A Lot to be Thankful For

Tonight is the 3rd night of Chanukah and Christmas and New Years are just around the corner. As I sit here, I think of all I am thankful for. Many of you know that a disaster was quite narrowly averted at our Main Street neighbor Upstate Karate of Mountaindale. Our good fortune was largely due to the time that the owner, Alexandra Lalieu, arrived at the studio to discover the early stages of smoke; the quick thinking of Ken Schmitt in shutting down the electricity and the amazing response time of the Mountaindale and Woodridge Fire Companies. Our local first responders worked together like a well oiled machine to check everything out thoroughly, while at the same time minimizing property damage and keeping Main Street safe by managing traffic around the three trucks on the scene.

It was also fortunate that Upstate Karate had access to a very suitable alternate space to utilize across the street in our community room so that classes continued all week and the students and families were very flexible about training in a temporary new space. Happliy, we can now report that Ed Porter of Dominick's Plumbing & Heating worked quickly and efficiently to remove & replace the former heating system and the karate school is warm and cozy as of this writing. DuraClean also arrived today to shampoo all the rugs so that all will be clean and fresh when the karate students return for classes after the holiday.

Dear Readers:

Want to thank all of you for making the Mountaindale NY News blog what it has become over these past several months. It has been a pleasure creating it, and interacting in various ways with our readers. Effective immediately, I am announcing my resignation as both editor and author on this blog, and will instead be concentrating all of my efforts on other community wide endeavors. The editorial reins are being turned over to the Mountaindale Community Development Project, and wish them success as they continue forward in the publication of Mountaindale NY News. Hope all of you will stop over now and again to say hello, and again thank all of the readers and contributors who made my time as editor of the Mountaindale NY News blog a memorable experience.

Sincerely,
Sherwood Martinelli

Tuesday News On The Run

How Much Did it Cost American Tax Payers
Basketball Game on Aircraft Carrier!

WOW....up early (6AM) and it is still dark outside...winter must be near. For those getting ready for the big Thanksgiving Holiday, I strongly encourage you to pick up some Hood's Pumpkin Eggnog from the store...IT IS SO GOOD. Let's get right to Tuesday's News On The Run.

Republicans screw every middle class American, Super Committee Fails...we should all boycott the Republican Debate tonight.

Situation in Egypt getting worse as fight for Tahir Square intensifies.

Turkey's Premier urges Syrian President to step down...can we say, "No fly Zone"?

Obama pays tribute to Country Music...is this really news? Second question...In these troubled economic times, should our taxes be frittered away on such parties?

Sports talk...Pats STOMP Chiefs 34-3

In local news...

Purple Heart Recipient Home for Holidays...let's always honor our troops!

Schumer Pushes For Metro North Bill of Rights...how about pushing a JOBS BILL Charlie?

Monday News on The Run

Welcome to Monday!...it is a stunningly beautiful day out today, the sun shining, and the temperatures rising fast. This late in November such weather is a welcome sight, though sure a few of our deer hunters would not mind some snow.

Big news today...Super Committee fails to reach a deal on $1.2 Trillion in Federal Budget Savings.

Another home grown Al-Quida sympathizer has been arrested in New York city.

American spies have been outed in Lebanon.

No surprise here...Congress may try to block automatic spending cuts after Super Committee fails.

Taylor Swift scores BIG at American Music Awards.

Don't forget to order your poinsettia this week...deadline is November 25th...Contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension for more information.

Surprise, Surprise....Super Committee FAILS to Reach Deficit Deal

In what should be no surprise, the Congressional Super Committee charged with coming up with $1.2 Trillion dollars in debt reduction has failed to reach compromise and solution...the deal breaker (if we all want to be honest)...tax increases for the richest Americans (those earning over $1 Million a year). Even after the Democrats put $600 Billion dollars worth of reductions in such social services as Medicare/Medicaid, the Republicans refused too put their own marker on the table deciding it was more important for them to keep their pledge (signed) with a mega-rich Campaign Donor and Lobbyist.

In about one hour when the Stock Market opens and your 401K again tanks, you can thank the Republican Party, the party of the UBER RICH and ELITES. Grover Norquist is the puppeteer in this grand Greek Tragedy, but it is the American middle class who will suffer because of his pledge. It is he and he alone that is holding the reins, keeping the Republicans in line as the world observes our nation's inability to reach compromise and consensus. The DOW lost three percent of its value last week as news began leaking out that the Republican obstructionist and their "No New Taxes" pledge threatened the Super Committee's ability to make a deal. Stocks today are already trading significantly lower ahead of the opening bell...look for a day of triple digit losses, look for plummeting 401K balances, and as you do, thank the Republican Party and one Grover Norquist when your retirement accounts have again been decimated.

Thanksgiving Facts and Trivia...Enjoy Your Turkey Day

Plymouth (1621)

Colonists shared autumn harvest feast with the Wampanoag Indians, said feast acknowledged by some as the first Thanksgiving celebration in the colonies. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. In 2011 as we prepare for the 148th American Thanksgiving, thought it might be fun to provide a few facts on the Holiday.

Facts shared From Thanksgiving Facts and Trivia

1. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States.

2. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October in Canada.

