Oakley’s Woodfire Pizza and Grill Ushers in New Ownership and a Weekend of Holiday Cheer

By Robert Brune

ARKVILLE - Oakley’s Woodfire Pizza and Grill in Arkville is prepared to make the holiday weekend magical this holiday season, welcoming the community with fresh energy, expanded offerings, and a full weekend of Christmas celebrations. New owners Vincent Navarra and George Grishaj have taken the reins with a clear vision rooted in hospitality, connection, and creating a space where neighbors and visitors feel equally at home.

“Oakleys is proud to begin an exciting new chapter under new ownership, built on a genuine love for the community and a commitment to creating a clean, welcoming, and inviting place for everyone to eat, drink, and gather,” Navarra shared in a statement. The restaurant’s motto, “Oakleys, where stories are made,” reflects the atmosphere the new owners are working to cultivate, one centered on comfort, conversation, and shared experiences.

Since taking ownership, Navarra and Grishaj have focused on practical improvements that enhance both dining and nightlife. Oakley’s is now open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with the full menu available late into the evening. This change allows guests to linger without feeling rushed, whether they are enjoying dinner with friends or stopping in after a local event.

Another noticeable addition will be the enclosed outdoor dining area, designed for year-round use. The space offers flexibility for casual meals as well as private parties and special events, giving the community a new option for celebrations of all kinds. Construction begins this winter.   Oakley’s has also expanded its reach with full catering services and a complete bar, bringing its wood fired favorites and welcoming vibe beyond the restaurant walls.

Navarra emphasized that behind the scenes improvements have been just as important. Streamlined operations and better flow in the kitchen have addressed past frustrations, including long waits. “We’ve made improvements to ensure better flow, faster service, and consistent quality,” he said, adding that the goal is to build something lasting for Arkville.

Community engagement is a central part of that mission, especially as local businesses increasingly collaborate with nonprofits and one another to strengthen the regional economy. This Friday at Art Up gallery in Margaretville, Oakley’s will donate pizza pies and a platter as part of the holiday festivities, reinforcing its commitment to giving back. This opening reception titled ‘Wanted’ is a large group exhibition celebrating local artists. 

The holiday spirit will be on full display throughout the weekend as Oakley’s joins Mornings Cafe, Union Grove Distillery, the Catskills Recreation Center, and the Arkville Fire Department in hosting special events. The Fire Department’s Christmas tree lighting and breakfast with Santa will kick off the celebrations from 8 to 11 am.

On Sunday, December 21, Oakley begins with Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 11 am, followed by an afternoon and evening holiday party from 4 to 10 pm. Santa will be on hand throughout the festivities, along with a bonfire, free hot chocolate, photo opportunities, holiday themed drinks, and plenty of seasonal cheer.

Music will set the tone all weekend long, with John Crispino, known locally as DJ Froggy, spinning festive tunes from Friday through Sunday. “I’ve been working over the past week on putting together an upbeat Christmas playlist for the coming weekend for the Arkville Holiday Party,” Crispino said.

Looking beyond the holidays, Oakley’s is already planning ahead. Summer will bring an ambitious live music lineup, and even larger events are in development for 2026. For now, Navarra and Grishaj invite the community to stop in, celebrate the season, and experience what Oakley’s Woodfire Pizza and Grill is becoming, a place where good food, good company, and community spirit come together.

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A Conversation about Light Pollution

By Jean Thomas

I recently discussed the built-in hunger for light we develop at this time of year, and how lighting up our world in the darkest days is a comfort to us. And then I realized that there was a flip side to that particular coin, as with everything.

In our quest to remake the world in what we think is an improved version, we have in many cases gone to extremes and meddled with what was already a pretty good balance. Humans happily invented a little thing called light pollution. “What's wrong with making everything brighter?” you may ask. 

