December 2023: Celebrate the Holidays in the Catskills!

Catskill Mountain Region

GUIDE

Celebrate

DECEMBER 2023 COMPLIMENTARY issuu.com/ catskillmtnregionguide

THE HOLIDAYS IN THE CATSKILLS!

Shopping | Dining | Lodging | Holiday Celebrations Attractions | Services | And More!

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December 2023 • GUIDE 3

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IN THIS ISSUE

COVER

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN THE CATSKILLS! 8 LAYERHYTHM: A Jam Session of Music & Dance

Photo by Tea Jagodic/shutterstock.com

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by Joan Oldknow

10 WOODSTOCK SCHOOL OF ART 12 THE GIFT OF GIVING: The More You Give the More You Get

by Greg Madden

14 SPECIAL SECTION: Celebrate the Holidays in the Catskills

48 CATSKILLS PAST: Dorothy Hoyt Nebel, Ski Pioneer Part I

by T.M. Bradshaw

53 GREENE COUNTY GARDENS IN A CHANGING CLIMATE

by Margaret Donsbach Tomlinson

54 THE GREAT OUTDOORS

by Jeff Senterman December 2023 • GUIDE 5

59 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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66 CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY PERFORMING ARTS SEASON

68 SNEAK PEEK, CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION 2024 PERFORMING ARTS SEASON

72 SUGAR MAPLES CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS

74 DONATE TO THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION

75 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 76 JOLABOKAFLOD

by Jen Schwartz

WE WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY AND PEACEFUL HOLIDAY SEASON!

issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide VOLUME 38, NUMBER 12 December 2023 PUBLISHERS Peter Finn, Chairman, Catskill Mountain Foundation Sarah Finn, President, Catskill Mountain Foundation EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION Sarah Taft ADVERTISING SALES Barbara Cobb Hillary Morse CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS biggunsband/shutterstock.com, T.M. Bradshaw, Tea Jagodic/shutterstock.com, lopolo/shutterstock.com, Greg Madden, Joan Oldknow, Jen Schwartz, Jeff Senterman, Julia Sudnitskaya, and Margaret Donsbach Tomlinson.

Additional content by Woodstock School of Art.

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ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE Candy McKee Tiffany Babcock & Hillary Morse PRINTING Catskill Mountain Printing Services DISTRIBUTION Catskill Mountain Foundation EDITORIAL DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: December 4

The Catskill Mountain Region Guide is published 12 times a year by the Catskill Mountain Foundation, Inc., Main Street, PO Box 924, Hunter, NY 12442. If you have events or programs that you would like to have covered, please send them by e-mail to tafts@ catskillmtn.org. Please be sure to furnish a contact name and include your telephone number and e-mail address. To receive submission guidelines send a request to tafts@catskillmtn.org.

The liability of the publisher for any error for which it may be held legally responsible will not exceed the cost of space ordered or occupied by the error. The publisher assumes no liability for errors in key numbers. The publisher will not, in any event, be liable for loss of income or profits or any consequent damages.

The Catskill Mountain Region Guide office is located in Hunter Village Square in the Village of Hunter on Route 23A. The magazine can be found on-line at www.catskillmtn.org by clicking on the “Magazine” button, or by going directly to issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide 8,000 copies of the Catskill Mountain Region Guide are distributed each month. It is distributed free of charge at tourist information offices, restaurants, lodgings, retailers and other businesses throughout Greene, Delaware and Ulster counties, and at the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center in Albany.

Home delivery of the Guide magazine is available, at an additional fee, to annual members of the Catskill Mountain Foundation at the $100 membership level or higher. ©2000 Catskill Mountain Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The Catskill Mountain Region Guide is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. All photographic rights reside with the photographer.

THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION 7971 MAIN STREET, P.O. BOX 924 HUNTER, NY 12442 PHONE: 518 263 2000 • FAX: 518 263 2025 WWW.CATSKILLMTN.ORG

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By Joan Oldknow

“… a brew of partying and performing that unfolds as a series of interactive sessions in which suggestions from the crowd beget songs and steps.

Imagine an improv comedy show where dancing, not laughs, is the currency.

Then imagine a musicians’ jam session where the band is compelled to keep the dancers’ pace instead of the other way around. [...] what’s distinct about LayeRhythm is the way it bridges the two groups with crowd participation.”

—James Thomas for The New York Times

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arm up and get your dance moves on this January! If Hip-Hop, Litefeet, or House culture is your style, you can move to LayeRhythm’s live music and dance. The street dance scene is heading to the stage of Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Orpheum Performing Arts Center in Tannersville on January 6, 2024 at 7:30 pm. Highlighting freestyle voices in the performing arts landscape, LayeRhythm builds layer upon layer of music, rap and freestyle dance through audience participation.

LayeRhythm Productions INC, a nonprofit based in New York City, was founded in 2020 by Mai Lê Hô, a FrenchVietnamese street/club dance performer, choreographer, educator, curator and artistic director. Freestyle/improvisation based, LayeRhythm asks the audience to “play the game with us” as they perform across the spectrum of dance styles. Audience members are encouraged to contribute words and movements; then, they see how it unfolds live during the show. Sometimes, the band will start first, followed by the dancers, and sometimes the dancers lead off. Always, the ideas come first.

Working together, the artists use audience ideas as the core.

Performances are not as refined. LayeRhythm’s residency process allows the artists to try new ideas and bring back old ideas using different variations of one concept. Often, they find that basic ideas work the best. Each art form supports, inspires, guides and challenges each other, bringing about an improvisational wonder.

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The audience experiences different styles, nuances and connections as the music and dance unfold.

LayeRhythm will be in residence in Tannersville for a week in January. During this time, they’ll work on new ideas and variations. Most of the artists dance in different venues throughout New York City, so spending time together and building chemistry is an important goal of the residency. LayeRhythm has a rotating cast, and there are always different people performing. Mai Lê works with a roster of 300 artists, featuring different artists in different shows. There is a core team of musicians, and anchor dance artists she tends to often work with. Musical styles range from Funk to Hip-Hop to House and more.

When asked about her greatest inspiration, Mai Lê said that Michael Jackson was a huge inspiration and that she wouldn’t be dancing if there was no Michael Jackson. Other inspiration comes from House culture (Theo Parrish, Ron Trent and Louie Vega for music, Dance Fusion NYC for dance), Hip-Hop in Detroit (J Dilla) and New York and jam sessions like The Lesson.

LayeRhythm focuses on dance styles such as House dance, Locking, Breaking, FlexN, Hip-Hop, Litefeet … Freestyle is what Mai Lê wants to highlight. She see it as the rawest way to express these art forms. LayeRhythm has been described using words like: interactive, creative, spontaneous, joy, energy, creative, experimental, community, universal, kindness … all around love.

LayeRhythm will be in residence with Catskill Mountain Foundation in January 2024, co-creating a unique performance in partnership with a live audience on January 6 at the Orpheum Performing Arts Center.

About Mai Lê Hô Mai Lê is a French-Vietnamese street/club dance artist, educator, curator, and the founder of LayeRhythm Productions, Inc., a NYC-based non-profit organization dedicated to highlighting freestyle voices in the performing arts landscape.

In 2015, Mai Lê created LayeRhythm, a cutting­edge monthly performance event that layers live musicians & vocalists with freestyle dancers, acclaimed by the New York Times (2018).

Since then, the club-based project has been presented at venues/ festivals such as Jacob’s Pillow (MA), 92NY Harkness Dance Center, Guggenheim Museum, SummerStage, National Jazz Museum in Harlem, National Dance Institute, Lincoln Center, NY Public Library for the Performing Arts, Gibney, Abrons Arts Center, Movement Research at Judson Church, Manhattan West Plaza, Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival, Queens County Fair, Lincoln Theater (DC), The Church (Sag Harbor), Bridge Street Theater (Catskill), Spiegeltent at Bard College (Annandale-On-Hudson).

In 2023, Mai Lê was awarded a Dancing Futures residency at Bronx Academy of Arts & Dance (BAAD!) through Pepatian. She was selected to be virtual artist-in-residence with Asian American Arts Alliance, and movement curator for Asian Cultural Council’s

East West Fest in 2021. From 2017 to 2019, she was the Program Director of It’s Showtime NYC!, a City-funded program that celebrates NYC street culture and provides performance and professional development opportunities to street and subway dancers.

In 2014 Mai Lê toured Europe with groundbreaking Detroit producer Theo Parrish and his live band.

Mai Lê has won 1st place in various international house dance competitions such as Ladies of Hip-Hop (NYC, 2015), Universole (Detroit, 2015), Step Ya Game Up (NYC, 2013) and has served a judge for Footwork Frenzy (2022), House Dance UK (London, 2015), Slick City (Chicago, 2015), The Blueprint (Houston, 2013). She is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Dance at Hunter College, and has taught house dance workshops in Vietnam, Japan, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, Canada, the Netherlands, France and throughout the US. This performance is presented in partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim, LayeRhythm will go straight from Catskill Mountain Foundation to the Works & Process Underground Uptown Dance Festival at Lincoln Center.

LayeRhythm will appear on January 6, 2024 at 7:30 pm at the Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Orpheum Performing Arts Center, 6050 Main Street, Tannersville, NY 12485. Tickets purchased in advance are $25 adult; $20 senior; $7 student/child. Ticketing fees apply, and higher-at-the-door ticket prices apply.

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WOODSTOCK SCHOOL OF ART The Woodstock School of Art offers excellence in fine art instruction, inspires creativity in a welcoming community, building on its rich artistic lineage and unique historic setting.

The Woodstock School of Art holds classes throughout the year in newly renovated and climate-controlled studios. Over 850 students from the United States and countries abroad currently enroll in weekly classes and workshops. There are no entrance requirements or previous art experience necessary. Each class is an artist’s atelier combining the instructor’s viewpoint with the free and open dialogue necessary for artistic creativity. Because of its respect for the artists, for the artist’s way of life, and for the creative force that motivates artists, the school does not interfere in this vital exchange. Students select courses of their choosing conducted by more than forty professional teaching artist instructors. The schedule includes daily classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking, with workshops in specialized techniques under the guidance of experts in their respective fields.

Classes and workshops are held seven days a week. Office and gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm. Visit woodstockschoolofart.org or call 845 679 2388 for a full listing of courses and exhibitions.

GIVE THE GIFT OF THE CATSKILLS FOR THE HOLIDAYS Photographs by Francis X. Driscoll

Available for purchase at: Tannersville Antiques & Artisans: 518 589 5600 Rustic Mountain Antiques: 518 589 1202 Smitty’s Nursery: 518 734 3489

For more information about my work, visit www.francisxdriscoll.com 10 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

Catskill Mountain Foundation presents Orpheum Dance Program in collaboration with Joffrey Ballet School New York and Aquila Theatre

The

Nutcracker SIX PERFORMANCES

Saturday, December 2 @ 2:00 & 7:30 pm Sunday, December 3 @ 2:00 pm Saturday, December 9 @ 2:00 & 7:30 pm Sunday, December 10 @ 2:00 pm Join Us for a Children’s Costume Matinee Saturday, December 2 @ 2:00 pm!

Come dressed as your favorite Nutcracker character.!

Prizes for best costumes, and a reception will follow the performance.

Orpheum Performing Arts Center 6050 Main Street | Tannersville, NY 12485

Scan Me to Purchase Tickets!

Tickets: $25; $20 seniors; $7 students

(+ticketing fees. Higher at-the-door ticket prices apply)

Tickets available at catskillmtn.org, 518 263 2063 or at boxoffice@catskillmtn.org Catskill Mountain Foundation is supported in part by New York State Council on the Arts, the Greene County Cultural Fund administered by the Greene County Legislature, The Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation, The Royce Family Foundation, The Samuel and Esther Doctorow Fund, The Orville and Ethel Slutzky Family Foundation, Platte Clove Bruderhof Community, Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation, The Greene County Youth Bureau,December Marshall & Sterling 2023Insurance, • GUIDE 11 All Souls’ Church, Stewarts Shops, Windham Foundation, and by private donations.

Photo by Julia Sudnitskaya/shutterstock.com

The Gift of Giving

The More You Give, The More you Get

By Greg Madden “The meaning of life is to find your gift.

The purpose of life is to give it away.”

—Pablo Picasso

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hen we were kids experiencing the joy of our first holiday seasons, the question around the neighborhood or when you got back to school was … “what did you get?” Then, holiday gifts were all about receiving. Get, get, get—what did you get? Did you like what you got? Were you happy with what you got or were you jealous of what others got? Interesting memories, right?

As we skate through time, let’s not forget our ever-“present” and never ending and enormous “gift” of our Catskill Mountains and whether we live here or visit, it is magnificent every day, sun or snow, rain or shine. We are blessed, always.

We are smack dab in the middle of a region, where the air turns crisp, trees transform into a breathtaking tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, a time-honored tradition unfolds every year and as the holiday season draws near, once again the snow and ice will return. It’s a celebration of nature’s artistry, community, and the joy of coming together, a season of giving and it’s always more than just receiving gifts as it breeds a tradition of giving and what that means to our world. It is a gift!

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Our Catskills, known for their stunning landscapes, charming hollows and hamlets, become a haven for holiday enthusiasts seeking the perfect blend of seasonal tradition and adventure. It’s a place where one can find respite from the hectic pace of city life and discover the magic of the season in a tranquil setting. As the poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Nature always wears the colors of the spirit,” and in the Catskills during the holidays, the spirit is one of warmth, joy, and togetherness. It is a gift.

Every year, our villages transform into winter wonderlands that rival the most picturesque scenes of a holiday greeting card.

The town’s streets are lined with twinkling lights, and shop windows display festive decorations. It’s a scene reminiscent of what Charles Dickens once described, “I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”

There are many reasons to visit, or live in the Catskills, and finding unique holiday gifts for loved ones in the hundreds of gift shops scattered across the landscape is so special during this joyous time of year. It is a gift.

Families come from near and far to gather here, bringing with them a sense of family unity and love. Children, bundled up in cozy scarves and mittens, play in the snow-covered parks, their laughter echoing through the crisp mountain air. Parents and grandparents watch with smiles, knowing that these moments will become cherished memories. It is a gift!

For as Maya Angelou once wisely said, “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their color.”

This diversity branches off to all who inhabit our earth and during the season of giving, we often feel the “present of presence,” that is universal oneness. May we all celebrate our varied cultures and beliefs that bound us together and that is our strength. It is a gift.

We celebrate our humanness and love for our families and fellow inhabitants of the Catskills, tucked neatly into Mother Earth. At this time of year, profound love is on display for the rare but vocal grinches, and those who bah humbug their way through the year, to observe our joy and perhaps some are converted by the abundance of season. That would be a gift for us all.

Light is a theme of this time of year as we are all being of light and one of the most anticipated events across the Catskills is a town’s annual tree lighting ceremony. A towering fir tree in the center of town is adorned with ornaments lovingly crafted by local artisans. The town’s people, young and old, gather around as the tree is lit, illuminating the night with a warm, golden glow.

Other traditions share the light by bringing the warm flame to candles and adorning one’s yard or house. Sharing the light feels good. It is a gift !

The spirit of giving is alive and well across the Catskills.

Local businesses and charities organize food and toy drives to support those in need during the holidays. As Dr. Seuss once wrote, “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more.” This is the giving that matters, that feels good, the sharing from the heart.

“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.”

—H. Jackson Brown Jr.

During the holiday season, local art galleries and studios feature special exhibitions that celebrate the region’s artistic spirit.

Visitors can peruse works of art that showcase the stunning landscapes and the charm of the Catskills. It is a gift!

The Catskill Mountains also host a variety of festive events, from holiday markets to performances of classic holiday plays. For example, over the years many locations have taken their hand at hosting a Dickens Festival, a tribute to the author of A Christmas Carol, is a highlight. These festivals bring the beloved characters

of Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future to life. Families gather in the historic town square as they watch the heartwarming story unfold before their eyes, reminding them of the importance of generosity and compassion.

It is a gift!

In the Catskills, the holiday stage is set for timeless tales of redemption and the power of the human spirit. A time for reflection and looking ahead simultaneously as professed by Winston Churchill, “Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.” In the Catskills, this sentiment rings true. It is a gift!

The celebration of the holidays is not just about festivities but also about pausing to appreciate the natural beauty, the warmth of community, and the moments of togetherness that make this time of year so special in the heart of our mountains.

“You give but little when you give of your possessions.

It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”

—Kahlil Gibran

In last month’s issue during Thanksgiving, we took some time to reflect (of course with pumpkin pie a la mode and turkey) on all that matters and litters our lives and as we carry those thoughts on through to year’s end, may we give of ourselves to many who need a little or alot, a hug or a smile, a song or a meal, just something with meaning and love. Something that matters.

It is a gift !

Look for where you can find opportunities to give of yourself to others, to add something to their lives, to share your joy as our earthly tribe looks for avenues to share oneness across the globe.

We have the love in our hearts and the power to create the world we desire, so light a candle and put up some decorations and share of yourself. You are the gift that keeps on giving. You are what our holidays are all about. Give of yourself, for you are the most precious of gifts.

Merry, Happy Ho Ho’s everyone.

Greg Madden is the Development Manager at Wellness Rx Pharmacy where he also practices ancient healing modalities like Tui-Na Medical Massage and BioPhoton Light Therapy. More at www.IlluminatingWellness.care.

WellnessRx, Pharmacy for the Public Good is America’s first nonprofit Community Pharmacy and Wellness Center in Tannersville, NY (WellnessRxLLC.com) and in April in Phoenicia, NY (PharmacyforthePublicGood.org), both located on Main Street.

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Celebrate THE HOLIDAYS IN THE CATSKILLS! The Wawarsing Wassail in Ellenville is just one of the many charming holiday events in the Catskills.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, December 2.

ART GALLERIES Clouds Gallery 1 Mill Hill Road Woodstock, NY 12498 cloudsofwoodstock.com 845 679 8155 Founded in 1974, Clouds Gallery has always had a mission to sell quality American crafts with high standards of customer service. Over the years and with changing times, Clouds Gallery has stayed clear with its vision and has added many new and exciting artists. We carry unique wedding bands, sterling silver, semi precious and gold jewelry, as well as handblown, fused and torch work glass, functional and sculptural pottery and artists that excel in wood and metal crafting. Clouds represents over 200 American artisans and we are always looking for new creative contemporary artists to complement our passion to move forward with our dream.

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Windham Fine Arts 5380 Main Street Windham, NY 12496 windhamfinearts.com 518 734 6850 Windham Fine Arts is the premier art gallery in the Catskills. Representing local and internationally acclaimed artists, the gallery showcases a diverse collection of original paintings, photography, and ceramics. From inspiring landscapes to expressive abstracts, Windham Fine Arts is a kaleidoscope of visual enchantment. With over 3,000 square feet of curated artwork and 22 years in the business, Windham Fine Arts stands out as a unique gem of artistic inspiration.

Woodstock School of Art

ART WORKSHOPS Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts 34 Big Hollow Road Maplecrest, NY 12454 sugarmaples.org A program of the Catskill Mountain Foundation, Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts offers short term adult workshop programming in ceramics, painting, drawing, fiber arts and weekly classes in ceramics and fiber arts during the summer season. Weekly classes in painting, drawing and ceramics continue during the fall, winter, and spring seasons. All classes are led by artists who are renowned and celebrated in their field. The summer Art Explorers program provides opportunities for local youth to explore their creativity through art exploration.

