water per minute, enough to fill a typical home swimming pool in four minutes, Barrett said, and one snowgun, when it is really hauling and left in one position, can create a 25’ deep pile of snow within 24 hours.

Windham Mountain has the most terrain covered by snowmaking within 200 miles of New York City and if not for the guns...well, nobody wants to even imagine what it would be like without them, plain and simple.

Suffice it to say snowmaking has been going on virtually since the beginning. The in-house reservoir was doubled in size this past summer and on an average winter night a fleet of six snow cats are out grooming trails, headlights glowing through the cold and darkness.

The first 50 years at Windham Mountain have been an adventure. The idea for a ski resort in the Northern Catskills was broached by a New York State legislative committee in the late 1950’s, not taking hold until 1960 when a group of local businessmen purchased the land for $2 an acre.

Those same rural, hilly fields would sell for $1,000 a square foot in 2011, and a community within the community has emerged, attracting wealthy second-homeowners who contribute in no small way to the local economy.

“Things started out small but they sure did take root fast,” says James Hitchcock, a lifelong resident of the town and a longtime member of the Greene County Legislature. “I remember when nothing was there, and now it has become a mecca.

“Who’d have ever thought little Cave Mountain, which is what it was called in the beginning, would become what it is today?” Hitchcock says. “The town of Windham has been put on the world map and the country benefits in a very big way with sales tax revenues.

“I think it’s wonderful that, fifty years ago, there were people who had the vision to make this happen and others who stayed with it over the years. Our village and town have never been the same and we are all the better for it.”

Millions of dollars have been invested in the base lodge, including exterior improvements, and other projects since 2006, including three new chair lifts, an ice-skating center, an expanded retail shop and the creation of “The Club,” an exclusive lounge, with three fireplaces and banquet facilities.

Windham Mountain, at an elevation of 1500 feet, features snow-tubing, ice-skating, a climbing wall, night skiing, upscale housing, ten lifts and a picturesque network of trails ranging from nice and easy to extremely difficult.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Understanding happiness

Happiness is a state of mind, not a way of life or a destination that you'll reach one day. Bumps in the road of life are to be expected, and we cannot let them ruin our days. We often think that if a combination of factors would just fall into place THEN we would finally be happy. Satisfaction can only come from within, through truly accepting yourself, your life, and your circumstances. During this life you'll have many hard days--long work days, sleepless nights, worrying about the future, etc. This week, think about the joys of your life. Find creative ways to enjoy the little bumps in the road.

The above comment came from Spark People, a great site that often gets right to the heart of humanity..... thank you Spark!

Quote of the Day

A great obstacle to happiness is expecting too much happiness.
- Bernard de Fontanelle, French writer

GOP-proposed cuts includes energy program for poor in Gibson's district


Rep. Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, is a member of the House Republican Study Committee that proposed, among a broad range of cuts, to eliminate an energy program that helps protect low-income homes against harsh winter weather.

By Marc Heller
Johnson News Service
Published: Monday, January 24, 2011 2:08 AM EST
WASHINGTON - Temperatures could be below zero throughout Rep. Chris Gibson's congressional district Sunday night. But to help the poorest residents protect their homes from such cold, he'll have to buck a committee he just joined in Congress.

The House Republican Study Committee Thursday proposed to eliminate a U.S. Department of Energy program that helps protect low income residents' homes against harsh weather.

Gibson, R-Kinderhook, did not return a call Thursday seeking comment on the proposal, part of a broad range of cuts that would also end all federal support for rail service in the Hudson Valley, cut off funding for high-speed rail between New York City and Albany and likely end commercial passenger flights near the northern reaches of his district, in the Adirondacks.

The Republican Study Committee represents the conservative wing in Congress. Gibson is a member, as are four other New York Republicans, including three newly arrived in Congress.


The proposal represents one far end of the spending debate on Capitol Hill but could help shape the deliberations, especially in the GOP-led House. Even the Senate, where Democrats lead, may be forced to accept reductions in programs that Democrats boosted in recent years.

The weatherization program, for instance, was increased dramatically through the economic stimulus. New York received $394 million, more than any other state. It has received wide support from New York lawmakers over the years, particularly from those representing upstate New York.

But the stimulus funding has been caught up in controversy because of the department's difficulties handling the expansion. Less than half of the money for the program has been expended, the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported recently.

Eliminating the Energy Department grants would save $530 million annually, the RSC said.

The spending reduction bill's sponsors estimated it will save $2.5 trillion over a decade and help restore the federal government's financial balance.

Among larger programs targeted, the legislation would save $16 billion by repealing an increase in Medicaid reimbursement funding that the Democratic-led Congress passed as part of a state aid package.


In addition, the lawmakers proposed to freeze spending for the rest of this fiscal year at levels set in 2008 and to block all funding for the health care reform law, saving $80 billion; set spending levels for the next decade at levels set in 2006, with the exception of programs targeted for elimination.

While all of the programs have constituencies that will be offended at losing programs, lawmakers said, the bill represents a more important, broad goal of addressing the climbing federal debt and reining in spending.

“Everything on this pales in comparison to saving the country,” said Rep. John Campbell, R-Calif.

Sponsors said they had not discussed with the House GOP leadership whether the bill will reach the floor for a vote but the chairman of the RSC, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, said he is optimistic that many provisions will find a way there.

Art project revives Cairo's history with bears

Art project revives Cairo's history with bears





Arist Don Boutin holds up a 1948 photograph of the Cairo Fairgrounds, where horses were once raced. His bear design to the left, "Off To the Races," is modeled after a pre-1910 horse gambler. The 2011 Bears and Butterflies project is themed on the historic period between 1865 and 1910. (Colin DeVries/Hudson-Catskill Newspapers)

By Colin DeVries
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Published: Monday, January 24, 2011 2:08 AM EST
CAIRO — There are still traces of the grandeur brought by the age of the railroad, but it’s seemingly few and far-between these days.

This year’s third annual Bear and Butterflies public art project hopes to revive that history in the Cairo community, presenting it in a way both creative and interactive.

Claudia Zucker, co-chair of the Bear and Butterflies committee, said this year’s theme highlights the time period between 1865 and 1910.

