Upper Delaware Magazine by Stuart Communications

UPPER DELAWARE FREE

YOUR GUIDE FOR EXPLORING THE UPPER DELAWARE RIVER VALLEY

TRACKING SPOTLIGHT ON Out&About MUSHROOM Local Diners, Snowshoeing, THE WILD Local Graveyards PICKING Motorcycling, Apple Cider Making Yoga Centers, Eagle Insititute

A RIVER REPORTER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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A RIVER REPORTER MAGAZINE • 3

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

“The leaves fall, the wind blows, and the farm country slowly changes from the summer cottons into its winter wools.”

— Henry Beston, ”Northern Farm”

Fall in the Upper Delaware River valley is a sensuous feast of color, scent, taste and beauty. This is an especially wonderful time to get out of doors and on the road, before the arrival of winter’s slow and icy grip. This edition of Upper Delaware Magazine invites you to take a little autumn jaunt around our numerous small cemeteries, where atmosphere and history abound. While you’re out and about, take advantage of some of the fabulous local diners for your rest and repast. Learn about Wurtsboro’s brand new Cidery where you can purchase a warming bottle of cider (the aged stuff—not for the kiddies! Mary Greene Although a tour might be.) Discover your wild side with a motorcycle tour down some of the region’s most scenic roads and byways. On your way, make a stop at the Eagle Institute in Lackawaxan to learn more about these magnificent American birds and their comeback in the area. If you are curious about the fungi in the woods (particularly prevalent this year, with our frequent rains) you can get to know the Delaware Mushroom Society, which meets monthly to share information and recipes for wild mushrooms. And as the weather turns, there is no reason to lock your door and retreat to your couch. Instead, head out for a snowshoe adventure, and on the way, learn to identify some common animal track and sign with one of our area’s wildlife educators. Finally, if all this activity leaves you in need of a good stretch, we provide a listing of area yoga centers, so you can relax and… breath.

A RIVER REPORTER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

PUBLICATION DATE: October 6, 2011

Stuart Communications Creative Services

FULL-SERVICE MARKETING SOLUTIONS

Publisher: Laurie Stuart Section Editor: Mary Greene

Sales Manager: Emily Grillo ext. 34 emily@riverreporter.com

Mary Greene Section Editor

CONTENTS Out & About

6 Spotlight On 6

Classic Fare A New York (Diner) State of Mind

Snowshoe Adventures Affordable, Accessible and Fun for Everyone

Tracks In The Snow Reading The Fall and Winter Landscape

Memento Mori Cemeteries in Our Midst

S. Zoe Hecht

Jonathan Fox

Lisa Lyons

John Jose

upper delaware

Motorcycle Trips

Namaste

The Cidery

The Delaware Mushroom Society

Patricia Markert

The Eagle Institute

Erin Vanderberg

Advertising/ Marketing Consultant: Barbara Winfield ext. 25 barbara@riverreporter.com

Emily Grillo Creative Director: Lori Malone ext. 22 lorimalone@riverreporter.com

Mary Greene Mary Greene

COVER: The Cidery (page 19), photo by Andrew Brennan

Check out MORE ONLINE at http://OurCountryHome.Wordpress.com

Production Manager: Connie Kern Advertising:

Emily Grillo: 845-252-7414, ext. 34 or emily@riverreporter.com Distribution:

Would you like copies for your place of business? Carol Coney: 845-252-7414, ext. 21 or trrsubs@riverreporter.com Editorial: Have a comment or idea for the magazine?

Mary Greene: 845-252-7414, ext. 30 or marygreene@riverreporter.com Upper Delaware Magazine, a special publication of The River Reporter, is published by Stuart Communications, Inc.

Mailing Address:

PO Box 150, Narrowsburg, NY 12764 Phone: 845-252-7414 • Fax: 845-252-3298 RiverReporterOnline.com

A RIVER REPORTER MAGAZINE • 5

Classic Fare A New York (diner) state of mind

Text and photographs | Jonathan Fox While not a fan of fast food, I do enjoy getting out of the kitchen and finding good food at a reasonable price, while being served in a friendly manner. Often on the run, I have a desire to enjoy the experience but still want it to be fast. Somewhere between the drive-thru and a four course meal, the Great American Diner still reigns supreme in my world. Before heading out on the road, I did some research and learned a few things. Under the impression that diners exploded onto the landscape in the 1950s, I was surprised to learn that, according to www.americandin ermuseum.com, diner history began as far back as 1858. At that time, 17-year-old Walter Scott of Providence, RI, a part time pressman and type compositor, had the inspiration to supplement his income by selling sandwiches and coffee to the night newspaper workers. We have chosen New York diners for our story, in honor of the iconic New York City diner image and experience, but there are many fine diners in Wayne and Pike counties as well. We hope this (less than comprehensive) list will inspire you to find the time to visit your own local diner, set a spell and maybe even rediscover the warm glow of sitting at the counter for a strong hot cup of Joe. 6 • OUR COUNTRY HOME

BLANCHE’S DINER 1028 State Route 17B, Mongaup Valley 845/583-4279 “We’ve had a lot of characters over the years,” said owner Bud LeConey, in between short orders, “more local than international.” Although the diner was in operation during the Woodstock era, Bud and his family have been running the place for 26 years and many patrons have been sitting in their favorite booth for as many years. Famous for the pancakes and rotating menu of daily specials, Jay and Dorothy Meddaugh, of Kauneonga Lake, stop by weekly “to socialize and catch up on the local news” with like-minded neighbors. Penny, one of the servers at Blanche’s, has been dishing it up for over 17 years. “I love my customers and I love my job,” she told me while zipping from table to table. When asked for a celebrity sighting, Penny said there were too many. “Debra Winger, we love her,” she said before moving on. TED’S RESTAURANT Main Street, Jeffersonville 845/482-4242 Now in his 16th year plating up home cooked meals with an international flair, chef Turgay Terzi had plenty to say. “Yes, we’re a diner, but a full-menu restaurant as well.” He explained that their baked goods are made on the premises and that “what is most important to us, aside from the customer, is that the place is clean, clean, clean.” While I glanced at the six-page menu with “something for everyone,” a customer informed veteran server Lisa Heyn (26 years at Ted’s) that while he loved the specials, he comes “for the service—without that, even great food means nothing.” Celebrity sightings include Mark Ruffalo, Judd Hirsch and F. Murray Abraham. “We are a family place! Everyone who dines here is famous to us!” yelled Terzi as I departed.

TOWN DINER 13 Yulan Barryville Road, Barryville 845/557-9929 When asked what makes the Town Diner stand out from the crowd, owner Russell Niosi was succinct: “Good food at good prices,” he said. “That’s really the only thing that matters.” A resident of Port Jervis, Niosi has been in the business for years and bought the diner, which originally opened in the 1970s, about five years ago. “It was empty for a while, and since I’m local, a lot of folks urged me to open the doors again.” It’s those same neighbors that keep coming back for the fresh baked goods made on the premises. “The muffins and rolls are really popular,” Niosi said. “It’s tough to find a good roll around here!” As for menu favorites? “The Reuben is by far the most requested sandwich, but I think our loyal customers would agree that we serve a variety of good, old fashioned home cooking.” Homey and down to earth, the Town Diner is enjoying a resurgence under Niosi’s watchful eye and he appreciates the residents who continue to support their local hangout. With nary a celebrity sighting to recount, the Town Diner is “more interested in our regular customers— they are the folks we do it for.” TILLY’S DINER 34 Raceway Road, Monticello 845/ 794-6540 The site www.silverdiner.com declares that a “true diner is a prefabricated structure built at an assemble site and transported to a permanent location for installation to serve prepared food. Tilly’s Diner was born on one such assembly line and the contours and streamlined influences of the original postwar design are evident all around. Chrome accents and a streamlined counter, replete with memorabilia, enhance the feeling that Tillie’s has stood the test of time and will be around for years to come. I slid into a booth with Roslyn and Marvin Gold of Woodridge,

