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Previous Issues
Volume 4, Issue 6 - September 2011
Come to Phoenicia: Autumn Arts and Shopping
Fiercely Independent Woodstock’s Film Festivals
Saugerties Garlic Festival 2011
WAAM 9th Annual Fine Art Auction
The Real Estate Corner - Reverse Mortgages
Come to Phoenicia:
Autumn Arts and Shopping
By Melissa Esposito
It’s hard to beat the scenic beauty of autumn in the Catskills. But, as the weather grows cooler, sometimes it’s nice to just view the changing leaves through the window of a warm building, while browsing fine art and other wares. As nature paints the trees a spectacular spectrum of reds and golds, discover the artists, galleries, and boutiques that the hamlet of Phoenicia has to offer.
Tender Land Home is a boutique offering unique and seasonal accents to decorate your home, plus a variety of gifts and accessories. The shop has a warm and inviting atmosphere (“We want everyone to feel welcome here,” says friendly owner Dave Pillard) and has a little something for every taste. Spruce up your living room with rustic home furnishings, or give the kitchen a hint of harvest-themed flair “We have some great tabletop pieces for fall,” Pillard says, “including serving sets, dishes, candle holders—everything you need for autumn-to-holiday table settings.”
Other than décor, Tender Land Home also offers women’s jewelry and scarves, plus other gifts such as photo frames, candles, and a selection of fine teas to choose from. They are closed Wednesdays, but open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, located at 64 Main Street.
Unique, beautiful, and perhaps a bit gothic, the leather masks created by artist Wendy Drolma evoke a sense of awe. These collectable wearable artworks are hand-crafted—from the stitching, to the dying, to the shaping process—lined with lux velvets, and decorated with glass and stone beads. Visit the Drolma studio/gallery, which has only recently opened in April 2011, at 8 Boardwalk.
Just because you’re not showing off as much skin as you would in the summer, it doesn’t mean you can’t treat your body like a canvas. Visit Skinflower Cosmic Arts tattoo studio for a funky, whimsical (and of course, permanent) design. Not your average ink-and-go shop, Skinflower’s relaxing, inviting atmosphere encourages you to stay a while and perhaps take a peek through the various art books in the lounge area. Skinflower is located at 6 Boardwalk.
Opened in 2008 by photographer Andrea Cabane, Cabane Studios Fine Art Gallery displays the works of local and regional artists. A variety of workshops are held here, too; past events include an afternoon of instruction on the basics of watercolor painting. This month, look for new works by Woodstock photographer Richard Edelman, and a gallery opening event Saturday, September 16. Find the gallery—which doubles as a portrait studio—at 38 Main Street.
While you’re on Main Street, don’t forget to look up exhibits that take place at the Arts Upstairs Gallery. This hot spot for all things art features talented artists from around the region and hosts receptions and events. Also on Main, the quirky Mystery Spot Antiques offers a slew of vintage wares. This shop is packed to the hilt with a variety of whimsical collectables, mid-century housewares, rustic décor, and other odd treasures for you to explore.
Fiercely Independent
Woodstock’s Film Festivals
by Cassia Berman
September is Film Festival time in Woodstock. We have two: one that’s “fiercely independent,” brings us visitors from around the world and gets sold out early; and one that’s quietly independent, more intimate, and . . . free. Not coincidentally, both are twelve years old.
More Than a Film Festival
Let’s start with the smaller festival, which is held first, from September 2nd-5th. Woodstock Museum’s Free Film Festival was born when Woodstock Film Festival co-founder Laurent Reitjo contemplated showing alternative films, on the first year of the Festival, at the Museum’s small theater in the woods. When that didn’t pan out, friends encouraged the Museum’s co-directors Nathan Koenig and Shelli Lipton to do it on their own. They booked one day at the Community Center and another at the Town Hall, and invited local filmmakers and videographers who hadn’t been invited to the main festival to show their works. Both festivals were more successful than anyone dreamed. People who couldn’t get into sold-out WFF events, or couldn’t afford them, appreciated the free festival that was more directly connected with Woodstock culture, creativity and values.
