Coming Soon...EBlast

 
 
SPRING SKIING, PLANNING FOR WARM WEATHER EVENTS
 
The Chamber is collecting details of our warm weather events. Calls come in by visitors to know when the special events are happening. So get me your info. Word docs and jpeg images are the way to go. When you send us a formatted doc we have to reformat it to use it.
 
 
SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 1 PM
We'll walk the rails again . . .
Heads up all you folks who prefer their history en plein air: HSM will reprise last year’s tramp along former Ulster & Delaware Railroad tracks from Highmount to Pine Hill on Sunday, April 23 at 1 p.m. John Duda and Diane Galusha will share information on the glory days of Highmount, the engineering of the famed Double Horseshoe Curve that we’ll walk along, and the Crystal Spring Water Company whose ruins we will visit. There is a $10 fee, and reservations are required. Space is limited. Call 845-586-4973 or email history@catskill.net to save a spot on this tour.
 
 
HELP WANTED – 4-H CAMP SHANKITUNK, DELHI. SUMMER POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR DAY CAMP DIRECTOR, AQUATICS DIRECTOR, FOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR, KITCHEN ASSISTANTS, DAY AND OVERNIGHT CAMP COUNSELORS and other positions from June 25 – August 4, 2023. For an application or more information contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Delaware County, 34570 State Hwy 10, STE 2, Hamden, NY 13782 by calling 607-865-6531, emailing crb222@cornell.edu, or visiting our website at campshankitunk.org.
 
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.
 
THE CATSKILL WATERSHED CORPORATION (CWC) PROVIDES SUPPLIES TO GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO CLEAN LITTER AND OTHER DEBRIS FROM STREAMBANKS IN THE CATSKILL-DELAWARE WATERSHED AND DISPOSE OF IT PROPERLY.
 
Heavy-duty trash bags, gloves, and tokens of appreciation are available to individuals, youth and school groups, church organizations, civic and business associations, neighborhood groups, and teams of friends who volunteer to scour streambanks and riversides for trash.
 
Please call Samantha Costa at 845-586-1400, scosta@cwconline.org, to schedule a date and time to pick up the supplies.
 
The CWC is a non-profit, Local Development Corporation responsible for several environmental protection, economic development and education programs in the New York City Watershed West of the Hudson River. www.cwconline.org
 
 
FRIDAY, MAY 12, 9 AM – 3 PM 5^TH ANNUAL SUMMIT – CATSKILLS PATHWAYS TO RECOVERY
(Formerly named Catskills Addiction Coalition.)
 
 SUPPORTING PREGNANCY, PARENTING & COMMUNITIES THROUGH HARM REDUCTION
 Breakfast & Lunch will be provided.
IN PERSON & VIA ZOOM
 
The Summit will be held at the Pine Hill Community Center, 287 Main St., Pine Hill, Ny 12465
Registration is Required.  www.catskillspathwaystoRecovery.org
 
 
DASHA SHISHKIN – ‘CHIK CHIRIK’
March 18-May 6, 2023.  CLOSING PARTY, SATURDAY MAY 6, 4-6PM

LIBERAL ARTS ROXBURY is pleased to present a solo exhibition of multi-media works by Moscow-born, Brooklyn/upstate-based artist Dasha Shishkin. chik chirik, featuring drawings and prints on various supports, opens Saturday March 18, 2023, with a reception at the gallery from 4-6pm. A closing event during finer weather on May 6 is also planned. 
 
Dasha Shishkin’s highly intuitive works follow the course of a line, diagramming the broad universe of human activity as both elegant and vulgar, gentle and cruel. Her elaborate drawings, often executed on blemished sheets of paper and wrinkled mylar, acknowledge socially perspicacious artists of the past, such as Edvard Munch and Egon Schiele, while presenting contemporary life as an ongoing carnival of desire, vanity, and social decadence, with moments for pause and reflection.
 
 
LONGYEAR GALLERY OPENING RECEPTION; SATURDAY, March 24; 3-5PM
 
FARMS, FARMERS & FARMING: A TRIBUTE TO LOCAL AGRICULTURE 
OPENS AT LONGYEAR GALLERY
 
Longyear Gallery of Margaretville is pleased to announce the opening of a special exhibit, “Farms, Farmers & Farming: A Tribute to Local Agriculture,” a new group show featuring the art of 23 Longyear Gallery members, accompanied by a group show of the art of the other 11 members. Opening on Friday, March 24^th, this special exhibit will run through Sunday, April 23^rd with the Artists Reception on Saturday, March 25^th from 3-6 p.m. 
 
