January 2025: Ski the Catskills

Catskill Mountain Region

GUIDE

JANUARY 2025 COMPLIMENTARY issuu.com/ catskillmtnregionguide

ski the catskills!

ON AND OFF THE SLOPES Attractions | Outdoor Recreation | Dining | Lodging Shopping | Real Estate | Services … And More!

January 2025 • GUIDE 1

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January 2025 • GUIDE 3

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8 FINE ART AUCTION IN WINDHAM:

Supporting the Heart of Our Community

by Sadhbh Lavery

10 WINTER FUN IN NEW YORK’S

IN THIS ISSUE

SULLIVAN CATSKILLS

COVER

14 CATSKILL REGION SKI AREAS ARE

READY FOR THE 2024/25 SKI SEASON!

18 BELLEAYRE MOUNTAIN

Belleayre Stats Celebrating 75 Years at Belleayre The Team at Belleayre Mountain

22 WINDHAM MOUNTAIN CLUB

Windham Mountain Club Stats What’s New at Windham Mountain Club The Team at Windham Mountain Club

26 HUNTER MOUNTAIN STATS 27 PLATTEKILL MOUNTAIN STATS 28 BELLEAYRE MOUNTAIN CELEBRATES 75 YEARS

by Diane Munro

32 ADAPTIVE SPORTS FOUNDATION 35 CATSKILLS PAST: A Man of Business

by T.M. Bradshaw

38 OFF THE SLOPES

Photo by Marc Bryan-Brown

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60 Maude Adams Theater Hub presents THE THIRD ANNUAL V SEASON

62 ULSTER COUNTY: Your Gateway to Catskills Adventures

64 A GREENE COUNTY GARDEN IN JANUARY: Bumblebees

by Margaret Donsbach Tomlinson

66 A FRESH START IN

THE CATSKILL MOUNTAINS:

by Greg Madden January 2025 • GUIDE 5

70 THE GREAT OUTDOORS

by Jeff Senterman

76 SUGAR MAPLES CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS 2025 WINTER COURSES

77 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 82 CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION

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2025 PERFORMING ARTS SEASON MOUNTAIN CINEMA INDEPENDENT FILM SERIES

90 DONATE TO THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION

91 SUGAR MAPLES CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS 2025 SNEAK PEEK

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92 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

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VOLUME 40, NUMBER 1 January 2025 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 Adaptive Sports Foundation, Belleayre Mountain, T.M. Bradshaw, Brave the Flames, Marc Bryan-Brown, Francis X. Driscoll, Hiker Trash Husbands, Hunter Mountain, Sadhbh Lavery, Greg Madden, Maude Adams Theater Hub, Minnewaska State Park\ Preserve, Diane Munro, Plattekill Mountain, Jeff Senterman, SKI NY, Sullivan County Visitor’s Association, Margaret Donsbach Tomlinson, Ulster County Tourism, and Windham Mountain Club.

ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE Candy McKee Tyleane Benjamin, Hillary Morse & Ashley Olney PRINTING Catskill Mountain Printing Services

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DISTRIBUTION Catskill Mountain Foundation EDITORIAL DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: January 6 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 7,500 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 2025 • GUIDE 7

The Main Street Community Center is a tremendous resource for the people who live in and around Windham.

Fine Art Auction in Windham Supporting the Heart of Our Community

By Sadhbh Lavery Building Community Together at the Main Street Community Center

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ark your calendars for an evening of art, community, and giving back at the Fine Art Auction at the Main Street Community Center in Windham on Saturday, February 8. The event promises to be a delightful experience for art enthusiasts and community supporters alike, while directly benefiting the programs that uplift our mountaintop neighbors, including those most in need.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 5:00 pm, providing guests the opportunity to mingle, enjoy delicious cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and preview the incredible selection of fine art up for auction. The auction itself will commence at 6:00 pm, offering attendees the chance to take home beautiful pieces while directly contributing to the impactful work of the Main Street Community Center.

Tickets are available now and can be purchased at the Community Center or online at mainstreetcenter.org. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate art and community under one roof.

The Main Street Community Center is more than a space; it’s the heart of our community. Since opening its doors, it has 8 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

become a beacon of connection, education, and creativity for people of all ages. From after-school programs for children to social events for seniors, the center serves as a lifeline for many, ensuring no one in our mountaintop region is left behind. Every dollar raised from this event will go directly toward maintaining and expanding the center’s programs, ensuring that it remains a vital resource for all.

This auction also provides local artists a chance to demonstrate their support for the center’s mission. Their contributions reflect the deep bond between the arts and community-building, showcasing the talent and generosity within our region.

If you’re unable to join us on February 8, you can still support the community center’s efforts. Send your tax-deductible donation to: Main Street Community Center, P.O. Box 714, Windham, NY 12496 Together, we can ensure the Main Street Community Center continues to thrive as a gathering place, learning hub, and support system for all our neighbors. Let’s rally around this essential resource and show why community truly matters.

January 2025 • GUIDE 9

Holiday Mountain Ski & Fun Park

WINTER FUN IN NEW YORK’S SULLIVAN CATSKILLS W

hether you’re a winter warrior or a winterphobe, New York’s Sullivan Catskills is for you and offers a mix of cold-weather fun or indoor relaxation just 90 minutes from New York City.

Winter here can be exhilarating, relaxing, or both. A great way to embrace winter and chill out is by spending a few days at the newly opened Driftwood Ranch Resort. Located in White Lake, just a few miles from Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, this Montana-style horse and cattle ranch (currently in a soft-opening phase) offers you all the trapping of a Western lifestyle without the travel time. You can go horseback riding or hiking and watch daily life on the ranch unfold as cowboys care for livestock and train horses. You can even feed the longhorns. Cowboy owner Steve Dubrovsky tells us they love bagels! Accommodations include rustic, luxurious, and spacious suites with modern conveniences suitable for remote work.

Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park—now under new ownership of the Taylor family, long-time skiers, and local business owners—offers all-new trails, chairlifts, a learning center, and 12 snow tubing lanes. Long-term plans include 17 ski and snowboarding trails and a mountain of family adventure every season.

Ice fishing is a popular pastime when the lakes and ponds freeze over. Layer up in moisture-wicking clothing, including a 10 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

warm jacket, gloves, a hat, and insulated pants. Don’t forget your ice auger to drill holes and a set of tip-ups to drop your fishing line in the water. Most importantly, make sure the ice is at least four inches thick. Weather conditions permitting, don’t miss the popular King of the Ice contest on White Lake in February.

Put on a set of snowshoes to get your heart rate pumping on the trails. Trailkeeper.org can help you find trails that are suitable for various fitness levels. Another popular activity is eagle-watching on the shores of the Upper Delaware River. Up to 200 eagles winter here. The Sullivan Catskills Dove Trail is worth a tour in winter. The trail honors the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair held in Bethel and features 75+ handpainted dove sculptures. During your tour, you can stop in the quaint downtowns and at the craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries on the award-winning Good Taste Beverage Trail.

There’s always Catskill-icious food. Some have live music, and one includes a trek up picturesque Beer Mountain.

If winter is a time for soul searching, introspection, and selfcare, or you just hate the cold, this area, long known as a haven for well-being, boasts wellness resorts, fitness centers, yoga and pilates studios, massage therapists, and naturalists.

Hemlock Neversink is a Foster Supply Hospitality project (Kenoza Hall, The DeBruce, and The Arnold House). The facility

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King of the Ice contest, held each February on White Lake

sits on a 230-acre property, once called the New Age Health Spa. The reimagined 33-room facility beckons guests to experience Catskills restoration with an all-inclusive experience that includes access to 12 treatment rooms, a meadow-view gym, an indoor pool, hot tubs, saunas, a steam room, a sun deck, and a relaxation room. There are outdoor tennis courts and a goat sanctuary on the property to connect and engage with the animals. Outdoor trails are plentiful, and creative crafts and workshops promise rejuvenation and self-discovery. Mindful, healthy eating is at the core of Hemlock’s restaurant, Bittersweet. Says co-founder Kirsten Foster, “Our vision of wellness isn’t about achieving perfection.

It’s about achieving happiness, having fun, and feeling restored.”

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There are many options for health and wellness in the Sullivan Catskills—pamper yourself at Awana Spa at Resorts World Catskills or the Hemlock Spa at Kenoza Hall, or find wellbeing at The Chi Hive Studio in Narrowsburg, Mountaindale Yoga & Wellness, The Yoga Space, Somewhere in Time Retreat, Jurni Healing in Cochecton, or the Salt Cave at Crystal Connection.

There’s great family fun to cure your cabin fever at the Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark where it’s always a balmy 84 degrees inside to enjoy the water rides and waterslides. There’s also arcades, 3D gaming, and virtual reality. There are 324 suites and eight dining options. Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center— with a fine selection of rooms and suites— features an indoor pool, game room, sports complex, bowling alley, bounce houses, and racquetball. Or try downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. There are nearly a dozen dining options and cocktail lounges.

Roscoe Mountain House is planning a bevy of winter activities.

Check their website, RoscoeMountainClub.com, for updates.

Interested in a romantic couple’s winter escape? Consider a boutique inn. Many are located near the hip towns of Narrowsburg, Callicoon, Livingston Manor, Roscoe, and Mountaindale including Kenoza Hall, The Boarding House at Seminary Hill Cidery, The Stickett Inn, Chatwal Lodge, and Callicoon Hills.

Plan to spend the weekend or take advantage of a discounted mid-week visit. For details on a cozy winter getaway, visit SullivanCatskills.com.

The Catskill Mountain Foundation, in partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim, presents

Princess Lockerooo and the Fabulous Waack Dancers with a Dance Battle!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 @ 7:00PM Get moving in the New Year with Princess Lockerooo, hailed by The New York Times as the “Queen of Waacking.” Direct from performing on Dancing With the Stars: Soul Train Night, and following a sold out performance with Works & Process at Lincoln Center, Princess Lockerooo will share the history of Waacking, teach a mini lesson, and her company The Fabulous Waack Dancers will perform culminating in a dance battle, all before headlining the Guggenheim Rotunda as part of the Works & Process Underground Uptown Dance Festival.

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. Princess Lockerooo and The Fabulous Waack Dancers will go straight from Catskill Mountain Foundation to the Works & Process Underground Uptown Dance Festival at Lincoln Center.

January 2025 • GUIDE 13

Photo courtesy of Windham Mountain Club

Catskill Region Ski Areas are Ready for the 2024-25 Ski Season!

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ki areas in New York have made a ton of upgrades focusing on improving snowmaking and installing or upgrading lifts at the ski area. They will be continuing work while the snowflakes fly too. Here’s a summary of what’s new at ski areas in the Catskills and Hudson Valley.

Belleayre Mountain, Highmount, NY Belleayre has been adding automation to their slopes with 20 fully automated SMI Polecat fan guns on one of their popular trails, Dot Nebel. This upgrade will let them produce more snow in less time and effort as they can fine-tune each gun remotely based on the conditions it reads at their position. They also replaced 30,000 feet of snowmaking pipe this past summer too.

Belleayre has renovated their Discovery Lodge by adding over 28,000 square feet to the facility. They are putting in a new rental center with the second floor featuring more open seating. They have added restrooms, expanded their kitchen and serving area as well.

On the mountain they put in a new novice learning area near their gondola that will feature a conveyor lift with a mellow consistent grade for first time skiers and boarders. This area will also be open for the entire season as it is located on top of the mountain. They have also added a maintenance garage for the gondola cabins at the top terminal for easier servicing.

Find out more about Belleayre Mountain at belleayre.com.

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Catamount Resort, Hillsdale, NY Catamount has been busy upgrading their snowmaking systems with replacing three miles of snowmaking pipe and repositioning 50 snowguns. Also, they added new snowmaking to two trails and new valve houses for the snowmaking system. Catamount also rebuilt their lift 5 with new haul rope, chairs and ramps for loading and unloading along with a control system. They also constructed a new outdoor stage for their summer concert series too.

Learn more about Catamount Resort at catamountski.com.

Holiday Mountain, Monticello, NY At Holiday Mountain they have been busy with over $5MM in improvements and upgrades this year. They have added 3 new trails with one of them—called “Hackledam”—being the steepest in the Catskills. Holiday Mountain also installed a newly rebuilt quad chair over 2,700 feet long. They have also has been working on their snowmaking systems by adding 100 HKD stick and 23 SMI tower fan guns. Also added were several HKD portable snow guns too. To go along with that they added over 6 miles of snowmaking pipe, a fourth water pump and an additional large air compressor was brought in too.

Holiday Mountain purchased a used PistenBully winch groomer too. Also added were 3 miles of fiberoptic cable for various applications and put in a new race trail with Giant Slalom races and timing to go with that. They also added lights to three

January 2025 • GUIDE 15

Left: photo courtesy of Hunter Mountain; Right: photo courtesy of Plattekill Mountain

new trails and replaced dozens of other lights to expand night skiing. Holiday Mountain put in new electrical upgrades, upgraded and re-opened parking areas and updated the learning center for “terrain-based learning” as well.

Find out more about Holiday Mountain at skiholidaymtn. com.

Hunter Mountain, Hunter, NY Hunter has put in new state-of-the-art automated snowmaking on three classic trails, Belt Parkway, Clair’s Way, and Way Out. According to Hunter Mountain this project will accelerate the resort’s ability to open terrain earlier in the season, helping to disperse skier traffic; provide greater efficiency to rebuild snow bases later in the season, particularly during periods of volatile weather; and allow for better connection of Hunter North and Hunter West more directly and earlier in the season.

Also, Hunter has put in a new high-speed, 6-person chair to replace the existing 4-person fixed-grip Broadway Lift. Designed to reduce wait times at one of the mountain’s most popular lifts while increasing uphill capacity, this new lift makes it even easier for guests to access the terrain they want. This upgrade increases uphill capacity by 55%.

Hunter has replaced their 2-person fixed-grip E lift with the 4-person fixed-grip Broadway Lift setting up the Otis Quad. This increases uphill capacity and ensuring guests have more time to learn new skills and explore terrain.

Hunter celebrates their 65th Anniversary in 2025. Hunter opened 65 years ago on January 9, 1960 with the original “B” Lift in operation. Hunter Mountain has a history of innovation and leadership in the industry, from being the first ski resort in New York to install snowmaking; to being the first in the world to feature both top-to-bottom snowmaking and have 100% coverage of the mountain; and to being the first in the U.S. to install an automated snowmaking system.

Hunter also has a commitment to zero net operating footprint by 2030. In 2023, they reached 100% renewable electricity in North America and decreased waste to landfill by nearly 6.1 million pounds enterprise-wide. From snowmaking upgrades to 16 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

new waste sorting, Hunter is further reducing emissions with energy-efficiency projects. Hunter has added sorting stations to better manage waste streams, and throughout the 24/25 winter season, Hunter will continue expanding sorting stations resort wide.

Check out more information about Hunter Mountain at huntermtn.com.

Plattekill Mountain, Plattekill, NY At Plattekill Mountain they have added a new trail called “Whiskeys Way” for intermediate skiers, for a total of 41 ski trails. They have added 13 new snowguns and 3,500 feet of new snowmaking pipe with electrical upgrades. Plattekill has added a new winch cat for snow grooming too.

Plattekill has a new online retail store for their swag with new designs and they put in new carpet in the entire lodge! They have also partnered with 37 mountains for free and discounted tickets with the purchase of a Plattekill Mountain season pass, which also includes “Platty Perks” for discounts at local businesses. Their season pass has new “Buddy Passes” for passholders to bring a friend on any Friday and Sunday for 50% off a ticket for their friend (non-holiday). Plattekill also put in new electric charging stations for guests with electric cars too.

Find out more about Plattekill Mountain at plattekill.com.

Windham Mountain Club, Windham, NY Windham Mountain Club has added several additional improvements for the 24/25 season following last year’s transformative rebranding and investments, continuing to reimagine the mountain as a world-class, year-round destination and New York’s premier public-private mountain resort and membership club.

Windham Mountain Club continues invest heavily into enhancing snowmaking capabilities including automating two of their trails, “Why Not?” and “What’s Next?.” This included 47 new snow guns on the “Why Not?” trail and 18 rebuilt and refurbished fan guns on “Warmup.” With the automation Windham Mountain Club notes that they can make snow at every available opportunity and keep the mountain in great shape.

Windham Mountain Club now has upgraded their groomers with SNOWsat LiDAR technology. They report that this system can measure snow depth up to 165 feet in front and to the side of the vehicle on a surface up to 28,000 square feet. This lets the groomer operator move snow to spots with little snow cover early on. Windham Mountain Club notes that in ensures best slope quality for the guest with enhanced productivity for groomer operator with less cost and increased work and operating safety.

Windham Mountain Club equipment tuning shop has upgraded to a state-of-the-art ski and snowboard Jupiter Wintersteiger tuning machine, a fully-automated service system as well.

Windham Mountain Club also has been working on public amenties including expansive renovations in the lobby area serving Tickets and Passes, Guest Services, and Membership/future Real Estate Sales which is known as The Lobby. Also they will be opening The Shop which is a one-stop-shopping experience offering upscale retail and performance equipment, rentals, boot fitting, demo equipment (public) as well as members-only excursions.

Windham Mountain Club also added a new casual Italian market at mid-mountain known as Rocco’s, for skiers and riders to get a grab-and-go lunch or a midafternoon glass of wine during the ski season.

Windham Mountain Club also has added Peaks, a coffee bar at the top of Windham Mountain Club which will be selling coffee, pastries and hot beverages. It’s public-facing and offers skiers sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains. They have also added

live music programming at Seasons, including the addition of Friday night après-ski music. Windham Mountain Club also has added Sushi too at their foodhall with Okami by Mr. Lee as well.

Windham Mountain Club has a partnership for members lodging during the 2024-25 ski season with The Henson, a new luxury boutique hotel in the Catskills.

For members only at Windham Mountain Club they have a state-of-the-art fitness center and a Spa and Wellness facility. A dedicated adventure concierge for personalized outdoor experiences, including year-round guided hikes and memorable summer activities such as guided horseback riding, fly fishing, and a clay shooting range are available for members. Windham Mountain Club notes that members-only dining options such as Cin Cin! which is an Italian Alps-inspired mid-mountain restaurant, and the Windham Grill are available as well.