2470 NY-212 Woodstock, NY 12498 woodstockschoolofart.org 845 679 2388 Classes in fine art, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture are offered year-round in fully climate-controlled studios in historic bluestone and native timber buildings. Classes are open to all, with no entrance requirements or experience necessary. Gallery is open to the public Monday-Saturday. Visit woodstockschoolofart.org for more information.

ATTRACTION Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Piano Performance Museum 7971 Main Street Hunter, NY 12442 catskillmtn.org Photo by Jeffrey Langford 518 263 2063 The Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Piano Performance Museum is the home of the Steven E. Greenstein Piano Collection, a one-of-a-kind collection of historic pianos and

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musical artifacts. A destination unlike any other in the United States, the Piano Performance Museum offers a unique glimpse into the development of pianos in Europe and America over the past four centuries. Open on Fridays and Saturdays 11am to 3pm by appointment. Email ppm@ catskillmtn.org or call 518 263 2063 before your visit, to ensure that the museum will be open.

BOOKSTORE

Briars & Brambles Books Route 296 & South Street Windham, NY 12496 briarsandbramblesbooks.com 518 750 8599 Briars and Brambles Books is your go-to Indie Bookstore in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. Briars & Brambles Books is a dream come true for owner & part-time Windham resident, Jen Schwartz. Jen has combined her love of books with her experience as a long-time library volunteer and past library board president to create an inviting, knowledgeable and professional atmosphere. Jen’s handpicked team includes: a rare-book aficionado, a former teacher with her own line of children’s decor, and a college student with remarkable curiosity. The Briars & Brambles team understands that being a bookseller involves so much more than simply “selling books” and is committed to providing unparalleled personal attention.

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CAR DEALERSHIP Thorpe’s GMC 5964 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 thorpesgmcinc.com 518 589 7142 Thorpe’s unmatched service and diverse GMC inventory have set them apart as the preferred dealer in Tannersville.

With a full-service team of sales and service professionals, visit them today to discover why they have the best reputation in the area. They offer one of the largest GMC inventories in New York, and their trained sales staff will help you every step of the way.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Main Street Community Center 5494 NY-23 Windham, NY 12496 mainstreetcenter.org 518 734 4168 The Main Street Community Center strives to build a caring, welcoming and inclusive environment to benefit all of

the communities on the Mountain Top. Centrally located in Windham, the building contains multiple rooms, including two bathrooms (one is handicap accessible), a large sitting area, a conference room, individual workspaces with computer monitors and a large screen TV, free WIFI, access to printers, and a studio for creative activities. The Artist’s Hideaway provides individual lockers for artists to safely store their supplies. There is plenty of on site parking. The Center has an ever increasing offering of classes, programs, and events for people of all ages.

Phoenix Web Collective 7947 Main Street Hunter, NY 12442 phoenixwebcollective.com 518 628 5101 Mutual aid resource on the mountain!

Local artist shop, makers’ space, and our free mart, where you can get gently used and vintage clothing, home goods, food, toys, books, music, movies, jewelry, electronics, and more for free or pay-what-you-can.

We also host small events and workshops. All are welcome!

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COWORKING SPACE Tannersville Works 6041 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 tannersvilleworks.com 518 589 4017 Escape to The Catskills for productive and inspiring work days! Our coworking space is perfect for remote workers, visitors, and entrepreneurs looking for a professional place to work while enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains. Conveniently located in the center of Tannersville with easy access to local parks, shops, and restaurants. Every coworker gets a dedicated desk, comfortable seating, high-speed internet, and access to printers and private calling rooms. Daily, weekly, and monthly rates available.

DOG TREATS & SUPPLEMENTS SavvyBeast Bloomville, NY 13739 savvybeastpet.com 607 538 9019 SavvyBeast in the Catskill Mountains offers healthy dog treats and supplements. Using locally sourced meats, our treats are packed with wholesome nutrients. We prioritize your furry friend’s well-being by providing high-quality, grainfree Jerky Treats, Dehydrated Liver, Dehydrated Heart, Dog-

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Stars and Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil. Supporting local farmers, we deliver the taste of the Catskills to your pup while promoting optimal health and vitality. Treat your dog to SavvyBeast’s delectable offerings and watch them thrive.

FARMS & FARM PRODUCTS Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Natural Agriculture Farm At Sugar Maples 34 Big Hollow Road Maplecrest, NY 12454 The CMF operates a 4.5-acre farm following the Natural Agriculture method taught by the Japanese organization Shumei, the principle of which is to grow vegetables the way they would grow in Nature. This means that no agricultural chemicals of any sort are used, and no manure or other soil additives are permitted. The farm includes a beautiful Visitors Center, along with two 3,000-squarefoot greenhouses. During growing season, visitors can purchase vegetables grown at the farm at a farmstand that operates every Saturday.

Pure Catskills purecatskills.com A regional, buy local campaign developed by the Watershed Agricultural Council to improve the economic viability of the local community, sustain

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the working landscapes of the Catskills and preserve water quality in the NYC Watershed Region. Pure Catskills works to promote hundreds of farm, forest and local businesses throughout Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster Counties. Search their website for local products, or pick up a copy of the Guide to Pure Catskills Products!

FISH & SEAFOOD Shawn’s Fresh Fish 5150 Route 28 Mount Tremper, NY 12457 On Instagram: @ShawnsFreshFish 845 702 2120 Located at the Migliorelli Farm Stand.

We started our business in 2016. We carry a large selection of fresh fish and seafood. Also, try our fresh made soups, salads and locally smoked fish. Requests welcomed.

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FLORIST The Blumen Haus Florist Prattsville Plaza: 14520 Main Street Prattsville, NY 12468 blumenhausflorist.org Find Us on Facebook 518 299 3058 Blumen Haus Florist is a locally owned and operated floral boutique dedicated to creating stunning floral arrangements and providing exceptional service to our customers. We believe in the power of flowers to brighten any occasion and bring joy to people’s lives. What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and personal attention. We hand-select the freshest, most vibrant blooms from local growers and global markets to ensure that each arrangement is of the highest quality. Our experienced florists have an eye for detail and a passion for creating unique, eye-catching designs that will exceed your expectations.

GARDEN & NURSERY

Augustine Nursery 9W & Van Kleecks Lane Kingston, NY 12401 AugustineNursery.com 845 338 4936 We’ve been creating landscapes of distinction throughout the Hudson Valley since 1974. Today, Augustine Nursery has grown to become one of the leading residential and commercial landscape design firms and the “nursery of choice” among high-end landscape architects, independent contractors and discerning home­ owners. We offer a stunning selection of larger scale, estate-grade trees, shrubs and plants. There are hundreds of varieties, ranging from the most popular to the new and emerging. We also offer a full menu of nursery services, from planning and design to installation and dress finish for greenscapes and hardscapes.

The Garden of Stone 5444 State Route 23 Windham NY 12496 gardenofstone5444@gmail.com Shop our eclectic selection of cast stone pieces for your garden and home. We hand-cast animal statuary, birdbaths, angels, gnomes and more.

We offer fresh-cut flowers by the stem or bouquet and can help with your special event. Shop for houseplants and unusual items–vintage and new. Browsing is encouraged!

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Gardens by Trista 176 Polen Hill Road Gilboa, NY 12076 gardensbytrista.com 607 588 6762 Gardens by Trista is a full service landscape company focused on providing each client with the individualized landscape or garden of their dreams. We know each property and client holds their own unique essence which we use to transform the land and its elements into their personalized landscape. We strive to fulfill the needs of each and every customer, whether it be a complete design/build for new construction or help with an existing garden that needs a rejuvenation. We also have an extensive garden maintenance division to help keep your landscape and garden in pristine condition.

Story’s Nursery 4265 Route 67 Freehold, NY 12431 518 634 7754 storysnursery.com Story’s Nursery is your Holiday destination! Stroll through our greenhouses filled with florist quality poinsettias and holiday plants. Take in the aroma of freshly made balsam wreathes and kissing balls, available plain or decorated by our talented designers. Custom orders welcomed. We offer boxwood trees and arrangements to complete your holiday theme. Fresh New York grown balsam cut trees,

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roping and greenery are available for one stop shopping.

Our incredible ribbon selection and supplies make crafting your own decorations easy and convenient. Visit our Gift & Garden Shop for unique gifts for everyone on your list!

HAIR SALON Robert James Aveda Salon 4157 State Route 23 Hensonville, NY 12439 RobertJamesAveda.com 914 552 0014 Aveda Master Colorist whose work has graced the pages of Westchester Magazine, Modern Salon and American Salon, Robert James is one of the most sought-after hair color specialists in Greenwich CT and Westchester County. Since relocating to his mountain home, Robert is passionate about providing clients with personalized, beautiful, natural hair care at his exclusive Aveda salon. An expert in classic and modern cuts, color and styling—visit Robert for an amazing experience—and a look you’ll love!

HARDWARE Houst Hardware 4 Mill Hill Road Woodstock, NY 12498 housthardware.com 845 679 2115 Shop local with Houst Hardware, independent and family owned for 89

years. For all your projects, Houst Has IT. Benjamin Moore Paints, Equipment Rentals, Tools, Plumbing, Electrical, Organic and Heirloom Garden Seeds, Organic Soils and Fertilizers, Housewares, Weber grills, Seasonal products, Camping and Toys. Everything you need for work and play.

Windham Hardware 5390 Main Street Windham, NY 12496 518 734 4433 General hardware, housewares, plumbing, electrical supplies, window and screen repair, paint supplies, garden supplies, and keys made. Built as a Hardware store in 1887, the Hardware has been here for the residents of Windham, and those who come to visit, for over 120 years. Windham Hardware has been in the Lawrence family for 44 years, and we’re proud to be a part of this community.

HOT TUBS

Best Hot Tubs 275 CR 65 Corner of Route 23 Windham, NY 12496 besthottubs.com 518 734 9100 Best Hot Tubs Windham store serves the Hunter/Windham, NY and entire Mountain Top area, including the nearby ski resorts at Hunter, Windham and Belleayre and beyond. You December 2023 • GUIDE 23

will find the right hot tub for your lifestyle and all the accessories you need to make your summer and winter spa experience perfect. Come see the new Bullfrog A series, Aspen Spas and Strong Spas. Best Hot Tubs repairs hot tubs and we offer weekly hot tub maintenance. All you have to do is relax!

LIVE PERFORMANCES The Hot Sardines December 16

Catskill Mountain Foundation 2023 Performing Arts Season Doctorow Center for the Arts 7971 Main St., Hunter, NY 12442 Orpheum Performing Arts Center 6050 Main St. Tannersville, NY 12485

catskillmtn.org Ticket line: 518 263 2063 2023 marks our 25th Season of bringing the arts to the mountaintop, and we’re celebrating with our largest season yet at our two stunning venues: the Doctorow Center for the Arts in Hunter and the Orpheum Performing Arts Center in Tannersville. Our spectacular season wraps up in December with six performances of The Nutcracker, a production of the Orpheum Dance Program in collaboration with Joffrey Ballet School New York and Aquila Theatre. Performances are December 2-3 and December 9-10. The Maude Adams Theater Hub, a program of the Catskill Mountain Foundation, will host their FREE Holiday Spectacular on December 15. And finally, jazz sensations The Hot Sardines will perform Holiday Stomp on December 16. We’re looking forward to our 2024 season, filled with music, dance, theater and much more!

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Colony 22 Rock City Road Woodstock, NY 12498 colonywoodstock.com 845 679 7625 Located in world-famous Woodstock, Colony is a historic venue with a seasonal, outdoor beer garden, amazing indoor space, and a constant rotation of world-class live music. The beer garden serves up food, drinks, and amazing music to keep your feet tapping while you enjoy a quintessential outdoor Woodstock experience. Available for private events and weddings welcomed!

LODGING Best Western Plus Uptown Kingston Off NYS Thruway Exit 19 503 Washington Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 bwpkingston.com 845 338 0400 • 800 780 7234 A modern, full-service hotel located less than a mile from I-87. Situated within walking distance to the Stockade District and trendy uptown Kingston shops, restaurants and attractions. On-site amenities include First Capitol Bistro, a heated indoor saltwater pool, and complimentary WiFi & breakfast. Explore all of the outdoor activities that the Catskills and Hudson River are famous for, including the Ashokan Rail Trail, Mohonk Preserve, and more, from one convenient location. Hiking enthusiasts will love the Mohonk Preserve Hiking Experience. Ski nearby at Belleayre, Hunter or Windham.

Emerson Resort & Spa 5340 Route 28 Mt. Tremper, NY 12457 emersonresort.com 845 688 2828 Emerson Resort & Spa is a hidden treasure surrounded by the splendor of the Catskill Mountains. Open spaces and oversized windows expose stunning views and bring the beauty of the outside in. Enjoy spacious accommodations in the contemporary Inn or Adirondackstyle Lodge, nature-inspired spa treatments, mouth-watering meals at Woodnotes Grille or Spa Bites, The Shops at Emerson and the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope.

Greenville Arms 11135 State Route 32 Greenville, NY 12083 greenvillearms.com 518 966 5219 Originally built in 1889, our historically registered Inn is situated on six acres of gardens, lawns, and woodlands.

The Queen Anne Revival-style main house, renovated Carriage House, and recently constructed Cottage building are host to 16 guest rooms open year-round to guests. Every guest room is uniquely decorated with a blend of antiques and modern amenities. A hot, cooked-to-order breakfast is included with each room.

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Hampton Inn 1307 Ulster Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 Kingston.hamptoninn.com 845 382 2600 Additional location in New Paltz: 4 S. Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 12561 Newpaltz.hamptoninn.com 845 255 4200 Our hotel is near I-87, with several restaurants within walking distance. Historic Downtown Waterfront and Uptown Kingston are both just four miles away with many local shops and dining options. Spend some family time at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, seven miles away. An hour drive or less from 3 popular ski mountains. Unwind in our indoor saltwater pool. Enjoy complimentary hot breakfast and free WiFi.

Norsdale 6300 State Route 28 Phoenicia, NY 12464 norsdale.com 201 724 3912 Planning a reunion, retreat or perhaps you just need a reason to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Check out @Norsdale_Phoenicia … a unique private 4-unit motel with a three-level contemporary country home with hot tub and fire pit on a private ten-acre lot at

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the base of a mountain. Totaling 9 bedrooms and 6 baths, the property comfortably accommodates 18 guests. Three ski mountains are within a 30 minute drive!

Windham Manor 1161 Co Rd 10 Windham, NY 12496 windhammanor.com 518 944 1448 Our serene 45-acre property features a beautiful twelvebedroom Victorian mansion, a newly-constructed luxury reception barn, and breathtaking mountain views. The Main House, which can accommodate up to 24 overnight guests, offers 12 private bedrooms, an on-site gym, a full spa, a large kitchen, ADA accommodations, and sprawling communal areas. It’s the perfect space for any small reception and is also ideal for a weekend getaway with friends or family; a wellness retreat; or a corporate off-site event. Just a few steps west of The Main House, The Barn at Windham Manor can hold up to 300 guests for dinner and dancing. With beautiful tall ceilings, tons of natural light, and no detail spared, the space offers the perfect mix of classic mountain charm and unique modern luxury. We also offer various outdoor wedding ceremony locations throughout the property— one more beautiful than the next!

MASSAGE & WELLNESS Illuminating Wellness/ Mountain Top Massage illuminatingwellness.care 518 718 4228 Transformative therapeutic massage practice combines elements of many of the healing arts such as Acupressure, Reflexology, Reiki, Chiropractic adjustment and many forms of Asian and Thai massage.

BioPhoton Light Therapy – Biontology is a European healing process that detoxes, neutralizes and resets the body and healing begins immediately. This practice finds the root-cause of any symptom-producing malady and quickly neutralizes it and thus assists you in raising the body’s immune system, the key to your health. (biontology.com).

NATURAL GROCERY Sunflower Market 75 Mill Hill Road Woodstock, NY 12498 24 Garden Street Rhinebeck, NY, 12572 sunflowernatural.com 845 679 5361 (Woodstock) • 845 876 2555 (Rhinebeck) Sunflower is dedicated to providing products you can feel good about sharing with people you love. Prioritizing working with local farms, families, and business, we know where our food comes from. Sunflower is devoted to providing clean and sustainably sourced food, 100% organic produce and a selection of carefully curated items that fit all dietary needs.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

MOVIE THEATER Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Mountain Cinema 7971 Main Street Hunter, NY 12442 catskillmtn.org 518 263 4702 Hollywood, foreign & independent films just a mile west of Hunter Mountain and a short drive from Windham. Shows run Friday through Sunday. Also available for rental.

Catskill Mountain Foundation 7971 Main Street Hunter, NY 12442 catskillmtn.org 518 263 2000 Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, the Catskill Mountain Foundation is the premier presenting arts organization on the mountaintop. It operates two performing arts spaces: the Doctorow Center for the Arts in Hunter and the Orpheum Performing Arts Center in Tannersville. More than 75 performances are presented yearly, everything from

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classical music to dance to family performances, to pop and rock. The Doctorow is also home to the Mountain Cinema, a three-screen movie house that shows films year-round, as well as the Piano Performance Museum, a one-of-a-kind collection of historic pianos and musical artifacts.

Windham Foundation windhamfoundation.com info@windhamfoundation.com 518 734 9636 Windham is a special place for all of us. Our mission is to preserve and enrich Windham and the people who live, work, and visit here. We are a 501c3 grants-based organization, funding programs in education, recreation, the arts, and community initiatives. Established in 2004, the Windham Foundation is run by an all-volunteer Board. Donations are tax deductible.

PHARMACY

Wellness RX LLC 53 Main Street Phoenicia, NY 12464 pharmacyforthepublicgood.com 5980 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 wellnessrxllc.com 518 589 9500 Pharmacy for the Public Good is excited to announce its first nonprofit community pharmacy in Phoenicia. Stop in and meet the team and 28 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

browse our wide selection of traditional and natural medicine! Follow our journey at pharmacyforthepublicgood.org.

Also visit our pharmacy Wellness Rx in Tannersville, and online at wellnessrxllc.com.

PHOTOGRAPHER Francis X. Driscoll Photography: Images of the Northern Catskills Work available for purchase at: Tannersville Antiques & Artisans: 518 589 5600 Rustic Mountain Antiques: 518 589 1202 Smitty’s Nursery: 518 734 3489 francisxdriscoll.com • 518 821 1339 A frequent contributor to the Guide magazine, Francis X. Driscoll is an award-winning nature photographer whose work involves total immersion in a setting so that he might capture that rare glimpse. His primary subject is the Catskill Forest Preserve. He shares his craft with others by leading hikes, conducting workshops and giving private instruction.

PLUMBING & HEATING N&S Supply Locations in Fishkill, Brewster, Kingston, Catskill, and Hudson, NY; and Danbury, CT nssupply.com N&S Supply is your one-stop resource for all your plumbing, heating and HVAC needs; Whether it’s an oil or gas burner, electric or gas water heater, furnace, toilet, faucet or custom shower, our service parts counters or our beautiful Bath Classics Showrooms will have what you need. We carry complete product lines, including all the accessories needed for any installation, with dependable, on-time delivery service available. We provide everything you would expect from a full-service distributor, including specialty products designed and manufactured to meet your needs and lifestyle. Contact us today and learn more about how we can provide the best solutions for you. Or, visit us at one of our full service locations or showrooms throughout the Hudson Valley and CT.