who waved me over as I strolled by taking photographs. “Of all the diners in the region, Tilly’s is our favorite” Roslyn declared. “I’m a big fan of the western omelet.” Pointing out owner Chico, hard at work behind the counter, she said, “If I had to sum up eating at Tilly’s in one word? Consistency.” Celebrity sightings: “Too many to single out just one.” MISS MONTICELLO DINER 405 Broadway, Monticello 845/791-8934 The internet informs us that in order to increase business, particularly from women who secured the right to vote in 1920, diner owners decided to “clean up their image, adding shrubs and flower boxes. Many dining car owners included the word ‘Miss’ in their names to soften their ‘greasy spoon’ image.” Originally located on Bank Street, the front section of the Miss Monticello Diner was relocated “about 70 years ago” according to manager George Nikolados, who, alongside local legend Connie McKenley, has been slinging hash for 16 of the 36 years that she has been at the same location. Miss Monticello is a favorite among the locals, and “I feel safe in saying that we know 80 percent of our customers on a first-name basis,” Nikolados told me. When asked about star sightings, he did not hesitate to point out that Janet Jackson and Mark Anthony are but a few that have taken their seats with the locals.

diners emerged and the Blue Horizon was born. Close in proximity to many resorts in the Catskills, the Niforatos family has been serving visitors and regulars since the 1960s. Second-generation owner/operator Maria Kyprianow took over the place after her father and uncle (world-famous Roscoe Diner creators Steve and Angelo Niforatos) retired. “My father built the Blue Horizon and asked me to come help out when I graduated from college,” said Kyprianow over a bowl of homemade soup. “I never left. I’m not superwoman; I have an incredible staff. Some employees have been here over 20 years.”Both the Roscoe Diner in Roscoe, and the Blue Horizon have been around long enough to see the times change, along with the decor. “Back in our heyday, they all ate here,” said Maria. “Recently? Rosie O’Donnell and David Letterman come to mind.” Blue Horizon short order cook Oeun had this to say: “All of the diners in the region support each other. We are friends, not competitors!”

See below for a listing of other must-visit New York diners on Oeun’s, and our, list. Roscoe Diner 1908 Old Route 17, Exit 94, Roscoe 607/498-4405 Liberty Diner 30 Sullivan Avenue, Liberty 845/292-8973 Homer’s Coffee Shop 2 East Main Street, Port Jervis 845/856-1712 Arlene and Tom’s Restaurant 265 East Main Street, Port Jervis 845/856-8488 Whistlestop Cafe Kirk Road, Narrowsburg 845/252-3355 The Depot 31 Lower Main Street, Callicoon 845/887-4741

THE BLUE HORIZON 4445 Route 42 North, Monticello, NY 845/796-2210 Over the history of the diner experience, according to www. silverdiner.com, the “function has always been to provide a good home style meal in a comfortable atmosphere, but the design of the building has changed.” Following the elaborate Victorian carts to the machine era of the 1920s, Colonial- and Mediterranean-style

A RIVER REPORTER MAGAZINE • 7

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8 • OUR COUNTRY HOME

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Snowshoe Adventures Affordable, accessible and fun for everyone Text and photographs | Lisa Lyons

If you’ve never seen your favorite woods, fields and streams in their winter finery, give yourself a winter present—try snowshoeing! It’s a fun way to get around as the snow piles up, and simple to learn. This popular winter sport helps ward off the winter blues, gives you rosy cheeks and burns calories without a trip to the gym. Sound appealing? Here’s a look at what’s involved and why it might be a good fit for you.

A bargain The Upper Delaware River valley is home to lots of forested land, hills, meadows, lakes and rivers. With this beautiful backdrop, snowshoeing is an inexpensive and easy-to-learn winter activity for the whole family. Consider these advantages. You can enjoy it without driving too far; the woods behind your house, a nearby golf course or town park, or marked trails are all great places for snowshoeing. There are no entrance fees or tickets to buy. You can choose the pace and difficulty level that fits your needs, and not much equipment is required. There are even inexpensive rentals available so you can try before you buy. Continued on page 10

A RIVER REPORTER MAGAZINE • 9

Continued from page 9

Getting started A pair of snowshoes is really all you need to get started. Gone are the days when snowshoes were made of hardwood and rawhide, classic in appearance but heavy and hard to maneuver. The popular aluminum frame and injection-molded plastic styles are lightweight and easy to use. Their array of cleats and crampons provide lots of traction and stability on uneven ground—a big plus for beginners. Classic bentwood snowshoes are still enjoyed by some, but the modern counterparts are well suited to the hilly countryside of the Catskills and Poconos. Snowshoes, which have been a form of travel since ancient times, work to “float” your weight by providing a deck that distributes it over an area. When making your snowshoe purchase, three things need to be taken into consideration. How much will you weigh when dressed in your winter clothing, boots, and possibly a back pack? Are you likely to snowshoe in deep fresh snow? And finally, will you want to climb steeper slopes and go farther distances on snowshoes? Your answers will help determine the length and extra features of the snowshoes that best suit your needs. Typically, the more weight they will float, and the deeper and fluffier the snow they are used on, the longer the snowshoes need to be.

The mechanics Adult snowshoes range from 21 to 36 inches in length, and several models offer tails that can be added for use in deep snow or for a heavier person. Others have “ascent” bars that snap up to form a horizontal bar under your heels. Your heels will then rest at a higher position after each step, making it easier to ascend a steep slope. A pair of snowshoes cost from $100 to $400, depending on the features and weight. No special shoes are needed; snowshoes are designed to work with your own boots. Poles aren’t needed when you’re walking on level terrain, but they can be good for balance, and they are mighty handy when ascending and descending hills. Adjustable poles are great—they can be shortened when ascending and lengthened when descending a slope—and many hiking poles can be converted for winter use by adding snow baskets. Poles give you more balance on uneven terrain and a little more upper body exercise too.

Preparing to go The best way to stay warm and dry in the winter environment is to wear boots and clothes that keep wind and wet snow away. The best boots for snowshoeing are insulated, waterproof lace ups that allow your ankles to bend easily when going up or down hills. (Pull-on boots work just fine on flat terrain.) Your outer clothing layer should be wind and waterproof, with

10 • OUR COUNTRY HOME

zippers that allow you to vent if you work up a little sweat while snowshoeing. Add a mid-layer fleece or sweater to insulate you while not restricting movement. Closest to the skin, put on a base layer that wicks moisture (grandpa’s cotton union suit won’t do). Sweating is to be expected, so moving moisture away from your skin keeps you warm and dry much longer. Select socks, hat and gloves with that same theme in mind. Big heavy styles can be too much once you get moving. A good checklist of other things to bring includes energy snacks, water or a thermos of tea, a hanky or kleenex for runny noses (someone will surely have one), hand and foot warmer packets, a map of where you’re going, a cell phone for emergencies, a camera (tucked inside your coat to keep warm) and an animal track book. If snowshoeing alone, be sure to leave word with someone or a note as to your expected route and the time frame of your trip.