3. The Plymouth Pilgrims were the first to celebrate the Thanksgiving.

4. The pilgrims arrived in North America in December 1620.

5. The Pilgrims sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to reach North America.

6. The pilgrims sailed on the ship, which was known by the name of 'Mayflower'.

7. They celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day in the fall of 1621.

8. They celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day at Plymouth, Massachusetts.

9. The drink that the Puritans brought with them in the Mayflower was the beer.

10. The Wampanoag Indians were the people who taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate the land.

11. The Pilgrim leader, Governor William Bradford, had organized the first Thanksgiving feast in the year 1621 and invited the neighboring Wampanoag Indians also to the feast.

12. The first Thanksgiving feast was held in the presence of around ninety Wampanoag Indians and the Wampanoag chief, Massasoit, was also invited there.

13. The first Thanksgiving celebration lasted three days.

14. President George Washington issued the first national Thanksgiving Day Proclaimation in the year 1789 and again in 1795.

15. The state of New York officially made Thanksgiving Day an annual custom in 1817.

16. Sarah Josepha Hale, an editor with a magazine, started a Thanksgiving campaign in 1827 and it was result of her efforts that in 1863 Thanksgiving was observed as a day for national thanksgiving and prayer.

17. Abraham Lincoln issued a 'Thanksgiving Proclamation' on third October 1863 and officially set aside the last Thursday of November as the national day for Thanksgiving. Whereas earlier the presidents used to make an annual proclamation to specify the day when Thanksgiving was to be held.

18. President Franklin D. Roosevelt restored Thursday before last of November as Thanksgiving Day in the year 1939. He did so to make the Christmas shopping season longer and thus stimulate the economy of the state.

19. Congress passed an official proclamation in 1941 and declared that now onwards Thanksgiving will be observed as a legal holiday on the fourth Thursday of November every year.

20. Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States. But it was Thomas Jefferson who opposed him. It is believed that Franklin then named the male turkey as 'tom' to spite Jefferson.

21. The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition began in the 1920's.

22. Californians are the largest consumers of turkey in the United States.

23. When the Pilgrims arrived in North America, the clothing of the Native Americans was made of animal skins (mainly deer skin).

24. On December 11, 1620 the first Pilgrims (or Puritans, as they were initially known) landed at Plymouth Rock.

25. By the fall of 1621 only half of the pilgrims, who had sailed on the Mayflower, survived. The survivors, thankful to be alive, decided to give a thanksgiving feast.

Sunday News On The Run

Libya...Gadhafi son to be tried at home.

Huge Outcry after police pepper spray students...it is despicable.

Spain elections dominated by their economic woes.

Chicago mayor rallying Obama supporters in Iowa...GOOD LUCK.

In Sports USC holds off No.4 Oregon 38-35 dashing their hopes for National Championship.

Outside my window weather support at just before 10...BEAUTIFUL, but nippy.

Chef Robert is not open today...he is looking to hire kitchen help, so if anyone knows of an experienced line cook out there, might want to send them in his direction.

Mountaindale Thanksgiving Craft Project

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, children looking forward to a few days off, enjoying the Thanksgiving Holiday, and spending time with both family and friends. Once the turkey is in the oven, a great way for kids to spend some of their time is making something for the Thanksgiving table. One of the traditions in my own family, was making Apple Turkeys to put at each place setting, and thought I would share the project here for those looking for fun things to keep the little ones amused until dinner is on the table.

Necessary Items For Project

Apples
Toothpicks
Raisins
Green Olives


Step One-Put three toothpicks in bottom of apple for turkey legs (third one is just for support)
Step Two-Put one toothpick in front of apple, then fan out eight or so toothpicks in back of apple that will become the tail.

















Step Three-Cover toothpicks with raisins.


Step Four-Gently pull pimento almost out of olive and stick on front top toothpick as the Apple Turkeys head and gobbler.

WALLA, one decorative table addition that the kids can put by their place setting.

Pages Views Reach Milestone

Despite our brief absence while retooling, pleased to announce that the "Mountaindale NY News blog has reached the milestone of 10,000 page views. We zoomed from 5,ooo page views to 10,000 in less than 3 months as our readership continues to grow.

Saturday News on The Run

Busy day? Catch your news fast as you enjoy your morning Joe with Mountaindale's newest offering, "News on The Run"! Breaking news snippets easily and quickly digested.

The One Percent

News on The Run

Moammar Gadhafi's son, Seif al-Islam, the former heir apparent to the throne in Libya has been captured.

Obama talking up new jobs payoff from his Asia trip. (Comment to Obama...still not enough.)

United Nations bashing latest blood sport among Republicans running for President.

Despite Arab Peace Plan, Syrian troops still attacking citizens.

Pope warns African leaders...do not deprive people. (Note...Wall Street should get same message.)

Natalie Wood detectives have two differing stories. (Comment...do we really care?)

Former Penn State Coach Joe Paterno has lung cancer.

Meanwhile, for those who are sleeping in today, for those who have not yet looked out your windows, the weather outside is brisk but sunny...going to be a beautiful day here in Mountaindale New York.

MESSAGES FROM OUR PETS -- MEET ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR BRENDA SELDIN!

Animal Communicator, Brenda Seldin will be in Mountaindale at Radiant Yoga at 63 Main Street on Thursday at 5PM for a Talk which will include some of her Miraculous Experiences working with People and their Pets. In her work, Brenda has helped pet owners solve emotional, physical and behavioral dilemmas and helped many people to better understand and resolve the passing of a beloved animal companion.


