Whittling Away with Dick Brooks A Story

Every once in a while I enjoy going back through the files of these missives of wit and wisdom I jot down weekly and I came upon one that I had forgotten that I had written.  It made me chuckle and I thought it too good to remain buried so here it is again. 

Once upon a time in a small town not so very far away or so very long ago lived a happy young couple.  She wasn’t exactly a princess and he wasn’t always charming.  They had not been blessed with children but they did have a dog, a Pomeranian/Great Dane mix named Prince who wasn’t always charming either.  They shared a nice little ranch house quite peacefully and usually happily.  He worked hard as a muffler salesman and she stayed at home to care for Prince who had a bad case of separation anxiety and was inclined to eat the couch when left alone.  She filled her days tending to her household chores and when taking a break from these sometimes mind dulling activities, she watched “The Dog Whisperer” or any show that was on the Home and Garden Channel.  Life as they knew it was pretty good.

Hubby announced one evening over his Kentucky Fried Chicken with two sides for $19.99 that he would be away for a week on business.  The next morning he pecked his wife and patted Prince, hopped into the minivan and drove off into the sunrise.  Wifey (We’ll call her Ann even though her name was Barbara) decided to go shopping.  She made a stop at the ‘Just A Buck Plus Tax’ store to pick up a jar of the Chinese spaghetti sauce they both liked.  While there she wandered around and what to her wandering eye should appear but a pile of new place mats that she just loved.  The kitchen could use a splash of color she decided and four bucks wasn’t a lot so she purchased them.  Back at home, after repairing the couch and counseling Prince as she had learned from TV, she placed the place mats on the table.  They brightened up the table all right but clashed with the wall color.  She decided to repaint the kitchen to surprise her husband.  A quick trip to the hardware store and a couple of hours with a roller and the job was done.  Now the walls and the place mats coordinated but the cabinets now looked dull.  She made a quick trip to the kitchen supply store, picked out new cabinets, made arrangements to have them installed the next day, went home and repaired the couch while waiting.  The new cabinets looked great but didn’t really go with the countertops.  According to the Home and Garden Channel, granite was the only way to go.  The granite countertops looked great but now the avocado colored appliances looked dated so off to the store again where she picked out a whole set of stainless steel appliances, went home, repaired the couch and waited for their delivery.  After their instillation, she decided that the kitchen was done.  The only problem was now the updated, color coordinated kitchen made the dining room look dull and outdated.  Room by room she worked her way through the house.  Finally the inside was done to her liking and she turned her attention to the by now dull and boring exterior which seemed to be totally lacking in curb appeal.  She had the house resided, redid the front porch, had a curved walkway surrounded by two beautiful gardens put in and a fountain built.  Now totally satisfied with her efforts and thinking how surprised her husband would be, she awaited his return, occupying her time by repairing the couch again.

Unfortunately he never returned, He drove around the neighbor hood for hours and couldn’t find his house so finally decided to run off with his secretary, the one he had spent the week with—business trip—Baloney!

Ann finally realized that he wasn’t coming back and started a successful decorating and re-upholstery business.

She and Prince lived happily ever after.

Thought for the week—What disease did cured ham have?

Until next week, may you and yours be happy and well.

Whittle12124@yahoo.com       

 

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THE CATSKILL GEOLOGISTS BY PROFESSORS ROBERT AND JOHANNA TITUS - The Willows: Looking Across the River

Our visit to that old Dutch farmhouse south of Athens called the Willows comes to an end today. We can’t leave without standing on the river side of the house and gazing east, See our first illustration. That hill, out there, lies across the Hudson River and is called Mt. Merino. (Is it really a mountain or is it a hill? We will leave that problem for some other day) It may not look like much in this view but the two of us have always been intrigued from what we see from above, Take a look at our second photo, courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey. That’s Mt. Merino toward the upper right. It’s a striking image. There is an obvious symmetry to the mountain. Both the southeastern and northwestern slopes are steep and equally so. The northeastern slope is wide and uniformly steep while the southwestern slope thins and gradually tapers in that direction. There is a pronounced northeast to southwest orientation to the whole mountain. Once again, we have noticed a pattern, and we always know that with such a pattern Nature is asking us, as scientists, to figure out what it all means.