Find out more at windhammountainclub.com.

About SKI NY 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 to promote fair legislation, develop marketing programs, create educational opportunities and enhance the public awareness of snow sports throughout the State and region. Connect with ISKINY online at iskiny.com, facebook.com/ISKINY, and instagram.com/i_ski_ny/.

January 2025 • 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.

It is recommended that tickets be purchased online in advance for a specific day(s) of planned skiing to ensure that you will have a ticket.

The availability of tickets, lessons, or rentals for purchase at the mountain is not guaranteed, and you may not be able to ski without a pre-purchased ticket.

Once you have an RFID-enabled SKI3 Card (one of our lift tickets), it can be reloaded for future visits online for convenient direct-to-lift access at any of our resorts; Belleayre, Gore, and Whiteface.

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

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS AT BELLEAYRE MOUNTAIN

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static electricity resides in the air that fills your lungs, and you can see your breath as you exhale. A magical scene of white lays before you, with the most pristine of groomed corduroy you could find within 2.5 hours of New York City. Rising through the fog that is signature to the Catskills, Belleayre Mountain in Highmount, NY has become a staple of winter recreation just a stone’s throw from New York City. Coming into its 75th year, the ski area blossomed from a small operation beloved by the hardcore snow sliding community, to a pillar for people of all ages, types, and ability levels to discover their passion for skiing and snowboarding.

Although the ski area began in 1949, Belleayre’s history with skiing goes much further back than that. Setting the stage, New York State designated the Catskill Park, land designated as “Forever Wild,” to protect the water supply that flowed down into New York City. Within the borders of the park was Belleayre. People always had an eye for the potential for the mountain, and in 1929, the first known ascent and descent of the mountain occurred, when a man from Newburgh named Maltby Shipp hiked up and skied down alongside his son.

As the ‘30s kicked off, word of blankets of powder among the trees covering the mountain’s flanks, paired with the excitement of the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, generated a flood of interest from the public to bring skiing infrastructure to the area. The ‘40s saw another influx of excitement propelled by the returning 10th Mountain Division veterans of World War II. In 1945, a bill was created to allow the state of New York to create a developed ski area that would become Belleayre.

Four years later, a crew of 135 men broke ground, building three main trails. The footprint of these efforts can be found even today on trails such as Belleayre Run. The efforts also included a summit lodge, a temporary base lodge, and more. Even back then, Belleayre pushed the limits of ski areas in New York State, as the initial construction also created a Roebling single, the very first chairlift in the state.

After a warm start to the winter season, Lieutenant Governor Joe Hanley pressed the button on January 22, 1950 to start that lift, even though there was not enough snow on the ground to ski that day. But support was there from day one, as several hundred of the 1,500 attendJanuary 2025 • GUIDE 19

ing spectators got to ride that lift. The remainder of the ‘50s saw rapid expansion, adding 12 new trails, 3 lifts, and a new permanent base lodge. The ‘60s and ‘70s saw snowmaking be introduced to Belleayre, and in 1977 the first iteration of “Lift 6” went in, replacing that first Roebling single chair, following the same path where the Belleayre Express lift stands today.

The next 20 years saw continued growth including new lifts, and even constitutional amendments that would allow the ski area to both expand and widen current trails, along with creating new ones. A rebuilding of the Pine Hill Lake after a dam broke in 1992 brought the creation of the Belleayre Beach, which to this day is tapped as a snowmaking reservoir along with bringing in year-round activities.

From 2000 and onward, Belleayre launched into the modern era. The Catskill Thunder Gondola—the first and only gondola in the Catskills—opened in 2017, completely changing the landscape of how visitors can ski and ride Belleayre. It paired with the first phase of renovation and expansion of the Discovery Lodge, bringing currentday amenities to all kinds of snow sliders on the slopes.

Since then, it has been full speed ahead with continued improvements to the skier and rider experience. A completely revamped snowmaking system now has the mountain open for winter activities six months out of the year consistently, while at the same time becoming more efficient than ever. Paired with an improved grooming machine fleet, it’s hard to find a day with poor snow conditions even when mother nature throws her worst. The new Overlook Quad that replaced the old Lift 7 Triple loaded its first passengers in November of 2023, and minutes later the very first tracks were made on the modified Goat Path trail, expanded to accommodate snowmaking and provide another intermediate level option off the summit of the mountain. From humble beginnings where people had to

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hike to ski, to the first chairlift in New York, to the current home of wintertime adventures, Belleayre has evolved into a proverbial northern star of snow-laden recreation, creating a lifetime’s worth of memories spanning multiple generations.

With a summit elevation at 3,429 feet, the longest ski and snowboard season in the region resides here. After enjoying a jam-packed opening day on November 15, snow enthusiasts can explore new terrain and possibilities into April. There is plenty to see, with over 170 skiable acres of terrain spread out over 1,404 vertical feet top to bottom. From relaxed and family-friendly beginner terrain to make your first turns on, to steep headwalls, snowencrusted tree runs seemingly out of a book, and multiple terrain parks focused on progression, skiers and riders of all kinds can find their own adventure at Belleayre. For many of Belleayre’s regular visitors, it’s difficult to imagine that it is already the mountain’s 75th anniversary. In celebration, Belleayre will be hosting a special “Winter Shine” party at the Overlook Lodge on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Coming off a record year of skier visits and season passholders, the mountain keeps its feet firmly planted in its history, while also keeping its vision focused on the future. The snowmaking is a top reason for Belleayre’s ability to be open for winter operations November to April, and the commitment continued this past summer with the installation of 30,000 feet of pipe replaced to meet modern standards, and 20 brand new automated SMI Super Polecat Fan Guns to create stellar conditions on Dot Nebel, one of Belleayre’s most frequented trails. Off the slopes, the guest experience will be reimagined when ongoing construction is completed at the Discovery Lodge, adding 28,600 square feet to the base lodge, along with reimagined dining experiences and a permanent rental center.

THE TEAM AT BELLEAYRE It takes a village to make a mountain run, and Belleayre’s staff is the heartbeat of the community that surrounds it. Here are some of the staff that you will see on the regular!

JOE MCCRACKEN When you get the privilege to stick around at the same place of employment for 25 years, you get to witness your home literally grow up and mature.

Better yet, you can be the one who orchestrates the storytelling and vision to the public. That is exactly what Joe McCracken has been able to do. Starting 25 years ago putting in snowmaking pipe as a seasonal job, he worked his way up the ladder and has been the mountain’s Marketing Manager for the past 11 years. During that time, he not only got to watch Belleayre come into itself, but has been the pulse of the mountain’s messaging. You will find Joe everywhere from talking one-on-one with guests in the Discovery Lodge about the mountain, to working with the rest of the administrative staff on “what’s next,” and strategizing not only what Belleayre will be doing, but how to convey the excitement to the public.

ASHTON GROCHOLL One of the most unique aspects of the communities that surround a ski area are the lineage of families that call them home, and Ashton Grocholl is the epitome of that. The third generation of her line to have worked at Belleayre— and the matriarch of the fourth—Ashton is now entering

her 24th season at the mountain and carries with her a deep understanding of the guest experience from start to finish. Currently serving as the Guest Services Supervisor, she finds her joy in the job serving as the proverbial shepherd for everyone coming to Belleayre, ready to help them have the best day they could possibly imagine. Whether it’s helping someone who may be having a problem scanning their lift ticket, or giving the insider’s tip on some apres ski activities, Ashton is always ready to take your “best day ever” and elevate it!

JOSH BROWN Josh “Roy” Brown has been a staple member of Belleayre’s snowsports school for 8 years now, who fell back into his love of skiing after spending a hefty amount of time pursuing a music career in New York City. Originally spending time as a “professional ski bum,” Josh got into teaching skiing as a means to help put his two kids into the mountain’s freestyle program. What he discovered, however, was a hidden passion for sharing the joy of sliding on snow, and turning the fear that some beginners may have into an opportunity for personal growth. Josh is focused on his own development as well, currently a Level II PSIA certified instructor, and working on his Level III certification. Both of his boys—who never actually ended up in that freestyle program—are on the mountain regularly freeskiing, and working as members of the mountain’s park crew and NYSEF coaching staff.

January 2025 • GUIDE 21

WINDHAM MOUNTAIN CLUB

MOUNTAIN STATS: Top Elevation: 3,100’ Vertical Rise: 1,600’ Number of Trails: 54 Trail Length: 300’–12,500’ Number of Lifts: 11 1 high-speed 6 passenger, 3 high-speed quads, 1 triple, 1 double, 5 surface Uphill capacity: 20,754 passengers per hour Total Acres: 732 Trail Acreage: 285 Snowmaking Coverage: 97% of trails Terrain Parks: 6

HOURS OF OPERATION: Weekdays: 9:00am – 4:00pm Weekends & Holidays: 8:00am – 4:00pm

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

WHAT’S NEW AT WINDHAM MOUNTAIN CLUB B

uilding upon 23/24 season enhancements, Windham Mountain Club has added several additional improvements for the 24/25 season. These enhancements aim to further elevate the experience for both members and guests, and will include the following:

m (165 ft) in front and to the side of the vehicle on a surface of up to 2,600 m² (28,000 sqft). The operator can thus respond to spots with little snow early on. This ensures that the best slope quality for the guest, enhanced productivity, enormous cost savings, conservation of resources, and increased work and operating safety.

Upgraded Snowmaking and Operations: Windham Mountain Club continues to invest heavily into enhancing snowmaking capabilities including automating trails Why Not and What’s Next?.

This upgrade included 47 new snowguns on Why Not? and 18 rebuilt and refurbished fan guns on Warmup.

Automated snowmaking technology has enabled us to continue to make snow at every available opportunity and keep the mountain in great shape.

Wintersteiger: Our tuning shop upgraded to a state-ofthe-art ski and snowboard “Jupiter” Wintersteiger tuning machine; a fully-automated service system.

SNOWsat LiDAR: Upgraded technology for inside our snow groomers. SNOWsat LiDAR measures snow depth up to 50

The Shop: A one-stop-shopping experience offering upscale retail and performance equipment, rentals, boot

Public Amenities The Lobby: Expansive renovations in Windham Mountain Club’s lobby area serving Tickets and Passes, Guest Services, and Membership/future Real Estate Sales.

January 2025 • GUIDE 23

fitting, demo equipment (public) as well as members-only excursions.

Rocco’s: Windham Mountain Club’s newest casual Italian market offers all skiers a mid-mountain location to have a grab-and-go lunch or a midafternoon glass of wine during ski season.

Peaks: Set atop the peak of Windham Mountain Club, Peaks coffee bar is located at summit during ski season selling coffee, pastries, and hot beverages. This publicfacing coffee bar effortlessly offers skiers sweeping views of the Catskills. It’s the perfect location to warm up with a beverage or meet friends before getting in a few more runs.

Expanded live music programming at Seasons including the addition of Friday nights après-ski music.

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Partnership for members’ lodging during the 2024-2025 season with The Henson, a new luxury boutique hotel in the Catskills

Members-Only Amenities A holistic wellness offering, including a Spa and Wellness facility and state-of-the-art fitness center.

A dedicated adventure concierge for personalized outdoor experiences, including year-round guided hikes and memorable summer activities such as guided horseback riding, fly fishing, and a clay shooting range Reimagined members-only dining options like Cin Cin!, an Italian Alps-inspired mid-mountain restaurant, and the Windham Grill, offering exceptional meals paired with world-class wines

THE TEAM AT WINDHAM MOUNTAIN CLUB

NILS OESTERLE Nils Oesterle has been working in rentals at Windham Mountain Club since 2005. Growing up his father was a ski patroller at the mountain, so Nils started skiing and snowboarding from a young age. This turned into a love of snowsports and the outdoors that fuels his professional life as well. Nils hopes that by outfitting every guest in the best possible equipment that they will be able to experience the same joy from hitting the slopes that he does. An avid golfer, when the snow has melted in the spring you can find Nils winning the Employee Scramble almost every Wednesday.

ED BOUILLANE Ed Bouillane and his wife, Deb, have been coming to Windham Mountain Club for 35 years. Although they had a house in the area for longer than that, it’s Windham’s family-oriented atmosphere that drew him in, which is why his two sons learned to ski on this mountain. After a 28-year

career as a Naval carrier-based aviator and later as COO and CFO of a defense contractor in Washington D.C., Ed decided to become a mountain host at WMC to help people enjoy the mountain the way he did. After two years of that, he was drawn to work at the Ski and Ride School because, as he puts it, Oscar Garcia saw him skiing every day and convinced him to switch departments and become a ski instructor. Anyone that comes to the mountain often enough will see Ed out skiing in any conditions, and he has routinely reached triple-digit days on his pass for the past several seasons.

JENNI HOGAN Jenni Hogan is the manager of Windham Mountain Kids, as well as a staff trainer. She is on the PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) development team and ACE (Advanced Children’s Educator) team. She has led the development of new training materials for the WMC kids’ seasonal programs. Jenni loves being outside with kids on the mountain and is passionate about creating connections through snow sports

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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: Weekdays 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (3:30 pm at Hunter North) Weekends & Holidays 8:30 am to 4:00 pm (3:30 pm at Hunter North) Ticket Sales window opens 30 mins prior to lift operations.

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: 41 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 through January 5, January 18-20, and February 15-23) 8:45 am-4:15 pm

SNOWTUBING: Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays 10:30 am-5:30 pm (two-hour time slots)

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

PLATTEKILL MOUNTAIN

MOUNTAIN STATS:

Left: The first chairlift in New York State at Belleayre Mountain Ski Center. Right: Family and friends of the John Munro Family return to the estate, Balmoral, after a day of skiing the hand cut trails that later became Belleayre Mountain Ski Center in the early 1940s. Second from left is a young Bob Munro, who returned to work on the Ski Patrol, as the Assistant Superintendent and later Superintendent of Belleayre Mountain Ski Center.

Belleayre Mountain Celebrates 75 Years!

By Diane Munro

T

he first official runs at Belleayre Mountain Ski Center came during the 1949-1950 ski season. Yet, the Belleayre story began well before an official “opening day.” Back in the 1930s, hard-core skiers hiked or side-stepped up the mountain to enjoy an energizing descent through the wooded trails cut over the years by an assortment of local families and visiting ski enthusiasts who saw great promise in Belleayre’s rugged terrain.

One such “local” was Bob Munro. He grew up across from the Discovery Lodge and skied the mountain with his parents, siblings and extended family more than a decade before it officially opened as a ski center. In adulthood, Bob came home to Belleayre to join the Ski Patrol, become Assistant Superintendent, and eventually the Superintendent. Bob’s life-long Belleayre connection is paralleled by the numerous multi-generational families that built Belleayre, and that have kept it humming for 75 years!

Joining the Catskill residents were “down-state” ski families. Over decades the love of skiing forged bonds between up and down staters that would prove crucial in the years ahead.

Belleayre’s story begins in the 1800’s when logging operations created concern for the protection of the watershed, leading to the designation of the area around Belleayre as “forever wild” land.

During the 1930s, the number of skiers coming to hike and ski Belleayre increased and the state Conservation Department began developing trails for recreational use and an economic benefit for Catskill communities.

The popularity of the Catskills as a ski destination continued into the early 40s. Following the war the fame of the legend28 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

ary 10th Mountain Division contributed to pressure by skiing enthusiasts for state leaders to develop Belleayre as a ski center to benefit families and skiers alike. The effort faced a challenge, as the “Forever Wild” designation blocked the tree cutting and construction necessary to build a ski center. An amendment to the NY State Constitution creating an “intensive use ski area” within the Forever Wild boundaries was ratified by New York State voters in 1947 and construction of Belleayre began.

With some trails already in place, input from the legendary ski instructor Dot Nebel helped shape the design that was further engineered by Arthur Draper, a forest ranger with the Conservation Department and the man who went on to contribute to the creation of Gore and Whiteface.

With a disappointing early snowfall in December of 1949, Belleayre opened in January of 1950, with three main trails, a temporary base lodge, cafeteria, workshop, and parking for 300.

There was a lodge at the summit, today called the Sunset Lodge.

The new Belleayre Mountain Ski Center transported skiers uphill with an electric rope tow, boasted the first chairlift in New York State and an affordable daily ticket price of $3.50. With the highest ski center summit elevation in the region at the time, Belleayre further strengthened the Catskills’ standing as a ski destination when it joined with nearby Highmount Ski Center to host the New York State Alpine Combined Championships.

One can trace the ever-changing ski industry through Belleayre’s 75 years. From opening day through the 1960s, steady expansion in trail development continued. The addition of the

January 2025 • GUIDE 29

lower area created an exceptional experience for novice skiers.

The 1970s brought snowmaking technology and a new double summit chairlift. In 1980s, two double chairlifts were installed to serve the novice area and a triple chair with a mid-station was added at the upper mountain near the original lodge site, now called the Overlook Lodge. The addition of summer sky rides was the first step in opening Belleayre to year-round visitors.

The Belleayre Faithful panicked when a challenging financial landscape led Governor Mario Cuomo’s 1984 budget proposal to include mothballing Belleayre Mountain. In response, the upstate/downstate machine kicked into gear with the creation of The Coalition to Save Belleayre led by Joe Kelly. A determined group of Belleayre skiers from within and beyond the Catskills organized. A petition was circulated and presented to the Governor bearing over 13,000 original signatures, there was a a letter writing campaign, newspaper articles, and a supportive editorial was published in The New York Post. The effort changed the Governor’s mind, and the Coalition continued its involvement with advocacy for snowmaking, trail development, and marketing improvements that jump started a flurry of investments and upgrades into the 90s. In 1990s, trails were added to the west, and two new chairlifts came to the upper mountain. The Tomahawk chair made the west side of the mountain more accessible, eliminating long hikes to the popular Deer Run trail. The Superchief Quad, soon after upgraded to a high speed detachable, proved transformative as beginner to expert skiers could access and enjoy

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trails from the summit. The 2000s brought continued expansion when the Tomahawk parking lot and the addition of the Dot Nebel trail bolstered Belleayre’s west side.

