Catskills Confidential Spring 2014 by Sullivan County Democrat/Catskill-Delaware Publications

S u l l i v a n C o u n t y ’ s Pr e m i e r Vi s i t o r s ’ I n f o r m a t i o n R e s o u r c e

Take One Free

Catskills C O N F I D E N T I A L Volume 13 Number 8

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have we met?

A Unique Montessori School

Peter and Marsha Comstock, Directors 428 Hollow Road, Glen Spey, NY 12737 845.856.6359 www.homesteadschool.com

Preschool to Sixth Grade Full Academic, Enrichment & Outdoor Education Programs Foreign Language, Art & Music 85 Acre Campus â&#x20AC;˘ 25 minutes from Port Jervis and Monticello 12201

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Isadora of Rosehaven Alpacas in Callicoon, NY is considered so lovely that she’s earned the nickname “Isadorable”! Meet gorgeous gals like these at the upcoming Bethel Woods Fiber Festival! Contributed Photo by K. Williams

HOLY COW That’s what I call

NOW

ON THE COVER

HIGH-SPEED

INTERNET Catskills C O N F I D E N T I A L Publisher Editor Design and Layout Director of Marketing Display Advertising Director Advertising Sales Advertising Coordinator Advertising Design Business Manager Production

Fred Stabbert III Dan Hust Rosalie Mycka Laura Stabbert Liz Tucker Katie Peake, Cecilia Lamy Sandy Schrader Petra Duffy Sue Owens Tracy Swendsen

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spring in Sullivan County O

Roberta Byron Lockwood President, Sullivan County Visitors Association

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ur beautiful area of the Catskills is sure to become a treasured destination for you and your family. Spring is filled with a multitude of varied events in Sullivan County. Whether you prefer history, culture, music or fishing, Sullivan County has it all. The Museum at Bethel Woods, which features the 1969 Woodstock festival and the history of the 1960s, opens for their 2014 season on April 5 with the beginning of their “America Meets the Beatles” exhibit which will continue through August 17. The exhibit will feature photos of the Fab Four's first U.S. visit by LIFE photographer Bill Eppridge & Beatlemania memorabilia from the Rod Mandeville Collection. Additionally, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts will partner with Rosehaven Alpacas to host a two-day Fiber and Fashion Festival on May 10 and 11. There will be a showcase of talented craft and fiber vendors offering a variety of items from alpaca, sheep,

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angora and more. The Callicoon Brewing Company is a must-see stop for the beer connoisseur. Located in a converted firehouse in the sleepy hamlet of Callicoon, the brewpub overlooks the Delaware River which provides New York City with the purest water in the country. So be sure to stop in to enjoy the scenic beauty of the town, and enjoy the wide variety of the finest handcrafted NY State ales and lagers, guaranteed to wet your whistle! April 1st marks the beginning of trout fishing season in Sullivan County. All anglers are invited to celebrate the season opening at Junction Pool in Roscoe. At the same location on April 5th there will be a traditional “First Cast” where celebrity caster and Nashville country music star Ryan Broshear will cast out the first cast for the season. Whether this visit is your first or your latest, we are happy you have chosen Sullivan County!

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FAR OUT FUN IN ANY SEASON!

There’s so much to enjoy in our Sullivan County Catskills any time, all year long. Help mark the 45th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival with song and celebration.

photo: richardlaw.com

Come see the site and visit The Museum at Bethel Woods.

And you won’t want to miss out on everything else that makes our region famous, too:

Cast a line in world famous ﬁshing waters

Savor a taste of our craft beer and spirits

Dine at farm-to-table restaurants

Sing along and applaud our arts scene

Sleep peacefully at a B&B, cozy inn or a full-service resort

We’ll greet you with a warm country welcome! 1-800-882-CATS scva.net ® I LOVE NEW YORK logo is a registered trademark/service mark of the NYS Dept. of Economic Development, used with permission.