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Rice Plumbing and Heating Accord: riceplumbingandheating@gmail.com 845 626 5088 Boiceville: riceplumbingboiceville@gmail.com 845 657 7423 riceplumbingandheating.com Whether you’re dealing with a leaky faucet, a clogged drain, or a plumbing emergency, we’ve got you covered. Our team of experienced and licensed plumbers, our commitment to quality craftsmanship, prompt service, and customer satisfaction sets us apart. Explore our website to discover our wide range of services, from plumbing repairs and installations to maintenance and inspections. We take pride in using the latest industry techniques and high-quality materials to ensure reliable and long-lasting solutions for all your plumbing needs. We offer quick response times and strive to complete every job efficiently and effectively.

PRINTING SERVICES Catskill Mountain Printing Services 7971 Main Street Hunter, NY 12442 518 263 2001 Your one-stop shop for fast, personal service for all of your printing needs. Graphic design services are available, and we can print green!

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RADIO STATIONS WIOX 91.3FM MTC Cable Channel 20 WIOXRADIO.ORG on computers and smartphones WIOX Community Radio—where public access meets public service to build public trust. WIOX programming is wildly diverse, live and local, and non-commercial, broadcasting from the Catskill Mountains region of upstate New York in the heart of the New York City Watershed. WIOX talk and music programs range from farming to brewing to cooking, forestry to healthcare, Rock to Pop, Bach and Goth, Blues, Folk, Country, Americana, Jazz and Salsa. WIOX: produced and supported—by you!

WRIP 97.9FM wripfm.com Streaming at rip979.com RIP 97.9 is the radio voice of the Mountaintop and Valley. Broadcasting 24/7 with the equivalent of 6,000 Watts of power, we are the only radio station covering the entire region between the Hudson Valley and Oneonta. WRIP is independently owned and operated. WRIP is heard on these FM frequencies: 97.9 in Windham and Hunter, 97.5 in Durham and Greenville, 103.7 in Catskill and Hudson, 104.5 in Stamford and Delaware County, and streaming worldwide at rip979.com.

REAL ESTATE

Brainard Ridge Realty 237 South Street Windham, NY 12496 brainardridge.com 518 734 5333 Specializing in Windham Mountain and the surrounding area for over 35 years. Visit our web site at brainardridge.com for a variety of listings both on and off the mountain: Homes, Townhomes, Rentals and Land. Whatever your needs we are here for you. Call us today!

Gordon Hunter Mountain Realty 6528 Route 23A Hunter, NY 12442 gordonrealty.com 518 589 9000 Gordon Hunter Mountain Realty is dedicated to serving you when you’re looking for property in Upstate New York and Northern Catskill Mountains.

Our professional staff specializes in properties near Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain ski resorts, including Hunter, Tannersville, Jewett, Lexington, Prattsville, Windham, and Ashland. We know the Catskill Mountains and look forward to showing you all that is available to see, do and live in our wonderful world.

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Grist Mill Real Estate 265 Main Street Saugerties, NY 12442 gristmillrealestate.com 845 246 3200 Our real estate office in the heart of the historic village of Saugerties is highly regarded by clients and customers alike, known for their strong market expertise, exemplary individual service, and an enviable familiarity with what makes Saugerties and the surrounding area such a desirable place to live. Although we serve our local community, our largest sales market is NYC, and more recently primary homes for residents from Orange, Westchester, Rockland, and Dutchess Counties. Established in 1974 Grist Mill Real Estate is proud to provide experienced service to our buyers and sellers. Knowledge of the Saugerties market in particular is the most important service we offer our customers.

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Helsmoortel Realty 148 Burt Street Saugerties, NY 12477 helsmoortel.com 845 246 9555 Helsmoortel Realty has been offering professional and friendly service for over 25 years.

We are perennial “Top Producers” and also have earned the “5 Star Professional Award.” We care very much about our buyers and sellers and work towards seamless transactions. Our business has been primarily based on referrals, which we feel is the biggest compliment of all. Owner and Broker, Thomasine Helsmoortel ABR, GRI, SRES, SRS, has served clients in Ulster County and the Hudson Valley for over 20 years.

Hunter Windham Real Estate 5338 Main Street, Route 23 Windham, NY 12442 hunterwindhamrealty.com 518 965 8439 Laurie Hanenberg is a NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker and a NYS Realtor who participates in the Columbia Greene and Ulster Counties Multiply Listing Service. Hunter Windham Real Estate, can assist you with a variety of real estate services: Market analysis, home

searching, property evaluation, construction and land improvements and staging your home to attract a buyer.

Hunter Windham Real Estate is committed to Catskill Mountain Region.

Carol Shaw, Broker/Owner Shaw Country Realty 5359 State Route 23 Windham, NY 12496 518 734 3500 I have been a real estate broker in the mountain top area for nearly four decades. Representing buyers and sellers, as well as dealing with various types of properties such as homes, land, and country homes, rentals, indicates a broad expertise in the local real estate market. With our many years in the industry, Shaw Country Realty has built a strong network, deep understanding of the market trends, and a keen ability to match buyers with suitable properties and help sellers navigate successful transactions. If you have any specific questions about real estate, the current market conditions, or any other related topics, feel free to ask!

A Frosty Fest

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REGIONAL INFORMATION Catskill Visitor’s Center 5096 State Route 28 Mt. Tremper, NY 12457 catskillsvisitorscenter.org 845 688 3369 Your gateway to Catskills, where you can learn about the vast outdoor recreational opportunities in the area as well as discover the cultural and natural history of the Region. The center features educational exhibits along with maps, books, gear, and gifts, as well a friendly and knowledgeable staff.

RESORT Windham Mountain Club 19 Resort Drive Windham, NY 12496 windhammountain.com 1 800 754 9463 Windham Mountain Club is a premier multi-generational, four-season resort in the Northeast, located in the Great Northern Catskills, two and a half hours north of New York City. In 1960, Windham started as a private club before becoming a public mountain. Boasting 285 skiable acres across 54 trails and serviced by 11 lifts (four of which are high speed), the mountain offers an award-winning Ski and Ride School, lodging, on-mountain dining, a tubing park,

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and world-class alpine and freestyle competition teams.

Summer offerings include a range of activities, such as mountain getaways, family-friendly events and festivals, wedding and special occasion venues, and the Windham Country Club, an 18-hole golf course with private lessons and on-site dining.

RESTAURANTS A Slice of Italy 1316 Ulster Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 asliceofitaly7115.com 845 336 7115 For years we have been providing the Kingston area with finest Italian dishes, pizza, hot and cold subs, salads and more made with the freshest ingredients and served with five star customer service. We have a full bar featuring a range of red and white wines, bottled beers, beers on tap and liquor. We also cater, and pride ourselves on being able to deliver our quality restaurant dishes right to your door. Whatever the event, no matter how many or how few, we are there for you. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, closed on Sundays.

Angela’s Pizza 1923 Ulster Avenue Lake Katrine, NY 12401 angelaspizzarestaurant.com 845 382 2211 Angela’s is more than just pizza!

Soups, salads, pastas, subs, wraps, Italian dinners, desserts & more. …

But, yeah, our pizza is dang awesome, too! Try our specialty pies or build your own! Open every day 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. Eat in or take out, and delivery is available.

Catering is also available: let us bring our delicious food to your next event! Angela’s mobile app—available on both Android and iOS devices—is designed just for you. Get instant access to online ordering, Angela’s Loyalty Program, coupons, dining & catering menus, wing flavors and much more! Download the app today!

Arkville Caboose 43285 State Route 28 Arkville, NY 12406 845 586 1122 facebook.com/ ArkvilleBreadBreakfast The Arkville Caboose offers some of the best breakfast and lunch this side of the mountain, perfect for fueling up before or after a day exploring the Catskills. Located in an old caboose, right alongside the historic Delaware-Ulster Railroad tracks, this is not just a restaurant but also a roadside attraction. The Caboose has all of your breakfast favorites and a seriously fine lunch menu that changes daily.

Bear Cantina In the Bearsville Center: 295A Tinker St. Woodstock, NY 12498 thebearcantinawoodstock.org 845 684 7223 Contemporary Mexican made fresh! All of your favorites are here: burritos, tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, chimichangas and more, with several meat, fish, chicken and vegan options, and a kids menu. Enjoy streamside dining with both indoor & outdoor seating. View our full menu and place your order on the Clover app.

Blue Mountain Bistro-to-Go 948 Route 28 Kingston, NY 12401 bluemountainbistro.com 845 340 9800 Open 7 days a week serving homecooked healthy take-out food and baked goods. Featuring local and imported organic foods, delicious homemade desserts, sophisticated four star food by Chef Richard Erickson. At Bistro-to-Go we take seriously our mission to rise to any occasion and keep doing what we do best: serving “Feel Good Food”. Blue Mountain Bistro Catering is an award-winning, chef-owned, full service catering company offering off-premises catering for parties of all sizes. Our goal is to enhance life’s celebrations with delicious seasonal food, creative culinary presentations, and gracious, attentive service. Our passion for good food, good service, and good times will bring life to your party.

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Brandywine 11157 State Route 23 Windham, NY 12496 brandywinewindham.com 518 734 3838 For the past 35 years, this fullservice Italian restaurant has offered great food and impeccable service. Share wonderful memories with your loved ones as we fill your table with delicious Italian cuisine. Born and raised in Southern Italy, owner Louis Carac- ciolo mastered the art of Italian cookery, and passed it on to his son Joseph, who has continued that art and tradition as chef in the restaurant. We guarantee that we know the formula to capture the rich flavor of your favorite Italian dishes.

Chef Deanna 1645 County Highway 6 Bovina Center, NY 13740 chefdeanna.com Weddings and special event catering, with delivery available for larger events! Chef Deanna is on the cutting edge of the sustainable food. Surrounded by farmers and local food makers, Chef Deanna creates beautiful dishes using her Sicilian heritage and her love of everything sweet and savory.

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Early Terrible 45 Mill Hill Rd. Woodstock, NY 12498 earlyterrible.com 845 684 7226 An authentic, approachable, wine bar with a full menu, in the heart of Woodstock. Please join us in our magical lounge and enjoy the property and gardens. Offering a wide variety of specialty cocktails, wines, beers, and more, alongside a selection of shared plates and off-the-grill bratwurst, burgers, cheesesteak or fish.

Gracie’s Luncheonette 969 Main Street Leeds, NY 12451 graciestruckny.com 518 943 9363 Our diner-style burgers, fried chicken sandwich, loaded fries and donuts are our signature menu items. All of our breads, pastries and desserts are made fresh in house every day. We make all of our own condiments and even our own cheese. We buy whole beef from Josef Meiller’s farm in Pine Plains, NY and we grind our own special blend for our burgers as well as cut our own steaks. We also cure and smoke our own bacon, pastrami and other meats. All eggs, dairy, produce and other meats are all sourced as locally as possible. the potatoes for our French fries are even grown right in Catskill at Story’s Farm and hand-cut daily!

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High Falls Cafe 2842 Route 209 North Marbletown, NY 12484 highfallscafe.com 845 687 2699 Family owned and chef operated since 2005. Scratch kitchen, our dishes are made to order using fresh ingredients.

Daily specials. Live music and events weekly. Reservations are highly suggested. Open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday 11:30 pm to 5 pm, dinner 5 pm to 9 pm. Sunday breakfast 9 am to 1 pm and lunch 1 pm to 3:30 pm. Bar open later all nights and closes at bartenders discretion. Closed on Mondays. Check out our menus and event calendar at highfallscafe.com or like us on Facebook for daily updates @highfallscafe1

Higher Grounds Coffee Co. 61 NY-296 Windham, NY 12496 facebook.com/ highergroundswindham highergroundsorder.com 518 734 4120 A small, quaint and cozy cafe featuring unique sandwiches, fresh baked goods, breakfasts, salads, soups, smoothies, ice cream seasonally, and of course, coffee and espresso!

We work our hardest to put love and soul into our food.

Our hope is that it translates into the taste, and you leave here feeling appreciated, comfortable and, most importantly, full and happy. Open daily from 7 am to 6 pm.

Hunter Mountain Brewery 7267 Route 23A Hunter, NY 12442 HMBCatskills.com 518 263 3300 Over 15 home brewed beers on tap including seasonal ales, IPA’s, porters, stouts, lagers and more. Available for in house and take out in our 64 oz growlers or canned four packs.

Weekly specials include taco Tuesdays, sushi Thursdays, and prime rib Fridays. Stop in for the best views and brews on the mountain top!

Jessie’s Harvest House 5819 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 jessiesharvesthouse.com 518 589 5445 Jessie’s Harvest House Restaurant and Lodge is a welcoming & cozy place to gather, featuring a delicious menu of American-style cuisine and elevated comfort foods, with locally-sourced ingredients, a friendly tavern, and rustic country lodging. Family-owned & family-run, we love to share all the freshest foods our area has to offer! Catering is available. Indoor & outdoor dining.

Kingston Snowflake Festival

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La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant & Bar 966 Main St. Fleischmanns, NY 12442 lacabanarestaurantny.com 845 254 4966 Family owned and operated, La Cabaña is rich in tradition and authenticity. Our dinners are individually prepared with the freshest ingredients available. You’ll find all of your favorites on the menu, from enchiladas, burritos, tacos, chimichangas and flautas to chile relleños, carne asada, nachos and quesadillas to traditional desserts such as flan, fried ice cream and churros. Vegetarian options are available.

Peekamoose Restaurant & Tap Room 8373 State Route 28 Big Indian, NY 12410 peekamooserestaurant.com 845 254 6500 Devin and Marybeth Mills hail from some of New York City’s finest restaurants, including the famed Gramercy Tavern.

Seeking to move closer to the farms supplying their menu, they have beautifully restored this country farmhouse set among the Catskill Mountains. The restaurant supports local growers by changing the menu daily, using the freshest ingredients available.

Phoenicia Diner Pancho Villa’s Mexican Restaurant 6037 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 panchovillamex.com 518 589 5134 The Best Mexican Food this side of the Border! Pancho Villa’s is owned and operated by the Oscar and Patricia Azcue family. They have been proudly serving authentic Mexican food on Main Street in Tannersville since 1992. Rooted in tradition, their passion is sharing great food and good company. All of the traditional Mexican favorites are served here, from enchiladas and burritos to chimichangas and flautas...plus great margaritas and daiquiris! Open every day except Tuesday.

5681 NY-28 Phoenicia, NY 12464 phoeniciadiner.com 845 688 9957 Built in 1962 and moved to the Catskills in the early 80s, the Phoenicia Diner has a long history of serving customers who are drawn to the Catskill’s natural beauty. The diner offers residents, weekenders and visitors fresh food sourced from Catskills and Hudson Valley farms when available. Our menu is carefully crafted to offer traditional diner favorites, sometimes with a modern twist, using seasonal and local fresh ingredients. Our distinctive space offers indoor and heated outdoor seating, and is available for private events all year long.

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Woodnotes Grille at Emerson Resort & Spa 5340 Route 28 Mt. Tremper, NY 12457 emersonresort.com 845 688 2828, option 6 Contemporary cuisine, locally sourced and classically crafted, prepared with fresh ingredients and unforgettable flavors that hone in on the local spirit. Enjoy our Spa Bites menu with a variety of cheese and veggie boards, flatbreads, housemade soups, sandwiches, freshly prepared açai and smoothie bowls, seasonal specialty cocktails and more!

RETAIL Camp Catskill 6006 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 campcatskill.co 518 303 6050 Sustainable gear & gifts, including clothing, footwear, backpacks, and hiking gear. Our mission is to help you feel good about what you buy, what you wear, and the gear you use (and reuse) in the wild. Having the right gear lets you spend more time outside in nature, which in turn connects you to the importance of preserving the natural wonders of our world. We work with brands that care about their impact on the planet and its people, and we donate 1% of our revenue to environmental nonprofits here in the Catskills.

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Catskill Mountain Foundation Gift Shop 6042 Main Street Tannersville, NY 12485 518 589 7500 Operated by the Catskill Mountain Foundation and located next door to the Orpheum Performing Arts Center, our shop features a curated selection of gifts from around the Region and around the world. Open for holiday shopping Thursday through Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.

hemp & humanity 17 Tinker St. Woodstock, NY 12498 hempandhumanity.com 516 665 9931 Give Hemp for the Holidays, or take Hemp to get through the Holidays! hemp&humanity showcases New York State and Women-Owned CBD & other cannabinoid products as well as a selection of hemp gifts, accessories, grow kits, hot beverage mixes, bags, novelties, home goods and more.

Owner and 50+ Snowboarding Champion Melissa Gibson founded the company in 2016 and is a nationally recognized expert in matching the plant to people (and pets!). Her Consciously Curated Collection features the most effective and reliable brands available. Customers are empowered with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and take wellness into their own hands. This Holiday Season, give the gift that’s good for you & for the planet.

Kenco 1000 Hurley Mountain Rd. Kingston, NY 12401 KencoOutfitters.com 845 340 0552 Kenco is the place to go to for knowledge and gear in the sports of kayaking and boating, camping and hiking, archery, snowboarding, and fly fishing. All of our products are chosen by our excellent staff who actually spend time in the outdoors. Always friendly, and decidedly non corporate, you are always welcome.

Stop by to check us out and see why Kenco should be your favorite store. We outfit your life.

The Knitting Room 11111 State Route 23 Windham, NY 12496 theknittingroomny.com 518 768 1944 Co owned by long time friends May and Zairi, The Knitting Room is a yarn store specializing in locally produced and hand dyed yarn.

Come touch gorgeous yarn and stay to knit or crochet over a cup of hot cocoa, latte or tea. We offer beginner and advanced classes, and help starting new projects.

With gorgeous views of Windham Mountain and a great atmosphere, any afternoon spent at The Knitting Room is guaranteed good fun in fantastic company.

Moose Crossing 1 Reservoir Rd. Shokan, NY 12481 rustic-cabin.com 845 657 9792 Casual, rustic and country Adirondack-style furniture, home furnishings, home decor, accessories, gifts and collectibles. Hand-crafted, madeIn-America wood furniture and furnishings for your home, lodge or cabin. Jewelry, blankets, pillows, rugs and clothing in Native American, Western and country motifs and styles.

The best selection of nature-inspired items from artisanal craftsmen located locally and from around the country.

The Nest Egg 84 Main Street Phoenicia, NY 12464 thenesteggcountrystore.com nesteggshop.com 845 688 5851 An old-fashioned country store in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. You’ll find lots of specialty and artisan crafted foods here, from local maple syrup, honey, jams, jellies, and preserves, to nostalgic candies and gourmet chocolate, to gourmet peanut butter, and more! Your source for mountain clothing and souvenirs, including Minnetonka Moccasins, t-shirts & sweatshirts, local area books and hiking maps, candles, soaps, incense, jewelry, toys, puzzles, games and souvenirs. Our home-made delicious fudge is worth the trip! Owner Robin Kirk’s family has owned The Nest Egg since 1968.

