Who Is CWC? A Fresh Look at the Catskill Watershed Corporation’s Origin and Purpose—Here to Help You

ARKVILLE — For decades, the Catskill region has been a vital source of drinking water for millions of New Yorkers. Yet, while the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the most well-known name associated with the city's water supply, it's crucial to distinguish it from the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC), an entirely separate organization with a distinct mission. CWC is a local, charitable organization created by upstate communities to help local residents and businesses thrive while protecting water quality.

Not the NYC DEP: A Clear Distinction

The most important thing to understand is that the CWC is not the DEP. While DEP is a municipal agency of the City of New York responsible for the water supply system, CWC is a non-profit Local Development Corporation. The CWC was born out of the 1997 New York City Watershed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), a landmark accord between city, state, and local governments, as well as environmental groups. It was created by the Watershed towns with the primary purpose to represent the interests of the local communities and administer programs that balance the dual goals of economic prosperity and environmental protection in the Catskill-Delaware Watershed.

The CWC's governance further highlights its local roots. Of its 15-member Board of Directors, 12 are locally elected officials, elected by the local watershed towns themselves. Two of the remaining three positions are appointed by the Governor, including a representative of environmental advocacy organizations, and a final representative appointed by the Mayor of City of New York. This structure ensures that local voices and concerns are at the forefront of the CWC's decision-making process.

Voluntary Programs, Significant Funding 

The CWC's programs are all voluntary, meaning residents, businesses, and municipalities choose to participate. Each year, the organization provides millions of dollars in assistance to the local communities. This funding is critical for helping people comply with watershed protection regulations without bearing the full financial burden.

A key example of this is the Septic Repair and Replacement Program.

This program provides financial assistance to Watershed property owners to repair or replace failing septic systems, a costly but necessary measure to protect water quality. A common misconception about the CWC Septic Program is that CWC is the regulator of septic systems. This is not the case. CWC does not design, approve, or regulate septic systems within the Watershed. Instead, CWC offers grants to property owners who wish to voluntarily step forward with septic issues and who request assistance complying with more stringent Watershed Regulations. Additionally, CWC educates property owners on the responsibilities associated with owning, maintaining, and repairing septic systems. Homeowners have the responsibility and flexibility to choose their own qualified engineers and contractors for any necessary work. All applications submitted to CWC are strictly voluntary. Since 1997, CWC has assisted over 7,000 property owners with costs associated with repairing or replacing their septics.

DEP also regulates stormwater controls in construction and land clearing projects in the Watershed. Like the Septic program, CWC does not design, approve, or regulate stormwater practices. CWC administers three distinct Stormwater grant funding programs intended to support property owners in meeting those stormwater requirements specific to the NYC Watershed. CWC has allocated millions of dollars in grants to property owners for the development, implementation, and maintenance of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) and Individual Residential Stormwater Plans (IRSPs) required and approved by DEP. Property owners who have questions about or believe they may qualify for stormwater funding based on DEP requirements are encouraged to contact CWC staff to discuss their projects.

CWC has also overseen the creation and construction of 14 Community Wastewater systems, ranging from Septic Maintenance Districts to Community Septics, to full blown Wastewater Treatment Plants. These facilities have been funded through grants provided by CWC to over a dozen communities throughout the Watershed. To date, almost 1,000 residents have been able to utilize these community systems and do away with their existing substandard septics. Most recently, CWC has completed projects in Shandaken, Denning, Neversink, Middletown, and Conesville. A final project is nearing design approval for a Wastewater Treatment Plant in the hamlet of Shokan in Ulster County. This project, when completed will be the largest wastewater treatment plant in the Watershed, assisting roughly 500 property owners.

Economic Development is a key element of CWC’s mission. CWC offers low-interest loans through the Catskill Fund for the Future, which helps local businesses start, relocate, and expand, supporting the regional economy. Those familiar with CWC’s economic development efforts will note that you can’t travel many miles throughout the Watershed without passing a business assisted through CWC’s loan program. More than 400 local businesses have received low interest loans, totaling more than $100 million throughout the 5 county Watershed region. Loan types have ranged all sectors of business, including but not limited to retail, accommodations, restaurants, distilleries, and manufacturing. CWC also supports nonprofits and municipalities with loan options.

