Thursday, March 31, 2011

MASSIVE Girl Scout Cookie Migration in Mountaindale

I live next door to 60 Main Street...home of the Cookie Pantry for this year's Girl Scout Cookie Program for our area. Pleased to announce that there is a serious migration taking place as vast quantities of delicious, yummy cookies arrive in large trucks, only to be spirited away by troop leaders and Girl Scouts who seem to be arriving and departing around the clock, pick up trucks and mini vans loaded with these tasty morsels as they leave for destinations unknown, for homes anxiously awaiting their arrival. I captured a great picture of one such migration of cookies as they prepared for their trip out of Mountaindale.

On another related note...some of the Girl Scouts have been/are very involved in raising money, collecting donations of food for the Benjamin Coser Elementary-School CHILDREN'S FOOD PANTRY...would encourage all of you to consider purchasing some Girl Scout Cookies and donating them back for inclusion in the food stocks of this wonderful Children's Food Pantry at the Benjamin Coser Elementary School. For questions about the food pantry, or to make a food donation please contact Barb at (845) 434-4747

Support your Health AND the Benjamin Coser Elementary-School CHILDREN'S FOOD PANTRY

Sometimes a opportunity to help a good cause comes long that we should all take advantage of. Thanks to Janet and her Radiant Yoga Studio here in Mountaindale, happy to bring to your attention one such opportunity. The local Girl Scouts have gotten very involved with supporting the Benjamin Coser Elementary School CHILDREN'S FOOD PANTRY(more on this in another story), and Janet is following their footsteps in seeing this Food Pantry remains well stocked.

She has launched a giving opportunity where for the donation of one non-perishable food item, you can receive your first Yoga Class for free...that is a WINNING DEAL. So, if you have ever wanted to give Yoga a try, now is the perfect time to help yourself, improve your health, and donate food to a very worthy cause...a Children's Food Pantry. Details are below, and a HATS OFF to Janet for providing the citizens of Mountaindale and it's surrounding area such a fabulous opportunity. By the way, sure Janet would welcome EVERYONE who wants to drop off one or more non-perishable food items, even if you have already had your first lesson...as the old saying goes, "Donate generously, and often!"

Bring in a nonperishable food item and take your first
Radiant Yoga class in Mountaindale FREE on the following days:

Beginner's Yoga
Tuesdays and Thursday
5:30-7 pm

Tone and Strengthen
Saturdays
8:45-10:15 am
ALL LEVELS WELCOME

(Preference for foods low in sodium, fat, and sugar)
Thank you for your support!

For questions or to register for your first class,
contact:

Janet Gula
Radiant Yoga
63 Main Street, CR-55
Mountaindale, NY 12763
MyRadiantYoga
(845) 866-7822

E-Mail Janet


Friday, March 25, 2011

Greenhorns Screening and Market Mingling at Catskills Art Society

Time
Saturday, March 26 · 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Location
Catskill Art Society
48 Main St
Livingston Manor, NY

Created By
More Info
www.catskillartsociety.org

Local farmers will come out to a special one-hour market at CAS from 6:30 - 7:30, then screening and discussion. With popocorn!

For more information or to RSVP contact Kathryn: mailto:kathryn@catskillartsociety.org.org


Another event young farmers might be interested is coming up March 3oth.
NO FARMS NO FOOD Rally

30 March 2011

ALBANY, NEW YORK
@ the ny state capitol

no farms no food: rally and lobby day with american farmland trust. to attend, join a citizen lobby team, or sign up for free bus ride from nyc, please register. and email hannah@thegreenhorns.net if you're a young farmer and want to join our posse!
9:30am - 4pm

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

OMG! GIRL SCOUT COOKIES ARE COMING!


I know, a bit too much enthusiasm, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE Girl Scout cookies, and they are going to be arriving ANY DAY NOW! I have a case on order, but wondering if that is going to be enough...I mean seriously, is there ever such a thing as TOO MANY GIRL SCOUT COOKIES? I don't think so. I know these are hard economic times we are living in, but please support the Girl Scouts by getting your cookie orders in EARLY AND OFTEN!


