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

Local Girl Scouts Hold Bridging Ceremony

Local Girl Scouts were here in Mountaindale Sunday morning to hold their Bridging Ceremony as these local Scouts move up, graduating from one level of Girl Scouting to another. Bridging is one of the most important transitions that takes place in a Girl Scout's life. It is a defining moment, where a girl becomes aware of all her achievements, is ready for new adventures and responsibilities as she moves up into a more advanced group.

According to the Scouting website, "Celebrating this change should be fun, personalized, and memorable for everyone involved" and yesterday's event was this and so much more, with the girls excited, parents sitting proudly, cameras at the ready as their daughters crossed the bridge, leaving behind their past, while carrying their memories of personal accomplishment with them as they crossed the bridge to their new adventures and responsibilities.

As an outsider, one of the touching moments witnessed was younger and older girls escorting one another over the bridge the first time through...an important part of the Girl Scout experience is being a sister Scout to all your other sister Scouts who are in Girl Scouts. Taking personal responsibility to be there for them, to help them progress in their own journeys as they explore and experience all that Girl Scouting is. Seeing them hand in hand escorting one another over the bridge was a very symbolic moment, and it was a pleasure to have witnessed it, though I did not fully understand the symbolism of it until after the ceremony when I asked one of the Scout Leaders about it.

The girls and leaders involved were from Troop 738 with the leaders being Antonia Colombo & Maria Avelllino. The Troop was a blended troop of Brownies & Juniors, so the Brownies bridged to Junior and the Juniors bridged to Cadette with the help of their Sister Scouts. A number of young Daisy Scouts and new Brownie Scouts also participated enjoyed the wonderful experience of the ceremony that they will have one day.

Don't Forget...Saturday Night August 27th...OPEN MIC NIGHT In Mountaindale!

Just reminding everyone...

Music & Rhyme Open Mic Night August 27

Mountaindale, NY - Mountaindale is calling all performers to a Music & Rhyme Open Mic Night on Saturday, August 27th at 8PM at a Coffeehouse Jam in 62 Main Street in Mountaindale.

Spoken word, live Poetry and Music will all be welcome. A $5 cover fee will include admission and refreshments, and will benefit community enhancement efforts by the Mountaindale Community Development Project. each performer will have 5 minutes for "Family Oriented" material, with the possibility of an encore for talent well appreciated by the audience. To register or for more info, please call barb at 845-434-4747 or Gina Marie at 845-701-5582 and let your voice be heard.

Music & Rhyme Open Mike Night August 27

Mountaindale, NY - Mountaindale is calling all performers to a Music & Rhyme Open Mike Night on Saturday, August 27th at 8PM at a Coffeehouse Jam in 62 Main Street in Mountaindale. Spoken word, live Poetry and Music will all be welcome. A $5 cover fee will include admission and refreshments, and will benefit community enhancement efforts by the Mountaindale Community Development Project. each performer will have 5 minutes for "Family Oriented" material, with the possibility of an encore for talent well appreciated by the audience. To register or for more info, please call barb at 845-434-4747 or Gina Marie at 845-701-5582 and let your voice be heard.

Saturday July 23, 2011 FUND RAISER-2011 Benefitting MCDP & Mountaindale Renaissance Project

You are cordially invited to join the Mountaindale Community Development Project on Saturday July 23rd, 2011 from 7-10 PM for a Gala Evening of fun, food and music here in Mountaindale, NY as we raise funds for our organization and this year's beautification project being orchestrated just inside the entry to our section of the Rails to Trails corridor.

Renowned organic Chef, and healthy foods Guru Marcus Guiliano, owner of the well known Aroma Thyme Bistro in Ellenville, NY will be teasing our taste buds with a wonderful sampling of wines and tasty treats from his menu of healthy delicious slow foods from his and his wife's restaurant which is located at 165 Canal Street in Ellenville NY. For restaurant reservations, you can call Marcus or his wife Jamie at (845) 647-3000.

There will be a candle light tour of this year's Renaissance Project for those who would love to see the sculptural interpretation of the old O&W 33 steam locomotive which crashed here in Mountaindale back in 1904. Sherwood Martinelli, this years Committee Chair and project designer will be happy to take you on a walk about and answer any questions you may have, and share some of the unique history of the area around the project.