                                                                                               

We are hoping that many of you who have been veteran readers of our columns will quickly guess why this is. Yep, it is an artifact of the movement of a glacier during the later stages of the Ice Age. We have long been studying and writing about the effects of the Hudson Valley glacier as it headed south. It was sort of funneled into the valley and steered by that funneling. That accounts for the compass orientation that we see here. But there is more that needs explanation. Glaciers are dirty, especially at their bottoms. There is a lot of sand and gravel down there and that makes them very erosive as they pass across masses of bedrock. Mt. Merino, a sizable knob, had long been right where it is today. But it’s very likely that it had, back then, a very different and very asymmetrical form. It was the ice of the advancing glacier that sculpted it into the streamlined symmetry that we see today. Geologists have a name for this type of landscape feature we call it a “rock drumlin.” Look to the southwest; that’s Church Hill, the onetime home of Hudson River School artist Frederic Church. That’s another rock drumlin, but it is smaller and not quite as well shaped.

The two of us have enjoyed our work at the Willows. We feel that it is important for us to call attention to important local historic sites. We thank the Greene County Land Trust, especially the staff at the Willows, for making us welcome and supporting our research. We encourage you to visit sometime this summer.

Contact the authors at randjtitus@prodigy.net. Join their facebook page “The Catskill Geologist.” Read their blogs at “thecatskillgeologist.com.

                                                      

 

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A Conversation about …Doodlebugs and Carpenter Bees

By Jean Thomas

Maybe it's the rainy spring, but I find myself missing the doodlebugs. I had already encountered the divebombing antics of the carpenter bees.  For some reason the two little terrorists of the insect world are connected in my mind. I think it's because they live near each other in the busy world of my old picturesque wooden garage. It's a thing of beauty, ancient and built of old pulpy wood with various sections patched and replaced over many years.  Among the hordes of creatures that have sheltered there are these two insect oddballs, one mistaken for a bumblebee and the other the architect of odd little holes in the soil at the sill of the garage. I think I connect them because the doorway to the garage is where I most often see both on sunny days.

Anybody with a wooden structure is familiar with the carpenter bee. First, they are noisy and buzzy and act aggressive. Insectophobes are terrified of them, even when told that they don't sting. Second, they can cause considerable damage to structures. So what's a homeowner to do? There are many remedies, including spraying with insecticides...not recommended because they are valuable pollinators and because sprays kill more beneficial insects as collateral damage. I have a friend who goes in for hand-to-feeler combat. He sprays WD-40 into the existing holes to kill the larva, then plugs it with a little fitted dowel. A third option is the one I favor. It consists of a trap with a pre-drilled chunk of wood attached to a mason jar. Homesteading bees explore the holes and don't realize until it's too late that there's no way out. Some other insects may fall for the trick, but you can inspect the prisoners through the glass for innocents to release. Oh, about the bumblebee resemblance... the visual clue is that bumblebees have fuzzy tummies and carpenter bees have a black shiny tummy. With a quick eye and steely nerves, you can tell them apart. Frankly, their behavior is the best indicator.

While the carpenter bees whiz around the upper part of the garage, there's a science fiction/horror story scene going on at the doorsill. This is an ancient shed/garage with a dirt floor. Either side of the rotting sill are small deserts of sand and crushed leaves. Seasonally there are mysterious craters scattered around this area. Very mysterious until I found some information on line. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Department published a wonderful article in 2018 that described the amazing world of “Antlions and Doodlebugs.” It's at: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/antlions-and-doodlebugs#:~:text=The%20antlion%20burrows%20into%20loose,are%20particularly%20good%20for%20doodlebugs.

