Holiday Gift Guide 2017

2017

Pining for cats and dogs?

These wreaths might be just the thing for you

plus...

Broaden your shopping horizons Go low-carbon with gift certificates Holiday decorations for all traditions ... and more A RIVER REPORTER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

HELP MAKE THE HOLIDAY SEASON BRIGHT FOR NEEDY CHILDREN.

The Town of Wallkill Boys & Girls Clubs is proud to support The Giving Tree, a project to put clothing and gifts in the hands of children in need across Northern Orange & Sullivan Counties.

2017 November 13 through December 8, donors can sign up at any of our Giving Tree locations, take an ornament and return a gift for the child listed on their ornament. From December 11-22, we will collect, wrap the gifts and distribute them to Club kids and other children in need in our Counties.

GIVING TREE LOCATIONS Absolutely Flowers in Middletown Allstate in Middletown Beauty Salon in Jeffersonville Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Liberty BHG Rand Realty in Pine Bush Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris Cooper Arias in Mongaup Valley Crystal Run Healthcare in Middletown

Dr. Franklin Lackee in Middletown Edible Arrangements in Middletown & Monroe GAP Outlet - Woodbury Commons Liberty Fitness Center The Misner Agency in Woodbourne Nebrasky Plumbing in Monroe Revere Smelting in Middletown Roscoe Beer Company

Ross Electric in Ferndale Spiros in Roscoe The Heron Restaurant in Narrowsburg The River Reporter in Narrowsburg The Roscoe Diner Town of Mt. Hope Town Hall in Otisville Town of Neversink Town Hall in Grahamsville Town of Wallkill Town Hall in Middletown

For more information about The Giving Tree or our local Boys & Girls Clubs in Northern Orange & Sullivan Counties, please visit bgcorange.org or call (845) 342-8833!

SERVING NORTHERN ORANGE & SULLIVAN COUNTIES

2 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2017

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Letter from the Editor

A RIVER REPORTER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PUBLICATION DATE: November 23, 2017

Publisher: Rev. Laurie Stuart Section Editor: Ramona Jan Production Manager: Amanda Reed Advertising Sales Associate: Eileen Hennessy Advertising:

Phone: 845/252-7414, ext. 34 Editorial: Have a comment or idea for the magazine?

845/252-7414, ext. 29 copyeditor@riverreporter.com Holiday Gift Guide, a special publication of The River Reporter, is published by Stuart Communications, Inc. Entire contents Š2017 by Stuart Communications, Inc. Mailing Address: PO Box 150, Narrowsburg, NY 12764 Phone: 845-252-7414 • Fax: 845-252-3298

COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Bored by the idea of decorating again for the holidays, planning meals, and all the routines like shopping for gifts that go with the season? Here’s your chance to make this year’s celebrations an adventure by undertaking new ideas found in our Holiday Gift Guide and calendar: Go far afield in your holiday sprees by following Anne marie Schuetz’s shopping guide in “Broaden your shopping horizons.� And if you are at all concerned about the carbon footprint that holiday gifts typically leave (I know I am), consider gift certificates for low-carbon services such as music lessons, personal training, wardrobe consults, skydiving and more. There’s plenty to choose from in Joe Cooke’s “Carbon, Unwanted.�

Follow the scent of holiday aromas in Laura Silverman’s “The Spice Route.� Her beautiful dishes from varied and diverse cultures are easy to prepare. One taste of a simple side dish would be a wonderful adventure for any and all of your holiday guests.

In “Decorating for the Holidays Again?� a new writer, Solomon Kovacs, tells us how he went from growing up in a mixed religious household to creating his own non-religious, but spiritual way of adorning the home. And artist Kathy Morawski talks about how she came to re-design the Christmas wreath to please animal lovers around the world.

Happy Holidays!

Ramona Jan — Section Editor

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CONTENTS 5

The spice route

By LAURA SILVERMAN

9

Broaden your shopping horizons

By ANNEMARIE SCHUETZ

14

Decorating for the holidays again?

By SOLOMON KOVACS

17

Pining for cats and dogs?

These wreaths might be just the thing for you

By RAMONA JAN

21

Carbon, unwanted Lower the carbon footprint for almost everyone on your list

By JOE COOKE

26

Holiday calendar

Cover photo contributed by Kathy Morawski, depicting two of her handmade wreaths. Story on page 17.

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A RIVER REPORTER 2017 MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ 3

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The spice route Photos and story by LAURA SILVERMAN

For so many of us, the holidays are a time to return home—whether we are literally traveling to be with family or using sense memories to transport ourselves through time and space. Most cultures have a tradition of special foods at this time of year, and lots of them are rich with spices. A whiff of mulled wine, with its complex perfume of cinnamon, cloves, orange peel and star anise, reminds West Indians of their Christmas sorrel (a similarly spiced hibiscus drink) and Swedes of their cardamom-scented glogg. Those from African-American backgrounds long for the familiar smells of West African cooking, infused with curry spices like ginger, cayenne and turmeric.