Tickets for this all inclusive evening of fun and community is $25 per person. For reservations, or to make a donation please contact:

Sherwood Martinelli (845) 693-4513 or 346-2345
Barb or Ken Schmitt (845) 434-4747

You can also get tickets by mailing in your check to: (Make checks out to MCDP)

Sherwood Martinelli
Committee Chair-2011 Sullivan Renaissance Project
PO Box 71
Mountaindale, NY 12763

Event Details

Date: Saturday July 23, 2011
Time: 7-10 PM
Location: 62 Main Street, Mountaindale NY

Rails To Trails Project Making Great Strides Forward

First, a reminder...don't forget to put this upcoming Sunday, July 17th 2011 on your calendar! The Sullivan Striders are hosting the Second Annual Rails to Trails Run and Walk here in Mountaindale, and we hope all our readers will join them in the walk or run, with the proceeds benefiting the Rails to Trails corridor, the money being used for maintenance and improvements.

For all of our summer visitors (waving to all my friends from Skyway), want to let you know you can rent bikes from the Cinder Track Bike Shop in Mountaindale. Charlie is a great guy, and his rental bikes ARE TOP OF THE LINE! He also has a full service repair department, and can tell you from first hand experience that he does wonderful work...he tuned up both of my bikes this year, and they have never pedaled better.

It's been awhile since I have done a update on Mountaindale Community Development Project's Sullivan Renaissance project, so let's jump right into it.

Yesterday we had a volunteer work day, and it was a huge success with lots of work getting done on the trail, and around town as we race to put things in pretty good shape for all the guests we are expecting on the trail this upcoming Sunday. People young and old showed up at various times throughout the day to lend us a hand on various projects, and when we put our tools away at around seven in the evening, you could see the bounty of everyone's efforts. *A special thanks to Eric Lynch, a fellow camper at Skyway and a New York City Fire Fighter who showed up and worked on the difficult task of figuring out how to attach certain additions to our train. We also want to thank Master Instructor Alexandra Th. Lalieu and her Upstate Karate students for all the help they provided yesterday in the task of spreading yards and yards of mulch...their discipline and ability to stay focused were very apparent and appreciated.

A check list of sorts...

1. We have already put out ten hanging baskets on Main Street to compliment the flowers boxes. Hanging baskets are a experiment in progress as we learn what does best hanging seven feet up in the air...some plants do a lot better than others, and all the baskets require a lot more watering than the flower boxes do.

2. Thanks to some of our local Girl Scouts, who were in attendance yesterday, we were able to complete a new flower bed on the side of our community Mountaindale Art Center located at 58 Main Street. The girls were fast learners, and as always, their help invaluable as we move through our projects this year. Cannot wait to get the mulch down this morning so that this item can be crossed off our to do list as completed.

3. The BASIC TRAIN is now officially up on the trail in the old O&W siding across from the old lumber yard.

4. We HAVE WATER! A very special THANK YOU to Steve Vegliante, Will Illing, the Water Department, and the entire Town of Fallsburg government for making this happen. We appreciate all the help we are receiving in doing some of the heavy lifting that needs to be done, and water was a crucial component! *Another special thanks goes out to Allen Frishman for his work on the trail this past week.

4. The basic framework for our Litter Control station is in, and with luck that part of our project will be completed and in use just in time for the Second Annual Rails to Trails Run and Walk on July 17th.

5. The workout station areas have been completely weeded (Aaron Schmitt, our summer intern can be thanked for this) and re-mulched...we are hoping to start repainting and staining this week at some point.

6. One of our O&W Railway relics is now surrounded by a beautiful new flower bed, and we have brought in some beautiful stones that beautify the area, while at the same time make it harder for all terrain vehicles (which are NOT allowed on the trail) to access/exit the trail from our Mountaindale entrance.

As of right now, we are hoping to be doing a MAJOR PLANTING on Tuesday afternoon evening, so if you are looking to volunteer, you can call Sherwood at 845 346-6523 (cell), or just show up with a shovel or trowel. Again, thanks to our many volunteers...you are the force that makes community improvement and beautification possible.

Sullivan Striders Practice Run-Rails To Trails

First, a reminder...a week from this Sunday on July 17th, come out and be a part of it all as the Sullivan Striders host the Second Annual Rails to Trails Run and Walk. You can find more information, and print up the application form here.

Last night while working on this year's Mountaindale Beautification Project along the trail, we were fortunate to be on site when the Sullivan Striders showed up in force for a practice run for next week's BIG EVENT. Let me tell you, these people are serious about their sport, and I was amazed at how quickly they made the run.