The easy answer is that all that light interferes with the life cycles of countless plants and animals... including humans. There are people living today who have never seen a naturally dark sky, complete with stars and moon and comets and even satellites. Their environment is always lit with artificial light in the name of progress. Tinkering with light is a useful tool for the farmer and greenhouse grower because they can adjust a plant's natural growth cycle to fit the wants of artificial “harvests” to suit holidays around the world. The key problem with all of the progress is the unintended side effects. Native plants suffer when their normal cycle is severely and abruptly changed, a cycle evolved over millenia. The domino effect sets in, altering the lives of the insects, birds, and animals that depend on each other for a seasonal pattern of birth, nutrition and growth. 

The form of light pollution that we think of with that specific term, however, is the loss of access to the “normal” night sky. Many of us live in urban and suburban areas, where safety and the public good  mandate much lighting and over longer hours. Once the street lights were only lighted for certain limited hours, but now everybody travels everywhere whenever they like... and demands lighting. It's actually difficult to just go outside  to take a break and stargaze peacefully. Instead of a respite, it becomes a chore. And if you're interested in the Aurora Borealis or the Perseid Showers or learning about the signs of the Zodiac or showing a kid how to find the North Star like you did when you were a kid yourself, it becomes a road trip.

When I was writing about the need for light around this time of year, I should have thought a little deeper. One of the most healing things we can do when we are caught up in the frantic activity of the holidays is grab a coat and step away from the “modern” world into the crisp clarity of a black night sparkling with tiny lights. Just stand and look up. And wait. Often it's either dead silent or there are the soft noises of the wildlife, and maybe a gentle breeze. The nagging problems drop away briefly and you can get a deep breath, both physically and emotionally. This may be harder to do as you near “civilization”, but worth the effort. 

For a remarkable look at the world at night and our interaction with light and the lack thereof, I have been following an amazing podcaster, writer and photographer named John Bulmer. His “Field Guide to the Night” covers humanity's relationship to the night from the beginning of Man, through to the scientific reasons for protecting the night from too much “progress.” Take a look at his work online  at Johnbulmerphotography.com.   If you have comments or suggestions for future columns, contact me at jeanthepipper@duck.com 

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THE CATSKILL GEOLOGISTS BY PROFESSORS ROBERT AND JOHANNA TITUS - Remembering Larry Rickard – By Robert Titus

   New York State has long boasted an abundance of highly regarded geologists. That dates back to the early 19th Century with the establishment of the New York State Museum and its Geological Survey. Generations of outstanding geologists have worked there. Their research has contributed substantially to our science. That is especially true of my branches of the science – paleontology and stratigraphy. 

                                         

   I have recently learned of the death, at age 99, of one of the best of them. That was Dr. Lawrence Rickard. He was “Larry” to everyone who knew him. Larry was a stratigrapher and a paleontologist. He studied not just the fossils of New York State but the stratified rocks that those fossils are found in. I first met Larry in 1972 when I was a member of a team of paleontologists who were studying a rock unit called the Trenton Limestone in the Black River Valley. I was finishing up my doctoral dissertation at that time. Larry and his close friend, the late Dr. Don Fisher, invited us to the museum to present our findings. That wasn’t enough; they wanted to have us lead a field trip to where we were doing our work. They showed real interest in our studies. This was quite the thrill for a young paleontologist. I got to give a lecture at a major museum and then go out to guide some experienced experts into the field. But it was also a very challenging moment. How would these two recognized professionals react to the efforts of a true newcomer? It’s fair to say that both Larry and Don were towering figures in their fields. But there wasn’t an ounce of arrogance in either of them. Larry and Don made me more than welcome; they made sure I knew that they were supportive of this young man’s work. That was a real help at the dawn of a career in science.

   Larry did a lot of geology in his three decades at the State Museum. He is probably best remembered for his work in another fossil rich limestone – The Helderberg Limestone. Larry and the State Museum published a full-length book about the Helderberg. That’s shown in our second illustration. Catchy title, don’t you think? Well, this was, and is, important science. Larry’s work has long been thought of as being the definitive and groundbreaking study of an important sequence of stratified rock dating back to an important time in the history of the evolution of life. 