As Diane Galusha of the Historical Society of the Town of Middletown explains, “There was a time not so long ago when most people lived on farms. Rain and snow; dirt and seed; birth, death and unceasing labor; the joy and struggle of making a living off the land. These things defined-–still define--those who farm, those who keep the rest of us alive. When Delaware County was newly settled, sheep ruled the hillsides and mills were built to process the fleece. Then dairy cattle populated the barns, and creameries handled the milk from the Jerseys and Holsteins that thrived on green pastures. Then, in the 20^th century, it was cauliflower that proved an unlikely antidote to fluctuating milk prices.”
 
The artists participating in “Farms, Farmers & Farming: A Tribute to Local Agriculture,” have incorporated into their work the “time and change written on this landscape, seen in the derelict barns and the meadows turned to brush,” as Diane Galusha notes. “Yet,” she continues, “change can also be seen in the busy farm stands and markets where a new generation of farmers proudly sell products their Delaware County predecessors never imagined as they toiled in the fields, turning over ‘two rocks for every dirt,’ and this exhibit,” she adds, “celebrates this honorable profession and acknowledges the legacy of farms and farmers, past and present.”
 
 Longyear Gallery’s “Farms, Farmers & Farming: A Tribute to Local Agriculture” will be on view Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holiday Mondays each weekend from 11 p.m.-4 p.m. Special attention will be paid to keep safe all visitors to the gallery as well as members. In view of health precautions at this time, it is suggested that visitors wear masks. 
Longyear Gallery is located Downstairs in The Commons, 785 Main Street, Margaretville. For information, please see Longyear Gallery’s website, www.longyeargallery.org, or call 845.586.3270 during gallery hours. 
 
 
BELLEAYRE SKI MOUNTAIN www.belleayre.com
OFFERING SPRING SKIING AT ITS BEST
 
 
Upcoming Belleayre Calendar:
MARCH 25, WYLD BLU BAND
S’MORES & STORIES
SCAVENGER HUNT
 
LOCAL COMMUNITY DAYS
MARCH 28
KIDS HIT THE SLOPES
 
SUMMER JOBS AT BELLEAYRE:
 
Looking for the perfect summer job?  Belleayre Beach is now hiring lifeguards for the 2023 summer. If you are not certified or if your certification is about to expire, not a problem! Delaware Country Residents under 21 can get certified for free. OR If you take a certification class and work for us the entire summer, we will reimburse your certification fees.  View our employment page for additional information.
 
 
NY/NJ TRAIL CONFERENCE NEWS

Did you know that the Long Path begins at the 175th Street Subway Station in Upper Manhattan? If you haven't already heard, we are celebrating BIG NEWS: the opening of the North Walk, a newly renovated accessible path on the north side of the George Washington Bridge. Why is this celebration-worthy? The North Walk now offers pedestrians and bicyclists direct — and improved — access to the Long Path, a 358-mile trail that is maintained by hundreds of Trail Conference volunteers and travels from New York City, through parts of NJ, to Albany. With the opening of the North Walk, it's never been easier for New Yorkers to experience the Long Path and the benefits of a walk in the woods, whether you’re planning a day excursion or a thru-hike!

 
 
 
 

Learn More + Plan Your Hike

 
 
 
 

BEARS!  NEWEST PODCAST FROM BRETT BARRY AT KAATSCAST.COM   During last summer's drought conditions, Catskills black bears made more frequent appearances down to the valleys, and Catskills humans took note.   Social media was abuzz with bear tales and concern for small cubs that some assumed were famished. Black bears are capable parents and experts at foraging and providing for their young. So, worry not. And of course, do not FEED the bears, even unintentionally, because as you've likely heard, “a fed bear is a dead bear.”    This week's podcast comes just as experts advise removal of bird feeders for the season. Bird seed is a “fabulous” and easy source of sustenance, but it acclimates wildlife to human-provided food, and that leads to problems.    ­ Listen now!   ­

Hear from three authorities on bears: Wildlife Rehabilitator Kristine Flones NYS Forest Ranger Patti Rudge DEC Natural Resource Supervisor Bill Rudge   Hear about:   the best time to wrap up your wild bird food (and why) the importance of taking out the trash (at the crack of dawn) equipping your Catskills home with a ... marine signal horn?  resisting the urge to run from a bear! identifying a mom with cubs creating "space" on the trails   Thanks to our sponsors: Ulster Savings Bank Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce Briars & Brambles Books   Thanks also to The Mountain Eagle … and listeners like you!