My own holiday tradition reflects my parents’ mixed marriage: tamales with New Mexico chili sauce and crispy latkes, aka Jewish potato pancakes.

Fried foods are pervasive during Hanukkah, because they serve as a reminder of the oil that kept the Second Temple of ancient Israel

lit with a long-lasting flame. Latkes are usually made just from potatoes, but can easily incorporate other vegetables, including sweet potatoes, celery root, apples or beets. I add carrots to mine and serve them with sour cream laced with freshly grated horseradish and a sprinkle of earthy ground caraway. This is my own personal twist, but those pungent smells evoke generations of deli classics.

For those who celebrate Kwanzaa, there are seven guiding principles, Nguzo Saba, that focus on traditional African values. For most families, that includes coming together as a community to break bread and share a delicious feast. In researching typical foods served for Kwanzaa, I came across quite a few recipes for groundnut stew, a West African dish that’s thickened with peanuts. I also found a recipe for cinnamon-spiced sweet potatoes from Bryant Terry, author of “Vegan Soul Kitchen: Fresh, Healthy, and Creative African-American Cuisine,” who retains traditional flavors while

returning soul food to its healthy roots. This inspired me to come up with a dish that I will serve at my own holiday meal: chunks of curried sweet potato roasted with peanuts and maple syrup.

And that familiar combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves without which no pumpkin pie (or pumpkin pie latte) is complete? It evokes a Pavlovian response at this point, instantly conjuring up the ghosts of Christmases past. Try these spices in a mug of hot cider, or infuse them in cream that you’ll whip to serve with gingerbread. Or, for one of the simplest and most comforting desserts ever, toss them with raisins, chopped walnuts and maple syrup and stuff this delectable mixture into the hollowed-out core of a gorgeous heirloom apple. Roast it in the oven until it’s fragrant and yielding, luxuriating all the while in the smells of childhood, of celebration, of good things gone by and still to come.

Continued on page 7

A RIVER REPORTER 2017 MAGAZINE • 5

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Spice Continued from page 5

Latkes (potato pancakes) Makes about 10 medium pancakes 2 large russet potatoes 2 medium carrots 1 medium onion, skin removed ½ cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons sea salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste ½ cup vegetable oil, such as sunflower or grapeseed Coarsely grate the potatoes, carrots and onion into a large bowl.

Transfer to a thin cotton dishcloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Let it rest for a few minutes, and then squeeze again.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, salt and pepper.

Stir in the grated vegetables until evenly coated.

In a large heavy skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Drop a generous spoonful of the potato mixture into the oil and gently press flat with a spatula. Cook for several minutes until the edges are golden brown, then flip and brown the other side. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining potato mixture.

To keep latkes warm as you are making them, heat oven to 275ºF and place a parchment-lined baking sheet inside. Once latkes have drained, place them on the baking sheet.

Once cooked, latkes will keep in the fridge for a couple of days, or in the freezer, well-wrapped in saran, for a few weeks. Reheat them on a cookie sheet in a 400ºF oven until crisp.

Potato latkes

Curried Sweet Potatoes Serves 4 2 lbs sweet potatoes 3 tablespoons coconut oil 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1/3 cup chopped unsalted peanuts ½ tablespoons curry powder 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon red chili flakes, optional Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into halfinch chunks. In a large bowl, combine them with the coconut oil, maple syrup, chopped peanuts, curry powder, salt, garlic powder and chili flakes, if using.

Stir well and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

Roast in the oven, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until sweet potatoes are soft and caramelized.

Curried sweet potatoes

A RIVER REPORTER 2017 MAGAZINE • 7

Unique Country Gifts perfect for the holidays

The Milanville General Store

1143 River Road, Milanville, PA (570)729-8390

5287( (;,7 Â&#x2021; &$76.,// 02817$,16

Hometown for the Holidays Shop Local Saturday Nov. 25

Nov. 25 to Dec. 24

Win a Sleigh of Gifts!

Get an entry for every $20 you spend at any participating shop

Stylish Clothing Housewares Unique Toys Handmade Items Outdoor Gear Sporting Goods Vintage Goods Galleries Craft Beer & Spirits Farm Fresh Food Baked Goods

For all of Livingston Manor¡s Holiday Events Visit: livingstonmanor.org 8 â&#x20AC;˘ HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2017

Broadening your shopping horizons

By ANNEMARIE SCHUETZ

Life and the potter’s wheel

I know, we love the easy and familiar, but our region is full of undiscovered wonders. This year, go further afield. Go exploring. And go shopping on your Main Street, then someone else’s Main Street, and visit local artisans’ online stores.

