#GivingTuesday

I'm guessing that I'm not the only one who is sick to tears of hearing about Black Friday & Cyber Monday. This is why I was especially thrilled today to hear about a very new movement that seems to sincerely capture the spirit of this giving season. Today is #Giving Tuesday. The founding partners, which include great organizations like our good friends at the 92nd Street Y, are encouraging all to "Get out the Give." If you visit the site at www.givingtuesday.org you will find a lot of large corporations and organizations who are already on board with a variety of ways to help your contributions go farther, as well as an Ideas page with creative gestures we can all make within our own communities. This can include simple acts like bringing a non-perishable item to a local food pantry; or a baked treat to a public servant like our police, firefighters or ambulance volunteers; or visit a senior center to spend some time brightening the residents' day.  

After days of excessive focus on shopping, doorbusters and mega sales, I find this launch of #GivingTuesday to be a very welcome change. The site also shows ways to maintain the spirit of giving beyond just the day.  We can remember those who are less fortunate for the rest of the month as well as throughout the year. This becomes even more imperative during difficult economic times. We all have something to give. If you don't have discretionary income, there might still be gently used items and clothing in your home, and always time to give of yourself. The Mountaindale Community Development Project is always looking for volunteers who might like to help out in Mountaindale. Many other Sullivan County organizations can also use a hand. On this #GivingTuesday, how will You give back?

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!

Main Street Matters

There are a lot of things going on with our Main Street Mountaindale neighbors that are worth sharing:

Photo by Vi Carpio, talented wife of
featured artist, Virgelio "Billy" Carpio

With the weather turning warmer, Uccelli Restaurant guests will be able to enjoy dining al fresco at the outdoor seating in front of the restaurant. Plans are underway to build a large deck before the summer for additional outdoor dining. Chef Robert is also busy creating an all new Lunch Menu that he will begin serving on April 24th. He will resume Sunday Brunch with a new menu and new daily hours. Please visit the Uccelli Restaurant site for updates this month.

We have been glad to welcome Ahleana back to Main Street with her Tuesday evening Bellydancing classes in 62 Main Street. The new time is 7 to 8:15PM. I have heard that her students are getting a very enjoyable workout while learning an exciting, exotic art form. Please call 845-436-8945 for more details about weekly classes. The suggested attire is comfortable, loose clothing and fun hip scarves may be purchased before class.

Alexandra Lalieu of Upstate Karate of Mountaindale and several of her advanced students will spend the day at the Sullivan County Community College tomorrow to participate in the 3rd Annual Health & Wellness Fair. They will be providing information and demonstrations of Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan, the Korean martial art that they have studied at 81 Main Street for the past 8 years. Congratulations are in order for all of the champions of this karate school who attended the Mid Hudson Regional Tournament at the New York Military Academy last week and came back with loads of trophies and medals. Next, they will be attending the Soo Bahk Do National Festival in Cherry Hill, NJ in June.

The Look Up Cafe added a colorful banner on their railing to help you look up to find this charming place for breakfast and lunch at 6 Main Street. Speaking of banners, the Mountaindale Community Development Project will soon be installing all new banners along Main Street in Mountaindale. The new, larger banners and bracket hardware were purchased with a portion of the funding awarded by Sullivan Renaissance for our efforts to enhance the gateway to the Rails to Trails last summer.

New Banners Coming To Mountaindale...Design Discussion Underway

As many of our readers know, our community's "Train Garden" set just inside the entrance to the "Rails to Trails" corridor here in Mountaindale won second place, and with that we received a $7,000 grant to help with other projects here in the community. This past week we met with Sullivan Renaissance and have our winnings in hand, and plans are afoot to use some of the monies for new banners.

New banners has opened up a lot of discussion about what the banners should look like, as well as what our hamlet's slogan should be. Raymon Elozua has suggested the words "opportunity" and "community" should play a key part in whatever replaces, "A growing business and arts community" on our banner. That suggestion has ignited a lively discussion about branding, that in some ways resembles a visioning workshop/seminar, and it is inspiring to see how many people have jumped into the conversation, showing their own passions and love for Mountaindale.

