The ZEN of NYC

Virgelio Carpio with Solitude Series at Uccelli Restaurant

New York City would seem like one of the least likely places to experience a moment of Zen. The are so many people and sounds and other things to over stimulate us. However, my good friend, Virgelio "Billy" Carpio, finds Zen images in his camera lens all the time. He's a commuter who works in the city and takes great advantage of the odd moment to capture unique vantage points. With his artistic eye, he shows us the beauty in a runner stretching in Central Park, or a homeless person dozing in the New York Public Library.

Virgelio Carpio has been photographing New York City since 2009. He uses HDR (high dynamic range) processing heavily, a digital technique for balancing lighting in high contrast scenes. HDR is typically suited to landscapes. It is not meant for moving objects. An HDR image is created from 3 to 5, sometimes more, exposures of a scene. When objects such as people move in the scene and across exposures, HDR software does its best but in the end, either “ghosts” are created or the moving objects are eliminated. Combining slow shutter speeds (small aperture openings) and HDR processing, moving objects such as people become nearly invisible in the original exposures and then are removed by HDR. What is left is the lone individual standing or sitting still, as the individual is unmoving across all 3 to 5 exposures.

Hanging one of my favorite pieces in the show

After enjoying Virgelio’s fascinating technique, I encouraged him to share them in Mountaindale in a gloriously vivid show in the Uccelli Restaurant dining room during the month of April. This unique collection of photos of New York City are from his “Solitude” series, which he hopes will allow you to experience New York City in an entirely new way. One in which the streets are devoid of crowds, save for the solitary figure in a seemingly Zen-like state. You will have the chance to meet Virgelio at an Artist's Reception at Uccelli Restaurant, hosted by Chef Robert, on Saturday, April 7th from 2 to 4PM. Billy (as he is known to friends) is a gentle, humble man, and I am sure you will find him just as delightful as his work.



Big Band Music Swing Dancing this Friday

Our great neighbors at Radiant Yoga are hosting another wonderful evening Dance with Swing Dancing and Lindy hopping & bopping. It will all take place this Friday, March 30 from 7:30-10:15PM at 62 Main Street in Mountaindale, NY.  One of our favorite music men, DJ Ray will bring his top Big Band hits for Open Dancing from 8PM on. If you've always wanted to learn these dances, there will be a lesson at 7:30PM with enthusiasts and instructors Judy Timke and Kathy Jeffers.
Fee: $12/person; $20/couple. Includes tea and healthy snacks. Call (845) 866-7822 to speak to Janet Gula to RSVP.

Look Up for Brunch

Despite the unusual weather this year, Spring has officially arrived in Mountaindale. Our new neighbor, the Look Up Cafe invites you to welcome the glorious season on Sunday by getting up and treating yourself to a sumptuous brunch from 8AM to 1PM in Louisa's charming retro dining room at 6 Main Street in Mountaindale. Her good friend, chef Paula will be at the griddle to help prepare a delicious menu, including: Pancakes with apple, banana & cinnamon topping; Eggs; Bagels; French Toast; and Omelets, with side orders of Home Fries, Bacon, Sausage, Ham, and Orange Juice, Coffee, or Tea. AND, as a luscious dessert, they will be serving their famous chocolate brownies, carrot cake, and as a special treat, chocolate raspberry cake. Too full after your meal? Take some home for later.

For more info, you can reach Louisa at argentinaa@hvc.rr.com and ask to get on her email list to hear about the Look Up Cafe's daily specials, upcoming Cooking Classes and more.

Look Up Cafe

Here we GROW AGAIN!
There are a number of new faces on Main Street in Mountaindale and we offer a hearty welcome to all the new people who have moved in. I am especially pleased to congratulate a new business who is growing right before our eyes. I have known local resident Louisa Pabon for a number of years now. She has always impressed me as a hard working woman with a powerful, entrepreneurial spirit. In August of 2008, she began a business which manufactures a gourmet seasoning which is a staple of Spanish cooking, known as Sofrito, (pronounced “so-free-toh.”) Although a canned version may be found on many store shelves, Lousia takes pride in making her natural product fresh, using only the best quality vegetables like peppers, onions, cilantro and other savory herbs & spices for Sofrito Verde. These are quickly processed while they are at their peak flavor and frozen so that they can be delivered to a store near you and enjoyed within two weeks. Another delicious product made by Louisa is 'Oooh That's Good Hummus' which can also be purchased locally at Catskill Harvest Market in Liberty, NY. She makes this product by starting with her own cooked chick peas to eliminate any salt or preservatives that might be found in canned versions.