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from fur to fabulous fibers

By Dan Hust eems fitting, doesn’t it, to hold a fiber festival at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the original Woodstock festival site in Bethel, NY? Come May 10 & 11, the rolling fields that welcomed half a million to “peace, love and music” nearly a half-century ago will once again host people interested in land and life. This time, however, they’ll be joined by animals both native and not to the surrounding countryside – the lovable, magnificent creatures who provide the raw material being celebrated at the first Fiber Festival at Bethel Woods. “We are delighted to partner with Rosehaven Alpacas to present our first Fiber Festival at Bethel Woods,” adds Bethel Woods CEO Darlene Fedun. “This new addition to our growing family of festival activity is an exciting opportunity to celebrate our local farming roots.” Take the whole family to learn how

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knitters create, how dye is applied, how yarn is made, how fleece is sheared, and how the art of spinning and weaving is making a comeback. Naturally, some of the animals will be on hand, as well, including sheep, rabbits, llamas and alpacas. You’ll also meet more than 50 vendors offering a variety of shopping options and services, like these: Will-O-Wool Sheep Farm in Callicoon, NY. Longtime knitter Gail Carbone is also a spinner, and she’s turned what was a hobby into a full-fledged vocation on the hilltop farm she shares with husband Doug Duchesneau.

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From cuddly alpacas like Errol Flynn (pictured with his mom Attache) to woolly and warm Will the sheep (mascot of Will ‘O Wool Sheep Farm), get up close and personal with friendly and oh-sosoft animals at Bethel Woods’ Fiber Festival.

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ABOVE: Nagu the yak makes an impressive entrance into the yard where visitors can view her at the Skirted Fleece Mill in Calkins, Pa. Her name, says owners Adam and Liz Thumann, means “black.” BELOW: Guests are also welcome to tour the mill itself, where fur from many different locations and creatures (in these photos, it’s alpaca) is carded (left) and spun (right) into fibers useful for knitting and other applications.

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“I’ve been knitting since I could hold needles,” she says. A trip to the Rhinebeck fiber show convinced her to add sheep to the couple’s small coterie of horses and goats – an ewe named Maggie, who went on to be a state champion. Maggie gave birth to Will, who’s now Will-O-Wool’s mascot (though the farm’s name actually derives from willow trees on the property). A brief but successful period of breeding has given Gail and Doug 27 sheep representing three different

breeds – Black Welsh Mountain, Border Leicester and Finn. Every year, they produce an average of 140 pounds of raw fleece, which Gail then hand-spins into blankets, sweaters, mittens, hats, socks, even dryer balls. Indeed, she’ll be sharing knitting ideas at Bethel Woods’ Fiber Festival, plus selling her award-winning creations. “I will have a table there, and I will spin,” she affirms. She also looks forward to meeting

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Fiona and her brother are hoping to meet you at the Festival!

BETHEL WOODS FIBER FESTIVAL May 10-11, 2014 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days Market Sheds, Hurd Road, Bethel, NY $10 per day per adult ($15 two-day combo ticket), $5 per day per youth aged 6-12, under 5 are free Live animals Spinning and shearing demonstrations Workshops and classes (each is a separate $45/person fee; call 845-583-2060 to register)

Supplies Shopping Food Fun for the whole family! More info and a schedule of events: www.bethelwoodscenter.org

fellow fiber fans. “It’s a way of getting together and comparing notes,” Gail explains. “I think wool is fabulous!” For more info on Will-O-Wool, check out willowoolsheepfarm.com. The Skirted Fleece Mill in Calkins, PA.

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This one’s worth a visit after the Fiber Festival, if only to see the nine yaks placidly chewing on hay along the rolling hillside. These Asian cousins of cattle aren’t coming to the festival, though their youngster friends – a pair of adorable lambs named Fergus and Fiona – may accompany owners Adam and Liz Thumann to Bethel. Adam and Liz speculate they have the only yak farm for miles around, but they’re unique in another way, too: they have one of the few small-scale fiber mills in this part of the world. Fiber farmers and artists from all over bring their material to Adam and Liz, who then run it through a series of specially-made machines which turn raw fleece and fur into finely-wound yarn. “We’re really locally-oriented,” says Adam, who grew up in an ag-focused family and now happily devotes his life to maintaining the farm and mill. “We do really well with some of the smaller farms, like 10-20 animals [each],” affirms Liz, who displays her knitting skills in a variety of decorative and practical items for sale at the mill’s store. “She is a whiz on the spinner,” praises Adam, who admits he ... well ... isn’t. “I’m not a fiber artist, but I do like making the yarn!” And they both enjoy giving tours and classes, as it’s a chance to share a true passion. Scenes like those above will be common at Bethel Woods’ Fiber Festival this May, from spinners demonstrating their skills to products catching your eye. TOP RIGHT: Fiber expert Wini Labrecque teaches spinning. RIGHT: The rabbit and the knitting bags above it are items sold by Skirted Fleece Mill, one of the festival’s many vendors. LEFT: Even if you can’t make the festival, many of the participants (like Rob Bruce of Rosehaven Alpacas) have small shops and/or online stores where you can buy their handmade efforts. Several outlets also offer classes so you can learn how to make your own comfy works of art!