If you would like to support the Girl Scout cookie sales program, but do not want the cookies in your house, I am ALWAYS willing to take in orphaned boxes of these delicious treats for later enjoyment and sampling...LOL

Free Coat Giveaway at Upstate Karate in Mountaindale

Mountaindale, NY - With the sudden return of the icy breath of winter this week, the Mountaindale Community Development Project is coordinating a free coat giveaway with the help of two host organizations, Upstate Karate of Mountaindale and Fidelis Care.
Selections from this large assortment of winter coats and gloves can be picked up at no charge this Sunday, March 27th from 9:30AM to 12 noon at a free Health Fair during regular martial arts classes at Upstate Karate, located at 81 Main Street, Mountaindale, NY. Anthony Rodriguez, local Outreach Specialist of Fidelis Care New York, will also be on hand to discuss low cost healthcare solutions to families who are currently uninsured or underinsured. For more info, please call Barb Schmitt at 845-434-4747.

Afternoon of Storytelling, and Evening Artist REception...Flour Power Bakery in Livingston Manor



Sometimes, our local calendar just explodes with wonderful opportunities, fun things to do and see...this weekend is one of those moments. Just in my email is an event for this Saturday that sounds like a LOT OF FUN, and they are calling all storytellers, and those that enjoy listening to attend a late Saturday afternoon story telling event at the Flour Power Bakery with quest artist and storyteller reknown Judith Katz...event starts punctually at four, and will be followed that evening by an artist reception. For more information, and storyteller rules, please visit this link.

27th Annual Orange County Home Show March 25, 26 and 27


As spring looms on the horizon (despite yesterdays snow, it is officially here) our thoughts turn towards the great outdoors, and projects needing done around our homes. If you are looking for ideas, or have ideas but want to look at the newest products and services in the area of home improvements and landscaping, you need to plan on attending the Orange County Spring Home Show this upcoming weekend. In it's 27th year, but at a new location, this is always a greatly anticipated event for our local area.

With over150 booths and 100 plus exhibitors representing the home building and home improvement fields, this is one of the best networking opportunities of the year for those planning home renovations, or perhaps contemplating the construction of a new home. See the latest products and services including many new 'green technology' applications to improve your home and lifestyle.

27th Annual Orange County Spring Home Show
March 25, 26, 27, 2011

SUNY Orange
Orange County Community College
Physical Education Building
115 South Street
Middletown, New York

Pleasant Stone Farms...Fun Saturday Event

This Saturday, March 26th, Pleasant Stone Farm is going to be hosting a day of fun events at their Ellenville location. Meet many of the vendors who supply their store, sample pastries, cheese, view fine homemade soaps, visit with local artists and farmers, all of whom will have booths set up for this day of fun as spring burst upon our community. Don't miss mini seminars being hosted by many knowledgable green folk, and there will even be an old fashioned raffle! This is a great event early in the spring, so grab the kids, and head on over to this wonderful little green oasis in Ellenville. Look forward to seeing many of you there, and a BIG THANKS to Janet over at Radiant Yoga for giving us a heads up on this one.


Location:

Health Food Store and Organic Cafe

7 Liberty Square
Ellenville, New York
(845) 647-1300

When: 2-6 PM on March 26, 2011
For additional information contact Pleasant Stone Farm

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Sullivan Renaissance Project-Meeting on Monday March 21, 2011

First, as this year's Chairperson for the Mountaindale Community Development Project's Sullivan Renaissance Project, want to apologize for my absence for most of this past week, but try as I might, the flu seemed intent on adding me to the list of those afflicted with its various and assorted unwanted maladies and inconveniences, thus seeing me for the most part locked within the walls of my apartment being sick, and YES, GROUCHY. Good news is that I am almost fully recovered, and in the process of playing catch up.

Our design plans are almost complete for this years Sullivan Renaissance Project, and a Sunday Working session is planned to complete the application process for this years grant. The deadline for submission is March 23rd and we would like all interested parties to have a chance to see the plans, make suggestions and/or ask any last minute questions you might have as a interested party, or member of our Mountaindale Community. With that in mind, letting every one know there will be an informal Mountaindale Sullivan Renaissance Committee meeting for all interested parties on this upcoming Monday Night at 7:30 at the Mountaindale Art Center here in our little hamlet. Would encourage all interested parties, as well as potential volunteers and/or donors to attend.