Though now the WFF is later in the month, Nathan and Shelli continue holding their film festival Labor Day weekend, with organic home-made snacks and fresh-popped popcorn, Native American ceremonies and teachings, live performances by local dancers, singers and musicians, and movies that uphold the 1960’s Woodstock spirit: films about worldwide hippie/psychedelic culture, ecology and activism of all sorts, indigenous cultures, spirituality, human potential and the expansion of consciousness. This usually includes at least one of Nathan’s White Buffalo Multimedia productions—this year, “Ancient Prophecies, Future Visions.”
For the first time, this year’s free film festival will be held on the beautiful grounds of the Woodstock Museum—Nathan and Shelli’s home—at 13 Bach Road in West Saugerties. This will allow film-goers to experience in tangible reality some of the Sixties ideals that the couple keep alive.
In between movies, tour the Woodstock Museum with Nathan. “I go into what the hippies tried to do to save the Earth and explore freedom, then I go into American history and the history of freedom, and then bring it back to what we must do now in order to preserve the Earth and our freedom, and expand our consciousness.”
You’ll be able to see Nathan and Shelli’s own efforts towards a new paradigm: their efficiently self-sustaining organic garden modeled on that of Scott and Helen Nearing, and their 2.4 kilowatt solar system—the first in New York State. There’ll be two campfires to sit around, organic snacks for sale, outdoor light shows, a drum circle, music to dance to, and nighttime bocce games. “It’ll be a lot more like a little mini-Woodstock festival basically,” says Nathan, “with some of the Sixties spirit that people can’t find in town.” In the words of our host, “Come and dance your kazookies off.”
The Big One
The Woodstock Film Festival will be held September 21-25 in theaters in Woodstock, Rhinebeck, Rosendale and Kingston, with almost 150 films, panels, performances and special events. The opening film, on Thursday, September 21st at the Woodstock Playhouse, will be the U.S. premiere of “Peace, Love and Misunderstanding,” which was shot on our own sacred ground less than a year ago.
The feature film, starring Jane Fonda and Catherine Keener, directed by 2010 WFF Maverick Award winner Bruce Beresford, has a supporting cast of indigenous Woodstockers, and many of us stood on the sidelines as it was filmed on local streets and the Village Green. In the film, Fonda, as an aging, pot-smoking hippie, is visited in Woodstock by her teenaged grandchildren and estranged daughter, a conservative lawyer played by Keener.
I asked Pathwork Teacher Margaret Mary Cliggett-Reynolds, one of our local background “stars,” what it was like. “Really hard, really exhausting, really wonderful and fun,” she answers, telling me about the many hours of waiting as scenes were filmed over and over again, including two cold, all-night shoots when she was part of Jane Fonda’s “circle of friends,” dancing around a bonfire, chanting to the Goddess and the moon.
Did you get into the ritual of it? “Oh, yes,” Margaret Mary answers. “It was deep and beautiful. Even with the hundreds of people who were working on the film doing things all around us—something you don’t see when you’re watching a movie!” She spoke of how respectfully the stars, director and crew treated all the Woodstock extras, and the constant stream of fabulous food. And after all that, none of the Woodstock background actors have any idea whether they’ve made it into the final cut, or onto the cutting room floor.
The WFF always brings celebrated actors, directors and other film professionals to town. This year Ellen Barkin, whose new film “Another Happy Day” is premiering on the East Coast, will be honored with an Excellence in Acting award. Oscar-nominated actor and Sullivan County resident Mark Ruffalo will also attend the Maverick Awards Ceremony on Saturday, September 24th to receive the first Meera Gandhi Giving Back Award for his activism to protect water and prevent hydrofracking in the Catskills.
For an updated schedule of films, events and special guests, go to www.woodstockfilmfestival.com.
And Now For Something Completely Different
With the Film Festival come some unofficial events. For instance, how often have you met a Playboy Bunny in Woodstock?
Our cover girl, Mei-Ling Lam, is not only the June 2011 Playmate of the Month and next year’s Miss Harley-Davidson, but the future star of a series of seven gangster flicks written by Mike Craft, who will also direct and produce them. Craft brings Ms. Lam to Woodstock on September 5th to shoot a pre-trailer for the first of these films in Woodstock, and to hold promotional events during the Film Festival.