“Every year we’re doing another period in Cairo’s history,” she said during the Bears and Butterflies Artist and Sponsor Reception 2011. This year’s theme is titled America’s First Vacation Land.

In the lobby of the National Bank of Coxsackie on Sunday, bear designers and the area businesses sponsoring them came together to discuss themes and explore the significance of that historic period.

Thirty-two bears were sponsored Sunday, said Bill Domack, co-chair of the Bears and Butterflies committee, and 10 more were planned as part of an educational youth project with Cairo-Durham Central School District.

A glimpse inside the history featured in this year’s theme and “quest” — a bear scavenger hunt designed to encourage travel around the Cairo community — was provided by town historian Robert Uzzilia.

Trivia for this year’s scavenger hunt will relate to local history, with hidden symbols painted into each fiberglass bear unlocking the answers.

To promote understanding of the theme, Uzzilia presented photographs and a collection of rare postcards that provided a colorful vision into Cairo’s past.

In 1885, Uzzilia said, the Catskill Mountain Railroad extended service to Cairo and for decades drew in vacationers by the trainload.

Tourists had visited Cairo’s many hotels and boarding houses while enjoying sites like the old Greene County Fairgrounds — now vacant land along Old Route 23 — which featured harness and thoroughbred horse racing.

But in the years prior to the rail’s expansion into the community and before the explosion of a tourism-based economy in Cairo, Uzzilia said private ranches and estates had started drawing people in.

Uzzilia said the legendary hotels of old — the Columbian (now Bavarian Manor), Winter Clove, Glen Falls House — came from humble roots: the old farmsteads and manors throughout Cairo had begun taking on boarders in the latter half of the 19th century, many of whom were spillover from the nearby Catskill Mountain House.

Those bucolic boarding houses soon evolved into grandiose luxury in some cases, eventually inspiring the railroad to steam into Cairo Junction, trumping area stagecoach companies.

In capturing the essence of the period, artist Cyndi Kropp designed a train engineer bear, complete with denim overalls, bandana, mustache, Catskill Mountain Railroad timetable and engineer’s cap.

The Bank of Greene County chose to sponsor the bear. A fitting match as the bank’s Main Street branch was designed after the original Cairo train station.

“It will be just perfect,” said Kathy Proper, of the Bank of Greene County, as she met with Kropp for the first time Sunday.

Many of the bears popped with color and imagination. Some even adopting recent changes in our cultural makeup.

Take, for example, the Zodiac bear designed by young artist Mark Anthony Baynard.

His bear, representing the 12 signs of astrology’s zodiac amidst a dark field of stars with a colorful Earth globe in its center, features a new development in astrology: the recent announcement of a 13th zodiac sign made earlier this month by a Minnesota astronomer. Ophiuchus, the sign of the serpent holder, has been centered on the bear’s chest — intentionally separated from the original 12 signs.

“I’m a big fan of the zodiac and the story behind it,” Baynard said. “It’s the mystery of space. There’s always something new.”

Whether or not you believe in the value of astrology, the rich history of Cairo and the creativity being presented in this year’s Bear and Butterflies public art project cannot be denied.

This year’s raffle bear will be designed by local artist Don Boutin and focus on the history of the Greene County Fairgrounds’ horse racing track. Modeled after a 1908 gambler, the bear, “Off to the Races,” will wear a suit and bowler cap, grip some greenbacks and stand amidst the torn tickets of a once hopeful bettor.

A second round of bears will be presented in February.

The Butterfly Ball will be held on May 14, and the bears will be installed May 23 through 27.

Each Thursday through June and September a Meet the Artist Night will be featured in Cairo.

The Bear A “Fair” Gala and Auction will be held on Oct. 1.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Beekeeping - from Dick Johnson, Catskill Daily Mail

Beekeeping for beginners


By Dick Johnson
For Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Published: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 8:52 AM EST
Despite our January snow storms, now is the time for beekeeping beginners to learn about beekeeping and to attend the annual beginners course provided by the Catskill Mtn Beekeepers Club.  Please note that the scheduled date for this presentation has just been changed.  The beginners program will be held at 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 29 at the Agroforestry Resource Center on Route 23 in Acra.  (The snow date is Jan 30).  Reservations are needed for this popular program — call 518-622-9820.

The first step in January is to learn all you can about this rewarding and fascinating project.  Read all you can and surf the net and take advantage of support provided by the bee club.  February is the time to order supplies and to build hive equipment.  Live bees are ready to ship in April and May but this year there will be a shortage of bee packages and so it is important to place orders promptly.  The bee club will help to list suppliers who can furnish supplies and bees.  Attend the club meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month.  The next meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday February 8 at the Agroforestry Resource Center.

March is the time that all of the equipment needs to be painted and planning done for installing the hives in a suitable location.  The bees will arrive the next month and the club will try to assign a nearby, experienced beekeeper to help each beginner and to act as a “mentor”.  April is when the bee packages will need to be picked up and promptly installed in the hive boxes that have been prepared for them.  New packages of bees need to be fed with sugar syrup to give them a good start until the dandelions are in bloom.  The weather in “river towns” like Catskill is a few weeks earlier than the mountain top towns like Windham where spring is often delayed.

May is when spring flowers and fruit trees are in full bloom and a healthy colony of bees will need to collect nectar and pollen to feed the hundreds of baby bees (called brood).  For those hives that survived the winter, May is the time that they may grow so fast that they need more space.  The good news is that the beekeeper can “split” these overpopulated hives and increase their colonies.  The bad news is that without careful attention the bees may just take off in a swarm and the remaining, weakened colony will not produce a honey crop to harvest.  August is the time to harvest the golden treasure of delicious honey.  It is also the time to examine the hive for parasites and disease and take proper action to care for the bees to help them to survive the winter.  Beginning beekeepers and others interested in beekeeping can learn more about this rewarding hobby by visiting the web at http://www.catskillbees.org/.





Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Viewing the world though another's eyes


When baby-proofing a room, what is the best way to do it? You get down on the ground and see the world through the eyes of your baby. Never before have such dangers and opportunities for mischief been so apparent! The same is true with relationships. Many times you may try to empathize with a person by saying "I know how you feel." But do you really? When a person cuts you off in traffic, do you curse them under your breath or throw an angry gesture? What if that person is really just having a hard day, dealing with an unruly toddler in the backseat? Attempting to view the world through another person's eyes builds empathy and thus a deeper understanding of that person. Think about others you conflict with before jumping to conclusions.


