January 2024: Winter in the Mountains

Catskill Mountain Region

GUIDE

JANUARY 2024 COMPLIMENTARY issuu.com/ catskillmtnregionguide

Winter in the Mountains

ON AND OFF THE SLOPES

Shopping | Dining | Lodging | Outdoor Recreation Attractions | Services | And More!

January 2024 • GUIDE 1

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January 2024 • GUIDE 3

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IN THIS ISSUE 8 ULSTER COUNTY: A Winter Wonderland Awaits

12 WINDHAM ARTS ALLIANCE

COVER

PRESENTS WHITEOUT

14 FRESH AIR, FRESH START

by Greg Madden Photo courtesy of Belleayre Mountain

16 THE SKINY SKI & RIDE PASSPORT PROGRAM

18 BELLEAYRE MOUNTAIN Mountain Stats What’s New at Belleayre The Team at Belleayre

22 WINDHAM MOUNTAIN CLUB Mountain Stats Windham Mountain Club The Team at Windham Mountain Club

26 MOUNTAIN STATS: HUNTER MOUNTAIN

27 MOUNTAIN STATS: PLATTEKILL MOUNTAIN

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28 OFF THE SLOPES 52 MATH & CMF ARE HEATING UP THEATERS THIS FEBRUARY

54 LAYERHYTHM: A Jam Session of Music & Dance by Joan Oldknow

56 CATSKILLS PAST: Dorothy Hoyt Nebel, Ski Pioneer Part II by T.M. Bradshaw

61 A GREENE COUNTY GARDEN IN JANUARY: Converting Lawns to Gardens

by Margaret Donsbach Tomlinson

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62 A COZY CATSKILLS WINTER DINNER

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64 NOTES OF GRATITUDE by Jen Schwartz 66 THE GREAT OUTDOORS by Jeff Senterman 71 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 76 SNEAK PEEK, CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION 2024 PERFORMING ARTS SEASON

80 SUGAR MAPLES CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS 2024 WINTER COURSES

81 SNEAK PEEK, SUGAR MAPLES SUMMER 2024 WORKSHOPS & PROGRAMS

82 DONATE TO THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide VOLUME 39, NUMBER 1 January 2024 PUBLISHERS Peter Finn, Chairman, Catskill Mountain Foundation Sarah Finn, President, Catskill Mountain Foundation EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION Sarah Taft ADVERTISING SALES Barbara Cobb Hillary Morse CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Belleayre Mountain, Bennecom/shutterstock.com, Bistro-to-Go, T.M. Bradshaw, Rebecca Freehill/The Print House, High Falls Cafe, hikertrashhusbands.com, Hunter Mountain, Irisland/shutterstock.com, Jessie’s Harvest House, Kitreel/shutterstock. com, Greg Madden, Maude Adams Theater Hub, Minnewaska State Park, Michael Neil O’Donnell, Joan Oldknow, Plattekill Mountain, Jen Schwartz, Jeff Senterman, Seva_blsw/shutterstock.com, SKINY, Margaret Donsbach Tomlinson, Ulster County Tourism, Windham Arts Alliance, Windham Mountain Club and Windham Wine & Liquors.

ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE Candy McKee Tiffany Babcock & Hillary Morse

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PRINTING Catskill Mountain Printing Services DISTRIBUTION Catskill Mountain Foundation EDITORIAL DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: January 5 The Catskill Mountain Region Guide is published 12 times a year by the Catskill Mountain Foundation, Inc., Main Street, PO Box 924, Hunter, NY 12442. If you have events or programs that you would like to have covered, please send them by e-mail to tafts@catskillmtn.org. Please be sure to furnish a contact name and include your telephone number and e-mail address. To receive submission guidelines send a request to tafts@catskillmtn.org.

The liability of the publisher for any error for which it may be held legally responsible will not exceed the cost of space ordered or occupied by the error. The publisher assumes no liability for errors in key numbers. The publisher will not, in any event, be liable for loss of income or profits or any consequent damages.

The Catskill Mountain Region Guide office is located at 7971 Main Street, Hunter, NY 12442.

The magazine can be found on-line at www.catskillmtn.org by clicking on the “Magazine” button, or by going directly to issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide 8,000 copies of the Catskill Mountain Region Guide are distributed each month. It is distributed free of charge at tourist information offices, restaurants, lodgings, retailers and other businesses throughout Greene, Delaware and Ulster counties, and at the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center in Albany.

Home delivery of the Guide magazine is available, at an additional fee, to annual members of the Catskill Mountain Foundation at the $100 membership level or higher. ©2000 Catskill Mountain Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The Catskill Mountain Region Guide is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. All photographic rights reside with the photographer.

THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION 7971 MAIN STREET, P.O. BOX 924 • HUNTER, NY 12442 PHONE: 518 263 2000 • FAX: 518 263 2025 WWW.CATSKILLMTN.ORG

January 2024 • GUIDE 7

ULSTER COUNTY

A Winter Wonderland Awaits N

estled in the Catskill Mountain region of the Mid-Hudson Valley just west of the Hudson River, Ulster County is a perennial draw for city-dwellers and nearby neighbors alike, thanks to its stunning natural landscapes, acclaimed farm-to-table dining, abundant local shops and boutiques, vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and array of outdoor adventures.

Winter transforms Ulster County into an idyllic wonderland for families, couples, and urban-dwellers of all stripes seeking a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re looking for high-octane thrills on the slopes of Belleayre Mountain, a survey of seasonal sips and flavors from area restaurateurs and mixologists, or a weekend of walkable shopping and entertainment in historic communities like Phoenicia, Kingston, and Woodstock, Ulster County is the perfect destination for your winter getaway. Here’s how to make the most of it.

cultural touchstones complement the modern creations of area makers.

Kingston’s Historic Stockade District, featuring some of the last remaining monuments to Kingston’s early days as New York’s first Capital, is teeming with coffeeshops, cocktail bars, and bookstores—sometimes all in one, like Rough Draft Bar & Books—as well as some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the Hudson Valley.

Phoenicia’s Main Street is home to numerous antiquaries, vintage apparel shops, and local markets—and just around the corner from the eternally popular Phoenicia Diner.

With its world-famous legacy as a countercultural epicenter, Woodstock is home to storied music venues like The Bearsville Theater, Levon Helm Studios, and Colony, as well as beloved cafes like Bread Alone and hip breakfast spots like Oriole 9.

STROLL AND SHOP PICTURESQUE MAIN STREETS

GO PLAY OUTSIDE

Ulster County is blessed with an enormously talented community of local artisans and entrepreneurs. High-fashion boutiques, vintage shops, and funky cafes populate the walkable Main Streets of our laidback communities, where historic architecture and 8 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

For thrill-seekers, Belleayre Mountain offers some of the East Coast’s best downhill terrain. This expansive resort has trails and runs for all abilities, plus the Catskills’ only mountainside gondola. Not into downhill? Belleayre also boasts a huge network of Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails.

January 2024 • GUIDE 9

Anglers find rich rewards in Ulster County’s many rivers, lakes and streams. Popular winter fly-fishing destinations include the Hudson River, Ashokan Reservoir, Esopus Creek, and Chodikee Lake.

For a more relaxed outdoor experience, snowshoe or hike through stunning scenery of the Ashokan Rail Trail, Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park. Families with little ones can find plenty of gentle, groomed paths to navigate—including on the rail trails of Ashokan, Hurley and Wallkill Valley.

Ice skating abounds county-wide. Lace up your skates at Stoeckler Park in Ellenville, Smith Park in Pine Hill, or the Mohonk Mountain House ice pavilion. For indoor skating, visit the Olympic-sized Kiwanis Ice Arena in Saugerties.

of Stoutridge Winery & Distillery in Marlboro, or the homemade grappa and brandy at Magnanini Winery, Restaurant & Distillery in Wallkill. Hopheads can sip the winter ales, stouts and ciders of breweries like Keegan Ales in Kingston, Rough Cut Brewing Co. in Kerhonkson, and Kettleborough Cider House in New Paltz.

However you choose to imbibe, you’ll find the best version of it in Ulster County—just remember to always drink responsibly.

GET PAMPERED AT LOCAL LODGES, SPAS & RESORTS

WARM YOUR PALATE WITH SEASONAL FLAVORS If you appreciate exceptional food and drink, you’ll find yourself in paradise in Ulster County, which offers palatial indulgence for vegans, carnivores, and omnivores alike, from roadside barbecue to Michelin-Star fine dining, and everything in between.

Thoughtful diners will delight at the award-winning menu of Dandelion at Eastwind Oliverea, which has made a name for itself as a must-visit, thanks to its rustic retreat setting, conscious farming ethos, and plant-forward menu that honors the art of hunter-gathering.

Farm-to-table enthusiasts looking to mix with area residents while enjoying locally sourced flavors and libations will find plenty to love about Peekamoose Restaurant and Tap Room in Big Indian. This popular hangout emphasizes a friendly, comeas-you-are energy (“For bumpkins and slickers alike,” the website reads) matched by an acclaimed food-and-drink menu routinely named as one of the best in the Hudson Valley.

Tucked away in the Catamount of Mount Tremper at the edge of Esopus Creek, Woodnotes Grille at Emerson Resort & Spa boasts an upscale menu and well-stocked bar in a cozy mountain resort atmosphere—and they offer weekly specials like Prime Rib Mondays and Locals Day every Thursday, in which residents of Ulster, Greene and Delaware counties receive 20% off.

Beverage connoisseurs know that Ulster County is teeming with top-notch local libations. Sample the small batch whiskeys and vodkas of Tuthilltown Spirits in Gardiner, the unprocessed wines 10 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

After a day of adventure, recharge in luxury at one of Ulster County’s many historic hotels, resorts, inns, and B&Bs. Unwind by the fireplace at Emerson Resort & Spa in Mount Tremper or wake up to the exquisite surroundings of the Eastwind Oliverea in Big Indian.

The clean, elegant utility of The Lorca in Shandaken is beloved by minimalists and nature lovers who want easy access to the mountains. Families adore the all-inclusive amenities and seasonal magic of Rocking Horse Ranch Resort in Highland, which boasts family-friendly winter activities like ski lessons, sleigh rides, snow tubes, and ice skating, among many others.

At the base of Hunter Mountain just two blocks from Phoenicia’s Main Street, The Graham & Co. blurs the line between nature retreat and boutique hotel, with 20 uniquely designed rooms and amenities like complimentary bikes and fireside s’mores.

For over 150 years, the iconic Mohonk Mountain House has attracted guests with its Victorian architecture, sprawling grounds, and luxurious amenities—including well-appointed rooms, on-site fine dining, and lavish spa offerings. Named the “No. 1 Resort Spa in the United States” by Conde Nast Traveler, visitors will immediately recognize why it’s affectionately known to locals as the “Castle in the Catskills.”

Couples looking for an intimate getaway will love the relaxed, bohemian vibes of Foxfire Mountain House in Mount Tremper, a 100-year-old Inn on ten private acres with a pond, lily pool, outdoor pavilion and fire pits, and 11 guest rooms appointed with sun-bleached wood beds built by a local carpenter.

Whether seeking outdoor adventure or indoor indulgence, Ulster County offers an idyllic winter retreat. Plan your getaway and book accommodations at VisitUlsterCountyNY.com.

January 2024 • GUIDE 11

“Harmony,” watercolor by Sheila Trautman

“Snowfield,” monotype by Laura Avello

Windham Arts Alliance presents

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WHITEOUT

indham Arts Alliance is excited to present a new art show called “Whiteout” at the Main Street Community Center in Windham New York. The opening reception is planned for January 13, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. There will be art, music, presented by Nick Spinetti, snacks and conversation to enjoy. The show runs through March 1.

As winter in the Catskills settles in and the mountains turn from gray to a blanket of sparkling white, we wonder how artists will interpret what they see in this beautiful environment. The chill in the air transmits a crisp new energy into the scene all around us. Maybe the tendency is to want to stay outside and breathe in the crisp fresh, sometimes biting, air or to go inside and warm your feet and spirit by a glowing fire. Maybe it’s a time to sit inside with a cup of hot chocolate, listen to music, relax and warm up? Some of us may prefer to explore the countryside and discover a rainbow of color in the white woods all around us.

Each artist participating in the show has been asked to find their own motivation and create a work of art that inspires them.

These works can be a landscape, abstraction, still life, or an object, or anything that catches the artist’s spirit and creativity. See what they come up with! Enjoy the beautiful creations and join us at the opening.

Nick Spinetti, a Windham Ashland Jewett graduate, will be performing at the opening from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. We are excited to showcase this talented member of our community. Born in 12 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

the Hudson Valley, Nick Spinetti embodies indie folk artistry, untouched by industry norms. Devoid of typical support—no booking agent, record label or website—his Americana and folk compositions captivate with raw, heartfelt storytelling. This event provides an intimate dive into unfiltered musical narratives straight from the heart.

On February 3, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm, WAA is thrilled to host a couple’s clay workshop by Maureen Garcia, titled “Pinch your Partner this Valentine’s Day Season!”

Take a ceramic class with your partner and create something special together! In this unique and intimate clay class, participants will create one of a kind pinch pots together as a couple.

Guided by local ceramic artist, Maureen Garcia and accompanied by her husband, Will Garcia, couples will explore this small scale sculptural creation experience! The project will focus on personalized ring dishes using pinch potting technique. Participants will be provided with all materials for this class, just bring your LOVE! All creations will be bisque fired, glaze fired, and completed just in time for Valentine’s Day! There will be a $10 registration fee to hold your seat. Space is limited so sign up soon at the Main Street Community Center.

The Main Street Community Center is located at 5494 Main Street (Route 23) in Windham. For more information contact the Main Street Community Center atmainstreetcenter.org/art-show or call 518 734 4168.

January 2024 • GUIDE 13

Fresh Air, Fresh Start

Photo by Kitreel/ shutterstock.com

By Greg Madden With Selections from “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” by Dr. Seuss

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here is nothing quite as exhilarating as a cool breath of Catskill Mountain winter air. So fresh, so brisk, so pure, so energizing, so clean and so life giving. So please, quietly step outside and slowly draw into your lungs, one of our great benefits of being, visiting or living here. End your cabin fever and step out and walk right into a new fresh, frost laden, breath that simulates your feeling of being alive and refreshed. It does the body good.

It’s time to renew your vitality, along with renewing your spirit, and your outlook as to what lies ahead. Breathe deeply repeatedly and expand into 2024. What? 2024? Wow, time seems to fly by these days. As you draw in this crisp, dry air deep into your hungry lungs, the snow-covered Catskill Mountains stand still under the now-winter sky, and the air is best when joined by a sunny blue sky above the mountains. As you stand alone in the gentle coolness, you feel a newness within each breath, a chance to try something new, to do it over and grow into new opportunities that await you and think of where you have been, where you are today and where you are going. Where will you go?

Note to Self: Time to dig deep and revisit Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss With this single breath, your oxygen-infused and vivid imagination starts to kick in. In this moment time has paused and you are immediately transported into a land of unlimited possibilities, for nothing here is impossible. You travel to a meditative state of unyielding potentiality. You alone are the one to choose where you travel. You become anyone while becoming everyone.

You are limitless. You think, could this be? You answer, “YES,” for anything is possible today. However, filled with this delicious oxygen you feel breathless at the feeling of hope and potentiality, but at the same time choked with the expansion of this life giving 14 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

mountain air. Hmmm … just what in the jiminy crickets is going on?

Well, you have entered the creative land of conceivability, where you roam being overwhelmed with the endless choices as to what you might dare conceive without limit? Why, there isn’t anything you couldn’t do? Absolutely nothing, no restrictions !!

You float deeper into your dreamstate, yet fully awake and aware.

“Out there things can happen, and frequently do, To people as brainy and footsy as you. And when things start to happen, don’t worry, don’t stew.

Just go right along, you’ll start happening too!”

As you dig deeper, you arrive in a small town, nestled within its embrace and bustling with the anticipation of a new year. The air is crisp, and the promise of fresh beginnings lingers like the scent of pine. In this picturesque town, where the mountains whisper tales of resilience and change, a group of diverse people have joined your journey, each drawn to and carrying with them their dreams and aspirations for the coming year.

You see them but you don’t speak. You travel together in a cauldron of wonderment, on a mystical path of learning just what is ahead. The town square, adorned with twinkling lights, serves as a gathering place for the community. As the clock strikes midnight, a sense of renewal fills the air. Many in the group have spent the past year navigating the challenges of life, and as the fireworks illuminate the night sky, promises are made, a renewed commitment to let creativity flourish in the canvas of the coming year. With a determined spirit, our inspired tribe sets out to explore the untouched landscapes of the Catskills, seeking inspiration in the as yet untouched snow-covered trails and frozen lakes. Their brains drain from the everyday clutter of their lives into the still of the night.

Meanwhile, as our group moves forward on the path toward a cozy cabin nestled on the outskirts of the town, our searchers find solace in the quietude of the mountains. Sipping warm beverages by the roaring fireplace, some contemplate the words of Confucius: “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.” The idea of a slow and deliberate journey resonates deeply with those who decide to embark on a quest for lifelong learning, exploring the vast library of knowledge the world had to offer. With eyes newly open to learning, they again move on.

As they walk, the nearby hills echo with laughter as this new group of friends, sharing an infectious zest for life, embrace the start of the year with open arms. C.S. Lewis reminds us that “you are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

With this mantra in mind, our group encourages each other to join together in a venture that will challenge them both physically and mentally—a trek to the summit of one of the Catskills’ highest peaks.

“You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So … get on your way!”

The group faces icy winds and steep ascents, but as they reach the pinnacle, the breathtaking view of the snow-covered valleys below fills them with a sense of accomplishment. It is a reminder that, indeed, the best views come after the hardest climb. This unit, in a short period of time, have experienced plenty while traveling together, reaching a state of oneness.

As they arrive back in town, a local cafe is buzzing with activity. The owner watches as the community gathers to share stories, emit laughter, and capture the warmth. As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, the cafe owner reflects on the wisdom of Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” In this moment while serving our dreamers, she has a dream of turning her quaint cafe into a hub for artists, writers, and thinkers, fostering creativity and connection. Beautiful, right?

The new year also brings promises of hope and a sense of redemption for many who have faced setbacks and challenges in the past few years. Many had weathered storms and overcome obstacles like the pandemic, and now, with the dawn of the new year, they found inspiration in the words of Winston Churchill, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” What would our group do going forward when anything is possible. ANYTHING! “When you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun.

Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.”

This bubbling energy is intoxicating for those who share in it and witness it, encouraging others to become a tapestry for personal growth and shared aspirations. This energy is spreading, it is viral in nature and it all started with just one deep breath of crisp

clean Catskills air. Each individual, guided by their own dreams along with the wisdom of timeless knowledge, contributes to the collective spirit of renewal. The Catskill Mountains, with their towering peaks and silent valleys, bears witness to the transformation of those dreams into reality.

In the heart of winter, each of our heroes (psst, you) continues to embark on new adventures, embodying the belief that life’s journey is a constant exploration.

As each year progresses, our region’s spirit of renewal becomes a beacon of hope for other and neighboring communities, for the vibe is contagious. The stories of personal triumphs and shared dreams echo through our valleys, inspiring others to embrace the possibilities that each new year brings.

In the heart of the Catskill Mountains, where the air is pure and the snow glistens like diamonds, many folks discover that every day is an opportunity for a fresh start. The mountains, standing tall and unwavering, whisper tales of resilience and change, reminding all who listen that, like the seasons, life is a constant cycle of beginnings and endings and we can start fresh every day … or even any moment.

And so, in the quiet beauty of the mountains, the small towns throughout the Catskills become a testament to the transformative power of new beginnings. As the year unfolds, the community continues to thrive, guided by the wisdom of the mountains and the enduring spirit of renewal that each new year brings.