In 2012, Belleayre transferred from Department of Conservation oversight to join Gore and Whiteface Ski Resorts under the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA). The move prompted accelerated growth with the installation of the Catskill Thunder Gondola, continued trail expansion, and the addition of a skier bridge that allowed Deer Run to extend from the base of the Tomahawk chair to novice area’s Discovery Lodge. Continued updating of chairlifts and the installation of a second skier bridge near the historic Overlook Lodge now distribute skiers more evenly across the mountain. In the face of warming temperature patterns, the most transformational investment made by ORDA can be seen in the state-of-the-art snowmaking and grooming that has allowed record setting seasons in the face of reduced natural snow totals.

The history of the Central Catskills is inextricably linked to Belleayre Mountain’s past, present and future. Winter sports, the celebration of music, front country hiking with beautiful views, or weddings and other special events continue to cement Belleayre’s role as the economic and cultural driver for the region, and a key link to the NYS DOT official Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway.

Belleayre Mountain continues to grow and looks forward to welcoming you to the Mountain!

The Catskill Mountain Foundation presents

A Concert Inspired by Andalusian and Venezuelan Musical Roots

Born in Venezuela, Nella rapidly rose to international fame thanks to her powerful voice and undeniable presence.

Merging Venezuela’s folkloric roots, modern production element, and inspiration from Andalusia, Nella’s music echoes globally.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 @ 7:00PM DOCTOROW CENTER FOR THE ARTS 7971 Main Street • Hunter, NY 12442

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.

January 2025 • GUIDE 31

Photo by Marc Bryan-Brown

Adaptive Sports Foundation I

f you’ve ever skied at Windham Mountain Club in Windham, NY, you may have noticed instructors in green coats with students using equipment unfamiliar to you. What you saw was a lesson with the Adaptive Sports Foundation.

The Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) is a nonprofit organization that provides year-round sports and recreation opportunities to thousands of children and adults with both cognitive and physical disabilities and chronic illnesses. The ASF began in 1984 and has grown to be one of the biggest adaptive sports programs in the northeast, complete with its own slope-side lodge. The outdoor activities and opportunities that the ASF provide have been described by participants as “life-changing.”

Winter, Competition and Seasonal Programs The ASF’s roots are embedded in the winter months. Every weekend from December to the middle of March the ASF conducts adaptive ski and snowboard lessons. Weekday lessons become available beginning in the final week of December.

For the adaptive athletes who are more experienced on the slopes, the ASF offers a Competition Racing Program. This weekly program provides coaching, mentoring, technique development and tactics training for athletes with physical disabilities (Paralympic eligible) and intellectual disabilities (Special Olympics).

Through hard work and guided coaching, the ASF Race Team athletes earn the opportunity to participate in local, regional and national competitions.

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The organization’s Sliders program provides seasonal weekend racing programs for skiers and snowboarders whose aspirations are more recreational and social in nature. The Sliders learn how physical activity and a positive outlook impacts their health through a coordinated student-first coaching philosophy shared by the instructors.

The ASF has had several athletes come out of its winter program and compete on the national stage in the Winter Paralympics, including Caitlin Sarubbi (Vancouver 2010) and Staci Manella (Sochi 2014).

Warriors in Motion® The ASF’s Warriors in Motion® (WIM) program provides participating injured United States servicemen and women with a basic knowledge and practice of wellness all year round. Each WIM event includes adaptive sports and nutrition instruction, as well as other healthful practices such as yoga and stress reduction techniques. There are also times where the veterans can interact with one another and share their common experiences. This is an essential part of a veteran’s healing.

Each winter, the ASF stages the Bob Stubbs Warriors in Motion Winter Sports Weekend. This special event brings in wounded veterans from around the country and gives them a chance to learn a winter sport. Spring and summer WIM events include cycling, mountain biking, kayaking and hiking. Each summer event allows the veterans to get outside, exercise, relax and have fun in the Catskill Mountains.

January 2025 • GUIDE 33

IMAGES OF THE NORTHERN CATSKILLS

By Francis X. Driscoll

Photo courtesy of Adaptive Sports Foundation

Summer Programs When the snow melts, students trade in their snowboards for skateboards at the ASF’s adaptive skateboard camps. The ASF brings in professional skateboard coaches to offer its students the best training available, whether the participant is an avid skateboarder or trying the sport out for the first time.

The ASF also hosts three-day, multi-sport summer camps where participants can play team sports, hike, kayak and golf.

The campers also visit a local alpaca farm, where they can interact with and feed the serene animals.

Who says you can’t ski in the summer? The ASF has teamed up with Big SNOW American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ to teach indoor adaptive ski and snowboarding lessons during the warm summer months. Big SNOW provides an excellent learnto-ski atmosphere in a controlled climate where it’s always 28 degrees and wintery, no matter the time of year.

Volunteers Despite having less than 10 full-time employees, the ASF hosts events and programs year-round with the help of the organization’s vast network of volunteers. Without the help of these kind individuals that offer their time and efforts, the ASF wouldn’t exist.

Volunteer ski and snowboard instructors are always needed, but there are plenty of indoor duties as well, such as helping in the ASF kitchen or lending a hand in the equipment room. In the summer months, individuals can volunteer for the various WIM programs and summer camps.

Donation Events 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 34 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

As a nonprofit organization, the ASF relies on generous donations to provide these outdoor experiences for participants.

Throughout the year, the organization hosts several fundraising events and not only are these events fun to attend, but they also provide a chance for the ASF to educate its guests on what it does for the disabled community.

To Learn More If you’d like to learn more about the ASF, or if you’re interested in volunteering or donating to the organization, please visit adaptivesportsfoundation.org.

Catskills Past

Left: Young Jay Gould (right) and Hamilton Burhans, ca. 1852, Wikipedia. Right: Bain News Service, publisher, Restoration by Adam Cuerden—United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs division

a man of business

By T.M. Bradshaw

J

ason Gould was born on a 150-acre dairy farm in Roxbury on May 27, 1836. If the name seems familiar, but not quite right, it’s because you know him as Jay Gould. From his early life it was clear that he wanted to steer his own course and would do what he needed to make it happen.

He was the long-awaited son of John Burr Gould and his wife Mary More, who had five daughters already. John Gould was eager for sons to help with the work on the farm, which was described as nonproductive. But Jay was small and sickly and as he grew, showed no interest in farming.

A rapid succession of deaths plagued the family—Mary died in January 1841, months before Jay was five. John remarried that summer, only to lose his new wife, Eliza, in December. Wife number three, Mary Ann Corbin, joined the family in the spring of 1842. Daughter Nancy died later that year. Another son, Abraham, arrived in March of 1843. When Mary Ann died in 1845 the Gould daughters took over care of their two little brothers.

The family’s farm was not owned, but leased from the Hardenbergh Patent, part of a feudalistic system of enormous

land grants to individuals who received rent from the people who actually lived on and worked the land. An anti-rent movement developed, which John Gould viewed as insurrection; frequent skirmishes flared between John Gould and his neighbors.

In the spring of 1849, thirteen-year-old Jay, uninspired at the local school, wanted to attend the Hobart Academy. His father eventually relented. Jay boarded with a blacksmith in Hobart while attending the academy, earning his keep by keeping the blacksmith’s books. He walked home on weekends to visit the family.

After six months in Hobart, Jay returned home when a new teacher was hired at his old Roxbury school. With Jay having no interest in farm work, with Abraham too young to be of much help, with daughters either married or planning on doing so, John Gould decided a better option would be to make use of Jay’s natural inclinations toward more intellectual pursuits and made arrangements to swap the farm for Hamilton Burhan’s tin and stove business in town. Prior to the actual exchange of properties, Jay was sent to live with the Burhans to learn the business. He was January 2025 • GUIDE 35

Left: Frederick Burr Opper, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Right: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Monopoly in Hades--How the place will be run, two years after Jay Gould’s arrival Opper, Frederick Burr, 1857-1937, artist N.Y.: Published by Keppler & Schwarzmann, 1883 September 19.

by this time finished with the local school, but pursued his own educational interests in mathematics, engineering, and surveying.

The tin business didn’t appeal to Jay either—he was more interested in exploring new places. He secured a job with a surveyor named Snyder who was planning on mapping Ulster County. In April 1852, shortly before his sixteenth birthday, Jay took off on his new career. He soon found that Snyder’s instruction to note daily expenses—room and board at farms—in an account book for Snyder to settle later wouldn’t work, as the area farmers didn’t trust Snyder to pay. But then someone paid Jay to mark a line that the sun would strike at noon to facilitate setting the clocks.

He began paying his own expenses from the money earned marking these noon lines for others.

Snyder did prove to be bankrupt, not a first time experience for him. Since he couldn’t pay Jay and the other surveyor, Peter Brink, they took instead the rights to his map. After adding a third surveyor, Oliver Tillson, the three young men completed the job. Jay’s share from the work was $500.

Next came a job in Albany, surveying for a plank road while attending Albany Academy. Then an entrepreneurial leap—he sought subscriptions for a survey and map of Albany County, followed by one for Delaware County. He would also compile a history of Delaware County. He wrote to Colonel Zadock Pratt, asking if Pratt would commission a map of Greene County. Pratt declined but promised to keep Jay in mind.

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For the Delaware County project, Jay, now seventeen, sometimes boarded with Simon B. Champion, a young man who had started a newspaper, The Bloomville Mirror, in 1851. Champion taught him to set type. At some point Jay contributed five dollars to help expand readership of the Mirror. Now he asked Champion to campaign on behalf of the Delaware County map.

“In Delaware County the Supervisors ought to encourage it (the map) by buying maps for each of the school Districts, … I want you to give me an editorial to this effect … and for every farmer to have in his home, for every merchant and lawyer’s office … it must be as strong as it can be made and come direct from you.”

Jay had previously had dreams of attending college; Yale and Harvard were two he considered interesting possibilities. But at about this time he decided that what he really wanted was to be rich and that further formal education wasn’t necessary to reach that goal, life itself would provide the required lessons.

Gould and Pratt reconnected in 1856, Pratt hiring Jay to survey his farm and to write speeches and important letters for him, paying him very well for his efforts. Pratt had closed his Prattsville tannery, having depleted the available hemlock necessary for the process. Gould suggested Pennsylvania as a prime location for a new tannery—plenty of hemlock and the new Delaware & Lackawanna Railroad a means of bringing in pelts and shipping out finished product. Their partnership was based on Pratt’s money

The Jay Gould Memorial Church in Roxbury. Doug Kerr from Upstate New York, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

($120,000) and Gould’s energy, surveying experience, and day-today management of the project.

The settlement supporting the new tannery was soon named Gouldsboro. Pratt came to believe that his share of the profits was short and that Gould was embezzling. Gould borrowed $60,000 to buy Pratt out.

Years later, just after Gould’s death, the Delaware County Dairyman of December 16, 1892 commented on the Pratt-Gould business relationship by relating a story from the Roxbury Times.

In it, it was noted that initially Pratt had the money and Gould the [surveying] experience and “when they parted, Jay had both.”

During the Panic of 1857, which became an international financial crisis, Gould acquired a majority of the stock of the Rutland and Washington Railroad in Vermont for ten cents on the dollar. That was the start of a pattern of speculation and questionable business practices involving railroad acquisitions, political lobbying, involvement with Tammany Hall and Boss Tweed, and an attempt to corner the gold market that led to 1869’s Black Friday and months of economic turmoil that bankrupted farmers as well as Wall Street firms.

Throughout his lifetime newspapers and their cartoonists frequently skewered Gould, but there continued to be some who sang his praises, generally after receiving funds from him. Much of this was rehashed after his death on December 2, 1892. The Stamford Mirror (Champion had moved it from Bloomville in 1872) noted on December 20, 1892, “Rich people, generally, were Jay Gould’s victims, and those who were in the same business he was. He didn’t make his fortune by skinning the poor.”

Another item in the same edition picked up an item from a Kansas paper:

St. John Speaks Well of Gould Topeka, Kan., Dec. 14.—Ex.-Gov. J. P. St. John writes the following to a Kansas newspaper: “In the midst of all that is being published against Jay Gould please allow me space to say that in 1880, when settlers in Western Kansas were penniless and were threatened with starvation, I wrote to this much-abused man about it. He promptly sent me $5,000 which was invested in bread and meat for their relief.”

But most coverage after his death was more like what James Gordon Bennett of the New York Herald wrote, “He exercised a large influence over the careers of many who had commercial aspirations. That influence tended to lower the moral tone of business transactions. The example he set is a dangerous one to follow. The methods he adopted are to be avoided. His financial success, judged by the means by which it was attained, is not to be envied. HIs great wealth was purchased at too high a price. He played the game of life for keeps, and he regarded the possible ruin of thousands as a matter in which he had no concern.”

Shortly before his death, Gould promised significant financial support for a community project in his hometown of Roxbury. The Reformed Church had lost three buildings—two to high winds in 1867 and the third to fire in 1891. Gould agreed to contribute if the replacement would be made of stone. He died before being able to see the project through, but his children did.

The new building was dedicated in 1894 as the Jay Gould Memorial Church.

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

January 2025 • GUIDE 37

Photo courtesy of Ulster County Tourism

Off the Slopes ART GALLERIES Tannersville Works 6041 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 tannersvilleworks.com 518 589 4017 Tannersville Works is the leading art destination in the Northern Catskills. Immerse yourself in a unique and inspiring creative experience at our stunning gallery, dedicated to bringing the best of contemporary art to our Catskills community. Our gift shop also features a thoughtful collection of new and vintage items including, fine art, beautiful housewares, apparel, hand-crafted candles, jewelry, bespoke gifts, and so much more!

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Windham Fine Arts 5380 Main Street Windham, NY 12496 windhamfinearts.com 518 734 6850 Windham Fine Arts is a contemporary art gallery located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, at the base of Windham Mountain Club.

WFA represents more than 60 artists showcasing a diverse collection of original paintings, photography and sculptures.

The gallery offers 3,000 square feet of curated artwork exhibited in inspiring landscapes, abstracts, figuratives, Hudson River School style and more. Windham Fine Arts: 23 years in business, a gem of artistic inspiration. Custom-designed artwork by appointment. Open 12:00-5:00 pm.

ART INSTRUCTION

Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts 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, as well as year-round short courses for adults and youth in ceramics, painting, and drawing.

ATTRACTION

Photo by Jeff Langford

Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Piano Performance Museum 7971 Main Street Hunter, NY 12442 catskillmtn.org 518 263 2063 The Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Piano Performance Museum is the home of the Steven E. Greenstein Piano Collection, a one-of-a-kind collection of historic pianos and musical artifacts. A destination unlike any other in the U.S., the Piano Performance Museum offers a unique glimpse into the development of pianos in Europe and America over the past four centuries. Open on Fridays and Saturdays 11:00 am to 3:00 pm by appointment.

January 2025 • GUIDE 39

BOOKSTORE

Briars & Brambles Books Route 296 & South Street Windham, NY 12496 briarsandbramblesbooks.com 518 750 8599 Your go-to Indie Bookstore in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. Briars & Brambles Books is a dream come true for owner & 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 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 reputation 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.

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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!

FARMS & FARM PRODUCTS Pure Catskills purecatskills.com A buy local campaign developed by the Watershed Agricultural Council to improve the economic viability of the community, sustain the working landscapes of the Catskills and preserve water quality in the NYC Watershed. Pure Catskills works to promote hundreds of farm, forest and local businesses throughout the Catskill Region. Search their website for local products, or pick up a copy of the Guide to Pure Catskills Products!

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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 carry a large selection of fresh fish and seafood. Also, try our fresh made soups, salads and locally smoked fish.

Requests welcomed.

GARDEN & NURSERY

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 existing garden that needs a rejuvenation. We also have an extensive garden maintenance division to help keep your landscape and garden in pristine condition.

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HARDWARE & LUMBER

LIVE MUSIC

GNH Lumber and Home

Catskill Mountain Foundation Performing Arts

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. We offer: Lumber & Building Materials • Plumbing & Electrical Supplies • Cabinets, Countertops & Design Services • Tools, Paints, Stains & More! Discover why GNH has a reputation for highquality products and friendly customer service since 1937.

Houst Hardware 4 Mill Hill Road Woodstock, NY 12498 housthardware.com 845 679 2115 Shop local with Houst Hardware, independent and family owned for over 90 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.

Windham Hardware 5390 Main Street Windham, NY 12496 518 734 4433 General hardware, housewares, plumbing, electrical supplies, window and screen repair, paint supplies, garden supplies, and keys made. Built as a Hardware store in 1887, the Hardware has been here for the residents of Windham, and those who come to visit, for over 120 years. Windham Hardware has been in the Lawrence family for 44 years, and we’re proud to be a part of this community.

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 Get moving in the New Year with two performances in Tannersville and Hunter. On January 11, Princess Lockerooo, hailed by The New York Times as the “Queen of Waacking,” will perform with her Fabulous Waack Dancers at the Orpheum in Tannersville. Direct from performing on Dancing with the Stars: Soul Train Night, and following a sold out performance with Works & Process at Lincoln Center, Princess Lockerooo will share the history of Waacking, teach a mini lesson,, and her company The Fabulous Waack Dancers will performing culminating in a dance battle, all before headlining the Guggenheim Rotunda as part of the Works & Process Underground Uptown Dance Festival. Then on January 18 at the Doctorow Center for the Arts, see Nella: A Concert Inspired by Andalusian and Venezuelan Musical Roots. Merging Venezuela’s folkloric roots, modern production element, and inspiration from Andalusia, Nella’s music echoes globally.

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.

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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.

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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.

The Graham & Co. 80 Route 214 Phoenicia, NY 12464 thegrahamandco.com 845 688 7871 Viewed as a trailblazer in the Catskills hotel design revolution, the 20-room Phoenicia hotel recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and continues to provide lodging to guests looking for a true Catskills experience. The three-acre property has a vibe some have called, “a sophisticated summer camp for grown-ups.”

Inspired by the heritage of the Catskills, the Graham and

Co. is a modern take on the upstate getaway. The hotel is located just two blocks off Phoenicia’s main street. Close to hiking, fishing and skiing, The Graham & Co. is the perfect place to stay in all four seasons.