Craft is the son of a close associate of gangster Meyer Lansky, and a former gangster himself. “I had a nefarious background that some people find interesting,” says Craft, retired now and living a quiet life, raising his family in Greene County. The films are all based on his own adventures.
Craft met Ms. Lam at a clambake and was impressed by her beauty and charm. “She’s different than the usual Playmates,” says the nascent filmmaker. “She’s the girl next door—a tiny brunette, only 5’1, small-busted, no makeup. She has a Master’s degree in English from the University of Maine. She’s absolutely gorgeous and doesn’t really pose in the nude”—in Playboy, she wore bathing suits and underwear. “She’s probably the most conservative Playboy girl you’ve ever seen.”
During the Woodstock Film Festival, Ms. Lam will sign autographs at various locations around town. Look for her, or go to her website, www.meilinglam.com for further information. Craft’s next film, whose working title is “A Saratoga Escapade,” begins shooting next June in Saratoga. Investors are welcome! Email Craft at thesaratogamovie@aol.com.
Cassia Berman teaches T’ai Chi and Qigong in Woodstock, and also does private sessions in medical Qigong and energy healing in person or by phone. Contact her at www.cassiaberman.com.
Saugerties Garlic Festival 2011
Cantine Field’s gates open in Saugerties for the annual Garlic Festival on Saturday, September 24th, at 10 am. Described as a “paradise for garlic lovers” by USA Today, the Garlic Festival offers visitors a taste of over 60 varieties of garlic. Famous chefs provide demonstrations and lectures to the public, a full schedule of entertainers and musical acts perform rain or shine, and over 70 garlic business vendors and 56 garlic growers sell and provide samples of fresh varieties of garlic cheese, biscotti, fried dough, sauces, soups, condiments, pickles, and even garlic candy and fudge. Also honored one of the top 16 “Tasty Reasons to Travel” in Cracker Barrel’s Travel Almanac, the annual Saugerties Garlic Festival has been considered one of the East Coast’s primary foodie attractions since 1989. The festival continues throughout the last weekend of September, the 24th-25th. Chefs and lecturers this year include Ted Maczka, Kevin Archer, Pat Crocker, Ric Orlando, David Stern, Michael Rick, and Noah Gress. Crowds have reached upwards of 50,000, so attendees are encouraged to buy tickets early.
Visit www.hudsonvalleygarlic.com for more information.
Hudson River Valley Ramble
By Jill Paperno
If you ask any of my friends or family, “What were the best years of Jill’s life?” they’d surely answer, “When she was living on Central Park West, and making lots of money." It’s true that being successful in NYC can hardly be beat, since the city provides many of the best of man made art, music, and theatre on one small island; the glorious Statue of Liberty stands tall, reminding us that we are privileged to have ancestors who chose this land of opportunity. That statue stands at the base of the Hudson River.
Even from the great island of Manhattan, one can only get a few small glimpses of the glorious natural world that was created not by man, but by something larger than man, especially on the narrow running paths along the Hudson River. The Hudson River Valley Ramble comes forth to fill in the missing pieces.
The Hudson Valley Greenway was created in 1991, as part of the Hudson Valley Greenway Act, to give city folks a much broader view of the gifts that the Earth provides, only 2-3 hours from Manhattan doorsteps. Its purpose was to coordinate with local and county governments to protect the precious gifts that we receive from nature, while at the same time, exposing the Hudson River Valley to vacationing tourists.
For instance, did you know that George Washington moved his headquarters to Newburgh in 1782, where he remained through the end of the Revolutionary War? I didn’t, until I started writing this article. Did you know that JP Morgan, the Vanderbilts, and Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt all chose to live in mansions on the Hudson?
You can learn all of this and much more by visiting the Hudson River Maritime Museum during one of many River Ramble events this September. A film about the Hudson River towns will be displayed, followed by a wine and cheese reception, at the Museum on Sept. 16th, accompanied by a photography exhibit.
Or join the Hudson River Maritime Museum in a celebration of life on the Hudson River, with sea shanties and scenes performed by the Riverfront Players on Sept. 18th.