Also pleased to announce, that they were the first group EVER to have their group picture taken in front of Mountaindale's new train as it takes shape, comes to life on the trail...thank you Sullivan Striders for taking a few minutes to let us capture the photographs we are sharing here! Looking forward to being there next Sunday to lend you a hand, and take photographs of your event. Again everyone, make sure to come down and be a part of the Second Annual Rails to Trails Run and Walk...proceeds to benefit improvements to the trail.

Mountaindale Renaissance Project Moving Foward

Despite some disappointing, even childish local politics, our 2011 Renaissance Project is slowly moving forward, despite the efforts of some to derail our plans to build a sculptural interpretation of a train just inside the "Rails to Trails" corridor entrance. Wish someone could explain to me why all the in fighting is necessary, why all the various assorted factions in town cannot set aside their differences, and pitch in for the common good of the community...isn't that what this is all supposed to be about? Is it all about moving our small hamlet forward, or is it about who gets their name in the paper, who gets credit for what? If a flowering plant needs dead headed, and you are walking by, why not JUST DO IT, instead of thinking to yourselves, "It's not MY FLOWER BOX!" If a flower box needs repaired and planted, why not step forward as a volunteer, instead of stirring turds and trying to claim ownership of it?

I'm new to Mountaindale, and want to spend my time and efforts trying to make it a better place in which to live, want to work with any one that will work with me in trying to bring new businesses and citizens to our community. I'm stubborn, but I am giving, and willing to WORK WITH ANY ONE and EVERYONE...so please, can we set aside old animosities and grudges, and get on with the truly important tasks at hand?

On to more positive news about the Renaissance Project.

1. We are hoping to have water access to our site area by the end of this week (June 10th). Good thing with this heat wave we are experiencing.

2. Thanks to the generous donation of a local citizens (who chooses to remain nameless), last Saturday saw us bring in a great deal of rehab lumber...we are currently cleaning the nails out of this in preparation for building. This fits in with our overall GREEN THEME for the project, which includes creative re-use of materials whenever possible. This also saves our budget for use in other areas of the project. For those wondering, we could REALLY USE A) some treated 2x12's, B) Some four inch decking screws (guessing about ten pounds), and another sheet or two of plywood at the moment. Also, anyone have some rebar we could cut into three foot pieces?

3. Thanks to the generous support of our Renaissance Project, we have had another member of our community, Marty Weiner step up big time...he is in the process of lining up ten 55 gallon drums that we need for the project. Wondering if anyone out there has some 8, 10 and 12 inch diameter pipe (three foot sections) laying around we could requisition for our steam stacks on the Locomotive? We would also LOVE LOVE LOVE finding an old bell.

4. We are trying to tracking down FOUR old wagon wheels of identical size that we can use as the back wheels of this project...anyone have leads on this item?

5. We have gotten much of the site area clean up done, and our intern for this year Aaron Schmitt seems very enthusiastic about the project...speaking of interns, as Committee Chair, I have to get more adept at the paperwork end of this project.

6. The first steps of the installation project are slated to begin later this week, so if you see us in the Rails to Trails area working, stop by and say hello.

Look for a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT about our July Fund Raiser soon...It will be a really fun evening of wine, food and music!

2nd ANNUAL O&W RAILS TO TRAILS RACE-Request For Sponsorships!

Greetings Walkers and Runners!

It is that time of year again, and the Sullivan Striders and Fallsburg O&W Rail Trail Committee are busy making plans for the second annual O&W Rails to Trails Race, and are looking for a helping hand from all our wonderful local shops and businesses...without the help/sponsorship from these folks, this race would not be possible, and without the race, a lot of the improvements as well as maintenance of our beautiful trail would not be possible. Below is their Press Release/Letter, and hope everyone reading this will consider making a donation, as well as joining in the fun of this event as a volunteer or participant in the run or walk on July 17th! You can print this article, fill out the sponsorship information, and MAIL IT IN TODAY! For questions, or additional questions you can email: mmanza1@hvc.rr.com

More news on the event itself in coming days!

Dear Friend,

On July 17, 2011 the Fallsburg O&W Rail Trail Committee, with help from the Sullivan Striders Running and Walking Club, is sponsoring a 4 mile run and 2 mile walk to benefit the Mountaindale, Woodridge and Fallsburg rail to trail projects. These communities are working together to beautify the trails for everyone’s enjoyment.