Windham Manor 1161 Co Rd 10 Windham, NY 12496 windhammanor.com 518 944 1448 Windham Manor is the premiere wedding and event venue in The Catskill Mountains. Our 45-acre property features The Manor House, a Victorian Estate with 12 beautiful guest suites. The property also boasts The Barn, a luxurious space which can hold 300+ guests for dinner, dancing, seminars, and other events, and two incredible outdoor ceremony spaces—The Lawn and The Enchanted Forest. Call us to set up a tour or schedule on our website!

Photo courtesy of Belleayre Mountain

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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 so that healing begins. This practice finds the root cause of any symptom-producing malady and neutralizes it, raising the body’s immune system, the key to your health. (biontology.com).

NATURAL GROCERY Sunflower Market 75 Mill Hill Road Woodstock, NY 12498 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, 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.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

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 running Friday through Sunday. Also available for rental.

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Catskill Mountain Foundation 7971 Main Street Hunter, NY 12442 catskillmtn.org 518 263 2000 Now in its 27th year, the Catskill Mountain Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization which offers a variety of programs and workshops centered on the arts. It owns and runs The Orpheum Performing Arts Center, The Doctorow Center for the Arts (which includes the Mountain Cinema, a performance space, and the Piano Performance Museum),

Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts, a Natural Agriculture farm and the Guide Magazine. The Foundation has long term partnership programs with The Joyce Theater Foundation, Works & Process at the Guggenheim, the National Dance Institute and Catskill Mountain Shakespeare, and is also home to the Hunter International Music Festival, The Academy of Fortepiano Performance, the Orpheum Dance Program, and the Maude Adams Theater Hub.

Windham Foundation windhamfoundation.org info@windhamfoundation.org 518 734 9636 Our mission is to enhance and enrich our community by providing charitable grants for historical preservation, the arts, education, recreation, and initiatives deemed to make Windham an extraordinary place to live, work, and visit. Established in 2004, the Windham Foundation is run by an allvolunteer Board. Donations are tax deductible.

Photo by Fran Driscoll, francisxdriscoll.com

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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.

PODCAST

Barry, of Chichester-based Silver Hollow Audio, a creator of podcasts, audio tours, public radio segments, and audiobooks.

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, local, and non-commercial, broadcasting from the Catskill Mountains, 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!

WRIP 97.9FM Kaatscast

kaatscast.com Free to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Kaatscast is a biweekly podcast focusing on Catskills history, community, arts & culture, sustainability, and tourism. Voted “Best Regional Podcast” two years in a row, the podcast has collaborated on programming with several regional organizations and is produced by Brett

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wripfm.com Streaming at rip979.com 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 & Hunter, 97.5 in Durham & Greenville, 103.7 in Catskill & Hudson, 104.5 in Stamford & 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!

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. 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.

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Win Morrison Realty 63 John St. Kingston, NY 12401 Additional locations in Catskill, Phoenicia, Saugerties, Windham & Woodstock winmorrisonrealty.com 845 339 9999 (Kingston) At Win Morrison Realty we listen to your wants and needs while assisting you to make them a reality. We pride ourselves on being the largest and most respected real estate company in the Hudson Valley. Whether it is a weekend retreat, mansion, land, commercial property or business, our experienced agents will assist you every step of the way. We have seven offices located throughout the Hudson Valley and a team of over 100 real estate professionals. We are members of numerous MLS (Multiple Listing Services) to serve you, from New York City to the Adirondacks.

Windstar Realty Group 5316 State Route 23 Windham, NY 12496 518 734 6600 85 Main Street Stamford, NY 12167 607 442 4000 windstarrealty.com Windstar Realty Group is a full-service Real Estate Agency serving the Greene, Columbia, Schoharie, Otsego, and Delaware County areas of NY. The Catskill region offers the perfect balance of adventure and seren50 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

ity—you owe it to yourself to choose the best team in the area to represent your real estate needs! Whether you are buying or selling a home, property, or business in the Upstate NY area, Windstar Realty Group is the agency for you!

We have the most well-rounded team in the region.

REGIONAL INFORMATION 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.

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.

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.

Sullivan County Tourism SullivanCatskills.com 1 800 882 CATS Looking for a unique getaway?

Whether you’re a winter warrior or a winterphobe, New York’s Sullivan Catskills is for you and offers a mix of cold-weather fun or indoor relaxation just 90 minutes from New York City.

Winter here can be exhilarating, relaxing, or both.

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Ulster County Tourism VisitUlsterCountyNY.com Dreaming of a destination that blends stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences? Welcome to Ulster County, where the majestic Catskills meet charming small towns. This upstate gem isn’t just a destination—it’s a way of life. Whether carving through mountain trails, exploring serene preserves, or savoring local flavors, Ulster County is exactly where you want to be. Here’s why this dynamic region should be your next adventure.

RESTAURANTS A Slice of Italy 1316 Ulster Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 asliceofitaly7115.com 845 336 7115 The finest Italian dishes, pizza, hot and cold subs, salads and more made with the freshest ingredients and served with five star customer service. 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.

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Angela’s Pizza 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. 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 full-service 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 know the formula to capture the rich flavor of your favorite Italian dishes.

Brave the Flames 6080 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 bravetheflames.com 518 718 4095 Times have changed. Restaurants need to change with them. By bringing back proper technique in food preparation. By pricing freshly made food appropriately. Brave the Flames accomplishes this through counter service of comfort food made from scratch and priced comfortably for locals ad visitors. Open Wednesday - Sunday for dine-in, take-out, and online orders from 10:30am to 9pm, with Fish Fry Friday for $13.99.

Tuesdays from 4pm to 9pm we offer our Twisted Taco menu only, which changes weekly.

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

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Gracie’s Luncheonette 969 Main Street Leeds, NY 12451 graciesny.com 518 943 9363 Diner-style burgers, fried chicken sandwich, loaded fries and donuts are our signature menu items. All of our breads, pastries and desserts are made 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 and cut our own steaks.

We also cure and smoke our own bacon, pastrami and other meats. All ingredients 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!

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 & familyrun, we love to share all the freshest foods our area has to offer! Catering is available.

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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.

Mama’s Boy Burgers 6067 Main Street (at the traffic light) Tannersville, NY 12485 Mamasboyburgers.com 518 589 6667 Established in 2015, Mama’s Boy Burgers was voted the “Best Burger Shack” in the Hudson Valley by Hudson Valley Magazine. We are all about fresh and local ingredients.

Our burgers are made from local, black Angus beef from a farm 6 miles away. Our seasonal produce comes from Story Farms, our ice cream is made in the Hudson Valley. We also offer vegetarian and vegan options. Eat In, Take Out or Order Online.

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.

Pantry on Main 6022 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 pantryonmain.com 518 589 4027 Pantry on Main is a family-owned and operated specialty food business, a one-stop-shop for all your culinary needs.

Whether it be your forever or vacation home, we have what you need to create a delicious meal. Open for breakfast and lunch with a menu that changes daily, The Pantry also offers a rotating menu of prepared foods to go as well as catering for all of your needs, whether it be a 250 person wedding or intimate dinner party we have got you covered!

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.

Phoenicia Diner 5681 State Route 28 Phoenicia, NY 12464 phoeniciadiner.com 845 688 9957 Built in 1962 and moved to the Catskills in the early 80s, the Phoenicia Diner has a long history of serving customers who are drawn to the Catskills’ natural beauty. We offer residents, weekenders and visitors fresh food sourced from Catskills and Hudson Valley farms when available. Our menu is carefully crafted to offer traditional diner favorites, sometimes with a modern twist, using seasonal and local fresh ingredients. Our venue is also a unique setting for one-of-kind events and celebrations.

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Kenco Outfitters

RETAIL Belleayre Ski Shop 22 Galli Curci Road Highmount NY 12441 belleayreskishop.com 845 254 5338 The Belleayre Ski Shop, sitting at the base of Belleayre Mountain, has been open since 1978. Current employees have 20+ years of experience in the ski industry. With a fully stocked Retail and Rental area, we can meet all your needs. Our full Retail Store has everything you need to experience a great day on the mountain.

Expert staff members are here to assist you in getting the perfect fit. However you choose to spend the day, we have you covered. Season Pass Holders receive a 10% discount on Retail purchases. Our rental fleet features Elan skis and Dalbello boots. We also offer demos on all current season skis. If you are not looking to buy but want a better ski, we offer High-Performance rentals. Need ski/board rentals? Reserve your skis ahead of time, save time!

Camp Catskill 6006 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 campcatskill.co 518 303 6050 Your destination for 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 directly 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 home decor items and gifts from around the Region and around the world. Open Friday through Sunday and holiday Mondays from 11 am to 6 pm.

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1000 Hurley Mountain Road Kingston, NY 12401 atkenco.com 845 340 0552 Our story started in 1982 with owner Bill Kennedy selling gear out of mother Libby’s station wagon with help from dad Harry, and now we have grown into over 20,000 square feet of outdoor recreation, clothing, and footwear retail. From pickleball paddles to kayak paddles, workboots to water sandals, camping gear to housewares, Kenco has a little of almost everything. If you want to get outdoors, we have you covered. Located on the corner of Route 28 and Hurley Mountain Road. We want to be your favorite store.

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.

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, offering relaxed shopping and mountain hospitality. You’ll find lots of specialty and artisan crafted foods here, from local maple syrup, honey, jams, jellies and 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 souvenirs. Our home-made delicious fudge is worth the trip!

Owner Robin Kirk’s family has owned The Nest Egg since 1968.

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING 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

awareness of snow sports in New York. SKI NY is also the sponsor of the Passport Program, which offers free skiing for your third, fourth and fifth graders with an adult purchase at select ski areas.

Windham Mountain Club 19 Resort Drive Windham, NY 12496 windhammountain.com 1 800 754 9463 Windham Mountain Club is a premier multi-generational, four-season resort in the Northeast, located in the Great Northern Catskills, two and a half hours north of New York City. In 1960, Windham started as a private club before becoming a public mountain. Boasting 285 skiable acres across 54 trails and serviced by 11 lifts (four of which are high speed), the mountain offers an award-winning Ski and Ride School, lodging, on-mountain dining, a tubing park, and world-class alpine and freestyle competition teams.

iskiny.com 315 696 6550 / 518 796 3601 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

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WELLNESS & SKIN CARE 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 at our spa.

Skin Concept 61 NY-296 Windham, NY 12496 skinconceptwindham.com 518 750 8030 Here at Skin Concept, we provide 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.

WINE & LIQUOR Olivia’s Wine & Spirits 128 South Street Windham, NY 12496 oliviaswineandspirits.com 518 750 8026 Wine connoisseur Robert Giordano has traveled the world learning about wine, and brings his vast knowledge and passion for wines from all over the world to Windham. Olivia’s Wine & Spirits 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.

Windham Wine & Liquors 5448 State Route 23 Windham, NY 12496 518 734 3474 Windham Wine & Liquors is the Mountaintop’s premier destination for the best offerings of wines and spirits since 2003. Our ever-expanding selection is sure to please every palate and price range. Let us help with your special event or gift.

Visit us at the west end of town. Open every day of the year except Christmas Day. 58 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

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.

WOODWORKING WoodLab …

From Tree to Table 5316 State Route 23 Windham, NY 12496 woodlabslabs.com 518 734 5700 Our one-of-a-kind tables incorporate the unique characteristics of Parota and Monkey Pod slabs, imported from Costa Rica. Coveted for their exotic beauty, these rare, large species wood slabs are handselected, allowing us to create family heirloom dining and office tables.

HOT CHOCOLATE Recipe courtesy of Brave the Flames, Tannersville We developed this recipe for flexibility and to give the fine residents and visitors of the Catskills the opportunity to have real Hot Chocolate. The base of this recipe is derived from Italian Hot Chocolate, French Mocha Ganache, and English (London) Chocolatier Hot Chocolate. At our restaurant this ganache is warmed and thinned for drinkability with hot steamed and foamed milk and topped with Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings. If you would like a real Mocha, the espresso is dripped into the ganache and some steamed milk to finish. It’s no secret that we also heat this up as-is to pour over our Chocolate Cherry Brownie ala Mode. We use plant based creams and milks in this recipe so that its available for all of our customers. Use either Whole Milk or your choice of Plant Based Milk to make your Hot Chocolate. Have fun, be safe and stay warm.

Be Brave, Live Bold, Eat Spicy Chocolate Ganache 4oz dark chocolate semi sweet baking chips (no dairy) 4oz box Country Crock plant cream 1/2 cup Dutch cocoa powder 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup oat milk 1/2 Tbsp. vanilla extract 1/4 tsp. salt Method: Combine cream, sugar, oat milk, cocoa powder, and water in a large sauce pan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until well blended. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips, then the vanilla and salt.

January 2025 • GUIDE 59

Maude Adams Theater Hub presents The Third Annual

V Season A Rotation of Three Great Plays Over Five Fine Days

V

Season is back and it’s hotter than ever! This year a series of thoroughly staged play readings feature classic romance Bell, Book and Candle, Neil Simon’s classic Barefoot in the Park, and a modern take on Sherlock Holmes, Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson, Apt 2B. Maude Adams Theater Hub (MATH) is thrilled to be producing V Season for the third year in a row. This series of three thoroughly staged play readings were chosen to make you laugh, cry, and contemplate the nature of human relationships. Come cozy up and escape the cold at the Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Doctorow Center for the Arts, 7971 Main Street, Hunter, NY, February 12-16. Showcasing local directors and actors, this production celebrates the season of love in all its forms. Ticket prices are $20 for an individual show, or $50 for the series. Join us on Valentine’s weekend where V-Season explores the boundaries of love in ways that surprise and delight!

MATH Creative Director Amy Scheibe said, “What began as a desire to include actors who struggle with memorization has blossomed into a miraculous event: in every aspect these performances resemble fully staged plays, except with floating scripts.

We have all the bells and whistles, and audiences love the experience.”

Barefoot in the Park kicks off the weekend at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 12. Neil Simon’s classic tale of newlyweds in a walk-up NYC apartment revels in its 1960s authenticity, yet still manages to portray young love in all its fiery romantic tumult.

Jacob Shipley, most recently seen in MATH’s Old Jews Telling Jokes returns to the Doctorow stage to play strait-laced Paul Bratter opposite newcomer Ashley Hill as his exuberant bride, Corie.

Rounding out the star-studded cast are regional fav Katrina Lantz as Mrs. Banks, the hilarious Roger Dapiran as Victor Velasco, and MATH’s stalwart professional Gary Falk as the Telephone Man. A second performance will go up on Saturday, February 15 at 7:00 pm. Directed by Amy Scheibe.

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Kate Hamill’s Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson, Apt 2B, a contemporary take on the classic sleuths, will be new to many of MATH’s followers, and they are in for a treat! Set in a post-covid era, the play follows Dr. Watson’s efforts to begin her life anew after the carnage of her professional life and ruins of her marriage.

When she stumbles into the world of Sherlock (never Shirley) Holmes, a new and hilariously vibrant world greats her with a murder mystery to solve. Patricia Charbonneau takes the reins as the beloved detective, and Cara Dantzig (director of the Holiday Spectacular and star of many MATH productions) proves a very willing foil. Rounding out the cast are Brian Flynn and Jessica Gibbons who provide endless amusement via multiple surprising and unexpected roles. Directed by Caitlin McColl.

MATH’s Valentine’s Day special this year is the 1950s romantic comedy Bell, Book and Candle by John Van Druten, one of the mid-20th century’s beloved playwrights. You may be familiar with this witchy tale as the basis of the television hit Bewitched. In this version, Gillian Holyrod, played by the alwaysdazzling Allegra Coons, is a lonely sorceress dreaming of love. She enlists the advice and support of her ditzy Aunt Queenie (newcomer Elizabeth Burdick), brother Nicky (Windham’s own Bill Solley), and Pyewacket, her “familiar” played by the always delightful Poppy Davis. In order to land her dream man—MATH’s delightful and highly versatile Brian Flynn—Gillian also casts a spell on a dusty writer, played by perennial favorite Michael McDonald. Directed by Patricia Charbonneau.

Be sure to get your tickets today at catskillmtn.org to secure your seats!

Maude Adams Theater Hub (MATH), a program of the Catskill Mountain Foundation, is a community-centric performing arts organization dedicated to finding, supporting, and creating opportunities for experiencing the joys of theater. Founded in 2022, MATH is located in Hunter, NY, and has helped develop over 20 performances since its creation.

January 2025 • GUIDE 61

ULSTER COUNTY

Your Gateway to Catskills Adventure

D

reaming of a destination that blends stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences? Welcome to Ulster County, where the majestic Catskills meet charming small towns. This upstate gem isn’t just a destination—it’s a way of life. Whether carving through mountain trails, exploring serene preserves, or savoring local flavors, Ulster County is exactly where you want to be. Here’s why this dynamic region should be your next adventure.

Belleayre Mountain: The Heart of Outdoor Adventure Nestled in the Catskills, Belleayre Mountain is Ulster County’s crown jewel for outdoor enthusiasts. With 64 trails catering to all skill levels, it’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to embrace the great outdoors. Beginners can enjoy gentle groomers, while thrill-seekers will find plenty of adrenaline-pumping black diamonds. For those who love challenging themselves, Belleayre’s terrain parks feature exciting elements for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.

The Catskill Thunder Gondola adds a touch of magic to your adventure. As you ascend, soak in breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks before carving your way down. With a vertical 62 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

drop of 1,404 feet and the region’s longest uninterrupted trail stretching over 12,000 feet, every run feels like a victory lap.

Belleayre’s atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed—perfect for families, friends, or solo adventurers. The personalized ski school programs ensure everyone, from first-timers to seasoned pros, makes the most of their visit.

Beyond the Slopes: Year-Round Bliss While Belleayre shines during the colder months, its allure doesn’t stop when the snow melts. Come spring, the mountain transforms into a hub for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic gondola rides. It’s a year-round destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

Serene Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Ulster County’s cross-country trails provide a peaceful retreat for those who prefer a slower pace. Swap the rush of downhill skiing for the tranquility of gliding through snow-dusted forests and rolling meadows. With trails that weave through the Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, and Catskill Forest Preserve, immerse yourself in nature’s stillness.

