Holiday in the Village success
We would like to thank everyone who helped make this year’s Holiday in the Village a huge success. The Village was decorated in its finest garb, the friendly Saugerties populace were smiling and even the weather cooperated, maybe a bit chilly, but it was after all Dec. 2.
We would like to especially thank Marjorie Block who chaired the event, which was a lot considering her many obligations including the president of the Historical Society, the village historian as well as her newly appointed role as Saugerties director of tourism.
The Chamber also would like to acknowledge the Village Board and Mayor Bill Murphy, Town Board and Supervisor Kelly Meyers, all the fire departments who participated in the parade, Lezette Express for the buses to Seamon Park, Ray Mayone for the always popular horse and wagon rides, the Kiwanis Club, the Key Club and all the many volunteers who, without their help and support, the event could not have happened.
Of course this event is co-sponsored by Sawyers Motors, who are always so generous with their time and support and running the annual toy raffle. A special note of thanks goes to Bob Siracusano of Sawyers Motors.
We also like to thank the musical performers, Ian Flanigan & Dave Andersen and the New Creek People, Josh Tyler and Bob Lusk.
If we missed anyone, please accept our apologies.
Holiday in the Village is a great way to get in the spirit, have fun while shopping local.
All in all, it was a beautiful and happy day for Friendly Saugerties!
Brigid Walsh & Mark Smith, co-chairs
and the entire Chamber Board Saugerties Chamber of Commerce
Requiem for a sponge cake
R. I. P. Hostess Twinkies; old dietary habits are hard to break, even the unhealthy ones. A lot of people have been switching over to better food. Disloyal. That, among other factors has most likely had something to do with the demise of Twinkies. I say this not to deny anti-union, conspiracy theorists their banquet of victim-hood, a rich source of nutrition. Without engorging themselves on endless woe, real or imagined, what kind of feast would the Right Wing tin foil hat crowd have to celebrate the Holiday Season with? Apples? No, old habits are hard to break. Delicious, healthier, cheaper food is a tough adjustment for some who, like me, have grown up developing an event horizon for highly refined flour, cholesterol, sugar, salt and preservatives. Some simply eat. We Twinkie devotees accrete.
Ever since my heart attack in 2007 have I become a bit more thoughtful about how I use my intake manifold, but with inconsistent self discipline at best. Twinkies, however, are one of those things I’ve been able to successfully resist, and like so many the world over, some times I miss ’em. But now, sadly or perhaps happily, (as the case may, or may not be) Twinkies are finally beyond my temptation. So, I’m not going to complain. For me it’s probably a good Holiday Season thing to be thankful for.
Chester Pertchik
Woodstock
The Family Way
Five hundred people shared in Family of Woodstock’s 37th Annual Thanksgiving Feast this year. They came from many corners of our community in record numbers. A good time was had by all and the food was spectacular. Thirty-five people (unable to leave their homes or working shifts at the Woodstock Police Department, Family’s Hotline, HoBo Deli and Cumberland Farms) had delicious meals delivered to them on Thanksgiving day.
This gathering would not be possible without the sustaining work and support of many people. When the Feast served one or two hundred, Family staff and volunteers were able to provide it all with a few local restaurants helping out. Recently, the tasks have become much larger but sharing the work makes it feel much less of a stress. Chester Pertchik continues to lead the troops and attend to the big picture while Ruth and Peter Beyl manage a slew of volunteer servers and cleaners. Lisa Dorling is the Logistics Whiz, Jan Young the Restaurant Coordinator, Maria Ferguson the Queen of the Kitchen, Renee Englander the Tart Wrangler, Lisa Childers the Interior Decorator and Susan Goldman serves as Minister of Propoganda.
Now it is time for Family to give our thanks to all who made this possible. Please notice the thank you’s. There are a lot but you should know who helps make this holiday a warm and gracious one. Support them throughout the year.
The following establishments gave generously to our tables: Al’s Farmstand; Bistro to Go; Boiceville Inn; Boiceville Supermarket; Boitson’s; Bread Alone; Brios; Catskill Mt. Pizza; Catskill Rose; Cheese Louise; Christina’s; Cub Market; Duo Bistro; Garden Cafe; Hannafords; Owen Harvey; Hickory BBQ; Horn of Plenty; Hurley Ridge Market; Joshua’s Restaurant; La Bella Pasta; La Cucina; Landau Grill; Landmark Grill; Lori’s Cafe; Maria’s Bazar; Mezzaluna; Miss Lucy’s Kitchen; Mother Earth’s Storehouse; Mountainview Market; New World; Oriole 9; Pine View Bakery; Red Onion; Reservoir Inn; Miriam Riley; Ruth’s Country Kitchen; Santa Fe Uptown; Saugerties Diner/Lounge; Stewart’s; Sunflower Natural Foods; Sunfrost; Taco Juan’s; Teressa & Co.; The Bear Cafe; Simulaids; The Little Bear; The Tavern at Diamond Mills; Tiso’s; Maria Trapanese; Vivo Restaurant@The Lazy Swan; and Woodstock Meat Market. And a special thanks to all of you in the community who took the time to roast an extra turkey or bake a pie for us as you prepared your own meal. You are why our Feast has that home-made taste!
The Town of Woodstock’s Jackie Early and Alan Van Leuvan facilitated our use of the Community Center (Thanks to the Town, without charge). Overlook Methodist Church provided the tables and chairs and Woodstock Public Access TV broadcast the event live. Pat Lieske coordinated Markertek’s generous donation of all of the paper goods needed (and Mark and Eliza Braunstein came by with beautiful decorations). H. Houst supplied the generator so we didn’t blow every circuit in the building and The Sterling Men’s Group helped return the Community Center to its former pristine state.
We can’t thank enough, the media outlets who were generous with time and space to publicize the event for what it is: so much more than a free meal. Thank you Woodstock, Kingston and Saugerties Times; Daily Freeman, YNN TV and WDST-100.1!
Did you miss helping us this year? We will be back again next November.
We wish you safe and peaceful holidays.
Tamara Cooper
Program Director
Family of Woodstock Hotline and Walk In Center
Join the family! 