Valuable Life Lessons from Our Pets:
Lecture, Experiences and Short Animal Communication Demonstration with Brenda 5-5:45 pm

Yoga Class for ALL LEVELS! ~ Enjoy Gentle Stretching and Breathing to Support our Nervous Systems -- AND our beloved Animals! (Yoga Class for Humans)
REDUCE STRESS FOR YOURSELF (AND YOUR PET) 6-7:15 pm

How our Health and Wellbeing Affects our Pets:
Lecture, Experiences and Animal Communication Demonstration with Brenda 7:30-8:15 pm

Brenda has helped pet owners solve emotional, physical and behavioral dilemmas and helped many people to better understand and resolve the passing of a beloved animal companion.

"Loving our animal companions as much as we do, we are always naturally looking for ways to make sure they are happy. What isn't nearly as well-known is that our animal companions have as much love for us as we do for them, and they too want to do everything they can to help us be happy. We can be open to messages and practical advice from them if we don't relegate them to just being a "cute puppy" or a "sweet kitten" for example."--Brenda Seldin

Brenda Seldin of Pets Communicate has worked as an Animal Rehabilitator in New York City for many years, rehabilitating over 5,000 animals. She now lives in Narrowsburg, NY, and works with pet owners in private sessions. She also teaches Animal Communication Workshops and Natural Pet Health. For more information or to schedule a session: http://www.petscancommunicate.com/ or 845-588-2023.

Lecture: FREE with Thursday Evening Yoga Class
First RY Class: $12; Individual Session: $15;
NEWCOMERS: 30 days unlimited yoga, $39;Children and Young Adults, Ages 10-16: $6
Other Class Card Options and Weekly Class Schedule: MyRadiantYoga.com

Lecture Only: $5 or Donation for the SPCA of Sullivan County in honor of Zoe's Birthday: blankets, towels, paper towels, cleaning rags and supplies, kitty litter, cat condos, cat and dog food, bowls, toys. Volunteer to Walk a Dog or Help in Other Ways: http://www.sullivanspca.com/getinvolved.html

Bring a New Friend to Yoga on Thursday and Both Receive a 15 percent OFF your First Sessions with Pets Can Communicate
New and Veteran Facebook Fans Attending Yoga and Lecture Receive 15 percent OFF First Animal Communication Session with Brenda.

Directions and Weekly Schedule: MyRadiantYoga.com
More information or to RSVP: (845) 866-7822

Saturday November 12 2-4PM Artist's Reception

For anyone who has enjoyed a meal in Mountaindale's new Uccelli Restaurant, you cannot help but notice the stunning photographs from around the world that adorn the walls of Robert's restaurant taken by renowned artist and photograph Louis H. Jawitz who now resides in our area. This Saturday November 12th, 2011 Robert will be holding an Artist Reception for the artist from 2:00-4:00 PM, and you are invited. Please stop by for some wine and cheese, meet Lou, and enjoy his beautiful photographic studies from around the world, including a breathtaking picture of the Twin Towers.

About The Artist

Artist Statement of Louis Jawitz

It was decades ago when I picked up my first camera, shot that first photograph that drew me into this mystical world that allows one with a simple lens to capture the essence of humanity, its foils, its toils and its triumphs.

I had gotten my first camera while serving on the nuclear aircraft carrier "Enterprise" and being in such close quarters found myself taking pictures of my shipmates, working at their assigned tasks, relaxing down below in the crew quarters. Back then, it was a waiting process, sending my film off to be developed, waiting with anticipation to see my first photographs. On the day the photos arrived, I carefully laid each one on my blanket, was amazed that the camera had not just captured the image of my friends, but had also caught the essence of who they were. Many of my ship mates started to buy my photos from me. They started to ask for shots of themselves and little did I know those early orders would lead not only to a lifetime love of photography, but would also set me on my life long career path.

All these years later and I'm still taking people shots, capturing the essence of them in my photographs.

Profession Bio of Louis Jawitz

I am a veteran professional photographer now living fulltime in Sullivan County, with many years of experience in various aspects of Fine Art and commercial photography. I have built my career doing Fine Art, advertising, travel and editorial assignments for major clients in New York City, and nationally for which I have won both recognition and awards including:

· 43^rd annual Clio award magazine cover shot.

· Numerous awards from the Art Directors Club of New York.

In addition to assignment work, I have long been involved with fine art photography as well as producing stock photography. My work has been marketed throughout the world by every recognized Stock Photo Agency including:

· The Image Bank (TIB)

· Age Foto Stock in Spain

· Digital Vision of London

· Getty.

My personal work has been exhibited at many New York advertising firms including Gray Y&R, J Walter Thompson BBD&O. My work has been represented in numerous Gallery Shows, including one-man shows at Nikon House in Rockefeller Center, The Bonnet Museum in Ft Lauderdale Fla, The Catskill Art Society, Liberty Museum Arts Center, and the Old Stone House Gallery.

My editorial work has appeared in Nikon World, Popular Photography, Shutterbug and numerous other magazines.

I have been a adjunct professor at Sullivan Community College and guest lectured at both SVA & the New School of Social Research. Along the way I have adopted and added digital talents to my photographic skill sets.