The above from "sparkpeople"

Monday, January 17, 2011

Ulster County's Melissa Leo among Golden Globe winners

Ulster County's Melissa Leo among Golden Globe winners


Melissa Leo of Stone Ridge, Ulster County, accepts the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in "The Fighter," during the Golden Globe Awards Sunday in Beverly Hills, Calif. (NBC, Paul Drinkwater/AP)

By David Germain
The Associated Press
Published: Monday, January 17, 2011 2:12 AM EST
BEVERLY HILLS — Melissa Leo, who owns a home in Stone Ridge, Ulster County, won the Golden Globe for supporting actress in a motion picture for her role in the boxing drama "The Fighter."

The Facebook tale “The Social Network” won top honors Sunday at the Golden Globes with four prizes, including best drama and director, solidifying its prospects as an Academy Awards favorite.

Winning the dramatic lead-acting prizes were Colin Firth for the British monarchy saga “The King’s Speech” and Natalie Portman for the psychosexual thriller “Black Swan.”

Lead-acting honors for the Globes’ musical or comedy categories went to Annette Bening for the lesbian-family story “The Kids Are All Right” and Paul Giamatti for the curmudgeon tale “Barney’s Version.”


The boxing drama “The Fighter” earned both supporting actor Globes, for Christian Bale and Melissa Leo.

David Fincher, directing winner for “The Social Network,” said he thought it was strange when “The Social Network” script came to him, since he usually makes dark character studies about misanthropes or films about serial killers. His films include the murder tales “Seven” and “Zodiac.”

“I’m personally loath to acknowledge the kind of wonderful response this film has received for fear of becoming addicted to it, so suffice it to say, it’s been really nice,” said Fincher, whose film also won the Globes for screenplay for Aaron Sorkin and musical score for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.

Sorkin, creator of TV’s “The West Wing,” had kind words for Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg in “The Social Network.”

“Mark Zuckerberg, if you’re watching, Rooney Mara makes a prediction at the beginning of the movie. She was wrong. You turned out to be a great entrepreneur, a great visionary and an incredible altruist,” Sorkin said.

The win by Portman for her role as a ballerina coming unhinged amid a production of “Swan Lake” sets her up for a two-woman showdown for best actress at the Feb, 27 Oscars with Bening, who won for her role as a stern lesbian mom in “The Kids Are All Right,” which also won for best musical or comedy film.


It’s familiar territory for Bening. She won the same prize at the Globes 11 years ago for “American Beauty” and went in as the best-actress favorite at the Oscars, where she lost to Globe dramatic actress winner Hilary Swank for “Boys Don’t Cry.”

Portman thanked the film’s choreographer, her fiance Benjamin Millepied, with whom she’s expecting a child. He also appears in the movie, and his character doesn’t want to sleep with hers.

“He’s the best actor! It’s not true, he totally wants to sleep with me,” Portman said, giggling.

“Barney’s Version” follows the many loves in his life: his three wives, played by Rachelle Lefevre, Minnie Driver and Rosamund Pike, whom Giamatti described as “a trifecta of hotties.”

“I got to smoke and drink and get laid in this movie and I got paid for it. An amazing, amazing thing,” Giamatti said.

Bening won the musical or comedy actress prize in a field that included “The Kids Are All Right” co-star Julianne Moore. The film stars Bening and Moore as a couple whose family falls into turmoil after their teen children seek out the sperm donor that fathered them.

“I’m very proud to be a part of this very special film about two women who are deeply in love and try to keep their family together,” Bening said. “My partner, Julianne Moore, I have to thank first. She asked me to do the picture with her. She made it possible for us to shoot it where we shot it, when we did, so Julianne — you are a class act, thank you.”

The buzz around town on Globes weekend was not only about likely winners, but also about a lawsuit filed Thursday by a former longtime publicist for the Globes claiming the organization that runs the show, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, engages in payola schemes for nominations and awards. The allegations have been denied by the HFPA, a group of about 90 reporters covering show business for overseas outlets.

Ricky Gervais returned as Globes host for the second-straight year. Gervais joked that Globe nominees weren’t picked just so that Globe voters could hang out with stars such as Depp.

“They also accepted bribes,” Gervais said, referring to the publicist lawsuit.

Philip Berk, who heads the HFPA, made no reference to the lawsuit during his appearance early in the show, simply offering a perfunctory plug for the quality of Hollywood movies.

Gervais pulled few punches as the night progressed, mocking Hugh Hefner, Charlie Sheen, Cher, Bruce Willis, Mel Gibson, Scientologists and Robert Downey Jr., among others.

“Aside from the fact that it’s been hugely mean-spirited, with mildly sinister undertones, I’d say the vibe of the show is pretty good so far, wouldn’t you?” Downey, a presenter, shot back, perhaps only half-jokingly.

Bale, who won for his role as a former boxer whose career unraveled amid drugs and crime, thanked his collaborators on “The Fighter,” among them director David O. Russell and star and producer Mark Wahlberg, who plays boxer Micky Ward to Bale’s Dicky Eklund, Ward’s older half brother.

“I’ve really got to give a shout out to Mark, because he drove this whole movie, and you can only give a loud performance like the one I gave when you have a quiet anchor and a stoic character,” Bale said. “I’ve played that one many times, and it never gets any notice.”

Bale seems to be on the same awards track as his “Batman” co-star, the late Heath Ledger, was two years ago, when he won supporting actor at the Globes for “The Dark Knight” on the way to earning a posthumous Oscar.

Leo, who plays the domineering mother of Ward and Eklund, had gushing words for all of her co-stars — along with her own mother and other ancestors.

“Here in Southern California, home of my mother, her mother, her mother before her — look Mom, I got a Golden Globe!” Leo said. “Mark Wahlberg, you are a prince, you are amazing. It was so beautiful to play your mother.”