Kids and seniors too Though snowshoeing is often enjoyed along a trail or across a field or lake, with kids it might be smart to start off in a park or playground. They can run around on snowshoes, make snow angels, have a snowball fight, and generally enjoy themselves. If you bring lots of snacks and the car isn’t far away, you may just have a homerun for your first outing. Look for easy-tobuckle bindings and fit them to your child’s boots at home so it’s a faster operation on the snow. Playing wildlife detective is a well-loved part of snowshoeing. Who made those tracks? Where were they going? When were they made? Evidence abounds of a wild world just waiting to be discovered. Build your child’s interest in nature by looking for animal tracks and sign. There are easy-to-follow guidebooks to help you identify common tracks of deer, porcupine, squirrel, turkeys and perhaps a fox. (And check out our center spread for more information.) Seniors find the increased stability and surefootedness of snowshoes very attractive. Since you can go at your own pace and pick your difficulty level, snowshoeing has become a very popular choice among seniors for a winter outing. When trying out your snowshoes for the first time, “simply walk forward” is the best advice. The crampons and cleats on the bottom of snowshoes are easier to move forward if you pick up your feet a little bit higher after each step. The tail will drag and then flatten on the snow. It’s easy to get used to and doesn’t demand any special skill. You’ll soon find that this newfound freedom on snow makes you want to walk over a snow bank or climb a hill. No kidding. Go for it!

Snowshoers atop Walnut Mountain, Liberty, NY.

Here is a limited list of places to explore. For more, check with your local chamber of commerce or outdoor center.

Easy Beaverkill covored Bridge, Livingston Manor, NY Crystal Lake, Fremont, NY Dorflinger Wildlife Santuary, Texas Township, PA Frick Pond, Livingston Manor, NY Hanofee Park, Liberty, NY Lake Superior State Park, Bethel, NY Ledgedale Natural Area Trails, Hawley, PA Woodloch Pines, Hawley, PA

Intermediate/Advanced Catskill Park trails, Catskill Park, NY Hodge Pond, Livingston Manor, NY State Game Lands, Masthope Plank Road, Lackawaxan, PA Trout Pond, Roscoe, NY Walnut Mountain, Liberty, NY Lisa Lyons owns and manages Morgan Outdoors, at 46 Main Street in Livingston Manor, NY, a four-season specialty outdoor store with equipment, clothing specialty items, regional maps, guidebooks and advice.

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A RIVER REPORTER MAGAZINE • 11

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OUT & ABOUT

Motorcycle Trips

one selling bike, can get upward of 65 miles to the gallon. New York State law dictates that motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear a helmet. In neighboring Pennsylvania, it’s the rider’s choice. Most riders do choose to wear helmets for protection against wind and the elements, and a possible accident. Leatherwear is popular with many motorcyclists, even in warm weather, for the same reasons. A great place to shop for bikes and accessories is the Baer Harley Davidson store on Route 6 in Honesdale, PA. This familyrun company prides itself on selling American made and manufactured bikes, parts and gear. Baer Harley Davidson also has a rental program where customers can lease their Harley or Victory ride for as little as $65 a day.

Touring the Scenic Byway Many motorcycle enthusiasts travel the federally designated Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, also known as Route 97, along the Delaware River on a Saturday or Sunday during the summer and fall. This roughly 71-mile trip from Port Jervis, NY to Hancock, NY has it all when it comes to amenities, manmade and naturally occurring. Heading north from Port Jervis, the first attraction will be The Hawk’s Nest, a snake of a road with twists, turns and scenic overlooks. Thereafter, the highway crests the Delaware River for miles. Barryville, NY is a great place to stop for rest and refreshment, and Cedar Rapids bar/restaurant has three decks that overlook a small set of rapids. Continuing on 97 in Minisink Ford is the Roebling Bridge, an architectural feat that originally served as an aqueduct, built by John Roebling of Brooklyn Bridge fame. A parking lot on the PA side of the bridge, run by the National Park Service, allows restrooms, visitor tidbits and easy access to the walking paths on the bridge. The Lackawaxen Inn is a comfortable spot to visit for lunch or a drink. Route 97 will veer away from the Delaware until you get to Narrowsburg, NY, the deepest spot on the Upper Delaware, and the Eagle capital of New York State. There are places to pull over and take a look at the eddy, and several good restaurants in town. Callicoon, 12 miles upstream from Narrowsburg, is also right on the Delaware and sports a variety of lunch spots and watering holes. Route 97 becomes less traveled on the stretch of road north of Callicoon, marked mostly by beautiful views, gentle climbs and tiny hamlets. At Hancock, NY, you have completed the roughly one-and-one-half-hour trip. Hancock lies on the convergence of the East and West branches of the Delaware River. It is a lively town filled with fishermen, adventurers, travelers and locals. There are great spots to see the river and catch a bite or a drink. TRR archive photograph

If you’ve ever thought to yourself that cruising along on the seat of a motorcycle looks like fun, you’re not alone. Motorcycle ownership has almost doubled in the past 20 years. The thrill of the open road has captured many followers in recent decades looking for camaraderie and relaxation. Motorcycle enthusiasts often take advantage of the open vistas of the Upper Delaware River valley, touring the Scenic Byway and other local roads. There are a wide range of motorcycles available for purchase, and motorcycles are gas efficient. A Harley, America’s number

Route 191 North, Honesdale to Hancock You will begin your trip in Honesdale, a bustling borough of shops, businesses, history, art galleries, diners and ethnic eateries. Travel northeast toward Rileyville, PA, through woodlands and rolling hills. From Rileyville to Equinunk, PA, the road curves and winds, and the scenery continues its mix of woods, fields and mountains. At Equinunk you will see the Delaware River and as you continue, the Delaware is glimpsed from time to time as the road winds through some intense mountainous terrain. Heading into Hancock, journey’s end, you will find plenty of places to stop, rest and refresh.

Other scenic trips In Pennsylvania, take Route 6 starting in Matamoras, and travel through Westfall, Milford, Shohola, Lake Wallenpaupack, Hawley, White Mills and end in Honesdale. This trip will take you through pretty countryside, historic towns and past the huge, man-made Lake Wallenpaupack. There are a lot of stops for the weary traveler along this route, but there can also be dense traffic. In New York, begin at the intersection of Route 97 and Route 17B in Cochection. Travel west through the Fosterdale four corners, continuing on to Bethel, White Lake, Mongaup Valley and Monticello. Several interesting detours include Bethel Woods Center for the Arts and the Museum of the 60s (turn left at Hurd Road in Bethel), and the lakeside hotspot Kauneonga Lake (turn left on Route 55 East in White Lake). In between is a good paved road and lots of open field. Keep an eye out for the original Yasgar’s Farm on the left.

A RIVER REPORTER MAGAZINE • 13

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Namaste Text | Mary Greene

The practice of yoga, which has gained in popularity in the Western world in recent decades, is a form of movement that is thousands of years old. What we think of as “modern” yoga is based on principles created by Swami Sivananda that dictate proper relaxation, exercise, breathing and diet, and positive thinking and meditation. In general, yoga classes focus on learning physical poses, which are called asanas. Yoga sessions also often include breathing and meditation techniques. Some classes are designed purely for relaxation, while others work on strength, balance, flexibility and healing. Older and less mobile students can benefit from gentle, restorative and even chair yoga classes. Power yoga is for those who wish to develop maximum strength and stamina. And there are many levels in between. Whichever form you choose, the benefits are many. Asanas safely stretch muscles, which in turn releases lactic acid and relieves stiffness, tension, pain and fatigue. Yoga increases the range of motion and lubrication in the joints, and benefits the organs, ligaments, tendons and the fascia sheath surrounding the muscles. The outcome is a sense of ease and fluidity in the physical body, and a sense of well being and balance overall. A regular yoga practice is a joy, and it is never too late to begin. Here is a guide to yoga centers and classes in the Upper Delaware River valley.