There will be a meeting to discuss new banners next week. If you have suggestions or ideas for a new banner, have some input on the creation of a new town slogan or motto, we would love to have you share them. Feel free to email your ideas and suggestions to news@mountaindaleproject.org

A Special Thanks To All My Volunteers and Those Who Have Offered Us Encouragement As We Built a Train

Years from now when I look back on this summer, it will be remembered as the summer that I, along with a plethora of volunteers built a train in our small hamlet of Mountaindale. The task that many thought would not happen is rapidly coming to a close. The project on our little section of the Rails to Trails coming to an end as our volunteers, my summer intern, Aaron Schmitt, and I put the finishing touches on the sculptural interpretation of the old O&W steam locomotive number 33 that crashed here back in 1904.

Hundreds of hours have been poured into this project, and countless volunteers have given of themselves, their time, and their assets to make it possible. There were days that seemed too long until someone would come along the trail walking, biking or on a segway to say hello, and offer us a kind word of encouragement. I remember the day we took the forklift and brought the first section of the train up onto the trail, remember the day we welded together four old 55 gallon drums over beside Raymon's studio, and recall that Saturday when Barb Schmitt and I went over to the Manza Family Farm to pick out our plants. Those and so many other memories will stay with me.

As the project came together, and our efforts started seeing a dream come into reality, rehab materials, lumber, drums, screws and found parts starting to resemble a train, plants going into the dirt, people started showing up to help out and lend a hand...especially children, a whole flock of them that would stop by each evening around 5:30 wanting to know what we were doing on this particular day, and what they could do to be a part of it all. Somehow, just at the crucial moment, things we needed, or needed done all just fell into place, someone stepping up to provide just what it was we needed at that precise moment in time. Our little train was not the singular effort of one person, one group, but a collaboration of some of the most wonderful people I have ever had the privilege to work with.

Sitting here with my morning coffee, I realize my days on the trail are realistically now measured in hours, not weeks and days, the time when you could find me on the trail almost any time of the day seven days a week all but over. Those days have been hard days, but happy ones, and ones that will be missed. So, to all those who gave of themselves and their time, to all those who volunteered, to all those that made a hard task so much easier with your kind words and compliments, I offer a heart felt Thank You, and want all of you to know that our 2011 Renaissance Project, our train garden stands as a testament to all of you, a tribute to what Community is truly all about.

SULLIVAN COUNTY BUSINESSES HELP BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS

Sullivan Renaissance Puts Out List of Businesses Offering Grant Recipients Discounts

As our residents very well know, the folks over at Sullivan Renaissance are truly a God's send, helping numerous small hamlets and towns like our own as we beautify our communities. They have just announced their list of businesses who offer discounts to this years grant recipients (see press release below), and we hope all of you will support these businesses who are supporting us in making Mountaindale the beautiful small town that it is.

Community Volunteers Get Discounts from Local Merchants

[FERNDALE] – Dozens of local businesses are offering financial support to community organizations that received grants as part of the 2011 Sullivan Renaissance program. The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce arranged for merchant discounts – typically from 10% to 20% – on products and services volunteers use to clean up and beautify communities.

This is the eleventh year that businesses have participated in the Sullivan Renaissance Merchant Discount Program.

“We know that beautification efforts result in increased tourism and boost economic development. The Merchant Discount Program is a practical way that local businesses can help themselves while contributing to our economic recovery,” said Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Terri Ward, “Keeping dollars in the county is not only smart and green; you can see the difference that has been made in our communities.”

Ward urges businesses that would still like to join in this year to contact the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce at 845-791-4200 or Sullivan Renaissance at 845-295-2452. Businesses do not need to be Chamber members to help.

All of the projects awarded grants on April 14th have been given a special discount card and a list of participating businesses.

Renaissance community projects will be completed by August 1 and judged between August 4 and 7. The Awards Ceremony will be held the evening of August 8 at Monticello High School.

Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation. Additional funding has been secured by Hon. Maurice D. Hinchey, 22nd Congressional District. Sponsors include Bold Gold Media Group/Thunder 102, Sullivan County Democrat, The River Reporter, Thompson Sanitation and WSUL/WVOS.

For more information about its programs, call Sullivan Renaissance at 845-295-2445 or visit the website at www.sullivanrenaissance.org.