Mountaindale Renaissance Project Committee Meeting (MCDP)

Monday March 21, 2011
7:30 PM
Mountaindale Art Center
58 Main Street
Mountaindale, NY 12763

For more information or if you have questions/suggestions and cannot attend, please contact Sherwood at (845)693-4513 or Barb Schmitt at (845) 434-4747

Friendly Reminder...Don't Forget To Use Our Community Bulletin Board

The clouds of early morning have burned off, the sun is shining bright on the streets of Mountaindale, and this afternoon is a beautiful one as the early signs of spring take further hold, and thoughts of our long hard winter fade. Looking around our community, noticed that our Community Bulletin Board across from the Post Office was in need of a spring cleaning...so, Windex and paper towels in hand, it was off to the board for some community spring cleaning, and proud to announce that our board is up and ready for spring, so PLEASE USE IT! If we do not let our guests know about the businesses, services and events here in our small hamlet, we cannot be surprised when they do not come knocking on our doors to say hello.




  • Having a garage sale...put up a nice flier announcing it.


  • Have a business card for your company or business...thumb tack up a few of your cards so people can find you.


  • Have an upcoming community event...put up a nice flier announcing it.

This is a wonderful community resource that is under utilized, so I would encourage everyone to avail themselves of the opportunity it presents to get out the word as Mountaindale again prepares to host all of our friends, neighbors and seasonal visitors.

Lastly, noticed a lot of litter (used Q-Tips, cigarette butts, paper, plastic, even a beer bottle) in and around the park area surrounding the sign, and would ask all of you to take the time to pick up one or two pieces of trash and put it in the litter can each time you are there...in this way, we can keep our community both clean, and green as we present ourselves to our guests.

Friday, March 11, 2011

The Spring Melt Begins...

Like an old man going bald, winter is losing his grip, the snow line fast receding with spring rains washing away most of the white stuff, the smell and taste of rebirth palpable as it hangs in the air. A walk along our rural roads past burgeoning streams leaping and roaring by, the music of it's song music to our ears as rushing water escapes established beds and boundaries, the force and volume threatening to uproot normally safe majestic trees that in warmer months will provide shade from the midsummer sun.

Been sick with the crudes here for a few days, the antibiotics wrecking havoc on my system, but going outside for some fresh air this morning, could not resist the call of spring, the air warm, the smell tickling and teasing my senses, so I traipsed back inside, gather up my camera, put on a heavier coat and went out to capture this moment in time where winter falls and spring begins, even if not officially. Thought I would share a few of my pictures here. Hope that enjoy them as much as I enjoyed getting out of the for a bit, taking a hour to commune with the wonder just outside my door living here in Mountaindale.






Thursday, March 10, 2011

Call For Artist/Craftspersons For Mountaindale Art Center

As many of your know, Mountaindale is very fortunate to have a beautiful exhibit meeting space dedicated over to the arts in our Mountaindale Art Center located at 58 Main Street. This beautiful space though is very under utilized, and we are hoping to fix that with your help. First, we are looking for local talent to showcase in this exhibit space on an ongoing and continuous basis. So, if you are someone, or might know someone who would be interested in showcasing their talents, please feel free to give Barb or Sherwood a call to discuss your proposal, and too share slides of your work. First priority once juried will be given to Mountaindale residents first, then Sullivan County residents, and those living in the greater Hudson River Valley.

Secondly, this space is perfect for meetings and other social functions, and you will find our fees very modest. So, if you or your group are looking for a regular place to hold club meetings, a social function, or perhaps conduct a seminar in, please contact us. Space Reservations are on a first come first serve basis, subject to availability.

Barb Schmitt (845) 434-4747
Sherwood Martinelli (845) 693-4513

New Health and Fitness Opportunities in Mountaindale


Greetings! We are very pleased to announce several new classes available to you & your friends at 62 Main St, Mountaindale. Our very popular Zumba class has been expanded to 2 nights per week - Mon & Wed from 6:30PM to 7:30PM. We are looking at beginning a Cardio Bellydancing class on Tues nights if there is sufficient interest. Additionally, because we strongly believe in the great value of involving young children in Music, there will be a Music Together series for toddlers, beginning w/ a Free Demo Class at 5:15PM on Mon, March 28th. Additional info is available by clicking the image above..

Of course, Mountaindale is still a wonderful place for Yoga in a beautiful space w/ radiant heated tile floors at Radiant Yoga, and daily Martial Arts classes, which reinforce lessons of focus & self discipline at Upstate Karate of Mountaindale. Please contact me at any time if you have questions about any of our offered classes. We are also looking for new artists to showcase this year in our art gallery at 58 Main St.