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To find out when the mill, the store and the tours are open, head to skirtedfleecemill.com. Rosehaven Alpacas – Bethel Woods’ partner in the Fiber Festival. Such celebrations draw large crowds of both artists and customers. “People are very fanatical about it,” affirms Rosehaven owner Michele Armour. “They just love it!” She points to the enormous success of the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival held in upstate Rhinebeck every fall. “They are an amazing event,” she says. “We are a little startup festival

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and could only hope for their longevity and a touch of their success. Maybe in time we could be their ‘little cousin’!” Michele and husband Rob Bruce created their Callicoon, NY farm, Rosehaven Alpacas, after literally stumbling across a wayward herd of them on a trip close to home. In time, their herd swelled, demand increased, and the couple even took over organizing the Alpaca Festival, also at Bethel Woods. Today, their hillside abode is the starting point for a wide array of comfortable, warm and luxurious apparel, thanks to the alpacas they so carefully breed. To find out more, visit rosehavenalpacas.com. C AT S K I L L S C O N F I D E N T I A L

Fiona and her brother are hoping to meet you at the Festival!

Supplies Shopping Food Fun for the whole family! More info and a schedule of events: www.bethelwoodscenter.org

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brewery, pub, & tasty

Story and photos by Dan Hust

ooking for an authentic pub experience? Meet the friendly crew of the Callicoon Brewing Company. Jim, the owner, is up for an amiable chat even while he washes the dishes. Hostess Patti is good for some advice – where to go, what to do. Mary, who may wait on you ... well, she’s just a character, the best and most memorable kind! In fact, afterwards, you’ll likely feel just the way this Yelp commenter did: “A few more visits, and I’ve decided this place deserves five stars,” writes JPB of Brooklyn. “Because it’s a perfect small town beer hall that offers regional

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brews (including their own excellent lager) and meaty sandwiches at reasonable prices. (A good-sized reuben is $9, and that’s the most expensive menu item). “The space is large and open, the booths are comfortable and the antique bar is gorgeous. “... The world needs more places like this.” But you don’t have to travel the world – just head to Callicoon, NY, one of the Catskills’ most unique and scenic roadside attractions. A mixture of Old West and more modern architecture, Callicoon sits between NYS Route 97 and the Delaware River. Located in the center of town, the Callicoon Brewing Company is one of the newer arrivals, having transformed a former firehouse into a brewpub celebrating local and regional beers. Try the Callicoon Country Lager, or set your lips on a glass of Trout Town American Ale (brewed right up the road in Roscoe, NY). There’s a dozen in all to sample. The menu is right in line with that pub philosophy, with freshly-made fare like corned beef and liverwurst sandwiches, deep fried hot dogs, homemade mac ‘n cheese, quesadillas and “brew stew.” The decor is similarly unpretentious. Booths line what was once the firetruck bay, while the SPRING 2014

CALLICOON BREWING COMPANY 16 Upper Main Street Callicoon, NY 845-887-5500 www.callicoonbrewing .com (also on Facebook)

grub LEFT: A game room will keep the kids and adults occupied before and after meals, thanks to a pool table, dart board and classic coin-operated bowling game. ABOVE: “The Rachel,” as this sandwich is known, pairs perfectly with the brewing company’s very own Brown Cow Porter. BELOW: Smothered in chili or deep fat fried, hot dogs at the Callicoon Brewing Company are unforgettable experiences!

CUSTOM Cakes & Cupcakes Gluten-Free, Sugar- Free, & Vegan Available

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bar stretches between bits and pieces of oldtime railroad memorabilia (owner Jim Wilson has a life’s worth of experience in the rail industry, including on dining cars). And the adjacent game room offers a pool table, jukebox, baby grand player piano, even a coin-operated bowling game. If live entertainment is more your style, stop by on a Friday or Saturday night to hear talented local bands, their rhythms echoing inside the cavernous firehouse. As one TripAdvisor commenter says, the Callicoon Brewing Company is “a fun and friendly way to spend a few hours!”