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The Sheep’s Nest 45 Main Street Hobart, NY 13788 thesheepsnest.com 607 434 6918 The Sheep’s Nest is boutique style gift shop carrying embellishments for you and your home. It is housed in an English Cottage that we built after visiting the English countryside. We carry an array of unique items to decorate your home as well as wonderful gifts. Candles, bath and body products, jewelry, scarves, beautiful gift cards, yarn (some from our own Shetland Sheep), and so much more. Woolen creations and other artwork is also featured from time to time.

The Shops at Emerson 5340 Route 28 Mt. Tremper, NY 12457 emersonresort.com Photo by Joe Damone 845 688 2828 Housed in a restored 19th century dairy barn, The Shops at Emerson is a unique shopping experience. Walk across hand-laid brick floors surrounded by original wood beams as you stroll from store to store. You’ll find a distinct selection of modern farmhouse décor and furnishings, women’s and men’s contemporary clothing, hand-crafted artisan kaleidoscopes, nostalgic toys, local food products, Catskills souvenirs and more. The Shops at Emerson is also home to the World’s Largest Kaleidoscope and the Kaleidoshow, a visual and sound experience for all ages.

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Studio Minimale 5348 State Route 23 Windham, NY 12496 studiominimale.com 929 335 4590 Gift shop featuring ceramics, textiles, fine jewelry, art, sheepskins, alpaca knits, and more. At Studio Minimale, we believe selecting the right items helps to cultivate a home that soothes your everyday stresses. We source unique, hand-made-with-love products from around the world and from local artisanal makers that offer the highest quality and integrity. Our goal is to curate products that are sustainable, made from natural and ethically sourced materials with fair trade in mind. Coming up in December: a holiday wreath-making workshop. Please visit studiominimale.com for more information and to register.

Tender Land Home 64 Main Street Phoenicia, NY 12464 tenderlandhome.com 845 688 7213 A sophisticated rustic and contemporary home goods store featuring gifts, chic pottery, fragrant soaps and candles, luscious pillows and cozy rugs.

Free gift wrap! There’s no place like Tender Land Home for the holidays!!

Windham Mountain Outfitters 61 State Route 296 Windham, NY 12496 WindhamOutfitters.com 518 734 4700 Windham Outfitters offers top of the line outdoor gear and equipment for rental or purchase year-round activities. We have everything you need to enjoy the area whether it is skiing and boarding on the area’s slopes, or snowshoeing or cross-country skiing the wooded area trails. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, we carry all the top industry brands in any size and budget. This full-service shop also does repairs and tune-ups. Open 7 days. Open late on Fridays! Visit our new rental shop across the street, appropriately named Across the Street Ski & Board Rentals!

SERVICES Catskill Center for Conservation & Development 43355 Route 28 Arkville, NY 12406 catskillcenter.org 845 586 2611 Since 1969, the Catskill Center has led the effort to protect the more than 700,000 acres of the Catskill Park and Catskill Forest Preserve. Their mission is to protect and foster the environmental, cultural,and economic well-being of the Catskill Region.

Greene County Economic Development Corporation 411 Main Street Catskill, NY 12414 greenecountyedc.com 518 719 3290 Your gateway to establishing your business in Greene County. Their team connects entrepreneurs, developers, and corporate leadership with resources, municipalities, and investment incentives for job-creating businesses.

SKINCARE & WELLNESS Skin Concept 61 NY-296 Windham, NY 12496 skinconceptwindham.com 518 750 8030 Here at Skin Concept, we provide medical aesthetics and relaxation treatments for the entire body, for self care, pampering and health improvement. We offer customized facials, massages, body treatments and infrared sauna.

At the clinic you can buy professional skin care products.

Environ and DMK, and the best quality of European brand supplements.

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WINE & LIQUOR

SPAS Emerson Spa 5340 Route 28 Mt. Tremper, NY 12457 emersonresort.com 845 688 2828 Emerson Spa provides a serene experience that combines our natural surroundings with the deep relaxation effects of stone therapy and custom design treatments to suit each guest. Call for a reservation.

MENLA | Dewa Spa 375 Pantherkill Road Phoenicia, NY 12464 menla.org Menla is a hidden oasis in the heart of the Catskill Mountains.

Featuring wellness and spiritual retreats as well as exclusive getaways, and the world-class Dewa Spa. Immerse yourself in the magic of pristine mountain forests. Explore hiking trails, encounter wildlife, and discover a rich tapestry of wellness experiences and activities. Dewa Spa’s unique architecture and Tibetan accents evoke peace and tranquillity. Eastern and Western treatments, such as Tibetan KuNye massage, herbal baths, Shirodhara, sounds baths, energy readings, and customized facials are a few of the lavish therapies found on our spa.

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Elevated Wine & Spirits 7261 Route 23A Hunter, NY 12442 518 263 4184 We’re always expanding our selection of traditional, organic, biodynamic, and natural wines, plus bartender-selected spirits including single village mezcals and small batch bourbons.

From Barefoot Chardonnay to Cru Beaujolais, from Fireball to Fred #5, we are a wine & spirits shop for anyone at any budget. Local spirits too.

Olivia’s Wine & Spirits 128 South Street Windham, NY 12496 oliviaswineandspirits.com 518 750 8026 Wine connoisseurs Olivia and Robert Giordano have traveled the world learning about wine, and are now bringing their vast knowledge and passion for wines from all over the world to Windham. Olivia’s offers a diverse selection of wines at a variety of competitive price points, as well as a variety of bourbons, whiskeys, and other liquors. Open every day.

Town & Country Liquors 330 Route 12 Saugerties, NY 12477 townandcountryliquorstore.com 845 246 8931 Our selection of wines and spirits is among the best in the Hudson Valley.

Our friendly helpful staff is here to assist you in finding the right beverage: we have a huge selection of wines and spirits from all over the world.

Windham Wine & Liquors 5448 State Route 23 Windham, NY 12496 518 734 3474 Windham Wine & Liquors is the Mountaintop’s premier destination for the best offerings of wines and spirits since 2003. Our ever-expanding selection is sure to please every palate and price range. Let us help with your special event or gift. Visit us at the west end of town. Open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Athens Holiday Stroll

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December 2023 • GUIDE 47

Catskills Past

dorothy hoyt nebel, ski pioneer PART I

By T.M. Bradshaw

T

his story will wind up in the Catskills, but it starts a bit farther afield, because its subject did. Dorothy Hoyt Nebel (1905–2001) got in on the proverbial ground floor of a highelevation sport, making it her own, setting records, designing courses, and training others who would follow her. Inducted into the Skiing Hall of Fame in 1977, Dot Nebel was an Olympian who raced the Northeast, the Northwest, and Europe before serving for sixteen years as director of the ski school at Belleayre from its inception. Unfortunate timing meant that one event she didn’t get to ski at was the actual Olympic Games, canceled due to world events.

Dorothy Hoyt was born in Schenectady on June 2, 1905, the child of William and Edith Gertrude Hoyt; her father was an accountant for General Electric there. A younger sister, Frances, joined the family when Dorothy was 7.

Skiing was popular in Europe, but was not established in the U.S. The teenaged Dorothy’s journey to the slopes started in 1920. Dorothy would see a group of Norwegians skiing in a park near her home, utilizing a banked-up ski jump and thought it looked like fun and something she wanted to try. Her father managed to find skis for her, together they fashioned bindings, and she was on her way, learning on the cross-country trails and improvised hills her neighbors had fashioned. Eventually, Dorothy’s slope skills brought her to competitions, initially competing against men because there weren’t any women’s races to enter in her area.

Dorothy attended the New York State College for Teachers (now SUNY Albany), going on to teach math at Mont Pleasant where she had gone to high school. The Schenectady Wintersports Club was formed in 1932, one of the first such clubs in the country; many of its members were General Electric employees.

Her first actual alpine ski education came from Otto Schniebs, coach of the Dartmouth team, which won six straight intercollegiate titles and placed four skiers on the 1936 Olympic team.

Schniebs shared tips and pointers when he came to talk to the SWC. Over the years, he would influence Dot’s career in other ways, too.

The Schenectady club ran “snow trains” to Gore Mountain.

On one such trip on January 19, 1936, tests for intermediate 48 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

Dorothy Hoyt Nebel at Belleayre, circa 1950, courtesy Belleayre Mountain Ski Center

skiers were conducted by the Eastern Amateur Ski Association and 12 people qualified, including Dorothy Hoyt. Whatever the definition of “intermediate” was, the news story that ran at the end of that year sounds much more like advanced. The December 21, 1936, edition of The Post-Star of Glens Falls announced that at the January Saratoga Springs Winter Carnival “will appear such well-known winter sports names as Maribel Y. Vinson, Otto Schniebs, Dorothy Hoyt and Lyman Smith.” The article continued, noting that Hoyt would give the skiing demonstration and had spent the previous winter “in the Bavarian Alps and was affiliated with the Olympics in Germany.”

Another skiing pioneer was behind the next step in Hoyt’s career. Roland Palmedo was involved in the development of skiing in Stowe, Vermont, where his company, the Mount Mansfield

December 2023 • GUIDE 49

Corporation, would build the first American ski lift in 1940.

Palmedo was founder and president of Mad River Glen and was outspoken on the subject of ski safety. As co-founder of the National Ski Patrol, his was badge No. 2.

Palmedo was impressed when he saw Hoyt racing at the start of the 1937–38 season. He contacted Alice Damrosch Wolfe (later Alice Kaier), manager of the women’s national ski team, saying, “We got a girl from Schenectady here who is better than the girls on your team.” Wolfe followed up on Palmedo’s suggestion, later reporting in the American Ski Annual that, “Dorothy Hoyt justified our choice by beating the other new girls.”

Hoyt took a leave of absence from her teaching job, the Schenectady Wintersports Club raised funds for the trip and Hoyt joined the U.S. Ski Team in Switzerland in January 1938. As a member of the F. I. S. team (International Ski Federation, now the International Ski and Snowboard Federation) Hoyt was one of seven women and three men to compete in the world downhill slalom in Engelberg, Switzerland on March 6, 1938. She finished 20th in the slalom and 21st in the combined.

The European ski season ended early, the rest of the scheduled races canceled after the Nazis marched on Austria on March 11. But there was still a little skiing left for Hoyt in America that spring. At the women’s national slalom ski championship, held in Stowe, Vermont on April 10, Hoyt placed third in a combined slalom-downhill two-day championship.

An exchange program between Mont Pleasant High School and Garfield High School in Seattle enabled Hoyt to try the slopes of the Pacific Northwest in the fall of 1938. She taught math, coached a girls team and raced for the Washington Ski Club. That November, she won the women’s downhill race in Mount Hood, Oregon, finishing the one-mile course in one minute, 29.1 seconds, and won the Christmas Race at Sun Valley, Idaho. The following April she won the women’s division Silver Skis Open on Mount Rainier in Washington. Those wins and high placings in the National Alpine Championships at Mount Hood resulted in Hoyt being named in June of 1939 to the US team for the 1940 world ski championships scheduled for Norway and the 1940 US Olympic Ski Team.

But the Norway meet was canceled due to hostilities in Europe and the proposed location of the 1940 Winter Olympics had already changed several times: Sapporo, Japan had given it back to the IOC because of the Sino-Japanese War; the substitution of St. Moritz, Switzerland didn’t work out because the Swiss and the IOC disagreed on whether ski instructors were professionals; Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, the site of the 1936 winter games, was selected third, until the games were finally just canceled after Germany invaded Poland in September, 1939. Dot Hoyt and the rest of the team must have experienced peaks and valleys of emotion as opportunities to compete on the international stage continued to disappear.

After her 1938–1939 western ski season, Hoyt returned to Schenectady and teaching at Mont Pleasant, coaching the high 50 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

school ski team and racing on weekends. She loved to ski, so that’s what she did at every opportunity. On Saturday, December 30, 1939, Hoyt was the skier chosen to christen the new Garnet Trail at Gore Mountain. She set the slalom course for a Lincoln’s Birthday Weekend intercollegiate meet in 1940; she was adviser to the Union College ski team at the time. On February 17, 1940, Hoyt came in second to 15-year-old Marilyn Shaw in the downhill at Lake Placid for the Kate Smith Cup. The situation was reversed in February 1942, with Hoyt winning the Kate Smith Cup, a tournament that included Canadian skiers. It was an American sweep of first, second, and third.

Hoyt won the 1940 Eastern Women’s Combined Downhill and Slalom Championships at Pico Peak in Rutland, Vermont.

According to The New York Times story, “Competing against some of the country’s foremost women skiers over snow four to five feet deep, Miss Dorothy Hoyt of the Schenectady, N.Y. Winter Sports Club, a former Olympian, won the United States Eastern amateur downhill, slalom and combined titles at Pico Peak today. . . . .Making the downhill run in 4:06.6, Miss Hoyt set a new women’s record on the Sunset Schuss course.”

In 1941 she successfully defended her title at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire.

At Pico, Dot had met Charles N. Nebel, a Bell Labs engineer, avid skier, ski instructor, and developer of a timing mechanism for ski racers. After the close of the 1941–1942 ski season they married.

Pico Peak owner Janet Mead hired Dorothy Hoyt Nebel to be an instructor and teach her 8-year-old daughter Andrea to race. Andrea Mead competed in the 1948 Olympic Games at St. Moritz, placing eighth in the slalom. Four years later, in Oslo, Norway, as captain of the US women’s team, Andrea Mead Lawrence made history by winning the slalom and giant slalom, the first American alpine skier to win 2 Olympic golds. One can imagine that her first coach and mentor, Dot Nebel, was more than pleased.

After leaving Pico Peak, Nebel headed the ski school at the Ski Bowl in North Creek, becoming close friends with Frederica “Freddie” Anderson, founder of the Schenectady Ski School.

Anderson, who died in December 2022 at the age of 101, said of Dot Hoyt Nebel, “She was my mentor. She taught me everything I know about teaching skiing.”

Next month, Part II will focus on Dot Nebel’s time at Belleayre.

T. M. Bradshaw shares other thoughts on history at tmbradshawbooks.com.

Photo: Shervin Lainez

the catskill mountain foundation presents

The Hot Sardines

Holiday Stomp SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023 @ 8:00 PM Orpheum Performing Arts Center 6050 Main Street • Tannersville, NY 12485 Tickets: $30; $25 seniors; $7 students (+ticketing fees. Higher at-the-door ticket prices apply)

Tickets available at catskillmtn.org, 518 263 2063 or at boxoffice@catskillmtn.org

Scan for tickets!

Catskill Mountain Foundation is supported in part by New York State Council on the Arts, the Greene County Cultural Fund administered by the Greene County Legislature, The Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation, The Royce Family Foundation, The Samuel and Esther Doctorow Fund, The Orville and Ethel Slutzky Family Foundation, Platte Clove Bruderhof Community, Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation, The Greene County Youth Bureau, Marshall & Sterling Insurance, All Souls’ Church, Stewarts Shops, Windham Foundation, and by private donations.

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Hardy Hibiscus Flower

Greene County Gardens in a Changing Climate

By Margaret Donsbach Tomlinson

W

e are nearing the end of the hottest year in recorded history. How is climate change affecting your garden? In New York State, the average annual temperature has risen by more than 2° Fahrenheit over the past half century, while the planet as a whole has warmed about 1.8°. Our weather here is becoming wetter overall—although the summer of 2022 included a stretch of drought. Our winters have become shorter and, on average, less cold—although polar vortexes sometimes drive Arctic weather southward, making temperatures here drop sharply and reminding us that climate change will not necessarily bring consistently warmer weather.

Some of our native plants will struggle. Our longer, wetter summers are not ideal for the sugar maple (Acer saccharum), whose population has declined over the past sixty years. Other plants for whom our present and future climate could be more suitable, may have a hard time spreading northward in the wild quickly enough to outrun climate change. Gardeners can help.

New York State is at the northernmost edge of the pawpaw tree’s historic range. The pawpaw (Asimina triloba), is an Appalachian native that thrives best in rich soil that is moist but not waterlogged. As the climate warms, it may not do as well in the South. A beautiful, slow-growing small tree that does well in sun or semishade, it bears fruit that has been called the “Appalachian

banana.” It could make a lovely tree in the right Greene County garden, and will already do well here.

The hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos) is native to the eastern U.S. and Canada, from Texas to Ontario. Its gigantic flowers, as big as 10 or 12 inches across, make a dramatic show in the summer garden. Native to wetland areas, it should thrive in a wetter Greene County. Plant breeders have developed hybrids even showier than the species. The hardy hibiscus dies to the ground during winter and returns later in spring than many other garden plants, so it’s important to keep track of its location and not disturb it until new shoots emerge in late spring.

You can help other native plants migrate northward by studying online directories of plants native to our neighboring states. At the Virginia Native Plant Finder (https://www. dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/native-plants-finder), you can search for plants whose size, shade tolerance, soil requirements, flowering season and other characteristics suit your garden. The North Carolina Native Plant Society’s website (https://ncwildflower.org/recommended-native-species) offers extensive lists of garden-worthy native plants. Many are native to our area as well.

If their southern habitats become too warm for them to thrive, they should continue to grow beautifully in our Greene County gardens.

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Photo by lopolo/shutterstock.com

THE GREAT OUTDOORS IN THE CATSKILLS

A

s the year comes to an end, it is a good time to think back on past Catskills adventures and consider all the hard work that has gone into making your experience more enjoyable in the great outdoors. In addition to the land managers, there is an army of volunteers who spend thousands of hours every year maintaining the trails, fire towers and lean-tos of the Catskills.

These hardworking volunteers partner with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

Many of the organizations that help manage these volunteers and work towards improving the Catskills are small nonprofits that rely on donations and gifts from individuals who care about the Catskills. That support translates directly into the protection and preservation of the Catskills!

Hikers, Walkers and Mountain Bikers: Be Alert During Seasonal Hunting Seasons Regular (rifle) season for deer hunting runs through December 10. Bow season for deer hunting picks back up on December 11 and runs through the end of the year, with exceptions for the holidays.

There are also seasons for turkey, bear, bobcat and other small mammals. For all the details about hunting seasons, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) maintains a website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/65231. html with extensive seasonal information on all of the different hunting seasons, their geographic areas and additional information for both hunters and those who wish to recreate during the fall hunting season.

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By Jeff Senterman

Hikers, walkers and anyone planning on being in the woods who is not a hunter, should always be aware of the hunting regulations in the area where they are recreating and should always wear blaze orange during hunting seasons to reduce the risk of any incidents.

Don’t forget to watch your pets too! Dogs should be wearing blaze orange when they are in the woods with you during hunting seasons and should always remain under your control (preferably leashed) to avoid incidents.

Get Your Microspikes and Snowshoes Ready for Winter Recreation!

It’s now the time of the year when there can be snow and ice from the tops of the mountains, down to the valleys. It’s also when you should pack your microspikes in you backpack and keep them in there until the cold weather is over in the spring. Microspikes are indispensable hiking crampons that let you walk on the ice that covers our trails in the wintertime. Once snow starts falling, it’s time for snowshoes! You can learn more about microspikes and snowshoes by visiting the Catskills Visitor Center where the helpful staff can help answer questions and you’ll be able to rent and purchase both microspikes and snowshoes.