"His photos range from quietness to scariness. Mr. Jawitz uses special effects lenses with results that are eccentric, moody and eerie."

New York Times

LIGHTS ON BROADWAY Congressman to Speak at Monticello Dedication Ceremony

[MONTICELLO] – The Village of Monticello will dedicate 64 new decorative street lights on Broadway (the back story) on Monday, November 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the corner of Broadway and St. John Street. The dedication ceremony will include remarks by U.S. Representative Maurice Hinchey and other project partners, including the Village of Monticello, Delaware Valley Job Corps (DVJC) and Sullivan Renaissance.

Hinchey was instrumental in obtaining funding for Sullivan Renaissance, which purchased $90,000 worth of lamp posts for the village. “The installation of dozens of attractive new street lights on Broadway complements and caps off the reconstruction of Broadway and is literally a shining example of the progress being made in revitalizing downtown Monticello. I was delighted to partner with Sullivan Renaissance, the Delaware Valley Job Corps, and the Village of Monticello to make this wonderful project possible, and I encourage people in the region to visit Monticello and see for themselves the incredible transformation of Broadway that has occurred in the past few years,” Hinchey said.

Hinchey also arranged for Job Corps students to be involved in the installation of the 15-foot-tall lights as part of their training as electricians helpers, under the supervision of instructor Eric Possemato. “These students come from all across the country to receive job training through our programs and learn skills that will help them find gainful employment in this challenging economy. This project presented a unique opportunity for hands-on learning, while helping the community at the same time,” said DVJC Director Dr. Curtis Price.

The village contributed over $20,000 to purchase materials and hire McDowall Electric to supervise and coordinate. “We are appreciative of all the work the Job Corps students did to help the village,” said Monticello Mayor Gordon Jenkins, “By partnering with Job Corps, we saved village taxpayers over $50,000 and we couldn’t have done this without their help.”

In addition to beautification projects, there are several other initiatives designed to revitalize the downtown business district. The Sullivan County Division of Planning recently announced a micro-enterprise grant program to help entrepreneurs open businesses on Main Streets, and the village board has grants pending to assist property owners with building renovations. The village is also reviewing zoning regulations to encourage reinvestment on Broadway. Finally, the Monticello Business Association has been collaborating with village officials to create events and is developing a brochure to market properties to potential investors.

Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation. For more information call 845-295-2445.

November 11th-Sound Therapy and Singing Bowl Concert with Peter Blum

Celebrate the cosmic and therapeutic potential for transformation on this pivotal 11/11/11 day. Support personal and global peace.

Begin the evening with Deep and Gentle Partner Yoga (for singles too) 5:30-7 pm on the comfortable radiant-heat yoga studio floor. Follow with a delicious dinner at Uccelli's Restaurant around the corner. And, return to savor our healing concert and sound exploration with Peter 8-10 pm, as he plays his collection of bells, chimes, gongs and 35 Tibetan singing bowls. Tone and create healing sounds together; relax and meditate seated or lying down. Sound Therapy and Singing Bowl Concert: $18. RY Cardholders: $13. Yoga and Concert: $25. Reservations: (845)866-7822 or email Janet at radiantyoga.ny@gmail.com You can find out more about Peter’s music: Sounds of Healing

Public Spaces Promote Growth

Last night, Barb Schmitt attended the Sullivan Renaissance Workshop, entitled “CREATING PUBLIC SPACES” at the CVI Center in Ferndale. The seminar presenters were Challey Comer, Farm to Market Manager at the Watershed Agricultural Council, and Nancy Proyect, President of the Orange County Citizens Foundation. The purpose of “Greening and Gathering” is to create public spaces where people naturally want to congregate and is a critical component of improving any community. Nancy Proyect, specifically addressed the concept of “placemaking” and the benefits of creating attractive and vibrant public spaces. Her powerpoint presentation showed photos of various places that have been on the Orange County Citizens Foundation’s “placemaking” tour and gave some background on the projects. The images offered an interesting perspective of many things that are working correctly in these communities, as well as their pitfalls to avoid. Said Barb, “I was very pleased to see all of the things that we are already doing in Mountaindale that matched Nancy’s advice.” Mountaindale has lovely pocket parks, public spaces and community activities. The speaker encouraged ‘Triangulation,’ which is evident in Mountaindale’s efforts to promote synergy between our various Main Street businesses.

Thanks to our local landscaper, yoga instructor and Slow Foods advocate, Janet Gula, we also have a community garden. This was the focus of the second presenter, Challey Comer, who spoke about community gardens and farmers markets. She oversees the Pure Catskills campaign, a regional buy local initiative that serves nearly 300 farm and food businesses in six counties. Market-based farmer education, regional advocacy and market connections are also components of the economic viability efforts at the council. We would still love to be able to host a regular Peoples' Market in Mountaindale where produce & crafts could be bought and sold as an expansion of the CSA produce (Community Supported Agriculture) that Janet facilitates each week on Thursdays at Radiant Yoga for the past several years.

Fostering quality of life were key for both speakers. Mountaindale has already accomplished much with charming architecture, public art, nature trails and our Rails to Trails, as well as Mountaindale Park. Comfort was also stressed as being conducive to interaction, and Barb was glad to know that our hamlet has so many convenient benches and excellent sidewalks to encourage walkability in our community.