Other programs managed by CWC include:

Septic Maintenance: Funding for routine maintenance of septic systems, including pump outs and installation of risers.

Flood Hazard Mitigation: Funding for projects that address flood dangers to people and property. Some eligible projects may include anchoring of fuel tanks or property elevations. Municipalities are also encouraged to apply for eligible public infrastructure protection projects, streambank stabilization, as well as bridge and culvert upsizing,

Public Education: Grants to schools and institutions to educate others on the importance of the Watershed and NYC Water Supply, the history of the MOA, and the sacrifices of the local communities.

Workforce Development: A new program will soon be launched to provide funding to eligible entities for the purpose of training and developing the local workforce within Watershed communities. Our communities have experienced ongoing population decline and challenges in recruiting qualified workers. CWC is committed to addressing these issues by leading the implementation of this initiative, with the aim of reversing current trends and supporting long-term economic sustainability.

A Focus on Local People and Businesses

The CWC's existence is a testament to the commitment of the local communities to be partners in watershed protection, not just subjects of it. Programs are designed to assist the thousands of residents, businesses, and nonprofits that call the Catskill region home. By providing financial aid, technical assistance, and educational resources, the CWC empowers the people of the Catskills to be good stewards of the land and water, ensuring the long-term health of both their communities and the New York City water supply. All CWC programs provide the dual benefits of community sustainability and the protection of the water supply.

As the challenges of environmental management and economic growth continue to evolve, CWC stands as a beacon of community-driven action in the Watershed. Its programs are more than just initiatives—they are lifelines that support businesses, empower residents, and preserve vital natural resources. By fostering collaboration and investing in the unique needs of local people, CWC ensures that the Watershed is not only protected, but also poised to thrive. This ongoing partnership between community and stewardship secures a vibrant legacy for future generations, where clean water and flourishing communities go hand in hand.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

A Conversation about … What's with the Lilacs?

Dwarf Korean Lilac

Lilac in September

By Jean Thomas

Lilacs are about the best known shrubs in the American landscape. They aren't native, but have been grown in gardens since about 1750. The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is most familiar, and we often inherit one when we buy an old farmhouse. They are famously long-lived, and are a frequent subject of stories and poems. The poet Walt Whitman wrote the classic “When Lilacs last in the Dooryard Bloomed” as an elegy to Abraham Lincoln following his assassination in 1865. The lilac is embedded in our American history as a symbol of prosperity and the common good.  They have always been nearly indestructible, lasting in abandoned farmyards for decades. So what's happening now? Panic!

Our lilacs are dropping leaves like it's December, and what I call “panic blossoms” are appearing.

Don't despair if your ancient lilacs are turning ugly. The cause is a confluence of weather conditions. Last year there were many sightings of what I call “Panic Blossoms” from the lilacs. It's kind of an urge to reproduce when they are stressed, even out of season.
Climate change has resulted in conditions that are wildly welcoming to the bad guys. Last year's drought stressed the plants, so you would think the excessively wet spring made things balance out. Unfortunately, early wet weather is inviting to many fungus diseases. Even more unfortunately, this year's wet start was followed by drought... but humidity remained high, so the fungi had a field day, or summer, if you will. The leaves shriveled up and dropped off, making the shrubs look dead. By the way, at the same time, maples and crab apples were having the same problem. The sort of good news is that it's happening late enough in the year that the plants should recover in the spring. In fact, my oldest lilac is already starting new foliage along with her panic blossoms. The newer hybrids seem less susceptible, but it may just be their comparative youth. The elderly lilac by the house is probably at least seventy years old. Fred Breglia of the Landis Arboretum explains it better in a Times Union interview, at https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/despite-falling-leaves-distressing-fungus-trees-20815944.php

