Main Street Banners & Flowers

The design committee of the Mountaindale Community Development Project worked over the winter to develop a new set of banners for our Main Streets.  They were funded with our Phase II Sullivan Renaissance Award from last summer. We were all so delighted when the banner delivery arrived. But then it rained, sometimes torentially, every day and then it was brutally hot, which made climbing a ladder to install them on the telephone poles around town an unpleasant task. Luckily, today's balmy weather was just perfect! Our new banners are a wonderful addition to our charming street and will be greeting all the summer visitors to Mountaindale this season.

Our interesting recent weather also created some challenges for the volunteers who worked on our flower box enhancement project this year. The original design of our Main Street flower boxes came to us from the Technology Education classes of the Fallsburg High School. They look terrific but had a flaw in practical application in the scope that we use since there are nearly 30 of them around town. A lot of water would leak out of the side slats, which was inefficient from both a water conservation and volunteer labor standpoint. A portion of our Renaissance winnings also went toward refurbishing the planters as well as enriching the soil with a precise mix recommended by the knowledgeable staff at EarthBox.

With a lot of support from local Girl Scouts of Troops 401, 580, 234 and 738, as well as students and parents of Upstate Karate of Mountaindale, we got the planters planted and out on the streets earlier this month. The Girl Scouts will continue to assist during the summer with watering tasks as well as working in the Communty Garden behind 51 Main Street and Radiant Yoga of Mountaindale. The Scouts are hoping to be able to grow enough vegetables to be able to donate some to people in need in the community. They will also have a small herb garden in an EarthBox planter that we purchased.

Yoga Students Lisa & Greg lending a hand

We are very fortunate for the support from the Scouts, Karate families and Yoga students who helped with other tasks to keep Mountaindale looking beautifully in bloom. They helped with maintenance of the Hummingbird Garden. It needed a lot of weeding and trimming after the winter. We are lucky to have Janet Gula in town as she is also the owner of My Secret Gardener and was the original designer of the Hummingbird Garden. I have also noticed how wonderful our Rock Garden at 37 Main Street looks next door to HospitalityGreen, thanks to all of the extra TLC that Evadne Giannini has been giving it.

I guess what I am saying is, "It takes a village" to keep our hamlet looking so great!  Thanks to everyone who participates in this effort!

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.

Musicians...Did You Know There Is an Open Mic Night Every Wednesday At The Mountaindale Inn here in Mountaindale?

Calling all musicians, and those that love listening to some really good, even emerging talent in Sullivan County's music scene.

Mark and Kelsey, two of our very talented Mountaindale residents have teamed up with Ed who is the owner of the Mountaindale Inn to hold a weekly Open Mic Night each and every Wednesday night. In its first six weeks, it has grown from just a couple musicians to a full blown evening of fun and great entertainment with music that stretches across a wide range of styles from folk, to country as well as classic and contemporary rock songs.

So, if you are looking for a good pizza and some great musical entertainment, or if you are a musician looking to sit in with and network with your contemporaries, put this event on your list of things to do on a Wednesday night. The crowd starts arriving around 7:30 with music starting around 8:00 PM.

Where: Mountaindale Inn
69 Main Street

Mountain Dale, NY 12763

(845) 434-1023

Mountaindale Downtown Filling Up

Mountaindale is experiencing what can only be described as a population explosion of sorts. As we enjoy the fall color, get ourselves ready for the coming winter, we are seeing a LOT of new faces here in town. We in the past couple of months, and moving towards November have seen five apartments get committed to new neighbors here in town. That is exciting news for our small hamlet. Believe it or not, right now we are running out of space at the proverbial Inn with just four apartments available in our downtown right now...THAT IS EXCITING.

In other news, Robert Uccelli, also a new neighbor is going will be holding a soft opening on the 27th of October, with a more formalized Grand Opening two weeks later.

In the department of musing...am wondering if it would be a good idea for all of us in the hamlet's downtown area to get together for sort of a "Meet and Greet" time? If any one is interested in putting together something like this with me, give me a call at (845)693-4513. Would give all of us a chance to meet one another, and forge stronger community bonds.