Barb Schmitt
845-434-4747

Make Mountaindale NY News Your Blog...Send Us Your News

Mountaindale NY News is about the people who live, work, play and visit our little hamlet...without all of you as readers, as contributors, we are JUST ANOTHER BLOG. With that thought in mind, want to encourage all of you to send us your own little pieces of news...is your child graduating from pre-school, grade school, high school or college? Drop us a email (pictures to go with article are always nice) and let us put up a small article honoring that achievement. Perhaps your son or daughter is serving in our armed forces, is perhaps deployed and in harms way? Please let us know, and if they need pen pals, perhaps we can help in matching them up with some of our readers...and of course, if they are wanting a taste of home, send them the link to our blog(s).

Does not matter what your news or event, we would like to share it with our readers...perhaps you are having a garage or yard sale, even have a couple of unique items you want to feature in your announcement about your event. Again, all is takes is sending us an email. Is your firehouse perhaps planning a pancake breakfast or other event open to the public?

You get the gist of this...we want our little news blog to reflect ALL THE GOINGS ON in and around our Mountaindale Community, want people visiting here often, contributing with comments, suggestions, and their own little news stories. We are also open to granting author access to any local residents who would like to contribute articles about Mountaindale, the surrounding area and its events and history.

Contact
Sherwood Martinelli
(845) 693-4513
news@mountaindaleproject.org

NaNoWriMo Spring Script Challenge...Call For Entrants

This past November I participated in, and completed the NaNo Writers challenge...to sit down and write a 50,000 word novel in ONE MONTH...I know, crazy. That said, it was a lot of fun, and forces you to hone your own discipline as both a person and a writer. What did I get for completing this challenge?...a T-Shirt that I had to pay for myself, and a very healthy dose of self satisfaction.

Today in my email I received a call to action to participate in their Spring Challenge that I feel compelled to share here. If you have EVER wanted to write a screen play, create a script, I encourage you to become a part of this SCRIPT FRENZY CHALLENGE...they even have write in events in our local area during the month...so, if this sounds like something you would enjoy doing, go online and register today for this EXCITING April month of script writing.

Dear NaNoWriMo Author,

You wrote a book with us in November. Or maybe you just recently signed up for NaNoWriMo, and will be bashing out your first NaNo novel this fall, or maybe you are thinking about being a part of this great challenge. Regardless, you're a person who clearly sees the value in a good month of writerly abandon.

Because of this, I'm here with a proposal. Join me—and 30,000 other overcaffeinated souls—for Script Frenzy.

Script Frenzy is the Office of Letters and Light's springtime writing escapade. Our goal: writing a movie, play, or graphic novel in April. Partnering is encouraged. All kinds of scripts are allowed, including adaptations of your NaNoWriMo novel. The t-shirts are stunning! No experience is necessary! Script Frenzy's Scriptwriting How-To's will teach you everything you need to know. We even have a machine on the Script Frenzy homepage that generates Oscar-ready plots 24 hours a day.

Kids and teens can take part in the Frenzy through the Young Writers Program, which offers boot camps, workbooks, and an energetic community to inspire new scriptwriters. And just as with NaNoWriMo YWP, we provide free curriculum and action-packed scriptwriting kits to all educators bringing the program to their classrooms. Know of a teacher, librarian, or community group leader looking to get kids excited about creative writing? Tell them what we're cooking up this April!

So check out the Script Frenzy site, snag a questionable plot or two from the Plot Machine, and then let's start planning our stories! It's going to be a fantastic month, and we'd love to have you be part of the adventure.

See you in the Frenzy!

Chris

Executive Director
The Office of Letters and Light
http://blog.lettersandlight.org
www.nanowrimo.org
www.scriptfrenzy.org

PS: Your NaNoWriMo log-in works great on the Script Frenzy site!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Mountaindale-My, Your and Our Collective Vision-Join in The Conversation

In many ways, I fell in love with Mountaindale the first time I drove through this quaint little hamlet that (at the time) seemed too be clinging too life...it did not take me long to realize there was/is a very strong life pulse beating here in our small town, far more than one might see or assume at first blush. Going on three years since I first drove through town, I find myself living here, find myself wanting too contribute to seeing Mountaindale bustling with both life and activity, the town full of the kinds of businesses and services we as citizens in and around Mountaindale want here, need here to attend to our individual and collective needs. From my perspective,, as example, would love to see a Convenience Store, would be willing to pay a premium for the convenience of walking down or across the street to get a loaf of bread or a half gallon of milk. How much it would thrill me to see every apartment, house and storefront occupied...artists, a gallery, maybe a bistro offering great European Cuisine all a part of the warp and weave that makes up the fabric of Mountaintdale. I look at this vision, and find myself willing to invest of myself, my time in working toward such a vision.