“Toy Story 3,” the top-grossing film released last year and the second sequel to 1995’s digital animation pioneer “Toy Story,” won the Globe for animated films, making Disney’s Pixar Animation unit five-for-five in the category since it was added in 2006. Past Pixar winners are “Up,” “WALL-E,” “Ratatouille” and “Cars.”

“Wow, were you two even born when the first ‘Toy Story’ came out?” “Toy Story 3” director Lee Unkrich said to his award’s presenters, 16-year-old pop star Justin Bieber and 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld, co-star of the hit Western “True Grit.”

Robert De Niro received the Cecil B. DeMille Award for career achievement.

The usually taciturn De Niro gave an uncharacteristically interesting acceptance speech, making jokes about members of the HFPA being deported (along with most of the waiters working the event) and suggesting that most people in the room hadn’t seen a lot of the films he was proud of, including “Stone,” “Marvin’s Room” and “Stanley and Iris.”

“Some of you would be seeing them for the first time. You didn’t even watch the screeners, did you?” De Niro said.

Among TV winners, “Glee” won three prizes, best comedy and supporting-acting prizes for Jane Lynch and Chris Colfer. “Boardwalk Empire” won two prizes, for best drama and dramatic actor for Steve Buscemi.

The Globe ceremony traditionally had a strong track record as a forecast for what film would win best picture at the Oscars. But the two shows have split in recent times, with only one top Globe recipient — 2008’s “Slumdog Millionaire” — also winning the main prize at the Oscars over the past six years.

A year ago, the sci-fi sensation “Avatar” won best drama at the Globes, but the Iraq War saga “The Hurt Locker” took best picture at the Oscars.

Beth Harris and Christy Lemire contributed to this report.

Jefferson Heights corridor improvements back on the schedule

 

Jefferson Heights corridor improvements back on the schedule


By Colin DeVries
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Published: Monday, January 17, 2011 2:12 AM EST
CATSKILL — A year later, the go-ahead has finally been given by the state to begin the $2 million Jefferson Heights streetscaping project along County Route 23B.

Greene County Highway Superintendent Gary Harvey said approval was given Monday by the state Department of Transportation, about a year after approval was initially sought from the state.

Eighty percent of the project will be funded  by the federal Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, 15 percent by the state DOT’s Marchiselli program and a 5 percent local match ($100,000).

A request for bids will be put out immediately, Harvey said, and there should be a bidder awarded next month to begin the pedestrian walkway improvements along the Jefferson Heights corridor.


The project, touted as a significant improvement to Catskill’s gateway from the I-87 and Route 23 interchanges, would create a pocket park near the Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home, to include benches, bicycle racks and an interpretative kiosk on the Catskill region and former Susquehanna Turnpike.

Period lighting would dot along the refurbished sidewalks, which would include wheelchair-friendly landings and railings near the Route 9W overpass.

Bike pathways are also included in the design.

“It’s a big gateway project, it’s gonna be a great enhancement,” Harvey said.

Construction is anticipated to begin in spring and continue through the summer, Harvey said, with a Columbus Day completion goal.

Traffic will continue to flow throughout the construction, as the improvements will border only the west side of the roadway from Fairview Avenue to Austin Acres.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Paper - Not what you thought it was!

GCCA shows to feature paper arts


This detail from the late Diana Bryan’s digitally enhanced cut paper illustration for the folk tale "Baba Yaga" is just one example of the paper arts beauty that will be on display in two upcoming shows at the Greene County Council on the Arts. (Photo courtesy of GCCA)

By Jim Planck
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Published: Sunday, January 16, 2011 2:13 AM EST
CATSKILL -- Art can come in a lot of forms, but next weekend the Greene County Council on the Arts will offer a new look at one of mankind’s oldest technologies -- paper.

“Paper Arts,” a two month long showing of everything from cut patterns, origami and collages to sculptures, abstracts, vases, necklaces, jewelry and art notebooks -- all made from paper -- will have an opening reception, Sat., Jan. 22, from 5-7, with the show continuing through March 5.

The show exhibits the works of eleven artists, and accordingly offers a diverse and engaging perspective into the world of paper art.

Among pieces to be exhibited are cut paper animal legends by Elin Menzies, nature study collages using harvested materials by Susan Miiller, freestanding sculptures by Sherell Jacabson, origami paper jewels by Ruby Silvious, triangle-based origami compositions by Itoko Kobayashi, wall-hung abstractions by Carol Swierzowski and newspaper vases by Luis Aleman and Jeffrey Moore.


In conjunction with the “Paper Arts” show, a solo exhibit of the works of the late Diana Bryan -- “Cut Paper Universe” -- will feature her cut paper silhouettes and laser-cut steel sculptures.

Bryan’s work garnered her accolades and awards during her lifetime, and her unique craftsmanship and talent continues to receive the recognition it so richly deserves.

Her projects and productions included thirteen 30-foot long murals for the New York Public Library and a steel silhouette of the Mid-Hudson bridge for the Ulster County Transportation Building.

 She taught illustration at the prestigious Parson’s School of Design in NYC’s Greenwich Village for 20 years, in addition to teaching countless workshops on professional development.

The Greene County Council on the Arts gallery is located at 398 Main St., Catskill, and is open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., with noon to 8 p.m. hours on the second Saturday of each month.

For more information on “Paper Arts” or “Cut Paper Universe,” call GCCA at (518) 943-3400, or visit http://www.greenearts.org/.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Snow daze

Storm-weary residents dig out again; people heed travel advisory

By Doron Tyler Antrim
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Published: Thursday, January 13, 2011 2:09 AM EST
CATSKILL — The third winter storm to hit the region in less than three weeks has left in its wake as much as eight inches of snow in Greene County.

The National Weather Service in Albany reported eight inches fell in several towns including Catskill, Athens, Windham and Lexington.

Seven inches reportedly came down in Cairo and Maplecrest, and less in Hunter, Durham and Greenville.

Most schools in Greene County closed Wednesday because of the storm and many afternoon and evening activities were canceled.


The storm, which struck parts of the South before turning north, did not cause any serious car accidents, according to authorities.

Greene County Emergency Services in Cairo said few calls came in reporting accidents. “It hasn’t been bad at all,” said dispatcher Richard Frasco Wednesday afternoon. He said it was apparent people adhered to recommendations to stay home unless travel was absolutely necessary.