For the little ones

LONG EDDY, NY — Tiny Long Eddy houses a surprise: Tree By Kerri Lee, a small company that designs, makes and sells unique baby gifts made from responsibly harvested wood. Tree’s products can be found in shops worldwide, or online if you can’t make the trip. Kerri Lee Sensiba and her artisans make music boxes, clocks, nightlights and much more. Everything is simple, elegant, and beautiful.

Contact Tree by Kerri Lee at info@treebykerrilee or by phone at 845/887-6165.

The functional and the beautiful: A teapot by Eldred’s Nonna Hall

ELDRED, NY — Nonna Hall’s pottery may be functional, but you can almost see the soul in the clay. Sharing food, gathering around a teapot full of strong black tea—these are rituals that forge deep connections.

Hall’s medium is stoneware clay and porcelain, and the result is prized by interior designers, not to mention the people who own her work. Hall also teaches classes for children and adults at her studio in Eldred, NY. See more of her work at www.nonnahall.com, email info@nonnahall.com or call 732/647-6340.

Hall’s gorgeous blue bottles

Contributed photos

Long Eddy’s Tree by Kerri Lee creates beautiful baby items.

Here, a walnut sign reminds us to tiptoe...

...and a unicorn clock adds whimsy to the nursery.

Celebrating the handmade

HAWLEY, PA — Located right on Main Avenue, B. Madigan Jewelry and Gifts is a warm, welcoming place full of the work of local craftspeople. The jewelry is all handmade by Madigan herself. Her 90-year-old mother makes the quilled greeting cards (cards made of tiny rolls of paper twisted into shapes and then attached to card stock to make various designs)—they are sturdier than they look, I promise. Another lady makes the lovely bags hanging on the wall. There are fine examples of wood-burning and homemade candles. There are stories behind every item in the shop, and you should ask about them. Part of the charm is the tales behind everything for sale, and Madigan’s obvious love for her town and its people.

Visit B. Madigan at 324 Main Avenue. Call 570/561-3629 or visit bmadigan.com.

Continued on page 11

This coal stove, for sale at B Madigan, was restored by the owner and her husband.

A RIVER REPORTER 2017 MAGAZINE • 9

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10 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2017

shopping

For ‘all things beautiful’

MATAMORAS, PA — Ravonia Apothecary occupies a space between past and present. As in an old general store, there is something for everyone in its six rooms: bath products, an entire room dedicated to tea, essential oils, clothing and distressed furniture that evokes a simpler time. You can find handmade pins, vintage handbags and potpourri. Though some items, like the bath bombs, are thoroughly modern, the shop is primarily redolent of the 19th century. Almost everything is made in-house. The owner describes it as “all things beautiful,” and she’s right.

Visit Ravonia at 806 Pennsylvania Ave., call 570/491-4438 or visit Ravonia Apothecary on Facebook.

Continued from page 9

Grizzly bear on tile at Creative Laser Creations and Home Décor

Preserving memories in stone and wood

MILFORD, PA — Tucked away behind the restaurant at Milford’s Apple Valley is a collection of shops ranging from the Candy Cottage to the Breathless Beauty organic food store. And then there is Creative Laser Creations and Home Décor. Owner Ken Vitali makes astonishing laserengraved pictures on granite, tile and wood.

“He can take a pho- Not just engraving. There’s more at Creative Laser Creations. tograph and engrave it,” said the woman working the counter recently. “We’re happy to do custom work.” Think of it as making a memory permanent, more so than on paper, or a computer screen.

The shop is more than that, though. The jewelry is handmade locally.

There are wooden game boards, chess sets and shelves of preserves and honey, many also made or preserved locally. And a surprise: beautiful Turkish bowls and lamps for the hard-to-shop-for on your list.

Visit Creative Laser Creations at 108 Route 6, call 570/409-4438 or visit creativelasercreations.com

Ravonia Apothecary, in Matamoras, offers bath products, essential oils and much more, mostly made in-house

Continued on page 13

The tea room at Ravonia

A RIVER REPORTER 2017 MAGAZINE • 11

BILL CASE POLARIS SALES & SERVICE

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the Musical

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Al’s Music Shop

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Home to “The Parting Glass” an Irish Folk Trio

845-888-2100

26 Years In Business

41 Fowler Street, Port Jervis, New York, 12771 845-858-2475 • www.alsmusicshopny.com

12 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2017

Visit us online at www.canaltowne.com or on Facebook, too

shopping Continued from page 11

Endlessly fascinating

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NARROWSBURG, NY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Antique Junction is celebrated for the eclectic: thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little bit of everything, from WWII memorabilia to Hoosier cabinets to old games and puzzles.

The clever set-up sends a shopper winding through the large store, into nooks and crannies packed with the unusual and fun. Stereoscope cards? Yep. Part of a covered wagon? Check. If thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something you need, store manager Patty VanDeLinde can find it for you. Just ask.