This is a part of my own vision for our hamlet, my own dream for where I would like to see us go, but being pragmatic, I know that visions are much like opinions in that we all have them, and no two of them are necessarily alike unless the time and effort is taken to have dialog between dispirited groups to find consensus. Even when you have consensus, have a shared vision of a bright and glorious future, can see a dream that every one, or at least a majority can embrace, that is only a part of the equation (from my own perspective) in having a workable and attainable vision. Consensus without shared involvement in the process of going from vision to reality, most visions, most dreams fail to ever materialize, as it takes more than lip service to create reality.

I have my vision for Mountaindale, as do many of our citizens who work, live and/or play here. In talking too various inhabitants of our hamlet and its surrounding community, there seem to be many shared components when it comes to what we each individually, and even collectively would like to see. So, there is the ability to find a shared vision, a common ground on which many if not all of us could stand. Where there seems to be a quick and drastic drop off, is when you ask the question, "What would you be willing to do to help see that vision happen in our community?" Seems we all have lots of wants we would like to see for our community, but finding the support in its various forms to breath that vision/dream into reality is a horse of another color. Prosperity does not happen without action, action does not happen without human involvement and contribution. What are we individually and collective willing too do to bring about, breath into reality a shared dream for our community?

The purpose of this article, is to perhaps open up discourse and dialogue in our comments section below this article, to challenge our community, those who work, live and play in it to give some thought to your own vision for Mountaindale, give some thought to what you would be willing too bring to the table in the way of making that vision or some part of it happen, and share your thoughts. Great dreams can happen, and they all start with that first step...it is my hope that many of you will read this article, will take that first step in the process by sharing your thoughts, by forwarding this article and a link to it to your friends near and far that have an interest in our little hamlet, and it's long range vision and growth, and asking them to join our conversation.

I bring this up, as it is my understanding that the community had a Visioning Workshop back in 2004, and am thinking this would be a good step towards scheduling another one where the entire community could sit down, look at what goals were accomplished from the last Visioning Workshop, and as a community set new goals for moving forward. Let Mountaindale hear your voice, here on the blog, via email, or give me a call at 693-4513.

Quote of Day...It is amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn't matter who gets the credit.

Zumba Class HUGE Success-Offers Second Night

Monday nights if you take a drive to our small downtown area, you would be surprised at the amount of cars parked...I counted 23 cars night before last as one example. Radiant Yoga and Upstate Karate both have classes on those nights, and our newest "Better Health" addition seems to be a huge success, as the folk's from The Janice Center add a second night of Zumba to the lineup.

Starting tonight, Mountaindale is pleased to offer the residents of our small hamlet and the surrounding area a second opportunity to have fun while getting in shape as Zumba holds their first Wednesday night class...class hours will be 6:30 too 7:30, the same as their Monday night offering.

(845) 482-3324

If you or your group are looking for meeting space, or wanting to bring a new business or service to Mountaindale, please give Barb at Diversified Realty Services a call at (845) 434-4747.



Friday, March 4, 2011

Spring is Almost Upon Us

Today the weather was just warm enough to see me tromping about town with my 35 MM digital camera in shorts, and much of the winter's snow is fast melting away as Mountaindale senses with great anticipation the fact approaching spring...I for one can hardly wait. Earlier this week, saw the owner (Charlie) of our local bike shop , the Cinder Track, in town making a list of things to do in preparation for opening his doors for the spring/summer season, and more people seem to be out and about on the streets walking their dogs and enjoying some fresh air even if it is still a bit crisp.

For a small sleepy hamlet, there is a lot of hustle and bustle in our small town. On days and early evenings see Radiant Yoga classes in session, students learning at our Dojang (Upstate Karate...please visit their new blog), and 15-20 people taking a Zumba class, our Main Street has 20 or so cars lining the street, our citizens and those visiting our community exposing a surprising strong life pulse as efforts at revitalize and renewal take hold.