Open from noon to whenever Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and 3 p.m. to whenever on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Closed Tuesdays. NOTE: Hours may change this spring, so call ahead or visit their website for the latest info. Offering indoor and seasonal outdoor dining with views of the downtown business district and restored railroad depot. Menu includes cold and hot sandwiches, soups, hot dogs cooked in beer or deep-fried, french fries, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, hummus and quesadillas. No item is more than $10. A full calendar of events, including live entertainment, is listed online.

Delivery Available EdibleArtbyErin.com

845-798-1482 Neversink area

12215

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good newsC A L E N D A R SPRING 2014

Sat., March 22 Sullivan County Catskills Sportsman & Outdoor Expo, at Sullivan County Community College, beginning at 8 a.m. Cost is $4 for adults, under 12 are free. Sullivan County Catskills Sportsman & Outdoor Rec Expo will be held at SUNY Sullivan’s Paul Gerry Fieldhouse. See all the newest equipment and merchandise for: Hunting, Fishing, Camping, Canoeing, Boating, Archery, ATVs, golfing and more… There will be food, raffles, kids entertainment and demos all day! For more information on vendor space availability, contact Hillary at 845-434-5750, ext. 4377. Introduction to Fish Carving, at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum, in Livingston Manor, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All materials will be provided by carver, Paul McCain. This basic class will give all beginners a hands on experience. Lunch will be provided. Cost is $125 per person. For info call 439-4810, email flyfish@ catskill.net or visit www.cffcm.net. Wonderful Waterfowl, at 8 a.m. See an array of migrating bird species at the wildlife-rich Basha Kill in the company of John Haas, birder extraordinaire. Waterproof boots suggested. Meet at Haven Road, just off Rt. 209 south of Wurtsboro, in the DEC parking lot. Call John to register at 888-0240. Sponsored by the Basha Kill Area Association, thebashakill.org. A spaghetti dinner will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Rock Hill Firehouse, to benefit Boy Scout Tropp 101. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for ages 5 - 12, children 4 and under eat for free. For info, call Tom at 798-0549 or Joe at 798-0052. Sun., March 23 Claryville Volunteer Fire Department will host a pancake breakfast at the firehouse, from 7 a.m. to noon. Cost is $7 for adults, $4 for children under 12, and under 5 are free. Callicoon Indoor Farmers Market, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Delaware Community Center. A collection of locally produced goods…fair trade, organic, rain forest alliance certified coffee; maple syrup, maple candies, creamed maple; varieties of honey, creamed honey with cinnamon; artisan pasta made with NY organic wheat; varieties of goat & cow cheese; goat’s milk soap; herbal tea blends; fresh flowers & potted plants; wool blankets & dresses; fresh baked bread; organic vegetables; apple cider; fresh fruit; quiche; soups; wine; meat (chicken, pork, beef, goat); eggs and much more! Every other Sunday, until April 27. For info, call 866-270-2015 or visit sullivancountyfarm12

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ers markets.org. Fri., April 4 Stardust Dance Weekend at Honors Haven Resort & Spa, in Ellenville. Cost starts at $385 per person. All inclusive ballroom dance weekend. Overnight accommodations, 7 meals, champagne/wine reception, open bar cocktail party/smorgasbord. Over 50 dance workshops, night club entertainment, separate dance facilities for Latin, Ballroom, Argentine Tango, Hustle/West Coast Swing. Hosts available for single ladies & much more! For info, call 800-537-2797, email info@stardustdance.com or visit www.stardustdance.com. Sat., April 5 Delaware Youth Center offers the NTSI (National Traffic Safety Institute) six-hour New York State Driver Safety Course - 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. For info, call 887-4120. Star Walk, 8 p.m. See the wonders of the heavens reflected in the peaceful waters of the Basha Kill and learn some interesting space facts. Led by Bob Fiore. Call Bob at 498-9001 to check on weather status, as this event is dependent on clear skies. Sponsored by the Basha Kill Area Association, thebashakill.org. Auditions for "The Masque of the Red Death,” an original music-drama based on Edgar Allen Poe’s infamous story will be held at the Sullivan County Museum in Hurleyville, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Performances in late October, early November in South Fallsburg and Narrowsburg. For info, call Gladys at 434-3162, email: gladyssmucklermoskowitz @gmail.com, or Sally Gladden 434-0209, email: gladsally@gmail.com, or Carol Castel 212-720-5290 or email: nccastel@aol.com. Sun., April 6 Parksville USA Music Festival, 3 p.m., Dead End Cafe, Parksville. All aboard! Join the Lyric Quartet on a Mediterranean Musical Tour. Spain… France… Greece… Italy. For info, call 747-4247 or email mistermichele@ owly.com

