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Neighbors Next Door Ben Rauch| Wood Artist By Caroline Barrett
When thunder cracks, lightning flashes and winds blow, old trees fall to the ground. They’re cut apart, hauled off, used for firewood, forgotten. Or are they? Where other people see firewood, Ben Rauch sees more. He sees organic shapes and lines that follow the rings in a piece of wood. There is beauty to be found in a fallen log, beauty that comes after painstaking detail and hard work. First though, there is the log. “I collect all of my own wood. People come and find me at the Delmar Farmers Market when they have a tree that’s fallen or a stockpile of old wood. I often trade one of my bowls for a good piece of wood,” he says. The process of turning a fallen log into one of his silky, fine bowls is not an easy one. Ben cuts a log into approximately 20 pieces of wood, which he calls “blanks”. The blanks are mounted on a lathe and given a rough turn. The wood barely resembles a bowl at this point, and it’s put in the kiln to dry. After a few weeks in the kiln, he turns it again. On the lathe, he applies his hand carving tools to the spinning block. Chips fly and slowly a bowl emerges. He then sands and finishes the piece with a food-safe oil, sands the bowl again, until it’s glossy and perfectly smooth. Another layer of oil is applied. Finally, he inspects the piece for imperfections and flaws: Ben has to be sure there are no cracks. A bowl at this point, even after hours and hours of work, is bound for the fire if a crack is found. Heartbreaking, and hard to do. “It’s all part of the process,” Ben adds. This process, one that might end with a piece in the fire, can span weeks or even months. Ben puts hours into each, sometimes as many as twenty. 20
This gifted young man from Delmar found his way to this craft at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Ben went to RIT intending to study mechanical and electrical engineering. He found himself unfulfilled in the program and drawn to the woodworking track instead. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine art. “Sculptural woodworking is where my heart is,” Ben says, “but the reality is that I have to pay my bills.” So he creates his bowls, all handcrafted, some large, others small, in his workshop in Delmar. Ben Rauch is mostly self-taught. The program at RIT encourages students to learn on their own. “The learning environment at RIT is not your typical college lecture. We learned independently.” While a student, he worked on his wood sculptural pieces for 50-100 hours each week. “The professors gave us guidance, but we learned from each other and the graduate students there,” he adds. From time to time, Ben goes back to his fine art roots and creates a sculptural piece from wood. These huge sculptures are wavy and look soft and smooth. They almost ripple in the viewers eye. Ben looks at his artistic pieces and says, “Wood is a very organic material. When I work on a piece I work with the material, not against it. Wood lends itself nicely to organic forms.” Though he creates more functional pieces than
“Wood is a very organic material. When I work on a piece I work with the material, not against it.” sculptural, there is beauty and grace in his bowls, spoons and every useful object. Ben manages to create unique and powerful pieces, each with its own character and look. He figures that he’s created over 10,000 of these works so far. The demand for his bowls has grown, and he continues to carve and sand to fill the demand.
Ben Rauch Woodworking & Sculpture Ben Rauch’s works, which make wonderful holiday gifts are available at the Delmar Farmers Market at the Bethlehem Middle School through Dec. 22nd. To contact Ben for an appointment or a private showing: benrauch@mac.com or Facebook: Ben Rauch Woodworking & Sculpture Know a Bethlehem neighbor who has a unique story? Let us know! Please email: john@ourtownebethlehem.com
Ben’s Delmar workshop is a place of wonder. It’s thick with the sweet heady scent of freshly cut wood. His tools and machinery are mostly antiques, rebuilt by Ben himself. His background as an engineer helps to keep his machines running. The hand carving tools are antiques as well. Currently, Ben works by day as a furniture restorer. Each of these pieces has its own history and story. “There’s no such thing as a typical restoration piece,” he says with a smile and a shrug. A big antique horse-drawn sleigh sits in his workshop; paint peeling and wood hanging at odd angles. He’ll scrape the paint, repair the broken parts and replace the rotted wood. Also waiting for attention are cabinets, chairs and a table. Eventually, Ben would like to blend the restoration and the craft work into one job. “I want to completely work for myself,” he says. “I want to be profitable,” Ben says quietly of his dreams for the future. Fulfilling that dream includes spending every Saturday at the Farmers Market in Delmar connecting with his customers. Eventually, another tree will fall. The pieces of wood will find their way to Ben Rauch’s studio where he will carve, chisel and sand them until the smooth, perfect, organic forms emerge. 21
Dear Neighbor and Supporter,
Bethlehem’s
In 1942, the Bethlehem Community White Christmas Festival began as several nights of group performances. Donations collected were used to extend the spirit of community to our less fortunate neighbors throughout the entire year. This spirit was so strong that the activities of the Festival continues today as the Bethlehem Community Fund.