*Note...for our new neighbors...Mountaindale has some of the GREATEST snow removal in the entire state of New York. The snow crew does ask all of us though to move our cars off of the streets if a storm is coming so that they can keep our Main Street and its sidewalks free of snow this winter.

Town of Fallsburg Issues Limited State of Emergency Through Friday

Town of Fallsburg Supervisor Steven Vegliante has issued a limited State of Emergency, and all citizens are encouraged to be CAREFUL OUT THERE, and to watch for water on the roads in low lying areas. In related news, there seems to be some very serious concern about the dam in our Mountaindale Park failing...sources are saying said dam is on the verge of complete failure, so those down stream need to be VERY VIGILANT.

A walk down the park road showed a very large amount of water flowing over the roadway (see picture) making further investigation too risky.

August was a record setting month for total accumulated rain in our area, and the ground is saturated, making flash flooding a very real danger. Another danger area is the wood retaining wall that directs the water under Main Street...that wall really took a beating in Hurricane Irene, and it might not be a matter of if, but rather when the retaining wall blows out, the stream then overflowing its banks and heading straight down Main Street here in our small hamlet.

If you see flooding, or have questions/concerns about the limited State of Emergency for the Town of Fallsburg, you can contact the Town Clerk's office at (845) 434-8810.

Mountaindale Odds and Ends

May 5th...first, today would have been my Mom's birthday, "So Happy Birthday Mom".

Being a busy week here in Mountaindale on several fronts. This evening, we have some Girl Scouts coming in to do some Community Service work on one of our gardens. Will have pictures of this later on. Speaking of Girl Scouts, today is pretty much YOUR LAST CHANCE to get Girl Scout cookies until they come back around again next year! So, if you haven't gotten them, or you want a few more boxes to put into the freezer, better make your move...I am thinking I need at least a couple more boxes myself...SO BAD I know!

Last night there was a Spring Workshop run by the folks over at Sullivan Renaissance, and a few great pointers were picked up. For instance, did you know that Apple Cider vinegar in a spray bottle makes a fabulous weed killer...and its ALL NATURAL. Another tip...92 percent rubbing alcohol (again in a spray bottle) is great to take out to the garden with you. Realize you grabbed some poison ivy...spray it with rubbing alcohol! So, great workshop, and of course I enjoyed the cookies.

This year's Renaissance project is taking shape...we have a commitment to get water to the new gardens, so a REALLY BIG THANKS to the town government over in Fallsburg. Plans are moving ahead to do some much needed Pre-Installation site clean up, and our Rails to Trails sign is going to get some repair work done to it. So, very excited to see that moving forward in a big way.

If you have news or events to share, give Barb (434-4747) or Sherwood (693-4513) a call and we will be happy to get a small article up on your news of the moment...you can email photographs or send press releases to news@mountaindaleproject.org

Creative Re-Use Mountaindale Renaissance Scavenger Hunt

Greetings Sports Fans!

What a beautiful day it it outside...the air smells like spring, the grass is green, and the leaves are about to burst forth on some trees, while others are in full bloom. Simply stated, this time of the year both rejuvenates and invigorates the soul. So, seems like a perfect day to announce a Community Challenge...

The Great Mountaindale Renaissance Scavenger Hunt

This year, the Mountaindale Community Development Project, and the Mountaindale Sullivan Renaissance Project Committee have settled upon a GREAT BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT for our small hamlet...we are going to enhance the entrance to our "Rails to Trails", and just a bit further in on the trail we are going to create a sculptural interpretation of the O&W Railways 33 Steam Locomotive that met it's demise in our town at the turn of the 20th century over 100 years ago.

We would like our project to include some Environmentally Friendly Green Aspects, and one of these green aspects is the creative re-use of materials in the building and construction of this project, taking both found and hanging around stuff that might otherwise end up in a landfill and turning into art, landscaping with these found items that people, businesses just might have hanging around taking up space.

