Welcome Back!

Glorious Fall by Rachel

Somehow, the past couple of months have positively flown by in a complete blur. I apologize for not having an opportunity to post for a while. I wanted to keep this site out of the election ruckus, but then got incredibly busy with all kinds of things going on in Mountaindale, Hurricane Sandy, wonderful new business developments, and all the community groups I support. I want to thank the many, many readers who still checked in regularly and went back to re-read some of the older postings that are archived on this site.

Some interesting things have been occurring locally.  We congratulate Chef Robert Uccelli of Uccelli Restaurant for reaching a one year anniversary in Mountaindale a few weeks ago. This is an important milestone for a Sullivan County restaurant. We also see a lot of growth in Mountain Charm Market Cafe on the corner, which is filling a big need we had in our community. Please stop in for coffee or lunch if you haven't already done so. Classes have resumed with Janet Gula of Radiant Yoga of Mountaindale. Upstate Karate of Mountaindale enjoyed a few very busy events. Studio owner, Alexandra Lalieu was recently promoted to 5th Dan Master level and celebrated by hosting the annual fall Region 2 Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Testing. It was held at the Fallsburg High School and brought between 100 and 200 visitors to the Town of Fallsburg last month. Upstate Karate also held a Buddy Week and it was wonderful to see so many friends and parents participating in classes all week. For anyone who comes to town to visit Evadne Gianinni at HospitalityGreen, she can be found in their new location at 58 Main Street in Mountaindale.

Lastly, please stay tuned for news from Louisa Pabon of Verde & Co, our local sofrito verde manufacturer. She is hoping to re-open the cafe and offer a special pre-order menu, with both single serving and family sized take out portions. I am also trying to convince her to offer some evening cooking classes for some of her special cuisine. The items would include delicious sofrito and might instruct in dishes like empanadas, eggrolls and soups. Please let me know if this would be of interest to you - 845-434-4747, so I can encourage her to schedule this sooner.

I hope you are enjoying the glorious autumn landscape above and to the right by Rachel. She is currently taking a Photography class at the Fallsburg High School with Pam Garritt. Ms Garritt is the wonderful teacher who previously helped Mountaindale build the flower planter boxes as part of a Technology Ed student class assignment. With Rachel's enthusiasm and assistance, we will be updating the photos on the blog for the season.

3rd Annual Sullivan Striders Rail Trail Race

We were blessed with perfect racing weather on Sunday for the 3rd Annual Sullivan Striders Race/Walk on the Town of Fallsburg Rails to Trails. The deluge started AFTER everyone went home & the electronic timing devices were removed. There were 84 participants who completed the race by crossing the finish line.

The winner of the 4 Mile Race was a 39 year old neighbor from Wurtsboro, NY, Raymond Revell, who finished with a time of 23:44.3. That's an impressive average pace of 5.56 Minutes per mile!  Even more inspiring was William Rosenberg, a 71 year old runner from Wallkill, NY, who finished the race in just under 35 minutes.  Please visit Race Results for the full listing of all runner & walker stats.  

Janet Gula and Alexandra Lalieu

There was also great support from several of our Main Street Mountaindale businesses.  Janet Gula of Radiant Yoga of Mountaindale led a pre-race stretch to help everyone prepare their muscles. Alexandra Lalieu of  Upstate Karate of Mountaindale strongly encouraged her students to participate in full karate uniform so that there were 16 students & their families involved in the activity. Joan Collins, Woodridge Village Board Member and Kiwanian, was the Grand Marshall and started everyone on the race. The Mountaindale Fire Company permitted the Firehouse to serve as the registration base, and the Mountaindale Action Commitee assisted the Striders in hosting and providing refreshments. As usual, everyone was greeted by our delightful former Legislady, Leni Binder. Although she no longer holds public office, she is still a very active community volunteer. Speaking of volunteers, the Mountaindale Ambulance Squad stood ready to help anyone in need, and there was great support from Woodridge Kiwanis and the Village of Woodridge who are both important members of the Town of Fallsburg Rail Trail Committee.

It was also nice to see the runners supporting each other.  When one runner mentioned she was disappointed that she hadn't improved her run time of 43 minutes since last year, veteran runner Brian Cavanaugh suggested she do some upper body strength training to overcome her plateau. The morning ended nicely with the awarding of beautiful plants as prizes from the Manza Family Farm. Maryann and Tom Manza deserve a huge round of applause for all of their hard work in coordinating this significant fundraiser for the Rail Trail. You can find out how to join the Sullivan Striders running club at http://www.sullivanstriders.org/. Click here for more Race Day photos.

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.