Damascus Community Center dianatorreryt@gmail.com 60 Conklin Hill Road Damascus, PA Gentle yoga, mixed level

Healing Zone

angelzone.vpweb.com 2591 Route 6 - Suite 104 (North Pole Plaza) Hawley, PA 570/ 226-4222 Vinyasa yoga

Highland Yoga and Dance

www.freewebs.com/highlandyogaanddance 111 Highland Lake Road Highland Lake, NY 845/557-0115 Mixed level, gentle, restorative and chair yoga

Himalayan Institute

www.himalayaninstitute.org 952 Bethany Turnpike Honesdale, PA 800/822-4547 Asana fundamentals, mixed level, restorative, prenatal

Liberty Fitness Center

www.libertyfitnesscenter.net 85 North Main St. Liberty, NY 845/292-0756 Yoga, Hatha yoga, Tai-Chi, Qi Gong

Miriam Hernandez Art & Yoga www.miriamhernandez.com Jeffersonville Community Hall 17 Center Street Jeffersonville, NY 12748 All levels

Morgan Outdoors

www.morgan-outdoors.com 46 Main Street Livingston Manor, NY 845/439-5507 Yoga/stretch classes

New Age Health Spa

www.newagehealthspa.com 7491 Ste. Rte. 55 Neversink, NY 845/985-7601 Hatha, gentle, restorative and yin yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, meditation classes

Radiant Yoga

OUT & ABOUT

Alma Yoga

www.myradiantyoga.com 63 Main Street Mountaindale, NY 845/ 866-7822

(Classes in Mountaindale, Bethel and Liberty)

Beginner, mixed level, restorative, core alignment and strength classes

RiverLights Bed and Breakfast and Yoga Studio www.riverlightsbandb.com 5720 Route 97 Narrowsburg, NY 845/252-6865 Kripalu Yoga

Sat Nam Yoga Spa and Inn satnamyogaspa.com 333 Mount Cliff Road Hurleyville, NY 845/866-3063 Kundalini yoga, Qi Gong

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch

www.sivinanda.org/ranch 500 Budd Road Woodbourne, NY 845/436-6492 Shivananda yoga, weekend retreats, yoga camp, teacher training

Susan Sullivan Yoga

suesul.com, suesul@frontiernet.net 7878 Route 52 Lava, NY 845/252-6576 Mixed level, restorative, chair yoga, Phoenix Rising, private and group sessions

Wagging Tail Farm Yoga Studio www.waggingtailyoga.com 111 Jim Stephenson Road Bethel, NY 516/527-6729 Vinyasa mixed level, private classes

Yoga Barn

www.healerzintis.com/callicoon.asp 259 Schwartz Road Callicoon, NY 12723 845/ 887-9042 Hatha yoga A RIVER REPORTER MAGAZINE • 15

Tracks in the Snow Reading the fall and winter landscape

Text | Photographs by John Jose

16 â&#x20AC;˘ OUR COUNTRY HOME

Who’s in the neighborhood?

Having the opportunity to observe wildlife is an exciting and enjoyable experience. Whether it be a glimpse of a black bear slipping off, ghostlike, into the woods when you are out for a fall foliage hike, or the kinetic activities of backyard chipmunks caching food in preparation for winter, observing these and other woodland denizens enriches our lives and is one big “fringe benefit” of life in the Upper Delaware River region. However, many of the fascinating animals inhabiting local woodlands that we enjoy seeing often remain elusive and go undetected, due to their instinctive avoidance of humans, nocturnal nature, or just being relatively rare. An excellent alternative that can be just as exciting and rewarding as directly observing wildlife is knowing how to recognize and interpret the tracks and “sign” they leave behind. Tracks, of course, are the impressions of paw prints, generally observed in mud or snow. In the

1. Branches and twigs in a rough pattern around the base of a hemlock tree often indicate a porcupine was present, feeding on one of its primary sources of winter food, the tree’s needles. 2. Wild turkey tracks are splayed with usually only three forward-facing toes showing in snow. Look for scratching through snow and the large, beautiful feathers as well. The brown and white feathers you find are the wing feathers. Tail and other feathers are much richer in color and often iridescent.

fall, good places to look are in muddy or sandy areas along the edges of rivers and lakes or in muddy spots on trails. With the arrival of winter snow cover, the entire landscape becomes a canvas upon which the travels and activities of animals are vividly illustrated. Animal sign is a generic term that captures anything else that provides evidence that an animal was present. Various types of sign can be found during fall and winter. Animal sign can persist for years (e.g. the claw marks of a bear etched in the smooth gray bark of a beech tree) or it can be ephemeral in nature (e.g. a hole in the snow left by a gray squirrel digging down to unearth an acorn, which is covered over with the next snowfall). Whether it be older, persistent sign or fresh tracks in new snow, identifying and “reading” the evidence of an animals activities can also provide valuable insights into the animal’s life history and day-to-activities on the landscape.

3. In winter, deer bed in groups or singly in the snow. Pictured here is one such deer bed in the snow. 4. Pileated woodpeckers leave large excavations, often rectangular in shape, in trees, often with a pile of wood chips at the base of the tree. 5. Rabbit tracks in snow. 6. Hickory nut shells gnawed open by small mammals.

John Jose is a biologist and environmental educator and proprietor of Otter Creek Environmental Education Services (http://www.ottercreekenved.com).

Whether you’re exploring an urban backyard, large tracks of wild lands, or along a river or lake, in fall and winter you can expect to find tracks and sign primarily of birds and mammals. In order to narrow down the field of what bird and animal track and sign you can expect to encounter, three important pieces of information are: what mammals and birds live in the Upper Delaware Highlands region; which ones are winter-active; and a basic knowledge of their natural history, particularly the type of habitat (woodlands, wetlands, rivers and streams, etc.) they prefer. Beginning to learn the tracks, sign and natural history of local wildlife opens up a window into their world and can greatly enrich a winter walk in the woods. For instance, a casual stroll down a woodland trail in winter might result in list of observations like this: • Black-capped chickadees calling • Various animal tracks in the snow • Deer spotted running through the woods • Holes in trees

And with an expanded knowledge of the animals you can expect to find and of their natural history (when they breed, what they feed on, when they are active, preferred habitats, etc.), your list of notes may include some of the following: • Deer browsing on branches within a stand of eastern hemlock and bedding down underneath during recent snow storm. • Two Eastern coyotes passing through, at times walking directly in each other’s tracks. • Gray squirrel tracks going to and from a den tree and tracks leading to holes in the snow with acorn shell fragments lying on the ground, next to the holes. • Old and recent pileated woodpecker excavations in dead, standing snags and living trees. Wood chips in the snow at recent excavations. • Red fox tracks with the animal’s skunk-like-smelling urine marking a small bush. • A flock of turkeys passed, scratching in the snow for food buried beneath. • A Multiflora rose bush with tooth marks where the bark has been chewed off and round, light-brown droppings indicate a cottontail rabbit was feeding here.

Now your walk in the woods has become more than just a casual stroll; it’s become a process of discovery and learning as you interpret what you’re seeing and add to your knowledge bank of the animals inhabiting your local woodlands. Taking notes in a field notebook can also be very useful in generating a record of what you observe. For mammal track and sign identification and natural history information, Paul Rezendez’s book “Tracking and the Art of Seeing” is a great track and sign field identification and natural history guide to start with.