2011 Business Discount Card Participants

ACM PLAYGROUNDS
P O Box 179, Buchanan, NY 10519
Phone: (914)739-9858; Fax: (914)736-0554
5-10% off playground equipment and supplies (depending on merchandise)

ALDEN THAYER COUNTRY GARDENSClaryville, NY 12725
Phone: (845)985-0351
10% off landscape designs, building and installation

BROADWAY HOME
364 East Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845)794-1440
15% off any merchandise in-store or special order

BUTTERFLY BOTANICALS
363 Petticoat Lane, Bloomingburg, NY 12721
Phone: (845)733-7713
10% off all plant & garden materials except sale items and American Beauties

CANDY DESIGNS BY FRAN
P O Box 325, White Lake, NY 12786
Phone: (845)583-7161; Fax: (845)583-4908
20% off gourmet gift trays

CATSKILL HARVEST MARKET
2785 State Route 52, Liberty, NY 12754
Phone: (845)292-3833; Fax: (845)747-4117
20% off plants, garden materials, lumber

CATSKILL NATIVE NURSERY
607 Samsonville Road, Kerhonkson, NY 12446
Phone: 845-626-2758
10% off all stock

CATSKILL PERENNIALS
188 Tonges Road, Callicoon, NY 12723
Phone: (845)482-5971; Fax: (845)482-5971
10% off perennials, trees, shrubs, ornamental grass

CATSKILL OUTDOOR FURNITURE
PO Box 1013, 5077 Route 42, South Fallsburg, NY 12779
Phone: (845)341-7948; Fax: (845)434-7271
20% off outdoor furniture

CATSKILL SHOPPER
P O Box 389, Liberty, NY 12754
Phone: (845) 292-0500; Fax: (845)292-0585
20% off business advertising that is part of Renaissance project

CRYSTAL FALLS FARM, SAND & GRAVEL George & Barbara Dean
521 Myers Road, Neversink, NY 12765
Phone: (845)985-7866; Fax: (845)985-0301; dean6@hvc.rr.com10 – 20% off screened organic enriched top soil and other garden items

COTTAGE LOT
2 Morton Hill Road, Roscoe, NY 12776
Phone: (607)498-4456
20% off all plant material, annuals, perennials, trees & shrubs

DELAWARE VALLEY HOME & GARDEN
30 Viaduct Road, Callicoon, NY 12723
Phone: (845)887-5100; Fax: (845)887-4917
20% off original price – plants & nursery stock

DJM LANDSCAPING
462 Twin Bridge Road, Ferndale, NY 12734
Phone: (845)295-9383; Fax: (845)295-9383
10% general landscaping supplies – stone, mulch, etc

EVERLASTING SPRING GARDEN CENTER
P O Box 213, WSS, NY 12787
Phone: (845)295-0856; Fax: (845)295-0862
20% off perennials and trees

FALLSBURG LUMBER CO., INC.
13 Laurel Avenue, South Fallsburg, NY 12733
Phone: (845)434-6161; Fax: (845)434-6997
20% off in-store items

FOSTERDALE EQUIPMENT CORP.
3137 Route 17B, Cochecton, NY 12726
Phone: (845)932-8611; Fax: (845)932-8825
10% over cost to Renaissance Groups on equipment purchases

FOSTERDALE MOTOR LODGE
1166 County Road, Cochecton, NY 12726
Phone: (845)932-8538; Fax: (845)932-7937
10% off u-haul trucks rental

GREEN DESIGN
PO Box 375
Youngsville, NY 12711
Phone: (845)482-4059 or 3659, Greendesign@pronet.net
20% discount on design consultation, garden design, streetscape, container plants, etc.