Mohonk Preserve offers over 70 miles of trails, perfect for exploring scenic woodlands and catching glimpses of the iconic Shawangunk Ridge. Minnewaska’s groomed paths lead to frozen lakes and panoramic views, offering the right mix of challenge and beauty. For those who love forging their own path, the backcountry terrain of Catskill Forest Preserve is a must-visit.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing here are not just workouts—they’re meditative experiences that connect you with the natural world.

Vibrant Culture and Pride in Ulster County

Places to Stay: Comfort Meets Charm When it’s time to unwind, Ulster County offers accommodations to suit every style and budget. Choose from rustic cabins that put you right in the heart of nature, or treat yourself to a boutique hotel with luxurious amenities. Many lodgings offer cozy fireplaces, perfect for curling up with a good book after a day of exploration.

Pro tip: Book early, especially if you’re visiting during events like the Pride Ski Weekend. Ulster’s popularity means rooms fill up fast!

Ulster County’s rich cultural scene adds a dynamic layer to your visit. One highlight? The New York State Pride Ski Weekend, happening February 7–9, 2025. This three-day extravaganza combines thrilling outdoor activities with inclusive celebrations in Kingston, one of the region’s most vibrant towns.

By day, hit Belleayre’s trails for skiing and snowboarding; by night, explore Kingston’s lively LGBTQ+ scene. Enjoy boutique shops, farm-to-table dining, and festive parties like the Après Tea, featuring DJ RVMBA spinning high-energy beats. The Pride Ski Weekend is more than just a good time—it’s a community celebration, with proceeds supporting LGBTQ+ organizations and local businesses.

Why Ulster County Should be Your Next Adventure

Discover Ulster’s Hidden Gems

Natural Escapes: Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve provide breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities for adventure.

Ulster County offers so much more than outdoor recreation.

Stroll through Kingston’s historic uptown district, where cobblestone streets lead you to eclectic shops, cozy cafés, and art galleries showcasing local talent. From handcrafted goods to vintage finds, every corner tells a story.

Foodies will love exploring the area’s thriving culinary scene.

Think locally sourced ingredients, inventive flavors, and farm-totable dining at its finest. Whether it’s a hearty meal at a familyowned diner or artisanal cocktails at a chic bar, Ulster County’s offerings are sure to delight.

For a unique experience, visit the region’s breweries and wineries. Sample craft beers and local wines while soaking in the picturesque scenery. Ulster’s warm, inviting atmosphere makes every sip even more memorable.

There’s something magical about Ulster County. It’s a place where natural beauty meets rich culture, where every adventure feels personal, and where the community welcomes you with open arms.

Whether you’re skiing down Belleayre’s iconic slopes, finding your zen on a cross-country trail, or savoring local flavors in Kingston, Ulster County invites you to create your own story.

Here’s what sets it apart: Belleayre Mountain: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities year-round.

Vibrant Towns: Kingston and other charming communities showcase Ulster’s creative spirit and warm hospitality.

Unmissable Events: The Pride Ski Weekend and other local festivals make Ulster a destination for celebration and connection.

So why wait? Pack your bags and head to Ulster County, where every moment feels like a new beginning. Whether you’re here to explore, unwind, or celebrate, this enchanting region will leave you inspired.

Adventure awaits—are you ready to answer the call? Start planning your trip today at VisitUlsterCountyNY.com January 2025 • GUIDE 63

Bumblebee and wild bergamot flower

A Greene County Garden in January: Bumblebees

By Margaret Donsbach Tomlinson

W

hat happens to bumblebees in winter? Most don’t survive. Only the queens live on, hibernating until spring.

The species we’re most likely to see in our gardens is the common eastern bumblebee (Bombus impatiens). In late fall, the queen mates with a male bee, sometimes for over an hour. The male’s sperm hardens during the mating process, becoming sturdier. As winter descends, the queen moves underground, sperm safely stored in her body. She digs a small chamber for herself in exposed soil and burrows into it to wait for spring.

In Greene County, queen bumblebees start to wake and hunt for nectar in April. Early flowering native trees and shrubs, like the eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis and other species), pussy willow (Salix discolor) and spicebush (Lindera benzoin) are among the first plants to blossom and provide nectar and pollen. Early-flowering wildflowers like Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica), golden groundsel (Packera aurea) and wild geranium (Geranium maculatum) also provide pollen and nectar.

In spring, the queen looks for a pre-existing burrow, perhaps a chipmunk burrow, and builds her nest inside. Throughout the nest, she digs honeypots—yes, that’s the scientific term, even if it does sound a bit Winnie-the-Pooh—and fills them with nectar and pollen. She will lay as many as 2,000 eggs, although only about half the hatchlings will survive to adulthood. As larvae, they feed on the nectar stored in the honeypots.

By June, adult worker bees start to leave the nest, and a couple of months later, male bees and young queens start their foraging expeditions.

The common eastern bumblebee is actually a more valuable pollinator than the non-native honeybee. Flowers in the tomato and blueberry families, for example, don’t release their pollen to honeybees. Bumblebees use a technique called “buzz pollination,” 64 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

moving their flight muscles so fast they vibrate the flower, shaking its pollen onto their bodies. Farmers are beginning to experiment with the common eastern bumblebee to pollinate greenhouse crops.

Nine species of bumblebee are native to the Hudson Valley.

The common eastern bumblebee seems secure, but several species are in decline, including the American bumblebee (Bombus pensylvanicus), once common here, and three critically imperiled species: the golden northern bumblebee (Bombus fervidus), yellow-banded bumblebee (Bombus terricola) and northern amber bumblebee (Bombus borealis). The rusty patched bumblebee (Bombus affinis) was last documented in our state 25 years ago, probably a victim of habitat loss, pesticides, climate change and competition from honeybees. It was listed as a federally endangered species in 2017. Though still found in parts of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and a few other states, its decline continues.

Gardeners can help our native bumblebees by planting the native shrubs and wildflowers they depend on. Who knows, with enough gardeners planting native pollinator gardens, maybe even the rusty patched bumblebee could return to the Hudson Valley.

Margaret Donsbach Tomlinson enjoys gardening in Catskill. She also writes a weekly Substack series, The Generous Garden, online at mtomlinson.substack.com.

Correction: In last month’s column, this tree at the Bard Arboretum was misidentified.

It is a Japanese Flowering dogwood (Cornus kousa)

January 2025 • GUIDE 65

Photo by Fran Driscoll, francisxdriscoll.com

A Fresh Start in the Catskill Mountains

By Greg Madden

Once again,

a new year is dawning and a powerful reset is upon us. The year 2025 has arrived. A time of renewal and for revitalization. Out with the old and in with the new for the newborn and father-time alike.

If last year was a good one for you then you are looking to keep doing exactly what worked for you.

On the other hand, if last year was not up to your standards and expectations, then turning the calendar gives you a fresh start to move into the early months of the fresh and unspoiled year to set a tone for the months ahead. Let’s tag along with fictitious Leah Rose and witness her exploration and inner searching transitional journey as she takes a personal inventory of her time on our planet.

T

he first snow of December left a pristine, white dusting on our Catskills like powdered sugar on a giant pastry.

Leah stood on the creaky porch of the cabin she had rented for a month, her warm and steamy breath hung visibly like a frosted sheet in the frigid air. This was it. It was her attempt at a fresh start. No phone or internet, no social media, no email, no endless cycles of burnout from the city … for a month, anyway.

Just herself, using the mountains, and the quiet she so desperately craved as a backdrop to review her life spiraling without governance to God knows where. Her decision to ascend to the Catskills to transition to the 2025 calendar wasn’t made lightly.

She had heard of all our mountains have to offer, a decision many of us who have now chosen to reside here permanently understand all too well.

For years, Leah had been spinning in the hamster wheel of her corporate job that paid quite well but left her soul parched.

Her personal relationships had slipped through her fingers as she prioritized late-night project meetings over dinner dates and phone calls. When her highly paid therapist asked her what she wanted from the next year, the answer surprised her and it was immediate. Leah stated directly, her wish was for deeper clarity of her purpose and sustainable peace, without hesitation. She wasn’t 66 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

completely sure if a month in the Catskills would solve everything, but it felt like a good place to begin.

Her cabin was modest but cozy. A single wood burning stove stood sentinel in the center of the room, surrounded by a hodge podge of random furniture that seemed to tell their own stories.

Downsized family homes, furniture from previous apartments and college dorms, oddly it all seemed to fit for now.

The aroma drifting through her dwelling smelled of pine trees and the faint scent of smoke from the previous occupant’s fires. An overflowing bookshelf near the frosted window held tattered dog-eared paperbacks and old folded maps, inviting her to dive into both imagined worlds and true life tales, and oddly they seemed to mingle and become one existence.

Leah’s first morning began with a hot oversized mug of hazelnut-flavored coffee as she stood by the window watching the sun rise, staining the snow-covered peaks in hues of pink and orange. While enjoying her beverage, she also drank in the first stirrings of something she hadn’t felt in years, she experienced both stillness and wonder simultaneously.

Later that day, she pulled on her boots and headed out to explore the woods behind the cabin. The breeze was crisp to the tip of her nose, while biting at her rosy cheeks. Fleece lined mittens

were a must. Immediately, she melted into the silence and calm that surrounded her. It was inexplicably intoxicating to her senses in a most pure and unfettered way.

Ice and snow covered the frozen ground and her steps loudly crunched along while she carefully navigated her way across rough patches. The forest’s towering pines and leafless birches left naked by the recent seasonal change were today’s welcomed companions, as opposed to New York’s stalled traffic, staff meetings and impersonal skyscrapers.

Leah found herself pausing and stopping often, just to listen.

No sirens or car horns, no bus engines, just amazing nothingness.

The wind whistled softly through the empty branches, and every so often, she caught the distant chirping of birds and the scuttle of a squirrel or chipmunk. It was her own version of 1-2-3-Red Light which she won every time on this day.

Absent within the peace of the Catskills was the distant calling of work deadlines. She wasn’t scrolling through miles of social media. She was just happily drifting temporarily in suspended animation forming her path to a life of balance, surrounded with ease and meaningful purpose. Being still and knowingly engrossing herself in the natural reset known to us all as the Catskills.

By the end of the first week, Leah had established a routine.

Mornings were for brisk and more poignant longer walks, afternoons were reserved for reading or journaling by the crackling fireplace with evenings reserved for experimenting in the tiny but utilitarian kitchen. A unique cooking space lacking the conveniences she’d collected over the years from urban big box stores or Crate and Barrel. Couriously, there was a released freedom centered in her attempt to cook spartan yet nourishing meals, old style, Catskills style.

Yummy scents filled her cozy oasis from a variety of flavorful soups and stews. Her fingers were stiff at first from lack of time to home cook meals and from not ordering take out on a daily basis, but the motions of chopping and stirring broth quickly brought her a renewed joy. Each day felt a little less like a temporary escape and more like a deliberate pause, a chance to recalibrate and reenergize her hollowed out and starving spirit.

One afternoon, while flipping through an old map she’d found in the stack of books, Leah noticed a small, hand-drawn “X” labeled “Sunset Ridge.” The name intrigued her. With no agenda other than curiosity, she packed a small bag and set out the next morning to find it. Exploring her own desires was fun and oddly peculiar for Leah. She was all in.

The hike was challenging, more than she’d anticipated. The trail was steep in areas and she had to navigate around some icy patches and fallen branches. Like her own life, she found herself struggling to keep her balance, challenged herself and climbed higher. Her body began to warm, and a sense of accomplishment and exhilaration replaced her fatigue. When she finally reached the apex, she gasped not from exhaustion, but from the vista unfolding in every direction. It was truly breathtaking. The valley below her mountain perch stretched endlessly, its patchwork of

Photo courtesy of Ulster County Tourism

snowy fields, ice covered kills and majestic evergreens standing vigilantly while glowing under the illuminating early winter sun.

Completely taken by her surroundings, Leah grounded her tired body on a large rock at the edge of the ridge, letting the beauty before her settle in her bones. She paused to contemplate that she had not only ascended to a physical height where she had a remarkable view that stretched across a handful of states, leaving her awestruck, but she had more importantly risen above the fray and noise which was her big city life.

Sitting there, with nothing but the blue sky and puffy clouds above and mother earth below, she actually realized her place in the world. She had become part of a bigger universe while reducing herself and her burdens by seeking and healing within her soul.

After a deep, cleansing breath, she was humbled by the 360-degree panorama that enveloped her, one that reminded her of her place within our vast universe. She felt a powerful connection to now being a larger part of it and not set apart from it.

Leah’s first reemergence back into populated society happened during her second week of her stay when she visited a nearby town for supplies. The local store was a perfect blending of grocery and hardware offerings. Known widely throughout the region as our general stores, they feature a charming allure of variety and a throwback to simpler times.

The narrow store aisles are navigated along creaky wooden floors and above rose towering fully stocked shelves filled with January 2025 • GUIDE 67

everything, including local honey and hand-knitted scarves.

These types of establishments are on display in several hamlets throughout the Catskills with no two alike, for these stores were constructed by families before the cookie cutter box store generation.

Leah was greeted by a man behind the counter, an older gentleman named Henry Armstrong, who welcomed her with his pleasant smile.

“You’re new around here,” he said, more observation than question.

Leah nodded. “Just here for the month. Needed a reset.”

“Good place for it,” Henry said, ringing up her purchases.

“These mountains have a way of showing you what matters. Seen it happen plenty of times.”

Henry’s words stayed with her as she drove back to her cabin.

She wondered what the mountains might reveal to her, as she pondered their apparent welcoming invitation to stay.

Leah’s revelation came on New Year’s Eve, as she sat by the fire, reflecting on the past month’s discoveries. She had spent much of her life trying to control outcomes, from her career to her personal relationships and even her image. But here, in the simplicity of the mountains, she had learned to release all she had held too tightly.

She was awakened to the clarity that peace of mind wasn’t something she could purchase, chase or force but just by slowing down and listening, well, all things are possible. Kind of like the snowflakes she had watched falling earlier that day, quiet, unique, fleeting, and beautiful. They came to visit when you were alert enough to notice them, when you took time to be with them and yourself. Be still and know…

As the new year awakened, Leah decided then and there that her time in the Catskills wouldn’t just be a temporary reprieve.

She would take the lessons she had learned, lessons about slowing down, about listening, about finding joy in the small things and take them back to her life in the bustling city. She would also carve out more time to explore more of our mountains.

As she prepared to leave, Leah left a note in the guestbook on the kitchen counter for all to bear witness to her profound and cherished rebirth.

She wrote, “Thank you for the quiet and the clarity. This little cabin and your mountains have given me what I didn’t know I needed. To whoever comes next: slow down, meditate, listen, and let the world surprise you.”

As she drove down the winding mountain road, the snowflakes began to fall again, gently coating the landscape in a fresh layer. It felt like a sign. A reminder that every day is a chance to begin again with a new and fresh coat of white, a canvas in which to create anything.

Now headed into 2025 more focused and grounded, Leah carried with her the peace and stillness of the Catskills, ready to build a life that felt less like a race and more like a journey. A promise to herself, from herself confident that she could experience stillness anywhere.

Greg Madden is a freelance writer, public relations, branding and marketing specialist who practices ancient healing modalities like Tui-Na Medical Massage and BioPhoton LightTherapy.

More at www.IlluminatingWellness.care

Sunrise over Windham. Photo by Fran Driscoll, francisxdriscoll.com

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January 2025 • GUIDE 69

The author and his husband, Moe Lemire, at the Kaaterskill Falls viewing platform last winter. Photo courtesy of hikertrashhusbands.com

THE GREAT OUTDOORS IN THE CATSKILLS By Jeff Senterman

H

ere in the Catskills, winter is off and running! As we get deeper into the winter and the coldest weather of the winter season settles across our region in January and February, local 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.

January is also the time of the year that negotiations and advocacy over New York State’s budget really start to heat up— and there’s something you can do to help ensure that the Catskill Park and its communities receive the attention and support they deserve in the budget.

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Catskill Park Trail Conditions Local recreational opportunities are always changing in the Catskill Park, and by visiting the Catskills Visitor Center’s Trail Conditions page, you can stay on top of those changes. Staff at the Visitor Center are regularly posting updates related to the Catskill Park, Catskill trails, Catskill campgrounds and camping, Catskill boating, and more at catskillstrailconditions.com.

Tips to Enjoy Outdoor Sports in the Winter Hikes, cross country ski trips, and snowshoe trips can all be fun, adventurous and beautiful in the winter, but they do require advanced 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.

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.

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.

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.

#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.

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.

Respect Others There is space for everyone and countless outdoor activities. Be kind to all who use the outdoors and nature differently.

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.

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

Learn more at LeaveNoTrace.org

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.

Make It Better We all have a responsibility to sustain the places we love. Volunteer, donate, and advocate for the outdoors.

January 2025 • GUIDE 71

Minnewaska State Park

Know how to repair snowshoe and crampon/creeper bindings so a broken binding doesn’t become an emergency deep in the woods.

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! If you’d like some extra guidance, be sure to stop by the Catskills Visitor Center in Mount Tremper where the staff can help you find adventures that fit your skill and experience levels.

Catskill Park Coalition Priorities for 2025 You Can Help Support the Catskills!

The Catskill Park Coalition represents dozens of organizations who work in and care for the Catskill Park and the surrounding 72 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

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.

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.

• Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Fund the Environmental Protection Fund at $500 million. Within the EPF, maintain existing funding lines for the Catskills including: $12 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 $400,000 in dedicated annual Catskills funding for Smart Growth Grants.

• Supporting Local Economies. Support Catskills communities by investing in projects with direct community benefits, improve cellular service, expand affordable housing in and around the Catskill Park, implement community benefits recommendations of CAG Final Report, implement Catskill Park Gateway Signage, support community trails, support Catskill Stewards Program, and implement VUMs for Kaaterskill Clove and the Formerly Trailless Peaks.

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.