Departing from Port Ewen, a short distance from Kingston, you and your family (age 12 and older) can join the Kingston Paddle Pals 6.6 mile guided kayak trip on the Hudson River, with a lunch break and live music. The Paddle Pals will pick the level of expertise and put you in the right boat. Information at ddintruff@yahoo.com.
If you prefer sailboats, most Sundays in September, you can join the Kingston Sailing Club and they will find a boat on which you can serve as a member of the crew.
In 2001, on Earth Day, the Greenway was awarded $1 million to establish a Hudson River Greenway Water Trail. Thanks to these grants, Hudson Valley residents can invite our surrounding neighbors to join us in one or more of abundant choices of “rambles,” to put your feet down on our precious land or paddle through on the Hudson River itself, thanks to the grants that the Greenway has generously funded.
There are numerous events just about every day in September, ranging from athletic, artistic, historic education, and just plain fun, along with awe and awareness about how precious and crucial it is to maintain our environment.
If we and our children can spend our vacation time this way, we may be able to understand how important it is to protect our precious Mother Earth for the next generation and the generations to follow. We may be able to preserve our forests, bring back our threatened species, return to health by eating natural foods and herbs instead of relying on diets made of unhealthy fats and sugars from fast food places, and we may inspire our next generation to develop solar energy, instead of chopping down our forests and turning them into toxic waste dumps. Who knows?
Publisher’s Note: The Ramble has been a program of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and Greenway since 2000. The Ramble was created to promote the National Heritage Area and the Greenway Trail, and has grown over the past 12 years into a highly anticipated regional cultural and recreational event. The Hudson River Valley Greenway is an innovative partnership-based New York State entity created to facilitate the development of a regional strategy for preserving the scenic, natural, historic, cultural and recreational resources of the valley while encouraging compatible economic development initiatives and maintaining the tradition of municipal home rule.
Links:
Hudson River Valley Ramble: www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com
Hudson River Maritime Museum: www.hrmm.org
Kingston Sailing Club: www.kingstonsailingclub.org
WAAM 9th Annual Fine Art Auction
By Robin B. Fre
Again, I take on one of the grand traditions that became Woodstock lore. Again, we go back to the time of Hervey White and Ralph Whitehead and the beginnings of this very special town. Woodstock began as an arts colony with the visions of several incredible people, like Judson Smith, first director of the Friends of Art, who said it first, and best. “The Friends was not charitable but protective—a safe place that enabled artists to keep painting by selling their work.”
Juliana Force, first director of the Whitney Museum of American Art, was a resident of this hamlet way back in 1924. Loving art and being aware of local artists, she donated $500 to the Woodstock Artists Association. During the Great Depression, local artists reacted very differently. While the town applied for federal funding, the artists demonstrated a communal urge, by their own efforts, to pull themselves out of their slump.
The Woodstock Artists Association, offshoot of the Friends of Art, held the first gallery show, during which historian James Shotwell stated, “Art only flourished in times of prosperity.” George Biddle suggested hiring artists to paint murals on abandoned buildings. President Roosevelt agreed, beginning the Public Works of Art Project.
In Woodstock, the Friends brought back the spirit of the early Maverick festivals by staging a carnival. The effort did much to hold the art colony together in a time of crisis. This not only kept them from leaving town in search of work, but raised morale.
In 2011, the Woodstock artists thrive, associate, and have created a museum that can be accessed online at www.woodstockart.org. The Woodstock Artists Association and Museum (WAAM), in the center of Woodstock on the village green, offers quality exhibitions. Contemporary, yes. Avant-garde, still. Just last month, WAAM hosted a performance with music by the legendary American composer, John Cage.
On September 3rd, the 9th Annual WAAM Fine Art Auction offers historic and contemporary art by local and internationally recognized artists, accessible worldwide.
James Cox, gallery owner, art lover, and WAAM auctioneer extraordinaire provided CTW with a brief interview about this “auction for the frugal connoisseur.”
CTW: What kind of art will you be selling?
James Cox: A great variety, 200 lots, primarily American 20th century, a third from Woodstock artists. The show ranges in time from 17th to 19th, though the majority is 20th century. Oil paintings, sculpture, fine prints, folk art and watercolor. Prices range from $200-$9,000.
CTW: Anyone famous?