Catskill Park Coalition Priorities for 2024 You Can Help the Catskills!

The Catskill Park Coalition represents dozens of organizations who work in and care for the Catskill Park and the surrounding Catskills region. Every year the Coalition prepares priorities for the upcoming NYS budget and advocates for equitable funding

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#RecreateResponsibly in the Catskills Time in nature, and outdoor recreation has proven to be essential for all.

Especially during uncertain times, all of us, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, to families heading out to their local park for the first time, can turn to community and simple reminders about how to safely & responsibly recreate outdoors while caring for one another.

The Recreate Responsibly guidelines came together to offer a starting point for getting outside to keep yourself and others safe while working to maintain access to our beloved natural spaces.

Read on to learn the primary tips on how to responsibly recreate outdoors. Each edition of the guidelines have been developed by bringing together topline issues and experts to distill key concepts that when implemented, build a community of care in the outdoors.

Learn more at recreateresponsibly.org

Know Before you Go Check the status of the place you want to visit for closures, fire restrictions, and weather.

Plan and Prepare Reservations and permits may be required.

Make sure you have the gear you need and a back-up plan

Build an Inclusive Outdoors Be an active part of making the outdoors safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.

Respect Others There is space for everyone and countless outdoor activities.

Be kind to all who use the outdoors and nature differently.

Leave No Trace Respect the land, water, wildlife, and Native communities.

Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles.

Learn more at LeaveNoTrace.org

Make It Better We all have a responsibility to sustain the places we love.

Volunteer, donate, and advocate for the outdoors.

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of the Catskill Park and Catskills communities. Many of the members of the Coalition partner with New York State, local governments, and other stakeholders to implement critical Catskill Park programs to conserve open space, steward our existing recreational resources, protect and improve water quality, promote responsible forest stewardship, build community resilience, and create new trails and public access.

The Coalition knows that investments in the Catskill Park protect our natural resources, support important jobs for our region, and provide clean drinking water protection for millions of New Yorkers. The priorities for the Coalition in the upcoming NYS Budget affirm tourism opportunities, natural resource protections, clean water, public health protections, climate resilience, recreational access, job creation, and quality of life for residents of and visitors to the Catskill Park.

Public Safety and Catskill Park Management: The NYSDEC must be adequately staffed, including new staff in the Division of Lands and Forests and annual Forest Ranger Academies, and the Catskill Park Coordinator role must be adequately funded.

Environmental Protection Fund (EPF): Fund the Environmental Protection Fund at $400 million. Within the EPF, maintain existing funding lines for the Catskills including: $10 million Forest Preserve line; $250,000 line for the Catskills Visitor Center; $200,000 line for Catskill Science Collaborative; $500,000 for the “Save the Hemlocks” initiative; and $300,000 in dedicated Catskills funding for Smart Growth Grants.

Supporting Local Economies: Support Catskills communities by investing in projects with direct community benefits.

Improve cellular service, support construction of the U&D Rail Trail, expand affordable housing, and improve trail connectivity to downtown main streets.

The Catskill Mountain Foundation

Piano Performance Museum

Discover this extraordinary collection in performance, music education, and cultural exploration

Photo by Jeffrey Langford

Featuring the Steven E. Greenstein Collection

NOW OPEN ON FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS! The Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Piano Performance Museum reopens to the public on Fridays and Saturdays, from 11am to 3pm.

The docent tour is approximately 30 minutes. Masks are required.

Visitors will be asked not to touch the pianos or other artifacts on display in the museum. CMF staff have established healthful guidelines for your visit to the museum to provide as safe an environment as possible for visitors and staff. We welcome you and look forward to showing you our extraordinary collection of historical pianos from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

Doctorow Center for the Arts 7971 Main Street, Route 23A, Hunter, New York • www.catskillmtn.org Hours: Fridays & Saturdays 11am-3pm.

Please email ppm@catskillmtn.org or call 518 263 2063 to confirm hours of operation The CMF Piano Performance Museum is funded in part by the Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation

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What can you do to help? Contact your local elected officials (the Governor, State Senators, and State Assemblymembers especially and let them know that you support the Catskill Park and the priorities of the Catskill Park Coalition. It doesn’t matter where in New York you live, but your elected officials need to know you support the Catskills!

Also, make plans to take part in Catskill Park Day! Organized annually by the Catskill Center as co-Chair of the Catskill Park Coalition, the 2024 Catskill Park Day will be held this February, with details to follow. This day is an opportunity for supporters of the Catskills to have their voice heard in Albany and to make a difference in the support and funding that the Park receives. For more information visit www.catskillcenter.org/advocacy.

Hike the Catskills with the Hiker Trash Husbands For years, my husband and I have been trying to find ways to better communicate the love that we have for the outdoors and for hiking, to our friends and family who don’t necessarily get out as much as we do. One way we’ve found was to start a YouTube channel about our adventures. Thus was born The Hiker Trash Husbands, which you can now find on YouTube with lots of hikes in the Catskills at www.youtube.com/thehikertrashhusbands.

For Moe and I, The Hiker Trash Husbands is not only a way to show friends and family our hiking adventures, but an effort to provide positive LGBTQ+ representation in the hiking world.

We love to showcase our own hiking adventures, along with other queer outdoors folks. You can learn more by visiting our website at www.hikertrashhusbands.com.

If you’re in the Catskills and have cable provided by MTC, you can catch our videos on CatskillsAir, MTC Channel 1.

Visit the Catskill Park’s Visitor Center Located at 5096 Route 28 in Mount Tremper, the Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center (CVC) is the official visitor center for the Catskill Park. Operated and managed by the Catskill Center, staff are available at the CVC with information, maps and all the advice needed to plan a Catskill adventure.

The CVC is open Friday through Monday, from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Visitors can get their Catskill questions answered in person, receive tourism literature, and make purchases at the CVC’s shop that includes hiking maps, regional books, and much more. CVC staff are also available to answer questions about the Catskills and the Catskill Park via email at info@catskillcenter.org or phone at 845 688 3369.

In addition to tourism services, there are 1.5 miles of trails on the CVC’s grounds, including the 0.5 mile ADA accessible Interpretive Loop Trail, which are open to the public daily. The 80-foot tall Upper Esopus Fire Tower is also open daily to visitors, offering unrivaled views of the surrounding mountains and Esopus Creek valley.

Visitors can learn more at www.catskillsvisitorcenter.org.

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Catskill Park Updates Now Available Online Local recreational opportunities are always changing, and by visiting the Catskills Visitor Center’s Trail Conditions blog, you can stay on top of those changes. Staff at the Visitor Center are regularly posting updates related to the Catskill Park, Catskill trails, Catskill campgrounds and camping, Catskill boating, and more at www.catskillsvisitorcenter.org/trail.

Catskill Park Advisory Committee The Catskill Park Advisory Committee (CPAC) was established by the Catskill Center in consultation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and is composed of representatives from local governments and organizations. The Committee provides a forum for communities, user groups and stakeholders of the Catskill Park and the Catskill Watershed to discuss issues of regional importance. Meetings are held quarterly and are open to the public. If you’d like to learn more, visit https://catskillcenter.org/advocacy.

Give Back to the Catskills The natural beauty, the majesty of the mountains, the Catskill Forest Preserve, the region’s natural and cultural resources, all need your help! By supporting the work of the Catskill Center, you support: stewardship of our Catskill Park and its vast natural resources; the Center’s collaborative spirit as we convene, create partnerships and facilitate discussions that benefit the region; and the Center’s work to support education, arts and culture throughout the Catskills.

Most importantly, know that by being a member and supporter of the Catskill Center you are helping protect and preserve the Catskill Mountains that we all love. This glorious Park will be even better preserved than before because of our collective hard work.

To support the work of the Catskill Center, make a donation online at www.catskillcenter.org/donate or donate by mail with a check made out to the “Catskill Center” and mailed to Catskill Center, PO Box 504, Arkville, NY 12406.

Jeff Senterman is the Executive Director of the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development in Arkville, NY, a member of the Board of Directors for the American Hiking Society, the Catskill Watershed Corporation and the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce. Jeff graduated with a degree in Environmental Science from Lyndon State College and worked for many years as an Environmental Planner in New England before coming back to New York and the Catskills in the nonprofit sector. To learn more about the work of the Catskill Center in the Catskills, visit www. catskillcenter.org.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS This is just a sampling of all of the events in the Catskills this December.

To request that your event be included in future calendars, please email tafts@catskillmtn.org

Please call ahead or visit the website for each event to confirm details, including any admission costs.

ONGOING

THROUGH DECEMBER 10

DECEMBER 1

Delhi Winter Farmers Market The Delhi Farmers Market has an amazing line up of dedicated farmers, bakers, makers and more. Each week they bring their best with a wide selection of goods. You will find a variety of your kitchen staples—fresh bread, farm fresh cheeses, vegetables, jams, poultry and more. To help ward off the cold, you will find crocheted apparel, distilled spirits, amaryllis bulbs, and homemade pie. If you’d like to add sparkle and shine to your winter, there are unique jewelers at the market.

Location: Delhi American Legion, 41 Page Avenue, Delhi Hours: Every Wednesday, 9am-2pm

everything is never finished: Paintings by Frédéric Tiffet An exhibition of new oil paintings by Montrealbased artist Frédéric Tiffet. Tiffet’s paintings suggest organic forms and topographies; at times in harmony and at times vibrating in discordance against one another. The eye moves over continents of color and edges that resemble torn paper, deep caverns, shadows and disturbances of light.

Location: KIPNZ, 150 Delaware Street, Walton Time: Saturdays & Sundays 12:00-6:00 pm; First Fridays of the Month 4:00-8:00 pm.

More Info: kipnz.com

First Fridays at the Athens Cultural Center Embrace the arts and join us at the Athens Cultural Center for our vibrant “First Fridays” happy hour! We open our doors to celebrate the rich tapestry of culture and creativity that defines our community. Best of all, it’s absolutely free to attend! Discover new exhibitions, connect with fellow art enthusiasts, and unwind with a refreshing drink in hand.

Location: Athens Cultural Center, 24 Second Street, Athens Time: 5:00-7:00 pm More Info: friendsofathens.org

THROUGH DECEMBER 16 Phoenicia Winter Farmers Market Phoenicia Farmers Market is a volunteer-led movement to increase access to locally-grown foods in the Town of Shandaken. We bring together local farms, artisanal makers, full-time residents, and seasonal visitors to a weekly market to shop, learn, gather, and compost.

EBT/SNAP Benefits are accepted.

Location: Pine Hill Community Center, 287 Main Street, Pine Hill Hours: Every Sunday, noon-4pm Online Meditation with Bushel Bushel is hosting online meditation sessions that include guided meditation, group interaction, and support. New sitters and seasoned sitters are welcome. Meditation sessions are free and open to all, but donations are welcome to support this program.

Location: Join via Zoom Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30-7:00 am More Info & Zoom Link: bushelcollective.org/meditation-calendar/ Magic On Main— An Intimate Parlor Experience Join Magician Sean Doolan for a magic show in his private library located in a historic building on Main Street in Windham. Sean will weave his personal story of transitioning from a trial lawyer to a magician in interactive magical routines. In this parlor show, By reservation only, no walkins. Dates and times subject to change without notice, see website for updated calendar.

Location: 5428 NY Route 23 (Main Street), Windham Dates & Times: Check website for most up-todate schedule Tickets: $20/person More Info: MagicOnMainWindham.com

Woodstock School of Art Grant Arnold Exhibition This exhibition by curator Bruce Weber will be the first extensive study of Grant Arnold and the Golden Era of Woodstock Lithography, 1930-1939.

Location: Woodstock School of Art, 2470 NY212, Woodstock More Info: woodstockschoolofart.org Tim Rosman: Hollow Tim Rosman has rendered trees since childhood but ramped up production about six years ago, when he moved full time to the Catskills.

After a career as a professional set designer and architectural model builder, Rosman turned his attention to the lush, ever- changing landscape around his home in Andes, NY. Painted in a quick, impressionistic style, Rosman’s landscapes are unruly, capturing the chaotic beauty of the mountain landscape while hinting at its darker forces.

Location: Liberal Arts Roxbury, 53525 Main St, Roxbury More Info: liberalartsroxbury.com

First Fridays Catskill Stroll Main Street, Catskill on the 1st Friday of every month. Local shops are open late, most until 8 pm, offering specials like sips & snacks, pop-ups, music, discounts, and FUN! Location: Main Street & Bridge Street, Catskill More Info: firstfridayscatskill.com Walton First Fridays Local shops in Walton stay open late with deals and events for the community to enjoy!

Location: Walton More Info: instagram.com/waltonfirstfridays Walton Holiday Parade This annual event kicks-off the holiday season by bringing the community together and welcoming Santa and Mrs. Claus to town. The parade has a Holiday Book theme and each float will be competing for a first, second or third place prize.

Location: Main Street, Delhi Time: 5:30 pm

THROUGH JANUARY 6, 2024 Community Photo Show Work by local photographers.

Location: Headwaters Art Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford More Info: roxburyartsgroup.org

THROUGH JANUARY 12 Windham Arts Alliance presents Art in Small Packages Small original works in all media.

Location: Main Street Community Center, 5494 Main Street, Windham More Info: mainstreetcenter.org

Kingston Snowflake Festival Usher in the holiday season with Uptown Kingston’s annual Snowflake Festival! Holidaythemed performances, fire twirlers, jugglers, ice carving, horse-drawn carriage rides, a tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and much more!

Location: Uptown Kingston Time: 6:00-8:00 pm More Info: kuba.network

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CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH THE ARTS

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THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS & SUPPORTERS!

Education, Recreation, Arts, and Community Initiatives

Catskill Mountain Foundation is supported in part by New York State Council on the Arts, the Greene County Cultural Fund administered by the Greene County Legislature, The Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation, The Royce Family Foundation, The Samuel and Esther Doctorow Fund, The Orville and Ethel Slutzky Family Foundation, Platte Clove Bruderhof Community, Bank of Greene County Charitable Foundation, The Greene County Youth Bureau, Marshall & Sterling Insurance, All Souls’ Church, Stewarts Shops, Windham Foundation, and by private donations.

7971 Main Street, Village of Hunter 518 263 2001 • www.catskillmtn.org

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Annual Parade of Lights Light Up Your Holidays at the Annual Coxsackie Parade of Lights! Get ready to embrace the enchantment of the season as the Coxsackie Parade of Lights returns to illuminate our town with the warmth of holiday spirit!

Location: Stepping off Kings Road, Down Mansion Street to Reed Street, Coxsackie Time: 6:30 pm Music at the Colony: Early Show: Pressing Strings w/ The Rollin’ Rust When music is given the benefit of instinct, imagination and inspiration, the results are guaranteed to be good. So it ought to come as no surprise that the critically-acclaimed Annapolis Maryland-based trio, appropriately dubbed Pressing Strings, has infused those elements within their musical mantra the beginning.

Late Show: Gimme Gimme Disco!

If you can’t get enough of ABBA, boy do we have THE dance party for you! We are a DJ based dance party playing all your favorite ABBA tracks, plus plenty of other disco hits from the 70s & 80’s like The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Cher, & so much more. So honey honey, take-a-chance and you’ll be dancing all night long. Grab tickets, put on your best disco attire, bring your friends, and have the best night of your life!

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: Early show @ 8:00 pm; Late show @ 10:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

DECEMBER 1-2 Live Theatre: A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play You’ve never experienced Charles Dickens’s holiday classic quite like this. Five WRDL Radio Players bring to life scores of characters, live sound effects, vintage commercial breaks, and musical underscore to create an authentic 1940s radio experience, all in front of a live studio audience. A Christmas Carol is a classic story of redemption that has been adapted by Joe Landry, an award-winning internationally produced playwright. The actors play dozens of roles as the familiar story unfolds. Three ghosts take Ebenezer Scrooge on a thrilling journey to teach him the true meaning of Christmas. This show is family-friendly and for all ages!

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale Time: Friday @ 7:30 pm; Saturday @ 2:00 & 7:30 pm More Info: rosendaletheatre.org

DECEMBER 1-3 The Greatest News! A holiday show Delaware River Stage Company will be presenting “The Greatest News!”

Location: Walton Music House, 208 Prospect Ave, Walton Time: Friday & Saturday @ 7:30 pm; Sunday @ 2:00 pm

DECEMBER 1-17 Miss Bennet: Chrismas at Pemberley

By Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon One of the most popularly produced plays in the country since its premiere, this hilarious sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is set two years after the novel ends. Bookish Mary has grown tired of her role as the dutiful middle sister in the face of her siblings’ romantic endeavors. But things change when an unexpected guest shows up for the family’s Christmas gathering at Pemberley, sparking Mary’s hope for independence, an intellectual equal, and maybe even love. This energetic and witty romantic comedy is a new holiday classic!

Location: Shadowland Stages, 157 Canal Street, Ellenville Time: Fridays & Saturdays @ 7:00 pm; Saturdays & Sundays @ 2:00 pm More Info: shadowlandstages.org

DECEMBER 1-29 The Polar Express Set to the sounds of the motion picture, passengers will relive the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical trip to the North Pole. Once on board, the Conductor will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket as you’re served hot chocolate and a delicious cookie by our dancing chefs! Passengers will read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Once at The North Pole, Santa and his Elves board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas—a silver sleigh bell. During the trip, characters on each car lead passengers in caroling and on board entertainment.

Location: Catskill Mountain Railroad, Westbrook Lane Station in the Kingston Plaza, 55 Kingston Plaza Road, Kingston Time: catskillmountainrailroad.com

DECEMBER 2 2nd Annual Christmas Market Spread the holiday cheer and support our local small businesses in a festive setting. Santa himself will make a special appearance with gifts for the little ones.

Location: Breezy Lawn Farm, 1700 Farm to Market Road, Coxsackie Time: 11:00 am-4:00 pm Birdsong Farm Holiday Market Enjoy live music, pictures with Santa, and over 40 vendors! Find crafts, candles, herbal remedies, unique gift items and much more.

Location: Birdsong Community Gardens, 38718 NY-10, Hamden Time: 11:00 am-4:00 pm

2023 Windham Heritage Music RE-Gathering Premiere showing of I Heard the Bells, the inspiring story behind the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The showing is free including popcorn and beverages. Snow date: Sunday, December 3.

Location: Windham Movie Theatre, 11 Vets Road, Windham Time: 2:00 pm More Info: 518 734 5655 or 518 734 6110 Windham’s Second Annual Parade of Lights Get ready for a spectacular celebration that’s sure to brighten your holiday season as Windham proudly presents its 2nd Annual Parade of Lights. This event promises festive fun for everyone! It’s an enchanting tradition that brings our community together in the spirit of the season.

Location: Step off NBT Bank, Route 296 to Route 23, then proceed west on Main Street ending at WAJ School, Windham Time: 5:00 pm The BBOYZ at High Falls Cafe Great food, great music, good times.

Location: High Falls Cafe, 2842 Route 209, North Marbletown More Info: highfallscafe.com The Helm Family Midnight Ramble featuring Akie Bermiss Akie is a Brooklyn native raised in a musical household full of jazz and politics. His raucous, guttural and soulful vocals are a delectable fusion of Donny Hathaway and Tom Waits. He’s equally adept singing neo-soul, funk, contemporary jazz, alternative rock, and hip hop. Over the past fifteen years, he has become a visible contributor to the fertile Brooklyn music scene as a musician, songwriter or featured vocalist, though he is probably best known for his work with the popular band Lake Street Dive since 2017.

