Valedictorian Proclamation

Sometimes there are entire processes that go on without the knowledge of people who are outside the process. For example, everyone knows that each high school graduating class has a Valedictorian who makes a speech at June Graduation. Until you personally know a Valedictorian, you might not know all of the other details that are associated with this event.

Yesterday, I attended a wonderful program in the Sullivan County Government Legislative Chambers. The pupose was to honor the Valedictorians of each and every high school within Sullivan County. Each district Superintendent introduced each High School principal, who gave a brief biography of each scholar. Their County Legislators then presented the bright students with a Certificate of Commendation. It was very impressive to see that each Valedictorian seemed to be a well rounded person with a list of achievements that go beyond pure academia.  Most were musicians, athletes, leaders and strong community servants. Anecdotally, they were all female with the exception of the exceptional young man from the Fallsburg School District, who happens to be from Mountaindale, New York, and coincidentally happens to be my son, Aaron Schmitt. Mountaindale has had other Valedictorian residents, such as our past Sullivan Renaissance Summer Intern Ashley Hunter, who just graduated from Yale and is a marvelous young woman.

I had previously noticed that there is an unusually high ratio of female Valedictorians in our county. The year that Ashley graduated, I had invited her and the Liberty Valedictorian to meet my Girl Scout Troop at a "Gals Who Excel Tea" in Mountaindale. I think it is important for young girls to understand that they CAN excel in all subjects, especially Math and Sciences, where girls are frequently under estimated.

I look forward to getting to know more about the Valedictorians who are graduating this year. I am so glad to see that they will continue to be recognized for their achievements at upcoming events like a dinner in their honor at the Eldred Preserve and when they will be recognized next month on a state level by New York State Senator John Bonacic who will be hosting them at this prestigious event. These people represent a great ray of hope for our future.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Eating Healthy is EXPENSIVE

I always forget why it is I stopped eating healthy until I decide to eat healthy again. Fact is, eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables is expensive. Deciding that I needed to lose some weight, lower my cholesterol a bit, I made the decision to go on a healthy diet again, complete with some really yummy fruit and vegetable smoothies, and yesterday I went on a MAJOR SHOPPING trip to bring all those wonderful green goodies into my apartment. Talk about some sticker shock!

The good news is I got lots and lots of healthy stuff. Cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, parsley, carrots and other cool veggie kinds of things. Loaded up on fruits, apples, bananas, tangerines, Bartlett Pears (a personal favorite) and mangoes. Got home, put everything away and made myself a really delicious Fruit Smoothie...drinking the last of it as I write this article.

The bad news was the staggering price tag at the cash register...I am a single person, have only myself to feed, and my bill yesterday at Shop Rite was well North of $200 dollars. How does a family of say four manage to feed themselves in a healthy fashion? Is it any wonder as a nation we have weight issues when eating healthy seems to cost so much more than filling our bodies up with CHEAP PROCESSED FOODS? Should three cucumbers cost as much as dinner for four in a cardboard box? Just seems wrong to me, that eating healthy foods is a luxury that many Americans in this depressed economy simply cannot afford.

Featured Rental...76 Main Street 1A...Charming One Bedroom Apartment With Porch

Mountaindale's downtown is filling up, but there are still a few places available for immediate occupancy. 76 Main has just been repainted, and is our featured rental today. If you are looking for an apartment conveniently located to just about everything in Sullivan county at an affordable price give Barb a call at (845) 434-4747 to arrange a tour of this and other apartments available here in Mountaindale.

76 Main Street 1A-One Bedroom Apartment For Immediate Occupancy

This charming one bedroom apartment right on Main Street in Mountaindale, New York has just been repainted and is ready for immediate occupancy. Amenities include walk in closet, Maytag appliances and wall to wall carpeting in the bedroom. Kitchen comes with ample cabinets and generous counter space, perfect for preparing holiday meals. This one bedroom apartment is centrally located here in Sullivan county with easy access to both Monticello and Middletown. There is a tenant only coin laundry within easy walking distance and you have a biking/hiking path just a two minute walk from your front door. Modern fuel efficient gas fired hot water radiators with thermostat control keep winter heating bills under control. At just $650 a month, this apartment is a must see rental.

Contact Us For more information or tour!

Amenities List

• 600 Square Feet total on one floor
• Gas fired hot water baseboard heat
• Tile Floor and Shower in Bathroom
• Walk in Closet 5’ by 5’
• One Carpeted Bedroom
• Living Room/Kitchen/Dining in one Large Flexible Space (20’ by 15’) with laminate flooring
• Maytag Refrigerator, Stove/Oven
• Tenant Only Coin Laundry With Maytag Washers and Dryers

Rent is $650 per month, with a Security Deposit Required of $700. Water is included. Heating and Cooking gas, electric is tenant's responsibility. We provide Garbage and Recycling services, both included services free. Landloard meters and bills monthly for propane gas usage. No pets, No smokers.

Security Deposit: $700

Diversified Realty Services 438 Church Road tel: (845) 434-4747
Mountaindale, NY 12763 fax: (845) 434-4820

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.