   He and I had something in common. His Helderberg Limestone took him back to a rich seafloor ecology about 400 million years ago. My Trenton Limestone took me to a similar but much older time at about 450 million years. We would go on to be colleagues and friends for decades to come. Larry read and enjoyed our columns. I am so sorry that he is gone. I am so glad that he lived the life that he did.

                                          

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

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Whittling Away with Dick Brooks - Christmas Smell

Christmas just doesn’t smell like it used to.  My nose doesn’t work as good as it once did due to having used it as a bumper on several occasions but if I sniff really hard—Christmas just doesn’t smell like it used to.  My Mother used to make gingerbread men at Christmas.  We’d help decorate them at the kitchen table.  That gingerbread scent sticks in my mental nose, now that’s a holiday smell!  Slice and bake chocolate chip cookies just don’t have the same aroma.  I’ve tried snorting molasses and nutmeg that I’d put in a pan in the oven but it just didn’t work.  Mom would make a bunch of round gingerbread cookies too and frost them with green frosting.  It was a really odd shade of green but it smelled and tasted great.  Mothers are good people.

We usually had ham for Christmas dinner, frequently ham that I had slopped for a year before and had helped haul to Schmidt’s Butcher Shop to have smoked.  Christmas afternoon was a baked ham smell, mingled with hot pie aroma.  Relatives would arrive, each bringing a new smell with them, some good—some not so good.  The kids went out to play in the snow while the adults got into the Morgan David.  Time to eat meant the kids coming in, bringing the smell of wet wool and damp snow pacs to mingle with the grape scent of the wine.  The food was brought out and the aroma level rose to a crescendo of sniffability.  

We still have family on Christmas, the warmth and laughter is there.  There are good things to eat, everyone brings dishes to share.  We still gather around the tree and look at presents.  The family musicians gather around the piano and fill the air with the sounds of the season.  There’s cocoa and cookies, all the sights and sounds are there and I appreciate each and every one.  The smells are good but not as distinctive as they once were.  It would be wonderful to once more sniff Christmas through a younger nose.

I’d like to wish each and every one of you a merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy, healthy New Year.  I hope you make many warm new memories to add to your collection.  If you spend the season alone, may the memories of Christmases past make you smile.  

Thought for the week—“Remember the real reason for this holy season, it’ll make you feel even better”.

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

Whittle12124@yahoo.com 

      

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Haymarket Blends Necessaries and Niceties

Your table awaits at Haymarket where proprietor Anne Stowell has blended the everyday and elegant, filling a one stop shopping and sit-a-spell gap in the community. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting hosted by the Windham Chamber of Commerce is planned for the near future.

Sabrina Morales welcomes customers to Haymarket. The new business has five employees including some who can walk to work.

Bill of Fare includes an inviting array of coffees along with sandwiches, soups and salads including vegan, vegetarian and gluten free selections. Necessities and specialty goods are also available.

Haymarket is located in a side door entranceway at the former Methodist Church on Main Street in the hamlet of Hensonville.

By Michael Ryan

HENSONVILLE - The reason for gathering within its walls has changed but the former Methodist Church in the hamlet of Hensonville is similarly welcoming to Haymarket, a new cafe and provider of provisions.

Generations of worshippers have gracefully given way to seekers of daily bread (and eggs and milk) as well as, ahem, un-sinful dalliances.

Opening this past autumn, a growing number of regulars are spreading the word about the side door entranceway, at the back of the chapel, which in the not too distant past also served as a workout center.

It is now the stuff of proprietor Anne Stowell’s dreams, offering a breakfast and lunch cafe (seating 45 clients at nine tables), a coffee bar and large coolers and neat shelves stocked with necessities and niceties.

