Community Pages

What a Long, Strange Lockdown It’s Been

Woodstock

By Anne Pyburn Craig

Opposite:The Woodstock Farm Festival is held on Wednesday afternoons in the municipal lot off Rock City Road.

Above: Inside the renovated Bearsville Theater, which will hopefully open for concerts later this month. L izzie Vann, current owner of the Bearsville Theater complex, had hoped that by August she’d be welcoming audiences back after 10 months of renovations. Vann fell in love with rock `n’ roll at 14, growing up in the UK’s industrial Midlands, when a borrowed copy of Janis Joplin’s Pearl “kinda blew my head off.” She went on to study biology and nutrition, founding the Organix line of baby food in 1992, which she later sold in 2008, and has fallen deeply in love with Woodstock’s legacy.

“When we walked in last September, there was water coming through the ceiling and down the walls,” says Vann. “We had to tear everything completely apart and deep clean.” The rebuilt ceiling is “tight as a drum,” she says, for superior acoustics. “I wanted a total focus on the sound and on the experience for musicians. And I love vintage British theaters, so we have black velvet drapes and a peacock teal drape with gold fringe. There are four chandeliers that can change color and uplights that can be programmed to change color with the music. Our theater manager, Robert Frazza, installed a Danley sound system. I think we’re going to have the best sounding room north of Manhattan.”

For now, she’s working on video streaming platforms. “I’m working with Mike Amari from BSP Studios to get some indie rock going, because we have amazing musicians who want to reach the world. I hope to have the Bear Cafe open by November. Eventually I want this to be the place where visitors can get an up-close, in-depth sense of the history here: the Sound

Outs in the `60s, the story of The Band and the Basement Tapes, Happy and Artie Traum, Todd Rundgren’s mirror, Maria and Geoff Muldaur. There’s just so much.” Other plans include education and performance space for the new generation in Rundgren’s onetime soundstage, songwriting workshops, and weekend festivals. “It feels like a huge obligation to get the dancing going,” says Vann. “Health and safety first, but I’m eager to offer this as a hub and a hearth.”

Maverick Concerts has been drawing crowds to its historic concert hall, built by Byrdcliffe Colony cofounder Hervey White, since 1916. While Maverick canceled its summer season this year, the chamber music festival is drawing on its extensive catalog to stream a series of Maverick Hours, broadcast WHMT-FM 89.1 or 88.7 and streamed on the radio station’s website each Sunday at 5pm. “It’s the closest we can get to having a concert right now, and we’ve been getting rave reviews,” says Music Director Alexander Platt. “Sit back with a glass of wine and look forward to gathering in person. We’re scraping our pennies together and missing each other.” Also at Maverick in cyberspace: a rendition of “Sleeping Beauty” featuring award-winning storyteller David Gonzalez. In development and coming soon are Indian ragas with Woodstock legend Steve Gorn and live streamed Bach, Hayden, and jazz.

The rich culture that makes this town tick may be somewhat subdued this pandemic summer, but it’s far from absent. Bird-on-aCliff Theater Company is presenting “William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play” at the Comeau property every weekend from August 7 through September 6. “We picked a play with three people in it, doing the best we can with the circumstances, and there’s plenty of room for the audience to spread out,” says Elli Michaels, who with husband David Aston-Reese has been organizing a Shakespeare festival for a quarter century now. (The two met in a 13th Street production of “Taming of the Shrew” and have been married 39 years. “He was Petruchio and I was Kate, and he’s been trying to tame me ever since,” says Michaels.)

“People don’t want ‘Hamlet’ or ‘King Lear’ in the summer,” says Aston-Reese, “so we were thinking ‘Comedy of Errors,’ but it turned out we shouldn’t get 11, 12 actors together. But this is a hilarious piece, a total, loving goof on Shakespeare.”

Literati from around the region have enjoyed the careful reopening of the Golden Notebook, where proprietor James Conrad has been doing local delivery, curbside service, and a little in-store shopping (two families at a time.) “I noticed back in March that Woodstock seemed to be ahead of the curve with masks and social distancing,” he says. “I’d like to think that caring is the Woodstock way. I do the Chamber newsletter, and obviously we’ve all had to scale back our planned events, but in some ways it feels like we’re stronger than ever.” Online author events at the Notebook this month include an August 3 conversation with former Chronogram books editor Nina Shengold, who recently published Reservoir Year: A Walker’s Book of Days (which is excerpted on page 46).