It never hurts to invest a little effort into helping the recovery along, though. Trimming old branches  and encouraging the suckers that look healthiest, along with some attention to the soil quality, when the defoliation makes it easier to see the “bones” of the plant, can give the plant a better chance to revive. If possible, water at root level when drought conditions occur. Lilacs like a mildly acid soil, so unless the soil tests at an extreme of either acid or alkaline pH, an all purpose fertilizer will help, applied at recommended rates, and top dressing with compost is always welcome for a longer, slower soil improvement. There are many hybrids available, and many colors. There are repeat blooming varieties, and Korean hybrids that bloom later and with smaller foliage and blooms, but the scent is as good. Some are disease resistant as well, so shop around for some variety if you want a change. Your county's Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners can help with questions about plant diseases and pH, and there's usually a phone or online hot line available.

If you have any comments or suggestions for future columns, contact me at jeanthepipper@duck.com. 

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Whittling Away with Dick Brooks - Weather or Not

I've had a great many different jobs in my long and illustrious career.  Most of them I've enjoyed.  I've been a professional chicken plucker, an aluminum foundry worker, a strawberry picker, cook on a sailing vessel, house painter, canoeing instructor, cartoonist, race car tire changer and others too numerous to mention.  There are still lots of other occupations out there that I'd like to try given the chance.

I'd like to try being a weatherman.  What other job offers the opportunity to be wrong 95% of the time with no repercussions?  I'm not sure what kind of training is required but it has to involve a lot of sensory deprivation.  Weathermen and women need the ability to focus totally on their predictions, the fact that what is going on outside the window is totally the opposite of what they're predicting can have no effect on their forecast.  They must take a class in vague descriptive language--you know, things like "partly cloudy, possibility of precipitation, likely snow accumulation", if you'd like to add to the list, watch any weather forecast on any TV channel you'd like.  I'd like to find a decisive weather person, one with the courage to be specific, I want to hear a forecast that says, "At three fifteen today, it will start to pour and will rain for 48 minutes yielding 3/16 th of an inch of rain, this will be followed by 53 minutes of filtered sunlight".  Why can't we expect this of our weather persons? We wouldn't want our doctor to tell us that the medicine he was prescribing would be likely to possibly, partly, help cure us.  We wouldn't accept an architect who told us that the height of the building we had commissioned would vary from 45 to 55 feet depending on the amount of sunshine during the day.  Yup, it'd be fun to be a weatherman, I have practiced.  I came up with the following forecast for tomorrow--Sunny, unless there are clouds, it'll be warm, unless it snows, chance of showers unless it's dry.  I'd be a great weatherman, I just need to learn a little more.  I'm not quite sure what causes wind but I do think its the trees waving around that causes it.

If I can't be a weatherman, I think I'd like to be a taste tester at the Godiva Chocolate factory or maybe the tester at the Sealy Mattress factory or at the Lazy Boy plant, think of it, getting paid to nap!  Of course, I'd never be able to sleep at night if I took a professional napper job, if I went to work for Godiva, I'd soon weigh more than Ethopia and being a weatherman would probably mean having the dogs set on me wherever I went.  On second thought, I think I'll just continue doing what I'm doing.

Thought for the week--"Sure, everyone always said, 'Socrates, what is the meaning of life?' or 'Socrates, how can I find happiness?  Did anyone say, "Socrates, Hemlock is poison!

Until next week, may you and yours be happy and well.

whittle12124@yahoo.com  

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

THE CATSKILL GEOLOGISTS BY PROFESSORS ROBERT AND JOHANNA TITUS A Glacier Atop Kaaterskill Falls

Scientific research always begins with finding the evidence. The two of us know that; after all we have done a lot of research over the years. But let’s tell you something about that. Every so often the evidence tells you something that is uncomfortable – something just doesn’t feel exactly right. But if that is what the evidence tells you, then  it is what it is.