“I’ve always wanted to do a business like this, maybe not this large, but I fell in love with the space,” say Stowell, who, with her husband Jesse Schifano, moved fulltime to the mountains five years ago.

“I imagined a business with all the things I like,” Stowell says, smiling. “It was really important to me to create a place where people could congregate and fill a gap in the community.”

Haymarket, therefore, is an, “accessibly priced market that is unique and interesting,” Stowell says, offering Potters Table Bakery goods, Family Farmstead mountaintop cheeses, mini brie wheels and hibiscus tea.

Perusing the remodeled shop, designed by Catskill Architect’s Liz Saunier and crafted by Kip O’Hara Contracting in Prattsville, browsers find Divina fig spread, jams, crackers, honey and Hudson Harvest maple syrup.

There are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free choices alongside Albacore tuna in olive oil, smoked rainbow trout, Queen Majesty hot sauces, Hardwick Beef, See and Be Kitchen breads and donuts.

Breakfast is served from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., sharing bacon & eggs mixtures, turkey and chicken salad sandwiches soups, specials and much more, respectively.

“This will be our first winter season, with everybody out there skiing, but we are really encouraged by the first few months. Coloring and crayons are part of our schtick. We are very kid friendly,” says Stowell.

Haymarket is open five days a week (closed Tuesday & Wednesday) with expanded hours during the holidays (closed Christmas and New Years Day). Phone (518) 943-2963 or visit haymarketcatskills.com
for info.

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Free Community Dinner Brings Mountaintop Neighbors Together to Address Food Sustainability

WINDHAM — More than fifty Mountaintop residents gathered last Monday night at the Windham VFW for a free community dinner aimed at raising awareness about the growing food sustainability crisis in our region. Sponsored by the Greene County Food Security Coalition and Stronger Together, in partnership with the Windham VFW, the evening was a powerful reminder of what can happen when neighbors come together.

Guests enjoyed a delicious, thoughtfully prepared meal by Chef John Parslow, assisted by dedicated local volunteers who donated their time and energy to make the evening welcoming and meaningful. The dinner was about more than food—it was about connection, dignity, and ensuring that everyone in our community feels supported.

In rural areas like the Mountaintop, isolation, rising costs, and limited access to resources make food insecurity an increasing concern. Events like this demonstrate that the best way to address a growing crisis is simple and time-honored: good people showing up for one another. Neighbor helping neighbor remains our strongest tool.

This free community dinner is intended to serve as a model as organizers look toward hosting more gatherings like it—bringing people together, feeding those that need a good meal, and continuing the conversation around food access and sustainability on the Mountaintop.

The organizers extend heartfelt thanks to the many supporters who made this event possible: Main Street Market, Main Street Community Center, Windham Chamber of Commerce, the Bruderhof Community, the Golden Age Club, Windham Rotary Foundation, WRIP, The Mountain Eagle, Mountain Top Progressive, Windham Arts Alliance, the Mountaintop Interfaith Community, Hensonville Hose Company, and Windham Hose Company and the local pantries.

At its heart, this evening was a reminder that community is built one meal, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time. When we gather around a shared table, we are not only feeding bodies—we are strengthening the bonds that sustain us all.

Need Food Assistance?  If you or anyone you know could use help with food access please reach out to the Main Street Community Center-518-734-4168 –hello@mainstreetcenter.org  or  contact Jonathan Gross directly at 914-523-3766. All inquiries are confidential.  We are here to help our community.

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TOWN GOVERNMENT HOLIDAY SEASON MERRIMENT - No “Scrooges” in Windham & Ashland

Ashland photos by Ritva Babcock

Duties were deservedly dropped when town of Windham workers and spouses celebrated the holiday season. Among those on hand for the annual party were (front) Lisa Jaeger (planning board), (middle, left to right) Sandra Allen (planning board secretary), Jane Ohl (wife of Ed Ohl, highway department), Amanda Jones (bookkeeper), Jessica Leto (account clerk), Karen Matteo (court clerk) and (back, left to right) Patty Brennan (accountant) and Cindy Nelson (waving, bookkeeper).