Maverick Concerts Executive Director Kitt Potter inside the historic conert hall Photo by Roy Gumpel

Marie-Helene Bertino signs copies of her novel Parakeet at The Golden Notebook. Photo by James Conrad

Pulling Together

“It’s the no-end-in-sight part that’s hard,” says Craig Leonard, one of the partners behind Silvia, a Mill Hill Road eatery known for its woodfired, grill-centric cuisine that has reopened for outdoor dining by reservation. “We’ve just gone to seven days a week, and we’re booked full almost every night. People are so happy to be out somewhere safe and comfy. It feels like we’re back to running a restaurant again—all the staff are back—and we’re just hoping the numbers stay good and people stay smart.”

That hope is fervently shared by Town of Woodstock Supervisor Bill McKenna. “We’re starting to see more weekend visitors, and people are still concerned, but our businesses need to survive in this unique, challenging moment,” he says. “So yes, please come, but do wear a mask and social distance. Take care of us and we’ll take care of you. We’ve been working hard and doing a good job at every level; you’re very welcome here, just be aware of your fellow humans.”

McKenna and his board did some emergency suspending of zoning regulations to expand outdoor dining space at Mill Hill Road, now in use not just by Silvia but by Oriole 9, A&P Bar, Cucina, and Dixon Roadside. “Houst and Son Hardware let us use some of their parking,” says McKenna. “Collaborations have been emerging every which way.” The Woodstock Farm Festival farmers’ market is up and running at its new Maple Lane location, and is partnering with the Colony Woodstock on socially distanced food and music offerings.

Woodstock celebrated Independence Day with a “Wake Up! What’s Next!” Black Lives Matter rally at Andy Lee Field. “We had some really good dialog with the [police] chief and the officers, and one of the organizers said he felt lucky to have grown up here,” says McKenna. “I grew up with most of our police. Now we have new residents and new young officers and everyone needs to get easy and comfortable together. We had one wonderful dialog, we want more. We want to double down and work harder; we’ll be having more outdoor meetings. I wish we could export the way we do it here, just share it everywhere.”

Playing It Safe

“Most of the state’s opening up, but we’re going to stay very strict to keep both our staff and the community safe,” says Kam DelMonte of Sunflower Natural Foods. The recently expanded and remodeled market offers curbside pickup and delivery; those who enter are required to wear masks, as are all staff, who also take regular temp checks, wear gloves, and face shields, and practice a rigorous daily cleaning routine. “At the same time, we’re trying to keep some of the feeling—we still do gift baskets and raffles, we try to give customers some fun to look forward to. Ultimately, we are just so thankful to continue to provide for our community when we need each other the most.”

Top: Outdoor dining on the porch at Silvia. Bottom: Carrot thinnings from Great Song Farm to be served with Silvia’s wood-smoked and brined chicken.

HUDSON VALLEY HEAT WAVE 5 TIPS FOR NAVIGATING TODAY’S COMPETITIVE REAL ESTATE MARKET

The rumors are true. It’s been just over a month since the Hudson Valley real estate industry reopened as part of New York’s four-part reopening process and tales of buyers scooping up prime listings in less than 24 hours on the market are already becoming commonplace. “In just a matter of weeks, we’ve gone from a buyers’ market to a sellers’ market, with an influx of buyers looking for a different lifestyle competing for the relatively few homes on the market,” says Lisa Halter, owner of Woodstock and Kingston-based Halter Associates Realty.

As the market quickly shifts to the sellers’ advantage, buyers’ expectations for everything from what price they can offer for a house to where that house is located will need to shift as well. “Buyers shouldn’t be discouraged though,” says Halter. “As more homeowners realize this might be a good time to sell, new listings are coming on the market every day. Your perfect home is out there!”

So whether you’re a local looking for a change of scenery or an out-of-towner hoping to set down roots in the country, here are her five tips for navigating the Upstate real estate market right now.

Work With an Experienced Agent

It might be a no-brainer, but your first step should be to find an agent who knows the territory. Choosing a local agent who has good relationships with other agents in the area and understands the nuances of the market is the best way for you to navigate the rest of the process swiftly and smoothly.