As you awaken from this trance, even while still awake, you feel this newness, you feel that new chance that’s out there just waiting for you to embrace it.

So what will you do in 2024? Why not draw in that refreshing breath and take a step forward, I look forward to seeing you on the path of newness and exploration. A new beginning starts right now. So see your footprints ahead of you, just waiting for you to step into them … and oh the places you’ll go.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go...”

Blessings to all for a Wonderful New Year!

Greg Madden is the Development Manager at Wellness Rx Pharmacy where he also practices ancient healing modalities like Tui-Na Medical Massage and BioPhoton Light Therapy. More at www.IlluminatingWellness.care.

WellnessRx, Pharmacy for the Public Good is America’s first nonprofit Community Pharmacy and Wellness Center in Tannersville, NY (WellnessRxLLC.com) and in April in Phoenicia, NY (PharmacyforthePublicGood.org), both located on Main Street.

January 2024 • GUIDE 15

Photo courtesy of Belleayre Mountain

THE SKI NY SKI & RIDE PASSPORT PROGRAM

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he SKI NY Passport Program-Kids Ski Free is back for the 2023-24 Season! This year the pass the pass returns with more ski areas accepting it during holiday periods! Like in the past the Passport is valid seven days a week except for holiday periods at certain ski areas as noted. A full participation list, along with any exclusions, can be found at iskiny.com/ski-ride/ ski-ny-ski-ride-passport-program. In the Catskill Mountains, the Passport is accepted at Belleayre Mountain, Plattekill Mountain, and Windham Mountain Club.

The program is open to 3rd and 4th graders from any state or country and no reservations at ski areas are required. The program offers free skiing for your third and fourth graders with an adult purchase, and it can be used up to two times per participating ski area. A valid adult ticket purchase is one on the ski area website or at the ticket window and includes season passes as well. It does not include rentals or lessons. There are currently 28 participating ski areas in the program this season, with more to be added as the season progresses.

Since the 1999-2000 ski season, the SKI NY Ski & Ride Passport program has helped get over 50,000 kids to ski or 16 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

snowboard with their families. The program has introduced a new generation to the lifelong activity of skiing and riding as well as creating family memories as a sport that everyone can enjoy.

In these days, where kids spend most of their time in front of a screen inside, this sport encourages them to get outside and enjoy winter. It also gets parents who may have an interest in skiing or snowboarding to enjoy the sport with their kids or get them back on skis or boards if they haven’t been on them since before starting their family. It has been noted that children who start skiing or riding when they are young typically turn into skiers for life.

At the end of the 2021-22 ski season, over 500 parents responded to a survey given by SKI NY about how their kids enjoyed the program and if they would call themselves avid skiers.

In almost all responses the parents noted that the kids enjoyed the program and would call themselves skiers for life. In fact, kids who started in the program in the inaugural year when it was called the “4th Grade Ski & Ride Passport Program” are now having their kids go into the program too!

During 2020-21, while other states stopped their kids’ programs, the SKI NY Board of Directors saw how important it was

to get kids outside in the fresh air as a form of physical activity that they may not have been getting with schools shuttered. The Board decided to continue the program on weekdays only because of capacity concerns. Since many kids were learning from home instead of schools and parents were also working from home, parents were more flexible to take the kids skiing & riding during the week when crowds were less. This also gave the kids an outlet of having fun outside since all organized sports leagues and other facilities were shut down. Over 1,400 kids were able to take advantage of the program during the pandemic season and stuck with it since!

Apply for the program at iskiny.com by clicking on the button that says “Click Here for Details and to Apply!”. During the process parents will upload proof of their child being in 3rd or 4th grade, provide a photo, and pay the $41 processing fee.

Within 24 hours of sending in the child’s application (and sometimes sooner) the child’s Ski & Ride Passport will arrive in the parent’s email box—there’s no waiting for a card to arrive in the mail, the child can use the Passport as soon as it arrives.

Parents can print it and take it to the ski area to show when they purchase their lift ticket, or show on a phone, and the child will get a ticket free, and it can be utilized up to two times at each participating ski area. If parents order tickets ahead they can show the passport with their paid lift ticket. Also, if the adult has a season pass that is eligible for redemption too! If there are questions about the program send an email to passport@iskiny.com or call the SKI NY Offices at 315 696 6550.

Photo courtesy of Windham Mountain

At the iskiny.com website there are full details on the program, including a full list of participating ski areas and frequently asked questions. The website also includes the latest ski conditions and mountain information, as well as safety information including the “Your Responsibility Code” that all skiers and riders should read and understand to ski and ride safely.

For over 20 years SKI NY has been helping encourage a new generation of skiers and riders to enjoy the great sport of skiing and riding. As we enter the second generation the future looks bright for New York skiing and riding. To find out more information about the program and New York skiing in general go to iskiny.com.

January 2024 • GUIDE 17

BELLEAYRE MOUNTAIN

MOUNTAIN STATS:

ELEVATIONS:

Longest Run: 12,024’ Vertical Drop: 1,404’ Total Skiable Acres: 171 Snowmaking: 96% Uphill Lift Capacity: 12,980 people/hour

Belleayre Summit: 3,429’ Sunset Lodge (summit lodge): 3,325’ Overlook Lodge (mid mtn. lodge): 2,542’ Discovery Lodge (lower mtn. lodge): 2,025’

TRAILS, PARKS & GLADES:

9.2 km of trails. The cross country trails are free to use and are only open with natural snow. They are not patrolled or groomed.

61 Trails, including Glades & Parks 22% Easiest Trails 58% More Difficult Trails 20% Most Difficult Trails

CROSS COUNTRY TRAILS:

WINTER HOURS OF OPERATION: Lodges: 8:00am - 5:00pm | Lifts: 9:00am - 4:00pm Make sure to visit the Snow Report at belleayre.com/mountain/conditions/ to see a full listing of open lifts, trails and any changes in operations.

We encourage you to purchase online in advance to secure your days of skiing or riding. If the dates you desire are not currently available, be sure to check back! Based on our evaluation, we may add more tickets to our inventory right up until the day of skiing or riding. All lift tickets must be loaded onto our reusable SKI3 Cards. Already have one? Reload it online and head directly to the lift. If you do not have an existing SKI3 Card, one can be added to your shopping cart (new card fee $5) at the time of purchase. Bring your e-ticket barcode to one of our contactless Ticket Pick-Up Boxes to receive your lift ticket loaded onto a new SKI3 Card. Save your new SKI3 Card to reload online for future visits! Lift Tickets are not transferable, and your SKI3 Card is associated exclusively with your guest profile.

Rentals also available online! Save 10%!

181 Galli Curci Rd | Highmount, NY 12441 800-942-6904 (snow phone) | 845-254-5600 | belleayre.com

Photo courtesy of Belleayre Mountain

WHAT’S NEW AT BELLEAYRE MOUNTAIN T

he crisp air, the silent serenity of a solo chairlift ride up to the top of the mountain, the sounds of skis and snowboards gliding and slicing through the snow. Winter is here in the Catskill Mountains, and Belleayre in Highmount, NY is open daily for the season! During the warmer months, long-hour days were put in by dozens of crews to prepare the mountain for the winter. Over the past several years, Belleayre has invested heavily in modernizing and upgrading key components of their infrastructure, and this previous summer was the busiest one they’ve seen yet.

While it isn’t the culmination, summer 2023 marked a key time in the progression of the ski area that opened for the first time in 1949.

THE NEW OVERLOOK QUAD LIFT The biggest project of the summer was the construction and installation of the new Overlook Quad, replacing the 37 year old Triple Chair Lift #7. The new lift starts just below the unloading area of the Lightning Quad and follows a slightly different line up the mountain, letting passengers off in the same spot as its predecessor. To ease the amount of skier traffic going around their mid-mountain lodge to the bottom of this new lift, Belleayre installed a skier bridge over the Overlook Lodge parking area. To stay in line with their ethos of sustainability and environmental accountability, this new bridge was made with parts that came from the old Tappan Zee bridge—locals and staff alike have already warmingly nicknamed it the “Tappan Ski” bridge.

A MODERNIZED SNOWMAKING SYSTEM In the modern age where weather patterns are ever changing, it has become imperative for ski areas especially in the northeast, to continue to invest in their snowmaking infrastructure, opting for snow-creating machines that work in a wider range of weather conditions, and at a higher standard of efficiency. In the past couple of years, Belleayre completely modernized their snowmaking system, installing a brand new pumphouse with multiple pumps and compressors, almost 100,000 feet of snowmaking pipe to transport the copious amount of water needed to make winter happen, over 500 brand new HKD low energy snow guns across the mountain, and 5 SMI Super Pole Cat fan guns on the slopes directly above the Discovery Lodge. The boost in Belleayre’s snowmaking firepower caught the attention of HKD Snowmakers and Ski Area Management (SAM) Magazine, and in the winter of 22/23, the Belleayre snowmaking crew battled it out with 6 other mountains across North America in the “I AM a Snowmaker” video contest. From the first snowmaking run in early November through December, Belleayre and the other mountains put together videos highlighting their snowmaking staff and their personalities, with an emphasis on environmental efficiency, and mentorship between multiple generations of snowmakers. The winner is decided by public voting through January 2023, and support surrounding the Highmount, NY mountain revealed itself in droves, helping Belleayre’s crew win the prestigious 2023 snowmaking award.

January 2024 • GUIDE 19

Photos courtesy of Belleayre Mountain

ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS Other improvements this past summer included a complete overhaul of the Belleayre Express and The Hawk Quad electrical system, all new lift shacks, a new intermediate trail from the summit located just off the top of the Overlook Quad called the Goat Path, and another winch cat was added to the grooming fleet.

BELLEAYRE’S HISTORY For a top-tier ski area located just 2.5 hours from the George Washington Bridge, Belleayre Mountain comes from humble beginnings. Located within the Catskill Park, the lands within it are constitutionally designated as “forever wild” by the state of New York. The first known descent of the mountain was by a Newburgh man named Maltby Shipp and his son. For decades to come, people would travel to the mountain to hike up and ski down the mountain’s wooded trails. Blooming off the excitement of the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, and a resurgence in skiing in the 40’s led to the development of Belleayre, and the ski center opened its doors for the first time in 1949. Even then, the DNA for constant evolution was there, as the mountain had the first-ever chairlift in NY state that same year. The mountain has steadily grown since, and continues to lead skiing and winter sports into the modern age.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT BELLEAYRE From that first single-person chairlift to what it is now, Belleayre Mountain figuratively and literally sits on top as the highest skiable summit in the Catskill Mountains.

With a vertical drop of 1,404 feet from the top of the only gondola in the Catskills to the Discovery Lodge, skiers and riders can truly pick their own adventures. Whether you choose the steep black diamonds, weave your way 20 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

through the perfectly spaced trees in the glades, carve up the wide groomer runs, or looking to make your first ever turns, Belleayre is an excellent destination. At the base of the mountain you will find the Discovery Lodge, beginner green circle and fist time skier/rider learning areas with and ski-on, ski-off carpet surface lifts and the Lightning Quad.

The Lightning Quad will give those ready to take their next step a gateway into easy, rolling trails—all seemingly isolated from the more advanced, adrenaline seeking advanced snow sliders. Those getting introduced to skiing and snowboarding can truly feel as though they have the entire section of the mountain to themselves. For those more daring enthusiasts, you can find the steeper trails, glades, and parks on the upper part of the mountain serviced by lifts such as the Catskill Thunder Gondola, Belleayre Express, Overlook Quad, and The Hawk Quad. With 61 total trails, parks, and glades, and 171 skiable acres, anyone looking to enjoy the very best of what winter has to offer can find what they are looking for at Belleayre.

AROUND BELLEAYRE When you are visiting Belleayre, make sure to explore the local region. You are invited to wind through the Catskill Mountains on the Scenic Byway that takes you on a journey through historical, scenic, and charming hamlets and villages—each unique with something special to offer. The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway connects the hamlets of Phoenicia and Pine Hill, the villages of Fleischmanns and Margaretville, and the towns of Olive, Shandaken, Middletown, and Andes all within Ulster and Delaware Counties.

We look forward to showing you why the Catskills always feel like home.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information, visit Belleayre’s website at belleayre.com.

THE TEAM AT BELLEAYRE

Photo courtesy of Belleayre Mountain

JENNIFER BOUTON Meet Jennifer Bouton, head of Human Resources at Belleayre Mountain. Jenn has worked at Belleayre for 22 years in Payroll/Human Resources. She previously worked for a couple winter seasons in the late 80’s as a ticket seller and processing Snowsports payroll.

Outside of working at the Mountain, Jenn was the Town Bookkeeper for the Town of Halcott for more than 20 years, and was the bookkeeper at Crosby’s Farm Supply.

She loves working at Belleayre because Belleayre has always been a great place to work. Being an employee here, gave her children and her grandson the opportunity to learn to ski/snowboard. She has met and worked with so many wonderful and incredible people over the years, and now she is looking forward to retirement next year!

VINNY MERWIN Meet Vinny Merwin, a groomer at Belleayre for 41 years.

Grooming is an underappreciated component of ski area management. This task lies in the capable hands, blades and tillers of our groomers. Vinny operates the groomer overnight across the mountain, lay-

ing down perfect corduroy for all who visit the resort during the daytime. He is responsible for far more than most realize. Groomers operate these massive machines over the mountain terrain, and it is a very critical ingredient for successfully operating the ski resort. Vinny loves grooming at the mountain during the nights. The mountain is never so peaceful, lit up by the night sky … a man and his machine….

JUSTIN BELL Meet Justin Bell, aka Pineapple, a snowmaker at Belleayre for over 5 years. He used to work on a farm and wanted to try something new, Belleayre was hiring, and so he decided why not work as a snowmaker.

Comradery as a snowmaker is huge between the crew: they work hard, and they do it together. His favorite part about making snow is that every day is a new day, you never know where on the hill you will be, there is always something to do, the conditions are always changing, and the feeling of being on top of the mountain when the sun rises in the morning and the guns are blasting snow is pretty cool. Snowmaking requires a good team, and an operation, that requires art, science and a resilience to the elements.

January 2024 • GUIDE 21

WINDHAM MOUNTAIN CLUB

MOUNTAIN STATS: Top Elevation: 3,100’ Vertical Rise: 1,600’ Slope Length: 300’–12,500’ Number of Trails: 54 Number of Lifts: 11 1 high-speed 6 passenger, 3 high-speed quads, 1 triple, 1 double, 5 surface Uphill Capacity: 20,754 passengers/hour Total Acres: 785 Trail Acreage: 285 Snowmaking Coverage: 97% of trails Terrain Parks: 6

HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday-Friday: 9:00am – 4:00pm Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays: 8:00am – 4:00pm

19 Resort Dr. | Windham, NY 12496 518 734 4300 | windhammountain.com

Photo courtesy of Windham Mountain Club

WINDHAM MOUNTAIN CLUB W

indham Mountain Club is New York’s premier members’ club that invites the public to ski and snowboard during the winter season. Across pristine alpine acres, Windham Mountain Club provides guests, members, and families and friends with an elevated experience to escape to.

Windham Mountain Club’s crowd management during the winter season affords guests with a premium on-snow experience, with room to roam. Windham Mountain Club is all about making memories that last generations.

WHAT’S NEW Windham Mountain Club is a premier multi-generational, four-season resort located in the Great Northern Catskills, two and a half hours north of New York City. The mountain offers an award-winning Ski and Ride School, lodging, a tubing park and world-class alpine and freestyle competition teams. Under new direction, Windham Mountain Club has expanded it’s culinary offerings to include five dining options. The summer season brings mountain getaways and excursions, in addition to family-friendly events and festivals. Future enhancements to Windham Mountain Club include a new Windham Country Club, an 18-hole golf course designed by award-winning golf course architect Tom Fazio, a luxury spa and fitness center, and expanded lodging.

WINDHAM MOUNTAIN CLUB’S DINING OPTIONS Foodhall An upscale cafeteria for those hot grill items, fresh soups and salads, sandwiches, beers, wine, and seasonal signature cocktails, either before first tracks or as grab-and-go when the laps continue.

Seasons The revamped Seasons at Windham Mountain Club brings innovative Mediterranean cuisine mountainside. Featuring flavorful salads and small plates, as well as hand-crafted cocktails, taste the freshness and decadence of the seasons at Seasons.

January 2024 • GUIDE 23

Photo courtesy of Windham Mountain Club

Cin Cin! Alpine ambience meets elevated Italian elegance at Cin Cin!, located mid-mountain on Windham Mountain Club’s West Peak; featuring scenic views of the surrounding Catskill Mountains. Unwind with friends and family, and uncork a bottle of vino from the carefully crafted wine program selected by our full-time sommelier.

Okami by Mr. Lee Freshly prepared by mountain community legend, Mr. Lee, served slopeside in the Umbrella Bar. New for 23/24, sushi will be available for eat-in or grab-and-go from the Umbrella Bar space. Unwind with Sapporo and Asahi Japanese beers, classic Japanese whiskeys, or select from our assortment of sake.

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The Windham A members-only grill and clubroom, The Windham pays homage to the mountain’s roots and heartwarming hospitality. Featuring classic grill dishes of signature roasts and chops, with a world-class wine room to match; savor sophistication in a convivial atmosphere.

WINDHAM MOUNTAIN CLUB 19 Resort Drive, Windham, NY, 12496 518 734 4300 windhammountainclub.com

Photo courtesy of Windham Mountain Club

THE TEAM AT WINDHAM MOUNTAIN CLUB LIZ DAWYBIDA You might recognize Liz as the Retail Manager of the Windham Mountain Sports shop, but behind the abundant smiles and sage equipment advice is a hard-working Jersey City transplant who is driven to help anyone who walks in her door. When asked about the most rewarding part of her job, Liz elucidated that sometimes guests arrive in the shop in uncomfortable or ill-suited equipment, and that the best part of any day is ensuring that those customers leave her shop with exactly what they need for a Catskill-worthy day on the slopes.

When asked “Why Windham?” Liz emphasized the proximity to the outdoors and to nature as being an important characteristic of living in the area and working at the mountain. A devout animal lover, she mentioned she enjoys seeing bear cubs, the numerous bird species endemic to the region, and fisher cats on her daily commute to work.

ALEX KREICHMAN Prior to becoming a Ski and Ride School supervisor, Alex was a high school teacher in New York City for three years.

By working at Windham Mountain Club, he hopes to marry his plentiful teaching experience with his passion for snowboarding and develop it into a career.

When he started, he made that aspiration known to the Director of the Ski and Ride School, and as a result, he has been equipped with the tools and investment to continue to pursue his dream.

Alex also expressed a deep appreciation for the region he is now able to call home. When asked about his switch from life in the city to life in the Catskills, he mentioned that initially one might think that living in a more rural area would be more isolating, but in his experience, the “less competitive vibe” of living in the mountains provides a “sense of freedom and peace,” but also a familial community fostered by similar interests and goals.

KEREN ACOSTA When purchasing a lift ticket, the first thing one notices walking through the door is Keren’s welcoming attitude that seems to carry across the tickets counter and out towards the entryway.

Keren’s path to Windham is unique, after having worked as a live-in nanny for a family in the area, she decided to make a career change.

After that, Keren received recommendations from friends to work at Windham Mountain Club because of her outgoing and friendly demeanor. When asked what she enjoyed most about her job, Keren quickly admitted that she relishes the interpersonal connections her job allows her to create through meeting new people every day.

She also mentioned her excitement at working at the “perfect destination” to escape the high-energy lifestyle that is so ingrained in life outside the Catskill region, and that she hopes guests will take advantage of all the area has to offer. At the mountain itself, Keren expressed a particular anticipation for guests to try out the new and revamped dining options offered at Windham Mountain Club.