Bethlehem’s Community Fund quietly helps children, families, individuals and the elderly living in the Bethlehem Community whose needs fall through the cracks of traditional programs. Throughout our seventy year history the fund has come to the aid of thousands of Bethlehem residents, young and old neighbors helping neighbors since 1942 alike, quickly, without red tape. Every dollar donated is used for assistance.
Community C i FFund
Assistance is given anonymously with the utmost respect for the pride and privacy of the recipients. This is a longstanding tradition of the Fund. School personnel, local clergy, Bethlehem Senior Services and other providers make most of the requests for assistance.
• Children receive help with school supplies, tutoring, eyeglasses, clothing, camp tuition & other needs. • A Bethlehem Festival Fund Scholarship is awarded to local High School students each year. • Seniors may find assistance with utility bills, small home repairs, medical costs, a personal emergency response system or pet care. • Each December, over 100 Bethlehem families receive baskets of food, clothing and gifts. With the Holiday Season fast approaching, Bethlehem’s Community Fund is looking at a record number of 125 families needing food baskets. We will soon be ordering our turkeys and coordinating our holiday deliveries. Financial responsibilities and human service needs in our schools and community increase during this time of year. Our goal of $30,000 will enable us to meet many of the needs of our Bethlehem neighbors throughout the year.
Your gift will touch the lives of many people in the Bethlehem community by helping each recipient in a unique and much needed way. Thank you for your support of this valuable community effort. Warmest regards,
Board of Trustees and Officers Bethlehem’s Community Fund
President: Greg Jackson, 439-7828 Secretary: Dolores Johnson, 439-5767
Vice President: John Guastella, 598-3434 Treasurer: Paul Gutman, 439-1857
Board of Trustees: Joyce Becker, Kathy Betzhold, Debra Barnes, Norrine Cooke, Sue DiMuria, Cathy Griffin, Karen Harmon, Linda Herron, Eileen Hoffman,
Sandy LaValle, Bruce McShane, Joann Menrath, Susan Morse, Mignonne Philips, Kathi Rice, Maryalice Svare, Greg Turner, Monica Vail
We need your help to spread the word about our quiet organization! Please tear off and return with your donation. The Bethlehem Festival Fund is a 501(c) Tax-Exempt Organization as defined by the I.R.S. and donations are Tax Deductible. Contributions can be made directly through the United Way of SEFA #-50-00044 pledges.
Name ____________________________________________________ Donation $___________________ Street ____________________________________________________ [ ] Check Here if this is a change of address
Bethlehem’s
City, State, Zip ______________________________________________ Mail checks payable to the: Bethlehem Community Fund
PO Box 341 Delmar, NY 12054
Community C i FFund
neighbors helping neighbors since 1942
www.bethlehemcommunityfund.org 29
ASK
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The holidays are here, so is Help for Heartburn By Jennifer Cerulli, Pharm.D., AE-C Clinical Pharmacist, Four Corners Pharmacy Associate Professor, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
At some point in life, everyone has an episode of heartburn – that burning feeling that starts in the lower chest and moves up to the throat. It can occur within 2 hours of eating or during the night. Heartburn is one of the most common symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD, which a chronic condition that could lead to more serious complications if not managed.
What causes heartburn? The relaxation of a muscular valve that connects your stomach with your esophagus allows the acid in your stomach to enter the esophagus causing heartburn. There are certain foods, medications and diseases that can cause heartburn. Non-prescription products such as iron, aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naprosyn) can precipitate heart burn along with some prescription medications (ask your Four Corners Pharmacist).