Windham police department was joyfully represented by (seated) police administrator Mike Hart and (standing left to right) police chief Richard Selner with officers Peter Varelas and Steve Bence.

Having a bit of fun with the camera angle in Windham were Kurt Goettsche (far left, town councilman), Ed Ohl (far right, highway department) and a trio of husbands in-between including (second left to second right) Brandon Terrill (hubby to public library staffer Rachel Terrill), Jeff Gonzalez (the other half to public library staffer Serena Gonzalez) and Mickey Begley (Mr. Right to public library director Candy Begley).

Special Recognition was afforded the Tompkins brothers (left) Richard and Larry for their generations of public service to the citizens of Ashland. The American Flag “plaques” are crafted from wood by Jake Lacombe, noting the multiple town positions and accomplishments of the two men.

Town of Ashland came out in full force for their annual party led by (seated, left to right) community matriarch and patriarch Patricia and Bob Ferris.

The glue that holds the Ashland town offices together (right) administrative assistant/ambulance administrator Diane Cross and administrative aide/EMT Heather Younes (middle, with husband Jeremie Younes). Not shown is town clerk/tax collector Dawn Thorp.

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H-T Falls to Stamford-Jefferson

Stamford-Jefferson’s McKenna Hoty drives the ball downcourt.

Hunter-Tannersville’s Abigail Dwon pivots to keep the ball out of the reach of Stamford-Jefferson’s Kaitlyn Stoutenburg.

Lily Constable concentrates before letting a free throw fly. With three three-pointers and three points on foul shots, Constable led Hunter-Tannersville in scoring, with 14 total points.

One of the referees indicates a basket as the half-time buzzer sounds, the shot, a long three-pointer for Stamford-Jefferson thrown by Emily Eklund.

Emily Eklund is all smiles as her team gets off the bench to congratulate her for a successful three-point buzzer beater, giving Stamford-Jefferson a 46-22 half-time lead. Photos by Scott Keidong.

Stamford-Jefferson’s Tierney Turner drives the ball downcourt.

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Red Barn Riders RC Helping to Save the Holidays

By LJ James

GREENE COUNTY — When I started planning out this story, I had a completely different direction in mind. I had heard about a family in our community that suffered a devastating fire and lost everything. A family that any help would be greatly appreciated. (More info at https://gofund.me/b482920cc ) I was going to focus on that one horrible incident, but then I heard about another, and another. 

The reason I kept hearing about these stories is I am a member a group called Red Barn Riders RC. We are an AMA, 501c3 charity Riding Club. All year long we are helping people in the counties of Albany, Greene, Schoharie and beyond. While we mostly focus on the counties I mentioned, we do not limit ourselves and help out where we can. 

The Red Barn Riders RC was started by 5 men in the town of Medusa, these men worked on motorcycles out of a big "Red Barn". One day when they heard of people in need they stepped up to help out. When they heard of others in need after, they stepped up again. People would ask, "Who are you guys?", and at some point, the name Red Barn Riders was mentioned and it stuck.

The men then took the proper steps and in May of 2017 they became an official Riding Club, sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association. These original 5 members came together for the love of riding motorcycles, but soon they found another love… helping those in their community in need.

Over the years the group has grown, but the mission has stayed the same: ride motorcycles and help out where they can. 

I met the Red Barn Riders RC in the summer of 2021. Right off the bat I liked them (loved the name) and what they stood for. I started riding with them and helping out. In January of 2022 I became an official member.

In the years I have been with them, I have worked with them to help so many different people, for so many different reasons. We have done so many things, but I remember the thing that really got me was my first holiday season as a member. We were helping families make sure their children had the gifts they wanted on Christmas morning. 

When you experience the feeling of helping out people that are genuinely appreciative, you get a feeling that gives you a "high" better than anything you can imagine. You become hooked on that feeling and you want more.