January 2024 • GUIDE 25

HUNTER MOUNTAIN

MOUNTAIN STATS: Base Elevation: 1,600’ (above sea level) Summit Elevation: 3,200’ (above sea level) Vertical Drop: 1,600’ Skiable Acres: 320 Number of Lifts: 13 Number of Trails: 67 Terrain Parks: 4

PERCENTAGE OF TERRAIN: Beginner: 25% Intermediate: 30% Advanced: 45%

WINTER HOURS OF OPERATION: Main Base Lodge Ticket Sales: Midweek (Non-Holiday) 8:30 am - 4:00 pm; Weekends & Holidays: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Learning Center Ticket Sales: Midweek (Non-Holiday) 8:30 am - 4:00 pm; Weekends & Holidays: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Children’s Program Ticket Sales: Midweek (Non-Holiday) 8:30 am - 4:00 pm; Weekends & Holidays: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

64 Klein Ave. | Hunter, NY 12442 800-HUNTERMTN | 800-486-8376 | huntermtn.com

Summit Elevation: 3,500’ Base Elevation: 2400’ Vertical: 1,100’ Number of Trails: 40 Number of Lifts: 4 Triple Chair, Double Chair, Two Carpet Lifts (Learning Center and Tubing Park) Longest Trail: 2 miles Average Snowfall: 175” Snowmaking: 75% Terrain Park: 1

PERCENTAGE OF TERRAIN: Easier: 20% Difficult: 40% More Difficult: 20% Most Difficult: 20%

HOURS OF OPERATION: SKIING & SNOWBOARDING: Friday-Sunday & Holidays (Holidays are January 15 & February 19-23) 8:45 am-4:15 pm

SNOWTUBING: Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays 11:00 am-5:00 pm (two-hour time slots)

469 Plattekill Rd. | Roxbury, NY 12474 607 326 3500 | plattekill.com

PLATTEKILL MOUNTAIN

MOUNTAIN STATS:

Off the Slopes

ART GALLERY

Photo courtesy of Belleayre Mountain

ART WORKSHOPS Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts

Windham Fine Arts 5380 Main Street Windham, NY 12496 windhamfinearts.com 518 734 6850 Windham Fine Arts is the premier art gallery in the Catskills. Representing local and internationally acclaimed artists, the gallery showcases a diverse collection of original paintings, photography, and ceramics. From inspiring landscapes to expressive abstracts, Windham Fine Arts is a kaleidoscope of visual enchantment. With over 3,000 square feet of curated artwork and 22 years in the business, Windham Fine Arts stands out as a unique gem of artistic inspiration.

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34 Big Hollow Road Maplecrest, NY 12454 sugarmaples.org A program of the Catskill Mountain Foundation, Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts offers short term adult workshop programming in ceramics, painting, drawing, fiber arts and weekly classes in ceramics and fiber arts during the summer season. Weekly classes in painting, drawing and ceramics continue during the fall, winter, and spring seasons. All classes are led by artists who are renowned and celebrated in their field. The summer Art Explorers program provides opportunities for local youth to explore their creativity through art exploration. Registration for the 2024 summer season begins on January 1.

January 2024 • GUIDE 29

BOOKSTORE Briars & Brambles Books Route 296 & South Street Windham, NY 12496 briarsandbramblesbooks.com 518 750 8599 Briars and Brambles Books is your go-to Indie Bookstore in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. Briars & Brambles Books is a dream come true for owner & part-time Windham resident, Jen Schwartz. Jen has combined her love of books with her experience as a long-time library volunteer and past library board president to create an inviting, knowledgeable and professional atmosphere. The Briars & Brambles team understands that being a bookseller involves so much more than simply “selling books” and is committed to providing unparalleled personal attention.

CAR DEALERSHIP Thorpe’s GMC 5964 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 thorpesgmcinc.com 518 589 7142 Thorpe’s unmatched service and diverse GMC inventory have set them apart as the preferred dealer in Tannersville.

With a full-service team of sales and service professionals, visit them today to discover why they have the best reputa-

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tion in the area. They offer one of the largest GMC inventories in New York, and their trained sales staff will help you every step of the way.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce Margaretville, NY 12455 centralcatskills.com ScenicCatskills.com 845 586 3300 The Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce works to advance the economic and community vitality of the many hamlets, villages and towns in our region and promote and foster events, programs and initiatives that will support its members. Collaboration and innovation will inspire community enhancement and quality of life opportunities for all who live, work and visit our communities.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Main Street Community Center 5494 NY-23 Windham, NY 12496 mainstreetcenter.org 518 734 4168 The Main Street Community Center strives to build a caring, welcoming and inclusive environment to benefit all of

the communities on the Mountain Top. Centrally located in Windham, the building contains multiple rooms, including two bathrooms (one is handicap accessible), a large sitting area, a conference room, individual workspaces with computer monitors and a large screen TV, free WIFI, access to printers, and a studio for creative activities. The Artist’s Hideaway provides individual lockers for artists to safely store their supplies. There is plenty of on site parking. The Center has an ever increasing offering of classes, programs, and events for people of all ages.

Phoenix Web Collective 7947 Main Street Hunter, NY 12442 phoenixwebcollective.com 518 628 5101 Mutual aid resource on the mountain!

Local artist shop, makers’ space, and our free mart, where you can get gently used and vintage clothing, home goods, food, toys, books, music, movies, jewelry, electronics, and more for free or pay-what-you-can.

We also host small events and workshops. All are welcome!

Photo courtesy of Windham Mountain Club

COWORKING SPACE Tannersville Works 6041 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 tannersvilleworks.com 518 589 4017 Escape to The Catskills for productive and inspiring work days! Our coworking space is perfect for remote workers, visitors, and entrepreneurs looking for a professional place to work while enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains. Conveniently located in the center of Tannersville with easy access to local parks, shops, and restaurants. Every coworker gets a dedicated desk, comfortable seating, high-speed internet, and access to printers and private calling rooms. Daily, weekly, and monthly rates available.

FARMS & FARM PRODUCTS Pure Catskills purecatskills.com A regional, buy local campaign developed by the Watershed Agricultural Council to improve the economic viability of the local community, sustain the working landscapes of the Catskills and preserve water quality in the NYC Watershed Region.

Pure Catskills works to promote hundreds of farm, forest and local businesses throughout Delaware, Greene, Ot-

January 2024 • GUIDE 31

sego, Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster Counties. Search their website for local products, or pick up a copy of the Guide to Pure Catskills Products!

FISH & SEAFOOD

Shawn’s Fresh Fish 5150 Route 28 Mount Tremper, NY 12457 On Instagram: @ShawnsFreshFish 845 702 2120 Located at the Migliorelli Farm Stand.

We started our business in 2016. We carry a large selection of fresh fish and seafood. Also, try our fresh made soups, salads and locally smoked fish. Requests welcomed.

GARDEN & LANDSCAPE

Gardens by Trista 176 Polen Hill Road Gilboa, NY 12076 gardensbytrista.com 607 588 6762 Gardens by Trista is a full service landscape company focused on providing each client with the individualized landscape or garden of their dreams. We know each property and client holds their own unique essence which we use to transform the land and its elements into their personalized landscape. We strive to fulfill the needs of each and every customer, whether it be a complete design/build for new construction or help with an 32 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

existing garden that needs a rejuvenation. We also have an extensive garden maintenance division to help keep your landscape and garden in pristine condition. We also offer residential fruit tree pruning, berry bush and grapevine pruning, orchard planning and renovation, and natural sheet mulch and organic fertilization services. We are currently scheduling for our 2024 fruit tree pruning season! Please contact us to schedule your pruning or to request a quote.

HARDWARE Houst Hardware 4 Mill Hill Road Woodstock, NY 12498 housthardware.com 845 679 2115 Shop local with Houst Hardware, independent and family owned for 89 years. For all your projects, Houst Has IT. Benjamin Moore Paints, Equipment Rentals, Tools, Plumbing, Electrical, Organic and Heirloom Garden Seeds, Organic Soils and Fertilizers, Housewares, Weber grills, Seasonal products, Camping and Toys. Everything you need for work and play.

HOT TUBS Best Hot Tubs 275 CR 65 Corner of Route 23 Windham, NY 12496 besthottubs.com 518 734 9100 Best Hot Tubs Windham store serves the Hunter/Windham, NY and entire Mountain Top area, including the nearby ski resorts at Hunter, Windham and Belleayre and beyond. You will find the right hot tub for your lifestyle and all the accessories you need to make your summer and winter spa experience perfect. Come see the new Bullfrog A series, Aspen Spas and Strong Spas. Best Hot Tubs repairs hot tubs and we offer weekly hot tub maintenance. All you have to do is relax!

Photo courtesy of Plattekill Mountain

January 2024 • GUIDE 33

LIVE PERFORMANCES Catskill Mountain Foundation 2024 Performing Arts Season Doctorow Center for the Arts 7971 Main St., Hunter, NY 12442 Orpheum Performing Arts Center 6050 Main St. Tannersville, NY 12485 catskillmtn.org Ticket line: 518 263 2063 Our 2024 Performing Arts season is filled with music, dance, theater and much more! Kick off the New Year with LayeRhythm on January 6 at the Orpheum in Tannersville.

LayeRhythm is a play-based jam session of freestyle live music, dance, and audience interaction that will get you off your feet. Celebrating the vibrancy of street and club dance cultures, LayeRhythm, led by Mai Lé Hô, weaves singular improvisations by musicians, dancers, and emcees, captivating the young and old. And on February 2 and 3, the Maude Adams Theater Hub presents the ever-popular Rocky Horror Show, with three performances at the Orpheum.

Photo courtesy of Hunter Mountain

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LODGING Belleayre Lodge 15 Hostel Drive Pine Hill, NY 12465 belleayrelodge.com 845 254 4200 or belleayrerentals@gmail.com Belleayre Lodge is located minutes from Belleayre Ski Center in the hamlet of Pine Hill. The eleven vintage modern cabins are warm and welcoming and range from studios with kitchenettes to two and three bedroom cabins with full kitchens. Guests enjoy outdoor amenities; fire pit, and salt water hot tub. The lodge room is open daily for pool, games, and relaxation.

Best Western Plus Uptown Kingston Off NYS Thruway Exit 19 503 Washington Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 bwpkingston.com 845 338 0400 • 800 780 7234 A modern, full-service hotel located less than a mile from I-87. Situated within walking distance to the Stockade District and trendy uptown Kingston shops, restaurants and attractions. On-site amenities include First Capitol Bistro, a heated indoor saltwater pool, and complimentary WiFi & breakfast. Explore all of the outdoor activities that the Catskills and Hudson River are famous for, including the Ashokan Rail Trail, Mohonk Preserve, and more, from one convenient location. Hiking enthusiasts will love the Mohonk Preserve Hiking Experience. Ski nearby at Belleayre, Hunter or Windham.

Greenville Arms 11135 State Route 32 Greenville, NY 12083 greenvillearms.com 518 966 5219 Originally built in 1889, our historically registered Inn is situated on six acres of gardens, lawns, and woodlands.

The Queen Anne Revival-style main house, renovated Carriage House, and recently constructed Cottage building are host to 16 guest rooms open year-round to guests. Every guest room is uniquely decorated with a blend of antiques and modern amenities. A hot, cooked-to-order breakfast is included with each room.

Hampton Inn 1307 Ulster Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 Kingston.hamptoninn.com 845 382 2600 Additional location in New Paltz: 4 S. Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 12561 Newpaltz.hamptoninn.com 845 255 4200 Our hotel is near I-87, with several restaurants within walking distance.

Historic Downtown Waterfront and Uptown Kingston are both just four miles away with many local shops and dining options. Spend some family time at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, seven miles away. An hour drive or less from 3 popular ski mountains.

Unwind in our indoor saltwater pool.

Enjoy complimentary hot breakfast and free WiFi. January 2024 • GUIDE 35

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Norsdale 6300 State Route 28 Phoenicia, NY 12464 norsdale.com 201 724 3912 Planning a reunion, retreat or perhaps you just need a reason to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Check out @Norsdale_Phoenicia … a unique private 4-unit motel with a three-level contemporary country home with hot tub and fire pit on a private ten-acre lot at the base of a mountain. Totaling 9 bedrooms and 6 baths, the property comfortably accommodates 18 guests. Five ski mountains within 30 minutes!

Windham Manor 1161 Co Rd 10 Windham, NY 12496 windhammanor.com 518 944 1448 Our serene 45-acre property features a beautiful twelvebedroom Victorian mansion, a newly-constructed luxury reception barn, and breathtaking mountain views. The Main House, which can accommodate up to 24 overnight guests, offers 12 private bedrooms, an on-site gym, a full spa, a large kitchen, ADA accommodations, and sprawling communal areas. It’s the perfect space for any small reception and is also ideal for a weekend getaway with friends or family; a wellness retreat; or a corporate off-site event. Just a few steps west

of The Main House, The Barn at Windham Manor can hold up to 300 guests for dinner and dancing. With beautiful tall ceilings, tons of natural light, and no detail spared, the space offers the perfect mix of classic mountain charm and unique modern luxury. We also offer various outdoor wedding ceremony locations throughout the property— one more beautiful than the next!

LUMBER & BUILDING MATERIALS GNH Lumber 5477 Route 23 Windham, NY 12496 518 734 3760

11513 NY-32 Greenville, NY 12083 518 966 5333

Online at GNHlumber.com Renovating your home or building new? Ask our Team of Experts for inspiration, help, and on-site delivery.

• Lumber & Building Materials • Plumbing & Electrical Supplies • Cabinets, Countertops & Design Services • Tools, Paints, Stains & More!

Discover why GNH has a reputation for high-quality products and friendly customer service since 1937. We’ll see you soon!

January 2024 • GUIDE 37

MASSAGE & WELLNESS

Illuminating Wellness/ Mountain Top Massage illuminatingwellness.care 518 718 4228 Transformative therapeutic massage practice combines elements of many of the healing arts such as Acupressure, Reflexology, Reiki, Chiropractic adjustment and many forms of Asian and Thai massage. BioPhoton Light Therapy – Biontology is a European healing process that detoxes, neutralizes and resets the body and healing begins immediately. This practice finds the root-cause of any symptom-producing malady and quickly neutralizes it and thus assists you in raising the body’s immune system, the key to your health. (biontology. com).

MOVIE THEATER

Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Mountain Cinema 7971 Main Street Hunter, NY 12442 catskillmtn.org 518 263 4702 Hollywood, foreign & independent films just a mile west of Hunter Mountain and a short drive from Windham.

Shows run Friday through Sunday.

Also available for rental.

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NATURAL GROCERY

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Sunflower Market

Catskill Mountain Foundation

75 Mill Hill Road Woodstock, NY 12498

7971 Main Street Hunter, NY 12442 catskillmtn.org

24 Garden Street Rhinebeck, NY, 12572 sunflowernatural.com 845 679 5361 (Woodstock) • 845 876 2555 (Rhinebeck) Sunflower is dedicated to providing products you can feel good about sharing with people you love. Prioritizing working with local farms, families, and business, we know where our food comes from. Sunflower is devoted to providing clean and sustainably sourced food, 100% organic produce and a selection of carefully curated items that fit all dietary needs.

518 263 2000 Founded in 1998, the Catskill Mountain Foundation is a 501 (C)3 non-profit corporation dedicated to arts, culture and educational enhancements in the northern Catskill Mountain region. The Foundation creates programs in the performing arts, visual arts, studio arts, literary arts, and film. CMF currently operates its programs in the Villages of Hunter and Tannersville and in the Town of Windham in Greene County, NY. We support the work of artists through exhibition and performance opportunities and residency programs; create cultural and educational opportunities for residents and visitors in the Catskill Region that support the goals of inclusion, diversity, equity and access; and use these initiatives to build on the Mountaintop’s current assets and to turn these three close communities into a major cultural and educational center in the region.

January 2024 • GUIDE 39

Windham Foundation windhamfoundation.com info@windhamfoundation.com 518 734 9636 Windham is a special place for all of us. Our mission is to preserve and enrich Windham and the people who live, work, and visit here. We are a 501c3 grants-based organization, funding programs in education, recreation, the arts, and community initiatives. Established in 2004, the Windham Foundation is run by an all-volunteer Board. Donations are tax deductible.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Images of the Northern Catskills by Francis X. Driscoll Work available for purchase at: Tannersville Antiques & Artisans: 518 589 5600 Rustic Mountain Antiques: 518 589 1202 Smitty’s Nursery: 518 734 3489 francisxdriscoll.com • 518 821 1339 A frequent contributor to the Guide magazine, Francis X. Driscoll is an award-winning nature photographer whose work involves total immersion in a setting so that he might capture that rare glimpse. His primary subject is the Catskill Forest Preserve. He shares his craft with others by leading hikes, conducting workshops and giving private instruction.

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PLUMBING & HEATING N&S Supply Locations in Fishkill, Brewster, Kingston, Catskill, and Hudson, NY; and Danbury, CT nssupply.com N&S Supply is your one-stop resource for all your plumbing, heating and HVAC needs; Whether it’s an oil or gas burner, electric or gas water heater, furnace, toilet, faucet or custom shower, our service parts counters or our beautiful Bath Classics Showrooms will have what you need. We carry complete product lines, including all the accessories needed for any installation, with dependable, on-time delivery service available. We provide everything you would expect from a full-service distributor, including specialty products designed and manufactured to meet your needs and lifestyle. Contact us today and learn more about how we can provide the best solutions for you. Or, visit us at one of our full service locations or showrooms throughout the Hudson Valley and CT.

Rice Plumbing and Heating Accord: riceplumbingandheating@gmail.com 845 626 5088 Boiceville: riceplumbingboiceville@gmail.com 845 657 7423 riceplumbingandheating.com Whether you’re dealing with a leaky faucet, a clogged drain, or a plumbing emergency, we’ve got you covered. Our team of experienced and licensed plumbers, our commitment to quality craftsmanship, prompt service, and customer satisfaction sets us apart. Explore our website to discover our wide range of services, from plumbing repairs and installations to maintenance and inspections. We take pride in using the latest industry techniques and high-quality materials to ensure reliable and long-lasting solutions for all your plumbing needs. We offer quick response times and strive to complete every job efficiently and effectively.

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PRINTING SERVICES

Catskill Mountain Printing Services 7971 Main Street Hunter, NY 12442 518 263 2001 Your one-stop shop for fast, personal service for all of your printing needs.

Graphic design services are available, and we can print green!

RADIO STATIONS

WIOX 91.3FM MTC Cable Channel 20 WIOXRADIO.ORG on computers and smartphones WIOX Community Radio—where public access meets public service to build public trust. WIOX programming is wildly diverse, live and local, and non-commercial, broadcasting from the Catskill Mountains region of upstate New York in the heart of the New York City Watershed. WIOX talk and music programs range from farming to brewing to cooking, forestry to healthcare, Rock to Pop, Bach and Goth, Blues, Folk, Country, Americana, Jazz and Salsa. WIOX: produced and supported—by you!

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WRIP 97.9FM wripfm.com Streaming at rip979.com RIP 97.9 is the radio voice of the Mountaintop and Valley. Broadcasting 24/7 with the equivalent of 6,000 Watts of power, we are the only radio station covering the entire region between the Hudson Valley and Oneonta. WRIP is independently owned and operated. WRIP is heard on these FM frequencies: 97.9 in Windham and Hunter, 97.5 in Durham and Greenville, 103.7 in Catskill and Hudson, 104.5 in Stamford and Delaware County, and streaming worldwide at rip979.com.

REAL ESTATE Brainard Ridge Realty 237 South Street Windham, NY 12496 brainardridge.com 518 734 5333 Specializing in Windham Mountain and the surrounding area for over 35 years. Visit our web site at brainardridge.com for a variety of listings both on and off the mountain: Homes, Townhomes, Rentals and Land. Whatever your needs we are here for you. Call us today!