Sofrito Verde Kitchen



For the first couple of years, Verde & Company operated out of a rented commecial kitchen. They were able to grow and produce quality products carried by a large number of supermarkets and specialty stores. However, they would not be able to fully reach their potential until Louisa could have a commercial kitchen of her very own. She needed a clean place where she could expand her production as well as experiment with new recipes for her loyal clientele. After several intense weeks of renovation, she was able to officially move in to 6 Main Street in Mountaindale.  This is the handsome brick building with a concrete porch that used to be the Rittberg Bakery in town. It is now a fully functional certified commercial kitchen with sleek stainless steel and soothing teal colors where Louisa can fill all of her wholesale orders.



Look Up Cafe Dining Room

When Lousia isn't making her delicious sofrito and hummus, she is able to indulge her long time dream of having a small breakfast and lunch cafe. The name of this new quaint establishment will be the Look Up Cafe. Why? Lousia said it is because people will have to look up at the building to see where she is. I visited there yesterday for lunch and think guests will only have to follow their noses for the delicious smells. I greatly enjoyed my chicken empanada which was seasoned just right and had a tender, flaky crust because it was baked and not fried. This was served with tasty homemade macaroni and cheese. Although I was stuffed, Lousia and Ralph, her husband and assistant baker, convinced me to sample a luscious bite of freshly baked carrot cake. Other people began dropping in for coffee and I heard that the brownies were delicious as well. You can find out for yourself tomorrow if you stop in for coffee or a meal between 7AM and 3PM in the sunny attractively decorated dining room. Whether you are there for a fresh muffin, eggs, or a Latin style lunch with strong Bustelo, you will enjoy your meal at the new Look Up Cafe!





Grease is the Word

Grease Dance Party scene

When I attended the Fallsburg High School Pops Concert, I noticed that a lot of talented Mountaindale kids can sing and play musical instruments.  I now know that they can also dance and act. The Fallsburg School Drama Club is down to the last few weeks of rehearsal for the smash Broadway hit, Grease, which will be presented in the high school auditorium on March 16th & 17th. The kids are all working so hard to get their lines memorized, while learning their stage directions and dance choreography.

The male lead, the role of Danny Zuko, will be played by our own Danny Justiniano, who often divides his time between singing with the school Chorus and playing trumpet with the school Band.  Fellow Mountaindale-ite and trumpet player, is Rachel Schmitt, who will be playing the most popular Beauty School Drop Out, Frenchy. There is also a Mountaindale family affair involved with this production.  Mountaindale native and teacher, Robynn Anderman Malman will be co-directing with her good friend, Fallsburg teacher, Sharie Mednick.  Robynn will be proudly directing her two children; Lindsay in the fun role of outspoken Rizzo and Joshua in the role Roger the "mooner."  I'm hoping that their grandmother, School Board Member & retired teacher, Arlene Hussey, will be on hand to do make up on opening night since I remember her doing mine, back when I trod those same boards on the Fallsburg stage.

Please join us at 7PM on Friday, March 16th & Saturday, March 17th as we rock our way back to Rydell High School and enjoy those great famous tunes that have been delighting audiences since Grease premiered in February of 1972.  The original cast included the lovely Adrienne Barbeau in the role of Betty Rizzo. The first Danny Zuko was played by Barry Bostwick, who went on to play Brad in the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" movie and has many acting credits, including Mayor Winston on TV's "Spin City." Tickets will be available at the door or in advance from a local cast member and will be $8 for Adults & $5each for Students and Sr Citizens. We go together like a wop bob a lu mop and wop bam boom

Free Bardavon/UPAC Tickets for YOU

Greetings!  We have so many loyal daily viewers visiting our site from all over the world. Today, I have a chance to reward your dedication with a FREE pair of tickets to a Bardavon Concert for you this month. The good folks at Green Door Magazine have generously offered us a pair of tickets to give away (no strings!) for the March 17th concert at Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) at 8PM at 601 Broadway in Kingston, NY.  The featured artist will be Aaron Lewis, who  rose to fame as the lead singer of the rock band Staind, whose #1 albums include Break the Cycle, 14 Shades of Grey and The Illusion of Progress. At his UPAC debut, Aaron will present a solo acoustic performance, playing the band’s hits including It’s Been Awhile, Outside, and So Far Away, as well as new songs from his Country Boy album, in addition to taking requests from the audience.

If you would like to attend this performance, please drop me an email before 5PM today at news@mountaindaleproject.org.  Winner will be chosen at random from email replies received this afternoon. Tickets may be picked up at the Box Office. Please click here for a full schedule of UPAC events and driving/parking instructions.  Good Luck & Happy Listening!