GREY’S WOODWORKS
P O Box 420, Grahamsville, NY 12740
Phone: (845)985-7006; Fax: (845)985-7442
10% all gazebos, storage sheds and outdoor furniture
HAMLIN CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.
6135 State Route 55, Liberty, NY 12754
Phone: (845)292-3006; Fax: (845)292-6455
Small machinery, topsoil, stone: discount depending on job (call for quote)

HARNETT DESIGNS WOODWORKING STUDIO
19 Rocky Hill Road/ Show Room 400 Rt. 55; Grahamsville, NY 12740
Phone: (845)985-2104, www.Harnettdesigns.com
E-mail: brian@harnettdesigns.com
10%-20% off carvings in stock, sculptures custom to projects, custom signage

HILLSIDE GREENHOUSE
1 Kaempher Lane, Liberty, NY 12754
Phone: (845)292-5770; Fax: (845)292-9218
20% off flowering plants & shrubs

JB MAK BUILDING & RENTAL CENTER, INC.
4 Bon Jovi Lane, Liberty, NY 12754
Phone: (845)292-6338; Fax: (845)292-6352
10% on equipment rental & building materials

KOHLER LUMBER
P O Box 637, Jeffersonville, NY 12748
Phone: (845)482-5290; Fax: (845)482-4720
10% off Renaissance related materials

KORWANS TREE FARM
148 Eggler Road, Jeffersonville, NY 12748
Phone: (845)482-3345; Fax: (845)482-3345
15% plants, trees, shrubs, deer fencing

KRISTT COMPANY
P O Box 548, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845)794-6639; Fax: (845)794-1233
20 % off office & art supplies

LIBERTY AGWAY FARM HOME & GARDEN11 Bon Jovi Lane, Liberty, NY 12754
Phone: (845)292-7220; Fax: (845)292-1257
Up to 20% off original price soils, mulches, plant & tools

MAKOVIC HOMES
411 Route 17B, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845)796-4663; Fax: (845)796-4665
25% off tractor or mini excavator rental with operator; $5,000 off modular home; $2,000 off manufactured

MANZA FARMS
730 Route 211, Montgomery, NY 12549
Phone: (845)699-1034; Fax: (845)692-4109
20% off trees, shrubs & perennials
MONTICELLO ADVERTISING SPECIALTIES
28 Floral Drive, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845)794-5311; Fax: (845)794-5412
10% off imprinted items – caps, pens, calendars, etc

MONTICELLO FARM HOME & GARDEN
420 Route 17B, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845)794-6457; Fax: (845)794-6459
10% off regular prices for lawn, plant or garden items

MONTICELLO GREENHOUSES, INC. 217 East Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845)794-4220; Fax: (845)794-4221
10% off bedding plants

MONTICELLO PLATE GLASS
4 Thornton Avenue, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845)794-4477; Fax: (845)794-4696
15% off in-stock, glass & screening

MOUNTAIN BEAR CRAFTS
8 Pearl Street, Livingston Manor, NY
Phone: (845)439-8050; Fax: (212)645-6649
15% off embroidered hats, t-shirts, aprons, tote bags

MOUNTAIN PINE NURSERY
17 Warwick Turnpike, Warwick, NY 10990
Phone: (845)986-7079
20% off perennial plant material, shrubs

MY SECRET GARDENER
17 Quait Road, Mountaindale, NY
Phone: (845)866-7822; Fax: (845)436-1277
50% off consultation

PARTYMASTER194 Main Street, Hurleyville, NY 12747
Phone: (845)434-6210; Fax: (845)434-6210
10-20% off fundraising events – depending on date

POLEY PAVING/POLEY SAND & GRAVELP O Box 916, Liberty, NY 12754
Phone: (845) 292-4705; Fax: (845)292-5015
10% off sand, gravel, topsoil, trucking on our materials

RADIANT YOGA OF MOUNTAINDALE
63 Main Street, CR-55, Mountaindale, NY 12763
Phone: (845)866-7822, www.radiantyoga.com
First class free for Renaissance volunteers; 30% discount summer gardener’s series of studio classes

ROCK HILL SERVICE CENTER
PO Box 440, 47 Katrina Falls Road, Rock Hill, NY 12775
Phone: (845)794-5949; Fax: (845)796-1032
10% off truck rental

ROCK HILL TRADING POST
Box 310, Rock Hill, NY 12775
Phone: (845)796-3060; Fax: (845)796-3054
Up to 10% off gardening supplies, paint supplies, hardware

RUBY FLECKS CREATIVE CONSULTING
1109 Wurtsboro Mountain Road, Wurtsboro, NY 12790
Cell phone: (845)866-7587; Fax: (845)888-2618
½ price (50% off)