Gordon Hunter Mountain Realty 6528 Route 23A Hunter, NY 12442 gordonrealty.com

518 589 9000 Gordon Hunter Mountain Realty is dedicated to serving you when you’re looking for property in Upstate New York and Northern Catskill Mountains. Our professional staff specializes in properties near Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain ski resorts, including Hunter, Tannersville, Jewett, Lexington, Prattsville, Windham, and Ashland. We know the Catskill Mountains and look forward to showing you all that is available to see, do and live in our wonderful world.

in the local real estate market. With our many years in the industry, Shaw Country Realty has built a strong network, deep understanding of the market trends, and a keen ability to match buyers with suitable properties and help sellers navigate successful transactions. If you have any specific questions about real estate, the current market conditions, or any other related topics, feel free to ask!

REGIONAL INFORMATION Catskill Visitor’s Center 5096 State Route 28 Mt. Tremper, NY 12457 catskillsvisitorscenter.org 845 688 3369 Your gateway to Catskills, where you can learn about the vast outdoor recreational opportunities in the area as well as discover the cultural and natural history of the Region. The center features educational exhibits along with maps, books, gear, and gifts, as well a friendly and knowledgeable staff.

RESTAURANTS A Slice of Italy 1316 Ulster Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 asliceofitaly7115.com 845 336 7115 For years we have been providing the Kingston area with finest Italian dishes, pizza, hot and cold subs, salads and more made with the freshest ingredients and served with five star customer service. We have a full bar featuring a range of red and white wines, bottled beers, beers on tap and liquor. We also cater, and pride ourselves on being able to deliver our quality restaurant dishes right to your door. Whatever the event, no matter how many or how few, we are there for you. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, closed on Sundays.

Angela’s Pizza Carol Shaw, Broker/Owner Shaw Country Realty 5359 State Route 23 Windham, NY 12496 518 734 3500 I have been a real estate broker in the mountain top area for nearly four decades. Representing buyers and sellers, as well as dealing with various types of properties such as homes, land, and country homes, rentals, indicates a broad expertise

1923 Ulster Avenue Lake Katrine, NY 12401 angelaspizzarestaurant.com 845 382 2211 Angela’s is more than just pizza!

Soups, salads, pastas, subs, wraps, Italian dinners, desserts & more. …

But, yeah, our pizza is dang awesome, too! Try our specialty pies or build your own! Open every day 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. Eat in or take out, and delivery is available.

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Catering is also available: let us bring our delicious food to your next event! Angela’s mobile app—available on both Android and iOS devices—is designed just for you. Get instant access to online ordering, Angela’s Loyalty Program, coupons, dining & catering menus, wing flavors and much more! Download the app today!

Brandywine 11157 State Route 23 Windham, NY 12496 brandywinewindham.com 518 734 3838 For the past 35 years, this fullservice Italian restaurant has offered great food and impeccable service. Share wonderful memories with your loved ones as we fill your table with delicious Italian cuisine. Born and raised in Southern Italy, owner Louis Caracciolo mastered the art of Italian cookery, and passed it on to his son Joseph, who has continued that art and tradition as chef in the restaurant. We guarantee that we know the formula to capture the rich flavor of your favorite Italian dishes.

Chef Deanna 1645 County Highway 6 Bovina Center, NY 13740 chefdeanna.com Weddings and special event catering, with delivery available for larger events! Chef Deanna is on the cutting edge of the sustainable food. Sur-

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rounded by farmers and local food makers, Chef Deanna creates beautiful dishes using her Sicilian heritage and her love of everything sweet and savory.

Early Terrible 45 Mill Hill Rd. Woodstock, NY 12498 earlyterrible.com 845 684 7226 An authentic, approachable, wine bar with a full menu, in the heart of Woodstock. Please join us in our magical lounge and enjoy the property and gardens. Offering a wide variety of specialty cocktails, wines, beers, and more, alongside a selection of shared plates and off-the-grill bratwurst, burgers, cheesesteak or fish.

Gracie’s Luncheonette 969 Main Street Leeds, NY 12451 graciestruckny.com 518 943 9363 Our diner-style burgers, fried chicken sandwich, loaded fries and donuts are our signature menu items. All of our breads, pastries and desserts are made fresh in house every day. We make all of our own condiments and even our own cheese. We buy whole beef from Josef Meiller’s farm in Pine Plains, NY and we grind our own special blend for our burgers as well as cut our own steaks. We also cure and smoke our own bacon, pastrami and other meats. All eggs, dairy, produce and other

meats are all sourced as locally as possible. the potatoes for our French fries are even grown right in Catskill at Story’s Farm and hand-cut daily!

Hunter Mountain Brewery 7267 Route 23A Hunter, NY 12442 HMBCatskills.com 518 263 3300 Over 15 home brewed beers on tap including seasonal ales, IPA’s, porters, stouts, lagers and more. Available for in house and take out in our 64 oz growlers or canned four packs.

Weekly specials include taco Tuesdays, sushi Thursdays, and prime rib Fridays. Stop in for the best views and brews on the mountain top!

Jessie’s Harvest House 5819 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 jessiesharvesthouse.com 518 589 5445 Jessie’s Harvest House Restaurant and Lodge is a welcoming & cozy place to gather, featuring a delicious menu of American-style cuisine and elevated comfort foods, with locally-sourced ingredients, a friendly tavern, and rustic country lodging. Family-owned & family-run, we love to share all the freshest foods our area has to offer! Catering is available. Indoor dining.

La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant & Bar 966 Main St. Fleischmanns, NY 12442 lacabanarestaurantny.com 845 254 4966 Family owned and operated, La Cabaña is rich in tradition and authenticity. Our dinners are individually prepared with the freshest ingredients available. You’ll find all of your favorites on the menu, from enchiladas, burritos, tacos, chimichangas and flautas to chile relleños, carne asada, nachos and quesadillas to traditional desserts such as flan, fried ice cream and churros. Vegetarian options are available.

Nat’s Mountain House 6589 Route 23A Tannersville, NY 12485 natsmountainhouse.com 518 628 4478 Nat’s is a neighborhood local, where people gather to celebrate the end of the day, every day. We nurture community, and the opportunity to break bread with friends in a fun, artful environment. Our food is elevated, New York classics but with a touch of whimsy.

Healthy … yet sinful when you wish. Happy hour every day except Saturday at the bar. Dinner Thursdays through Mondays. All-you-can-eat Brunch feast, Saturdays & Sundays.

Take-out and large group ordering available. The space can also be rented as all-season venue for celebrations and events of all sizes, up to 250 people.

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Pancho Villa’s Mexican Restaurant 6037 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 panchovillamex.com 518 589 5134 The Best Mexican Food this side of the Border! Pancho Villa’s is owned and operated by the Oscar and Patricia Azcue family. They have been proudly serving authentic Mexican food on Main Street in Tannersville since 1992. Rooted in tradition, their passion is sharing great food and good company. All of the traditional Mexican favorites are served here, from enchiladas and burritos to chimichangas and flautas...plus great margaritas and daiquiris! Open every day except Tuesday.

Peekamoose Restaurant & Tap Room 8373 State Route 28 Big Indian, NY 12410 peekamooserestaurant.com 845 254 6500 Devin and Marybeth Mills hail from some of New York City’s finest restaurants, including the famed Gramercy Tavern.

Seeking to move closer to the farms supplying their menu, they have beautifully restored this country farmhouse set among the Catskill Mountains. The restaurant supports local growers by changing the menu daily, using the freshest ingredients available.

RETAIL Camp Catskill 6006 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 campcatskill.co 518 303 6050 Sustainable gear & gifts, including clothing, footwear, backpacks, and hiking gear. Our mission is to help you feel good about what you buy, what you wear, and the gear you use (and reuse) in the wild. Having the right gear lets you spend more time outside in nature, which in turn connects you to the importance of preserving the natural wonders of our world. We work with brands that care about their impact on the planet and its people, and we donate 1% of our revenue to environmental nonprofits here in the Catskills.

Catskill Mountain Foundation Gift Shop 6042 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 518 589 7500 Operated by the Catskill Mountain Foundation and located next door to the Orpheum Performing Arts Center, our shop features a curated selection of gifts from around the Region and around the world. Open for holiday shopping Thursday through Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.

Custom Leather Creations 5295 Route 28 Mt. Tremper, NY 12457 customleathercreations.com 845 688 5748 Custom Leather Creations began over 45 years ago by husband and wife team Steve and Marge Linnekin. They now offer thousands of different types of custom leather products including belts, wallets, keychains, holsters, bracelets and many other items. And for the first time ever you can purchase Marge and Steve’s wonderful creations online and have them shipped right to your home. Most importantly, all of our products are made with love just for you.

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Kenco 1000 Hurley Mountain Rd. Kingston, NY 12401 KencoOutfitters.com 845 340 0552 Kenco is the place to go to for knowledge and gear in the sports of kayaking and boating, camping and hiking, archery, snowboarding, and fly fishing. All of our products are chosen by our excellent staff who actually spend time in the outdoors.

Always friendly, and decidedly non corporate, you are always welcome.

Stop by to check us out and see why Kenco should be your favorite store.

We outfit your life.

The Knitting Room 11111 State Route 23 Windham, NY 12496 theknittingroomny.com 518 768 1944 Co owned by long time friends May and Zairi, The Knitting Room is a yarn store specializing in locally produced and hand dyed yarn. Come touch gorgeous yarn and stay to knit or crochet over a cup of hot cocoa, latte or tea. We offer beginner and advanced classes, and help starting new projects. With gorgeous views of Windham Mountain and a great atmosphere, any afternoon spent at The Knitting Room is guaranteed good fun in fantastic company.

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The Nest Egg 84 Main Street Phoenicia, NY 12464 thenesteggcountrystore.com nesteggshop.com 845 688 5851 An old-fashioned country store in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. You’ll find lots of specialty and artisan crafted foods here, from local maple syrup, honey, preserves, to nostalgic candies and gourmet chocolate, to gourmet peanut butter, and more! Your source for mountain clothing and souvenirs, including Minnetonka Moccasins, t-shirts & sweatshirts, local area books and hiking maps, candles, soaps, incense, jewelry, toys, puzzles, games and more.

Our home-made delicious fudge is worth the trip! Owner Robin Kirk’s family has owned The Nest Egg since 1968.

Smitty’s 4681 State Route 23 Windham, NY 12496 smittyscapes.com 518 734 3489 Smitty’s Nursery, Garden Center, and Rustic Home Furnishings showroom is a unique and meaningful lifestyle destination.

Smitty’s offers Amish crafted furnishings and home décor.

We can accommodate many styles, from rustic to modern.

Local delivery and setup service is available. Smitty’s is also a fully stocked nursery, with everything you need for landscaping and hardscaping. Other services include mowing, bulk material & delivery, plowing, and firewood.

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Tender Land Home 64 Main Street Phoenicia, NY 12464 tenderlandhome.com 845 688 7213 A sophisticated rustic and contemporary home goods store featuring gifts, chic pottery, fragrant soaps and candles, luscious pillows and cozy rugs.

Free gift wrap! There’s no place like Tender Land Home for the holidays!!

Windham Mountain Outfitters 61 State Route 296 Windham, NY 12496 WindhamOutfitters.com 518 734 4700 Windham Outfitters offers top of the line outdoor gear and equipment for rental or purchase year-round activities. We have everything you need to enjoy the area whether it is skiing and boarding on the area’s slopes, or snowshoeing or cross-country skiing the wooded area trails. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, we carry all the top industry brands in any size and budget. This full-service shop also does repairs and tune-ups. Open 7 days. Open late on Fridays! Visit our new rental shop across the street, appropriately named Across the Street Ski & Board Rentals!

SERVICES

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING Catskill Center for Conservation & Development

43355 Route 28 Arkville, NY 12406 catskillcenter.org 845 586 2611 Since 1969, the Catskill Center has led the effort to protect the more than 700,000 acres of the Catskill Park and Catskill Forest Preserve. Their mission is to protect and foster the environmental, cultural,and economic well-being of the Catskill Region.

Greene County Economic Development Corporation 411 Main Street Catskill, NY 12414 greenecountyedc.com 518 719 3290 Your gateway to establishing your business in Greene County. Their team connects entrepreneurs, developers, and corporate leadership with resources, municipalities, and investment incentives for job-creating businesses.

Belleayre Mountain 181 Galli Curci Road Highmount, NY 12441 belleayre.com 845 254 5600 Belleayre is a family-friendly mountain, located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, where you can find something for the entire family—long cruising trails, bumps, glades, parks, steeps, and a whole bunch of fun. There are eight lifts (including a high-speed gondola and detachable quad); 171 skiable acres; 62 trails, parks and glades; 9.2 km of cross country trails; and four lodges. Lessons are offered at the mountain and can be purchased online. Choose from private lessons or beginner/novice group lessons for adults, teens, and kids.

SKI NY 61 NY-296 Windham, NY 12496 iskiny.com 518 750 8030 Ski Areas of New York, Inc. is dedicated to the continued growth of the New York snow sports industry by working on behalf of its membership through legislation, marketing, and education to enhance public awareness of snow sports in New York. SKI NY is also the sponsor of the Passport Program, which offers free skiing for your third and fourth graders with an adult purchase at select ski areas.

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Windham Mountain Club 19 Resort Drive Windham, NY 12496 windhammountain.com 1 800 754 9463 Windham Mountain Club is New York’s premier members’ club that invites the public to ski and snowboard during the winter season. Across pristine alpine acres, Windham Mountain Club provides guests, members, and families and friends with an elevated experience to escape to. Windham Mountain Club’s crowd management during the winter season affords guests with a premium onsnow experience, with room to roam. Windham Mountain Club is all about making memories that last generations.

SKINCARE & WELLNESS Skin Concept 61 NY-296 Windham, NY 12496 skinconceptwindham.com 518 750 8030 Medical aesthetics and relaxation treatments for the entire body, for self care, pampering and health improvement. We offer customized facials, massages, body treatments and infrared sauna. At the clinic you can buy professional skin care products. Environ and DMK, and the best quality of European brand supplements.

SPA MENLA | Dewa Spa 375 Pantherkill Road Phoenicia, NY 12464 menla.org Menla is a hidden oasis in the heart of the Catskill Mountains.

Featuring wellness and spiritual retreats as well as exclusive getaways, and the world-class Dewa Spa. Immerse yourself in the magic of pristine mountain forests. Explore hiking trails, encounter wildlife, and discover a rich tapestry of wellness experiences and activities. Dewa Spa’s unique architecture and Tibetan accents evoke peace and tranquillity. Eastern and Western treatments, such as Tibetan KuNye massage, herbal baths, Shirodhara, sounds baths, energy readings, and customized facials are a few of the lavish therapies found in our spa.

TOURISM Ulster County Tourism

Photo by Michael Neil O’Donnell

visitulstercountyny.com A Winter Wonderland Awaits. From snow-capped peaks to kid-friendly snow chutes, winter in Ulster County brings a unique appeal for families, couples, and urban-dwellers of all stripes seeking a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re looking for high-octane thrills on the slopes of Belleayre Mountain, a survey of seasonal flavors from area restaurateurs, or a weekend of pampering and romance at a quiet mountain resort, Ulster County is the perfect destination for your winter getaway.

WINE & LIQUOR Olivia’s Wine & Spirits 128 South Street Windham, NY 12496 oliviaswineandspirits.com 518 750 8026 Wine connoisseurs Olivia and Robert Giordano have traveled the world learning about wine, and are now bringing their vast knowledge and passion for wines from all over the world to Windham. Olivia’s offers a diverse selection of wines at a variety of competitive price points, as well as a variety of bourbons, whiskeys, and other liquors. Open every day.

Photo courtesy of Windham Mountain Club

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Town & Country Liquors 330 Route 12 Saugerties, NY 12477 townandcountryliquorstore.com 845 246 8931 Our selection of wines and spirits is among the best in the Hudson Valley.

Our friendly helpful staff is here to assist you in finding the right beverage: we have a huge selection of wines and spirits from all over the world.

Woodstock Wine & Liquor 63 Tinker St. Woodstock, NY 12498 woodstockwineandliquor.com 845 679 2669 Located in the heart of Woodstock, WW&L is a family-owned, lovingly curated boutique shop with more than 1000 different wines, spirits, sakes and ciders to choose from. Customers discover a focus on local wines and spirits, naturally and sustainably produced wines from around the world, in an inviting, non-pretentious environment.

Respecting tradition while celebrating innovation. Check out the free in-store tastings and order through woodstockwineandliquor.com for pickup or free local delivery.

Photo courtesy of Belleayre Mountain

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MATH & CMF Are Heating Up Theaters this february!

Fresh off a wildly successful year of plays and musical productions, Maude Adams Theater Hub is starting 2024 with a bang!

Let’s Do the Time Warp Again—Valentine’s Style!

Is Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show the greatest love story ever told? Get your ticket for February 2 and 3 and find out!

Traditionally produced in the fall to align with Halloween, this year’s wild ride is taking a different path and starting the season of love on the right note.

Myra Garcia returns to the stage as Dr. Frankenfurter, with some familiar faces and some new to the Orpheum stage, including, Allegra Coons, CJ Dunn-Cappelino, Bridget Czermerys, Gary Falk, Marina Garcia, Christian Greene, Brooke Harrison, Aly Hoyt, Michael McDonald, Juan Miguel, Michael Ryan, and Kat Wood.

Don’t wait to get the ticket of the season! Costumes are encouraged and appreciated. Doors open at 7:00 pm for lobby cocktails, shows at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, 4:00 pm matinee on Saturday. Shows are at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center, 6050 Main Street, Tannersville. Tickets are $25.

V Season Returns for a Second Year!

After the wildly popular launch of MATH’s winter series of staged readings in 2023, a fresh new batch of plays are in rehearsal to help you beat those mid-season blues. Consisting of plays chosen to make you laugh, cry, and contemplate the nature of human relationships, V Season pushes the boundaries in ways that surprise and delight. All shows are at the Doctorow Center for the Arts, 7971 Main Street, Hunter. Tickets for individual shows are $20.

V Season special: purchase tickets for all three shows for $50!

Opening the season on Valentine’s Day (or dare we say Galentine’s Day?) is Clare Boothe Luce’s classic comedy of l’amour, l’amour, The Women. Directed by Patricia Charbonneau, this lively tale, set in 1939, follows the plight of Mary Haines, whose 52 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

once-devoted husband is stepping out with the villainous Crystal Allen, shop girl by day, seductress by night. Against her better judgment, Mary lets her catty group of gossipy friends talk her into a divorce, and much mayhem ensues before all is set right again. Consisting of a large cast of the region’s most talented actresses, The Women is the perfect way to kick off V Season 2024.

Shows are Wednesday, February 14 and Friday, February 16 at 7:00 pm.

Called by The New York Times a “Rumble in the Living Room,” God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza and translated effortlessly by Christopher Hampton, is a tour de force of adults behaving very badly. A heavily satirized view of Brooklyn parents who meet over espresso and clafouti in order to discuss a playground brawl between their eight-year-olds, turns wild and wooly as the boundaries of civil discourse are tested by the best of intentions.

Relentless in both its humor and brazen in its ability to peel back the skin of human nature, God of Carnage won both the Olivier and Tony awards in 2009. Shows are Thursday, February 15 and Saturday, February 17 at 7:00 pm.

Rounding out the V Season weekend are two matinee showings of The Gin Game, by Donald L. Coburn. First produced in 1976, the play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1978, and the Tony Award for Best Play later that same year. Focusing on the accidental friendship of two people in a derelict retirement home, The Gin Game lays bare the loneliness, frailty, and sheer frustration of growing old with dignity. Weller Martin and Fonsia Dorsey (who will be played by local favorites Chris Cade and Elisabeth Henry), become odd card table fellows who tell each other stories as they try to best each other at gin rummy. Gradually, each conversation becomes a battle, and Weller struggles with Fonsia’s uncanny ability to win every hand. Shows are Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18 at 2:00 pm.