Thus the Great Re-Use Mountaindale Renaissance Scavenger Hunt...this is where our community comes in. We need Scavenger Hunters...individuals and groups that could help us in finding materials that we can creatively Re-Use in breathing our Steam Locomotive into reality. There are no prizes, this is not a contest, but instead a challenge, an opportunity to do community service in a very unique and different way. Have planting materials that need thinned out, or maybe some perennials in an overgrown and abandoned bed? We would love to have them. Perhaps you have some old nails, screws or even bailing wire laying around? Again, we would LOVE to have them. Are you a nursery with some overstock that needs some Tender Loving Care? Give us a call.

What are we looking for you ask? Anything and everything is up for consideration, but we do have some very specific needs.

• Plywood 1x4x8...treated is preferable, but beggars cannot be choosy.


• 2x4x8's...again, treated would be IDEAL, but again, any 2x4x 8 will suffice.


• 2x6x8's (or longer!) Yes, you guessed it, treated would be a bonus.


• 2x10 or 2x12...any length from 8-16 foot would be ideal.


• 6x6x8 landscaping timbers.


• Fallen Birch trees/limbs...will be used for accent details on train.


• 3-5 inch decking or other screws.


• Number 8 and 16 common nails...we are not picky at all when it comes to nails, so rusty ones are fine.


• 55 Gallon Drums...we need a total of ten, and have three right now.


• 30 Gallon Drums...we could use at least two of these.


• Old Pipe in say 8-12 inch diameter.

Some DREAM ITEMS ON OUR LIST

• 4 Old Wagon Wheels that are say 24-36 inches in diameter as the back wheels of the train.


• 4 Smaller spoked wheels of 12-15 inches in diameter.


• 7 Flowering Ornamental Trees


• Any Perennial (preferably native plant species) plants that could be easily transplanted into our garden spaces being created.


• A Brass BELL for the train...maybe about eight-twelve inches!

This is by no means a comprehensive list, so if you have something you think we could use or incorporate in some fashion, give us a call. We have a staging area for these found materials, so if you have things, just let us know when you would like to drop them off. We are also ALWAYS looking for volunteers, so if you or your group would like to participate, are looking for a change to do community service work, please give us a call so we can work with you.

Sherwood Martinelli
Renaissance Committee Chair
(845) 693-4513

Barb Schmitt
Mountaindale Community Development Project
(845) 434-4747

If you would like to make a donation to our project please send check too:

Mountaindale Community Development Project (MCDP)
PO Box 333
Mountaindale, NY 12763
(Be sure to put in Memo that the donation is for 2011 Renaissance)

Should Sullivan County Black Top Our Small Community Bike Paths?

Someone passed along an interesting article that was found on the Smithsonian Web Site which started wheels churning and it is that process of thinking that sees the question posed, "Should Sullivan County find the money to black top, and thus monetize the wonderful gift that is our bike trails, our very own Rails to Trails Corridor." Is this another avenue or piece of the puzzle in the task of moving us forward in our economic renewal and revitalization that is taking hold here?

Imagine if you will a quiet little hamlet that once upon a time had been a bustling, even thriving community. See this community with its rich history falling upon hard times, the population dwindling down to almost nothing compared to what it once had been (wondering how large of a population Mountaindale had that summer in 1970 when we ALMOST played host to a second Woodstock style event?). Buildings boarded up, many of them in a sad state of affairs. It would be easy to walk away, call it quits and let that small little hamlet waste away into history, the memory of its very existence gone as its former residents and their stories disappeared to news dreams and new destinations. This tale of a dying town, a dying hamlet could be told about any number of communities in Sullivan county, but in this case, the story is about the small community of Lanesboro, Minnesota that was struggling to survive...then something happened.

That something, the proverbial seed of renewal and rebirth was the black topping of their own bike path, and the tourist trade (in the form of biking enthusiasts young and old) that has brought an economic renewal and revitalization to this quite bucolic hamlet. This town now plays host to numerous successful Bed and Breakfast places of slumber, restaurants, Art Gallery, Art Center and various shops. In short, it has returned itself to vibrancy and prosparity.