 
NEWS FROM NYSDOT TO BYWAY COMMUNITIES
 
The Federal Highway Administration will be holding two informational webinars to share information about the recently released Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI Program). 
Created by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CFI Program is a new competitive grant program that provides funding for publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in the places people live and work – urban and rural areas alike – in addition to along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. CFI Program investments will make modern and sustainable infrastructure accessible to all drivers of electric, hydrogen, propane, and natural gas vehicles.
The webinars will be held on the following dates. Webinars are open to the public and registration is required.
·        Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program 
3/21/23 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. ET
·        Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program 
3/22/23 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET
For more information, please contact Neelam Patel in the Office of Natural Environment at (248) 602-7454.
 
 
SUPPORT OUR HEALTH CARE CENTER’S – MARGARETVILLE HOSPITAL AND MOUNTAINSIDE
 
LIVE ART Auction, May 20, 2023


The Board of the Margaretville Hospital is pleased to welcome you to the online presence for our auction in May.
 
Kindly view the artwork and registration details for this event.
 
https://live.classy.org/auction/catch23/15997aee-c719-4b60-a086-00e91e647c80/item/01becb62-1bc0-4c8d-bc4a-b68b4dcfc249
 
Additional work will be available for viewing as it becomes available; the intent is to refresh our site weekly, so please check back regularly.
 
THANK YOU TO LIBERAL ARTS ROXBURY FOR HOSTING THE EVENT. CORNER OF ROUTE 30 AND BRIDGE STREET, Roxbury. www.liberalartsroxbury.com
 
 
 
NEW EXHIBITION AT ROBURY ARTS CENTER

SECRETS, CONFESSIONS & REVELATIONS – Open THROUGH APRIL 29 AT THE ROXBURY ARTS CENTER     Artists participating in this exhibit were selected from a juried open call and include Christein Aromando , Ivory Biruk, Beth Caspar, Kevin Dalton, Richard Driessen, Cindy Dunne, Caroline Lewis, Patrice Lorenz, Jillian Lyke, Samantha Nick, Alan Powell, Ellen Stewart, and John Virga.

 

Learn More

 
 
REMEMBER TIME TO PLAN FOR UPCOMING EVENTS
 
If you have an annual event you want to promote on our e-blasts please contact the Chamber at chamber.admin@centralcatskills.com
 
 
FLEISCHMANNS STREET FAIR SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2023 WELCOMES VENDORS
 
If you are potentially a vendor, please get in touch with Yvonne Reuter at reuteryvonne28@gmail.com for further information or to register.
 
If you know someone else interested, please pass Yvonne's contact information on to them. This event gets better and features more variety every year, and we want that trend to continue!
 
The Annual Fleischmanns First Memorial Weekend Street Fair will be held Sunday, May 25.
 
 
AT THE CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER
 
FRIDAY JUNE 9^TH – THE GATHERING
SATURDAY, JUNE 10^TH – ANNUAL OUTDOOR EXPO
 
Register online here https://catskillcenter.org/membershipsponsorship/great-catskills-outdoor-expo-exhibitor-application.
 
Visit: www.catskillcenter.org  Or email: stucker@catskillcenter.org.
 
 
 
19 ANNUAL MARGARETVILLE CAULIFLOWER FESTIVAL
 
SATURDAY, SEPT. 23, 2023 – VILLAGE PARK AND PAVILION
 
Tractor Parade, Pure Catskills Tent, Vendors, Food, History, Kids Fun, 1903 Auto Rally, and of course Cauliflower for Sale.
 
Contact: carol@centralcatskills.com for vendor information or to Volunteer.
Sponsored by the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce,
 
 
 
DEC is Hiring Staff for the 2023 Summer Camps Program
We are actively recruiting Directors, Assistant Directors, Waterfront Directors, Cooks, Nurses, EMTs, Counselors, and Camp Aides for the 2023 Summer Camps Program. All positions offer competitive salaries, plus room and board for the summer.
Locations of DEC Summer Camps:
Camp Colby in Saranac Lake;
Camp Pack Forest in Warrensburg;
Camp Rushford in Caneadea; and
Camp DeBruce, near Livingston Manor.
 
Learn more about the employment opportunities at DEC's Environmental Education Camps.
This is a unique opportunity to work at a rustic and beautiful summer camp in the Catskills, Adirondacks, or Western NY. Our week-long residential programs draw 11–17-year-old youths from across NYS for life-changing experiences in the outdoors. NYSDEC Summer Camps combine environmental education, hunter education, and outdoor recreation to create an adventurous experience for youth. Camp staff engage campers in ecological principles such as field, forest, aquatic, wildlife, and human impact and outdoor skills including backpacking, camping, and canoeing.
 