Briefly, these craters are inverted cones, dug in a spiral style, where the (scary looking but tiny) antlion lurks, waiting for unsuspecting insects to walk past. Most often it's ants, hence the name. You can imagine my delight when I learned the antlion was also called a doodlebug. It happens that when the antlion larva, formally known as Myrmeleon immaculatus (the genus name translates to mean ant lion,) goes out for food, it travels on its belly, in reverse, until it finds a spot and digs a spiral hole to hide at the bottom. The “doodle” name is because while it travels around on its belly it leaves marks like doodle marks between destinations. 

A couple of myths to clarify: although bumblebees can sting, it's only in self defense. So don't handle them or kneel on them; the adult form of the antlion/doodlebug is NOT a dragonfly, although there is a slight resemblance. 

 

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Andes Academy of Art Presents "Take Home a Nude" Clothesline Sale

ANDES — The Andes Academy of Art is thrilled to announce its annual "Take Home a Nude" clothesline sale, a unique opportunity to purchase unframed figure drawings at exceptionally reasonable prices. The event will take place on Saturday, July 19, from noon to 5 p.m. at the stunning David Hacker Sculpture Park, located at 221 Main Street, Andes. In case of rain, the sale will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 26.

Featuring works by some of the finest figure drawing artists in the region, this event offers art enthusiasts and collectors a chance to acquire beautiful, original drawings while supporting a worthy cause. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, helping to provide care and shelter for animals in need.The clothesline sale is a celebration of creativity, community, and compassion, set against the picturesque backdrop of the David Hacker Sculpture Park. Visitors can browse an array of unframed nude drawings, each showcasing the skill and artistry of local talent, all at budget-friendly prices.“We’re excited to bring this vibrant event to Andes, offering art lovers a chance to take home unique pieces while contributing to the well-being of animals in our community,” said Peter Mayer, Curator of the Andes Academy of Art. “It’s a perfect blend of art, nature, and philanthropy. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover extraordinary artwork, support local artists, and make a difference for animals in need. For more information, contact the Andes Academy of Art at 917-859-5397 or visit AndesAcademyofArt.com

 

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Belleayre Events Heating Up for Summer

By Matthew Avitabile

HIGHMOUNT — There’s plenty of events upcoming for family fun at Belleayre Mountain in Highmount. I had a chance to speak to Marketing Manager Joe McCracken from the Mountain for more information.

Mountain Jam is “three spectacular days” of music including a large number of bands, including headliners. McCracken said that it will be a “weekend full of music and community,” as well as a significant number of vendors.

“It’s going to be very exciting for us,” he said.

McCracken said that this is the first year Mountain Jam is returning after a hiatus, leading it to be “bigger and better than before.” The organizers described it as a “more intimate and immersive experience.”

The Mountain is working very closely with the concert organizers, and McCracken said that the effort has been “harmonious so far.”

Free Music on the Belle returns this summer with six exciting Friday night concerts from July 25 through August 29, running from 6 PM to 9 PM. Each evening will feature a different musical theme including Rock, Classic Rock, a Tom Petty tribute and more, offering something new each week. Originally created to fill a gap in Friday night programming, the series has grown from simple live music into a more eclectic and dynamic experience. “It’s all about variety,” said McCracken. “We wanted to give people a reason to come back every Friday night and it’s working.”This is the third year of the series and is “100% free” to attend. 

Local food truck vendors are invited and gondola rides will be open for those interested to take a trip up the mountain. Gondola rides are available but are a separate fee. The gondola rides offer a unique view of the Mountain and the scenic Catskills environment.

Scenic gondola rides are available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from June 27 to Oct. 12 then Saturdays and Sundays during the Fall. 

The Belleayre Beach is also available off of Route 28 in Pine Hill from June 27 through September 1 every day except Tuesdays including a white sand beach, a snack shack, kayaking, pedal boats, aquatrikes, and stand up paddleboarding.

It’s a perfect opportunity to bring the family. A season pass is $125 for the entire open period.