A RIVER REPORTER MAGAZINE • 17

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THE CIDERY

OUT & ABOUT Photographs courtesy of Andrew Brennan

UDM: How did you come to own your farm? AB: We moved to Wurtsboro from New York City because we wanted a drastic life-style change. Our property had not been farmed in 50 years, so we first needed to clear forest from the old pastures. It was then we discovered ten old apple trees among the woods. Most were pippins, chance seedlings dropped by an animal. The apples are golfball sized and they emerge biennially, but with them we have the makings of a very good cider base: sharp, slightly tannic and high in fermentable sugars (but not sweet). We have since planted almost 400 trees, 300 of which are heirloom. Our theme is to discover and preserve the apples that once grew in our region. We also have 75 British cider-apple trees ranging from bitter-sharp to bitter-sweet.

Text | Mary Greene

UDM: How did you get interested in making hard apple cider?

Andy Brennan and Polly Giragosian are combining their sense of enterprise, adventure, history and aesthetics to found The Cidery (2251 Route 209, ,Wurtsboro, NY 12790, 845/468-5867, http:// www.facebook.com/pages/TheCidery/123637988892), which soon will be processing hard cider using apples from its own orchards, among other local sources. At present, the couple is using seven acres to grow close to 40 varieties of apples, bearing poetic names like Connecticut Rusty Coat, Maiden Blush and Virginia Crab.

AB: I have always wanted to live in an orchard because I can think of nothing more beautiful. Philosophically we wanted to be self-sufficient and live off the land just as the early settlers did, but in today’s world of off-farm expenses, we needed something that we could take to the market. Hard cider, or what I call “true cider,” is a way of combining our aesthetic dreams with the goal of selling a service to the community to which we are indebted.

Upper Delaware Magazine recently had the opportunity to talk with Brennan about his and Giragosian’s new venture.

UDM: Are there particular apples that are best for making cider?

If that’s not enough, cider is also the bridge to a past that we admire. Colonial Americans relied heavily on apple cultivation, especially cider, so that they could survive in a climate colder and rockier then what they left behind in Europe. I found out exactly what they discovered: cider-apples (not eating apples) are perfectly suited to the low-nutrient soil of Sullivan County because our cold climate and mountainous terrain are similar to the environment apples originated in. Basically, we did not choose cider, it chose us. AB: World-wide, only a handful of apple varieties singularly make a well-rounded cider (i.e. fermented, aged cider, not “sweet cider” or apple juice). The art of blending for true cider requires access to “cider varieties,” which fall into different categories like sharp (acidic), bitter, tannic or sweet (high in fermentable sugars). America’s only native apple, the crab apple, is a cider star. Also good are the

small, nitrogen deprived apples often found in abandoned orchards. Lastly, “pippin” apples sometimes have cider-apple qualities because the seed of a cultivated variety reverts back to its wild origins. UDM: What is the process of making “true cider?” Cider is to apples what wine is to grapes. Assuming you want good cider, you start with cider-apples like a vintner chooses wine-grapes. In theory, cider-making is easy. In fact, give a gallon of apple juice a month and it will turn into cider on its own! But the devil is in the details; hygiene is rule number one. From there, one builds their knowledge on a bank of experimentation that eventually leads to the art beyond the science. The apples are washed and inspected. I do not use sulfites so it’s important to keep rot out of the apple selection. The apples are put through a grinder and then a press to extract the juice (a.k.a. the “must”). The must is transferred to a primary fermenter where select or wild yeasts can feast on the sugars. Temperatures must be cool and stable for a slow, steady fermentation to occur. When the desired conversion of sugar-to-alcohol takes place, the cider is transferred to a secondary barrel (sometimes oak) for aging. Ideally it is aged for a year so that the flavors come together. UDM: What are your plans for The Cidery once your licensing is established? We would like to have a farm-store, and we would like to operate a cider mill so that the community can juice their own apples. We finance the orchard and cidery growth from outside employment, so our time is limited. By appointment, we occasionally give tours, but we are not “cleaned-up” for the public yet. Right now we are focusing just on the product, which we have decided to name “Aaron Burr Cider” after the lawyer who cleared our property deed 180 years ago—and yes, also the murderous Vice President and founding father. Another goal is to encourage other apple farms big and small to open cideries. There was a time you could walk from Buffalo to New York and hit up a cider-maker every ten miles. I want that for the Northeast again. Apples respond to micro-climate and terrain, and cider, the result of a cold weather fruit, has the potential to showcase America’s regionalism more than any other product. The Hudson and Upper Delaware River valleys could become the Napa Valley of cider. A RIVER REPORTER MAGAZINE • 19

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The Delaware Highlands Mushroom Society

Text | Patrica M. Markert

At the monthly meeting of the Delaware Highlands Mushroom Society (DHMS), eight-year-old Joe Larsen held a saturated mushroom he had found that day and wished to learn more about. As Nathaniel Whitmore, group founder and facilitator, said later during the meeting, “For some reason kids often take an interest in mushrooms.” Whitmore hosts the meetings at the Honesdale Wellness Center at 602 Church Street in Honesdale, PA. As the DHMS brochure and facebook page state, “The Delaware Highlands is home to many prized edible mushrooms such as morels, chanterelles, porcini, oyster mushrooms, meadow mushrooms, honey mushrooms, maitake, and chicken-of-the-woods.” In addition to Joe and his mother, Stephanie Larsen, there were eight others at the meeting. Biology professor Mary Anne Carletta has experience in identifying mushrooms and she and her husband, Jack Barnett, provided valuable background on many of the species laid out on the floor. They had just returned from the Northeast Mycological Federation’s meeting at Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks, and were full of news. Joseph Harvey brought in 25 specimens neatly numbered in paper bags, which spurred some lively discussion about the main kinds of mushrooms, and the debates that are happening to differentiate the fine points between species. After slicing open a large puffball brought by Stephen Stuart, it was determined to be past its prime. The center had turned dark brown with the consistency of chocolate mousse. Puffballs need to be white to be edible. (Note: Every wild mushroom must be clearly identified before it is safe for eating.) It is natural that with so many edible species in our region, members would want to know if you can eat the ones brought in. And in order to find edible ones, you would pick everything in sight. However, Barnett, previous president of the New Jersey Mycological Association and an active member of the DHMS, cautioned beginners to “focus on a few mushrooms. When you try to identify too many, you will get overwhelmed. Focus on a few mushrooms for a few weeks at a time. If you’re really looking for edibles, the chanterelle is a good one to focus on. If you know where to find them, go back there.” Beside the joy of being in the woods and finding good things to eat, mushrooms are used for the prevention and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and more.

3 cups chicken of the woods mushrooms, cleaned and chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups tomato sauce 1/2 cup dry white wine Salt and pepper to taste Warm the olive oil over medium heat and add the garlic; cook for one minute.

Still, there is a fear factor in exploring. People worry about poisonous species and even wonder if it is safe to touch wild mushrooms. On the side of caution, Whitmore suggests washing your hands after touching mushrooms, especially before touching your eyes. It is easy to mistake one thing for another, especially if you are not familiar with the region. For example, in Kentucky, the morel mushroom is known as dryland fish. Barnet said, “Once you’ve spent a lot of time with a mushroom, you will start to recognize its characteristics. The other way is to study the books, read the descriptions. If a word doesn’t make any sense, go online—www. mushroomexpert.com is a good site—to get the definition. It’s a whole new language that these guys talk. Things like stipes, reticulation, spores.” Carletta said there are three kinds of people who join mushroom societies. “There are some people who are in it just for the identification, some people are there to be out in the woods, and some people are there just to eat.”