Visit Antique Junction at 6595 Route 97, or call 845/252-6711

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How to run a washing machine in non-electric times: this treadmill uses goat or dog power to get your clothes clean. For sale at Antique Junction in Narrowsburg.

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One of the most popular items at Annieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place: dog pillows let you show your love of all things canine.

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ROSCOE, NY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; On the outskirts of our region there is Roscoe, known for its fishing. But thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more to see on Stewart Ave. Visit Annieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place, for instanceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Annie was owner Miriam Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beloved cocker spanielâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; and check out this â&#x20AC;&#x153;home gift shop,â&#x20AC;? as Stone puts it. The wall dĂŠcor is beautiful, and the items for sale are carefully chosen, contemporary country. Everything reflects Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s background in design. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can give people an idea of what they can do with one piece of artwork,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Annieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place, Stewart Ave. 607/498-4139 Contemporary country: A balance for sale at Annieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place, Roscoe, NY.

A RIVER REPORTER 2017 MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ 13

Decorating for the holidays again?

For that certain holiday feel, you can never go wrong with a strand of lights. You can twist them into any shape including a round wreath with or without a perched bird (in this case a parrot), or just hang a single strand in the corner of a room.

All manner of lighting gives warmth and for some of us fills our hearts with visions of celestial stars, inner radiance and the early childhood memories of sky gazing.

By SOLOMON KOVACS

I was raised by a Jewish mother and a Catholic father, so technically I’m Jewish even though my father enrolled me in Catholic school. Add that to the fact that both my parents were immigrants (legal—or so they say), and we also picked up all the American holidays like Thanksgiving along with all the Hungarian holidays akin to Festivus that we brought from the old country. Confusing? You bet it was! The upside is that we partied a lot.

Holiday decorating, to say the least, was complicated with an air of competitiveness. No matter how schmancy the menorah, IMHO, it was always second fiddle to the glitzy, tinsel-laden, sometimes aluminum pink Christmas tree that regularly stood next to it. Now that I’m an adult with a home of my own, I decorate for the holidays in a nonreligious, yet spiritual, manner that welcomes all and at the same time makes me feel at home. Here are several simple and perhaps quirky ideas that I’d like to share:

Dried flowers from our local growers, Domesticities and Willow Wisp Farm, in earthen vases alongside bowls of fruit or gourds, will cozy up any room. Whenever I add earth tones or seasonal produce to the dining or kitchen area, again, it brings a feeling of autumn’s celebrations.

An array of candles with a geometric paper ornament hints at Christmas without being too overt. All these candles could as easily indicate some kind of Buddhist celebration, an inner goddess corner or any kind of random altar.

TRR photos by Solomon Kovacs

Table runners make good temporary window valences that can be tacked up with, of all things, thumb tacks! And yes, this one is red and green, but not your typical Christmas true red and green. It’s muted and lovely, and the motif is abstract enough to last through Valentine’s Day (check out the border). I’ll take it down at the end of February and replace it with something that heralds springtime.

I found this block quilt in a local antique shop and carefully wrote the letters on it myself. It now contains one of my favorite spiritual sayings, “There is everything in me except myself.”

Maybe someday I’ll remember myself, or at least where I put my glasses.

14 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2016

Warmth is a characteristic I associate with all holidays, and a good way to achieve some semblance of coziness is with textiles. Yo-yo quilts make good wall hangings in front of windows or on colorful walls, because they allow whatever is behind to show through, which in turn brings life and warmth simultaneously to the entire room.

A vintage tapestry tacked to the wall over a bookshelf with some antique statuary is another way to add splash to any secular decorating. Wooden horses remind us of presents, and presents in turn remind us of family and the holidays, especially Christmas but also birthdays.

For one very easy holiday decorating idea, try adding a single element to something that already exists in your home. I collect buttons of all kinds and put them into large jars on top of shelves. Call it crazy or maybe a little quirky, but this year I’m placing a paper ornament in the middle of my button collection. It’s a way to add color especially when amber glass jars are involved and, for me, earthy colors always invoke holiday time.

Since I keep the button jars on shelves year round, planting a large paper ornament right in the center is an easy way to get that ol’ holiday feeling going at least for a while.

Instead of turkey images, pine cones hanging from a string and tacked in a row (in this case under a railing) impart the feeling of fall and perhaps even Thanksgiving. Lots of potted plants indoors and outdoors also feel like autumn and all the holidays that particular season brings.

A RIVER REPORTER 2016 MAGAZINE • 15

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Pining for cats and horses?

These wreaths might be just the thing for you

By RAMONA JAN Equine artist Kathy Morawski has always looked for creative ways to honor her horses. In 2002, she designed the quarter-horse figurine for the popular Trail of Painted Ponies collectible.