We thought these sorts of things recently at the very top of Kaaterskill Falls. It’s been dry lately and so we took the opportunity to take a good look at the stratified rocks that are up there but usually underwater. Take a look at our photo. That’s a close-up view of a pebble buried inside the old sandstone that’s at the very top of the falls. That’s nice and it is something that we see a lot. This pebble came to be buried with all the surrounding sand of this sandstone. That was perhaps 380 million years ago. But notice that the top of the pebble has been shaved off. That gives it a flat top and that flat top lies exactly at the level of the surrounding rock. That is so unlikely – and it’s unlikely on two levels. First, pebbles should not have flat tops; they should be rounded. Also, at least some of that pebble should rise above the level of that bedrock. And it all got worse; we looked around and found at least three more of these shaved off pebbles.

                                               

This was, indeed, unusual; it needed some explanation. Well, we are pros, we knew right away what we were looking at. In fact, we have written about this sort of thing before. These pebbles have, indeed, been planed off. That was during the Ice Age when a glacier passed across this surface. The advancing ice sheared off the upper halves of each pebble. We stood up and looked downstream. We traveled back through time and watched as a glacier rose up from below us. It slowly approached and we had to turn to our left and climb uphill to get out of its way. We turned again and watched it pass by, heading towards today’s South Lake. Along the way, it was doing that damage to our pebbles.

What an experience this was; it’s something that only a geologist could do. But we felt uncomfortable about this. We looked again. We were there on a warm and sunny late summer day. Glaciers just seemed like such unlikely events. But – there was the evidence, lying at our feet. 

Contact the authors at randjtitus@prodigy.net. Join their facebook page “The Catskill Geologist.” Read their blogs at “thecatskillgeologist.com.”

                                           

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Wet Plate Photography Workshop With Mark Burnham at the Headwaters Arts Center Sept. 13

STAMFORD — In this specialized workshop, Mark Burnham will offer students a rare opportunity to dive into the captivating world of wet plate photography. The five-hour workshop will take place on Saturday, September 13, 10a–3p at Headwaters Arts Center in Stamford. The workshop is offered with tiered equity pricing at $50–$125. 

Originating in the 19th century, wet plate photography is one of the earliest forms of photography. From making wet plates, to creating long, slow exposures this workshop will give participants an in-depth, hands-on experience with the core processes of the wet plate technique.

No previous photography experience is necessary and all participants will have the opportunity to make multiple beautiful and unique images to take home. All materials are included. There are only four spots available, so those interested should register early to avoid disappointment.

Mark Burnham, a lifelong photography enthusiast, has mastered the art of wet plate collodion photography through study with experts John Coffer at Camp Tintype and Lisa Elmaleh at the Penumbra Foundation, NYC. Crafting numerous plates in his Roxbury, NY studio, Mark's work combines historical techniques with a personal artistic vision.

This event is sponsored by Margaretville Telephone Company. All programs offered by the Roxbury Arts Group are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the NYS Legislature, the A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Foundation, the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation, The Community Foundation for South Central New York, the Tianaderrah Foundation, The Delaware National Bank of Delhi, and individual supporters.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

“IF IT’S LATE SUMMER, THIS MUST BE…” The Sugar Maples Pottery Festival

Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts in the hamlet of Maplecrest, town of Windham, held its 9th Annual Pottery Festival, recently, drawing hundreds of visitors over two days and artisans from throughout the Northeast. Serving as hosts were director Kulvinder Kaur Dhew (center), head of ceramics Bruce Denhert right) and intern Riley Walzer who, in his artistry says, “I am always thinking of water and earth interacting,” such as rain eroding cliffsides or sand and gravel at the bottom of a river bed. The festival is popular because “people are interested in good, quality handmade items,” Denhert said. “Working with clay is about being in touch with the earth and getting that ‘Aha’ moment.”

Susan Beecher was present in spirit if not in person, founding the event over a decade ago before lately moving to the West Coast while serving as mentor to scores of burgeoning potters including Flo Gillen (left) and Tess Charbonneau. Gillen is a self-described “retired computer nerd living in a converted barn known as the Jewett Branch of the Jeff Shapiro Museum and Amusement Park,” being an avid collector of the internationally known potter. “I like anthills and termite mounds,” Gillen says, explaining the piece she holds, topped with a President Trump penthouse. Gillen also crafted the mask held by Charbonneau who lives within an easy bike ride of the Sugar Maples studio and is an ardent pottery practitioner. Beecher, as a teacher, is “welcoming and sweet,” Charbonneau says. “We love her dearly.”