Location: Levon Helm Studios, 160 Plochmann Lane, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: levonhelm.com Cyber Circus- Twizted Christmas Step right up to the Cyber Circus - Twizted Christmas; where performance art, edm and holiday cheer collide for a mind-blowing extravaganza!

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 9:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

DECEMBER 2, 9 & 16 Winter Huddle in the Farmstead A winter huddle in the farmstand is set up for us to eat and learn something new. Arrive to kettles of tea on the woodstove. Food is served in the usual format of a farm, abundant. The menu is always delicious and nutritious. Warm up our imaginations with a semi-structured interview with a special guest.

Location: East Branch Farm, 52234 NY-30, Roxbury Time: 6:00-8:30 pm More Info: kimchiharvest.com

DECEMBER 2 & 16 The Reveler’s Rubatos: Stealing a Night Away at Spillian Spillian invites you to steal away this December for a bit of Respite and Revelry. Join the adventure for a glowing evening of feasting and merriment, or stay the night for a quick weekend overnight escape. Enjoy a chance to escape the madding holiday crowd and savor an evening of conversation, great food, and the magic of Spillian in winter. Enjoy special cocktails and some light munchies, followed by an intimate private chef’s dinner at Spillian’s grand table on Saturday evening. Linger afterwards and enjoy the fire. And stay the night if you wish, with Spillian’s bagels and turnovers to send you on your way on Sunday morning. Chef Christian has created both vegan and carnivore dinner menus for you—you can choose which you’d like when you register. Seating is limited, so please make your reservations now!

Location: Spillian, 50 Fleischmanns Heights Rd, Arkville Time: 5:00 pm More Info & To Register: spillian.com

DECEMBER 2-3 & DECEMBER 9-10 Holiday Fineries at the Wineries— Shawangunk Wine Trail Our participating member wineries will be decked out for the season and are very excited to welcome you back. This event is a great opportunity to taste a variety of wines produced in the Hudson Valley and get a jump on your holiday shopping to stock up for the season, plus you’ll receive a wine tasting glass, a tasting flight at four wineries and collect some cool holiday ornaments along the way! You choose your date, itinerary and starting winery. Check-in at your starting winery anytime after 11am, to receive your wristband, tasting glass, SWT ornament, winery ornament and your first tasting flight, then continue on a self-guided tour on your itinerary between until 5pm, for another wine tasting flight and winery ornament!

Location: Shawangunk Wine Trail Members, Hudson Valley, NY Time: 10:00 am-5:00 pm More Info: shawangunkwinetrail.com The Nutcracker The Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Orpheum Dance Program, in cooperation with former Metropolitan Opera ballerina Victoria Rinaldi, Joffrey Ballet School New York and Aquila Theatre, presents the world’s favorite ballet, The Nutcracker, a holiday favorite of residents of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. The CMF Nutcracker, now in its eighth year, has become

a holiday favorite of residents of the surrounding Catskills and Hudson Valley. Featuring ballet stars of the future, this spectacular production has become one of the finest Nutcrackers in upstate New York.

Location: Orpheum Performing Arts Center, 6050 Main Street, Tannersville Dates & Times: Saturdays, December 2 & 9 @ 2:00 & 7:30 pm, Sundays, December 3 & 10 @ 2:00 More Info: catskillmtn.org

DECEMBER 2-23 A Frosty Fest The Hudson Valley’s largest holiday lights spectacular! New Theme: The Forgetful Elf. Enjoy the drive-through experiences in the comfort of your own vehicle. Park and walk inside to visit Santa, dance with Mr. & Mrs. Frosty, Rudolph, Snow Bear, and other characters. Watch the Jingles Magic Show and more!

Location: Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Houses, 778 Broadway, Route 9W, Ulster Park Dates: Saturday-Sunday, December 2-3; FridaySunday, December 8-10 & December 15-17; Thursday-Saturday, December 21-23 More Info: afrostyfest.com

DECEMBER 3 Christmas By the River Get ready for a heartwarming holiday celebration like no other. Dazzling holiday lights and decorations, pictures with Santa, carolers spreading cheer, local artisans and craft vendors, delicious seasonal treats, family-friendly activities, and so much more!

Location: Reed Street, Coxsackie Time: 11:00 am-4:00 pm

Saugerties Holiday in the Village Horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday raffle, live entertainment, caroling, and a decked-out Kiersted House, where Santa is ready to greet you!

Location: Village of Saugerties Main and Partition Streets, Saugerties Time: 12:00 pm-5:00 pm More Info: discoversaugerties.com Sunday Silents Presents: The Lost World (1925) and George Melies’ Trip to the Moon (1902) In London, professor Challenger announces that prehistoric creatures are alive and flourishing in the Amazon jungle and declares his intention to mount an expedition proving his point. Journalist Edward Malone volunteers to go and convinces his newspaper to fund the journey. Paula White (Bessie Love) hopes to find

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her father, a missing explorer. They and others undertake the voyage and witness dinosaurs and humanoids doing battle in a magnificent landscape. With live accompaniment by Marta Waterman. Special Guest! Fre Atlast will accompany George Melies’ 1902 classic A Trip to the Moon on the Theremin.

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale Time: 2:00 pm More Info: rosendaletheatre.org Free concert: Idith Meshulam Korman, piano Ms. Meshulam received her doctorate from New York University, where she taught for ten years, researching the unpublished piano music of Stefan Wolpe. She collaborated with the composer and conductor Gunther Schuller, with whom she recorded Skalkottas’ 32 Piano Pieces for GM Recording. American Record Guide’s review described her “playing with energetic moxie and aplomb, her technique truly phenomenal yet, her subtle coloring of the introspective passages is no less awe-inspiring.”

Location: First Presbyterian Church, 96 Main St., Stamford Time: 3:00 pm More Info: friendsmusic.org

enough they were opening concerts for blues royalty including Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and James Cotton, who bestowed high praise and encouragement upon the beardless lads, calling singer/harmonica player Anthony Kane “One of the best.” The Kane Bros. Blues Band toured relentlessly, from Boston to NYC, where they made their way to the fabled stage at CBGB. As punk rock took its baby steps (197576) the Kane Bros. stripped down, full throttle blues fit snugly into the evolving punk aesthetic.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

DECEMBER 7-10 New Paltz Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker The New Paltz Ballet Theatre returns for its 24th season to present this classic holiday event featuring dancers from the New York City Ballet.

Peter and Lisa Naumann, co-directors of the NPBT, have brought many fine regional artists together to create this beautiful production.

Dancers, designers, and technicians have all contributed to make this Nutcracker a visual delight. Come along with Marie as she dreams of a fierce battle between giant mice and toy soldiers followed by a magical journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets.

Location: Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston Time: Thursday, December 7 @ 9:45 am & 12:00 pm; Friday, December 8 @ 12:00 pm; Saturday December 9 @ 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm; Sunday December 10 @ 3:00 pm More Info: bardavon.org

DECEMBER 8 It’s a Wonderful Life: The Live Radio Play See this beloved American holiday classic come to life as an engaging 1940s radio broadcast.

Five actors in period costume will portray the characters of Bedford Falls you have come to know and love. Live music and sound effects will enhance the story of idealistic George Bailey. See the action unfold as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Come join us for a story of faith, hope and the power of community.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 7:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

DECEMBER 4, 11 & 18 The World Famous Colony Open Mic Hosted by Brendan O’Shea. Sign-ups start at 7 pm and go on all evening. House guitar & piano available.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: Sign-ups start at 7:00 pm.

Show at 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

DECEMBER 6 Kane Brothers Blues Band In 1972 in Woodstock New York, four teenage white boys with fake I.D.’S started packing area clubs with their ferocious approach to the blues.

And the Kane Bros. Blues Band was born. Soon

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Sonny Rock’s Pro Jam #36!

Be prepared for an amazing night of music, friends, food and more! A who’s who of musicians playing together all night long, featuring the Sonny Rock House Band!

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com Midnight Rider - A Tribute to Gregg Allman A Tribute to Gregg Allman featuring Jay Collins, Junior Mack, Adam Minkoff, Jackson Kincheloe, Elizabeth Pupo-Walker, Chris Vitarello, Manuel Quintana, Brandon Morrison, Lavon Collins & Todd Caldwell Location: Levon Helm Studios 160 Plochmann Lane, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: levonhelm.com

DECEMBER 8-10 Catskill Ballet Theater: The Nutcracker Join us as we follow the enchanted adventures of young Clara from a lavish Christmas party, to a battle With an evil King Mouse, and then to the magnificent Land of Sweets where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier, and is entertained with delightful dances from around the world.

Location: Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston Time: Friday, December 8 @ 7:00 pm; Saturday,

December 9 @ 4:00 pm; Sunday, December 10 @ 2:00 pm More Info: bardavon.org

DECEMBER 9 2nd Saturday Trunk Sales It’s good to re-use all things- clothes, home goods, antiques, good craftswork, plants, all sorts of good finds. Cars $10, trucks $15.

Location: Parking lot next to Lumberyard, 48 Bridge Street, Catskill Tannersville Holiday Stroll Spend the day strolling up and down Main Street while shopping, sipping, eating and enjoying all the holiday fun that Tannersville has to offer: craft vendors, Santa, The Nutcracker ballet, cookies, candies, chocolates, gifts, food, tree lighting, live music, and much, much more!

Location: Main Street, Tannersville

Annual Holiday Cookie Sale & Handmade Craft Fair Please join us to purchase some delicious homemade cookies to eat or to give away!

Many crafters will be there to help you find just the gift you’re looking for!

Locations: Catskill United Methodist Church, 40 Woodland Avenue, Catskill Time: 9:00 am-3:00 pm Holiday Wreath Workshop Join the Master Gardeners Volunteers of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties at our annual holiday wreath workshop at 9:30 am in Acra and at 1:00 pm in Hudson. All products, equipment and materials will be provided for your use, but if you would prefer to bring something of your choice with you such as a ribbon or choice of greenery please do so. Pre-registration is required as seats are limited.

Locations: Agroforestry Resource Center, 6055 New York 23, Acra and Extension Education Center, 479 New York 66, Hudson

Intro to Lino Printing with Celia Buchanan Learn how to create Lino prints with powerful lines, and uniform areas of color. The strong contrast between paper and ink creates the classical bold imagery that is unique to this art form. Participants will spend time learning how to carve designs in the linoleum block and make uniform high quality prints from it. This workshop is designed to give participants all of the fundamental instruction needed to venture into the fascinating world of Lino and Relief Printing. All materials will be supplied. Pre-registration is required.

Location: Headwaters Art Center, 66 Main Street, Stamford Time: 11:00 am-4:00 pm More Info: roxburyartsgroup.org

Fourth Annual Holiday Hoopla Celebration All activities are free of charge and everyone is welcome! This year’s 4th Annual Holiday Hoopla Parade steps off at noon from the New Paltz Middle School with floats, live music, the Candy Cane Crew, jugglers, and other surprises!

The parade will make its way down to Historic Huguenot Street, where all will have the opportunity to enjoy various activities and entertainment at the Winter Carnival. The Winter Carnival will conclude with the lighting of the New Paltz Community Tree, located on the south side of the historic Deyo House on Huguenot Street (74 Huguenot Street).

Location: Historic Huguenot Street, 81 Huguenot Street, New Paltz Time: 1:00-4:30 pm More Info: huguenotstreet.org

Athens Annual Victorian Stroll Up and down the historic village’s Second Street, Athens Riverfront Park and all around the Village, businesses, residents and community organizations host family-friendly activities, free goodies to eat and entertainment galore, with nods to Athens’ past. Family ice skating rink at Athens Riverfront Park. Bring your own skates!

Location: 24 Second Street, Athens Time: 1:00-5:00 pm More Info: athensculturalcenter.org Christkindl Market The first annual Christkindl Market presented in collaboration between Livestock Foundation and St. James Church Lake Delaware. Save the date for gifts and treats from your favorite local farmers and artisans alongside holiday refreshments and activities for the whole family.

Location: St. James Church, 55 Lake Delaware Drive, Delhi Time: 4:00-7:00 pm More Info: livestockfoundation.org The Dylan Doyle Band at High Falls Cafe Great food, great music, good times.

Location: High Falls Cafe, 2842 Route 209, North Marbletown More Info: highfallscafe.com Music of The Rolling Stones w/ John Gullo & His All-Star Band the music of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world! John Gullo and his 11 piece all-star lineup will deliver powerful and authentic sounding recreations of both hits and deep cuts from what many consider to be The Rolling Stones golden era, circa 1968 -1978!

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

Darlene Love: Love for the Holidays Through the years, Darlene Love continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her warm, gracious stage presence and superb performances. Her Billboard hits include: “He’s a Rebel,” “The Boy I’m Gonna Marry,” “Wait ‘Til my Bobby Gets Home,” “He’s Sure the Boy I Love,” and the legendary #1 holiday classic Christmas song, “Baby Please Come Home.” Darlene Love received her industry’s highest award when Bette Midler inducted her into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Location: Bearsville Theater, 59 Tinker Street, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info & Tickets: bearsvilletheater.com

to The Beatles, from The Killers to Joni Mitchel, and now an entire set of James Taylor songs re-imagined and re-energized! Bossa Blue combines Latin rhythms, jazz, dub, rock and soulful blues along with intriguing vocal interplay to create their unique and intoxicating grooves.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

Artists and Makers Handmade Holiday Market In collaboration with ArtPort Kingston, we are delighted to invite you to our fourth annual Holiday Market happening with the Hudson Valley community. Together, we will enjoy a day of holiday shopping, community, stories, craft, music, hot cocoa, and more!

Location: ArtPort Kingston, 108 East Strand Street, Kingston Time: 11:00 am-4:00 pm More Info: circlecreativecollective.org

Ryan Montbleau Band For as long as he can remember, Ryan Montbleau’s been a seeker. The acclaimed singer/ songwriter has spent much of his life crisscrossing the globe on a perpetual search for meaning, purpose, and understanding. It’s a quest that’s guided him both personally and professionally over the years, one that’s come to define not only his music, but his very sense of self. And yet, listening to Montbleau’s ambitious new multi-part album, Wood, Fire, Water, and Air, there is a profound sense of satisfaction in sitting still, a recognition that perhaps all those spiritual treasures he’s been chasing for so long were closer than he thought.

Location: Levon Helm Studios 160 Plochmann Lane, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: levonhelm.com

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Holiday Craft Faire 2023 Had enough of box stores and online shopping?

The Ashokan Center’s 2nd annual Holiday Craft Faire is the answer. Our performance hall will be transformed to showcase an incredible assortment of locally made crafts. Our wonderful elves will be ready to help you in the Tin Shop (make an ornament), Broom Shop (make a woodhandled sorghum broom), Blacksmith Shop (make a fire poker, heart-shaped trivet, or plant hanger), and Discovery Room (make a natural holiday wreath.) Plus a family photo booth in the Ashokan sleigh, live holiday musical offerings, and an array of tasty food for sale.

Location: The Ashokan Center 477 Beaverkill Rd, Olivebridge Time: 10:00 am-2:00 pm More Info: ashokancenter.org

Maude Adams Theater Hub Holiday Spectacular!

A FREE Holiday show, featuring soloists, tiny dancers, children’s choir, community choir, holiday readings, the Main Street Community Center, and the Greene Room Players’ Songbirds.

Snow Date: December 17th @ 6:00 pm Location: Doctorow Center for the Arts, 7971 Main Street, Hunter Time: 6:00 pm More Info: catskillmtn.org

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Elizabeth Lee & Bet Williams This exciting duo of Bet Williams and Elizabeth Lee combines the talent of two dynamic and soulful singer songwriters. The two artists have been performing together in Europe and are now bringing their passion to stages here in the U.S. in celebration of a new acoustic-rock album, 93 Stories.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

DECEMBER 14 Bossa Blue: A Tribute to the James Taylor songbook Award winning singer-songwriter and band leader Brad Cole’s most recent project, Bossa Blue, has created quite a buzz with their multigenre mash-ups of contemporary and classic rock tunes that run the gambit from Radiohead

Andrea Maddox and the Hey Yalls w/ Yard Sale and The Kondrat Sisters Andrea Maddox and the Hey Y’alls is a five piece Americana band living and playing in the Hudson Valley. Andrea’s Tennessee upbringing comes through her songs as she channels the legendary women of classic country music while connecting to her audiences with the timeless themes of love and heartbreak. With plenty of tunes for two-stepping and waltzing, The Hey Y’alls bring a lively dance vibe to the party.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com The Sounding Joy: A Holiday Concert (Night 1) Eleventh annual holiday benefit for The Washbourne House, part of Family of Woodstock. The Washbourne House provides safe shelter and comprehensive trauma informed services to survivors of domestic violence and their children.

Night 1 features special guests Gail Ann Dorsey, Kate Pierson, and more.

Location: Levon Helm Studios 160 Plochmann Lane, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: levonhelm.com

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each participating winery, a commemorative wine glass and a holiday stocking.

Location: Benmarl Winery, Fjord Vineyards, Nostrano Vineyards, and Weed Orchards. See event website for locations.

Time: 10:00 am-5:00 pm More Info: hvwinemag.com/event/hudsonvalley-santacon/

DECEMBER 16 Holiday Centerpieces with Natural Materials with Ryan Moore and Heather Aran Celebrate the holiday season with us! Holiday decorations with natural materials bring a sense of authenticity and charm that you won’t find anywhere else. Join us as we build mixed green holiday centerpieces. We will craft with pinecones, greens, berries and branches collected from the Arboretum. Registration is required for this event.

Location: Mountain Top Arboretum, 4 Maude Adams Road, Tannersville Time: 1:00 pm More Info: mtarboretum.org Holiday Art Show & Sale Love it, buy it, take it, gift it! 16 artists small works on display.

Location: Greenville Public Library Art Gallery, 11177 NY-32, Greenville Time: 1:00-3:00 pm “A Holiday Celebration,” chamber music presented by Hudson Valley Baroque A program of lively, festive, cheery music presented by Hudson Valley Baroque (Joël Evans, oboe; Gregory Bynum, recorder; Christiana Fortune-Reader, viola; Susan Seligman, cello; Ruthanne Schempf, harpsichord). Drawing from the dazzling chamber music repertoire of the Baroque, Hudson Valley Baroque provides old-style chamber entertainment combined with thought-provoking history education. Space is limited. Pre-registration is highly encouraged!

Location: Crispell Memorial French Church, 60 Huguenot Street, New Paltz Time: 2:00 pm More Info: huguenotstreet.org

Movies from the Balcony It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) A FREE screening of the Holiday classic. Frank Capra’s beloved tale of a family man learning to look at his life in a whole new light at Christmas time, thanks to the creative perspective of an angel trying to earn his wings, is no less relevant today than when it first came out. Featuring a special holiday puppet show in our upstairs balcony lobby by renowned local puppeteer Paper Heart Puppets.

Location: Ulster Performing Arts Center, 601 Broadway, Kingston Time: 7:30 pm More Info: bardavon.org Ugly Sweater Party with Fishbowl Great food, great music, good times.