“Mushrooms are mysterious. There are many variables in identifying them, since only the fruit is visible. I work to educate people. It’s always fun to share what you love.” — Nathanial Whitmore The August meeting focused on boletes, a vast genus with over 1,000 species. Boletes are plentiful in the woods, and it’s a good feeling to identify one. It is also satisfying to know that that the brick-red capped mushroom with yellow pores is called a painted suillus, and that the glowing orange egg-shaped bulb blooming in the leaf litter is an American Caesar. Whitmore explained why he started the mushroom society. “My passion is to learn about the natural world,” he said. “Mushrooms are mysterious. There are many variables in identifying them, since only the fruit is visible. I work to educate people. It’s always fun to share what you love.” The Delaware Highlands Mushroom Society meets every third Monday of the month. Visit them on facebook or at www.dhms.weebly.com, or call Whitmore at 845/418-6257.

OUT & ABOUT

Chicken of the Woods Saute

Add the mushrooms and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally as they turn a vibrant orange. Pour in the white wine and cook another 5 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and simmer for another 10-15 minutes. Serve as an appetizer, a side dish or added to pasta.

morels

chanterelles

porcini

oyster mushrooms

meadow mushrooms

honey mushrooms

maitake

chicken-of-the-woods

Note: Every wild mushroom must be clearly identified before it is safe for eating.

A RIVER REPORTER MAGAZINE • 21

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Memento Mori

Cemeteries in our midst

OCH Archive Photograph

Text | S. Zoe Hecht The pastoral landscapes of Wayne County, PA, and neighboring Sullivan County, NY, contain more than 400 cemeteries, none alike. These graveyards and their markers hold clues to the early settlement of the region.

Cemetery history In the early 1800s, burial plots were on family property, often a farm. However, as the community changed, so did the rituals of burial. Family plots decreased and church burials increased. Then, as church grounds became crowded, lawn cemeteries developed, later followed by the “rural” or “garden” cemetery. The first of these is the well-known Pere Lachaise in Paris. The United States adopted this style three decades later with Boston’s Mount Auburn Cemetery. In the Upper Delaware, an early example is the Glen Dyberry Rural Cemetery just north of Honesdale, PA, planned around 1860. In 1847, in response to the rapidly increasing urban population of New York City, New York State passed the Rural Cemetery Act authorizing commercial burial grounds in rural locations. Burying the dead became a commercial business, quickly

reducing the number of family or church cemeteries. These new, more public graveyards attracted visitors well beyond family members. People strolling and often picnicking on cemetery lawns, now a habit in decline, was evident in 19th and 20th century artwork. What has not declined is how many people are fascinated with burial grounds and burial rituals.

Places of respite and beauty Cemetery or historical associations may offer tours, or give concerts on the grounds. Frequent ceremonies are held at Arlington National Cemetery; tourists visit New York’s St. Paul’s Chapel of the Trinity on Church Street hourly. During an average day, the benches and stone walls are crowded with local workers enjoying their lunch or reading outdoors. Although some may find cemetery grounds morbid, others find them restful and invigorating to the spirit. A rural cemetery such as Glen Dyberry and the three adjoining cemeteries, including St. Mary’s directly visible from Route 191 North, can provide

artists with a perfect landscape for sketching and painting. Some grounds are plentiful with mushrooms and other popular fungi, a botanist’s delight. The seclusion of the grounds also offers shelter to and breeding space for wildlife. Nesting birds make their homes high in clutters of trees and can occasionally be seen coming and going. Readers, hikers and perambulators may just enjoy the expanse and quiet that is felt in a cemetery that is not possible on busy streets or even quiet lanes. Tombstones themselves are examples of fine sculpture, often simple, but frequently adorned with symbols of life, death and the afterlife. Careful observation will reveal similarities in the symbolism, such as hands clasped, doves in flight, a variety of religious symbols, funeral urns, drapery, flowers and buds. Photographers also gravitate to graveyards to capture the intricate patterns of ironwork, tombstones and the picturesque landscape. In fact, entire books are devoted to funerary art and, in particular, the angelic statuary common in larger facilities and on the faces of mausoleums. Continued on page 24

A RIVER REPORTER MAGAZINE • 23

Continued from page 23

“Tombstones themselves are examples of fine sculpture, often simple, but frequently adorned with symbols of life, death and the afterlife.” Close to home The Upper Delaware River valley is a treasure trove of historical graveyards and gravestones. A noteworthy grave in the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery in Grahamsville, NY is that of Roland T. Bird. Bird was a famous 1930s paleontologist credited with having discovered a large number of dinosaur bones in North America, now housed in the American Museum of Natural History. In nearby Claryville, NY, the Dutch Reformed Church Cemetery is the burial ground for many of those who served in the Civil War. Small family plots such as the Baker Cemetery, tucked off Callicoon and Wood Roads in Damascus, PA with fewer than a dozen stones, and the Galilee, PA cemetery on Church Road, just beyond Galilee’s four corners, are fine examples of our region’s historical cemetery heritage. The larger Bolkhum Cemetery on Route 191 north of Honesdale is well worth a stop to admire its beautifully crafted iron fence and aged stonewall. A pictorial gem, the cemetery is a plein aire artist’s ideal location. Another hidden jewel is the Old Honesdale cemetery just off Chapel Street and beyond the no outlet sign. Festooned by enormous hundred-year-old trees, this small cemetery is the perfect spot for quiet repose and a moment to reflect on the lives of those buried beneath. New York’s Route 52, heading toward Liberty, showcases several excellent examples of the lawn cemetery. Both the Presbyterian and Calvary cemeteries are laid out with wide avenues and easy-to-walk paths. The central Christian memorial is a superb example of religion symbolism. Cemeteries are also among the first places a genealogist may search out to fill in the blanks on a family tree. Community resources are available in Wayne and Sullivan counties and at the Time and the Valleys Museum in Grahamsville for information about grave locations, often unmarked on maps. It is evident from the names on stones in the Bolkhum, Baker, Grahamsville and Galilee cemeteries that many of the community’s current inhabitants are descended from earlier settlers of the region. Although not all burial sites have a known history, several, like the early Bethany, PA cemetery, are well documented. The town, Wayne’s county seat until 1841, was fortunate in having Major Jason Torrey, one of the region’s earliest settlers, 24 • OUR COUNTRY HOME

donate land for a communal cemetery. The cemetery today is set back behind the Presbyterian Church. Visible only after following the graveled driveway, one can almost hear the Major coming down the lane with a horse and carriage to attend a town meeting. These older cemeteries are simple in design, smaller and more secluded. One of the most significant differences is the stones themselves. The oldest are flatter, narrower; they may contain few words; they may have a skull and bones as their only embellishment or no decoration at all. Today many of these stone markers have eroded so badly that it is difficult or impossible to read the name or dates of those buried. Family burial plots, no longer permissible, are often tended by volunteers or community members. Larger cemeteries like Glen Dyberry and Indian Orchard are part of associations and kept up by the membership. It is not always clear who is responsible for the upkeep of smaller, older cemeteries, and occasionally the boundary lines between public and private is blurred. The cemetery on Church Street in Galilee is well tended and mowed regularly, but only at the cemetery line.

Burial rites and symbols Burial grounds, as much as the stones, differ from culture to culture and from traditional to modern. Four hours away in Tyrone, PA are some of the oldest burial caves in the United States. The artifacts reveal that indigenous people used these caverns from 8,000 BC until the 17th century. While Native Americans may have been buried in caves, or in Spirit Houses, with tobacco and medicine pouches, other faiths use their own religious or secular symbols to decorate burial sites, and it is not uncommon to see a small animal or angelic statuary, oil-burning candles and even artifacts from the life of the person who is deceased, much like the practice of the early Egyptians. To learn more about the community’s historical and regional cemeteries, contact the Wayne County Historical Society, www.waynehisto rypa.org, 570/253-3240; Sullivan County Historical Society, www.sullivancountyhistory. org, 845/434-8044; and Time and the Valley Museum, Grahamsville, NY, timeandthevalleys museum.org, 845/ 985-7700.