Visit catskillmtn.org or maudeadamstheaterhub.org for tickets!

January 2024 • GUIDE 53

By Joan Oldknow

W

arm up and get your dance moves on this January! If Hip-Hop, Litefeet, or House culture is your style, you can move to LayeRhythm’s live music and dance. The street dance scene is heading to the stage of Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Orpheum Performing Arts Center in Tannersville on January 6, 2024 at 7:30 pm. Highlighting freestyle voices in the performing arts landscape, LayeRhythm builds layer upon layer of music, rap and freestyle dance through audience participation.

LayeRhythm Productions INC, a nonprofit based in New York City, was founded in 2020 by Mai Lê Hô, a FrenchVietnamese street/club dance performer, choreographer, educator, curator and artistic director. Freestyle/improvisation based, LayeRhythm asks the audience to “play the game with us” as they perform across the spectrum of dance styles. Audience members are encouraged to contribute words and movements; then, they see how it unfolds live during the show. Sometimes, the band will start first, followed by the dancers, and sometimes the dancers lead off. Always, the ideas come first.

Working together, the artists use audience ideas as the core.

Performances are not as refined. LayeRhythm’s residency process allows the artists to try new ideas and bring back old ideas using different variations of one concept. Often, they find that basic ideas work the best. Each art form supports, inspires, guides and challenges each other, bringing about an improvisational wonder.

The audience experiences different styles, nuances and connections as the music and dance unfold.

LayeRhythm will be in residence in Tannersville for a week in January. During this time, they’ll work on new ideas and variations. Most of the artists dance in different venues throughout New York City, so spending time together and building chemistry is an important goal of the residency. LayeRhythm has a rotating 54 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

cast, and there are always different people performing. Mai Lê works with a roster of 300 artists, featuring different artists in different shows. There is a core team of musicians, and anchor dance artists she tends to often work with. Musical styles range from Funk to Hip-Hop to House and more.

When asked about her greatest inspiration, Mai Lê said that Michael Jackson was a huge inspiration and that she wouldn’t be dancing if there was no Michael Jackson. Other inspiration comes from House culture, Hip-Hop in Detroit and New York and jam sessions like The Lesson.

LayeRhythm focuses on dance styles such as House dance, Locking, Breaking, FlexN, Hip-Hop, Litefeet … Freestyle is what Mai Lê wants to highlight. She see it as the rawest way to express these art forms. LayeRhythm has been described using words like: interactive, creative, spontaneous, joy, energy, creative, experimental, community, universal, kindness … all around love.

LayeRhythm will be in residence with Catskill Mountain Foundation in January 2024, co-creating a unique performance in partnership with a live audience on January 6 at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center.

This performance is presented in partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim, LayeRhythm will go straight from Catskill Mountain Foundation to the Works & Process Underground Uptown Dance Festival at Lincoln Center.

LayeRhythm will appear on January 6, 2024 at 7:30 pm at the Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Orpheum Performing Arts Center, 6050 Main Street, Tannersville, NY 12485. Tickets purchased in advance are $25 adult; $20 senior; $7 student/child. Ticketing fees apply, and higher-at-the-door ticket prices apply.

The Catskill Mountain Foundation presents

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 @ 7:30PM “[LayeRhythm is a] brew of partying and performing that unfolds as a series of interactive sessions in which suggestions from the crowd beget songs and steps.

Imagine an improv comedy show where dancing, not laughs, is the currency.

Then imagine a musicians’ jam session where the band is compelled to keep the dancers’ pace instead of the other way around. [...] [W]hat’s distinct about LayeRhythm is the way it bridges the two groups with crowd participation” —The New York Times

ORPHEUM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 6050 Main Street • Tannersville, NY 12485

Tickets Purchased Ahead: $25; $20 seniors; $7 students (+processing fees. Higher at-the-door ticket prices apply)

Tickets available at catskillmtn.org or 518 263 2063

Scan for tickets!

Catskill Mountain Foundation is supported in part by New York State Council on the Arts, the Greene County Cultural Fund administered by the Greene County Legislature, The Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation, The Royce Family Foundation, The Samuel and Esther Doctorow Fund, The Orville and Ethel Slutzky Family Foundation, Platte Clove Bruderhof Community, Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation, The Greene County Youth Bureau, Marshall & Sterling Insurance, All Souls’ Church, Stewarts Shops, Windham Foundation, and by private donations.

Presented in partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim. LayeRhythm will go straight from Catskill Mountain Foundation to the Works & Process Underground Uptown Dance Festival at Lincoln Center.

January 2024 • GUIDE 55

Catskills Past

Art Draper, Dot Nebel, and Governor Harriman at Belleayre. Photo by Werner Kuhn

dorothy hoyt nebel, ski pioneer PART II

By T.M. Bradshaw

Part I of this story appeared in the December issue of the Guide. It can be found at issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

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hile Dot Nebel was skiing and teaching skiing on other mountains in the 1940s, a plan for a state-sponsored ski center in the Catskills began to take shape. Skiers, including Dot, had already enjoyed time on Belleayre, but it was something of a wilderness experience—long hikes up the mountain and no amenities. E. Maltby Shipp and his son Oliver first skied the mountain in 1930 and later became enthusiastic supporters of the development plan.

A constitutional amendment similar to the one that had authorized the development of Whiteface in 1941 was needed.

The Central Catskills Association, a group of businessmen and civic leaders interested in improving transportation and economic opportunities in the area, strongly backed the legislation sponsored

by Senator Arthur H. Wicks of Kingston to allow the necessary construction in an area deemed forever wild.

The public voted its overwhelming approval on the Belleayre proposal in 1946; $60,000 was appropriated in 1948 for survey and land acquisition; another $260,000 appropriation in 1948 for actual construction. Work began in June, 1949 and was largely completed by October, 1949.

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Arthur G. Draper, a forester in the New York State Conservation Department since 1937 and a member of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, was named superintendent. Deputy Commissioner of Conservation Victor Skiff and Draper called in Dot Nebel to check the original trail designs, then hired her to redesign them. After redesigning the trails she was hired as director of Belleayre’s ski school, a position she would hold for 17 years. At the time, Dot was president of the ski instructors association and a proponent of the New York State Unified System of teaching skiing.

Belleayre’s grand opening took place on January 21, 1950, with three trails, a towrope, and the first chairlift in New York State, an innovation some members of the public viewed with caution. To reassure people of the lift’s safety, Superintendent Draper created a photo opportunity publicity stunt wherein his black labs purchased tickets for and then rode the chairlift.

The U.S. Eastern Amateur Ski Association awarded the new ski center the 1950 New York State downhill, slalom, and combined championships, to be held February 19, 1950. Dot Nebel set the slalom course for that event.

January 2024 • GUIDE 57

Clockwise from left: One of Art Draper’s dogs demonstrating the safety of the chairlift, photo courtesy of NYSPIX-Commerce.

Caroline Draper and Katherine Cox discuss their experiences at a Jackson Wyoming junior national ski meet with Dot Nebel at a 1954 New York Winter Sports Council meeting, photo courtesy Catskill Mountain News. On Dot Nebel Day—Dot Nebel with Kelsey Dignes, Annella White Dignes and Andrea Mead Lawrence looking on, photo courtesy of Annella White Dignes

Dot’s years at Belleayre were focused on sharing her love of the sport and training young skiers. News clippings from those years reference many visits to area schools where she talked about proper equipment and ski safety. She selected teams to travel to competitions from the ranks of the Belleayre Mt. Ski Club. And she continued to design new trails, using a method she confided to longtime friend Annella White Dignes, chair of the Coalition for Belleayre, a group that seeks to grow and improve the mountain as a means of lifting the entire area around it. Dot’s trick of rolling a tennis ball down the mountain often determined a good course.

One begins to consider how the mental skills required for skiing and her trail design work intersected the skills of her first profession of math teacher—both involving angles and curves. She was also asked to consult on selecting areas for ski center development in other states.

For a March 8, 1956, article in The New York Times, Dot told the reporter, “I began teaching during the war. Today, many people get a kick when they see my white hair. They figure that anyone who is gray would be better off at home—knitting.” The reporter noted that many of those same people had difficulty keeping up with Dot, whose idea of relaxation after a day of teaching skiing was recreational skiing, trail packing, and square dancing. And she still had decades of skiing in front of her.

Dot Nebel described how she learned to ski in an interview in 1999 with Bob Decker of New Jersey’s Daily Record. “I basically taught myself to ski. I bought a book by Arnold Lunn, a famous British instructor, and absorbed every word. It wasn’t until I joined the American Women’s team and skied in Europe in 1937 and 1938 did I get any formal instruction.”

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Another story she told for that interview concerned one of her very first adventures on skis as a teenager. She decided to try what she described as a small ski jump, about 10 feet high, in the park near her home. She landed on her feet, but leaned back too far and was soon sliding along sitting down. That’s when she felt the pain, but it wasn’t caused by her fall; wooden matches in her back pocket had ignited from the friction of her slide, burning a hole in her pants. “No problem putting out the fire, though, not with all that snow around. And then I went back and jumped again without falling. It was crazy; I loved it.”

A five-foot tall powerhouse in size 4 ski boots, Dot amazingly had played basketball in college and later coached it at the college level. She also won tennis tournaments, had a 14 handicap in golf, enjoyed fly fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, and had a private pilot’s license, all activities she and her husband, Charlie Nebel, shared for 55 years. Dot chose to retire when Charlie retired from Bell Labs in 1966, but it wasn’t a matter of either of them being tired. Retirement meant they could travel more to ski. They continued to ski at Belleayre for years after retirement, maintaining their many friendships within the interconnected ski community.

Eventually Dot had to give up downhill skiing at 93, but continued skiing cross country.

Over the years, Dot’s ski career intersected with several of New York’s governors. She skied with Averell Harriman, a fan of the mountain, on his visits to Belleayre. When Mario Cuomo’s 1984 budget threatened to close the ski center, Dot wrote a very persuasive, informative letter to the governor, a letter that was carried in newspapers, extolling Belleayre’s virtues and what should be done to improve it rather than shut it down. A grass roots cam-

paign of petitions and editorials resulted in funding being reinstated. George Pataki issued a proclamation declaring January 30, 1999 as “Dot Nebel Day”; a plaque presented at that event noted that one of the new trails that would be created at Belleayre would be a racing trail named the “Dot Nebel.” One of the award presenters that day was Andrea Mead Lawrence, who won two individual gold medals in the 1952 Olympics; Dot was Lawrence’s early racing coach and mentor.

IMAGES OF THE NORTHERN CATSKILLS

By Francis X. Driscoll

The sign for Dot’s trail.

Photo by Annella White Dignes

The Dot Nebel Trail was dedicated in February 2001. Dot was quite ill at the time, but chose to leave the hospital to attend the ribbon-cutting with her longtime friends from the mountain, the Dignes family. She rode up the trail in the groomer, commenting favorably on the depth and quality of the snow that day.

She died just days later at her home in New Jersey. Dot’s black diamond trail is very popular; Annella White Dignes said that one often hears people in the lodge agreeing to “Meet up on Dot.” Because Dot loved flowers the posts bearing the trail name are often adorned with flowers.

Dot gave a paper copy of her favorite poem to her friend Annella. The page containing “Skiing Is” does not list the author, although it’s clear that the author was a kindred spirit of Dot’s. It is a love letter to skiing and many portions of it seem to describe her life’s journey precisely and her emotional connection to her sport: “In this white world that reaches the sky / I found a future for me” and “For my skis are the things / That give me my wings / And make me an eagle and free.”

Dorothy Hoyt Nebel was inducted into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in 1972.

T. M. Bradshaw shares other thoughts on history at tmbradshawbooks.com.

My work is available for purchase at: Tannersville Antiques & Artisans: 518 589 5600 Rustic Mountain Antiques: 518 589 1202 Smitty’s Nursery: 518 734 3489

For more information about my work, visit www.francisxdriscoll.com January 2024 • GUIDE 59

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Violets and Dandelions

A Greene County Garden in January: Converting Lawns to Gardens

By Margaret Donsbach Tomlinson

D

o you know anyone who has the ideal lawn and loves taking care of it? I didn’t think so.

The typical lawn is plagued with weeds like invasive dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) and ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea, also known as creeping Charlie), as well as a few native broadleaved plants like common blue violets (Viola sororia), which are charming but rarely welcome in lawns. Lawns need regular mowing from spring through fall. And lawns are bad news for birds, butterflies and pollinating insects, which have declined alarmingly as the plants they depend on have begun disappearing from the landscape.

Herbicides and pesticides are spread on many lawns to keep weeds and bugs away. Rachel Carson’s 1962 book Silent Spring documented how birds died from eating insects poisoned by DDT. Thanks to her, DDT is rarely used today. But newer pesticides and herbicides that are also lethal to birds, like neonicotinoids, glyphosate and carbaryl, are still in common use.

So pervasive is the lawn aesthetic that you probably have at least some around your home. Lawns became popular in the U.S. 150 years ago after Frank J. Scott published The Art of Beautifying Suburban Home Grounds, which promoted planting lawn grass in every front yard along suburban streets to create

an unbroken carpet of mown lawn. Today, people are beginning to understand why reducing the amount of lawn in a garden, or even eliminating it, can be a good idea. The historic BeattiePowers House in Catskill recently turned a section of its grounds into a pollinator garden filled with native plants.

If you would like to convert part of your lawn to flower beds, a vegetable garden, or a native-plant paradise, winter is a great time to get started. Cover an area with flattened cardboard boxes or a thick layer of newspaper to kill the grass by starving it of sunlight. A few inches of compost on top will break down over the winter and enrich the soil while the paper disintegrates.

When the weather warms in spring, any remaining cardboard or newspaper can be removed, exposing your new planting bed.

What will you plant? You might want a vegetable garden featuring native American foods like beans, squash and corn. Or you might crave the most beautiful native flower garden on your block with hardy hibiscus, sunflowers or coreopsis. Trees and shrubs help protect us from climate change by pulling carbon out of the air and storing it deep underground. It’s fun to study garden catalogs and imagine how various plants will look together. This winter a small amount of action and a large amount of dreaming could get your new garden bed started.

January 2024 • GUIDE 61

A Cozy Catskills Winter Dinner If the cold, blowing snows of January have you craving a cozy night in, break out this collection of chilly weather recipes from some of our favorite restaurants and bars. Start with a pre-dinner cocktail, a Smoked Cider Margarita from The Print House in Fleischmanns. A bowl of Butternut Squash Soup from Jessie’s Harvest House makes a perfect first course. For the main course, serve Classic Short Ribs from Bistro-to-Go. And cap it all off with a warm cup of Irish coffee from Windham Wine & Liquor. Add in some good company and a roaring fire, and you’ve got the perfect night! And if you don’t feel like cooking the next morning, head to High Falls Cafe in Kingston for a delicious brunch!

Smoked Cider Margarita

By Rebecca Freehill, The Print House 1070 Main Street, Fleischmanns Take a few cinnamon sticks and lightly torch them. Place them in your favorite bottle of tequila for 24 hours.

Coat the inside of your glass with a few drops of mezcal.

Rim with equal parts salt, sugar, cinnamon.

Add in a shaker: 1.5 oz of your cinnamon.5 oz lime juice infused tequila 3 dashes of orange bitters .25 oz honey Shake vigorously, pour over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy!

Photo by Seva_blsv/ shutterstock.com

Irish Coffee Joe Sheridan’s Original Recipe Courtesy Windham Wine & Liquors, 5448 NY-23, Windham 1 shot of Irish Blended Whisky 2 teaspoons brown sugar Strong, hot, freshly-brewed coffee Lightly whipped cream

Put brown sugar and Irish whisky into a coffee glass (or wine glass with extra thick walls). Add hot, strong coffee, filling the glass up to 1/3 inch (1cm) from the top. (We suggest pouring the coffee over a spoon into the glass to lead off the heat). While the coffee settles, lightly whip the cream so that it is aerated but not thick. Pour the cream over the back of the spoon, held just above the coffee. If the cream is not aerated, it will not float. Please serve without a spoon or straw. The cream mustache is the desired effect when drinking Irish Coffee!

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Butternut Squash Soup Jessie’s Harvest House 5819 Main Street (Route 23A), Tannersville Serves 4-6 2 tablespoons EVOO 1 large yellow onion, chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 (3-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed 3 cloves garlic chopped 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage 1/2 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 3 to 4 cups chicken stock Heat the oil in a large tail pot over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, and several grinds of fresh pepper and sauté until soft; 5 to 8 minutes. Add the squash and cook until it begins to soften, stirring occasionally for 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic, sage, rosemary, and ginger; Stir until fragrant. Add 3 cups of the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the squash is tender; 20 to 30 minutes.

Let cool slightly and pour the soup into a blender, working in batches if necessary, and blend until smooth. (If your soup is too thick, add up to 1 cup more broth and blend) Season to taste and serve with parsley, pepitas, and crusty bread.

Classic Braised Short Ribs From The Feel Good Food Cookbook Available at Blue Mountain Bistro-to-Go, 948 Route 28, Kingston Serves 6-8 Short ribs are a delicious warming winter meal. Rib meat is quite tough with lots of connective tissue; however it is rich in collagen, which imparts the profound depth of flavor this cut of meat is famous for. Marinate overnight for best results and braise ahead of time so the fat can rise to the surface for easy skimming. It freezes well, and any leftovers are good for Shepherd’s Pie or even shredded for tacos. Ask your butcher for boneless rib meat.

4 lbs boneless short ribs 2 tablespoons canola oil 2 cups finely chopped onion (about 2 medium onions) 2 cups diced carrot (about 2 large carrots) 3 celery ribs, diced 1/4 cup tomato paste 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary 1 bay leaf

1 head garlic, sliced in half horizontally 2 cups dry red wine 4 cups chicken stock, beef stock, or water 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (optional) sour cream or crème fraîche mixed with prepared horseradish, for serving (optional) salt pepper

Season meat (which will probably be in three or four pieces) with salt and pepper. In a large skillet heat the oil over high heat and sear meat in batches until it is caramelized all over, about 15 minutes per batch. Transfer ribs to a large baking dish in a single layer.

Reduce the heat to medium; add onion, carrot, and celery to the skillet; and cook until vegetables are lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Add tomato paste, rosemary, and bay leaf, stirring well for several minutes before adding garlic and red wine. Continuing to stir, bring everything to a boil, then pour this hot marinade over the meat. Let cool, cover, and refrigerate overnight, turning the ribs once so they marinate evenly.

The following day, preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer meat to a large casserole and pour remaining marinade into a saucepan. Add stock (although I usually use water with a good quality beef bouillon mixed in) and bring to a boil. Pour it over the ribs, nestling the vegetables around them, cover, and cook 2–2 1/2 hours. Check once about halfway through, turning the meat over to ensure that everything is cooking evenly. If the meat is soft, jiggly and tender, remove it; if not, return to oven for another 30 minutes or so. When the meat is done, transfer to a shallow baking dish or plate. Pour sauce and vegetables into a saucepan to cool, removing the bay leaf and garlic. As it cools, the fat will rise to the top. Skim and discard the fat; you should have a wonderful sauce. If it is too thin for your liking, simply reduce to desired consistency. I usually, but not always, add a splash of vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors and counteract the richness. Horseradish mixed with sour cream or crème fraîche makes a nice counterpoint to the sauce.

Serve with mashed potatoes, polenta, gnocchi, or noodles, and spoon sauce over and around the ribs. Roasted root vegetables are always welcome with an earthy meal like this. For salad, choose something bitter like escarole or radicchio.