And then something occurred to her. “I thought it’d be cool to make a wreath inspired by my Friesian mare, Bobbi, to put on my own front door for the holidays. People saw it, wanted one for themselves, and my wreath business just took off from there,” she says. Not surprisingly, Morawski’s horse-head wreaths went on to be featured on equine websites, magazine covers and more.

Born in the Chinese year of the horse and raised in rural New Jersey, Morawski grew up loving horses—constantly drawing them, reading about them and collecting Breyer horse models. By the time she was 12, Morawski owned a palomino mare named Butterscotch and at 18 she serendipitously became the barn manager to a total of 18 horses.

“Every member of my family on both sides was musically gifted and talented.

I, however, was the lone musical klutz,” recalls Morawski. “Instead, I was the visual one and was incredibly lucky to have parents that nourished my art and

TRR photos by Ramona Jan

called me the artist of the family. They even let me pick out all our home’s wallpaper patterns when I was a child. I’ve been drawing ever since I can remember, and my favorite subject has always been horses. My entrepreneurial streak began back then as well—I remember in grammar school taking orders for drawings from classmates on the school bus. Kids traded their lunch money for horse drawings.”

Although Morawski was accepted at The School of Visual Arts in New York City, she opted instead to take private and group art classes and other specialized courses that really interested her. She also started working in the commercial and graphic art field right out of high school. She eventually worked her way up to become an art director.

Morawski moved to Sullivan County with an older horse named Skip, whom she had adopted when he was given just six months to live. “We had several more years of wonderful trail riding in our scenic region before he passed at 34, which is exceptional for a horse of his age and health conditions,” says Morawski. Indeed, Skip lived nine years past his predicted life span.

Today, Morawski’s dream horse is her own 18-year-old Friesian, Bobbi. “She truly is a mystical creature that came into my life in a magical way, so I’m very inspired by her and try to capture that essence in my horse art,” says Morawski who’s in the process of setting up her life-long ambition of owning a small horse farm. “It’s my own version of the old ‘Mr. Ed’ TV show, with an art studio in the backyard literally surrounded by horses. It’s going to be so inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what new horse art emerges from that,” she says.

What began with equine portraits Continued on page 19

Horse-head shaped wreaths are made from freshly cut evergreens and shipped throughout the U.S. during the holiday season.

The inspiration behind much of Morawski’s artistry is her Friesian mare, Bobbi. Here they collect pine boughs for wreath making.

A RIVER REPORTER 2017 MAGAZINE • 17

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Pining Continued from page 17

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in live pine turned into a thriving business that eventually included artificial wreaths. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Due to customs regulations, live pine can only ship within the U.S.; otherwise, artificial wreaths can be shipped worldwide,â&#x20AC;? says Morawski. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have since made wreaths for many customers, including farms and businesses around the world.â&#x20AC;? She also makes wreaths all year long, not just for holidays.

And sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just about horses. A lover of cats, both indoor and outdoor, Morawski owns four felines that all serve as models for her popular cat wreaths. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The cat wreaths were inspired by my own cats when I thought they deserved to be cel-

ebrated in a holiday fashion as well,â&#x20AC;? says Morawski. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been asked to make dog wreaths but simply hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gotten around to it yet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since all my wreaths are handmade, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re quite labor and time intensive,â&#x20AC;? she says, adding, â&#x20AC;&#x153;After a couple years of doing it all on my own, my fiancĂŠ, Doug, began helping out; but even with both of us, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still too busy to take on a new wreath line. We have discussed expanding, but for now, horses and cats are the main focus.â&#x20AC;? To view Kathy Morawskiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full line of wreaths and equestrian art visit www.kathymorawski.com.

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The original classic horse-head wreaths are made of artificial pine, so they last for many holidays to come.

Here is a deluxe model, embellished with jewels, beads, gold pinecones and more. Kathyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wreaths were rated the #1 Horse Wreath by Etsyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s editors and have been featured by Counter-Canter Culture, Northwest Rider Magazine and more.

The silhouette of a cat is made in artificial pine, modeled after one of Morawskiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s four felines. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to tell the artificial pine from the live.

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Carbon, unwanted Lower the carbon footprint for almost everyone on your list

By JOE COOKE Concern over our carbon footprint is part of daily life, but for some reason, when considering holiday gifts it all goes by the wayside. Take a large-screen TV or any electronic device. It’s not just the energy used to make the product, but the energy consumed while it is watched (and even when technically off), the energy used to make the plastic or wires, etc.

So this year, try something different.

In our region, there are hundreds of service providers who offer gift certificates. Treat an overworked couple or an elderly relative to a house cleaning, a foot massage, an art lesson.

Keep in mind: Part of the gift is showing that you thought about the recipient, their needs and their preferences.

And you may need to ask before giving a service gift. Some people were going to get right to that leaky faucet. Tomorrow. They promise.

A flower arrangement from Fox Hill Farm in Honesdale.