Fallsburg Class of 2014 Pancake Breakfast

It's that chilly time of year when it feels great to sleep in on Sunday and let someone else cook up a hot, stick to your ribs breakfast. The Fallsburg High School Class of 2014 is willing to cook your breakfast on Sunday morning, November 13th as part of their class fundraising activities. On the menu will be: hot pancakes, eggs, French Toast and sausages. Look forward to REAL local maple syrup on your pancakes.

The breakfast will be held at the Woodbourne Firehouse and served from 7:30 to 11:30am. There will also be a Bake Sale and Take Out is available. Tickets may be purchased at the door or from our local Fallsburg student, Rachel Schmitt.

Adults - $7
Veterans/Students - $5
Children 3 & under are Free

Quite The Storm Yesterday

Seems so very strange to wake up on a Sunday morning in October, glance out your window and view a winter wonderland staring back at you. Yesterday's Nor'easter packed quite the wallop, our small hamlet seeing close on to a foot of the white stuff on us, snow shovels and big trucks with large plows making an early appearance here in Sullivan County. Lets hope this early winter storm is not a sign of what old man winter has in store for us as we look ahead...if it is, going to be a very long, cold, desolate winter in these parts.

The Farmers Almanac is forecasting “clime and punishment,” a season of unusually cold and stormy weather. For some parts of the country, that means a frigid climate; while for others, it will mean lots of rain and snow. Judging the winter yet to come on yesterday's snow storm, would say "Clime and Punishment is a good descriptor of things to come. Meanwhile, the vivid blue sky outside, the fall color still remaining coupled with the snow makes this a great day to grab your camera and go out for a walk.

Winter Reminder...Please Move Vehicles Off Street For Our Snow Removal Crew

OMG...not even the end of October, and we are about to get hit by a MAJOR Nor'easter with the potential for significant accumulation of the white stuff...that would be snow, as in the possibility of somewhere between 7-12 inches of it falling on our hamlet starting later today. As I sing, "I'm dreaming of a White Halloween" wanted to put up a reminder for everyone.

As we know, we have great snow removal here in Mountaindale, but our hard working crew needs our help...what we can do...just make sure we have our vehicles off the streets before the white stuff starts falling later today. That's it! There are plenty of places for our cars, and there is a nice parking area located just behind 62 Main Street that we can all use.

Spoke with Robert and Uccelli Restaurant will be open this evening for those not wanting to cook in the middle of our first snow storm...wishing here his pizza oven was already fired up and putting out pies as pizza and snow is sounding like a pretty good combination right now...any one have the makings for hot chocolate? I have a bag of mini marshmallows here.

Opening Night For Uccelli Restaurant Plays to Packed House

Last night Mountaindale's newest business, Uccelli Restaurant, opened its doors, and it was a grand night of fun, good conversation, and great food from Chef Robert's native Northern Italy. By seven in the evening, the place was packed, hardly a chair to be found as patrons enjoyed the warm welcoming atmosphere, the smells of delicious food being prepared in the kitchen, laughter and conversation filling the air.

The evening was a sterling success, the opening almost flawless, those gathered having high praise for the food, as well as the wait staff. Many of the people in attendance are very anxious for another big event at the restaurant...next week, Chef Robert will fire up his pizza oven and share with us his Northern Italian Pizza...some of the offerings on the pizza menu sound really inviting.

This writer indulged my own taste buds starting off with the Portobella Mushrooms...the sauce was perfect, and was completely devoured with the Italian bread that was in liberal supply at our table. Next, a Caesar Salad followed up with the Artesano Steak...Expresso after dinner was the perfect finish to what was a fine dinner. Congratulations to Chef Robert and his staff...it was a perfect first night.

If you would like to make reservations at Uccelli Restaurant, give Chef Robert or his hostess Star a call at (845) 434-4447. Chef Robert also caters, so keep that in mind when you start planning your next corporate event, or Christmas/New Year's party. You can see his catering menu here.

Statue of Liberty is 125 Years Old Today

The "Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" which was a gift from the people of France is having a birthday today. The most famous statue in the entire world for the symbolism it represents which was dedicated on October 28, 1886 and designated a National Monument in 1924 is 125 years old today. The statue's original dedication was attended by President Grover Cleveland, and followed by New York's first ever ticker tape parade.

As this grand old lady stands in the harbor welcoming the world's huddled masses, the theme for her special day is 'Honor History, Envision the Future.' Today, we Honor the history of the statue, and tomorrow we envision the future as the doors to the interior of the statue will be closed for some major renovation and restoration work to the Statue of Liberty's 125 year old pedestal and 200 year old fort base from which she rises.