SAFER LANDINGS
948 Route 213, Kingston, NY 12401
Phone: (845)338-5798; Fax: (845)229-5064
15% playground equipment & supplies

SCHMIDTS WHOLESALE
PO Box 5100, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845)794-5900; Fax: (845)794-6142
10% any item in stock

SERRANO II INC.
365 Route 211 East, Middletown, NY 10940
Phone: (845)692-2226; Fax: (845)344-5761
10% off on all services – roof replacements & repairs

SHEELEY OIL & EXCAVATING, INC.
47 Kiothe Drive, Grahamsville, NY 12740
Phone: (845)985-2231; Fax: (845)985-0186
20% off materials sold by company (sand, topsoil, gravel, crusher run, etc)

STEINGART ASSOCIATESP O Box 460, South Fallsburg, NY 12779
Phone: (845)434-4321; Fax: (845)436-8609
Up to 20% off printed materials

STEPHENSON’S NURSERY
328 Route 52 East, Liberty, NY 12754
Phone: (845)292-3358; Fax: (845)292-3358
20% off nursery stock, trees & shrubs; 10% off flowering annuals; no discount on sale items

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
Main Street, Callicoon, NY 12723
Phone: (845)887-5200; Fax: (845)887-5386
20% display advertising & fundraiser ads

SULLIVAN COUNTY DRAMATIC WORKSHOP
Rivoli Theater, Route 42, Fallsburg, NY 12733
Phone: (845)985-2976
50% of proceeds for community Renaissance fundraising events

SULLIVAN FIRST RECYCLING & REFUSE
482 Hasbrouck Drive, Woodbourne, NY 12788
Phone: (845)436-6772; Fax: (845)436-1481
Free container and if dumping fee is not covered already a discounted rate of $95 is offered

SUPERIOR BUILDING SUPPLY
7 Mutton Hill Road, Neversink, NY 12765
Phone: (845)985-7693; Fax: (845)985-7697
5% off building materials, 10% off hardware & paint

THE COUNTRY BUMKIN ANTIQUES 1040 Route 17B, Mongaup Valley, NY 12762
Phone: (845)583-7937; Fax: (845)583-3046
15% off all merchandise in store with “JV” inventory code

THE CUTTING GARDEN
4055 State Route 52, Youngsville, NY 12791
Phone: (845)482-3333; Fax: (845)295-0207
10% off seeds, plants, small tools

THE GENERAL’S GARDEN
177 Sanfordville Road, Warwick, NY 10990
15% off all plant purchases – 10% off other purchases

THE NUGGET BAR & GRILL
371 East Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845)794-4146
10% off food in support of Renaissance projects

THE RIVER REPORTER
P O Box 150, Narrowsburg, NY 12764
Phone: (845)252-7414; Fax: (845)252-3298
25% off advertising space

THOMPSON SANITATION
P O Box 494, Rock Hill, NY 12775
Phone: (845)796-1032; Fax: (845)796-1033
10% roll off containers/clean-ups

TQM ORCHIDS127 Cheechunk Road, Goshen, NY 10924
Phone: (845)313-4246
20% off orchid plants & orchid cut flowers

TRILOGY PERENNIALS
116 Brook Road, Cochecton, NY 12726
Phone: (845)932-8613
10% off annuals & bedding plants

TRI-STATE MECHANICAL PLUMBING & HEATING
Rock Hill, NY 12775
Phone: (845)794-5848
20% labor discount – plumbing & heating services

VITA’S FARM & GARDEN
Road 1 – Box 578, Jeffersonville, NY 12748
Phone: (845)482-5776
10% off bedding plants, all flowers & gardening products

WASTE PRO
PO Box 1086, Rock Hill, NY 12775
Phone: (845)794-0404; Fax: (845)796-1032
$50 off transportation and rental fees for dumpsters of 10, 20 or 30 cubic yards (tipping fees not included)

WINDOWS ON BROADWAY
363 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845)791-1400; Fax: (845)791-1401
10% off all installed products – windows/doors/roofing/siding

WURTSBORO ELECTRIC SERVICE
PO Box 450, Wurtsboro, NY 12790
Phone (845)888-8000
18% off all products and services

Some Event Reminders, and Mini Grant Opportunity.