A sea theme was expressed by Patrica Kerns with her octopus, seahorse and fish. Kerns and her husband Bob operated Kerns Nursery in the town of Jewett for 45 years. She is now opening Greyrock Gallery, Greenhouse & Gardens on October 10 for Columbus Day weekend at the same site, along Route 23C, featuring fine art, pottery, bonsai and house plants. The ceramic artistry of local artists Tess Charbonneau and Bob McAllister will be an ongoing presence at the new gallery. 

“To live in the modern era is to be enmeshed in Syncretics,” says Great Barrington, Massachusetts-based potter Harry Levenstein, a regular visitor to the festival. Syncretism blends different beliefs, cultures and schools of thought, finding an underlying unity and inclusiveness. “My work is inspired by traditional ceramic art forms across the globe,” Levenstein says.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

September 13 Unveiling at North Settlement Church

 

Welcoming walkway to the North Settlement Church, along Route 10 in the town of Ashland, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. A sign dedication ceremony is scheduled for September 13, at 11 a.m.

Francis Burns spent part of his youth in the North Settlement Church community, rising to historic levels in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Easter Sunday in the spring of 1957 when current North Settlement Church Restoration Committee members Dawn Thorp and Louise Lebrun were congregation children. Dawn is on the far left with her father, her head lowered. “I didn’t love my picture taken, even back then,” she says, laughing. Louise is in the front row, on the far right. 

By Michael Ryan

ASHLAND - It’s just a building but then again it is so much more for North Settlement Church restoration committee members who are hosting a special plaque dedication, this coming weekend.

The sign, which will be unveiled on Saturday, September 13, at 11 a.m., is a tad tardy in arriving, announcing that the little chapel along Greene County Route 10 is on the National Registry of Historic Places.

That particular notoriety happened in 1976, fifty years ago, but time passes differently in the spiritual realm, and the timing actually couldn’t be better.

North Settlement Church is having its 200th birthday in 2026 with another celebration already being planned, and that isn’t yet the whole story.

This rural community, where the church rose in the hills high above the town of Ashland, was the childhood home of Francis Burns.

Thirty-two years after the House of Worship was constructed, Burns was ordained the first missionary bishop in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

And while in today’s world the ordination might attract scant attention, it was no ordinary situation, occurring shortly before the Civil War.In a Rootsweb history of the church, it is written that, “Francis Burns was an [African American] boy of eight, living in Albany, when a North Settlement farmer named Bennett Atwood saw him and was impressed.”

The history, collectively authored by Paula Scarey, Margaret Mulford and Dawn Thorp, further states, “Atwood convinced the boy’s parents that he should be bound over to Atwood to work on his farm.

“Francis came under the special tutelage of the local school-mistress, the daughter of a Baptist clergyman, who taught him the beginnings of the ways and requirements of religious faith,” the history states.

“This Christian upbringing was soon continued by the Methodist society. As time wore on, a camp-meeting was being held on the farm of Arad Lewis, near, or a little west of North Settlement Church,” the history states.

“It was at this camp-meeting that young Burns experienced religion. He earnestly sought Christ at this place,” the history states.

“As Burns himself told it, he knelt down by an old stump and earnestly plead with the Savior to speak peace to his soul,” the history states.

Burns went on to become the first African-American bishop in the Methodist Episcopal Church, prompting the history writers to state, “for a little country church, [North Settlement] certainly has a lot to be proud of.”

It is a feeling that continues to inspire restoration committee members such as Thorp and Louise Lebrun, who like Burns, grew up in the embracing shadow of the North Settlement Church steeple.

“We went to church there every Sunday, and we all used to be cutups in Sunday School, so now we have to pay back,” Thorp says, smiling.

There are many, deeply emotional reasons to pay homage to the church and its faithful congregation. “This building was built in 1826 by the members of a Methodist society formed in 1805 under the guidance of the Rev. Seth Crowell,” the history states.