Come With Your Financial House in Order

With even less-than-ideal listings getting at or over asking price, your opportunity to negotiate in a sellers’ market is limited. This requires a shift in your mindset when it comes to what you are willing to offer and how high you are willing to go. Before you put an offer in, get pre-qualified for your mortgage and/or be prepared to show bank statements that demonstrate your cash on hand.

Identify Your Must-Haves

Make a list of what you absolutely need to have in a property and what is nice to have. This will help you make decisions when there’s pressure to increase your bid and help prevent buyers’ remorse down the road. Are you willing to build that pool you have your heart set on after you buy? Do you have to be near an Amtrak station? Is lack of cell service or high-speed internet a deal-breaker?

Be Willing to Adjust Your Timeline

Inventory is moving very quickly right now, which can make it feel like you’re missing out on the house of your dreams. You might not be able to close on a place next month, but trust that a house that fits your price range will likely come along eventually. On the flip side, you may also have to expedite your offer on a home that is likely to attract other buyers first.

Open Up Your Search Radius

When it comes to location, stay flexible. Identify comparable towns near your ideal spot or those farther afield that have the same cultural fit. The Catskills town of Phoenicia is just 20 minutes from Woodstock and has a similar vibe, but is a little more rural. If you’re looking at Rhinebeck because of the proximity to Amtrak, define a driving distance that would be reasonable then start looking at towns within that circle, like Red Hook, Milan, or Staatsburg. If you keep your mind open, a knowledgeable local agent will be able to help you find cool little towns that might not even be on your radar!

Now on the market for the first time in 60 years from Halter Associates Realty is this historic c.1840 farmhouse located just minutes from Bearsville and Woodstock. The home’s interior is defined by artistic details like original hand-hewn beams, a freestanding brick fireplace, and a sunroom with a one-of-a-kind vaulted ceiling and loft space. The property comes complete with a guest house and detached two-car garage. This secluded spot is the perfect home base for exploring all the natural beauty, arts, culture, and recreation that the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains have to offer.

1. A&P Bar and Restaurant

83 Mill Hill Road (845) 684-5395 Aandpbar.com

Classic, elevated comfort food and artisanal cocktails in a stylish, warm, industrially inspired setting. A bit of Americana blended beautifully with European and British signatures. 2. Barker Hudson Real Estate

(845) 800-1345 Barkerhudson.com

Barker Hudson Real Estate is a full-service real estate consultancy offering brokerage, vacation rental, and property management services dedicated to helping you find your home in the Hudson Valley. 3. Bird-On-A-Cliff Theater

45 Comeau Drive (845) 247-4007 Birdonacliff.org

Bird-on-a-Cliff produces plays that attract and build cross-sectional audiences of old and young theatergoers. Catch "William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play (Abridged)" on the outdoor stage at the Comeau property August 7-September 6. 4. Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty

11-13 Mill Hill Road (845) 679-2255 Coldwellbanker.com/coldwellbanker-village-green-realty11753c/woodstock-office328087d

The top seller in Catskills real estate, Coldwell Banker serves Upstate New York real estate buyers and sellers. 5. Early Terrible

43-45 Mill Hill Road (845) 684-7226 Earlyterrible.com

Idyllic outdoor bar featuring artisanal cocktails, global wines, and beers, as well as everchanging food offerings. 6. EvolveD Interiors & Design Showroom LLC

86 - 88 Mill Hill Road (845) 679-9979 Evolvedinteriors.com

A "concept-to-completion" company with designers trained in CAD for your remodeling, new construction, or restoration projects. Project management services, full showroom for easy selections, and general contractors with years of experience to satisfy every price point. 7. H Houst & Son

4 Mill Hill Road (845) 679-2115 Hhoust.com

Family-owned Houst Hardware has something for everyone: tinkers and makers, DIYers and dreamers, gardeners and campers. Full service True Value hardware store and equipment rentals. Shop in-person or online; curbside pickup available. 8. Halter Associates Realty

3257 Route 212, Bearsville (845) 679-2010 Halterassociatesrealty.com

Leveraging advanced digital marketing and hyperlocal market knowledge, Halter's top-producing agents provide unparalleled customer service for the modern client. Our real estate professionals expertly buy and sell faster and smarter.