McCracken said that the summer opportunities at the Mountain have expanded in recent years. Over the years, Belleayre decided to expand its events and beyond local hiking. This includes disc golf, and a climbing wall.

“If we can bring people up to the mountain, it opens the door for them to discover everything the local community has to offer,” he said. The goal is to give visitors a chance to experience the full charm of the Catskills with its culture, natural beauty, and vibrant small towns.

The mountain has even more events on the horizon, all listed on the calendar at belleayre.com/calendar. Don’t miss the upcoming Movie Nights at Belleayre Beach—Wonka will be shown on July 19, followed by The Goonies on August 21. Both movies will begin around 8:30–9:00 PM, just as the sun sets over the water.

 

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Guilty Plea, Deportation in Rape and Strangulation case

DELHI - Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced that on June 10, 2025, Cruz Garcia, 45, of Fleischmanns appeared before the Honorable John L. Hubbard in Delaware County court and pleaded guilty to Strangulation, a Class D Violent Felony. As a result of this conviction, he is now clear to be deported by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

The original charges stem from a violent encounter in July of 2023. In August 2023, a three count Indictment was returned for Strangulation in the Second Degree, Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree, and Rape in the First Degree.  

Count One of the Indictment accused the defendant of strangling the victim to the point that she nearly lost consciousness. Count Two of the Indictment alleged that the defendant unlawfully restrained the victim under circumstances that exposed her to serious physical injury. Count Three of the Indictment accused the defendant of Rape in the First Degree and alleged that the defendant forcibly engaged in sexual intercourse without the victim’s consent by means of forcible compulsion. The victim was transported to the hospital emergency room because of the injuries sustained. Garcia has been incarcerated since his arrest for this incident.

These events occurred while the defendant was released on separate unrelated felony charges from Orange County, New York.  Specifically, on June 12, 2023, this defendant was arraigned on several felony charges in Orange County Court.  Those charges include Felony DWI and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the First Degree.  Unfortunately, due to New York State’s bail reform laws, the defendant was automatically released from custody on those felony charges.

This defendant lacked any legal status in the United States and was wanted by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), due to a third unrelated criminal conviction, in addition to his charges here in Delaware County and prior to the Orange County indictment.

In Delaware County Court on June 10, 2025, Garcia pleaded guilty to Strangulation, a Class D Violent Felony, and admitted to Judge John L. Hubbard that he strangled his female victim with the intention of preventing her from breathing.  He further admitted that as a result of his actions, he caused impairment to the victim’s physical condition. At sentencing, the Court noted that the defendant had already been in custody for 459 days and found that based on the District Attorney’s assurance that the defendant would be deported, a sentence of time served was appropriate.

District Attorney Smith stated, “Once again I commend the New York State Police for their thorough investigation into this case, and I am grateful to the staff at Safe Against Violence (SAV) for their strong support for the victim. Cruz Garcia should never have been in this country to commit a violent felony in the first place, and he certainly should not have been allowed out of jail once he was arrested for felony charges in other jurisdictions. I thank ICE for their assistance in this case. I have been advised that the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office has transferred the defendant to ICE custody, and ICE has assured me he will be detained until he is deported.”

Shawn J. Smith

District Attorney

Delaware County

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Mountain Jam Embraces Local Artist Shelley Parriott: A Symphony of Color Returns to Belleayre

Sculptor Shelley Parrriot has begun the process of creating a fun atmosphere of her colorful artwork made of perforated aluminum shapes towering ten feet high at Belleayre Mountain, today. Parriott is aided by her assistant Todd Brannon, of whom has helped build these works of art with her for more than twenty years throughout the country. In addition, Allan Skriloff who is a creative colleague came to assist on putting together these magnificent installations around the mountain.

By Robert Brune

HIGHMOUNT — As the legendary Mountain Jam music festival prepares to make waves again this weekend at Belleayre Mountain Ski Center, one local artist is quietly transforming the grounds into an immersive landscape of color and light.