Don’t Feel Like Cooking the Next Morning?

Stop by High Falls Café, 2842 Rt. 209, Kingston for Sunday Brunch, served from 9 am to 1 pm, for a warm and comforting breakfast.

Try the Huevos Rancheros! Scrambled eggs, black beans, jalapeño peppers, onions, bell peppers and cheddar cheese on a corn tortilla shell topped with salsa and sour cream, served with home fries.

January 2024 • GUIDE 63

Notes of Gratitude

By Jen Schwartz, Briars & Brambles Books, Windham

Photo by Irisland/shutterstock.com

January in the Catskills can inspire and challenge you, which makes it a terrific place to reset at the start of the new year.

One of my resolutions this year was inspired by a woman who works with me, and, with her permission, I am sharing it with you. Her daughter, Elisia, was in an accident and passed away shortly after she turned thirteen. Prior to the accident, Elisia was in the habit of writing down what she was grateful for every day and she collected them in a jar which she kept on her dresser in her bedroom.

This past Thanksgiving, to honor Elisia’s memory, we placed a “Thankful Jar” in the store and invited customers to write down what they were grateful for. We were so touched by what people wrote that we resolved to leave the jar out all year. The following notes are anonymous, but we wanted to share some of our favorites. We hope this inspires you to find time to be thankful for something, no matter how seemingly simple or serious every day.

I am Thankful for…

“This Group of Friends” “Getting the nerve to quit my job”

“My wonderful therapist who helped me get my life back on track”

“My daughter, grandson, and mom. Everyday.”

“Finding a job”

“The feeling I get from my morning coffee”

“To finally be living life on my own terms”

“Fresh powder, fresh tracks, and sun!

“Being 8 months sober”

“She said yes when I asked her out”

“Good food, especially pizza”

“Being here in the mountains with our kids and grandkids to share Thanksgiving”

“My cats who always cheer me up when I am down” (We got a lot of thankful for pets)

“My mom for being a great teacher”

“That getting divorced wasn’t as scary as I feared it would be”

“New traditions in the bookstore…like this!

“Strength for everyday and joy in the strength”

“Comic books” “Fires, family, fun, food, friends”

We wish you a very Happy 2024!

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January 2024 • GUIDE 65

THE GREAT OUTDOORS IN THE CATSKILLS

By Jeff Senterman

Cross-country skiing at Robert V. Riddell State Park in Davenport.

Photo by Bennecom/shutterstock.com

H

ere in the Catskills, Winter is off and running!

As we get further into the winter and the coldest weather of the winter season settles across our region, ski areas will open more terrain, there will be more snow for backcountry skiing, and our hiking trails turn into great snowshoe and cross country ski routes as natural snow piles up in the mountains. Instead of staying in, winter in the Catskill Mountains is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the mountains and to see them in a completely different light than hiking in the summer months.

If you are going to be spending some time in the great outdoors this January there are some common sense things you can do to make your activities more enjoyable. Each year around this time, I like to go over these tips to maximize my own enjoyment of the outdoors in the winter and hopefully maximize your enjoyment too.

Tips to Enjoy Outdoor Sports in the Winter

Updated Catskill Park Conditions

Daylight Unlike the long hours of daylight for hikes in the summertime, winter days are very short and darkness can easily surprise anyone in the woods with its quick arrival. Always plan out your trips to maximize your use of daylight. Always carry a flashlight and headlamp in case you are stuck in the darkness and still need to make your way out to the trailhead.

Local recreational opportunities are always changing, and by visiting the Catskills Visitor Center’s Trail Conditions page you can see updates related to the Catskill Park, Catskill trails, Catskill campgrounds and camping, Catskill boating, skiing, and more at catskillsvisitorcenter.org/trail.

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Hikes, cross country ski trips, and snowshoe trips can all be fun, adventurous and beautiful in the winter, but they do require advance planning, as there is less room for mistakes and errors on a winter excursion because of the cold temperatures, generally higher winds, snow, ice and limited daylight hours.

Keeping Warm You should always be prepared on any hike, ski or snowshoe trip to keep warm and sheltered with nothing more than what you are carrying with you. You should not count on a campfire or stove to keep you warm. You should learn how to layer your clothing to maximize warmth. You must always stay alert to the dangers of hypothermia and frostbite—know the signs on both and learn how to treat them.

Skiing and Snowshoeing Hiking in the snow takes a lot of effort since most often hikers without snowshoes “post-hole” their way along a trail.

That is, with each step, a hiker sinks into the snow, creating what looks like a hole for a post with every step. Cross country skis and snowshoes, on the other hand, keep you on top of the snow and let you travel further with less energy than trying to hike on your own. Skiing and snowing open up a whole new way to look at the trails of the Catskill Mountains too, with adventures around every corner.

Trail Markers Luckily in the Catskills we do not have white trail markers, but even so, the familiar red, blue and yellow trail markers may be hidden by deep snows, especially on mountain summits. Having a map and compass is always a good idea, but it is a necessity in the wintertime to make sure you do not lose your way. Get yourself a printed map from the Catskills Visitor Center’s gift shop for your hikes and don’t rely on battery powered devices—cold weather causes them to lose a charge much faster.

Additional Tips and Tricks Here are some additional ideas, tips and suggestions for winter hiking, skiing and snowshoeing trips: Stay dry and waterproof. Make sure you manage your core temperature while hiking to prevent sweating, which gets your clothes wet and limits their insulative value. Wear gaiters to help keep your legs dry, and pop your hood over your head when trekking through overhanging trees to prevent snow from getting in at the neck and getting you wet.

Winter is the wrong time to think you need to pack lightly. Carry many insulating layers, including a spare set of long underwear tops and bottoms—putting on dry, cold clothes may shock the system initially but you will feel warmer quickly.

#RecreateResponsibly in the Catskills Time in nature, and outdoor recreation has proven to be essential for all.

Especially during uncertain times, all of us, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, to families heading out to their local park for the first time, can turn to community and simple reminders about how to safely & responsibly recreate outdoors while caring for one another.

The Recreate Responsibly guidelines came together to offer a starting point for getting outside to keep yourself and others safe while working to maintain access to our beloved natural spaces.

Read on to learn the primary tips on how to responsibly recreate outdoors. Each edition of the guidelines have been developed by bringing together topline issues and experts to distill key concepts that when implemented, build a community of care in the outdoors.

Learn more at recreateresponsibly.org

Know Before you Go Check the status of the place you want to visit for closures, fire restrictions, and weather.

Plan and Prepare Reservations and permits may be required.

Make sure you have the gear you need and a back-up plan

Build an Inclusive Outdoors Be an active part of making the outdoors safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.

Respect Others There is space for everyone and countless outdoor activities.

Be kind to all who use the outdoors and nature differently.

Leave No Trace Respect the land, water, wildlife, and Native communities.

Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles.

Learn more at LeaveNoTrace.org

Make It Better We all have a responsibility to sustain the places we love.

Volunteer, donate, and advocate for the outdoors.

January 2024 • GUIDE 67

Make sure your equipment works. Finding out your water bottle is cracked when it is 10 below at lunchtime is the wrong time to learn about it.

Be aware that solid food items freeze. Cut up those Snickers bars ahead of time … even cold cuts can freeze!

Drink constantly. You will not feel as thirsty in cold weather as you do during summer activities.

Know how to repair snowshoe and crampon/creeper bindings.

A broken binding can become an emergency deep in the woods if you cannot perform simple repairs.

Don’t use those ski pole wrist loops. A downhill fall can wrench a shoulder if you go one way and your ski pole stays put.

Ideally know your winter hike ahead of time. Trail finding is tricky with deep snow so knowing the route well is a good idea.

Favor hikes with few stream crossings. Crossings are dangerous as both a water hazard and possibly soaking everything you are wearing and carrying. Even just getting your snowshoes wet can result in heavy globs of ice stuck on.

If you’re hiking with a dog, check their paws for icing, make sure they are staying adequately hydrated and are staying warm.

Be especially careful if conditions are icy. Crampons and creepers only work if you stay on your feet.

If you are a beginner winter hiker, consider a group hike to learn more about trail conditions and preparation.

With proper planning, the right skills and the right equipment, winter is a great time to get out and enjoy the Catskills. One of the best ways to fight off cabin fever is to get out of the cabin and get into the woods!

Catskill Park Coalition Priorities for 2024 Support the Catskills The Catskill Park Coalition represents dozens of organizations who work in and care for the Catskill Park and the surrounding Catskills region. Every year the Coalition prepares priorities for the upcoming NYS budget and advocates for equitable funding of the Catskill Park and Catskills communities. Many of the members of the Coalition partner with New York State, local governments, and other stakeholders to implement critical Catskill Park programs to conserve open space, steward our existing recreational resources, protect and improve water quality, promote responsible forest stewardship, build community resilience, and create new trails and public access.

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Minnewaska State Park.

The Coalition knows that investments in the Catskill Park protect our natural resources, support important jobs for our region, and provide clean drinking water protection for millions of New Yorkers. The priorities for the Coalition in the upcoming NYS Budget affirm tourism opportunities, natural resource protections, clean water, public health protections, climate resilience, recreational access, job creation, and quality of life for residents of and visitors to the Catskill Park.

Public Safety and Catskill Park Management: The NYSDEC must be adequately staffed, including new staff in the Division of Lands and Forests and annual Forest Ranger Academies, and the Catskill Park Coordinator role must be adequately funded.

Environmental Protection Fund (EPF): Fund the Environmental Protection Fund at $400 million. Within the EPF, maintain existing funding lines for the Catskills including: $10 million Forest Preserve line; $250,000 line for the Catskills Visitor Center; $200,000 line for Catskill Science Collaborative; $500,000 for the “Save the Hemlocks” initiative; and $300,000 in dedicated Catskills funding for Smart Growth Grants.

Supporting Local Economies: Support Catskills communities by investing in projects with direct community benefits. Improve cellular service, support construction of the U&D Rail Trail, expand affordable housing, and improve trail connectivity to downtown main streets.

What can you do to help? Contact your local elected officials (the Governor, State Senators, and State Assemblymembers and let them know that you support the priorities of the Catskill Park Coalition. It doesn’t matter where in New York you live, your elected officials need to know you support the Catskills! For more information visit catskillcenter.org/advocacy. (continued on page 70)

The Catskill Mountain Foundation

Piano Performance Museum

Featuring the Steven E. Greenstein Collection

Photo by Jeffrey Langford

Discover this extraordinary collection in performance, music education, and cultural exploration

REOPENING THIS MAY! The collection includes early and modern keyboard instruments including European historic pianos, as well as American pianos built in the 18th and 19th centuries. The collection shows the development of the instrument from the small pianoforte, built for use in private homes and salons, to the modern piano, built for large concert halls. The collection also includes tuning tools and repair kits, some 200 years old, leather-wrapped with a place for each tool; tuning forks, hammers—everything that would allow a technician to bring a piano back to maximum performance standards.

Doctorow Center for the Arts 7971 Main Street, Route 23A, Hunter, New York • www.catskillmtn.org Hours: Closed for the winter, reopening in May. The CMF Piano Performance Museum is funded in part by the Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation January 2024 • GUIDE 69

more, join the mailing list or attend the next meeting, please contact the Catskill Center at 845 586 2611 or email them at cccd@ catskillcenter.org with CPAC in the subject asking to be added to the mailing list.

Hike the Catskills with the Hiker Trash Husbands

The author admiring the winter views from the Escarpment Trail.

Photo courtesy of hikertrashhusbands.com

Visit the Catskill Park’s Visitor Center Located at 5096 Route 28 in Mount Tremper, the Catskills Visitor Center (CVC) is the official visitor center for the Catskill Park. A program of the Catskill Center, staff are available at the CVC with information, maps and all the advice needed to plan a Catskill adventure. In the winter months, the CVC is open Friday through Monday from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Visitors can get their Catskill questions answered in person, receive tourism literature, make purchases at the CVC’s shop that includes hiking maps, regional books, obtain hunting and fishing licenses, and much more. CVC staff are also available to answer questions about the Catskills and the Catskill Park via email at info@catskillcenter.org or phone at 845 688 3369 during normal business hours.

In addition to tourism services, there are 1.5 miles of trails on the CVC’s grounds, including the 0.5 mile long accessible Interpretive Loop Trail, which are open to the public daily. The 80-foot tall Upper Esopus Fire Tower is also open daily to visitors, offering unrivaled views of the surrounding mountains and Esopus Creek valley. Picnic tables are available on site for those who wish to enjoy a picnic lunch.

Visitors can explore the ever expanding resources available online for the CVC on the web at catskillsvisitorcenter.org, the CVC’s Facebook page at facebook.com/catskillsvisitorcenter, and the CVC on Instagram at @catskills.visitor.center.

Catskill Park Advisory Committee Chaired by the Catskill Center, the Catskill Park Advisory Committee (CPAC) is a group of representatives from local governments and organizations that provides a forum to discuss issues of regional importance. The purpose of the Committee is to provide assistance, advice and guidance to the NYSDEC, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and other land managers in the management of the New York State Forest Preserve, the Catskill Park and the Catskill Watershed. Meetings are held quarterly and are open to the public. If you’d like to learn 70 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

For years, my husband and I have been trying to find ways to better communicate the love that we have for the outdoors and for hiking, to our friends and family who don’t necessarily get out as much as we do. One way we’ve found was to start a YouTube channel about our adventures. Thus was born The Hiker Trash Husbands, which you can now find on YouTube at youtube.com/ thehikertrashhusbands. The channel features a lot of hikes in the Catskills.

For Moe and me, The Hiker Trash Husbands is not only a way to show friends and family our hiking adventures, but an effort to provide positive LGBTQ+ representation in the hiking world. We love to showcase our own hiking adventures, along with other queer outdoors folks. You can learn more by visiting our website at www.hikertrashhusbands.com.

If you’re in the Catskills and have cable provided by MTC, you can catch our videos on CatskillsAir, MTC Channel 1.

Give Back to the Catskills The natural beauty, the majesty of the mountains, the protection of the Catskill Forest Preserve, the region’s natural and cultural resources, all need your help! By supporting the work of the Catskill Center, you support: stewardship of our Catskill Park and its vast natural resources; the Center’s collaborative spirit as we convene, create partnerships and facilitate discussions that benefit the region; and the Center’s work to support education, arts and culture throughout the Catskills.

Most importantly, know that by being a supporter of the Catskill Center you are helping protect and preserve the Catskills that we all love. Remember, the future of the Catskills is in our hands!

To support the work of the Catskill Center, make a donation online at catskillcenter.org/membership or donate by mail: Checks made out to the “Catskill Center” can be mailed to Catskill Center, PO Box 504, Arkville, NY 12406.

Jeff Senterman is the Executive Director of the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development in Arkville, NY, a member of the Board of Directors for the Catskill Watershed Corporation and the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce. Jeff graduated with a degree in Environmental Science from Lyndon State College and worked for many years as an Environmental Planner in New England before coming back to the Catskills in the nonprofit sector.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS This is just a sampling of all of the events in the Catskills this January.

To request that your event be included in future calendars, please email tafts@catskillmtn.org

Please call ahead or visit the website for each event to confirm details, including any admission costs.

ONGOING

THROUGH JANUARY 6

JANUARY 1

Delhi Winter Farmers Market The Delhi Farmers Market has an amazing line up of dedicated farmers, bakers, makers and more. Each week they bring their best with a wide selection of goods. You will find a variety of your kitchen staples—fresh bread, farm fresh cheeses, vegetables, jams, poultry and more. To help ward off the cold, you will find crocheted apparel, distilled spirits, amaryllis bulbs, and homemade pie. If you’d like to add sparkle and shine to your winter, there are unique jewelers at the market.

Location: Delhi American Legion, 41 Page Avenue, Delhi Hours: Every Wednesday, 9am-2pm

Community Photo Show Work by local photographers.

Location: Headwaters Art Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford More Info: roxburyartsgroup.org

First Day Forest Bathing Start 2024 with a nature walk! Leader Beth Rennig guides groups on a 90 minute Forest Bathing experience helping to ease us into the presence and connection within nature. Engage your senses and embrace the simple magic and wholeness we can find in nature. Forest bathing is a year round activity, and quite do-able with appropriate layering of outerwear for the conditions. This is an intentional walk through the forest, for those looking for a slow, mindful outdoor activity. Each person will be welcomed into a quiet, contemplative space. We will meditate and focus our intentions on connection through the forest. Those new to meditation and mindfulness are welcome. Join us and enjoy the peacefulness and the healing benefits available to us within the forest. Beth Rennig is a certified Forest Therapy Guide and a Reiki Master Teacher and Practitioner. She is a gentle soul who is of service with helping people heal themselves as well as to find their own connection with nature.

Location: Mountain Top Arboretum, 4 Maude Adams Road, Tannersville Time: 11:00 am More Info: mtarboretum.org

Phoenicia Winter Farmers Market Phoenicia Farmers Market is a volunteer-led movement to increase access to locally-grown foods in the Town of Shandaken. We bring together local farms, artisanal makers, full-time residents, and seasonal visitors to a weekly market to shop, learn, gather, and compost.

EBT/SNAP Benefits are accepted.

Location: Pine Hill Community Center, 287 Main Street, Pine Hill Hours: Every Sunday, noon-4pm

THROUGH JANUARY 12 Windham Arts Alliance presents Art in Small Packages Small original works in all media.

Location: Main Street Community Center, 5494 Main Street, Windham More Info: mainstreetcenter.org

THROUGH JANUARY 16 Invitational: Artists Choose Artists Longyear’s thirteenth invitational show featuring the work of both Longyear Gallery members and some of their favorite guest artists working in different media. The work on display will include local, regional, and city artists, each chosen by a gallery artist member to create a dynamic visual dialogue for exhibition.

Location: Longyear Gallery, 785 Main Street, Margaretville More Info: longyeargallery.org

JANUARY 1-31

Online Meditation with Bushel Bushel is hosting online meditation sessions that include guided meditation, group interaction, and support. New sitters and seasoned sitters are welcome. Meditation sessions are free and open to all, but donations are welcome to support this program.

Location: Join via Zoom Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30-7:00 am More Info & Zoom Link: bushelcollective.org/meditation-calendar/

THROUGH FEBRUARY 3

Magic On Main— An Intimate Parlor Experience Join Magician Sean Doolan for a magic show in his private library located in a historic building on Main Street in Windham. Sean will weave his personal story of transitioning from a trial lawyer to a magician in interactive magical routines. In this parlor show, By reservation only, no walkins. Dates and times subject to change without notice, see website for updated calendar.

Location: 5428 NY Route 23 (Main Street), Windham Dates & Times: Check website for most up-todate schedule Tickets: $20/person More Info: MagicOnMainWindham.com

Human Nature: Multi-Media by Christina Hunt Wood Human Nature showcases Christina Hunt Wood’s latest assemblages, where the multimedia artist merges photographs, deconstructed “road soda” cans, and other found objects. In this new body of work, which was developed during her time as a Creatives Rebuild New York Fellow, Wood embraces sculptural motifs as the cornerstone of her pieces. Her work invites viewers to consider the often-tumultuous connection shared between humanity and the natural world to which they belong.

Location: Walt Meade Gallery, Roxbury Arts Center 5025 Vega Mountain Road, Roxbury Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 am-3:00 pm More Info: roxburyartsgroup.org

Serenity in the Catskills: New Beginnings for 2024 Celebrate 2024 and the serene beauty of the Catskills through art. Join us at Windham Fine Arts for a winter soiree and art show, showcasing peaceful and pristine landscapes and vibrant and uplifting abstracts —artwork evoking optimism, hope and growth for the New Year.