The sun is shining outside as evening makes its way into our lives, the week is waning, and wanted to bring a couple of reminders and a opportunity to the attention of our residents and business owners.

Events:

1. Saturday, we will have our first community clean up/maintenance day here in Mountaindale from 2-5 PM (April 30th)

2. Don't forget starting this coming Tuesday May 1st Aerobic Cadio Belly Dancing is coming to town from 6:30-7:45 PM on a weekly basis.

Small Business/Entity Mini Grants From Sullivan Renaissance

Sometimes, something sticks in your head...one of those things sees us here in Mountaindale reaching out to our various business owners in the hopes of seeing all of us as a community kicking it up a notch with the help of Sullivan Renaissance. Our committee, the Mountaindale Community Development Project has sent out the following email on the Sullivan Renaissance Mini Grants Program.

Dear Mountaindale Business Neighbors,

For the moment anyway, the rain has stopped & the sun is shining, the grass is green & verdant and I can see brilliant yellow daffodils from my office windows. This makes me think about how beautiful our Main Streets will look in a few weeks when we put the flower planters out. However, what if we were to work together to kick things up a notch? Sherwood pointed out to me that Sullivan Renaissance is offering $200 Mini Grants that can be used for a business' storefront beautification. I am attaching a copy of the description & application to see if we might work in a coordinated effort to garner a few of these so that we have a very dynamic display this year. For example, what if some of the funding went toward lush hanging baskets in front of all the businesses that could be started from seeds in the greenhouse? Plz let me know if you would consider this initiative for us to work on cooperatively & then Sherwood & I will help us to submit for a few grants and we'll see what kind of an impact we might make w/ a collaborative effort over the next several months.

BTW, we are starting our maintenance work this Saturday from 2 - 5 PM & would love to see you as volunteers either behind the school or at one of our other community flower beds. Tea & homemade cookies will be served as light refreshments.

Thank you all!
Barb

Some Don't MISS Events/Classes Weekend of April 29th at My Radiant Yoga With Janet

Janet at "My Radiant Yoga" has some really great things on the calendar this upcoming weekend as we say goodbye to April and its shower, and welcome May. In addition to being a fabulous Yoga instructor, she also happens to be VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE about organic gardening, and will be hosting a great workshop on the timely topic of "Fool Proof Composing" as we all prepare to put our hands in the ground, feel the rich dirt as we start our own plantings, begin preparing our own gardens. Make sure to RSVP for this one as it is a great way to start off the Spring Gardening Season.

This Coming WEEKEND'S HIGHLIGHTS

Friday, April 29

Relax and Recharge with Restorative Yoga
5:30-7 pm

Great for many in reducing the occurance of migraines, lowering blood pressure, and releasing
tension in neck, shoulders, and lower back...A treat on the radiant-heat floors.

Saturday, April 30 Tone and Strengthen
8:45-10 am
Free for Newcomers!

Composting Made Easy-A must attend workshop for ALL GARDENERS!
10-10:45 am

Learn Full-proof Composting in the yoga-studio garden $5 donation benefits Community Gardening Projects.

Manure for your garden and non-resin wood chips...to start your compost pile...will be available to take home (by donation to benefit neighborhood gardening projects)Bring buckets or bags.

For non-composters:

Your non-fatty vegetarian kitchenscraps welcome in our yoga-studio garden pile.

Community Cleanup in Mountaindale
2-5 pm

Help Create Beauty where it's Really Needed: Weed, Prune, Divide Plants, and Mulch Together
in Our Community Effort in Back of the Former High School Learn Gardening tips from My Secret Gardener (that's me!)

Enjoy a special, radically relaxing floor-yoga class after
FREE to all Volunteers!

Sunday, May 1

Celebrate May Day in Mountaindale!
8:30-10 am

Yoga for Gardeners Create strength AND ease in hips and lower back with Anusara Principles of Alignment Intermediate Level.

Plant and Seed Exchange
10:15-11 am

Bring seeds and/or clumps of perennials and herbs to share. Take home what you can use.