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ROSCOE WILLOWEMOC

TENNANAH LAKE

DEBRUCE

LIVINGSTON MANOR LONG EDDY

CALLICOON CENTER

GRAHAMSVILLE

SHANDELEE NEVERSINK

YOUNGSVILLE

Jeffersonville

Liberty 42

LOCH SHELDRAKE

CALLICOON WOODBOURNE

17b WOODRIDGE BETHEL

17b

FALLSBURG KAUNEONGA LAKE

LAKE HUNTINGTON

SOUTH FALLSBURG

WHITE LAKE PHILLIPSPORT

Monticello

52 NARROWSBURG

17 55

Wurtsboro

42 FORESTBURGH

Bloomingburg

ELDRED

209 BARRYVILLE

Sullivan County

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Sat., April 12 The 18th annual women’s conference at Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Women Wit Wisdom – The Celebration of Being a Woman 2014. The keynote speaker will be comedian Jane Condon who has appeared on ABC TV’s “The View”, Lifetime TV’s “Girls Night Out” and Fox TV’s series finale of “24 . For info, call 434-5750, ext. 4472 or visit www.sunysullivan.edu. Sun., April 13 Callicoon Kiwanis Palm Sunday pancake breakfast will at the Delaware Community Center, from 7 a.m. to noon. Claryville Volunteer Fire Department will host a pancake breakfast at the firehouse, from 7 a.m. to noon. Cost is $7 for adults, $4 for children under 12, and under 5 are free. Sat., April 19 Grahamsville United Methodist Church will host a thrift sale, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the church. The church is located at 356 Main Street, in Grahamsville. For info, call 985-2938. Sat., May 3 Spring Migration Warbler Walk, 7:30 a.m. Meet these singing birds, plus orioles, vireos and more, all in their brightest plumage with birder John Haas. Rain or shine at the Basha Kill. Binoculars helpful. Meet at Haven Road, just off Route 209 south of Wurtsboro. For info, call John at 888-0240. Sponsored by the Basha Kill Area Association, thebashakill.org. Sat., May 10 Foodstock at Villa Roma Resort & Conference Center in Callicoon, organized by WJFF Radio. WJFF kicks off the summer with the area’s largest indoor food festival at the Villa Roma in Callicoon, NY. Taste delicious samples of foods from local farms, producers and purveyors. Shop for great grocery and gift items. For info, call 4824141, email adam@wjffradio.org or visit www.wjffradio.org. Sun., May 11 The 4th annual Tulip Festival and Mother’s Day Celebration will take place at Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa, in Ellenville, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate Mother’s Day with an amazing Mothers Day lunch, local artisans & crafters, vendors, live entertainment and a beautiful display of seasonal flowers & tulips. For info, call 2101600 or 877-969-4283.

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on view in the special exhibit gallery

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THRU AUGUST 17, 2014 this exhibition is made possible in part by MIKE WATKINS/WOODSTOCK DEVELOPMENT, LLC

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR INFORMAATTION ABOUT SPECIAL SPECI EXHIBITS, SPEAKER, FILM & CONCERT SERIES.

THE MUSEUM AT BETHEL WOODS

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Only New York handcrafted ales, ciders and lagers on tap, featuring our own Callicoon Lager and Brown Cow Porter, deli sandwiches & full bar. Also Growlers to go. Free Music Saturday Night!

Open Every Day But Tuesday Call for Spring Hours 16 Upper Main St., Callicoon, NY â&#x20AC;¢ 887-5500 SPRING 2014

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REDESIGNED & REDEFINED THE CEREMONY Intimate indoor & outdoor setting. Professionally landscaped gardens, terraces, fountain & gazebo

THE RECEPTION Newly redesigned reception room with vast windows & exquisite views. Personalized and customized menus for every budget. Catering to only one reception at a time.

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Luxurious hotel rooms and complimentary bridal suite. Spa, hair studio and makeup artist on property. Lounge & entertainment areas available.

FALL DATES STILL AVAILABLE You provide the vision and we’ll worry about the details. . . CALLICOON, NEW YORK 845-887-4880 www.villaroma.com 16 C AT S K I L L S

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