Our projects include landscaping, trail maintenance, signage, trail markers, creating parking areas and much more. Eventually, we will have a continuous trail with maps and brochures, resting areas, visitor’s centers and our dream bridge over the Neversink River where the old train track crossed from Woodridge to South Fallsburg.

The Rails to Trails Race will help defray some of our operating expenses. Most work on the trails is completed by volunteers but supplies are needed to keep this project alive. You can help to keep this important cause going by being a sponsor to our running race and walk. The race is an excellent way to get “acquainted” with the rail trail in our hometown.

One way for us to achieve our goals is to ask you, our friends, our family and business acquaintances to support this race by becoming a sponsor. We greatly appreciate any contributions or donations in kind that you are able to provide to us.

The sponsorship categories are as follows:

$500.00-Company name/logo will be prominently printed on the back of our event tee shirts and at mile markers.

$250.00-Company name/logo will be prominently printed on the back of our event tee shirts.

$100.00-Company name/logo will be printed on the back of our event tee shirts.
$ 50.00-Company name will be printed on the back of our event tee shirts.

$ 25.00-Company name will be printed on the back of our event tee shirts.

If you are interested in helping us attain our goal in making this fundraiser and race a success, please complete the enclosed sponsor form and return as soon as possible. Please make your check payable to the Sullivan Striders Club-Rails to Trail Race. If you have any questions regarding the race, becoming a sponsor or volunteering please feel free to contact Maryann Manza at 845-313-2560 or Allen Frishman at 845-701-1984.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Maryann Manza, Race Coordinator & Committee Member
Kim Klemen, Sullivan Striders Club President
Allen Frishman, Fallsburg O&W Rail Trail Committee Chair
2nd ANNUAL O&W RAILS TO TRAILS RACE Sponsorship Information:

Name

Address

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

Telephone

Contact person, if a business ___________________________

Donation amount enclosed:

$500.00*
$250.00*
$100.00*
$50.00
$25.00
$10.00
Other

Mail completed form to:
Sullivan Striders Club O & W Rails To Trails Race
PO Box 702
Rock Hill, NY 12775-0702

*For those sponsoring $500.00, $250.00 or $100.00 please provide us with your company logo.

If you’d like to receive an acknowledgment for the amount of your donation please check here.

May 22 Radiant Yoga Essential Oils Seminar HUGE SUCCESS

Last Sunday May 22, Radiant Yoga played host to Nandini Weitzman, a NY State licensed Clinical Nutritionist and Alternative Health Practitioner as she gave participants in her workshop some hands on experience in NAT (Neuro-Auricular Traning with Therapeutic Essential Oils). She shared the simple and safe techniques used for deep relaxation that many alternative medicine practitioners are using for panic, anxiety, sleep disorders. depression, inflammation, and even ADD/ADHD.

The workshop began with an information session, during which Nandini explained the techniques; identified the five essential oils; as well as the process of applying them with light pressure along the occipital (cranial) ridge, neck and shoulders to safely affect brain-related nerves deeply to positively impact digestive organs, lungs, heart, eyes, ears, nose and the endocrine system. The talk was both extensive, and informative, and the end of class handouts to take home were very welcome by all in attendance. Once this section of the seminar was over, she gave the class a demonstration of the oils and techniques and answered numerous questions from the audience.

At the conclusion of this part of the seminar, the participants were paired up in groups, with EVERYONE actually getting to both give and receive a Therapeutic Essential Oils treatment. This hands on exchange of treatments allowed the students to learn the techniques, experience the benefits, while at the same time reinforcing the afternoons lessons through actual hands on practice of what they had been taught.

If your group is interested in arranging a seminar you can contact Nandini directly via her email which is nandiniyes@hotmail.com or give her a ring at (845) 434-2408.

Janet at Radiant Yoga here in Mountaindale New York is to be commended for once again bringing a wonderful holistic opportunity to our community of Mountaindale and its surrounding area. If you would like to know more about her Yoga Classes, and other seminars, or are interested in having her design a special class for your group or organization, sure she would love to hear from you.

MyRadiant Yoga
63 Main Street, CR55
Mountaindale, NY 12763
(845) 866-7822

Mountaindale Odds and Ends

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

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

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

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

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

April 30th Clean Up/Maintenance Day Great Success

This past Saturday, the Mountaindale Community Development Project, our Sullivan Renaissance Project Committee and local volunteers got together for a day or work and play here in our beautiful little hamlet, and with the weather cooperating, a lot of work was accomplished, with those participating having a great time.