State police in Catskill responded to just over a dozen calls of reported accidents, none of them serious.

All school districts in Greene County were closed Wednesday.

The fast-moving storm was in the region for about 12 hours, arriving in Catskill at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, although lingering snow showers remained in the area until the overnight hours.

The weather service lifted its winter storm warning at 7 p.m. Wednesday.


Today’s forecast calls for partly sunny conditions with a high near 23.

The snow emergencies in the village of Catskill and the town of Cairo are still in effect today.

According to Cairo Town Supervisor John Coyne, the Cairo emergency will be lifted at 8 p.m. Friday.

All residents are asked to park their vehicles off main roads and side streets. Main Streets residents should follow alternate side parking regulations posted on street signs.

Alternate side parking also remains in effect for roads in the village of Catskill. All vehicles should be parked on the odd side of the street from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., all vehicles should be parked on the even side of the street.

The village is asking Main Street residents to park their cars in the municipal lots.

Greene County Solid Waste has announced it will be doing garbage pickup on Friday in many residential neighborhoods instead of today.

Village Department of Public Works Superintendent Lewis O’Connor said crews plan to remove the snow from Main Street beginning midnight Thursday. Parking on Main Street will be prohibited late Thursday night until the work is completed.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Stonecarving Center

Town talks name for stonecarving center


By Jim Planck
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Published: Thursday, January 6, 2011 6:09 AM EST
HUNTER — The Town of Hunter has been hosting a stonecarving seminar on a grassy sward just west of the town hall for about four years, and the time has come for the park-like setting to now get an official name.

The annual seminars are taught by professional stonecarver Kevin Vanhentenryck, of Westkill, with sponsorship by the town and funding through the Greene County Council on the Arts and the Twin Counties Cultural Fund, plus a variety of donations, such as material and equipment.

Vanhentenryck was at the town’s monthly meeting Wednesday night and told board members that, as directed, he had met with Hunter-Tannersville Central School District art teacher Rita Mary Vining and her class regarding name suggestions for the site.

“This is a list that I got from Rita Mary Vining’s class,” he explained. “I met with them in the Fall.”


Councilman Dolph Semenza, noting the list contained about fifty suggestions, read them aloud to those present and all were well received.

Vanhentenryck said that in discussing the concept of naming the site to the students, he had “emphasized with the class that these little objects might be around a long time.”

“Things can change,” he reiterated to board members, “and these stones will be around for a fairly long time.”

Vanhentenryck said he believes one important aspect of the name should be that it helps market the site to visitors and tourists.

“It’s a description,” he said. “The name has to tell someone in Connecticut, what is it? — Why should they come here and see it?”

Semenza asked who is going to pick the final name, and Vanhentenryck said it was his understanding that the class was going to do it.


Subsequent discussion indicated the board will continue to review the process and also contact Vining to talk about it, before determining a name.

Vanhentenryck thanked the board “for giving the Hunter stonecarving center a home,” and Hunter Supervisor Dennis Lucas, in return, expressed the board’s appreciation, stating, “Thank you, for all your work.”

Lucas also noted that the class has once again been funded this year, with receipt of award notice from the Twin Counties Cultural Fund for $2,000.

Vanhentenryck also indicated there is possibility that similar sites could be developed at other locations in the town, “not just here,” he said.

For overview information on the annual stonecarving seminar, visit http://www.kevinvanhentenryck.com/, and click on the link for this past summer’s 2010 seminar.

Details for the 2011 version will be announced upon confirmation of dates and all applicable registration information.


Greene County Administrator

Meet the new boss


Shaun S. Groden discusses his background and observations at the Daily Mail offices Wednesday as he takes his post as the newly appointed Greene County Administrator. Photo by Claude Haton

Greene County Administrator Shaun Groden prepared for leadership role

By Colin DeVries
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Published: Tuesday, January 11, 2011 2:08 AM EST
CATSKILL — Though his furniture was still en route from Michigan early last Wednesday, Shaun Groden’s heart and mind were already completely immersed in all things Greene County.

The county’s new administrator flew in last Sunday with his family, leaving behind him over six years of leadership in Michigan’s St. Clair County and a track record of positive municipal growth and development.

Groden, 53, is a native of Rochester and a successful leader in business and government.

Coming from a county of similar wealth but with more than three times the population size, Groden expects to have a different but extremely constructive experience in Greene.


St. Clair County’s annual budget is about $100 million compared with Greene County’s $99.3 million budget.

According to 2009 census data, the population of St. Clair County was 167,000 and Greene County’s was 48,947. The mean income per household in St. Clair County was $61,088 in 2009, and $59,773 in Greene County.

Though the population of St. Clair County vastly exceeds Greene County’s, 20 percent of people there are unemployed, Groden said. Much of that due to the reduction in the auto industry around Detroit, 60 miles to the southwest of the St. Clair County city of Port Huron.

Unemployment hovers around 8 percent in Greene County and Groden intends to work toward improving that.

“At the end of the day, jobs are the issue,” he said during an interview last week. “I intend to be very active in economic development.”

During Groden’s job search last year, he was pleased to find that Greene County already had quality shovel-ready business parks with significant acreage for development. In fact, Groden said he had pushed his own county lawmakers in St. Clair County to purchase land for similar parks.


In Michigan, Groden had been president of St. Clair County’s Economic Development Alliance — similar to the Greene County Industrial Development Agency — and implemented a workforce training program for high school students called the National Career Readiness Certification Program. The program is becoming more popular among employers to test aptitude on prospective employees.

“We’re trying to branch out into new sectors,” he said. “We need to find where the jobs will be for tomorrow.”

Groden, who has a masters in public administration from SUNY Brockport, said change is the key to success in economic development and the job market.

“We need to keep up with the times,” he said. “If you were doing your job the way you were trained, you’re doing it wrong.”

The order of doing business continues to evolve and demands new efficiencies to save money, Groden said, making adaptability to changes paramount in importance.

As St. Clair County administrator Groden implemented an efficieny by cutting paper use — swapping case files in the district attorney’s office with laptops, for example.