Yoga Therapeutics for Gardeners
11:15-12:30

(Create ease in the hips and lower back with Anusara Yoga Universal Principles of Alignement)
ALL LEVELS WELCOME

Fallsburg Girl Scout Troops 738 and 580 Earn Spirit Day Badges

Looking out the window of my apartment here in Mountaindale at the cold, overcast, blustery sky as I sipped my morning coffee early this morning, I was wondering if the planned Volunteer kick iffevent for our 2011 Sullivan Renaissance Project would need to be canceled. It was under forty degrees, and the sky was threatening rain at any moment...as I contemplated this thought the phone rang...it was one of the Girl Scout Leaders letting me know they were planning on being out front of 62 Main Street at 11 O'clock sharp, informing me that the girls were really excited about the chance to be the first volunteers for this years project, which is located inside the entrance to our "Rails to Trails Corridor. Pouring my second cup of coffee I went in search of a HEAVY COAT.

As promised, the three Scout Leaders arrived right on time, charges in tow, full of energy, and excited to get started on doing some trail clean up in the area of our project, so one large wheel barrel wagon and a rake in hand, we all set off for the walk over to the trail head to get started. On the walk over, everyone introduced themselves. Gina Marie Colombo, Donna Lent, and Jennifer Simms were the three Scout Leaders, and as we walked I found out that this was a special day for the girls, as it was "Girl Scout Spirit Day" and the four girls would be earning their Spirit Day badges as a part of their community service work on this day..."How cool is that?" Even better, the theme of this year's Girl Scout Spirit Day as the Girl Scouts celebrate their 100 Year Anniversary is, "Forever Green." What better project could there be for the theme "Forever Green" than doing trail cleaning on a bike path in the "Rails to Trails Corridor" here in our small hamlet? The four girls were ready to work, full of more energy than I was able to muster at eleven in the morning on a almost wintry day, but being around them would get even the most hardened of souls in a great mood, and soon I found myself smiling ear to ear at their zest for the task at hand. Where does all that energy come from, and could I have a bit of it? There was Kaitlyn Simms, dressed in a hot pink jacket, who had on the greatest winter hat. Arianna Gonzalez, the youngest member of our troupe was wearing a vivid purple winter coat, had on a pastel striped hat with a pom pom you could not miss, and she had dug into her own piggy bank to purchase a box of Tagalong peanut butter patties so we had snacks to eat as we worked. There was Madison Lent with her off white fishing hat on, and rounding out the group was Brittany Lent in a pink hat featuring Sponge Bob Square Pants on it...yes, we were quite the sight as we strolled down Main Street pulling along behind us our big yellow wagon as we made our way to the Entrance way of "Rails to Trails." The next couple of hours were a LOT OF FUN as the girls raked up leaves, and began picking up branches and limbs that had fallen onto the trail over the long winter. The Mountaindale Community Development Project wants to thank the members of Troops 738 and 580 and their leaders for stepping up so early in our 2011 Sullivan Renaissance Project, for lending us a hand as we begin our pre-project clean up of the area in which we will be working this spring and summer. Everyone involved had a great time, and I would like to thank the troop for awarding me an "Honorary Girl Scout Spirit Day" badge, the icing on what turned out to be a beautiful day to be out in the woods doing trail clean up on our "Rails to Trails Corridor" here in Mountaindale.

Very excited about our project this year, and for those of you who have not heard yet, we are going to build a sculptural interpretation of the O&W Railway's old number 33 Steam Locomotive, and we could not have asked for a better official kick off to this year's event than having the Girl Scouts here in town to lend us their support. Their hard work today cleared off a nice patch of the trail we are going to be projecting in. If you or your organization would like to be involved in this year's project, or would like to schedule a day to volunteer, we would love to have you. Just give Barb a call at (845) 434-4747 or contact our Committee Chair Sherwood (that would be me...) at (845) 693-4513. My answering machine is on 24/7 so if I am not in, please leave me a message, and will get right back to you.

Free Coat Giveaway at Upstate Karate in Mountaindale

Mountaindale, NY - With the sudden return of the icy breath of winter this week, the Mountaindale Community Development Project is coordinating a free coat giveaway with the help of two host organizations, Upstate Karate of Mountaindale and Fidelis Care.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sullivan Renaissance Project-Meeting Update

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

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

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

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

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

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

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