The Hummingbird Garden (a 2009 Renaissance Project) received some much needed pruning, grooming and weeding...still some work to do, but it is presenting nicely. Looks like we need to replace a few plants, but overall, the garden wintered well, and the daffodils that are now in bloom there should soon be replaced with other flowers of the season. Work was begun on the Main Street water statement (small water pond) which is located adjacent to the Mountaindale Community Art Center. The bedding was cleaned, dirt turned, and some annual seeds planted around the pond for some additional WOW factor.

Some serious time was spent tying construction ribbon around trees that need to be thinned out for this years Renaissance Project over in the Rails to Trails corridor...unfortunately, someone (perhaps not realizing their purpose) came along later in the day and took them all down, so we will have to go in and remark said trees slated for removal using spray paint.

There was a GREAT DEAL OF ACTIVITY behind the school, much of it centered around washing off the maze, and cleaning up around the nature bridge. Add to this list of accomplishments the first mowing of the season, and Mountaindale is really looking beautiful as we welcome the month of May, and the summer visitors who are beginning to make their appearance in our community.

A very special thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who helped us this past Saturday...our small town looks as beautiful as it does because of each and every one of you.

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.

Breaking News...Mountaindale Awarded Grant To Build Train Locomotive!

In BIG Breaking News for our hamlet, we have just learned that the Mountaindale Community Development Project (MCDP) has been awarded a $1500 Community Beautification Grant from the Sullivan Renaissance. The formal announcement and awards presentation will be this Thursday night.

SPRING FORUM & GRANT AWARDS 7:00 pm CVI Building, Ferndale, NY

Sullivan Renaissance (845) 295-2445 This year's Mountaindale Beautification Project will be centered around and in our connection spur to the "Rails to Trails" bike path. The primary elements will include enhancement of the entrance area, as well as a new garden spot that will feature a half size re-creation (artistically) of the O&W's old 33 steam locomotive. It should be a lot of fun, and there are going to be lots of opportunities for volunteers to get involved and get your hands dirty. For information, or to find out about volunteer opportunities for yourself or organization, please get in touch with Sherwood at (845)693-4513.

Should Sullivan County Black Top Our Small Community Bike Paths?

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

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

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

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

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

Don't Miss Our VERY OWN Tobi Magnetico in "Murder in Swingland" April 16, 2011

Big happenings in Hurleyville this upcoming Saturday, April 16th at 6:00 P.M. as Mountaindale's very own Tobi Magnetico takes the stage in a production of "Murder in Swingland" at the Sullivan County Museum. Come early and come hungry to this Dinner Theatre production, and have a shot at winning prizes by guessing "WHO DUNNIT"! All proceeds from this wonderful evening of fun and frolic will benefit the restoration of the Rivoli Theater Marquee.

Dinner Theater production of "Murder in Swingland,"
Sullivan County Museum in Hurleyville
April 16th at 6:00 PM.
For Reservations Call: (845) 436-5336

Ticket price (suggested donation $20 per person or $30 per couple) includes dinner. This promises to be a GREAT show according to the BUZZ on the street, so make sure to get your reservations in early. And to our very own Tobi Magnetico, good luck, and "Break a Leg".

MASSIVE Girl Scout Cookie Migration in Mountaindale

I live next door to 60 Main Street...home of the Cookie Pantry for this year's Girl Scout Cookie Program for our area. Pleased to announce that there is a serious migration taking place as vast quantities of delicious, yummy cookies arrive in large trucks, only to be spirited away by troop leaders and Girl Scouts who seem to be arriving and departing around the clock, pick up trucks and mini vans loaded with these tasty morsels as they leave for destinations unknown, for homes anxiously awaiting their arrival. I captured a great picture of one such migration of cookies as they prepared for their trip out of Mountaindale.

On another related note...some of the Girl Scouts have been/are very involved in raising money, collecting donations of food for the Benjamin Coser Elementary-School CHILDREN'S FOOD PANTRY...would encourage all of you to consider purchasing some Girl Scout Cookies and donating them back for inclusion in the food stocks of this wonderful Children's Food Pantry at the Benjamin Coser Elementary School. For questions about the food pantry, or to make a food donation please contact Barb at (845) 434-4747

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

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.