JC: From Woodstock, George Bellows, Milton Avery, John S. Carlson. A wonderful collection of African folk art from the private collection of Milton Glasier and his wife Shirley, who happens to be a famous Woodstock graphic artist. There is very eccentric donation by Anonymous of a chess set made totally of car parts. WAAM started this auction 9 years ago and it has become a major fundraiser. I love the thought of these beautiful paintings being carried worldwide via the internet. I have sent packages to Spain, Japan and France, as well as all over this country. One can bid [at] this auction online, over the phone, or come bid in person at the Artists Association in downtown Woodstock. The intent is finding ways you can easily contribute.
CTW: You are in keeping with Woodstock's reputation for artistry.
JC: Quite, and we ensure the quality is high and the prices affordable. I came up with “auction for the frugal connoisseur” years ago. I'm delighted to say it still fits. Now I manage a galley in Woodstock, though people keep signing me up for auctions. I do mostly non-profit and cultural organizations. I have been in the art biz so long, I can keep an audience amused with the back-story of most. I know the artists and know the painting's value. Some want to know this, and enjoy hearing [a] trip back.
CTW: Do you have any Hervey White's publications? I have included this legend in Woodstock history in many of my articles.
JC: We include many rare publications that White not only wrote but printed and bound by hand in 1912. Hervey White is my hero. I so agree. Everything that is great and interesting in Woodstock is all under the name Hervey White. His publications “Plowshare,” “The Hue and Cry,” are all definite 1920s with original illustrations, fashioned of wood blocks, in every publication.
Oh, the 1920s. What a time was had in Woodstock. Today is very special as well, blessed with an artists association with the noble purpose of keeping art alive and artists cared for. The Woodstock Artists Association always was and still remains a valuable asset to this town. On September 3rd, one can buy a piece of that artist’s culture at the WAAM fine art auction.
The Real Estate Corner - Reverse Mortgages
by Blanca Aponte
What is a reverse mortgage?
A reverse mortgage is a loan for senior homeowners that uses a portion of the home’s equity as collateral. The loan generally does not have to be repaid until the last surviving homeowner permanently moves out of the property or passes away. At that time, the estate has approximately 6 months to repay the balance of the reverse mortgage or sell the home to pay off the balance. All remaining equity is inherited by the estate. The estate is not personally liable if the home sells for less than the balance of the reverse mortgage.
Eligibility for a reverse mortgage (HECM)
Home Equity Conversion Mortgage: The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) requires that all equity conversion homeowners be at least age 62. All existing liens must be able to be satisfied with the reverse mortgage. If there is a mortgage balance, it can be paid off completely with the proceeds of the reverse mortgage loan at the closing. Generally there are no income or credit score requirements for a reverse mortgage.
Example of completed Reverse Mortgages:
In 2010, Bruna Fernanda Rondinelli, Licensed RE agent with John J. Lease Realtors in Highland, NY listed a house owned by seniors in their 80s. They needed to sell their house due to overdue bills, property taxes and needed improvements. They were able to obtain a reverse mortgage, which paid off their debt and made necessary repairs until the house sold!
Lisa Tumbleson, Licensed RE agent with Casa Blanca Real Estate says, “I have had reverse mortgages work out well for clients in all walks of life, and for a huge variety of reasons.” These include :
* Settling the last few years of a standard mortgage they can no longer carry the monthly cost for,
* Supplementing depleted 401K, pension, Social Security income,
* Coping with an unexpected health crisis (needed in-home care not covered by Medicare)
* Separating the estates and/or obligations of cohabiting siblings (e.g. retired single woman co-owns a home with her much-older brother. He has moved to assisted living, and both would like her to "buy him out' - RM gets them cash to split without her having to demonstrate income required for a standard mortgage.)
* Financing a long-deferred treat (condo/second home in North Carolina) without having to sell penalty-laden or income investments.
Mary Orapello, Licensed RE agent with The Murphy Group in Kingston, explains, “People do reverse mortgages for a variety of reasons...This particular buyer had plenty of money to buy a house in his retirement. However, the with tax ramifications, it made more sense to get a reverse mortgage.”