Some Historical Facts

• Official dedication ceremonies held on Thursday, October 28, 1886
• Total overall height from the base of the pedestal foundation to the tip of the torch is 305 feet, 6 inches
• Height of the Statue from her heel to the top of her head is 111 feet, 6 inches
• The face on the Statue of Liberty measures more than 8 feet tall
• There are 154 steps from the pedestal to the head of the Statue of Liberty
• A tablet held in her left hand measures 23' 7" tall and 13' 7" wide inscribed with the date JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776)
• The Statue has a 35-foot waistline
• There are seven rays on her crown, one for each of the seven continents, each measuring up to 9 feet in length and weighing as much as 150 pounds
• Total weight of the Statue of Liberty is 225 tons (or 450,000 pounds)
• At the feet of the Statue lie broken shackles of oppression and tyranny
• During the restoration completed in 1986, the new torch was carefully covered with thin sheets of 24k gold
• The exterior copper covering of the Statue of Liberty is 3/32 of an inch thick (less than the thickness of two pennies) and the light green color (called a patina) is the result of natural weathering of the copper

Nation Wide Rash of Police Brutality As Cities Try to Deny Protesters First Amendment Rights

Our First Amendment Rights are supposed to be pretty straight forward and clear.

The First Amendment (Amendment I) to the United States Constitution is part of the Bill of Rights. The amendment prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances.

Unfortunately, seems that local governments from New York to Oakland, where a Police Officer's rubber riot bullet has a United States Marine and peaceful protestor in critical condition, are using what can only be described as Gestapo like tactics to coral and forcefully evict citizens who are exercising their First Amendment rights. Turn on any National News and you will see reports (with video footage) of Police Officers in full riot gear (reminiscent of the protests against the Vietnam War) tear gassing citizens, using batons to beat them, while throwing other citizens to the ground to put them in handcuffs...why?...because these citizens are exercising their First Amendment Rights in a way that Mayor's like Bloomberg find inconvenient, and unacceptable in the heart of his business district.

"The most basic component of freedom of expression is the right of freedom of speech. The right to freedom of speech allows individuals to express themselves without interference or constraint by the government."

If one reads the First Amendment, it is an absolute right not to be abridged. It does not say we have the right to peaceful assembly if a city grants us a permit, does not say we have the right to peaceful assembly if we do it between the hours of 3PM and 6PM on a Saturday, and only within the corralled and cordoned off space the police have set up to CONTROL THE PROTESTORS that is conveniently located miles from where they want to be. The First Amendment does not have a clause that allows towns, cities, and yes Police Officers to limit our rights, to choose where and when we can exercise them, even if said exercising of those rights upsets local business people down in the Wall Street District, or in other business districts across the land.

Shame on those who so easily want to abridge our First Amendment Rights, shame on cities who want to deny us those rights for lack of a permit they would not issue, shame on Police Officers who are using overwhelming force to evict citizens from parks and streets and shame on the news media for presenting most of the Occupy Wall Street movement in a negative fashion. Also, shame on any one of us who wants to put the rights of a business and its profits ahead of our individual and collective right to protest and free assembly.

Now I am sure there will be some who would love to dismiss my words on this subject as those of a heretic, a far left wing radical hippie liberal. Others will want to ask the question, "What about the rights of those business owners?...you mean that one percent who keep getting richer while America's middle class is being decimated and destroyed? How many of those opposing the Occupy Wall Street protestors watched the news and cheered the young protestors in Egypt this year as the Arab Spring spread across the Middle East? How about Tienanmen Square...did you not see that man bravely facing down a tank as a hero? Curious...should the government of East Berlin have used OVERWHELMING FORCE when the citizens brought down the Berlin Wall? It is very scary indeed when we as citizens applaud citizens in other countries who are exercising their rights to effect change, but want to turn a blind eye to the truth in front of our eyes when local police departments in cities across America are using any brutal means available to disrupt peaceful protests, are using tear gas and rubber riot bullets to deny citizens their First Amendment Rights.

Where are we here in New York rushing to the aid of our own protesters...as this article is being written, a face off is looming between the NYPD and American citizens who are doing nothing more than exercising their First Amendment Rights...why? Because business owners are upset, and Mayor Bloomberg feels it has gone on long enough.

So I pose this hypothetical question to our readers, "Our First Amendment Rights are absolute, and our federal government is charged with protecting and preserving those basic human rights...because the federal government is charged with protecting our First Amendment Rights, should President Obama deploy troops into New York and other cities to protect the citizens from over reactive local police departments who are acting like street thugs, bullies bent on having their way regardless of citizen rights?

The above video is not the streets of Syria, or Egypt, the government forces are not that of a dictator. These are American Police Officers in Oakland opening fire on innocent citiizen's exercising their First Amendment Rights. It is noted here, that on CNN this morning, the Mayor of Oakland is now apologizing to the citizens for the police departments OVER REACTION.

Downtown Experts In Liberty

Two-Day Conference to Focus on Downtown Cultural Attractions

LIBERTY – A two-day conference in Liberty will feature over 30 specialists in downtown and main street revitalization as well as building preservation from around New York State. This year’s annual event takes place on November 6 and 7 at the Liberty Museum and Arts Center located at 46 South Main Street in Liberty. It is co-sponsored by the New York Main Street Alliance (NYMSA) and the New York State Urban Council.

Now in its 15^th year, the annual “Main Street Forum” on Monday, November 7 will offer practical advice and information to communities about downtown revitalization issues. For the first, the format will be all panel discussions with Main Street experts that will cover basic, intermediate and advanced topics.

One panel discussion will be moderated by representatives from the NYS Housing and Community Renewal, which has been responsible for millions of dollars in funding and grants for main streets and downtown redevelopment throughout New York State.