On a summer weekend (thanks in part [partially] to nearby campgrounds) it is not unusual to see this small community's population grow to over 5000. Granted, their total trail is some 60 miles in length, but our own trail here in Sullivan County is growing by leaps and bounds, and much of the needed component parts to our own renewal already seem to be in place. We have numerous campgrounds in the area including Yogi Bear and Skyway that play host to literally hundreds of camping families each year. Summer sees literally thousands of part timers sweeping off front porches, moving into their summer homes and cabins. Many of our buildings here in Mountaindale have already been restored, and our base line population is similar to that of Lanesboro...last Census has us at 520 citizens. We have three beautiful seasons, each offering a completely unique set of opportunities to biking enthusiasts and tourists alike.

So, the question is posed...is it time we put more energy into what could be Sullivan County's crown jewel, should we seriously look to find the volunteers, means, money to expand and blacktop this under developed and under utilized piece of public infrastructure?

Radiant Yoga Schedule

As Spring spreads it warmth and flowers throughout our Hamlet (saw first crocus today) thought it time to share a special event taking place tomorrow (Sunday) at Radiant Yoga, including morning lessons, and a WONDERFUL brunch in this notice. Make sure while you are there to say hello to Zoe...talk about a cutie.

Sunday, April 10-Yoga Therapeutics

ALL LEVELS 10-11:30 am

Followed by a
Community Brunch IT IS DELICIOUS!~
11:45 am -12:45 pm

Thai Yoga Bodywork for Partners
1-4 pm
$27/person Reservations Required.

Attention Newcomers:
Bring a nonperishable item for the Children's Food Pantry and Recieve your First Class FREE.
(Preference for foods low in sodium, slat, and sugar)
We look forward to welcoming you soon.

With Appreciation and All the Best,

Janet and Zoe
Radiant Yoga
63 Main Street, CR-55
Mountaindale, NY 12763
My Radiant Yoga
(845) 866-7822

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

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:

Pleasant Stone Farm

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

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.

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

What a Beautiful Weather Week We Had in Mountaindale

Have to love waking up to shorts weather on Valentine's Day...not sure, but think we were in the high forties here in Mountaindale on the 14th, and other than a few dips, the day time temperatures were pretty pleasant all week. I went for several walks with my camera, and thought I would share a couple of my favorite snap shots. If you have a favorite Mountaindale area photograph you would like featured here, please email it and we will be sure to share it with our readers.

Found these glasses as I crossed the bridge out of town heading up Church Street...the one below was taken off the other side of the bridge.

Let Us Help You Help Make Community Here in Mountaindale, NY

Almost any one can have a dream, a few special souls can bring their vision into reality without the help and efforts of others. However, most great dreams or visions seen into reality have come about through finding kindred spirits, like minded souls who are willing to work toward the same goals as dream takes shape catches hold and becomes an everlasting reality people can see, touch, experience and in this case live...Barb and Ken Schmitt have for a long time now been people of vision, have worked diligently over the past ten years giving their own dream shape as them have brought the once struggling little hamlet of Mountaindale back to life. Given it a chance to bloom again as a flourishing hamlet as a part of the larger community of Fallsburg.

Many of the hamlets buildings have been lovingly given a new life, a few others or parts of others too far gone to salvage have been cleared, taken down, and others still are awaiting their turn for a full makeover. People have moved in, and everywhere you look signs of renewal and growth are apparent too the discerning eye. There is the Upstate Karate School, Janet with her "My Radiant Yoga" studio, a few professionals who were looking for a quieter simpler life/work environment here, and even a few artist/crafts persons who now proudly call Mountaindale home.

The Schmitt's shared dream of a green, environmentally friendly community of Baby Boomer's, the services needed to meet their wants needs and desires is starting to materialize, the next steps in the revitalization needing only people who embrace in some way their shared dream. The community needs someone that has always wanted to run their own small convenience store, or Mom and Pop grocery, perhaps living in one of the apartments in the downtown area. There is a great place to open up a small restaurant (with living quarters right upstairs) waiting for the right visionary who is willing to put in the work to develop a following...summer time sees the population of the area swell as there are numerous seasonal campgrounds in the area. Ken and Barb offer very affordable rents, and stand ready to help new business take root and thrive in our town.

There are plenty of opportunities for residential living in Mountaindale, ample spaces where artists could live and work in the same building (writers too), and various buildings (that can be rehabilitated to fit your needs) that would lend themselves perfectly to business/commercial enterprises.