Location: High Falls Cafe, 2842 Route 209, North Marbletown More Info: highfallscafe.com

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The Hot Sardines: Holiday Stomp Mischief-makers of jazz the Hot Sardines have toured their always-evolving Holiday Stomp show from Toronto to Tokyo—and they’re bringing it to Tannersville for the first time. Coming off releasing their new album C’est la Vie (which WBGO said “swings like hell”), they’ll serve up a yuletide extravaganza inspired by early jazz, blues and pop Christmas recordings, with hat tips to Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Edith Piaf, Hoagy Carmichael and more — reinterpreting classics, rediscovering obscure gems, and celebrating the season with plenty of sounding joy.

Location: Orpheum Performing Arts Centeer, 6050 Main Street, Tannersville Time: 8:00 pm More Info: catskillmtn.org The Bruce Katz Band Bruce Katz is a legendary keyboardist (Hammond B3 and piano) who has released 12 CDs as a leader and has appeared on over 80 other CDs with the likes of John Hammond, Delbert McClinton, Ronnie Earl, Butch Trucks, Arlen Roth, Duke Robillard, Little Milton, Mighty Sam McClain, David “Fathead” Newman, and, many others.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com The Sounding Joy: A Holiday Concert (Night 2) Eleventh annual holiday benefit for The Washbourne House, part of Family of Woodstock. The Washbourne House provides safe shelter and comprehensive trauma informed services to survivors of domestic violence and their children.

Night 1 features special guests Natalie Merchant, Marco Benevento, and more.

Location: Levon Helm Studios 160 Plochmann Lane, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: levonhelm.com

DECEMBER 16-17 Holiday Bazaar at Belleayre Mountain Shop unique gifts, ornaments, jewelry, and more in the mountain’s Discovery Lodge.

Location: Belleayre Mountain 181 Galli Curci Rd., Highmount Time: 10:00 am-3:00 pm More Info: belleayre.com Hudson Valley Santa-Con Throw on your Santa Suit or other festive attire and join Benmarl Winery, Fjord Vineyards, Nostrano Vineyards, and Weed Orchards for a Holiday tour of tastings for the day! Included with the ticket is one glass of wine/wine cocktail from

A Christmas Story, the Musical A Christmas Story, the musical, which received rave reviews on its Broadway run, is based on the movie classic that runs round-the-clock on television every Christmas season. Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, the musical follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts—an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn with a similar echoing response, Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun.

All the iconic scenes from the movie are here: Ralphie’s friend, Flick, getting his tongue stuck to the flagpole; the leg lamp award; the bunny suit, and so many more.

Location: Woodstock Playhouse, 103 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock Time: Saturday, December 16 @ 7:00 pm; Sunday, December 17 @ 2:00 pm More Info: woodstockplayhouse.org

DECEMBER 17 Levin Brothers Levin Brothers was founded by Pete and Tony Levin in 2013, After 5 decades of glorious career playing with virtually who is who in all genres of music - jazz, fusion, rock, pop and world music, and after guesting on each other’s projects, two brothers finally decided to have their own jazz band. Levin Brothers released 2 albums: the self-titled first album in 2014, and the follow up live album Special Delivery in 2017. The band has toured all over the USA, and has performed also internationally in Mexico, El Salvador, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Japan.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com Emily King Like so many of music’s most essential singersongwriters, Emily King has a near-magical gift for digging into life’s deepest sorrows and uncovering unexpected beauty and illuminating truth. Since the arrival of her Grammy Award-nominated full-length debut East Side Story, the New York City-bred artist has brought ever-evolving levels of depth and nuance to her songwriting, rooting each revelation in her mesmerizing blend of soul and R&B and forward-thinking pop. On her new album Special Occasion, King shares a real-time exploration of the endless dimensions of heartbreak.

Location: Levon Helm Studios 160 Plochmann Lane, Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: levonhelm.com

‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame musician Rick Danko of The Band. PL&C has presented this show in Woodstock, NY for the past eighteen years. The show concentrates on songs from Rick Danko’s solo career and the songs he created with The Band.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

DECEMBER 21 Cherish the Ladies: A Celtic Christmas Celtic Christmas classics with the iconic Irish group.

Location: Walton Theatre, 30 Gardiner St., Walton Time: 7:30 pm More Info: musiconthedelaware.org

DECEMBER 23 Misty Mountain Ramblers One day early in the dark days of the great pandemic a few of us were getting pretty bored and decided to get together and jam a bit - safely distanced, of course. It was fun so we did it again, and again, it was fun AND it sounded pretty good too. So we decided to be a band and make a song list and rehearse and play some gigs. Nothing too ambitious.

We weren’t planning on playing any Grateful Dead songs but somehow they snuck into our repertoire anyway. Sneaky bastards. Now we have a couple of years worth of gigs under our belts, playing songs by Dylan, The Band, Allman Brothers, Traffic, The Beatles, Dr. John, Tom Petty, Phish, and even Patti Smith. Oh yeah, and the good ol’ Grateful Dead.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: 8:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

DECEMBER 29 Classic Film Series Presents A Marx Brothers Double Feature: Horse Feathers (1932) & Duck Soup (1933) Come by for a full night of laugh out loud comedy greatness as the Rosendale Theatre’s “Classic Film Series” presents a Marx Brothers Double Feature of Horse Feathers & Duck Soup in their original theatre format with full sound on the big screen!

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale Time: 7:00 pm More Info: rosendaletheatre.org Rick Danko Birthday Celebration: Professor Louie & The Crowmatix and more!

Grammy nominated Professor Louie and The Crowmatix w The Woodstock Horns honor Rock

DECEMBER 29-JANUARY 1, 2024 New Year’s Weekend 2024 A warm, friendly, and fun-filled three-day weekend of music and dance classes, evening dancing, sing-alongs and jams, plus Ashokan’s Gala New Year’s Eve Dance Party! There’ll be Swing, Contras, Squares, Waltzes, Zydeco, and more hosted by Jay & Molly with Swingology plus additional fantastic teaching & performing staff to be announced.

Location: The Ashokan Center 477 Beaverkill Rd, Olivebridge More Info: ashokancenter.org

DECEMBER 30-31 The Felice Brothers Ruminating on the risks of taking things for granted in our daily lives, Ian Felice, the lead singer/songwriter of The Felice Brothers, expresses how meaningful the experience of playing music with his band has been after long months of social distancing. In From Dreams to Dust, their eighth and most recent studio album, the band’s exuberance to be together doing what they do so well is palpable. Characteristic of The Felice Brothers, the new tracks are a mixture of somber tunes with ones that are musically upbeat, all the while carrying messages that beg listeners to think deeply about the environment, humanity, legacy, and death.

Many of the songs depict the passage of time, nostalgia, transience and getting older.

Location: Colony, 22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock Time: Saturday @ 8:00 pm; Sunday @ 9:00 pm More Info: colonywoodstock.com

DECEMBER 31 Brunch with Big Joe Fitz and The Lo-Fi’s Great food, great music, good times.

Location: High Falls Cafe, 2842 Route 209, North Marbletown Time: noon More Info: highfallscafe.com

Saturday Creature Features Presents a Werewolf Double Feature!: Werewolf of London (1935) and The Wolf Man (1941) Join us for a night of classic Universal Monsters horror as the Rosendale Theatre presents a “Saturday Creature Features Werewolf Double Feature!” beginning with the very first talking Werewolf film – Werewolf of London (1935).

Henry Hull as botanist Dr. Wilfred Glendon seeks to end his suffering as a werewolf by means of the very rare Mariphasa Lupina Lumina plant which is the only known antidote for werewolfery. Lon Chaney Jr. exploded into monster movie super stardom with his signature horror role as the accursed everyman Lawrence Talbot in perhaps the greatest Werewolf film of all time- The Wolf Man (1941). Top Horror veterans Claude Rains, Evelyn Ankers, Bela Lugosi and Maria Ouspenskaya round out a top notch supporting cast in this Universal Monsters thriller that has delighted audiences to the present day.

Location: Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale Time: 7:00 pm More Info: rosendaletheatre.org

DECEMBER 30 Early New Year’s Celebration with Breakaway Great food, great music, good times.

Location: High Falls Cafe, 2842 Route 209, North Marbletown More Info: highfallscafe.com

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance 2024 Come ring in the New Year at the Ashokan Center with great live dance music, a sumptuous spread of late night snacks, and a friendly, fun-loving crowd! Music by Jay & Molly with Swingology (vintage swing & country), Wheels of the World (contras & squares), and Pont Ondulé (cajun two-steps). Contras & Squares called by John Krumm and Bob Isaacs. Cash bar featuring local beers and wines and coffee, tea, lemonade, and ice water all night long. A festive night to remember!

Location: The Ashokan Center 477 Beaverkill Rd, Olivebridge More Info: ashokancenter.org The Helm Family Midnight Ramble New Year’s Eve The Helm Family Midnight Ramble is a musical tribute to the founding songbook of Rock and Roll. Born inside the hallowed walls of Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY, the Midnight Ramble has preserved and furthered Levon Helm’s legacy for nearly two decades, playing the iconic music of The Band, and Levon Helm.

The Helm Family Midnight Ramble crosses generational and musical lines, featuring an ever-evolving family of musicians. Amy Helm honors her father’s penultimate vision for both Levon Helm Studios and the Midnight Ramble - to create a community for musicians to share their art, and “keep it going.”

Location: Levon Helm Studios 160 Plochmann Lane, Woodstock Time: 9:30 pm More Info: levonhelm.com

December 2023 • GUIDE 65

We are celebrating the great success of our 25th Anniversary Season!

We are proud to have hosted such a large season of diverse performances, attended by thousands of patrons in our theaters…and there’s more to come in 2024!

JANUARY

APRIL

Beatbox & The Missing Element Saturday, January 21 @ 7:30 pm Orpheum PerformingArts Center

Maude Adams Theater Hub presents Cash on Cash Saturday, April 1 @ 7:30 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

Scott Petito Band: “Best of the Beatles, 1968-1970” UT! OLD O Saturday, January 28 @ 8:00 S pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center VIRTUAL! International Fortepiano Salon 13: “Pianos and the Salon in the 18th Century” with special guests Rebecca Cypess and Marcia Hadjimarkos Sunday, January 29 @ 2:00 pm

FEBRUARY Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine OUT! SOLD Sunday, February 12 @ 2:00 pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center V Season, presented by the Maude Adams Theater Hub and Catskill Mountain Foundation Casa Valentina by Harvey Fierstein Tuesday, February 14 @ 7:00 pm Sunday, February 19 @ 7:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler Friday, February 17 @ 8:00 pm Saturday, February 18 @ 8:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Exit Laughing by Paul Elliott Saturday, February 18 @ 4:00 pm Sunday, February 19 @ 4:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts BFH Productions presents From Broadway with Love Friday & Saturday, February 24 & 25 @ 7:30 pm Orpheum Center for the Performing Arts

MARCH Pedrito Martinez Band: Afro-Cuban Folkloric Concert Saturday, March 11 @ 8:00 pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Cirque Mechanics: “Zephyr: A Whirlwind of Circus” OUT! Sunday, March 19 @ 2:00 pm SOLD Orpheum Performing Arts Center 66 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

“Like Courtiers in the Presence of the Master” Piano Sonatas with Violin Accompaniment Around 1800 Antonia Nelson, violin Maria Rose, piano Sunday, April 2 @ 2:00 pm Piano Performance Museum Doctorow Center for the Arts Ibex Puppetry: Ajijaak on Turtle Island Saturday, April 8 @ 7:30 pm OUT! SOLD Orpheum Performing Arts Center Moss Quartet Saturday, April 15 @ 8:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Chanticleer OUT! Saturday, April 22 @ 7:30 pmSOLD Orpheum Performing Arts Center VIRTUAL! International Fortepiano Salon # 15: “More than Just Notes: Rhetoric and Ornamentation in Classical Piano Music” Saturday, April 29 @ 8:00 pm

MAY The Gottabees: “Go Home Tiny Monster” Saturday, May 6 @ 2:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Kyle Marshall Dance: Alice and Ruin A Partnership Project with The Joyce Theater Foundation Saturday, May 13 @ 7:30pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Community Ballet Class Recital Orpheum Dance Program Saturday, May 20 @ 2:00 pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Maude Adams Theater Hub presents Comedy in the Catskills UT! Saturday, May 20 @ 7:30 pm SOLD O Doctorow Center for the Arts

Workshop on Maintaining Historical Pianos, Harpsichords and Clavichords May 25 - May 27 Piano Performance Museum, Doctorow Center for the Arts Visit academyfortepiano.org Academy of Fortepiano Performance Festival 2023 Workshop Theme: Affect, Temperament and Key Characteristics in Early Piano Music May 28 - June 5 Piano Performance Museum, Doctorow Center for the Arts Visit academyfortepiano.org The Brothers Doobie: A Doobie Brothers Concert Experience Saturday, May 27 @ 8:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Academy of Fortepiano Performance Faculty Concert: Memorializing the Masters: Works by Mozart, Hüllmandel, Beethoven, and Clara Schumann Audrey Axinn, Maria Rose, Andrew Willis, and Keiko Shichijo, fortepiano Sunday, May 28 @ 8:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

JUNE Lecture-Recital with Robert Levin Saturday, June 3 @ 8:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Academy of Fortepiano Performance Student Concert Sunday, June 4 @ 8:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Academy of Fortepiano Performance Workshop for Fortepianists and Vocalists: “The German Lied Repertoire” led by Drew Minter June 6 - June 12 Piano Performance Museum, Doctorow Center for the Arts Visit academyfortepiano.org Voice and Piano Faculty Concert Drew Minter, Audrey Axinn, Maria Rose, and others Saturday, June 10 @ 8:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

Voice and Piano Student Concert Sunday, June 11 @ 8:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Labyrinth Baroque Ensemble “Resistance is but Vain: Staging Charms and Perplexities of Love in Songs from Late 17th Century London Plays” Saturday, June 17 @ 8:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts “Embraceable Gershwin” Joanne Polk and Jeffrey Langford Saturday, June 24 @ 2:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

Hunter International Music Festival July 23 - August 6 Piano Performance Museum Doctorow Center for the Arts Visit huntermusicfestival.com Hunter International Music Festival Wael Farouk Piano Recital Thursday, July 27 @ 7:30pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Hunter International Music Festival American String Quartet Saturday, July 29 @ 7:30pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

JULY

AUGUST

OMNY Taiko Drummers T! LD OU Sunday, July 2 @ 2:00 pm SO Orpheum Performing Arts Center FREE CONCERT

Hunter International Music Festival Faculty Concert : It Takes Two, An Evening of Duos Friday, August 4 @ 8:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

Catskill Mountain Foundation 25th Anniversary Benefit Weekend Bernie Williams Solo Guitar OUT! SOLD Friday, July 7 @ 8:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Cécile McLorin-Salvant OUT! Saturday, July 8 @ 7:30 pm SOLD Orpheum Performing Arts Center Dancers from the New York City Ballet Perform a Tribute to Jacques d’Amboise Sunday, July 9 @ 2:00 pm OUT! SOLD Orpheum Performing Arts Center Maude Adams Theater Hub 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Friday-Sunday, July 14-16 Orpheum Performing Arts Center Catskill Mountain Shakespeare presents As You Like It July 15-30 Outdoors & Under the Tent at the Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Red Barn, Main Street, Hunter Horton by the Stream presents Dividing the Estate, by Horton Foote Saturday & Sunday, July 15 & 16 @ 2:00 pm Saturday & Sunday, July 22 & 23 @ 2:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Visit hortonbythestream.org National Dance Institute Mountaintop Summer Residency Performance Saturday, July 22 @ 7:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Maude Adams Theater Hub presents Cabaret OUT! August 4-6 SOLD Outdoors & Under the Tent at the Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Red Barn, Main Street, Hunter A Midsummer Night’s Dream Orpheum Dance Program In collaboration with Aquila Theatre and Joffrey Ballet School New York Friday, August 11 @ 7:30pm Saturday, August 12 @ 7:30pm Sunday, August 13 @ 2:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Common Ground On The Mountain American Roots Music: Blues, Folk and Acoustic featuring Professor Louie & The Crowmatix, Greg Dayton, Walt Michael & Company Saturday, August 19 @ 8:00 pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center

SEPTEMBER Hope Boykin Dance: “States Of Hope” A Partnership Project with The Joyce Theater Foundatioon Saturday, September 16 @ 7:30pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Olivier Tarpaga Dance “Once the dust settles, flowers bloom” A Partnership Project with The Joyce Theater Foundation Saturday, September 23 @ 7:30pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Maude Adams Theater Hub presents Roger Peltzman’s Dedication September 28-30 @ 7:30pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

OCTOBER Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE A Partnership Project with The Joyce Theater Foundation Sunday, October 8 @ 2:00 pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Homegrown: A Mountaintop Film Feast The Loss of Nameless Things Friday, October 13. Pre-Panel @ 5:30 pm, !

OUT SOLD Screening @ 6:00 pm Lexington Theater Desert Hearts Saturday, October 14 @ 6:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Crip Camp Sunday, October 15 @ 4:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts No Strings Marionettes: The Hobbit Wednesday, October 18 @ 3:45 pm Thursday, October 19 @ 3:45 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Apollo’s Fire: The Road to Dublin Saturday, October 21 @ 7:30 pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center VIRTUAL! International Fortepiano Salon #17: From the Geelvinck Museum, The Netherlands Saturday, October 28 @ 2:00 pm

NOVEMBER Once Upon a Time Darcy Dunn, mezzo-soprano Julia Mendelsohn, pianist Mark Singer, baritone Saturday, November 11 @ 8:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Basically Bach Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra Robert Manno, Conductor Simone Dinnerstein, piano Saturday, November 25 @ 7:30 pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center

DECEMBER The Nutcracker Orpheum Dance Program Saturday, December 2 @ 2:00 & 7:30 pm Sunday, December 3 @ 2:00 pm Saturday, December 9 @ 2:00 & 7:30 pm Sunday, December 10 @ 2:00 pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center The Second Annual Holiday Spectacular!

Maude Adams Theater Hub Friday, December 15 @ 6:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts The Hot Sardines: “Holiday Stomp” Saturday, December 16 @ 8:00 pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center December 2023 • GUIDE 67

Turn the page to see a Sneak Peek of our 2024 Season!

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2024 PERFORMING ARTS SEASON LayeRhythm January 6

Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo February 24

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

LayeRhythm Saturday, January 6 @ 7:30pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Kick off the New Year with a play-based jam session of freestyle live music, dance, and audience interaction that will get you off your feet. Celebrating the vibrancy of street and club dance cultures, LayeRhythm, led by Mai Lé Hô, weaves singular improvisations by musicians, dancers, and emcees, captivating the young and old, from theater to club goers by embodying the continuum of concert and social dance.

Maude Adams Theater Hub presents The Rocky Horror Show Friday, February 2 @ 8:00pm Saturday, February 3 @ 4:00pm & 8:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center The Greatest Love Story Ever Told? Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show, live on stage, returns to the Orpheum for two nights only. Great night for a date night! Costumes Encouraged

“[LayeRhythm is a] brew of partying and performing that unfolds as a series of interactive sessions in which suggestions from the crowd beget songs and steps. Imagine an improv comedy show where dancing, not laughs, is the currency.