Visit the Catskill Park’s Visitor Center Located at 5096 Route 28 in Mount Tremper, the Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey 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. From

The MOUNTAIN CINEMA Open Friday-Monday

Visit catskillmtn.org for complete schedule

DOCTOROW CENTER FOR THE ARTS 7971 Main Street Hunter, NY 12442

Showing the best of Hollywood & Independent films

UPCOMING FILMS MUFASA: THE LION KING

Mufasa, a cub lost and alone, meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of a group of misfits searching for their destiny. 1/3-1/5, 1/10-1/12

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3

Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance. 1/3-1/5, 1/10-1/12

BABYGIRL

A high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much-younger intern. 1/3-1/5

ANORA

Anora, a young sex worker from Brooklyn, meets and impulsively marries the son of an oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her fairytale is threatened as his parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled. 1/10-1/12

View each week’s schedule, view trailers and purchase tickets at catskillmtn.org

www.catskillmtn.org • 518 263 4702

January 2025 • GUIDE 73

to the public. If you’d like to learn more, join the mailing list or attend the next meeting, please email the Catskill Center at at cccd@catskillcenter.org with CPAC in the subject asking to be added to the mailing list.

Catskills Hiking Guides with the Hiker Trash Husbands on YouTube and the Web Looking to explore the trails of the Catskills (and beyond) before you hit the trail? My husband and I have a YouTube channel showcasing our hiking adventures in the Catskills and beyond!

You can find The Hiker Trash Husbands on YouTube at youtube. com/thehikertrashhusbands. If you’re in the Catskills and have cable provided by MTC, you can catch our videos on CatskillsAir, MTC Channel 1.

For the two of us, 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, while providing the general public with useful hiking information and guides. We love to showcase our own hiking adventures, along with other queer outdoors folks. You can learn more about our efforts, along with detailed hike descriptions and hiking guides, by visiting our website at hikertrashhusbands.com.

Give Back to the Catskills

Photo by Fran Driscoll, francisxdriscoll.com

December 1 through March 31, the CVC is open Friday through Monday from 9:30am to 4:00 pm. Visitors can get their Catskill questions answered in person, get the beautiful and useful Catskill Map and Guide, browse tourism materials, and shop at the CVC’s gift shop that includes hiking maps, regional books, 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, there are 1.5 miles of trails on the CVC’s grounds and the 80-foot tall Upper Esopus Fire Tower, offering unrivaled views of the surrounding mountains and Esopus Creek valley.

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

Catskill Park Advisory Committee The Catskill Park Advisory Committee (CPAC) was established to facilitate communication within the Park and consists of representatives from local governments and organizations chaired by the Catskill Center. Meetings are held quarterly and are open 74 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

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 www.catskillcenter.org/donate 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 in Vermont and worked for many years as an Environmental Planner in New England before coming back to the Catskills in the nonprofit sector.

January 2025 • GUIDE 75

Register TODAY at catskillmtn.org

2025 WINTER COURSES CERAMICS OPEN STUDIO JANUARY 8 – FEBRUARY 26 (8 WEEKS) Saturdays, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm • Sundays, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm • Wednesdays, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Course Fee: $250 + Lab Fee: $50 [includes 25 lbs. clay and firing] + Registration Fee: $40 Sugar Maples Center for the Creative Arts offers the best equipped studio in the Mountain Top region. If you’re a potter/sculptor working with clay, come enjoy working at your own pace on your ideas/visions. There will be bisque firings, cone 6 oxidation firings, and participation in one cone 10 soda firing at the conclusion of the course. This unique opportunity is for makers who have a knowledge of the ceramics processes with which they need to continue to develop their ‘voice.’

Additional clay is available for purchase.’

WHEEL THROWING: MAKING GREAT POTS JANUARY 12 - MARCH 2 (8 WEEKS) Sundays. 1:00pm – 4:00 pm Course Fee: $250 + Lab Fee: $50 [includes 25 lbs. clay and firing] + Registration Fee: $40 This exciting course is for folks who want to learn how to make pots on the potter’s wheel or are interested in continuing to develop skills and knowledge. Students will be taught the A to Z about preparing clay and using tools that are unique to this fascinating process of creating functional pottery. Glazing and firing techniques will be covered. There will be demonstrations, heaps of individual attention, and lots of discussions about ceramics’ rich history. Join us here in the most beautiful ceramics studio in the Catskill region! Sugar Maples is a great place to spend a winter’s day learning new skills and having fun while at it!

2D STUDIO JANUARY 12 - MARCH 2 (8 WEEKS) Sundays, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Course Fee: $250 + Lab Fee: $15 + Registration Fee: $40 Are you interested in learning/continuing to draw, paint and collage but don’t know where to start or would like to polish up your skills? This class is perfect for you! This 8-week course is designed for artists of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting your artistic journey, you’ll find inspiration and guidance in a supportive learning environment. Refine your techniques, skills and (re)discover your unique style under the guidance of experienced instructors. Expand your artistic vocabulary and develop your unique style. With a focus on individual growth, this class nurtures creativity and builds confidence.

34 Big Hollow Road | Maplecrest, NY 12454 www.catskillmtn.org On Instagram: @sugarmaples_art_center

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 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, 10:00 am-2:00 pm More Info: facebook.com/DelhiFarmersMarket/

Iyengar Yoga with Carolyn Christie The Iyengar method of learning and practicing asanas engages the mind as well as body. With breath as conditioner, the mind as the seeker, Iyengar yoga practice gives strength mobility to the body, stability to the mind. Open to all; class is for all levels. Fee payable to instructor.

Location: Bushel Collective, 106 Main St, Delhi Time: Saturdays, 10:00-11:30 am More Info: bushelcollective.org 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. By reservation only, no walk-ins. Dates and times subject to change without notice.

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

THROUGH JANUARY 5

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, 11:00 am-2:00 pm More Info: phoeniciafarmersmarket.com 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/

Holiday Invitational Exhibit plus Members’ Group Show Longyear Gallery’s fourteenth invitational show featuring the work of both Longyear Gallery members and some of their favorite guest artists working in different media.

Location: Longyear Gallery, 785 Main Street, Margaretville Gallery Hours: Friday-Sunday and holiday Mondays from 12:00-5:00 pm More Info: longyeargallery.org

THROUGH JANUARY 10 Art on the Line All art will be hung, unframed, on a line through the Community Center. All mediums accepted.

In an effort to support local artists during the holiday season and encourage the gifting of art, all works will be priced at $100.

Location: Main Street Center, 5494 County Route 23, Windham More Info: mainstreetcenter.org

THROUGH JANUARY 11 2024 Community Photo Show This annual exhibition is a celebration of creativity where photographers can show and even sell their work!

Location: Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main St, Stamford More Info: roxburyartsgroup.org

Glimpses of Our Landscape— Black and White and Color A duo-show featuring work by Amy Silberkleit and Natalie Wargin. The stark intricacies of Amy Silberkleit’s lithograph prints and the fantastical elements of Natalie Wargin’s paintings explore the magic and wonder of the forest.

Location: Roxbury Arts Center, 5025 Vega Mountain Rd, Roxbury More Info: roxburyartsgroup.org

THROUGH JANUARY 12 Character: Faces of Athens Noted portrait photographer Lynda Shenkman presents images of Athens residents in their chosen environments.

Location: Athens Cultural Center, 24 2nd St, Athens First Friday Reception: January 3, 5:00-7:00 pm More Info: athensculturalcenter.org

THROUGH JANUARY 19 a community of individuals Bushel is pleased to present “a community of individuals“, curated by guest artist HD PhelpsLipton. Inspired by bell hooks, Lipton brings together a group of seven artists in conversation with identity and community.

Location: Bushel Collective, 106 Main St, Delhi More Info: bushelcollective.org

JANUARY 1 First Day Hike Come see the amazing views of the Hudson Valley from 212 feet above the Hudson River.

Two hike distances offered – a short one to the flagpole and a longer one on a modified 360 loop trail. This hike (modified Walkway Loop) will be approximately 3.0 miles. Participants will travel along the Walkway, down the elevator, along the Hudson River, over the Mid-Hudson Bridge and back to the park via Haviland Road.

Free, leashed pets welcomed, no registration required, and fun for all ages.

Location: Walkway Over the Hudson, 87 Haviland Road, Highland Time: 11:00 am-2:00 pm More Info: 845 834 2867

January 2025 • GUIDE 77

CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION

Whirlwind: The Hudson Valley’s New Year’s Day Spoken Word/Performance Extravaganza Six hours, 110+ poets, writers and musicians from the Hudson Valley region.

Location: The Local, 16 John Street, Saugerties Time: 1:00-7:00 pm More Info: thelocalsaugerties.com

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

Kelli Baker ft. Noé Socha Kelli Baker returns to Colony for our Monthly Blues Night ft. Noé Socha on New Years Day. Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 7:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

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

“Saturday Night,” by Mireille Duchesne

JANUARY 1-31

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

78 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

A Fresh Canvas: A New Year for Art Start the new year with inspiration and possibility at our January exhibit, A Fresh Canvas: A New Year for Art. Each piece reflects the essence of stepping into new opportunities, pursuing dreams, and following your heart. Turn your resolutions into reality with new works by Mireille Duchesne as we swirl and twirl to the beat of “Saturday Night” and “Euterpe,” goddess of song and dance. Tatiana Rhinevault celebrates the exhilaration of outdoor adventure at Central Park’s ice-skating rink with her painting, “Wollman Rink.” While Loreen Oren transports us to the slopes and a snowy new year with “Blue Lift Shadows.” Reawaken your spirit with art and embrace the new year at Windham Fine Arts—Celebrating 23 years in business.

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

JANUARY 2

Polar Plunge for a Purpose Freezin’ for a Reason! Join the YMCA’s Polar Plunge for a Purpose and take an icy dip to support Membership for All, helping make YMCA programs accessible to everyone in our community. It’s a fun, freezing, and impactful way to make a difference—are you brave enough to take the plunge?

Location: Earlton Hill Campground, 594 Medway-Earlton Rd, Earlton Time: 11:00 am More Info: cdymca.org/events/polar-plungepurpose

JANUARY 4-26 Shrek: The Musical “Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek....” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue.

Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand ... and his name is Shrek.

Location: The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck Days & Times: Friday & Saturday @ 8:00 pm; Sunday @ 3:00 pm More Info: CenterforPerformingArts.org

JANUARY 5

Gus Mancini’s Sonic Soul Band Saxophone master and band leader Gus Mancini and his Sonic Soul Band come to Colony.

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

Wolfman Jack: Primal Grateful Dead Get ready to howl and groove as we celebrate the primal essence of the Grateful Dead with Wolfman Jack.

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

JANUARY 3

JANUARY 6, 13, 20 & 27

First Fridays Athens The Athens Cultural Center opens its 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 and connect with fellow art enthusiasts.

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

The World Famous Colony Open Mic Every Monday from 7 - 11pm!

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

JANUARY 8 WTF Wednesday: Bubba Ho-Tep WTF Wednesday is thrilled to present Don Coscarelli’s cult classic horror-comedy, Bubba Ho-Tep. “Elvis and JFK did not die, and today they’re roommates in an East Texas nursing home whose residents are being killed by an

ancient Egyptian Soul Sucker named Bubba Ho-Tep. I want to get that on the table at the get-go, so I can deal with the delightful wackiness of this movie, which is endearing and vulgar in about the right proportion.” – Roger Ebert. Based on prolific genre writer Joe R. Lansdale’s novella, and written and directed by Don Coscarelli (Phantasm, Beastmaster). Elvis Presley (Bruce Campbell, The Evil Dead Trilogy) and JFK (Ossie Davis, Do The Right Thing) team up to save their nursing home from a mummy.

What else is there to say? Come early for the preshow, featuring clips celebrating Elvis, Bruce Campbell, and birthdays (7:00 pm)!

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale Time: Pre-Show at 7:00 pm, Film at 7:30 pm More Info: rosendaletheatre.org

JANUARY 8 & 10 Labyrinth In honor of David Bowie and on the occasion of what would have been his 78th birthday, we proudly present Labyrinth, starring David Bowie & Jennifer Connelly and directed by Jim Henson. Frustrated with babysitting on yet another weekend night, Sarah (Jennifer Connelly), a teenager with an active imagination, summons the Goblins to take her baby stepbrother away.

When little Toby actually disappears, Sarah must follow him into a fantastical world to rescue him from the Goblin King (David Bowie). Guarding his castle is the labyrinth itself, a twisted maze of deception, populated with outrageous characters and unknown dangers. To get through it in time to save Toby, Sarah befriends the Goblins, in hopes that their loyalty isn’t just another illusion in a place where nothing is as it seems.

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale Time: Wednesday at 2:00 pm, Friday at 7:00 pm More Info: rosendaletheatre.org

JANUARY 9 Pahua Pahua blends folkloric sounds with electronic, lo-fi beats and lyrics with messages of self love and empowerment.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 7:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com Classic Film Series: The Cincinnati Kid Steve McQueen, Edward G. Robinson and a large cast of top supporting players ignite the screen in this all-time New Orleans depressionera classic! McQueen is at the top of his game as “The Cincinnati Kid” an up and coming poker player who’s scheduled to match wits with the reigning master poker player of the day Lancey Howard (Edward G. Robinson). The

film’s cinematography and score enhance the dramatic storytelling making The Cincinnati Kid a memorable cinematic experience.

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

JANUARY 10 Back 2 Mac: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac with the Tom Prettys, Tom Petty Tribute Let’s rock out to some classic hits from Fleetwood Mac & Tom Petty as tribute bands Back 2 Mac and The Tom Prettys come to Colony.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 7:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com Hot to Go: The Chappell Roan Party Hot To Go: The Chappell Roan Party is a dance party that plays music by Chappell Roan and other femme sapphic pop artists. The party is inspired by the energy of rising pop star Chappell Roan and features electro-pop anthems and fierce dance vibes.

Location: Bearsville Center, 277-297 Tinker Street, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: bearsvilletheater.com

JANUARY 11 65th Anniversary Celebration Celebrate 65 years of Hunter Mountain!

Location: Hunter Mountain, 64 Klein Avenue, Hunter More information: huntermtn.com Second Saturday Trunk Sale Shopping for a Cause! Presented by Cultivate Catskill: Come for the selling, shopping, and socializing!

Location: Greene County Water Street Parking Lot, situated behind the Greene County office building Time: 9:00 am-1:00 pm More information: cultivatecatskill.org Sound Meditation Experience with Estephanie Garcia Join us for a transformative sound meditation session that invites you to explore the healing power of crystal vibrations, somatic awareness, and conscious breathing. This unique experience is designed to help you release negative energy, reconnect with your inner peace, and illuminate your spirit with the light that surrounds you. Registration is required and there is a $10 donation.

Location: Mountain Top Arboretum, 4 Maude Adams Road, Tannersville Time: 1:00 pm More information: mtarboretum.org Winter Shine Gala Join the Party! Let’s celebrate 75 years of memories, milestones, and mountain magic!

Location: Belleayre Mountain’s Historic Overlook Lodge, 181 Galli Curci Road, Highmount Time: 6:30 pm More information: belleayre.com

Princess Lockerooo and the Fabulous Waack Dancers with a Dance Battle!

Get moving in the New Year with Princess Lockerooo, hailed by The New York Times as the “Queen of Waacking”. Direct from performing on Dancing With the Stars: Soul Train Night, and following a sold out performance with Works & Process at Lincoln Center, Princess Lockerooo will share the history of Waacking, teach a mini lesson, and her company The Fabulous Waack Dancers will perform culminating in a dance battle, all before headlining the Guggenheim Rotunda as part of the Works & Process Underground Uptown Dance Festival. In the 1970s, a dance form called waacking was born in the Black gay underground clubs of Los Angeles.

Inspired by old Hollywood films and distinguishable by its rotational arm movements, posing and emphasis on expressiveness, waacking entered the mainstream becoming a global dance phenomenon. It eventually was picked up by celebrities and even featured on tour with Diana Ross. Presented by the Catskill Mountain Foundation in partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim.

Location: Orpheum Performing Arts Center, 6050 Main Street, Tannersville Time: 7:00 pm More Info: catskillmtn.org Robert Burke Warren’s Bowie Birthday Bash ‘25 Celebrate David Bowie’s Birthday Bash ‘25 with Robert Burke Warren and guests on January 11, as we glam rock out the night!

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 7:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com Saturday Creature Feature: A Ray Harryhausen “Sword and Sandal” DOUBLE FEATURE!!

A DOUBLE FEATURE celebration of two of special effects artist Ray Harryhausen’s best known films! The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, released in 1958, is a classic fantasy adventure film starring Kerwin Mathews as Sinbad, a legendary sailor, and features a memorable performance by Kathryn Grant as the princess, Parisa. Jason and the Argonauts, released in 1963, is a landmark fantasy adventure film starring Todd Armstrong as Jason, who embarks on a perilous quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece, a symbol of kingship and authority. Come by for the fun with full theatre sound on the big screen!

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

January 2025 • GUIDE 79

Woodstock Symphony Orchestra Presents NEW HORIZONS: From Mozart to Starburst The program includes Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst, and Schumann’s Symphony No. 3. Featuring WSO Artistic Director, Mina Kim. The soloists in Mozart’s Sinfona Concertante for four winds are the principal oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and French horn of the Woodstock Symphony Orchestra; Joel Evans, Jeff Geller, Cornelia McGiver, and Lisa Q. Stach-Freitag, respectively.

Location: Woodstock Playhouse, 103 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock Time: 7:30 pm More Info: woodstockplayhouse.org Medeski, Russo and Cline The other-worldly improvisational trio of drummer Joe Russo, keyboardist John Medeski, and guitarist Nels Cline will reconnect in January 2025.

Location: Bearsville Center, 277-297 Tinker Street, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: bearsvilletheater.com

in the history of film. Remade twice by Sergio Leone and Walter Hill, this exhilarating genretwister remains one of the most influential and entertaining films of all time.

Location: Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston Time: 7:30 pm More Info: bardavon.org

JANUARY 12, 15, 17 & 18 Flow A wondrous journey, through realms natural and mystical, Flow follows a courageous cat after his home is devastated by a great flood.

Teaming up with a capybara, a lemur, a bird, and a dog to navigate a boat in search of dry land, they must rely on trust, courage, and wits to survive the perils of a newly aquatic planet.