Services

Many, many people offer services. Here we’ve made suggestions and given some names. Do your part. Look around. Do some research. Check reviews. Check newspapers for ads. Ask friends, get references. Ask questions.

Cleaning service: K&S Cleaning in Cuddebackville, NY. They do residential, commercial, move in/out, post-construction and more. 845/418-5671 Elder assistance: A little info can help an older relative stay at home or give a caregiver a break. Call your county’s Office for the Aging for advice.

Health

Foot massage and reflexology. Areas in the hands and feet are thought to map to specific organs and trouble spots in the body. Aficionados love it and swear by it as a cure for many ills. Try Caroline Verdi. 845/807-1069 Physical training, Of course it’s necessary. Try Andre Turan, the Workout Wizard. In-person or over Skype, 845/423-1021 or andre.turan@yahoo.com

Spiritual guidance and healing

Clairvoyants, mediums and intuitives. Alissa Smith connects with the spirit world to offer guidance to her clients. In-person consultation in the Callicoon area, by phone or Skype elsewhere. 484/240-9015 or alissa@alissasmithintuitive.com

Handyman services: Carpentry, plumbing. An electrician for that short circuit. Landscaping. For when the work is too much or you need the perfect outdoor room.

Windows and gutters: Pretty common around here, and doing the work yourself can be dangerous.

Give your favorite wobbly person some windows, cleaned by a pro.

Reflexology is credited with reducing stress, among other benefits; here, Caroline Verdi works with a client.

Exercise is vital to continued health.

You can never look at too many flowers. These are also from Fox Hill Farm.

Continued on page 23

A RIVER REPORTER 2017 MAGAZINE • 21

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Carbon Continued from page 21

A beautiful life

Flowers make everything more lovely. Katherine Brown from Fox Hill Farm in Honesdale, PA says that keeping a low carbon footprint is vital to her, so that if she can’t grow it herself, she carefully sources it, mainly from American growers.

570/647-9476 or info@ foxhillfarmexperience. com

Regional musicians offer lessons. This is a banjolele, an instrument of which I had never heard.

The beautiful zither

Music

Adults or kids, if you always wanted drum or ukulele lessons, now’s your chance.

Beauty often means organized. Jaquel Theis will help you prioritize your life and focus on what really matters in your surroundings.

570/687-4682 or jaqueltheis.wix.com/ humantool

Milford School of Music, Milford, PA. An astonishing range of music lessons offered. 570/296-1022 or MilfordMusic2@optonline.net Matt Gray, drumming lessons from a local pro. “When you can make the drum sound beautiful, that’s the music and that’s the magic,” he says. All ages welcome.

570/470-2733 Janice Center for the Arts, Jeffersonville, NY. Voice lessons, instrumental lessons and dance from hip hop to ballet. The emphasis is on youth, but adult lessons are also available. www.janicecenter.com

Pinky Giselle, consulting fashionista. Let Pinky survey your wardrobe, toss the stuff you shouldn’t be wearing and advise you on what you should. 570/224-7511

Gifts of self Pinky Giselle does not approve of this outfit.

Art

The Art Factory of White Mills, PA, has only been in business just over a year, but it’s already making artistic waves for its impressive gallery of more than 60 artists, 95% local. And they offer lessons too, ranging from painting to drawing to wire wrapping to photography. Says owner and stained glass artist Jerry Davis, “It’s a community space for art.” 570/251-1181, theartfactoryofwhitemills.com, or Facebook at The Art Factory of White Mills.

The ultimate low-carbon-footprint gift. So many organizations need physical help or dollars or whatever other skills you can contribute. Even, in the case of the Red Cross, your blood. Please consider giving time or money to a nonprofit of your choice.

Here are a few ideas: Food pantries or soup kitchens A local museum or arts center A youth group Your local thrift shop Doctors Without Borders A local literacy group The Salvation Army

Gifts of experience

Skydiving. A once-in-a-lifetime experience and the energy used is a lot less than a cross-country trip.

Try Endless Mountain Skydivers in Tunkhannock, PA. All are welcome, even the elderly and disabled in reasonably good health. One for the bucket list.

800/229-5557 or jumpnepa.com

A RIVER REPORTER 2017 MAGAZINE • 23

24 â&#x20AC;¢ HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2017

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A RIVER REPORTER 2017 MAGAZINE • 25

Friendly Acres Family Owners Business Since 1993 • Doug Diehl

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Pre-Cut or Cut-Your-Own Christmas Chriistmas TTrees rees sstarting tarting 111/25 1/25 Trees, Wreaths, Maple Syrup Honey, & More, Hot Chocolate, Cookies and Picture Taking

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Haves cookies with Santa, take pictures and make some crafts. (FREE) Food available for purchase

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oliday Craft Fair

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Sat., Nov. 25, 2017 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Donation $1.00 per adult. Sponsored by the Beach Lake Fire Company Auxiliary. Food and beverages available for purchase. Door prizes.