Photograph by Nancy Wells

This old tombstone, in the Dutch Reform Church of Clarryville Cemetery of Claryville, NY is typical of many small and faded markers of the past.

Making a gravestone rubbing One way to interest kids in old cemeteries and the history they contain is to bring them into a graveyard to make a gravestone rubbing. Be aware, however, that because of erosion to the stone, some cemeteries do not allow this activity. Be sure to inquire before heading out. Materials needed are simple: masking tape, scissors, a bottle of water and soft brush for cleaning away dust and bird droppings, an average-weight wrapping paper or (for the more advanced) rice paper, and rubbing wax or lumberman’s chalk. (For kids, even a thick heavy crayon or pastel will capture the impression.) Finally, a fixing spray (sold in art stores) is a good idea to prevent your finished rubbing from smudging. Avoid rough or damaged stones. To get a good, clean-line print, the stone carving must be sharply but not deeply cut. Cut a piece of paper considerably larger than the stone or the part of the stone you plan to rub. Fold the paper over the sides and top of the clean stone and tape its edges tightly and securely to the back. Using the broad, flat area of your chalk or wax, lightly stroke the paper and watch the design appear. When you can see the design rather well, use the end of your chalk stick or wax bar to fill in and darken your print. Remove your print and record the name of the deceased, death date, location of the graveyard and the date the rubbing was taken. If you rub only the ornamental carving rather than the whole stone, you may want to copy the stone’s full inscription for your record.

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A RIVER REPORTER MAGAZINE • 25

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Photographs courtesy of The Eagle Institute

“The day is done, and the darkness Falls from the wings of Night, As a feather is wafted downward, From an eagle in his flight.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The Upper Delaware River region of New York and Pennsylvania has two distinct populations of eagles: about 25 permanent year-round breeding pairs, and a migratory population of 100 to 150 birds that overwinters from December to March. The Eagle Institute (176 Scenic Drive, Lackawaxen, PA 18435, 845-557-6162 or 570685-5960, eagleinstitute.org) was established in 1998 to provide protection for these birds through educational programs and field trips that teach eagle etiquette to visitors to their habitat. Eagles are an indicator species, which means that their behavior “indicates” the health of the habitat in which they live. According to Eagle Institute Executive Director Lori McKean, “by all indications, the Delaware River is doing great!” The Eagle Insitute measures its success with two barometers. “While we can’t claim full responsibility for the recovery of the bald eagle and the success of the population in our area, we certainly feel that the consistent increase in breeding pairs and successful wintering of our migratory population is due in part to the education we have provided over the past 13 years,” said McKean. The other measure is through the eagle watchers themselves: their positive feedback, financial support, return visits and the “aha moments.” The volunteer organization operates on a shoestring budget of about $25,000 annually, which goes to stipends for the small office staff and a volunteer coordinator. The rest of the staff are volunteers who serve as docents at area eagle observation areas. The institute also benefits from the support of the

National Park Service, which provides their winter field office, law enforcement and maintenance. Remarkable things happen every year at the Eagle Institute, and last year was no exception. A couple got engaged while eagle watching. A family brought their 80-year-old mother for her birthday because eagle watching was always something she’d wanted to do. A group watched an eagle “steal” a fish from an otter at the Lackawaxen boat launch. The institute received hours of footage of an eagle’s nest from a local resident of Yulan, NY. And a youngster from York Lake in Barryville, NY ran a fundraising project at his school and donated $500 to the Eagle Institute. “I know sometimes our neighbors get frustrated by ‘over-eager eagle watchers’ who stop in the middle of the road and such,” said McKean. “But we hope they will continue to be patient as they share this wonderful natural resource with thousands of others.” For those interested in eagle watching, the institute recommends logging on to its interactive message board at eagle institute.org for tips on sightings and conditions. Upon arrival, start the day at the Lackawaxen, PA field office, where visitors can pick up maps, literature, watch a video about eagle watching, talk to others about where the eagles are being seen, find out about road conditions, get a cup of coffee, use the rest room, etc. Visitors can then follow the directions to the observation areas where volunteers are ready to help them find the eagles. Because the climate can be especially brisk, they recommend eagle watchers dress in layers

with waterproof boots, hats and gloves and pack hot drinks and snacks. Cameras and binoculars will afford better views and lasting memories. For more information or to register for a trip, call the numbers listed above or contact eagleinstitute@yahoo.com.

OUT & ABOUT

The Eagle Institute

Eagle Etiquette The Eagle Institute suggests the following etiquette while eagle watching to reduce the stress for the eagles: • Remain in or near your vehicle at roadside viewing locations. • Move quickly and quietly to observation blinds, where you can remain hidden from view while watching the eagles. (Blinds are located at Mongaup Reservoir and at Minisink Ford locations). • Avoid loud noises, such as yelling, car door slamming, horn honking and unnecessary movement. • Use binoculars and a spotting scope instead of trying to get “a little bit closer.” • Don’t do anything to try to make the eagle fly. • Consider joining an Eagle Institute guided field trip, at least for your first-time viewing experience, to learn the best way to view eagles.

A RIVER REPORTER MAGAZINE • 27

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WJFF is now accepting donations of CDs, LPs, 45s, 78s, musical instruments, sheet music, radios, stereo and electronic equipment and more. It’s a great chance to prune your collection and help your community radio station. Call 845-482-4141 or email adam@wjffradio.org to make your donation.

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The River Reporter’s 16th Annual THE BEST BALLOT IS BACK!

We have added some new categories to our extensive best ballot! There are 255 categories but you do not have to ll all of them out. We ask that you simply vote for the people, places or businesses that you think are the best. Thank you for your participation and we look forward to receiving your choices. We will publish our 2011 WINNERS in our annual Reader’s Choice Awards “BEST” supplement in January 2012.

Good Luck to all!

Appetizers _______________________ Artisan Bakery ____________________ Bakery _________________________ Barbecue ________________________ Beer Selection _____________________ Breakfast ________________________ Brunch _________________________ Buffet/Smorgasbord _________________ Candy Shop ______________________ Cheesesteak Sandwich ________________ Chinese Restaurant __________________ Coffee House _____________________ Deli ___________________________ Desserts ________________________ Diner __________________________ Dinner _________________________ Early Bird Specials __________________ Family Restaurant __________________ Fresh Bread ______________________ Fresh Meats ______________________ Gourmet Restaurant _________________ Grocery Store/Supermarket _____________ Hamburgers ______________________ Happy Hour ______________________ Health Food Store __________________ Home Cookin’ Restaurant ______________ Ice Cream Parlor ___________________ Italian Restaurant __________________ Kid-Friendly Restaurant _______________

Antique Store _____________________ Art Supplies Store __________________ ATVs___________________________ Auto Parts Store ___________________ Baby/Kids Store ____________________ Bait & Tackle Store __________________ Boat Dealer ______________________ Bookstore _______________________ Clothing Store _____________________ Collectibles Store ___________________ Convenience Store __________________ Electronics _______________________ Farm Equipment Retailer ______________ Flooring Store _____________________ Florist __________________________ Furniture Store ____________________ Garden Center_____________________ Gift Shop ________________________ Hardware Store ____________________ Hot Tub Store _____________________

Liquor Store ______________________ Lunch __________________________ Martinis ________________________ Menu __________________________ New Restaurant (non-chain) ____________ Pasta Dish _______________________ Pizza __________________________ Produce_________________________ Outdoor Dining ____________________ Overall Restaurant: in Delaware County __________________ in Orange County __________________ in Pike County ____________________ in Sullivan County __________________ in Wayne County___________________ in the Region ____________________ Ribs ___________________________ Romantic Restaurant _________________ Salad Bar _______________________ Sandwiches ______________________ Seafood ________________________ Soups __________________________ Specialty Food Store _________________ Steakhouse ______________________ Takeout Restaurant __________________ Vegetarian Food/Restaurant ____________ Wedding/Specialty Cakes ______________ Wine Selection ____________________ Wings __________________________