9. J Bliss Studios

39a Tinker Street (845) 514-9820 Jblissstudios.com

Each piece of jewelry and art at J Bliss Studios is handcrafted by husband-and-wife team Jared and Joanna Bliss in their Woodstock studio and storefront. Studio open by appointment. 10. Nancy's of Woodstock

105 Tinker Street (845) 684-5329 Nancysartisanal.com

Nancy’s makes real, fresh ice cream—everything from the familiar flavors of your childhood to modern, whimsical, and even exotic new tastes—using only local ingredients that we source from local dairy and produce farms. 11. Rock City Vintage

5 Rock City Road (845) 684-5564 Rockcityvintage.com

Rock City Vintage is a curated vintage clothing store, alteration service, and sewing school owned and operated by Molly Farley, a 35-year veteran of the Woodstock creative scene.

12. Sunflower Natural Food Market

75 Mill Hill Road (845) 679-5361 Sunflowernatural.com

Through clean food, green products, and a focus on strong community ties, the Sunflower Market team aims to promote sustainability and create a space that satisfies both body and mind. 13. The Golden Notebook

29 Tinker Street (845) 679-8000 Goldennotebook.indielite.org

A "fiercely independent" general interest bookstore specializing in literary fiction, music, poetry, politics, religion, environment/ nature, with a large young adult and children's section, The Golden Notebook recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. 14. The Mud Club

43-45 Mill Hill Road (518) 859-6264 Themudclub.com

The Mud Club features the strongest coffee and the freshest baked goods, including woodfired bagels, all made day-of. Online ordering available and encouraged. 15. The Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild

34 Tinker Street (845) 679-2079 Woodstockguild.org

From its 250-acre mountainside campus and its arts and performance center in the village of Woodstock, Byrdcliffe offers an integrated program of exhibitions, performance, classes (ceramics, jewelry, weaving, and writing), workshops, symposia, and artists’ residencies.

16. Ulster Savings Bank

68 Mill Hill Road (845) 679-8434 Ulstersavings.com

Ulster Savings Bank is a mutual savings bank with no stockholders. Our success depends on you and without you there is no US. 17. Wallace and Feldman Insurance Brokerage

113 John Joy Road (516) 690-7029 Wallaceandfeldman.com

Wallace and Feldman is a fullservice insurance brockerage specializing in: Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage, life insurance, life settlements, group health insurance and benefits, PEO, longterm-care insurance, Medicare Supplemental, Disability Insurance, and dental insurance. 18. WDST 100.1 Radio Woodstock

293 Tinker Street (845) 679-9378 Radiowoodstock.com

Tagged “the coolest radio station on the planet” by listeners and members of the music-radio industry, Radio Woodstock is proud to be one of the few remaining independently owned and locally operated radio stations in the country. 19. Woodstock Day School

1430 Glasco Turnpike, Saugerties (845) 246-3744 Woodstockdayschool.org

Woodstock Day School is an independent co-educational school serving students from nursery to high school. 20. Woodstock Film Festival

13 Rock City Road (845) 679-4265 Woodstockfilmfestival.org

Named among the top 50 film festivals worldwide, the Woodstock Film Festival premieres exceptional films; hosts talented emerging and established film professionals; presents A-list concerts, panels, and parties; and creates stimulating, innovative programming year-round. 21. Woodstock Golf Club

114 Mill Hill Road (845) 679-2914 Woodstockgolf.com

Woodstock Golf Club is a historic, picturesque, private club beneath the slopes of Overlook Mountain, with a golf course for all abilities, a full-service golf shop, restaurant, and bar. Discounted memberships now available.

22. Woodstock Healing Arts

83 Mill Hill Road (845) 393-4325 Woodstockhealingarts.com

Woodstock Healing Arts is dedicated to its clients' optimal wellbeing, offering a thoughtful array of mind-body and natural therapies to meet people right where they are on their healing journey. 23. Woodstock Meats

57 Mill Hill Road (845) 679-7917 Woodstockmeats.com

Woodstock Meats is a community butcher, grocery, and deli that has been serving Woodstock for over 60 years. It specializes in providing great food and service to the people of Woodstock and now Saugerties and Kingston through next-day delivery. Illustration by Kaitlin Van Pelt