“In the latter part of the year 1856, the inhabitants thought the old edifice must be re-erected or else they could not have service in it, on account of its old and decayed condition,” the history states.

Resolving to restore the church, a committee of three was named, raising $900 for the heavenly task, completing a “nice comfortable edifice “and starting a tradition of devotion that continues two centuries hence.

“Whenever I walk in the church, I think of the many generations who have done the same,” Thorp says. “We are all part of this beautiful church.”

 

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Greene County Dept. of Human Services Volunteer Spotlight - Anthony De Santis

This quarter, we shine our Volunteer Spotlight on Anthony DeSantis. Anthony has been volunteering for Greene County for more than six years, delivering meals to homebound seniors and as a Friendly Neighbor volunteer. During the pandemic, Anthony also delivered masks and other items to seniors. A familiar friendly face throughout all of Greene County, Anthony selflessly shares his time and talents improving the lives of those around him.

About volunteering, Anthony had this to say: “I deliver meals because there is a need for our seniors to have access to help and companionship. Not everyone has family or friends nearby and not every family has the time or bandwidth to make sure their loved ones have a daily meal. I do whatever I can in the time I have with them. Many times, I’m asked to help re-set a clock, lift something heavy, put something together, or do small chores. In winter I often shovel or salt enough so that other meals delivery people can get to a door and continue to ensure that everyone can get their meal. All these things I am happy to do. Connecting with and contributing to members of our community is everyone’s responsibility as well as an opportunity to learn and grow. I don’t deliver meals for the government or any organizations. I do it for the seniors who paved the way for all of us. It’s the right thing to do and it helps maintain the fabric of our community. I love my meal recipients.”

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

13th Annual Postcard Show - Saturday, Sept. 20th

HAINES FALLS — The Mountain Top Historical Society of Greene County presents the 13th Annual Postcard Show with John Duda, September 20, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the MTHS’s Ulster & Delaware Train Station, 5132 Route 23A, Haines Falls.

Peruse through hundreds of postcards produced over many many decades! The MTHS will also be selling ephemera from its attic in a special sale. Vendors contact John Duda at johnalmathduda@gmail.com.

The Mountain Top Historical Society mission is to discover, preserve, interpret, and share the Greene County Mountain Top’s unique history, culture and geology with residents as well as visitors from around the world. The mission is reflected on our website, www.mths.org, our Facebook page and our Instagram account where we share the latest information about our programming, hikes and archival activities.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Ashland Speaks

By Lula Anderson

Chilly mornings, sunny afternoons.  Perfect fall weather.  Several areas have seen their first frost, luckily I still haven't been hit.  I covered my tomatoes last night, brought in my houseplants, and prepped.  My tomatoes are coming in nicely.  Everyday I pick and cook down.  Don't want to take any chances on losing them now.  The leaves at the top on Jewett Mountain are starting to change.  The maple in front of the Presbyterian Church is beautiful.  Hope everything slows down for a month.  It's not uncommon to have frost this early.  When I had a huge garden, the first frost was always predicted around September 9th.  We've just been spoiled the past few years.  

Decorated the Senior Hall yesterday for the fall season.  Mixed feelings about that.  Many came to the meeting dressed in their fall colors, while some still are trying to hang on to summer.  The Orrens brought the cutest cookies.  The refreshments are starting to take on a cold weather theme.  Our next meeting will be on September 22.  Come join us.  The Department of Aging and Human Services will be having a Senior Autumn Outing at the CD Lane Park on September 19 from 10 until 3.  There will be food, games, music and corn hole.  Call 518-263-4392 by September 18th to reserve.  Suggested meal contribution is $4.  We don't want to lose our food services during this rough patch.  Please help support them.

Last week was Labor Day and I wonder when it became "just another weekend."  I remember when my sister and I used to plan months in advance to set up our booth at the Masonic Lodge.  We had so many friends surrounding  us.  We sold handmade dolls, aprons, baked goods.  Now it costs a small fortune to reserve a spot, plus insurance—the last time I went I didn't even make enough to cover the costs.  Even that has become commercialized.  