Jewelry Store _____________________ Kitchen Supply Store _________________ Knit Shop _______________________ Lumberyard ______________________ Mattress Store _____________________ Medical Equipment Store ______________ Motorcycle Shop ____________________ Music Store_______________________ New Car Dealership _________________ New Retail Shop ___________________ Outdoor Recreation Store ______________ Pet Shop ________________________ Place to Buy Art ____________________ Pottery Studio _____________________ Specialty Store (not food) ______________ Sporting Goods Shop ________________ Tire Store _______________________ Used Car Dealership _________________ Vintage Shop _____________________ Wine Shop _______________________

Auto Service Station _________________ Bank __________________________ Builder’s Association _________________ Cellular Service Provider ______________ Christmas Tree Farm _________________ Eye Care Center ____________________ Elder Care Facility __________________ Emergency Room ___________________ Fitness Center _____________________ Funeral Home _____________________ Green Business ____________________ Heating Fuel Company _______________ Home & Garden Store ________________ Hospital/Medical Facility ______________ Insurance Agency ___________________ Kennel _________________________ Kid’s Camp _______________________ Kitchen & Bath Store _________________ Maternity Unit _____________________ Modular Homes ____________________ Mortgage Company _________________

New Business of the Year (not food) ________ Pet Grooming _____________________ Pet Pampering ____________________ Pharmacy _______________________ Photography Studio _________________ Plumbing & Heating Supply ____________ Printer _________________________ Property Management Service ___________ Rehabilitation Services _______________ Rental Center _____________________ Real Estate Office ___________________ Septic Service _____________________ Spa or Personal Pampering_____________ Storage Center ____________________ Towing Service ____________________ Trash Collection Service _______________ Tuxedo Rentals ____________________ Veterinarian Clinic __________________ Well Driller ______________________ Yoga Center ______________________

Ambulance Squad __________________ Animal Shelter ____________________ Chamber of Commerce________________ Chicken BBQ (volunteer) ______________ Civic Club or Organization _____________ Community Festival or Event ____________ Fair ___________________________ Farm Market______________________ Fire Department ___________________ Historic Site ______________________ Library _________________________ Local: Artist_________________________ Author ________________________ Celebrity ______________________ Farm_________________________ Getaway ______________________ Golf Pro _______________________ Musician/Band ___________________ Photographer ___________________ Potter ________________________ Local Products: Cheese________________________

Eggs _________________________ Honey ________________________ Meats ________________________ Maple Syrup ____________________ Wine _________________________ Most Attractive Building _______________ Museum ________________________ Neighborhood _____________________ Pancake Breakfast __________________ Parade _________________________ Penny Social ______________________ Place to Play Bingo__________________ Place in the River Valley _______________ Place of Worship ___________________ Post Office _______________________ Radio Station _____________________ Secret Treasure ____________________ Scenic Drive ______________________ Shopping Area ____________________ Special Area Attraction _______________ Sullivan Renaissance Project ____________ Youth Center ______________________ Youth Program ____________________

Accountant _______________________ Architect ________________________ Auto Mechanic _____________________ Bank Teller_______________________ Barber _________________________ Bartender _______________________ Builder _________________________ Butcher _________________________ Caterer _________________________ Carpenter _______________________ Car Salesman _____________________ Chef __________________________ Chiropractor ______________________ Clergy __________________________ Coach __________________________ Customer Service ___________________ Dentist _________________________ Doctor _________________________ Electrician _______________________ Event Planner _____________________ Excavator ________________________ Green Developer ___________________

Hair Dresser ______________________ Holistic Practitioner _________________ Interior Decorator __________________ Landscaper ______________________ Lawyer _________________________ Law Enforcement Officer ______________ Massage Therapist __________________ Medical Specialist ___________________ Ob-Gyn _________________________ Pediatrician ______________________ Physical Therapist __________________ Plumber ________________________ Politician ________________________ Postmaster _______________________ Radio Personality ___________________ Real Estate Agent ___________________ Roofer _________________________ Salesperson ______________________ Teacher _________________________ Waiter/Waitress ____________________ Web Designer _____________________

HOW TO VOTE: Print clearly or type your choices for “THE BEST” from the categories listed. Include the name and town of business, organization, place or person you are voting for. Best choices are limited to Delaware, Orange, Pike, Sullivan and Wayne counties. HOW TO ENTER: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Additional ballots are available at The River Reporter ofce at 93 Erie Ave, Narrowsburg, NY—LIMIT ONE PER PERSON. Ballots MUST be complete and include full name, address and phone number of voter. All ballots must be received by December 15, 2011. Employees of The River Reporter and Stuart Communications are permitted to vote but not eligible to win prizes. HOW TO WIN PRIZES: All ballots will be included in a random drawing for prizes. Drawing will be held January 2012. No duplicate winners. Chances to win are determined by the number of entries. BEST Winners will be notied in January 2012.

OFFICIAL "BEST" BALLOT ENTRY FORM PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY Name __________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ___________________________________________________ Phone _________________________________________________________

Amusement/Fun Park ________________ Art Gallery _______________________ Atmosphere ______________________ Bed & Breakfast ___________________ Canoe Livery______________________ Campground______________________ Cider Mill ________________________ College _________________________ Day Trip ________________________ Golf Course ______________________ Horseback Riding ___________________ Movie Theatre _____________________

Night Out _______________________ Place to Hold a Prom ________________ Place to Stay ______________________ Place to take the Kids ________________ Place to Work _____________________ Playhouse Theatre __________________ Private School _____________________ Resort __________________________ Ski Lodge _______________________ Wedding Reception Location ____________ Winery _________________________

E-mail _________________________________________________________

I am a current subscriber I buy it on newsstands

MAIL BALLOT ENTRY FORMS TO: The River Reporter “BEST” PO Box 150, Narrowsburg, NY 12764

or DROP OFF AT:

93 Erie Avenue, Narrowsburg, NY 12764

A RIVER REPORTER MAGAZINE • 29

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MLS # 30532 Delaware River Access home in Narrowsburg. This 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home is in good condition. Additional room with exterior access that could be used as home office, studio, etc. Walk to river, village for shopping, great restaurants or Eagle watching - $169,000 MLS # 32306 An antique-lover’s dream! This circa-1900 farmhouse has been lovingly restored to its original glory -- right down to the vintage kitchen appliances in immaculate condition. The whole house exudes care and craftsmanship, from the gleaming wood floors, chestnut moldings, built-in cabinetry and pantry, and the manicured back yard. 3 bedrooms and a full bath on the second floor, and 2 more bedrooms and a full bath on the third floor. Gas fireplace. Screened back porch, gazebo, lush plantings - $199,000

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A RIVER REPORTER MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ 31

LAKE REGION CENTER

Earn a degree close to home! Degree and other programs available • Business Administration • Criminal Justice • Ecological Sustainability • Hospitality Management • Human Services • Nurse Aide (Funding available) • Culinary Arts • Physical Therapist Assistant Open Admission Policy. Financial Aid available. Act 48 Provider, CHECK OUT OUR SCHEDULE: www.lackkawanna.edu

Lackawanna College Lake Region Center 8 Silk Mill Drive Hawley, PA 18428 (570) 226-4625 LakeRegion@lackawanna.edu www.lackawanna.edu

Nov. 19 OPEN HOUSE