How to apply
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and unofficial college transcript to campemploy@dec.ny.gov.
Email is preferred, but you may mail your application to:
DEC Camps Employment
C/O Camps Administrator
625 Broadway; 3rd Floor
Albany, NY 12233-5256
Attend a DEC Summer Camp Program
 
Are you a parent or guardian hoping to send your child to one of DEC's Environmental Education Camps this summer? Registration for 2023 begins on Sunday, April 2 at 1 p.m. Please prepare for registration by following the instructions on the How to Register for Camps webpage. We highly recommend that families fill out all the required camper forms and waivers before registration opens. Completing all forms and waivers ahead of time will significantly speed up your registration process.

DEC'S ANNUAL SPRING SEEDLING SALE NOW OPEN
The DEC Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery's annual seedling sale is happening now through May 12th! Dozens of tree and shrub species are available for purchase for conservation plantings across New York State. Browse this year's selection on our website, and get your order in early because many favorites go quickly. We recommend placing your order by phone for the most up-to-date species availability information. Seedlings will be shipped mid-April through May.
Pictured: tree seedlings at DEC’s tree nursery. ANNUAL SCHOOL SEEDLING PROGRAM FOR EDUCATORS BEGINS
Looking to involve your students in hands-on learning about the role of trees in ecosystems as well as participate in conservation? DEC’s School Seedling Program provides seedlings from the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery to youth organizations and schools in New York. Apply online by March 31 for your chance to receive 30-50 free tree or shrub seedlings to plant with your students. Each school or organization may receive one order per year.


 
 
GET TO KNOW THE CATSKILLS AND ITS COMMUNITIES!


THE CATSKILL MOUNTAINS SCENIC BYWAY – www.ScenicCatskills.com tells us about our history, culture and great outdoors.
Learn more by visiting our website and listen to our tours, hiking videos and discovery who we are and where you can go to enjoy your visit to the Catskills.

www.ScenicCatskills.com is the right place to visit to find where to eat, stay, shop and recreate along Route 28.
 
Other sites to visit are www.greatwesterncatskills.com (Delaware County) and www.ulstercounty.com
(Ulster County).


 
CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER, 5096 NY-28 Mt. Tremper, NY 12457 info@catskillcenter.org
www.catskillsvisitorcenter.org  or call 845-688-3369.
Hours: DEC 1 – MARCH 31 OPEN Friday - Monday – 9:30 am – 4 pm.
 
Situated on 60 acres of forest, fields and wetlands in the hamlet of Mount Tremper, the Catskills Visitor Center is home to the visitor information center and gift shop.
 
In addition to the main visitor center building, the site features: the 80-foot tall Upper Esopus Fire Tower; 1.5 miles of peaceful nature trails (including ADA accessible trails); picnic areas; a covered pavilion; wildlife viewing; Esopus Creek access and much more.
 
 
MORE HELP TO HIKE IN THE CATSKILLS?

JOIN THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN CLUB hikes and learn from experienced volunteers. Do not go hiking on your own if you are new to the area.
https://catskillmountainclub.org/category/upcoming-events/

For Catskill related hikes, check out the Catskill Mountain Club’s (CMC) trail challenges, including the CMC Hiking Trails Challenge, offering easy to moderate difficulty trails to hikers and walkers of different abilities.
A brochure of the hikes is available on the Catskill Mountain Club’s website.
 
 
THE CATSKILLS - A Folding Pocket Guide
Are there really cats in the Catskills? Where can I find views without a hike? Who left these tracks outside my tent? You’ll find answers to all these questions and more in this compact guide from the knowledgeable staff at the Catskill Center, a nonprofit organization that has been working to protect the Catskills since 1969 through programs like the Catskills Visitor Center, the Catskill Fire Tower Project, and the Catskill Stewards.

This waterproof, lightweight folding guide is an excellent resource for both visitors to the Catskills and residents. Easily tucks in a jacket or backpack pocket, and makes a great gift. Explorers of all ages and experience levels will appreciate the outdoor recreation tips, regional information, and full-color illustrations for identifying local plants and wildlife.

Retails for $7.95. Available at the Catskills Visitor Center and select local retailers. For wholesale orders, please contact Sarah McGinnis, smcginnis@catskillcenter.org. 
 
Link to Catskills Folding Guide on CVC website: https://bit.ly/CatskillsPocketGuide
 

THE ASHOKAN RAIL TRAIL
Enjoy access to 11.5 miles of safe, healthy recreational opportunities in the corridor by the scenic Ashokan Reservoir. Free, without a permit, every, day, year-round-for the first time in more than a century!
Visit: www.catskillmountainrailtrail.org
 

DEC JOB POSTINGS

The Listing of Job Vacancies on DEC's public website has been updated for the coming week. It includes positions for Office Assistants, Environmental Engineers, and Environmental Program Specialists around the state. Find the full list of current vacancies online at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/about/27863.html

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