From the boundless imagination of the awardwinning Gints Zilbalodis (Away) comes a thrilling animated spectacle as well as a profound meditation on the fragility of the environment and the spirit of friendship and community. Steeped in the soaring possibilities of visual storytelling, Flow is a feast for the senses and a treasure for the heart.

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale Time: January 12 @ 4:00 pm, January 15 @ 2:00 pm, January 17 @ 7:00 pm, January 18 @ 4:00 pm More Info: rosendaletheatre

JANUARY 16 Dar Williams. Photo by Ebru Yildiz.

Dar Williams Dar Williams is an American pop folk singersongwriter from Mount Kisco, New York.

Hendrik Hertzberg of The New Yorker has described Williams as “one of America’s very best singer-songwriters.”

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

JANUARY 11 & 25 Woodstock Farm Festival Winter Market Shop around and help support local farmers with Woodstock’s Farm Festival Winter Market!

Location: Woodstock Community Center 56 Rock City Rd (Located in Andy Lee Field), Woodstock Hours: 10:00 am–1:00 pm More Info: woodstockfarmfestival.org

JANUARY 12 Songwriters’ Circle The Songwriter’s Circle is a musical collective welcoming songwriters of all levels and genres. Our mission is to cultivate creativity, offer constructive critique (if desired), workshop ideas, showcase new work, nurture a supportive environment, exchange resources, and promote collaboration. Please RSVP to Christina at livingarchive.catskills@gmail.com.

Location: Bushel Collective, 106 Main St, Delhi Time: 11:00 am-12:30 pm More Info: bushelcollective.org

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Albert Lee w/ The Cryers Come rock out with Albert Lee at Colony with The Cryers.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 7:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision Join us and see the new feature-length documentary film chronicling the creation of the legendary Electric Lady Studios. The musical landmark had humble origins, rising from the rubble of a bankrupt Greenwich Village nightclub to become the state-of-the-art recording facility shaped by Jimi Hendrix’s vision. The first artist-owned commercial recording studio, Electric Lady Studios has since become the creative home to artists Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones, John Lennon, David Bowie, and Beyoncé, where they created the most celebrated music of all time. The film is directed

by John McDermott.

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale Time: 7:00 pm More Info: rosendaletheatre Free Movie: Yojimbo (1961) Director Akira Kurosawa’s visually stunning and darkly comic Yojimbo features the incomparable Toshiro Mifune as Sanjuro, a wily masterless samurai. To rid a terror-stricken village of corruption, Sanjuro enters a gang war between two evil clans and plays them against each other. Mifune’s ability to convey unvarnished emotion led him to be considered one of the finest actors

JANUARY 17 Cruel Summer—A Live Band Tribute To Taylor’s Eras Tour SWIFTIES! Get ready to jam out to a live band tribute to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at Cruel Summer.

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

Austin Scelzo

JANUARY 17-19 JAM-uary Weekend 2025 Do you play guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass, or dobro? Come be part of a bluegrass jam weekend with Austin Scelzo.

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

JANUARY 18 Painting and Sculpting with Wool with Kimberly Whritner Kimberly Whritner is a mixed media artist living in the Western Catskills. Her compositions include needle felted animal portraits, assemblage boxes, collage, watercolor paintings and sculptural work. She works in textiles, paints, plaster, paper mache, vintage ephemera and wool. Over the years, nature has taught her to “embrace the perfection of imperfection.”

Under Kimberly’s you’ll delve into the intricate techniques of wool painting and sculpting.

Whether you envision a delicate figurine or a bold abstract piece, you’ll gain the skills to bring your creative ideas to life.

Location: Headwaters Arts Center, 66 Main St, Stamford Time: 10:00 am-2:00 pm More Info: roxburyartsgroup.org Nella: A Concert Inspired by Andalusian and Venezuelan Roots Born in Venezuela, Nella rapidly rose to international fame thanks to her powerful voice and undeniable presence. Merging Venezuela’s folkloric roots, modern production element, and inspiration from Andalusia, Nella’s music echoes globally.

Location: Doctorow Center for the Arts, 7971 Main Street, Hunter Time: 7:00 pm More Info: catskillmtn.org

JANUARY 18, 19 & 22

JANUARY 23

Anora Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or winner Anora is an audacious, thrilling, and comedic variation on a modern day Cinderella story. Mikey Madison (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) captivates as Ani, a young sex worker from Brooklyn whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets and impulsively marries Vanya, the impetuous son of a Russian billionaire. However, when Vanya’s parents catch wind of the union, they send their henchmen to annul the marriage, setting off a wild chase through the streets of New York.

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale Time: January 18 @ 7:00 pm, January 19 @ 4:00 pm, January 22 @ 2:00 pm More Info: rosendaletheatre

Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet with Ben Goldfarb (Webinar) Some 40 million miles of roadways encircle the earth, yet we tend to regard them only as infrastructure for human convenience. While roads are so ubiquitous they’re practically invisible to us, wild animals experience them as alien forces of death and disruption. More than a million animals are killed by cars each day in the U.S. alone; creatures from antelope to salmon are losing their ability to migrate in search of food and mates; and the very noise of traffic chases songbirds from vast swaths of habitat.

Today road ecologists are seeking to blunt that destruction through innovative solutions. In his talk, Ben Goldfarb will discuss the ecological harms wrought by transportation and the movement to redress them — and how we can create a better, safer world for all living beings. Free admission; registration is required.

Location: Online, Zoom Time: 6:00 pm More information: mtarboretum.org

JANUARY 19 State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents Swan Lake Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting Dance of the Little Swans and entranced by Odile’s flawless execution of 32 fouettés. Let yourself be transported to another realm by Tchaikovsky’s celestial melodies. Immerse yourself in a world of unparalleled beauty with meticulously crafted, hand-painted sets that will take your breath away. With over 200 breathtaking costumes, this timeless masterpiece breathes new life into every intricate detail.

Suitable for audiences aged five and above, this exhilarating performance runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes, with a 20-minute intermission for rest and reflection. Book your tickets now and experience the magic of Swan Lake like never before.

Location: Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston Time: 3:00 pm More Info: bardavon.org Coffeehouse at the Theatre Randy Hulse: Sounds of Nashville Randy is a long-time dance band musician in the Delaware County area as well as a seasoned, popular soloist. He performs frequently at local events such as street fairs, farmers’ markets and town and family celebrations. In summer of 2024, Randy could be heard at Music on the Delaware’s June Porchfest and the August Walton Farmers’ Market. For fun renditions of familiar country, country-western, 50’s pop songs and sing-alongs, Randy’s coffeehouse event is sure to please everyone.

Location: Walton Theatre, 30 Gardiner Place, Walton Time: 6:00 pm More Info: musiconthedelaware.org

Independent Film Series: Variable Variable chronicles the 10 year journey of two brothers as they attempt to backcountry ski the Adirondack 46ers—a rugged collection of 46 mountains rising to 4,000ft and higher—in a quest to become the first to ski all 81 of the classic high peaks of the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains. The duo face an uphill battle skiing to the summits, navigating through complex terrain of ice, rock, thick trees, and a seesaw of harsh and unpredictable winter conditions.

Mountain Gazette called their accomplishment “a New York skiing achievement like no other.”

Location: Mountain Cinema, 7971 Main Street, Hunter Time: 6:00 pm More information: catskillmtn.org

JANUARY 24 Breakout Kings w/ Cats-Kill Musicians and AM Gold Hudson Valley’s finest hit the stage to rock the night with Breakout Kings, Cats-Kill Musicians, and AM Gold.

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

JANUARY 25 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 alter-

nate between levels of moderate exertion and periods of standing still while discussing tracks).

Please note: this is a family-friendly program, but we recommended bringing children age 10 and up, due to the amount of walking involved in the program. If you plan to attend both sessions, please register for both.

Location: Mountain Top Arboretum, 4 Maude Adams Road, Tannersville Time: Sessions at 10:00 am & 12:30 pm More information: mtarboretum.org

JANUARY 25-26 LBGTQ+ Ski & Ride Weekend LOVE A Little More. Hunter Mountain invites the LGBTQ+ community and allies for special event programming including food & beverage, musical performances, and merchandise! Come and show your Pride.

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

JANUARY 30 Spaghetti Western Series: Blindman (1971) He must rescue 50 kidnapped women from an army of desperados. Just one problem. He’s blind. Blindman (1971) is a spaghetti western noted for its unique blend of traditional western themes and unconventional storytelling. The film stars Tony Anthony as a blind gunslinger seeking the return of 50 kidnapped women from an enormous gang of outlaws. “Blindman” is characterized by its gritty tone and dark humor while the cinematography captures the rugged landscapes typical of spaghetti westerns. Come by for the fun with FULL THEATRE SOUND on the BIG SCREEN! Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale Time: 7:00 pm More Info: rosendaletheatre.org

JANUARY 31 Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes This collection explores the world of Cumbia music. The songs are intoxicatingly rhythmic, all but demanding you move your body, with arrangements that blur the lines between tradition and innovation. There are flashes of rock and roll, punk, surf, and soul, all filtered through the streets of San Francisco and wrapped up in the rich legacy of a genre that traces its roots back to the jungles of South America.

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

JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 2 Winter Hoot 2025 A winter weekend of exceptional roots music and down-home fun for all ages. Drop by for your favorite bands or activities or stay the whole weekend.

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

January 2025 • GUIDE 81

2025 PERFORMING ARTS SEASON SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 AT 7:00PM

PURCHASE TICKETS AT CATSKILLMTN.ORG Princess Lockerooo and The Fabulous Waack Dancers at Works & Process’s Underground Uptown Dance Festival at Lincoln Center on January 12, 2024.

Photo: Lawrence Sumulong

PRINCESS LOCKEROOO AND THE FABULOUS WAACK DANCERS WITH A DANCE BATTLE!

Presented in partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim.

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Nella

Get moving in the New Year with Princess Lockerooo, hailed by The New York Times as the “Queen of Waacking”. Direct from performing on Dancing With the Stars: Soul Train Night, and following a sold out performance with Works & Process at Lincoln Center, Princess Lockerooo will share the history of Waacking, teach a mini lesson, and her company The Fabulous Waack Dancers will perform culminating in a dance battle, all before headlining the Guggenheim Rotunda as part of the Works & Process Underground Uptown Dance Festival. In the 1970s, a dance form called waacking was born in the Black gay underground clubs of Los Angeles. Inspired by old Hollywood films and distinguishable by its rotational arm movements, posing and emphasis on expressiveness, waacking entered the mainstream becoming a global dance phenomenon associated with Toni Basil, performed on “Soul Train” by dancer and pioneer waacker Tyrone Proctor, Princess Lockerooo’s teacher. It eventually was picked up by celebrities and even featured on tour with Diana Ross.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 AT 7:00PM

NELLA: A CONCERT INSPIRED BY ANDALUSIAN AND VENEZUELAN MUSICAL ROOTS Doctorow Center for the Arts Born in Venezuela, Nella rapidly rose to international fame thanks to her powerful voice and undeniable presence. Merging Venezuela’s folkloric roots, modern production element, and inspiration from Andalusia, Nella’s music echoes globally.

FEBRUARY 12-16

V-SEASON Maude Adams Theater Hub Catskill Mountain Foundation

Doctorow Center for the Arts FEBRUARY 12 & 15 AT 7:00PM Barefoot in the Park by Neil Simon FEBRUARY 13 AT 7:00 PM & FEBRUARY 15 AT 2:00 PM Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B by Kate Hamill FEBRUARY 14 AT 7:00 PM & FEBRUARY 16 AT 2:00PM Bell, Book and Candle by John Van Druten V Season: What do a witch, two newlyweds, and a famous sleuth have in common? MATH’s 3rd Annual V Season: three plays that will transport you from your mid-winter blues and into small worlds of wonder.

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INTERNATIONAL FORTEPIANO SALONS ONLINE MUSIC AND IDEAS: COMING TO THE TABLE Yi-heng Yang, Maria Rose & Patricia García-Gil Hosts

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 AT 7:00PM

GLIMMERGLASS OPERA HOUSE: OPERA FAVORITES CELEBRATING GLIMMERGLASS’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY Presented in partnership with Glimmerglass Opera House.

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Streaming LIVE on Facebook and YouTube

The International Fortepiano Salon’s Spring 2025 series will explore the relationship between music, ideas, culture, and historical keyboard music, exploring how historical pianos, its music and practitioners have been carriers of culture, politics and meaning. We will be discovering unknown music, celebrating new and underrepresented voices, and having thoughtful discussions which deepen the variety and richness of the classical musical community.

Jean-Bernard Cerin

The Glimmerglass Festival—a one-of-a-kind summer destination since 1975—blends innovative, world-class opera and musical theater with a relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful lakeside setting in Cooperstown, NY, less than two hours from Tannersville.

Experience the amazing voices of Glimmerglass Festival artists in concert with Artistic & General Director Rob Ainsley in a thrilling program of opera favorites, musical theater showstoppers, and highlights from the upcoming 50th Anniversary season.

SUNDAY, MARCH 2 AT 2:00PM

THE VANISHING ELEPHANT CAHOOTS THEATER Orpheum Performing Arts Center qOn their separate paths they face many challenges – fearsome encounters, stormy seas and strange new worlds. Years in the future, Opu, now an old man, hears that world famous magician Harry Houdini will vanish an elephant, live on stage in New York City. Could it really be Janu, Opu’s old friend, so far from home?

He too must bravely make the long journey into the unknown to find out.

SATURDAY, MARCH 8 AT 2:00PM CONCERTS & CONVERSATIONS Cahoots Theater: The Vanishing Elephant.

Photo by Melissa Gordon

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 AT 2:00PM BLACK HISTORY MONTH: A PALACE OF LOVE AND POWER Guest Artist: Jean-Bernard Cerin Our February 9 Salon, held in conjunction with Black History Month, welcomes guest artist Jean-Bernard Cerin, associate professor at Cornell University and multi-faceted singer and scholar. Cerin will visit with us and present portraits and performances of 18th-20th century composers from the African Diaspora, including Ignatius Sancho, Juste Chanlatte, Eugene Descourtilz, Carmen Brouard, Joseph Bologne, and Chevalier de St. Georges, on early to modern pianos.

SUNDAY, MARCH 9 AT 2:00PM WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: SO YOU THINK YOU CAN PLAY THE HAMMERKLAVIER? DOMESTICITY AND THE KEYBOARD SUNDAY, MAY 18 AT 2:00PM ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER MONTH: SILENCE AND TRANSFORMATION www.internationalfortepianosalon.com

January 2025 • GUIDE 83

MUSIC FROM AMERICA’S GILDED AGE

SATURDAY, MARCH 29 AT 7:00PM

ANTHONY BONAMICI, FORTEPIANIST

PASSION FRUIT DANCE COMPANY: DIMENSIONS

Piano Performance Museum Doctorow Center for the Arts Anthony Bonamici will perform a series of pieces by the American composer John Knowles Paine, who was the first music professor at Harvard University. In 1861, he was appointed Harvard’s first University organist and choirmaster. At the end of the episode “A Long Ladder” (S01E04) of the HBO television series The Gilded Age, in a scene set in New York in 1882, the Boston Symphony Orchestra is shown under the composer’s direction performing Paine’s Symphony No.2. Anthony will perform on the 1824 William Geib Square Piano, the 1829 Conrad Graf Concert Grand, and the 1842 John Broadwood Semi-Grand.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22 AT 7:00PM

BALLET HISPÁNICO’S JUNIOR ENSEMBLE A PERFORMANCE OF WORKS FROM BALLET HISPÁNICO REPERTORY AND A NEW CREATION

Presented in partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim and American Dance Festival

Orpheum Performing Arts Center New York City-based Passion Fruit Dance Company brings their immersive street dance theater blend, putting into full effect the Orpheum’s recent technical upgrades. See the culmination of a technical residency for “Dimensions” prior to the work’s world premiere at American Dance Festival. Led by director and choreographer Tatiana Desardouin, don’t miss this multi-disciplinary experience featuring dance, live music, live painting, animation, body casting, and VJing, inspired by the photography of Lauriane Ogay.

SATURDAY, APRIL 5 AT 2:00PM

THE SCATTERING BY EMILY COATES

Orpheum Performing Arts Center For over five decades, Ballet Hispánico’s School of Dance has been a beacon of excellence in dance education, igniting the passion for movement in countless young artists. With a legacy spanning 54 years, the school stands as a testament to the transformative power of dance in shaping both individual lives and the broader artistic landscape. Through its dynamic curriculum meticulously crafted for the demands of today’s ever-evolving field, Ballet Hispánico’s School of Dance not only imparts technical prowess but also fosters creativity, resilience, and cultural appreciation.

Ballet Hispánico is honored to partner with the Catskill Mountain Foundation. The artists of the Junior Ensemble will be in residence for one week culminating in this exciting performance on the beautiful Orpheum stage, inspiring and entertaining audiences of all ages.

Ballet Hispánico

Presented in partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim

Orpheum Performing Arts Center Former member of the New York City Ballet, dancer and choreographer Emily Coates’s new performance project sources George Balanchine’s brief history beyond the metropolis to reflect on how the body and spirit of a choreographer scatters, living on in unexpected places, starting with his arrival in America in 1933.