We've lamented the loss of handmade items, and the danger of losing "old fashioned" skills.  The number of women who get together to sew and quilt has dwindled, and sometimes I feel that it's a lost art.  Do you know that there is still a group that meets weekly to quilt?  They are the Patchworkers, and they have been around since 1973 ,  They welcome anyone who wants to learn to quilt or who has an unfinished project.  On Saturday, October 11 they will be having a quilt show at the Senior Center/Ambulance Building from 10 - 4.  There will be a show, sale and raffle quilts, dream baskets and more .  $3.00 admission with proceeds going to Greene County Wonen's League. I'll remind you again closer to the date.

Prayers and get well wishes to Eric Towse, Greg Beckmann and so many of our friends who are suffering from tick borne illness this year.  Every time I go someplace, I hear of someone else who has tested positive for one of the many strains of tick bites.

AS I REMEMBER IT

I was speaking to someone the other day, and she said she was trying to get her daughter ready for school.  She said it was a burden on her daily schedule as she had to walk her to the bus stop in the morning, then pick her up in the afternoon.  No, this daughter isn't in elementary school, she's 14 and still can't get on and off the bus by herself.  When I was 14, my father got a call from Milton Brandow saying his wife Ruth was sick and they needed someone to help out around the house.  That included taking care of the children, making sure they got to school and do light housework.  I went to live with the Brandow family during the week, went to school myself, and made sure that the house ran smoothly.  I got to go home on weekends when Milton was home from work.  From that time on, it was one job after another until I got work with the telephone company.

I didn't know anyone who didn't work someplace from the time they were 14 and could get working papers.  Girls worked as waitresses, or chambermaids, kitchen help or babysitting.  Boys generally did farm work, whether at home or for a local farmer.  When the ski slopes opened, everyone got a job whether making snow, manning the lifts for working inside bussing tables.  

We all grew up learning to cook and take care of a house.  Not so much the boys, but they knew enough to get by.  First one home started supper, then cleared the table and washed the dishes after.  Chores were done.

Now it's hard to find anyone young who is given any responsibility.  Cooking is becoming a rare art with takeout dinners gaining popularity.  We never had a place to buy dinner,  I read where dishwashers are becoming a luxury, many opting not to get one. The few forks needed to eat take out doesn't pay to put in the washer.  Gone are the hours of meal planning, and cooking together.  It's grab and go in many households.  No family time, no communication except through text messages.

I never felt my youth was taken from me when I had to go to work.   I learned how to care for others, I learned to appreciate my family.  I do hope things change back.

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Barefoot in the Park Oct. 10-12 at MATH

HUNTER — What better way to spend a three-day weekend than leaf peeping during the day in the Great Northern Catskills, and taking in a live theater production of Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park when the sun sets Oct. 10-12?

Maude Adams Theater Hub brings the classic comedy of newlyweds crammed into a tiny Manhattan apartment with little furniture and a leaky roof--will their love stand the test of an intrusive neighbor, a nosey mother and a trip to Staten Island? Set in the mid-sixties, MATH's production is redolent with all the great accoutrements of the decade, transporting the audience via sets, costumes, and music to a time when people married a bit before they really got to know each other's quirks. 

Starring as Corrie Bratter, the bride with big ideas of what happily ever after should look like, is Ashley Hill, most recently seen in Columbia County Player's summer hit production of As You LIke It, where she played Phoebe, a much more reluctant spouse. Ashley also brilliantly portrayed multiple parts in MATH's July production of Disney's The Little Mermaid. 

Suiting up as her law-career aspiring husband is Jacob Shipley, who also serves as MATH's Associate Creative Director, and directed the sell-out production of Sam Shephard's True West last March, and then took a turn as Prince Eric in Disney's The Little Mermaid this summer. 