The tenth annual “New York Preservation Forum” will be held on the previous day, Sunday, November 6. Speakers will discuss restoring Main Street buildings, as well as historic preservation issues and techniques with the focus on cultural buildings on Main Street. The day concludes with an evening reception for the 10^th Annual Preservation Photography Show.

The cost of registration is $40 for Sunday, $95 for Monday or $120 for both. Breakfast and lunch at the museum are included with registration. Discounted registration rates are available for three or more persons registering together. Scholarships are available through the Liberty Museum.

Sullivan Renaissance Community Planner Helen Budrock is one of the conference speakers and the event may be of particular interest to organizations and individuals that have had Sullivan Renaissance projects on their Main Streets. For more information contact Helen Budrock at 845-295-2462 or hbudrock@sullivanrenaissance.org no later than November 3^rd.

Write a Book In November With Nanowrimo

Have your friends always told you that you should write a book? Have you ever thought about writing a novel or other transcript and never quite found the motivation to get around to it? Well, now is your chance. The folks over at NanoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) are again offering up their November Challenge...write a 50,000 word novel/transcript in just 30, all while dealing with the Thanksgiving Holidays!

Sound impossible? It's not...I've participated twice, the first time health issues and life seeing me falling short, coming in with around 36,000 words. Last year, I decided to take the challenge again, and cannot explain the exhilaration felt crossing the finish line successfully with about 4,000 extra words to boot. What I found, was the challenge focuses you, forces you to be disciplined about your writing...would say those taking up the challenge try to set aside (on average) two hours a day to successfully complete the challenge. Plan ahead...if you know that your entire family is coming to your house for Thanksgiving Weekend, and that your writing time is going to be short, get ahead of the word curve count so you can take a day or two off from your writing.

To successfully complete the challenge you need to average about 1700 words a day...last year, I wrote every day, but found that two weekends of some very dedicated writing were the big difference for me...OH...did I mention coffee? I had lots on hand, and also set up a series of rewards for myself for major milestones in the task. 10,000 words treat yourself to something you really enjoy...a trip to Jova Love for a really good pastry and cup of coffee perhaps? Also, use NanoWriter's terrific forums to get inspiration, plot ideas, or to just complain that your fingers are sore from pounding your keyboard in frustration.

If you are thinking of participation, and want to join in a Sullivan County Write In event (we all meet at a location for a couple hours to write and share the fun), drop me (Sherwood) and email at marcwoodsocialimaging@gmial.com as I am planning on participating in this challenge again this year, though right now still have no clue what I will be writing about.

Shared Letter From Nano Writers

Greetings, NaNo-novelist!

Have you seen the countdown clock on NaNoWriMo lately? The 2011 noveling extravaganza begins in just 7 days!

In preparation for this wild and wordy festival of writing, we've relaunched NaNoWriMo.org (and that very hypnotic clock). The site is now built upon the extra-sleek framework of Ruby on Rails, which means the forums are speedier than ever, and slow page-loads are a distant memory. (Though you can still fondly reminisce on those with me in the NaNoWriMo history.)

Come on over to NaNoWriMo.org today to check out all the shiny newness, including an all-star cast of pep talkers, the 2011 batch of web badges, our revamped forums, and special noveling goodies in the store.

You can also find the local chapter closest to you, and catch up on news and events there in the regional forum!

If nothing else, come by to witness the sheer speed of it all. Heavens to Betsy, the speed!

If you know any kids, teens, or educators who would enjoy this challenge, be sure to send them over to NaNoWriMo's Young Writers Program! Director Chris Angotti has cooked up the best resources yet for our 50,000-plus young novelists around the world.

We can't wait to see you in NaNoLand!

Counting down to go-time,
Lindsey Grant
Program Director

GREENING AND GATHERING’...Another Great Sullivan Renaissance Seminar

'GREENING AND GATHERING’

Creating Public Spaces: Gardens, Parks, Markets and Events

[FERNDALE] – Creating public spaces where people naturally want to congregate is a critical component of improving any community. Sullivan Renaissance is holding a seminar entitled “Greening and Gathering – Creating Public Spaces: from Gardens and Parks to Markets and Events” on Wednesday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the CVI Center in Ferndale.

Nancy Proyect, President of the Orange County Citizens Foundation, will speak about the concept of “placemaking” and the benefits of creating attractive and vibrant public spaces. The principles for creating great community places include:

• The community is the expert
• Create a place, not a design
• Look for partners
• You can see a lot just by observing
• Have a vision
• Start with petunias: lighter, quicker, cheaper
• Triangulate
• They always say “It can’t be done”
• Money is not the issue
• You are never finished

Many of these elements are already practiced by Sullivan Renaissance communities.

Proyect will also show photos of various places that have been on the Orange County Citizens Foundation’s “placemaking” tour and give some background on the projects.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Those interested in learning more about Sullivan Renaissance are also invited. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP.

Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation. Additional funding has been secured by U.S. Representative Maurice D. Hinchey. Sponsors include Bold Gold Media Group/Thunder 102, Robert Green Dealerships, Sullivan County Democrat, The River Reporter and WSUL/WVOS.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.sullivanrenaissance.org/ or call 845-295-2445.

Town of Fallsburg Politics...There Does Not Seem To Be Any!