Sculptor Shelley Parriott, a longtime figure in the Catskills art community, is once again adorning the mountain with her signature large-scale, prismatic sculptures—towering ten-foot works made of powder-coated, perforated aluminum that reflect, shimmer, and evolve with the changing light throughout the day.

“I think of it as a symphony of color,” Parriott says, gazing at her pieces as sunlight dances through them. “These installations are not meant to be walked through like in past years, but they still invite the viewer in. They change constantly. It’s a visual experience that complements the music.”

This marks a return for Parriott, who previously created walk-through installations for Mountain Jam in 2018 and 2019, back when the festival was still held at Hunter Mountain. Now reimagined at Belleayre, her work offers a dynamic new dimension to the festival’s creative offerings.

Parriott is not working alone. Todd Brannon, her installation assistant for over 20 years, has traveled the country helping her bring these visions to life. “We’ve worked on pieces for places like Cincinnati and Cleveland Children’s Hospitals and private collectors,” says Brannon. “But Mountain Jam is something special, there’s a whole spirit to it.”

Joining them this year is Allan Skrilloff, a fellow artist and longtime Mount Tremper resident. “It’s a lot of work getting these in place,” Skrilloff notes, “but when you see them lit up, with music playing and people reacting to them, it’s worth every minute.”

Festivalgoers will notice the sculptures strategically placed across the ski center grounds, some at the main entrance, others offering stunning views from the gondola ride. Designed to be seen from multiple vantage points, the installations serve not only as art but as visual landmarks for attendees, and Instagram-worthy backdrops that enhance the festival experience. 

While each piece may appear delicate and airy, the perforated aluminum is weather-resistant and sturdy. “They may look fragile,” Parriott says, “but they’re built to last, and to move. The overlapping perforations create prismatic patterns that shift all day long.”

With Belleayre’s natural beauty as a backdrop, and Mountain Jam’s stellar musical lineup in full swing, Parriott’s work helps blur the line between performance, environment, and visual art.

“I want people to be transported,” she says. “Just like music, this art invites you into a space where your senses are heightened, your imagination gets to play, and you’re reminded that beauty is always changing, just like sound, just like light.”

Stay tuned for a full festival report and more on Parriott’s installation in next week’s Mountain Eagle.

Mountain Jam takes place Friday – Sunday June 20th-22nd  at Belleayre Mountain in Highmount, NY. For full lineup and tickets, visit www.mountainjamfestival.com

 

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Two New Shows Presented by The Open Eye Theater in Margaretville

MARGARETVILLE – “The Last Day of Dorothy Lillian Phelps" written and performed by Patricia Van Tassel, will take the stage at The Open Eye Theater in Margaretville this Saturday, June 21st at 7PM and Sunday June 22nd at 3PM. Billed as a “new play about living’’ Van Tassel reflects on Dorothy’s “many lives through space and time in an intimate exploration of this universal last moment.” Directed by Sandra Boynton and designed by David Hill, tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased online at theopeneyetheater.org

On Saturday, June 28th, at 7PM, for one night only, The Open Eye Theater presents a family-friendly 75-minute one-man show entitled “Electric’s West Side Story (On The Lower East Side).” Playwright, director, performer, Emmy winner William Electric Black presents his take on the famed musical, highlighting its role today, the issues it presents, and its place in history. Black portrays an array of characters encouraging audience members to become part of the show. Tickets can be purchased for $20 at the theater’s website,theopeneyetheater.org 

The Open Eye Theater is located at 960 Main Street.

 

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Oneida Man Dies In Roxbury Crash

ROXBURY - A 34-year-old Oneida man was killed late Saturday when the vehicle he was operating went of Vega Mount Road where it struck several trees before going down an embankment, according to a press release.  

The accident occurred at 10:20 p.m. near 4030 Vega Mountain Road. According to the release, the operator was identified as David A.Oakley, 34, of Oneida.   He was the only occupant and was transport to Margaretville Memorial Hospital where he did not survive, according to the release.