For More Information

Ken and Barb Schmitt
Diversified Realty Services
(845) 434-4747

Residential Properties
Commercial Properties

Get Scared (filmed in Mountaindale) Just Released Teaser Trailer on YouTube

For a small sleepy little hamlet in Sullivan County, there is a lot more going on in Mountaindale, NY than meets the eye, including a growing group of film/video production studioes looking to do shooting in and around our community. Just releaseed on YouTube is a Get Scared teaser video which was shot here just this past November. Watch the video here on our blog, or double click it to go right to YouTube and leave the band a message, and tell them Mountaindale says hello. Remember, you can get tickets for all of Get Scared concerts, and any other events (Sports, Theater, Broadway, Vegas Shows) at Elite Tix or Tix By Ken, two of our home grown business efforts here in Mountaindale.  (Want to see the whole video?  Click here!)

Sullivan Renaissance Hosting Seminar, "Gardens Start to Finish"

This is a rescheduled event from February 2nd, 2011

From this writer's perspective, there is no better time to plan your garden than right now, "in the dead of winter" as the snow buries us into our warm cozy homes. So finding out that the Sullivan Renaissance is hosting a seminar on Wednesday, February 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the CVI Building in Ferndale titled, "Gardens Start to Finish!" has me excited, and would encourage every one involved with their grant programs to attend.

This seminar is being presented by Mary Lewis, founder and principle of Barncroft, a garden design firm. She is was also chair of Zone III 2008 Annual Meeting of the Garden Clubs of America, and past president of Orange and Dutchess Garden Club and a graduate of Cornell University, and she studies botanical art and illustration at New York Botanical Gardens. She has also been a Sullivan Renaissance judge for the past nine years.

The core concepts of this seminar will help both individuals and groups begin gardening projects in their own communities by providing a check list of the necessary elements to consider when designing and planning a garden, such as garden location, soil testing, soil improvements, garden layout and design, as well as plant choices and arrangement.

For anyone who loves gardening, this is a MUST ATTEND event, and for those considering applying for a Sullivan Renaissance grant, keep in mind that they place a strong emphasis on good design, and in 2011, all grant recipients must, for garden and landscaping projects, summit a garden design plan and plant list to receive said grant.

Everyone is welcome to attend, so grab your favorite gardening friend and plan to attend. Refreshments will be served (oh GOODY!).

Those who signed up for the original February 2 date have been re-registered for February 16. If you would still like to register, please do so by February 15 by visiting Sullivan Renaissance or calling 845-295-2445.

Also...in Breaking News of sorts:

Individuals wishing to attend the Sullivan Renaissance Winter Conference and Expo on Saturday, February 26 can register and sign up for workshops directly on-line.  Go to www.sullivanrenaissance.org and click on the Sullivan Renaissance Rooster at the top of the page.

Mountaindale Art Center Seeking Artists and Craft Persons

Through the generosity of Barb and Ken Schmitt, our small hamlet of Mountaindale, NY is blessed with a very beautiful but under utilized Arts Center, and we would like to change that reality, see the center regularly hosting gallery shows for artists and craftspeople from the Mountaindale area,Sullivan County, and the greater Hudson River Valley.

We are contemplating having five gallery shows per year, each running for a period of six weeks, giving us one week after each show to pull down a current exhibit, and another week to install our new artist or crafts person. During the sixth installation, which would be installed during the second week of November each year, it is our hope to find enough artists and craftpersons interest to turn the Mountaindale Art Center into a Artists and Craftsperson's Christmas Gift Emporium which would maintain regular hours for the six weeks leading up to Christmas by having those who's work is being displayed and sold volunteering their time to keep the shop manned and open during posted hours.

If you would be interested in having an exhibit in our Mountaindale Art Center, would be interested in participating in our Christmas Gift Emporium or would like to volunteer in making our Art Center a success, please send your inquiry to:

Sherwood Martinelli
Mountaindale Arts Center Gallery Program
PO Box 71
Mountaindale, NY 12763
(845) 693-4513
news@mountaindaleproject.org

*To be considered for inclusion in the Mountain Arts Center Gallery Program, we will need to see slides and/or samples of your work, as inclusion is based upon an ongoing jury process.