Walking around, driving around, I am struck at the lack of PRESENCE politics has in and around Mountaindale this close to an election. This confuses me for numerous reasons, the least of which is the huge issue of fracking looming over our community...where are people and more importantly, where are the politicians, those in office seeking re-election, and those looking to get elected? Shouldn't they be more visible and accessible, or is the problem far bigger than one of visibility and accessibility?

I would love asking those running for office in Fallsburg, in Sullivan County a few questions, find out where they stand on the issues...it is the 22nd of October, I know people are running for office, but have not seen any politicians here in Mountaindale knocking on doors introducing themselves, have not seen a "Meet the Candidates" night scheduled for the five percent of Fallsburg residents that reside here in our hamlet. I have not seen political campaign signs in the number and variety I am used to seeing. Thinking maybe I was missing something, or perhaps blind to our local politics, wanting to know who was running for office and what their positions are on the issues before I go to the fire house and vote, I did a Google search for "Fallsburg NY Politics"

What I found, or more appropriately did not find truly shocked me. There is not one single politician, one single article on Fallsburg politics on the first page of the Google Search. Thinking there had to be some kind of a mistake or that my search terms needed improvement, I did a second search for Town of Fallsburg Politics and the first entry on page one in the sixth position was actually our own Mountaindale News blog that happened to mention the Democratic Party...the article really had nothing to do with politics.

Looking at my search results, I find myself pondering...

What does it say about our community when local politicians seem to be so absent on the internet? How can we as a community compete in a 21st Century Global Economy when our own local politicians seem so behind the times? No Democratic or Republican blog for the town of Fallsburg, no party web sites, the town seemingly devoid of an internet presence when it comes too all things political in a community of some 10,000 people. One has to wonder...right now the Town of Fallsburg, its elected officials are negotiating a new contract with Time Warner...how well equipped are they to negotiate when they themselves do not have an internet presence, do not seem to grasp the importance of being plugged into Social Media in 2011?

Do not want to paint a picture of a barren desert, as there is some light out upon the Horizon. Our town supervisor Steven Vegliante does have a LinkedIn page, though it is more for his personal business and reputation than for anything related to our local politics. If any of the other town supervisors are plugged in on the internet, their presence is so well hidden as to not exist. As mentioned in an earlier article, our community, Sullivan County needs far greater, more reliable internet service if we are going to compete for jobs and industry moving forward. For that access to occur, we need elected officials who not only see the importance of world class internet access, but are themselves fully plugged into and using the internet in acting as our advocates when it comes to renegotiating contracts with the Time Warner's of our world.

I would challenge all of our elected officials to begin using the power of the internet...start up a blog that allows you to communicate and have dialogue with the citizens you represent. Get yourselves a twitter account so you can send out important messages and notices instantaneously to the populace. Not sure where to start? Drop me a note, will be more than happy to hold a seminar here in Mountaindale for any politicians wanting to plug in and avail themselves to the new dawn that is Social Media and the World Wide Web...come next election season, let my Google Search for Fallsburg NY Politics find a first search page filled top to bottom with our local elected officials.

Great American Smokeout

Sherwood Martinelli is the author of the vast majority of the articles you enjoy on these pages daily. However, today I would like to step in to tell you a story about my dad, Harry Schulman. Most Mountaindale neighbors would remember my mom, Bessie Schulman, better because she lit up every room she entered. My dad was more of the strong, silent type who never swore, and would only drink a single cold beer after mowing our lawn on a hot summer day. No vices that I knew of. Then, one day, he surprised me by telling me that as a young man he had been a heavy smoker. Like 2 packs a day heavy. The interesting part of the story was how he told me that he had suddenly quit, “cold turkey” as they say. My dad said he just woke up one day and told himself, “I’m not going to smoke today. I don’t know about tomorrow, but I’m not going to have a cigarette today.” He then proceeded to do that every day. As far as I know he never smoked again for the rest of his nearly 80 years.

My late mother-in-law, Bobbie Schmitt had been a smoker, too. I remember one year when she had the flu in November and felt too sick to smoke. Then the next day was the Great American Smokeout and that motivated her to try to go the whole 24 hours without a cigarette and that worked. She was also able to quit smoking! I bring this up because next month we have the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 17^th, which just happens to have been Harry Schulman’s birthday. He passed away in 1995. I invite all of you to honor his memory by making the same decision to challenge yourself to not smoking on his birthday this year.

If you and I are both lucky, you might make the same choice on November 18^th as well. You won’t have to go it alone. I’ll be rooting for you! There is also the American Cancer Society Quit For Life® Program which is a telephone-based coaching and Web-based learning support service to help people quit smoking. I have also engaged our local Girl Scout community by creating a “Be Smart, Don’t Start” Program to be held a week before the Smokeout. It will involve youth from the Towns of Fallsburg, Thompson and Mamakating. I was inspired to do this after attending a meeting of the Sullivan County Tobacco Free Coalition on Tuesday. One of the facts they mentioned is that if you can prevent a kid from starting to smoke until they are 18, they are far less likely to EVER start. That’s huge! You don’t have to suffer quitting an addiction that you never started. The Coalition strongly encourages stimulating policy changes; such as creating more Smoke Free Zones, especially on playgrounds and the like; and also sees the need to reduce the pro-tobacco impressions young children are bombarded with at convenience stores & gas stations. Please feel free to contact me directly for more on this at 845-434-4747.

Thank you & Good Luck!
Barb Schmitt