Then imagine a musicians’ jam session where the band is compelled to keep the dancers’ pace instead of the other way around. [...] [W]hat’s distinct about LayeRhythm is the way it bridges the two groups with crowd participation” —The New York Times Presented in partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim.

LayeRhythm will go straight from Catskill Mountain Foundation to the Works & Process Underground Uptown Dance Festival at Lincoln Center.

The Maude Adams Theater Hub is a community-centric performance arts program of the Catskill Mountain Foundation dedicated to finding, supporting, and creating opportunities for experiencing the joys of theater. MATH produced 11 shows in its first year in addition to creating MATHarts to offer a range of theater arts learning opportunities for youth and adults in our community.

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Maude Adams Theater Hub presents V-Season February 14-18 Doctorow Center for the Arts V Season is Back! An amazing weekend of three plays that amuse, inspire, and maybe even move you to tears. Grab a friend and join MATH for this annual series of staged readings.

2/14 & 2/16 @ 7:00pm: The Women by Clare Boothe Luce 2/15 & 2/17 @ 7:00pm: God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza 2/17 & 2/18 @ 2:00pm: The Gin Game by Donald L. Coburn Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo LIVE Saturday, February 24 @ 3:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Get ready for the ultimate playdate—65 million years in the making—as Erth’s DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE guides your family on a breathtaking tour that begins in pre-historic Australia. You’ll observe, meet and interact with an eye-popping collection of amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures presented in a theatrical performance that will thrill and entertain kids while stimulating their imaginations in ways that will forever connect them to their world. Brought to life by a team of skilled performers and puppeteers, and designed with the help of professional paleontologists, Erth’s DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE’s puppets are so extraordinarily realistic you may feel the urge to run and hide—but don’t! Because you won’t want to miss a minute of this fun, unique, entertaining and educational live show created by Erth Visual & Physical of Sydney, Australia. While it may indeed have been 65 million years in the making, we think you’ll agree, it’s well worth the wait.

Danu March 2

Photo: John D. Kelly

MARCH Danú “Traditional Music from Ireland” Saturday, March 2 @ 7:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Hailing from historic County Waterford, Danú is one of the leading traditional Irish ensembles of today. Their standing room only concerts throughout Ireland are true events featuring high-energy performances and a glorious mix of ancient Irish music and new repertoire.

Repertoire is announced from the stage and includes hornpipes, reels, and traditional favorites like “The Foggy Dew,” “Ten Thousand Miles,” and “Mo Ghile Mear.”

360 All-Stars Saturday, March 9 @ 7:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Ladies of Hip Hop March 30

new writings, music, and movement spanning dance styles from African, to waacking, vogue, Hip-hop, and house; all curated under the direction of Michele Byrd-McPhee.

“Each woman’s voice stands powerfully on its own.”

—Dance Enthusiast SpeakMyMind was commissioned by Works & Process, developed in Works & Process LaunchPAD residencies at Bethany Arts Community (2022, 2023, and 2024) and Catskill Mountain Foundation (2022), and Office Hours Residency at The Kennedy Center (2023) with performances at the Guggenheim Museum, Jacob’s Pillow, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the National Gallery of Art, SummerStage, Dancers Responding to AIDS Hudson Valley Dance Festival, and New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

SpeakMyMind is a 2023 New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project grantee, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Foundation and Mellon Foundation.

“BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics, drumming and more!”The most thrilling stage show ever.”

—Weekend Notes ★★★★★ “Blindingly talented. The energy is infectious” —Broadway Baby ★★★★★ A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 ALLSTARS connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus. Boasting a stellar international cast of World Champion and World Record-holding athletes and artists, 360 ALLSTARS is a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture.

Ladies of Hip Hop The Black Dancing Bodies – SpeakMyMind Saturday, March 30 @ 7:00 pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Part of an ongoing performance and documentary effort focused on Black women in street and club dance culture, this session of Black Dancing Bodies continues to explore the power of the choreopoem; first coined in 1975 by writer Ntozake Shange (for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf); Each member of the collective responds to the question, “If I could speak my mind, what would I say?” In this world premiere, experience

CMF Partnerships with Works & Process at the Guggenheim and The Joyce Theater Over this past year, CMF has forged a partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim and The Joyce Theater Foundation to support the work of dance artists through residencies and performances at CMF’s facilities in Hunter and Tannersville, NY. The partnership with Works & Process at the Guggenheim continues in 2024 with dance groups LayeRhythm, Ladies of Hip Hop and a performance by dancers from New York City Ballet in July. Through The Joyce Theater Foundation, two dance companies will be selected to conduct residencies and perform at CMF’s Orpheum Performing Arts Center in 2024. It is a distinct honor and pleasure to work with these two nationally recognized dance organizations to help dance artists advance their work and connect to new rural audiences. Please visit our website, www.catskillmtn.org for updates on these exciting events.

December 2023 • GUIDE 69

APRIL

JULY

Maude Adams Theater Hub presents Stupid F*ing Bird by Aaron Posner Friday, April 5 & Saturday, April 6 @ 7:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

OMNY Taiko Drummers Saturday, July 6 @ 6:30pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Sunday, July 7 @ 2:00pm Windham Civic Center

April in Paris Joanne Polk, piano Jeffrey Langford, lecture Saturday, April 13 @ 2:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

Catskill Mountain Foundation Benefit Dinner Friday, July 12 Red Barn Stars from the New York City Ballet Saturday, July 13 @ 7:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center

MAY Trailblazing Women of Country: From Patsy to Loretta to Dolly Saturday, May 4 @ 7:00 pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Orpheum Dance Program FREE Community Ballet Class Annual Recital Saturday, May 18 @ 2:00 pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Maude Adams Theater Hub Comedy Show Saturday, May 18 Doctorow Center for the Arts

ACADEMY OF FORTEPIANO PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL Workshop on Maintaining Historical Pianos, Harpsichords & Clavichords May 23-25 Piano Performance Museum Doctorow Center for the Arts Visit: academyfortepiano.org Directors: Masayuki Maki and Richard Hester 2024 AFP Workshop May 25-June 8 Faculty Concert Sunday, May 26 @ 7:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Fortepiano Student Concert I Sunday, June 2 @ 3:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Chamber Music Student Concert 2 Friday, June 7 @ 7:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

JUNE Woven Currents FREE Yi-heng Yang, piano Judd Weisberg, Woven Currents projected prints And live drawing on stage Saturday, June 22 @ 1:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts, Cinema I

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Catskill Mountain Shakespeare presents a Main Stage Production July 2024 Under the Big Tent behind the Red Barn Village of Hunter Horton-By-The-Stream: Celebrating 30 Years!

Harrison, Texas: The Work of Horton Foote Saturdays and Sundays July 20, 21 & 27, 28 @ 2:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Benefit Performance with wine and cheese Saturday July 27 @ 8:00pm National Dance Institute: The Living Environment Saturday, July 20 @ 7:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center

AUGUST HUNTER INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL August 1 - August 10 Hunter International Music Festival Faculty Concert Friday, August 9 @ 7:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Guest Artist Concert - The Lysander Trio Saturday, August 10 @ 7:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Music Salon @ HIMF Sunday, August 4 @ 7:00pm Red Barn Recital Hall Young Artists Concert Series Tuesday, August 6 @ 7:00pm Wednesday, August 7 @ 7:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts Student Chamber Music Performances Thursday, August 8 @ 7:00pm Friday, August 9 @ 4:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

Some Enchanted Evening November 16

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Ballet Orpheum Dance Program Victoria Rinaldi, Director Featuring dancers from Joffrey Ballet School New York, Saturday, August 3 @ 2:00 & 7:00pm Sunday, August 4 @ 2:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center

Windham Festival Chamber Orchestra Robert Manno, Music Director Music of Tchaikovsky, Scott Joplin & Robert Manno Robert Manno, conductor Melissa Wimbish, soprano Andrew Garland, baritone Saturday, August 17 @ 7:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center

SEPTEMBER Maude Adams Theater Hub Production September 26-28 Doctorow Center for the Arts

OUR VENUES

Some Enchanted Evening Benny Benack III and Stella Katherine Cole Saturday, November 16 @ 7:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Twelfth Night Ensemble Yi-heng Yang, fortepiano and Aquila Theatre Saturday, November 30 @ 7:00 pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

Maude Adams Theater Hub Summer Musical Thursday-Saturday, August 8-10 Orpheum Performing Arts Center

The Moss Ensemble Darcy Dunn, Marshall Coid and Mary Wooten Saturday, August 24 @ 7:00pm Doctorow Center for the Arts

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER The Nutcracker Ballet Orpheum Dance Program Victoria Rinaldi, Director Featuring Dancers from Joffrey Ballet School New York, Aquila Theatre and Orpheum Dance Program Student Dancers SIX PERFORMANCES Saturday, December 7 @ 2:00 & 7:00pm Sunday, December 8 @ 2:00pm Saturday, December 14 @ 2:00 & 7:00pm Sunday, December 15 @ 2:00pm Orpheum Performing Arts Center Maude Adams Theater Hub Holiday Show Friday, December 20 Orpheum Performing Arts Center

DOCTOROW CENTER FOR THE ARTS 7971 MAIN STREET HUNTER, NY 12442

ORPHEUM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 6050 MAIN STREET TANNERSVILLE, NY 12485 December 2023 • GUIDE 71

Tickets go on sale soon! Visit www.catskillmtn.org

Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts offers short term adult workshop programming in ceramics, painting, drawing, fiber arts and weekly classes in ceramics and fiber arts during the summer season, June – September. Weekly classes in painting, drawing and ceramics continue during the winter/spring season. Registration for studio art workshops opens on January 1, 2024.

Summer Workshop Season - short term workshop programming commences during June - September in fully equipped studios in ceramics, painting, drawing, 2D and fiber arts led by renowned artists who are known and celebrated in their field.

Instructor Presentations - During the summer season, Instructor presentations are open to the public on Fridays at 7:00pm held at the Speakers Space located on campus at SMCCA. Speaker Series in partnership with the Mountain Top Library in Tannersville. All events are advertised via social media and other venues and are free and open to the public.

Pottery Festival August 31 – September 1, 2024 Catskill Fibers & Artisanal Celebration October 5 – 6, 2024 Special Firings. Kilns are available for use by community groups and individuals in the Northeast region.

Weekly Classes in ceramics, fiber arts are conducted during the summer season.

Ceramics, painting and drawing classes continue year-round in our winterized studios.

Sugar Maples Center For Creative Arts 35 Big Hollow Rd, Maplecrest, NY 12454 www.catskillmtn.org/sugar-maples-center-for-creative-arts/

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The MOUNTAIN CINEMA Open Friday-Sunday

Showing the best of Hollywood & Independent films DOCTOROW CENTER FOR THE ARTS 7971 Main Street Village of Hunter

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE PLEASE visit catskillmtn.org or call 518 263 4702 in advance.

Shows open on Friday & run through Sunday.

Ticket Prices: $11 / $9 seniors & children under 11 View each week’s schedule and view trailers for our films online at www.catskillmtn.org • We strongly encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance.

Please visit www.catskillmtn.org and click on the film you’d like to see to choose your showing and reserve your seat!

www.catskillmtn.org • 518 263 4702

December 2023 • GUIDE 73

PLEASE DONATE TO THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION!

Your support matters and makes everything we do possible!

EACH YEAR, THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION • Presents and hosts more than 20 performances and lectures.

• Operates the Catskill Mountain Foundation Gift Shop, featuring a curated selection of books and gifts from around the Region and the world.

• Offers free or subsidized arts programs that are enjoyed by hundreds of local children.

• Hosts arts residencies bringing many artists to our community for extended stays.

• Publishes the monthly Guide magazine, distributed throughout the Catskill Region, and in Albany.

• Is the home of the Piano Performance Museum, a rare collection of historic playable pianos.

• Runs a dozen studio arts programs, with students from around the U.S. • Shows more than 100 films on our three screens in Hunter.

YES! I would like to help the Catskill Mountain Foundation in its mission to bring the arts to the Mountaintop

Please accept my donation of: $ All donors are listed in our playbills and receive our weekly e-mail updates.

Scan to make a donation online!

q Primary Address Name 1: Name 2 (if joint membership): Address: City:

State:

Zip:

State:

Zip:

E-mail: Phone:

q Secondary Address Address: City: q Check if this is a new address.

Please make your check payable to: Catskill Mountain Foundation PO Box 924 • Hunter, NY 12442 Become an “Angel of the Arts”: Make this a monthly gift I would like to donate $__________ monthly. q Check Enclosed Card #

q Visa q Mastercard

Exp. Date

CVV

q AmEx Billing Zip Code

Signature You may be able to double your contribution if you work for or are retired from a company that has a matching gift program.

To make your match, simply obtain a form from your company’s Matching Gift Coordinator and send it along with your contribution.

Catskill Mountain Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. All gifts are tax deductible as allowable by law.

Questions/More Information: Call 518 263 2001

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Please Support Our Advertisers!

CMF Presents The Nutcrackeer A Slice of Italy catskillmtn.org asliceofitaly7115.com See ad on page 11 See ad on page 28 Colony Angela’s Pizza colonywoodstock.com angelaspizzarestaurant.com See ad on page 41 See ad on page 40 Early Terrible Arkville Caboose earlyterrible.com On Facebook: See ad on page 34 Arkville Bread Breakfast Elevated See ad on page 25 518 263 4184 Augustine Nursery See ad on page 25 AugustineNursery.com The Emerson Resort & Spa See ad on page 16 emersonresort.com Bear Cantina See ad on page 17 thebearcantinawoodstock.org Francis X. Driscoll Photography See ad on page 43 francisxdriscoll.com Best Hot Tubs See ad on page 10 besthottubs.com Garden of Stone See ad on Back Cover 518 734 4730 Best Western Plus See ad on page 26 bwpkingston.com Gardens by Trista See ad on page 32 gardensbytrista.com Blue Mountain Bistro-to-Go See ad on page 39 bluemountainbistro.com Gordon Hunter Mountain Realty See ad on page 37 gordonrealty.com The Blumen Haus Florist See ad on page 3 blumenhausflorist.org Gracie’s Luncheonette See ad on page 30 graciestruckny.com Brainard Ridge Realty See ad on page 21 brainardridge.com Greene County EDC See ad on page 1 greenecountyedc.com Brandywine See ad on Inside Back Cover brandywinewindham.com Greenville Arms See ad on page 32 greenvillearms.com Briars & Brambles Books See ad on page 37 briarsandbramblesbooks.com Grist Mill Real Estate See ad on page 2 gristmillrealestate.com Camp Catskill See ad on page 43 campcatskill.co Hampton Inn See ad on page 34 kingston.hamptoninn.com Catskill Center See ad on page 23 catskillcenter.org Helsmoortel Realty See ad on page 49 helsmoortelrealty.com Catskills Visitors Center See ad on page 40 catskillsvisitorcenter.com Hemp & Humanity See ad on page 49 hempandhumanity.com Chef Deanna See ad on page 22 chefdeanna.com High Falls Cafe See ad on page 35 highfallscafe.com Clouds Gallery See ad on page 21 cloudsofwoodstock.com Higher Grounds See ad on page 35 highergroundswindham.

CMF Gift Shop square.site 518 263 2001 See ad on page 22 See ad on page 52 CMF Piano Performance Museum Houst Hardware housthardware.com catskillmtn.org See ad on page 28 See ad on page 57 Hunter Mountain Brewery CMF Presents The Hot Sardines: Holiday Stomp! HMBCatskills.com See ad on page 33 catskillmtn.org Hunter Windham Realty See ad on page 51 hunterwindhamrealty.com CMF Presents LayeRhythm See ad on page 45 catskillmtn.org Jessie’s Harvest House See ad on page 52 jessiesharvesthouse.com See ad on page 33

The Sheep’s Nest Kenco Outfitters thesheepsnest.com KencoOutfitters.com See ad on page 39 See ad on page 15 Skin Concept The Knitting Room skinconceptwindham.com theknittingroomny.com See ad on page 36 See ad on page 18 Story’s Nursery La Cabaña storysnursery.com lacabanarestaurantny.com See ad on page 28 See ad on page 44 Studio Minimale Main Street Community Center studiominimale.com mainstreetcenter.org See ad on page 36 See ad on page 2 Sunflower Market Maude Adams Theater Hub SunflowerNatural.com Holiday Spectacular See ad on Inside Front Cover catskillmtn.org Tannersville Holiday Stroll See ad on page 55 fromermarketgardens.com MENLA | Dewa Spa See ad on pages 46-47 menla.org Tannersville Works See ad on page 19 tannersvilleworks.com Moose Crossing See ad on page 19 rustic-cabin.com Tender Land Home See ad on page 37 tenderlandhome.com Mountain Cinema See ad on page 19 catskillmtn.org Thorpe’s GMC See ad on page 73 thorpesgmcinc.com N & S Supply See ad on page 37 nsssupply.com Town & Country Liquor Store See ad on page 23 The Nest Egg townandcountryliquorstore.com nesteggshop.com See ad on page 21 See ad on page 38 Wellness RX, LLC Norsdale wellnessrxllc.com norsdale.com See ad on page 42 See ad on page 16 Windham Fine Arts Olivia’s Wine & Spirits windhamfinearts.com oliviaswineandspirits.com See ad on page 42 See ad on page 16 Windham Foundation Pancho Villa’s Mexican Restaurant windhamfoundation.com panchovillamex.com See ad on page 31 See ad on page 41 Windham Hardware Peekamoose Restaurant 518 734 4433 peekamooserestaurant.com See ad on page 33 See ad on page 18 Windham Manor Phoenicia Diner windhammanor.com phoeniciadiner.com See ad on page 25 See ad on page 24 Windham Mountain Club Pure Catskills windhammountainclub.com purecatskills.com See ad on page 7 See ad on page 4 Windham Mountain Outfitters Rice Plumbing and Heating windhamoutfitters.com riceplumbingandheating.com See ad on page 30 See ad on page 20 Windham Wine & Liquors Robert James Aveda Salon 518 734 3474 RobertJamesAveda.com See ad on page 26 See ad on page 29 WIOX 91.3FM SavvyBeast wioxradio.org savvybeastpet.com See ad on page 49 See ad on page 27 Woodstock School of Art Shaw Country Realty woodstockschoolofart.org Carol Shaw, Broker/Owner See ad on page 27 518 734 3500 WRIP 97.9FM See ad on page 44 rip979.com Shawn’s Fresh Fish See ad on page 45 On Instagram @shawnsfreshfish See ad on page 23

December 2023 • GUIDE 75

Jolabokaflod

Photo by biggunsband/shutterstock.com

Nestled as we are in the Mountains, with summer memories already a distant memory, reading is the perfect antidote to the reality of the cold, short days winter brings. We suggest adopting the Icelandic tradition of celebrating Jolabokaflod. This unique tradition has been a cherished part of Icelandic culture for decades. It is eagerly awaited each year by both young and old alike. Today, Icelanders celebrate Jolabokaflod by exchanging books on Christmas Eve and spending the night reading by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate.

—Jen Schwartz, Briars & Brambles Books, Windham 76 • issuu.com/catskillmtnregionguide

December 2023 • GUIDE 3