Blanca Aponte is a Broker/Owner of Casa Blanca Real Estate
Aries (March 21 to April 19): It’s all about unions for you, dear Aries—that is, if you want to seize an opportunity to prosper. So, if you’re a Sonny without a Cher, or an Ellen without a Portia, hop to it; now’s not a good time to go it alone. Venus, the planet of love, is sending some pretty crafty vibes your way, vibes you can bank on, if you’re smart.
Taurus (April 20 to May 20): A celestial configuration is taking place. Jupitor is in Taurus, with the Sun, Venus, and Mercury acting like the Pips to Jupitor’s Gladys. You’ll be singing a happy tune in no time at all. Adventure in all aspects of your life will bring great satisfaction. Go celebrate, hit the Red Onion and gloat while ya can.
Gemini (May 21 to June 20): You’re about to embark on a sentimental journey and your boarding pass will be boatload of memory’s drawing you close to family and friends. Nostalgia is definitely in the air and it wouldn’t be surprising if an old flame reapears in the days ahead. Enjoy the comfort of all things familiar to you, sometimes there really is no place like home.
Cancer (June 21 to July 22): The planet Mars is more tender than turbulent for you Cancers this month. It will allow for opportunities at the job and give you access to people that you will be glad you have met. There may be introductions that further on down the road could lead to love. Don’t sweat looking for your next “When Harry Met Sally” moment, just kick back and enjoy.
Leo (July 23 to August 22): Fear not and go large kitty cats, there is much promise for you professionally speaking that is. Your house of money is very active in September and if you play your cards right the just rewards you so deserve will come to you. Yee-ha you’ll be riding high in the saddle in no time (and not just because your bottom has increased in size over the summer either).
Virgo (August 23 to September 22): Venus being in Virgo will bring on some of the most pleasant days of the year for you. Think of it as planetary Lithium mixed with a little Viagra. Your charm and poise is a magnet for anyone you focus in on, intoxicating your prey, like a domesticated Venus Fly Trap. The Colony is featuring a young hypnotist this month; maybe you should go over and give the guy a few pointers. Lord knows, everyone is under your spell.
Libra (September 23 to October 22): Don’t feel too bad when things just don’t work out the way you’d hoped. Lower expectations never killed anybody. I mean look at all those women who go on the television show “The Bachelor,” they seem to come out okay. Heck, some even go on to have their own shows. Uranus is doing some funky things with you, so try to stay out of trouble.
Scorpio (October 23 to November 21): Depending on the kindess of strangers may be the order of the day when big plans lead to little results. The good news is that people want to extend themselves to you, so you will never feel alone. Some of the contacts you make through these connections will have unforseen benefits in the future. Go ahead, be needy, it could lead to a gold mine one day.
Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21): Love comes from the most unexpected places, especially after Uranus and Jupitor finishes with you Sagitarians. Don’t be surprised when you want to get your kinky groove on. Think of this month’s planetary positions as hormone replacement therapy. Best to stock up on the necessary provisions. Rite Aide sells every thing you’ll ever need.
Capricorn (December 22 to January 19): Years ago there was a bumper sticker that read, “Be Alert—The World Needs More Lerts.” The challenge you have is that you are so alert, so aware that it’s beginning to stress you out. Finding peace of mind will take distractions of a physical nature. Exercise, take in some aroma therapy, and I don’t just mean light a candle, light several candles. A trip to Candlestock will do you some good.
Aquarius (January 20 to February 18): Bide your time, Aquarians, as the urge to get restless may have some unpleasing results for those who care about you. You’ll want to pull your friends closer, not push them away as your usual zip seems to be all zapped out. This period of nothingness will pass, though maybe not as fast as you’d like. Don’t let boredom make you impulsive.
Pisces (February 19 to March 20): Look who everything is coming up roses for this month. Mars, Venus, and Mercury help make September a truly great month ahead. If you can’t find it in your heart this month to feel optimistic, then man do you have problems. It’s all rainbows and sunshine, like the movie Grease and Xanadu all rolled up into one. You have to believe it’s magic, planetary magic, but still, it’s magic. Have a blast!
Johnny D is an aspiring comic author, from Santa Monica California, who dropped into Woodstock while dropping out of the Hollywood scene. Send rebuttal to vibeisgood@msn.com
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