He was also able to save the county money on a jail project when he first became St. Clair County administrator at the end of 2004, identifying savings through financial accounting.

He said he kept the budget balanced each year and improved the county’s credit rating, while making the budget process more transparent and open to public input.

Another efficiency he implemented in Michigan was continuity of services, allowing for more sharing of services and realizing a cost savings throughout the county. He also consolidated some departments to avoid duplicative waste.

St. Clair County can be described as an agrarian, waterfront community, similar to Greene County, but Groden knows there are significant differences and challenges ahead.

“I wanted to be able to come to something that needed change,” he said. “I was looking for an area in distress.”

Groden equated the principles of business to public administration as far as budgeting and the need to uncover new revenues or cut expenditures.

With New York’s depleted fiscal state, Groden knew Greene County may face significant mandates coming forward — something he is ready for.

While earning his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the Rochester Institute of Technology, Groden “fell in love” with the budget process during an internship with the Monroe County budget office.

Forgoing an FBI career to become a public servant, Groden went on to work 15 years with the town of Greece. There he worked as director of finances on a $50 million budget.

After leaving Greece in 1997, he went into the private sector for several years until he returned to public administration in St. Clair County as administrator, a job he left in support of his family’s wishes.

Though he had other job offers, he chose Greene County for its forward-thinking business development, its solid credit rating and fiscal status, its recreational opportunities and an environment suitable for his wife and three children (all in their 20s).

It also helps that he loves to ski.

“I am not here by accident, I’m not here by happenstance,” he said. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”

Now here, Groden intends to make a positive impact on Greene County economics and apply his knowledge of municipal government and finances to inspire growth.

“When you have a career in public administration,” he said, “it’s of a desire to do something for the greater good.”

Groden’s three-year contract was unanimously approved by the county legislature at a salary of $132,000.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Snow Totals

Storm totals exceed 10 inches in mountains


By Colin DeVries
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Published: Sunday, January 9, 2011 2:08 AM EST
CATSKILL — The area’s most recent snowstorm dumped nearly a foot of snow on the Catskill Mountains and resulted in fender benders around the county.

According to the National Weather Service, early Saturday morning snow totals exceeded 10.5 inches in East Jewett — the most noted by NWS. Ten inches fell on the Hunter Mountain ski resort.

Windham Mountain ski resort received 8 inches of snow and areas of Cairo were hit with more than 9 inches.

Durham showed the least with 5 inches, according to NWS snowfall totals.


With the snow brought numerous car accidents around the county.

State police responded to nine different auto accidents from early morning Friday to Friday evening, while the Greene County Sheriff’s Office responded to eight others throughout that day.

Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported but numerous vehicles were damaged.

Police officers highlighted two major factors in preventing these accidents during inclement weather: drive slow and make sure you have safe tires.

“If you take it slow, you can go anywhere,” said Greene County Sheriff Sgt. Rich Brandt.

Catskill Police Sgt. Ron Frascello said that while taking it slow and having good snow tires is good, the best thing is to stay off the road.


“Unless it’s a dire emergency,” he said, “don’t go out (in a snowstorm).”

Snow showers were forecast for Saturday night into Sunday, with less than a half inch of accumulation in eastern parts of Greene County.

There may be more snow in the forecast for Tuesday night.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Let's not waste a moment!

Valuing time before it is too late
Often our days are busied with worry, stress, complaining, work, and a general wasting of time. Once we finally realize the value of our time, often for many of us it is too late. While your life might seem like a long time in the midst of it, truly it is a blink of an eye. Today, make more time to be present in your life. Even small moments--enjoying a cup of tea, calling a friend, reading a favorite book--should be enjoyed. Restructure your day so that you can get all of your work done, but allow for extra time to be spent on personal matters. Stop procrastinating!

Tuscan Painting

From Tuscany with love: painting a la Thomas Cole


Mara Lehmann’s “Sunburst Over Barga Hillside” is just one of the beautiful works that resulted from a painting excursion to Italy with three fellow painters. Courtesy CMF

By Jim Planck
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Published: Friday, January 7, 2011 2:09 AM EST
HUNTER — American painting legend Thomas Cole honed much of his skill during extended visits to Europe, especially to architectural and scenic sites in Italy, and four local artists have followed his lead and inspiration.

Now returned from their overseas jaunt, Mara Lehmann, of Haines Falls, Michelle Moran, of Woodstock, Carol Slutzky-Tenerowicz, of Elka Park, and Marianne Tully, of Stone Ridge, spent the summer and fall using their on-site sketches as the basis for finished works of art in true Cole-like style.

Their location was Barga, a medieval walled city about 20 miles north of Lucca, in the mountains of northern Italy.

“I’ve been to Barga many times over the last 23 years,” explained Tully, “after first hearing about it from my brother-in-law, Enrico, who grew up there.”


“I’ve always enjoyed painting there,” she said, “and this was an opportunity for all four of us to paint together.”

“So,” said Tully, “we rented a villa” -- adding that the trip then got postponed from April to mid-May because of the Icelandic volcanic ash which shut down European air space this past spring.

 At last they arrived though, and, said Tully, “We got our chance to paint the fields, the hills, and the old Roman arches and medieval buildings in Barga’s old town.”

They worked “plein air” -- meaning out in the open, and which was the technique Cole used to develop his sketches -- but, as they were in Italy, it is there known as “all’aria aperta.”

Lehmann said the locale was perfect.

“From the moment the plane begins to descend,” said Lehmann, “the breathtaking views seen from the windows are filled with the magic and promise that is the Italian countryside.”


“Rolling hills, fields, and hilltop towns dot the landscape in profusion,” she said.

“Everywhere are cypress trees and houses,” said Lehmann, “inspirations in warm pinks, oranges, yellows, and lush greens.”

Slutzky-Tenerowicz agreed.

“Of all the painting excursions I’ve been on,” she said, “this trip to Barga was the most inspiring, and the most productive.”

“A painting trip such as this with fellow artists,” Slutzky-Tenerowicz said, “who have the same focus and dedication to paint and draw in Italy, is to me the best way to travel.”

“Barga, Italy -- in May!” added Moran.

“How do you capture the beauty of the hilltop countryside,” Moran said, “with drama in the skies, everchanging light patterns, with a sprinkle of volcanic ash from Iceland?”