New York State Police, Roxbury Constable Stephen Williamson, the Roxbury Fire Department, Roxbury Emergency Squad and Margaretville Hospital EMS were dispatched to the scene. 

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Shandaken Planning Board Discusses Perpetual Space Venue, Cell Tower, Former Restaurant

SHANDAKEN – The Town of Shandaken Planning Board meeting last Wednesday addressed ongoing concerns regarding the Perpetual Space event venue, heard objections to a proposed cell tower, and approved a plan to renovate a former restaurant at 54 Main Street.

Michael Morello, representing the Perpetual Space venue, updated the board on the project's status. The review period for the board to declare itself lead agency under the state's environmental quality review (SEQR) process has not yet concluded.

Morello stated he attempted to contact the law firm representing concerned neighbors but received no response. He reiterated his client's willingness to negotiate with neighbors regarding noise limiters, hours of operation, event limits, and vegetative screening. 

"It is far more productive if I get my client together with the other side and talk about what could be done," Morello said.

The board reviewed their legal counsel's summary, which questions whether the proposed seasonal tent venue qualifies as a subordinate "accessory use" to the pre-existing hotel. 

"To me, it comes down to the question for this board is whether this proposed use can rightly be considered an accessory use," stated the chairman, reading from the summary. "If it cannot, then the board cannot approve this application."

Board members also raised concerns about the site plan, citing missing specifications for the tent, which the town code defines as a structure. Other missing items noted were an outdoor lighting plan, septic system details, and a finalized plan for the parking surface material.

The town's flood plan administrator noted the property is located in the floodway and lacks a required "no-rise" certificate to ensure development does not increase flood levels. The board decided not to act further on the project until the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) provides an official interpretation of whether the venue qualifies as an accessory use.

A resident whose property neighbors a proposed 199-foot cell tower, voiced strong objections to the project. The resident stated the tower would be roughly 500 feet from her front window, devaluing her property and creating an unsightly visual impact.

The resident claimed the applicant's plan is inaccurate, showing utility lines on the neighboring property when they are on hers, and that the tower's fall zone would encroach 55 feet onto her land. 

"If nothing else, they need a survey before they even can come to say that they want a variance," she said.

Her concerns also included potential environmental impacts on wetlands and a rattlesnake habitat, as well as safety hazards related to military training flights in the area. The board advised Stahl to present her concerns and documentation at the ZBA's public hearing on the matter next week.

The board unanimously approved the plan for Andrew Wright to renovate the existing structure at 54 Main Street to its former use as a restaurant and nine-room hotel. The project is located within the 100-year flood plain.

The board granted the approval with the condition that the applicant works with the town's building department and flood plan administrator to ensure the project complies with all FEMA and local flood damage protection regulations. Outstanding issues include finalizing an elevation certificate to determine if the structure needs to be raised. A decision on signage was deferred to a separate, future permit application.

 

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A Conversation with Writer/Actor/Artist Patricia Van Tassel - An Interview with Julie Zimmermann

Q: How did you conceive of the show “The Last Day of Dorothy Lillian Phelps”?

PVT: This is a fictional character that came to me in 2014. I’ve been working on it for 11 years. I did some work at the Fenimore Museum in Cooperstown, NY where I was asked to initiate a 'character tour' of the Museum gardens, led by writer/naturalist/ Susan Fenimore Cooper. Then I was asked to become American documentary photographer and photojournalist Dorothy Lange in collaboration with a show of her photographs there. So I wrote the piece and would give tours through the show as Dorothy Lange. About this time I figured out I could write my own plays.

Q: Why ‘Dorothy Lillian Phelps?’ How did you name this character?

PVT: Really, it just came to me. Recently I was talking with my mom who enjoys research and genealogy and low and behold, there were several Dorothys and Lillians in our family tree. And although there were no Phelps, there were Felts…but isn’t that really cosmic, in a way? My maternal grandmother’s personality comes thru Dorothy’s character. Tom Waits says writing songs is like fishing—they come to you and that is how this play came to me. In the quiet, it just came. 