Location: Windham Fine Arts, 5380 Main Street, Windham More Info: director@windhamfinearts.com, 518 734 6850, or windhamfinearts.com

JANUARY 5 First Fridays at the Athens Cultural Center Embrace the arts and join us at the Athens Cultural Center for our vibrant “First Fridays” happy hour! We open our doors to celebrate the rich tapestry of culture and creativity that defines our community. Best of all, it’s absolutely free to attend! Discover new exhibitions, connect with fellow art enthusiasts, and unwind with a refreshing drink in hand.

Location: Athens Cultural Center, 24 Second Street, Athens Time: 5:00-7:00 pm More Info: friendsofathens.org

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CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION

First Fridays Catskill Stroll Main Street, Catskill on the 1st Friday of every month. Local shops are open late, most until 8 pm, offering specials like sips & snacks, pop-ups, music, discounts, and FUN! Location: Main Street & Bridge Street, Catskill More Info: firstfridayscatskill.com

TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH THE ARTS

Walton First Fridays Local shops in Walton stay open late with deals and events for the community to enjoy!

Location: Walton More Info: instagram.com/waltonfirstfridays

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THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS & SUPPORTERS!

Education, Recreation, Arts, and Community Initiatives

Catskill Mountain Foundation is supported in part by New York State Council on the Arts, the Greene County Cultural Fund administered by the Greene County Legislature, The Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation, The Royce Family Foundation, The Samuel and Esther Doctorow Fund, The Orville and Ethel Slutzky Family Foundation, Platte Clove Bruderhof Community, Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation, The Greene County Youth Bureau, Marshall & Sterling Insurance, All Souls’ Church, Stewarts Shops, Windham Foundation, and by private donations.

7971 Main Street, Village of Hunter 518 263 2001 • www.catskillmtn.org

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JANUARY 6, 13 & 20 Toyota Music Den Unplugged with DJ Pat Del The retro airstream Toyota Music Den Unplugged is BACK for the month of January!

We’ve got music all day for you starting slopeside at the Den with DJ Pat Del Location: Hunter Mountain Resort, 64 Klein Avenue, Hunter Time: 11:00 am-3:00 pm More Info: huntermtn.com

The Taylor Dance Party Dress in your favorite “Era’s” outfit and enjoy a Taylor Swift inspired dance party. Adults 18+ only.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

JANUARY 6

JANUARY 6-21

Roadhouse 60s at the Main Bar Come apres with us at the Main Bar with Roadhouse 60s!

Location: Main Bar at Hunter Mountain Resort, 64 Klein Avenue, Hunter Time: 3:00 pm More Info: huntermtn.com

Cabaret Welcome to the vibrant and tumultuous Berlin of 1932. CENTERstage Productions invites you to step into the world of Cabaret, the celebrated musical that has captivated audiences around the globe. For a limited engagement, audiences can immerse themselves in the enthralling atmosphere that made this show an enduring classic. This high-caliber theatrical experience featuring promising local talent and a timeless story is not one to miss.

Location: The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck Day & Time: Fridays & Saturdays @ 8:00 pm; Special Saturday matinees @ 3:00 pm on January 13 and 20; Sundays @ 3:00 pm More Info: CenterforPerformingArts.org

LayeRhythm Kick off the New Year with a play-based jam session of freestyle live music, dance, and audience interaction that will get you off your feet. Celebrating the vibrancy of street and club dance cultures, LayeRhythm, led by Mai Lé Hô, weaves singular improvisations by musicians, dancers, and emcees, captivating the young and old, from theater to club goers by embodying the continuum of concert and social dance.

Presented in partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim. LayeRhythm will go straight from Catskill Mountain Foundation to the Works & Process Underground Uptown Dance Festival at Lincoln Center.

Location: Orpheum Performing Arts Centeer, 6050 Main Street, Tannersville Time: 7:30 pm More Info: catskillmtn.org Reed Foehl w/ Jude Roberts Born in a small country town in New England and into a musical family, Grammy-nominated songwriter Reed Foehl writes stories of the human condition with a lyric and voice that push boundaries while paying homage to tradition.

Dusty and patient, his music is genuine Folk/ Americana.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

JANUARY 6-MARCH 16 Woodstock Farm Festival Indoor Winter Farmers Market Longyear’s thirteenth invitational show featuring the work of both Longyear Gallery members and some of their favorite guest artists working in different media. The work on display will include local, regional, and city artists, each chosen by a gallery artist member to create a dynamic visual dialogue for exhibition.

Location: Overlook United Methodist Church, 233 Tinker Street, Woodstock Day & Time: Every other Saturday, 10:00 am2:00 pm More Info: woodstockfarmfestival.org

JANUARY 7 Sunday Silents Presents: Sergei Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin (1925) When they are fed rancid meat, the sailors on the Potemkin revolt against their harsh conditions and kill the officers of the ship to gain their freedom. The people of Odessa honor him as a symbol of revolution. Tsarist soldiers arrive and massacre the civilians on the Odessa Stairs to quell the uprising. A squadron of ships is sent to overthrow the Potemkin, but the ships side with the revolt and refuse to attack. A technical masterpiece, Battleship Potemkin is Soviet

cinema at its finest, and Eisenstein’s montage editing techniques in the famous Odessa Steps scene remain influential to this day.

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale Time: 2:00 pm More Info: rosendaletheatre.org Murali Coryell Acclaimed by Billboard, CNN, Rolling Stone, & The New York Times, singer/guitarist/songwriter Murali Coryell is a rising force in contemporary American music.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

JANUARY 11 Classic Film Series: Casablanca An all-star supporting cast headed by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman navigate their way through tormented love and political intrigue in this classic among classics, Casablanca. A “Best Picture” winner containing some of the most memorable dialogue in cinematic history, come see this epic film with glorious sound on the big screen.

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale Time: 7:00 pm More Info: rosendaletheatre.org

JANUARY 12-13 Robert Burke Warren’s David Bowie Birthday Bash Robert Burke Warren brings his much-beloved annual David Bowie Birthday Bash back to Colony Woodstock, where it all began. With an-always exciting list of special guests, RBW and his cohorts deliver an evening of Bowie music spanning the icon’s entire career: 1969’s Space Oddity, selections from his 70s heyday, “Serious Moonlight”-era cuts, tunes from 2016’s Blackstar, and a few surprises. This celebratory event showcases Bowie’s many musical guises, his timeless sound and vision.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

JANUARY 12-14 JAM-uary Weekend Calling all pickers! Learn to jam with hands-on instruction in rhythm, lead, harmony singing, and bluegrass repertoire with lead instructor Austin Scelzo and more staff tba.

Location: The Ashokan Center 477 Beaverkill Rd, Olivebridge More Info: ashokancenter.org

JANUARY 13

JANUARY 14-MARCH 17

Southbound Renegade at the Main Bar Come apres with us at the Main Bar with Southbound Renegade!

Location: Main Bar at Hunter Mountain Resort, 64 Klein Avenue, Hunter Time: 3:00 pm More Info: huntermtn.com

Creative Journaling This is your chance to unleash your imagination, have fun, and connect with your inner artist. In this supportive and encouraging class you will learn various journaling techniques and prompts to spark your personal creativity. Explore different art mediums such as drawing, painting, collage, and mixed media.

Location: Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts, 34 Big Hollow Road, Maplecrest Day & Time: Sundays, 10:00 am-12:00 pm More Info: catskillmtn.org

JANUARY 13-MARCH 1 Windham Arts Alliance presents Whiteout As winter in the Catskills approaches and the mountains turn from gray to a blanket of sparkling white, we wonder how artists will interpret what they see in this beautiful environment. Each artist has been asked to find their own motivation and create a work of art that inspires them. These works can be a landscape, abstraction, still life, or an object, or anything that catches the artist’s spirit and creativity. Nick Spinetti, a Windham Ashland Jewett graduate, will be performing at the opening from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

Location: Main Street Community Center, 5494 Main Street, Windham Opening Reception: January 13, 1:00-4:00 pm More Info: mainstreetcenter.org

Kids Clay Camp: Ages 6-11 During this fun class, which builds on our World-Famous Summer Art Explorers program, students will learn various hand-building techniques using clay, glaze, and firing to make those wonderous characters and things that live in their hypersonic imaginations.

Location: Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts, 34 Big Hollow Road, Maplecrest Day & Time: Sundays, 11:00 am-12:30 pm More Info: catskillmtn.org

JANUARY 13-MARCH 16 Hand-building With Clay During this exciting course, students will learn a variety of processes, tools, and approaches to realizing form. There will be demonstrations of pinch, coil, and slab techniques, firings, and ample time to pursue individual work in our beautiful, friendly studio.

Location: Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts, 34 Big Hollow Road, Maplecrest Day & Time: Saturdays, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm More Info: catskillmtn.org

JANUARY 14 Hark at the Main Bar Come apres with us at the Main Bar with Hark!

Location: Main Bar at Hunter Mountain Resort, 64 Klein Avenue, Hunter Time: 3:00 pm More Info: huntermtn.com

The Many Sides of Bob Dylan The Many Sides Of Bob Dylan is a career spanning tribute performed by members of Near Dead Experience (a Grateful Dead cover project) and Philosophers (the original project of songwriter Phil Radiotes). Delve deep into Dylan’s catalog with the band as they blend folky and jammy elements together to bring a fresh sound to these important songs.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

Ceramics Open Studio During this fun class, which builds on our World-Famous Summer Art Explorers program, students will learn various hand-building techniques using clay, glaze, and firing to make those wonderous characters and things that live in their hypersonic imaginations.

Location: Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts, 34 Big Hollow Road, Maplecrest Day & Time: Sundays 8:00 am-10:30 am, Wednesdays 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturdays 5:00 pm-9:00 pm More Info: catskillmtn.org Introduction to Wheel-throwing Pottery: Your Journey Begins Students will learn how to prepare clay and, using the potter’s wheel, create tableware shapes.

There will be demonstrations, individual attention, discussions about ceramic’s rich history, glazing, and firing.

Location: Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts, 34 Big Hollow Road, Maplecrest Day & Time: Sundays, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm More Info: catskillmtn.org Painting & Drawing Learn basic drawing and painting techniques, including composition, color theory, and shading. Experiment with different styles and approaches, from realism to abstract.

Location: Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts, 34 Big Hollow Road, Maplecrest Day & Time: Sundays, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm More Info: catskillmtn.org

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JANUARY 20

Magic City Hippies Winter Tour Miami’s alt-pop psych-funk party starters have graced stages across the planet, from packed night clubs, to sold out concert halls, to earning performances at Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, and Lollapalooza, catering to those simply looking to escape with a welcoming, never-haughty, yet delightfully naughty, thwap.

Location: Levon Helm Studios, 160 Plochmann Lane, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: levonhelm.com

The Refrigerators at the Main Bar Come apres with us at the Main Bar with The Refrigerators!

Location: Main Bar at Hunter Mountain Resort, 64 Klein Avenue, Hunter Time: 3:00 pm More Info: huntermtn.com Photo by Brady Cooling

Neighbor With a diverse catalog of hundreds of songs, the musical juggernaut Neighbor has become one of the most exciting and unpredictable live bands on the music scene today.

Location: Levon Helm Studios, 160 Plochmann Lane, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: levonhelm.com

JANUARY 18 Hunter x Wild Honey Pie Pizza Party #2 New this year, Hunter collabs with the Wild Honey Pie to bring a new, intimate musical event to the mountain with more entertainment to follow after the Main Bar closes. This event consists of music at the Main Bar at 2:30pm and is open to all guests during the day. After 6pm, this turns in to a ticketed event in the evening on-site (location TBD) where Paulie Gee’s Pizza truck from Brooklyn will be serving up slices with even more entertainment.

Location: Hunter Mountain Resort, 64 Klein Avenue, Hunter More Info: huntermtn.com

Ilana Glazer Live!

Ilana Glazer is a creator and comedian who co-created and co-starred in the critically acclaimed series Broad City. Her debut stand-up comedy special, The Planet Is Burning is on Amazon Prime, and her film False Positive which she co-wrote and starred in, was produced by A24 and available on Hulu. She was also cast in the film Rough Night and The Afterparty for Apple TV+.

Location: Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston Time: 8:00 pm More Info: bardavon.org

JANUARY 19 Spin Cycle Lava w/ Andalusion and Geezer SCL is a Hudson Valley NY act that delivers songs of Fire Despair and Corruption with a mighty and revelatory feel to their music. Their high energy shows is led by the drive of Billera’s unique vocals and alter ego “The Clayman” who—while painted in make up from waist to head—paces the stage blowing fire to the sonic tapestries created by the band.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

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The Hallowed Haggis: A Robert Burns Celebration Come push against the darkness, and join us for a seriously silly celebration of the words and song of the Ploughman Poet, Robert Burns.

Indulge your whimsy, and join in the revelry as we enjoy the smoky taste of great whiskey, the play of candlelight against silver, the wail of the bagpipes, the Spillian Haggis Games, and a great feast of the Hallowed Haggis… Hilarity will ensue.

Location: Spillian, 50 Fleischmanns Heights Road, Fleischmanns More Info & To Register: spillian.com bubly Tubing Glow Party Join us to celebrate our new bubly branded Tube Park with DJ Pat Del on the bubly deck, giveaways, bubbles, lights and lots of glow swag!

Location: Tube Park at Hunter Mountain Resort, 64 Klein Avenue, Hunter Time: 4:00-7:00 pm More Info: huntermtn.com Woodstock Symphony Orchestra: “Dreaming by the Fireside” WSO Artistic Director, Mina Kim, conducts a program that includes Liszt: Les Preludes, Coleridge-Taylor: Ballade for Orchestra, Debussy: Afternoon of a Faun, and Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture.

Location: Woodstock Playhouse, 103 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock Time: 7:30 pm More Info: woodstockplayhouse.org The Mountain Jam Band: Allman Brothers Tribute The Mountain Jam Band is an Allman Brothers tribute band comprised of some of the most talented musicians in the tri-state area. MJB has become known for recreating the live Allman Brothers experience through signature guitar licks mixed with extended improvisational jams.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

Saturday Creature Features Presents: The War of the Worlds (1953) The Martians have landed! Give up all hope!

Gene Barry, Ann Robinson and a terrific supporting cast star in the original film adaptation of the greatest alien invasion challenge the Earth has ever faced! The Special Effects Academy Award winner for 1953, The War of the Worlds remains a powerful Sci-Fi spectacle as the Martian spaceships crisscross the Earth in their effort to obliterate humanity from the face of the planet. Come join us for this all-time Sci-Fi alien invasion classic with FULL THEATRE SOUND on the BIG SCREEN! Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale Time: 9:30 pm More Info: rosendaletheatre.org

JANUARY 21 Todd Adelman: Western Soul CD release party w/ The Woodsmen & Justin Tracy Todd Adelman’s new record, the forthcoming 2024 release Western Soul, his 7th release, is a fourteen-song prescription for what ails The American Dream. It’s as if Adelman has checked the vitals, extracted a little blood and scrutinized our diet of political chaos, rampant illness and overwhelming violence and recommended something honest and straight from the gut.

Western Soul is a batch of songs borne right out of the American Songwriting Tradition. Anhomage and a tribute to all those great records we know and love and feel like have been with us from the start.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 7:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

JANUARY 23 It is Wild and Untamed: Descriptions of the Land and its Original Stewards with Heather Bruegl Words that have been used to describe the land—wild, untamed, savage—have also been used to describe the land’s original inhabitants.

Hear the perspective of this accomplished decolonial scholar about the use of these stereotypes of Indigenous peoples. Heather Bruegl is a citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and a first line descendant of Stockbridge Munsee.

Heather is the former Director of Education at Forge Project in Taghkanic, NY and travels frequently to present on Native American history, including policy and activism. Currently, she is the Curator of Civic and Political Engagement at the Henry Ford in Dearborn, MI. Admission is FREE, but registration is required. Zoom link will be e-mailed a few days before the program.

Location: Online, via Zoom. Sponsored by the Mountain Top Arboretum, 4 Maude Adams Road, Tannersville Time: 6:30 pm More Info: mtarboretum.org

JANUARY 25 Regina Bonelli: New York Blues Hall of Fame Artist Regina Bonelli is a tour de force singer, keyboard player and songwriter bringing blues, rock and soul together with power and sensitivity which listeners, DJs, critics and live audiences love. Her three albums of original material have topped U.S. and international blues/soul charts including Europe, the U.K. and Australia, gained widespread radio airplay and frequently appear on the B.B. King Bluesville Sirius XM channel.

Along the way and she’s earned a reputation for blockbuster live performances and bringing audiences to their feet.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

JANUARY 27 Oakley Day Save the date and join us slopeside on Main Street as Oakley joins us for the day to test gear and more!

Location: Hunter Mountain Resort, 64 Klein Avenue, Hunter More Info: huntermtn.com Animal Tracking in the Snow with Dan Yacobellis Join experienced tracker Dan Yacobellis as we explore habitats within the Arboretum to find animal tracks and clues that reveal a wealth of information about local wildlife. Dan will teach us to identify animals by their tracks, recognize scat and other animal signs, and recognize animal gaits and patterns. We will be able to piece together stories from the information that we

gather and gain an insight into these animals’ lives. All are welcome—beginners and experienced trackers alike! (Dress in more layers than you would for a regular hike and be sure to wear proper footwear- we will alternate between levels of moderate exertion and periods of standing still while discussing tracks). Please note: this is a family-friendly program, but we recommend bringing children age 10 and up, due to the amount of walking involved.

Location: Mountain Top Arboretum, 4 Maude Adams Road, Tannersville Time: Two sessions: 10:00 am & 12:30 pm Admission: $10 suggested donation for nonmembers, $0 for members More Info: mtarboretum.org

The Winter Wonder Games: A Frosted Festival for Misfits Come and join in on a most excellent winter fest, led by our friend the magical Will Soter, who knows the Catskills with a rich and delightful intimacy. We’ll compete with fire and fire water, play in the snow, explore Spillian’s forests, feast on a dinner worthy of the forest king, and wind up the evening with bonfires and s’mores in Spillian’s meadow. Space is limited, so make your reservations early!

Location: Spillian, 50 Fleischmanns Heights Road, Fleischmanns More Info & To Register: spillian.com

Watercolor Landscapes with Celia Buchanan This workshop pushes the frontiers of conventional watercolor painting by incorporating synthetic paper and bold abstract composition. You will learn the fundamental philosophies of watercolor painting and how to apply those onto non-traditional surfaces. Techniques covered will include color blending, brush techniques, and composition. All materials will be supplied.

Pre-registration is required.

Location: Headwaters Art Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford Time: 11:00 am-4:00 pm More Info: roxburyartsgroup.org

Aigul Akhmetshina

Met HD: Bizet’s Carmen Acclaimed English director Carrie Cracknell makes her Met debut, reinvigorating the classic story of deadly passion with a staging that moves the action to the present day, amid a band of human traffickers. Mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina leads a powerhouse quartet of stars in the touchstone role of the irresistible femme fatale, alongside tenor Piotr Beczała as Carmen’s lover Don José, soprano Angel Blue as the devoted Micaëla, and bass-baritone Kyle Ketelsen as the swaggering Escamillo. Daniele Rustioni conducts Bizet’s heart-pounding score.

Location: Broadcast simultaneously at Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston and Bardavon, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie Time: 1:00 pm More Info: bardavon.org Third Rail at the Main Bar Come apres with us at the Main Bar with Third Rail!

Location: Main Bar at Hunter Mountain Resort, 64 Klein Avenue, Hunter Time: 3:00 pm More Info: huntermtn.com Dylan LeBlanc Dylan LeBlanc is engaging and soft-spoken in person, yet his striking new album Renegade reflects the power of his live show—one that he simply describes as rock ‘n’ roll. While the album was recorded in just 10 days and tracked in three, the intensity of the project marks the culmination of more than a decade on the road.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

FEBRUARY 2-3 Maude Adams Theater Hub Presents The Rocky Horror Show The Greatest Love Story Ever Told? Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show, live on stage, returns to the Orpheum for two nights only. Great night for a date night! Costumes Encouraged!