How can I prevent heartburn? • Stop smoking – it stimulates stomach acid and weakens the valve between the esophagus and the stomach causing acid reflux. • Physical Activity & weight loss (if needed). Excess weight can increase heartburn. Exercise can help reduce weight and fight off stress which is a heartburn trigger. • Avoid foods or beverages known to trigger heartburn including some holiday favorites such as: Chocolate Coffee/tea/soda/carbonated drinks peppermint/spearmint greasy, spicy or fatty foods
alcohol garlic/onion tomato products citrus fruit or juice
interactions with prescription products. • Tums, Mylanta, Maalox, Rolaids and Alka-Seltzer can neutralize stomach acid and provide instant relief. Careful – too much could cause constipation or diarrhea depending on the product you pick. • Gaviscon forms a protective foam layer to prevent the stomach acid from irritating the esophagus. Follow the instructions - you need a full glass of water. • Zantac, Axid, Pepcid and Tagamet (and their generic medications) reduce the amount of stomach acid. These products take about 30-45 minutes to provide relief if taken after symptoms start. They can also be taken an hour before eating a meal that may cause heartburn. • Prilosec OTC, Prevacid, Zegerid (and their generic medications) can be taken for frequent heartburn (symptoms 2 or more days per week) for up to 2 weeks.
Are there herbal or natural products I can use to manage my heartburn? There are many supplements reported to help heartburn, however, there is little evidence they provide any benefit. As these products are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the risks of many products are unknown such as side effects or drug interactions with other medications. Chamomile has some evidence that is may work and is likely safe based on the evidence available.
When should I stop self treating my heartburn and see my doctor? • If heartburn last more than 3 months or continues after 2 weeks of trying over the counter products above. • Difficulty swallowing, pain or a feel like food is trapped in your chest. • Vomiting blood or black material. • Feeling short of breath, frequent coughing or hoarseness. • Unexplained weight loss • Chest pain along with sweating, pain radiating to shoulder, arm neck or jaw, and shortness of breath. All of these could be signs you have a more serious condition that your doctor needs to evaluate.
• Avoid eating meals within 2 to 3 hours of sleeping. • Avoid tight-fitting clothing and belts. • Eat smaller meals (less food can decrease reflux) • Raise the head of the bed; sleep slightly upright
What Over-the-Counter Medications can treat heartburn? There are a number of choices to choose from. Keep in mind the adverse effects that could occur and ask your pharmacist if there are any medication 43
Trish’s Pix from
Tattered Pages Used Books
Greetings Readers… “Have you ever noticed a tree standing naked against the sky, How beautiful it is? All its branches are outlined, and in its nakedness There is a poem, there is a song. Every leaf is gone and it is waiting for the spring. When the spring comes, it again fills the tree with The music of many leaves, Which in due season fall and are blown away. And this is the way of life.” - Krishnamurti
November is upon us…and as I write this…(still mid-October)…I happened upon some poetry evoking November. I love the outlines of the leafless trees. While on my morning walks with Seamus I look up through branches to the screaming blue sky and appreciate the stark contrast of the trees against the sky. November is a month of remembrance…a time of reflection as the Holidays and winter rapidly approaches. Veteran‛s Day for many has become a day of retail sales! Some people start their Holiday shopping on that day. What is your thought about this? Are only those of us who have had military family members the ones who reflect upon Veteran‛s Day? On the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, an armistice (agreement to stop warring) was reached with Germany bringing the War to end all Wars, to an end. Originally called Armistice Day, the day‛s name changed to Veteran‛s Day in 1954, when President (General) Dwight Eisenhower signed the bill to set aside a day to acknowledge all who have given service in armed forces to our country. (Memorial Day recalls those who gave their lives in the service of the country.) The poppy, a flower of remembrance for fallen soldiers since the time of the Napoleonic war, grows in the French cemetery. I memorized 58