Q: Well, putting it out in the cosmos that you could write your own shows probably opened you up to it. Maybe having inhabited historical characters like Lange and Cooper loaned  some inspiration as well. 

Q: How long have you been performing in the area, Patricia?

PVT: I have been performing at The Open Eye Theater for almost 30 years. I’ve done a countless number of shows there from Shakespeare to “Sylvia” to “…Man-in-the-Moon-Made Marigolds,” and most recently the radio play “Anne of Green Gables.” I did the “Belle of Amherst” with The Harvard Players. “Shirley Valentine,” “Walking Towards America,” “Shame the Devil”—those were all historical. They are so informative and so fun to do; a great reason to do one-woman shows. I live in Fulton, NY, a little mountain town, so it takes a long time to meet up with others for rehearsal!

Q: You have an uncanny ability to become many other people.  Where did you train to be an actor?

PVT: I trained at Pratt Institute as an art major in drawing and took theatre arts and acting with Jordon Hott. Then I worked on other things and eventually came back to theatre. I met Amie Brockway, now on The Open Eye Theater Board when she used to be producing director. She  directed me in one-woman shows. And then Amie introduced me to Gene Lasko, an acting coach in NYC. Between the two of them, I learned a lot, and worked with other directors doing random other things, learning all the way.

Q: So with all of this solo work and the concept of giving birth to the character of Dorothy, how did you bring "The Last Day of Dorothy Lillian Phelps" to fruition?

PVT: I applied for an artist residency at  Ancram Center for the Arts last year and received it. I worked there on developing the play after all those years of adding stuff, trimming stuff out, making sure it was really tight. I had a reading last year and was invited to do a directed performance. Sandra Boynton, who usually works with the Will Kempe’s Players out of Troy, NY directed the performance we just did there last week. 

Q: Why do you think people will gravitate towards this play?

PVT: I don't always take roles, and Dorothy came to me. If the character doesn't speak to me, I don't take the role. Dorothy came through me. There are songs in this play, even typing about her last day. There are observations. There's a seriousness although much of it is funny. It's a celebration of Dorothy's last day. 

Q: What's your vision for this piece?

PVT: I am one of those artists who really enjoys the process. Of course, I'd love to tour the show, bring it to Off- Broadway, Broadway, but my real hope is to touch people and have them realize it as a piece of art that is meaningful to humanity. I hope that many people will come, give feedback and spend time with Dorothy Lillian Phelps.

Q: Thank you, Patricia! Break legs!

The Last Day of Dorothy Lillian Phelps, directed by Sandra Boynton can be seen Saturday, June 21 at 7PM & Sunday, June 22th at 3:00PM at The Open Eye Theater, 960 Main Street, Margaretville, NY. 'suggested donation $20, or pay what you wish'

 

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Rail Ride, Base Ball & Barbeque on Deck

FLEISCHMANNS — Following their appearances in the New England Old Time Base Ball Festival last weekend in Suffield, CT, the Mountain Athletic Club and Bovina Dairymen welcome spectators on Sunday, June 29th to the historic M.A.C. Grounds at Fleischmanns Park for a match of nineteenth century style baseball with a pre-game train ride on the recently reopened Delaware & Ulster Railroad (DURR) and a chicken barbeque to benefit the Fleischmanns Volunteer Fire Department. The festivities get underway with a noon time departure from the DURR station in Arkville featuring train and local baseball history talks by Fleischmanns historian John Duda and M.A.C. captain and team archivist, Collin Miller. The ride will run upstream along the Bushkill on the newly repaired track to a point near Fleischmanns and return to the Arkville depot around 1pm. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at durr.org. The baseball game gets underway at 2pm where admission is free. Chicken dinners will be offered until sold out. For more information and up to the minute updates on postponements or cancellations due to inclement weather, visit facebook.com/macvb1895.

 

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