Holiday Events November 24

November 25

James Dworetsky Holiday Parade

Handmade for the Holidays

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — Kick off the holiday season in Jeffersonville, 7 to 9 p.m. Greet Santa and other characters as they march in the Main Street parade.

Holiday Craft Fair CALLICOON, NY — Start your shopping! The Holiday Craft Fair at the Delaware Youth Center is one of the area’s most popular events, 9am4pm.

Honesdale for the Holidays HONESDALE, PA — Historic Honesdale offers up holiday hospitality with many merchants hosting events for shoppers’ browsing pleasure.

There’s also the annual Santa Parade, 6pm, and tree lighting, and plenty of seasonal fun to be found. Call or visit https://www.poconomountains. com/event/honesdale-for-theholidays/16527/ for updates.

ROSCOE, NY — Handmade for the Holidays at Duke Pottery, 855 County Rd. 93, 11am to 5pm.

Features local art and craft work, brilliantly done. Call 607/498-4308 for more info.

Holiday Craft Fair CALLICOON, NY — Holiday Craft Fair at the Delaware Youth Center, 9am-4pm.

Small Business Saturday EVERYWHERE — Get away from the big-box stores. Shop your local Main Street and keep money flowing through your community.

Victorian Ornament Crafting HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main Street, is holding an afternoon of Victorian cinnamon-ornament making and holiday-card making for children.

12noon-2pm at the historical society. $2 donation per child. Call 570/253-3240.

Holiday Open House HONESDALE, PA — Learn more about the region, enjoy music and shop at the Wayne County Historical Society during its Holiday Open House, 4-7pm at the Historical Society and Museum, 810 Main St. Call 570/253-3240.

Honesdale for the Holidays HONESDALE, PA — Honesdale for the Holidays continues; see listing under November 24.

Members’ Art Show, Catskill Art Society

ROSCOE, NY — Handmade for the Holidays continues, 11am-5pm at Duke Pottery. See listing under November 25.

November 27 Giving Tuesday CALLICOON, NY — On Giving Tuesday The Delaware Youth Center reminds us to give to organizations and causes we care about, because without our support, those groups and services will disappear.

December 1 Festival of the Holidays Weekend Retreat CLARYVILLE, NY — Re-connect with your family at the Festival of the Holidays Weekend Retreat at Frost Valley YMCA, December 1 through 3. Call 845/9852291, ext. 450.

December 2 Christmas in the Village BETHANY, PA — Several open houses throughout the village including at Bethany Public Library, 2 to 4pm with hot chocolate and cookies. Mrs. Claus helps children write letters to Santa.

Santa Express BETHEL, NY — Santa Express arrives at the Town Square (Veterans Park), 7pm.

Holiday Market at Bethel Woods

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — Catskill Art Society Winter Members’ Show begins and runs through December 31. Call 845/436-4227.

BETHEL, NY — This weekend, solve your holiday shopping needs at Bethel Woods. Handmade, highquality artisan-made gifts available in the Market Sheds. Photos with Santa, live music, crafts and more, 11am to 4pm.

‘Nutcracker’ in Milford

Children’s Christmas Party

MILFORD, PA — The Delaware Valley Dance Company presents the classic ballet “The Nutcracker” at Delaware Valley High School. There will be two performances: 12 noon and a 7 p.m. Tickets available in advance at the Dance Center, 41 Sussex St., Port Jervis, NY, or at the door the day of the shows. Call 845/8563373 or visit www.thedancecenterpj.com.

CALLICOON, NY – The Delaware Youth Center holds its annual children’s Christmas party, 1-4 pm.

Festival of the Holidays Community Day

November 26

CLARYVILLE, NY — Frost Valley YMCA holds its Festival of the Holidays Community Day; open to the public, but registration is required. Call 845/985-2291 x450.

The Santa Express

Liberty Museum Holiday Party

PORT JERVIS, NY — Santa Express returns as Santa and friends tour the region visiting local towns.

Come share the joy. Arrives at 5pm on Front St. See ad on page 25.

26 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2017

Handmade for the Holidays

LIBERTY, NY — Liberty Museum & Arts Center holds its annual holiday party, 6pm. Open to the public. Visit libertymuseum.com or call 845/292-2394.

Calendar Santa Express LIBERTY, NY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Santa Express arrives at 5pm.

Tree-Lighting Ceremony MILFORD, PA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Cookies, caroling and a visit from Santa Claus. Come join in the fun starting at 5pm at Milford Community House, 201 Broad St. More info at www.milfordpa.org.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A Christmas Carolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reading MILFORD, PA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Come listen to the annual reading of Dickensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Christmas Carolâ&#x20AC;? by Joe Plummer, Jr. and Therese Plummer at Grey Towers National Historic Site. Performances at 11am and 2pm.