Katrina Lantz, beloved trouper to many a local theater, steps into the shoes of the ominously named "Mother," and literally tears up the scenery with her impeccable comic timing. Her main foil, Victor Velasco, is played with enormous charm by Roger Dapiran, who is an associate producer of a The Voice Theater in Kingston. Rounding out the cast as "Telephone Man," is the tirelessly talented regional theater stalwart, Gary Falk, who makes the very most of his two short scenes. PLUS a special walk-on cameo by Leo Gilmore, last scene in True West in the Rounds.

There are three chances to catch this funny, brisk, and timeless play at the Doctorow Center for the Arts in Hunter, NY: Friday, October 10th at 7:00pm; Saturday, October 11th at 7:00pm; and Sunday, October 12th at 2:00pm. $25 general admission, $20 seniors/students, $30 at the door. Visit www.catskillmtn.org for tickets today!

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Cairo Public Library Hosting Poetry Workshop

 

By Jesse Angelino

CAIRO — The Cairo Public Library is set to host a poetry workshop, "16 Candids Poetry" led by local author Gabrielle Bettin, as part of the Writers and Poets grant program. The workshop, which begins on Monday September 8th, aims to provide a safe space for community members to express themselves through their writing.

Gabrielle, a Cairo native and graduate of Cairo-Durham High School, is a published author with a passion for discovering writers and poets from the area. Her book, "Thoughtless Poems of a Thoughtful Mind," debuted in 2023, showcasing her talent for weaving words into meaningful representation. Gabrielle's goal for the workshop is to help participants tap into their creative potential and  connect members with others through their writing.

"I feel there are two parts of ourselves, the part that is practical and the part that is imaginative," Gabrielle explains. "I want to show others how to bridge the two in an understanding environment." By exploring different writing styles, such as Haiku and epistolary, participants will learn how to journal and record their thoughts and experiences for their art.

The workshop will meet weekly from 6-8 PM, starting on September 8th and running until December 29th, with a brief hiatus on October 27th. Attendees will have the opportunity to write and read their own materials, receive inspiration from well-known poets, and explore their own values for writing styles.

Corinne Tatavitto, Cairo librarian, emphasizes the importance of providing a secure space for participants to present themselves. "We would like to give members of our community a  non-judgmental place to show themselves through their works," she says.

Gabrielle's experience as a writer and her passion for branching out to others through poetry make her the perfect facilitator for this workshop. By attending similar events, such as the "All Things Good" festival in Sullivan County, Gabrielle has seen firsthand the merit of associating with others who share in her interests. "Meeting other poets is a very informative experience, and I want that opportunity to exist in my community," she says.

The poetry workshop is open to all,  regardless of their writing experience. Whether you're a seasoned poet or just starting out, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to connect with others and tap into your literary potential.

For more information about the workshop, please contact the Cairo Public Library. Don't miss this chance to explore  and learn with like-minded individuals from your own locale!

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD

Jen Schwartz

WINDHAM — Briars & Brambles Bookstore with Jen Schwartz joined the podcast to talk books, Windham, books, Main Street Community Center, books, and more books. 7 years ago, Jen found herself in need of a new book to read while at her home on Windham Mountain and quickly realized there was not only nothing in town, but there were no options even at a reasonable drive! Well one thing leads to another and within a few months the lease was signed and the boxes of books began flowing in. It did not take long for people to catch on to this new addition to Windham and new clubs, programs, and projects around reading, authors, and art have followed ever since. One of these projects, amidst Covid no less, was the birth of the Main Street Community Center (see our first ever podcast featuring the executive director Sadhbh Aborn). Jen, alongside a few other like minded individuals, took advantage of an opportunity on a building right on main street in Windham and put together a 501c3 that has since served so many people of the town and surrounding areas. The value of both the book store and the community center can not be overstated and have lead to other community focused projects (including the Hear Here podcast). The bookstore is and will continue to be a hub of knowledge, discussion, and encouragement to everyone who sets foot inside! Remember to shop locally, those dollars kept in small businesses in our town keep our friends and families employed! Listen to the Hear Here Podcast featuring  Jen Schwartz on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

 

Remember to Subscribe!

Subscription Options

One Year $50.00 USD Six Months $30.00 USD One Year with Insider Newsletter $75.00 USD