Radiant Yoga Applause



Photo by Suzanne Hannah Gold



This chilly afternoon became infinitely warmer with the wonderful news I received from Janet Gula. We learned that Radiant Yoga of Mountaindale was named BEST YOGA STUDIO OF SULLIVAN COUNTY in The River Reporter's annual Readers' Choice Awards. We are all so proud that Janet is being recognized for all of her hard work and dedication in bringing such high quality yoga instruction to all of her students. Anyone who has ever taken her class knows about her gentle, loving guidance through the poses being shared. Now is the perfect time to try a class with the lovely radiant heat tiled floors that are so deliciously warmed for the winter. Although summers are also great when the tiles are deliciously cool on your bare feet.

Why all the soleful musings? It's time for another one of Janet's inspiring special workshops. (Another reason for all the votes from her loyal students.) Please make it a point to attend

"Soothe your Sole ~ Foot Reflexology & Essential Oils" this Saturday, January 7th from 7 to 9PM at the Yoga Studio at 63 Main Street in Mountaindale. The expert instructors will be Susan Honig and Janet Gula, who promise an evening of Winter Wellness and FUN for Partners or Singles. Participants will receive a basic understanding of the feet as they relate to the entire body, helpful charts and valuable self-care/massage tools to be used an entire lifetime. Janet will also instruct in the use of essential oils and a special technique (Vitaflex), which enhances the healing process. Pure, organic essential oils will be used, which are nongreasy aromatic substances containing the "essential" plant constituents that offer great therapeutic benefits. Workshop: $18/person; $30/couple

Please RSVP to (845) 866-7822 or Visit MyRadiantYoga.com, where you can find the complete Yoga Class Schedule and info about other upcoming events to be hosted by Janet. Ballroom dancing anyone? Coming soon.

Last Minute News...Susan Honig Reflexology Workshop Tomorrow Night At Radiant Yoga

Just in...Janet is hosting another wonderful workshop tomorrow night in the Radiant Yoga Studio with Reflexologist Susan Honig called, "Soothe your Sole." The workshops at My Radiant Yoga are always great for the mind, body and soul, so if you have Friday night open, drive on over to Mountaindale, as this is just another in a great series of Healthy Living workshops offered in our small hamlet.

Foot Reflexology-technique of applying gentle even pressure to “reflex” points in the feet, resulting in beneficial effect on other parts of the body.

Event Details:

Soothe your Sole: a Treat for the Feet

Friday, June 17
8-10 pm
in Mountaindale

Reflexology Workshop at Radiant Yoga in Mountaindale

Singles and Couples Welcome.

$25/couple
$15/person

Begin your evening with:

Partner Stretching/ Restorative Yoga
5:30-7 pm
All Welcome!

Workshop with Yoga Class
$35/couple
$20/person

Call (845) 866-7822 to register or email Radiantyoga.ny@gmail.com

Reflexologist Susan Honig

Specialties include prenatal reflexology and reflexology for cancer patients.

Susan Honig has a vibrant private practice in NYC and serves as a Hospice volunteer. She is available for private sessions Upstate on weekends. To Schedule: (212) 570-5120.

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

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

Freedom From Stress Workshop-Radiant Yoga-March 6, 2011

Workshop-Freedom From Stress with Alan Gompers
Radiant Yoga
63 Main Street
Mountaindale, New York 12763
(845)866-7822 for reservations.

Discover the Power of Meditation with Alan Gompers, author of "Maximum Security: the True Meaning of Freedom"

Sunday, March 6
1-4 pm

Workshop includes excerpts from Alan’s amazing story, stretching, breathing, insightful discussion, and meditation sessions of 15-20 minutes each.

· Jump start a meditation practice or deepen your current one.
· Experience the potential of clearing the mind with a skilled facilitator
· Enjoy gentle stretching to prepare the body to sit comfortably for meditation
· Peacefully meditate together

Receive a complimentary Radiant Yoga class to support your follow-up meditation practice.
$49

Bio:
Alan Gompers has an inspiring life story to share and is a living testimony to the transformative power and simplicity of meditation. Musician, master salesman, millionaire, con man and drug dealer, Alan on the surface had it all – fame, power, wealth, family – but happiness eluded him.

After being sentenced to life in prison, he discovered the power of meditation, which gave him the experience he was always seeking -- true freedom – peace and happiness within.

Alan was released after five years in prison and has been teaching others – prisoners and laypeople alike how to experience the healing power of meditation. Alan travels the country teaching educators, students, healthcare workers, ministers, businesspeople, firefighters, and police. He has taught large groups of at-risk and mainstream youth and has recently developed a meditation/contemplation curriculum for Yonkers Public Schools.

His autobiography: Maximum Security: the True Meaning of Freedom is recipient of the prestigious PACE Award (Prevention for a Safer Society) for Literature from the National Council on Crime and Delinquency. Alan recently released a meditation CD to support students in their daily practice.

To learn more about his inspiring life, please visit "Maximum Security...About The Author"