Imagine that a bunch of bikers hooked on the rush that they get from helping others. I can't think of any better way to spend your time. We as a group have found that there are so many people in need in our area.

We do four of our own events each year, and lend assistance to many others. We also do 3 Bike Nights during the summer, at the Blackthorne Resort in East Durham. We do these events to raise money, so we can continue to help others in our communities.

One of my favorite quotes is by Margaret Meed… "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,  committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has."  Now, Red Barn Riders RC have not changed the world (yet), but we have helped change the lives of many in our area. 

Now I don't write this article to pat the members of Red Barn Riders RC on the back. We get plenty of accolades all year long. I write this story hoping it will inspire others to step up and help out as well. 

Many times, the reason people do not step up to help out is because the problems out there seem too numerous. I can tell you often the biggest thing you can do, especially during the holiday season, is to help out just one person/family. I promise you the feeling you will get is amazing; but be careful because it is addicting and you may find yourself wanting to help out people all the time. 

For more information about the Red Barn Riders RC, or to look for a cause to help out with, go to RedBarnRiders.org.

I am LJ James and I will see you "Around The Mountain"

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Ashland Speaks

By Lula Anderson

The big countdown has started.  Christmas is almost here.  I'm so far behind this year, the hurrier I go the behinder I get.  Making cookies, cookies and more cookies.  Tree lighting, Cookie Walk, refreshments for meetings.  Judy will be starting her cookies this week.  Tins and tins of cookies will be made for gifts, parties and just plain eating.  Still have tree to decorate, Why do we do so much in this short month?  

The ski slopes are all busy.  I have been suffering from "empty nest"  since my sons leave so early and don't come home until after dark.  No running back and forth, in and out.  Just when I get used to being alone, it'll be time for them to be home again.  

Between the cold and the wind, who wants to go out?  I get up several times during the night to check if my water has frozen.  I have one pipe that freezes when the wind blows, and that has been almost every night.  Heard Thursday it's supposed to be above freezing.  It'll be good to have "balmy" weather for a least one day.

We went to Catskill for the Greene County Advisory Board meeting Tuesday.  Not much happening with the end of the year upon us.  I just want to say that with all of the problems, we are very lucky up here.  We have two local food pantries, plus Greene Co Community Action visits Prattsville, plus delivers if you are a shut in. Hunter is home to the Community Refrigerator which has frozen meals donated by local restaurants, plus surplus food from many local businesses.  Kaaterskill UMC has Soup and fellowship every other Tuesday.  Plus the Greene Co Food Coalition with donations from so many local businesses plus the Windham Foundation and Catskill Mountain Foundation holding a free dinner, plus all that the foundations give to local groups.  We are truly blessed.  If you know of someone in need, tell someone, and help will be given.  

AS I REMEMBER IT

With the frigid weather and Christmas quickly approaching, I think back to my youth.  As I have told you I grew up on a farm with many relatives in the area.  Holidays were spent at various locations, but they all had family in common.  My favorite memories are the dinners at our house.  When it was cold and the ponds were frozen, my father would start preparing a great treat for our dessert.  He'd go down and chop ice from the pond and bring it in the house.  Fresh cream which had settled to the top on the milk jug would be put aside.  Fresh eggs would be tempered with the cream and put in the pot of the ice cream churn.  We had all the ingredients and the kids to turn the handle.  Ice and salt would be packed around the bowl, and the cover put on and we would all take turns cranking the handle.  It was tedious work, but we all knew what was coming out at the end.  The women would start putting out the cakes and pies and getting bowls out .  A final test, and yes, it's frozen enough to serve.  There's nothing like the taste of real ice cream made from your own animals.  I still love ice cream, but nothing could ever compare to fresh Christmas ice cream of days past.

As this will be the last column until after Christmas, Judy and I want to wish each one of you the Happiest of Holidays.  May your Christmas be blessed with family and friends and the peace of the season.  

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