As the winter wanes, keep in mind these volunteer opportunities:

  • Help needed to take down the Christmas/Holiday decorations in all Main Street storefronts, and give the windows a spring washing.
  • Spring Clean up of our Mountaindale Community...scheduled for early May.
  • Sullivan Renaissance Project...We have big plans involving the Rails to Trails entrance, so hope you all will become a part of this project.

For more information on these opportunities to volunteer, please contact Barb at 434-4747, or Sherwood at 693-4513.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Sullivan Renaissance Project-Meeting Update

First, a BIG THANKS to everyone who showed up last night for our first planning meeting for this years Sullivan Renaissance Project under the umbrella of Mountaindale Community Development Project, with a special thanks to Legislady Leni Binder who was a wealth of both information, and support for our vision for 2011. Want to also thank all the businesses here in town that had a presence at the meeting, including Diversified Realty Services, Radiant Yoga, HospitalityGreen, and our own Upstate Karate...as a small rural community, support from citizens, and our local Main Street business community is imperative to the success of these projects, so thank you very much everyone for showing up, contributing your ideas, asking questions, and being a part of this years project.

Group consensus was found, and we will be doing a three component project in the area of our Mountaindale entrance to "Rails to Trails" this year as a Category B grant applicant.

Part 1-clean up, re-staging, and improving the formal entrance to the trail, building upon the bones of the entrance to give it a more formalized crisp look. This project will include some new landscaping elements, and builds upon work our volunteers have carried out in previous years as we look to build upon past successes as we take a previous project, and elevate it to the next level.

Part 2- Just inside the entrance off to the left is one of the original concrete blocks belonging to the old O&W lines that would have been used as a mounting block for various kinds of equipment. At almost six feet in length, and over two feet in height, this piece of history is a perfect backdrop for a small multi-season perennial bed, and if fund allow, perhaps a flowering ornamental for a beautiful spring POP just inside the entrance to "Rails to Trails", as well as serve to draw the eye into the trail, where part 3 of our project will be installed.

Part 3-Just down from part two of this project is an old concrete switching box (complete with rusted out hinges) as well as an old siding where cars/locomotives would be parked just off the main track. Phase one of this project will be the cleaning up of, and grooming of a large area of the woods from the front entrance of the Rail's to Trails back to and including this siding area including and encompassing the Switch Box. The siding area and switch box will see a large landscaping statement which will include the construction of a Mock of of the old O&W number 70 locomotive.

These three projects incorporate several elements that make them a perfect selection for this years project. First, we are building upon projects from previous years, both upgrading existing projects, and expanding their footprint and visual appeal. Secondly, are the historical elements that will embrace and bring into our projects actual relics from this bygone era, giving them new life as significant parts of our landscaping project. Additionally will be two environmental aspects (at least) to this project that are exciting. First we will be adding cans (or if we can find them old barrels) into the project that will be used for litter control/recycling of the debris that those using the trail may need to dispose of. Secondly, the sculptural element of our main project (the train) is going to be built in such a fashion as to act as a water collection system, thus allowing us to meet some of our project's water needs through the collection of, and reuse of rainwater.

Today we took our first measurements of the project spots, and this weekend are planning on taking extensive project photographs, begin the task of laying out some of the design plans. If you have questions or suggestions at this stage, or would like to volunteer for this years projects, please email Sherwood (http://www.blogger.com/news@mountaindaleproject.org) or give him a call at (845) 693-4513

As Promised...Girl Scout Cookie Breaking News...ORDER NOW

It's Girl Scout Cookie season again and all 8 of your favorite kinds will be coming very soon to make Mountaindale even sweeter! The Sullivan County Cookie Cupboard will be located right on Main Street all during April. You can pre-order now by calling (845) 434-4747 or stop by next month and pick up your treats which are still only $3.50 per box.

Barb Schmitt has been running the Cookie Cupboard for the past several years and is very happy about this year's selection. The usual top sellers are on hand, such as Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs and Trefoils. Many people also look forward each year to the peanutty goodness of Do Si Dos. The three specialty cookies of last year are back, which are Dulce De Leche, Lemon Chalet Cremes, and the surprise hit, Thank You Berry Munch, with sweet, tangy cranberries. There were some alarming rumors about fewer cookies being available but Barb can assure the loyal public that no cookie was left behind. Yet, it's important to remember that the luscious cookie season is a fleeting one and all the cookies will be gone by early May.