The public will, of course, have opportunity to see just how wonderfully all four captured the images of their excursion in the upcoming show, “Bella Tuscany: From Field Sketch to Finished Work,” which opens Jan. 15 at the Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Kaaterskill Fine Arts Gallery, in Hunter.

The original “plein air” sketches made on site will also be on display, as well as the completed master works.

“Here, in this exhibit,” said Tully, “we wish to bring you the fruit of our labors.”

“We hope that we have captured on canvas and paper,” she said, “the vibrant heart of an Italy that we have grown to love.”

An artists’ reception will take place at the opening, from 4-6 p.m. on Jan. 15, and there will also be an informal “Art Talk” on Saturday, Jan. 22, at 1 p.m., both of which will offer a chance to meet and talk with the artists.

“Bella Tuscany: From Field Sketch to Finished Work” will run at the gallery until March 15.

Kaaterskill Fine Arts Gallery is located at the CMF Hunter Village Square building, 7970 Main Street (Route 23A), Hunter.

For more information, call gallery director Laureen Priputen at (518) 263-2080.

 ***

Thursday, January 6, 2011

From Health Magazine..... we knew this about dogs, right?

Cuddle up with your pet
If you're a pet owner, you've no doubt noticed you're less tense when scratching your animal behind the ears. In fact, research shows that people's blood pressure drops when they pet dogs, particularly if it's a dog they know and love. Dog petting has also been shown to improve immune function and ease pain, or at least the perception of it.
"You're focusing on the animal, not on you, so your mind isn't able to ruminate about the pain," explains Brad Lichtenstein, a naturopathic physician and assistant professor in the counseling and health psychology department at Bastyr University in Seattle. (Experts say snuggling with any furry pet should be just as soothing.)
So don't resist when your pet curls up with you -- spending quality time together may be just what the doctor ordered.

Funding released.

State releases $2.5 million in Social Services funding


Gov. Cuomo already making Greene happy, dismisses treasurer flap

By Colin DeVries
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Published: Thursday, January 6, 2011 2:09 AM EST
CATSKILL — Just hours before his first State of the State Address, Gov. Andrew Cuomo allowed the release of $2.5 million in social services funds being withheld since last fall.

The announcement was made early Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after a letter of inquiry was sent to the governor’s office Tuesday afternoon.

The money was being held back funds food stamps, Medicaid and heating assistance benefits — among other social services.

Greene County Legislature Chairman Wayne Speenburgh said he was “relieved” and “encouraged” by the decision.


“I’m surprised the governor’s office responded this quickly,” he said, noting it may be a sign of something better. “We may have a very good working relationship (with the new governor).”

The funds, a total of about $2.5 million, was being withheld by Gov. David Paterson’s administration due to a flap over the county treasurer appointment made last summer.

After County Treasurer Willis Vermilyea retired in July, the Greene County Legislature appointed Thomas Tracey, the treasurer’s office director of administrative services,  as interim treasurer.

Gov. Paterson’s counsel argued the appointment had to be made by the governor and the home-rule power struggle began.

The ensuing argument developed for months, with the governor’s office considering Tracey’s signature on reimbursement documents invalid and thus not releasing the funds.

The conflict wasn’t even settled after November’s election determined Peter Markou, Catskill town supervisor, was chosen as county treasurer. Even though both the governor’s office and the county legislature agreed to appoint the winner of the election, the argument continued after county lawmakers preempted the governor’s formal appointment.


The decision to release the funds was faxed to the county offices at 9 a.m. this morning, only four days after Gov. Cuomo’s new administration took over.

Counsel to the Governor Mylan Denerstein approved the order. She replaced Peter Kiernan, Gov. Paterson’s counsel, at the beginning of the year.

The governor’s office could not be reached for comment on why they decided to release the funds.

Speenburgh said the funds will begin coming in as soon as today.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

A wonderful quotation!!

A rock pile ceases being a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.
- Unknown Author

Start the Year Clutter free! Great article and great author.....

Unpacking properly leads to a new clutter-free life


By Sue Story
For Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Published: Friday, December 10, 2010 8:00 AM EST
We’ve lived through moving day and are in the new home. I have some final comments on packing, and then ... let the unpacking begin.

Regarding cartons, if budget is a consideration, get them from liquor stores. Buying them is better as similarity in size assures easier stacking—during staging, moving and while unpacking.

When transporting things yourself don’t use large boxes or pack too many heavy items in one carton. We don’t want to strain our backs; we already have enough on our plates.

Also, when we have access to the new home before moving day we can do a lot of moving runs. Because we don’t have to worry about packing properly for movers to transport our stuff, we can use coverless bins, paper bags, whatever is handy. This usually works when we’re moving just a short distance and can do a lot of runs. Another advantage is that a good part of the unpacking can be done in advance.


When it has to wait until after moving day, begin by unpacking the most recently packed items. These are usually the things that will be needed almost immediately. The kitchen and bathroom are usually the most crucial places for beginning this stage of the move.

As previously mentioned, when things from different rooms are in one box, it helps to empty it and sort things by room. Then the items can be carried to their individual rooms. When there are more than a few things to go to another place, sort them into small cartons or baskets so you only make one trip to each location.

It pays to have several box cutters on hand for opening taped cartons. With only one, it’s a certainty that it will have mysteriously vanished by the next time we need it.

When we have time to move gradually, we can eliminate lots of stuff and sort of avoid the clutter before it begins accumulating. If packing has to be rushed and there isn’t time to get rid of things, then stuff should be cleared out when unpacking. But the ideal is to do it before packing so that there’s less to be moved.

When we move “at a moment’s notice,” we tend to pack quickly and don’t get rid of anything. We figure we’ll do it after the move, but somehow things happen and we wind up hanging on to things. So, if at all possible, it’s we need to take this time to do some clearing.

Furthermore, no matter what happens it’s imperative that we get everything unpacked right away, even if this means losing some sleep. Too many of us get caught up in other things and are still living with packed cartons 10 years after the move. This not only causes major clutter, but blocked energy as well.