this poem in grade school…did you? I still find the photos from their strikingly beautiful. Thanksgiving is a time in our history that recalls Pilgrims, Indians, the Mayflower, turkey dinner with all the fixings, decorating with the fruits & vegetables of the harvest, family, to football, and Black Friday! With the recent question tossed about…of are you better off than 4 years ago, I found this quote to share with you for reflection: “The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.”~H.U. Westermayer When gathered around your Thanksgiving table and giving thanks… why not share some wonderful quotes from books or poems as part of a new tradition. Also, Thanksgiving is the most traveled holiday in the U.S. Don‛t forget a book or two for your trip. For November all books in our Action/Thriller/Military section will be an additional 10% off. This would include such authors as Dale Brown, Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler, Nelson Demille, Jack Higgins, Robert Ludlum, and Daniel Silva to name just a few! What did I read in October? I just finished Dean Koontz‛s, 2001, “One Door Away from Heaven”. I give it ***…not my favorite of his, but it kept my interest as 3 distinct stories with diverse characters‛ lives intersected, crashed and exploded in this tale of utilitarian bioethics, family, struggle, adversity, aliens, the power of love, life, and of course, one smart dog. A bit heavy on description but just “off” enough to be classic Koontz. I love when the most “human” of characters come from another world! (but that‛s me) What‛s next…I have these 4 in my immediate “to read” pile. Stephen King‛s: “11/22/63”, the tale of Jack Epping a high school teacher who goes back in time to change the outcome of the Kennedy
assassination. Tess Gerritsen‛s “Rizzoli & Isles: Last to Die”, the 10th book in the Rizzoli & Isles series. I can‛t wait …I have never been disappointed with this mystery series. Dean Koontz‛s “Odd Apocalypse” is the 5th in his Odd Thomas series. I really like these tales of the 20 year old short order cook who is visited by the dead and has visions of the future. Always trying to put things right, Thomas struggles with interpreting his visions and what the dead are trying to convey. (they don‛t talk to him) Odd saves the world plus the lives of others, time and time again. Loved it when Elvis was along for the ride! My serious book, “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption,”2010 non-fiction book by Laura Hillenbrand is the true accounting of hero Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic track star who survived for more than 2 ½ years in several brutal Japanese internment camps as a prisoner of war. The title tells us that it is about his life long after the war. A story of redemption and forgiveness, it has been on the bestseller‛s list for months. When preparing for your Holiday shopping…don‛t forget…Tattered Pages offers gift certificates, & books in new & next to new condition which make for great gifts. We have a wonderful selection of classic literature, cookbooks, craft books, hobby books, sports, self-help and religion books as well as other non-fiction and fiction selections…all are already marked 20-60% off the original publisher‛s suggested price…and if you have a trade credit program with us…you receive up to 30% more off your sale! You are always welcome to e-mail me a “wish list of titles” that you are looking for. I will do the research and call you if we have any of these books in store. Also, for those who need something online (Amazon) but don‛t know how to order, or don‛t want to use their credit card online…we do offer a service to find you a book at the best possible price for a minimal fee. Just a reminder…when bringing in books for trade credit consideration…please!!!!...make sure that the books are clean of any dust, dirt or odor. Only 8 books at a time please…and if we can‛t use them you must take them back. (We never buy books) Please spread the word about our shop…open late on Mon & Fri. 7pm. In closing, we want to extend our thanks to John, at Our Towne, for extending the opportunity to publish this article every month! Special thanks, as well, to our customers. If you haven‛t been in ever…or if it has been a while…come on in. Many of our books are less than the cost of a gallon of gas…and you get much more mileage from a good book! Happy reading…
Trish
Patricia Eldridge is manager of Tattered Pages Used Books in the Glenmont Center Square, 365 Feura Bush Rd, #447-9910 Monday & Friday 9-7, Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Sat. 9-5 www.tatteredpages365.webs.com
Hamagrael Handcrafted Craft Fair Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 10 am to 4 pm at Hamagrael Elementary School, 1 McGuffey Lane, Delmar, NY. ADMISSION IS FREE. This annual Delmar Craft Fair will feature over 80 vendors offering a wide variety of crafts. Lunch is available for purchase. A Bucket Auction featuring vendor items will take place during the fair. Winners need not be present to win. For more information contact: Mandy Fallon 478-9548 or Kim Lawlor 439-9931
St. Thomas Craft Fair! Til p ' o 'Sh Drop You
St. Thomas School’s Annual
'Shop Til You Drop' Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, November 3rd from 10am to 4 pm at 42 Adams Place, Delmar. Start your holiday shopping early! Crafters feature jewelry, hand-made American Girl doll clothes & furniture, knit scarves & bags, floral arrangements, & tole painting just to name a few!
Admission is FREE! Bring a friend and come enjoy part of your day with us!
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