Location: Orpheum Performing Arts Centeer, 6050 Main Street, Tannersville Time: Friday @ 7:30 pm, Saturday @ 4:00 pm & 7:30 pm More Info: catskillmtn.org

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2024 PERFORMING ARTS SEASON LayeRhythm January 6

Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo February 24

JANUARY

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LayeRhythm Saturday, January 6 @ 7:30pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Kick off the New Year with a play-based jam session of freestyle live music, dance, and audience interaction that will get you off your feet. Celebrating the vibrancy of street and club dance cultures, LayeRhythm, led by Mai Lé Hô, weaves singular improvisations by musicians, dancers, and emcees, captivating the young and old, from theater to club goers by embodying the continuum of concert and social dance.

Maude Adams Theater Hub presents The Rocky Horror Show Friday, February 2 @ 7:30pm Saturday, February 3 @ 4:00pm & 7:30pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center The Greatest Love Story Ever Told? Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show, live on stage, returns to the Orpheum for two nights only. Great night for a date night! Costumes Encouraged!

“[LayeRhythm is a] brew of partying and performing that unfolds as a series of interactive sessions in which suggestions from the crowd beget songs and steps. Imagine an improv comedy show where dancing, not laughs, is the currency.

Then imagine a musicians’ jam session where the band is compelled to keep the dancers’ pace instead of the other way around. [...] [W]hat’s distinct about LayeRhythm is the way it bridges the two groups with crowd participation” —The New York Times Presented in partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim.

LayeRhythm will go straight from Catskill Mountain Foundation to the Works & Process Underground Uptown Dance Festival at Lincoln Center.

The Maude Adams Theater Hub is a community-centric performance arts program of the Catskill Mountain Foundation dedicated to finding, supporting, and creating opportunities for experiencing the joys of theater. MATH produced 11 shows in its first year in addition to creating MATHarts to offer a range of theater arts learning opportunities for youth and adults in our community.

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Maude Adams Theater Hub presents V-Season February 14-18 Doctorow Center for the Arts V Season is Back! An amazing weekend of three plays that amuse, inspire, and maybe even move you to tears. Grab a friend and join MATH for this annual series of staged readings.

2/14 & 2/16 @ 7:00pm: The Women by Clare Boothe Luce 2/15 & 2/17 @ 7:00pm: God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza 2/17 & 2/18 @ 2:00pm: The Gin Game by Donald L. Coburn Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo LIVE Saturday, February 24 @ 3:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Get ready for the ultimate playdate—65 million years in the making—as Erth’s DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE guides your family on a breathtaking tour that begins in pre-historic Australia. You’ll observe, meet and interact with an eye-popping collection of amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures presented in a theatrical performance that will thrill and entertain kids while stimulating their imaginations in ways that will forever connect them to their world. Brought to life by a team of skilled performers and puppeteers, and designed with the help of professional paleontologists, Erth’s DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE’s puppets are so extraordinarily realistic you may feel the urge to run and hide—but don’t! Because you won’t want to miss a minute of this fun, unique, entertaining and educational live show created by Erth Visual & Physical of Sydney, Australia. While it may indeed have been 65 million years in the making, we think you’ll agree, it’s well worth the wait.

Danu March 2

Photo: John D. Kelly

MARCH Danú “Traditional Music from Ireland” Saturday, March 2 @ 7:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Hailing from historic County Waterford, Danú is one of the leading traditional Irish ensembles of today. Their standing room only concerts throughout Ireland are true events featuring high-energy performances and a glorious mix of ancient Irish music and new repertoire.

Repertoire is announced from the stage and includes hornpipes, reels, and traditional favorites like “The Foggy Dew,” “Ten Thousand Miles,” and “Mo Ghile Mear.”

360 All-Stars Saturday, March 9 @ 7:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Ladies of Hip Hop March 30

new writings, music, and movement spanning dance styles from African, to waacking, vogue, Hip-hop, and house; all curated under the direction of Michele Byrd-McPhee.

“Each woman’s voice stands powerfully on its own.”

—Dance Enthusiast SpeakMyMind was commissioned by Works & Process, developed in Works & Process LaunchPAD residencies at Bethany Arts Community (2022, 2023, and 2024) and Catskill Mountain Foundation (2022), and Office Hours Residency at The Kennedy Center (2023) with performances at the Guggenheim Museum, Jacob’s Pillow, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the National Gallery of Art, SummerStage, Dancers Responding to AIDS Hudson Valley Dance Festival, and New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

SpeakMyMind is a 2023 New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project grantee, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Foundation and Mellon Foundation.

“BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics, drumming and more!”The most thrilling stage show ever.”

—Weekend Notes ★★★★★ “Blindingly talented. The energy is infectious” —Broadway Baby ★★★★★ A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 ALLSTARS connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus. Boasting a stellar international cast of World Champion and World Record-holding athletes and artists, 360 ALLSTARS is a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture.

Ladies of Hip Hop The Black Dancing Bodies – SpeakMyMind Saturday, March 30 @ 7:00 pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Part of an ongoing performance and documentary effort focused on Black women in street and club dance culture, this session of Black Dancing Bodies continues to explore the power of the choreopoem; first coined in 1975 by writer Ntozake Shange (for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf); Each member of the collective responds to the question, “If I could speak my mind, what would I say?” In this world premiere, experience

CMF Partnerships with Works & Process at the Guggenheim and The Joyce Theater Over this past year, CMF has forged a partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim and The Joyce Theater Foundation to support the work of dance artists through residencies and performances at CMF’s facilities in Hunter and Tannersville, NY. The partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim continues in 2024 with dance groups LayeRhythm, Ladies of Hip Hop and a performance by dancers from New York City Ballet in July. Through The Joyce Theater Foundation, two dance companies will be selected to conduct residencies and perform at CMF’s Orpheum Performing Arts Center in 2024. It is a distinct honor and pleasure to work with these two nationally recognized dance organizations to help dance artists advance their work and connect to new rural audiences. Please visit our website, www.catskillmtn.org for updates on these exciting events.

January 2024 • GUIDE 77

APRIL

JULY

Maude Adams Theater Hub presents Stupid F*ing Bird by Aaron Posner Friday, April 5 & Saturday, April 6 @ 7:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

OMNY Taiko Drummers Saturday, July 6 @ 6:30pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Sunday, July 7 @ 2:00pm Windham Civic Center

April in Paris Joanne Polk, piano Jeffrey Langford, lecture Saturday, April 13 @ 2:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

Catskill Mountain Foundation Benefit Dinner Friday, July 12 Red Barn Stars from the New York City Ballet Saturday, July 13 @ 7:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center

MAY Trailblazing Women of Country: From Patsy to Loretta to Dolly Saturday, May 4 @ 7:00 pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Camille Brown Dance Saturday, May 11 @ 7:00 pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center FREE

Orpheum Dance Program Community Ballet Class Annual Recital Saturday, May 18 @ 2:00 pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Maude Adams Theater Hub Comedy Show Saturday, May 18 Doctorow Center for the Arts

ACADEMY OF FORTEPIANO PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL Workshop on Maintaining Historical Pianos, Harpsichords & Clavichords May 23-25 Piano Performance Museum Doctorow Center for the Arts Visit: academyfortepiano.org Directors: Masayuki Maki and Richard Hester 2024 AFP Workshop May 25-June 8 Faculty Concert Sunday, May 26 @ 7:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Fortepiano Student Concert I Sunday, June 2 @ 3:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Chamber Music Student Concert 2 Friday, June 7 @ 7:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

JUNE Woven Currents FREE Yi-heng Yang, piano Judd Weisberg, Woven Currents projected prints And live drawing on stage Saturday, June 22 @ 1:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts, Cinema I 78 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

Catskill Mountain Shakespeare presents a Main Stage Production July 2024 Under the Big Tent behind the Red Barn Village of Hunter Horton-By-The-Stream: Celebrating 30 Years!

Harrison, Texas: The Work of Horton Foote Saturdays and Sundays July 20, 21 & 27, 28 @ 2:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Benefit Performance with wine and cheese Saturday July 27 @ 8:00pm National Dance Institute: The Living Environment Saturday, July 20 @ 7:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center

AUGUST HUNTER INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL August 1 - August 10 Hunter International Music Festival Faculty Concert Friday, August 9 @ 7:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Guest Artist Concert - The Lysander Trio Saturday, August 10 @ 7:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Music Salon @ HIMF Sunday, August 4 @ 7:00pm Red Barn Recital Hall Young Artists Concert Series Tuesday, August 6 @ 7:00pm Wednesday, August 7 @ 7:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Student Chamber Music Performances Thursday, August 8 @ 7:00pm Friday, August 9 @ 4:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

Some Enchanted Evening November 16

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Ballet Orpheum Dance Program Victoria Rinaldi, Director Featuring dancers from Joffrey Ballet School New York, Saturday, August 3 @ 2:00 & 7:00pm Sunday, August 4 @ 2:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra Robert Manno, Music Director Music of Tchaikovsky, Scott Joplin & Robert Manno Robert Manno, conductor Melissa Wimbish, soprano Andrew Garland, baritone Saturday, August 17 @ 7:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center

SEPTEMBER Maude Adams Theater Hub Production September 26-28 Doctorow Center for the Arts

OUR VENUES

Some Enchanted Evening Benny Benack III and Stella Katherine Cole Saturday, November 16 @ 7:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Twelfth Night Ensemble Yi-heng Yang, fortepiano and Aquila Theatre Saturday, November 30 @ 7:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

Maude Adams Theater Hub Summer Musical Thursday-Saturday, August 8-10 Orpheum Performing Arts Center

The Moss Ensemble Darcy Dunn, Marshall Coid and Mary Wooten Saturday, August 24 @ 7:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER The Nutcracker Ballet Orpheum Dance Program Victoria Rinaldi, Director Featuring Dancers from Joffrey Ballet School New York, Aquila Theatre and Orpheum Dance Program Student Dancers SIX PERFORMANCES Saturday, December 7 @ 2:00 & 7:00pm Sunday, December 8 @ 2:00pm Saturday, December 14 @ 2:00 & 7:00pm Sunday, December 15 @ 2:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Maude Adams Theater Hub Holiday Show Friday, December 20 Orpheum Performing Arts Center

DOCTOROW CENTER FOR THE ARTS 7971 MAIN STREET HUNTER, NY 12442

ORPHEUM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 6050 MAIN STREET TANNERSVILLE, NY 12485

Tickets now on sale! Visit www.catskillmtn.org

January 2024 • GUIDE 79

2024 WINTER COURSES FOR ADULTS & KIDS INTRODUCTION TO WHEEL-THROWING POTTERY: YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS

FOR KIDS KIDS CLAY & ART CAMP WEEKLY CLASS (AGES 6-11) January 14 – March 17, 2024 Sundays, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm.

Fee: $150 (includes all materials, tools, and firings) Forget watching Sunday morning cartoons.

No couch potatoes here. This winter, Sugar Maples offers kids the opportunity to make their own cartoons … or other things from their imaginations! During this fun class, which builds on our world-famous Summer Art Explorers program, students will learn various hand-building techniques using clay, glaze, and firing to make those wondrous characters and things that live in their hypersonic imaginations. Come get messy and learn about the amazing world of ceramics, pots, and making stuff with your talented hands!

CERAMICS CERAMICS OPEN STUDIO January 14 – March 17 Sundays, 8:00 am – 10:30 am Wednesdays, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturdays, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Fee: $280 (includes 25 lbs. stoneware and firing) + $40 Registration Fee Sugar Maples Center for the Creative Arts has a beautiful ceramics studio, the best equipped studio in the Mountain Top region.

If you’re a potter or sculptor working with clay, come enjoy working at your own pace on your ideas and visions. There will be bisque firings, cone 6 oxidation firings, and one cone 10 soda firing at the conclusion of the course. This opportunity is for makers who have a knowledge of the ceramics processes with which they need to continue to develop their ‘voice.’

January 14 – March 17 Sundays, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Fee: $280 (includes 25 lbs. clay and firing) + $40 Registration Fee There are many reasons that making pottery on the wheel has become so popular.

Making pots gets us more in touch with our elemental ‘selves’. Fashioning pots with our hands, and minds, serves our desire to create and realize our imaginations. The farm-totable movement has made us more aware of the relationship between locally grown foods and handmade wares. We aim to celebrate this relationship by offering an introductory course to making pots. Students will learn how to prepare clay and, using the potter’s wheel, create tableware shapes. There will be demonstrations, individual attention, discussions about ceramic’s rich history, glazing, and firing. We can’t guarantee your pots will make an appearance at your next feast, but it’s worth a try!

HAND-BUILDING WITH CLAY January 13 – March 16 Saturdays, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Fee: $280 (includes 25 lbs. clay and firing) + $40 Registration Fee Using clay to create pottery, sculpture, architectural and other forms, reaches back as far in time as 28,000 years ago when the first paleolithic Venus figurines were sculpted.

From the magnificent, Native American pots to modern day tilework, sculptures, and functional vessels, hand-building processes have played an important role in artists’ abilities to express their imaginations and cultures through this most malleable medium. During this exciting course, students will learn a variety of processes, tools, and approaches to realizing form. There will be demonstrations of pinch, coil, and slab techniques, firings, and ample time to pursue individual work in our beautiful, friendly studio.

2D PROGRAM CREATIVE JOURNALING January 14 – March 17 Sundays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Fee: $120 + $40 Registration Fee Are you looking for a way to express yourself creatively, de-stress, and explore your inner world? Join our 10-week Creative Journaling class and discover the transformative power of journaling combined with art. This is your chance to unleash your imagination, have fun, and connect with your inner artist.

In this supportive and encouraging class you will learn various journaling techniques and prompts to spark your personal creativity.

Explore different art mediums such as drawing, painting, collage, and mixed media in our beautiful, light filled studios.

PAINTING & DRAWING January 14 – March 17 Sundays, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Fee: $170 + $40 Registration Fee Embark on a journey of artistic discovery.

This is your chance to learn the fundamentals of these mediums, explore various techniques, and create stunning works of art. You will receive a solid foundation in which to explore your artistic potential and develop your artistic voice and self-confidence. In this class you will learn basic drawing and painting techniques, including composition, color theory, and shading. Experiment with different styles and approaches, from realism to abstract in our beautiful light filled studios.

34 Big Hollow Road | Maplecrest, NY 12454 www.catskillmtn.org On Instagram: @sugarmaples_art_center 80 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide Register TODAY at catskillmtn.org

SNEAK PEEK! SUMMER 2024 WORKSHOPS & PROGRAMS Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts is excited to announce our Summer 2024 workshops, which will offer a variety of opportunities for students to learn from some of the leading artists in the world. Our program offers something for everyone, from beginners to experienced artists.

We are committed to helping students unleash their creativity, develop their artistic skills, and feel welcome in our vibrant Catskill community. Here’s a sneak peek at just a few of the exciting workshops and programs we’ll be offering: Creative Exercises in Ceramics for Educators and Teachers with Bill Griffith

Hitomi Shibata

This workshop is designed for teachers and artists who want to learn new and creative ways to incorporate ceramics into their curriculums or studio practice.

Bill Griffith, a renowned educator and artist, will share his many and varied exercises and techniques.

Basketry with Cael Chappell

ADULT PROGRAMS

Join us for an immersive basket weaving workshop with award winning weaver. This hands-on experience will take you on a creative journey, where you’ll learn the art of twined basketry. This is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of artisanal craftsmanship.

Wild Clay with Takuro and Hitomi Shibata Explore the natural world of clay in this workshop based on the Shibatas’ book, Wild Clay. Learn how to locate, prospect, and prepare clay so you can use it to create unique and expressive ceramics.

Natural Dye Workshop with Patricia Miranda Discover the beauty of natural dyes in this hands-on workshop. Learn how to extract dyes from plants and other natural materials and use them to create vibrant and colorful paintings and other art objects.

Firing the New Tunnel Kiln at Sugar Maples with Ben Owens Join us for a special workshop with Ben Owens, one of America’s leading ceramic artists. Learn how to fire your work in the new Sugar Maples Train kiln and create stunning woodfired pieces.

Paper Cutting with Rosa Leff Learn the art of paper cutting from this renowned and gifted artist. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to use tools and techniques to create exquisite works of art from paper.

YOUTH PROGRAMS Art Explorers July 15 – August 16, 2024 Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm This year’s theme is What’s YOUR Superpower? Our Art Explorers experience the Catskills’ natural environment, looking to the flora and fauna of our ancient mountains for inspiration every day. They learn fun new techniques for drawing, painting, and collage to cultivate their creativity, collaborative skills, and identify what THEIR special superpower is! Lots of free fun time in the great outdoors.

MATHarts Theater Explorers (a division of Maude Adams Theater Hub) July 5 – August 16, 2024 Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 4:00pm Theater Explorers returns in August with a two-week intensive seminar that covers all the bases of theatrical performance and presentation. Learn how to build sets and costumes, write, and develop a script, and work with your friends to put on a show that your audiences are sure to remember forever!

These are just a few of the many exciting workshops and programs we’re offering this summer.

To learn more and register, please visit our website in January 2024 at www.catskillmtn.org/sugar-maples-center-for-creative-arts/ January 2024 • GUIDE 81

PLEASE DONATE TO THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION!

Your support matters and makes everything we do possible!

EACH YEAR, THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION • Presents and hosts more than 20 performances and lectures.

• Operates the Catskill Mountain Foundation Gift Shop, featuring a curated selection of books and gifts from around the Region and the world.

• Offers free or subsidized arts programs that are enjoyed by hundreds of local children.

• Hosts arts residencies bringing many artists to our community for extended stays.

• Publishes the monthly Guide magazine, distributed throughout the Catskill Region, and in Albany.

• Is the home of the Piano Performance Museum, a rare collection of historic playable pianos.

• Runs a dozen studio arts programs, with students from around the U.S. • Shows more than 100 films on our three screens in Hunter.

YES! I would like to help the Catskill Mountain Foundation in its mission to bring the arts to the Mountaintop

Please accept my donation of: $ All donors are listed in our playbills and receive our weekly e-mail updates.

Scan to make a donation online!

q Primary Address Name 1: Name 2 (if joint membership): Address: City:

State:

Zip:

State:

Zip:

E-mail: Phone:

q Secondary Address Address: City: q Check if this is a new address.

Please make your check payable to: Catskill Mountain Foundation PO Box 924 • Hunter, NY 12442 Become an “Angel of the Arts”: Make this a monthly gift I would like to donate $__________ monthly. q Check Enclosed Card #

q Visa q Mastercard

Exp. Date

CVV

q AmEx Billing Zip Code

Signature You may be able to double your contribution if you work for or are retired from a company that has a matching gift program.

To make your match, simply obtain a form from your company’s Matching Gift Coordinator and send it along with your contribution.

Catskill Mountain Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. All gifts are tax deductible as allowable by law.

Questions/More Information: Call 518 263 2001

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The MOUNTAIN CINEMA Open Friday-Sunday

Showing the best of Hollywood & Independent films DOCTOROW CENTER FOR THE ARTS 7971 Main Street Village of Hunter

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE PLEASE visit catskillmtn.org or call 518 263 4702 in advance.

Shows open on Friday & run through Sunday.

Ticket Prices: $11 / $9 seniors & children under 11 View each week’s schedule and view trailers for our films online at www.catskillmtn.org • We strongly encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance.

Please visit www.catskillmtn.org and click on the film you’d like to see to choose your showing and reserve your seat!

www.catskillmtn.org • 518 263 4702

January 2024 • GUIDE 83

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January 2024 • GUIDE 3