When unpacking, we often tend to put things in locations that are similar, if not identical, to their places in the old houses, for example, keeping dishes and glasses near the sink or dishwasher. However, when an item does have a new home, it’s a sure thing it will be almost impossible to find when needed, simply because we won’t remember where we put it. Keep a list of all these new locations and save lot’s of time looking for things.

If downsizing, do not put things in storage unless it’s definitely a temporary situation or for just a short period of time.

Instead, use this opportunity for some major clearing.

In this electronic age, we often don’t have as much use for Uncle Sam’s postal service as in the past, but they’re a great resource when moving. The change of address form now comes in a packet with discount coupons for everything from truck rentals and movers to decorating stores and banks. The confirmation of the change in address comes in a packet containing even more coupons, plus a resource, service and store locator. These coupons can mean hundreds of dollars in savings—very important considering all the expenses involved in moving.

Finally, if we take our time putting everything away and give lots of thought to where things should go, we’ll be off to a well-organized, clutter-free life in our new home. And maybe, just maybe, we can start life in these new homes with newer and more productive habits so that we avoid any future clutter problems. What a concept.

Sue Story owns ClutterBusters, a home and business organizing service. She can be contacted at 845-657-6644 or by e-mail at info@clutterbustersny.com. Her column will be appearing every other week.


Ashland Town Hall

Foundation and footings in place for new Ashland town/fire hall


Workers from Gallo Construction set rebar for the footings and foundation of the new Ashland town hall/firehouse which is becoming a reality after nearly a year of planning, replacing the former facility lost to a fire last winter. (Michael Ryan/Windham Journal)

By Michael Ryan
Windham Journal Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, December 30, 2010 6:12 AM EST
ASHLAND — There is the semblance of a smile showing on the faces of government leaders again as the foundation and footings go up for the new town hall/firehouse in Ashland, replacing the facility lost to fire almost a year ago.

Nine workers from Gallo Construction were busy, all last week, setting what seemed like miles of rebar and hoping for a substantial snowfall to keep the frost from settling in more deeply than it already had in what, to that point, had been basically a snow-less winter.

A special demo-hammer was going to be brought to the site to “beat the frost out” of the turf if necessary, a crewman said, as one recently poured concrete wall on the north side of the building stayed warm and toasty, drying under a plastic blanket.

Heating the walls of what will form the basement for the town hall portion of the structure is proving to be a financial challenge, with cold weather showing no signs of letting up and the memory of long delays in getting started weighing heavily on the minds of local officials.


Blueprints were changed numerous times over the spring and summer as discussions took place between volunteer firefighters and government leaders related to the size of the building, which as one point in the planning process was nearly four times its original size.

Preliminary sketches also would have resulted in the town borrowing $1 million or more, giving firefighters and town employees a lot more room, which everyone agreed was necessary and long overdue, but putting Ashland in an unfamiliar spot.

Debt is not something government leaders like to accrue, and their annual budgets traditionally have zeroes all across line items having anything to do with interest payments on loans, with the town preferring to set aside money as it goes along.

Considerable cash had been put in the bank for an addition at the old town hall/firehouse, giving firefighters more space for trucks and equipment, before the blaze struck. Volunteers also had a cramped meeting room and no quarters for cleaning up after fires.

Municipal employees were similarly squeezed and the finished blueprints have been designed to address all those problems with a minimum of borrowing, or perhaps none, reducing the footprint from 16,600 square foot to 12,100 square feet.

A pre-engineered steel shell will be installed, hopefully by late March, atop the foundation and footings currently being constructed, allowing the town to begin its part in the process, using as much volunteer energy as possible to pour interior slabs for flooring.


Potential debt will be reduced significantly by letting Gallo Construction do its thing, laboring uninterrupted through the winter, and then setting volunteers loose, gradually finishing off the inside, including concrete slabs and rooms while sub-contracting out any undoable plumbing, electrical and heating.

It had been hoped the building would be enclosed by early January, rather than just getting underway, but local officials are pleased to see progress, not exactly beaming just yet but changing the topic of conversation from what wasn’t happening to a brighter future.

Shock was etched on the faces of all Ashland citizens, last January 10, when flames ripped through the old town hall/firehouse, destroying virtually all fire-fighting equipment, including fire trucks, as well as an ambulance.

The fire company, with the help of their volunteer brethren throughout Greene County and beyond, gradually got back on its feet, and municipal employees are making do with temporary quarters in two trailers, about 1/2 mile east of the original site.

When the project is completed, the fire district will have three truck bays, each one deep enough for two vehicles, along with significantly more storage space, a separate meeting room and bathroom/shower facilities. There will be one ambulance bay immediately next door, deep enough for two rigs.

Municipal workers will have six offices in which to spread out. The town clerk will have a secure file area and the judges chambers will be isolated from the rest, giving the judiciary added security. There will be a large community room, where the town council will meet, and a kitchen/breakroom.

While all this is going on, the new wastewater treatment system is steadily moving forward, on schedule. The sewer plant, on the west end of town, is nearly enclosed with overhead doors expected to arrive in mid-January.

Interior insulation will be done by then, according to a crewman at the site, setting the stage for the construction of the sewer plant’s machinery and network, aiming toward completion in May and startup next summer or fall. Installation of the collection line was wrapped up last week.

When the dust settles, Ashland will have a $7.7 million facility, financed by the Department of Environmental Protection. The small diameter, gravity sewer system will service 89 residences and businesses, primarily in the hamlet district.

In other business:

—Town board members, at a recent meeting, received a letter from town of Lexington resident Linda Van Etten, praising members of the Ashland Rescue Squad and Greene County Emergency Medical Services.

“My husband suffered a heart attack at his office in Ashland on August 24th...and the county emergency response paramedic responded within minutes,” Van Etten wrote. “The paramedic, with the assistance of the equally responsive Ashland Rescue Squad, professionally administered what was needed.

“Due to their fast and professional efforts, stents were in place [in an Albany hospital] within two hours of my husband’s cardiac episode. The fact that this could be accomplished is amazing,” Van Etten wrote.

“The long term effects of this heart attack were definitely minimized and [my husband’s] life extended,” Van Etten wrote. “On behalf of my husband and myself, I thank you for your service to us, Greene County and the rural mountaintop area.”