Coates, working with Ain Gordon (direction and dramaturgy), Derek Lucci (performer), Charles Burnham (musician-composer), and Melvin Chen (pianist), collages misplaced and overlooked archival traces and transmissions of Balanchine and related artists into a new whole. The poignancy of Coates’ time at the Orpheum is underscored by Catskill Mountain Foundation board member in memoriam Jacques d’Amboise, a dance icon and New York City Ballet principal dancer who worked closely with George Balanchine, called Hunter home for seven decades, and whose legacy continues with the National Dance Institute’s annual summer program on the mountain top. The Scattering will premiere at Works & Process at the Guggenheim in Fall 2025.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 AT 7:00PM

HEADLINERS AND ONE LINERS: SONGS & STORIES OF THE CATSKILLS RESORTS Doctorow Center for the Arts On May 21, 2005, the Catskill Mountain Foundation launched The Mountaintop Celebration of Song, a series of musical revues created for the CMF, with a production of Headliners and OneLiners: Songs & Stories of the Catskills Resorts. The show was performed for a rapturous, standing room only audience in the Red Barn. On April 26, 2025, almost twenty years to the date of its debut performance, the CMF is bringing Headliners back, this time at Evelyn Weiberg Hall in the Doctorow Center for the Arts, to be performed by its original creative team of Julia Mendelsohn, Mark Singer and Darcy Dunn, joined by two electrifying performers, Emma Green and Mychal Leverage. Headliners is a nostalgic tribute to the heyday of the Borscht Belt resorts of New York’s Catskill Mountains, and to the great entertainers that performed there. It revisits the days when singers like Judy Garland, Sammy

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Davis Jr., and Dean Martin, and comedians like Jerry Lewis, Jackie Mason and Billy Crystal were regulars on the Catskills circuit. The show has the stories and the laughs—and the glorious music of Richard Rogers, Burt Bacharach, Cole Porter, Kurt Weill, Harold Arlen and many others—that made the Borscht Belt era such an extraordinary time and place. With original staging and musical arrangements by Julia Mendelsohn, a script by Mark Singer and a wonderful ensemble cast, it will be an entertaining, joyous evening of engaging theater and timeless schtick!

SATURDAY, MAY 3 AT 7:30PM

PERICLES

Doctorow Center for the Arts Catskill Mountain Shakespeare is excited to launch its second Catskills-wide Touring Production of Pericles in the spring of 2025! From March 24 to May 3, 2025, Catskill Mountain Shakespeare will tour to local middle schools, high schools, libraries, and other community venues throughout the Catskill Region.

CMS is one of 40 recipients in the country of the prestigious Shakespeare in American Communities grant, a program of The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Head to catskillmountainshakespeare.com for more information!

SATURDAY, MAY 10 AT 7:00PM

AYODELE CASEL RENOWNED TAP DANCER CASEL PERFORMS WITH POETS, DANCERS AND MUSICIANS

Presented in partnership with The Joyce Theater Foundation.

Orpheum Performing Arts Center Renowned tap dancer and choreographer Ayodele Casel, her team of collaborators, poets, dancers, musicians, and director Torya Beard will be in residence with Catskill Mountain Foundation and will present excerpts from works-in-process developed during their residency.

RESIDENCY: MAY 26-JUNE 8

ACADEMY OF FORTEPIANO PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL Doctorow Center for the Arts academyfortepiano.org An annual event celebrating the works of famed early composers performed on historical keyboards from the Piano Performance Museum.

Directors: Audrey Axinn, Maria Rose MAY 28-30 WORKSHOP ON MAINTAINING HISTORICAL PIANOS, HARPSICHORDS, AND CLAVICHORDS Directors: Masayuki Maki and Richard Hester SATURDAY, MAY 31 AT 7:00 PM FACULTY AND GUEST ARTIST CONCERT SATURDAY, JUNE 7 AT 7:00 PM STUDENT CONCERT

SATURDAY, MAY 17 AT 2:00PM

ORPHEUM DANCE PROGRAM COMMUNITY BALLET CLASS ANNUAL RECITAL Victoria Rinaldi Orpheum Dance Program Director Orpheum Performing Arts Center The Orpheum Dance Program Community Ballet Class is a year-round program of ballet instruction for children of all ages which includes an annual student dance recital and participation in two ballets each year–A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Nutcracker. All performances take place at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center in Tannersville. The recital showcases the work of all students of Director, Victoria Rinaldi and can also include alumnae who have joined acclaimed ballet companies or who are studying dance at major universities. Ms. Rinaldi is a former ballerina with the New York Metropolitan Opera ballet corps.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MAY 16-17

SPRING PRODUCTION Maude Adams Theater Hub Catskill Mountain Foundation

Doctorow Center for the Arts

SUNDAY, JUNE 29 AT 3:00PM

OMNY TAIKO Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Ayodele Casel. Photo by by Patrick Randak

OMNY Taiko Drummers return to the mountaintop to again share their eagerly anticipated performances with the greater Catskill Mountain community. OMNY Taiko’s mission is to foster a culture of community and support through the art of Japanese taiko drumming to impact and connect our global society. The sound of the taiko drum is as pure and as fundamental as the heartbeat and has the power to connect ourselves with those around us and with the universe at large. As such, we seek to develop and share with the audience our abilities as taiko players—rhythm, movement, teamwork, and spirit—and to promote taiko drumming through performances in the New York area and beyond.

January 2025 • GUIDE 85

JULY 20 & JULY 26-27

THE OLD FRIENDS, BY HORTON FOOTE

Doctorow Center for the Arts hortonbythestream.org Catskill Mountain Shakespeare

JULY 12-13, 16-20, 24-27

ROMEO & JULIET Outdoors & in the tent behind the Big Red Barn For more information: catskillmountainshakespeare.com Catskill Mountain Shakespeare is proud to bring its Main Stage Production to the Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Red Barn. This professional, outdoor production will be accompanied by workshops, talkbacks, and outreach events to fully engage the community in the power of Shakespeare.

Catskill Mountain Shakespeare endeavors to enrich the lives of residents in the rural Catskills by introducing Shakespeare, innovative theatrical productions, and affordable and artistic outreach programming to the community.

The Old Friends is a play by Horton Foote about buried jealousies and loves that are rekindled when a hometown beauty returns to Harrison in 1965. The play is set in Harrison, the fictional town modeled after Horton Foote’s own hometown of Wharton, TX. Some say that going to a Horton Foote play is like catching up with family, friends and enemies at a family reunion.

JULY 3-6

THE LITTLE MERMAID Maude Adams Theater Hub Catskill Mountain Foundation

Orpheum Performing Arts Center Join MATH under the sea over the 4th of July weekend as they tell the beloved tale (pun intended) of a girl who yearns to see the world. Community actors of all ages come together to create magic through acting, puppetry, and plenty of whimsy and pluck.

SUNDAY, JULY 13 (TENTATIVE DATE)

STARS OF BALLET: DANCERS FROM THE NEW YORK CITY BALLET

Parker Quartet. Photo by Beowulf Sheehan

JULY 31-AUGUST 10

HUNTER INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL Doctorow Center for the Arts huntermusicfestival.com A unique, immersive, ten-day music festival with solo and chamber music performances by renowned faculty and guest artists and talented students.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 AT 7:00 PM THURSDAY, AUGUST 7 AT 7:00 PM WAEL FAROUK: TWO SOLO PIANO CONCERTS Virtuoso pianist Wael Farouk will perform the complete Scriabin Piano Sonatas over two concerts.

Presented in partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim

Orpheum Performing Arts Center Star dancers from the New York City Ballet return to the mountaintop for a new annual tradition. The performance is under the Direction of New York City Ballet Principal Adrian Danchig-Waring.

SATURDAY, JULY 19 AT 7:00PM

NATIONAL DANCE INSTITUTE MOUNTAINTOP SUMMER RESIDENCY PERFORMANCE Orpheum Performing Arts Center National Dance Institute (NDI), founded by Jacques d’Amboise, brings its award-winning dance program to the Catskill Mountain Region, with a two-week residency for children in Grades 3 – 8.

Under the Artistic Direction of NDI choreographer Dufftin Garcia, the children will participate in high energy dance classes and choreography workshops accompanied by live music, culminating in a performance onstage at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 8 AT 7:00 PM FACULTY CONCERT SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 AT 7:00 PM GUEST ARTIST CONCERT: PARKER QUARTET Praised by the Washington Post for “exceptional virtuosity (and) imaginative interpretation” Parker Quartet is Internationally recognized for their “fearless, yet probingly beautiful” (The Strad) performances, the Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet has distinguished itself as one of the preeminent ensembles of its generation, dedicated purely to the sound and depth of their music. They are renowned for their fresh and unique approach to the great classics while being passionate ambassadors for music of our time. Inspired performances and exceptional musicianship are hallmarks of the Quartet, having appeared at the world’s most illustrious venues since its founding in 2002.

SALONS AND YOUNG ARTIST CONCERTS DURING THE RESIDENCY: Details to come soon!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2 AT 2:00 & 7:00PM SUNDAY, AUGUST 3 AT 2:00PM

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 AT 3:00PM

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Doctorow Center for the Arts

Orpheum Dance Program Victoria Rinaldi, Director Featuring dancers from Joffrey Ballet School New York, Aquila Theatre and Orpheum Dance Program Student Dancers

Created in France, the Orphée Musique Association offers practical training and performing opportunities to young musicians who are entering a professional career. Once a year, they hold a very special event both in Paris and in New York: “7 days 7 concerts”, during which a chosen artist will play seven days in a row, in seven different places; all different programs.

Orpheum Performing Arts Center This unique production, conceived by former Metropolitan Opera ballerina Victoria Rinaldi, in partnership with the Joffrey Ballet School New York and Aquila Theatre transports the audience to an enchanted wood to witness what hilarity unfolds, when fairies meddle with the love lives of mortals.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16 AT 2:00PM CONCERTS & CONVERSATIONS

LOUISE FARRENC: 18TH CENTURY RENOWNED FRENCH COMPOSER AND CHAMPION OF WOMEN’S EQUALITY PATRICIA GARCIA GIL, FORTEPIANIST Piano Performance Museum Doctorow Center for the Arts Patricia Garcia Gil is a Postdoctoral Associate and Artist in Residence at Cornell Center for Historical Keyboards. Patricia will return to the Piano Performance Museum and perform a program of works by Louise Farrenc in commemoration of the composer’s 150 anniversary of her death in 1875. Patricia will perform on the 1829 Conrad Graf, the 1870 John Broadwood and the 1873 Erard.

The music will be accompanied by readings poetry and other literary works.

RETREAT: SEPTEMBER 8-14 PERFORMANCE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

ORPHEE MUSIQUE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 AT 2:00PM CONCERTS & CONVERSATIONS

STEPHANIE SCHMIDT AND ROBIN MORACE, FORTEPIANISTS Piano Performance Museum Doctorow Center for the Arts While completing a piano performance M.M. in Lincoln, NE, Stephanie Schmidt discovered the artistic joys of performing on historical keyboards––and has continued to “look back” ever since. Though progressing towards a traditional piano D.M.A. at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, she spends a great deal of time practicing and performing on old and interesting pianos from the mid-1700s to the mid-1800s. Robin Morace holds degrees in performance and composition from SUNY Fredonia, where he studied piano with Fr. Sean Duggan, and is a recent graduate of the doctoral program at UNC Greensboro, where he studied modern piano and historical keyboard instruments with Andrew Willis.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25 AT 7:00PM

RENNIE HARRIS PUREMOVEMENT: AMERICAN STREET DANCER (2025)

BY RENNIE HARRIS

THE SINGER SONGWRITER’S OASIS LED BY GREG DAYTON AND MARLON SAUNDERS

Presented in partnership with The Joyce Theater Foundation.

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 AT 7:00PM

THE MOSS ENSEMBLE: CONTINUING A LEGACY OF BRINGING HUMANITY AND MUSIC TOGETHER Darcy Dunn - Mezzo-Soprano Marshall Coid - Countertenor, Violin, Composer Elizabeth Rodgers - Piano Mary Wooten - Cello, Piano, Composer

American Street Dancer will explore and honor the contribution of Street dancers to the general field of dance, while simultaneously honing in on the most revered and featured movement and aesthetic of Street dance: “Foot-work.” American Street Dancer will feature styles from four different prominent American cities, including: New York City (Afro-Cuban/Salsa), Detroit, Michigan (Jitting), Chicago, Illinois (Chicago Footwork) and Philadelphia, PA (GQ).

Rennie Harris. Photo by Osamu Inouye

Doctorow Center for the Arts Please join this quartet of world-class performers for an evening of adventurous and beautiful music. This year’s concert marks Moss’s third appearance at the CMF and features new pieces by living composers, works from varied musical periods, and includes favorites from past concerts as well. As always, the ensemble will offer stories that help illuminate the music—all of which we hope will excite and move you. A wine and dessert reception will follow the concert.

January 2025 • GUIDE 87

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 AT 2:00PM CONCERTS & CONVERSATIONS

19TH CENTURY WOMEN COMPOSERS FROM LATIN AMERICA JULIAN JENSEN, FORTEPIANIST Piano Performance Museum Doctorow Center for the Arts Julian Jensen will perform a program featuring mid to late 19th century music by women composers from Latin America. Julian began conducting and piano lessons at an early age. Since those days, he has toured the world as an accomplished performer and passionate music teacher with the purpose to use music to improve the community and the world.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 AT 2:00 & 7:00PM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 AT 2:00PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 AT 2:00 & 7:00PM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14 AT 2:00PM

THE NUTCRACKER Orpheum Dance Program Victoria Rinaldi, Director Featuring dancers from Joffrey Ballet School New York, Ballet Hispánico Student Dancers, and Orpheum Dance Program Student Dancers Orpheum Performing Arts Center The CMF Nutcracker, now in its tenth year, has become a holiday favorite of residents of the surrounding Catskills and Hudson Valley. Featuring ballet stars of the future, this spectacular production has become one of the finest Nutcrackers in upstate New York. This year, Orpheum Dance Program Director, former Met Opera ballerina Victoria Rinaldi, will partner with the Joffrey Ballet School New York and Ballet Hispánico who will provide corps de ballet dancers and dancers for star roles.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 (RAIN/SNOW DATE: DECEMBER 20)

HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR Maude Adams Theater Hub Catskill Mountain Foundation

Doctorow Center for the Arts This December, the community gathers once more to sing, read, and share in the seasonal spirit for the 3rd Annual Holiday Spectacular. All are welcome to be a part of the performance, and tickets are free!

OUR VENUES Alexander Platt

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29 AT 7:00PM

WINDHAM FESTIVAL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA: FAURE AND FRIENDS ALEXANDER PLATT, MUSIC DIRECTOR SPECIAL GUEST, ROBERT MANNO Sponsored by the Mapleside Fund in honor of Dr. John Farber.

Orpheum Performing Arts Center Members of the choral ensemble ARS CHORALIS join the Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra for a beautiful and reflective evening, sharing music of some of the favorite composers of the family in whose memory the concert is sponsored. Music Director of the Maverick Concerts in nearby Woodstock, Alexander Platt is honored to follow in the footsteps of Robert Manno as Conductor. Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra was formed in 2000 by conductor Robert Manno and has performed at the Windham Civic Center, the Doctorow Center for the Arts and the Orpheum Performing Arts Center. The orchestra is comprised of the finest musicians from the New York area and includes current and former members of some of the world’s most esteemed orchestras and ensembles.

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

ORPHEUM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 6050 MAIN STREET TANNERSVILLE, NY 12485

The free midweek movie nights that the CMF hosted during the summer were very successful, with great attendance and lots of participant interest and enthusiasm.

Mountain Cinema Independent Film Series restarts this program in January, curated

by Caitlin McColl, who has been leading the Lexington Film Festival for the past 2 years.

MOUNTAIN CINEMA

Independent Film Series FREE Midweek Showings Mountain Cinema at the Doctorow Center for the Arts 7971 Main Street Hunter, NY 12442

Discover, Discuss, and Watch Cinema in the Catskills, Featuring Local Makers & Places

View schedule at www.catskillmtn.org

COMING FEBRUARY 20 @ 6:00 PM Beautiful Darling Director James Rasin will be in attendance at this screening for a Q&A Beautiful Darling is a 2010 feature-length documentary film about Candy Darling, pioneering trans woman, actress and Andy Warhol superstar. The film features Chloë Sevigny as “the voice of Candy Darling,” reading from Candy’s private diaries and letters. Patton Oswalt voices Andy Warhol and Truman Capote. It also features interviews with Factory regulars such as Paul Morrissey, Vincent Fremont, Bob Colacello, Gerard Malanga, Pat Hackett, George Abagnalo, and Fran Lebowitz as well as an archival interview with playwright Tennessee Williams. Louis Durra composed the score.

January 2025 • GUIDE 89

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:

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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 #

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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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SNEAK PEEK! SUMMER 2025 WORKSHOPS & PROGRAMS Cael Chappell

At Sugar Maples Center For Creative Arts, we’re excited to announce our upcoming season of workshops and events in the idyllic hamlet of Maplecrest, New York.

Immerse yourself in our spacious, light-filled studios while cultivating your artistic skills in our welcoming and supportive community. Our beautiful campus awaits you.

Arthur González

Our commitment to humanism, the environment, and cultural stewardship remains steadfast. We believe that art is a powerful tool for fostering connection, and a deeper appreciation for our world. Our workshops are designed to inspire; tell your unique story through a variety of media.

We are looking forward to sharing with you a rich program of opportunities to study with internationally renowned faculty including: Yael Braha is a dynamic, young ceramic artist of North African descent whose unique vessels blend graceful movement with surfaces that speak volumes about natural flow, and the ancient connection between form and abstract imagery. In 2021, she received the Multicultural Fellowship Award from the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA).

Basket-making grows from Cael Chappell’s love of global weaving traditions. Years before weaving his first basket, Cael founded Baskets of Africa, a fair-trade company committed to economic empowerment for basket weavers from over 20 countries. He currently serves as President of the Board for the National Basketry Organization.

Arthur González is an internationally exhibiting figurative sculptor with over fifty one-person shows in the last forty years, including eight in New York City. Gonzalez is an unprecedented four-time recipient of the National Endowment of the Arts Fellowship within a ten-year period.

One of our prized visiting faculty, Nathan Loda, returns in 2025 to teach his profound approach to realist painting.

Inspired by the Hudson River School philosophy, Loda recently taught for the University of Georgia in Cortona, Italy.

Cyrus Highsmith wrote and illustrated the acclaimed primer, Inside Paragraphs: Typographic Fundamentals. He received the Gerrit Noordzij Prize for extraordinary contributions to the field of typography. Highsmith’s type foundry, Occupant Fonts, became a brand of Morisawa. Writing helps binds us together so no matter the paths our lives and forms of communication take.

This year, we host the indomitable and much cherished California author/sculptor, Vince Montague. His exquisite and hybrid memoir, Cracked Pot, a broken chronicle of grief and art, was recently published by Latah Books.

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 2025 at www.catskillmtn.org/sugar-maples-center-for-creative-arts/ January 2025 • GUIDE 91

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January 2025 • GUIDE 3