Tickets required. Generally sells out in advance; call 570/296-9630 or visit greytowers.org for information.

Handmade for the Holidays ROSCOE, NY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Handmade for the Holidays at Duke Pottery, continues, 11am-5pm. See listing under November 25.

December 3 Holiday Market at Bethel Woods BETHEL, NY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Holiday Market continues, 11amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;4pm.

Santa Express FALLSBURG, NY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Santa Express arrives at 5pm.

Deck the Halls Tour and Hike LAKE ARIEL, PA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Lacawac Sanctuary holds a Deck the Halls Tour, 1-3pm, featuring a hike to the Adirondack Great Camp and hot cocoa at the Watres Lodge. Brave the December weather and enjoy a good walk! Call 570/689-9494 or visit lacawac.org.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A Christmas Carolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reading MILFORD, PA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Christmas Carolâ&#x20AC;? reading by Joe Plummer, Jr. and Therese Plummer at the Grey Towers National Historic Site. Performance, 2pm.

Tickets required. Call 570/296-9630.

Santa Express MONTICELLO, NY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Santa Express arrives on Broadway at 6:30pm.

Handmade for the Holidays ROSCOE, NY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Handmade for the Holidays continues at Duke Pottery in Roscoe, 11am-5pm.

See listing under November 25.

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Owego Tpk. A great craft fair and a chance to support the Salvation Army. For more info, call 570/488-6129.

Hawley Winterfest HAWLEY, PA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Hawley Winterfest. Ice sculptures, train rides, Mr. and Mrs. Santa, a beer tour, horse-and-carriage rides and much more. Visit hawleywinterfest.com.

December 10

December 9

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Hawley Winterfest HAWLEY, PA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Hawley Winterfest, last day.

Visit hawleywinterfest.com.

Santa Express WESTERN SULLIVAN COUNTY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Santa Express arrives at Eldred 5pm, Glen Spey 6pm, Barryville 7pm, Yulan 8pm. See also ad on page 25.

Holiday Artisansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market HONESDALE, PA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Cooperage will hold its sixth annual Holiday Artisansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market, 11am-4pm, at 1030 Main St. Call 570/253-2020.

Hawley Winterfest HAWLEY, PA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Hawley Winterfest continues. Visit hawleywinterfest.com.

Santa Express

Festivus at The Arnold House

JEFFERSONVILLE AND NARROWSBURG, NY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Santa Express arrives JeďŹ&#x20AC;ersonville at 5pm. and Narrowsburg at 7pm.

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Third annual Festivus celebration at The Arnold House. Visit thearnoldhouse. com or call 845/439-5070.

Potpourri and centerpiece craft LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Bring the fragrance of nature into your home and learn to make wild-crafted potpourri and scented centerpieces at 1pm at Moxie Alley. Take a walk in the woods and gather twigs, pinecones, bark, whatever appeals, and bring it with you. Call 917/407 8065 to confirm by December 5.

Handmade for the Holidays ROSCOE, NY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Handmade for the Holidays continues at Duke Pottery, Roscoe, from 11am-5pm. See listing under November 25.

Dickens on the Delaware CALLICOON, NY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Victorian-garbed townsfolk bring Christmas past to Christmas present in Dickens on the Delaware, 12noon-7 pm; holiday market 12noon-5pm.

Rick Drew Holiday Parade

Holiday Festival and Craft Fair WAYMART, PA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Salvation Army holds its annual Holiday Festival and Craft Fair, 10am-3pm, at the Ladore PARC Pavilion, 287

PORT JERVIS, NY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Parade lines up at 1 p.m. and steps oďŹ&#x20AC; at 2 p.m. on Canal St The parade crosses the bridge to the firehouse in Airport Park in Matamoras, PA. It will be followed by a trophy ceremony with Santa, hot chocolate and doughnuts.

CARINI Pizzeria & Restaurant Pizza â&#x20AC;˘ Pasta â&#x20AC;˘ Subs â&#x20AC;˘ Salads 112 Kirk Road, Peckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plaza, Narrowsburg, NY

To stay up to date on events throughout the holiday season, visit the calendar at www.riverreporter.com.

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Catskill

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Gift Certificates Available Greenware â&#x20AC;˘ Bisque â&#x20AC;˘ Gifts â&#x20AC;˘ Lessons Supplies â&#x20AC;˘ Monthly Specials Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Classes â&#x20AC;˘ Senior Discounts

A RIVER REPORTER 2017 MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ 27

give the gift of an

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The holidays are just about here, and time will be scarce! Instead of chasing down hit-or-miss socially disconnecting gifts, why not treat someone to an experience that they’re sure to love? Save yourself the hassle and bring some smiles to your loved ones, give a Woodloch gift certificate this season!

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AVAILABLE ON LOCATION OR ONLINE | 800.WOODLOCH | WOODLOCH.COM/GIFT-CERTIFICATES

28 • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2017